folio186 by Sarah Malone

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bristol & bath

the west’s best lifest yle m ag

july 2010 l No. 186

plus Summer fashion for kids l Weekend breaks just an easy car ride away l Fabulous family days out l Win tickets to Les Mis at Bristol's Hippodrome

Come dine Signatures.. with us The West’s best restaurants, top chefs, and their favourite recipes

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Folio serves up a glamorous batch of recipes created specially for you by the South West’s top-name chefs, with wines carefully selected by Matthew Clark

Beauty fashion food & drink health interiors people property what’s on l

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Folio The best in the West

Food for thought

People

t’s with enormous and frankly greedy pleasure that we welcome you to the July issue of Folio. it’s packed to bursting with summertime reads, from edifying days out for the whole family to local short breaks via a fashion special devoted to little ones, so there are simply no excuses for being at a loose end this holiday season. This issue also marks the launch of our fabulous new Signatures supplement – a celebration of the rich larder we’re fortunate enough to enjoy here in the South West, turned into the most exquisite dishes by a large handful of the very biggest local names (think Michael Caines and Mitch Tonks, for tasters…). With wines to complement each recipe from our kitchen stars recommended by those purveyors of gluggable taste, Matthew Clark, we predict a signiﬁcant upsurge in the dinner party stakes this summer! in a similar vein, Melissa Blease rounds up the local food producers who’ve been creating stampedes in supermarket and deli aisles across the country – there really must be something stellar in the pastures round these parts. We hope you enjoy the issue,

4 Steve Wright chats to Joss Ackland about Bristol’s forthcoming oxfam Bookfest 7 Melissa Blease takes a turn with Martin Salter, concierge of Bath’s Jane Austen Centre

Features 8 Eugene Byrne cherrypicks his favourite family days out 18 Ben Welch on why we should all make more use of our City Farms

What’sOn 22 Theatre, music, ﬁlm and other events in July

Food&Drink

18 8

38 Raise a glass to our local food producers with Melissa Blease 35 Melissa Blease is enraptured by lucknam Park 37 Mike Gartside enjoys comfort food at its most deluxe at Clifton Sausage

LifeStyle 51 NeW Shop of the Month - Rachel nott visits high-end bridal boutique Caroline Castigliano 53 Fashion - niki Whittle gets your tots togged out 59 Beauty - Mike Gartside swaps crazy professor for debonair at the RSR Men’s Hair salon 63 Health – The latest news from the world of wellbeing 66 Education – An in-depth look at the latest adult courses 70 Motoring – The latest news from the motor industry 73 Travel – Top 10 short breaks

Rachel nott Folio editor

SiGnATURES RoN FAulkNeR

Ron Faulkner

Age: 39 Nationality: British / South African Restaurant: Ronnie’s

on Faulkner is one of the South West’s

Ron Faulkner at

Ronnie’s

most celebrated chefs, now placed ﬁrmly at the front of his

profession after winning the Good Food

Guide’s Readers’ Restaurant of the Year 2009. Ron moved west after reading an honours degree in food while working with the heavyhitting catering team at Mosimann’s Party Service. Under Anton Mosimann’s tutorage, Ron was called upon to cater for major events like the Prince of Wales’ 50th Birthday at Highgrove and the McEnroe-Borg charity tennis match at Buckingham Palace. After Ronnie spending two years at the stoves in his ﬁrst solo venture, his self-titled restaurant Ronnie’s, his sous chef George Kostka has now been promoted to head chef. George and Ron work closely together, creating innovative recipes from locally sourced produce. Ron loves nothing more than to take a classical dish and give it a modern twist with one clear focus - to let the quality of the ingredients shine.

“one of the area’s most loved restaurants, awarded the Which? Good Food Guide Restaurant of the Year 2009”

Address: 11 St Mary St, Thornbury, Bristol BS35 2AB Telephone: 0800 849 4433 Web: www.ronnies-restaurant.co.uk

Since opening in 2007, Ronnie’s restaurant and coffee lounge has grown to become one of the area’s most loved restaurants, awarded the Which? Good Food Guide Restaurant of the Year 2009. Chef/proprietor Ron Faulkner focuses on quality, freshness and locally sourced ingredients to present tasty modern European cuisine. But food isn’t Ronnie’s only focus - the setting and service ensure a sublime dining experience, too. Decor is minimalist, with the stone walls of the 17th century schoolhouse exposed. A touch of class shines through with solid oak floors, leather chairs, mahogany tables and Riedel crystal, but all in a comfortable, understated way. The feel is casual and unpretentious but sophisticated, and the service relaxed and informal. Well-versed staff are happy to guide you through your dining experience, whether it’s a quick midweek dinner or full-blown celebration. Along with innovative cocktails like the Elderflower Martini, you’ll find an award-winning wine list that takes you from the old world to the new, categorising wines by grape variety. Selecting wines only from small boutique wineries, each is chosen to specifically highlight the successes they’ve brought to their region on the world stage. With the walls showing work by local artists, Ronnie’s is a great example of modern dining at its best, and all at a very modest price. Mid-week promotions ensure there’s always a buzz of chatter as guests soak up the West Country’s latest gastronomic delights.

Caramel i s ed lemon tart Ingredients Pastry: 120g unsalted butter 80g icing sugar 25g ground almonds 1 egg 250g plain ﬂour 1 egg yolk Lemon custard: 8 eggs 140ml lemon juice 300g caster sugar 200ml double cream The ﬁnish: 50g icing sugar 150ml raspberry coulis

To make: Whisk butter and sugar together with an electric mixer. once it’s light, fluffy and has turned pale, add almonds. Slowly incorporate the egg, ensuring the mix doesn’t split. Gently fold in flour, roll dough into a ball and wrap in Clingfilm. Place dough in fridge for 45 mins to rest and harden. Preheat oven to 180°C. Roll dough into a circular sheet 4mm thick. Place dough over a 10-inch tart ring and line, ensuring pastry is pushed into the sides. leave edges hanging over the ring - the pastry will shrink during cooking. Cover pastry with baking paper, weigh it down with baking beads. Bake for 15 mins. Remove baking beads and baking paper, brush pastry with egg yolk. Ensure there are no cracks in pastry or the lemon custard will run out. Bake for a further 5 mins. Reduce oven temperature to 120°C. To make lemon custard, bring cream to a gentle simmer. Mix eggs and sugar together and add lemon juice. Pour the hot cream into the egg mixture while whisking. Pour the warm mixture through a fine sieve into the pastry case, bake for 35 mins. Custard should be just set and a little wobbly. leave to cool before serving. To serve, use a sharp knife and cut away excess pastry. Cut tart into 10 pieces, dust each piece with icing sugar and caramelise with a blowtorch. Place a little coulis on plate and place a slice of the tart on top.

SiGnATURES RoN FAulkNeR

Matthew Clark recommends... Wine Chateau Du Seuil, Cérons The wine i have chosen for this dish comes from a tiny region in Bordeaux, just north of Sauternes in the appellation of Cérons. like Sauternes, this wine is sweet but with a light citrus character that matches the lemon acidity of this dish beautifully. Alongside this, the slight almondy character enhances the delicate ﬂavour of the almonds in the tart. Whilst complementing the ﬂavours within the dish superbly, this wine also refreshes the palate.

HomeFront 80 our interiors experts answer your domestic dilemmas 85 lesley Taylor gets the look for stylish summer socialising 88 Trish Gibson offers new hope for weedridden pathways

Property

90 Property news 92 let’s move to Tetbury

Finale 97 Competitions 98 Street Chic

Subscribe to folio Just send a cheque for £20 (payable to Folio) to our Bristol address and you’ll get the next 14 issues sent to your home - the only way to guarantee you’ll get every copy of the West’s fastest-growing lifestyle magazine. folio Bristol 4th Floor, Bristol news & Media, Temple Way, Bristol, BS99 7HD tel 0117 942 8491 fax 0117 934 3566 email editor@foliomagazine.co.uk folio Bath Bath news & Media, Floor 2, Westpoint, James West St, Bath BA1 1Un tel 01225 429801 fax 01225 447602 Editor Rachel nott Deputy Editor Mike Gartside Group Editor Dave Higgitt Production Manager Cath Evans Creative Director lee Caple Advertising Production Joe Braun, David Myring, Sarah Clark Picture Editor Joao Barata Sub-editor Jo Renshaw Publications Co-ordinators Emma Gorton, Ruth Stuart-Torrie Commercial Manager Becky Davis Advertising Simon Whitehouse, nejla Unal, Ben Wright, Mike Swift, Adam Burrows, Kerry Walker, Danny Ford Distribution Dave Higgitt Ring us now for details of how to reach our 75,000 readers - and if you’re a reader, contact our advertisers now! Do please let them know where you read about their services. Thank you. Folio articles preceded by the words ‘Folio Profile’ have been supplied by a third party, and the information contained within them does not necessarily constitute a direct recommendation by the publishers. However, we only accept submissions from bona fide companies whom we know from long experience to provide quality goods or services.

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motoring motoring

Q&A

ACTOR JOSS ACKLAND CBE NEVER SPENT A NIGHT APART FROM HIS BELOVED WIFE. HE TELLS US ABOUT HER DIARIES, WHICH HE EDITED AFTER HER DEATH

worDS Steve wright

oss Ackland has appeared in over 130 films, including The Hunt for Red October, White Mischief and Passion of Mind. He was married for 51 years to actress Rosemary Kirkcaldy, and the two apparently never spent a night apart. They spent some of their early married life in Malawi, where Joss worked as a tea planter. Rosemary died from motor neurone disease in 2002: Joss has now edited her diaries under the title My Better Half and Me. How did you find the process of editing Rosemary’s diaries? I spent six years editing them. Rosemary kept them from the age of 15 to the day she died, in journals of all different sizes – whatever she could find to write on each year. Some are written in small handwriting in tiny diaries – so simply reading the material, and deciding what to edit, presented a problem. But I found the whole process very cathartic. While editing the diaries I still felt close to Rosemary. Only when I finished the whole project did I actually think she’d gone. Have you given a truthful picture of your marriage and of Rosemary’s illness? There was nothing I didn’t want to share with the world – this is Rosemary’s book and I wanted to provide an accurate picture of her thoughts and feelings. Some people have commented on how much sex there is in the book. But this is something I specifically wanted to keep in – especially later on in the diaries, to show that, even with motor neurone disease, life goes on. What made you leave England for Malawi in the 1950s? Things were very tough. I was acting in Coventry and we had two children. It wasn’t long after the war, and Coventry had been so badly bombed that accommodation was scarce. Rosemary was walking in the country, pushing the pram with the children every day, trying to find lodgings. One night she called and said that things were too tough and she thought she should return to Africa, where she’d grown up. We were talking on the payphone – we only had enough money for

occasional threeminute chats – and I put another coin in the slot and said that I’d come with her. I was part way through a play at the time and just left. Is it true that you’ve made one or two films you aren’t that proud of? I’ve had to do a number of roles simply out of necessity. This book, I think, celebrates three records. The first is the length of Rosemary’s diary. The second is the fact that I have more children (seven), grandchildren (32) and greatgrandchildren than any living actor, and the third is that I’ve played more roles than any other living actor. But yes, I’ve done an awful lot of crap among the gems that I’m really proud of.

my personality. While most people aren’t happy if they don’t know what they’ll be doing in six months’ time, I’m unhappy if I do. But it can be very tough. What do you hope readers take from the book? An awareness of what it’s really like to have motor neurone disease – and that, despite diagnosis, life really can go on. What’s the secret to a long and happy partnership? Loving the other person more than you love yourself – and this must be true of both people in the partnership. Joss Ackland will discuss My Better Half and Me at Bristol Old Vic on Sat 17 July, in a special Hay Festival Oxfam Bookfest event. Tickets, £5, from: www.hayfestival.org/ oxfambookfest My Better Half and Me is published by Ebury Press

Are you glad to have devoted your professional life to acting? No one in their right mind becomes an actor – it’s an industry in which your average actor is working only 16 per cent of the time. But it suited

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...SEEN SOMEONE YOU FANCY? Too shy / embarrassed / drunk to speak to them directly? Place an I Saw You ad in Venue magazine - FREE! email your free I Saw Youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s to isawyou@venue.co.uk

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motoring motoring

Q&a

JANE AUSTEN CENTRE CONCIERGE MARTIN SALTER TELLS US HOW IT FEELS TO HAVE BEEN CHOSEN AS THE POSTER BOY FOR BRITISH TOURISM WEEK

worDS meliSSa bleaSe

artin Salter was born in Bath in 1963. No stranger to wearing a uniform of full, authentic Regency regalia, he worked in the Pump Rooms at the Roman Baths for 21 years before he took up the position of concierge at the Jane Austen Centre in 2006 - a permanent exhibition dedicated to the life and times of one of Bath’s most famous residents. In March this year, a photograph of Martin was selected by VisitBritain, the UK’s official tourism organisation, to represent British tourism across the globe. How did you first become involved with the Jane Austen centre? In 2005, I was asked to attend the Jane Austen Promenade - the event that marks the opening of the annual Jane Austen Festival, held every autumn. The following year I was invited to be guest of honour, opening the festival itself. That’s how I met David Baldock, director of the Jane Austen Centre. When ill health forced me to leave the Pump Rooms, David offered me a job. What does Jane Austen mean to you? Jane Austen had the intelligence to perceive and write about the realities of life in her time in a fair, accurate, unbiased, entertaining, funny and romantic way, always with poetic justice. Long may her memory remain! And what do you think Austen’s enduring appeal is to millions of fans across the globe? She was a perceptive, honest writer, and a little bit of romance never goes amiss. Most people like romance, but honesty is important, too. Jane combines both. You meet and greet thousands of tourists a year. How on earth do you manage to maintain such a friendly welcome to all? First, you must be happy in yourself: if you’re happy, other people will feel happy, and this keeps me smiling and laughing all day. Second, you must be as perceptive as Jane Austen was: keep a clear head and consider people according to their needs. Third, you must be able to laugh at yourself - ha ha ha, all day long!

Q&A Martin Salter 186.indd 3

Martin (left) pictured with Bath MP Don Foster

Which of Jane Austen’s wonderful women would you choose as your leading lady? I would most definitely choose Elinor Dashwood, the main protagonist of Sense and Sensibility. She’s sensible and knows how to behave in public, thus being the perfect ambassador on my behalf if other duties take me away from my post. How did it feel to be chosen as the face for British Tourism Week? It felt like a great honour and a privilege, and gave me great confidence in the knowledge that I was doing something useful - both for the Bath community and by representing my country across the world in the way it so richly deserves.

the majority of people appreciate seeing someone a lot less boring than the average 21st century, everyday, week-to-week regular resident going about their daily business. What are the best - and worst! - aspects of living in Bath? I try not to be a negative person, but my pet hate is all the cigarette stubs on the pavement: if you must smoke, get a pipe - it’s far more elegant. But, generally, Bath is wonderful: the majority of people are friendly and welcoming, and the buildings are so fine - they let more light in than Darth Vader’s Lightsabre! Also, there are lots of really great restaurants serving really topquality food. Overall, I feel very privileged to live here. The Jane Austen Centre 40 Gay St, Bath. Ffi: 01225 443000, www.janeausten.co.uk

You’re often spotted shopping or enjoying a post-work pint in full character/costume. How do the locals react to seeing such a well turned-out gentleman out and about on the city’s streets? People love it! It wakes them up and gives them a smile. Some may think it odd, but

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feature

summer of loveliness

Another glorious day of sunshine ahead but not sure where best to spend it? Let Eugene Byrne do all the hard work for you with his pick of the very best family days out

Clevedon Pier at sunset

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feature tOWNS & VILLaGeS BIBURY Arguably the prettiest village in the Cotswolds. No less a village-fancier than William Morris himself described this as his idea of the perfect English village. Lovely old stone cottages, a stream running through the middle with trout in it… and squillions of day-trippers passing through to admire it. Best visited on a rainy day as this keeps the visitors away and brings the trout to the surface. BOURTON-ON-THE-WATER Great big sprawling powerhouse of fun in the middle of the Cotswolds, which appears to have sprung up on the theory that several carloads of visitors will include children who won’t be content to admire the scenery and end the day with a nice cream tea. So, Bourton has, among other things, the Birdland Park and Gardens and loads of other attractions, including a model railway, the Fundays Playbarn, a model village (it’s a 1/100th scale model of Bourton, which of course includes a 1/1000th scale model of the model village!), a perfumery, the Cotswold Motor Museum and the wonderful Dragonfly Maze, which you’re supposed to travel through in search of the golden dragonfly.

William Morris described Bibury as the perfect English village

CASTLE COMBE Best known as the home of the racing circuit (where you can go and play with some fantastic toys for big boys), the nearby village is to die for. Nearby Lacock is the loveliest village in the West, but Castle Combe comes a close second. Worth stopping at for a wander through if you’re passing by. Also good for people watching many visitors treat a visit to CC (or Lacock) in the same spirit as paying to visit a National Trust property and think this gives them some right to gawp through the doors and windows of private houses and photograph the living rooms of complete strangers! CHELTENHAM Either one of the most civilised towns in England or one of the most snooty, depending on your point of view. The old middle part of town is very well to do, growing up in Regency times as a spa resort where the upper crust went to take the waters. These days, it’s very pleasant to wander round – aside from the excellent shopping opportunities, it has some extremely impressive parks, and the Art Gallery and Museum is very good, especially if you’re interested in the Arts and Crafts movement (www.cheltenhammuseum.org.uk). Cheltenham is also home to the Holst Birthplace Museum, the house where composer Gustav Holst was born in 1874, which has been restored to a late Victorian/Edwardian condition (www. holstmuseum.org.uk). CLEVEDON Weston-super-Mare’s smaller and more upmarket relative became a resort in Victorian/ Edwardian times, but never really took itself that seriously as such because the ‘beach’ is an unprepossessing bunch of rocks. These days it’s a very pleasant little old town that, in the central area at least, retains its old-fashioned charm. ➜

Castle Combe village

Bourton-on-the-Water

Gloucester Cathedral

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feature A lot of its success may well be based on a population who’ve got into the habit of doing stuff for the greater good of the community - the fabulous pier restoration is a stunning monument to civic effort - and it also supports the brilliant Curzon Cinema, the oldest stillfunctioning, purpose-built cinema in the world. Lots of interesting little shops, a breezy seafront and that wonderful pier make Clevedon the ideal Sunday-morning/afternoon hangover cure. There are also very pleasant coastal walks (both to the north and south of the seafront) that are worth exploring. Alfred Lord Tennyson and William Makepeace Thackeray both hung out here in their time, you know. MALMESBURY Despite the best efforts of the internal combustion engine to wreck the place, Malmesbury remains one of the most attractive small towns in all England. There’s the halfruined, half-occupied Abbey, the Abbey House Gardens, a lovely water meadow and a high street full of real shops, plus a goodly selection of ancient-looking pubs. The place does make a bit of a fetish of its huge amount of history, but you can’t blame it because there’s so much of it, and a lot of it’s pretty weird. Look on the internet or find a guidebook before visiting to bone up on all the strange things and interesting characters in order to get the most out of it.

Hare up to Cheltenham...

MELLS Easily one of the most beautiful old villages in England. There’s a highly regarded gastro-pub (the Talbot Inn) and the place is particularly rich in first world war resonances. The church has a beautiful memorial to the last male member of the Horner family, who was killed in WW1, and Siegfried Sassoon is buried in the churchyard. The Horners’ fortunes were founded by one John Horner, who grabbed the local manor when Henry VIII dissolved the monasteries hence the nursery rhyme about Little Jack Horner pulling himself a plum. A walk from here to nearby Great Elm is very lovely.

HOuSeS & GarDeNS

... or enjoy the tranquility of Mells

Malmesbury Abbey

BARRINGTON COURT Barrington, Somerset. Open daily (except Wed) until 31 Oct 11am-5pm, Sat & Sun 6-28 Nov 11am-4pm, admission £9.05 adult/£3.95 child/£21.75 family. Ffi: 01460 241938, www. nationaltrust.org.uk/barrington • Series of gardens influenced by Gertrude Jekyll and laid out as ‘rooms’, with particularly attractive walled gardens. The whole place has a strange sort of decayed atmosphere to it. Though it’s perfectly well maintained, it doesn’t have the prissy, wellclipped formality you find at some other National Trust places. The house, which was built in Elizabethan times, has a long and colourful history - it was disused for a long time, then revived in the early 20th century. Main points of interest are enigmatic carvings and wall panellings, and an ancient toilet in the entrance hall. BRISTOL UNIVERSITY BOTANIC GARDEN The Holmes, Stoke Park Rd, Stoke Bishop, Bristol. Open Wed, Thur, Fri & Sun until Oct, also Sats ➜

Barrington Court

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Voted in the Top 50 antique shops in Great Britain 2010 by The Independent on Sunday

OLD BANK ANTIQUES CENTRE 14-17 Walcot Buildings, Bath

Situated on the London Road (A4), just a short walk from the top of Walcot Street. Old Bank Antiques Centre is the largest retailer of antiques in Bath, without being stuffy and too grand. This is how antiques shops used to look: a hoarder`s paradise. ďŹ fteen dealers spread through lots of showrooms in four shops with everything from 17th century to 1970s retro. Experienced and professional advice is always available. Customer parking is at the rear, accessed via Bedford Street. Deliveries can be arranged anywhere in the UK or the rest of world, at cost price. Furniture restorer on premises. Open seven days a week and most bank holidays Visit our website: www.oldbankantiquescentre.com Tel: 01225 469282 & 338813 Email: alexatmontague@aol.com

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feature until Sept, 10am-4.30pm, admission £3.50 adult/ under-16s, Bristol University staff & students free. Ffi: 0117 331 4912, www.bris.ac.uk/Depts/ BotanicGardens • Well worth a visit even if plants normally leave you cold, because this is about the science as much as pretty flowers. This new garden has been laid out and planted in the past couple of years to replace Bristol University’s former gardens in Leigh Woods. It’s actually a teaching aid for botany and biology undergraduates as well as a research facility for more advanced study. But in the process it’s also a sort of botanical theme park designed to educate, enlighten and amuse and includes several specimens you won’t see anywhere else in the UK. Big attractions include tropical greenhouses, the Evolutionary Dell (showing how plants have evolved), local plant collections and the biggest and best garden of Chinese medicinal herbs in Britain, if not Europe. There are displays that take state of the art DNA technology to show the very surprising ways in which different plants are related, and a major display showing how different plants are pollinated. Fabulous place. Phone or see website for details of guided tours and other events. CORSHAM COURT Corsham, Wilts, off A4 5m W of Chippenham. Open daily except Mon (apart from BHMs) and Fri to 30 Sept, 2-5.30pm, admission £7 adult/£6 senior/£3 child. Ffi: 01249 712214, www. corsham-court.co.uk • A very grand pile originally built by a wealthy Elizabethan merchant but in the hands of the Methuen family since the 18th century. Impressive house and fabulous grounds, all next to a picturepostcard village… And if that’s not reason enough to visit, this place also has a very impressive art collection that includes works by Van Dyck, Filippo Lippi, Michelangelo and Andrea del Sarto. THE COURTS GARDEN Holt, nr Bradford on Avon, Wilts. Open daily (except Wed) until 31 Oct, 11am-5.30pm, admission £6.50 adult/£3.60 child/£16.60 family. Ffi: 01225 782875, www.nationaltrust.org.uk

The Courts Garden

• Old house originally built by a wealthy 18th century Quaker cloth merchant, and more recently the property of a rather eccentric spinster (until it was left to the National Trust). The house isn’t open to the public, but the fabulous gardens are. The National Trust bills it as ‘one of Wiltshire’s best-kept secrets’ and it’s full of delights and surprises, with an arboretum, fun topiary and wonderful water gardens planted with irises and lilies. DYRHAM PARK GARDEN Dyrham, Glos. House & Garden open Fri-Tue until 31 Oct, 11am-5pm, garden also open Wed & Thur in July & Aug (shorter times in winter), full admission £11 adult/£5.65 child/£27.50 family. Ffi: 0117 937 2501, www.nationaltrust. org.uk/dyrhampark • Built at the end of the 17th century by William Blathwayt, a shrewd operator who made a killing by fair means and foul in the service of William of Orange and his new Protestant regime. Because of the Dutch connection, the house has been loaded with a lot of Dutch school paintings, Delftware and other bits and pieces from the golden age of the Dutch Republic, which some visitors, at least, Dyrham Park

Hanham Court Gardens

will find fascinating (read Simon Schama’s The Embarrassment of Riches if you don’t find it fascinating). The understairs bit, the kitchen and servants’ workplaces are interesting, too. The gardens are very pleasant, including the new-ish contemporary design West Garden. The park is enormous, with plenty of scope for picnicking. While you’re visiting, don’t miss the tiny little parish church at the back of the gardens, which isn’t actually part of the house but has some wonderfully well preserved gravestones from the 18th and 19th centuries, each with a poignant tale to tell. HANHAM COURT GARDENS Hanham Abbots, Bristol. Open Fri-Mon until 31 Aug, 11.30am-5.30pm, admission £6.50 adult/£3.50 age 11-16/under-11s free. Ffi: www. hanhamcourt.co.uk • The manor house and chapel (which are not open to the public) at Hanham Court have been around for centuries, but the gardens have only lately been opened to visitors. The place is owned by award-winning garden designers Julian and Isabel Bannerman. They’ve been working on creating their own garden for 15 years, and this place is indeed very special. It’s highly scented, with lavish displays of roses, peonies and delphiniums, and there are lilies, irises, foxgloves and fountains, including the famous ‘dancing crown’. Teas as well. The most romantic garden around these parts. NEWARK PARK Ozleworth, Wotton-under-Edge, Glos. Open Wed, Thur, Sat, Sun & BHMs, 11am-5pm, until 31 Oct, admission £6.25 adult/£3.15 child/£16.10 family. Ffi: 01453 842644, www.nationaltrust.org.uk/ newarkpark • Bit of a secret, this place. It’s a (mostly) Georgian manor house (though with ➜ folio 13

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feature The Pets Garden at Iford Manor

older bits), with fabulous views off the side of the 40ft cliff that it’s perched on. Interesting gardens, though the main horticultural selling point is its snowdrop displays in February. A good place to visit if you want to avoid crowds. Also a good jumping-off point for countryside and Cotswold Way walks. THE PETO GARDEN Iford Manor, Bradford on Avon, Wilts. Open daily till Sept except Mon & Fri (but does open BHMs), 2-5pm, Suns only in Oct, admission £4.50 adult/£4 senior, student & child over 10/ under-10s admitted free Tue-Thur. Ffi: 01225 863146, www.ifordmanor.co.uk • One of the most romantic gardens anywhere, ever, laid out in Italian style by Edwardian architect and landscape designer Harold Peto, who lived at Iford Manor from 1899-1933. Lots of pools, terraces, sculpture, evergreen planting, magnificent rural views and all sorts of hidden delights to discover. Its homemade cream teas on Sat and Sun over the summer months are highly recommended, though they also have more modest teas on weekdays. Note that the gardens aren’t suitable for unsupervised small children. Also hosts Iford Arts Festival over the summer, with a small but perfectly formed programme of opera, chamber music and jazz events in its very romantic setting (www. ifordarts.co.uk). PRIOR PARK LANDSCAPE GARDEN Ralph Allen Drive, Bath. Open daily (except Tue) to 31 Oct, 11am-5.30pm, Sat & Sun only in winter months, 11am-5.30pm, admission £5.50 adult/£3.10 child/£14.10 family. Ffi: 01225 833422, www.nationaltrust.org.uk/priorpark • Wonderful 18th century landscaped garden, running in unspeakable tranquillity down a small, steep valley to the edge of Bath, with lakes, a grotto and a ‘wilderness’ woodland area with mazy paths. Ornamental features include a Palladian bridge (one of only four in the world) with genuine 18th century graffiti. A bracing one-mile walk (steep in places), using original pathways restored with traditional materials, rewards you with panoramic views over Bath. When the National Trust opened the place to the public a few years ago, it had the then rather daring idea of making it completely car-hostile. There’s no parking here (except for disabled visitors - phone to arrange), though it’s easily reached by Park and Ride buses, tour buses or the No.2 Bath-Combe Down service. It’s hugely popular with Bathonians, leading onto the wonderful Bath Skyline walk and hosting lots of family-friendly events through the summer.

Prior Park's Palladium bridge is one of only four in the world

Chedworth Roman Villa

Banwell's fascinating Bone Caves

rOCKS & ruINS BANWELL BONE CAVES & TOWER Banwell, nr Weston-super-Mare, N Somerset (should be signposted off A371 to Weston). Ffi: 01934 820516, www.banwellcaves.org • Thousands and thousands of years ago, animals round these parts lived, died and decayed, and the bones of many of them were washed into caves here. This wealth of bones was discovered a few hundred years back and the site was bought by a bishop in Victorian times for turning into a sort of 19th century ➜ 14 folio

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feature religious theme park. Because, of course, they thought that the bones were the remains of animals that had perished in the Great Deluge of Noah’s Ark fame. The bishop installed fake pagan artefacts (as the non-believers had died for their wickedness), a wood and, at the other end of the estate, a tower to the sky. The house and land are privately owned and not often open to the public, but this is an absolute must-see. On open days you can go into the caves, gasp at the thousands of accumulated bones, climb the tower and wander the woods. Give it a go - you’ll love it. Admission on open days is free, but donations towards the upkeep of the site are most welcome. Open days for 2010 include Thur 15 July (eve), Sat 11 & Sun 12 Sept (10.30am-4.30pm). There may be other days too - check website. CHEDWORTH ROMAN VILLA Yanworth, nr Cheltenham, Glos. Open Tue-Sun to 14 Nov, 10am-5pm, 10am-4pm in winter, closed Mon except BHMs, admission £7 adult/£4 child/£18 family. Ffi: 01242 890256, www.nationaltrust.org.uk/chedworth • Set in a beautiful wooded valley and a very worthwhile stopover if you’re wandering round this part of the world, getting jealous of all the posh houses in this very desirable bit of the Cotswolds. The pubs hereabouts are very nice, too. Chedworth is what remains of a villa from Roman times, with some beautiful mosaics on show, plus some bath and central heating complexes. Everyone’s favourite bit is a pool that’s thought to have once been a shrine to ancient water spirits. Bang in the middle of the site a completely incongruous Tudor-style building houses a small museum of local Roman finds. It’s a fascinating and well-explained place, although, like all archaeological sites, it demands a huge leap of imagination to try to picture the lives of the people who lived here 1,600 years ago. So unless everyone in your party is of a particularly cerebral bent, it’s worth timing your visit to coincide with one of the many excellent educational and living history events it hosts over the summer. If they’ve got the gladiators again this year, be warned that it’s not nearly as gruesome or bloody as you might hope.

Summer Star attraction BRUNEL'S ss GREAT BRITAIN Great Western Dockyard, Gas Ferry Rd, Bristol BS1 6TY. Zone A. Open daily throughout the year, 1 Apr-23 Oct 10am-5.30pm (slightly earlier closing in winter), admission £11.95 adult/£9.50 concs/£5.95 child/family discount tickets also available at various rates, including 'Grandparent Family' and 'Mini Family'. Tickets entitle holder to unlimited return visits for one year. Ffi: 0117 929 1843, www.ssgreatbritain. org • The world's first great ocean liner, and the forerunner of all modern ships, the ss Great Britain was designed and built by Isambard Kingdom Brunel in Bristol. The most successful of Brunel's ships, she led a long and thoroughly useful career, ending up as a storage hulk on the Falkland Islands before being brought home in 1970 to end up in the very dock in which she was built. This month marks the 40th anniversary of her return to Bristol, and as you'd expect from this award-winning attraction (complete with shiny new visitor centre), the occasion is being marked with plenty of retro fun starting with an exhibition chronicling her rescue from the Falklands, as remembered by witnesses and retold in superb animation (17 July2011), plus 1970 homecoming celebrations (17-18 July) and various events throughout the summer. 4pm Oct), 10am-4pm 1-31 Oct, open Sat & Sun only from 1 Nov-31 Mar 10am-4pm, admission £3.80 adult/£3.20 concs/£1.90 ages 5-16 (prices for special events may be slightly higher). Ffi: 01225 754026, www.english-heritage.org.uk/ farleighhungerfordcastle • The castle was built by Sir Thomas Hungerford in the 14th century, and down the years it was the site of some fabulously gruesome goings-on (murders, poisonings, involuntary cremations… it’s all in the audioguide that you get when visiting). Most of the castle is now in ruins, although the chapel is still there, complete with some very precious medieval wall-paintings. In the crypt, meanwhile, there are some mysterious and sinister lead coffins. If the castle were set atop a crag in bleaker countryside, it would have a worldwide reputation as one of the most accursed ruins in the world. But it’s in the beautiful, fertile green countryside of the Frome Valley, so actually looks rather twee. Very family-friendly place, too, with regular living history events over the summer.

CLEARWELL CAVES Nr Coleford, Forest of Dean, Glos. Open daily 10am-5pm, admission £5.80 adult/£5.30 senior, NUNNEY CASTLE student/£3.80 age 5-16/£17.30 family. Ffi: 01594 Nunney, Somerset. Open all the time, admission 832535, www.clearwellcaves.com • Absolutely free. Ffi: www.english-heritage.org.uk/nunneycastle fascinating place in the middle of some lovely Forest of Dean countryside (and it looks as though • If you’re passing anywhere near this place, make a detour to visit it, as it’s magical. In the middle of there could be some excellent cycling on the woodland paths hereabouts). Iron ore was mined this very, very posh village are the remains of a small castle that looks exactly how castles are here from before the time of Christ until the middle of the 20th century and, in fact, small-scale supposed to look - four big towers joined by high, flat curtain walls, and the whole lot surrounded by mining for paint pigment still goes on here. Your a moat. It was built in the 14th century by some admission gets you a wander through a huge thug who had made a fortune murdering and complex of well-lit underground caverns, which robbing the French during the Hundred Years dozens of generations have cut out of the rock. Also offers (at additional price) longer guided trips War. to deeper levels, plus basic caving adventures. OLD SARUM Blacksmith’s shop, pleasant tea room and large Two miles N of Salisbury on A345, Wilts. Open outdoor picnic site. In the run-up to Christmas daily to 30 Sept, 10am-5pm (9am-6pm July & they have the best Santa’s grotto going. Aug), shorter hours in winter, admission £3.50 adult/£3 senior & student/£1.80 ages 5-16 (prices FARLEIGH HUNGERFORD CASTLE for special events may be slightly higher). Ffi: Farleigh Hungerford, nr Frome, Somerset. Open 01722 335398, www.english-heritage.org.uk/ daily to 30 Sept, 10am-5pm (to 6pm July & Aug,

oldsarum • On top of this immense and imposing ancient earthwork is what used to be Salisbury. Back in ancient times it was a fortress, and there have been people living here since the Neolithic age. It’s been an Iron Age hill fort and a Roman fort, and was a Saxon strongpoint where people took refuge from raiding Vikings. Later on it was the site of one of the largest and richest monasteries in England (and the Domesday book was written here), but fell into decline after the local bishop decided to move Salisbury to where it is today. By the early 19th century it was notorious among parliamentary reformers as a ‘rotten borough’ - a place that elected an MP to parliament, even though no one actually lived there. Anyway, English Heritage look after the site now and, though it tends not to be as well known as certain other ancient sites in Wiltshire, it’s a rewarding visit just for the frisson of all that ancient Englishness. Features regular guided tours during summer months, which are well worth getting on, plus occasional living history events and battle recreations. If you don’t fancy the crowds, go any time and bring a picnic. TINTERN ABBEY Tintern, Monmouthshire. Open daily to 31 Oct, 9.30am-5pm (9.30pm-4pm Mon-Sat in winter), admission £3.60 adult/£3.20 child, concs/£10.40 family. Ffi: 01291 689251, tinyurl.com/2oa6dj • Quite famous ruin this, of an abbey founded in the 12th century, the first Cistercian house in Wales and only the second in Britain. The Cistercians were famously ascetic, setting up shop in only the most inhospitable places, but the abbey grew in wealth and power over the next 400 years before the monks were turned out during the dissolution of the monasteries in 1536. What remains is still pretty impressive, inspiring a painting by Turner and, in 1798, a famous poem by Wordsworth. An easy Sunday afternoon outing from Bristol, and the village of Tintern itself is well worth a wander.

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feature

Toddlers enjoying a 'Roots and Shoots' session at Bath City Farm

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feature

down on the farm

there’s a lot more to your local city farm than you might think. Ben Welch digs deep

ity farms are no new idea. They’ve been around in the UK since 1972, with the first one appearing in London’s Kentish Town before spreading across the city, and then, the UK. But grassroots activity in response to undermaintained plots of land and scarcity of resources seems more pertinent now than ever, with a burdensome national debt and Europe-wide economic instability heralding the withdrawal of the State. If we really are going to have to build the ‘Big Society’, to use a loaded term, then perhaps city farms can provide a model as to how to do it. The South West is something of a hotbed for the green movement and it has an appropriate brace of city farms to prove it. In Bristol, there are four: St Werburghs, Windmill Hill in Bedminster, Hartcliffe Community Park Farm and Lawrence Weston Community Farm. Bath also has its own 37-acre City Farm, alongside others in the area (St James City Farm in Gloucester, for example) as well as a huge range of shared community green spaces. On a superficial level, city farms offer a fun and cheap day out, particularly for families with relatively young children, and a chance to get close to the kinds of animals that don’t readily roam the city streets. But more than this, city farms are often a locus of community support, providing a wide range of important services to various groups. That might mean courses and workshops taking place on the premises, drop-in sessions for toddlers or afterschool clubs, and open days on which schools and other institutions can visit and learn about the importance of agriculture. Perhaps most significant is the opportunity for volunteer work, as Bath City Farm’s manager Matt Smail explains. “Many of our volunteers are long-term unemployed, and they might, though not necessarily, have learning difficulties or mental health ➜

St Werburghs’ Dali-esque cafe A sow and her piglets tucking in at St Werburghs City Farm

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feature problems. Volunteering offers a whole range of things, from simply getting out of the house to being somewhere you can come and feel safe, work outside, work with animals and learn about plants and growing food.” Matt believes that Bath City Farm, located between the deprived areas of Twerton and Whiteway, provides a crucial service not just to its volunteers but also to the community as a whole. “Volunteering is informal learning,” he explains. “It provides an opportunity for people to learn and gain life skills that can, for example, get them back into work.” Bath City Farm is a registered, not-for-profit charity, so funding is acquired though a variety of channels. “It’s funded by donations, membership and some trading activity,” says Matt, “but the main income comes from charitable trusts and the National Lottery. Very little comes from the council – they’ve given the odd one-off grant in the past, but B&NES Council haven’t been as forthcoming as I believe Bristol City Council have been. Just a small amount of funding every year would really alleviate the pressure to fundraise.” And with the-ever present threat of cuts, it might be the case that city farms are more likely to see funding withdrawn than committed. Jeremy Iles is chief executive for the Federation of City Farms and Community Gardens, a UK-wide charity based in Bristol that represents and supports city farms and similar land-management initiatives. “What city farms really do is provide a sort of community anchor,” he contends. “A place where people can really pin their aspirations for the neighbourhood. They also facilitate all sorts of educational and informal networking opportunities for training, and opportunities to meet people and develop new skills. Obviously the public sector is expected to bear the brunt of cuts, and there’s no immunity from that regardless of how valuable the services that the farms provide are. But at the same time, we think that they provide such a valuable asset to the city - it’s not really a question of how many pounds go in, but of how many pounds are saved elsewhere.”

Home Grown

City farms in Bristol and Bath

The outdoor adventure playground at Windmill Hill

Both Jeremy and Matt agree that city farms will need to take a more proactive approach towards functioning as a business if they are to survive. “I think city farms have to diversify,” says Matt, “and not rely so much on charitable funding. They mustn’t lose sight of serving their immediate community but they need to reach out to the wider community, which means having a more business-oriented outlook, branding themselves better and selling more products.” Jeremy is confident that city farms can generate income to supplement the financial aid that they receive from charitable trusts. “There are good examples of city farms that were 100 per cent grantdependent five to eight years ago, and have now shifted into being very successful enterprises, generating 30 to 50 per cent of their own income. Then the local authority is much more willing to say, ‘OK, we’ll provide 15 to 20 per cent of it.’” If anything, the city farm has never been a more appealing concept. Longstanding projects like the Bath City Farm, St Werburghs and Windmill Hill have proved that city farms, more than just free, small-scale zoos, are enterprises that enrich, support and bind together their respective communities in a cost-effective way. And at a time when the communal pot is getting lighter and lighter, their importance and usefulness can only increase. As Matt Smail observes, “We’re a frontline service.” You can bet the farm on it.

Schoolchildren feeding chickens at Bath City Farm

Bath City Farm Kelston View, Whiteway, Bath, BA2. Ffi: 01225 481269, www. bathcityfarm.org.uk • The largest city farm in the South West region. The site plays host to a farm shop selling local produce, and picnic benches with an elevated aspect over Bath. Afterschool clubs run on Mon, Wed and Thur, and ‘Roots and Shoots’ runs on Tue (10am-12noon) for parents, carers and under-fives to help feed the animals. Open daily (car park 9am-5pm) Hartcliffe Community Park Farm Lampton Ave, Hartcliffe, Bristol, BS13. Ffi: 0117 978 2014 • Fifty-acre farm that’s been running since 1984 and is now home to a wide range of animals and livestock, from the small (guinea pigs and rabbits) to the large (pigs and cows) and everything in between (chickens, geese, ducks and so on). Open MonFri 9am-5pm, Sat-Sun 9am-4pm Lawrence Weston Community Farm Saltmarsh Drive, Bristol, BS11. Ffi: 0117 938 1128, www.lwfarm.org.uk • A small apiary produces honey on site, and there’s also an orchard, duck pond, picnic area, secret garden, pig pen, chicken coup, three paddocks and a farm shop. Courses in animal keeping are held regularly, including bee keeping (see website for details). Open Tue-Sun 9.30am-4.30pm in summer and till 3.30pm in winter. Open bank holiday Mons St Werburghs City Farm Watercress Rd, St Werburghs, Bristol, BS2. Ffi: 0117 942 8241, www.stwerburghs.org • Popular and established working livestock farm that boasts a wonderfully characterful cafe serving local and organic grub. Hosts regular seasonal and community events as well as training, workshops and primary school services. Open daily 9am-5pm in summer and till 4pm in winter. Cafe closed Tue Windmill Hill City Farm Philip St, Bedminster, Bristol, BS3. Ffi: 0117 963 3252, www.windmillhillcityfarm.org.uk • This working farm (with goats, sheep, pigs and more) also has community land plots, a wildlife conservation area and local, organic produce in the farm shop and cafe. A huge range of courses and workshops are held on site, in everything from food growing to ICT, and the Children and Family Centre can provide care for the little ones while parents learn. Open TueSun 9am-5pm

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what’son events

Dock rockin' beats l Batten down the hatches! Bristol’s annual Harbour Festival is all set to launch across the city’s riverside hotspots, packing an armada of live music, dance and locally sourced entertainment into a weekend of free family fun. The action kicks off on Friday night as Queen Square plays host to the festival’s opening concert. Further along the harbour, the SS Great Britain is celebrating 40 years since its dramatic return to Bristol, with maritime-themed entertainment and crafts, and a new exhibition detailing its fascinating past. At the Arnolfini’s dedicated Audio Visual stage, film projects are being screened across Saturday and Sunday afternoons, and just across the water, the Millennium Square Dance Village showcases international and local dance acts ranging from classical to cutting edge.

New festival venue Castle Park will be the place for family-oriented fun, with a circus stage showcasing acrobatics galore, whilst the Tate Movie Project lets kids take part in the production of an exclusive animation to be aired in conjunction with the 2012 Olympics. For a slightly older market, the Mud Dock is an under18s area with graffiti and photography workshops, and live gigs from local bands. Keeping the festival vibe flowing, Cascade Steps has a range of folksy acoustic artists playing live, while a village fayre takes over the Lloyd’s amphitheatre, with market stalls laden with tempting produce from across the West Country. Full steam ahead! Bristol Harbour Festival 30 July-1 Aug, Bristol Harbourside, Queen Square and Castle Park. Ffi: 0117 922 3287, www. bristolharbourfestival.co.uk

events

boogie wonderland l Anyone who’s ever wandered past a pond during frogspawning season might be forgiven for thinking that the amphibious little beasties don’t need much help when it comes to nookie. But habitats ain’t what they used to be - and so, for some species at least, a little assistance is indeed needed. Enter the AmphiPod - Bristol Zoo’s new state of the art amphibian breeding sanctuary. Never bought an amphibian breeding sanctuary yourself? Thought not. Suffice to say they don’t come cheap, so a little fundraising is needed. And here’s where things get enjoyable for you lot (as well as the frogs), as Bristol Zoo unveil plans for their almighty annual summer festival, Boogie for Brizzle. You can wander the zoo’s imposing 12-acre gardens and enjoy an elephant-sized entertainment roster including music, theatre,

circus acts, cabaret, food and drink and, for those with any energy left, some adventurous recreation, too. Championing the best of the local, Boogie for Brizzle brings a swathe of homegrown talent and some bigger-name headliners - such as Dreadzone, who fuse dub and reggae with elements of techno, trance, folk and rock. Expect jazz and soul sounds from Miss Cecily, melodious vocals from Pete Josef and funky rumba from Vamos, alongside an array of other diversions. Not forgetting the animals themselves of course, and the chance to make like a monkey on the zoo’s new treetop-level rope course, ZooRopia. All this fun helps to ensure that the world’s rarest croakers don’t croak it for good. Boogie for Brizzle Sat 17 July, 3pm till late, Bristol Zoo, Clifton. Ffi: 0117 974 7300, www.bristolzoo.org.uk

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what’son sounds

Wood Stock l Westonbirt Arboretum is opening its branches to music lovers this summer and hosting three concerts within three days. JLS, the boy band that shot to fame in The X Factor a couple of years back, will be the first to get you on your feet and dancing round the trees. Enjoy an evening of their dance tunes in the open air on Fri 16 July. You’ll also be able to rock it up with veterans Status Quo when they head down, down, deeper and down into the woods on the night of Sat 17 July. And on the next and final night, the super soulful James Morrison (pictured)

will have you swaying to his music like the branches overhead in the wind. Westonbirt is renowned far beyond these parts as one of the most important arboretums in the country, with 18,000 trees and shrubs, all set in a gracious 600-acre site. If you can think of a more innately relaxing setting for a little picnicking and leisurely music listening, well, we’d really like to hear about it! JLS, Status Quo, James Morrison Fri 16, Sat 17 & Sun 18 July, Westonbirt Arboretum, Nr Tetbury, Glos. Ffi: 01842 814612, www.forestry.gov.uk/music

family

the time travellers l Two exciting periods of history, over a millennium apart, come to life on the fringes of Bristol this month. First up, Kings Weston Roman Villa throws its doors open for a day devoted to the Roman gods. Through activities for all ages you can find out more about the mythical beings its inhabitants would have worshipped. Fast forward one week, and The Hungerford Household is setting up a gentleman’s household at Acton Court, busying itself in preparation for a visit from the king.

This group of re-enactors have won plaudits across southern England for their detailed portrayals of Tudor domestic life. Go armed with questions, and be prepared for plenty of stories. Roman Gods Sat 17 July, Kings Weston Roman Villa, Longcross, Lawrence Weston, Bristol. Ffi: 0117 922 3571, www.bristol.gov.uk The Hungerford Household 24-25 July, Acton Court, Latteridge Rd, Iron Acton, Bristol. Ffi: 01454 228224, www.actoncourt.com

art

by jorge l Portuguese installation artist Jorge Santos unveils his atmospheric multimedia exhibition at Spike Island Studios this month. Combining interior and exterior, light and shadow, Santos has a unique take on everyday objects - be it wallpaper, windows or skirting boards - which, once removed from their original context, are presented in a whole new light. The juxtaposition of Bristolian architecture with interior spaces reminiscent of the artist’s hometown of Lisbon makes for an exhibition as insightful as it is emotive. Jorge Santos: The World Appeared to Her Reflected by Pure Inwardness 17 July-26 Sept, Spike Island, Bristol. Ffi: 0117 929 0135, www. spike-island.org.uk

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july diary For full details of entertainment and events in Bristol, Bath, Cheltenham and the surrounding areas, Venue magazine, the region’s only comprehensive what’s on guide, complete with features, interviews and local news, is available, weekly, in all good newsagents. Film

Toy Story 3: Buzz and Woody are back for a new adventure as Pixar’s latest surefire summer blockbuster hits the screens later this month. See Film

2 JULY Lymelife Alec Baldwin and a brace of

Culkins star in a 70s-set tale of marital decay and teen frustration that positively invites comparison with The Ice Storm. 2 JULY Shrek Forever After 3D Shrek 3 was a sequel too far, so this time they’re breaking out the 3D for a back-pedalling adventure in which the bored, domesticated ogre finds himself in a twisted parallel Far, Far Away in which he never met Fiona. 2 JULY When You’re Strange New documentary

about The Doors from Johnny Suede/Living in Oblivion director Tom DiCillo. Johnny Depp narrates.

2 JULY White Material Acquired-taste director Claire (Beau Travail) Denis returns to Africa for a drama about European expats threatened by the outbreak of civil war. Isabelle Huppert stars. 9 JULY The Twilight Saga: Eclipse Further

anaemic bloodletting, with Bella still dithering between Edward and Jacob and having to decide whether to become immortal. 9 JULY London River Rachid Bouchareb, director

of the acclaimed Days of Glory, returns with a drama set against the backdrop of the 7/7 bombings in which racist Brit Brenda Blethyn and Algerian Muslim Sotigui Kouyaté find they have more in common than they anticipated while searching for their adult children.

9 JULY Predators They’ve done Predator. They’ve done Predator 2. They’ve even done Alien Vs Predator. What’s left to do? How about Predators? Lots of them. This time they’re hunting a bunch of elite warriors headed by Adrien Brody and Laurence Fishburne. 16 JULY Just Wright Romcom with Queen Latifah as a physical therapist who falls for basketball star Common. 16 JULY Good Hair Light-hearted documentary

in which Chris Rock explores the amazing variety of African-American hairstyles. 16 JULY Inception Christopher Nolan directs Leonardo DiCaprio in a suitably mind-bending

science fiction thriller set ‘in the architecture of the mind’. 16 JULY Leaving Gallic infidelity drama with

23 JULY Splice Vincenzo (Cube) Natali’s horror flick about a pair of boffins who splice human and animal DNA to create a critter they call Dren.

Kristin Scott Thomas as a wealthy housewife who’s about to go back to work after raising two children when she embarks on a torrid affair with a builder.

30 JULY Karate Kid Remake of the 1984 kiddie

23 JULY Ivul Brit director Andrew Kotting’s

80s TV show, with Liam Neeson and Col. John ‘Hannibal’ Smith.

peculiar tale of a man who clambers onto the roof of his house and refuses to come down after being falsely accused of abuse. 23 JULY Toy Story 3 Woody, Buzz and chums are

dumped in a daycare centre after Andy departs for college. Inevitably, it’s in 3D. 23 JULY The Rebound Belated UK release for

Bart Freundlich’s romcom about New York single mom Catherine Zeta-Jones who enjoys a rebound romance with much younger man Justin Bartha. 23 JULY The Tournament Robert Carlyle stars

in a troubled Euro action flick, which actually started filming way back in 2007 and promptly ran out of money. Thirty of the world’s deadliest assassins descend on an unsuspecting town for some serious whupass in the battle royale to end all battle royales.

martial arts flick with Jaden (son of Will) Smith and Jackie Chan. 30 JULY The A-Team Iraq War-era update of the

30 JULY The Adjustment Bureau Matt Damon

and Emily Blunt star in Bourne Ultimatum screenwriter George Nolfi’s directorial debut: an adaptation of Philip K. Dick’s story Adjustment Team, in which a congressman’s career takes an unexpected turn when he meets a beautiful ballet dancer, only to find that mysterious forces are trying to keep them apart. 30 JULY Gainsbourg Biopic of funny-looking French bad-boy crooner Serge Gainsbourg. Eric Elmosnino gets to wear the distinctive prosthetic nose. 30 JULY Beautiful Kate Australian mystery

drama about buried secrets that emerge when a family gathers to say farewell to their dying father. Cast includes Rachel Griffiths and Bryan Brown.

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wHAT’SON SOUNDS THROUGHOUT JULY Jazz at Future Inns Another

great month of live jazz and occasional blues in a sophisticated setting. See website for full line-up • Future Inn, Cabot Circus, Bristol (0845 094 5588, www.futureinns.co.uk/bristol-jazz-club.htm) 1 JULY Eve Selis With six albums under her belt,

this five-time San Diego Music Awards winner blends many styles of American music, from country to blues and folk • The Tunnels, Bristol (0117 929 9008, www.thetunnelsbristol.co.uk) 10 JULY Toots & the Maytals This Jamaican

reggae and ska group tour new album Flip and Twist • O2 Academy Bristol (0117 927 9227, www. o2academybristol.co.uk) 14 JULY Easy Star All-Stars Reggae group signed

irreverent journey through the comedic world • Brewery Theatre, Southville, Bristol (0117 902 0344, www.tobaccofactory.com) 2, 3, 9, 10, 16, 17, 23, 24, 30 & 31 JULY Jesters

7-10 JULY Touch and Go Circomedia’s first-year

students display their breathtaking skills • Bristol Old Vic, King St (0117 987 7877, www. bristololdvic.org.uk)

Comedy Club Quality stand-up from four top circuit comedians • Jesters Comedy Club, Cheltenham Rd, Bristol (0117 909 6655, www. jesterscomedyclub.co.uk)

10 JULY The Real McCoy Live Stage version of the

2, 3, 9, 10, 16, 17, 24 & 31 JULY Krater Comedy

laden with rural fun and village politics • Tobacco Factory Theatre, Southville, Bristol (0117 902 0344, www.tobaccofactory.com)

Club An evening of quality stand-up, food from River Cottage and a clubnight afterwards • Komedia, Westgate St, Bath (0845 293 8480, www.komedia.co.uk) 3 JULY The Tempest Outdoor performance of

Shakespeare’s final play, promising love, comedy and magic in equal measure • Brandon Hill Park, Great George St, Bristol (0117 902 0344, www.tlcm.co.uk)

popular BBC comedy show • Colston Hall, Colston St, Bristol (0117 922 3686, www.colstonhall.org) 12-14 JULY A Great British Country Fete Drama

13-16 JULY Blue Remembered Hills Stage

adaptation of Dennis Potter’s far-reaching exploration of childhood • Rondo Theatre, St Saviours Rd, Bath (01225 463362, www. rondotheatre.co.uk) 13-17 JULY Vincent in Brixton Nicholas Wright’s

to their own Easy Star record label, which specialises in covering popular albums in a reggae and dub style • Thekla, Bristol (0117 929 3301, www.theklabristol.co.uk)

where all is not as it seems • Rondo Theatre, St Saviours Rd, Bath (01225 463362, www. rondotheatre.co.uk)

16 JULY JLS British boyband, who were runners-

3 JULY-7 AUG Bristol Shakespeare Festival The

Bard’s best-loved works brought to life in a garden, square, pub or zoo near you • Various venues across Bristol (www.bristolshakespeare.org.uk)

popular musical version of Victor Hugo’s classic French Revolution-set tale • Bristol Hippodrome, St Augustine’s Parade (0844 847 2325, www. bristolhippodrome.org.uk)

5 JULY Mark Watson Comedian and novelist

16-24 JULY Bristol BrouHaHa Superb eight-day

up in the fifth series of The X Factor in 2008, promoting their upcoming album. See picture story. • Westonbirt Arboretum, nr Tetbury, Glos (01842 814612, www.forestry.gov.uk/music)

16 JULY Rick Wakeman The legendary rock pianist

brings his one-man show to Bath Abbey • Bath Abbey (01225 46336, www.bathfestivals.org.uk)

17 JULY Boogie for Brizzle Annual summer festival at Bristol Zoo, with entertainment for the whole family. See picture story • Bristol Zoo, Clifton (0117 974 7300, www.bristolzoo.org.uk) 17 JULY Status Quo The band are still going

strong with their old ‘boogie rock’. See picture story. • Westonbirt Arboretum, nr Tetbury, Glos (01842 814612, www.forestry.gov.uk/music) 18 JULY James Morrison Renowned folk/pop

singer who had his debut four years ago. See picture story • Westonbirt Arboretum, nr Tetbury, Glos (01842 814612, www.forestry.gov.uk/music) 18 JULY Ziriguidum Brazilian Carnival Sunshiney

samba fun • Fiddlers, Bristol (0117 987 3403, www.fiddlers.co.uk)

3 JULY The Glenn Miller Mystery A new thriller

Watson presents his Edinburgh-bound show Work in Progress • Comedy Box, Hen & Chicken, North St, Southville, Bristol (0117 902 0344, www. thecomedybox.co.uk) 5-10 JULY Much Ado about Nothing Sumptuous Tudor-set outdoor performance • Hazelbury Manor Gardens, Box, Corsham, Wilts (01225 722987, www.shakespearelive.com) 5-10 JULY The Rocky Horror Show Richard

O’Brien’s vampy rock ‘n’ roll musical returns • Bristol Hippodrome, St Augustine’s Parade (0844 847 2325, www.bristolhippodrome.org.uk) 6-10 JULY Cat on a Hot Tin Roof Next Stage

Theatre Company tackle Tennessee Williams’ compelling Deep South drama • Mission Theatre, Corn St, Bath (01225 428600, www. missiontheatre.co.uk)

play about Van Gogh’s lovelorn stay in London • Kelvin Studios, Gloucester Rd, Bristol (0117 942 5540, www.kelvinplayers.co.uk) 13 JULY-7 AUG Les Miserables Immensely

comedy festival. Highlights include stand-ups like Brendon Burns, Alun Cochrane and Richard Herring. See website for full listings • Hen & Chicken, Redgrave Theatre & Tobacco Factory Theatre, Bristol (www.bristolbrouhaha.com) 20 JULY Drags Aloud at the Movies Camp,

comedic film-satirising cabaret • Komedia, Westgate St, Bath (0845 293 8480, www.komedia. co.uk) 20-23 JULY Prima Doona Brave one-woman comedy show from Doon MacKichan • Bristol Old Vic, King St (0117 987 7877, www. bristololdvic.org.uk) 20-24 JULY Sparkleshark Powerful and optimistic

play about troubled youth • Mission Theatre, Corn St, Bath (01225 428600, www. missiontheatre.co.uk) ➜

27 JULY The Handsome Family American band that blends traditional country, bluegrass and murder ballads • Thekla, Bristol (0117 929 3301, www.theklabristol.co.uk)

THEATRE, COMEDY & MUSICALS UNTIL 2 JULY Minimus the Musical A musical to inspire the learning of Latin • Clifton High School, Bristol (0117 973 0201, enquiries@cliftonhigh. bristol.sch.uk) UNTIL 4 JULY It Hasn’t Happened Yet

Wheelchair-using comedian Liz Carr leads an

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july dIARy 20-24 JULY Stinkfoot the Musical Comic opera

written by the legendary Viv Stanshall • Thekla, The Grove, Bristol (0117 929 3301, www. theklabristol.co.uk)

21-25 JULY The Station A man goes in search of a

rainforest. In Northumbria • Brewery Theatre, North St, Southville, Bristol (0117 902 0344, www. tobaccofactory.com) 23 JULY Ministry of Burlesque’s High Tease

Saucy cabaret and high-camp comedy • Komedia, Westgate St, Bath (0845 293 8480, www.komedia.co.uk) 24 JULY Nightmare Dream Wedding Stand-up

Tom Wrigglesworth’s Edinburgh-bound new show • Rondo Theatre, St Saviours Rd, Bath (01225 463362, www.rondotheatre.co.uk)

wHAT’SON 17 JULY-19 JAN The Diana Dresses Special

exhibition of 10 frocks that belonged to the late Princess of Wales • Fashion Museum, Assembly Rooms, Bennett St, Bath (01225 477173, www. fashionmuseum.co.uk) 18 JULY-5 SEPT David Hockney: Six Tales

from the Brothers Grimm Fairytale etchings • Royal West of England Academy, Queens Rd, Bristol (0117 973 5129, www. rwa.org.uk) 20-22 JULY The Big Local Art Auction

Fundraising art sale for The Prince’s Trust • Paintworks, Arnos Vale, Bath Rd, Bristol (0117 971 4320, www.paintworksbristol. co.uk) 22-29 JULY Compulsion Joint show

magic in an intimate setting • Tobacco Factory Theatre, Southville, Bristol (0117 902 0344, www. tobaccofactory.com)

including paintings by Alison Black, sculptures from Ben Dearnley and abstract paintings by Jimmy Galvin • The Octagon, Milsom Place, Milsom St, Bath (www. milsomplace.co.uk)

29-30 JULY ‘Tis a Pity She’s a Whore John Ford’s

27 JULY-7 AUG Aqua Colourful show by nine

25 JULY Peter’s Friends Mentalism and close-up

incestuous revenge tragedy • Brewery Theatre, North St, Southville, Bristol (0117 902 0344, www. tobaccofactory.com)

local textile artists • Bath Central Library, The Podium, Northgate St (01225 394041, www. bathnes.gov.uk/libraries)

ART & EXHIBITIONS

RUNNING UNTIL

RUNNING ON

Otto Zitko and Louise Bourgeois • Arnolfini, Narrow Quay, Bristol (0117 917 2300, www. arnolfini.org.uk)

3-6 JULY Our Final Show Handcrafted jewellery

• Bristol School of Art, Queens Rd (next to RWA) (0117 973 6259, www.filton.ac.uk) 3-18 JULY Interactive Carole Waller and Gary Wood explore how artists’ ideas interact with their audiences • Gallery One Two Five, Box Rd, Bath (01225 858888, www.carolewaller.co.uk)

4 JULY Me Myself and I Abstract drawings from

6 JULY Celtic Connections Colourful semiabstract landscapes from Barbara Rae • Adam Gallery, John St, Bath (01225 480406, www. adamgallery.com) 10 JULY Mending Broken Hearts - Portfolio

paintings, drypoint prints and ceramic tableware • Rostra & Rooksmoor Galleries, 5 George St, Bath (01225 448121, www.rostragallery.co.uk)

1: Breath of Life Fifteen original silkscreen prints by some of Britain’s leading contemporary artists • Innocent Fine Art, Boyces Ave, Bristol (0117 973 2614, www. innocentfineart.co.uk)

3-29 JULY Orlanda Broom & Becky Buchanan

10 JULY William Blake: Engravings for The Book

3-28 JULY Inspired by Cornwall Seaside-inspired

Colourful, confident new paintings • Edgar Modern, Bartlett St, Bath (01225 443746, www. edgarmodern.com)

of Job Stunning black and white prints from the famous visionary, artist and poet • Larkhall Fine

Art, Margaret’s Buildings, Bath (01225 444480, www.larkhall.com) 25 JULY West Meets West Featuring

celebrated American artist Jann Haworth • Bristol Gallery, Millennium Promenade, Harbourside (0117 930 0005, www. thebristolgallery.com) 22 AUG Art from the New World works

from some of the finest new and established living urban and contemporary artists from the new American scene • Bristol City Museum & Art Gallery, Queens Rd (0117 922 3571, www.bristol. gov.uk/museums) 29 AUG Animal Kingdom Fifteen stunning

Chinese brush paintings by Li Fuyuan • Museum of East Asian Art, Bennett St, Bath (01225 464640, www.meaa.org.uk) 5 SEPT Matthew Smith: The English

Matisse Sumptuous, colour-drenched paintings of Cornwall and Provence • Victoria Art Gallery, Bridge St, Bath (01225 477233, www.victoriagal.org.uk) 5 SEPT Deborah van der Beek: Out of old

Mythologies Rugged sculptures of humans and animals, inspired by myths and legends • Victoria Art Gallery, Bridge St, Bath (01225 477233, www. victoriagal.org.uk) 31 OCT Classic American Quilts Over 200

beautiful quilts from the 18th to early 20th centuries • American Museum, Claverton Manor, Bath (01225 460503, www.americanmuseum.org) 31 OCT Treasure and Terror: Discovering the

Americas in the Age of Exploration Lavish exhibition themed around Europe’s discovery of the Americas • American Museum, Claverton Manor, Bath (01225 460503, www. americanmuseum.org) ONGOING Photographing Fashion: British

Style in the 1960s Ernestine Carter’s photographs of a famously fashionable decade • Fashion Museum, Assembly Rooms, Bennett St, Bath (01225 477173, www.fashionmuseum.co.uk) ➜

12-18 JULY Bath Art for Life Exhibition by local

and international artists to raise money for Dorothy House Hospice • The Octagon, Milsom Place, Milsom St, Bath (www.milsomplace.co.uk) 17 JULY-12 SEPT Dead Star Light Kerry Tribe’s large-scale film, video and sound works exploring memory, subjectivity and doubt • Arnolfini, Narrow Quay, Bristol (0117 917 2300, www. arnolfini.org.uk) 17 JULY-26 SEPT The World Appeared to

Her Reflected by Pure Inwardness Jorge Santos’s new show. See picture story • Spike Island Studios, Cumberland Rd, Bristol (0117 929 2266, www.spikeisland. org.uk)

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Sky Blue Framing & Gallery Winner of Fine Art Trade Guild Framing Award 2009

JuLy 16Th

AllAn TAylor

After last summers hugely successful Quentin Blake show, this summers big exhibition will be collectable signed limited edition prints by the unique & celebrated artist & illustrator

Stephen Hanson

who has just ﬁnished working on a major project in Bristol with

Aa r d m a n A n i m a t i o n

loveable characters, witty and thoughtful with human characteristics sure to be popular with adults and children alike. An exciting event to visit any time over the holidays.

Singer, songwriter, writer of literary gracefulness and troubadour chronicles. EVERY MONDAY Groundswell open mic night - hosted by our regular rotating comperes. Musicians and Poets joined seasoned artists & newcomers for a night of great creativity. PA & house guitar & lead provided. Sign up at bar from 7pm for an approx 10 min slot. EVERY WEDNESDAY TANTRIKA Live music downstairs in the cellar bar. Free entry 8.30pm-Midnight EVERY THURSDAY PEPPER YOUR LEOPARD Live Music downstairs in the cellar bar. Free entry all night EVERY FRIDAY AND SATURDAY Top live DJ’s playing the best sounds around. EVERY SUNDAY Comedy Cavern (see comedy listings for details)

Toby Goes on Holiday - Stephen Hanson

Private view Thursday 1st July 6.00pm - 9.00pm when Stephen will be present to meet and sign prints. Please phone if you would like an invitation. Or join us for summer drinks 11.00am - 4.30pm on Saturday 3rd July. Exhibition runs until mid August

27 North View, Westbury Park, Bristol BS6 7PT (near Waitrose) 0117 9733995 www.skybluefineart.com

Tickets advance £12 / concessions £10/ door £13 available from www.Chapelarts.Org or bath festivals box office 01225 463362 SepTemBeR 12Th

BoB Foxx & Billy MiTchell Lindisfarne beloved Geordies, with northern tales and and some of the wittiest banter ever. Tickets advance £10 / Conc £9/ Door £12 ex SAT 25Th SepTemBeR

STAcey KenT

HAPPY HOUR 6.30-7-30pm HOUSE DOUBLES £3.50

American Jazz. Sensational and outstanding international artiste .

FREE WI-FI SKY SPORTS ON HD SCREEN POOL TABLES IN THE CELLAR BAR

Tickets advance £30 / Concessions £28 / Door £32

Food served daily from 11am-9pm Serving Vegetarian / Vegan foods.

Chapel Arts Centre

Lower Borough Walls, Bath BA1 1QR

Tickets available from www.chapelarts.org Bath Festivals Box Office

15 George Street, Bath, BA1 2QS 01225 424 104 // www.theporter.co.uk

Or In person from Clive Arts Cafe Tues – Sat 11.00 to 6.00

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juLY DIARY CLASSICAL, OPERA & DANCE UNTIL 3 JULY Strictly Come Dancing: The

Professionals The dance stars of the hugely popular TV show take to the Hippodrome stage • Bristol Hippodrome, St Augustine’s Parade (0844 847 2325, www.bristolhippodrome.org.uk) 6 JULY DanceMakers Deeply personal duet

between dancer and choreographer • Tobacco Factory Theatre, Southville, Bristol (0117 902 0344, www.tobaccofactory.com)

10 JULY Benjamin Grosvenor: This and That The teen piano sensation plays Kapustin, Liszt, Chopin and Ravel • St George’s Bristol, Great George St (0845 402 4001, www.stgeorgesbristol.co.uk) 17 JULY Cosi Fan Tutte Bath Opera present Mozart’s fiancé-swapping masterwork • Rondo Theatre, St Saviours Road, Bath (01225 463362, www.rondotheatre.co.uk) 17 JULY Bristol Classical Players: Brahms Cycle

IV Violinist Julia Hwang joins the BCP for a recital of Beethoven, Mendelssohn and, of course, Brahms • St George’s Bristol, Great George St (0845 402 4001, www.stgeorgesbristol.co.uk) 22 JULY Summer Classics The mighty Bath Phil

play Strauss, Britten and Mahler • Bath Abbey (01225 463362, www.bathabbey.org)

31 JULY National Children’s Orchestra of Great

Britain Talented youngsters play romantic classics • Colston Hall, Colston St, Bristol (0117 922 3686, www.colstonhall.org)

wHAT’SON 18 JULY Love Food Festival Award-winning

market laden with lovely things to eat • Paintworks, Arnos Vale, Bath Rd, Bristol (0117 971 4320, www.paintworksbristol.co.uk) 30 JULY Cider Festival Apple-booze bonhomie,

horseracing and The Wurzels • Bath Racecourse, Lansdown (01225 424609, www.bath-racecourse. co.uk)

storytelling from Martin Maudsley, and a BYO picnic. Pushchair friendly. Ages 3-5 and their parents • The Downs (exact meeting place given on booking), Bristol (0117 903 0609, mleivers@ bristolzoo.org.uk) 17 JULY Boogie for Brizzle Annual summer

31 JULY Saturday ‘Night’ Kitchen Live James

17 JULY Villa Open Day: Roman Gods Family-

Martin and fellow top chefs Martin Blunos and James and Chris Tanner show off their skills, preparing guests a five-star meal before a packed night of entertainment to raise fund for the Prince’s Trust • Bristol Marriott Royal, College Green, Bristol (0117 910 5241, charitydinner@ btinternet.com)

FAMILY 3 JULY St Pauls Carnival Expect a joyous

Caribbean atmosphere at one of the highlights of Bristol’s annual calendar. Jerk chicken stalls, live performance, kids’ activities. This year’s theme: Heroes & Sheroes • St Pauls, Bristol (0117 944 4176, www.stpaulscarnival.co.uk) 4 JULY Hands On… Pick a Portrait Drop-in

OTHER EVENTS 2-4 JULY Bristol Wine & Food Fair Three-day

4 JULY Keynsham Festival One of the last free

3-4 JULY Made in Bristol Summer Fair Locally handmade sculptures, drawings, limited-edition prints, photographs, ceramics, jewellery, furniture and food • Colston Hall, Colston St, Bristol (0117 922 3686, www.colstonhall.org)

14 JULY Tall Tales for Little People Magical

30 JULY-1 AUG Bristol Harbour Festival Fantastic free weekender bringing music, dance, circus, children’s entertainment, ships and boats, markets and fireworks to Bristol’s buzzing dockside. See picture story • Bristol Harbourside, Queen Square & Castle Park (www. bristolharbourfestival.co.uk)

workshop offering family activities inspired by the gallery’s portrait paintings and sculptures. Ages 2-11 • Bristol City Museum & Art Gallery, Queens Rd (0117 922 2000, www.bristol.gov.uk)

gourmet extravaganza heaving with tasting opportunities, lectures and demonstrations. See also Food and Drink pages • Harbourside, Bristol (www.bristolwineandfoodfair.co.uk)

plenty of family fun besides • Priddy, Somerset (www.priddyfolk.org)

festivals round these parts. Four stages, creative workshops, stalls, food, child-friendly activities and an audience of around 16,000 people every year. Emphasis on local performers • Keynsham, nr Bristol (www.keynshammusicfestival.co.uk) 9-11 JULY Priddy Folk Festival Friendly folk

festival with its own children’s mini-fest and

festival among the animals, with music, theatre, circus acts, cabaret, food, drink and family fun, all raising funds for new amphibian breeding sanctuary the AmphiPod. See picture story • Bristol Zoo Gardens, Guthrie Rd, Clifton (0117 974 7300, www.bristolzoo.org.uk) friendly activities based on the Roman gods at Bristol’s only surviving Roman villa. See picture story • Kings Weston Roman Villa, Longcross, Lawrence Weston, Bristol (0117 922 3571, www. bristol.gov.uk) 22-25 JULY Trowbridge Village Pump Festival

Super family-friendly local knees-up, with a fine spread of children’s activities and performances among the grown-up folking around • Stowford Manor Farm, Wingfield, Trowbridge, Wilts (www. trowbridgefestival.co.uk) 23-25 JULY WOMAD One of the most family-

friendly festivals around, allowing under-13s in for free, and offering a dedicated World of Kids programme full of exciting and inspiring workshops, entertainment and activities • Charlton Park, Malmesbury, Wilts (www. womad.org) 24-25 JULY The Hungerford Household Tudor times brought to life by the Hungerford Household re-enactors. See picture story • Acton Court, Latteridge Rd, Iron Acton, Bristol (01454 228224, www.actoncourt.com) 25 JULY Bristol Dogs & Cats Home Fun Day & Dog

Show Help local animals in need while enjoying live music, a dog show and a kids’ zone with inflatables, rides, face painting and games • Whitehall RFC, Speedwell, Bristol (0117 300 3962, www.rspcabristoldogsandcatshome.org.uk/events)

10 JULY Saturday Sun-day Create holds a party to introduce you to the latest in solar panel power, green building, bikes etc. • Create, Smeaton Rd, Bristol (0117 925 0505, www.createbristol.org) 15 JULY Summer Evening Racing Horse-racing excitement at the region's leading race course • Bath Racecourse, Lansdown (01225 424609, www.bath-racecourse.co.uk) 17 JULY SS Great Britain 40th Anniversary Celebrations Lots of fun 1970s-themed activities to mark the 40th anniversary of the mighty ship’s restoration • SS Great Britain, Great Western Dockyard, Gas Ferry Rd, Bristol (0117 926 0680, www.ssgreatbritain.org)

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food&drink new premises

Welcome home l Fancy some fabulous cooking, award-winning beers and a touch of British eccentricity? Then it’s well worth dropping in on the beautifully appointed new bar and restaurant opened by family run brewers Hall & Woodhouse in Bath. Based in Old King Street, the three-story premises has been designed to provide a bright, inspiring eatery in tradcontemporary style. With its considered décor and unaffected design it has a “home from home” feel (or even, when needs must, “office from office”). What makes Hall & Woodhouse so special is that “nice to see you again” welcome from behind the bar. Calm, friendly service is the order of the day, while the company is

new bbq boxes

indian summer

l From their new home on Welshback, Myristica have launched some tasty BBQ meat boxes and tiffin boxes, with marinated meat and fish for you to take away and cook at home for a garden party to remember. The selection includes Bara Lamb Chops (marinated with exotic spices, brown onion and hung yoghurt), Hariyali Chicken Wings (cooked in cilantro, mint and additional spices) and Lamb Sheekh Kebabs (skewered and wrapped in aromatic spices, ginger and coriander). Back at the restaurant, a new tapas menu is upping the summer ante, at £5.95 for five dishes including a choice of wraps.

one of the country’s few remaining regional brewers, having served its award-winning Dorset ales for over 230 years. According to Hall & Woodhouse, “You’re welcome to lounge in luxury. You can enjoy an ambience that’s decidedly unstuffy and definitely very ‘you’.” There’s no doubt that, with the opening of the new Hall & Woodhouse, Bath, the city gets the restaurant it deserves and the bar it’s been longing for. “Guests are always at home in our home,” they say, “And we would love you to be one of them.” Hall & Woodhouse 1 Old King Street, Bath. Ffi: 01225 469259, www.hall-woodhousebath.co.uk

event

eat, drink and be merry l Heralded as the taste highlight of this summer, the third Bristol Wine and Food Fair, on Bristol’s Harbourside, promises to get tastebuds tingling with different flavours from around the world. There will be hundreds of wines to taste, drink or buy, with leading experts dishing out their knowhow in the Wine and Food Tasting Lecture Theatre. Top south-west chefs appearing in the Chef’s Master Class Theatre include Freddy Bird (The Lido), Louise McCrimmon (Harvey Nichols), Mark Evans (Cafe Maitreya) and Chris Wicks (Bell’s Diner). Or watch different

cuisines being cooked in the International Dining Area, from the seas of the UK via handreared Scottish beef and Italian barbecue to Lebanese specialities and Spanish and Portuguese cheese and charcuterie. Other highlights include the Bristol Young Chef 2010 competition and stalls from over 50 different artisan producers. Live entertainment, meanwhile, includes jazz and acoustic bands. Bristol Wine & Food Fair 2-4 July, Bristol Harbourside. Ffi: www.bristolwineandfood.co.uk

Myristica 51 Welshback, Bristol. Ffi: 0117 927 2277, www.myristica.co.uk

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food&drink

barbie fest

griddle britain

event

The Magic Touch l Celebrity chef Hugh FearnleyWhittingstall and magician The Great Xa promise to amuse and astonish us this month with an evening of extraordinary culinary and magical delight at Bath’s River Cottage Canteen. Conjure up a Feast will find Hugh getting the juices flowing with a cooking demonstration, showing you how to create the evening’s threecourse meal. The magic show courtesy of The Great Xa (aka Holburne Museum director Alexander Sturgis), meanwhile, will involve a host of

kitchen implements that are usually put to more traditional use by the illustrious Hugh. The evening’s entertainment includes a glass of fizz, the eponymous conjuring of a feast, a three-course dinner and an auction – at £65 a head, early booking is advised. All proceeds from the evening will go to the Friends of the Holburne Museum Development Appeal. Conjure up a Feast Mon 5 July, River Cottage Canteen, Westgate St, Bath. Ffi/tickets: 01225 471578, bathcanteen@rivercottage.net

l If you spot smoke signals coming from Bristol's Waterfront, don’t panic. Grillstock is a two day barbeque on 17-18 July. In a weekend-long competition, grill-chefs from around the UK gather to impress and excite judges and punters alike in their battle for the King of the Grill trophy. If their culinary skills inspire you, you can take part in Grillstock’s BBC Academy, which is free to ticket holders. Each 45 minute class specialises in various aspects of the art of grilling. Accompanied by over 130 stands exhibiting local food and drink you’ll be dancing at the live music stage on a very full stomach. Grillstock 17 – 18 July, Lloyds Amphitheatre, Waterfront, Bristol. Children under 16 free, adult tickets from £4. Ffi: www.grillstock.co.uk/

cafe news

Sweet treats

l Cafe Delight have been serving wholesome, good-quality food and drinks to the residents of Bishopston and beyond for some 10 years or more. A year ago, they opened a new cafe at the bottom of St Michaels Hill and Perry Rd, Bristol, called Delight. The concept at Delight is a simple one: highquality sandwiches, baguettes, bagels and panini, a selection of fresh salads every day, beautiful homemade soups, and ‘The Hot Bowl’ - a vegetarian, homemade and heartwarming dish on each day to eat in or take away, for just £4. Stir into the mix the high-quality coffees, over 16 leaf teas, fresh fruit juices and smoothies, and you couldn’t ask for anything more… except, perhaps, cake! The good news is that Cafe Delight are proud to work with Sweet Keely’s, who make all their cakes on their premises. “They clearly love making cakes and cookies for both cafes,” say Delight, “as well as flapjacks, traybakes and other sweeties – all made with free-range and fresh ingredients wherever possible.” All the cakes are available to order, together with custom-baked birthday, wedding and cupcakes. Delight 19-20 Perry Rd, Bristol. Ffi: 0117 329 0889 & Cafe Delight 189 Gloucester Rd, Bristol. Ffi: 0117 944 1133. Web: www.cafedelight.co.uk

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food review

food&drink

Lucknam Park

An utterly enchanted Melissa Blease reaches for the stars

he Jane Austen pundits are undecided as to whether their heroine ever visited Lucknam Park, formerly a grand Palladian country mansion with a fascinating history, today a five-star, award-winning independent country house hotel that takes pride of place within the exclusive Relais & Chateaux portfolio of distinctly distinguished destinations. But the question of whether an official ‘Jane Was Here’ endorsement is etched into the historic walls (which contain acres of picturesque private parkland and various scented, manicured lawns, an equestrian centre, spa, two restaurants, assortment of wood-panelled drawing room bars and numerous exceedingly well-appointed suites) matters not - except to say that if she didn’t, she sorely missed out. But while Lucknam Park remains a fully functional example of the history on which the Heritage City was built (it’s just six miles from Bath – or seven if you include the tree-lined drive that leads visitors off the main road and up to the house itself), it’s far from being a time-warp experience. The recent addition of a chic, airy brasserie adjacent to the sparkling new spa adds a super-stylish, contemporary edge to otherwise trad-luxe proceedings, while, in the kitchen, executive chef Hywel Jones captures the imagination of modern foodies far beyond Bath’s environs, flaunting a Michelin star and three AA rosettes to confirm such an endorsement. The hotel’s Park restaurant is Hywel’s exclusive playground, and it was on his star-studded recreation ground that Folio chose to play. Having perused the menu in the drawing room over a glass of fizz and the kind of canapés that immediately summoned up an image of those rolypoly Michelin men giving each other knowing looks from the off (truffled risotto balls, parmesan crisps on crispy sticks, silky ham wrapped around delicate cheese batons), we were ushered into the dining room: an elegant, plushly furnished affair, all sparkling crystal, dazzling white linen and huge, lavishly draped windows offering views across a field in which well-dressed horses quietly graze. Once we were seated, more unbidden gourmet treats swiftly arrived at our table: freshly baked bread (including a bacon and cheese incarnation in a dinky little flowerpot) and a forkful of lobster-infused mousse to act as a precursor for the feast to come - a banquet so harmonious in its entire lyricism that I hereby present the details as an entire chorale… Softly poached slices of silky poached beef with tiny, powerful mushrooms and a vibrant pea/ broad bean melange. Slivers of meaty Norfolk eel teamed with crisp-skinned, sweet Cornish mackerel, punchy potato and horseradish risotto,

a smooth slick of watercress puree, shards of salty, grilled pancetta and a subtly sharp red wine vinaigrette… A plump, juicy braised turbo fillet resting on a creamy medley of buttered, shredded iceberg infused with jewels of Cornish crab, topped with slippery tubes of mild-mannered homemade macaroni bathed in a luxurious basting of truffle butter sauce and contrasting perfectly with deeply roasted artichokes. A rich, dense cylinder of beef with a swirl of creamy potato and asparagus that sang a farewell hymn to the season. A deceptively sweet croustillant of pineapple with a harmonious rum and raisin panna cotta, an invigorating coconut sorbet and unpredictably gratifying macadamia toffee. A fine banana tart of caramelised bananas on a mere whisper of crispy base, with an utterly delightful banana mousse contained in a sweet ‘spring roll’, salted caramel ice-cream that I would happily live on for the rest of my days, and popcorn - yes, proper popcorn foam… All in all, simply stunning. You can enjoy three courses at The Park (including delightful complimentary extras) for £66. Add pre-prandial tipples, a bottle of house wine, water and coffee, and you won’t get much change from £100 a head. What you will get, however, is an unforgettable experience, from start (that drive, those surroundings, thoroughly enchanting service) to finish, when you leave feeling like an old friend of this enchanting countryside dame.

Contacts Lucknam Park Hotel & Spa Colerne, Chippenham, Wilts Tel: 01225 742777 Web: www.lucknampark.co.uk

The canapés summoned up an image of those rolypoly Michelin men giving each other knowing looks

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Lebanese Cuisine

95 Queens Rd, Clifton, Bristol, BS8 1LW 0117 9739734 info@sandsrestaurant.co.uk www.sandsrestaurant.co.uk

Arabian Nights

Enjoy an evening of Eastern Promise Thursday 29th July ÂŁ16.95 per person An opportunity to try lots of different dishes in true Lebanese style. A Mezza which includes several hot and cold dishes, followed by a main course. Lebanese sweets and Arabic coffee. Includes Live Belly Dancing.

Celebrate Fantastic Food 2 COURSES ÂŁ9.95 Lunch and Pre-theatre menu Seasonal a la Carte menu Great British Sunday Roast

16 George Street, Bath, BA1 2EN t: 01225 425 242 w: www.theholeinthewall.co.uk e: info@theholeinthewall.co.uk Opening Hours Mon-Sat 12pm - 3pm & 6pm - 10pm Sun 12pm - 4pm & 6pm - 9.30pm 36 folio

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food review

food&drink

Clifton Sausage

Mike Gartside discovers more than just bangers with imagination

wo old mates, Dave and I, are on the hunt for a great-value meal out, to catch up in a relaxed, unpretentious environment. A short sortie through the quieter streets of Clifton Village reveals a stylish, welcoming eatery in the shape of Clifton Sausage. Hmmm… a fine-dining take on the humble sausage and mash combo? Sounds intriguing. One peep at the menu, plus a glance inside at the modern, unfussy interior, and we’re sold. Despite the variety of dining spaces in this typically rambling Clifton premises, the restaurant is bright and airy. And as well as the much-vaunted banger, there’s a wealth of other options to choose from, be it fresh Cornish fish, pan-fried calves’ liver or risotto: plenty for the vegetarian, the piscivore or the more adventurous diner to get their teeth into. We’re seated at a window table, overlooking an appealing continental-style alfresco enclosure, while indoors the decor is all flagstones, banquettes and checked cushion covers. The tables are dressed immaculately, their little square dishes of sea salt crystals and freshly ground pepper a particularly endearing touch. Service is swift and very friendly. Deliciously soft bread and fleshy olives blunt the initial hunger pangs as I take my first sip at a generous glass of house red – warm, mellow and highly drinkable. Mulling over the imaginative menu, we both laugh at the ‘Beans on Toast’ starter, a witty reference to every student’s fallback meal but here boasting crushed broad beans and mint on seeded soda bread toast, with poached free-range egg and hollandaise sauce. Dave leaps at that one, while I opt for the classic chicken liver parfait, sweet wine jelly and melba toast. The beans, I’m told, have a subtly minty flavour, while the toast offers a hearty, nutty texture. The chicken liver parfait, meanwhile, served on a rough-hewn board, is rich and subtle, contrasting beautifully with the sweetness of the jelly. There’s a clear need to sample the full range of sausagery here, so I opt for the Clifton Sausage tasting plate. Dave chooses from the non-banger-related fare, namely grilled freerange chicken and chorizo salad, garlic croutons and roast pepper mayonnaise. “Really nice!” he opines, less than helpfully. But further interrogation reveals there’s a lovely kick from the chorizo, while the salad is full of flavour surprises. And so to the sausages. I have four different varieties: Gloucester Old Spot with prime traditional pork, Cotswold lamb and mint sausage, the Clifton sausage itself (pork, cider, wholegrain mustard) and a beef variety. Each one has its own character, although they’re all deliciously crunchy

before revealing their individual secrets. The fact that such different flavours are teased out of such a familiar culinary staple is proof, if it were needed, that sausages deserve their place at the heart of our national cuisine. Combined with oodles of gravy and mash, plus some delicate parsnip chips, this is comfort food at its most deluxe. The homely pleasures continue for afters, with sticky toffee pudding and summer pudding with Chew Valley cream among the traditional puds. I go for the Cheddar Valley strawberries and strawberry cream in a brandy snap basket, and Dave plumps for the lemon and orange custard tart with lemon curd ice-cream. Both deliver on all their summery promise, with the tart providing rich and citrusy flavours according to my now more eloquent companion, while the brandy snaps splinter in the mouth just like the ones my Gran used to make - the perfect counterpoint to the plump, juicy strawberries. Clifton Sausage has set out its stall, serving traditional fare designed for the sophisticated palate, and its centrepiece, the range of sausages, is as carefully balanced for flavour and texture as anything you might expect from a master chef’s kitchen. The food we enjoyed comes in at under £25 per head - great value for this quality of grub. That, plus the variety of dishes on offer, makes this place an essential visit for the serious foodie.

Contacts The Clifton Sausage 7-9 Portland St, Bristol Tel: 0117 973 1192 Web: www.cliftonsausage.co.uk

The fact that such different flavours are teased out of this culinary staple is proof that sausages deserve their place at the heart of our national cuisine.

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feature

Blagdon-based Yeo Valley Organic farm

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food&drink

local heroes T

Melissa Blease tracks down the local producers making foodie waves across the UK

he South West is one of the most fertile regions on the British food map, and national demand for our local produce is thriving. So who exactly are the local producers who are sending the nation wild in supermarket aisles across the country?

Delightful Dairies Roger and Mary Mead first used milk from their own Somerset dairy herds to make yogurt in 1974. Almost two decades later, they produced an organic natural yogurt in response to requests from local farmers who couldn’t find a consistent demand for their own organic milk. Today, Yeo Valley Organic farm - still family-owned, and still based in Blagdon - is one of the UK’s most successful organic dairies, responsible for a UK-wide range including crème fraiche, milk, butter, cheese, fruit compotes - and, of course, that yogurt. If history is a keen factor when the cheese urge strikes, the internationally acclaimed Keen’s Cheddar must surely be given centre-stage position on the cheese board. Traditional farmhouse cheddar has been made in Wincanton, Somerset by this family-run business since 1899 - over a century later, Keen’s (amazingly enough, one of only three artisan cheddar producers in Somerset) continues to thrive. Park Farm in Kelston, near Bath churns out yet another grand selection of awardwinning cheeses, with the acclaimed Bath soft Cheese at the forefront of a selection that includes the equally splendid Wyfe of Bath and both Brie and Blue varieties. Third-generation farmer Graham Padfield found the original recipe for Bath Soft Cheese in an old grocer’s book, and makes it today in the same buildings in which his grandmother made her cheddar. ➜

Mulberry founder roger saul has swapped handbags for spelt with his sharpham Park food range

Orchard Pig Cider

Bart spices has a long Bristol history

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Juniper Summer Menu Why not start with a delicious Champagne cocktail with peach liqeur and elderﬂower £5.00

Starters Oak smoked salmon, crayﬁsh and prawns. £8.95 Beer battered goujons of fresh Cornish plaice, pea custard, caper and gherkin hollandaise. £7.95 Chicken, ham hock and prune terrine, sticky red cabbage, port reduction, homemade piccalilli. £6.95 Trio of free range duck, roasted garlic jam and celeriac remoulade. £7.95 Wild mushrooms pan fried with rosemary, garlic, madeira and cream, toasted brioche, crispy three cheese croquette, beetroot syrup. £6.95 Baked Somerset goats cheese, tomato, red onion and onion seed chutney, char grilled artichoke, herb salad and balsamic caramel. £6.95

Mains Pan roasted rump of Spring lamb, potatoes dauphinoise, leek and tomato tartlet, honey and green peppercorn reduction. £17.95 Loin of Somerset pork, black pudding, bubble and squeak cake, apple salsa, creamy rosemary, apricot and stilton sauce. £15.95 Breast of free range chicken; garlic, spinach and feta stuffing, creamy savoy cabbage and bacon, potatoes dauphinoise, wild mushroom sauce. £13.95 Seared fillet of Somerset beef, sticky braised featherblade, smokey tomato, red pepper and Roquefort stuffing, baby onions, home cut chips and cabernet jus. £18.95 Fillet of fresh Irish sea trout, asparagus, Jersey Royals, broad beans and mint, toasted hazelnut and chive butter £15.95 Honeyed sweet potato, spinach and chick pea casserole; pomegranate and walnut salad, potatoes dauphinoise. £12.95

Desserts All at £7.00

Rhubarb, amaretti + stem ginger crumble, custard, white chocolate + orange cream. Spiced bread pudding, vanilla bean ice cream, butterscotch sauce. Chocolate + cointreau terrine, trio of cherries. Pistachio creme brulee, maple + pecan biscuits. Exmoore Blue, leek + vine tomato tart, tarragon cheesecake, vintage cheddar rarebit, pinapple chuntey.

Special Venue Offer

3 Courses £20.95 (Mon-Fri) Call to make your booking now:

0117 942 1744

www.juniperrestaurant.co.uk

to p u 50 n e v 3. rso sa £1er pe p

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feature Terrific Tipples The four-acre Mumfords Vineyard (a couple of miles east of Bath) is home to a thriving family of over 5,500 vines that yield four types of grape, including Madeleine Angevine (the English strain of an old French white grape) and Kerner (a variety of the classic German Riesling). Mumfords proprietors Tony and Margaret Cox use the grapes to produce three white, one rosé and one red variety, each of which have enjoyed spotlight medal moments in various national competitions. But here in the West Country, it’s really all about the apples. As well as saving and nurturing Somerset’s orchards and providing employment opportunities for growing numbers of local people, awardwinning West Bradley-based cider and apple juice company Orchard pig (who manage 800-plus acres of orchards around Glastonbury, Taunton, Wells and the Mendips) produce 5,000 bottles of their unique, cloudy cider every day, alongside an increasingly large selection of fruity, alcohol-free combinations, all of which can be found at our favourite local pubs, restaurants, independent food outlets and selected branches of Waitrose. GOinG GlObal If you miss the massive sign as you enter Bristol on the M32, your nose will most definitely tell you that you’re about to drive by the mothership of the South West’s largest independent coffee roaster, brian Wogan. Established in 1970, this family-run business supplies tea and freshly ground coffee to restaurants, coffee shops, pubs, offices and markets across the UK. On a similarly fragrant note, bart spices (established in Bristol in the 1960s) is one of the UK’s leading ingredients suppliers. This independent, sustainable, ethically minded business sources a wide range of herbs, spices and ingredients from across the globe... and duly delivers the goods back to a worldwide customer database. UniqUe TreaTs Jekka McVicar started growing herbs in her Bristol back garden over 25 years ago. She went on to establish the acclaimed Jekka’s Herb farm in Alveston, South Gloucestershire in 1987, and today nurtures the UK’s most extensive range of culinary and medicinal organic herbs. In recent years, Jekka has earned the title of ‘Queen of Herbs’ from Jamie Oliver, been nominated as one of Rick Stein’s food heroes and been awarded 62 Royal Horticultural Society Gold Medals, among many other accolades. The catwalk queens among us may be familiar with the name Roger Saul in his guise as founder of British designer label Mulberry. But in 2004, Roger and his wife Monty segued to produce the sharpham park food range, a company borne out of their passion for sustainable, healthy, natural food. Their farm (also the Saul’s

food&drink

pieminister... yum!

family home, based in Glastonbury, Somerset) specialises in growing, harvesting and milling spelt - the ancient, highly nutritious relative of wheat. The SP range is now available in London’s Fortnum and Mason and Harvey Nichols department stores, and branches of Waitrose throughout the UK. celebriTy endOrseMenTs Founded in Bristol’s Stokes Croft in 2002 by Jon Simon and Tristan Hogg, pieminister pies are the local treat that increasingly dominate the national psyche. In 2004, these not-so-simple piemen established a base at the foodie haven that is London’s Borough Market; today, their steamy, comforting delights can be found at major festivals throughout the UK, selected branches of Waitrose and (rumour has it) in the larder of HM Queen Elizabeth II. The infamous, uniquely pungent stinking bishop cheese was given an international spotlight when it revived Wallace from the dead in Aardman Animations’ Oscar-winning 2005 film The Curse of the Were-Rabbit. After the film came out, demand for the cheese rose by over 500 per cent; today, cheese auteur Charles Martell churns out around 20 tonnes of smelly stuff a year from SB HQ Laurel Farm in Dymock, Gloucestershire - not bad for a product famed for giving off the distinctive aroma of sweaty socks. Chic confectioner Frances Cooley, proprietor of the highly acclaimed clifton cakes, became another Aardman-endorsed artisan when the company commissioned her to design a cake in honour of Peter ‘The Voice of Wallace’ Sallis’s 80th birthday. Meanwhile, her chocolate shoes - a musthave indulgence for fashionable chocoholics - were originally commissioned for elegant London department store Liberty’s Shoe Heaven event, created in conjunction with Kurt Geiger and Grazia magazine.

Bath MP Don Foster, meanwhile, was so impressed by Bath-based brewery abbey ales’ Bellringer brew that he arranged for it to be sold as a guest beer at the House of Commons. Founded in 1997 by real ale aficionado (and local ‘character’) Alan Morgan, Abbey Ales was the first - and remains the only - Bath-based brewery for over 40 years.

Contacts abbey ales Star Inn (The Vineyards, off The Paragon), Coeur de Lion (Northumberland Place) and Assembly Inn (Alfred St), Bath. Brewery: Abbey Brewery, Camden Rd, Bath. Ffi: 01225 444437, www.abbeyales.co.uk bart spices Bedminster, Bristol. Ffi: 0117 977 3474, www.bartspices.com bath soft cheese Park Farm, Kelston, Bath. Ffi: 01225 331601, www.parkfarm.co.uk brian Wogan Clement St, Bristol. Ffi: 0117 955 3564, www.wogancoffee.co.uk clifton cakes Clifton, Bristol. Ffi: 0117 927 7693, www.cliftoncakes.co.uk Jekka’s Herb farm Alveston, Bristol. Ffi: 01454 418878, www.jekkasherbfarm.com Keens cheddar Moorhayes Farm, Wincanton, Somerset. Ffi: 01963 32286, www.keenscheddar.co.uk Mumfords Vineyard Shockerwick Lane, Bannerdown, Bath. Ffi: 01225 858367, www. mumfordsvineyard.co.uk Orchard pig West Bradley Orchard, nr Glastonbury, Somerset. Ffi: 01458 851222, www.orchardpig.co.uk pieminister Stokes Croft (0117 942 9372) and Corn Exchange, Corn St (0117 302 0070), Bristol. Ffi: www.pieminister.co.uk sharpham park Walton, nr Street, Somerset. Ffi: 01458 844080, www.sharphampark.com stinking bishop Laurel Farm, Brooms Green, Dymock, Glos. Ffi: 01531 890637 yeo Valley Organic The Mendip Centre, Blagdon, North Somerset. Ffi: www. yeovalleyorganic.co.uk

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AvAilAble for privAte hire for Any occAsion.

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lifestyle boot camp

Fit for anything l A new outdoor summer ‘boot camp’ in Bristol will take women on a fitness adventure to become firmer, leaner and stronger – fast! Brought to the UK by former international athlete and Gladiator legend Kate Staples, and directed by former Olympic champion Daley Thompson, Adventure Boot Camp has been helping women to feel younger and sexier, and with better defined curves, since 2004. “The name ‘boot camp’ can sound very scary for most women,” admits Bristol trainer Nisha Obaidullah, “and probably conjures up images of military-style training and getting thrashed every session. But we’re nothing like that! What we offer is very different to any other fitness camp you’ll find. We use a mixture of strength training, short-burst cardio, yoga, balance, pilates and even hiking within our bespoke programmes to get each client to their own personal ‘next level’ of fitness. It doesn’t matter whether you’re 15 or 57, a conditioned athlete or someone who’s beginning at square one - every client is given a tailored and specific program to suit their own level of fitness.” Nisha gives full nutritional counselling with every boot camp, and the results on previous

camps just go to show that Adventure Fitness really works, with campers losing up to 11 inches off their bodies in just four weeks. Nisha has worked internationally as a personal trainer specialising in women’s fitness. Her truly holistic training philosophy encompasses all aspects of health by connecting emotional, spiritual and physical elements into every aspect of her coaching. A specialist pre/

perinatal health coach, she’s also the author of The 9 Month Club trilogy of books on the safest and most effective way to stay healthy and fit during pregnancy. Contact Nisha for more information on forthcoming camps. Adventure Boot Camp Contact Nisha on 01932 863240, email nisha@fitnesscamp.co.uk. Ffi: www. fitnesscamp.co.uk

gallery collection

Bright and beautiful l Tucked away in one of the most picturesque corners of Clifton Village, gallery owner Fiona Hamilton is quietly introducing to Bristolians and visitors to some of the most exciting talents on the printmaking scene. Her stock of prints, ceramics, textiles and jewellery by local and established artists is one of the brighter establishments in Clifton Arcade. “I opened in 2004, originally just for prints,” says Fiona. “The budding illustrators at the time have gone on to establish successful careers.” Early prints by Rob Ryan, Graham Carter and Anthony Burrill have all turned into highly soughtafter pieces, and up-andcoming artists Anna Marrow, Ian Chamberlain

and Peskimo are all hoping to follow suit. Fiona’s cultural view is evident in the unique pieces she chooses to sell. “They’re personal works and not layered by advertising,” she says. These days she also stocks stylish stationery, badges, bags and cushions. Soma caters for all tastes, from those looking to spice up their walls, to serious lovers of art, so expect an eclectic collection of limited edition prints and crafts. The gallery is due for an autumnal revamp in September, so for your last chance to see this summer’s offering, drop by now for a browse. Soma Gallery Clifton Arcade, Boyces Avenue, Clifton, Bristol. Ffi: 0117 973 9838, www. somagallery.co.uk/

Ice Cream Van by Hello Marine

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lifestyle country style

head for the hills

summer fashion

My Blue Heaven l Pale Blue in Clevedon’s Hill Road is fast becoming the boutique to visit… but only if you want something different! Jane Brake sources many of her clothes from small independent suppliers in the UK, France and Italy. “Women are fed up of seeing the same thing in the shops,” she says. “They want clothes that aren’t instantly recognisable, but which are flattering, beautiful, easy to wear and affordable. “It’s quite a challenge finding styles that can be worn by everyone with

confidence. I try to make sure that anything sleeveless will always have a selection of stunning pashminas, shrugs, wraps or cardis to complement it, and I choose the most flattering cuts and fabrics. My favorites at the moment are all the lovely soft summer colours in cotton and silk mixes - pale greys, mochas and pale teals in loose cuts. And I love the maxi dresses!” Pale Blue 14 Hill Rd, Clevedon. Ffi: 01275 874420

l Country meets couture this month, with Cotswold Country Living’s take on rural summer chic throwing up a whole new perspective on traditional country fashion. This yellow plaid coat says it all: what was once perceived as a safe and practical but restricting style of clothing has been transformed into an exciting, innovative collection, using traditional fabrics in a contemporary way. Stockists of big-name brands like Schoffel, Musto, RM Williams, Laksen, Dubarry, Chrysalis and Le Chameau, CCL also offer kids’ and men’s ranges, footwear, accessories, gifts, dog products and shooting accessories. Cotswold Country Living 80 Chesterton Lane, Cirencester, Glos. Ffi: 01285 657527, www. go-country.co.uk

boutique relocation

Timeless elegance l Boutique gem Sassy & Boo has gained a loyal following since it first opened its doors in the summer of 2006. The winning combination of handpicked contemporary lines, vintage accessories, heavenly scents and shabby chic furnishings gives the establishment its distinctive flavour. So much so that you can now find two branches in Bath and another in Tetbury. Alison Townshend, founder of Sassy & Boo, says: “Our unique selling point is that our boutique is ‘ageless’. Mums come in with their daughters to shop at Sassy & Boo. Vintage appeals to all ages and we select our contemporary pieces with that same ‘timeless’ ethos in mind.” Constantly reassessing and evolving the business Alison and her team have decided to

relocate the third boutique to a bigger unit. “We’ve had a successful run at Milsom Place and the team there have been fantastic. However, we are keen to expand the business and broaden our offering in central Bath and have found the perfect premises to do so on Green Street,” says Alison. Opening mid-July customers can peruse Sassy & Boo vintage finds alongside chic pieces by the likes of Belle & Bunty, Darling and Baby Ceylon. Also new to the boutique is accessories label – Katie Curtin, already a favourite with style aficionados Nicola Roberts and Florence Welch - all the bags are handmade and stocked in limited numbers. Sassy & Boo, 9 Green Street, Bath. Ffi: 01225 447938, www.sassyandboo.com

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lifestyle jewellery

Let it Rock! l Bristol jewellery shop Clifton Rocks is throwing a party to celebrate its first birthday this July - and we’re all invited! As well as drinks and nibbles, guests will be able to make the most of a free consultation with professional stylist (and Folio fashion editor) Niki Whittle, on hand to offer tips on accessorising and choosing the right jewellery to suit your personal style. Clifton Rocks’ unique contemporary collection features the work of both local and national designers. The first birthday bash will showcase new and exciting work from some of these talented designers, including Lucas Jack, Liz Hancock, Sarah Hutchinson and Angela Shackleton.

Shop owner designer Clare Chandler also works to commission, helping you to create your own design for anything from an engagement ring to a unique birthday gift. Or recycle a piece of jewellery with sentimental value to create an exciting new piece. To mark the one-year milestone, Clifton Rocks will be offering partygoers a 10% discount on any purchase made on the night. To join in the celebrations, just turn up at Clifton Rocks on the night, any time between 6-8.30pm. Clifton Rocks Birthday Party Fri 16 July, 6-8.30pm, 100 Queens Rd, Clifton, Bristol. Ffi: 0117 973 1342, www. cliftonrocks.co.uk

country living

food for thought l With the Wiltshire Game and Country Fair Show arriving once again at the beautiful Bowood Estate, Food Glorious Food and the popular Country Kitchen will be joined this year by celebrity chef and ‘food archaeologist’ Alan Coxon. Having appeared on shows including Ever Wondered about Food, Open House with Gloria Hunniford and Coxon’s Kitchen College, Alan will be delving back in time to reveal some intriguing recipes. Watch him cooking ‘Surf and Turf’ and a fiveminute ‘Key Lime’ pie. He’ll also be launching his multi-award-winning historic food range. Two main arenas will present the best of country sports and pursuits. Enjoy the Craft Village with working rural craft demos, the Falconry Village and arena and some fabulous food courts. You can even try your hand at flying a hawk, handling a gundog or learning how to fish.

shopping

Browser's heaven l Selling everything from handmade jewellery, soaps, cards and African ornaments and cards to flowers and fresh fruit, veg and meats, the independent retailers at artisan shopping emporium Woolies Indoor Market have been going great guns since last November. Upstairs, in the rustic-feel Loft, browse one-off collectable vinyl, unique photos, crystals and fossils, then relax with a coffee. Downstairs, a more

traditional market theme finds local people selling gorgeous clothes, scarves, bags, fragrances and fresh food, including homemade Caribbean meals and freshly caught English fish. For the chance to win a luxury Woolies hamper, see page 97.

Woolies Indoor Market 140a Whiteladies Rd, Clifton, Bristol. Ffi: 0117 317 9423, www. wooliesindoormarket.com

Wiltshire Game & Country Fair 8-9 Aug, Bowood House, nr Calne, Wilts. Ffi: 01283 820548, www. livingheritagecountryshows.co.uk

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lifestyle hair

Smooth Operators l Creative, high-end and seriously cute hair salon Shine, nestling snugly in the heart of Bristol’s Old Quarter just 10 minutes from Cabot Circus, has the best news in years for sufferers of the dreaded frizz. If you’re tearing your hair out in despair at constantly having to attack your barnet with those straightening irons in order to banish the curl and frizz, Shine are confident they’ve found a miracle (and pain-free) solution. The brand-new Keratin Complex Smoothing Therapy promises to smooth away frizz and curl for up to four to six months, without chemicals and without damaging your hair. Just settle yourself down in one of Shine’s comfy white leather armchairs, sip on your cuppa and look forward to putting your feet up for three hours...

The process kickstarts with a good old shampoo, with your hair blast-dried and sectioned off. Natural keratin is applied to your hair in 0.5cm sections, left to work its wonders for half an hour, then blow-dried in. Then

treatment – you can’t get your hair wet, or use grips or ties - but as frizz sufferers will testify, it’s well worth it. When the three days are up, it’s time to wash the whole lot off, find the mirror, say hello to the glossy, shiny, straight new you and chuck those straightening irons into the bin. The Keratin Complex Smoothing Therapy (from £200) is only available in Bristol at Shine, who are also renowned for their cut and colours, party and wedding hair and complementary consultations. Other products on offer include the luscious likes of Bumble & Bumble, Kevin Murphy and L’Oreal.

they’ll section off your hair into 0.25cm sections and infuse the treatment deep into the cuticle of each hair strand using titanium irons. Shine Hair Salon 18 St Nicholas St, There are strict do’s and don’ts Bristol. Ffi: 0117 929 9749, www. for three days following the shinehairsalons.co.uk

Q&a

paula dangerfield

Words of wisdom from Bristol’s La Beautique ’08 beauty salon How did you get into the beauty business? I started having my legs waxed back in 1978, and since I was asking so many questions, the beauticians asked me if I wanted to train at the college they were setting up. Tell us about the atmosphere at La Beautique ’08 We pride ourselves on our down-toearth atmosphere – it’s quiet and caring, and everyone’s welcome. We don’t want people to feel fazed by treatments, and we love to help boost people’s confidence and self-esteem and build up a real rapport with our clients. What about the beauty treatments? We stock Dermalogica products and offer electrical treatments. For the face, non-surgical face-lifts, microdermabrasion, eyelash tinting and extensions. For the body, electrical

body treatments, scrubs and wraps, a full range of massages, and Epil-Pro, which uses sound waves to reduce hair growth –nobody else in Bristol does it! What do you recommend for summer holiday preparation? I’d start with body exfoliation to get rid of dead skin cells, so the body is primed for the sun and you can just relax moisturise once you get home. Waxing a couple of days before you leave is ideal, and a good pedicure will last. And I’d always go for a facial. What’s new at La Beautique ‘08? In our World Cup promotion we’re giving away a free toenail file and paint with every pedicure. We’ve just introduced lash extensions and threading, and a new range of mineral make-up. La Beautique ’08 156 Henleaze Rd, Bristol, BS9. Ffi: 0117 962 2255, www. labeautique08.co.uk

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Dr. Martens for Summer Sandals Also... Birkenstock, CROCS, Art and Fly

Boots, Shoes and Sandals

203a Cheltenham Rd. Bristol BS6 5QX

Tel: (0117) 924 3707

www.kbkshoes.com

FASHION • VINTAGE • JEWELLERY 16 Church Street, Tetbury GL8 8JG & 9 Green Street, Bath BA1 2JY www.sassyandboo.com

The gorgeous new limited edition colour collection from

Various

gift sets available in Salon

6 Rockleaze Rd, Sneyd Park, Bristol BS9 1NF Tel: 0117 9682663 www.carlohairandbeauty.co.uk

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Parish Wharf leisure centre is situated in the beautiful setting of Portisheads Marina front. With classes, clubs and daily activities, this centre is the hub of the community and its infmaous kids pirate pool is a real find and well worth the trip from outside the area.

Soft Play Area

Centre Catering

Leisure Pool

A great way for pre-school children to release energy in a safe environment. Enjoy the large ball pit with slide, wall of sounds, seesaws and soft play equipment. Parental supervision required.

Parish Wharf Leisure Centre Cafe is open seven days a week, offering good quality snacks and meals at reasonable prices. Whether you want a quick coffee or hot meal, we can cater for you.

Experience Parish Wharf’s unique Pirate themed leisure pool with interactive water features for families with under 8’s.

Creche

Kinetika Gym Our Kinetika Gym is open to all ages and abilities offering a range of cardiovascular and strength equipment to help you improve your ﬁtness and work towards a healthier lifestyle. Various membership options are available. Please contact a customer advisor for more details.

Give yourself a well earned break! Let us look after your children in our excellent creche while you exercise or just relax.

Main Pool Enjoy our 25m 4 lane deck level main pool. Whether your a beginner, social or competitive swimmer there’s a session for you. kids can enjoy the amazing pirate themed indoor pool.

Indoor Sports Whether it be Badminton, Five-a-side football, basketball or Table tennis. With a 4 Court Sports Hall and 2 Multi Purpose Rooms available for hire Parish Wharf Leisure Centre provides an environment that will make your visit an enjoyable one.

Bowls Hall Come and enjoy a game in our 2 rink Indoor Bowls Hall. All equipment is included

Harbour Road, Portishead, Somerset, BS20 7DD Tel: 01275 848494 Fax: 01275 848495 Monday to Friday 7.00am - 10.00pm Saturday & Sunday 8.00am - 6.00pm

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shopping

lifestyle

Shop of the month Rachel Nott visits Bath’s uber-desirable bridal boutique Caroline Castiglian

nyone who’s had the pleasure of stepping into a Caroline Castigliano boutique will know what I mean when I say that this is the bridal experience that surpasses all others. Caroline Castigliano is more than a designer – there’s something about her gowns that reveals she understands women, enhancing their figure and creating a streamlined silhouette that will make them feel more beautiful on their wedding day than they’ve ever dreamed of feeling. Whether you’re after an understated classic gown or red-carpet glamour, you’ll find it here. Caroline has dressed many of the world’s most stylish women. And when you see the gowns, you’ll understand why… I was invited to Caroline’s boutique to take a look at her new collection, Relaxed Glamour - a fabulous fusion of her signature fishtail gowns and cinch-you-in corsetry, enhanced with layers of soft tulle, lace and duchess silk satin. The boutique itself is a luxurious blend of maroon and ivory, creating a classic feel that complements the display of gowns, with well-appointed fitting rooms and large gilded mirrors allowing you to see yourself from every angle. Having been welcomed into the boutique, I was seated with my consultant, Carina, and quickly felt that I was in knowledgeable hands and happily en route to finding the wedding dress of my dreams. Caroline’s team comprises expert consultants and fitters who will work with you to find your perfect dress created to your measurements, ensuring a flawless fit for the big day. Caroline Castigliano 5-6 Seven Dials, Saw Close, Bath. Visit the website or call to make an appointment. Ffi: 01225 789900, www.carolinecastigliano.co.uk

Paris: Striking silk duchess satin fishtail wedding gown with detachable peplum and handcrafted beaded belt

Wisteria: Elegant wedding dress featuring crossover back silk organza straps and a soft fishtail-style skirt with pleated cummerbund and corded lace bustcups

Eugenie: A fairytale wedding dress with Parisian corded lace corset, sweetheart neckline and pleated silk organza skirt with side pockets and satin sash

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* Clearance ends Sunday 18 July

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kidS' faShiOn

lifeStYle

Tot couture I Niki Whittle gets the kids looking cool this summer t’s not just grown-ups that want to look and feel good this summer. Little ones do, too - or at least we want them to! And as well as looking good and fitting well, there are other factors that need to be taken into account with children’s clothing. It needs to be easy to put on, comfortable and durable, not to mention washing well. I look at kids' clothes with envy – the colours are brighter and the patterns bolder than ours, and they tend to make our choices look a little drab. But kids can get away with anything, so why not unleash your creative side on your children? This season, boys are looking cool in rebel-esque outfits while girls can go all cute and quirky. Bristol and Bath have the pick of the crop this season, with cute clothes and accessories to make your little monster shine.

BOYS

Binky Bristol is a family-run online business. They handprint their own baby T-shirts for those who don’t want their little ones to wear T-shirts made for the masses. As well as being unique, the illustrations are well thought out, funny and cute. And don’t worry if you have T-shirt envy - they do them for grown-ups, too.

These two chaps are far too cool for skool! Their outfits from Marks & Spencer are on trend, and layering makes them a practical choice, too, as they will mix and match with many other items.

What better when the sun’s shining than a Hawaiian shirt, like this one from Monsoon. Adults struggle to get away with wearing one for anything other than fancy dress, but I love seeing them on kids - and the strong colours and patterns will disguise the dirt (well, for a short while, anyway). The Aviators and Converse-style trainers would be excellent for a holiday wardrobe. ➜

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kIdS' faShIon 4

LIfeStyLe

4 5

Your little rebel will love these trainers from John Lewis. Team them with jeans or shorts and a little trilby, and he’ll look so cool in the sun.

GIRLS

Solelution in Bristol are stocking some cute sandals this summer. All their staff are trained to ensure that you get the best fit for your child. This pair are my favourite - they provide more support than a flip-flop and come in a great colour combination.

John Lewis have some beautiful clothing for babies to early teens, and my pick is this spotty combo. The great thing about this outfit is that it can be split up and worn with other items, making it versatile and gentle on your purse.

Up to Seven in Bath is a new shop from Walcot Woollies, who stock handmade clothes for babies and kids, designed and made in their studio workshop in Walcot Street. They also stock handmade clothes by designers like Lizzie Shirt, who designed these gorgeous hats.

Every girl loves shoes… They’re definitely my weakness, so I adore this cute outfit from Next. The leggings are separate and would look great teamed with a little denim skirt.

When the sun has got his/her hat on, there’s no better time to go all-out girly in a cute summer dress like this one from Pumpkin Patch.

8 Contacts

Binky Bristol Ffi: www.binky-bristol.com John Lewis The Mall at Cribbs Causeway. Ffi: 0117 959 1100, www.johnlewis.com Monsoon Ffi: 0117 950 4175, www.monsoon.co.uk Marks & Spencer Ffi: 0117 904 4444, www.marksandspencer.com Next Ffi: 0844 844 5133, www.next.co.uk Pumpkin Patch Cabot Circus, Bristol. Ffi: 0117 929 2356, www.pumpkinpatch.co.uk Solelution 1-2 Boyces Ave, Clifton Village, Bristol. Ffi: 0117 973 8350, www.solelution.co.uk Up to Seven 10 The Podium, Bath. Ffi: 01225 463966, www.walcotwoollies.co.uk

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Summer is on its way weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re ready, are you?

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NEAR TETBURY GLOUCESTERSHIRE GL8 8YJ T: 01666 891 232 p56.indd 1

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Tel: 0117 929 9749

% 2T0 UDENT

S NT DISCluOdinUg Sat * Exc

Banish the Frizz for up to 3 months! Available NOW only in SHINE HAIR SALONS, Bristol. Call 0117 929 9749 for more details.

We care • We listen • We advise Mon Appointment Only Tues 10am-5.30pm Weds 10am-7pm Thur 10am-6.15pm Fri 10am-8pm Sat 9am-5.15pm

18 St Nicholas Street | Bristol | BS1 1UB www.shinehairsalons.co.uk p57.indd 1

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La Beautique 08 THE TRADITIONAL BEAUTY SALON

Opening our doors for business in 1969, with 4 stylists we have steadily grown to over 40 stylists, trainees and beauty therapists and we are proud to have still maintained over this time, our friendly yet highly professional approach throughout. Opening Times Monday, Tuesday & Wednesday: 9.00am - 5.30pm Thursday 9am-8pm, Friday 9am-6.30pm Saturday 8am-4pm

4 C a bs ta nd Po rti s hea d Bri s tol T: 0 1 2 7 5 8 4 2 1 7 7

w w w. r o b e r t j o h n h a i r. c o . u k

Salon established 1982

DERMALOGICA APPROVED SALON

Extensive range of beauty treatments for women and men • Dermalogica Luxury Facials • Aromatherapy & Body Massage • Occasion Makeup • Threading • Thread Vein Removal • Indian Head Massage • Eyelash Perming & Tinting • St Tropez / Spray Tanning • Pampering Packages • Non Surgical Facelift • Microdermabrasion • Mineral Makeup • And Much More

156 Henleaze Road, Bristol

0117 962 2255

www.labeautique08.co.uk Monday - Friday 9.30 - til late, Saturday 9.30 - 5.00

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beauty

lifestyle

salon spy

RSR Men's Hair

Mike Gartside finds a men’s hairdresser offering affordable style

uys. Some of us are talking about it. Some of us are even doing it, but so many more of us are sticking our heads in the sand and refusing even to acknowledge how important it is. That’s right, male grooming continues to be a touchy subject among many men. The result is that too many of us allow our hair to be mauled by the cheapest shearer in town. We fail to articulate what we want when it comes to style and simply hope against hope that the results aren’t too awful. My own predicament is possibly typical. At the risk of sounding a bit ‘girly’, I’m aware that I have fine, flyaway hair. Not only that, but male pattern baldness set in a long time ago considerably earlier than I felt my age (or level of maturity) warranted. The result has been a tendency to lurch between the incompatible looks of the skinhead and the crazed professor. So, in a spirit of resigned pragmatism, I’ve always gone for the barber’s solution: a No. 4 at the sides and a little bit spiky on top. This request has been interpreted with mixed results by a variety of Bristol barbers (and certainly not those unisex hairdressers, which I’ve always avoided). How refreshing, then, to find a dedicated hairdresser for men with a salon-style approach but a barber’s prices. RSR Men’s Hair was set up in March 2009 by hair stylist Rachael Lavis, who trained in a conventional salon and started out working on women’s hair before getting a job in a barber’s shop. “I really enjoyed working with men’s hair,” she says. So much so that, eight and a half years later, she opened her own salon dedicated to “contemporary barbering”. She continues: “Bristol has been missing something like this. Barbers’ shops are very traditional and, until now, men have had to go to a women’s salon – and pay salon prices – to get their hair styled. Here we have all the finishing touches of a salon, including a cup of coffee while you wait, and you’ll leave with more than just a short back and sides.” Once in the chair, I know I’m in the hands of an expert. Rachael decides to scissor-cut my hair, rather than reach for the clippers. Apparently she can achieve the same length as a No. 4 but add a bit more shape. Meanwhile, I have time to explore the décor – tongue-incheek modernistic ballroom chic, complete with chandelier, stylish floor-to-ceiling mirrors and classically elegant chrome and leather barbers’ seats. The epitome of comfort, it offers perfectly judged elegance without being intimidating. Set in the beating heart of Bristol’s commercial district in Baldwin Street, it’s in an ideal spot to

attract the city’s professionals and younger styleseekers. As Rachael explains, the new premises is a short distance from her previous establishment, so a large number of her previous customers have moved to RSR, while she’s also succeeded in attracting a whole new clientele. An added appeal is that she stocks a range of reasonably priced, top-notch products including American Crew, Fudge, and d:fi. I’m quietly impressed by the barnet emerging in the mirror as we speak. As the gown comes off and the back of the neck is brushed down, I appear to be sporting not the usual refugee crop or the anodyne executive parting but a carefully crafted, timeless, forties-style cut that achieves the near impossible of disguising the missing

follicles for at least as long as it takes to make a first impression. I can say without exaggeration that I haven’t been so pleased with a haircut in years and, at a wallet-friendly £9 for a dry cut, £12 for a shampoo and cut or (extraordinarily) £7 for a clipper cut, I’m well on the way to becoming a regular. RSR Men’s Hair 37 Baldwin St, Bristol. Ffi: 07599 401402, www.rsrmenshair.co.uk

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Book a 1 hour Massage at The Berkeley Centre during July and receive a £10 gift voucher off your second session! Treatments include: Deep Tissue Massage, Relaxation Massage, Traditional Thai Massage, Sports Massage, Hot Stones, Pregnancy Massage, Facial Massage & Reflexology The Berkeley Centre Berkeley Square, Clifton, Bristol BS8 1HL T: 0117 370 1177 www.theberkeleycentre.co.uk offer valid to all new clients booking a 1 hour massage during July with participating therapists. Gift vouchers valid with the same practitioner and may be subject to an expiry date. Not valid with any other offer.

Increase your child’s confidence with contact lenses A new study from the US* shows children as young as 8 years old benefit from changing to contact lenses. The study showed a significant improvement in children’s confidence and ability at sporting and social activities. The children were also found to be capable and responsible in handling and caring for their lenses. Indeed, an earlier study found they were better than adults at following and remembering instructions. Juul & Payne have a large number of happy, healthy young wearers from the age of 8 right up to 80 who benefit from the great care, instruction, modern fitting techniques and lens styles at our Clifton practice. New Ortho-k Contact lenses have proved to be very safe and effective and been shown to halt short-sightedness in 90% of children and adults. These lenses also mean no spex or contact lens wear during the day. The summer is an ideal time to start learning to wear and care for lenses with the long holidays giving plenty of time, and lots of opportunities, to enjoy the benefits of lens wear. *Contact Lens in Paediatrics CLIP study

For further details please phone Juul & Payne or visit www.juulandpayne.co.uk 70 Alma Road, Clifton Bristol Tel: 0117 973 5929

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Clifton Medi Spa Non-surgical Cosmetic and Health Treatments from highly qualiﬁed and experienced Doctors and Practitioners. Available treatments include: • Dermal Fillers • Sculptra • Peels • Microdermabrasion • Wrinkle relaxing treatment

• Fat Reducing Injections • Sclerotherapy • IPL hair reduction & photo rejuvenation • Radiage Radio Frequency skin tightening • Skinceuticals & Agera Rx treatments and products

Care Quality Commission Registered. For a professional consultation contact us at: Tel: 0117

9734 594

Email: info@cliftonmedispa.co.uk www.cliftonmedispa.co.uk Clifton Medi Spa, 56 Royal York Crescent, Clifton, Bristol BS8 4JP

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health

lifestyle

Spotlight on Massage

Folio explores the role of massage in a healthy lifestyle l Massage is probably one of the oldest and most intuitive treatments in the world. Who hasn’t instinctively rubbed their own neck when it feels tense? It’s a simple and effective treatment that requires no more than just a bit of oil - and often not even that. Many ailments can benefit from massage, such as chronic muscle tension or stiffness most people, for example, will have knots in their back, neck or shoulders. Headaches and migraines are often triggered by muscle tension in the neck or shoulders. Massage can relieve this quickly and effectively, removing the need to take painkillers. And athletes also find it very beneficial to help them perform at their best. “Massage is such a wonderful thing”, says The Berkeley Centre’s massage therapist Jenny Dalhuijsen. “It’s a truly holistic therapy. Not only can it help you with certain problems directly, by working on the affected and surrounding areas it also gives you a mental boost, which encourages relaxation and speeds up healing of the body. This makes massage a very powerful therapy.” Massage can also improve your immunity, make you feel more energetic, and relieve

stress, anxiety, insomnia and even depression. Many people have integrated massage into their lifestyle and go to see their therapist once a month or more. “People who receive massage regularly generally have a more positive attitude towards life, feel better in their body and mind, accomplish more, and are simply happier,” says Jenny If you’d like to try it for yourself, book a massage at Clifton’s Berkeley Centre in July

and you’ll receive a £10 voucher towards your second session. You can choose from a wide range of massage services, including deep-tissue massage, pregnancy massage, facial massage, Thai massage and reflexology. The Berkeley Centre 3 Berkeley Square, Clifton, Bristol. Appointments: 0117 370 1177. Web: www. theberkeleycentre.co.uk

Complexion issues

Robyn Simmons discovers one Bristol practice’s gentler cosmetic treatments l If summer means sweltering in the midday heat wrapped in a jumper and boots, or if you seem to be spending a fortune trying to find that miracle foundation, you may feel you have a few imperfections to hide. There’s a myriad of reasons other than pure vanity to wish to fine tune your appearance and, if the tabloids are to be believed, we all turn to cosmetic surgery at the first hint of a blemish. But there are other gentler and often equally effective treatments to hand. Clifton Medi Spa are specialists in non-surgical cosmetic and health treatments, whose highly professional, skilled team will address your health and beauty concerns in a relaxed environment. “We don’t do surgery,” emphasises owner and podiatrist Eirian Jones. “Our treatments are non-invasive. We have leaders in the field of Sculptra and we offer a complete range of Skinceutical and Agerax products.” This means that you can smooth out those creases, revitalise your skin or repair scar tissue without the risks of surgery. The team of doctors provide honest advice and guidance through procedures that include dermal fillers for lines and wrinkles; peels and microdermabrasion that

combat sun damage, scars and age spots, and injections that fight fat. Their laser treatment removes hair and resurfaces unhealthy skin and scleotherapy sessions remove unsightly veins. Dr John Quinn has just joined the team to practice cosmetic medicine alongside Dr Alan Jones and Dr Rupert Gabriel. Clifton Medi Spa also offer complimentary health therapies. Dr Kang Nian Dong provides Chinese medicine and acupuncture to ease symptoms caused by arthritis, asthma, acne, eczema, depression, psoriasis, IBS, insomnia and hayfever. Eirian Jones himself offers podiatry and chiropody, dealing with joint deformity, arthritis and foot-related injuries. Colon hydrotherapy and reflexology are also offered, as well as a full range of beauty therapies including facials, waxing, massage, manicures and pedicures. To discuss the best procedure for you, contact Clifton Medi Spa for a consultation with one of their professional practitioners. Clifton Medi Spa 56 Royal York Crescent, Clifton, Bristol. Ffi: 0117 973 4594, www.cliftonmedispa.co.uk

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profile

lifestyle

Zetland road Dental practice ● Losing teeth at the back of the mouth is an event that happens to many people. The empty spaces left behind can have an adverse effect on the support of the lips and cheeks and will appear as unsightly gaps when smiling. It’s not unusual for people to become very self-conscious about these black holes and refuse to have their photo taken, and

always cover their mouths when they laugh. Aside from the cosmetic defect, the long-term effect of this can be a difficulty in using one side of the mouth when eating. If several adjacent teeth are lost, then the whole side of the mouth can become effectively redundant, and the opposite side can become overworked, leading

Zetland Road Dental Practice 30 Zetland Rd, Redland, Bristol BS6 7AB Tel: 0117 942 4126 Web: www.zetlanddental.co.uk

to advanced wear on these remaining teeth. Dental implants are now a well-established treatment for restoring the spaces left behind by tooth extraction. A dental implant is a small titanium screw that is first buried under the gum and allowed to heal for a matter of weeks. This is subsequently used to support a porcelain crown that looks and feels like a natural tooth. Implants can also be used in multiples to replace a complete row of teeth that can be lost. Dr Simon Dunn at Zetland Road Dental Practice was one of the first dentists in the South West to start treating patients with dental implants. With his extensive experience in all aspects of this complex

area of dentistry, he can confidently and predictably help any patient suffering the effects of tooth loss.

Rapid Access Joint Injury Service The Bristol Knee Clinic is offering an exciting new service to provide rapid access to the combined diagnostic skills of chartered physiotherapists and a Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon. Patients will be provided with a diagnosis and advice as to what route of treatment would be appropriate. Clinics will be held on Friday mornings at Spire Bristol Hospital The “Glen”, and cost £50.

Appointments Tel 0117 980 4022

Spire Bristol Hospital, The Glen, Redland Hill, Bristol, BS6 6UT. Tel: 0117 980 4022

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education

lifestyle

Never too late

Josh Arnew picks out some of the best local adult education courses

don’t just see this as an English literature degree. I’m also furthering my all-round education.” Meet Daniel Durkin, a part-time Bristol University student who’s opening his mind to what a book can do, courtesy of the BA (Hons) in English Literature and Community Engagement, taught one evening a week (plus occasional Saturdays) over six years (new course starts September). It’s the UK’s first degree combining literary study and community work, and you don’t need any prior qualifications. “Some students are younger than me, in their twenties,” says Daniel. “Then there are guys who are retired. There’s a huge variety of backgrounds – social workers, nurses, parents with young kids. People have a lot to say and we’re learning a lot from each other.” It’s never too late to learn something new,” says Kathy Patterson, Backwell School’s community arts manager. As well as evening community courses starting in September, Backwell are holding one-day adult ‘Summer Tasters’ (26-28 July), with the emphasis on learning in an enjoyable, supportive environment. “Have a go at making delicious cupcakes, learning to write a novel, designing lino-print cards or making a skirt in a day,” says Kathy. “Discover new talents for batik, pastel drawing, collage making with silk fibre paper or designing beaded jewellery.” Courses include French, photography, art, Spanish, Italian, Chinese, sugarcraft and textile crafts. Perhaps you’d like to learn French with native speakers, all of whom are experienced teachers, at Alliance Française de Bristol? “Having not spoken French since GCSE, I’ve found learning with Alliance Française an ideal way to build confidence and fluency,” says a current student. Classes and courses are relaxed, encouraging and fun – following a friendly, informal assessment, you’ll find yourself happily ensconced in a tutor’s home with eight or nine other students of a similar level. (Enrolment: 13 Sept, 7.30-9pm, Henleaze Library; 18 Sept, 10am-2.30pm, Bristol Central Library.) If the art bug has bitten, Bristol Drawing School at Paintworks run drawing courses and workshops throughout the year, as well as exhibitions and artist talks. Their mission? “To encourage and nurture the art of drawing, not just as an art form in its own right, but as an essential part of the creative process,” says director Graham Woodruff. “There’s something for everyone this autumn, from etching, portraiture, botanical drawing and 3D wire workshops to a new 10-week all-day Drawing, Paint and Colour course, a solo show by artist Duncan Cameron, a fascinating touch drawing exhibition by DRAW and a lecture on the human form by David Cobley.” Over at Spike Print Studio on Cumberland Road, courses, workshops and masterclasses in

Alliance Française de Bristol trip to Paris: have fun and learn French at the same time

Bristol Drawing School students get to the art of the matter

large, well-equipped studios cater for both complete novices and experienced printmakers. Last year’s four-hour pick ’n’ mix Credit Crunch Summerschool courses were a sell-out – choose from the likes of screen monoprinting, linocut, digital artwork photoshop, drypoint and collagraph (26-30 July), without having to sign up for an entire week. July’s short, intense and extremely good fun experimental courses (two evenings over a fortnight) include everything from experimental etching and screenprinting to an introduction to textile printing. Or hot-foot your way to a new, improved you at Bristol’s Dance Voice centre in Bedminster. “The aim of Dance Movement Psychotherapy (DMP) is to develop self-expression and clarity of thought and enable people to manage their feelings, expand communication and develop creative resources through movement and dance,” says director Marie Ware. Classes at all levels range from one-week short courses to a three-year Masters programme. Says one current student: “It’s done wonders for my self-confidence and it really challenges my brain.”

Booked! University of Bristol’s BA in English Literature & Community Engagement is a real page-turner

contacts Alliance Française de Bristol Ffi: 0117 924 7809/3367, info@afbristol.org.uk, www. afbristol.org.uk Backwell School Backwell, BS48. Contact Kathy Patterson. Ffi: 01275 465942, kpatterson@backwellschool.net, www. backwellschool.net Bristol Drawing School Ffi: 0845 680 1409, info@drawingschool.org.uk, www. drawingschool.org.uk Dance Voice Ffi: 0117 953 2055, admin@ dancevoice.org.uk, www.dancevoice.org.uk Spike Print Studio Ffi: 0117 929 0135, info@spikeprintstudio.org, www. spikeprintstudio.org University of Bristol BA in English Literature & Community Engagement. Ffi: 0117 954 6969, tom.sperlinger@bristol.ac.uk, www. bristol.ac.uk/english/lifelong/informationpack. pdf

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BA English Literature and Community Engagement “I left school at 16. It never would have occurred to me to go to university... I love the course. It could open your eyes to what studying can do.” - One of our students This is a unique part-time degree, taught one evening per week. You will study a full range of literature in English and run a reading group in the community. You do not need any qualiﬁcations to apply. To ﬁnd out more call 0117 954 6969 or visit us online at: www.bris.ac.uk/english/lifelong

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THE HOME OF DANCE MOVEMENT PSYCHOTHERAPY IN THE SOUTH WEST OFFERS ACCREDITED PART TIME COURSES IN DANCE MOVEMENT PSYCHOTHERAPY

INTERVIEWING NOW FOR SEPTEMBER 2010 INTAKE 3 year MASTERS PROGRAMME validated by Canterbury Christ Church University, Please see website for details NATIONAL CERTIFICATE IN DANCE MOVEMENT AND THE THERAPEUTIC PROCESS (1 YEAR BTEC Edexcel Award) - Interviewing now for 15th September start.

FямБ: Dance Voice, Quaker Meeting House, Wedmore Vale, Bedminster, Bristol, BS3 5HX Tel/fax: 0117 953 2055 e-mail: admin@dancevoice.org.uk www.dancevoice.org.uk

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mark simmoNs photography tel: 0117 9140999 mobile: 07778 063 699

Natural Weddings

“Mark’s gift lies in his ability to tell a story in picture form. He totally captured the atmosphere of our memorable day and didn’t miss one precious moment. He is incredibly talented, very likeable and does not at all get in the way of the celebrations. He comes highly recommended!” Marie-Claire Gutfreund

NEW Website: www.marksimmonsphotography.com folio 69

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motoring

Top of the pops

Nissan comes top in an independent road test, reports Mike Thomas

t’s mid summer and the appeal of an open-top is stronger than ever, particularly with the glorious weather we’ve enjoyed over the past month. And there’s exciting news for anyone who aspires to the style, speed and comfort of a convertible BMW or Audi but is finding those classic marques a little out of their budget. A recent report published by the motoring mag and website Evo put the BMW Z4, the Audi TT and the Nissan 370Z Roadster head to head in a road test. And it was the Nissan that triumphed, winning four out of five stars from reviewer John Barker, who awarded just 3.5 stars for the other models. The Nissan was described as the bargain of the group, starting at £34,600 (with GT pack included). It was commended for its handling and a chassis that ‘truly connects you to the road’, while its 3.5-litre, V6 engine ‘delivers creamy torque by the bucketload’. The 370Z scored highly in comfort, too, with its supportive, embracing seats, and both its

automatic and manual versions drew plaudits. To get your mits on one of these tasty beasts, it’s well worth a trip to Wessex Garages, which has represented the Nissan franchise for over 25 years in the Bristol area. The showroom has a range of offers on new and used cars and can certainly help you out if any of its deals, whether on the 370Z or any other model, catch your eye. Wessex Garages Bristol Nissan, Pennywell Rd, Bristol, BS5. Ffi: 0844 247 3176, www.wessexgarages.com

facTs aT a Glance car Nissan 370Z Price £30,445-£33,745 on the road engine V6 Max power 326bhp @ 7,000rpm Max torque 269lb ft @ 5,200rpm Transmission 7-speed automatic gearbox (optional), rear-wheel drive Wheels 8x18in front, 9x18in rear aluminium alloy Weight 1,554kg Performance 0-62mph, 5.5 secs; top speed 155mph

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lifestyle

Power trip

Josh Arnew gets his mitts on the new Audi A8. He may be some time…

udi’s flagship A8 has to compete in the luxury saloon segment against some of the world’s finest cars. Standard bearer for one of the largest, most diverse model ranges going, it needed to be good – really good. And Audi have pulled out all the stops to make it so. Luxury levels have reached new heights, and there’s a generous helping of standard spec: adaptive air suspension, Valcona leather seats, Audi Music Interface, HDD-based navigation. The presense basic doesn’t go amiss, either, detecting imminent collision and tightening seatbelts, closing sunroof and windows, and activating the hazards. Improvements across the board haven’t drifted too far from those core Audi values. The latest Quattro all-wheel-drive technology ensures the surest of footings and optimum power distribution. Some of the powertrain options are hideously tempting, but most folk will end up with the 3.0-litre TDI diesel that props up the mighty V8s. Its 250bhp engine feels far from weak thanks to the 550Nm of torque that courses forth from minimal revs. All models have Audi’s kinetic energy recapturing system to charge the battery when

xxxxxxx

coasting or braking, while increased use of lightweight aluminium construction has shaved off some weight. These and many other measures help the petrol V8 to nearly 30mpg (combined cycle), with 219g/km CO2 emissions. The V8 diesel manages 37mpg and 199g/km. With Audi’s technological innovations, classy design and robust build quality, this is one formidable motorcar. Bristol Audi Pioneer Park, Whitby Rd, Bristol, BS4. Ffi: 0117 316 0600, www.bristolaudi.co.uk

fActs At A glAnce car Audi A8 Price from £54,835 on the road cO2 emissions 174-219g/km Performance [4.2 FSI V8] 0-60mph 5.7s/max speed 155mph fuel consumption [4.2 FSI V8] (combined) 29.7mpg standard safety features Twin front, side & curtain airbags, ABS, ESP

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“The design process was creative and ﬂuid resulting in a great piece of print.” Creative Bristol

bangdesign brand/print/web/publishing/photography

contact us venue publishing, 4th ﬂoor, bristol news & media, bristol bs99 7hd tel 0117 942 8491 email d.higgitt@venue.co.uk / d.myring@venue.co.uk

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travel

lifestyle

Top 10 Short Breaks

Folio’s pick of the best local inns serving up a healthy dose of fabulous views, nourishing food, fine ales and, rather brilliantly, a clutch of cosy bedrooms so that you never have to leave. Sweet dreams… THE CARY ARMS Babbacombe Beach, South Devon, TQ1 3LX. Ffi: 01803 327110, www.caryarms.co.uk • Relive those childhood memories of quintessential English beach holidays, but in slightly more sophisticated, comfortable surroundings. The Cary Arms sits right on Devon’s gorgeous Babbacombe Beach (check out that address), so there’s nothing between your window and the sea. And this is a serious boutique-style stop-off: rooms are gloriously elegant yet with an undeniable seaside flavour, the menu features a whole array of fresh Cornish fish, and the recently Cask Marqueaccredited bar is traditional yet exceedingly wellheeled. They don’t come much more stylish than this. Rooms start at £195pn. THE CASTLE INN Castle Combe, Wilts, SN14 7HN. Ffi: 01249 783030, www.castle-inn.info • This 12th century building is a breathtakingly pretty sight on the roadside and contains plenty of delights beyond: an inviting, cosy bar, pub/bar menu during the day and à la carte in the evening, and a courtyard round the back, to mention just a few. If you’re so taken that you can’t bear to leave, there are 11 ultracomfortable rooms with the likes of whirlpool bathrooms, a Victorian slipper bath, flatscreen TVs and personal tea- and coffee-making facilities. From £110pn for a standard double. CRAZY BEAR & RAGGED STAFF Bear Lane, Stadhampton, Oxfordshire, OX44 7UR. Ffi: 01865 890714, www.crazybeargroup.co.uk • Now this really is a special one, and quite certain to set even the hardest heart a flutter with its elegantly furnished suites. The restaurant is nothing short of superb, the bar and beer garden are beautifully kept and furnished, and all the rooms gloriously romantic. Top of the list has to be the Infinity Suite - the ultimate in decadence - ➜

The Cary Arms

Crazy Bear & Ragged Staff

The Cary Arms

The Castle Inn

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Travel cont... which comes complete with crushed velvet walls, leather floors and a bath that fills from the ceiling. It will set you back £405.37 though, including VAT. Slightly less extravagant but nonetheless lovely doubles start at £176.25.

The Mason's Arms

GLOBE INN Frogmore, Kingsbridge, Devon, TQ7 2NR. Ffi: 01548 531351 • This inn received a major (and might we say very nice) refurbishment three years ago, and is now the ideal place for a coastal retreat. An 18th century inn in Frogmore (a village between Dartmouth and Kingsbridge), it boasts eight neat and unfussy ensuite bedrooms and an inviting restaurant/bar, which has the South Hams Brewery Co’s Eddystone on tap. The South Hams area middle of the village plays host to all manner of green, and makes a rich, grown-up hobbyists, from vibrant centre for the sailors to golfers, divers, community. Find all the birdwatchers and so on, making coveted countryside the Globe an ideal base for an The Stapleton Arms signifiers both inside activity-filled weekend away. No and out - brook, ducks, oak beams, Cotswold cats; dogs by arrangement. stone walls, original inglenook fireplace - and a Double £80, including breakfast. bar that’s so charming you’ll wish it could chat to you. The bedrooms are beautifully furnished in HALF MOON INN Llanthony, nr Abergavenny, Monmouthshire, NP7 line with the character of the inn, and the restaurant renowned for its locally sourced, 7NN. Ffi: 01873 890611, www.llanthony.co.uk quality food. Doubles from £85pn. (click on Accommodation) • The best way to take in the sweeping environs of the Brecon Beacons has to be on foot or horseback, and the Half Moon THE MASON’S ARMS Branscombe Village, Devon, EX12 3DJ. Ffi: Inn provides just the opportunity to do that. With 01297 680300, www.masonsarms.co.uk • This the Llanthony Riding and Trekking Centre so close, this is a proper, unspoiled B&B in a pub that award-winning 14th century inn sits right at the heart of picturesque Branscombe, a can offer you hearty food, Bull Mastiff and Red charming village that suggests rural life at its Stag on tap, and some bracing walks in any most idyllic. Plenty of great clifftop walks just direction from your front door. From £55 for a minutes from the door will help you to work double, £35 for a single. up a real appetite for the hearty, locally sourced food provided at the inn. Double KINGS HEAD INN rooms vary from £80 for the cheaper ones to Bledington, Oxfordshire, OX7 6XQ. Ffi: 01608 £175 for the luxury four-poster rooms, with big 658365, www.kingsheadinn.net • This 16th discounts for out-of-season stays. century cider house is situated slap-bang in the Kings Head Inn

lifesTyle

MERRYMOOR INN Mawgan Porth, nr Newquay, Cornwall, TR8 4BA. Ffi: 01637 860258, www.merrymoorinn.com • Just about everyone under 50 wishes that they’d given it a go at some point or another, and the Merrymoor Inn makes it possible. We’re talking about surfing, of course - the KingSurf surf school is nearby, and with Mawgan Porth Beach a mere 50 yards away, it couldn’t be easier to catch (or rather, attempt to catch) some waves. But, for non-boarders, the beach is lovely enough anyway, with cliffs sweeping to a horseshoe-shaped bay with golden sands. There are also several walks leading inland, including the Vale of Laherne trail, which leads to St Mawgan through Carnanton Woods and onward to the historic market town of St Columb. The Merrymoor itself has been run by the same family since 1961, and offers some truly excellent food (with plenty of Cornish crab on the menu). There’s an alfresco dining area overlooking the bay. Rear-facing rooms £35pp, £37.50 for a sea view, both including full English. THE MUSEUM INN Farnham, nr Blandford Forum, Dorset, DT11 8DE. Ffi: 01725 516261, www.museuminn.co.uk • Voted English Inn of the Year by the Good Hotel Guide in 2005, this place has a whole heap of top reviews and mentions in guides to recommend it, so we may as well add our voice to the chorus. They’re serious about providing comfort here, offering everything from homemade biscuits and organic chocolate to magazines and powershowers in the private bathrooms. Rooms are in keeping with the elegant and traditional feel of the bar, where you can sup on a Lily the Pink, Addlestones or Henry’s IPA. Rooms from £110pn, including full English. THE STAPLETON ARMS Church Hill, Buckhorn Weston, Dorset, SP8 5HS. Ffi: 01963 370396, www.thestapletonarms.com • Well and truly off the beaten track, the Stapleton sits on the edge of the idyllic Blackmore Vale, a stunning region of unspoiled pastures and fields that make for many a rambler’s fantasy. The Stapleton itself houses a fine bar with top-notch ales and ciders, and the excellent menus include highly recommended homemade pork pies and pickles. Four individually styled ensuite rooms, complete with Egyptian cotton sheets, ensure that you’ll sleep as well as you eat and drink. From £110 at weekends for the first night.

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homefront graphic design

The Creation Game l When you get it right, graphic design can help you to promote your business, launch it, develop your brand, support the environment and secure a competitive edge. But when you get it wrong, it can have disastrous consequences. So it’s important to shop around and find a designer who not only comes up with creative and sustainable ideas but who also gets to know you and your business well enough to understand exactly what it is you want to say - and how. Not an easy task, but there is a solution – and one that doesn’t involve account managers but, instead, means direct access to a team of designers who have years of experience. With a head office in the heart of Clifton, Stride Treglown is an international practice of architects. But, we hear you ask, what has that got to do with graphic design? Well, Stride Treglown don’t

just provide award-winning architecture. They also have a dedicated team of graphic designers who work with a range of clients within Bristol and the South West. The ‘Red and Orange’ team offer a complete design service that includes branding, website design and

new garden

peTal power l Europe’s first dedicated Chinese Herb Garden opens in Bristol this month (Sat 3 July). Local Chinese medicine practitioner Tony Harrison began growing Chinese plants in his garden in the early 1990s, and his project is now a collaboration between Bristol University’s Botanic Garden and the Register of Chinese Herbal Medicine. Two hundred species (some unique to the UK) include the country’s most diverse collection of sacred lotus plants, which play a major part in Chinese medicine and diet. The whole plant (from flowers to roots) is edible, and medicinal uses range from stopping bleeding to calming a restless fetus. Chinese Herb Garden University of Bristol Botanic Garden, Stoke Park Rd, Stoke Bishop, Bristol. Ffi: 0117 331 4906, www.bristol.ac.uk/Depts/BotanicGardens

development, signage, advertising, points of sale, newsletters, brochures, business cards and exhibition stands. They can help your business and premises to look great and attract just the right people. So as you plough on through 2010 and want to invest time and money in

making your business look better, there are people on hand to help! Stride Treglown/Red and Orange Promenade House, The Promenade, Clifton Down, Bristol. Ffi: www. redandorange.co.uk Contact Clive Tanner on 0117 974 3271, email clivetanner@stridetreglown.com

bedrooms

Pillow talk

l It looks as though we’re increasingly turning online to deck out our boudoirs. Bristol’s bedroom specialists Dusk til Dawn and sister outfit the Heritage Bed Co are reducing their shop presence on Cheltenham Road from three shops down to one, in order to concentrate on promoting both companies via their websites. They’ll be backing this up with a renovated showroom at their warehouse, which is currently being updated. “Almost 90 per cent of customers are using the website before they come into the shop,” says MD Nick Horn. “With our traditional forge in Cornwall, we can produce beds that simply aren’t offered by mainstream bed and furniture stores. We’re delivering from Scotland to the South East every week, and last year the factory exported beds across the world, to the likes of Russia, Japan, France, Germany and Holland.” The Dusk til Dawn warehouse, 300 yards behind their shop, has always been a popular destination for thousands of customers who’ve

attended stock clearance sales there over the past five years. The company are hoping that people will now start to drop in regularly to have a look at their stock. Dusk til Dawn & Heritage Bed Co Shop: Cheltenham Rd, Bristol. Warehouse: Unit 10, Central Trading Estate, Montpelier, Bristol. Ffi: www.dusktildawn.co.uk, www. heritagebeds.co.uk

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homefront doors

open sesame

interiors

blind vision l Blinds and shutters can really mark out the feel of a home. They come in every style from the traditional to the contemporary, as The Wooden Blind Company’s owner Steve Sharp explains. “They suit everything from Edwardian and Georgian properties right up to harbourside apartments, where they give a contemporary feel,” he says. “We offer a selection of louver sizes and colours – larger louvers allow light to flood in while also giving you privacy.” He is dedicated to tailoring each order to perfection, making every set of blinds or

shutters as unique as their owner. Steve will personally visit potential clients to discuss options. “Everything we do is bespoke,” he says. Using CAD technology and Steve’s own experience, The Wooden Blind Company will ensure your shutter fits your window exactly. You’ll end up with something that looks great and protects your furniture from fading. The Wooden Blind Company 25 Glanville Gardens, Kingswood, Bristol. Ffi: 0117 9606 289, www.thewoodenblindcompany.co.uk

l Considering replacing or freshening up your kitchen but don’t relish the disruption and hassle of a complete installation? Then perhaps Dream Doors has the answer. With the façade so key to the look of a kitchen, a change of doors, drawers and accessories may be all you need for a nearradical makeover. Dream Doors’ speciality is a made-to-measure door replacement service, offering as little or as much the customer wishes. The company’s new Bristol showroom has just opened and joins the local network in Bath, Taunton and Cheltenham. Dream Doors, 11 Gloucester Road, Bristol. Ffi: 0117 944 3223, web: www. dreamdoorsltd.co.uk

showroom news

Hard Act to Follow l Bristol Decorative Surfaces are renowned as the city’s largest supplier of kitchen worksurfaces and breakfast bars. With choices ranging from the uberpracticality of Axiom laminate to the ultimate luxury of solid wood or solid surfaces, they’ve got something that should press all the right buttons, whatever your individual tastes and (perhaps more importantly) budget. And with most of their products available in stock for immediate delivery or collection, you won’t be looking at an interminable wait before your dream kitchen is up and running. This month, Bristol Decorative Surfaces are re-opening their revamped showroom in St Werburghs, centrally located just north of Bristol city centre. In addition to all those lovely worksurfaces, they’ve got a great selection of kitchen accessories, and a flooring range covering

everything from vinyl, ceramic and solid wood to real wood veneer and laminate. Pay them a visit to drool over their contemporary acrylic Maia Solid Surfacing worktop range and accessories. For a stylish alternative to tiles, you’ll find Aquamura and Wetwall shower panels, or perhaps those lovely Astracast kitchen sinks and taps will take your fancy. BDS have also been appointed as a distributor for the prestigious Smeg kitchen appliance brand. There will be lots of special offers running during their launch week, early this month, not to mention the chance – throughout July - to win a super-cool 1950s-style Smeg St George Cross Fridge. Bristol Decorative Surfaces Units 2 & 3 New Gatton Rd, St Werburghs, Bristol. Ffi: 0808 200 4444, www.bdsurfaces. com Showroom launch week: 5-9 July, 8.30am-4.30pm

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BISHOPSTON SHOWROOM NOW BEING FITTED!

BRISTOL’S WORKTOP SPECIALIST

SHOWROOM LAUNCH WEEK MONDAY 5TH - FRIDAY 9TH JULY • Axiom Laminate Worktops • Solid Wood Worksurfaces • Maia Solid Surfacing • Granite and Silestone Surfaces made to measure • Wetwall and Aquamura Bathroom Panels • Smeg Appliances • Astracast Sinks and Taps Retail and trade customers welcome BRISTOL DECORATIVE SURFACES LTD, UNITS 2 & 3 NEW GATTON ROAD, ST WERBURGHS, BRISTOL BS2 9SH

t 0808 200 4444 e sales@bdsbristol.co.uk w www.bdsbristol.co.uk Open Monday – Friday 8.30am-4.30pm

BUY ANY ASTRACAST STUDIO SINK AND GET ANY STUDIO RANGE TAP AT HALF PRICE DURING LAUNCH WEEK! Discount applies to Recommended Retail Price only (RRP)

NEW BRISTOL SHOWROOM 11/12 The Promenade, Gloucester Road, Bishopston BS7 8AL Call today for a FREE non-obligation quote: 0117 9443 223 Visit the website: www.dreamdoorsltd.co.uk

Sash Window Specialists

Creating Renovating & Repairing Sash Windows For Over 25 Years • Conservation Approved • Woods Used From Sustainable Source • Energy Efficient Double Glazing • Draught Proofed • Double Glazed Sash Into Existing Frames • Period Replacement Joinery • Re-Painting & Refurbishment

0117 9413 210 Mobile 07799 063167 www.mpjoinery.co.uk

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Homeworx adding value to your home... So, it’s not the best time to sell your property?

Home-owners across Bristol are looking at ways to increase the equity in their homes. Adding value can be achieved in many ways. Why not have a look at whether you can get some more bedrooms by expanding upwards into your loft or down into your basement? Is there space at the front, side or back of your house to add extra living rooms or enlarge the ones you already have? Open plan living and rooms that open onto the garden are sought after spaces for house hunters...

Before.

After... The rear lean-to extension and

After... Newly decorated interior.

After... Velux windows to bring in the

side extension.

In the June issue of Folio Homeworx showed us how they have been extending this local property, adding extra bedrooms, an extra reception room and an office by adding an extension above and behind the garage and a large lean-to extension to the rear. And now, as promised, on schedule is the finished result! Dominic of Homeworx says... “The three extra rooms have added so much space to the house and they are light and airy too. The team got all of the joinery, decorating and flooring finished in time for the client to move in and we even sorted out and tidied up the garden!” If you would like a free consultation, survey and quotation, give the Homeworx Team a call!

t: 01275 845 011 e: info@homeworxbristol.co.uk

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Marmoleum flooring by Bath Carpets and Flooring

Ask the Experts From wow-factor floors to exterior facelifts, Melissa Blease consults those in the know

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homefront TERRA FIRMA

Is your flooring looking a little, well, flawed? Graham Curtis of Bath Carpets and Flooring can put your feet back on the (nicest possible!) ground. Tell us a bit about the company Bath Contract Flooring was initially established six years ago to provide flooring solutions for the local commercial market, but we swiftly expanded to serve the domestic market too, in response to demand from local customers. Today, this highly experienced company are experts in sourcing, supplying and fitting high-quality carpets alongside a range of options including rugs and mats, vinyls, Marmoleum, Flotex and Karndean. We aim to combine the highest quality of work with informative, efficient service, tailoring each job to the client’s individual needs. All of our highly skilled, experienced installers are fully trained - and very friendly!

BCF's Ryalux floor covering

A flooring revamp feels overwhelming! Because we take full responsibility for fitting and finish, you don’t need to be overwhelmed by any part of the process - except, perhaps, making your choice from the range of options we have on offer! You can visit our showroom (there’s a car park right next door) or we can visit your home, bringing samples to you. Bear in mind, too, that when we supply a quote, it’s an all-inclusive cost that includes fitting, underlay, gripper rods, etc. We can also shift and replace the furniture in any space in which we’re fitting new flooring, to make the process as fuss-free as possible. Any quick-fix freshen-up tips for readers who want to smarten their floors on a limited budget? We have a selection of top-quality carpets and flooring options starting at just £9.99 a metre. And never underestimate the instant uplift that a colourful rug can offer almost any room in the home. What’s hot in the world of flooring right now? Options from the spectacular Karndean range are proving to be particularly popular. Karndean is made from partly recycled PVC with highquality plasticizers, and used to create a beautifully textured, natural finish. There’s a huge spectrum of colours, sizes and patterns to choose from, but you can also customise and personalise Karndean using your own designs to match your taste and the style of your home - it’s incredibly versatile. Wood-effect planks, elegant ‘antique’ ceramic tiles, intricate mosaics… the options are virtually limitless, and it’s surprisingly affordable for the quality and finish of this standard.

FIRST IMPRESSIONS

Fancy giving your home a literal facelift? Yatebased Kent Home Improvements have all the know-how you need. Tell us more about the company Kent Home Improvements have supplied quality decorative materials to the public for 21 years. Our range of plastic fascias, trims and

gutters have expanded over the decades to offer many more products, including bespoke windows and doors (uPVC, aluminium and hardwood), conservatory kits and composite decking, including semi-frameless balustrade, among a vast range of options. White is all right, but I fancy adding some colour... Fascia boards don’t have to be white. Stylish, maintenance-free colour options include pale gold, cream, pale grey, dark grey, green, blue, red, brown or black, or even a woodgrain finish such as mahogany, rosewood, oak or black ash. You can even choose the shape of your fascia board: square edge, round edge or ogee-shaped and bargeboards can either be supplied to match or teamed with a convex or concave scalloped shaping. What about cladding? External wall cladding adds detail to any property, and a huge range of low-maintenance options add a fresh aspect. Kent Home Improvements can supply four wood composite cladding designs, in a choice of eight prefinished colours - they’re guaranteed not to need any staining for at least 25 years. These claddings look like natural stained timber and come in a range of colours and styles to suit contemporary or traditional properties. Meanwhile, a new range of external claddings mimic traditional weatherboard with a grain effect in pastel colours - they brighten up any home and are

Oak coloured window fram es from Kent Home Improvements and (left) fascia and gutter work

proving especially popular with more select house developments. Suddenly my windows are looking a bit boring, too… Windows are one of the major details on any house facade, and the design you choose can have a huge effect on how your home looks. If you’re planning to have your windows replaced, Kent Home Improvements offer a range in hardwood or softwood that can be stained with a choice of colours, as well as aluminium, which can be finished in any colour available, plus uPVC in white, rosewood, oak, mahogany or just about any colour you choose. But there’s more to windows than material and colour. Consider the sizes and positions of the window openings, and bear in mind that glazing bars and lead designs can have a huge effect on the look of a home.

Contacts

Bath Carpets & Flooring 4 Kingsmead St, Bath. Ffi: 01225 471888, www. carpetsandflooringbath.co.uk, www. bathcontractflooring.co.uk Kent Home Improvements The Badminton Centre, Station Rd, Yate, BS37. Ffi: 01454 313135, www.kentsdirect.com

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Ve y O ne n t e on ian, G se Ve et lec rtic O te al ne d & F ra R re ng ol e e ler

BLINDS OF ALL KINDS AT FACTORY PRICES GUARANTEED QUALITY SALES - REPAIRS - SERVICE For a free consultation ANYWHERE / ANYTIME! Call us now 01454 775 177 • Conservatory Blinds • Vertical, Roller • Venetian, Pleated Etc. • Electric Blinds • Fly Screens • Shutters • Awnings, Canopies, Recovers • Much, much more!.... Come see us at: Charisma House, 2 Down Rd, Winterbourne, Bristol BS36 1BN www.charismablindsbristol.co.uk

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we design it... we build it... we install it... you love it!

think:kitchens

Affordable Luxury

254 North Street • Southville Bristol • BS3 1JA 0117 9662112 www.thinkkitchens.co.uk

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interiors

homefront

Inside out Lesley Taylor is ready for summer socialisingâ&#x20AC;Ś whatever the weather

Opt for a garden furniture set, like this one from Westminster, that can be used both inside and out

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homefront

ith summer upon us, most of us are dreaming of lazy days in the garden spent with family and friends and good ole BBQs. But the weather in this country can be notoriously temperamental and unpredictable, so it’s important to take certain precautionary measures to ensure that your summer socialising sessions aren’t over before they begin. Invest in some key pieces that can be used both inside and outside – that way, when the sun goes in and you want to retreat back into the shelter of your home, you can simply pack up your things and go. Likewise, if you’re having a dinner party and the sun rears its head, it’s sensible to have a selection of furnishings in stock that can be used in an outdoor environment, too. Versatile, dual-use items offer great value for money, meaning that you really will get the most out of each purchase. There’s a wide selection of products available, ranging from outdoor cushions and bean bags to Perspex tableware and wicker furniture. But remember - whenever you make changes to your home, you should aim to give it a unique and individual sense of style. The best way to achieve this is by mixing and matching high street and designer, just like you would with fashion. Try the larger supermarket chains for en-vogue steals in the latest colours and adorned with the latest prints. For timeless investment pieces, meanwhile, designers do it best. Start with the big-ticket items first and work your way down, adding the finishing touches via small accessories. First up, make sure you’re equipped to deal with the seasonal demand for garden parties and BBQ dinners. For this, you’ll need a garden furniture set that can be used indoors during the rest of the year. The latest offerings combine style, function and extreme durability so you can transport the furniture from the dining room or conservatory to the garden. Garden furniture has come on leaps and bounds in terms of aesthetics over the past couple of years, enabling you to create a seamless look and feel that flows from the kitchen, conservatory or dining room outside to the garden. You’ll find a huge selection of garden furniture at Bristol’s Gardiner Haskins, including wood and Textilene combinations, hardwood, Gloster Teak, aluminium, granite, cane and rattan. If you’re after a rustic feel, Chief Trading Post in Bristol have some lovely and unusual furniture in stock. For ultra-gorgeous metal furniture, all handmade using traditional techniques, the highly skilled craftspeople at Ironart of Bath are renowned for their finequality work and design.

Decorative lanterns set the mood perfectly for evening meals in the garden

Companies such as Westminster provide all their garden furniture with the security of a 10-year guarantee, so if you want to leave it out during the winter months, you can rest assured that it’s going to last. Check out materials like Ecolene, an environmentally friendly synthetic wicker that’s durable, insensitive to temperature differences and resistant to cracking and corrosion. You should pay as much attention to detail when dressing the garden table as you would your dining table, and unless you’ve got kids running around, glass tableware and your finest cutlery is just fine. If you’re entertaining children, pick up some colourful picnicware from Sainsbury’s to brighten up the arrangement - choose from plastic jugs, plates, bowls and cutlery, all decorated with bold floral prints for a relatively inexpensive, on-trend update. For an added bonus, you can pack it up and take it on your next trip to the beach without worrying about it getting damaged. Pod in Clifton have a delectable range of Rice melamine tableware, in yummy florals, bright colours and cheeky patchworks that are guaranteed to put a smile on everyone’s face. When I’ve got guests round for dinner in the summer, I like to make the garden feel as homely as possible by taking cushions and candles from the sitting room. This helps to create a really relaxed and comfortable environment. Outdoor bean bags are also great for making guests feel at home. And when the sun starts to set, just lie back and gaze at the stars - while sipping on a cocktail, of course.

The bold colours and floral patterns of this playful plastic picnicware from Sainsbury’s create an en-vogue, vibrant setting

Lighting also plays an important role in the ambience, be it a lively garden party or romantic dinner for two. I’ve got some gorgeous Moroccanstyle lanterns that sit pretty in my living room all year round and, when the time’s right, I use them to set the mood in the garden as the sun goes down. Try Gardiner Haskins in Bristol or your local DIY store or garden centre for something similar and enjoy the benefits all year round.

Contacts Chief Trading Post Barry Rd, Oldland Common, Bristol, BS30. Ffi: 0117 932 3112, www.chieftradingpost.com Gardiner Haskins Broad Plain, off Temple Way, Bristol. Ffi: 0117 929 2288, www. gardinerhomecentre.co.uk Ironart of Bath Upper Lambridge St, Larkhall, Bath. Ffi: 01225 311273, www.ironart.co.uk Pod 24 The Mall, Clifton Village, Bristol. Ffi: 0117 973 9040, www.thepodcompany.co.uk Sainsbury’s www.sainsburys.co.uk Westminster www.westminsterteak.co.uk

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gardening

homefront

Paving the way Trish Gibson‘s bright ideas for weed-ridden pathways and walls

n your knees again, Mexican fleabane will help you make a feature old kitchen knife in of those troublesome nooks and crannies hand, trying to prise out the roots of dandelions and grasses from the cracks in paving or walls? It’s a pretty hopeless task, isn’t it? But there is an alternative. What you need is to prevent the weed invasion by filling those cracks with pretty plants that you actually want and enjoy looking at. Choose some of those tough plants that actually thrive in poor soil and don’t mind drought, and then you can actually make a feature of those troublesome nooks and crannies, especially if you aim for a simple scheme, using just one flower and one foliage plant, for example. Probably the finest plant of them all for these conditions is the Mexican fleabane – Erigeron karvinskianus. It’s a delicate, wispy pink and Hay’ has greenwhite daisy. It flowers all tipped deep red summer and, once leaves. The established, will seed itself stonecrops, too, will around. It looks fantastic Pick sweet peas regularly to thrive on hard rations. frothing down the side of a Houseleek encourage continued Sedum lydium – also stone wall, or around steps. All flowering. known as Least Stonecrop – you need to do is cut it back to just Early flowering forms a very low carpet of tiny tufts above ground level in spring and it will perennials such as with red tips when grown in full sun. S. soon spring back to life. foxgloves and spathuifolium ‘Cape Blanco’ is a little Creeping thyme (Thymus serpyllum) is aquilegias have set seed larger, with silvery rosettes that become another ideal sun-loving plant for tiny – catch it for yourself in whiter the drier it gets. cracks, giving off a lovely scent when Aquilegia labelled brown paper So, how are you going to get these plants crushed. Apart from the basic plant, there blue barlow bags before they disperse it. into the tiny cracks in your paving or wall? are several different varieties – with white Container plants will need First, you need to get rid of any weeds – flowers, red flowers, variegated leaves, frequent watering in hot weather – best pull out the annuals and try to get rid of lemon-scented leaves – so you can pick the in early morning or evening. every last bit of root of perennials such as one you like most or have a mixture of Transplant biennial seedlings such dandelion. If you’re planting a wall, chip them all. Corsican mint (Mentha requienii) as sweet williams and wallflowers away a little at the mortar to enlarge gaps will do the same job in a shadier spot – sown in May. and create a home for your chosen plant. with tiny peppermint scented leaves and Take photos of your flower beds so In wider cracks, use seedlings or small purple flowers from summer to autumn. you can see what changes you might rooted bits of plants. Line the hole with Where there won’t be much traffic – in want to make later in the year. some damp compost, tuck in the plants walls or at the edges of paths – try some of Thin out fruits of apples and pears and water regularly until they’re the hardy succulents. Houseleeks – this will improve the quality of the established. If it’s hard to water them, use (sempervivums) will fill the driest gaps crops and reduce the risk of ‘biennial a water spray to make sure their roots stay with their rosettes of fleshy, evergreen bearing’, where trees only fruit well damp. If the cracks are really tiny, you leaves. They spread by tiny offsets that every other year. might have to resort to using seed – mix come off the parent, giving the plant its Sow oriental salad leaves such as some with compost and brush in – or alternative name of ‘Hens and Chicks’. S. mizuna, pak choy and mustard greens. stand a pot of your chosen plant nearby arachnoideum is covered with tiny and leave it to get on with seeding itself. cobweb-like threads and S. ‘Commander

Jobs for the month

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Bedsteads-uk.co.uk Antique Beds

In Brass, Iron, Wood & Upholstered Wood

Restoration service and bespoke furniture making also available

Chelvey Court Barn, Chelvey, Backwell, Bristol BS48 4AA. Tel: 01275 464 114

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news

property

Lure of the Water Folio talks to a high-flyer who fell in love with Bristol’s Harbourside

aving lived in the Oxfordshire countryside for 18 years, journalist Monica Grenfell, health editor of Woman’s Own magazine, decided it was time for a change. She was finding it harder to look after her home, especially after the harsh winter, and needed to do something to make her life a little easier. During the Easter holidays, while visiting Bristol, Monica came across Crest Nicholson’s Harbourside development. Having lived in the city many years before, her recollection of what was then Canons Marsh was of a derelict wasteland smattered with muddy puddles. She was soon taken by the hustle and bustle of life on the water and the general buzz of people going about their day-to-day business. Monica popped into Crest’s marketing suite, saw the apartments on offer in more detail, and instantly realised that this was what she wanted. She soon sold her Oxford house and bought a much smaller property

nearby, along with a two-bed apartment at Harbourside. “Everything about the development is just so ideal for what I want,” she enthuses. “The location is perfect, the layout of my new apartment is just what I need, and the sales team were brilliant. I’m also impressed by the secure parking and locking system in the apartment, which gives a sense of added security. “I have the best of both worlds – I can either enjoy the countryside in Oxfordshire or overlook the floating harbour, watching the world go by on the water. And having lived in a rural location for so long, being able to pop out to a restaurant or bar is just fantastic. I’m looking forward to exploring the city further.” The latest phase, Beacon House, comprises 47 one-, two- and three-bed apartments. Prices start from £205,000. Crest Nicholson Marketing Suite, Cathedral Walk, open daily 10am-5pm. Ffi: 0117 908 8888, www. harbourside.co.uk

Talk of the town

Light and space

Chertsey Road, Redland, Bristol, £289,950 Quality, size and location… You’ll find this truly impressive and beautifully presented three-bed garden flat with off-street parking set in a fine Victorian building located just 50 metres from Whiteladies Road. A private entrance and central hallway lead you through to a sitting room with bayed window and working shutters, an ensuite master bedroom and two further bedrooms. There’s a separate kitchen and a spacious bathroom with a separate shower cubicle. As well as lovely front and rear gardens, the off-street parking space is a real bonus in this part of town. The property is offered chain free.

Church House Mews, Congresbury, £375,000 Tucked away in the heart of Congresbury village, with an eastwest aspect, the front elevation of this unique house belies the wonderful view to the rear. Church House Mews was built some ten years ago by a local builder on the foundations of what used to be an old fine furniture workshop. Unlike many village homes, this house has large windows, lofty ceilings and a feeling of light and space throughout. On entering the large reception hall your eye is immediately drawn to the parkland behind. With mature trees as your back drop and the vicarage in the corner, this is truly a delightful vista, most appreciated at sunset by the current owners. There is a pretty’ landscaped front garden with patio area, lockable store and parking. With easy access to both the motorway and airport coupled with a short drive to Yatton (and its train station) Congresbury is a sensible commute to Bristol.

Ffi Andrews, 158 Whiteladies Rd, Clifton, Bristol. Tel: 0117 973 2551, www.andrewsonline.co.uk

Ffi Property Concept, 21 Princess Victoria Street, Clifton, Bristol. Tel: 0117 970 6119. www.propertyconcept.co.uk

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feature

Tetbury U moving on up

Simon Fry lives the high life in the thriving Cotswold market town

pmarket, uplifting and up the A46, the presence of the heir to the throne at nearby Highgrove House confirms Tetbury’s enduring class. Founded as early as 681AD, this former wool town grew to prominence via the trade in the Middle Ages, and its historic charm, affluent air and salubrious surroundings remain. Chipping Steps – as pretty as any street in England – is medieval while its houses are from the 17th and 18th centuries. Its focal Market House was built in 1665 to replace an earlier building, while its renowned annual Woolsack Races have been enjoyed for centuries.

What’s good about it? The high life doesn’t get much higher. Tetbury’s streets bristle with boutiques, antique shops, cafes and specialist food shops. The humblest elements of the British larder – bread, cheese and sausages – are elevated to art forms at Hobbs House Bakery, House of Cheese (which is by appointment to HRH The Prince of Wales) and Jesse Smith butchers. The prince has a shop selling produce from his estate in the town’s centre, while on the outskirts you’ll find the Beaufort Polo Club and Westonbirt Arboretum.

Tetbury High Street Chipping Steps, as pretty as any street in England

What’s not to like? No town boasting 1,300 years of history was designed with the motorcar in mind, so parking can be difficult, particularly when tourist influxes add to Tetbury’s 5,000 population. Options for the weekly food shop could be better. Connections Road links southward are convenient, with the A433, A46 and M4 bringing Bath and Bristol to within around 30 minutes’ drive. The motorway is also handy for South Wales and London, with the capital only 80 minutes away via train from nearby Kemble Station. Alas, the former Trouble House Halt railway station, the only station ever built to serve a pub (the Trouble House), closed on 6 April 1964.

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the tetbury Insider Schools Tigger’s @ Westonbirt was opened by Prince Charles and takes children from birth to five years, with other nurseries including Puddle Ducks and The Stable. St Mary’s C of E Primary School caters for slightly older children, while Sir William Romney’s School takes those aged 11-16, with the prestigious Westonbirt School for girls aged 11-18 often in the Daily Telegraph’s Top 25 Independent Small Schools. Cirencester College has a learning centre in Tetbury. Where to eat Out of town, visit the Rectory and Potting Shed at Malmesbury, Calcot Manor with its restaurant, inn and spa, or the Hare and Hounds near Beaufort Polo Club. In town, the aforementioned Trouble House is under new management, the Priory Inn is famed for its locally sourced dishes, the Chef’s Table is a bijou bistro, and everyone from Bentley drivers to dry-stone-wallers are drawn to the Snooty Fox’s easygoing ambience.

the town’s southern end will find themselves at the centre of the action come Woolsack Races day. House price guide At time of going to press, a three-bed period townhouse on Silver Street was available at £249,950, while a modern four-bed semidetached house on Conygar Road was on the market for £249,500. At Springfields, a four-bed, natural stone detached house with half an acre of land has just sold for £625,000, while a 17th century, baroque period, three-bed house on central Gumstool Hill remains available at £365,000.

Marc Gibbons, aged 43, is general manager of the Snooty Fox hotel. He arrived seven years ago on a temporary basis but has stayed ever since What do you like about Tetbury? It’s a real, living community with a day-long buzz - unlike some ‘chocolate-box’ Cotswold places, it doesn’t shut up at night. What don’t you like? There’s very little I don’t like! You realise that the things that bother you here are nothing like in Bristol. If I’m stuck behind three cars, I think, ‘Oh no! Traffic!’ Favourite Tetbury pastimes? Dropping in on my mate Iain Bailey at the Ormond hotel, having a Guinness at the Royal Oak or walking (with Great Dane Fred) somewhere like Lydiard Park or the Cotswold Water Park.

Where to shop Sassy & Boo is a hip boutique offering an intriguing mix of fashion, jewellery and vintage and new interior accessories. Specialist shops abound, from Plain English’s bespoke kitchens and Strictly Strings’ music-making offerings to Capitol Carpets of Chelsea, to beautify your home. Antique lovers are in heaven, with numerous shops providing fascinating browsing, while the Ark Angel has two friendly dogs in its window! Pampering comes via Mayners and Cherish, with the Priory Gym providing keep-fit facilities. Where to buy Tetbury’s compact nature means, to a large extent, that everywhere is convenient for everything! Getting across town is easy, but properties in the north-west corner are near St Mary’s School, those to the east have the shortest journey to Kemble Station (and may benefit from exciting overhead displays come airshow time), and people living at

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The best in the West folio free take one!

bristol & bath

the west’s best lifest yle m ag

august 2009 l no. 175

top shops our essential guide to the best local shops in bristol and bath

inside

l hanham

Court gardens in a fortnight l the supremes’ mary wilson l family friendly places to eat l australia

Beauty fashion food & drink health interiors people property what’s on l

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For a list of outlets, visit www.foliomagazine.co.uk or call 0117 942 8491

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advertorial

A better letting, management & relocation service

better letting, management and relocation service At Medics on the Move we put all our efforts in to finding busy professionals (including medics) the best places to live and finding landlords reliable professional tenants. We desperately need more quality properties to offer our professional clients and companies. Landlords, if you have an apartment or house to let, please call us today, we may already have exactly the right tenant waiting for you. We believe there is no substitute for an excellent personal service and always try to do things just that little bit better – you’ll be delighted with the difference that little bit extra effort makes and with no extra cost. So landlords, don’t accept the sticky end of the lollipop. Come and talk to us and we’ll guarantee a service that includes the cherry on the

top! Call us today, we want you to be pleasantly surprised by the response you get and by our refreshingly different approach to service. Call 0117 944 2051 or email caroline@medicsonthemove.co.uk

Landlords We act for professional companies moving people into and around Bristol and South Glos. If you have an apartment or family house to let, call us today we may already have exactly the right tenant ready for you. Family homes wanted immediately.

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competitions Win a Woolies Indoor Market luxury hamper worth more than £200

t’s been more than six months since Woolies, the new face of the iconic Woolworths store at the top of Bristol’s Whiteladies Road, opened its door to reveal a pick and mix of 21 independent retailers. Now we’ve teamed up with them to offer one lucky winner the chance to win a luxury Woolies hamper worth more than £200, filled with great products from each stall. The winner of this fabulous hamper will receive goodies such as a half-hour sketch in compressed charcoal at artist Grace Engel’s stall, a £15 tarot reading voucher, a £10 gift voucher to use at WH Housewares, a set of photographic coasters from the Mark Egerton Photography stall, and bespoke handmade jewellery. They will also receive a ‘Dine in for two’ voucher to use at Café des Artistes, together with many creative products, donated by each of the 21 independent stallholders. To enter the competition, simply answer the following question: How many independent stallholders will you currently find at Woolies Indoor Market?

Woolies Indoor Market 140a Whiteladies Rd, Clifton, Bristol. Ffi: 0117 317 9423, www. wooliesindoormarket.com See page 47 for more information on the market Email your answer, with ‘Woolies Indoor Market Comp’ in the subject line, to: editor@ foliomagazine.co.uk by Monday 19 July. Please include your full contact details (name, address, postcode, email, mobile, landline).

roMan batHs & fasHIon MuseuM WInner Congratulations to Wendy Dear of nailsea, who won a joint family season ticket to the roman baths and fashion Museum in last month’s competition. the correct answer was: Michael rosen.

Win a pair of tickets to Les Misérables at Bristol Hippodrome

hat are you doing on Monday 26 July? Because our friends at the Bristol Hippodrome have a pair of tickets to give away for that evening’s 7.30pm performance of Les Misérables, Cameron Mackintosh’s legendary West-End hit, now celebrating its 25th anniversary and arriving in Bristol this month. If you’ve been living on Mars for the last decade you may not realise that it’s Alain Boublil and Claude-Michel Schönberg’s stage adaptation of Victor Hugo’s classic novel of redemption set in 19th century France. Broadway star John Owen-Jones plays the central character, reformed prisoner Jean Valjean, while Earl Carpenter is Javert and multi-million selling pop singer Gareth Gates is Marius. Songs from the show include arguably the world’s most popular song of the moment ‘I Dreamed a Dream’, which was taken to new heights last year by a certain Susan Boyle. The 25th anniversary touring production of Les Misérables runs at The Hippodrome, Bristol, from 13 July – 7 August. Ffi 0844 847 2325, www.bristolhippodrome.org.uk all pics: Michael le poer Trench

For a chance of winning these non-transferrable tickets, please answer the following brain-teaser. Les Misérables is based on a novel by which famous french author: a) Emile Zola b) Marcel Proust c) Victor Hugo Email your answer, with ‘Les Mis Comp’ in the subject line to: editor@ foliomagazine.co.uk by Wednesday 14 July and don’t forget to include full contact details (name, address, postcode, email, mobile and landline)

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StreetChic

Simon Fry took the fashion temperature at UWE’s Bristol Graduate Fashion Show “I’m liking blazers at the moment – I have a lot and I picked out this one because of its whiteness. Sienna Miller is someone whose dress sense I admire and I also like the boho-casual look of Alice Temperley, with her floral prints and girly-girly clothes.” Name Lauren Eyre Age 21 From Somerton Job Student Wears Primark jacket, dress from Warehouse, belt from River Island, Linear handbag, Faith shoes

“It’s unusual that I’m wearing shoes today – I have 60 pairs of trainers. I like to keep smart and match colours up. I admire André 3000 from Outkast – he’s outrageous, funky and colourful.”

“The weather dictates my look. I love this dress with its colour and flowers – maxi dresses are in right now. I like clothes by Alexander McQueen – I wish I had some!” Name Bianca Allman Age 22 From St Pauls, Bristol Job Sales assistant Wears Dress from New Look, handbag from Dorothy Perkins, Topshop shades, bracelet and earrings from Aldo, shoes from Accessorize

Name Zachary Saitoti Age 26 From Canterbury Job Photographer Wears Ralph Lauren shirt (from Paris), shorts custom-made in Kenya (over two days), Foot Locker sweatband, bag bought online, bracelets from festivals, Primark shoes

“Being six-foot-three with a slim waist means that finding trousers that fit can be difficult! Similarly, shirts are often short in the arm so I usually go for short-sleeved ones. I’ve never paid attention to anyone’s style. I consider practicalities.” Name Phil Eyre Age 55 From Somerton Job Avionics engineer Wears St George by Duffer shirt, trousers from M&S, Clarks shoes, Armani watch

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