24 minute read
TIME FOR TEA
Afternoons, teaspoons & treats
For celebrations, get-togethers or one of those experiential treats that are just a sheer delight, the tradition of taking afternoon tea is tops. So raise a pinkie and indulge yourself with a trip to one of Bath’s finest hotels or tearooms
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THE BATH PRIORY
Weston Road, Bath, BA1 2XT Tel: 01225 331 922 Web: thebathpriory.co.uk
Enjoy a great British tradition in the peaceful haven of The Bath Priory –a full afternoon tea including a selection of delicate finger sandwiches, delicious homemade cakes and warm scones served with clotted cream and homemade preserve. A vast selection of teas and coffees are available to accompany your treats. Tea can be taken in the celebrated 3 AA Rosette restaurant, with magnificent views across the hotel’s award-winning gardens, in the relaxing atmosphere of The Pantry, with cosy log-fired lounges or on the wisteria-clad terrace in the summer months.
Make an afternoon of it with a spa treatment and full use of the indoor pool, heated outdoor pool, aroma steam room and sauna in The Garden Spa by L’Occitane.
LUCKNAM PARK
Colerne, Chippenham, Wiltshire, SN14 8AZ Tel: 01225 742 777 Web: lucknampark.co.uk
Make afternoon tea an experience to remember with Lucknam Park Hotel & Spa near Bath. Indulge in a traditional English afternoon tea served in one of the hotel’s drawing rooms, set within an 18th-century Palladian mansion. Lucknam Park is surrounded by 500 acres of stunning countryside, making it the perfect destination for any special occasion. There is a variety of afternoon tea options with a full afternoon tea menu including a selection of sandwiches, scones and dainty patisserie. Or if you fancy adding a touch of sparkle to your day, you can upgrade to the Champagne afternoon tea menu. Call or email reservations@lucknampark.co.uk to book.
SUGARCANE STUDIO 甘蔗工作室
1 Grove Street, Bath, BA2 6PJ Tel: 01225 251707 Web: www.sugarcanestudio.co.uk
If you are looking for something a little different, Sugarcane Studio is a patisserie and café in the centre of Bath, near the picturesque Pulteney Bridge. They specialise in French patisserie, mixing in East Asian flavours to create a truly unique fusion. With a rotating menu of cakes, pastries and confectionery, you will find a variety of matcha, black sesame, and tropical fruit flavoured delights, along with macarons and the freshest choux buns in Bath! Oolong and black tea is imported from Taiwan, and matcha and hojicha from Japan, making a perfect pairing for the sweet treats. The friendly staff are happy to offer any recommendations for your order.
Opening hours: Wed-Fri 10am–5pm, Sat 9.30am–5pm, Sun 11.15am–3.30pm
Some light reading
The idea of afternoon tea was introduced to England by Anna, the seventh Duchess of Bedford, in 1840. The
Duchess would start to feel hungry around four o’clock in the afternoon, but the evening meal in her household was served fashionably late at eight o’clock, leaving a long period of time between lunch and dinner. The Duchess asked that a tray of tea, bread and butter (the latter a relatively new innovation by the Earl of Sandwich
which involved putting a filling between two slices of bread) and cake to be brought to her room in the late afternoon. This became a habit and she began inviting friends to join her. This pause for tea evolved into a fashionable social event. Soon the upper classes and society women would change into long gowns and put on gloves and hats for their afternoon tea which was usually served between four and five o’clock in the drawing room, or in the garden on a warm, sunny day. Traditional afternoon tea consists of a selection of dainty sandwiches (thinly sliced cucumber sandwiches should always be included) and scones served with clotted cream and preserves as well as a selection of cakes and pastries. Tea grown in India or Ceylon is poured from silver tea pots into delicate bone china cups.
There are few hours in life more agreeable than the hour dedicated to the ceremony known as afternoon tea
– HENRY JAMES–❝
THE BIRD
18–19 Pulteney Road, Bath BA2 4EZ Tel: 01225 580438 thebirdbath.co.uk
Soak up the summer vibes on Plate’s terrace, overlooking the Bath Abbey; or curl up in a cosy corner indoors. Afternoon Tea at The Bird is an unmissable treat. There is always the option to add a touch of sparkle with a glass or two of fizz, or their very own gin! For a tasty twist, the ultimate Afternoon Tea experience awaits in their dining domes.
PULTENEY BRIDGE COFFEE
15–17 Pulteney Bridge, Bath, BA2 4AY
Offering a lighter option of a cream tea, rather than the full afternoon tea, Pulteney Bridge Coffee offers a more informal afternoon treat. The homemade scones are baked on the premises and are served warm with clotted cream, strawberry jam and a pot of loose leaf tea. There is the option to have different jam or a hot drink if desired.
Situated on the World Heritage site of Pulteney Bridge this cosy coffee shop is an ideal spot to pop in, enjoy the freshly baked treats and take in the unique and beautiful view overlooking Bath’s iconic Pulteney Weir. Cream teas are available to eat in or takeaway. No booking required.
NO.15 BY GUESTHOUSE, BATH
Here is a noble British tradition done in a subtly playful way. With dainty sandwiches, scones and cakes all made by the talented team at No.15. The seasonal menu currently nods to the Queen’s platinum jubilee with gluten-free, dairy-free, vegetarian and plantbased diets all catered for. And, despite the name, a glass of Bolney Bubbly goes just as well as a pot of tea. If the sun’s shining and only a picnic will do, the team will pack up a hamper full of afternoon tea goodies so you can enjoy a lovely, long, lazy feast in a park.
ROBUN
4 Princes Buildings, George Street, Bath BA1 2ED Tel: 01225 614 424 Web: robun.co.uk Taking inspiration from across Japan, Robun’s afternoon tea offers a truly unique experience in the heart of Bath. Swapping sandwiches for sushi and scones for bao buns, this beautifully presented afternoon tea features some of the standout dishes from Robun’s menu of yakiniku, sushi and sashimi sharing plates, alongside sweet treats including miso cake and mochi ice cream –all served with a selection of traditional Japanese teas and the option of sparkling wine. Served from Tuesday –Sunday, from midday until 5pm, Robun’s Japanese afternoon tea is available for £28 per person. Call Robun or email info@robun.co.uk to make a reservation.
GARDEN CAFÉ AT THE HOLBURNE MUSEUM
Great Pulteney Street, Bath BA2 4DB Tel: 01225 388 572 Web: Holburne.org
One of the most beautiful outdoor spaces in Bath, only a 10-minute walk from the centre of town, the Garden Café at the Holburne Museum provides the perfect escape for a relaxing cream tea. Located at the rear of the museum and opening out on to a beautiful garden space with the Georgian ‘Vauxhall’ Sydney Gardens behind, you can enjoy The Holburne High Tea –a pot of delicious loose leaf tea, fresh homemade scone, jam, clotted cream, a cake slice for just £8.50, or with Prosecco £13.50 per person. Or there’s the Holburne Cream Tea option (without the cake slice) for just £5.50 –or with Prosecco at £10.50 per person. Additionally choose from a seasonal selection of light lunches, cakes and desserts to really add to the occasion. Winner of the Restaurant and Bar Design Awards, the Garden Café will make your trip to the Holburne Museum a truly indulgent one. Cafe opening hours: 10am–5pm (11am–5pm Sundays and Bank Holidays) Last orders 4.30pm. HOMEWOOD
Abbey Lane, Freshford, Bath BA2 7TB Tel: 01225 580439 Web: homewoodbath.co.uk
An eclectically cool haven of style, spa time and sumptuous sustenance, in the heart of Somerset, just a stones throw from the beautiful city of Bath.
Whether in front of a roaring fire, lounging around in the sitting rooms or basking in the sunshine on Olio terrace, enjoy a delicate yet indulgent array of Mediterranean influenced treats, including open sandwiches, dainty pastries and naughty delights, as well as scones with world-famous West Country clotted cream and homemade jam. Sit back, soak in the sun and tuck into a scrumptious afternoon tea on Homewood’s terrace, or plunge into one of its dashing dining domes for a truly lavish experience. Afternoon tea at Homewood starts from £30 per person. Served daily from 2pm–5pm.
RESTAURANT BAR
A modern restaurant bar providing the tastiest dishes inspired by the tropical islands, serving steaks, burgers & more in a lively setting with DJs & live entertainment OPENING MAY 14TH. FOOD | COCKTAILS | PRIVATE DINING | ALRESCO GARDEN
CAROUSEL FUN KITCHEN, 66 WALCOT STREET, BATH, BA1 5BD BOOKINGS@CAROUSELFUNKITCHEN.COM | WWW.CAROUSELFUNKITCHEN.COM
Glorious Gardens by Pride of Britain Hotels
Spring is here – and gardens up and down the country, from Sussex to Scotland, are bursting into bloom...
Close your eyes and take a deep breath. Imagine a riot of colour in a flower-filled garden with a blanket of purple bluebells, crimson-pink cherry blossom and sapphire-blue delphiniums. A sweet fragrance fills the air, and the sunshine gently warms your skin. This is a quintessential country garden.
Pride of Britain Hotels suggests that there is no substitute to spending quality time with nature in its Glorious Gardens. Stroll through the foliage to nourish your soul and see the chefs gathering fruit, vegetables and edible flowers from the kitchen gardens for delicious dishes, so guests can enjoy produce from earth to plate within hours.
Tulips at Gravetye Manor in West Sussex
West Sussex
The historic landscaped gardens at Gravetye Manor were created by pioneering gardener William Robinson. Look out for the jewellike tulips in the flower garden and explore wild meadows, orchards and a flourishing walled kitchen garden which provides produce for the hotel’s restaurant.
Wales
Situated on a peninsula with terraces tumbling down the hillside and views to Snowdonia, the gardens at Bodysgallen Hall are a spectacular sight. It has a colourful 17th-century box-hedged parterre, and you can also meander through medlar and mulberry, enchanting follies and a rose garden.
Buckinghamshire
In the 18th century English landscape architect Capability Brown transformed 90 acres of countryside surrounding Hartwell House in the Vale of Aylesbury. Vibrant spring blooms here include daffodils, primroses and anemones and a roam through the parkland reveals grand statues, canals and an ornamental bridge.
Scotland
The gardens at Glenapp Castle perched above the Ayrshire coast boast extraordinary plants from around the world. You can wander through the Gertrude Jekyll-designed Italian garden, and see the grape vines, peach and fig trees in the Victorian glasshouse.
With so many horticultural hotels to choose from, your next Glorious Garden escape with Pride of Britain Hotels awaits. n
The Woodland Estate at Glenapp Castle in Ayrshire, Scotland
CITYNEWS
CHARITY LAWYER FOR STONE KING HOMELETS CELEBRATE 30 YEARS
Bath law firm Stone King has welcomed top-ranked charity lawyer Rosamund McCarthy Etherington to its charity team as an Equity Partner. She joins the firm, a national leader in charity law, after more than 30 years at Bates Wells and will strengthen Stone King’s team of more than 50 charity lawyers.
Rosamund is included in the Hall of Fame category by the Legal 500 directory and top ranked by Chambers and Partners, in which she is described as ‘a brilliant lawyer who is highly personable and one of the leading experts on charity law’ and ‘committed to the ethos of the sector’.
She says: “It has always been a great privilege to support the incredible work of charities, trustees and philanthropists both nationally and internationally. I’m excited to continue assisting not-for-profit organisations to grow and thrive in what are very challenging times, alongside my new colleagues at Stone King.” stoneking.co.uk
The team at Bath Preservation Trust is celebrating after scooping four awards. At the Bristol, Bath and Somerset Tourism Awards, No.1 Royal Crescent won the Gold award for Small Attraction of the Year. And The Herschel Museum of Astronomy picked up the Silver award in the same category. At the South West Tourism Awards, No.1 Royal Crescent shone again, taking home Bronze in the Small Attraction of the Year class. And in the Prestige Awards, No 1 Royal Crescent was named History Museum of the Year.
Claire Dixon, Director of Museums said “We are thrilled to have had the BPT team recognised by so many different award schemes. This is down to the hard work of every single person who helps No. 1 Royal Crescent, Herschel Museum of Astronomy, and Beckford’s Tower offer such fantastic visitor experiences. We are enormously grateful to the Government’s Culture Recovery Grant as it has supported us in transforming our museums to aid our pandemic recovery.” bath-preservation-trust.org.uk
FOUR AWARDS FOR BPT
Claire Dixon (centre) and Dr Amy Frost (right) from BPT
NEW ACCREDITATION
Mogers Drewett Financial Planner Daniel Gornall –already a Chartered Financial Planner, Fellow of the Personal Finance Society and an Associate Member of Resolution –has recently achieved Resolution’s Specialist Accreditation, making him one of only 35 other financial professionals in the UK to hold the Resolution Specialist Accreditation as a financial expert in divorce work.
Resolution is a community of family law professionals who work with families and individuals to resolve issues in a constructive way and Daniel is now a Resolution Accredited Specialist Independent Financial Adviser, Chartered Financial Planner, and Pensions on Divorce Expert (PODE). Daniel specialises in Pensions on Divorce and works as a Financial Neutral and Coach in all forms of the divorce process, regularly working alongside the Mogers Drewett family team to create positive outcomes for clients. mogersdrewett.com Bath’s leading independent lettings agent HomeLets is celebrating this month as the company turns 30. Established in 1992 HomeLets has grown organically as an independent family business, now a 13strong team managing hundreds of residential properties in Bath and the surrounding area.
Managing Director Marcus Arundell has been at the helm for over eight years since the passing of his mother, HomeLets founder, Caroline Arundell. He says: “I’m incredibly proud of our journey. We have been fortunate enough to transact a wide range of Bath addresses and to act for so many loyal and valued clients.” homeletsbath.co.uk
FOOD FROM THE TROPICS
Carousel Fun Kitchen is a new modern restaurant bar opening on 14 May, providing the tastiest dishes inspired by the tropical islands. The restaurant will serve steaks, burgers and more, accompaniedby a selection of experimental and classic cocktails. The music elevates as the weekend arrives, creating an atmosphere where guests can dine and dance. As night falls, the inviting kitchen transforms into a vibrant playground with DJs and live entertainment. The location on Walcot Street has an ambient dining lounge and heated alfresco garden. From 5pm all members of the party must be aged 21 and over. carouselfunkitchen
NEW WAREHOUSE FOR HUBOO
Huboo CEO Martin Bysh
Huboo, one of the UK’s fastestgrowing fulfilment providers, continues its UK expansion trajectory as it opens a vast new 106,000 sq ft warehouse in Chippenham, its biggest so far. Creating over 400 new jobs, allowing the warehouse to work with hundreds of clients.
The St Modwen Park warehouse has the capacity to cater for hundreds of eCommerce clients, with the potential to grow exponentially. A dedicated onthe-ground team has been appointed to manage the launch, while BNP Paribas Real Estate represented Huboo on the acquisition.
The opening of the Chippenham base comes after Huboo made a significant number of new hires, taking the team from 257 in February 2021 to more than 650 people and counting. Recent months saw year-on-year revenue increase by 124% between January 2021 and January 2022. The company has grown from two employees, 60 customers and £20,000 in monthly recurring revenue (MRR) to more than 1,000 customers and £1.7 million MRR in just five years. huboo.com
Boutique co-working inthe heart of Bath
Working pattens have changed beyond recognition over the last 2 years, with people demanding more from their physical working environment and blurring the lines between work, rest and play. That is where Rengen House offers a solution. They are a boutique co-working space in the heart of Bath; a community to cowork, host meetings, events and relax with clients or colleagues. With high-end finishes and a cool, relaxing vibe, Rengen House offers a refreshing change to the “traditional office” environment, much more suited to the way that people live and work these days.
They aim to create a home-from home environment, where members can work, interact, build relationships but in a flexible and informal way. With both relaxed co-working spaces and more traditional desks, along with private spaces for meetings and calls, they offer a complete and flexible offer for co-workers. They also have a large outside terrace, a perfect spot for alfresco working in the summer or for sunny lunchbreaks.
Free hot and cold drinks, pastries and snacks are all part of the package, as well as super fast wifi and access to meeting spaces. Most importantly, it is set out to create a space which is a compelling and inspiring space to be.
Rengen House understands that the working world is changing, and clients are increasingly looking for flexibility and membership packages that are tailored to their needs. The membership packages start at 5 days per month for those that perhaps already have a base to work from but are craving physical interaction with others and a change of scenery. The packages increase in days per month, up to a full time dedicated desk package for those looking for a more permanent base to work from. All contracts are monthly rolling, giving members the ultimate flexibility to adjust their packages according to their needs.
Rengen House offers a range of unique and flexible spaces with lots of character, perfect for hosting meetings and events for both members and non-members. From board meetings, to team workshops, to breakfast meetings, all corporate events are covered! And it’s not just corporate events they can host, the beautiful private venue makes it ideal for parties and even wedding receptions!
Calendar of events are also run for members and non-members to suit most interests, from business breakfasts, to seminars to casual networking.
Also unique to Rengen House, there is accommodation available above the members’ space, and across central Bath, ideal for visiting clients, family or friends.
Contact jo@rengenhouse.com | rengenhouse.com
EXCLUSIVE OFFERING, INCLUSIVE ENVIRONMENT
The House of St John’s provides an exclusive workspace powered by social purpose. Situated in abeautifully restored, Grade-1 listed building on Bath’s prestigious Queen Square, the House of StJohn’s offers informal luxury while inciting societal change.
The House offers a variety of private offices, dedicated desks and co-working areas, together witha bookable boardroom and an elegant event space. With high-end amenities, ultra-fastbroadband, a stylish lounge, members bar and an outdoor terrace, the House of St John’s puts asophisticated spin on hybrid working.
The House of St John’s promotes flexibility, offering our members a choice of environments thatbest suit their working day. Whether you require the quiet focus of our private offices or meetingrooms, or a more collaborative feel from one of our co-working lounges, the House providesexceptional settings for you and your team to work.
A further unique feature of becoming a member of the House of St John's, is that the profits fromthis venture are gifted to our charity partner, St John’s Foundation to be used for their FoundationFund. This Fund is designed to help level the educational playing field for under twelves living inBath and North East Somerset. Simply put, by becoming a member of the House of St John’s youwill become part of a community-wide movement.
Book your tour today at hello@hosj.co.uk or visit hosj.co.uk.
ocl
ACCOUNTANCY
141 Englishcombe Lane, Bath BA2 2EL Tel: 01225 445507 www.oclaccountancy.com
Salary vs Dividends for Company Directors
As a Director and shareholder of a Limited Company, inevitably you will want to reap the benefits of your hard work by withdrawing some of the company profits.
Funds can be withdrawn from your company via a salary or dividends. It won’t be news to you that dividends attract lower income tax rates than salaries, so at first glance, a dividend would seem the most tax efficient. On top of that, dividends are not subject to Class 1 National Insurance Contributions (NIC), whereas salaries are. There is a more tax efficient option, however. A salary and dividends. Salaries are an allowable expense for your company. A salary paid to you can be deducted from the company’s profit, resulting in a lower Corporation Tax liability. Dividends do not generate such Corporation Tax relief.
Class 1 primary NIC is paid by you personally on a salary of over £12,570 for the year (this comes into effect from 6th July 2022 and is £9,880 before that).
Your company pays Class 1 secondary NIC if your salary is over £9,100 for the year.
Therefore, you can withdraw a salary of up to £9,100 a year from your company completely free from income tax and NIC, assuming you have no other income sources. With the added bonus of Corporation Tax relief for that salary.
In most cases, the optimum withdrawal of funds from the company is therefore a mix of salary and dividends. Utilise the £9,100 ‘zero Class 1 NIC’ by taking a salary of the same and take advantage of lower tax rates by declaring dividends as well.
If you have other income sources outside of your company, rental income for example, there is still a benefit to withdrawing company profits in this way.
Don’t forget that you can also withdraw funds from the company without declaring a dividend or salary if your Directors’ Loan Account is in credit. That means the company owes you money and you can withdraw it without incurring a tax liability. If personal pension contributions are on your agenda this year, please note that dividends do not count as relevant earnings, whilst a salary does. This can be important for optimum tax relief on pension contributions and should be considered.
Finally, we should all expect changes to the tax landscape in future years as the Chancellor continues to look for ways to balance his books; the new corporation tax rates will already impact tax planning. For a deeper understanding of the specific details and benefits for you and your company, please contact us.
For tax saving tips contact us – call Marie Sheldrake, Matt Bryant or Samantha Taylor on 01225 445507
Taking control after a life limiting diagnosis
Diagnosis of a life limiting illness will undoubtedly result in you experiencing a range of emotions. What you’re dealing with may feel overwhelming but talking though your worries and importantly your priorities can help you feel more in control.
In the second of our series of podcasts, Sarah Dodd, Head of Legacies at Dorothy House talks to David Hill a partner in the Private Client team at Mogers Drewett Solicitors about ‘your options following a life limiting diagnosis’ in the hope that understanding these options will empower you to take control.
Can I make a “Deathbed” Will?
Because of potential issues with lack of capacity, a Deathbed Will (ie a Will that is made at the end of life) is not ideal and could be open to challenge. However, if this is your only option and because time is short, then yes, it may be possible to complete a Deathbed Will. This would enable you to decide what happens to your estate. We will always advise clients to put a Will in place as soon as they can and not wait until a Deathbed Will becomes their only option. Being proactive reduces the amount of anxiety for everyone involved.
Why is it important to make a Will?
The thought of making a Will is something many of us are uncomfortable with, but we can’t emphasise enough the importance of getting your affairs in order. As time goes by other factors can influence your ability to make a Will. For example, you may lose capacity and if this happens you will not be able to make a Will. If there is any doubt upon whether someone had capacity when making a Will this could lead to a Will being contested.
What happens if I am too ill to make a Will?
If you become too ill to make a Will then the rules of intestacy will apply. This means that the law will decide who will inherit your assets. Whilst this may work in some circumstances, in others it may not (for example couples who are not married or in a civil partnership, or those with young children).
How fast can you do a Will?
If we can speak to you and we are confident that you have capacity, then we will do everything we can to put a Will in place at a time and location to suit you especially if this is your only option.
We understand that having these conversations can be difficult and emotional but please do come and speak to us. We often find that after these discussions families feel a huge sense of relief.
Listen to the full conversation between Sarah and David here https://dhpodcast.podbean.com/ and start getting your affairs in order today.
EDUCATION NEWS
TENNIS SUCCESS
Team Bath Tennis ace Alicia Barnett and doubles partner Olivia Nicholls claimed the biggest tournament success of their careers to date as they won the W60 Bellinzona title on clay in Switzerland. The result sees Barnett, coached by Ian MacDonald, move up to a career-high doubles ranking of 119 in the world and number three in Great Britain.
The British duo, who reached the Lyon Open final on their WTA Tour debut last month, were number one seeds for the ITF World Tennis Tour event in Switzerland and lived up to that billing, only losing one set on their way to the final. Their final trophy showdown was with Swiss number two seeds Xenia Knoll and Oksana Selekhmeteva, who took the first set before the Brits battled back brilliantly to claim their first-ever W60 title with a 6-7(7) 6-4 10-7 success. teambath.com/tennis Beechen Cliff School, Bath will soon have 16 English willow trees planted within their grounds, to eventually be turned into cricket bats.
Cricket loving former headmaster Mr Andrew Davies was gifted the trees as a lasting legacy, from grateful parents, guardians and members of the teaching community. This was to commemorate his retirement from 16 years as the serving head of Beechen Cliff Secondary school.
Throughout the willow tree’s 15–20 years growing cycle, they will be providing not only biodiversity and a haven for wildlife, but an exciting opportunity to watch them grow and eventually be turned into numerous crickets bats. Once the trunk circumference has reached up to 60cm, trees are then felled, replaced with new 12ft saplings and the process starts again. By summer 2041, hopefully this will include a bat for Mr Davies plus a set for Beechen Cliff’s cricket team!
The school’s PTA are working with the Oxford-based company English Willow on a long-term project and three trial willow trees have already been planted within the school’s grounds. Future proceeds from the sale of the willow trees will be ploughed back into the school’s PTA charity to fund further projects not covered by statutory funding.
If you would like to donate to help influence the lives of many young pupils, please consider supporting the overall education at Beechen Cliff School, Bath. beechencliff.org.uk. To donate, use app.investmycommunity.com at bit.ly/3Msuw1f.
WILLOW TREES FOR CRICKET BATS
Andrew Davies
