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/december 2011 CHRISTMAS CRACKER Ladies and gentlemen, boys and girls, the time has come to officially begin the countdown to Christmas. With only 24 sleeps (or less, depending on when you’re reading this!) to go until Father Christmas heaves himself down your chimney, there’s much to be done to make sure beloved friends and family are properly feeling all that festive love you’ve been storing up all year. From super stocking-filler ideas (p22) to cosy Christmassy things to do and see every day in the run-up to Christmas Day (p8), via delectable local foods to make merry with those taste-buds (p62), there’s plenty to keep you busy and entertained this month. Plus, in true Venue fashion (turn your mag round to see what we mean) Team Eating Out West’s top chompers Tony Benjamin and Melissa Blease have rounded up their foodie Oscar winners for 2011, so check out the results on page 68!
Wishing you all a very merry Christmas and a happy new year!
4 We chat to Naomi Wilkinson, star of the Theatre Royal Bath’s Dick Whittington 8 Folio’s alternative advent calendar 14 Enjoy a few blasts from the past at Oakham Treasures 18 Avon Wildlife Trust bring us another bracing winter walk
24 festive things to do this month 8
Competitions 27 Win a hotel mini break and luxury beauty products!
Lifestyle 22 Gorgeous gifts for everyone from tricky teens to have-it-all dads 28 It’s all in the details… Anna Britten accessorises all areas 30 How to go straight from the office to the party 32 Why all that glisters is gold at Nigel Dando 33 Clever little gadgets 34 Beautiful beauty stocking fillers 36 Our spa spy checks into Bluebells Day Spa 38 The latest health news 42 Tony Benjamin samples the delights of Cadbury House 44 We review Audi’s new A6 Avant exec estate Super-cool gift 47 The Royal High School, Bath in the spotlight
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Homefront
ideas for all the family
52 How to makeover your mealtimes 58 Velimir Ilic finds out why Victorian townhouses are hot property
Rachel Nott Folio editor
Eating Out West
Naomi wilkinson as dick whittington photographed by freia turland (www. ftphotography.co.uk) see q&A page 4
editor@foliomagazine.co.uk
62 The best festive food and tipple sold at a shop near you 68 Melissa Blease and Tony Benjamin pick their foodie Oscars of 2011 72 Restaurant review – River Canteen 75 Restaurant review – Brace & Browns 78 Restaurant review – Mint Room 80 Restaurant review – Maitreya Social 82 Delicious fish recipe from the Dower House at the Royal Crescent Hotel
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We chat to Naomi Wilkinson about her starring role in the Theatre Royal Bath’s panto
28 Gorgeous little pieces to bling up your outfit
Subscribe to Folio and get Venue with it! Just send a cheque for £37.50 (payable to Folio) to our Bristol address or phone with credit/debit card details and you’ll get the next 12 issues sent to your home, or 6 issues for £19.50 – the only way to guarantee you’ll get every copy of the West’s fastest-growing lifestyle magazine. Ffi: 0117 934 3741 Folio Bristol 4th Floor, Bristol News & Media, Temple Way, Bristol, BS99 7HD tel 0117 942 8491 fax 0117 934 3566 email r.nott@venue.co.uk or 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 Group Editor Dave Higgitt Production Manager Cath Evans Design Team Sarah Clark, Sarah Malone Sub-editor Jo Renshaw Publications Co-ordinator Sam Ulewicz Commercial Manager Becky Davis Advertising Bex Baddiley, Adam Burrows, Nejla Unal, Ben Wright 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.
75 We review new Bristol eatery Brace & Browns
pic credit: mark simmons
Cover image:
@folioeditor
Features
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Q&A
Close up with
Naomi Wilkinson Live ‘n’ Deadly’s Bristol-born presenter takes up the role of Dick Whittington in Theatre Royal Bath’s Christmas panto Words: Melissa blease
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pic credit: freia turland
aomi Wilkinson – the Bristol-born star of BBC2/CBBC smashhit, award-winning show Live ’n’ Deadly (an on-the-road, UK-wide adventure, filmed live) – will return to her West Country roots this festive season to star alongside Holby City’s Mark Moraghan, pantomime institution Chris Harris and the inimitable Jon Monie at the Theatre Royal Bath. Naomi will take the title role of Dick Whittington. Here, she talks exclusively to Folio about shopping in Bath, children’s TV... and gender-bending!
Bath is a mere 10-mile hop from Bristol. Does this mean you’ll be home for Christmas this year? I really look forward to working so close to the city that I call home. I manage to visit Bristol every couple of months or so anyway as my sister and her family live in Bristol as well as my parents, but I’m still not sure which city I’ll actually stay in for the season. I used to visit Bath a lot when I was younger, so it’s very familiar to me as well. As soon as I learned to drive, I’d visit most weekends – the shopping opportunities are so good in Bath! The pantomime represents a break from Live ’n’ Deadly, currently in its second series. Will you miss all those big scary animals? I’m fully prepared to deal with yet another scary animal in the form of Mark Moraghan’s King Rat! But I’m sure he’ll be a pussycat really. Apart from that, it’ll be quite nice not having to do anything too scary – I’m really looking forward to it! Being directly involved in a pantomime puts a whole new spin on my version of Christmas. What does pantomime mean to you? Funnily enough, I don’t think I went to pantos very often as a child. I was obsessed with dancing and originally trained as a dancer, so I went to see a lot of ballets instead – The Nutcracker was an enduring favourite. I remember going to see a lot of Whirligig Theatre shows in Bristol around this time of the year, too – they were always really good. But what I love most about pantomime as a grown-up is the lovely happy feeling that such a fun show gives to everybody: there’s a proper festive spirit floating around the audience and everybody enters into it with enthusiasm. You couldn’t call me a pantomime veteran yet – I’m not quite brand new to it, but this is only the third one I’ve done. It’s great working with [veteran TRB panto director and Dame extraordinaire] Chris Harris, though. He’s worked with panto all his life, and he’s a fascinating character off the stage, too.
Bristol girl Naomi will be starring in Dick Whittington at Theatre Royal Bath from 15 Dec-22 Jan
How do you feel about playing a boy? It’ll be a very unusual experience! I’ve managed to stay female up until now, but it’s great to be taking on such a traditional role.
Naomi filming CBBC’s Live ’n’ Deadly at Margam Country Park in Port Talbot
Again, I just trust Chris on this one – he knows exactly what he’s doing with me! What does 2012 hold for you? I don’t really know yet! There are various projects off the back of Live ’n’ Deadly bubbling away and waiting to be discussed early next year. I’d like to work in a more adult world one day, perhaps, but I’m not in a desperate hurry to do that as I absolutely love the whole genre of children’s programming – for as long as I can keep working in this area, I most definitely will. I’m very lucky to have landed a wonderful job heading up a whole concept that I really love and endorse: introducing children to adventure and encouraging them to try new things and have conviction in what they’re doing. I also love working with Steve Backshall, my co-presenter – his enthusiasm is infectious. Because I believe in what I do too, I love it. DICK WHITTINGTON THEATRE ROYAL BATH, 15 DEC-22 JAN. FFI: 01225 448844, WWW. THEATREROYAL.ORG.UK
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WE BUY
Gold, Silver & Platinum in any form or condition and at the highest price in Bath.
WANTED
Sovereigns, Krugerrands, Quality watches and Silver items. Please call in or telephone for a price.
Nigel Dando 11 Pulteney Bridge Bath, BS2 4AY Tel/fax: 01225 464013 www.nigeldando.co.uk
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
Retro g Clothinble Availa
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. fifteen 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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what’s new
what to do in...
Dec
Mike White’s homegrown advent calendar brings you 24 festive suggestions in the countdown to Christmas
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BLUE SKY THINKING
A brand new Christmas exhibition of contemporary jewellery, fused glass pictures by Jane Reeves and affordable limited edition prints from favourite artists including Quentin Blake, John Knapp-Fisher and Susie Brooks, all launched in festive style with mulled wine and seasonal nibbles.
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BY GEORGIAN
Forget austerity-wracked Christmas 2011 and transport yourself back in time with a visit to the magnificently restored townhouse of No.1 Royal Crescent. As well as a glimpse of what life was like for the wealthy in 18th century Bath, No.1’s festive From Kitchen to Table display offers an authentic look at how different Christmas dinners were 300 years ago.
A GEORGIAN CHRISTMAS: FROM KITCHEN TO TABLE NO.1 ROYAL CRESCENT, BATH, Until SUN 11 DEC, 10.30AM–4PM (LAST ENTRY 3.30PM), £6.50/£5/£2.50. FFI: 01225 428126, WWW.BATH-PRESERVATION-TRUST. ORG.UK
SKY BLUE GALLERY NORTH VIEW, WESTBURY PARK, BRISTOL, SAT 3 DEC, 11AM-6PM, FREE. FFI: 0117 973 3995, WWW.SKYBLUEGALLERY. CO.UK
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FLEA SMITTEN
On the hunt for a one-off? The Bath Flea and Vintage Market brings together 250 or so stalls creaking with vintage, antique and shabby chic treasures. Its sister event in Bristol offers more of the same – everything from clothing and jewellery to chic furnishings and gardenalia.
BATH FLEA & VINTAGE MARKET BATH RACECOURSE, LANSDOWN, BATH, SUN 4 DEC, 9AM-4.30PM, £3 ADULT, £2 STUDENT, £1.50 CHILD (UNDER 5S FREE). ALSO BRISTOL FLEA MARKET ASHTON GATE STADIUM, BRISTOL, BS3, SUN 18 DEC, 9AM-3.30PM. FFI: WWW. BATHFLEAMARKET.CO.UK
CREATE EXPECTATIONS
Don’t miss eco-friendly haven the Create Centre’s annual offering of unusual, ethically sourced crafts, locally created gifty things and other seasonal delights. Expect a real-ale bar, live music and an emphasis on Fairtrade, organic and locally made goodies including clothing and jewellery, original illustrations, handmade furniture and delicious food. 2011 CREATE FESTIVE FAIR CREATE CENTRE, SMEATON RD, BRISTOL, FRI 2 (4-9PM) & SAT 3 DEC 11AM-4PM. FFI: WWW.CREATEBRISTOL.ORG
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BY GEORGE!
Get out of the city for a bit of romance at the historic hideaway that is George Cottage – a traditional stone-built snuggery deep in the Forest of Dean, with exposed beams, log fire and rolling countryside all around, all just an hour’s drive from Bristol. It’s been beautifully decorated with vintage furniture and equipped with thoughtful extras like cocktail-making equipment, wooden toys for toddlers and, soon to come, an infrared sauna. GEORGE COTTAGE STARS PITCH, MITCHELDEAN, GLOS, GL17, SLEEPS UP TO SIX, £200 FOR A TWONIGHT WEEKEND, £300 FOR A THREE-NIGHT WEEKEND, MIDWEEK BREAKS ALSO AVAILABLE. FFI: WWW.MILLENDMITCHELDEAN.CO.UK
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what’s new THINK LOCAL
Tired of high-street homogeneity? Here’s an opportunity to buy original designer items directly from the artists who made them. Across three floors of Colston Hall’s gleaming golden foyer, you can admire (and buy) the work of 100 carefully selected creatives, ranging from established makers to the best emerging new talent from across the region. Expect handmade jewellery, original illustrations, bespoke furniture, clothing and delicious edible gifts like these rich chocolate truffles.
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Pick up all sorts of gifty delights like these choccy truffles at the Colston Hall’s Made in Bristol Gift Fair
MADE IN BRISTOL GIFT FAIR COLSTON HALL, COLSTON ST, BRISTOL, SAT 10, SUN 11 & SAT 17 DEC, 10AM, FREE. FFI: WWW.COLSTONHALL. ORG
LET THERE BE LIGHT
Bruce Munro’s Field of Light is a startling artwork created from thousands of tiny fibre-optic lights, spread like enchanted flowers across the Holburne Museum’s new extension and out into its twilit garden. As night falls, they dance with gentle rhythms of light and colour – a glimmer of magic at the darkest time of the year. BRUCE MUNRO’S FIELD OF LIGHT HOLBURNE MUSEUM, GREAT PULTENEY ST, BATH, BA2, UNTIL 8 JAN, 4-7PM, FREE. FFI: 01225 388588, WWW. HOLBURNE.ORG
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ON THE PROWL
Go on a dusky hunt for mysterious nocturnal hunters in the quiet woodlands and meadows of Avon Wildlife Trust’s Folly Farm nature reserve, led by owl expert Chris Sperring. Twit-twoo! OWL PROWL FOLLY FARM, STOWEY, PENSFORD, BRISTOL, BS39, SUN 11 DEC, 3-5PM, £10 (AGES 8-15 £8). FFI: 01275 331590, WWW.FOLLYFARM. ORG
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UN-MISSABLE
A night of Christmas carols in a beautiful 12th century country church, as Bradford on Avon Choral Society sing through a suitably seasonal programme including Mozart’s Missa Brevis in D.
CHRISTMAS CONCERT WITH CAROLS HOLY TRINITY CHURCH, CHURCH ST, BRADFORD-ONAVON, FRI 9 DEC, 7.30PM, £8. TICKETS FROM EX LIBRIS BOOKSHOP OR ON THE DOOR. FFI: 01225 862670, WWW.BOACHORAL.ORG.UK
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DECK THE HALLS
A chance to make your own traditional Christmas decorations, including a forage in Kilver Court’s fabulous gardens for materials. By hometime you should have your own beautiful wreath to take away, as well as wall decorations, swags and scented pomanders. CHRISTMAS WREATHS & POMANDER WORKSHOP KILVER COURT, KILVER ST, SHEPTON MALLET, SAT 3 & THUR 8 DEC, 10.30AM-3PM, £36/£45. FFI: 01749 340416, WWW.KILVERCOURT.COM
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REGENCY REVELS
Do as Austen herself said and ‘think little of even the worst weather’ by enjoying the warmth of a traditional Regency-style Christmas at the Jane Austen Centre on Bath’s Gay Street, where Austen herself once lived. Special additions to the centre’s fascinating exhibition evoke a sense of how the festive period was celebrated in the early 1800s – and the Christmassy gifts and traditional holly wreaths in the gift shop may also help with present buying.
JANE AUSTEN’S REGENCY-STYLE CHRISTMAS UNTIL SAT 31 DEC, THE JANE AUSTEN CENTRE, 40 GAY ST, QUEEN SQUARE, BATH. FFI: 01225 443000, WWW.JANEAUSTEN.CO.UK
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Get your fill of festive cheer with Carols by Candlelight at the Pump Room
what’s new
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A NIGHTMARE BEFORE CHRISTMAS?
A darker slice of Christmas storytelling, definitely not for the kiddies – The Morpeth Carol uses five performers, a darkened room and some clever sound effects to immerse you in an unnamed northern town and the moors beyond. Expect ‘blood on the snow, crippled reindeer, Christmas presents on fire, a schoolboy in a stolen car and a strange man who may or may not be Santa’. Gulp!
THE MORPETH CAROL BRISTOL OLD VIC BASEMENT, THEATRE ROYAL, KING ST, 8–17 DEC, 8PM, £10/£7. FFI: 0117 987 7877, WWW.BRISTOLOLDVIC.ORG.UK
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THEY’LL BE BACh
GOING UNDERGROUND
The Carols by Candlelight series is something of a fixture on Bath’s advent calendar, the first performance having been given in the city’s grand Pump Room in December 1947. It’s continued every festive season since, returning this year for three sure-to-sell-out nights of candlelit Christmassy magic.
A Christmas experience in an ancient iron mine, with a visit from Father Christmas, an underground cafe and market and colourful displays - like walking through a pop-up book that tell the story of a boy and a very hungry polar bear…
CITY OF BATH BACH CHOIR: CAROLS BY CANDLELIGHT PUMP ROOM, STALL ST, BATH, WED 14, THUR 15 & FRI 16 DEC, 7.30PM. FFI: 07967 444079, WWW.BATHBACHCHOIR. ORG.UK
CLEARWELL CAVES CHRISTMAS FANTASY CLEARWELL CAVES, NR COLEFORD, GLOS, GL16, UNTIL SAT 24 DEC & 27 DEC-2 JAN, 10AM-5PM, £7.50 INCLUDING GIFT FOR CHILDREN AGED 2-14. FFI: WWW.CLEARWELLCAVES. COM
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A TALK ON THE WILD SIDE
Get some behind-the-scenes secrets from the world of wildlife programme-making from Mike Dilger, presenter of the BBC’s The One Show, as he spills the beans in a lively talk called Trials of a Natural History Presenter. “I’m always excited by wildlife,” says Mike. “It’s the natural antidepressant!” TRIALS OF A NATURAL HISTORY PRESENTER QEH THEATRE, BERKELEY PLACE, BRISTOL, BS8, FRI 16 DEC, 7.30PM, £10/£8. FFI: 0117 917 7270, ANGELADAVIES@AVONWILDLIFETRUST.ORG.UK
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WASSAIL!
Bristol’s honorary orchestra the BSO are joined by sprightly folk combo the New Scorpion Band for a lively musical shakedown including Holst, Vaughan Williams, a yuletide mummer’s play and fresh reworkings of old favourites like The Sussex Carol and In Dulci Jubilo.
BOURNEMOUTH SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA: WASSAIL COLSTON HALL, COLSTON ST, BRISTOL, THUR 15 DEC, 7.30PM, £14-£24, UNDER 26S £8, UNDER 18S £1. FFI: 0117 922 3686, WWW.COLSTONHALL.ORG
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GOOD TO BE BACH
This year will be the first since 1892 (we think) that Bristol Choral Society have performed a work other than Messiah at the Colston Hall on the Saturday before Christmas apart from the years when the hall had burnt down! This year, they present Bach’s sublime Oratorium Tempore Nativitatis Christi (the Christmas Oratorio), full of triumphant choruses, heartfelt arias and bewitching storytelling – accompanied by some of the most joyous music Bach ever wrote. BACH CHRISTMAS ORATORIO COLSTON HALL, COLSTON ST, BRISTOL, SAT 17 DEC, 7PM, £10£23 (UNDER 25S £5). FFI: 0117 922 3686, WWW. COLSTONHALL.ORG
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ANIMAL CRACKERS?
Little ones hyped up on advent choccies and Christmas cheer? Tire them out with a wintry whirl of live icesculpting, carol singers, brass bands and wandering elves, as well as Santa himself and his favourite reindeer (see below), all of which will descend on Bristol Zoo in the run-up to Christmas. They’re also offering local, sustainably sourced Christmas trees, on sale in the zoo’s west car park (until 24 Dec).
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WALK THIS WAY
One of the annual highlights of the Ramblers’ year, the Famous Solstice Stomp starts at sunrise and ends at sunset on the Sunday closest to the winter solstice. This year’s Stomp will be around the beautiful city of Bath, and is an ideal preamble to the Ramblers Festival of Winter Walks (24 Dec-2 Jan) – a great way to burn off the Christmas calories, discover some fabulous countryside and make some new friends.
BRISTOL ZOO’S FANTABULOUS CHRISTMAS MON 19 & TUE 20 DEC, BRISTOL ZOO GARDENS, CLIFTON. FFI: 0117 974 7300, WWW.BRISTOLZOO.ORG.UK
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ARE YOU SITTING COMFORTABLY?
A new, offbeat re-imagining of one of the best-loved fairytales of all time, Cinderella. It’s the rags-to-riches romp we all know and love, but with a twist – and some rather unusual birds… CINDERELLA: A FAIRYTALE TOBACCO FACTORY THEATRE, RALEIGH RD, SOUTHVILLE, BRISTOL, WED 7 DEC-SUN 15 JAN, £6-£15. FFI: 0117 902 0344, WWW. TOBACCOFACTORYTHEATRE.COM
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THE FAMOUS SOLSTICE STOMP MEET AT BATH SPA TRAIN STATION, SUN 18 DEC, 7.55AM, FREE. FFI: WWW.RAMBLERS.ORG.UK
POP IN TO POP UP
An ‘artist-led retail event’, Pop-Up Bristol sees three previously empty shop units in Bristol’s Cabot Circus commandeered by five local creative groups, who’ll be showcasing original paintings, illustrations, crafts and gifts from over 100 artists – every day until Christmas Eve. POP-UP BRISTOL LEVEL 1, GLASS WALK & QUAKERS FRIARS, CABOT CIRCUS, BRISTOL, DAILY UNTIL 24 DEC. FFI: WWW. POPUPBRISTOL.COM
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COCKTAIL TIME!
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WE’RE WALKING IN THE AIR…
A sure-fire Christmas hit, this matinee screening of Raymond Briggs’ animated classic The Snowman is accompanied by a live score from the Bath Philharmonia, who’ll also play a flurry of other wintry favourites like Jingle Bells and Rudolf the Red Nosed Reindeer. Come in Christmas fancy dress and take part in the grand procession – there are prizes for the best costumes. THE SNOWMAN BATH FORUM, FORUM BUILDINGS, BATH, WED 21 DEC, 3PM, £16 (UNDER 16S £9). FFI: 01225 463362, WWW. BATHBOXOFFICE.ORG.UK
Loosen up for Christmas Eve with a homemade Sgroppino. A what? It’s a refreshing, zingy cocktail – one of the favourites at Prosecco in Clifton Village. Here’s how they recommend you make one: take 500g of lemon sorbet, 250ml of lemon vodka and 125ml of prosecco. Whizz it all up in a blender, then pour into two champagne flutes. Sprinkle with chopped lemon zest and mint leaves and serve immediately. Can’t be bothered to make your own? Head over to Prosecco and let the experts do it for you – but make sure you’re home before Santa arrives…
PROSECCO 25 THE MALL, CLIFTON VILLAGE, BRISTOL. FFI: 0117 973 4499, WWW. PROSECCOCLIFTON.COM
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DEAR DEER
Santa’s favourite* reindeers Jingle and Belle will be flying* into Bristol Zoo for a bit of R&R before their busiest night of the year. While they’re stopping by, you can pop in to stroke their velvety noses, feed them their favourite food and wish them luck for the big night. *Allegedly. MEET AND FEED SANTA’S REINDEER BRISTOL ZOO GARDENS, CLIFTON, BRISTOL, SAT 17–WED 28 DEC. FFI: 0117 974 7300, WWW.BRISTOLZOO.ORG.UK
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Feature
I Down memory
lane
Black Boy Coffee, Baby’s Bottom or a Fruit Jube, anyone? Eugene Byrne revels in the turbo-charged nostalgia at Oakham Treasures
fyou’ve not visited Oakham Treasures yet, this needs to be your next outing, especially if it’s a family outing involving two or three generations. How about pencilling it in for the run-up to Christmas, or sometime early in the new year? It’s only been open for two-and-a-half years, but it’s already picked up a couple of awards, and when you get there you’ll see why. And the thing is, the older you are, the more fun it’s going to be. Oakham Treasures is really two separate museums. There are loads of old tractors, a threshing machine, a load of old sheep-shearing machines and loads else. There’s even a shelf filled with a vast and bewildering assortment of old blowlamps... Which is all very nice, and it does attract some enthusiastic visitors, but it’s not why most people come. The real pull is the stupendous collection of old retail products – sweets, tobacco, chocolate, booze, cakes, groceries, toys, medicines, cleaning products, ladies’ and men’s fashions and more, all laid out in a series of cabinets and shop counters, in a series of rooms looking like shops from the middle of the 20th century. As well as all that, every last inch of wall-space is covered in old adverts for everything from Wills cigarettes to patent medicines. Nothing can prepare you for the massive assault of colour and detail on your eyes. Oakham Treasures is a family-run business, rooted in Keith Sherrell’s passion for acquiring stuff. Sherrell, a fifth-generation West Country farmer, started out dealing in secondhand farm machinery in the 1960s. Somewhere along the line, he became a connoisseur of vintage agricultural technology. As he put it: “I started buying a bit more, and selling a bit less. The things I really loved I kept, and it went on from there.” Stuff was starting to pile up in sheds, so with the help of farm staff and Keith’s wife and daughters, the museum was created.
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Feature
left to right: Tractors and farming machinery are in abundance and fill a large room within the museum; the museum houses a huge collection of old enamel signs advertising all manner of products from cigarettes to Pears soap
Helen Sherrell, one of Keith’s three daughters, is responsible for much of the museum’s running. “What impresses people when they come in is the sheer quantity of things here, this huge array of items,” she says, “and of course everyone’s impressed by the quality as well. Most of it is in pretty good nick.” That’s the most astonishing thing. This is not a museum of packaging, like the worldfamous Robert Opie Collection; Oakham Treasures is a collection of actual products. The original contents are almost all still in the original tins, bags and packets – everything from the Andrews Liver Salts to the Airfix kits to the Wills Woodbines to the decades-old fruit cakes and the tinned meat and veg, and everything is as it was the day it came out of the factory. Though maybe not quite as fresh... This hasn’t caused any problems. Yet. “When we first unpacked everything and set up, we did find the odd tin that looked leaky,” says Helen. “But now that it’s on display, and nothing is being moved or physically handled, it should be OK. Having said that, I’m sure we’ll walk down here one morning and find that something’s exploded. It is going to happen, isn’t it…?” So has anyone tried any of the stuff? Smoked any of the fags, opened a bottle of cider, had some sweets? “I’ve eaten some of the mints,” says Keith Sherrell. “And you’ll see a box in there with five or six Easter eggs in. My teeth marks are in the back of one of them because I wasn’t sure… Was it or wasn’t it real chocolate? It was. I put it back.” You may need to put aside several hours to get a good look at everything. And you will be ambushed by things – perhaps some toy or sweet you loved as a kid but haven’t even thought about in years. Or it might be the couple I saw there staring intently at all the old medicines, telling one another which elderly members of the family used to take them for their various ailments, donkey’s years ago. “There was a man who came in the other day with a tractor enthusiasts group who wasn’t very interested in the other things,” says Helen. “But in the grocery area he found some food flavouring made by a firm called Boake and Roberts. He was very, very excited about seeing this as he’s a descendant of the Boake family. I don’t expect anyone will ever visit ever again that it will mean anything at all to.” A huge amount of the food and grocery products, says Keith, came
Above: Keith Sherrell and his daughter Helen who run the museum. Below: Oakham Treasures is home to a huge array of old advertising signs
from a single job lot – 10 rooms full of stuff acquired by a businessman who had closed a number of shops and pubs and put the stock into storage. Buying all this, he says dryly, was “a right stupid thing to do”, though he obviously doesn’t mean it. Everything else – the collection of blow-lamps, the tractors, a job-lot of old postboxes, even an old AA patrolman’s motorbike – was acquired along the way. A few visitors sometimes want to buy some of the exhibits, particularly the old advertising signs, many of which are now sought-after collectors’ items, especially if they’re in good condition (which most old enamel signs aren’t). “They were common as muck back in the 1950s. I mean, nobody knows how many signs there were for, say, Wills cigarettes.” Not only did the signs usually spend decades screwed to the outsides of shops, but many were put to other uses afterwards. Apparently, there’s no better base for mixing up cement than an old enamel sign. “The other thing is
that farmers used to nail them to pigsty doors. Pigs are notorious for chewing through wood, but a sign would put a stop to that.” Oakham Treasures aren’t selling anything, and even though they do get the occasional would-be buyer, visitors wanting to donate things are much, much more common. “All the time we get people coming in and saying, ‘We’ve got such-and-such – we don’t want it, so either you take it or it goes to the tip,’” says Helen. “We really are out of space, but it would be an awful shame to throw things away and we don’t want to upset people, so we tend to take things, but say to people that we can’t guarantee we’ll display any of it. Sometimes we can sell it on, and if we do that the money goes to Children’s Hospice South West.” OAKHAM TREASURES OAKHAM FARM, PORTBURY LANE, PORTBURY, BRISTOL. OPEN TUE-SAT 10AM-5PM (LAST ADMISSION 3.30PM); CLOSED SUN, MON & BANK HOLS EXCEPT GOOD FRIDAY, ALSO CLOSED 24 DEC-3 JAN. ADMISSION £6.50 ADULT/£5 AGES 6-16/£15 FAMILY (2+3), UNDER-6S FREE. FFI: WWW.OAKHAMTREASURES.CO.UK
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profile
Christmas Shopping with a difference @
BATH & BRISTOL FLEA MARKETS BATH RACECOURSE, LANSDOWN & ASHTON GATE STADIUM, BRISTOL WEB: WWW.BATHFLEAMARKET.CO.UK
The Bath & Bristol Flea Markets
L
ove Shopping? Love finding something different? Why not try one of the flea markets in Bristol or Bath? To celebrate the festive season we’ve got two very special markets for you to explore. The Giant Flea & Vintage Market @ Bath Racecourse on December 4th and The Indoor Flea market Bristol City Football Club on December 11th. Both with a very festive over haul! Bath Racecourse will be transformed with picture postcard huts peddling traditional festive foods, from
Roasted Chestnuts to what is quite possibly the best Hot Chocolate in the South West! We’ve got hundreds of flea & vintage stalls selling unique gifts perfect for Presents or maybe even treat yourself. Our Christmas event also showcases local suppliers selling Logs, Christmas Trees, Holly & Mistletoe and maybe even a choir, everything you can possibly need to get you in the festive spirit. So wrap up warm and come on down and pay us a visit! Here are just a few ideas of what you can expect to find at the flea markets for Christmas… Gleaming antique rings, elegant bronze
sculptures, deco desk lamps, unique little gift ideas including silver photo frames, gold fountain pens and the essential designer watch, vintage clothing, the perfect seasonal black dress or a stunning vintage accessory. Maybe you need a larger dining table for a big festive family gathering? You’re sure to find it at one of these events. BATH: GIANT FLEA & VINTAGE MARKET Sunday December 4th, Bath Racecourse BRISTOL: INDOOR FLEA MARKET Sunday December 11th, Bristol City Football Club. FFI: www.bathfleamarket.co.uk
Change a life with a loan
The Christmas Gift that Keeps on Giving! This gift voucher from £10 can help someone to work their way out of poverty and to support themselves and their family.
Find out more at www.deki.org.uk 16 folio/dec 2011
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Look out for woodland fungi such as butter cap which appears from autumn to early winter
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WESTON big
WOOD
Avon Wildlife Trust’s nature reserve between Portishead and Bristol is a wonderful place for a woodland wander…
T
here’s something about walking in the woods at this time of year that brings with it the timeless sense of the wintry season: bare branches and glossy holly berries, leaves on the ground, birds singing in the stillness of a cold afternoon. Access into the woodland of Weston Big Wood is best from the Valley Road entrance (See How to Find the Reserve, below). Pass through the kissing gate, turn right and climb the flight of steps that takes you into the woodland. At this point the trees to your right are an almost pure stand of small-leaved lime. In the spring the sunlight creates a dappled shade in this part of the wood, formed by the small heart-shaped leaves from which the tree gets its name. At this time of year the woodland canopy is open to the sky, however – take time to admire the grace of bare branches towering above you!
A wood mouse collecting food
MINI-BEASTS At the top of the path, turn right again and follow the path round to the left. Here you will pass by one of the first interactive waymarkers that have shapes of woodland minibeasts carved into them. Designed by children from local schools, these carvings depict the type of wildlife that you may encounter in that area. A brass plate on the top of the post allows everyone to take away a rubbing as a reminder of the wood, so tuck some wax crayons and sheets of thick paper in your bag when you set out. As you follow the winding path through the wood, you will pass areas where, in spring, ramsons and bluebells grow together in swathes of white and blue. Eventually you arrive at the main ride, a woodland path that was widened by the Trust in the late 1980s. Recent woodland management has resulted in the restoration of the traditional craft of coppicing. Here ash, hazel and small-leaved lime have been felled to create a diverse woodland structure. Now fenced off from deer browsing, the trees will rapidly re-grow to form dense coppice for future hedging stakes and charcoal. DEAD-MAN’S FINGERS Turn left up the ride and pass by the specially cut embayments that keep the ride open and interesting to wildlife. During the summer, butterflies (including the rare silver-washed fritillary) cruise up and down the ride searching for mates and areas to feed. At the top of the ride, remain on the main path and turn left as you pass back into the wood. After a short distance you will reach a crossroads by an ancient oak. Turn left at this point and walk along the path that has been constructed from chipped material from the coppiced wood; the surface will eventually rot away, contributing to the life-cycle of the wood. This path takes you over areas that were formerly very wet, and over wood banks and ditches, evidence of woodland clearances created by early man. Continue along this path through the heart of the wood. Look out for woodland fungi such as candle-snuff, dead-man’s fingers, buttercap or turkey tails. Eventually you’ll reach the top of the steps that will lead you back down to the entrance. You should have
passed the five remaining posts that tell you more about Weston Big Wood – but if you’ve missed them then you’ll just have to come back for another visit! Avon Wildlife Trust Our walk comes courtesy of this leading local charity working for people and wildlife. Ffi: 0117 917 7270, www.avonwildlifetrust.org.uk
The traditional craft of coppicing has been revived at Weston Big Wood
Walk through a carpet of bluebells in spring
How to find the reserve Grid ref ST 456 750 Bike View a location map of the reserve on the National Cycle Network website: www.sustrans.org.uk Public transport www.traveline.org.uk Car From B3124 Clevedon-Portishead road, turn into Valley Road. Park in the lay-by, approx 300 yards on the right, and walk up the hill.
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➻ life style Christmas markets, magical toy shops, smart menswear & eye-catching jewellery CHRISTMAS MARKETS
SHOPPER’S HEAVEN ➻ This year Bath’s historic Green Park Station will play host to three unique Sunday
Christmas Markets. On Sun 4 and Sun 11 Dec, you’ll find more than 50 local artisan stalls selling unique handmade gifts, from local pottery, reclaimed wood frames, etched glass and handknitted clothing to local food and beers, jewellery and vintage goodies – and the chance to relax with some holistic therapies. Have some mulled wine, try Devilfish’s Satan Claus beer, sample Malaysian cooking, graze at the Express Cafe or enjoy a sit-down Sunday lunch in the Brasserie. On 4 Dec the market will be supporting Cruse Bereavement Care, who give comfort and free counselling to the bereaved. There’ll be a fabulous Charity Christmas Raffle, with prizes donated by local businesses and Christmas traders, including a holiday in France, Thoughtful Bread Co hamper and Farm Shop voucher. Some things just get better with age, so take pleasure in all things vintage, antique and recycled at the Vintage and Antiques Christmas Market on Sun 18 Dec. There’ll also be an extra Bath Farmers’ Market on Thur 22 Dec (see website for stallholders): pick up some seasonal produce and collect your pre-ordered (start ordering now!) Christmas goodies.
Pick up some local treats and treasures at Green Park Station’s Christmas Markets
SUNDAY CHRISTMAS MARKETS 4 & 11 DEC (PLUS WEEKLY SAT MARKETS, 10AM-4PM). FFI: WWW.GREENPARKSTATION.CO.UK VINTAGE & ANTIQUES CHRISTMAS MARKET SUN 18 DEC (AND LAST SUN OF MONTH FOR REST OF YEAR, 9.30AM-4PM). FFI: WWW. VINTAGEANDANTIQUES.CO.UK BATH FARMERS’ MARKET THUR 22 DEC (PLUS WEEKLY SAT MARKETS, 9AM-1.30PM – NOT 31 DEC). FFI: WWW.BATHFARMERSMARKET.CO.UK
NEW STORE
YOU’RE THE BOSS ➻ This December sees the opening of a new Hugo Boss store at The Mall at Cribbs
Causeway. Situated on the upper level of The Mall, the new store will offer a dedicated menswear range of formal, casual and sportswear. This will be Bristol’s second Hugo Boss store, with the first being in Cabot Circus. Housing the Boss Black, Boss Orange and Boss Green collections, the Cribbs Causeway store has clothing to suit all sartorial needs. Boss Black, with its impeccable tailoring and separates, is the largest of the ranges. Luxurious and understated, the collection offers classic business and formal wear, with two- and three-piece suits alongside dinner jackets and overcoats, all in cashmere and merino wool. And for sophisticated weekend wear, Boss Black offers tailored separates such as calfskin leather jackets, chinos and wool slacks and chunky knits. Boss Orange is Hugo Boss’s casualwear line and takes its influence from urban and streetwear styles. Distressed denim, coloured chinos and jeans paired with checked brushed cotton shirts and herringbone blazers are all key Boss Orange pieces this season. Boss Green is a range for those looking for both lifestyle and performance sportswear. The collection combines fashionable sportswear with functional golfwear, providing bold, colourful and protective clothing for on and off the golf course. Key pieces include poloshirts, padded gilets and fine-knit zip cardigans. All three collections come with a range of coordinating footwear and accessories, including holdalls, leather gloves and cashmere scarves – all of which will make perfect festive gifts. The Cribbs Causeway store will have both suiting and sportswear experts on hand to offer advice on style and fit, and a tailoring service is available, too.
HUGO BOSS THE MALL AT CRIBBS CAUSEWAY & CABOT CIRCUS, BRISTOL. FFI: WWW.HUGOBOSS.COM
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SPECIAL EVENTS
THE GLITTERING PRIZE ➻ Leading independent jeweller and goldsmith Nicholas Wylde will be holding two
special Christmas events where you can enjoy a glass of mulled wine and a mince pie.
From 3-5 December, clients at both the Bath and Bristol shops can view an extensive range of beautiful jewellery, including the brand new exclusive collections designed by Nicholas Wylde. Enter their Christmas competition to win an 18ct gold diamond pendant and chain worth £1,000. With every purchase made over £200, you’ll receive a luxury goody bag containing pearl earrings, champagne, chocolates, a jewellery polishing cloth, Neal’s Yard perfume voucher and Cote restaurant drink voucher. From 5-11 December, a ‘Magical Christmas Trollbeads Event’ at the Bath shop, in aid of Cancer Research, will feature special offers, free gifts and a wonderful competition prize. NICHOLAS WYLDE 12 NORTHUMBERLAND PLACE, BATH (01225 462826) & 6 THE MALL, CLIFTON VILLAGE, BRISTOL (0117 974 3582). FFI: WWW.NICHOLASWYLDE.COM
We LOVE...
TOY SHOP
CHRISTMAS MAGIC ➻ Just So, Clifton’s longest-established independent toy shop, are exhibiting the work of Rob Heard as part of the Christmas window in their Regent Street shop this year. Somerset-based Rob rarely exhibits outside London, and his amazing fantasy tree house creations certainly have the wow factor. “I’ve never seen so many people stop in amazement when passing the shop,” says Just So’s Gill Gleed. “We’ve even had cars stopping to take photos. They are truly magical.” JUST SO 12 REGENT ST, CLIFTON VILLAGE, BRISTOL (ALSO ON HENLEAZE RD, BRISTOL). FFI: 0117 974 300, WWW. JUSTSO-ONLINE.CO.UK
Knitted silk & viscose bangle by Elinor Voytal, £57 at Diana Porter 33 Park St, Bristol. Ffi: 0117 909 0225, www. dianaporter.co.uk
gifts & jewellery
like mother, like daughter ➻ Home of Catherine Amesbury Contemporary Jewellery, Artemis is a new and exciting designer jewellery and gift shop. The family-owned Gloucester Road store houses a jewellery workshop and showroom where you can find beautiful and unique handmade silver jewellery. Choose from the collections on display, customise a chosen piece or sit and design your own bespoke piece with local designers, mother-and-daughter team Catherine Amesbury and Carrie Mullan. The duo, who have run their flourishing jewellery business together for two years now, say, “We believe that the difference between ordinary and extraordinary is that little extra.” Complementing the jewellery, you’ll also find a collection of gorgeous gifts – this is the ideal destination for hunting down that perfect something, either for yourself or someone special. You’d be hard-pushed not to find exactly what you’re looking for in this Aladdin’s cave of treasures. Every item, from eco-fashion handbags and stylised soaps to decorative lights and unique Sri Lankan handcrafted pottery, is beautifully gift-wrapped, in a “uniquely boutique style”, which, say Catherine and Carrie, they have only ever seen in La Clusaz, a picturesque skiing village in the French Alps. There’s also a range of cards from local artists for those special occasions ARTEMIS 214 GLOUCESTER RD, BISHOPSTON, BRISTOL. FFI: 0117 924 1003, WWW.ARTEMISBRISTOL.CO.UK
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gift guide
Gift aid
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Awkward girlfriend? Boring uncle? Difficult dad? Kids got it all? Joe Spurgeon helps to solve your Christmas present-buying
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FOR CITIZENS OF THE EARTH… Founded in 2008 by Vashti Richards, Prince Street-based charity Deki allow the financially fortunate folk of the world to lend small amounts of money (‘microcredit’) directly to budding entrepreneurs in the developing world. Aardman’s Nick Park and Hilary Clinton are vocal advocates and the small person-toperson gestures go a long away, from building businesses to providing employment and realising genuinely ground-breaking ideas and inventions. Gift certificates are sold online from £10 and upwards, with a downloadable voucher sent either direct to your recipient or to you to wrap up. Come Boxing Day, the recipient can then log onto the website and select who they would like to give the loan to. Easy.
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FOR THRILL-SEEKERS… Know someone with a penchant for performance? Did you know that Bristol’s world-renowned centre for circus/theatre training Circomedia offer a range of gift vouchers that can be exchanged for all sorts of circus skills lessons, including trapeze or corde lisse for beginners? Roll up, roll up…
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FOR… EVERYONE! Bristol, flushed with more than its fair share of independent traders, goes especially market crazy at Christmas, with the city’s trump card, St Nicholas Market, opening seven days a week until Christmas eve (Mon-Sat 9am-5pm, Sun 11am-5pm) and selling a frankly bamboozling array of festive foods (check the moreish chutneys – pictured – at Trethowan’s Dairy cheese stall), gorgeous gifts and – outside, every Fri and Sat at the popular Nails Market – original artwork, photography, handcrafted jewellery and Xmas deccies.
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FOR DRAMATISTS… The high street was a far sadder place when budget DVD, music, books and gift emporium Fopp threatened to disappear for good in 2007. Their subsequent, phoenixlike re-emergence – with all the CDs, films and paperbacks from the good old days – suddenly makes Christmas shopping a far less daunting assignment. Who wouldn’t, for example, want to blaze away a weekend with box-sets like all five series of incredible US cop drama The Wire (£50), all seven series of The West Wing (£65), series one to four of Mad Men (pictured, £40) or even the timely reissued Tintin cartoon originals (£15)?
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FOR YOUR WILD CHILD… Tickets, animal adoptions (personally, we’d go for Eddie the Egyptian Tortoise or Buffy the Fruit Bat), membership, gift vouchers… you’d be surprised at what you can pick up at Bristol’s 175-year-old award-winning zoo, including a handsome range of beastly gifts containing a cuddlesome baby lion, lemur or gorilla toys (£7-10), a Bristol Zoo meerkat mug (£5.75) or a full-colour photographic book celebrating the zoo’s long, extremely colourful (and loud) history (£18).
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FOR BOOKWORMS… Lit-lovers punched the air in delight when famous indie book barons Foyles announced a rare (Bristol!) new opening away from their London HQ. Their ace online offering offers suggested gift lists (for her, for him, for artists, for musicians, etc) and big discounts on titles including the riotous Private Eye Annual (£5.99), Lisa Chaney’s hardback portrait of Gabrielle ‘Coco’ Chanel (pictured, £15) and Julian Barnes’ unstoppable Booker Prize-winner The Sense of an Ending (£7.79). Read all about it.
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FOR TIME BANDITS… If you’re having a mooch around The Galleries this Christmas, be sure to look in on Jools, the speciality jewellery store whose contemporary range of accessories, beads, necklaces, bracelets, lockets, wristwear and more includes these unmistakable design classics. Swatch Watches are available in a rainbow of colours – and they’re waterproof, too (up to three bar) – for just £32 each.
Contacts
BRISTOL ZOO CLIFTON, BRISTOL. FFI: 0117 974 7399, WWW.BRISTOLZOO.ORG.UK CIRCOMEDIA KINGSWOOD FOUNDATION, BRITANNIA RD, KINGSWOOD, BRISTOL. FFI: 0117 947 7288, WWW.CIRCOMEDIA.COM DEKI PICTON ST, MONTPELIER, BRISTOL. FFI: WWW.DEKI.ORG.UK FOPP COLLEGE GREEN, BRISTOL. FFI: 0117 937 7110, WWW.FOPPRETURNS.COM FOYLES QUAKERS FRIARS, CABOT CIRCUS, BRISTOL. FFI: 0117 376 3975, WWW.FOYLES.CO.UK JOOLS GREYHOUND WALK, THE GALLERIES, BRISTOL. FFI: 0117 929 9334 ST NICHOLAS MARKET CITY CENTRE, BRISTOL. FFI: 0117 922 4014, WWW. STNICHOLASMARKETBRISTOL.CO.UK
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FOR THE OVERWORKED… De-stress the hardworking hero in your life by treating them to a treatment (from £28) or a spa day gift voucher (also from £28) at Bristol’s oasis of tranquillity The Relaxation Centre. On the heaven-sent menu lie hot tubs, saunas, cold plunge pools, steam rooms, massage, reflexology, shiatsu, acupuncture, reiki and oodles more. Not sure what to plump for? The extra special VIP package (£98) covers the lot: an hour-long treatment, a full day in the spa and an hour’s flotation session. Ahhh…
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FOR THE OUTDOORSY… Love being outside? Hate the cold? Like a little flame-grilled feasting? Ironart of Bath produce a beautiful range of handmade upright braziers – perfect for patio parties and a spot of midnight marshmallow toasting, or just as a conversation-starting centrepiece for your garden. Prices are around the three-figure mark, and we’d shoot for this wrought-iron Fluted Brazier (£265 plus delivery) with a wonderfully rustic raw-rust finish.
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FOR FLOWERY TYPES… Beautiful flowers that never fade? Bath’s Vermont Flowers create naturally ‘frozen’ floral designs, decorations and arrangements whose beauty remains locked in place for up to four to six years (yes, years) thanks to a patented non-toxic/allergenic preservation process. Gifts include this gorgeously romantic raspberry rose in eucalyptus leaves (£20), ideal for that someone special.
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FOR FOODIES… In the centre of Bath, seasoned gastronomes FieldToFeast keep true to their promise of ‘sourcing and providing the finest artisan, responsibly grown and, wherever possible, local produce’ with their online range of exquisite hampers (which you can also mix’n’match to make your own) for those eager to explore the culinary kingdom. The hampers come in three varieties – meaty (£65), veggie (£45) and essential (£60) – and are loaded with delicious local delicacies and ‘modern, usable and unique items’. A welcome twist on your traditional hamper – with not a wicker basket or Christmas pudding in sight!
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FOR BUDDING GOURMANDS… One of the jewels in Bath’s sparkling gastro crown – and voted best vegetarian restaurant and people’s choice in the Bath Good Food Awards – Demuths restaurant and sister company The Vegetarian Cookery School gift vouchers are ideal for any avid foodie – vegetarian or otherwise – wanting to learn
13 how to eat, prepare, source and cook better food. Choose a course or leave it open for the recipient to decide: £135 for one-day courses, £45 for evening courses or vouchers from £25.
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FOR LITTLE STYLE GURUS… Handmade in Bath at Up to Seven’s Walcot Street workshop, these achingly cute wintry hats (£12 each or £20 for two) are just the ticket to keep little heads warm and stylish this December. Each is made with high-grade, super-snug merino wool, and they come in a range of seasonal designs that can be conveniently machine-washed.
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FOR HANDSOME HOMES… Grown from a passion for pottery and a natural inclination to make a house a home, the range of irresistible country chic homeware by Emma Bridgewater at Gems means that it’s always worth making a trip to Clevedon’s best gift store. Her Christmas range (called ‘Joy’) includes a host of homely ceramics and textiles like this apron (£25), half-pint mugs (£17.95), Baby Star mug (£13.95), bowl (£17.95), jug (£19.95) and a set of two espresso mugs (£19.95), all of which guarantees you’ll stand out from the Ikea crowd.
Contacts
DEMUTHS NORTH PARADE PASSAGE, BATH. FFI: 01225 446059, WWW.DEMUTHS.CO.UK FIELDTOFEAST GREEN PARK, BATH. FFI: 07971 719279, WWW.FIELDTOFEAST.CO.UK GEMS HILL RD, CLEVEDON. FFI: 01275 343656 IRONART OF BATH UPPER LAMBRIDGE ST, LARKHALL, BATH. FFI: 01225 311273, WWW. IRONART.CO.UK THE RELAXATION CENTRE ALL SAINTS RD, CLIFTON, BRISTOL. FFI: 0117 970 6616, WWW. RELAXATIONCENTRE.CO.UK UP TO SEVEN THE PODIUM, BATH. FFI: 01225 422333, WWW.UPTOSEVEN.CO.UK VERMONT FLOWERS SARACEN ST, BATH. FFI: 01225 571395, WWW.VERMONT-FLOWERS. CO.UK
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FOR PETROLHEADS… Know someone who likes a spin? Based at Chippenham’s famous Castle Combe circuit, Drive-Tech are offering Christmas vouchers for adults, children and speed demons for all sorts of courses and karting experiences, including a junior karting session (£36 – for adults it’s £47), 4x4 off-road day (£115) and skid control course (£95). Just don’t forget to wear a seatbelt…
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FOR THE PERSON WHO HAS EVERYTHING… Got tricky relatives from afar to buy for? Let a loved one reacquaint themselves with the world’s most sumptuous city with a Bath in a Box gift comprising a bespoke, handpicked selection of archetypal Bathonian experiences courtesy of Bath Tourism: balloon flights from Royal Victoria Park, fine dining at Demuths, world-class performance at Bath Theatre Royal, cookery classes at the Bertinet Kitchen and much, much more. Just call with your shopping list.
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FOR LIPPY TYPES… Making it their mission to seek out the ‘coolest design-led homeware and cutest of vintage style to bring a little colour and sparkle into everyday life’, Totterdown’s Ripe Shop make good on their promise with this brilliantly kitsch, deep red glossy lips telephone (£28.99). Sweet.
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FOR EGGHEADS… Ceramicist Hannah Turner, whose work can often be found at the St Nicholas Art Market in Bristol (www. stnicholasmarketbristol.co.uk), sells an exquisite range of precisely crafted ceramic surprises. With a heavy bias towards humorous, playful depictions of animals and the natural world, her creations include these delightful Owlie and Birdie eggcups (£29.99, £28) and ornamental owls that start from £35 (Baby Owl £35, Small Owl £42, Medium Owl £53 and Daddy Owl £65).
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FOR VINTAGE VIXENS… Want to stand out from the high-street crowd? Vintage clothes, teasets, jewellery, accessories, 1950s makeovers and a knicker-making workshop (£25)
are just some of the rather special one-off items and experiences on hand at a new Pop Up Swap Shop coming to Bristol on Sun 11 Dec (10am-6pm), raising cash for the British Red Cross. Pick up a retro rarity at Hamilton House, Stokes Croft, Bristol on the day.
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FOR BRIGHT SPARKS… Light up your Christmas with these gorgeous Pink & Cream Rose Fairy Lights (£21.99), each delicately handcrafted into individual roses made from eight Bodhi leaves, and available at ace Bristol gift grotto Soukous. There are 20 pink and cream rose lights on each rose string and they can be bunched together or stretched out across mantelpieces or banisters for that snugglesome warmed-up winter look.
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FOR STYLISH SMITTEN KITTENS… Ineedthatinmylife.com – part of Bristol boutique Elsie Riley – provides an online treasure-trove of treats from make-up bags to gold leather wallets, hanging tealights and other eye-catching trinkets like this gorgeously chic black leather and feather clutch (£39), just guaranteed to turn heads.
Contacts
BATH TOURIST INFORMATION CENTRE ABBEY CHAMBERS, ABBEY CHURCHYARD, BATH. FFI: 0906 711 2000 (50P/MIN), WWW. VISITBATH.CO.UK/SHOP DRIVE-TECH CASTLE COMBE CIRCUIT, CHIPPENHAM, WILTS. FFI: 01249 783010, WWW.DRIVETECHLTD.CO.UK HAMILTON HOUSE STOKES CROFT, BRISTOL. FFI: 0117 301 2629 HANNAH TURNER CERAMICS BENCES LANE, CORSHAM, WILTS. FFI: 01249 701015, WWW.HANNAHTURNER.CO.UK INEEDTHATINMYLIFE.COM AKA ELSIE RILEY, 59 BROAD ST, BRISTOL. FFI: 0117 934 9139, WWW.INEEDTHATINMYLIFE.COM RIPE SHOP CAMBRIDGE ST, TOTTERDOWN, BRISTOL. FFI: 0117 919 2872, WWW.RIPESHOP. CO.UK SOUKOUS COTHAM HILL, BRISTOL. FFI: 0117 923 9854, WWW.SOUKOUS.CO.UK
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Gorgeous Gifts, Jewellery & Cards gifts, Stocking Fillers & Christmas Decorations now on two floors!
44a-46 Cotham Hill, Bristol, BS6 6LA Tel 0117 9239854 Open 10-6pm Mon-Sat, 10-4pm Sun www.soukous.co.uk
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The home of Inspirational Gifts... ...for giving and living this Christmas
Funky Christmas Decorations
Trendy Home Decor
Must have smellies
Irresistable Cuddlies
Open for late night shopping Thursday 1st December
49 Hill Road, Clevedon, BS21 7PD
Tel : 01275 343656
Situated in the heart of Bath in a leafy, pedestrianised Georgian Square just minutes from Milsom Street and the Abbey, The Frock Exchange is Bath’s best kept fashion secret. A fabulous collection of gently worn couture classics, one-off pieces, hats, shoes and accessories over two floors. The shop attracts fashion conscious, budgetsmart customers from as far away as the USA and Japan with its mixture of nearly new haute coutureand contemporary classics from Chanel to Alexander Mcqueen and everything in between. Tracey and Tracie have built a well earned reputation, and the trust of their regulars, for only stocking the best designer labels at a fraction of their original cost. • All clothing is accepted by appointment only • Colourful designer dress agency. • One off, barely worn high-end designer bags, shoes and accessories from Jimmy Choo to Louis Vuitton, Mulberry & Valentino.
Monday – Friday 10.00 to 4.30 Saturday 10.00 to 5.00
26 folio/dec 2011
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Competitions elemis gift set!
Win LUXURY ELEMIS GIFT SET! Face feeling frazzled after the rigours of the festive season? Folio has teamed up with British skincare experts Elemis to offer one lucky reader the chance to win an Anti-Ageing Cleansing Collection worth £96.50. This collection includes a luxurious blue faux ostrich leather washbag containing a cleansing regime of four fantastic products: Pro-Radiance Cream Cleanser (150ml), Soothing Apricot Toner (200ml), Papaya Enzyme Peel (50ml) and number one bestseller Pro-Collagen Marine Cream (15ml). This regime is clinically proven to restore hydration throughout the day and transform your complexion in just two weeks. You little beauty, you. FFI WWW.ELEMIS.COM, WWW.TIMETOSPA.CO.UK
fabulous compS
Enter today to be in with a chance of winning these great prizes!
To Enter ➻ ELEMIS
Just answer the following question: In which country is Elemis based? Email your answer, with ‘Elemis’ in the subject line, to: editor@foliomagazine.co.uk by Fri 16 Dec. Entries after this date will not be counted. Winner will be picked at random and notified by Mon 9 Jan. Please include your full contact details (name, address, postcode, email, mobile, landline).
luxe mini break!
➻ MONTPELLIER CHAPTER
Just answer the following question: Who is the Montpellier Chapter’s consultant chef? Email your answer, with ‘Montpellier Chapter’ in the subject line, to: editor@foliomagazine. co.uk by Fri 16 Dec. Entries after this date will not be counted. Winner will be picked at random and notified by Mon 9 Jan. Travel dates are subject to availability. Please include your full contact details (name, address, postcode, email, mobile, landline). THE WINNERS Win Christmas comp: Congratulations to Christopher Jones who won the Win Christmas package. Correct answer: white.
Win A MINI BREAK IN CHELTENHAM! The luxurious Montpellier Chapter in Cheltenham has recently been garlanded with the accolade ‘One of the best 100 hotels in the world’ by The Sunday Times Travel magazine. We’ve teamed up with them to offer one lucky reader a two-night break for two people worth £375. Your stunning ‘Feature’ room features not only Egyptian cotton bedlinen and stylish fittings, but also its own bath right there in the bedroom. Meanwhile, in the restaurant – where none other than Simon Hopkinson is consultant chef! – you’ll enjoy breakfast each morning as well as dinner one evening. The hotel also has a spa and fitness room for when you’ve taken in the sights of the Regency city. THE MONTPELLIER CHAPTER BAYSHILL RD, MONTPELLIER, CHELTENHAM. FFI: 01242 527788, WWW.CHAPTERHOTELS.COM.
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fashion
lifestyle
1
Bath lass Katie Fishlock, with the mentoring of Paul Smith, brings you the ultimate back-pocket biker hankie (or wristband, bandana, headscarf…). Handmade, with a choice of colours/ patterns, and too cool to blow your nose on. (Fishlock, £10, Katie Fishlock or Broad Street Studio)
3
Belt up with the iconic peace van buckle. (VW buckle & leather belt, £35, Cole)
Accessorise all
areas
It’s all in the details, says Anna Britten
2
Try not to have someone’s eye out over the mulled wine with this gold, black and crystal knuckleduster. (Apollo Statement Ring, £15, Accessorize)
A
ccessories aren’t just a good way of keeping your jeans up, your hair tidy and your neck warm. No, the right ones can magically draw people’s attention away from your tired outfit/bloated stomach/ wine-stained teeth, and make you look very en vogue for comparatively little money. An interesting accessory can also spark conversations between total strangers – ‘I love your necklace/scarf/ gas mask’ – having, since time began, been the go-to opening gambit for any woman meeting her boyfriend’s ‘really nice’ ex. It goes without saying that accessories also make great stocking
fillers (although there’s always that temptation to point out what a large amount something very small actually cost). Christmas isn’t really Christmas without a hat-‘n’-gloves-‘n’-scarf combo, preferably handknitted – or a massive diamond ring, if you live in a TV advert. We do accessories rather well round these parts. From quirky hairclips to delicate pearls-with-a-twist to greaser hankies, we’re designing, making, selling and wearing ‘em all over town – often all four together. Make room somewhere on your body for these examples here. The temptation to pile it on can be overwhelming, so do bear in mind Coco Chanel’s advice to take off the last accessory you put on. Unless it’s your thermal long johns.
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lifestyle
4
5 8
Fast-track your way to French existentialist cool with this Simone de Beauvoirstyle titfer. Like Beyoncé does. (Twister turban, £10, Accessorize)
9
Bristol jewellery designer Catherine Amesbury uses silver and freshwater pearls for these insanely pretty pieces. Available in various colours. (Bella necklace, £115 & bracelet, £75, Artemis)
fashion
For individual finishing touches to your outfit, try the Frock Exchange’s selection of vintage and as-new designer shoes and bags. (Shoes from £20, bags from £30, The Frock Exchange)
6
Ditch your dull kirby grip and – Be hip and green shudder – with these bags scrunchie! This designed and made leather clip from from recycled illustrator Rosita American number Bonita will lift any plates. Little Earth bags,£55-£215, post-party locks, Artemis and hovers just the right side of girly. (Hummingbird hairclip, £45, Howkapow)
7
Lambswool linkpatterned scarf inspired by vintage wallpaper and handcrafted by designer Joy Bates. Matching hot water bottle covers and cushions also available! (Link scarf, £35, Howkapow)
Contacts Accessorize Bristol: 72 Broadmead (0117 929 9097), Bath: 21-22 Union St (01225 463500). Ffi: www.accessorize.com Artemis 214 Gloucester Rd, Bishopston, Bristol. Ffi: 0117 924 1003, www.artemisbristol.co.uk Cole Little Southgate, Bath. Ffi: 01225 442926, www.coleshop.co.uk The Frock Exchange 10 Kingsmead Square, Bath. Ffi: 01225 461518 Howkapow Ffi: 0117 373 1900, www.howkapow.com Katie Fishlock Web: www. katiefishlock.com or Broad Street Studio, 26 Broad St, Bath. Ffi: 01225 329825, www. broadstreetstudio.co.uk
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fashion Night out… Niki wears… Dress bought five years ago from Reiss; Tights, Marks & Spencer, £12; Shoes, New Look, £24.99; Black necklaces, Next, £10 & £18
How to GO... from day to night Personal stylist and image consultant Niki Whittle keeps things simple
T
he thought of going out, straight from work, to a Christmas party is enough to strike fear into even the most organised of people. Life’s hectic enough in the run-up to Christmas without having to plan for a night out that doesn’t leave any time to go home and change first. So I’m going to share some of my styling tips with you to make life a little bit easier. The days of carting half your wardrobe to work in the hope that you’ll have a flash of inspiration on the day will soon be a distant memory. To take your office outfit to the dancefloor in a matter of minutes, and with very little effort, is all about the accessories. Simple. To illustrate that elusive dressingup/dressing-down that I know so many people struggle with, I’m using my favourite LBD. If you don’t wear a dress to work, then the same principle applies to a skirt or trouser suit. The blouse and dress combo is perfect for the office, but not a night out, so I’ve removed the blouse. If you wear a suit to work, then remove the top and jacket and replace them with some stylish sparkle or lace. Next, change your shoes. I’ve swapped my shoe-boots for a pair of sequined platforms, and the black tights have been sidelined for this amazing starry pair. Finally, add some statement jewellery. One necklace isn’t enough here, so I’ve layered up a few for an injection of much-needed glamour.
Ffi www.nikiwhittle.com / www. hipshapesandbristolfashion.blogspot. com
Office look… Niki wears… Dress as above; Blouse, Oasis, £42; Tights, John Lewis, £8.50; Shoes, Kurt Geiger, £150
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Women and Menswear Opening 1st December 2011 427 Gloucester Road Bristol T: 0117 370 8586 E: info@flyboutique.co.uk
20%
disco with this
unt
advert.
Befo Decem re 31st ber 201
1
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shopping
lifestyle
Shop of the
“We welcome the opportunity to consider unusual pieces”
Month
Melissa Blease meets glittering jewel in Bath’s shopping crown, Nigel Dando
B
ath has a strong reputation as a mecca for those who prefer their shopping therapy to be based around an independent theme. Such a reputation has, of course, attracted plenty of new kids to the Heritage City’s historic blocks of late; today, contemporary style havens sit happily alongside long-established retail institutions, bolstering Bath’s status as a constantly evolving shopper’s paradise. Some shops, however, manage to maintain a unique ambience that reflects the point where tradition meets thoroughly modern inspirations in perfect harmony: treat yourself to a browse around Nigel Dando’s captivating jewellery shop and prepare to be very stylishly seduced in genteel, bang-upto-date fashion. Nigel Dando trained at the illustrious Sir John Cass College of Art before working in London’s Hatton Garden, the epicentre of the UK jewellery trade. Back in Bath, Nigel established his original jewellery shop 40 years ago, and for the past 10 years his delightful emporium has enjoyed a prime position at the heart of one of the city’s most stylish shopping quarters, Pulteney Bridge. “Jewellery has changed dramatically over the years since I completed my training and apprenticeships,” Nigel tells Folio. “Gold is very pricey now, which has led to a great upsurge in the popularity of white metals. But tastes are very sophisticated these days too.” So times change, and we all adapt accordingly. To this end, Nigel’s
carefully considered selection ranges from subtle vintage and pre-owned pieces to chic, contemporary designs and one-off works of art, taking in all manner of tastefully eye-catching bling along the way. Diamond-set wedding bands and bespoke commissions are a speciality; Nigel sources gems from across the globe, and many pieces are made to his own designs, rendering them true originals not be found elsewhere. Nigel also stocks selected pieces from the Thomas Sabo collection, and there’s plenty to indulge the men in our lives, courtesy of an exclusive ‘Gentlemen’s Gifts’ selection – all in all, this beautiful shop is an Aladdin’s cave of sparkling treasures offering something for every taste, style, budget and occasion. If, however, you need to clear out your jewellery box before you consider restocking (or perhaps you fancy treating those dated pieces to a bit of a makeover and a new lease of life), Nigel is more than willing to help, offering a full restoration and repair service alongside valuations and a sale-on-commission arrangement for pieces that you’d like to see lovingly rehomed. “I pride myself on the personal service offered by my colleagues and myself,” says Nigel. “Vintage and pre-owned jewellery forms an intrinsic part of our selection, and we welcome the opportunity to consider unusual pieces, from classic to ethnic designs.” NIGEL DANDO 11 PULTENEY BRIDGE, BATH, BA2. FFI: 01225 464013, WWW.NIGELDANDO.CO.UK
From vintage and pre-owned pieces to chic, contemporary designs and one-off works of art, Nigel Dando on Pulteney Bridge is the place to head for
Diamond-set wedding bands are a speciality
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gadgets
lifestyle
bright
ideas 1
Velimir Ilic picks out five gizmos that will get everyone talking
ON THE SPOT So you’ve been looking forward to wowing everyone with your new frock at the office do, but a blotchy chin threatens to overshadow your look… Thank heavens, then, for No!No! Skin, a quick way to tackle bothersome breakouts – two painless 10-second treatments reduce spot size, with a visible improvement in just 24 hours. Essential for on-the-go zitzapping, no?
NO!NO! SKIN £132, WWW.MY-NO-NO.COM
2
CHEERS! And with the festive party season almost upon us, it will soon be time to stock up on those essential bottles of plonk. Fashioned from stainless steel and plastic, Menu’s nifty digital thermometer ensures that wine is always served at the perfect temperature (recommended temperatures are included) for optimum taste and bouquet. Chin chin!
MENU WINE THERMOMETER £21.95, SALCOMBE TRADING COMPANY
3
HANDY Temperatures outside might be getting decidedly chillier, but Zippo’s beautifully sleek hand warmer is brilliant for braving the elements, whether you’re on the slopes or just nipping to the shops. Easily refillable, it slips snugly into your pocket and stays warm for up to 12 hours, keeping your mitts super-toasty. ZIPPO HAND WARMER £27.95, BLOOMSBURY
4
DOUBLE TAKE This rather dandy hand-held device captures pages, photos or documents in seconds. Batteryoperated and a cinch to use, high-res images are written on to its 32GB Micro SD card (available separately), ready for idiot-proof USB drag-and-drop transfer to your computer. It even reduces any distortion you might get from erratic scanning.
5
SPECS APPEAL Always fumbling around for your specs? No longer – this funky nose-shaped spectacle holder from Berlin designers Son of Nils provides a stylish permanent perch for your bins. It’s available in various colours – just suction it to your chosen surface. Great for showing off those swanky new designer shades. SPHINX SPECTACLE HOLDER £6.99, IOTA
Contacts BLOOMSBURY 15 NEW BOND ST, BATH. FFI: 01225 461049, WWW. BLOOMSBURYSTORE.COM I WANT ONE OF THOSE (ONLINE). FFI: 0844 573 7070, WWW. IWANTONEOFTHOSE.COM IOTA 167 GLOUCESTER RD, BRISTOL. FFI: 0117 924 4911, WWW.IOTABRISTOL.COM NO!NO! (ONLINE). FFI: WWW.MY-NONO.COM SALCOMBE TRADING COMPANY 9 BROAD ST, BATH. FFI: 01225 334281, WWW.SALCOMBETRADING.CO.UK
COPYCAT PORTABLE SCANNER £79.99, WWW.IWANTONEOFTHOSE.COM
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Beauty
lifestyle
2 1
If you shun eyeshadow for its annoying habit of exiting the party well before you’re ready to, it’s time to give Clinique’s long-wearing Lid Smoothies a punt. Infused with nourishing ingredients such as vitamin E, blueberry, cucumber, aloe vera and collagen-boosting peptides, you’ll be doing those lids some good as well as helping them to look gorgeous. The lightweight formula is water and transfer resistant and blends to powder with a hint of shimmer, which is buildable, too. Available in 12 colours ranging from nudes and goldens to violets, blues and berries.
ARTIST’S PALETTE
Anything that makes getting ready just that little bit easier and a lot more enjoyable gets our full attention, and this sleek palette from chic beauty guru Laura Mercier is your one-stop for looking groomed and gorgeous. Luxe Colour Portfolio contains six eyeshadows, three eyeliners, three cheek colours and three double-ended brushes in universally flattering, ultra wearable shades, so you’ll always leave the house with a healthy glow, even the morning after the night before…
LAURA MERCIER LUXE COLOUR PORTFOLIO £65, AVAILABLE FROM JOHN LEWIS & SPACE NK. FFI: WWW.LAURAMERCIER.COM
ALL EYES ON YOU
LID SMOOTHIE ANTIOXIDANT 8-HOUR EYE COLOUR £17 FOR 7ML, AVAILABLE AT BOOTS, HOUSE OF FRASER, JOLLY’S & JOHN LEWIS. FFI: WWW.CLINIQUE.CO.UK
stocking
fillers
If you’re reading, Santa, Rachel Nott has a few little things on her wishlist...
3
PUCKER UP!
Perk up your pout without going anywhere near a needle with this wonder worker by Prana Skincare. Plumping Diva Lips is a party clutch must-have, which when slicked onto lips delivers mirror shine while vitamin-based stimulants boost circulation. And that’s not all… the minty flavour will mask a bevvy of boozy cocktails, while the SPF18 will protect those smackers whether you’re on the slopes of Val d’Isere or walking the dog in Ashton Court.
PLUMPING DIVA LIPS £32. FFI: WWW.PRANASKINCARE. CO.UK
4
youth culture
Stress, tiredness and just plain old getting older are the major baddies when it comes to skin losing its youthful radiance. But, thankfully, major power houses like Origins are helping us do battle with the ageing process thanks to their tireless innovation. The latest creams from the skincare giant, Youthtopia Lift Firming Cream and Youthtopia Lift Ultra-rich Firming Cream, promise to re-contour, redefine, lift and firm, increasing smoothness and volume, while the ultra-rich version is perfect for wintry New Year's Day stomps. Launching exclusively at John Lewis on Boxing Day, either could be one of those little ‘Oops, forgot to give you this’ type surprises!
YOUTHTOPIA LIFT FIRMING CREAM & YOUTHTOPIA LIFT ULTRA-RICH FIRMING CREAM £45 FOR 50ML EACH, launching exclusively at JOHN LEWIS on Boxing Day then nationwide from 3 February. FFI: WWW.ORIGINS.CO.UK
5
MIRACLE WORKER
Guys, it’s time to let you into a little secret. We ladies love to think you understand our needs, but most of the time we think you haven’t the faintest. So if you really want to impress your lady love on Christmas morning, give her the surprise of her life by wrapping this little beauty up (or having it done for you) and popping it under the tree. Crème de la Mer’s Luxury Essentials in its glittering green metallic packaging is the beauty equivalent of a Tiffany’s blue box. Containing 60ml Crème de la Mer Miracle Broth (the product that launched the brand and which dramatically renews the skin’s appearance), 15ml Regenerating Serum (reducing the appearance of lines, wrinkles and pores) and 15ml Eye Concentrate (working on dark circles, lines and wrinkles around the eyes), she’ll be the cat that got the Crème de la Crème.
THE LUXURY ESSENTIALS £305, AVAILABLE AT HARVEY NICHOLS. FFI: WWW.CREMEDELAMER.CO.UK
34 folio/DEc 2011
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Harvey Nichols, Cabot Circus bristol@stripwaxbar.com 0117 916 8864
p35.indd 1
Also Stocking Hanky Panky Mary Green, Lycon Spa & South Seas Skin Care
11/23/2011 1:47:27 PM
beauty
lifestyle
bluebells
day spa
Becky Davis heads to the woods to discover the true meaning of ‘Just relax…’
I
t’s that time of year again, when you start to feel the air getting crisp and the nights drawing in, and you know that winter is upon us. Good news, then, that my Winter Warmer package at Bluebells Day Spa lived up to its name. Bluebells is set in an idyllic country residence surrounded by woodland. There’s a friendly, relaxing atmosphere and a range of treatments to help you unwind and soothe away those stresses and strains. You’ll find this lovely retreat close to the National Trust’s Leigh Woods – a perfect location, being close to the city but also in the beautiful countryside. When I arrived, Nikki was there to meet me. She gave me a guided tour of all the facilities I would be using, from the
refreshing hot tub, bubbling away in the crisp autumn air, to the rooms where I would receive my treatments. Bluebells offer lots of different treatments, and you can mix and match, depending on what you fancy. You get to choose from a wide selection of beauty treatments and natural therapies, so whether it’s a relaxing facial, hot stone massage, pedicure or some waxing you’re after, Bluebells can offer a total wellbeing package. The Winter Warmer package (£99) that I’d chosen included a session in the hot tub (optional) while I indulged in a glass of champagne/orange juice served with canapés. I can’t think of a better way to unwind, relax and soak away all that daily stress. After this I went into the luxurious treatment room where a relaxing hot stone back, neck and shoulder massage was waiting for me. The feeling of the glistening volcanic pebbles generating their heat and passing this onto my body was second to none. The massage lasted for 40 minutes, and just when I thought it couldn’t get any more relaxing… it did. I have to admit to actually drifting off for a little snooze towards the end. Nikki then sat me down in the lounge -– in front of one of the biggest roaring fires I‘ve seen – for a Luxury Spa Pedicure with hot paraffin wax and warming booties. Bluebells, who offer one-off treatments as well as half- and full-day spas, really do provide a homely experience – I just wish my home was as gorgeous and snug as Myrtle
“I can’t think of a better way to unwind and soak away the daily stress”
From relaxing facials to hot stone massage, Bluebells Day Spa can offer a total wellbeing package
Cottage. There’s ample free parking at Bluebells, so no need to worry about rushing back to the car (and if required, they can organise a door-to-door chauffeur service). To add another unique element to Bluebells, they also offer Animal Reiki Healing treatments for your pets – Nikki explained this to me, and I found the whole idea fascinating. Nikki and her therapists cater for both individuals and groups, and offer tailormade packages for birthdays, baby showers, hen parties, corporate away days and ‘Young Ladies’ parties. Just call them to discuss your individual requirements. They operate a by-appointment-only service – and if you call up and tell them that you read this in Folio, you’ll get 20% off your first visit.
Contacts BLUEBELLS DAY SPA MYRTLE COTTAGE, LEIGH COURT, ABBOTS LEIGH, BRISTOL, BS8. FFI: 01275 371632, WWW.BLUEBELLSDAYSPA.CO.UK
36 folio/july 2011
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gift ow n boxes ble availa
New red and copper shades now available get ready to join the RED revolution. products are used in the Salon.
6 Rockleaze Rd, Sneyd Park, Bristol BS9 1NF Tel: 0117 9682663 www.carlohairandbeauty.co.uk
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health
lifestyle
DENTISTRY
SMILES ALL ROUND ➻ CK Dental have opened a brand new, state of the art dental surgery at St Mary’s, Nuffield Health Hospital in Clifton. The highly trained CK Dental team envisage and embody a friendly and gentle approach to 21st century dentistry, offering an innovative selection of treatments ranging from minimal invasive to makeover procedures, all based around a bespoke, individualised approach to oral health. Procedures are always explained verbally and supported by the latest technology, including digital X-ray (low radiation), intraoral camera, fibre optics, computer-guided treatment solutions and many more – you’ll never be in the dark about what’s going on in your mouth again! “Dentistry today offers something for everybody – whether it’s small or complex, we can help,” CK’s Dr Cornelius Krause (BDS) tells Folio. “We aim to change our clients’ view about dentistry, encouraging them to feel healthier and more confident about their treatment.” To this end, the CK Dental team follow a
two-step consultation procedure: step one uncovers and explains any imminent problems that should be attended to maintain your oral health, while the second step includes suggestions and available treatment options necessary in order to proceed, including appearance or positioning of your teeth (if required). Not everyone is interested in cosmetic work or dental makeover procedures, but for those who are, the CK Dental Team help you to choose the treatments that are right for you while guaranteeing that the overall ensuing experience is as smooth as possible. CK DENTAL AT NUFFIELD HEALTH BRISTOL HOSPITAL ST MARY’S UPPER BYRON PLACE, CLIFTON, BRISTOL. FFI: 0117 929 4155, WWW.CKDENTAL.CO.UK
Dr Cornelius Krause of CK Dental
WORLD AIDS DAY
REMEMBER, REMEMBER... ➻ Thursday 1 December is World Aids Day, an annual event that represents an opportunity for people across the globe to unite in the fight against HIV, show their support for people living with HIV and commemorate the estimated 25 million people who have died from the virus. World Aids Day reminds the public and global governments that HIV has not gone away – there’s still a vital need to raise money, increase awareness, fight prejudice and improve education. Show your support throughout December (and indeed, all year round) by wearing a limited edition, sparkly red ribbon brooch, available online from the National Aids Trust. Encrusted with shimmering red crystals, this gorgeous piece of bling is designed to be a long-lasting symbol of awareness and support, and all proceeds raised from your purchase go towards NAT’s vital work shaping attitudes, challenging injustice and changing lives. The brooches cost £14.99 (or £16.99 packaged in a presentation gift box). FFI BUY YOURS ONLINE AT WWW.WORLDAIDSDAY.ORG
FUN & FITNESS
GET DANCING! ➻ CA Bristol-based dance teacher is
encouraging people of all ages to get up off the sofa and get dancing as a way of keeping fit and healthy this winter. Claire Phipps launched Pumped, a street, hip hop and commercial dance school, as a way of encouraging people to take part in a more unusual and enjoyable fitness activity than the usual treadmill and weights routine at the gym. Students of the school also have the opportunity to take part in live stage productions, and are currently preparing to perform in their annual Christmas show, which will see more than 100 dancers of all shapes, sizes, ages and abilities showcasing their talents at the Olympus Theatre in Filton on Tue 20 Dec – an event that Claire describes as the perfect way for
those thinking of joining the classes to see what they could achieve if they took up the exercise. Aimed at all ages and abilities, Pumped classes are upbeat and energetic, with routines created around the latest chart music. As the majority of classes are for beginners, no previous dance experience is necessary. “It’s all about building confidence, improving coordination and getting fit and flexible in a really fun and different way,” Claire explains. Pumped classes (suitable for children and adults) take place at venues across Bristol. Try one for £5, or take a monthly membership for just £16. What are you waiting for? PUMPED FFI: 07817 953915, WWW.DANCEPUMPED.CO.UK
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Wellspring Oasis
New holistic therapy centre open – High quality treatments, in a great setting whilst all profits go to supporting community.
Heal You Heal Community
Vouchers now available for Christmas Buy an Oasis voucher for £35 get a second half price Free Car Parking
Treatments available: Aromatherapy, Abhyanga, Shirodhara, Crystal Healing, Holistic Massage, EFT, Indian Head Massage, Mctimoney Chiropractic, Osteopathy, Reflexology, Reiki and Reiki massage, Swedish Massage, Yin-Fu, Beauty treatments including: Facial, Manicure and Pedicure For details check out www.wellspringhlc.org/oasis You can also ring for information and to book an appointment on 0117 304 1400 Monday – Friday 9-7pm Saturday – Sunday 10.30-6.30pm
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travel
cadbury
HOUSE
A
Clockwise from top left: One of Cadbury’s luxury suites; celebrated chef Marco Pierre White and his stylish Steakhouse restaurant; the hotel beautifully lit-up at night; tantalising canapés
s a concept, the ‘fourstar boutique’ hotel seems paradoxical… those four stars assuring quality often betokened the very dress-for-dinner fustiness that hip’n’happening designer-friendly boutique hotels set out to displace. Thus the receptionist’s easy welcome to Cadbury House is reassuring, given that The Lovely She and Me are in mudbespattered motorbike clothing. It’s been a pleasant afternoon for a Mendip meander, and while the hotel offers the tempting raft of ‘gym, spa and pool’, we’re thinking ‘shower, gin and tonic’. The generous proportions of room 301 are impressive. Muted greys run from the open-plan bathroom through to a kingsize bedspace with nicely spaced furniture and a fine sunset view of the Somerset levels. Crisp lines are mediated by softly comfortable colours and textures – the grey wallpaper has a subtle pigskin relief, reflected in the upholstery – and well-designed lighting options allow everything from businesslike to romantic
Tony Benjamin heads to Congresbury for four-star boutique style and a perfect MPW steak
without getting brash. The shower is the usual challenge, however. I spend the customary few minutes jumping in and out of freezing/ searing streams that roar/stop until, blissfully, something approaching perfection is achieved (but don’t ask me how). After an afternoon’s muddy trudging, I’m tempted to sink onto the enticingly comfortable bed. The Lovely She, however, has firmer resolve – particularly when it comes to her G&T – so we set off with the paper in search of clinking glasses and a roaring fire. Asked about the latter, the receptionist becomes, unsurprisingly, alarmed. “No!” she reassures us, there is no fire – and, on reflection, it’s obvious that such an unruly item wouldn’t befit boutique neatness. We’re just as pleased to settle in the sofa-lined smartness of the bar where discreet spots of light make doing the crossword feasible. We’re booked for dinner at eight, and it’s a nice touch that the barman mentions this, while assuring us we can start when we like. Naturally that makes us hungry, so our next drinks arrive in the black-and-white crispness of the Marco Pierre White Steakhouse. It’s another paradox that fits exactly into place – the former three-Michelin-star general of the haughtiest cuisine now offering a solidly English menu of meat, fish and pies. Being Sunday, there’s also a tempting three-course special menu at £20 but, being blokeish, I’m after à la carte steak. I start with the rich creamy bisque of ‘Potage of Mussels Billy By’ while Lovely She tucks into an even fishier kipper paté. Good calls, both, and especially suited to her zingy riesling. My lurking pinot noir is a bit too boorish for fish,
but stops sulking when 10 ounces of blue-cooked 28-day sirloin arrives, with beef dripping chips, grilled beef tomatoes and two of the beefiest onion rings ever. Solid (but not stolid) stuff, and the unadorned meat is perfection itself. I’m so distracted that The Lovely She has finished her roast partridge and chipolatas before I remember to ask about them. (Delicious, apparently, as was the creamed cabbage with bacon side-order.) Frankly, I’d just about had enough (in a good way) of MPW’s cooking, but we agreed to share a light and sweet ‘Sherry Trifle Wally Ladd’ with a glass of dessert wine. It’s not hard to sleep well on a great bed in a warm, comfortable room with blackout curtains… so we did. It’s not hard to wake up, either, when your alarm call is followed by a Big Brotherstyle alert on the massive plasma screen on the wall. Eek! Where’s the remote! But at least we don’t miss the excellently laid out breakfast that allows She to start with her five-a-day in a self-assembled fruit cocktail while I do likewise with meat (ace sausages and salami). Quite how I’m hungry after last night’s meatfest is, like the shower, a mystery I’ll never understand. The appeal of Cadbury House is much more straightforward – straightforward pleasures done brilliantly well in the best possible taste. And that’s worth four of anybody’s stars.
Contacts
DOUBLE TREE BY HILTON CADBURY HOUSE FROST HILL, CONGRESBURY, BRISTOL, BS49. FFI: 01934 834343, WWW.CADBURYHOTELBRISTOL.CO.UK
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profile
LANTERN APARTMENT,
ILFRACOMBE
T
ake a winter break at Lantern Apartment in Ilfracombe this year, and feel the glow of Christmas, with sea views, floor-to-ceiling windows with winter sun streaming through, and lots of festive events on your doorstep. Lantern Apartment, which sleeps four, is a first-floor twobedroom apartment within a recently renovated grand Regency building, perched on the hillside overlooking the picture-postcard harbour of Ilfracombe. Just a short
walk leads you into the heart of this traditional Victorian seaside town with its wealth of restaurants, including the popular and highly regarded 11 The Quay, owned by artist Damien Hirst, as well as the Landmark Theatre, where you can catch a rip-roaring production of Robin Hood: The Musical on 16-17 Dec. In the build-up to Christmas, the Ilfracombe Farmers’ Market will be stocked full of festive goodies on Sun 18 Dec, while nearby on the Lynton and Barnstaple Railway there are Santa themed steamings right up until Christmas Eve. This is the ideal spot for guests who enjoy walking, whether it’s a stroll along the promenade and harbour or longer walks in the spectacular Exmoor National Park or along the South West
LANTERN APARTMENT ILFRACOMBE, NORTH DEVON TEL: 01237 459889 WEB: WWW.HOLIDAYCOTTAGES.CO.UK/DEVON/ NORTH-DEVON/LANTERN-APARTMENT
Coastal Path, which meanders along the rugged, picturesque coastline. Just a short trip from the apartment leads you to the blue-flagged golden sandy beaches of Woolacombe, Croyde and Saunton Sands. (Price: seven nights from £338, with availability for Christmas and New Year weeks for £610. One
well-behaved dog is welcome, and there’s parking for one car.) Farm & Cottage Holidays are a family-owned and -run UK holiday cottage rental specialist with over 30 years’ experience and more than 1,500 properties, covering Devon, Cornwall, Somerset, the Cotswolds and Dorset.
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motoring
lifestyle
When it comes to interior finish and technological convergence, the Audi A6 Avant eclipses its German rivals
AVANT
GARDE Andy Enright salutes the grace and practicality of Audi’s new A6 Avant
E
state cars have had a tough time of it in the last decade. MPV people carriers and 4x4 sports utility vehicles have eroded the market share of estates. Many car makers only have themselves to blame, pouring all of their creativity into SUVs and MPVs while blithely refusing to get creative with their estates. The latest A6 Avant might not bring too much novelty to the art of load lugging, but the Audi is utterly stuffed with high-tech features, and if this appeals and you need some added room for family essentials, the Avant still has much to offer. Here’s a car that can do virtually anything you ask of it - discreetly and without ever leaving its comfort zone. For one thing, it’s as light as they come in its big, plush, executive sector. The latest-gen A6 has managed to slice some 70kg from its predecessor’s kerb weight. It also improves on its predecessor’s ride quality, taking some crucial unsprung weight out of the suspension system by using aluminium components as well as offering optional adaptive air suspension with controlled damping. Under the bonnet, the new Avant is already available with a choice of four engines – with as many as five more waiting in the wings. The big seller will be the fuel-efficient 2.0-litre TDI diesel (56.5mpg and 132g/km emissions), but there are also a couple of pokier diesels on offer, both based on a 3.0-
litre common-rail V6 and tuned to 202bhp and 243bhp respectively. The latter, with Audi’s iconic quattro four-wheel drive and a seven-speed gearbox, will take you from 0-62mph in 6.1 seconds. Real speed freaks, though, will want to look at the 298bhp, 3.0 TFSI petrol engine, also with the quattro 4WD and seven-speed box, which will rocket to 62mph in 5.5 seconds. It’s a nice-looking car, the new A6 Avant. Its steeply raked rear window hints that this A6 is more concerned with style than ultimate carrying capacity – but most buyers in the exec class will forgo a few litres of space for a slinkier shape. And with a 565-litre bootspace (rising to 1,680 litres with the rear seats down), the Avant’s carrying capacity is hardly puny. The new A6 Avant is also pretty competitively priced for its sector, with £32,100 getting you the entry-level 2.0-litre TDI manual – and even at entry level, you’ll be getting alloy wheels, leather upholstery, front and rear parking controls, satnav, Bluetooth phone preparation, split/folding rear seats and light and rain sensors. Further up the A6 lineage, you’ll find options such as heated and massaging seats, acoustic glazing, supple leather trimming for the centre console, a 15-speaker 1,200-watt Bang & Olufsen audio system and even a TV receiver. All models also feature engine stop/start as standard, as well as regenerative braking, which improves economy by reducing alternator drag during normal driving.
MODEL AUDI A6 AVANT PRICE £32,100-£43,480 MAX SPEED 134-155MPH CO2 132-190G/KM POWER 174-300BHP COMBINED MPG 34.4-56.5 The new Audi A6 Avant makes a lot of sense. If you were to choose an executiveclass estate car based on specifications and hard economics, the Audi would get the nod every time. It has progressed in all the right ways, offering less weight, more space and better efficiency. It is, in every conceivable respect, a better car than before. Is this enough, though? That’s a tough question to answer. Audi has quietly eclipsed both of its key German rivals when it comes to interior finish and technological convergence. What it lacks when compared to BMW or Mercedes is charisma. It needs a little more spikiness and attitude in its DNA. Until then, it’s a car to greatly admire, if not to love.
Contacts
FFI WWW.AUDI.CO.UK BRISTOL AUDI LYSANDER RD, CRIBBS CAUSEWAY, ALMONDSBURY, BRISTOL. FFI: 0117 958 1450 BATH AUDI BATH BUSINESS PARK, ROMAN WAY, PEASEDOWN ST JOHN, BATH. FFI: 01761 438300
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motoring
lifestyle
Sweet charity news
➻ If you’re searching for a frugal
Proving that selling cars isn’t all about ➻ figures and pound signs, Bristol car dealership Guy Salmon Land Rover continue to do sterling work in the community. Guy Salmon recently adopted a van used by local charity Milestones Trust, giving it an MOT and servicing to ensure that the charity can continue to help people with learning disabilities get out and about in their local community. Milestones Trust provide health and social care services across Bristol, Gloucestershire, Bath and North Somerset, enabling people with learning disabilities, dementia and mental health needs to live a more independent life. The charity’s ‘Stepping Forward’ Day Opportunities initiative, for which the van is used, supports people with learning disabilities who were left with nowhere to go when councilrun daycare centres closed. Milestones use the van to take the group to college, the gym, work placements, arts events and more. After years of service, though, the trusty van was in need of some tender loving care. Step forward Guy Salmon, who carried out a free service and MOT and made necessary repairs.
Green lights
Thanks to Guy Salmon Land Rover, local charity Milestones Trust can continue driving their trusty van
The showroom will continue to maintain the van on an ongoing basis, thus ensuring that the charity can complete its daily transport tasks safely and efficiently, helping local users keep active, learn and enjoy a level of independence. FFI www.hunters.bristol.landrover.co.uk / www.milestonestrust.org.uk
small motor in these cash-strapped, eco-aware times, a recent poll by a UK motoring website gives some clear recommendations. The research by www.honestjohn.co.uk found the latest-edition Kia Rio to be the most fuel-efficient UK car out there right now, with the Korean supermini fighting off competition from Smart, Citroen, Skoda and Seat. Unsurprisingly, all of the small cars in the frugal top 10 are fitted with diesel engines and offer free VED and congestion charge exemption, thanks to CO2 emissions below 100g/km. The Kia Rio Ecodynamics, on sale since September, topped the pile with a claimed 88.3mpg, closely followed by the Smart ForTwo CDi (85.6 mpg) and Citroen C3 e-HDi Airdream and Skoda Fabia GreenLine (both 83.1 mpg). Congratulations to all these manufacturers, and happy savings to the rest of us…
FFI www.honestjohn.co.uk/specs
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BRISTOL & BATH'S MAGAZINE
www.venue.co.uk
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lifestyle
Plans are afoot to train state school primary teachers to provide dedicated lessons in disciplines such as maths, science and foreign languages
Education
SPOTLIGHT ON…
ROYAL HIGH SCHOOL, BATH ➻ Happy, busy, inspiring and achieving, maintained sector peers at all ages and Bath’s Royal High School Bath are stages.” confident of providing the very best in The Royal High School are dedicated to care and education. “We want our girls to making your daughter’s experience here a be confident and capable, ready to positive and rewarding one. In a calm, take risks, adventurous in their friendly and happy learning and creative in environment, with exploring a rich and outstanding facilities, girls varied curriculum,” say settle in, make friends the school. And RHS and start to have fun pupils are given with their learning every opportunity to very quickly. The develop those skills, school offer a highboth individually value, affordable and collaboratively, independent with a group of likeeducation, made minded girls. possible by being “Between the ages part of the Girls’ Day Achievements at the Royal of 3-18, we continue to School Trust. Their High School, Bath are amongst the highest in nurture the spirit of standards and the country, while fees are openness, curiosity and achievements are among amongst the lowest enquiry that lies at the heart of the highest in the country, but educating the whole person, in their fees are among the lowest. order to achieve their highest personal, Just call to arrange an appointment at any social and academic potential. We’re time to discuss your daughter’s individual committed to achieving a balance between needs – you can be sure of receiving a warm maintaining this enquiring spirit, welcome. developing unique talents, focusing on THE ROYAL HIGH SCHOOL LANSDOWN RD, individual care and maintaining excellent BATH. FFI: 01225 313877, WWW. academic standards that see our girls ROYALHIGHBATH.GDST.NET outperforming their independent and BRISTOL UNI HOTSPOTS
GET CONNECTED ➻ Following the announcement of a massive expansion of Bristol’s Wi-Fi hotspots, thanks to a collaboration between the University of Bristol and Bristol City Council, the university’s 600 hotspots, previously accessible to just staff and students, are now available to everyone as part of the council’s B-Open network. The network already allows access to over 50 free Wi-Fi hotspots in libraries, care homes and public areas (like St Nicholas Market and parts of Ashton Court), and the expanded network will be of particular benefit to visitors and people in Bristol who want to go online in the university’s gardens and coffee shops, or while attending public events.
Thanks to a collaboration between the Bristol University and Bristol City Council, the university’s 600 Wi-Fi hotspots are now available to all
GOVERNMENT NEWS
KNOW-IT-ALLS ➻ The government has announced
that a new wave of state school primary teachers will be trained to give dedicated lessons in disciplines like maths, science and foreign languages, signalling a dramatic shift in the primary school workforce, which has traditionally favoured all-rounders who can teach any subject. Education Secretary Michael Gove says that the move will put stateeducated pupils on a par with those in fee-paying schools. “Children in private sector through prep schools get primary specialist teaching in core subjects such as maths and sciences,” he says. “We want to make sure children in the state sector can benefit from the same opportunities. Learning about maths and science early on in life can enthuse a child to develop a love of the subjects later on in their education.” From next year, funding will be reallocated to allow more statefunded training places to be made available for subject-specialist primary school teachers. They will get priority places over students taking general primary courses, and schools will be offered the chance to train their own primary specialists. Trainees teaching science, maths and foreign languages could be offered extra financial rewards because the subjects are seen as vital to pupils’ future chances of getting into top universities and securing a good job. Ministers will also toughen up the selection process to weed out unsuitable trainees and introduce a package of generous incentives to attract the brightest graduates. folio/dec 2011 47
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profile
lifestyle
NAILSEA SCHOOL & DRIVING FORCE TRAINING LTD
BTEC IN DRIVING & DRIVER EDUCATION
BTEC IN DRIVING & DRIVER EDUCATION NAILSEA SCHOOL & DRIVING FORCE TRAINING LTD TEL: 01275 852251 (PHIL DUNCAN AT NAILSEA SCHOOL) TEL: 0800 622 6427 (DRIVING FORCE)
T
he UK’s first BTEC qualification in Driving and Driver Education is about to be launched at Nailsea School after being developed by Driving Force Training Ltd, a local drivertraining company. Statistics show that crashes are the number one cause of death in young people and it’s hoped that this course will make a big difference in educating local young people about safe driving. The BTEC course, available to students over 16, includes 30 hours of practical learning in a car. Ian Littlefield, training director for Driving Force Training Ltd, has written the course, assisted by fellow director Mike Williams and assistant head of sixth form Phil Duncan, to emphasise the importance of not only being a safe driver but also a safe passenger. Statistics show that a great number of crashes involving young people occur when a group of young people are in a car together. In fact, the risk of a crash for 17-20-year-olds increases by 45 per cent with every passenger on board. Shockingly, the leading cause of death among teenage girls in the UK is as passengers in crashes, where teenage boys are driving. During this course students will get accustomed to driving with their peers and will assess each other’s performance, both as a driver and as a passenger.
They will also learn about general good driving practice, car maintenance and driving hazards. The course also provides a hard-hitting, frank look at the consequences of driving at excessive speed or under the influence of drink or drugs. By introducing this new BTEC, which has been carefully designed to fit around the students’ other studies, Nailsea School can now offer an even wider subject option to their sixth-form portfolio, while providing a valuable life skill to their students, enabling them to become safe and knowledgeable
drivers. The course also includes the DSA Driving Theory Test, and the driving experience takes them much closer to passing their driving test. Nailsea School and Driving Force Training Ltd already run a very successful three-day predriver education course in driving and driving theory in school holidays. This course consists of two days’ practical driving, classroom learning at the school and an off-road driving experience at Castle Combe. The course allows students from a young age to begin understanding the responsibilities involved in being a car driver and gives them a genuine taster of the BTEC option they will be able to take upon joining Nailsea Sixth Form. The next course, scheduled for
February half-term, is open to all young people over 14, including disabled students, throughout North Somerset. Driving Force Training Ltd have also launched a Parental Instructor Course, which helps parents to be confident in helping their children to learn to drive and pass their test. This is currently provided free to all the parents/guardians whose child successfully completes the BTEC. “This is a fantastic innovation for our students and the community,” says Nailsea head, David New. “This part of the curriculum could save lives and make our community safer. It will be copied all over the country now that we’ve made it possible by developing this qualification.”
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d in
➻ home front handmaDE WORKSHOPS, ELEGANT RADIATORS, SUPER SOFAS, cHRISTMAS TREES & GIFTS RADIATORS
SAVE ENERGY IN STYLE ➻ Bisque is introducing a new generation of radiators made from recycled
Above: the Ellisse radiator is perfect for smaller spaces while Blok (right) makes a sophisticated statement in any room
WORKSHOPS
DO IT YOURSELF
aluminium. Designed and manufactured in Italy, these are the first to combine sleek, graceful design with energy-efficient technology. With a low water content, they use less energy to heat up and are faster to respond to changes in temperature. Aluminum radiators are space-saving as sizes can be smaller than typical radiators but with the same heat output. Running costs are lower, too – the low water content means that less energy is needed from the boiler to heat the water in the heating system, and the radiators can be used with low temperature systems such as heat pumps. The Blok and Ellisse aluminium radiators are available exclusively at the art gallerystyle Bisque showroom in the centre of Bath before the national launch in February 2012. Blok, from £514.80, is a neat, sophisticated radiator with low-profile, rectangular columns and a minimal wall-to-front-face projection. It’s available in the latest textured, volcanic finish (a classic charcoal grey), which looks particularly striking against contrasting surfaces like patterned wallpaper or wood flooring. It also comes in white, matt white, aluminium finish and Bisque’s signature colour range of over 2,000 shades. Ellisse, meanwhile, from around £700, exudes Italian glamour. With compact elliptical tubes that provide a high heat output, the radiator can be slimmer than most – handy for small rooms where wall space is at a premium. It’s available in white, aluminium finish and the Bisque colour range. Look out, too, for the Blok towel radiator and Svelte towel radiator aluminium ranges, which will available at Bisque in February. BISQUE SHOWROOM 15 KINGSMEAD SQUARE, BATH. FFI: 01225 466367, WWW.BISQUE.CO.UK
give it a new lease of life with the hard-toachieve shabby-chic look – they’ll teach you a variety of painting techniques, too. And don’t miss the Makery Christmas Market running on 3-4 and 10-11 Dec, with two floors at the Northumberland Place Makery Emporium packed with beautiful handpicked, handmade goodies.
➻ Make sure you grab yourself a place
sometime soon at one of the hugely popular Handmade Home workshops run by The Makery in Bath. Choose from the likes of Lampshade Making (3hrs – Ruth of Quincy Lampshades will teach you to make your own lampshade, in your own fabric), Curtain Making (3.5hrs – for anyone with a basic grasp of sewing), Cushion Making (3hrs – even if you’ve never used a machine before!) and Piped Cushions with Zips (3hrs – for the more advanced). The Makery’s one-day Furniture Upholstery workshop (6hrs) is always a big favourite - and your chance to learn the basics without committing time and money on a lengthy course. You’ll be able to complete a drop-in seat (or ottoman, stool, etc) or make a good start on something larger and complete it in your own time. Or book yourself into the Shabby Chic Furniture Revamp workshop (3.5hrs), where you can bring in an old piece of furniture (or picture frame, mirror, etc) and
THE MAKERY WORKSHOP 146 WALCOT ST, BATH (01225 421175) & THE MAKERY EMPORIUM 16 NORTHUMBERLAND PLACE, BATH (01225 487708). FFI: WWW. THEMAKERYONLINE.CO.UK
Book your place on a lampshade making workshop at The Makery and you too could create something as stylish as these beauties!
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homefront
IFTS
GIFTS & HOMEWARE
CHRISTMAS TREES
BUY BRITISH ➻
Cleeve Nursery are all set to green up our Christmas this year. Most Christmas trees are now purpose-grown for the job, requiring a seven-to-eight-year production cycle and a long-term commitment from the farmer. Baby trees are planted out, kept weed free, trimmed to improve shape and protected against pests. ‘Needlefast’ nondrop varieties are steadily replacing the traditional Norway spruce, and now make up two in every three trees sold. Most trees are now grown in the UK, but a shortfall is made up by imports from Europe and Eire (generally more expensive, with the exchange rate as it is). We should of course be supporting homegrown trees for many reasons. As well as supporting the local rural economy, cutting down a tree is actually good for the environment, too. For every tree cut, several more will be planted, and those trees will recycle CO2 and convert it into oxygen.
OH YOU PRETTY THINGS ➻Forget Christmas presents. You’ll want to keep all those design and vintage goodies for yourself when you go for a browse at Clare Pirie’s boutique of beautifully crafted and carefully sourced homewares, gifts and one-off pieces. The store has been tempting customers with everything from vintage furniture and handmade stationery to one-off textiles, glassware, ceramics and quirky finds since it opened up in Clifton Village earlier this year. Clare’s style is influenced by travels in the US and Europe, from where many of her gorgeous products are sourced. Pictured: Misprinted Shakespeare wrapping paper £4 a sheet, and Snowberries £7.50 a stem CLARE PIRIE 3 WATERLOO ST, CLIFTON VILLAGE, BRISTOL. FFI: WWW.CLAREPIRIE.COM
CLEEVE NURSERY CLEEVE, BRISTOL, BS49. FFI: 01934 832134, WWW.CLEEVENURSERY.CO.UK
we love... NEW SHOP
SOFA, SO GOOD!
Super-cute Iittala Taika espresso cups, £15 each from Shannon 68 Walcot St, Bath. Ffi: 01225 424222, www.shannon-uk.com
➻ The Sofa Library are opening a new Bristol store in order to be nearer to their clients than they are at their present showroom at their Fishponds factory. Their range of handbuilt sofas will be available at the new Whiteladies Road shop from mid-December (call for final opening date), and sofas and a new collection of chairs can be ordered for delivery in just 10-15 days, in a choice of 8,000 fabrics – so pre-Christmas deliveries will still be possible. Sofas can be altered to fit your size and even shape requirements. Handmade-to-measure curtains and blinds are also finished in the same time-frame. To celebrate the opening of the store, sofa frame prices and make-up costs for curtains are being reduced by 50 per cent. A large selection of solid oak furniture (for immediate delivery) will also be on display, with discounted prices of up to 50 per cent. Fantastic German-built fitted wardrobes are included in their range (with up to 30 per cent discount) – fantastic value, from £339, for both sliding and opening door wardrobes. THE SOFA LIBRARY NEW STORE: 56-60 WHITELADIES ROAD, CLIFTON, BRISTOL (OPEN FROM MID-DEC – CALL 0117 951 2624). CURRENTLY AT: UNITS 5-6, EASTPARK TRADING ESTATE, GORDON RD, BRISTOL, BS5 (OPEN DAILY). FFI: WWW.THESOFALIBRARY.CO.UK
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interiors
homefront
Deep, warm tones for a cosy feel: Bronze Red paint by Little Greene (www.littlegreene.com)
come dine
With me
Interior designer Lesley Taylor makes mealtimes sociable, fun and stylish
Inject a sense of fun into mealtimes with these quirky, colourful recycled glass tumblers from Not on the High Street (www. notonthehighstreet.com)
W
hen I was younger, I’d sit at the dining table every evening with the rest of my family to eat dinner. It was often the only chance we had to spend time together and I realise now just how important those moments were. As much as we begrudge having to sit at the table and behave when we’re little – and perhaps even more so as teenagers – when I reflect back on these times now, it makes me value the childhood I had. We would all take it in turns to talk about our day, telling each other about the hours we’d spent either at work or at school. It saddens me to think that fewer and fewer families are using mealtimes as a chance to converse and spend precious time
together. So here’s some dining inspiration to help you to create an inviting space that will make these moments more enjoyable and a little easier to put together! It goes without saying that, for many of us, life is more hectic now than it used to be. Time seems to fly by and there never seem to be enough hours in the day to do the things we enjoy. In an ideal world, mealtimes would be incorporated into a routine, with all the family in one place at the same time, though this is becoming a rarity. One of the reasons for the rise in popularity of the TV tray is that, in many cases, homes are becoming more compact and households are unable to dedicate a space specifically for dining, but this is an issue that can be rectified. Importantly, it’s not only family meal times that should be considered – the home should also be the ideal setting for entertaining friends. So, if you do have a dining space and want to make the most of it, here’s how… It goes without saying that the most important part of a dining room is the table. Often homes that do have the luxury of this extra reception room incorporate a computer desk, television or even a sofa, but for me, a dining space should lend itself entirely to this purpose whenever possible. With technology developing rapidly, many people’s lives have become dominated by mobile phones and emails, so I find it almost therapeutic to have just one area of the home that breaks away from this mould – one where children, parents and dinner guests don’t become distracted. ➻
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the
wooden blindcompany
bespoke shutters & blinds
Expertly measured & installed by us, We are a local, family business, With over a decade of experience. Contact us now to be inspired!
t: 0117 960 6289 www.thewoodenblindcompany.co.uk 54 folio/dec 2011
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Living Christmas trees Gifts for gardeners Christmas decorations and much more!
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interiors
Above: Circular table designs like this Spyder design from Heals (www. heals.co.uk) create a more sociable feel Below: Add a sophisticated focal point to your dining table: Driade candleholders from NGI Design (www.ngidesign. co.uk)
Where space is at a premium, an extending table should definitely be a prime consideration. Not only are they just as stylish as standard designs, but are much more practical. If your kitchen, living or dining room is simply not big enough to lend itself to a full-size table on a permanent basis, an extending design will still enable you to benefit from family mealtimes and evenings of entertaining friends, and can easily be folded away when not needed. In terms of shape, there’s still something to be said for circular tables in creating a far more sociable atmosphere. It’s disappointing to go to a dinner party and only be able to talk to the guests directly next to you. The table you choose, though, will of course depend on the layout and size of the room, along with the decoration. For a country cottage or farmhouse style of interior, I’d recommend a whitewashed, circular design that has plenty of character and charm. Or if you’re looking to experiment, you could create a contrast with a more sleek and
homefront
contemporary table that will add a bit of eclecticism to the room. Although it’s best to stick with wood in a traditional setting, there’s no reason why you can’t incorporate a table that adds a point of interest. For an ultra-modern interior, geometric styles are often better suited, and those with a glass worktop will help to create a minimalist impression. Budget and house/room size are crucial factors that prevent us from investing in the table of our dreams, but it’s important to remember that the way in which it’s dressed is just as important as the frame itself. Your dining room should be treated as a multi-functional space that can be adjusted to suit any occasion, from Christmas dinner to a birthday tea. On a day to day basis, if you have a young family then every effort should be made to make mealtimes fun. It’s surprising just how much of a difference a few small purchases, such as individual cutlery and funky tableware, can make when it comes to sitting young children at the table, and this will encourage
them to partake in mealtimes rather than making it feel like a chore. An absolute necessity is the purchase of an easy-clean PVC tablecloth – this will allow you to save your finest linen for special occasions. If you enjoy entertaining and your home is often the venue for you and your friends to chat over a bottle of wine, then this is the one room where you need to go all out. In terms of decoration, if you’re one for making a statement then I would suggest incorporating a feature wall with the use of bold wallpaper that has a sophisticated pattern. Paint can work just as well, and now that we’ve entered the winter months, deep shades of reds and purples and warm oranges will make the room feel cosy and inviting. For those that prefer a more neutral scheme, even with a plain backdrop the room can still be brought to life with creative artwork and colourful tableware. Whatever scheme you’ve opted for, lighting and accessories are a crucial part of any space, especially when it comes to dining. With a dimmer switch, you can easily adjust the ambience of the room accordingly, and the investment of a chandelier or contemporary pendant situated over the dining table will create an elegant finish that’s ideal for entertaining. Smaller touches, including tall vases and detailed chrome candelabras, will give the space a mature edge, allowing a smooth transformation from family mealtimes to late-night catch-ups. If you’re looking to update your dining room or even incorporate a dining space within your home, then why not put a fancy dinner service and a set of quality wine glasses on your Christmas list? There’s still something to be said for getting out the finest china to make an occasion special. Spend time with your family and friends and get to work on creating a fabulous dining room to suit you.
Contacts GARDINER HASKINS HOMECENTRE STRAIGHT ST, BRISTOL, BS2. FFI: 0117 929 2288, WWW.GARDINERHASKINS.CO.UK GRASSE ARGYLE ST, BATH. FFI: 01225 444260, WWW.GRASSE.ME.UK HOMEWORX DESIGN & BUILD CHANNEL VIEW RD, PORTISHEAD, BRISTOL. FFI: 01275 845011, WWW. HOMEWORXBRISTOL.CO.UK LUMINATION GARDINER HASKINS (SEE ABOVE), BRISTOL. FFI: 0117 922 6435, WWW.LUMINATION.CO.UK ROBERT MILLS ARCHITECTURAL ANTIQUES NARROWAYS RD, EASTVILLE, BRISTOL. FFI: 0117 955 6542, WWW. RMILLS.CO.UK ROSSITERS OF BATH BROAD ST, BATH. FFI: 01225 462227, WWW. ROSSITERSOFBATH.COM
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Venue Publishing, publishers of market-leading titles such as Venue, Primary Times and Folio magazine, has an exciting vacancy in our Bristol office // REGINALD D HUNTER // ‘THE VOICE’ OF COMEDY COMES TO BRISTOL
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Sales Executive Please send your CV and a covering letter explaining why you would be suitable for the role to Becky Davis Advertising Manager b.davis@venue.co.uk No agencies please. Venue is an equal opportunities employer.
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Property
Savills’ six-bedroom Victorian townhouse on Ashgrove Rd in Redland (left) has a guide price of £895,000. While this twobedroom first-floor apartment at Parkfield Gardens in Bath (right) is on the market with Hamptons for £395,000
room to
move
Victorian townhouses are holding their own in the current market, as Velimir Ilic discovers
Detached family home Cobden House on Bloomfield Avenue in Bath is available with Hamptons for £715,000
Demand for Victorian properties is always strong, particularly in areas such as College Road in Clifton
D
espite their proximity, Bristol and Bath are wildly different architectural beasts. While the World Heritage city is ostensibly defined by its residential Georgian facades, Bristol, even with an eclectic melange of architectural styles, is distinguished by its characterful Victorian dwellings. Today, rows of terraced Victorian houses still dominate Bristol’s streets, many of them retaining period features. But according to Edmund Dodds, partner at Hydes of Bristol estate agents, downbeat media coverage of the property market is deterring homeowners from selling their traditional Victorian townhouses, for fear of not achieving full sale value. However, he says there is a sizeable core of potential buyers looking for just this sort of property, particularly in areas such as Clifton, Redland, Cotham, Henleaze, Sneyd Park, Stoke Bishop and Westbury-on-Trym. “The demand for Victorian houses in Bristol remains strong – there’s a continuing trend of buyers seeking elaborately designed properties from this muchcelebrated period of architecture.” That demand has been reflected in several notable house sales by Hydes recently, especially in and around Clifton. A property in Canynge Road sold well in excess of its £775,000 asking price, while another on the much-coveted College
Road went at the asking price of £1.6m. Victorian properties currently on sale with Hydes include a stunning six-bedroom, Bath stone-fronted house on Pembroke Road, offered at a guide price of £1.4m, and a magnificent detached house in Leigh Woods at an eye-watering £3.25m. Richard Brooks, director of residential sales at Savills Clifton, says that more and more affluent families are targeting Bristol’s Victorian properties. “For such families, townhouse living is more convenient. They want the usual advantages, such as generous living areas, good parking and garden space.” Savills currently have a prestigious sixbedroom Victorian townhouse (circa 1864) on Ashgrove Road, Redland, incorporating fourstorey accommodation with a self-contained flat on the lower ground floor – despite a hefty guide price of £895,000, it’s attracting much interest. Over in Bath, amid the Georgian splendour, it’s surprising to find the market for Victorian housing more than holding its own. In fact, the city maintains a consistent flow of chain-free cash buyers. “Victorian houses in Bath tend to have a good level of demand all year round,” says Olivia Mullholland, negotiator at Hamptons in Bath. “They’re handsome period homes suitable for family life, usually offering larger gardens than their Georgian counterparts, and often with the added bonus of parking, which is so sought after in Bath.” Eye-catching Victorian properties available with Hamptons at the moment include the striking Cobden House on Bloomfield Avenue, a detached family home with garden and off-road parking, selling for £715,000, and a spacious two-bedroom firstfloor apartment at Parkfield Gardens, part of a stunning Victorian villa with beautiful communal gardens, pegged at £395,000. With demand rising, and prices for good Victorian properties creeping up, the local housing market remains surprisingly resilient. HAMPTONS INTERNATIONAL GAY ST, BATH. FFI: 01225 312244, WWW.HAMPTONS.CO.UK HYDES OF BRISTOL WEST MALL, CLIFTON, BRISTOL. FFI: 0117 973 1516, WWW.HYDES.CO.UK SAVILLS CLIFTON THE MALL, CLIFTON VILLAGE, BRISTOL. FFI: 0117 933 5800, WWW.SAVILLS.CO.UK
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property
EFFICIENT HOMES
hot spot
BRIGHT IDEAS
I
f you’re putting up with a draughty or energy-sapping older house, check out an exhibition at Bristol’s Architecture Centre. Warm: Creating Energy Efficient Homes, organised by the City Design Group at Bristol City Council, demonstrates how pre-1919 homes can better harness energy, making them warmer and cheaper to run. “The exhibition demonstrates how Bristol residents are leading the way in making their homes more energy-efficient,” says councillor Anthony Negus, cabinet member for Planning, Property Services and Regeneration. “People are moving towards a cheaper, lower-carbon future without compromising the character of their homes.” With lots of information on building regulations and solar energy issues, a talk from energy-smart/retrofitting pioneers Bristol Green Doors, and more energysaving tips available via a special forum (see www.designbristol.ning.com), there’s really no excuse not to feel super-snug this winter. WARM RUNS UNTIL SUN 18 DEC AT THE ARCHITECTURE CENTRE, NARROW QUAY, BRISTOL. FFI: WWW.ARCHITECTURECENTRE. CO.UK
ST ANDREWS
➻ Sandwiched between Bishopston and
Montpelier, the suburb of St Andrews is attracting good numbers of potential buyers. Public transport links are excellent, Sefton Park Primary School is high on many parents’ wishlists, and the vast greenery of vibrant St Andrews Park – with well-maintained children’s playground – has huge cosmopolitan appeal. “The area has good-quality Victorian housing stock, with good proximity to the amenities of Gloucester Road and great accessibility to Bristol city centre,” says Rob Pain of Kendall Harper estate agents. “At the moment, buyers are looking for four-bedroom family Victorian properties, ranging between £450,000 and £600,000.”
Learn how to make your home more energy efficient with help from Bristol’s Architecture Centre
KENDALL HARPER 129 GLOUCESTER ROAD, BISHOPSTON, BRISTOL. FFI: 0117 909 4400, WWW.KENDALLHARPER.COM
property of the issue…
VOBSTER HOUSE VOBSTER, SOMERSET, £645,000 (GUIDE PRICE)
MARKET FORCES
THE HAUNTING EFFECT ON HOUSES ➻ Unusual happenings, such as hauntings or reported crimes, can dramatically affect the ‘saleability’ of a property, according to the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS). When rumours spread of murders or supposed hauntings having taking place in otherwise desirable properties, they can be rendered practically unsellable. It works the opposite way, too: one of Newcastle’s oldest buildings, a 14th century timberframed pub, is said to be haunted by the spirit of Henry Hardwick, a dark figure with only black sockets for eyes – but rather than dampening interest, the story actually boosted the historic building’s marketability. “Unusual occurrences such as rumoured hauntings or celebrity inhabitants can have a huge affect on a house’s saleability,” says Jeremy Leaf from RICS. “A high-profile crime that has attracted lots of media attention can have a significant impact on a property’s worth. Potential resale value can drop or increase, depending on individual buyers’ interests.”
➻ Situated in the peaceful hamlet of Vobster, this tastefully decorated family home spans three floors, with exposed beams and wrought-iron latch furniture throughout. The house and outbuildings are set around a large courtyard; there’s also an office, ample parking to front and rear, and additional buildings with consent for a holiday let. Inside, the vaulted entrance hall boasts an Italian slate floor and bespoke oak staircase, and there’s a homely wood-burning stove in the sitting room. Decked out with bespoke oak cabinets, the kitchen is spacious and practical (twin double ovens with ceramic halogen hob, and a generous larder cupboard) and characterful, with aged terracotta floor tiles and double doors that lead on to the patio. Upstairs, four bedrooms (three doubles, one single) overlook the glorious gardens, set in over four acres of unspoiled meadows – there’s ample potential for a smallholding with livestock, or for keeping horses. With bags of character, a nearby pub, popular foodie haunt the Vobster Inn and excellent travel links, plus the thriving villages of Mells and Nunney nearby and Frome just down the road, it’s certainly got a lot of bang for its buck. COOPER & TANNER THE BRIDGE, FROME, SOMERSET. FFI: 01373 455060, WWW.COOPERANDTANNER.CO.UK
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➻ eatingoutwest Getting the most out of veg, christmas events & winning mushrooms... TOP CHEF
MUSHROOM MAESTRO ➻ “There was such a build-up at the end – every day they whittled it
down. I really didn’t think I’d make it to the last stages, let alone win it!” Thus Bristol chef Jo Ingleby recalls the Big Brother-style climax to the national ‘mushroom recipe’ competition staged by Antonio Carluccio this autumn. Inspired by the seasonal thought of walking through fungus-rich woods, Jo’s original recipe for fresh herb ravioli with wild mushrooms, chestnuts and truffle butter really impressed the judges, including Signor Carluccio himself, who commended it as “very original, with a good combination of flavours”. Declared the winner, Jo’s dish will feature on the specials boards of Carluccio’s restaurants across the country throughout January and she’ll get the chance to visit the great Italian chef himself and make the dish in his own kitchen. As a passionate vegetarian – she works at Rachel Demuth’s Bathbased Vegetarian Cookery School – Jo was pleased about the choice of challenge she’d been set. “It’s great that the mushroom could be the real story, rather than a side dish. I really wanted to celebrate that flavour.” You can try Jo’s winning dish throughout January at Carluccio’s restaurants in Bristol. CARLUCCIO’S QUAKERS FRIARS, CABOT CIRCUS (0117 933 8538) & THE MALL AT CRIBBS CAUSEWAY (0117 950 8760), BRISTOL. FFI: WWW.CARLUCCIOS.CO.UK
SEASONAL VEG
THINK OUTSIDE THE BOX ➻ Riverford Organic’s delivery-box supremo Nick Riley is on a mission to eradicate overcooked vegetables from Christmas dinner plates. “Soggy veg does nothing for the seasonal festivities or for the health of the nation,” says Nick. “As anyone who has visited our awardwinning farm-based Field Kitchen, or cooked recipes from our highly acclaimed Riverford Farm Cook Book will tell you, veg can be exciting.” Take sprouts, for example. “Soggy, overcooked sprouts are about as unappealing as veg gets,” says Nick. “If you must cook them in water, avoid boiling and steam them as briefly as possible. Even better, head chef Jane Baxter recommends stirfrying them with ginger so they keep their crunch. Or try them roasted and mixed with chopped cooked chestnuts.” And carrots? “Jane serves a very moreish dish of sweet honey-glazed carrots. Put chopped carrots into a pan with a knob of butter, a tablespoon of honey and a splash of water. Simmer
until tender, add some drops of balsamic vinegar, a sprinkling of chopped parsley and serve.” Yum. For a new take on roasted parsnips… “Parboil them, then roll them in a mixture of flour and parmesan. Season well and roast in the oven with the rest of your Christmas dinner.” And last but not least, red cabbage: “Braising brings out the sweet, earthy flavour of red cabbage and is a very easy way of cooking it. Fill a heavy-bottomed pan with a mixture of finely shredded red cabbage, two chopped dessert apples, a chopped onion, 50g butter and one-and-a-half tablespoons of dark soft brown sugar and balsamic vinegar. Season well and simmer gently over a low heat for two hours until they’re rich and glossy.” For more tips on cooking with seasonal veg and to find out about getting fresh organic veg delivered free to your door, check out Riverford’s website or just give them a call. RIVERFORD ORGANIC FFI: 01803 762059, WWW.RIVERFORD.CO.UK
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EVENTS
CHRISTMAS CARNIVAL ➻
Apparently the Christmas traditions of Brazil aren’t that different from what goes on over here – lit-up trees, a genially bearded Papai Noel and so on. What you can be sure of, however, is that whatever the similarities, they’ll be doing it much louder and faster, in true carnival style. So it only makes sense that the good people at Bocabar, Bristol’s little pocket of Braziliana, are planning a monthlong run-up to the Big Day, with food and music aplenty. Throughout December Saturday nights at the popular Paintworks loft bar will feature live music, with Latin-jazzers Fujalada (Sat 3), oldtime bluegrass-abillies Medicine Creek (Sat 10) and world-reggae rockers the Magnus Puto Band (Sat 17) running up to Christmas Eve’s mulled cider and mince pie extravaganza. In between there’ll be DJ nights (check the website
for details), and a special Christmas menu will be available (£25.95 for three courses, including the option of Marshfield Farm’s delicious Christmas Pudding Ice-Cream.) If you want to eat to the beat, though, you’re advised to book in advance, as advance interest is already beginning to fill the reservations book, thanks in part to a seasonal buffet offer designed for groups of between 50 and 200. That’s a tight fit, natch, but manager Melissa Banks is cheerfully confident that, should the occasion arise, Bocabar would rise to the occasion, observing: “It would be a great party atmosphere!” Check the website (www. bocabar.co.uk) for full details of the Bocabar December programme. BOCABAR PAINTWORKS, BATH RD, ARNOS VALE, BRISTOL. FFI: 0117 972 8838, WWW.BOCABAR.CO.UK
LOCAL PRODUCERS
WEST IS BEST ➻ After five years as a London-based
Home Office civil servant, erstwhile foodie Imogen Hewing upped sticks this summer and moved to Bath, where she was delighted to find a vibrant local food scene. “I think the South West is one of the most foodie parts of the country,” she says. “There’s such an abundance of great stuff to be had.” So much so, indeed, that she decided to set up an internet company, Fieldtofeast.co.uk, bringing the best local artisan produce to a wider market. Check the website to see what’s on offer or assemble your own Christmas gift hamper.
FIELD TO FEAST FFI: WWW.FIELDTOFEAST.CO.UK
RESTAURANT NEWS
GREAT EXPECTATIONS ➻ Having pitched up there after a few years gadding about across Australia, the USA and the UK, new manager Gemma Greig has nothing but respect for the reputation of Bath’s Hole in the Wall restaurant. While the New Zealander expects to bring about some staffing changes over the next few months, she’s keeping the place’s history firmly in mind. “It’s the oldest restaurant in Bath,” she says, recalling the eatery’s glory days in the 1960s under the great George Perry-Smith, when his adaptations of continental recipes convinced the young Keith Floyd to become a chef, too. “They pretty much pioneered good food here. So we’re going to make sure we deliver the best food and service we possibly can and live up to the expectations people have about the place.” THE HOLE IN THE WALL 16 GEORGE ST, BATH. FFI: 01225 425242, WWW.THEHOLEINTHEWALL.CO.UK
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➻ EatingOutWest
Above: Italian Dreamboats £26 from Fine Cheese Co; below: more Fine Cheese Co goodies presented on Iittala Kastehelmi plate available in three sizes from Shannon (68 Walcot St, Bath)
Eat, Drink and Be
Y merry... With Tony Benjamin’s essential guide to the best festive food and tipples from the cream of local traders
ou’ve been in training for weeks. In between press-ups, you scour cookbooks, making gram-perfect calculations of the chestnuts and potatoes needed, the perfect wine for sage and walnut stuffing, the optimum place to source Aunt Gladys’s Irish coffee liqueur… Then cue a wobbly screen, bleary face rising from pillow, a calendar reading ‘24 December’, an empty cupboard… It was all a dream and now – it’s too late. Reality lies somewhere in between, with hastily scrawled
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lists and impulse raids on the overstuffed aisles of TrolleyCo. You’ll end up with a crate of tonic, not enough gin and too much of the wrong kind of cheese. It’s as much part of the season as offkey toddlers in teatowels. Go to the right places, however, and you might actually enjoy finding new and interesting stuff to perk up the groaning board or fill that awkward stocking. Abandon TrolleyCo and you’ll find tasty treats aplenty and friendly faces ready to help you choose. Giftwise, think hampers and you could be spoiled for choice. A bursting selection from Bath’s cheese-mongering legend The Fine Cheese Co? Their famous Royal Box of Regal Cheese now boasts the excellently subtle Somerset goat’s cheese Katherine and would please the most discerning palate. There’s more fine local produce filling the baskets at the Bristol Cider Shop, with selections of bottleconditioned and other ciders and perries nestling alongside ciderinfused marmalade and mustard in a range of hampers. They’ll even put together a mixed case of a dozen different bottles from their extensive range. Down at Bristol’s Southville Deli, they’re just as obliging, packing a hamper with your own selection from their wide range of organic food,
drinks and health products. There are chocolates, pannettone, a full range of local beers and organic wines as well as Rose Petal Confit jam from remarkable French preserves company Favols, so even the pickiest relative should be catered for. Both Bristol and Bath have excellent markets where top local food growers and producers can be found plying their wares, be it meat, fish or dairy, cakes, chutneys or sweets… Bath Farmers’ Market (Green Park Station) runs every Saturday in December (apart from Sat 31), as well as on Thur 22, while Bristol Farmers’ Market is every Wednesday, with the legendary Slow Food Market happening on Sun 4 Dec and a special bumper Christmas Food Market all day on Sat 17 (all in Corn St). Many of the stallholders will be taking orders for Christmas deliveries, so getting in early makes a lot of sense. All sorts of foody gifts will be found at the special log-cabin Christmas Markets in Bath (behind the Abbey, till Sun 11) and
Top and middle: delicious organic hampers are available at Southville Deli; bottom: a selection of local ciders from Bristol Cider Shop
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Bath Farmers Market Ltd will be holding an EXTRA CHRISTMAS MARKET on THURSDAY 22nd DECEMBER 2011 at Green Park Station from 8.30 am to 1.30 pm. We will also be holding our usual Saturday Farmers Market on CHRISTMAS EVE SATURDAY 24th DECEMBER 2011 from 8.00 until 11.30 noon. Bath Farmers Market will NOT be trading on NEW YEAR’S EVE 31st DECEMBER 2011 but look forward to serving our customers again on Saturday 7th January 2012. Please ensure that you place your Farmers Market orders early to avoid disappointment! For a complete list of traders who will be at these markets, and any other BFM market, please log onto our website www.bathfarmersmarket.co.uk. alternatively contact the BFM Market Manager on 07779697278. THE COMMITTEE & TRADERS OF BATH FARMERS’ MARKET LIMITED WOULD LIKE TO TAKE THIS OPPORTUNITY TO THANK THEIR LOYAL CUSTOMERS FOR THEIR CONTINUED SUPPORT DURING 2011 AND WOULD LIKE TO WISH EVERYONE A JOYFUL CHRISTMAS AND A HEALTHY AND HAPPY 2012.
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➻ EatingOutWest
Clockwise from left: Milsom Place Chocolate Festival returns on Sat 3 Dec; head to Corn Street’s Christmas Market on Sat 17 Dec and Bristol’s Slow Food Market on Sun 4 Dec; indulge in appley delights from Thatchers, or Somerset Pomona aperitif available from Bristol Cider Shop
on the
other hand.... ➻ It isn’t just turkeys, of course,
Bristol (Broadmead, 9–20), and don’t forget the wondrous things to be found every day inside St Nicholas Market, too. Take in the Victorian Christmas out at Dyrham Park (Sun 11) and you’ll find the award-winning Love Food Festival’s fun-filled combination of family-friendly activities, entertainment and quality food sales – and kids go free if you want to check the big house while you’re out there. And, while you’ve got that diary out, make a date with Milsom Place on Sat 3 when they’re repeating their highly successful Chocolate Festival with artisan chocolatiers offering a boggling selection of cocoa-based indulgences. Cover even half of those retail bases and we reckon you’ll have earned a little pre-Christmas indulgence, so why not help yourself to the heady delights of Thatchers 2011 Vintage Cider – fresh from the press and available from their farm shop in Sandford,
or top-selling Somerset Pomona aperitif from the top shelf at Bristol Cider Shop? Or maybe a hearty pint of Abbey Ales’ seasonal Twelfth Night beer, available direct from the brewery in 18-pint casks (while stocks last). You can get all three tipples with the click of a mouse, too – there are online shops at all the links below. Now that wasn’t too difficult, was it?
ContactS
ABBEY ALES BATH. FFI: 01225 444437, WWW.ABBEYALES.CO.UK BRISTOL CIDER SHOP FFI: 0117 382 1679, WWW. BRISTOLCIDERSHOP.CO.UK FINE CHEESE CO BATH. FFI: 01225 448748, WWW. FINECHEESE.CO.UK SOUTHVILLE DELI BRISTOL. FFI: 0117 966 4507, WWW. SOUTHVILLEDELI.COM THATCHERS ONLINE SHOP FFI: WWW.THATCHERSCIDER.CO.UK
that find some aspects of the whole Christmas feast a bit distasteful. Finding your way round traditional yuletide fare has always been a bit of a challenge for vegans and veggies, so the Bristol Animal Rights Collective is organising a Cruelty-Free Festive Fair to mark International Animal Rights Day on Sat 10 Dec. There’ll be cookery demos to help you make the perfect festive nut roast and the chance to buy animal-free mince pies, Christmas cakes and other seasonal sweetmeats, with live music, children’s activities and face painting to keep things lively. THE CRUELTY-FREE FESTIVE FAIR SAT 10 DEC, BROADMEAD BAPTIST CHURCH, UNION ST, BROADMEAD, BRISTOL. FFI: WWW. BRISTOLANIMALRIGHTS.ORG.UK
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Christmas Bookings now being taken at the full moon & attic bar, Stokes Croft
2 courses ÂŁ15 3 courses ÂŁ20 (includes 1/2 bottle of wine per person)
Buffets available for large groups (20 plus) Live music on Thursday nights DJs on Friday and Saturday nights Outdoor German Christmas Market with Gluvine, Hot Ciders, Brakvast, Roasted Chestnuts, Christmas Trees, Stilt Walkers and lots, lots more... To make a reservation please call 0117 924 5007 and speak with the manager on duty who will be happy to help or download menus/order forms from www.fullmoonbristol.co.uk
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➻ EatingOutWest Left to right: Three of Eating Out West’s favourite foodie haunts in 2011: Bath’s La Perla and Thoughtful Bread Co, and Bristol’s Runcible Spoon
squeezed out of Clifton Village – commiserations to landlord Sean.
➻Bath
review of the
year And the winners of Eating Out West’s food and drink Oscars for 2011 are...
C
lose the paper, turn off the telly, look out over the local food and drink scene… and it’s tempting to echo Jim Callaghan’s infamously insouciant ‘Crisis? What crisis?’ Maybe order books aren’t quite as bursting as before, but overall it seems that we’re still scoffing, quaffing and generally making merry like there’s no tomorrow. True, we’ve lost some friends along the way – notable Bath RIPs include the Walrus and Carpenter, GG’s Steakhouse and Grill and the dear old Moon and Sixpence, while Bristol let the Three Coqs carelessly slip through its fingers – but there’s a wealth of great food on offer and splendid new stuff emerging, reflected in some of those places that we figure warrant a special endof-year toast. (Tony Benjamin and Melissa Blease)
TOP THREE RESTAURANTS
➻Bristol
Winner There’s plenty of talk about ‘seasonal’, ‘local’ and ‘foraged’, but grow-your-own collective the Runcible Spoon keep it real, tasty and excellently prepared night after night. Runners-Up As the awards roll in, it’s clear that Flinty Red remains on top form while foragemeister Toby Gitten’s Pump House must surely be tempting those star people?
➻Bath Winner La Perla – glamorous, innovative, authentic Spanish food in surroundings to match. Runners-UpFor re-establishing themselves at the heart of good times-related merriment in Bath, the Komedia Canteen get a standing ovation. For bringing Michelin-standard fine Indian dining to Bath, we welcome the Mint Room with open arms.
TOP THREE BARS
➻Bristol WinnerThe Bank is always a totally cool late-nighter (even in a riot) but it’s a great breakfast recovery zone, too, and their pizza is a legend. Runners-Up Is it possible for a bar to be a ‘local’? Looking at The Social, you have to say yes – it does exactly what it says on the can, while No.1 Harbourside has taken the Canteen formula downtown and created a uniquely easy place to eat, drink and enjoy the music.
➻Bath Winner Circo – deckchairs in summer, chic’n’cosy (and recently extended) for winter... and food in the pipeline. Cheers! Runners-Up You’d be crazy to resist a cocktail (or several) at the delightfully eccentric Cosy Club (and the grub’s pretty darn good, too). For an equally warm welcome, glossy vibe and good pinch of quirk thrown in for good measure, you can’t beat the Queensberry Hotel’s Old Q Bar – a very grown-up playground indeed.
TOP THREE PUBS
➻Bristol
Winner If you like a real pub that’s all about a sociable drink, The Wellington flies that flag proudly. Great no-nonsense food, yes, but in its place. Whose round is it? Runners-Up The revived Richmond seems to have finally found its feet thanks to a tasteful refurb and useful rethink – well done, all concerned! – but it’s a real shame that The Grapes’ stylish Bohemianism and much-needed energy has been
Winner a constantly evolving menu, recently extended alfresco patio and the friendliest bar staff in town – what’s not to love about luvvie hotspot the Garrick’s Head? Runners-Up For bringing the G-spot bang up-to-date in proper pub style, Chequers gets a special commendation here. And he may have flown to a new nest that requires a little bit of effort to reach, but former Wheatsheaf superchef Leigh Evans’ tastefully cosy new home the Apple Tree Inn (near Glastonbury) is well worth the journey.
TOP THREE PRODUCERS/ SHOPS
➻Bristol Winner He’s shut up shop but business is still booming for charcuterie ace Vincent of Castellano’s fame, thanks to deliciously award-winning bacon, paté and speciality sausages. Catch him at the Corn Street market every week. Runners-Up More street trading from Hart’s Bakery has brought great bread and amazing custard tarts to Gloucester Road, while the eponymous proprietor of Dr Burnorium’s Hot Sauce Emporium is surely one of the world’s experts on taste-bud destruction?
➻Bath WinnerThey’ve kept our carb intake up throughout 2011; now it’s our turn to say thank you to those glorious doughboys at the helm of the Thoughtful Bread Co. Runners-Up For producing topnotch British chorizo, we salute the Bath Pig Co. And where would Bath foodies be without Bath Farmers’ Market (the UK’s original farmers’ market), bringing 40-plus local producers together under one historic roof every Saturday?
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Siam Harbourside Christmas Party Menu Mixed Starters Chicken Satay with Peanut Sauce Vegetable Spring Rolls Minced Pork Toasties with Cucumber & Sweet Chilli Sauce Main Course Deep-fried fillet of Fish with Sweet & Sour Chilli Sauce
25% off the total food bill for parties of 2 or more who present the voucher on arrival.
Chicken Green Curry with Chilli, Coconut milk, Bamboo shoots, Aubergine, Limeleaf, and Thai Sweet Basil Stir-fried Vegetables with Oyster Sauce Thai Egg Fried Rice Dessert Christmas Pudding with Brandy Sauce Tea / Coffee
ÂŁ21.95 per person Vegetarian Menu also available
129 Hotwell Road, Clifton, Bristol, BS8 4RU Tel: 0117 330 6476 Email: info@siam-harbourside.co.uk Web: www.siam-harbourside.co.uk
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mark simmons photography Tel: 0117 9140999 Mobile: 07778 063 699
Natural Weddings
website: www.marksimmonsphotography.com 70 folio/dec 2011
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Christmas Celebrations
with festive Reindeer and Cranberry Sausages!
also available Twelfth night!
Delivered straight to your door
What does Santa call Reindeer that don’t work? ks or re, IP r w he r V ou sp ou r y o e am te tm rv 3 af a ese til in rty o r un op pa 3 t pen t p eat 40 O no gr 25 E. hy r a 5 4 RE W fo 22 F do ll 01 for ca rea or a
Dinner! Christmas celebrations with festive Reindeer & Cranberry Sausages ONLY at the Clifton Sausage!
For bookings, please call or email
0117 973 1192 info@cliftonsausage.co.uk
The Clifton Sausage, 7-9 Portland Street, Clifton Village, Bristol BS8 4JA
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➻ EatingOutWest
ReView THE RIVER
CANTEEN
You’ll find Melissa Blease soaking up the weir views as she sings the chef’s praises at Bath’s gorgeously located new Italian
C
onsidering that a river runs right through the heart of the Heritage City, it’s surprising how limited opportunities for messing about beside it are. So, when news hit the grapevine that the fairly recently vacated, characterfully stylish former boathouse right by the weir was once again being given the attention it deserves courtesy of the River Canteen (which, despite rumours to the contrary, has absolutely nothing to do with River Cottage Canteen), my hopeful heart went pitter-pattersplash. Many of us, of course, have dived into this unique location before, as it was once home to Il Tocco d’Italia, a formerly upper-crust Romanesque (ad)venture that rather bizarrely morphed into a steakhouse and grill before biting the dust altogether. Now we have another Italian stallion in the form of Napoli-born head chef Pasquale Rea behind the hob, and all indications so far point towards Rea becoming the chattering-class grapevine’s Next Big Thing. Rea isn’t just good, he’s molto, molto good Bath may have an over-proliferation of Italian restaurants, but few can boast a quality and style of Rea’s standard. After an Aperol spritzer evocative of 1,001 Venetian nights enjoyed at the RC’s chic little courtyard-level bar, we took to a table by the huge windows in the first-floor dining room, adjacent to a decked alfresco veranda that makes the very most of that weir view. Starters of silky beef carpaccio and earthy chicken livers infused with just the right amount of chilli raised the curtain on the gourmet operetta to come, while a bottle of Primitivo Bisanzio (a bargain at £26) fully lived up to manager Raff’s recommendations.
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It was Raff who urged us to “eat like Italians”, too, which is partly why we opted for another dish to share before our main courses proper hit the table (the other half of that partnership decision being based on the fact that I can’t resist risotto, especially when pumpkin and prawns are involved). And grazie al cielo, I went with my instincts, for this dish was a perfectly al dente thing of beauty to behold, served in one half of the pumpkin from which it was partly wrought. After that came a classic example of tagliata (a huge, juicy, on-the-bone sirloin steak topped with generous shavings of perfect parmesan and a handful of rocket) and a specials-board fish dish consisting of spankingly fresh halibut in a luxurious white wine, mushroom and mustard sauce, with which we ordered sides of crisp roast potatoes and lemon oil-infused French beans scattered with roasted almonds. Following a bracing breath of fresh air (or, as some may call it,
a quick puff) on that gorgeous upper-level veranda that offers what’s probably Bath’s best alfresco experience when the sun comes out, Raff urged us to try a selection of Rea’s sweet treats before an obligatory perfect cappuccino. Of our sharing
“rea isn’t just good, he’s molto, molto good – few of Bath’s italian restaurants can boast a quality and style of his standard"
platter, a warm, fluffy brioche bun filled with pistachio icecream, a cube of creamy ricotta cheesecake and a deeply sensual chocolatey thing (by this time my notes had degenerated into chaotic nonsense) confirmed suspicions that began to take hold at the get-go: River Canteen is set to make big waves indeed. For an experience as allencompassing as the gargantuan boat that we pushed out, expect to pay around £78. Take a lighter stroll along the towpath, though, and you could enjoy a still substantial feast for half the price, and for far less again at lunchtime, when even a threecourse max-out is a bargain at £11. Tante grazie, Rea.
Contact
THE RIVER CANTEEN SPRING GARDENS RD, BATH, BA2. FFI: 01225 424800 The Verdict HHHHHHHHHH
A riverside revelation
11/23/2011 7:36:59 PM
‘Bath’s only modern Italian Kitchen with spectacular views of the weir’
Open Monday - Friday: lunch (12.00-2.30) and dinner (6.00-10.30) • Saturday 12-11pm Sunday: private functions and all Bath rugby home fixtures Located between The Recreation Ground and The Weir. Telephone: 01225 424 800 Web: www.river-canteen.co.uk Spring Gardens Road, Pulteney Weir, Bath BA2 6PW folio/dec 2011 73
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➻ EatingOutWest
ReView BRACE &
BROWNS
Has Tony Benjamin bitten off more than he can chew at this welcoming new Whiteladies Road eatery?
EOW Review_ Brace& Browns.indd 75
all pics: Mark Simmons
W
alking between the glitzy Clifton Triangle and the lively delights of Whiteladies Road on a dark winter’s evening, there’s that gloomy strip. Dominated by the BBC – who have every right to be gloomy, given the impending slaughter of ‘local’ radio – it’s enough to make you pull up your collar and bustle towards the first welcoming light, the reassuring glow of Brace & Browns’ patio and the bar/restaurant behind. It’s the building formerly known as Deason’s, unused for some three years except for a brief Raymond Blanc TV excursion, and it’s great to see it back in harness. Once inside, the warmth continues, thanks to friendly greetings, dark pink walls and softlylit booths bedecked with plentiful candles. A wine list offering 14 reasonably priced choices by bottle or glass is cheering, too, with the latter cheeky graded as ‘drop’ (125), ‘gulp’ (175) and ‘just right’ (250). Having just watched (on telly) Ingerland beat Spain at Wemberly, we both go for a gulp of Medeivo rioja (£4.50) and it yields that final glow that says we’ve arrived. The menu proves a challenge, being itself a game of two halves. One page is a smart uptake on classic pub fare – burgers, ham/egg/chips, ploughmans and omelettes – with healthy salads to boot. The other is an eclectic ‘tapas’ selection of some 30 plates ranging from Spain to India via Italy and England. The Duchess of Ashley Road zooms in on the tapas selection (four plates for £10) while I’m drawn to Classic Omelettes (£6, with chips and salad). You don’t get offered omelettes enough, I
reckon, and they can be a good test of a kitchen. Eventually we hit on a compromise – three tapas for starters and… er … the Duchess gets the omelette while I have a burger. That’s how it is with Duchesses, I guess. At least the burger came in a promising range of choices, with optional toppings and a range of breads. The tapas arrives nicely laid out on a plain wooden chopping board, chiming with the homely little enamel jug and jam jars for drinking water,
“The menu is a game of two halves – a smart uptake on classic pub fare & some 30 eclectic ‘tapas’”
an informality made safely ironic by smart surroundings. The food is fine – three seared scallops offset with trails of sweet potato purée, a little bowl of crisp grilled mackerel in leafy salad and a generous heap of pesto and tomato schiacciatella. The latter’s light, pizza-like bread buried under fresh herby tomato slices really gets to my taste-buds, and I wolf it down while the Duchess makes more discreet use of the fish. She’s wise. When the big dishes arrive it’s clear that I, at least, have bitten off more than I’m likely to chew. Her goat’s cheese and red onion three-egger comes with a dish of hearty chips and a mound of salad, and my similarly garnished plate is dominated by a jaw-stretching construction that must surely hold the daily nutrition requirement for a family of four. It’s delicious, too – rare-cooked beef and oozing blue cheese, with a crisp taste of parma ham that soon stops me grudging that omelette (which is, it seems, just as well received for the light, clean texture and flavoursome
filling). It’s tragic, therefore, that we both find ourselves looking sadly at our not-quite-empty plates, having failed to do proper justice to the portions. It’s no judgement on the food – everything seemed carefully prepared and if, personally, I could have done with a more scantily clad salad, otherwise all was fine. At £44, including a couple of ‘gulps’ each, you can’t fault the value, either. No, our only mistake was to think we could have it all. Next time it’ll be one thing or the other and, looking at the attractive mini-buffets assembled on neighbouring tables, I’m thinking the tapas. Or there’s the omelette. Damn.
Contact
BRACE & BROWNS 43 WHITELADIES RD, BRISTOL. FFI: 0117 973 7800, WWW. BRACEANDBROWNS.CO.UK The Verdict HHHHHHHHHH
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The
Christmas Experience FINE FOOD & ENTERTAINMENT IN EXOTIC SURROUNDINGS Now takiNg bookiNgs for Christmas 2011 Lunch & Dinner Illusionists . Belly Dancers . Late Night DJ Tuesday to Saturday 12PM to 2AM
Book Now on 0117 922 1883 www.byzantium.co.uk 76 folio/dec Byzantium f199.indd2011 1
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www.millendmitcheldean.co.uk
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➻ EatingOutWest
ReView The
mint Room
A master of the art dishes up the very best innovative modern Indian cuisine at this new gastro hotspot
Table Talk May all your Christmases be green… ➻
It’s the Feast of Stephen – the midwinter celebration of less-thanimmaculate consumption – when we all put more than is advisable over the counters of people who, cleverly, have things to sell us. We shall eat, drink and (dyspepsia notwithstanding) be pretty merry for a week or so before we count the cost. And hoorah! Feasting is as old as society itself and, with the cold grip of recessionary penny-pinching making life harder for most of us, there’s all the more reason to enjoy a splurge while we can. Of course, that doesn’t mean we have to blow the planet on the way: according to the Soil Association the average family Christmas dinner will involve some 49,000 extra food miles, with Manchester University boffins calculating that over half of that is down to imported cranberry sauce alone. Clearly ‘going local’ for Christmas is a huge boost to South West farmers and producers and, with farmers’ markets and farm shops aplenty, we have no excuse for going further afield or buying the unseasonable. There’s still time to book a local organic turkey (if you’re quick) with the added bonus of knowing that (unlike 90 per cent of Christmas birds) they're happily raised by the likes of Bristol's Better Food Company (pictured) rather than some gruesome intensive factory. Wherever you shop, though, the crucial (green) thing is to shop smart: overshopping means chucking stuff away for which you paid good money. Watch those ‘sell by’ dates, plan for leftovers and you’ll do us all a favour. Oh – and maybe miss out the cranberry sauce? (Tony Benjamin Food & Drink editor) SEE P80 FOR DETAILS OF SOME FAVOURITE FARM SHOPS
I
f you go by location alone, a trip to Bath’s newest Indian restaurant – situated as it is at the heart of an urban axis defined by a Holiday Inn Express, a Sainsbury’s garage forecourt and a Homebase car park – doesn’t bode particularly well. All credit to the Mint Room’s head honchos, then, for turning what’s ostensibly a breezeblock box into a subtly chic, welcoming haven of upper-crust foodie fabulousness that’s actually (dare I say it?) far more W1 than BA2 in ambience... and, compared to the familiar provincial curry house experience, feels as though it exists in another galaxy altogether. Starters of four fat, very fresh scallops seared with fennel, star anise and turmeric and served with roasted peppers and a lively onion and tomato relish (£5.95), together with two slabs of lightly charred swordfish resting on a smoky beetroot semi-purée and drizzled with honey and mustard (£5.50), ranked among the best prandial preludes I’ve encountered in Bath this year. But if the starters were sublime, our mains could only be described as positively stellar: lamb shank slow-roasted to the point of a velvety tenderness that causes the meat to fall off the bone as soon as you show it a fork bathed in a gentle tide of onions, tomatoes, yoghurt and sesame seeds (£14.95) cleverly managed to both soothe and uplift in equal measure. The ‘Mango
Mach’, meanwhile – a quietly complex, fascinating combination of pan-fried red mullet simmered in five spice-infused coconut milk resting on a bed of soft, mustard spiced potato and topped with a sweet and sour green mango sauce (£13.95) – reached the giddy heights of Michelin star standard, a sentiment aided and abetted by the kind of artful presentation that’s almost criminal to disturb. Softly poached, spiced pear and a disk of creamy carrot fudge, both served with superb ice-cream, completed a voyage of discovery that led us to conclude that the Mint Room chef is a subtle showman indeed: competent, confident and audaciously inspirational, he’s a master of the art of modern Indian cookery at its very, very best. This smart little gastro hotspot is undoubtedly heading for massive acclaim. And where it leads, other establishments in Bath will no doubt swiftly follow... but it’s my guess that few will get it quite so right. (Melissa Blease)
Contact
THE MINT ROOM LONGMEAD GOSPEL HALL, LOWER BRISTOL RD, BATH. FFI: 01225 446656, WWW.THEMINTROOM.CO.UK The Verdict HHHHHHHHHH
A chic, glamorous, innovative contemporary Indian experience. Highly recommended
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profile
lifestyle
get inspired and cook seasonally
RIVERFORD ORGANIC TEL: 01803 762059 WEB: WWW.RIVERFORD.CO.UK
RIVERFORD ORGANIC
The Riverford Farm Cook Book
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iverford delivers awardwinning organic food fresh from the farm straight to your door. Stock up your kitchen and cut down on shopping trips… There’s nothing Riverford doesn’t know about fruit and veg (they’ve been growing it for nearly 25 years) but the farm has plenty more to offer. Choose from a range of weekly organic essentials like eggs, milk, meat, juice and cereal, and even wine and chocolate when you need a treat. Delivery is free and you don’t need to be at home. Flavour is everything… It’s time to banish watery, tasteless fruit and veg. Riverford grows varieties for flavour, rather than yield or cosmetic perfection. That means you get only the
“I like Riverford’s fruit and vegetables, I like their recipes, I like their philosophy. This is a super book.” Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall tastiest varieties, and you get them when they’re at their very best. Get inspired and cook seasonally with Riverford’s cook book… You’ll want to make the most of all that fresh seasonal food, and Riverford makes it easy. With each delivery, your local vegman will bring up to eight new recipes to inspire you to feed your family better. Riverford has also published two cook books, filled with farming tales from founder Guy Watson and seasonal recipes from Jane Baxter, head chef of Riverford’s Field Kitchen restaurant. New customers can get a copy of Riverford’s first book, the Riverford Farm Cook Book, free with their second delivery, to help them settle into life with a vegbox. It’s just the thing if you’re
stuck in a boiled vegetable rut: here you’ll find tips to help you swap them for sweet and tasty honey-glazed carrots or a warming, creamy potato and artichoke gratin. Riverford’s website (www.riverford.co.uk) is bursting with even more recipes. And if you ever run out of ideas, just call the team at the farm for help. Easy to order… Ordering is easy and flexible. Riverford delivers weekly, fortnightly or whenever suits. You don’t need to be at home (most customers are out at the time of delivery) and there’s no tie-in or need to order every week; stop and start deliveries as often as you like. Organic vegboxes start from just £9.85 with free delivery. Find out more on the website, or call the farm on the number above.
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rimming with farming tales and original recipes, the Riverford Farm Cook Book will help bring out the best in your box, gives tips on how to use that last leek, and might even inspire you to think about the issues surrounding food production today. Try some irresistible recipes, from spinach & crab frittata, Wet and Wild garlic risotto and new potatoes baked in parchment, to chocolate courgette cake, Beetroot Haters’ Soup and raspberry brown butter tart. Discover why dirt is a good thing, why organic food isn’t just for the middle classes, and which carrot varieties are tastiest. (RRP £16.99) folio/dec 2011 79
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10 of the best Farm Shops ➻ Allington Farm Shop Chippenham, Wilts • Over 20 flavours of homemade sausages from local pigs plus featherlight Prue’s Meringues from Marshfield Bakery. ➻ Alvis Bros Lye Cross Farm Redhill, Bristol, BS40 • Famous Lye Cross organic cheddar and other cheeses, plus fresh goose eggs in this plentifully stocked shop. ➻ Farrington’s Farrington Gurney, Bristol (pictured) • Their splendid stock earned them the British Champions Local Food Award 2011 and guarantees new discoveries with every visit. ➻ Hartley Farm Winsley, nr Bath, BA15 • Well worth finding for their Grown Green chemical-free fruit and veg and homebrewed Willy Good Ales. ➻ John Thorner’s Bridge Farm Shop Pylle, Shepton Mallet, Somerset • A legend for Mendip beef and a great showcase for midSomerset producers including James Chocolates (Shepton Mallet). ➻ Manor Farm Upton Cheyney, Bitton, Bristol, BS30 • Farm-reared meat features as homemade pies, sausages and faggots, and their homegrown chilli products are unmissable. ➻ Prior Park Prior Park Rd, Bath, BA2 • Ten minutes’ walk from Bath Spa station and all the local produce you could wish for, including Chris Rich’s fruit and veg. ➻ Radford Mill Farm Shop Picton St, Montpelier, Bristol • Healthy fare from their community farm for sale right at the heart of the People’s Republic of Stokes Croft. ➻ White Row Country Foods Beckington, Frome, Somerset • Farm shop megastore selling everything from fish to fudge. Check the very local Ivy House’s clotted cream. ➻ Woody’s Farleigh Rd, Norton St Philip, Bath • Their year-round breeding Poll Dorset lamb is always fresh and tender, and the homemade pasties are the biz.
➻ EatingOutWest
ReView MAITREYA SOCIAL The popular veggie restaurant stirs new blood and a daytime vibe into the Easton mix
N
ew owner, new name, new paintjob… things are changing at Maitreya. One of the first things you notice, chalked up on the wall, is a daytime menu (including breakfasts) and a more obvious bar area by the door. The website describes the place as a ‘cosy East-side hang-out veggie restaurant and bar’, with new owner Barney McGrath aiming for a more accessible daytime vibe while keeping fine dining alive in the evenings. With past experience at St Werburghs Farm Cafe and alongside Mark Evans at Maitreya, he’s well prepared, and his impressive beard presides over a calm kitchen as we arrive to check out the evening offering. The wine list remains an affordable, interesting selection of vegetarian/organic stuff and The Lovely She picks an amiable glass of Cotes de Gascognes while I get punchy Sicilian Nero d’Avola. The overnight bread is almost sweet and, dipped in oil and balsamic reduction, it’s a flavoursome start to things. The first spoonful of her celeriac and almond soup, however, quickly eclipses such nibbles. It’s deeply flavoured and creamy yet lightly constructed, with a citric swirl of herby chermoula adding perfect contrast. My soft parsnip and cashew nut cakes strike a more subtle note that’s almost overwhelmed by marinated fennel and salsa verde, though I enjoy them separately. There’s nothing subtle about the brazen
trompette and chestnut mushroom ragout that follows – an intoxicating blast of (im) pure earthiness from the autumn forest floor. Topped in an optional melt of sheep’s cheese and boasting a triangle of garlic and tarragon polenta, it’s a mighty portion that has me pacing myself with sips of tempranillo. She’s got a more decorous tarte tatin, a light puff pastry disc colourfully topped with smoked cheddar cheese, roast squash and caramelised onion and balanced rakishly on a stack of braised vegetables like a hat at Ascot. Happily we’d forgotten to order side dishes – there was more than enough on the plate – and only professional pride drove us to share a dessert of warm chocolate, plum and almond pudding with ice-cream and butterscotch sauce, an unusual, moistly crunchy paradox to finish us off. It’s all impeccably cooked and, if it lacks the elaborate artistry of Mark Evans’ style, the new Maitreya Social has a proper appreciation of ingredients and an adroit use of flavouring that should please all palates – and at £30 including wine, the wallet was pretty happy, too. (Tony Benjamin)
Contact
MAITREYA SOCIAL 89 ST MARKS RD, EASTON, BRISTOL. FFI: 0117 951 0100, WWW.CAFEMAITREYA. CO.UK The Verdict HHHHHHHHHH
Still flying the flag for interesting and enjoyable meatless cookery
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➻ EatingOutWest Recipe
DAVID campbell Age: 40 Nationality: Scottish Restaurant: The Dower House at the Royal Crescent Hotel ➻ David Campbell’s passion for
cooking and fascination with hospitality was born in the kitchen of his uncle’s hotel on family holidays as a teenager. This led to a three-year apprenticeship in one of Glasgow’s finest hotels under head chef Jaques Mollinari. Then London beckoned, and for the next four years David worked in the finest kitchens in the West End, including The Ritz, the Chelsea Hotel and The Gallery, absorbing the influences of Marco Pierre White, Nico Ladenis and Pierre Koffman. His career then moved him away from London – first to the Bell Inn, Bucks, then to five-star Pennyhill Park, and then as head chef at the Manor House, Castle Combe. During this time David became interested in sports nutrition, having to plan menus for the training England Rugby team, and subsequently travelled with them as head chef on their triumphant tour to Australia in 2003. Finally Bath and the world-famous Royal Crescent Hotel beckoned, where David is now working his magic with the finest local ingredients.
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DAVID CAMPBELL AT
THE ROYAL CRESCENT HOTEL Address: 16 Royal Crescent, Bath BA1 2LS Tel: 01225 823333 Web:www.royalcrescent.co.uk
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ath’s Royal Crescent Hotel occupies the two central buildings of the world’s finest crescent. Beyond its magnificent facade, this luxurious hotel is renowned for its charm, elegance and superb service, and the unexpected beauty of the beautiful one-acre, landscaped gardens leading to the skillfully converted coach houses, which now accommodate the Bath House Spa and award-winning Dower House restaurant. Voted the Most Romantic Restaurant 2011, the Dower House overlooks the leafy, secluded gardens of Bath’s luxurious Royal Crescent Hotel – the perfect setting for alfresco dining in the summer months. The menu offers the very best locally sourced, seasonal ingredients, prepared in the ‘Modern British’ style – ‘a faultless experience, as beautiful to behold as it is to eat’, according to one of our critics. Breakfast, lunch, afternoon tea and all-day dining menus are served daily for both hotel guests and non-residents, and there are a number of individually designed rooms, such as
The Library and Pavilion Conservatory, which are available for private dining and special occasions, including gatherings of family and friends and important business meetings. In a city full of every kind of eatery, David Campbell’s aim is “to cook food that’s locally sourced, accessible and enjoyable to eat. The Crescent is a destination hotel, and the food we serve, whether it’s a sandwich in the garden or a celebration dinner in the restaurant, has to deliver every time”. This would be difficult to achieve, says David, without the enthusiasm of local suppliers such as butchers Walter Rose and Sons in Devizes and traditional greengrocer Mike Eades, as well as other local heroes.
“the food we serve, whether a sandwich or a celebration dinner, has to deliver every time” 11/23/2011 7:05:55 PM
Ceviche of Cornish mackerel, Loch Duart salmon, watercress crème fraiche, fennel, orange & pickled vegetable salad INGREDIENTS Serves 6 Fish 1 x Cornish mackerel, filleted 500g Loch Duart salmon fillet, skin removed Salmon marinade 1 lemon & 1 orange, chopped; 2g fennel seed; 3g each cumin seed, coriander seed, white peppercorn; 120g caster sugar; 100g Maldon sea salt; bunch dill, to finish; 1tsp dijon mustard Ceviche mix 30g white wine; 30g olive oil; 1 lemon & 1 lime, juiced; watercress crème fraiche – 2 bunches watercress; 50g full-fat crème fraiche Vegetables & pickles 4 radishes; 1 large orange; 3 heads baby fennel; 1 banana shallot Pickling liquor 100g cold water; 100g quality white wine vinegar; 30g caster sugar; 1g each white peppercorn, fennel seed, coriander seed; 1 head star anise; 1 bay leaf Garnish micro watercress, micro coriander, micro rocket (available in good greengrocers like Eades in Bath)
TO MAKE Salmon 24 hours before required, place all ingredients for salmon marinade (except the salt) in a food processor, blitz well and then gently fold in the salt. Place half
the marinade on a tray, place the salmon fillet on top, then the remaining half of the marinade on top, cover, chill for 24 hours in fridge. After 24 hours, wash the marinade off under running cold water, pat salmon dry, gently brush with a bit of the mustard and finish by chopping the dill finely and pressing onto the salmon fillet. Clingfilm tightly and chill. Mackerel Fillet the mackerel, remove bones, cut neatly into rectangular pieces. Add all ingredients for ceviche mix in to a pan, bring to boil, chill then pour onto pieces of mackerel (this can be done up to 12 hours in adv). Chill in fridge till required. Watercress crÈme fraiche Pick the watercress leaves, blanch for 20 secs in well salted boiling water, refresh, squeeze all excess water from leaves, then blitz in blender with the crème fraiche till completely smooth. Vegetables Place all ingredients for pickle mix in a pan, bring to boil, boil for 2 mins, then drain to just leave the liquid, and chill. Blanch fennel in boiling water for 1 min, refresh and drain. Segment the orange with a sharp thin bladed knife and cut into small pieces. Cut radishes into even wedges, peel and thinly slice the shallot into neat rings, place into the pickle mix for 30 mins, add the orange segments and small pieces of the baby fennel for last 5 of these mins. To serve Cut salmon in half lengthways, then cut oblong wedges about 1.5cm in diameter. Place on serving plate as shown, place the mackerel around it, then carefully quenelle the watercress crème fraiche using two teaspoons. Arrange the pickles, orange and fennel on plate as shown and garnish with the micro herbs.
Recommended... paracombe pinot gris, adelaide hills
➻ This is a dish with a lovely combination of subtle seafood flavours, with vibrant, zesty tones from the marinade. The wine match is the stunning, dry Pinot Gris from Paracombe in the Adelaide Hills. It has a beautiful bouquet of ripe pear, sweet spice and floral characters on the nose. The palate is loaded with stone fruit, lemon and orange flavours up front, followed by a honeyed mid palate and a crisp finish with hints of mineral notes. A winning combination of complex flavours that evolve over time on the palate – a must-try! FFI WWW. MATTHEWCLARK. CO.UK
folio/dec 2011 83
EOW Recipe DPS 203.indd 83
11/23/2011 7:06:11 PM