ABSOLUTE BRIGHTON . ISSUE 75 . APRIL 2011
ISSUE 75 . APRIL 2011
BLING, BLING
THE WORLD’S MOST EXPENSIVE THINGS! www.absolutebrighton.tv
BRIGHTON BELLE
A POSSIBLE RETURN JOURNEY
EASTER JOY
GIFTS, CHOCOLATE AND HOME NESTING
THE CITY’S LONGEST ESTABLISHED LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE
FASHION . PROPERTY . TRAVEL . BEAUTY . EDUCATION . ART . FACES & PLACES B0411_001 COVER APR02.indd 1
23/3/11 16:02:12
HAVANA
R E S TA U R A N T & C O C K TA I L B A R 32 Duke Street, Brighton Te l e p h o n e 0 1 2 7 3 7 7 3 3 8 8 w w w. h a v a n a . u k . c o m
B0111_002 Havana1.indd 1
13/12/10 14:11:31
LONDON | BRIGHTON | READING | OXFORD
Hair by Mark Woolley & the Electric Art Team Brighton salon 01273 202088 18 Ship Street, Brighton BN1 1AD
electric-hair.com
CC HANDCROSS NF DPS A4_3Ads.indd 5
10/02/2011 15:39:59
H i g h S t r e e t , H a n d c r o s s , We s t S u s s e x . R H 1 7 6 B L • Te l e p h o n e 0 1 4 4 4 4 0 1 2 7 7 • E - m a i l h a n d c r o s s @ c l i v e . c o m • w w w. c l i v e . c o m
CC HANDCROSS NF DPS A4_3Ads.indd 6
10/02/2011 15:40:31
B0109_082 Chaddar.indd 1
17/12/08 10:34:14
CONTENTS
brighton
April 2011 . Issue 75 www.absolutebrighton.tv
ABSOLUTE FEATURES 10 Brief Encounter Country house fashion 24 Coming of Age TV presenter Fearne Cotton talks about her new fashion range 34 Million Dollar Baby The world’s most expensive... ABSOLUTE REGULARS 9 Editor’s Letter 16 Spring Separates Look stylish with a new seasonal look 18 Fashion Column Natalie Wileman on the upcoming big wedding and the latest city fashion events 19 Absolute Socialite Diary Peter Jarrette shares a page from his busy schedule 20 Absolute Faces and Places 22 Albion News The latest on the new venue for the Seagulls 23 Celebrity Spotlight 26 April Joy Five things to cheer you this month 32 Glorious Goodwood The Goodwood Garden Party 49 Think Outside the Chocolate Box Some alternative Easter gifts 57 Absolute News 58 La Isla Bonita Take a cruise to the Dominican Republic 64 The Brighton Belle Tim Parker on the exciting new appearance of Brighton’s iconic train 66 Absolute Whats On 67 Absolute Education 70 Absolute Art 71 The Love Bug The new Golf evokes memories of the beloved Beetle 74 Absolute Distribution Points ABSOLUTE INTERIORS 28 Curtain Twitcher Beautiful blinds and curtains 30 Nesting Time! Easter treats for your home
10
24
58
72
64
ABSOLUTE HEALTH AND BEAUTY 36 Absolute Hair with Mark Woolley 38 Absolute Life Coaching 39 Absolute Make-Up Column Celebrity make-up artist Jeni Dodson shows how to be a scrummy mummy 40 Absolute Business Profiles Dr Farrokh from Marina Dental and Becky Hollands Aesthetics 42 Youthful Man Sheryl Waters shows how men can stay young looking in an organic way 44 Get it Straight! There’s a hair strightener out there for you! 46 Top Beauty We look at the best in treatments ABSOLUTE FOOD AND DRINK 50 Easter Lamb 53 A Festival of Food The Pass Restaurant at South Lodge 55 Hove Fine Dining The new spring menu at The Connaught 56 Choccy Heaven! Some delcious Easter chocolate recipes
B0411_007 CONTENTS APR11.indd 1
ABSOLUTE
7
23/3/11 18:12:50
Over 18’s only. Challenge 21 policy in operation. Know When To Stop Before You Start visit www.gambleaware.co.uk
Friday 29th April Watch the Royal wedding on the big screens from 10am
Royal High Tea served 11am - 4pm ÂŁ5 per dish and a free glass of Kir Royale Special a la carte menu served from 6pm Tony Vegas sings all your Rat-Pack favourites from 9pm
Rendezvous Casino, Brighton Marina, BN2 5UT For more information call 01273 605602 email infobrighton@rendezvouscasino.com or visit www.rendezvouscasino.com
EDITOR’S LETTER
Switchboard: 0845 389 0662 Fax: 0845 389 0663 www.absolutebrighton.tv
Director / Editor: Verity Craig
Punta Cana Beach, The Dominican Republic. P58
Features / Design: Maureen Hunter-Shine
Advertising Manager: Rishma Patel
Sales Executive: David Hall
Sales Executive: Rob Hill
Spring has finally sprung into action! And boy, did we miss it this year, with that harsh winter. It now feels like a world away since we were scraping off all that ice from our windscreens and shovelling Accounts: Chris Pugh
away all that snow. Without meaning to sound too melancholy, it’s so nice to see everyone out on the streets, seafront and countryside. Once again, we’re coming out of hibernation! There’s still no getting away from the gloom of what has been a recession period for the past couple
Head of Accounts/finance: Adam Style
of years, though. However, with the 2011 Forbes Richlist being unveiled this month, it’s clear that not everyone is suffering. It makes a change to read about successes, doesn’t it! We should take a leaf out of the Americans’ book and celebrate success; us Brits are too good at focusing on negatives.
Managing Director: Paul Craig
Advertising enquiries:
0845 389 0662
sales@absolutebrighton.com Editorial e-mail: editorial@absolutebrighton.com All rights reserved. No part of this magazine may be reproduced without prior written consent of Absolute brighton. The views and opinions expressed by contributors to this magazine may not necessarily represent the views of Absolute brighton. Absolute brighton takes no responsibility for claims made in advertisements featured in this magazine. Absolute brighton can take no responsibility for unsolicited material.
So with that in mind, we thought you our readers would be interested to read about what are some of the most expensive things in the world. Yes, we made some calls, did some research (sadly, didn’t indulge in any of the subject matters though) and came up with some interesting facts and price tags. I think you’ll find it to be quite an interesting read. (Page 34) A young lady who has made a big success for herself is TV presenter and Radio 1 DJ Fearne Cotton. Being an inspiration to millions of young girls wanting to break in to media across the UK, Fearne discloses to Danny Masters which female presenter is her idol, and why she didn’t think she should have been allowed into Clarence House to interview Prince’s William and Harry. (Page 24) Here at Absolute Brighton, we would like to wish you all a very Happy Easter!
Printed in the UK by THE MAGAZINE PRINTING COMPANY www.magprint.co.uk
ABSOLUTE
B0411_009 Editors APR11.indd 1
9
23/3/11 18:23:31
ABSOLUTE FASHION
10
ABSOLUTE
B0411_010_011 Fashion APRIL 1_2.2 2
22/3/11 12:59:02
ABSOLUTE FASHION
Man wears: White Nicole Farhi shirt £105, John Barratt black trousers, £120 both from Mottoo; Shoes model’s own. Woman wears: 70’s fur trench coat from Tramp, £125; Nude scarf from Jaeger, £99; Earrings from Accessorize, £6; Vintage brown leather handbag £27, Vintage felt hat £20, Vintage Vivienne Westwood shoes £150, all from Tramp; Brown leather gloves from John Lewis, £23.00
Brief Encounter
Photography Paul Williams Styling Terrina
22/3/11 12:59:16
B0411_010_011 Fashion APRIL 1_2.3 3
11
ABSOLUTE
ABSOLUTE FASHION Man wears: White Harrods vintage shirt £45; John Barratt black trousers from Mottoo, £120; Shoes models own Woman wears: Red dress £98, Red belt £36, Blazer £169 all from Jigsaw; Vintage Prada shoes from Tramp, £95
12
ABSOLUTE
B0411_012 Fashion APRIL.indd 1
22/3/11 13:03:47
ABSOLUTE FASHION John Galliano dress from Mottoo, £760 ABSOLUTE
B0411_013 Fashion APRIL.indd 1
13
22/3/11 13:04:57
ABSOLUTE FASHION Man wears: White Harrods vintage shirt, John Barratt black trousers £120; D&G Boxer shorts from Mottoo, £20; Woman wears: Dressing gown from The White Company, £45
14
ABSOLUTE
B0411_014 Fashion APRIL.indd 1
22/3/11 13:07:30
ABSOLUTE FASHION Man wears: White Nicole Farhi shirt from £105; John Barratt black trousers £120, and John Galliano waistcoat £395, all from Mottoo; Woman wears: Black-line suit £65, Vintage Prada shoes, £95, necklace, £10, earrings £10, all from Tramp; Bali black costume from www.bugsypants £35; Sunglasses £85, green Olympia bag £299, both from Jaeger
PHOTOGRAPHY: Paul Williams, www.paulwilliams.org STYLIST: Terrina, terrina11@btinternet.com Assistant to Stylist: Tara Michael, MODELS: Jack from Fresh Agents and Tegen from Storm MAKE UP: Claire Pimbley (Using MAC) Powder Beauty Brighton, www.clairepimbley.com HAIR STYLING: Jermaine from Usual Suspects, www.usualsuspectshairsalons.com STOCKISTS: Accessorize, Unit 16, Churchill Square, Brighton BN1 2EP,Tel: 01273 823943 Jaeger, 12 Pavilion Buildings, Brighton BN1 1EE, Tel: 01273 736430 Jigsaw, 53-54 East Street, Brighton BN1 1HN, Tel: 01273 206988 John Lewis, 300 Oxford Street, London W1A 1EX, 020 7629 7711 Mottoo, 12 Duke Street, Brighton BN1 1AH, Tel: 01273 326663 Nine West, 22-23 Duke Street, Brighton BN1 1AH, Tel: 01273 725 386 Tramp Vintage Boutique, 22 Trafalgar Street, Brighton BN1 4EQ, Tel: 01273 687968 The White Company, North Street, Brighton BN1 1EB, Tel: 01273 447061 CAR: Special thanks to HARWOODS OF SUSSEX for the loan of the Bentley Harwoods of Sussex, London Road, Pulbrough RH20 1AR Tel: 01798 877213 www.bentleymotors.com/harwoods LOCATION: South Lodge Hotel Absolute Brighton Magazine would like to thank all the staff at South Lodge for their kind hospitality and help during the shoot. South Lodge, Brighton Road, Nr. Horsham RH13 6PS, Tel: 01403 891711
ABSOLUTE
B0411_015 Fashion APRIL 6.indd 1
15
23/3/11 20:19:08
ABSOLUTE FASHION
Spring separates With an array of new Spring styles available, we show you how to work them in to your Spring/Summer wardrobe with style
Utility Cardigan This military style wrap over cardigan by Karen Millen features epaulettes at the shoulder and cuff with a knitted belt. In a beautiful spring yellow, this piece is dazzling. £105.00 www.karenmillen.com
Silk Blouson Blouse Loose-fit long silk satin blouson with a boat-neck, balloon-style sleeves and self-fabric band on the waist; beautifully feminine and up to the minute in fashion. Available in sage (as shown) or pink. £44.90 www.mango.com
Leather Shorts These tan leather shorts make a great statement piece to any outfit, whether for the night with heels or smart with flats for daytime wear. Also available in black leather. £70.00 www.warehouse.co.uk
❁
Print Silk Scarf This turquoise printed silk scarf is by designer Mary Katrantzou exclusively for Topshop. www.topshop.com £50.00 Aztec Skirt This all over hand embellished mini skirt with intricate geometric layout by All Saints is inspired by tribal prints featuring highlights of coral and metallic detailing and has a concealed zip at back. £165.00 www.allsaints.com
❁
Shoe Boot These Doyles open toes tan shoe boots are made of soft leather with a wood effect heel, for style and comfort. £95.00 www.bertieshoes.com
16
Delicious Apple Bag This fabulous apple shaped bag is a great size for taking to parties and special occasions. The bag fastens with a popper and has a choice of a cross body or carry strap. £40.00 www.ollieandnic.com
Hareem Trousers (above left) There are many variations of Hareem trousers available (see catwalk pic). The dropped-crutch yet elegant trousers are often available in a silky light material and can be worn either boyfriend style with flats or glammed up to the hilt with heels. We particularly love these ones by Topshop that have an added frill wrapping across them for added style. Available in Brown, Black or as shown, Oyster. £50.00 www.topshop.com Chalk Pipe Skinny Jeans (above right) These low rise, skinny fitting jeans are made using a bleached grey stretch denim to a chalk colour level with 3D creases and whiskers. This is a 5-pocket jean and features All Saints signature profile stitch on back spade pockets, laundered grey leather patch and signature All Saints rusty metalwork. £70.00 www.allsaints.com
ABSOLUTE
B0411_016 Sprig separates.indd 1
22/3/11 13:55:02
Power with refinement. Racing with style. Only Bentley combines these seeming contradictions into a refined driving experience at the pinnacle of British motoring. May we present the all-new Bentley Mulsanne – the opposite of mass production. Hand crafted and engineered in Crewe, England, this all-new grand tourer
elevates motoring to a whole new level. Find out more at www.bentleymotors.com. Fuel economy figures for the Bentley Mulsanne in mpg (l/100km): Urban 11.2 (25.3); Extra Urban 24.0 (11.8); Combined 16.8 (16.9). CO2 emissions (g/km): 393.
H A RWO O D S O F S U S S E X
Harwoods of Sussex London Road, Pulborough, West Sussex RH20 1AR. Tel: 01798 877213. www.bentleymotors.com/harwoods The name ‘Bentley’ and the ‘B’ in wings device are registered trademarks. Š 2011 Bentley Motors Limited. Model shown: Bentley Mulsanne, mrrp ÂŁ224,700. Price correct at time of going to press.
+DUZRRGV $EVROXWH 0DJ LQGG
Welcome to a new chapter in Bentley history. The new Continental GT – a remarkable fusion of performance, luxury and modern technology. Its sharp, sculpted features are indicative of our DNA. The powerful 567bhp (575PS, 423kW) FlexFuel W12 engine is matched by a handcrafted, contemporary interior. All-wheel drive
ensures you are transported in superior comfort. Supreme motoring that is unmistakably Bentley. Fuel economy figures* for the Continental GT in mpg (l/100km): Urban 11.1 (25.4); Extra Urban 24.9 (11.4); Combined 17.1 (16.5). CO2 Emissions (g/km): 384.
H A RWO O D S O F S U S S E X
Harwoods of Sussex London Road, Pulborough, West Sussex RH20 1AR. Tel: 01798 877213. www.bentleymotors.com/harwoods The name ‘Bentley’ and the ‘B’ in wings device are registered trademarks. Š 2011 Bentley Motors Limited. Model shown: Bentley Continental GT, mrrp ÂŁ135,760. Price correct at time of going to press and includes VAT at 20% . Price excludes road fund licence, registration and delivery charges.
+DUZRRGV $EVROXWH 0DJ LQGG
B0211_003 HARWOODS ADS.indd 1
25/1/11 17:29:26
ABSOLUTE FASHIONISTA
FASHION ROYALTY! No, I won’t be the next Queen!
W
hen I was a little girl I was CONVINCED
us, where I will be showing both my fashion labels,
I would marry Prince William. Firstly,
Former Glory as well as my new children’s collection
there’s the fact that there is only a couple of
Coco Sailor (named after my darling new daughter).
days between our births. Secondly, his mother
This years event is jam-packed with talent and I will
loved fashion (um, hello!) and thirdly, this
be revealing more details in my June column but
would confirm the fact that I had, as I have always
do keep an eye on my facebook and Twitter pages
suspected, been subject to a mix up at the hospital,
for daily reports. Then there is the Sussex Fashion
stylist and
and was actually a secret princess. Fast-forward 20
Awards, as well as an amazing new exhibition
something years and reality has struck me. I won’t be
coming up at our very own Brighton Museum,
designer
marrying Prince William or inheriting Princess Di’s
which will feature some of the immense talent in
Natalie Wileman
wardrobe. To be honest with you, I’m a little relieved
our fabulous city including Renaissance and Ailsa,
as it seems these days Prince Harry is more up my
both of which have been the subject of my very
street. However, while it seems I am not to be the
own column for Absolute. I, again, will have a role to
future queen of England this doesn’t mean I can’t still
play in this and am very excited.
shop like a princess.
As I will be spending most of June in heels and
My recent visit to Nola, Gardner Street, Brighton,
cocktail dresses I am going to enjoy a little bit of
re-sparked my princess desires. It started quite
wardrobe down time for the next few weeks.
innocently with a glance into the jewellery cabinet,
However, I will not be forgetting my fashionista
when out of the corner of my eye I spotted a
status and therefore a quick trip to Tribeca in Bond
necklace proclaiming, ‘Believe’.
Street is in order as they have the best selection of
Turns out this is part of their amazing collection of
luxury brand, Acne jeans as well as some amazing
Disney Couture jewellery, which includes Tinkerbell
hi-top pumps, perfect for all that running around!
This month,
prepares for the Royal Wedding and the many fashion events happening in and around the city soon
hooped earrings, Mad Hatter ring and the hotly anticipated Pirates of the Caribbean collection, due
Who knew dressing down could be so luxurious!
in May. Before I knew it, I was flouncing around in my
Till next month……
‘Believe’ necklace and had somehow slipped a pair of crystal slippers on, which, upon closer inspection, I discovered were the gorgeous new season Hildende sandals by Malene Birge. Perfect for the new season!
18
Back in the real world, and with our lovely extra day
As ever, don’t forget to check out my
off this month, I really have to be getting on with
facebook and Twitter pages for up to the
some work as Brighton Fashion week is racing up on
minute news of what’s hot in the city!
ABSOLUTE
B0411_018 FASHION COLUMN APR11.i1 1
21/3/11 17:31:52
.
ABSOLUTE SOCIALITE DIARY
Do you hate ironing?? Free collection and delivery service l 24 hour service - 7 days a week l Express and special service available l The oldest established ironing company in Brighton (Est 1971) l Reliable fast and friendly service l All garments hand finished l Repairs and alterations l Washing, drying and ironing services l Duvets, curtains, cushion covers
PERSONAL TOUCH
COMMERCIAL & DOMESTIC DRY CLEANERS
01273 698000
Unit 2, Arundel Mews, Arundel Place, Brighton BN2 1GG
www.doyouhateironing.co.uk
T pMatch Matches - Dates - Relationships
Still looking for love?
Tired of searching for YOUR perfect partner? See why thousands of single people simply choose TopMatch to find THEIRS! TopMatch specialise in providing unlimited, one-to-one, pre-screened, handselected, local introductions at the lowest possible fees, with a FREE initial personal consultation and two unique money-back guarantees! Register NOW at www.brighton.topmatch-uk.com or ring 01273 900642 for your FREE initial personal consultation and begin the first step to finding YOUR perfect partner! (No obligation to join) Mention reference code ABS when registering to receive £75 off a two-year membership
01273 900642
brightoninfo@topmatch-uk.com brighton.topmatch-uk.com
A SPOONFUL OF PLEASURE PJ, aka Peter Jarrette Brighton’s favourite socialite, with the latest in great new venues, events and happenings
Dear diary While the rest of the world is transfixed by (HRH royal wedding,) Brighton’s most talked-about international guest list event has been Ben Samandi’s chic, cool and Colonial-style Hove bar and brassiere, Spoon, on Church Road. The famed elegance of the city’s destination dining spot, Havana, has spilled west as owner Ben Samandi treated a very lucky selection of invited guests to sample the so-good food sensations from his latest kitchens. Spoon was stacked to its already celebrated gorgeous white rafters with an equally delicious looking, well turned-out array of men and women. Just like the Royal Wedding, a good portion of Spoon’s guests arrived from different corners of the world. The well known UK architect Alan Phillips, himself responsible for a plethora of our city’s newest buildings, confirmed the excellence of Spoon’s interiors... a project not his own but marvellous all the same! The designer Mazelino Brighton, a good friend of the owner and his family acted as a personal hostess to me and my wife Karin as she ensured we were introduced to a number of these stunning new faces. With endless Champagne and live entertainment we were made welcome and comfortable at Spoon; a stunning addition to the south coast’s culinary and social table. Busy hasn’t stopped there either as Karin took me along to The Green Door Store, a lively funky NYC style music venue to meet and listen to her friend, singer/songwriter Adam Stockdale. Touring as the one-man outfit Albatross, Adam plays a beguiling mix of ready indie-folk-rock for audiences home and away. He is also a permanent touring backing musician for the Grammy Award winning Mumford and Sons and has been enjoying the Mumford success too as he meets and plays in front of world class A-listers that are die-hard fans of the trio. The Green Door store is a treasure trove of local, national and international talent. There have been hoards of national film crew criss-crossing the city of late. A new Laurence Lewellyn-Bowen format saw Nina Holland of the Whoopsadaisy charity take part in a race-against-the-clock style show, competing against two other charities, to build an event in short time to raise monies for their respective beneficiaries. The Hove Kitchen’s Ben Ranger and chef Steve Beadle hosted the ITV filming of a new format starring TV Chef and Celebrity Jungle winner Gino D’Acampo in ‘Tastes Like Home’ in which three locally found home chefs recreate their family’s most traditional dish. Diners then choose from the three dishes and vote for their favourite. The winner has their fare included on the featured restaurant’s menu for a month. I didn’t join the diners but instead spent the afternoon in the bar area with series creator and Head of ITV Entertainment Format Michael Kelpie who introduced me to Gino and discussed the ins and outs of the show from inception to the day’s filming and beyond. Nina is on screens this spring and Ben, Steve and Gino on ‘Tastes Like Home’ in the summer. I shall reprise my role on the barstool shortly. One last thing... Karin treated the two of us to a sumptuous meal at the ever popular Dyke Tavern, Dyke Road and I was so taken with my beautifully cooked, presented and sized rump steak that I had the talented chef Chris Assal brought to the table for PJ praise. Visit him soon. Brighton is so edible! PJ www.twitter.com/socialitepete www.facebook.com/peter.jarrette
Ironing.inddPJ.indd 1 B0411_019 1
24/3/11 09:24:22 09:18:18 24/3/11
FACES & PLACES Paul Smith and Absolute’s Rishma Patel
SPOON
Lisa Starkie and Dave Rogers
OPENS ITS DOORS Brighton's glittering Havana restaurant now has a beautiful younger sister, in the form of the sophisticated new bar and brasserie, Havana Spoon in Church Road, Hove. Hundreds of invited guests enjoyed wonderful canapés and endless champagne, along with live music, at the recent launch, and were able to explore the many facets of this extraordinary new venue. Annette Day and Dawn Harper
With a more contemporary feel than its big
June and Ivan Topper
sister, Spoon still has that Havana cool with the relaxing atmosphere that takes you back to a more stylish time. You can’t miss this new Hove experience, brought to you once again by Havana’s Ben Samandi.
Photographs Richard Bidwell
Nicola Crown, Beverly Taggart and Andrea Harding
Elliott Maurice, Karen Healy and Mike Gibson
Annette Woolman, Anthony and Donna Stemp and Liz Bulman
Absolute’s Jai Michael, Verity Craig, Tara Michael and Paul Craig
Spencer Hingston, Martina Packham and Lee Allen
20
ABSOLUTE
B0411_020 Social Spoon 1.indd 1
21/3/11 14:16:50
FACES & PLACES Katie Samandi, Coral Benzecrit, Derek le Warde (jeweller) and Ros Leonard
Tomas Samandi, Jeremy Hoye (jeweller) and Saeid Samandi (Mottoo)
Zahra Frotan, Benita Samandi and Mary Hoye
Absolute columnists Jeni Dodson and Peter Jarrette
John Hunter and Absolute’s Mo Hunter-Shine
David Day, ‘Doc’ Harper and Absolute’s Paul Craig
Mr and Mrs Afshar Sepi Saidy, Sherry Pourani, and Florentina Marcu
John Bevan, Robin Brown, Mike Jones and James Gray
Sally Martin, Hazel Hill, Sarah Dibstall, Lyn Duggan and Sarah Leedham ABSOLUTE
B0411_021 Social Spoon 2.indd 1
21
21/3/11 18:06:33
ABSOLUTE FOOTBALL
ALBION UPDATE KEEPING IT LOCAL
Phil Bath from European, suppliers of the furniture at the Amex
Martin Perry, Chief Executive of Brighton & Hove Albion FC, gives Absolute Brighton readers an exclusive insight on the latest developments happening at the Amex Community Stadium and explains why using local suppliers is so important to him
W
e really are moving into the home stretch at The Amex now, with the pitch being seeded and finishing touches happening all over the building. An important recent move has been to choose our furniture providers and I’m delighted that we have once again been able to award a local company with a major contract. Arundel-based European Office Products Plc won a contract worth over £750,000 to furnish the stadium. The designers have specified to use quality UK and European manufacturers for the fit out, which will offer a very contemporary look and feel to the stadium, unlike any other venue in the south. Over 100 club staff will be working in the stadium on a daily basis and over 300 staff on match days and all will require some kind of furniture, including desks, chairs and storage units. Stylish furniture and fittings to complete the 1901 Club corporate hospitality suites will include more than 2,000 banqueting chairs and over 400 hospitality tables in various configurations to suit every occasion. Everything at the stadium is extremely high quality, and European won the contract because they offer good value and a creative, flexible approach
Heritage Stones 188x132.indd 1
B0411_022 Albion update APR11.in1 1
with a proven ability to supply the club with our furniture requirements in the past. We are delighted to be able to honour our commitment to supporting local businesses. Our season ticket sales are also going incredibly well. Long-term Brighton & Hove Albion fan, Neil English from Hanover in Brighton, became the 10,000th season ticket holder at the American Express Community Stadium, when he purchased his ticket last month. The club has invited all fans (starting with existing season-ticket holders) to a series of presentations at the stadium’s temporary marketing suite to introduce the season ticket offer, and since the turn of the year have sold more than 10,000 tickets. We have now sold over 14,000 tickets, including approximately 2,600 corporate seats in the 1901 Club. The only way fans can guarantee a seat next season is by purchasing a season ticket! Some fans may be waiting to see which division we will be playing in, but that may be too late. We have advised fans to register their interest to avoid disappointment. Interested supporters should email stsales@bhafc.co.uk as soon as possible.
17/02/2011 09:36
24/3/11 14:43:23
Celebrity
ABSOLUTE CELEBRITY
SPOTLIGHT
Our undercover celebrity spies unravel the world of showbiz news and gossip
Don’t Go Down The ‘Diana Aisle’ Kate Celebrity style secrets … Tabloids have already started reporting that Kate Middleton is looking ever so much thinner than usual. Her tall frame that almost towers over Prince William appears to have become slimmer and slimmer as the wedding date gets closer, apparently echoing fears to insiders of the early Diana days. Please don’t get any thinner, Kate. Hopefully it is just wedding nerves (and who could blame her).
Bring Back the Real Ms Winslet In her latest advert for Lancôme, the naturally beautiful Kate Winslet has succumbed to the war against ageing in print, aka Photoshop. But rather than a touch of brightening here or there and the odd wrinkle decreased, it appears that Lancôme have spent a lot of time (and money we guess) in post-production ‘erasing’ any in discrepancies the 35 year old actress may have, and have even worked hard on making her look, well, ‘different.’ But what’s wrong with the real Kate?
how do they do it?
Stars Now Pirouette Into Shape Ballet is the new buzzword in Hollywood for fitness. And it’s no surprise with the film release of Black Swan earlier this year. Dancers pulled to the bar so far are said to be fitness mad Madonna, ballet fan Penelope Cruz and former ballerina Sarah Jessica Parker. SJP says of her class, “The technique enhances muscle tone, improves posture and delivers greater flexibility. I love it!” Mary Helen Bowers, who trained Natalie Portman for the Oscar winning film, says, “Ballet is an excellent way to develop poise, fitness and co-ordination. It is the ultimate body toner, lengthening and sculpting your muscles into a lean and healthy shape.” Rod Stewart Reveals His Secret To Staying Young Maggie May hit maker 65-year-old Rod Stewart has revealed his secret to stay looking young: “My skin is good because I’ve had a facial every week for 30 years. I started when I was with my first wife. Back then it was just me and a load of women sitting at the beauticians; now they’re getting the men in too. I was the trailblazer for all that men’s grooming stuff.”
How The Mighty Mel Has Fallen Celebometer Confirming reports, Mel Gibson is in fact being charged for an alleged attack on former partner Oksana Grigorieva (whom he left his wife for) in early 2010. According to USA reports, the Hollywood actor will appear in court and enter a plea on the charge of ‘simple battery,’ a lesser charge than corporal injury on a spouse in the hope of avoiding jail. Mel is said to be emotionally torn over the impending criminal charge, and continues to deny Oksana’s claims. He believed he could win, but feared for his family. After depositions, huge legal bills, the humiliation of the notorious ‘Mel Gibson tapes’ and non-stop scrutiny, he sought compromise and a swift resolution. Under the plea, he will undergo counselling but not spend any time behind bars. How sad that after being married for over 25 years with 6 sons and 2 daughters, the actor threw it all away in a flash for a fling with what has turned out to be the biggest mistake of his life.
Who’s going UP and who’s going DOWN this month…
UP It simply has to be the Royal couple, Prince William and Kate Middleton. Although they have featured top of our Celebometer before, it would be a crime to not make them top for this exciting month. Congratulations to the lovely couple! DOWN America’s pop ‘princess’ Britney Spears is once again trying to impress fans by doing ‘another’ tellall interview about how she apparently loves sex, plastic surgery and has a fear of flying. But does anyone actually care? As if this isn’t enough to bore us all… she’s unveiled even more revealing photos of her most ‘intimate’ body parts where she has been tattooed. Can she really still blame the media for intruding in her fragile life? Mmm, us Brits have a far more dignified ‘princess’ in our Kate Middleton. ABSOLUTE
B0411_023 Celeb spotlightAPR.ind1 1
23
21/3/11 18:07:08
ABSOLUTE INTERVIEW
Danny Masters
Fearne’s
catches up with the TV presenter, Radio One DJ and
Coming Of Age Fearne, you’ve got your own range
But people like Debbie Harry are big fashion
of clothes at Very.co.uk. How much
icons of mine. I love looking at those gorgeous old
involvement do you have in the project?
photos of her.
Oh, I’m massively involved. The people at Very
Tell us about your latest collection
allowed me to have a really hands-on approach
When I started doing the sketches for the Spring/
which was very important to me. I’ve always
Summer collection I was thinking about those
wanted to do something like this with real
feelings you get when you’re young and in love for
conviction. I didn’t just want my name or face on
the first time. So I wanted all the dresses to be
it, I really wanted to get fully involved so it’s been
very floaty and dreamy, something that you could
great for me. My dad is a sign writer and beautiful
run through a cornfield in. There are plenty of bold
painter so I’ve been brought up drawing and
colours along with neutral stuff too. I also made
creating. I have an art background and did an art
sure there were plenty of ‘wow’ pieces in there as I
course so I’ve always been doodling drawings of
wanted something that you might wear to a prom
clothes and ideas.
or fancy summer barbecue. It’s my fourth collection
Who is your inspiration?
so I felt that I could experiment a bit more and
My inspirations are all very 70s - David Bowie, Led
make the collection bigger, bolder and brighter.
Zeppelin and the clothes my mum wore in the
Do you design clothes with somebody in
70s. My mum and my aunt bought loads of clothes
mind?
from Biba, so I’m a big Biba fan too. In fact my
I’m usually imagining my girly friends wearing the
cousin is even called Biba!
outfits – we’re all different shapes, sizes, heights and
24
fashion queen Fearne Cotton
backgrounds. But I think I’ve now got to the point
I kept thinking that at any moment someone was
where I know what the Very customer likes. I know
going to tap me on the shoulder and tell me to
what I like so we sort of learn from each other.
leave.
But in a nutshell, the collection is for girls who are
Have you ever been star-struck by the
going to go out and have a brilliant summer. It’s the
celebs you’ve met and interviewed?
cuter side of being feminine rather than being sexy
At the Baftas, I got really starstruck by Mickey
or glam.
Rourke. He’s such a legend and has had such
You interviewed Princes Harry and
a varied career and I’m a huge fan of his work.
William for the Concert for Diana. What
So when I met him, I was like, ‘Wow, it’s Mickey
did you make of them?
Rourke’. And Goldie Hawn too. People like that are
They were both lovely lads, gorgeous and kind.
real proper stars.
I couldn’t get over how normal they both were
What’s your ideal night out?
– given their life, it’s amazing anyone could be that
I do love going to gigs, but I also love doing
normal. Prince William was very calm and collected
something as simple as going down the pub and
but I could tell Prince Harry was burning to say
doing a pub quiz. But for me, I’m probably happiest
something a little bit controversial but restrained
when I’m just painting and chilling out at home. I
himself. But they have both got gorgeous skin and
love my cats and the sanctuary of my house so
cheekbones! I’m actually still shocked that I was
getting me out can sometimes be a struggle. It’s so
allowed into Clarence House to do the interview.
blissful often I feel like I need never leave.
ABSOLUTE
B0411_024_025 Fearne Cotton.indd2 2
22/3/11 13:42:11
ABSOLUTE INTERVIEW
“...Prince William was very calm and collected… I’m actually still shocked that I was allowed into Clarence House to do the interview.”
What’s your worst habit?
Which other TV presenters do you admire?
I love to eat peanut butter, spooning it straight from
I’ve always looked up to Davina McCall. She
the jar. I often end up sitting in front of the TV with
deserves untold thanks for doing huge legwork for
a pile of biscuits, oatcakes and crumpets – and
female presenters by anchoring a huge show like Big
smothering them in peanut butter.
Brother. I also admire Joanna Lumley – she’s always
You were a children’s TV presenter for
remained relevant to her audience and now makes
a long time. Was it difficult making the
thoughtful and beautiful documentaries.
transition to adult televsion?
Did you always want to be a TV presenter?
It was fairly gruelling. They seemed to be forever
No, I originally wanted to be an air-hostess! When I
putting me in luminous orange jeans with my hair
was six years old, I wrote to British Airways asking
in bunches so that I looked 12 years old. It took
them if they’d give me a job. They actually wrote
a few years to find the courage to say, “Look, I’m
back to say they were pleased I wanted to work for
19 and all my friends are going to uni and I’m still
them but that I was too young and so should apply
stuck in a Disney T-shirt”. From an early age I always
again in ten years time. I’ve kept the letter just in
wanted to present Top of the Pops but as soon as I
case I ever need it!
went into any meetings, all they’d see was this happy, bubbly kids’ TV presenter. So it took a long time to prove myself!
Fearne Cotton’s new range is at www.very.co.uk
ABSOLUTE
B0411_024_025 Fearne Cotton.indd3 3
25
22/3/11 13:42:21
ABSOLUTE APRIL
APRIL JOY
FIVE THINGS YOU SIMPLY MUST KNOW ABOUT THIS MONTH!
Stress Awareness Month
Brighton Marathon
Royal wedding Already heavily built up in the media for months, the Royal Wedding is finally here! Kate Middleton and Prince William will tie the glorious knot at Westminster Abbey, on Friday 29 April. Prime Minister David Cameron, a big fan of Royal weddings, calls
For the 19th consecutive year, April 2011
it “a happy and momentous occasion” and
has been designated Stress Awareness
announced it would be marked by a Royal
Month. During this thirty-day period,
Bank Holiday.
health care professionals and health
Of course, the event is also a great boost
promotion experts across the country will
to the economy with thousands of items of
join forces to increase public awareness about both the causes and cures for our
5
More than 13,000 eager runners will be
to commemorate the day. You can visit
Sponsored by The Health Resource
taking part in the Brighton Marathon on
www.theroyalweddingwilliamkate.com to
Network (HRN), a non-profit health
April 10th, back for its second year. The
see some of the products available.
education organization, Stress Awareness
route is reasonably fast and flat, touring
Speculation is rife about who is designing
Month is a national, cooperative effort to
much of Brighton and Hove and taking in
the dress, and at the time of going to press,
inform people about the dangers of stress,
the glorious coastal views starting with
it is still not certain. Whatever dress she
successful coping strategies, and harmful
a loop of Preston Park, and then taking
wears, Kate Middleton possesses enough
misconceptions about stress that are
in the best of the city centre including
grace and beauty to ensure she will look
prevalent in our society.
Brighton Pavilion and stretches of
stunning.
coastal road.
For those who do not get to go to London,
There will be bands along the course,
you will be able to follow every minute live
to go with the great atmosphere. The
on TV and online. Enjoy!
modern stress epidemic.
In addition to sponsoring Stress Awareness Month, the HRN also sponsors National Stress Awareness Day, held every year on April 16th.
Bob Dylan in concert - album release
Columbia Records and Legacy Recordings announce the first stand-alone release of Bob Dylan In Concert - Brandeis University 1963, available on digital, CD and vinyl formats everywhere on Tuesday, April 12th. This previously unknown live recording of a 21-year-old Bob Dylan was taped at the Brandeis First Annual Folk Festival in Waltham, Massachusetts, on May 10, 1963, and is a must for all fans. www.bobdylan.com
26
memorabilia having already been produced
entire route is free of traffic and where necessary, there are barriers and/or tape separating runners from pedestrians, street furniture etc. www.brightonmarathon.co.uk
Regal fashion A special fashion show will be held at Madame Geisha, in Brighton, on Thursday April 28th, in aid of the Rocking Horse appeal. Regal Couture will feature the creations of designers Jo Fleming, Paul Milana and Renaissance. Tickets £10 available from Madame Geisha, Usual Suspects or from Zena@zedeevents.com
ABSOLUTE
B0411_026 FIVE APRIL things.indd1 1
23/3/11 16:05:23
COLDSTREAM
www.insulatedbuildings.co.uk
Modular High Density Insulated Buildings Eco friendly units for Commercial & Private use
unique modular panel design with dual glazed PVCU doors and windows
We at Coldstream believe our buildings cater for the growing demand for quality space within the home enviroment whether your need is business, leisure or hobby
TILES DON’T HAVE TO BE BORING!
MASTER TILES
Canine Cabins
from ÂŁ499 inclusive of vat + delivery
Contacts us @ Tel:01329 285563/Fax:01329 237056 info@coldstreaminsulation.co.uk
B0411_027 ADS.indd 1
Master Tiles Unit 5, Longley Industrial Estate New England Street, Brighton East Sussex BN1 4GY Tel: 01273 695 208
Master Tiles 121, 121a & 121b Portland Road, Hove East Sussex BN3 5QH Tel: 01273 770 723
Master Tiles Unit 7, Euro Business Park New Road, Newhaven East Sussex BN9 0DQ Tel: 01273616 067
info@mastertiles.co.uk
24/3/11 11:46:46
ABSOLUTE INTERIORS
Curtain Twitcher
These stylish and versatile window dressings can become a feature in their own right, adding a touch of luxury to your home rather than just playing a practical role
Picture Perfect
In the pink
Embrace a bold new look for shutters in fashion-forward pink,
Looking for something a little more personal and bespoke for your
trending now as one of the hottest colours around. The New
windows? Then these fabulous photo printed blinds may be just the
England Shutter Company is the only company to design and manu-
answer. Digitally printed roller blinds make a stunning addition to any
facture genuinely bespoke solid timber shutters. It also offers them
home or office environment, and if you don’t want your own image you
hand-painted in an amazing array of colours or even covered in
can usually choose from 100’s of stunning images from company picture
faux suede or faux leather. So move away from neutrals to a look
libraray’s that specialize in such blinds.
that brings a ray of sunshine to any space, even on the dullest day!
Rustic Roman
Versatile and easy to use, roman shades allow for privacy when it is desired. Most roman shades function very easily by pulling on the string to lower them up and down. Choose darker fabrics for more privacy at night or pick an opaque fabric to allow some light to pass through during the day. They give a far more attractive look than ordinary blinds when both open and closed.
28
ABSOLUTE
B0411_028_029 INTERIORS curtains2 2
23/3/11 18:32:38
ABSOLUTE INTERIORS
Classical Curtains
Whether made to measure or ready made, curtains are still a popular choice for the home. As well as being versatile to suit any room and colour, they are a practical solution for windows keeping
Shutterly Fabulous
out drafts but also being easy to have cleaned regularly.
These bespoke wooden window shutters have become all the rage in the world of interiors in recent yeas. They can be fitted to almost any window shape and size, blending well into existing window moldings. These shutters can be installed in casements, tilt-ins and other hard-to-fit windows
Drape it As a perfectly natural textile, muslin sets off an immediate calming look to a room whether draped around windows or hung over them. There is something very soothing about floating muslin hanging effortlessly in a lounge, bedroom or nursery blowing in the wind. Since muslin is a natural cotton, it can also be dyed to any colour easily, and even washed and hung up to dry.
ABSOLUTE
B0411_028_029 INTERIORS curtains3 3
29
23/3/11 18:32:42
ABSOLUTE EASTER
Hanging Eggs Set of 4 ornamental hanging eggs, each with unique traditional Easter themes painted on them. £8 for 4 www.pasttimes.com Andy Warhol Egg Cup Set This Andy Warhol design eggcup and salt-shaker makes a lovely artistic statement in the home. £30 www.thediningcompany.com
Nesting time! Make your abode an Easter treat with these beautiful items for the home Easter Chicks These colourful chicks will add cheer placed all around the house, or as part of an Easter setting. They also make perfect cake decorations. £6 for a box of 24 chicks www.johnlewis.com
Easter Wreath This lovely wreath would look great hung on the wall, or as part of a table centre-piece. £16 www.johnlewis.com
30
Sitting Duck Decoration This colourful character makes a fun addition to any Easter decorative setting. £18.00 www.johnlewis.com
ABSOLUTE
B0411_030 Easter home.indd 1
22/3/11 13:34:14
ABSOLUTE INTERIORS
PROMOTIONAL FEATURE
SIGHT and SOUND
Sophisticated style and smart technology can tun your home into the most flexible entertainment centre imaginable. Norman Hobbs, of Haywards Heath, are at the cutting-edge of exciting and versatile multi-room entertainment systems
M
ulti-room entertainment is fast becoming as popular in Britain as it is in America, and provides an exciting new dimension to your home and lifestyle. Marcus and Sue Walker-Reilly are the owners of Norman Hobbs, a TV and hi-fi and home cinema store in Haywards Heath, who specialise in multi-room entertainment. Marcus designs and creates bespoke systems to suit your home and budget. The complete service is offered, from consultation and survey, to working with architects, builders, electricians and interior designers, for existing homes or new build projects. Many quality multi-room systems are used by Marcus in his installations including those from Sonos, Living Control, Netstream, Naimnet, Bose etc. Norman Hobbs also boasts a wide range of flat screen TVs capable of displaying the latest in 3D technology and High Definition. Also specialising in high end Hi-Fi, Norman Hobbs has fully trained and dedicated staff who are proud to stock products from British manufactures Arcam and Naim. A variety of speakers are available to compliment the systems to suit every individual’s preference.
Kaleidescape’s beautifully designed, simple and the intuitive user interface allows you to enjoy any title in your collection at any time, in any room. Say goodbye to the clutter of DVDs and CDs because all your treasured movies and music will be readily accessible on hard disc. As well as having two demonstration studios, Norman Hobbs also offer their customers a personal home demonstration with the Kaleidescape system. With their passion for providing the best in products and the ultimate in service, Norman Hobbs are assured of continued success in this ever-changing hi-tech world.
Norman Hobbs 13-15 Sussex Road, Haywards Heath West Sussex RH16 4DZ Tel: 01444 413353
Kaleidescape An exciting new product is also available for those who enjoy their DVDs and CDs. Kaleidescape products deliver a movie and music experience of the highest quality that is more exciting and more compelling than ever before. ABSOLUTE
B0411_031 Norman Hobbs NEW.indd 1
31
23/3/11 16:29:40
Glorious
Goodwood
Goodwood Racecourse gears up for its new season with a Garden Party fit for a King
R
enowned as the home of the Panama, Pimms and parasols, quintessential English fun is always on the agenda at Goodwood. King Edward VII was Goodwood Racecourse’s greatest fan, referring to it fondly as “a garden party with racing tacked on”. Kind Edward’s first visit to the racecourse was in the early 1860s and thereafter he was a frequent guest in the summer for Raceweek, which has since become know as Glorious Goodwood, up until his death in 1910. It was Edward VII who introduced the archetypal Panama paired with a crisp linen suit, initiated when he turned up with a white silk topper instead of the regulation black one. Male followers of fashion were sent scurrying back to London as hatters were begged to supply the ‘royal model’ overnight. Two years later Edward VII completed the sartorial downgrade with a switch from morning suit to lounge suit, with the choice of a white bowler, a Panama or an ordinary straw hat. Being freed of the stiff collar and long skirts gave Goodwood a much more relaxed, holiday feel than any other racecourse, an atmosphere that is retained to this day. It was King Edward VII’s patronage of Goodwood which greatly increased the popularity of the racecourse. Now 200 years on, the season debut will pay tribute to its greatest supporter with a Goodwood Garden Party like no other on Saturday April 30th. As well as seven races there will be a wealth of entertainment, picnics, brass bands and bunting galore. Take friends and family along and make the most of the long bank holiday weekend while enjoying the unique atmosphere and exhilarating racing action that has captivated visitors for the past two centuries. To find out more or to book tickets please call the Ticket Office on 01243 755055 or visit www.goodwood.com.
32
1907 Raceweek House Party
Monsieur Chevalier wins The Betfair Cup in 2009
ABSOLUTE
B0411_032 goodwood races.indd 1
22/3/11 13:49:27
GRC ADVERT Absolute Brighton 210x297:Layout 1
15/3/11
09:57
Page 1
CELEBRATE THE START OF THE SEASON AT THE GOODWOOD GARDEN PARTY SATURDAY 30 APRIL, 2011 To book tickets or for further information please call 01243 755055 or visit
www.goodwood.com
$
ABSOLUTE LUXURY
Million-Dollar In these rather austere times, most of us can only fantasise about splashing out millions of pounds on luxuries. So with interest (and as we dream) we curiously ask, what are the most expensive of everything in the world? Verity Craig investigates
€
Perfume
No. 1 by Clive Christian is recognised by the Guinness Book of Records as The World’s Most Expensive Perfume. Both the male and female uniquely expensive perfumes were created with no reference to cost, containing some of the most rare and precious ingredients in the world. Because of the highest quality and concentration possible, No. 1 can only be produced in very small quantities - only 1000 bottles of No. 1 perfume for men and 1000 bottles of No. 1 for women are released to the world each year. Perfume spray 50ml £430. Crystal bottle (pictured) 30ml £2,700 Available from Clive Christian Handcross, Harrods and Fortnum and Masons.
Wine
The most expensive wine currently sold in a bar is officially the 1996 Methuselah Rose Gold champagne. The wine is also called the King of Champagnes, and recently sold to an anonymous Russian Billionaire for a mere £50,000 or if the price is broken down it is equal to £1,562.50 per glass! The Methuselah champagne is recognized as one of the finest champagne brands in the world but only 35 bottles are produced each year.
s Wedding dres It was a wedding dress that lead Romania to the Guinness Book of Records in 2010. Designer
34
Cosmina Englizian entered the Book of Records achieving the world’s most expensive wedding dress with over 59,000 genuine Swarovsky crystals. Bianca Elena Constantin, Romania Miss Universe 2009, was the undeniable star chosen to wear the wedding dress that is worth no less than £25,000.
Apartment It boasts a penthouse view over central London, a private wine-tasting facility and an underground passage to celebrity chef, Heston Blumenthal’s restaurant (local corner shops include Harrods and Harvey Nichols.) Throw in security measures a James Bond villain would be proud of and a ‘panic room’ in case things go wrong, and you would expect to pay a high price, yes? However, even top London estate agents were amazed last year when a London property sold for £140million by renowned developers The Candy Brothers, making it the most expensive flat in the world. Costing more than £6,000 per square foot, the two-floor apartment in the One Hyde Park, Knightsbridge block has floor-to-ceiling windows, its own car park and access to a host of spas and squash courts.
ABSOLUTE
B0411_034_035 Most expensive.ind2 2
22/3/11 17:06:09
£
ABSOLUTE LUXURY
lar Baby… Meal
Served at the Dome restaurant in Bangkok, Thailand, the world’s most expensive recorded meal ever came in at around £150,000 during February 2007.The diners at the meal were gaming and property moguls from America and Asia who elected to fly in six of the best chefs from France, Germany and Italy.The food bill itself came in at around £22,000 (excluding tip and tax!) and the wine, which included a rare bottle from the Rothschild estate cost around £128,000 alone. Numerous bottles of champagne and cognacs were also available by the gallon. At that price, you would also like to think it was the ‘best meal in the world’.
Car
The 1931 Bugatti Royale Kellner Coupe was sold for just over £5 million in 1987. However, that car (and many alike) is not available on the market today so isn’t officially the most expensive. The Bugatti Veyron however at around £810,000 is by far the most expensive street legal car available on the market today. It is also the fastestaccelerating car reaching 0-60 in 2.6 seconds, and claims to be the overall fastest car with a top speed of 253 mph+. However, the official title for the fastest car recently went to the SSC Ultimate Aero, which exceeded 253 mph pushing this car to mere 2nd place for the fastest car!
Hotel Room
Geneva and the Alps. Staying at this hotel, you are apparently guaranteed an unforgettable experience and exclusive touches such as its private elevator and large Jacuzzi, as well as other apparent ‘top secret’ facilities obtained only by booking guests. This suite is reserved only for Head Of States or A List celebrities, so good luck trying! Recent visitors of the suite include Sir Elton John and Elizabeth Taylor.
Shoes
These ruby slippers (top right) are the most expensive shoes at £1.8 million, and are the achievement of Ronald Winston, the designer of the House of Harry Winston. The beauty of design of these shoes came from 4,600 rubies of 1,350 carat. The feet of Judy Garland first adorned them. The actual ruby slippers from the Wizard Of Oz however, fetched only a mere £400,000 in auction recently. And finally, who can afford it all? Riding surging prices of his various telecom holdings, including giant mobile outfit ‘America Movil,’ Mexican tycoon Carlos Slim Helu has beaten Americans Bill Gates and Warren Buffett to become the wealthiest person on earth and nab the top spot of the World’s Billionaires*.
Goody bag
Gone are the days of thinking you’ve been generous with your goody bags (or party bags) in giving your guests the odd chocolate bar, book or even a small bottle of wine. The competition for these little ‘thank you for coming’ bags, are now a little earner in their own right. The 2011 Oscar’s gave away the most extravagant goody bags so far, featuring a holiday to The Maldives, diamonds worth more than £60,000 (each), designer clothes and a stay at a luxury hotel. And these are just the goody bags - the A listers were also invited to pre-Oscar nights to go to the so called ‘Oscar suites’ in various hotels where they are offered luxurious gifts from top brands around the world. Apparently Helena Bonham Carter’s home now has a top of the range sound system! It seems everyone’s a winner at the Oscars!
*Research according to Forbes Rich list.
Have you ever thought of staying at a hotel with room rates of £40,000 just for one night? That is not boasting, it really exists. However, this is said to be special even for those that have deep pockets. Located in Geneva, Switzerland, The Royal Penthouse Suite at President Wilson Hotel has spectacular views over the beautiful Lake
ABSOLUTE
B0411_034_035 Most expensive.ind3 3
35
22/3/11 17:06:19
ABSOLUTE BEAUTY
Lets Twist Again… The awards season hair round-up Jennifer Aniston
By Mark Woolley Mark Woolley is the owner and creative director of Electric Hairdressing. Mark splits his time between the Brighton and London salons. For appointments call 01273 202088 www.electric-hair.com
Spring has sprung so what better way to make a statement this season than by using what you’ve already got and literally adding your
Sienna Miller
own twist to update your look. The Spring/Summer catwalks came to life this year with elaborate plaits and twists in all shapes and sizes. The likes of Erdem, Valentino and Hermes demonstrated the versatility of such creations and proved that incorporating plaits is a simple but effective way of refreshing your everyday look, whatever your current style.
LETTER OF THE MONTH
If you want to wear your hair down and wish to maintain a polished look, a subtle and delicate style can be created by French plaiting a section along the hair line - having a side parting works best as you have more hair to work with. Jennifer Aniston (above) wore such a hairstyle to the Academy Awards so it can work perfectly for those special occasions where you want to want to look like you’ve made that extra bit of effort. The key with this look is to get the hair as smooth
I can just about master a simple plait, but
as possible, so apply some Electric Smoothing Cream (£17) to wet
can’t French plait so I would love to know if
hair before blow drying straight and creating your plait. The product evaporates during styling, keeping your hair neat and sleek with a
there are any alternatives to decorating my
healthy bounce. If you want to wear your hair up, simply extend the
hair.
French plait along the hair line so it reaches the area behind your ears, then take the lengths into a low bun and secure into place with hair grips - this shows off just enough creativity without going overboard and is in keeping with a more elegant evening look.
twist it! Twisting hair is a simple yet eye-
Plaits can also be adapted for a more casual, summery feel
catching technique that can be used to
but the key here is to keep it soft and loose. Start by applying some L’Oreal Professionnel Full Volume Extra Mousse (£8.50)
add volume or shape to any hairstyle. There
to damp hair and blast with a blow dryer before gently back
is a degree of experimenting necessary
brushing the lengths with a Denman Large Paddle Brush (£11)
to perfect the look you’re after, but
to add grip and texture. Then, gather the hair to one side and plait, securing the ends with a hair band. Now, to
nevertheless, you’ll need plenty of hair grips
give it a bit of personality, gently pull the braid apart with
to hand. Alternatively, you could drape.
your fingers to encourage stray hairs and flyaways for a
For this, you’ll need a sleek head of hair so
weathered look. If your hair is long enough, a headband braid is a great
apply some lightweight Electric Smoothing
summer look. Simply create two side plaits and wrap
Cream before blow drying and bring the
them around the top of the head, one on top of the
hair into a low slung ponytail. Then taking the
other, securing into place with hair grips and remember to ruffle the hair for a slightly dishevelled effect. This halo-like creation is also reminiscent of a crown, so quite a fitting homage for the royal wedding.
36
A great alternative to plaiting hair is to simply
lengths, twist and roll the ponytail inside itself and secure into place to create a luxurious, decadent draping updo.
ABSOLUTE
B0411_036 Mwoolley APR11.indd 1
22/3/11 13:57:39
Latest dental techniques, quality care, advice and state of the art equipment with experienced and caring staff Preventative and Cosmetic Treatments Modern Practice, purpose built to the highest standards n Fully Wheelchair accessible n Friendly comfortable atmosphere n n
Mrs Vida Bagherzadeh D.D.S. 01273 820 888 Eaton Road Dental Practice 30 Eaton Road Hove East Sussex BN3 3QA
Would you like your business to be included within our popular health and beauty section?
Please join us on one of our charity
Open Evenings Hove Salon 6th April Horsham Salon & Spa 7th April Godalming Salon & Spa 13th April Specialist Beauty Demonstrations Expert Skincare Advice Gift Vouchers Available
Please call the salon for further details 65 Western Road, Hove Telephone: 01273 822476
Call our team today who will be happy to discuss the options tailor made to suit your needs
www.beautysecretssalonandspa.co.uk
0845 3890662
Open 7 days a week for your convenience
Email: sales@absolutemagazine.co.uk "#40-65& Eaton Road ads.indd JAN10.indd B0411_037 1 1
AB_CACI launch.indd 1
19/2/10 18:27:08 11:38:04 23/3/11
ABSOLUTE LIFE COACHING Why Not Jump At A Change of Direction? Treat your loved one to an
Asase Spa gift voucher available via telephone and in store
SPECIAL EASTER OFFER 30 minute Fish Pedicure - £20 30 minute Fish pedicure + 10 minute Foot Massage - £30 30 minute Fish Pedicure + Polished Finish - £32
For a unique Hen and Stag party enjoy a night of pampering at Asase Spa with a glass of complimentary Champagne for the Hen/Stag and their guests, discount packages and late night opening available on request. Birthday party packages available upon request. Asase Spa is Brighton’s newest pedicure spa exclusively offering Garra Rufa Skin Treatment. Originating in Turkey, the essence of the practice is Garra Rufa fish being allowed to restore the skin’s health by nibbling the dead skin on feet. The experience is therapeutic and relaxing, a delightful sensation. The result is healthier and smoother skin and a noticeable improvement.
Other massage treatments available Check website for further information.
Asase Spa Unit 13, Hanningtons, 19 Brighton Place, Brighton BN1 1HJ
01273 746888
Appointments@asasespa.co.uk www.asasespa.co.uk
B0411_038 Life coaching APR11.in1 1
Absolute Life Coaching look at how taking the leap to change your life can improve it greatly
W
orking with our clients is always different, always exciting and always new; helping them as we do on a small part of their life journey as they look at ways to rebalance, reprioritize, reinvent or redefine their lives. Moving from their present state towards a more enticing future can be exciting for them, and for us. Several Months ago *Michael came to us. At 45, he was being made redundant from his job as a packer in a factory. He had been working at the factory from the age of 16. Thankfully, he received a reasonable redundancy sum, but Michael felt as if he had been pushed out of the lifeboat! Similar stories are happening everywhere right now, no doubt. So what was he to do? He said he would like us to solve his problem for him. However ‘Life Coaches’ don’t actually solve problems for people – our aim is to ask incisive questions of the client and allow the client to come up with the answers themselves. We all have the answer within us; it is a case of finding that answer and accepting it. Michael professed he had always had a yearn to learn something new (he left school at 16 without any qualifications). He also wanted to spend more time with his family, his partner of 20 years and his 12 year old son. He felt physically unfit and overweight and was suffering bad back problems from years of doing the job he did at the factory. His hobby was art at which he obviously excelled, though it took a lot of questioning to get this modest man to admit he had won two art prizes and had one painting accepted at The Royal Academy Summer Art Exhibition! He also loved painting interiors and had transformed three of the apartments he and his partner had lived, to the extent that one of his landlords had offered him a job as a handyman. The list of possible opportunities now open to him seemed endless to us, yet Michael wanted a problem solving. He saw redundancy as a ‘problem’ and certainly not as an opportunity. Life twists and turns all the time for all of us and the only difference between Michael and someone else who sees redundancy as an opportunity is just the difference in the way we think about our personal circumstances. As we all know, pressures exist outside of us and exercising stress is the response most of us exert to alleviate that pressure. It’s worth remembering that although these twists and turns challenge us, they often lead to growth, and with growth comes greater clarity. And when life becomes clear so we can once again experience happiness. The way we deal with life’s twists and turns is what defines us. The more we deal with, the greater our resilience. And what’s happened to Michael we hear you ask? He is now working freelance painting murals on interior walls and we are delighted to report he has received a commission to paint murals in a large restaurant in London. He has more leisure time with his family and has joined a local gym. His life is now a happy and more satisfied one. To book a Life Coaching session with Terrina or Georgina, please call: 0777 551 3188 *Name is changed for privacy.
23/3/11 16:31:46
Celebrity make-up artist Jeni Dodson is our independent beauty advisor bringing to you the latest beauty buzz and hot tips straight from the red carpet!
www.jenidodson.com
Scrummy mummy! On-the-go make-up tips, designed for the time-constrained goddess Finding the time for self-maintenance can be really challenging, especially when you are running around juggling your work, preparing meals, and carting the kids around! Even famous mums don’t forgo make-up altogether, they just know how to use the basic essentials, cutting down on time by skipping extra steps and streamlining their routine. Looking polished doesn’t need to take hours of our time. Play up your finest features and keep your beauty regime in check, look miraculously awake with these easy tips, leaving you looking fresh faced and ready to brace the day - mummy to scrummy in a matter of minutes.
Scrummy mummies Angelina Jolie and Jessica Alba
1. Water This beauty tip requires no time at all, just a little discipline and remembering to keep that water bottle with you at all times! The many benefits include an overall glowing, nourished complexion, brighter eyes, better energy and a healthier you. Water naturally helps to flush away toxins, hydrates our bodies and decreases bloating and puffiness. For an extra benefit, add a squeeze of lemon to your water, a great way to start the day, it not only smells up-lifting, but it wakes up the liver, is high in vitamin C and a natural diuretic. 2. Self Tanner If you’re looking a bit pale and sallow, then why not treat yourself to a fake tan. It has to be said that most of us look better with a healthy glow. Nowadays most cosmetic companies feature moisturisers with a self-tanning component. It takes a few minutes to apply, and the result is a healthy, sun-kissed look. Be on the lookout for the facial self tanners which add just a nice golden touch to your face. Go for a cream, apply every three to four days - and make sure you do it evenly and be sparing around the hairline and eye brow area, especially if you are fair in complexion. 3.Tinted Moisturiser This is indispensable! It adds moisture and evens skin tone in a few seconds. Use a combination moisturiser and sunscreen that comes in one easy product. It may be just springtime, but we all need to use sunscreen all year round. There are so many great moisturisers on the market today that have sunscreen built in and are not greasy. Make sure you allow your
moisturiser a minute to soak in before applying the rest of your make-up. 4. Mineral make up Practically every make-up line now carries some form of mineral face powder. These are buffed on using a special fat brush, in quick swirling motions, starting at the nose and moving outwards toward the jaw. This leaves an even coverage to your face adding colour and balance without looking caky and it can take simply seconds to apply. Using mineral make-up will save you precious time as it works as concealer, foundation and powder that builds easily to provide an adjustable light to medium coverage to even out skin tone and hide blemishes that come with stress. 5. Cheeks Pack your make-up bag with products that promise some extra punch. Try a multitasking cream or stick that can be used for more than one purpose, like cheeks, lips and even eyes. Double-duty wonders are essential time savers for the working mum, who already has too much to carry in her bag. 6. Mascara All you need is a little mascara swept across your lashes and you are ready to roll. Apply two or three coats of mascara to give your eyes an instant pick-me-up if you don’t have time to apply shadow or liner. Just a few coats of mascara is all you really need to enhance your eyes. 7. Lips A little sheen goes a long way in keeping our lips moisturised, plump and looking fresh, so always find time to add some lustre to your lips!
ABSOLUTE MAKE UP
MUM’S THE WORD 1. Self tan. Makebelieve - Nighttime facial self tan moisturiser Combining leading edge facial skincare with advanced tanning ingredients, this product will help to give you a natural golden radiance, developing slowly over a number of applications. www.makebelievebeauty.com £25.00 2. Tinted Moisturiser. Bobbi Brown - Tinted Moisturiser SPF 15 A perfect alternative to foundation for the busy mum and ideal for normal to dry skin types. This tint of natural-looking colour combined with sun protection blends smoothly over skin, providing lightweight, sheer coverage. www.bobbibrown.co.uk 3. Mineral powder. The Body Shop - Nature’s Minerals™ Foundation SPF25 A premium, up-to-the-minute loose powder foundation, made from minerals. Long-lasting, blend-able powders act like a veil to help defend the skin against sun damage with SPF 25. Ultra light powders apply evenly and blend easily for a radiant, naturallooking complexion. Powder £16 and brush £16 www.thebodyshop.co.uk 4. Lip and Cheek. Stila - Convertible Colour This ingenious lipstick and blush-in-one proves to be irresistible and versatile, brightens cheeks and lips with creamy, translucent colour. Tap onto cheeks and press onto lips. The sheer tint imparts a gorgeous glow to the cheeks while lips bloom with fresh, radiant colour. £14 www.lookfantastic.com 6. Lip conditioner - RMS Beauty - Lip and Skin Balm A super effective lip and skin balm that rejuvenates and heals, giving you a visibly natural appearance. This can be used day and night not only on lips, but underneath eyes, etc. Don’t leave home with out it! £22 www.cultbeauty.co.uk ABSOLUTE
B0411_039 Make-up APR11.indd 1
39
21/3/11 17:54:55
ABSOLUTE BEAUTY
It’s all about the smile!
Dr Farrokh Sharifzad talks about his successful practice Marina Dentalcare Farrokh, please tell us a bit about your business background? I had been running Hove Family Dental Practice in Hove very successfully since I took over in 1999. I had this dream of creating a signature dental practice in Brighton Marina where I also live. I started to plan in 2005 and then realised my dream in 2007. It has been a success story ever since. We have had 99% satisfied customers. Our many testimonials and recommendations is a good indication that we have got it right. Dental practices have had to move with modern technology in recent years. How has Marina Dental kept up with the times? Marina Dentalcare is equipped with the latest technology available in dentistry. I am a kind of tech wizard myself and I keep always abreast with all the new developments arriving to the market. As well as standard dental procedures and check-ups, what cosmetic treatments does your surgery offer to patients? Our speciality is cosmetic makeovers using the best and most natural-looking veneers and crowns in the
world. We are also offering teeth straightening with invisalign. There is no age limit to having your teeth straightened and for professional people it can be impractical and embarrassing to have fixed wires (also known as train tracks). Invisalign is suitable for teens as well, and it is getting increasingly popular among them. We are also offering facial rejuvenation using Botox and Restylane. What can customers expect upon visiting your surgery? You will be greeted with the biggest smile you have ever seen in a dental practice! After filling in a confidential medical and dental history form, I sit down with you and discuss your concerns and then inform you of the various options available for you. How do you think Marina Dental differs from other dental practices? Personal touch is out greatest service. With us you are not another patient. On your arrival we assess your individual needs and discuss them in detail with you using audio/video equipment. We demonstrate some samples from our portfolio. We advise you about your choices.You make the decision and we deliver it to the highest possible standard.
What are the benefits of being Brighton based? Brighton is a fantastic place to live and work. It is very cosmopolitan and is a magnet in the South. I see patients from all over the world. It gives me a great insight into the quality of dental care in the world and I can say with confidence that we are doing great in our practice! I have European and overseas patients who have been recommended to us by our happy patients. And finally, how do you calm the nerves of anyone nervous of visiting? We are a very friendly practice and the environment is designed to induce calm. We understand the needs of nervous patients and we have a lot of experience in dealing with this issue. We take our time to listen to you and put you at ease. Your fist visit does not need to be a dental visit - you are welcome to come in for a complimentary refreshment to find out about us. We can also offer the help of a clinical psychologist, who can have a session with you in our practice, to work with you on your dental phobia. Marina Dentalcare, Brighton Marina Tel: 01273 628899
The Art & Science of Dentistry ‘We believe your smile is one of your greatest assets’ Ultimate cosmetic dental solutions and smile makeovers Whitening - In one hour with ZOOM advanced power Dental Implants Veneers and metal free crowns/bridges Hygienist Invisable braces with Invisalign Hygienist by Becky Hollands Hygienist All treatments offered at 0%
20% off your first visit 43 Marina Square, Brighton Marina
Tel: 01273 628899
www.marinadentalcare.co.uk
B0411_040 Marina Dental.indd 1
We specialise in cosmetic dentistry, using the latest techniques in a state-of-the-art practice, at realistic prices in a calm & relaxed atmosphere
24/3/11 12:32:04
ABSOLUTE BEAUTY
Looking good for life Becky, please tell us a bit about your business
What are the results from the treatments you
background?
perform?
I founded Becky Hollands Aesthetics in 2007. I’ve
The results are clients who are more confident in their
grown the company from treating my best friends to
appearance.
providing a service for clients all over the South East.
Becky Hollands tells Absolute about her business in the world of cosmetic enhancement
Are there any new up and coming treatments?
The world of cosmetic improvement and age-defying
There’s the launch of Restylane vital with lidocaine.
treatments are no longer a taboo subject and very
Vital restores skin’s vitality, glow and lustre, it’s very big
much a part of today’s world. How did you come to
in Italy. There is also a new method of administering
select this area as a career path?
Restylane products, this is called the pix’L cannula. This
Being a general nurse, working with outpatients I
minimalises bruising and ‘trauma’ to the area injected
was working with consultants of different specialities
– something most clients are glad to avoid.
including cosmetic surgeons. By working alongside these experts I was able to gain insights into skin rejuvenation and facial reshaping. What can customers expect upon contacting/visiting you? Professionalism and confidentiality are top of the list. I spend time gaining an understanding of the individual’s needs and requirements. I am constantly updating and introducing new techniques and always supply a good cup of coffee!
What are the benefits of being Brighton based? It’s a fantastic place to live and it’s ‘right up there’. Finally, where do you see your business in 5 years time? I want to continue to deliver high standard treatments and introduce the latest techniques to my clients. I want to continue to deliver my services to more people across the region. For a free consultation contact Becky HollandsRN on 07979 800824 www.beckyhollands.co.uk Becky practises in Hove, Brighton and Harley Street.
RESTYLANE is a trademark owned by Q-Med AB
Restylane for revitalised looks www.restylane.co.uk Maintaining the skin’s vitality becomes more of a challenge as we grow older and healthy, toned, skin free from niggling lines is hard to achieve. But thanks to Restylane®, we can take steps so our looks reflect the age we feel rather than the age we are.
Tested. Tried. Trusted.
B0411_041 Becky Hollands.indd 1
Restylane is the perfect treatment for providing a natural looking enhancement. Restylane instantly boosts the skin hydration system and restores youthful volume by suppor ting the skin’s structure to counter the signs of ageing and refresh your looks. And there is now a Restylane skincare range to help you improve the look and feel of your skin, boosting glow and lustre.
Available at
Becky Hollands AESTHETICS
Other Aesthetic Treatments Available Clinics in Brighton • Hove • Harley Street.
T: 01273 900 315 M: 07979 800 824
www.beckyhollands.co.uk
22/3/11 13:19:13
ABSOLUTE HEALTH
YOUTHFUL MAN Our health expert Sheryl Waters looks at the world of male grooming for men that want to stay young in an organic way
D
on’t be fooled by the stereotype of a man who doesn’t care about the way he looks. Modern men are just as (or at least almost) as concerned with their appearance as women. And healthy skin is a fundamental part of looking great. For men, skin care is a mere afterthought. Beyond the world of shaving their faces, it is rare for a man to devote time to his skin. Yeah right! These days, skin care is no longer just a woman’s concern. We are in the 21st century, and the pressure is on for man to take care of himself. Men are increasingly aware and concerned about the health of their skin. In fact, more men than ever before are interested in taking care of their skin, and ensuring that they maintain their youthful looks for as long as possible.
“These days, skin care is no longer just a woman’s concern” Fighting the signs of ageing Man’s blooming desire for beautiful skin is an eight billion dollar industry. So why are men beginning to catch up with women’s interest in beauty products? Most importantly, everyone wants to retain youthful skin for as long as possible. Along with drinking plenty of water and eating a healthy diet, moisturising and nurturing the skin is the best way to grow old gracefully. As we mature, the elastic and collagen, which is the connective tissues that give skin its firmness and elasticity, begin to disappear. Proper skin care is essential to keep this process at bay for as long as possible. Why natural and organic? More and more men are reacting to the synthetic chemicals used by many high street brands of male
42
grooming products. Therefore they are turning to natural formulations, free from unnecessary synthetic ingredients, which will be absorbed by the body. Switching to organic food in order to avoid consuming toxins is a popular choice. People are also becoming aware that what is put on the skin will always make its way into the bloodstream. That means that if skin care products are full of chemicals, they will eventually be flowing through the body. Since the skin can be a mirror for what is going on in the body, the chemicals may once again show up on the skin. It also means that the liver has to work harder to process them. Organic, chemical-free moisturising means no toxins for the body to deal with, and ultimately, healthier skin. Organic products can revolutionize shaving Nearly 80% of men say shaving irritates their skin. Razor burn is actually often ‘product’ burn. Many of the products that are designed for men are poorly formulated and contain far too many irritating ingredients. These skin irritants make the hair follicles and skin
Johnny Depp is a youthful 47
swell, forcing the hair up and away from the skin, supposedly allowing for a closer shave. Unfortunately, the irritation and resulting swelling cause some of the hair to be hidden by the swollen follicle and skin. The swollen skin makes it harder for the stubble to find its way back out. If the hair begins to grow (which it does almost immediately) before the swelling is reduced, the likelihood of ingrown hairs is increased. Shaving with a razor abrades the skin enough to cause havoc, but then men typically splash an aftershave lotion with irritating ingredients over that broken skin. Think of splashing chemicals on a cut or scrape on your body. Most organic products are mild and won’t irritate the skin, even if there is abrasion. Conscious products for conscious men Men are also choosing to use natural soaps and shower gels for their bodies. Aluminum and parabens have been linked to cancer and other health complaints, but deodorants free of them are available specially formulated for men. Rod Stewart, still rocking at 64
Looking good at 42, is Bond guy Daniel Craig
The original ‘Brad Pitt,’ Robert Redford is still an icon at age 74
ABSOLUTE
B0411_042 Sheryl_APR11.indd 1
22/3/11 13:59:53
bikram's hot yoga · revitalise body & mind · improve strength & flexibility · manage weight loss · heal sports & other injuries · detox & cleanse · ease back pain · reduce stress
all levels welcome gift certificates available!
ecial - two weeks p s unl ro dt imi int ludes mat an owel ted inc
cla ss es £2 0
01273 733 960 info@bikraminthelanes.com www.bikraminthelanes.com 20 North Street Huntingdon House, 4th Floor Brighton BN1 1EB
Brunswick Road Dental Practice We are a long established dental practice with traditional values, highly experienced, kind and competent dentists committed to high clinical standards and
Check Ups Dental Fillings Cosmetic Fillings Dental Emergencies Hygienist Endodontics ZOOM Tooth Whitening
Veneers Crowns Dental Implants Restylane/Other types of Dermal Fillers Derma Roller Anti Wrinkle Treatment
providing patients with state of art dental care.
LIGHT UP YOUR FACE WITH A STUNNING SMILE! Brunswick Road Dental Practice 2 Brunswick Road Hove BN3 1DG
01273 731586
B0411_043 ADS.indd 1
www.brunswickroaddentalpractice.co.uk
23/3/11 16:36:30
ABSOLUTE BEAUTY
Let’s get this 1
STRAIGHT
There’s a hair staightener out there for everyone 1. Babyliss 2856BU Mini Hair Straightener Ceramic plates for easy glide during styling. Ultra fast heat up time. £15 www.comet.co.uk
2
4
2. Nicky Clarke Nano Silver Detox Salon Straightener The skinniest straighteners available, with extra-long plates for a more inclusive straightening session. £79.99 www.marieclaire.co.uk
3
5
3. Nicky Clarke Love women Hair Straightener Ceramic coated plates - easy glide during styling. Variable temperature control. £15.99 www.comet.co.uk 4.Vibe Normal Iron The new VIBE, from Hair Tools, takes styling to an all new level with the launch of this brand new technology; Ceramic Tourmaline vibrating straightener! £85.00 www.hairstraighteners.org.uk
6
5. Carmengirls 18189 Mini Hair Straighteners Perfect handbag size, ideal for travel. £9.99 www.argos.co.uk 6. Corioliss C2 Slim Digital Straightener The innovative C2 leads the way in professional hair styling tools by combining cutting edge technology with sleek and ergonomic design. Available in Platinum Zebra, Purple Zebra, Red Leopard and Soft touch Black. £99.99 www.beautybay.com
7
B0411_044 Hair straighteners.ind1 1
7. Babyliss Pro 230 Radiance The new offering from Babyliss, Pro Radiance, is hard to beat for heat-up time, and the ceramic-titanium plates deliver frizz-free results. The pink bag it comes in doubles up as a heat mat – no more carpet burns. £89.99 www.marieclaire.co.uk
22/3/11 10:56:29
SPARKS YARD CONCEPT A good read for 12-year-old Holly Fessey Brian and Margaret Raincock
FACES & PLACES
OPENS ITS DOORS
Sparks Yard in Arundel launched its new concept store, RSVP – a celebration of handwritten correspondence.
Sparks Yard owners Holly and Andy Heggadon
Invited customers were treated to the first Polly Vose and Shelagh Heaver
peek of this stunning new store with rustic timber-cladded walls, metal bureau desks and slouchy leather armchairs. Drawing on their current successful brand, Sparks Yard owners Holly and Andy Heggadon wanted to produce a new concept in stationery shops, where customers are encouraged to write Nicola Bainbridge and Scott Paterson
their cards or wrap their presents in the store.
Sarah Strange and Sandy Sealey
There is even a convenient contemporary post box in store to make posting easier. Photographs Graham Franks
Holly Heggadon with members of the RSVP Sparks Yard Team
Poppy Tu with Angela Melville-Rae
Lucy Oakden with daughter Clemantine
The correct way to wrap demonstrated by Bella Ludgate
Paul Buckle, Lee Statton and Phil Fessey
Tori Finch from the Chichester Observer
Emma Fitzpatrick
ABSOLUTE
B0411_045 Social RSVP.indd 1
45
24/3/11 11:27:58
ABSOLUTE BEAUTY
Southern
Beauty Our beauty scouts have been out and about to discover the best beauty treatments in Sussex
Hair styling
Treatment: I received a styled hair cut, full-head of colour and a hair treatment specially designed for coloured hair. Where was it? Headmasters Salon How much is it? £212 Description of treatment/ comments: On arrival I was greeted by friendly, welcoming staff and introduced to my stylist and colourist for my hair makeover. The stylists and colourists at this salon provided me with a professional service making me feel comfortable during the time I was there. I was advised by the stylist to have a side fringe cut when discussing my preferred hairstyle that I am grateful for, as I love it! Many treatments are on offer, which are provided based on what is best for the customer’s hair. As I was also receiving a full-head of colour, I was advised that the treatment designed for coloured hair was most appropriate for me, leaving my hair feel silky smooth and looking healthy. A KÉRASTASE product was used before the blow dry called Elixir Kultime to nourish and soften the hair, that I could notice immediately. I felt both the colourist and stylist listened to my requests and I am very pleased with the end results. Would you go again? Judging from the many compliments I was given from family and friends, I would definitely go back again and would recommend the salon to anyone. Address: 10 Jubilee St, Brighton, East Sussex BN1 1GE Great Tel: 01273 699 299 e
servic
46
Foot pedicure
Treatment: Garra Rufa Foot Pedicure Where was it? Asase Spa How much is it? £20 for 20 minutes Description of treatment/ comments: Up until recently, I, like most people, was unaware of this exciting new treatment, using tiny Garra Fufa fish to improve the health and condition of your skin. The treatment originated in Turkey, and has become popular all over Europe and now in Britain, so I was curious to give it a try. Asase Spa in the heart of The Lanes is a bright and airy space and I was greeted warmly on arrival. The sparkling tanks are lined up just inside the door, and there were some customers already taking the treatment, and obviously enjoying it! Firstly I was asked medical questions about the condition of my feet, and after I removed my footwear, my feet were showered and inspected for cuts. I then went over to the seat above one of the tanks and positioned myself so that my feet could dip in the water. Immedaitely the tiny fish, which are a type of toothless carp, homed in on my feet and the nibbling started! It was an extremely pleasant sensation, with the fish gently but firmly doing a great exfoliating job. After the 30 minutes was up, my feet were soft and smooth, and my whole body actually felt relaxed. Would you go again? Yes, I would definitely go again, and I would be interested in trying a foot massage after the procedure. Asase Spa also provides other more conventional therapy treatments, which I will definitely explore also. Address: Unit 13, Hanningtons, 19 Brighton Place, Spotless Brighton, BN1 1HJ salon Tel: 01273 746888
Li’tya Mikiri Facial
Treatment: Li’tya Mikiri Facial Where was it? Wickwoods Country Club, Hotel and Spa How much is it? £55 for 1 hour Description of treatment/ comments: I had the Li’tya Mikiri facial at Wickwoods using Li’tya (pronounced li-dee-a) products which are naturally based and highly concentrated. They contain no artificial fragrances, petroleum, mineral oils, alcohol, or animal bi-products, ensuring that all the ingredients are 100% pure and natural. The products used are based on 40,000 years of Aboriginal healing and plant wisdom. The facial is a tailor-made treatment, treating the skin with powerful marine actives and potent native plant essential oils and extracts. The treatment aids in deep purification, eliminating toxins from the skin through an intensive deep cleanse. Firstly my therapist Laura asked me to fill out a skin questionnaire to ensure that I was having the correct facial for my skin type. She was extremely professional and friendly in explaining the treatment to me step by step. She took my make up off to make sure that she was working on clean skin, and then she exfoliated my face using facial pads to remove all impurities. Laura then applied the first treatment mask of Australian clay to purify and smooth my skin. This felt lovely and luxurious on my face. Whilst this was setting she gave me a relaxing foot massage focusing on my reflex points which totally relaxed every inch of my body. I had to try my hardest to stay awake. Laura then removed the mask and performed a pressure point massage and applied the second clay treatment mask to nourish my skin. Once the mask was removed Laura performed a second massage which increased the circulation around my face. She finished up by toning and moisturising my skin. The treatment eliminated toxins and purified my skin allowing a glowing and brighter appearance for weeks to come. My skin immediately felt refreshed, soft and nourished. Would you go again? As Wickwoods accept non- members I will certainly be going back for my monthly facial in such a tranquil environment. It knocked a few years off of me and really revived my dull skin caused by the stresses of life. I am keen to try out the celebrity favourite Crystal Clear facials and their day packages and I urge you to do so too. Address: Shaves wood Lane, Albourne, Great to Nr Henfield, BN6 9DY 01273 857567 destress
ABSOLUTE
B0411_046_047 Beauty treatments.2 2
24/3/11 11:57:07
ABSOLUTE BEAUTY
Couples massage Foot pedicure
Treatment: Couples full body Swedish
massage (also an option for friends, mother and daughter or sisters etc) Where was it? Beauty Secrets, Horsham How much is it? £50 per person Description of treatment/ comments: Owning three successful salon and spa’s across Sussex, we knew we were in for a treat when we went for our ‘couples massage’ at Beauty Secrets. Needless to say, we weren’t disappointed. We visited their Horsham spa where the two therapists to carry out our treatment were exceptionally friendly, professional and as we then discovered, knew how to give a wonderful deep tissue and relaxing massage. From the onset we were put at ease, being taken in to a relaxation room where we filled in the necessary forms beforehand and hydrated with water while soothing music in the candlelit room helped to calmly prepare us for a soothing time at the spa. The spa itself in Horsham is beautifully decorated in a tranquil setting while giving each customer privacy whether in the waiting areas or within the treatment rooms. The unique couples’ (or best friends/ mother and daughters) massage rooms have double doors dividing the two rooms; open for two people or closed for individuals. Ideal as a romantic treat for a couple, or a nice gift for friends or family to enjoy together, this is the perfect way to relax and enjoy some time with a close one. Would you go again?
Most definitely. Beauty Secrets is a well known chain in Sussex with a great reputation, and we could see why. We would trust this salon and spa to carry out any of the treatments they do. Their hot stone massage has also been highly recommended by friends, so that may be the next treat! Address:
Beauty Secrets Salon and Spa, 34 East Street, Horsham. Tel: 01403 240489. There are also two further Beauty Secrets, one in Hove and one in Guildford.
Two’s company
Treatment: Fish Pedicure Where was it? Dr Fish Holistic Spa, Brighton Forum How much is it? £15 for 30 minutes Description of treatment/ comments: Within the private boutique setting of Brighton Forum I went along to try the new beauty craze, Garra Rufa fish skin therapy. I was slightly nervous plunging my feet into a tank of hundreds of tiny Garra Rufa Fish but friendly assurance made me feel relaxed when I was told about the fish and how the treatment would work. It was recommended that I put my hand in first to familiarise myself with the feeling and to ensure that I was happy to continue with my treatment. It felt amazing, the fish instantly drew to my hand and it felt like small vibrations running through my fingers. I was eager to let these little fish work their magic on my feet. I was asked medical questions about the condition of my feet, and then they were cleaned and checked. I then submerged my feet into the warm clean water that is constantly filtered to ensure that it is fresh. The Garra Rufa fish drew to my feet immediately like a magnet and gently sucked away the dead skin. While they remove the dead skin they release an enzyme called Diathanol which regenerates and promotes new skin growth. The sensation was incredible. My feet felt like they were vibrating and tiny little bubbles were bursting against my skin. The fish stimulate acupressure points on your feet, deeply relaxing every inch of your body and increasing circulation. By doing so this helps treat skin conditions such as Eczema and psoriasis. Thirty minutes had flown past and it was time for me to see how soft my feet were. Would you go again? Yes, I am going again in a few weeks, my feet felt refreshed and incredibly soft and smooth. It is a wonder how these tiny little fish can transform your tired feet into refreshed and rejuvenated ones. I left with a spring in my step as though I was walking on air. Address: Dr Fish Holistic Spa The Brighton Forum 95 Ditchling Road Brighton BN14ST Works a Tel: 01273573848
treat
Restylane
Treatment: Restylane Where was it? Becky Hollands Aesthetics at Marina Dentalcare How much is it? £1,000 Description of treatment/ comments: I am not exactly a stranger to Becky’s treatments. Becky introduced me to the Dermaroller which is an incredible device which naturally increases the levels of collagen and elastin in your skin. On another occasion I had some deep grooves at the side of my mouth that Becky was able to soften for me. All her treatments have given me great long lasting results. Becky always makes me feel calm, with both a friendly and professional approach. The confidential use questionnaire allows her to highlight any medical conditions. This procedure ensures that I was in the right condition to receive a treatment. The Restylane treatment I received did not require a ‘patch test’. This is because it is made from Hyaluronic Acid which is natural and resembles my own body’s supplies. This also means that there is little to no risk of an allergic reaction. As well as working in harmony with the body, Restylane is a great boost for skin hydration. I hardly feel any pain just a little discomfort when the product is entering the skin. The whole procedure is completed in less than an hour. Would you go again? Yes, I have a big phobia of needles and Becky is wonderfully reassuring and an extremely gentle injector, I would recommend her to my friends and family and I will certainly be returning for a top up in 10 months or even to have some different lines filled. The best thing is, I look a few years younger and it all looks completely natural. Address: Becky Hollands Aesthetics Clinics in Brighton, Hove, A fresh Harley Street. new look Tel: 0797800824 ABSOLUTE
B0411_046_047 Beauty treatments.3 3
47
24/3/11 11:57:16
....everyone’s reading it!
If you would like your business to be included within Absolute Brighton reaching an audience of over 25,000 then call us today on:
0845 3890662 www.absolutebrighton.co.uk THE CITY’S LONGEST ESTABLISHED LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE
B0111_066 FILLER AD2.indd 1
25/1/11 08:58:14
Think outside... ...the chocolate box HappyHopperz® are a collection of bright, inflatable animals that not only rival the space hoppers of the 1970’s but take the bouncing experience to a whole new level. With ears or horns for children to grip on to and sturdy feet to steady the bounce, these colourful Hopperz come in a variety of different animals. Available Nationwide from £19.99 www.argos.co.uk www.happyhopperz.co.uk
Edible Beehive Cookie Jar Help someone spruce up their home décor this Easter with edible creations. This eye-catching beehive cookie jar contains a selection of tasty bee shaped biscuits. £12. www.ukhomeideas.co.uk
Spring Slippers Step into spring in these stylish new slippers from Stasia. Pictured are French Grey and Summer Pudding. £35 per pair www.stasia.com
ABSOLUTE EASTER
EASTER Pampering
There are alternatives to the same old Easter eggs and boxes of chocolates. Why not give an alternative gift this year
Chocolate Therapy With this Champneys Chocolate Wrapper from Prezzy Box your chocolate gift experience will start with a body exfoliation which will perfectly prepare your skin for the sensuous warm chocolate body wrap. And then while you allow this unique calorie-free wrap to work wonders on your skin, you can enjoy the wonderful aroma of chocolate and relax with a gorgeous scalp massage. From £40 www.easter-eggs.org.uk
The Great British Cakes Hamper Combines four of the greatest British cakes to create an ideal gift for any cake lover. Inside the hand-made wicker basket you will find a gorgeous selection of 12 hand made cakes. An ideal gift for a single cake lover up to an office full of them! £29.99 www.funkyhampers.com
A Treat for Feet this Easter Give a gift voucher for this special Easter offer. 30 minute fish pedicure for £20 30 minute fish pedicure and 10 minute foot massage for £30 30 minute fish pedicure and polished finish for £32 Asase Spa 01273 746888 www.asasespa.co.uk ABSOLUTE
B0411_049 easter gifts.indd 1
49
22/3/11 13:13:20
ABSOLUTE RECIPE
Easter lamb
SLOW BRAISED LAMB WITH EXTRA VIRGIN OLIVE OIL MASH Lean lamb slowly cooked with onions and garlic with carrots and celery to delicious tenderness with a rich gravy, served with unctuous olive oil mash and spinach. Serves 4 700g/1½lbs lean lamb - boneless leg, or neck fillet in chunks 2 tbsp seasoned flour 4 tbsp extra virgin olive oil 1 onion, peeled and roughly chopped 2 carrots peeled and in 2.5cm/1inch chunks 4 sticks celery, in 2.5cm/1in chunks 2 cloves garlic, peeled and crushed 300ml/ ½ pt beef stock 300ml/ ½ pt red wine Salt and freshly ground black pepper 1 tbsp finely chopped flat leaf parsley 700g/1 ½ lbs potatoes 4 tbsp extra virgin olive oil 1 egg 225g/8oz leaf spinach More extra virgin olive oil for drizzling
THE PERFECT LAMB ROAST P
rior to cooking your piece of lamb, calculate the cooking time. Weigh the joint and allow 25 minutes per 450g plus 25 minutes. So if your joint weighs 1350g, cooking time will be 1 hour and 40 minutes. This will give you medium cooked lamb, the best way to serve. If you do prefer well done, cook for 30 minutes per 450g plus 30 minutes. After cooking, let the meat rest for at least 15 minutes to allow it to relax and make it easier for carving, so include that in your timetable for the day. Pre-heat the oven to 180 degrees C, gas mark 4. Peel 2 large onions, cut into thick slices and lay in the base of a roasting tin. Wipe the lamb joint with a kitchen towel and place on top of the sliced onions. If the meat is very lean, brush with olive oil. Put some sprigs of rosemary into the meat and cook, uncovered, for the calculated time. You may find it useful to cook the meat perfectly to your requirement each time, to use a food thermometer. Rare: 63–65 degrees C Medium: 70-75 degrees C Well done: 75-80 degrees C Remove the lamb from the tin and place on a carving board. Cover with foil and allow to rest. Sprinkle 2 tablespoons flour into the fat left in the pan with the onions. Stir well to make a paste. Gradually add ¾ pint lamb stock, ¼ pint red wine and 1 dessertspoon redcurrant jelly. Bring to the boil, stirring until the sauce thickens.
Method 1. Toss lamb chunks in seasoned flour, then shake off excess. Heat 2 tbsp of olive oil in a pan and fry lamb chunks all over to brown. Do this in batches. Remove from pan with a slotted spoon and transfer to a flameproof casserole dish. 2. Add 2 tbsp more olive oil to the pan and fry onion to soften but not brown. Add to lamb. Next add carrots and celery and lightly brown. Add to lamb with garlic. Pour over stock and wine and bring to bubbling. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Turn down to simmer, then cook over lowest heat for around 1 ¼ hours, or until lamb is tender. Sprinkle with parsley. 3. Meanwhile, cook potatoes in lightly salted boiling water until soft to the point of a knife. Mash with extra virgin olive oil and egg to fabulous creaminess. Season with freshly ground black pepper. Briefly toss spinach in a pan with a little salted water to wilt. Drain. 4. Serve lamb with mash and spinach on the side. Drizzle mash with more extra virgin olive oil
Slice the meat thickly and serve with sauce and some of the roasted onion from the cooking tin. Accompany with plenty of fresh seasonal vegetables and a glass or two of wine!
50
ABSOLUTE
B0411_050 Roast Lamb recipe.indd1 1
24/3/11 09:49:03
B0211_049 A Bar.indd 1
25/1/11 07:59:44
ABSOLUTE MUSIC EVENT
A regal tribute
Q
The sounds of Queen will rock Borde Hill this summer
T
he Music of Queen – A Rock and Symphonic Spectacular, celebrates the music of one of the truly iconic British bands and is set to be performed in a new, innovative and outstanding way this summer. With over 300 million albums sold worldwide, over four decades of music and 18 number one albums to their names, Queen are recognized as one of the most influential rock bands of all times. Following in the footsteps of the highly successful Jools Holland and 80’s concerts in 2009 & 2010, the show features a full rock band and stars from the West End smash hit musical ‘We Will Rock You’, combined with the 50-piece English National Orchestra, performing epic arrangements of these classic songs as never before. With over sixty performers on stage this has to be one of the biggest rock shows on earth, featuring all of Queen’s classic hits including: A Kind of Magic, Bohemian Rhapsody, Radio Ga Ga, We Are The Champions, Somebody To Love, Who Wants To Live Forever, Killer Queen, Don’t Stop Me Now, Fat Bottomed Girls, I Want It All, and many more. This concert is picnic-style with no seating or cover provided so bring your own seating, rugs, cushions and your picnics. There will be a bar and catering outlets on site. The Music of Queen – A Rock and Symphonic Spectacular, Saturday 13th August Gates open at 5.00pm with the programme commencing from 6.30pm. There will be a spectacular firework finale at approx 10pm Tickets: Adult £35 / Child (ages 5-15) £15/Under 5 years free To book tickets call IML Concerts 01603 660444 or on-line at www.imlconcerts.co.uk Tickets also available from Borde Hill Gardens on 01444 450326.
Bonfire Boy...
Restaurant/Bar owners Would you like us to review your establishment?
“ The Ultimate BBQ Beer ”
Call our team of experts today who will be able to explain to you how you can receive a full page editorial or more
... the verdict of the Judging Panel, awarding Bonfire Boy a joint Gold Medal in the 2002 “Beauty of Hops”
Call 0845 3890662
English Ale Awards.
Let our readers get a taster of what your business is like! ABV 5.8% Harvey & Son (Lewes) Ltd The Bridge Wharf Brewery • 6 Cliffe High Street Lewes • East Sussex BN7 2AH Tel: 01273 480209 www.harveys.org.uk
B0411_052 queen.indd 1
AWA R D W I N N I N G B E E R S EST 1790
24/3/11 11:31:24
ABSOLUTE RESTAURANT REVIEW
A Festival of food Verity Craig dips in to an exquisite eight-course dinner at South Lodge Hotel
O
ne of the most appealing things that I have always found about South Lodge Hotel is that is has kept its original country house feel. From the large open fire that greets you upon entering the main hall, to the original wooden timber surrounds from when the hotel was originally built on the site of an existing modest dwelling in 1883. Even the great care that has always been taken not to disturb the magnificent camellia (growing between the dining room windows) that remains there today. Substantial additions to the building were added in 1911 when the Drawing Room Wing was constructed, and then more recently the large new wing for additional suites and conference rooms. Acres of countryside surrounding this magnificent hotel, all add to a feeling of being miles away from busy city life (even though it is only a short 25mins from Brighton and Hove). And yet, very bravely in 2008, Exclusive Hotels (the group that owns South Lodge Hotel) brought to us The Pass Restaurant. Unlike its sister restaurant The Camellia (also situated in South Lodge),The Pass is a cutting-edge contemporary fine dining experience that serves modern fashionable food in a buzzy atmosphere. Just like its counterpart though,The Pass has gained huge recognition in a short time for the superb dishes that its head chef Matt Gillan and his team deliver; 3AA Rosettes consistently since it launched (a very prestigious award indeed). So it was with enthusiasm that my husband Paul and I went for our eight-course taster meal at this restaurant at which the likes of renowned Michelin starred chef Albert Roux has dined and enjoyed. Upon entering this modern brightly lit and decorated restaurant, you would be forgiven for thinking you have accidentally stepped in to the hotels very swish
kitchen; for it is an ‘open kitchen dining experience’ at The Pass. We were greeted and seated by the hotel’s Deputy Manager Andrew Crompton who as we later discovered is one of the most knowledgeable wine connoisseurs you could meet, adding to the whole eight course dining experience. The state-of-the-art kitchen is immaculate, busy but not at all hectic or noisy. So for those of you that have not experienced an open kitchen dining experience before (or those of you that have and it was a noisy one) I can assure you this dining experience is not; instead you watch the drama unfold, see your dishes being prepared with astounding skill and feel like the many skilled workers are a part of your dining experience in a non-imposing way. It’s a bit like watching Masterchef and the likes. It’s fascinating. Having eight courses suits me perfectly; in fact, I think it is the best way to fully appreciate and digest your food. Rather than having one large plate packed with food that one usually eats quickly and then feels completely full by the end, the smaller sized eight courses give you a chance to have a breather in between. The whole experience lasts longer, so you fully appreciate the many dishes you are eating, but at the same time you leave the restaurant feeling ‘comfortably’ full. The wine at The Pass is carefully selected for each course according to what Matt has chosen for his taster menu (The Pass Experience). As each wine was served to us, Andrew told us a story about it and its region explaining exactly why each wine is the perfect match to blend with each particular course. As each course arrived, we sat in amazement at the beauty of presentation; some commonly used ingredients we didn’t even recognise in their fancy attire! The waitress even joked with us that our carrot
inspired desert was in fact a carrot (it was actually an orange and flora Muscat designed to look like one - delicious). We commented to each other that it was nice that in such a high calibre restaurant, the staff were interactive with us rather than formal in a way that can make people feel uncomfortable. The atmosphere was relaxed yet with the highest standard of service that you would expect from a top restaurant anywhere in the world. But fortunately for those of us living in Sussex, it’s not a world away! We will definitely be returning to The Pass the next time we deserve to be spoilt by Matt Gillan, who must be one of England’s most talented chefs, here in Sussex. Price per head for The Pass Experience: £70 (wine flight is an additional £50) The Pass restaurant can be viewed at: www.southlodgehotel.co.uk South Lodge Hotel, Brighton Road, Nr Horsham,West Sussex. Tel: 01403 891711
South Lodge Hotel can be seen within our Fashion Section (pages 10-15), where it was the location for this issues fashion shoot. ‘Sunday Best’ Special offer from South Lodge to Absolute Brighton readers: Many people have a very special bottle of wine that they keep for a special occasion or to enjoy with someone special. The idea of ‘Sunday Best’ at South Lodge is that visitors can bring that special bottle of wine to the hotel to have with a lunch or dinner on a Sunday at The Pass restaurant; the BYO (bring your own) principle without corkage. Available from April when you book a table for Sunday lunch or dinner at The Pass Restaurant. Talented Head Chef Matt Gillan
ABSOLUTE
B0411_053 South lodge.indd 1
53
23/3/11 11:50:41
DAY’S BUFFET RESTAURANT
Voted Best Chinese Food in Brighton & Hove – The Argus Our food taste is excellent and presentation is magnificent
Treat your MUM on MOTHER’s DAY – Sunday 3rd of April. Bring her to DAY’S and Earn our NEW REWARD CARD! Spend quality time with your loved one Booking is advised to avoid disappointment
We invite you to EAT AS MUCH AS YOU WISH Day’s Restaurant is offering more kinds of dishes for the same great price. Enjoy the wonderful dining experience with the taste and warmth of the Orient hospitality
IT’S HERE – DAY’S BUFFET RESTAURANT REWARD CARD! Please ask and start earning your stamps and rewards
CALL 01273 748 888
Unit 1, 75-79 East Street, Brighton BN1 1NF
B0411_054 ads.indd 1
www.daysrestaurant.com
23/3/11 19:15:39
ABSOLUTE RESTAURANT REVIEW
Fine dining in Hove Rishma Patel samples the delights of the new spring menu at The Connaught
S
pring is in the air and one evening recently I was lucky to be invited to The Connaught in Hove to sample their new spring menu. I have heard such rave reviews about the venue and having previously dined at The Dyke Pub and Kitchen, one of owner Martin Webb’s other gems, I knew we were in for a treat. Martin Webb opened The Connaught in November 2009 and he has transformed it from a tired old boozer into a proper pub with all the trimmings, a roaring log fire, real ales and a separate contemporary dining area. I particularly loved the fact that you can go to The Connaught either for a drink in the bar or to dine separately in a more intimate surrounding. My partner Paul and I were warmly greeted by Krister Greer the Bar Manager and shown through to the restaurant, where our lovely waitress Charlotte showed us to our table.The dining room is light, airy and modern but yet still very cosy. A beautiful backdrop of French Provence Grey is the perfect canvas for the contemporary pop art that adorns the walls adding to the chic décor. Paul and I were pleasantly surprised to see the restaurant and bar were both busy. The large solid wood tables were occupied with families dining, friends catching up over dinner, business meetings and romantic couples enjoying the sumptuous food; The Connaught certainly caters for every occasion. Neil Pennington, the Head Chef, and his young creative team have done a wonderful job using fresh locally sourced organic produce to create a traditional British menu with a modern twist. The Connaught uses a few key suppliers such as Ashmore Farm for the meat, Gill Wing Farm in Kent for the poultry and fish from Brighton and Newhaven Fish Sales; you couldn’t get ingredients fresher and more closer to home if you tried. I enjoyed a lovely crisp glass of Italian Operetto Pinot Grigio Gargenega, whilst Paul had a full bodied glass of Australian Spy Valley Marlborough Pinot Noir.The menu has an excellent variety of dishes whilst still being concise. My favourite part was that Neil and his team still offer the good old-fashioned ‘classics’ such as beer-battered cod with minted pea puree and chunky chips (£11.95) or beef and mushroom Guinness pie with red cabbage mash, pumpkin and parsnips (£10.95) to slightly more modern dishes such as borlotti bean, butternut, broccoli and brie pie with confit onions and mushroom sauce (£9.95) or smoked peppered mackerel with crushed potato and fennel with wilted spinach (£10.25). Charlotte kindly informed us that Neil had made an assiette of starters for us to try. The service was excellent and the food arrived in no time at all. Perfectly presented on a lovely square plate we had warm honey duck and puy lentil pancetta salad with a wild herb pesto (£6.75). The crispy chilli and dill polenta cakes with confit cherry tomato and olive salad (£6.25) were beautifully crunchy on the outside and soft and gooey inside. Next on the plate was the pan seared chilli squid salad with borlotti bean and cherry tomatoes (£7.25) - fabulous tender thin long strips with a refreshing dressing.
The starters were delicious so we couldn’t wait for our mains. I chose the pan fried chicken and chorizo with kalamata olives, thyme new potatoes, pumpkin and kale (£12.95). Wow, my dish looked like a piece of art, the chicken was succulent and tender with a rich meaty gravy adding to the delectable flavour. The pumpkin was sweet and balanced out the saltiness from the wonderfully smokey chorizo. Paul opted for the pan seared sea bass with new potatoes, spring greens with chilli and ginger butter (£13.95). I could tell he thoroughly enjoyed his dish as he was so silent! After our starters and main courses we were about to burst, however with a little encouragement from Charlotte and a sneak peak at the desert menu, we couldn’t resist having a little taste. We were in for a real treat as Neil had created a selection of desserts for us to try. We had the vanilla and ginger cheesecake with rhubarb jelly and a chewy chocolate crumb (£5.50), a wonderful combination. A lovely triangle of dark chocolate tart with honeycomb ice cream and fresh raspberries followed (£5.95). Now I must give the honeycomb ice cream a special mention, this was amazing, thick and luxurious with a real honeycomb taste and chunks of wonderfully sweet honeycomb speckled through it. This was the best ice cream I had ever tasted – and I do eat a lot of ice cream. Last, but not least, was the renowned cinnamon and apple crumble with a clove and flaked almond topping with vanilla ice cream (£5.50). Each mouthful seemed like heaven and best of all it wasn’t too sweet. Having dined like kings and been served like royalty unfortunately we had to leave the lovely friendly and relaxed ambience. Lee Cooper and his team are doing an outstanding job at The Connaught, the service is impeccable and the food is incredible, it is no wonder they have such a loyal customer base. We will most definitely be returning with friends in tow to sample the wonderful cuisine. Anything that Martin Webb touches clearly turns to gold.
The Connaught 48 Hove Street, Hove 01273 206578 www.connaughtpub.co.uk
ABSOLUTE
B0411_055 Connaught.indd 1
55
23/3/11 11:54:05
ABSOLUTE RECIPE
Choccy heaven FROSTED WHITE CHOCOLATE EASTER CAKE
Easy Chocolate Trufffles This recipe makes a large amount, but you can vary flavourings and coatings to make several different varieties. Perfect to give as gifts!
A slice of this Easter cake is as delicious as it sounds. A chocolate delight by James Martin Ingredients: 250g butter, plus a little extra for greasing 140g white chocolate broken into pieces 250ml milk 1 tsp vanilla extract 250g self-raising flour ¼ tsp bicarbonate of soda 300g caster sugar 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
2. Combine the flour, bicarb and sugar in a
For the frosting: 300g tub Philadelphia cheese 85g butter softened 100g icing sugar, sifted Mini eggs to decorate (as an alternative you can use 50g/2oz chopped hazelnuts)
3. To make the frosting, beat together the
Method: 1. Heat oven to 160C/fan 140C/gas 3. Grease a deep 23cm cake tin and line the base with greaseproof paper. Place the butter, white chocolate, milk and vanilla extract in a small saucepan, then heat gently, stirring until melted.
Icing know-how:
56
large bowl with a pinch of salt, then stir in the melted ingredients and eggs until smooth. Pour the batter into the tin, then bake for 1 hour or until the cake is golden, and a skewer inserted into the centre comes out clean. Cool in the tin. Once cool, the cake can be wrapped in cling film and foil (then frozen for up to 1 month, if necessary.) Philadelphia, butter and icing sugar until smooth. Spread over the cake, then decorate with mini eggs. Simple!
Chefs Top Tip! For the icing, don’t over-soften or melt the butter, or your icing will be too soft. It should be at room temperature but not looking greasy. The more you beat, the more you’ll warm the ingredients, and the softer it will become.
Ingredients: 1 (200g) tub cream cheese, softened 350g icing sugar, sifted 500g plain chocolate, melted 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla essence
Method 1. In a large bowl, beat the cream cheese until smooth. Gradually beat in the icing sugar until well blended. Stir in the melted chocolate and vanilla until no streaks remain. Refrigerate for about 1 hour. Shape into 2.5cm balls. Note: You can roll truffles in ground walnuts (or any ground nuts), cocoa, coconut, icing sugar, etc. To flavour truffles with liqueurs or other flavorings, omit vanilla. Divide truffle mixture into thirds. Add 1 tablespoon liqueur (almond, coffee, orange) to each mixture, and mix well. If you wish, decorate the truffles with icing (as pictured).
ABSOLUTE
B0411_056 Easter treats.indd 1
23/3/11 16:45:34
NEWSXTRA PROUD OF YOUR PETUNIAS? SHARE YOUR LOVELY PLANTS WITH OTHER KEEN GARDENERS FOR A DAY
News items brought to you by Mo Hunter-Shine mo@absolutemagazine.co.uk
RENDEZVOUS DONATION TO MAYOR’S CHARITIES
T
he Martlets is looking for people to open their gardens in aid of the hospice. The hospice’s Rachel Chitty said: “Small and quirky or big and rambling, visitors will love it and don’t be daunted by letting people wander around; the hospice will help with organising the day. “If you want to get involved, someone from the hospice will visit you and your garden and have a chat about what to expect. We know there are fabulous gardens all over the area and what owner could resist showing off theirs?” The hospice will promote the event too and make sure you have plenty of posters and flyers to tell your neighbours and friends about the day. Visitor entry will be by donation and garden owners often sell refreshments and plants to help raise money so the Martlets will make sure you have enough volunteers to help out. Last year’s Open Gardens days raised nearly £5,000. If you’d like to open your garden this summer please get in touch with Rachel Chitty in the Fundraising Office on 01273 747455 or email rachel.chitty@themartletshospice.co.uk
Mrs Sally Wells, Campbell Dickson, Rendezvous Marketing Manager Laura Osborn and Mayor Councillor Geoff Wells
T
he Rendezvous Casino’s club director
the Mayor’s charities: The Alzheimers
Campbell Dickson presented the
Society, Macmillan Cancer Support, The
Mayor of Brighton and Hove, Councillor
Martlets Hospice and The Sussex Heart
Geoff Wells with a charitable donation
Charity. The Rendezvous Casino also
of £1000 last month. The money which
fund-raises for Chestnut Tree House,
was raised by staff and customers of
Children’s Hospice in Arundel.
the Rendezvous will be a great help to
BUILD YOUR OWN BIKINI AT BUGSYPANTS
H
ove-based new unique swimwear company www.bugsypants.com launch the first of its kind build your own bikini website this month. You can create your own bikini and choose over 30 colours ... never see anyone in the same bikini again! Bugsy Pants are totally original, fun and British. Bored with the standard shape and fabrics used in bikinis, designer Claire Pimbley decided that the world of swim/ dancewear needed an injection of fun and diversity. Bugsy Pants was born! Truly unique and really good fun ... you have just got to have one!
ABSOLUTE
B0411_057 NEWS APR11.indd 1
57
21/3/11 17:47:11
ABSOLUTE TRAVEL
La Isla Boni Neil Geraghty experiences dancing the ‘Merengue’ style in the Dominican Republic’s cultural heartland
I
t’s 10pm on a Thursday night and a car wash just off Santo Domingo’s glitzy seafront boulevard is getting busy. A cool breeze wafts in from the Caribbean and dissipates the last remnants of the sultry afternoon heat. In a ramshackle outdoor bar, waitresses in lime green hot pants rove around carrying trays of ice cold Presidente beer. A live band strikes up a lilting Merengue rhythm and a cool dude in shades and a baseball cap leads his girlfriend onto the dance
floor. Although she’s wearing skin-tight Capri pants and tottering heels, her hips are soon gyrating in perfect synchronicity with his. Car washes are the Dominican Republic’s poor man’s nightclubs where everyone can enjoy good music and cheap beer. Music is the life blood of Dominicans and whether you’re in a village liquor store or a roadside chicharrón (pork scratchings) shack, the vibrant refrains of Merengue and Bachata are never far away and provide a seductive soundtrack to this happy and welcoming country. Santo Domingo is the birthplace of Latin American culture. It was here in 1496 that Christopher Columbus’s brother, Bartolomé, established the first permanent European city in the Americas. Today, Santo Domingo’s beautiful World Heritage Zona Colonial is a wonderful place to slip into the laid back pace of Dominican life. Grab a seat under the shady Caribbean almond trees outside Café Colón on Colón Square, order a frozen mango juice and sit back to watch the colourful street life. Forget Italians, Dominicans are the bee’s knees at vespa riding. It’s not uncommon to see whole
Cruise ship Santo Domingo
families perched precariously on scooters with mums busily arranging their hair at the back and toddlers standing proudly in front of dad with their hands gripping the handlebars. Colonial Santo Domingo is the school day out capital of the Dominican Republic and the hundreds of well-behaved children with their crisply ironed chinos and immaculately pleated checked skirts could easily take first prize for the smartest school kids on the planet. Wandering around the whitewashed lanes of the Zona Colonial is a delight. Bougainvillea tumbles over crumbling walls, graceful church towers flutter with pretty red, white and blue national flags and Dominican dogs resembling giant Chihuahuas with pointed ears slumber on shady verandas. It’s a city of firsts boasting the first hospital, cathedral, monastery and university in the Americas. The colonial attractions offer a welcome respite from the sultry afternoon heat. Don’t miss the Alcázar de Colón built by Diego Columbus, Christopher’s son, in 1511. The cool airy rooms of this elegant stone palace are packed with an Aladdin’s Cave of fascinating colonial treasures. At nightfall the pavements outside local grocery stores become makeshift bars where after work domino enthusiasts come to pit their skills against fellow aficionados in intensely fought battles. The graceful colonial mansions lining the Zona Colonial’s streets are also home to some of the city’s most popular restaurants. Meson de Bari (Calle Hostos 302) is a great place to get acquainted with the simple, bursting flavours of Dominican cuisine. Don’t miss the light and fluffy empanadas that resemble miniature spicy Cornish pasties. Fish, including the ubiquitous mero (grouper), is
“…the country is also home to the most diverse scenery in the Caribbean. Just half an hour from Santo Domingo’s sprawling suburbs, the lavender blue peaks of the Cordillera Central appear on the horizon.”
invariably good and comes plainly grilled or doused in a tomato, chilli and garlic Creole sauce. If 58
ABSOLUTE
B0411_058_059 Travel Dominican.i2 2
21/3/11 17:26:43
ABSOLUTE TRAVEL
nita The local shop!
you love prawns look out for Arroz con Camarones, a delicious paella lightly spiced with soy sauce. Later in the evening, live music clubs spring to life along the romantically floodlit streets. Cafe Teatro (Calle Arzobisco Merino 110) is one of best and is an essential gig venue for up and coming Dominican musicians. A courtyard bar sparkling with bottles of Brugal rum does a brisk trade in Cuba Libres, while hip students lounge around under the stars swaying to the hottest new Merengue beats.
Santo Domingo Cathedral
The Dominican Republic boasts the largest all inclusive resort industry in the world and it can be hard work tearing yourself away from the sublime palm fringed beaches. However, the country is also home to the most diverse scenery in the Caribbean. Just half an hour from Santo Domingo’s sprawling suburbs the lavender blue peaks of the Cordillera Central appear on the horizon. Nicknamed the Dominican Alps, you can occasionally see dustings of snow on the 3175-metre summit of Pico Duarte. The pace of life in the lush plains surrounding the mountains is wonderfully languid. You’ll always see rocking chairs on verandas of brightly painted corrugated iron houses and in the late afternoon, when the schools pack up, village greens echo to the thud of sleepy baseball games. ABSOLUTE
B0411_058_059 Travel Dominican.i3 3
59
21/3/11 17:26:58
ABSOLUTE TRAVEL Beautiful beach huts
The main motorway heading North West across the island takes you
tobacco leaves. The air is filled with the bittersweet aroma of the leaves
to Santiago, the Dominican Republic’s lively second city. Miguelina’s
and how the workers avoid slicing their fingertips off using the seesaw
bakery (Autopista Duarte Km 91, Bonao), halfway along the motorway, is
curved cutting blades is a mystery.
legendary, and always has long queues of loyal customers stocking up on
The cocoa plantations near Santiago offer a similar aromatic experience
their delicious cakes. There’s a shady little café next to the shop where by
and at Hacienda La Esmeralda a heady sweet chocolate aroma drifting
a tinkling fountain you can enjoy a Morir Soñando, a heavenly smoothie
in the breeze greets you. This immaculately manicured organic plantation
made of fresh orange juice, evaporated milk and crushed ice. It goes well
offers full hands on chocolate experience. Under cool shady cocoa trees
with Jalao, a sticky banana and coconut cake, which is moreish beyond
you can sample seeds straight from the pod. The pith has a delightfully
belief. Santiago’s wealth grew out of the surrounding tobacco plantations
refreshing lemony peach flavour. The villages surrounding the plantation
and at the Centro Leon cultural centre you can visit a traditionally-run
are famous for their rickety wooden Victorian houses and brightly
factory belonging to the renowned Aurora cigar company. Here, the
coloured murals of flowers, birds and butterflies that give an almost 1960’s
nimble fingered workers handcraft 150 cigars a day using 7-year-old
Carnaby St feel to the animated street life. As the road winds up the mountains towards Jarabacoa, the weather cools off and the landscape takes on an almost Alpine quality with slender pine trees dotting lush meadows. Beautiful mountain resorts set in verdant gardens line the swiftly flowing river where you can enjoy the thrills and spills of white water rafting or a more leisurely trot by horseback upstream to the Baiguate waterfall. Don’t forget your swimsuit as a beautiful shallow green pool spreads out beneath the cascading waterfall and the refreshing water feels sublime after jolting along the hot and dusty mountain tracks. If you’re lucky enough to be in the region in February you’ll witness one of the most unique Carnivals in the Caribbean. La Vega’s is the most famous
Baseball is popular
60
and each Sunday the streets are thronged with masked revellers dressed as glittering devils. The Diablos Cojuelos, as they are called, run amok
ABSOLUTE
B0411_058_059 Travel Dominican.i4 4
21/3/11 17:27:02
ABSOLUTE TRAVEL “Car Washes are the Dominican Republic’s poor man’s night clubs where everyone can enjoy good music and cheap beer” through the streets and scare bystanders out of their wits by hitting them on the backside with hard balloons. There’s more than a touch of Halloween about the atmosphere particularly if you run into some of the more sinister characters, such as the semi-naked demons covered in black oil, or zombies
Dancing The Merengue!
covered in powdery clay who threaten to hug you and ruin your clothes if you don’t give them a tip. Make sure you take plenty of small change!
Carnival mask
In amongst the mayhem you’ll spot plenty of stunning Carnival Queens. The Dominican Republic has an illustrious history of beauty pageants and whether they’re dressed up as devils or Miss World, Dominicans are naturals in front of the camera and adore posing for tourists. At night the streets become giant outdoor parties and the streets pulsate to the sounds of Merengue, Bachata and Reggaeton. Whatever the time of year you visit the Dominican Republic, it’s this wonderful music that will stay in your memories long after your trip to this vibrant country is over.
Punta Cana beach
Drying tobacco
For more information on the Dominican Republic visit www.godominicanrepublic.com Air France flies from London to both Punta Cana and Santo Domingo, Las Americas in the Dominican Republic via Paris Charles de Gaulle. Three weekly flights operate to Santo Domingo, Las Americas from London Heathrow via Paris Charles de Gaulle departing at 10:15 and arriving at 18:00 the same day. For more information log on to www.airfrance.co.uk For telephone bookings call 0871 663 3777
B0411_058_059 Travel Dominican.i5 5
21/3/11 17:27:11
Holidays begin
What could be better than a holiday ‘in your own place’ in France, where for at least a week or two, you can do as much or as little as you like?
Something for everyone Close to home, yet a world away, France has all the ingredients for a perfect holiday. Whether you’re into walking, biking, surfing or simply relaxing, you’ll discover miles of glorious countryside, sandy beaches, historic towns, and great attractions.
Pack your car and go With Brittany Ferries you’ll be free to pack all you need, free from airport hassle and free to explore at your own pace. Better still, our routes from Portsmouth, Poole or Plymouth will take you direct to the holiday regions and save you miles of driving through northern France.
Save up to 25% on cottage holidays in France this summer Right now, you can save up to 25% on a selection of Brittany Ferries cottage holidays – even during school holidays! Your holiday includes:
• A superb choice of hand-picked properties across the best regions of France
• Excellent locations – from quaint country retreats, to coastal resorts
• Return ferry travel with your car Book now and you could be enjoying your very own place in France – for less than you’d expect.
For this and more great offers visit
brittanyferries.com/cottages or call 0871 244 0409 where holidays begin Calls cost 10p per minute plus network extras. Offer available on selected properties in France for travel during 2011. Discount applies to basic holiday price and cannot be combined with any other offer. Subject to availability, conditions apply. See website for full details.
ABSOLUTE FESTIVAL
scary stuff! The Circus of Horrors returns to Brighton Fringe Festival
T
his year The Circus of Horrors returns with a specially designed show, exclusively for The Fringe Festival, entitled The Carnival of the Bizarre. The circus has performed at the festival previously and has an almighty following in Sussex, it therefore seemed appropriate that the show returned to the Festival, in this its 15th anniversary year. Previously the show has performed in a traditional Circus tent but this year it will be housed in the beautiful Sabai Pavilion. The opulent surrounding of the Sabai Pavilion basically means that wherever you are sitting inside the venue, you are sure to be close to the action. There will literally be freaks and fantastic circus acts flying all around you. The freaky element of the show consists of the Royal family of Freaks. Led by Circus of Horrors undead Ringmaster Doktor Haze with Captain Dan, the demon dwarf, The Sword Swallowing of Hannibal Helmurto and the return of the legendary Garry Stretch. The Circus element comes from the flying and revolving Reverend, The Bizarre Divas, The Slice Girls, led by Anastasia IV and her astonishing hair hang act, joined by a girl who emerges from a bottle, blade walking and the limbo dancing Voodoo acrobats. Tues 10th to Sunday 22nd May. Sabai Pavilion Victoria Gardens Grand Parade Brighton BN1 1UG 01273 709709 www.brightonfestivalfringe.org.uk
2012 Work in the travel industry?
Love the magazine you’re reading? Want your business to reach an audience of 25,000+ ?
...then let US take YOU there
CRUISE
SALE NOW ON
Call our team today to find out what we can do to increase your business, and at the same time build a relationship with the City’s longest established and respected magazine… Absolute Brighton. We’re here to help! Then YOU can sit back and relax for a change... Telephone: 0845 389 0662 Email: rishma@absolutemagazine.co.uk www.absolutebrighton.tv
B0411_063 TRAVEL ADS.indd 1
BATH TRAVEL goring HASSoCKS rUSTingTon
334 Goring Road 11 Keymer Road 18-20 Ash Lane
(01903) 241221 (01273) 844848 (01903) 856981
24/3/11 13:34:17
ABSOLUTE LOCAL HISTORY
The BRIGHTON BELLE Picture courtesy of The 5BEL Trust
Tim Parker tells of the possible reappearance of a fabulous Brighton treasure
W
ho would have thought it? The 5BEL Trust plans to reintroduce the Brighton Belle on the Brighton line in Olympic year - that’s next year if you had forgotten. Somehow the Trust has collected a sufficient number of the old carriages to form a complete train. These are now being professionally restored in Derby and Chesterfield. “Will the old train be able to keep up?” I asked Neil Marshall, spokesman for the Trust. “Of course” he said. “The carriages were well engineered for their day, but we’re spending a lot of money to improve the ride, safety and top speed. Completing the 51 mile journey from London in under an hour just won’t be a problem.” If you walk from the front of Brighton Railway Station down Trafalgar Street you’ll discover a striking mural painted within the archways. On a dark night, the lighting of the undercroft makes it uncannily real. It’s a window into another time. The umber and cream coloured train waiting to leave the station is the ‘Brighton Belle’. What is it about this train that so captured the imagination of Brighton’s residents and continues to do so? Between 1934 and 1972 (with a break due to the Second World War) this marvellous train would get you from Victoria Station to Brighton in 58 minutes, and in style. In the mornings there would be a full breakfast served by immaculate, friendly but deferential staff. Not only that, the Art Deco Brighton Belle was the world’s first electric inter-city train, a happy marriage of old time luxury and modern technology. I made my first visit to Brighton in May 1959 with my then boss a Mr Murphy, a nice man who was Head of The Victor Silvester Dance Studios. I was his assistant. Quick, Quick, Slow, Slow. How many of you, I wonder, remember Victor Marlborough Silvester and his world famous Dance 64
Orchestra? In those days there were lots of big bands (Sid Dean was a particular favourite in Brighton). Anyway, We caught the 9am train from London Victoria, and for a three shilling supplement we travelled first class and were served a full cooked breakfast or if we preferred, we could have had a pair of kippers. Not only that, but first class passengers had individual armchairs. I remember being very excited; never before had I travelled on such a train and in such style. Mr Murphy did not seem impressed and he certainly wasn’t impressed with me. “For goodness sake, Parker, stop talking - it is not 10 o’clock yet!” When the breakfasts were cleared away, Mr Murphy told me to give our waiter two shillings out of my own pocket. Our Belle arrived in Brighton bang on time. Leaving the station I caught a glimpse of the sea, always a great moment, and saw that the Brighton police wore white pith helmets; they looked very smart. Somebody told me that the white helmets are still in storage in John Street Police Station. If so, I think the police should be told to wear them on sunny weekends and particularly when the Belle is in town! The 5BEL project has a £2m budget to get the Belle back onto the mainline, a reasonable sum with regard to the magnitude of the task. But, what a triumph it would be if once again the Brighton Belle were to become a regular feature on the Brighton Line. It could be - let us say it will be - a major tourist attraction that could help kick start projects like the Brighton Eye, the Hove Leisure Centre and other plans for our city which have been hanging about for far too long. As for the journey from Victoria to Brighton, it will be full of interest for those wishing to see the sea and visit our remarkable city. Just think what we regular London to Brighton commuters take for granted: crossing the Thames, the many different types of houses, towns and streets running down the hill to Horley; the airport
ABSOLUTE
B0411_064_065 TIM Bton Belle.ind2 2
22/3/11 10:18:27
ABSOLUTE LOCAL HISTORY
Picture courtesy of The 5BEL Trust
Picture courtesy of The 5BEL Trust
Picture courtesy of The 5BEL Trust
at Gatwick; Mocatta’s famous viaduct; the Downs; Preston Park and then Brighton Station itself, with its extraordinary vaulted roof. John Betjeman praised Brighton Station for the truly remarkable building that it is. The Brighton Belle represents an important part of our Railway Heritage which was almost destroyed by lack of imagination and the likes of Doctor Beeching. Closing branch line after branch line, he almost destroyed a way of life and sentenced our roads to be forever clogged with motor cars. And to think that for a short period I once worked for Doctor Beeching, (but that was before he was employed by the Government to do their dirty work). Well, no more Parker rambling. But there are some compelling reasons why we should welcome back the Belle. The world’s only electric Pullman train was a style icon for Brighton. Launched by the Southern Railway in 1933, it offered passengers a unique blend of romance, luxury and personal service and a temporary respite from the humdrum and bustle of daily life. The Pullman cars were maintained and refurbished at the Pullman Works at Preston Park (sadly now demolished) where time-served craftsmen hand-painted the distinctive Pullman Livery of umber and cream, and added coach-lines and the regal Pullman Car Company Coat of Arms. Indeed the train really was fit for a king, used as a Royal Train on many occasions, as well as by actors, film stars and the smart set. The last time the Belle ran was in April 1972. There was a party, bands, music and dancing. We in Brighton thought we would never see its like again. But now it seems that, against all the odds, that magnificent train will once more draw into Brighton Station. For more information please visit www.brightonbelle.com
Picture courtesy of The 5BEL Trust
ABSOLUTE
B0411_064_065 TIM Bton Belle.ind3 3
65
22/3/11 10:18:32
ABSOLUTE WHATS ON Picture: NT/PL Robert Morris, and NT/PL John Miller
Family Fun in Sussex this Easter
BUNNY TRAILS! T
C
adbury and the National Trust will team up again to add a magical twist to the traditional family Easter egg hunt over the 2011 Easter weekend. This Easter National Trust places across Sussex will be hosting a bevy of Easter events in some of their spectacular houses and gardens. Set in the grounds of some of the National Trust’s most stunning places, each event is unique to the location hosting it. Youngsters can play detective, hunting high and low for the clues that will lead them to a delicious Cadbury treat as well as enjoying plenty of activities and fresh air. The fun and games will range from traditional Easter Egg Trails and face painting through to more interactive children’s entertainers and outdoor games such as ‘nest ball’. Celebrate Easter at Alfriston Clergy House and find the bunnies hidden around the garden. Banish Easter holiday boredom and bring the family to Petworth House and Park for some funky eco activities. Join in the Easter family fun at Devil’s Dyke, enjoy a glamorous Easter at Standen, or take the quiz and follow the clues around Uppark House and Garden to claim your tasty prize. Traditional Easter trails are also happening at Woolbeding countryside, and across the South Downs. This year the trails will be even more focused on fun as Cadbury puts a spots v stripes twist on the events. Cadbury and the National Trust know that lots of families feel they simply don’t get enough time to spend together; that there’s just never enough time to play together! The Cadbury spots v stripes activities at the Egg Trails will provide mums, dads and even grandparents with a great way of getting involved, promising a fun filled day for the whole family. To join in with the family fun, simply visit the website www.eastereggtrail.com where you can find your nearest Easter Egg Trail event and how to participate.
66
he Eater Bunny Trail will once again be held at the beautiful setting of Borde Hill Garden, Haywards Heath, throughout the Easter holidays from Sunday 3rd to Monday 25th April, and is perfect for children aged 3 - 11 years. Each child who finds the colourful Easter Bunnies hidden around the Garden and solves the word or picture puzzle which each Bunny holds, will be rewarded with a delicious chocolate Easter egg. This great day out is not just a treat for the children however - parents accompanying the youngsters around the Garden can enjoy the extensive collection of camellias, magnolias and rhododendrons which are magnificent at this time of year. Thousands of Spring-flowering bulbs and plants will also make an impressive display in the formal Garden and the tranquil Woodland.
If the Trail isn’t enough exercise for them, the children can use up their surplus energy in the Adventure Playground with climbing frames and zip line. Café Elvira serves morning coffee, delicious home cooked lunches and Sussex cream teas, whilst The Green Tree Gallery is ideal for art and crafts. Entry to the Garden, which includes the Easter activities and the Adventure Playground, is £8.00 per adult, £7.00 Concession and £4.75 per child. Friends of Borde Hill Garden - tickets cost £25.00 per adult and £15.00 per child and provide free Garden and Playground for a whole year. Borde Hill Garden, Balcombe Road, Haywards Heath, West Sussex, RH16 1XP Tel: 01444 884121 bordehill.pr@btinternet.com
Brighton Beer Festival W
elcome to The Brighton Beer Festival - a modern Beer Festival bringing the fun back into drinking. You will find over 250 quality ales, lagers, ciders and stouts carefully selected from around the world. On top of this there will be a range of great live bands to entertain you, live radio broadcasts, games to play, competitions to win, promo girls to serve you, great food stalls and lots more. The festival aims to be environmentally and smoker friendly. f you’ve never tried real ale before here’s your chance! The Old Paddling Pool, Brighton Thursday 14th April - Sunday 17th April £10 www.ents24.com
I
ABSOLUTE
B0411_066 WHATS ON APR11.indd 1
22/3/11 13:52:19
ABSOLUTE EDUCATION
Good for the girls Brighton and Hove High School GDST is the only all-girls all–through (3 – 18) school in Sussex. Brighton and Hove High school believes that consistent success needs to be built on solid foundations and that comes from the best start to a child’s education. The nursery, early years and junior ethos has a ‘can do’ approach, seeing girls as individuals and giving them the confidence to meet challenges with relish not fear. The school’s purpose-built junior site in Hove is spacious and well equipped with specialist areas such as music, art, and sporting facilities such as an Astroturf. At junior level the relationships formed are key to pupils progress and the staff, with ample experience of working with girls, constantly striving to support girls in their learning and offering them a tremendous range of opportunities and experiences. This ethos continues through to the senior school, where the girls continue to flourish through outstanding teaching and learning and a wealth of extra-curricular activities. Complete involvement in the local community is encouraged including raising money for charity. Brighton and Hove High School’s examination results and university successes are evidence of the exceptional
education provided by the staff, in wonderful period buildings and a purpose-built sports complex and science laboratories. A positive approach to learning is one of the greatest gifts that can be given to the girls and this inspires hard-work, confidence and thoughtfulness towards others; in short a platform of excellence for their future. Brighton and Hove High School GDST Montpelier Road, Brighton, BN1 3AT
Tel: 01273 734112 www.bhhs.gdst.net
Brighton & Hove High School A girls’ day school trust school
EARLY YEARS & JUNIOR SCHOOL (3-11) Radinden Manor Road, Hove BN3 6NH
Open Event Saturday 14th May, 9am-noon Open Doors (by appointment) Thursday 19th May, 9:30-11:30am
SENIOR SCHOOL & SIXTH FORM (11-18) Montpelier Road, Brighton BN1 3AT
Artists’ Open House, Brighton Festival Saturday 7th & Sunday 8th May, 11am-4pm For more information contact our admissions secretary on 01273 734112 or e-mail enquiries@bhhs.gdst.net Registered charity number 306983
B0411_067 Education edit.indd 1
22/3/11 14:09:12
ABSOLUTE EDUCATION
Young painters Sussex children launch national painting competition at Cottesmore St Mary’s
For the first time ever the stunning location of West Dean will be home to a three day family‑friendly festival celebrating the best in music, dance, performance, storytelling and creative making. There really is something for everyone with the choice of camping in the grounds, staying in the 19th Century mansion, which is now home to West Dean College, or arriving on a daily basis.
IT IS TRULY AMAZING WHAT YOU WILL SEE, HEAR AND DO AT THIS FESTIVAL. WHY NOT JOIN US TO DISCOVER FOR YOURSELF?
C
hildren at Cottesmore St Mary’s School in Hove are kicking off the national Junior Painter Competition, run
by Sussex-based Sightsavers in partnership with the Royal Academy Schools. “Our theme this year is ‘I care about...’ and we are inviting children to use paint to express what they most care about, from football to the environment and from their pet to their eyesight,” said Jade McShane, Sussex Development Manager at Sightsavers. “With this competition, we aim to promote the use of paint in school classrooms, whilst encouraging children to reflect on sight and blindness amongst their peers. Last year over 5,000 entries were submitted by children aged 4-11 and we hope to receive even more this year.” The winning young painters will have their work exhibited at the Royal Academy of Arts in London alongside the renowned artist and Keeper of the Royal Academy of Arts, Professor Maurice Cockrill RA. Three national winners, one from each category (4-7 years, 8-9 years and 10-11 years), will be selected from a list of regional winners. Thirty-three regional winners’ paintings will be displayed at the Royal Academy of Arts in London, where national winners and their teachers will also be invited to a special awards day, and will receive a set of professional paint brushes. Schools interested in participating in the awards this year can find more at: www.sightsavers.org/juniorpainter or by contacting the Junior Painter of the Year competition helpline on 01444 446 768 for a free entry pack. Entries must be
WEST DEAN COLLEGE AND GARDENS, NEAR CHICHESTER, WEST SUSSEX, PO18 0QZ
B0411_068 Education2.indd 1
submitted by 29th July 2011.
24/3/11 11:22:18
1856(5< 35( 35(3 35(3 '$< %2$5',1*
An all-round education – the most valuable and long-lasting gift we can give our children. Come and meet staff and children on our Open Morning on Thursday, 12th May.
Tel: 01444 400526 www.handcrossparkschool.co.uk Handcross, Haywards Heath, West Sussex, RH17 6HF
B0411_069 Education ads.indd 1
22/3/11 14:13:07
ABSOLUTE EVENTS
e
Racing music!
Book now for these special musical racing evenings coming up
T
his June, Goodwood will be welcoming a different kind of jockey to the racecourse when top international DJs Boy George, Chris Evans and Mark Ronson take to the decks to create a fusion of racing, music and dancing for Friday Night racing. Introducing live music and dancing after racing at Goodwood for the first time, the evenings will be an explosive concoction of superb evening racing followed by some sensational sounds. Located high on the South Downs, the spectacular Parade Ring will be transformed following the last race to become a unique dance floor where racegoers can dance till late into the evening! Tickets for ‘Three Friday Nights’ are on sale now and it is recommend booking in advance to avoid missing out on what will become three of the best party nights in Sussex. The line up for Three Friday Nights consists of: 3rd June 2011 Boy George 10th June 2011 Chris Evans 17th June 2011 Mark Ronson Universally recognised as one of the music scenes most iconic artists, Boy George has sold in excess of 100 million singles and 50 million albums worldwide, both as a performer and songwriter with 80’s super group Culture Club, solo artist and as one of the world’s most successful international DJs. Joining George on the night will be fellow VG Records owner and undoubtedly one of Portugal’s most exported international DJs, Marc Vedo. An award-winning radio personality and former Big Breakfast presenter, Chris Evans is a huge fan
70
of Goodwood and has been a frequent visitor to the historic motor circuit and the racecourse. A self confessed petrolhead, Chris joins forces with Goodwood, for his annual Children In Need auction, to offer Radio 2 listeners the chance to bid to drive the famous hillclimb at the Festival of Speed. Mark Ronson‘s spinning skills have made him a favourite among the inner circle of Hollywood’s elite. He also creates his own music and has collaborated with some of the most innovative people in the music industry. Mark has produced two albums and his songs have appeared in a myriad of commercials, television shows and movies. Free buses will be put on to the Racecourse and back from Midhurst, Petworth and Petersfield town centres. There will also be free shuttle buses running from Chichester train station throughout the evening. Tickets for ‘Three Friday Nights’ are on sale now priced per night at £25 online (£30 via the hotline or on the day) for the Richmond Enclosure and £19 online (£22 via the hotline or on the day) for the Gordon Enclosure. If you’re coming as a group of 10 or more people then tickets cost just £17.60 per person in the Gordon Enclosure. To make the day extra special Goodwood is offering a Champagne Package, which includes four day badges for the Richmond Enclosure and a bottle of chilled Champagne for £125. Book online at www.goodwood.com/horseracing or call 01243 755055.
ABSOLUTE
B0411_070 Goodwood music.indd 1
24/3/11 11:29:37
ABSOLUTE ART BUSINESS PROFILE
The art of success
• original art at affordable prices • stunning selection of contemporary work • free home and business consultancy service
Absolute Brighton asked Paola Calise about her successful Brighton art gallery
artatfive
5 bartholomews brighton bn1 1hg 01273 774222 www.artatfive.com
❁
Calling all Artists & Venues:
Artwave 2011 is Go Please describe your gallery to us: Art at five is situated in the heart of Brighton in the South Lanes and offers a diverse and inspiring selection of original contemporary art. Our aim is to make acquiring art an easy and enjoyable experience in a friendly and informal environment. Where do you source your art from? We offer artwork by the highest calibre of local, national and international artists. So you have local unknown artists as well as established artists? Our selection of work varies from soft landscapes to vibrant florals and abstracts, All work is always of the highest standard by established artists as well as newly emerging talent. Why do you think the art scene is so big in Brighton and Hove? The Brighton art scene acts as a wonderful support for artistic talent. The open house trail, fringe festival and array of art classes, courses and exhibitions are well publicised and enable artists to gain exposure and further their skills. This is all attractive to established artists and budding artists alike!
P
reparations are being made for the annual Artwave Open House Festival, taking place across the Lewes District from Saturday 27th August until Sunday 11th September 2011. Entry forms are now being circulated and are available for download. The Artwave office welcomes applications from individuals and groups wishing to open a studio, living room, conservatory, gallery, garage, garden, smoke house, mill house, tea room, and pretty much any other accessible space suitable for visitors to experience engaging pieces of art and craft, throughout the Lewes District! Artwave is co-ordinated by Lewes District Council and is a not-for-profit visual arts festival which promotes local art and creativity by encouraging professional and amateur artists and craftsmen to showcase their work and introduce residents and visitors to the wealth of skill and talent within the district. If you would like to participate in Artwave 2011 and haven’t yet received an entry form, or you would like further information, please contact the Tourism & Economic Development Department on 01273 484497. Email: artwave@lewes.gov.uk Website: www.artwavefestival.org Please note that entry forms need to be returned by Friday 15th April and all events must be located within the Lewes District.
Art at five 5 Bartholomews Brighton BN1 1HG 01273 774222 www.artatfive.com
B0411_071 art.indd 1
24/3/11 14:49:13
ABSOLUTE MOTORING
The love bug Today’s Volkswagen’s Beetle meets a very different need to its famous predecessor. Jonathan Crouch reports on the current version
I
t seems to make sense, a modern take on the 1960s Love Bug with a folding roof for really getting back to nature and a salt of the earth oil-burning engine chugging away under the bonnet. You certainly get low emissions and good fuel economy with the TDI powerplant, so buyers can paint daisies all over the bodywork safe in the knowledge they’re doing less to poison the local fauna and flora than many other motorists. Yes, the Beetle Cabriolet TDI is fairly clean, but there’s nothing especially environmentally friendly about it, just as there’s nothing old-fashioned or retro about its construction or underlying technology. Visually the car might evoke the old hippy’s favourite VW Beetle convertible (which would be classed as a very dirty car by today’s standards) but it’s actually a MkIV Golf with a trendy topless body to seduce the dewy-eyed nostalgists among us. The Beetle’s TDI engine actually churns out 149g/km of carbon dioxide which is the lowest of all the units offered in the Beetle Cabriolet and with a claimed average economy figure of 50mpg, it’s also by far the most economical: even the smallest petrol unit can only manage 39mpg. Performance is fairly brisk too, with only
the 1.8-litre petrol turbocharged engine giving significantly more forward thrust than the 105bhp TDI unit. The normally aspirated 2.0-litre engine and the 1.9-litre TDI diesel are well-matched adversaries in terms of performance. The petrol unit can reach 60mph in 11.7 seconds from a standing start before eventually running out of steam at 115mph, whereas the TDI does the 0-60mph sprint in 12.4 seconds and has a 110mph top speed. Look beyond these figures, however, and the TDI edges ahead. 240Nm of torque at just 1,800rpm translates to a forceful punch of acceleration that’s easily accessible early in the rev range. It’s delivered in quite a raucous and aggressive fashion, so buyers wanting a smoother driving experience from their Beetle Cabriolet may favour a petrol unit but the diesel definitely has greater flexibility to offer at the engine speeds where most people do most of their driving. On top of this, there’s the TDI’s 50mpg economy compared to the petrol’s 32mpg. The price being asked for the petrol is slightly less than the £18,775 you’ll need to secure a TDI model, but the 2.0-litre car does come with alloy wheels. The 1.9-litre TDI engine makes a solid case for itself in the Beetle
FACTS Price:
£21,055
Max speed:
111
Ins. Grp. (1-20): 8 Length (mm):
4,129
Width (mm):
1,721
Height (mm):
1,502
Weight (kg):
1,840
Warranty (yrs): 3 Warranty (mls): 60,000 Boot Cap. (lte): 201
72
ABSOLUTE
B0411_072_073 Motoring.indd 2
21/3/11 12:00:21
ABSOLUTE MOTORING “Visually the car might evoke the old hippy’s favourite VW Beetle convertible... but it’s actually a MkIV Golf with a trendy topless body to seduce the dewy-eyed nostalgists among us.”
Cabriolet, but how does the rest of the car measure up? The roof is always going to be a key issue with convertible cars and true to form, Volkswagen have done a thorough job of engineering the one you’ll find on the Beetle. Raising or lowering the hood will only take 13 seconds thanks to a slick electrohydraulic system. All you’ll need to do is release a pair of latches on the windscreen header rail and press a button. The hood itself is a clothlined three-layer construction that does a surprisingly good job of cutting down on wind noise when in the upright position and includes a proper heated glass rear window. With the hood up, the car looses its trademark domed roof profile to some extent but fold it away and it perches above the boot opening in an attractive manner that’s reminiscent of the original Beetle. The roof may not come to rest in the boot but don’t expect much space in there for luggage. The repackaging of the Beetle into Cabriolet form has left little room for anything more than a few shopping bags. The suspension on the Beetle Cabriolet is biased towards comfort rather than sporty dynamism and the result is some body roll through corners but there seems to be very little flex in the chassis caused by the absence of a roof. The car feels very solid on the road, just as we’ve come to expect from Volkswagens over the years, but let’s not lose sight of the fact that this is a remarkable achievement in a convertible car.
The Beetle Cabriolet has an interior design that’s far less extrovert than the exterior lines but it’s hard not to be impressed by the quality of the construction and there are a few nice details spread around the cabin. The lovely blue instrument lighting which illuminates only the figures on the speedometer is very attractive, as is the beautifully designed unique-fit stereo and there’s even a flower vase on the dashboard where you can keep your daisy in water! All Beetle Cabriolet TDI models come with electric windows, heated door mirrors, a CD stereo with 10 speakers, airconditioning, ABS brakes, twin front airbags and ESP stability control. The TDI diesel is substantially more expensive than the entry-level 1.4 and 1.6-litre petrol options and even with the fuel economy advantage the oil-burner gives you, it will take years of motoring for the engine to pay for itself. Likewise, if you want a Beetle Cabriolet with a real turn of speed, the 1.8T is the only viable option. Where the TDI unit comes into its own is as a compromise between pace and price. It gives respectable performance with that characteristic low-end grunt while returning the best fuel consumption figures of any model in the range. The Beetle Cabriolet itself is a well-conceived and well-executed product in typical Volkswagen style but it’s the retro look and that degree of quirkiness that will do most to snare buyers in the highly image-conscious small convertible sector.
ABSOLUTE
B0411_072_073 Motoring.indd 3
73
21/3/11 12:00:29
EACH MONTH, ABSOLUTE BRIGHTON WILL BE DELIVERED TO SELECTED HOMES IN PRESTIGIOUS AREAS IN AND AROUND THE CITY. THIS MONTH: WITHDEAN AREA, HOVE
These are some of the many places where you can pick up your copy of Absolute Brighton BRIGHTON Jury’s Inn Hotel Studio 27, Queens Road Parsons, Son and Basley, Queens Road Starbucks, Churchill Square Moksha Café, 4/5 York Place, Jimmy Chop Chop, Trafalgar Street The Laines Deli, 31 Trafalgar Street Easy News, 29 Trafalgar Street The Point Hairdressers, Trafalgar Street Rosalins Hair and Beauty Salon, 78 Trafalgar St Fired Earth, Prince Albert Street Gars, 19 Prince Albert Street Ambience Gallery, Meeting House Lane Kellerwood, 12d Meeting House Lane Jeremy Hoye, 22a Ship Street Brighton Beautique, 14 Ship St She Said, Ship Street Gardens Reiss Clothing, East Street Toni & Guy, 68 East Street Champneys, 24 East Street Madame Geisha, East Street Regent Arcade Art at Five, Bartholomews Karen Millen, Nile Street Velvet, Bond Street Art @ Tailor Made, 3 Brighton Square Solutions inc, Hannington Quarter, Donatellos, 1-3 Brighton Square Fratellis, 20 Brighton Square Starbucks, Market Square Elite dressmakers, The Lanes Browns, Duke Street Powder, 5a Duke St Look Fantastic, Duke Street Havana Restaurant, 32 Duke Street Hotel Du Vin, 2-6 Ship Street Electric, 18 Ship Street Leone Clare, Upper North Street Sabai Thai Restaurant. 165-169 Princes Place, North Street Juice FM, North Street All Bar One, Pavilion Buildings Dome Box Office, New Road Treatment Rooms, 21 New Road Okinami Restaurant, New Road Shine Hairdressers, Gloucester Road Midnight Communications, Foundry St Priory Partnership, Frederick Place Tower Point, North Road Wagamamas, North Road Myhotel, 17 Jubilee Square Skin Clinics, Jubilee Square LA Fitness, North Road O-zone, 21 – 23 Church Street Aruna Newsagents, 55 Gardner Street AIB Bank, Marlborough Place Graves Jenkins, 26 Marlborough Place Healys Solicitors, 8 Old Steine Venus Hairdresser, Old Steine Terraces, Madeira Drive Caffyns showroom, Preston Road,
Wynne Baxter, 15-19 Dyke Road Blenios, Seven Dials Uden Estate Agents, Seven Dials John Hoole Estate Agents, 214 Dyke Rd Dyke Golf Club, Devil’s Dyke, Dyke Road The Clinic Chiropractors, 34 Dyke Road Avenue Albion Hotel, King’s Road Parade Brighton Centre, Kings Road Brighton Metropole, Kings Road Cavendish House, Kings Road The Grand, Kings Road The Thistle Hotel, Bartholomews Old Ship Hotel, Kings Road Holiday Inn, 137 Kings Rd, Kings Hotel, 139-141 Kings Road Marina West Hotel, 26 Oriental Place Brighton House Hotel, 52 Regency Sq Pelirocco Hotel, 10 Regency Square Hotel Una, 55 Regency Square Brighton Racecourse, Freshfield Road
KEMPTOWN Seaspray Hotel, 25 New Steine The Square Hotel, 4 New Steine New Steine Hotel, 12a New Steine New Madeira Hotel, Marine Parade Drakes Hotel, 44 Marine Parade Brighton Laser Clinic, Marine Parade Sun Qube 66 St George’s Road Spruce, 11 George Street Gin Gin Restaurant, 74 St James Street Forde Hairdressers, 88 St James Street Top to Toe, 46 Upper St James Street Four Seasons, 3 Upper Rock Gardens Alvia Hotel, 36 Upper Rock Gardens
BRIGHTON MARINA Karma, Waterfront Seatle Hotel, Waterfront Rendezvous Casino David Lloyd, Marina Walk of Fame Café, Waterfront Neilson, Locksview ASDA (Petrol station) Marina Dental Care, Marina Square
HOVE Skerritts, 23 Coleridge Street Tranquility in the City, 12 Boundary Rd Eaton Road Dental Practise, Eaton Rd The Cricketers, Hove Cricket Ground Tai Hair and Beauty, 7 Blatchington Rd Robbies Car Wash, Hove Station Toast of Brighton, 40 Church Road La Fourchette, 42 Church Road Tingleys, 46 Church Road Callaways Estate Agents, 59 Church Rd Fabulous Floors, 67 Church Road Harry’s, Church Road Alpha Contracts, 51–53 Church Road Havana Spoon, 70-72 Church Road Mishon Welton Estates, 94 Church Rd
Waves, 99 Church Road Property Moves, 109 Church Road Hove Family Dental Practice, 11 New Church Road Misty’s, 116 Church Road Coffee Republic, 57 Church Road Mishon Mackay, 170 Church Road Clinic Nine, 212 Church Road Lansdowne Place Hotel, Lansdowne Pl Arscotts, 54 Lansdowne Place Caffé Nero, The Drive Starbucks, Western Road Brighton White, 2 Hampton Place Design Interiors, 56 Western Road Beauty Secrets, 65 Western Road Hove Kitchen, Western Road Caffe Nero, 208 Western Road Coffee Republic, 55 Western Road Spektra Hairdressing, 69 Western Road, Intoto Kitchens, 119/120 Western Road Nail Studio, 1 Brunswick Rd Brunswick Pub, Brunswick Road GK UNA hair salon, 19 Upper Market St Tin Drum, Second Ave Le Lion D’or, George Street The Hair and Nail Loft, George Street Diamond Nails, George Street Murray Media, 1 Blatchington Road Babylon Lounge, Western Esplanade The Lawns Café, Hove Lawns, Kingsway Hove Practice, 28 Wilbury Road Gym and Tonic, 42 Queen Victoria Road
PORTSLADE Tooth Smart, 137 Portland Road, Hove Heart FM, Franklin Road, Portslade Rivervale cars (Mazda), Victoria Rd Caffyns Volvo, Victoria Road, Portslade Hair and Beauty Lounge, Portland Road Westbourne Motors, 270 Portland Road TJ Signs, Portland Business Park
SHOREHAM/LANCING SOUTHWICK Frosts Cars, Brighton Road, Shoreham Glam, 14a High Street, Shoreham Stephanie Reed, 80 High Street Crown and Anchor, High St, Shoreham Identity Hair Salon, High St, Shoreham Showtec, High St, Shoreham The Smile Studio, East St, Shoreham Hair and Nail lounge, 30 East Street, Crop Shop, 7 St Mary’s Road, Shoreham The Holmbush shopping centre Shoreham Airport Style and Silver, Bank House, Southwick Square
WORTHING Bryce’s Seafood, The Steine The Fish Factory, Brighton Sofa, Marine Parade Casa Ciro, Marine Parade
Richard John Hair, 2 - 4 Royal Arcade Splash FM, Guildbourne Centre Shaun Slater Gould, Ann Street Liming Restaurant, 13/15 New Street Food Restaurant, New Street Euphoric. 17 Chandos Road Burlington Hotel, Marine Parade (Gio’s) Tangerine Bar, Marine Parade Caffyns Plc, Goring Rd, Goring Montage, 29 Brighton Road
BURGESS HILL Porsche Mid-Sussex, York Road Burgess Hill Girls School, Keymer Road
LEWES Lewes District Council, Southover House, Southover Rd Chalk Gallery, 4 North Street Gorringes, 15 North Street Gorringes, Market Street Lewes Estates, High Street The Crown Inn, 191 High Street Seasons Of Lewes, 199 High Street Artisan, 197 High Street Cubitt & West, 209 High Street Wycherley Estate Agents, 56 High Street Cheese Please, 46 High Street Bone, 36 High Street White Hart Hotel, High Street Pelham House Hotel, High Street Wynne Baxter, 221 High Street Shelleys Hotel, High Street Dome Hairdressing, High Street Laportes, 1 Lansdowne Place Esquire, 3 Lansdowne Place Equilibrium Health Centre, 16 Station St Avant Garde, 28 High Street Oyster lingerie, 5 North Court Dorset pub, 22 Malling St
OTHER AREAS Harwoods, London Road, Pulborough Polka Dot, Hurstpierpoint South Lodge Hotel, Lower Beeding The Royal Oak, Poynings Tottington Manor, Edburton, Henfield NK Hair, Brick Lane Henfield Richwards Estate Agents, Henfield White Mischief Weddings, Henfield Ghyll Manor, High St, Rusper Ripples Bathrooms, Keymer Rd, Hassocks Shepherd and Dog, Fulking White Horse Hotel, Rottingdean Bright on Beauty, Rottingdean Angels n’ Saints, Rottingdean Buxted Park, Uckfield Baloos, Woodmancote The Ginger Fox, Woodmancote Cowdray Park, Cowdray, Midhurst Cherrywood Events, Stanmer House
THESE ARE JUST SOME OF THE MANY PLACES YOU CAN PICK UP YOUR FREE COPY 74
ABSOLUTE
B0411_074 DISTRIBUTION.indd 1
22/3/11 18:22:43
From classic Colonial to New Cool, Havana brings you a new brasserie, bar and late night lounge in Hove. Havana Spoon has a new look, a new French chef with a new menu that builds on the Havana brand with a glamorous modern twist
Spoon NOW OPEN
70 - 72 Church Road, Hove. Telephone: 01273 651651 www.havanaspoon.co uk
B0411_075 Spoon APR11.indd 1
23/3/11 10:26:27
8QORFNLQJ \RXU FKLOG·V WUXH SRWHQWLDO
+XUVW XQGHUZHQW DQ ,6, ,QVSHFWLRQ LQ -DQXDU\ 7R UHDG RXU ¶([FHOOHQW· ,QVSHFWLRQ 5HSRUWV SOHDVH YLVLW RXU ZHEVLWH ZZZ KSSF FR XN
)RU GHWDLOV RI RXU 2SHQ 0RUQLQJ RQ WK 0D\ RU WR DUUDQJH D SHUVRQDO YLVLW SOHDVH FRQWDFW $GPLVVLRQV RQ RU HPDLO DGPLVVLRQV#KSSF FR XN +XUVWSLHUSRLQW &ROOHJH &ROOHJH /DQH +XUVWSLHUSRLQW :HVW 6XVVH[ %1 -6
B0411_076 HURSTPIERPOINT.indd 1
22/3/11 18:20:41