Bath Life – issue 323

Food/Arts/Entertainment/Shopping/Property @BathLifeMag

CELEBRATING THE BEST OF THE CITY

ISSUE 323 / 30 SEPTEMBER – 14 OCTOBER 2016/ £3

D R EAM D R ES S ES ISSUE 323 / 30 SEPTEMBER – 14 OCTOBER 2016 / JUST DANCE

STAND-OUT BRIDAL LOOKS

C H R I S T MAS C R AC K ER S TIME TO PLAN YOUR PERFECT PARTY

L E T Y OUR HA I R D OWN OUR GUIDE TO THE BEST SALONS IN BATH

PAT T E R N L O VE SHOP THE TRENDS SHAPING THE SEASON

NO HOLDEN BACK AMANDA HOLDEN on fears, female camaraderie and escaping reality ahead of THEATRE ROYAL BATH visit

EDITOR’S LETTER / ISSUE 323 / 30 SEPT – 14 OCTOBER 2016

Showstoppers

32

ONE-TO-ONE

We chat to Britain’s Got Talent’s Amanda Holden who’s the lead role in a new show which opens here in Bath

We are lucky enough to live in a city that’s packed with a wealth of award-winning arts and performance venues including one of the country’s most historic – and arguably most beautiful – theatres, the Theatre Royal Bath. It has welcomed actors such as Joan Collins, Gene Wilder, Julie Walters and Sir Ian McKellen through its doors over the years and what’s been described as one of the starriest casts to ever grace the stage will be on its way to the city soon to warm hearts in the tap dancing comedy, Stepping Out. Ahead of the show, we caught up with the lead role, our glamorous cover star, Amanda Holden who, while dressed only in a leotard during rehearsals, tells us how Bath was one of the first places in which she ever performed, why female solidarity is so important to her and what she’s looking forward to doing with her free time when she’s here in the city (hint, it’s not sightseeing) – page 32.

Sticking with the theme of dressing for the occasion, turn to page 106 to discover our pick of the best bridal boutiques in and around Bath, and see page 117 to hear from the city’s experts on the top trends in hair and beauty for autumn (black is back, apparently, and so is the perm).

Talking of letting go of all things remotely summery (sigh), putting this issue together has made us realise we can’t wait for the months ahead. It may seem premature but we’ve broken the seal on Christmas; now’s the time to book your festive parties and celebrations, and you’ll find plenty of inspiration on page 62.

On top of that, we’ve been dining at Bradford on Avon’s Bunch of Grapes (page 56), shopping for rare, vintage and retro lights (page 101), and visiting a spectacular new-build home in which has facilities to rival that of a health spa (page 164). Plenty to inspire, we hope you’ll agree…

Lisa Evans, Editor Follow us on Twitter: @BathLifeMag Follow us on Instagram:@bathlifemag

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EVERHOT RANGE COOKERS

GARDEN FURNITURE

FEATURES / ISSUE 323 / 30 SEPT – 14 OCTOBER 2016

117

HAIR AND BEAUTY

Bath’s beauty professionals talk top tips, the latest trends and the best treatments in town

152

Retirement special We take a look at retirement developments and discover why are they are so popular

REGULARS / ISSUE 323 / 30 SEPT – 14 OCTOBER 2016 M E ET T H E T EAM

THE ARTS

Editor Lisa Evans lisa.evans@mediaclash.co.uk

37 Arts intro Art goes POP! with Lichenstein’s Dog by Mychael Barratt

Managing editor Deri Robins deri.robins@mediaclash.co.uk Assistant editor Sarah Moolla sarah.moolla@mediaclash.co.uk Senior art editor Andrew Richmond Graphic design Megan Allison Cover design Trevor Gilham Contributors: Emma Bond, David Flatman, Nic Bottomley and Jennifer Jennings Senior advertising manager Pat White pat.white@mediaclash.co.uk Deputy advertising manager Justine Walker justine.walker@mediaclash.co.uk Sales executive Sophie Speakman sophie.speakman@mediaclash.co.uk Sales executive Alana Medforth alana.medforth@mediaclash.co.uk

38 What’s on Time to update the events diary

55 Bookshelf Nic Bottomley gets hygge with it

FOOD 56 Restaurant Trés bon French cuisine at Bradford on Avon’s Bunch of Grapes

Production and distribution manager Sarah Kingston sarah.kingston@mediaclash.co.uk Deputy production manager Christina West christina.west@mediaclash.co.uk Production designer Charlie Pinder charlie.pinder@mediaclash.co.uk

62 Christmas parties Plan your festive feasting with our guide to the merriest and most deliciously joyous venues in town

Chief executive Jane Ingham jane.ingham@mediaclash.co.uk Chief executive Greg Ingham greg.ingham@mediaclash.co.uk Commercial director Steve Hawkins steve.hawkins@mediaclash.co.uk

99 Food & drink news The inspiration behind Juno, and The Foodie Bugle’s on the move

SHOPPING 101 Shopping intro Felix Lighting Specialists light up our world

104 Editor’s choice We take a new angle on interiors

106 Bridal fashion Wedding dress experts from Bath and beyond talk bridal styles and wedding stories

LIFEST YLE 130 Gardening Emma Bond finds a hidden delight called Vegmead in the city centre’s Hedgemead Park

106

Bath Life, MediaClash, Circus Mews House, Circus Mews, Bath BA1 2PW 01225 475800 www.mediaclash.co.uk @The MediaClash © All rights reserved. May not be reproduced without written permission of MediaClash.

BUSINESS

DEPARTMENTS

137 Business insider

15 18 29 178

The latest news, views and interviews from the region’s professionals

Spotlight Society A man’s world Bath lives

About MediaClash We’re a Bath-based publisher, creative agency and event organiser Magazines Our portfolio of regional magazines celebrates the best of local living: Bath, Bristol, Cardiff, Exeter and Salisbury.

We also publish foodie mag Crumbs. (www.crumbsmag.com, @CrumbsMag) and wedding title Vow (@VowMag).

Agency From the design and build of websites to digital marketing and creating company magazines, we can help.

Events We create, market, promote and operate a wide variety of events both for MediaClash and our clients Contact: info@mediaclash.co.uk

PROPERT Y 164 Property showcase We find five-star luxury in Larkhall and fall in love

On the cover Amanda Holden photographed by Ray Burmiston – see page 32 for our exclusive interview

BATH: ITS LIFE AND TIMES

HERITAGE

GOING UNDERGROUND Lauren will be lighting the way

INTERIORS

LOSS OF EARRING Once part of a happy pair, and then all alone, no one ever knows what to do with a single earring – until now.

No.15 Great Pulteney, which is due to open its hotel doors in November, has an innovative and artistic use of all those lonely pieces of jewellery – a showstopping ‘Lost Earring’ chandelier for one of its sitting rooms, to be made from an incredible 15,000 lone earrings, as well as necklaces and crystals.

It will be created by artist Lauren Sagar who explains, “The chandelier will also be home to thousands of personal stories of memory, loss, beauty and love, donated in the form of a single, treasured earring, its pair having been lost.

“Along with donations of earrings, which are being accepted until the middle of October, we would also encourage people to include a note on the meaning behind the earrings, as well as a few words on how the other one was lost.”

For more: www.no15greatpulteney.co.uk

T050

The Archway Project, which includes the creation of a new learning centre for the Roman Baths on Swallow Street and a World Heritage Centre on York Street has been granted full planning permission.

The Roman Baths Learning Centre will provide a space for projects and activities run by the local community, and for schoolchildren to participate in hands-on sessions with Roman artefacts. There will also be an underground tunnel linking to the Roman Baths. “The project will transform learning at the Roman Baths and create a world-class visitor centre where people can find out more about our world heritage city, as well as opening up new parts of the Roman Baths for public access.” says councillor Patrick Anketell-Jones.

A new Roman Baths app has also just been

Isabella is fairy talented

Find out what lies beneath

launched exploring the wealth of history that lies underneath the city. Beneath My Feet, which is free to download, reveals where artefacts were found, such as the gilt bronze head of the goddess Minerva now on show at the Roman Baths museum.

For more: www.romanbaths.co.uk

ARTS

GOLDEN GIRL Bath-based singer and composer Isabella FitzjohnMoores, who has just recorded her first album Roots under her songwriting name of Isabella in the Forest, at Peter Gabriel’s Real World Studios, has also just published her first book, The Golden Hair. “Samuel, who did the illustrations, is also from Bath so it’s a local creative collaboration,” explains Isabella, who is a former pupil of Monkton Combe and The Bath Academy. “I’d describe it as a fairytale about greed for adults.”

For more: www.waterstones.com

SPOTLIGHT

CHARITY

BOULES RAISES RECORD LEVELS FOR CHARITIES Bath Boules 2016 smashed last year’s record by 43 per cent with a massive £41,424 raised for local Bath charities.

The highly successful tournament was backed by over 500 companies, several thousand visitors, 192 teams and will benefit dozens of charities. It featured a street food market and, once more, the closure of Queen Square.

Half of the funds has already been allocated to: Three Ways School (New café area), First Steps Bath (Counselling), Action on Hearing Loss South West (for their Bath Workshop), Julian House (Big Sleep), the Carer’s Centre (Counselling), Golden Oldies (Christmas party), the Forever Friends Appeal (new cancer centre), Developing Health & Independence (Counselling), RICE (dementia care) and Southside (Counselling).

“The trustees of the Bath Boules Charity are extremely pleased at this year’s result and thank all those involved in making it a record-breaking year once more,” says

David Gledhill for the Boules Trustees. “The charity supports those helping the young, old and disadvantaged in Bath and now we know how much has been raised we have been identifying those charitable causes, both big and small, who will all benefit from this year’s tremendous result.”

The Headline Sponsor for the Bath Boules was Royds Withy King, once more – and it will sponsor again in 2017. “We have been very proud to be the Headline Sponsor of the Bath Boules once more in 2016, having supported it since inception,’ says managing partner Graham Street, “Boules continues to prosper – in its reach, its reputation and in the amount of good it does for local Bath charities.

“We look forward to supporting the Boules alongside many hundreds of local companies and thousands of Bathonians.”

Next year’s dates are 9-11 June, with Queen Square closed again to support the fundraising. Team ticket sales open on March 9

Greg announces the record amount raised at Bath’s Hall & Woodhouse bar and restaurant

at midday and are expected to close mere minutes later; in the last two years, tickets have sold out almost as fast as Glastonbury.

“This year completely exceeded all our expectations. It was an absolute blast!” says the organiser MediaClash’s Greg Ingham. “So many people and companies having so much fun raising so much money for Bath charities is just great. It’s a pleasure to be involved in it. The Bath Boules is unique. Only Bath can do this. Only Queen Square can house it. And only the collective will of Bathonians can create a stunning reflection of all that is great about Bath in the summer.

“The Queen Square closure continues to work superbly, opening up the event – and the city – in a unique way. We thank the B&NES team for all their help here. Over £300,000 has been raised to date by the Boules. We have a very precious event here: it’s up to all of us to protect and extend it to work even better next time.”

For more: www.bathboules.com

Adventures in party-going

Michaela Dorawa and Baerbel Dorawa

SCENE

Sue Fairman and Roger Fairman

AC ROS S B AT H , O N E S H I N D I G AT A T I M E

AUSTEN POWERS

Emily Jupp, Jane Lee, Rebecca Bletcher and Laura Gardiner

It may have rained but this didn’t dampen the spirits of those taking part in the world-famous Grand Regency Costumed Promenade around the city on 11 September, which marked the opening of the 16th annual Jane Austen Festival.

Photos by Derryn Vranch www.derrynvranch.com

Gary Laliberte and Gerald Dore

Daisy Brown, John Dike and Alice Brown

18 I BATH LIFE I www.mediaclash.co.uk

Joe Long, Audrey Harrison, John Harrison and Elisabeth Long

Felicity Chancey, Matt Chancey and Jennie Chancey

SOCIETY

FLATS ENTERTAINMENT Bath Life columnist, former rugby player and TV pundit David Flatman delivered a candid and witty talk to the members of the Bath Life Business Club at The Royal Crescent & Spa, who also enjoyed a delicious lunch served with wine.

Turn to page 142, for our write-up of his fascinating interview.

Photos by Peter Travers www.petertravers.co.uk

Andrew Given, Tom Boyce, David Medlock, Philip Cobb and Ian Lloyd

Chris Kane, Paul Coleman and David Flatman

Ian Gillard, Robin Browning and Andrew Niven Annette Brune and Nick Oliver

Ryan Webb, Sophie Speakman and Alana Medforth

Lisa Evans, Dave Dixon, Chris Howard and Jon Bickley

20 I BATH LIFE I www.mediaclash.co.uk

Pippa Russell, Bill Vasilieff, Rosanna Hood and Hannah Lee

Hannah Downs, David Newton and Ian Sandham

SOCIETY

ELECTRIC AVENUE To celebrate Electric Bear Brewing Co.’s first year of brewing and being named ‘UK Winners’ for three beers in the World Beer Awards, the Brassmill Lane-located team held a party on 10 September, which was attended by over 300 guests. Pizza, cake and, of course, special beers were served.

Photos by Derryn Vranch www.derrynvranch.com

Hannah Sime, Justin Huntree, Phil Dauncey, Sue Bush and Neil Culleur Zoe Somerville, Sarah Hollingworth and Suzy O’Kelly

Chris Shire and Trish Shire

Matt Williams, Tessa Brown, Chris Kearns and Mandy Brown Richard Tidswell and Chris Lewis

Samantha Light Mark Hysted and Nicki Adams

22 I BATH LIFE I www.mediaclash.co.uk

SOCIETY

SITE SEEING Constructing Excellence South West Bath Club and Kersfield Developments recently conducted a tour of Lansdown Fields site located on Lansdown Ridge, which will be a contemporary housing site and is due for completion in June 2017. Champagne and canapĂŠs were served in one of the show homes, and among the speakers was John Wilkinson who gave an inspirational speech about housing and regeneration.

Kate Allen and Tim Matthews

Matthew Knockton and Jamie Adam

LĂŠonie Spencer, Trevor Osbourne and Amanda Watts

Photos by Philip Field www.philipfield.com

Phil Beuan, Jo Davis and Mark Tyrrell

Richard Smith and Edward Cooke

Nick Dell, Tarquin McDonald, Julia Davenport-Cooper and Allan Lloyd

Lorri Newton, Frascine Watson and Dan Harris

Mark Catt, Philip Mitchell and Naomi Pound 24 I BATH LIFE I www.mediaclash.co.uk

SOCIETY

SPOKES PEOPLE It took them nearly 200km and 4000m of climbing, for the Tour of Britain teams to cross South Wales, and Gloucestershire, before finishing at Victoria Park, Bath, on 8 September. A delighted crowd of thousands lined Royal Avenue to see New Zealander Jack Bauer first past the line.

Dorothy Cussens, Sofia Grace Cussens and Joe Cussens

Dave Bailey and Paul Halbert

Photos by Giulia Spadafora www.soul-media.co.uk

The Saltford and Keynsham, AKA SAS Collective, Cycling team

GOOD SPORTS

Maggie Marke, with Elspeth and James

Ally Lascelle, Megan Sinden and Yazmin Snook

Sporting Family Change held a prosecco party at The Guildhall, Bath, on 10 September to celebrate their second year anniversary and gaining charity status earlier this year. Along with prosecco and a three-course meal, the 190 guests enjoyed a latenight disco, after listening to several moving speeches.

Photos by Mervyn Clingan www.takingpictures.com

26 I BATH LIFE I www.mediaclash.co.uk

Ian Bush, Lucy Bush, Andrew Colenutt, Alison Truscott, Augusta Bush, Brad Ingram, Maisie Bush, Charlotte Calloway, Sam Gould and Jessica Anticey

Hayley Clarke, Megan Sinden, Tracey Bidgood, Toby Jenkins, Phillip Davis, Jo Fry, Karen Davis and Dave Harrington Jess Deane, Lynda Deane and Dawn Prior

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A MAN’S WORLD

DAVID FLATMAN

‘TIS (ALMOST) THE SEASON Flats is already getting into the festive spirit but isn’t going to party quite as hard this year…

E

very Christmas, a large group of us meets for a fairly aggressive social, usually in Hoxton, East London. We pick this venue not because it’s conveniently placed – it isn’t – and not because it’s cool. Well actually, we do pick it partly because it’s cool, but primarily because it, and the people within it, seem to take themselves far too seriously. Our dress code is ‘Hoxton Tossers’ and we go the whole hog, with bow ties and fake glasses galore.

And it’s fun. Great fun. But I think I might be beginning to outgrow it. Or rather, I just don’t think I’m that fun anymore.

Years ago – before a certain scandal rocked the club – our Bath Rugby Christmas parties were legendary. Traditionally, an injured player would use his spare time to plan it all, and his brief would be to get away with as much naughtiness as possible without anyone getting sacked, hurt or arrested.

They regularly failed on these fronts, from memory, but we knew what we were walking into.

One Christmas in particular stands out, probably as it was the party that went so far south and saw so many people making poor life decisions that we were henceforth banned from planning our own parties. I won’t name and shame the player who put together this most calamitous (and enjoyable) occasion, but his name was Peter Short. He was – and is – a man with a boundless imagination, and also a man in possession of such physical heft that few questioned his canteen-based mood board during the planning stage.

The end result was an emergency meeting called on the following Monday morning with senior management, senior players, and Mr

Short. The vibe was aggressive and punitive. Question one from the big boss at the time: “Shorty, what do you have to say about the carnage that was wreaked here on Saturday night?” So, reasonably direct, with the room silent. “Well,” said the defendant. “The phrase ‘Best Christmas Party Eveeeerrrrrr’ has been bandied about”.

We, the senior and serious players, broke down. Laughter soon became stomach cramps and crying. We couldn’t help it. We knew we’d gone too far, and we knew this was the end of our reign as awesome event managers, but it remained an unavoidably, totally inappropriately hysterical moment.

Short became (even more of ) a legend overnight, and our Christmas parties became book club-tame at the same rate.

I tell you this not to brag, for what we used to do was undeniably childish. I look back on these memories with genuine nostalgia, though nothing in me wants to be back there. I know it’s only September, but let’s face it, soon enough you’re going to have to start thinking about booking tables and whether or not to invite partners. It’s coming, and I wish you all a wonderful time. I’ll be perfectly happy in The Porter restaurant having a nice bit of fish and a few bottles of red with my chums, and I expect you will be, too. However, if you do fancy spicing it up a little this year – or if you know you’re going to resign from your job anyway – I do know a man who plans a lovely little soirée.

OUR BATH RUGBY CHRISTMAS PARTIES WERE LEGENDARY

David Flatman is an ex-Bath and England rugby star turned TV pundit and rent-o-mic. Follow him on Twitter @davidflatman

ARTS

ONE TO ONE

HOLDEN back the FEARS Ahead of her performance at the Theatre Royal Bath where she’ll star in Stepping Out, actress and Britain’s Got Talent judge Amanda Holden talks nerves, strong women and regrets…

I

t’s not every day you interview someone who’s half naked in a public street, but here’s Amanda Holden wearing nothing but a leotard, heels and a top hat. She’s in character as the haughty Vera – an “outspoken woman with a severe lack of self awareness” – who Amanda will be bringing to the Theatre Royal Bath this month.

The play, Stepping Out, which she’ll head, will be one of the most star-studded shows the venue’s ever seen. Alongside Amanda is EastEnders’ Tamzin Outhwaite and Tracy-Ann Oberman, Coronation Street’s Angela Griffin and Brookside’s Nicola Stephenson, and they’re all good friends in real life.

“I’m having a wonderful time rehearsing with some of my best friends who I’ve loved for years,” says Amanda who knows all but two of the many cast members. “We’re always together, and this play is great to do as a group as there’s no nervousness about meeting new people or worrying if you’re going to get along. The chemistry is already there and hopefully the truth of that will come through on stage.

“All our children will be coming to watch us in the play,” adds the TV personality and actress who’s well-known as a judge on the award-winning Britain’s Got Talent as well as for her TV appearances in the likes of Wild at Heart, Kiss Me Kate

32 I BATH LIFE I www.mediaclash.co.uk

By L I SA E VA NS and This Morning. “They’re all of a similar age and they’re all girls. It will be strange to think that they’ll be pointing to us on stage saying ‘oh look there’s aunty Amanda and aunty Angela’. It’ll probably be a little unsettling for them to see us all together without glasses of wine in our hands – as that’s the usual when we’re all together.”

The friendship she has with the other actresses is, she says, in a way, a mirror image of the show’s underling storyline. The comedy is based around seven women and one man attempting to tap their troubles away at a weekly dancing class. Initially all thumbs and left feet, the group is just getting to grips with the basics when they are asked to take part in a charity gala.

“The play’s all about female camaraderie and strong women,” says Amanda. “There’s enough bitchiness between women in the real world, so a united front is always good to see. That’s what I feel like I have with these ladies, so it’s good to portray those themes of compassion, warmth and kindness on stage. It’s about vulnerability and strength at the same time.

“They use tap dancing to escape the stresses of life and let go of their worries,” adds Amanda.

“The only difference between the show’s friendship group and my real friendship group is that we don’t use dance to escape real life, we just get together and have a laugh, normally whilst sat on our bums.”

As a veteran judge on Britain’s Got Talent, Amanda says she’ll be taking inspiration from the w

ONE TO ONE

ARTS

BATH WAS DEFINITELY ONE OF THE PLACES WHERE IT ALL STARTED FOR ME

Amanda Holden in costume as the character Vera in Stepping Out which opens here in Bath

www.mediaclash.co.uk I BATH LIFE I 33

ARTS

ONE TO ONE

Amanda with the star-studded cast of Stepping Out including Tamzin Outhwaite, Angela Griffin and Nicola Stephenson

many dance acts she’s been wowed by in the past.

“I’m going to take motivation from them and I’m going to be even better than them,” she laughs. “In all honesty, the best bit about doing this show was being told ‘don’t lose weight and don’t brush up on your dance skills’. There’s very little pressure on us and the reason for that is that the show is supposed to depict women with varying levels of talent rather than carbon copies of each other. We’re just a normal group who, hopefully, many people will be able to relate to.”

Although she’s no stranger to the stage (she starred in the West End’s Shrek the Musical in 2011 and in Thoroughly Modern Millie in 2003), Amanda still suffers from “extreme nervousness”.

“The prospect of getting up in front of a live audience is still terrifying,” she says. “It’s a good fear though. I can’t wait to feel that buzz again.”

The show will premiere in Bath in October before touring until November, and Amanda thinks it’s a great place in which to kick things off as it’s one of the first places she ever performed.

“Well Bath is just utterly fabulous, isn’t it?” she says. “Who wouldn’t want to start off the show in such a perfect place – especially at the Theatre Royal which is one of the most beautiful theatres in Britain.”

In her autobiography, No Holding Back, Amanda says of the Theatre Royal: “Bath theatre has a legend that if an actor sees a butterfly inside, either your show will be a success or you’ll make it in the business. One day in Bath, backstage, 34 I BATH LIFE I www.mediaclash.co.uk

QU I CK-FI R E R OU N D In Stepping Out, the characters tap dance to escape the realities of life.

How do you let go of steam?

I enjoy running. If I’m ever really stressed then I like to be alone; it’s a massive luxury as I’m always surrounded by people.

What are your hidden talents?

I don’t know if I’m any good at it, but I love photography. I’m always with the kids when I’m not working so I’m forever getting them to pose for the camera.

Your biggest career highlight?

Performing in Thoroughly Modern Millie and getting nominated for an Olivier award. The woman who won it that year – Maria Friedman – is actually now the director of Stepping Out. Any regrets?

I’ve made a hundred mistakes in life.

I could get annoyed at my younger self, but I’m way too busy to care.

Your guiltiest pleasure?

White, red and rosé wine, and real, salty butter.

Why should people come to see Stepping Out? It’s a show that men can enjoy as well as women (don’t be put off by the female-heavy cast, guys!) and you’ll have a complete hoot. It’s a wonderfully funny and heartwarming comedy.

I came across an old chest that I hadn’t noticed before. Without thinking, I lifted the lid and a butterfly flew out. I was gobsmacked. It felt like a real movie moment for me.”

“I’ve visited the theatre several times in the past,” she tells us. “I did Arsenic and Old Lace there, which was one of the very first things I did when I left acting school and I remember it like it was yesterday. Bath was definitely one of the places where it all started for me. I filmed Happy Birthday Shakespeare in the city and stayed in an amazing place on the top of the hill overlooking some spectacular views.”

This time around, she and ‘her girls’ are all sharing houses, rather than getting hotel rooms.

“We’ve Airbnb’d it,” she explains. “It’s more like a holiday than work and I know it’s going to be so much fun with everyone there.”

As she’ll be here for 10 days for the production, she’s looking forward to re-exploring the city, but not in the traditional sense.

“I’ve done all the big things – the Roman Baths, the spa, the open-top bus tour to see the city – so I think this time around will be more of an exploration of wine bars in the area; I’m very excited about it. It’s going to be an adventure. The architecture and eclectic mix of people are always great to see, too. But first, wine.”

Amanda Holden stars in Stepping Out by Richard Harris from 12 – 22 October at the Theatre Royal Bath. For more and to book, see www.theatreroyal.org.uk

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Music/theatre/film/more

A POPULAR CHOICE

Rostra Gallery’s new exhibition brings a pop of colour later this month and celebrates one of the most exciting art movements, which emerged in the 1950s.

POP! will showcase new and archive works by artists that were instrumental during this period, as well as artists today that have been inspired by the groundbreaking work of the Pop Art generation.

This includes Mychael Barratt and his etching Lichtenstein’s Dog, which is taken from a series of paintings and prints that he has done over the years, paying homage to some of his favourite artists by creating portraits of their imagined pets.

Also featuring in the exhibition is Emily Lawlor’s distinctive union flags along with Peter Blake, considered by many to be the godfather of British Pop Art. The POP! Exhibition can be seen at Rostra Gallery, 5 George Street, Bath from 15 October – 14 November; www.rostragallery.co.uk

www.mediaclash.co.uk I BATH LIFE I 37

1 October – 29 October

It’s a whiter shade of pale with Procol Harum’s former guitarist Robin Trower when he plays at Frome’s Cheese & Grain on14 October; Get Great Bath Feasting with the Wolf Wine team at Green Park Station between 1–9 October; Everything But The Girl’s Tracey Thorn talks music, tours, books and life on 19 October

Exhibitions U N TI L 1 0 O C T O B ER

URBAN ART Rostra Gallery’s current exhibition explores how city life influences the art world and continues to be a productive source of inspiration for many artists. Dan Baldwin, Clare Halifax, Sean Alexander and Anna Marrow have created paintings and screen prints that celebrate urban architecture, everyday materials, street art and graffiti. Rostra Gallery; www.rostragallery.co.uk U N TI L 1 3 O C T O B ER

1ST WORLD WAR ACTS OF KINDNESS This exhibition reflects upon the day-to-day life at the Bath War Hospital and offers the opportunity to explore the

concept of compassionate community support and the comfort that this brought to recovering soldiers, as well as insight into how such relationships support treatment and wellbeing. RUH Bath; www.artatruh.org U N TI L 1 3 OCTO BER

12 X 12 SILENT AUCTION To mark the 20th anniversary of Bath Artists’ Studios (BAS), the Studios are collaborating with Art at the Heart and have located the popular Sealed Auction of 12”x 12” works by BAS artists in the RUH’s central corridor. The successful bidders will be announced in October and all proceeds will be donated to the work of both charity organisations. Combe Park, Royal United Hospital; www.artatruh.org

38 I BATH LIFE I www.mediaclash.co.uk

UNTIL 17 O C TO BER

FRED CUMING RA Fred Cuming is highly respected in the art world and at 86 and still painting, is probably one of the most important figurative British artists alive and has inspired many artists over the decades.

The exhibition features his range of work from Venetian scenes, to British coastal landscapes and still life paintings. Adam Gallery; www.adamgallery.com UNTIL 19 O C TO BER

SANDRA PORTER: SYMBIOSIS A striking exhibition of prints, drawings, collages and paintings, celebrating the artist’s investigations into exploring the symbiotic relationship of stripes, grids and intersecting graphic patterns. The Gallery at Dauntsey’s; www.dauntseys.org

UNTIL 29 O CT O B ER

AUTUMN GLORY Nick Cudworth’s paintings and prints reflecting his fascination in the seasonal changing light and colours of the countryside foliage. www.nickcudworth.co.uk UNTIL 27 NO V EM B ER

KENNETH ARMITAGE This major, retrospective exhibition features over 65 sculptures in bronze and plaster together with paintings and drawings from all phases of Armitage’s career. Victoria Art Gallery; www.victoriagal.org.uk UNTIL 27 NO V EM B ER

PLANNING FOR PEACE While Great Britain was in the middle of the First World War, architect Robert Atkinson designed an extraordinary project to redevelop the city of Bath. His

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incredible never-built designs, which included an amphitheatre, a huge war memorial and a concert hall, are explored in this fascinating exhibition. Museum of Bath Architecture; www. museumofbatharchitecture.org.uk UNTI L 1 1 D E C E MBE R

DAILY DELIGHTS OF GEORGIAN BATH Using Thomas Rowlandson’s famous 1798 satirical etchings, The Comforts Of Bath, as inspiration, the more decadent side of Bath is celebrated in the Daily Delights of Georgian Bath exhibition. It explores the rich amusements Bath had to offer such as dinners with 20 different dishes and card games where £10,000 could be lost in one sitting. No. 1 Royal Crescent; www.no1royalcrescent.org.uk

ARTS

backgrounds within our society, and shows the need to exercise diplomacy, trust and creative problem-solving, whilst pushing contemporary thinking forward.

Such a project between British painter Malcolm Ashman and Norwegian digital print maker Inger Karthum presents notions of memory melded with shared experience. Bath Contemporary; www.bathcontemporary.com 8 – 2 2 OCTOB ER

DRAWING – TECHNIQUE AND PURPOSE Exhibition co-curated by David Simon Gallery of drawing, painting, printmaking and sculpture by Bath Society of Artists. Bath Royal Literary and Scientific Institution; www.brlsi.org 8 – 3 1 OCTOB ER

UNTI L 1 2 F E B RUA RY 2 0 1 7

RED – CULTURE, HISTORY AND CRAFTSMANSHIP Have you ever wondered why red is so prevalent in Asian culture?

This exhibition explores the many different aspects of this bold primary colour in Chinese culture, from the materials used to produce the shade, to the symbolism of the colour, and the rapid advancement of red wares during the Ming dynasty.

Museum of East Asian Art; www.meaa.org.uk UNTI L 1 J ANUARY 2 0 1 8

A HISTORY OF FASHION IN 100 OBJECTS The Fashion Museum presents 100 ‘star’ objects that illustrate a history of fashion from the 1600s to the present day, referencing moments in history, as well as more personal stories. See an intricately embroidered waistcoat worked in coloured silks and glittering metal thread worn by an aristocratic woman from Shakespeare’s time, then fast forward 300 years and see a beautiful appliqué embroidered jacket by Paris couturier Lucien Lelong, worn by Gone With The Wind actress Vivien Leigh in 1948; Fashion Museum; www.fashionmuseum.co.uk

7 – 2 9 O C TO B E R

MALCOLM ASHMAN AND INGER KARTHUM Collaboration between artistic practices encourages focus on the positivity of entwining knowledge and skill from a variety of

MOMENTS IN TIME Capturing character, humour and life, this solo exhibition of new bronze sculptures by Sara Ingleby-MacKenzie portrays the female figure in everyday activities. Some pieces, such as Carnival, are patinated in striking colour, and others finished in more traditional tones. In this show we see elegant bronze figures of ladies of style and attitude across a variety of very different scales from eight inches to five feet tall. David Simon Contemporary; www. davidsimoncontemporary.com 8 – 3 1 OCTOB ER

STUDIO TO SHORE Working with raw pigment mixed with oil onto canvas, Jackie Philip paints with an immediate and direct approach, creating a rich tapestry of colour and luminosity of light. This solo exhibition, her first in Bath, features her latest paintings of still life subjects and landscapes of the Scottish Inner Hebrides. David Simon Contemporary; www. davidsimoncontemporary.com 1 5 OCTOBE R – 14 NO VEMBER

POP! Rostra Gallery’s new exhibition brings a burst of colour to the autumn months with a nod to one of the most exciting art movements which emerged in the 1950s. POP! will showcase new and archive works by artists that were instrumental during the 1950s Pop Art movement, as well as artists working today

Top to bottom: See Jackie Philip’s solo exhibition at David Simon Contemporary; Catch the foot-tapping May-We-Go-Round dance theatre show on 14 October

that have been inspired by the groundbreaking work of this period. Turn to page 37 for more information. Rostra Gallery; www.rostragallery.co.uk

12 – 22 O CT O B ER

Plays/Shows UNTIL 8 O C TO BER

A ROOM WITH A VIEW English rose Lucy Honeychurch is touring Italy with her prim spinster cousin Charlotte Bartlett as chaperone, played

by Theatre Royal favourite and national treasure Felicity Kendall.

Charlotte stops Lucy fraternising with the lower-class Mr Emerson and his son George, but she soon finds out, despite her best efforts, she can’t control everything. £35.50-£19.50. Theatre Royal Bath; www.theatreroyal.org.uk

STEPPING OUT Amanda Holden heads one of the starriest casts ever to have stepped out on the Theatre Royal’s stage, and includes Angela Griffin, Tracy-Ann Oberman, Tamzin Outhwaite and Nicola Stephenson. This wonderfully funny and heart-warming comedy charts the lives of seven women and one man, each attempting to tap their troubles away at a weekly dancing class £40-£29.

Turn to page 32 for our exclusive interview with Amanda Holden.

Theatre Royal Bath; www.theatreroyal.org.uk 13 - 15 O CT O B ER

MURDER, SHE DIDN’T WRITE Returning after a highly-acclaimed and popular run earlier this year as part of the Bath Comedy Festival, w

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Degrees of Error allow you to unleash your literary prowess to create an original and hilarious improvised murder mystery. The Mission Theatre; £12; www.missiontheatre.co.uk 14 O C T O B E R

MAY-WE-GO-ROUND? The Hiccup Project perform their award winning dance-theatre, laugh-out-loud show celebrating love, lust and friendship in all its messy and confusing forms.

7.30pm, £10. University Theatre, Bath Spa University; www.bathspalive.com 21 - 2 2 O C TO B E R

THE CIRCUS OF HORRORS This ‘Never-ending Nightmare’ spectacular features an amazing amalgamation of bizarre, brave and beautiful acts all woven into an Alice in Horrorland-type story performed with a forked tongue firmly in each cheek. £20.

Wookey Hole; www.wookey.co.uk 26 O C T O B E R

JET SET GO! A delightfully inventive, witty and slightly bitchy musical about cabin crew and pilots – there’s the new air hostess finding her feet, the fiery stewardess flying high on love and arrogant co-pilots.

7.30pm, £10. The Mission Theatre; www.missiontheatre.co.uk

Music 6 OCTOBER

STORNOWAY Alternative, indie-folk band Stornoway return with their new album Bonxie, full of uplifting folk and electronica, which went straight into the UK Top 20 on release, with a slew of critical acclaim and stellar reviews. 7pm, £16. Komedia; www.komedia.co.uk

6 OCTOBER

THE BARBER OF SEVILLE Opera pops up at Bath Function Rooms with the critically acclaimed Pop-Up Opera company breathing life, energy and joy into this much-loved score by Rossini. 7.30pm, £20.

Green Park Brasserie; www.greenparkbrasserie.com 14 O C T O B E R

MYSTERY JETS The south London band have been described as a Syd Barrett-

Cheer up you Mystery Jets! You’ll love playing your distinctive brand of playful pop at Komedia Bath on 14 October

enthralled troupe fashioning delightfully skewed, potting shed psychedelia out of playful wonky pop and unashamedly proggy.

They also happen to write great songs. 7.30pm, £15. Komedia; www.komedia.co.uk 1 4 OCTOBE R

THE BLUESWATER BAND The award-winning rhythm and blues band take their audience across 100 years of blues, from early delta sounds to modern artists, such as Jack White and Seasick Steve. 8pm, £14. Chapel Arts Centre; www.chapelarts.org 1 4 OCTOBE R

ROBIN TROWER Robin Trower is an acclaimed British rock guitarist and vocalist, who achieved worldwide success with Procol Harum during the 1960s, and then again with his own power trio and is still going strong today. He is joined by the award-winning blues musician Stevie Nimmo. 8pm, £24.

Cheese & Grain, Frome; www.cheeseandgrain.com

20 O C TO BER

THE SMYTHS After a successful eleven years and over 500 shows, this acclaimed band are seasoned performers who redefine the word ‘tribute’ and instead present the music with love, passion and dedication to honour and respect the original Smiths. 7pm, £12.

Komedia; www.komedia.co.uk 28 O C TO BER

THE MUSICAL BOX Licensed and supported by Genesis and Peter Gabriel, Montreal-based Genesis tribute The Musical Box recreates the iconic show featuring music from the prog pioneers 1973 album Selling England by the Pound.

Original and replica costumes, props and lighting from the 1974 tour, bring Genesis’s eccentric performances back to life again with giant sunflowers, bat wings, gladiators and double necked guitars. 7pm, £32.50. The Forum; www.bathforum.co.uk 28 O C TO BER

1 9 OCTOBE R

DAVIID ‘Jeff Buckley meets Nick Drake’ is just one of the plaudits that’s been used to describe the haunting, urbane and sophisticated music of singer songwriter Daviid aka David Smith. 8pm, £8. Chapel Arts Centre; www.chapelarts.org

40 I BATH LIFE I www.mediaclash.co.uk

BATH PHILHARMONIA The mighty Klais Organ of Bath Abbey is about to go under wraps for several years as part of the Abbey Footprint Project, but before that happens, organ soloist is Shean Bowers is joining Bath Phil, to performing a series of atmospheric, virtuoso and

powerful pieces. See page 178 for our Bath Lives interview with Shean. 7pm; £25-£15. Bath Abbey; www.bathabbey.org

Family fun 1 – 9 O CT O B ER

BATH CHILDREN’S LITERATURE FESTIVAL The festival, which is the largest dedicated children’s book festival in Europe, and presents over 80 public, ticketed events and an extensive programme in local schools is celebrating its 10th birthday.

Among the illustrious literary lineup attending are David Walliams, Liz Pichon, astronaut Chris Hadfield, Chris Riddell, Olympic cyclist Sir Chris Hoy, Malorie Blackman, Simon Mayo and former children’s laureate Michael Morpurgo.

For more information about pricing and venues, please visit www.bathfestivals.org.uk 3 – 7 O CT O B ER

THE DRAGON’S DENTIST Local author John Mclay, playwright Tom Morris and illustrator Martin Brown have collaborated with the Next Stage Theatre Company to bring The Dragon’s Dentist to the stage. Little Harry wants to be a knight, his timid horse, Oats, tries to be brave and Eric the Dragon hopes to be fierce, but has painful toothache. £8. The Mission Theatre; www.missiontheatre.co.uk w

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7 – 9 OCTOBER

THE BOY WHO CLIMBED THE MOON Some pretty odd ideas are floating around Paul’s street.

There’s Mabel, whose brother hides under a brown paper bag, and Clarence the poodle who thinks he can fly. But Paul has the oddest idea of all. He thinks that the moon is a big hole in the sky and he’s going to climb into it. 5-11years. £8.50/£7.50. the egg; www.theatreroyal.org.uk

4 OCTOBE R

CREATIVE BATH: BUSINESS BREAKFAST The Creative Bath Business Breakfasts provide an important forum for senior-level discussion about current opportunities and challenges in the creative sector. Along with the monthly opportunity for networking, there are round table discussions.

8am-10am, £10. Igloo, The Abbey Hotel; www.creativebath.org 7 OCTOBE R

14 – 1 6 O C TO B E R

MAVIS SPARKLE With a magician for a father and a stargazer for a mother, it’s no wonder there’s more to Mavis than meets the eye in this cosmically delightful tale about a girl who journeys north. £8.50/£7.50. the egg; www.theatreroyal.org.uk

INSIDE NEW ORDER WITH PETER HOOK Legendary bassist Peter Hook is interviewed by Creative Bath chairman Greg Ingham about his no-holds barred, comprehensive account of the fascinating history of New Order. 8pm, £20/£10.

Christ Church, Julian Road; www.toppingbooks.co.uk

15 O C T O B E R

KNOW-HOW REPAIR CAFÉ In Global Climate Change Week, bring your broken or unwanted electronic goods along for a team of volunteers to fix, including computers and games consoles.

11am, free. The Edge, University of Bath; www.icia.org.uk 22 O C T O B E R

BATH GEEK FEST As we all know, geek is the new chic and this is a fine celebration of all things geeky in the An American Toy Story exhibition.

There are special guests, stalls, talks, and lots more from the world of comics, TV, films, games, YouTube, and toys. 11am-5pm.

Price included with gardens admission. American Museum; www.americanmuseum.org

Other

7 OCTOBE R

AN EVENING WITH GRAHAM NORTON Graham Norton will be interviewed by writer Viv Groskop about his eagerly awaited debut novel Holding, which is set in a small seemingly-innocent Irish town where long-buried secrets and rivalries to come to light. 7pm, £20. The Forum; www.bathforum.co.uk 7 – 9 OCTOBE R

BIG GREEN HOME SHOW Located at Swindon’s National Self Build & Renovation Centre (NSBRC), the UK’s only permanent visitor centre for self builders and home improvers, the show offers a packed three days of live demonstrations, free seminars and case studies along with an unrivalled line up of experts on hand to share their advice; www.nsbrc.co.uk

1 – 9 OCTOBER

GREAT BATH FEAST The Great Bath Feast is a melting pot of wonderful flavours and lively personalities, celebrating all things food such as cakes, ale, gourmets, gastro pubs, veggie curries and city cocktails. Events including wine tasting with Wolf Wine, the new boutique wine den in Green Park Station, and an 18th-century style breakfast in the elegant surroundings of No.1 Royal Crescent. For more information visit www.greatbathfeast.co.uk

Top to bottom: Daviid plays Chapel Arts Centre on 19 October – be sure to ask him how to spell his name; The Boy Who Climbed The Moon is on at the egg

watch an enchanting belly dance show to live music by Orient Express; all set within an authentic Arabic atmosphere.

The Oriel Hall, Larkhall; 7.30pm, £32. www.dancingflavours.co.uk 19 O C TO BER

1 3 OCTOBE R

BATH YOGA AND WELLNESS Join the folks from Bath Yoga and Wellness for a cuppa, a catch-up, and a guest speaker on counselling therapy. 6pm, free. Comins Tea House, 34 Monmouth St; www.meetup.com/ Bath-Yoga-And-Wellness

SIR TONY ROBINSON The Blackadder actor, TimeTeam presenter and author will sign copies of his autobiography No Cunning Plan, which charts his stellar 50-years-and-counting career. 12.30pm, £20 for book and voucher which admits two people.

Topping & Company Booksellers; www.toppingbooks.co.uk

1 4 OCTOBE R

1001 NIGHTS: THE MAGIC OF THE EAST Experience an evening of delicious Lebanese cuisine;

42 I BATH LIFE I www.mediaclash.co.uk

19 O C TO BER

TRACEY THORN The Everything But The Girl singer and songwriter, and

reluctant popstar, joins Nic Bottomley, owner of Mr B’s and Bath Life columnist, to share stories from her witty new book, Naked in the Albert Hall: The Inside Story of Singing. 7pm, £9.

Wiltshire Music Centre; www.wiltshiremusic.org.uk 21 O C TO B ER

RUH BIG BAKE SALE Channel 4’s The Fabulous Baker Brothers, Tom and Henry are on board as Official Ambassadors for Ted’s Big Bake Off and visiting the RUH to officially open the RUH Big Bake Sale, which marks the close of the fundraising week across Bath, Somerset and Wiltshire. Turn to page 111 for more, and for more information visit www. foreverfriendsappeal.co.uk

Photography courses in Corsham and local walking workshops For beginners and intermediates Get to grips with your camera, and be more confident and creative with your photography

Penney Ellis 01225 811 929 or 07896 315 778 penney.ellis@photo-sensitive.co.uk www.photo-sensitive.co.uk

SCOTTISH CASHMERE SALE www.capitalcashmere.com Hundreds of jumpers and accessories in 100% Cashmere. Probably the largest collection in the UK! Our range is bigger than ever All Grade A quality cashmere Far superior to most High Street quality Prices at least 50% below normal retail Clearance prices even lower Stock up now for Winter and all those Christmas presents

The Racecourse, Bath Monday/tuesday 19/20 October 10am - 4pm

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‘Swingers bring a rock show attitude to electro swing with crazy vintage remixes, on-stage dancers and like the Correspondents before them, an extraordinary and charismatic front-man’.

Nick Hollywood - Freshly Squeezed Music, White Mink. (Photography www.tomsmithphotography.co.uk)

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E D U C AT I O N a d v e r tisi n g f e at u r e

The Performing Arts provide lessons for life Karen Cordon, Headmistress of St Margaret’s Preparatory School in Calne, Wiltshire, believes children who study the performing arts are being provided with vital lessons that will help them play a leading role in later life. Here she explains why...

I

am a strong believer that much of life is a performance and so it stands to reason that children who have grown up in an environment where they are encouraged to perform in front of an audience of their peers, teachers, parents and family friends, are in a strong position when they go out into the wider world. At my school, the performing arts are an integral part of the timetable and I see children as young as three brimming with confidence when they are encouraged to sing, play an instrument or take part in a play.

They rarely suffer from nerves, because it is something they do right from the start and the boys and the girls are equally keen to perform.

But I am aware that children, as they get older, can become self-conscious about performing and so we make sure that there are strong role models, both male and female, with whom they can identify. Our drama and music provision is delivered by both female and male staff and all members of our school community, including administrative and housekeeping staff, take part in performance initiatives. Some of the staff are natural performers and have been

50 I BATH LIFE I www.mediaclash.co.uk

identified as ‘singing leaders’, others are less confident, but I know that we will have 100 per cent support from them all, because they all understand and appreciate the importance of developing the children’s confidence; the same applies to our parents. Not surprisingly though, the children are relishing every opportunity to perform!

My first job after leaving Music College in the 1980s was as a music teacher at a primary school in the London Borough of Brent, where many of my lessons were attended by interpreters, facilitating effective communication with the pupils, as so many of them did not have English as a first language.

However, their attendance was very short lived, as the children were so enthusiastic about making music that any obstacles that might have existed were swiftly eradicated.

In a capital city, rich with music and drama, very few of the children were fortunate enough to play musical instruments, most had never attended a live theatrical performance and the opportunities for developing self confidence and allowing them to express

themselves through these mediums were limited. What became apparent was that the children thrived on the regular performance opportunities; building their confidence and giving them a sense of pride in their own achievements. In the classroom, this led to improved concentration, better co-ordination and markedly better cognitive skills. Weekly music sessions within the nursery department were often attended by parents, many of whom had less English language skills than their children. In a very short time any barriers were swiftly broken down, as well as related inhibitions which made communication and integration challenging. Further, what better way for us to learn about the ideas and ideals of different cultures than through music.

My experience there really did show that, not only is music a universal language, but the learning benefits in the wider sense are immense.

When I first joined St Margaret’s there was limited provision in terms of the performing arts. A trolley, with a few homemade percussion instruments on it, was proudly

a d v e r t i s i n g f e at u r e E D U C AT I O N

presented as ‘The Music Department’! The school didn’t even have a piano that was useable and performance opportunities were limited. But what was evident back then was the belief amongst the staff that the value of encouraging children to develop this aspect of their learning, would bring enormous benefits in terms of life skills. A regular performance programme was quickly established, ranging from class assemblies to full scale musicals in which every child took part. Nowadays, children throughout the school have at least two music lessons every week as part of the curriculum, there are clubs for just about every type of music possible including a samba band, an orchestra, a wind band, four choirs, four string ensembles, and a newly established rock school! We are proud to have been acknowledged as a ‘Sing Up’ Platinum School and have this year also been recognised as ‘Wiltshire Choir of the Year 2016’.

Children’s communication skills are well developed and a significant factor in this is the extremely popular speech and drama programme, in which all pupils participate.

This is an expectation and we find that because the children are used to taking part in a wide range of school and public performances, they rarely get nervous.

Everyone else is doing it, so they want to be involved too. Music and drama can be hard work, because of the need for practice, but the elation that you get from the performance aspect makes it all worthwhile, and this is what our children experience. They love it and their parents think it is a good thing as well. I have never had a parent say they do not want their child to participate. Indeed, those with the more reserved children usually say, “Excellent, it will help to give them confidence’”, and that is exactly what happens.

Children develop the self assurance that they will take with them into their adult lives.

They go into interviews ready to speak up and are happy to deliver a presentation or a pitch in front of an audience. Children today are brought up on a diet of television programmes which makes them think that success can be instantly achievable, with little

“They develop the self assurance that they will take with them into their adult lives”

hard work involved. But music and drama show pupils that you have to practise and rehearse if you want a positive outcome. They get used to working hard and they get their reward when they stand on stage to perform and the audience is enthusiastic. That sort of adrenalin rush stays with them and makes them ready to put even more into their performance the next time.

Children and adults who take part in a busy performance programme are often very organised people. They have to be totally disciplined to fit their demanding schedules into their everyday lives and cope happily with the related pressures; again, vital skills for an effective adult life.

I believe all children benefit from studying music and drama and taking part in public performance, so we encourage our pupils to compete in competitions such as local and national eisteddfods and festivals. Not all of them will be star performers, but they all get a sense of personal achievement. Every now and again, you do get an exceptional child come along and it is our responsibility to encourage and support them in developing their talents to the highest possible standard.

As a busy Headmistress, I make a point of regularly being involved in the performance programme at St Margaret’s, along with the rest of the staff.

This provides a wonderful opportunity for me to be actively engaged with the personal development of all the children. Furthermore, when our pupils leave us to begin their secondary education in addition to the many benefits and attributes already mentioned,

we have given them confidence and an inner strength that will enable them to participate in whatever challenges life throws at them.

St Margaret’s is holding an open morning on Thursday 13 October from 9.30am until midday. Register online at www. stmargaretsprep.org.uk or contact Mrs Simone Hughes on 01249 857379.

St Margaret’s Preparatory School Curzon Street, Calne, Wiltshire SN11 0DF 01249 857220 office@stmargaretsprep.org.uk www.stmargaretsprep.org.uk

www.mediaclash.co.uk I BATH LIFE I 51

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BOOKS

ARTS

If all your plans are in order, though, and you can face a bit of pre-wedding gallows humour then Maggie Shipstead’s Seating Arrangements (Borough Press, £9.99) is a riot.

The high-end New England nuptials are a bombardment of youth, beauty, seafood and bubbly, but gradually the reality beneath the veneer is revealed. The bride’s estranged father is the principal player as he returns to the family home for this momentous occasion only to start lusting after one of the bridesmaids instead of focussing on the matter at hand.

A BOMBARDMENT OF YOUTH, BEAUTY, SEAFOOD AND BUBBLY

DREAM THEMES From weddings and Christmas parties to health and wellbeing, here are Nic Bottomley’s hot topics right now…

By N IC BO T T OM L E Y

B

efore I’ve penned a word (or given a thought to what that word might be) our esteemed editor throws me a curveball this week. This issue of Bath Life, she tells me, contains themes including Christmas party planning, bridal, and hair and beauty. Now, I’ve been known to dig up some obscure (but wonderful) novels on this page from time to time, but that is not a collection of themes that lends itself to a quick-fire list of literary treats. However, ever the professional, I shall see if I can come in near message with this little selection.

There are some great Christmas parties in literature but I just can’t bring myself to talk about them in September. For more general party-planning inspiration, though, there’s always A Curious Invitation by Suzette Field (Picador, £8.99) which invites us into the 40 greatest parties in literature.

Of course Gatsby is here but many of the entries are less predictable – The Blossom Viewing Party in Muraski Shikibu’s The Tale of Genji for example, or the markedly more disastrous Thomas Ewen High School Prom in Carrie.

For each of these delightfully personal

picks, Field sets out the context and a detailed description of the party itself under headings such as ‘The Host’, ‘The Invitation’ and ‘The Conversation’. In many instances the food is also given centre stage, particularly where the original author has dwelt on the menus in detail. Field can’t resist extracting some description of the vast array of food at Trimalchio’s dinner in the Latin classic The Satyricon where the dozen courses include items such as “a whole wild boar accompanied by pastry suckling piglets and filled with live thrushes”. Now who wouldn’t want that as the centrepiece to their Christmas party?

The history of literature is just as crammed full of dramatic weddings as it is exuberant parties. That doesn’t mean most of them are appropriate for a bridalthemed magazine feature, though. You see there’s something about weddings in novels that just spells drama or disaster. Even the gentlest and most bucolic of weddings don’t go without a hitch if they are between the covers of a book. If Dusty Dogwood and Poppy Eyebright’s guests can nearly get washed downstream on the wedding raft in Brambly Hedge’s Summer Story, then there’s no hope for anyone.

That only leaves hair and beauty. And here I’m going to cheat by directing you to the new glut of more general wellbeing books that are about to invade the bookshops. Hot on the heels of the successes of Norwegian Wood by Lars Mytting (Quercus, £20) and The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying by Marie Kondo (Ebury, £9.99), the next lifestyle sensation in the book world is set to be the Danish philosophy of Hygge. Putting your finger on exactly what Hygge is, seems to be a tricky proposition. But from what I can tell it’s all about creating a warm glow within (not to be confused with an insufferable smugness) through lots of relaxation, quality coffee, a ready supply of cinnamon buns, exquisite home furnishings and a close proximity to nature.

There are a staggering 40 Hygge related books coming out over the next few months as the entire publishing community is convinced it has sniffed out the new zeitgeist. Some are very beautiful and some even have real content. The pick for us so far is The Book of Hygge by Louisa Thomsen Brits (Ebury, £12.99), a superbly presented small-format coffee-table book that will have you stocking up on ash-grey throws and swapping your iPad for a hand-whittled fishing rod before you know it.

Nic Bottomley is the general manager of Mr B’s Emporium of Reading Delights, 14/15 John Street, Bath; 01225 331155; www.mrbsemporium.com

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56 I BATH LIFE I www.mediaclash.co.uk

R E S TA U R A N T

FOOD

The Bunch of Grapes Its head chef trained with Rick Stein, it’s been listed in the new Good Food Guide and its owners all live and breathe French cuisine, so it’s safe to say that this convivial market town restaurant is out to impress and delight. Photos by Mark Bolton

By L I SA E VA NS

B

radford on Avon is punching far above its weight in terms of quality foodie outlets, at the moment. Along with The Three Gables and The Longs Arms, The Bunch of Grapes has been listed in the 2017 Good Food Guide, so we went to find out why.

The restaurant is a collaboration between friends with one thing in common, that being a love of all things French.

While living in France, the group – which includes head chef Steve Carss, who trained with Rick Stein – were drawn to the food scene in the UK, so they endeavoured to bring all the best bits of France to The Grapes. They opened last November after completely refurbishing the building which had been closed for two years. The kitchen was moved to the top floor with a sophisticated bistro in the middle and a contemporary, lively bar on the ground floor – a great use of space since it provides two distinct venues in one.

Often at a restaurant, it’s the little touches that make it a memorable experience, and The Grapes has these in abundance. There are the boutique wines – some of the grapes for which were harvested by a partner of the restaurant, can you get more personal than that? – the Tom Dixon designer lighting, a vintage cocktail glass display and a wonderful wall of French art.

Upon taking our seats next to a candle lit, stained glass window, we’re presented with small plates, main and market du jour menus, the latter of which contains the specials of the day including options such as wood pigeon, and salt and pepper squid.

I flip straight to the tapas offering and although the sharing board for two – which includes the chef’s selection of favourite nibbles such as the rabbit rillette with pear chutney, the palourde clams with burrata, and the Wiltshire croque monsieur – looks incredible, I’m in a selfish mood tonight. I don’t care to share as it will entail having to employ that forced politeness which leaves you avoiding overindulging in case it seems rude, that pretend nonchalance when your dining partner takes more than their fair share, and that very British etiquette of insisting that someone else takes the last morsel even though you want it.

So, for myself, I order the cheese beignets – unfeasibly fat and sinfully indulgent deep-fried balls of gruyère, emmental,

IT’S AN ODD

SENSATION TO BITE INTO CHUNKS OF FRUIT IN A SAVOURY DISH, BUT IT WORKS SURPRISINGLY WELL

parmesan, cheddar and goats’ cheese – on an artful swish of chive-sprinkled crème fraîche; and my comrade goes for the chunky sweet potato and red pepper fritters with smoked garlic aioli and a fresh lime wedge.

After eyeing up some sweet-and-salty salads with toppings such as watermelon, chargrilled peaches, smoked duck and candied walnuts, I go for one of the du jour options: the golden breadcrumb-crusted fennel, apple and chicory gratin.

It’s an odd sensation to bite into chunks of fruit in a savoury dish, but it works surprisingly well, and it’s pleasantly teamed with a pumpkin seed, radish and red onion salad. I choose a side of bubbling-in-the-dish dauphinoise potatoes, too; which, in retrospect, didn’t complement the main brilliantly as it was too similar in presentation and texture. In hindsight I would have ordered the duck fat chips or the anchovy, black olive and caramelised onion Pissaladière.

After pondering over the Breton beer-can poussin and the moules frites, my dining partner opts for the sirloin from the local Church Farm Meats. It has been chargrilled over oak and birch in The Grapes’ Bertha oven so it’s enriched with a distinctive smokiness and comes with vine tomatoes, skinny fries and a dressed thicket of leaves. Both our mains are accompanied by glasses of Oiseau 2011 – an earthy, organic red which, like the majority of the wines at the restaurant, has been imported directly from small-scale family vineyards.

I’m satiated enough by the time it comes to dessert, that my selfishness has begun to dissipate just enough for me to agree to sharing a dessert – the Café Gourmand, a generous platter of miniatures. And I’m happy I caved. There are frozen grapes (see what they did there?); a martini-style glass of thick, rich dark chocolate orange delice scattered with chopped pistachios and decorated with a freeze-dried orange slice; crème brûlée; a sticky, syrup-saturated peach tarte tatin with peppered caramel sauce; plump, icing sugar-dusted strawberries and raspberries with ice cream and chunks of honeycomb; and two shots of espresso – just what we need at 10pm on a school night.

I have but one minor qualm; none of the food – save for the steak – was served on plates (a trivial pet peeve of mine), it was all chopping boards and slates. But at least the chips weren’t served in gimmicky metal buckets, or the main in a dog bowl, or the dessert in a terracotta plant pot (yes, these are all actual experiences I’ve had). But, putting that aside, The Grapes is certainly flaunting the very best the south west of France has to offer and is executing it with determination and, most importantly, good taste. The caffeine and sugar-induced sleepless night I’m about to endure is well worth it.

DINING DETAILS The Bunch of Grapes, 14 Silver Street, Bradford on Avon; 01225 938 088; www.thebunchofgrapes.com Prices Menu du jour – £25 for a starter and main or £30 for a starter, main and dessert; small plates £3 – £14.50; mains £12 – £21; desserts and cheese £4.50 – £10 Vegetarian choice A separate and extensive menu Wine list An extensive choice with some brilliant recommendations. £18 – £40 for bottles Service/atmosphere Exceptionally attentive and relaxed

www.mediaclash.co.uk I BATH LIFE I 57

D I N I N G A D V E R T I S I N G F E AT U R E

DINING in BATH Bath Life’s selection of the best places to eat out in Bath and the surrounding area

BRITISH

CAFÉS & COFFEE SHOPS

THE BATH PRIORY Weston Rd, Bath; 01225 331922; www.thebathpriory.co.uk Michelin starred fine dining overlooking hotels award-winning gardens

GREEN BIRD CAFÉ 11 Margaret's Buildings, Bath; 01225 487846; www.greenbirdcafe.co.uk Independently run cafe located between the Circus & Royal Crescent

THE BEAUFORT 1 Beaufort, London Road, Bath; 01225 422033; www.thebeaufortbath.com Family run restaurant in the heart of Larkhall cooking creative, seasonal food

HUNTER AND SONS Milsom Place, Milsom St, Bath; 07821 975033; www.hunter-sons.co.uk Speciality coffee, craft beer and kitchen

CIRCUS CAFÉ & RESTAURANT 34 Brock St, Bath; 01225 466020; www.thecircuscafeandrestaurant.co.uk All-day restaurant serving seasonal, local produce next to Bath’s iconic Georgian Circus CLAYTONS KITCHEN, THE PORTER 15a George St, Bath; 01225 585100; www.theporter.co.uk Stylish modern British cooking from Rob Clayton

ST JAMES CAFÉ 5- 6 St James St, St James Square, Bath; 01225 336106 Recently refurbished café and deli THE KINGSMEAD KITCHEN 1 Kingsmead St, Kingsmead Square, Bath; 01225 329002; www.fieldfireandfeast.co.uk Laid-back, modern cafe-bar open daily from 8am until 6pm for breakfast, brunch, lunch and tea using own farm produce

Theatre Royal THE HARE AND HOUNDS Lansdown Rd, Avon, Bath; 01225 482682; www.hareandhoundsbath.com Airy, relaxed spot with modern British gastropub menu, extensive wine list and scenic outdoor area THE LOCKSBROOK INN 103 Locksbrook Rd, Bath; 01225 427119; www.thelocksbrookinn.com Recently opened canal side gastropub in Bath, open every day for drinks, brunch, coffee, lunch, evening meals and grazing in between THE MARLBOROUGH TAVERN 35 Marlborough Buildings; 01225 423731; www.marlborough-tavern.com Award winning gastropub using seasonal local produce THE RICHMOND ARMS 7 Richmond Place, Bath; 01225 316725; www.therichmondarmsbath.com Hearty dishes with menu changing on a daily basis

THE DOWER HOUSE, ROYAL CRESCENT HOTEL 16 Royal Crescent, Bath; 01225 823333; www.royalcrescent.co.uk/dining AA 3 rosette fine dining at one of Bath’s most iconic locations

FRENCH

HENRYS 4 Saville Row, Bath; 01225 780055; www.henrysrestaurantbath.com Imaginative modern dining offering a classic menu and also full vegetarian and vegan menus

GASTROPUBS

THE EASTERN EYE 8a Quiet St, Bath; 01225 422323; www.easterneye.com Classic traditional Bengali cuisine in grand Georgian interior space

GPT SMOKEHOUSE 44-45 Lower Bristol Rd, Bath; 01225 429509; www.gptbath.com “Dude Food” menu cooked with authentic handmade American hot smoker

THE MINT ROOM Longmead Gospel Hall, Lower Bristol Rd, Bath; 01225 446656; www.themintroom.co.uk Creative and classic Indian cuisine in a contemporary setting

KING WILLIAM 36 Thomas St, Bath; 01225 428096; www.kingwilliampub.com Pub with an upstairs dining room serving a modern British menu based on west country produce

RAJPOOT 4 Argyle St, Bath; 01225 466833; www.rajpoot.com Award-winning Indian fine dining at Bath institution

JOHANN LAFER, THE GAINSBOROUGH Beau St, Bath; 01225 358888; www.thegainsboroughbathspa.co.uk Menus inspired by Johann Lafer’s “Dining Without Borders” philosophy MENU GORDON JONES 2 Wellsway, Bath; 01225 480871; www.menugordonjones.co.uk Multi award winning fine dining with constantly changing surprise tasting menu THE OLIVE TREE RESTAURANT, THE QUEENSBERRY HOTEL Russell St, Bath; 01225 447928; www.thequeensberry.co.uk One of Bath’s longest established restaurants, overseen by Chris Cleghorn with 3 AA rosettes 58 I BATH LIFE I www.mediaclash.co.uk

LE BISTROT PIERRE Princes Buildings, 4 George St, Bath; 01225 321840; www.lebistrotpierre.co.uk/bath Regional French dishes

THE CHEQUERS 50 Rivers St, Bath; 01225 360017; www.thechequersbath.com Inventive British food served in a welcoming pub atmosphere close to the Royal Crescent THE GARRICKS HEAD 7-8 St John's Rd, City Centre, Bath; 01225 318368; www.garricksheadpub.com City centre pub and dining room next to

INDIAN

ITALIAN JOYA 6 Newmarket Row, Bath; 01225 460240; www.joyarestaurant.co.uk Family-run ristorante situated opposite Bath's famous Pulteney Bridge MARTINI RESTAURANT 8-9 George St, Bath; 01225 460818; www.martinirestaurant.co.uk

A D V E R T I S I N G F E AT U R E D I N I N G

Traditional Italian food served in a cosy atmosphere PONTE VECCHIO Spring Gardens Rd, Bath; 01225 466833; www.pontevecchiobath.com Fantastic central location next to Pulteney Bridge SOTTO SOTTO 10 N Parade, Bath; 01225 330236; www.sottosotto.co.uk Classic Italian menu with a contemporary twist in candlelit vaulted cellars

PIZZA DOUGH The Corridor, Bath; 01225 443686; www.doughpizzarestaurant.co.uk World class pizza from Massimo Nucaro THE OVEN 21 Westgate St, Bath; 01225 311181; www.theovenpizzeria.co.uk Neapolitan artisan pizza using local and Italian imported produce

REAL ITALIAN PIZZA CO 16 York St, Bath; 01225 330121; www.realitalianpizza.co.uk Family owned pizzeria. Wood fired pizza with fresh authentic ingredients

STEAK HOUSES THE COWSHED 5 Bladud Buildings, The Paragon; 01225 433633; www.cowshedrestaurants.com/bath Steaks sourced from specialist butcher Ruby and White along with a range of vegetarian and fish dishes THE HERD 12a Argyle St, Bath; 01225 316583; www.theherdrestaurant.co.uk Locally sourced meat of the finest provenance alongside a simple, seasonal menu

TAPAS

MADRID 5 Chapel Row, Bath; 01225 423417; www.madrid-tapas-bath.com Bringing a taste of Madrid to Bath – traditional Spanish tapas with a modern twist OLÉ TAPAS 1 John Street, Bath; 01225 466440; www.oletapas.co.uk Charming, authentic Spanish tapas – one of Bath’s best kept secrets

THAI KOH THAI TAPAS 36 Broad St, Bath; 01225 311232; www.koh-thai.co.uk Award winning small Thai tapas plates and cocktails THAI BY THE WEIR 16 Argyle St, Bath; 01225 444834; www.thaibytheweir.co.uk Restaurant overlooking the weir, serving a classic Thai menu

OUTSIDE of BATH BRITISH THE FIELD KITCHEN 1 Brook Ln, Holt BA14 6RL; 01225 784081; www.glovefactorystudios.com/kitchen Serving fresh seasonal dishes within the Glove Factory Studios THE GREENHOUSE RESTAURANT The Pavilion, Wadswick Green, Corsham SN13 9RD; 01225 585880; www.thegreenhousewg.co.uk Smart, stylish and relaxed new dining destination

COUNTRY HOUSE HOTELS LUCKNAM PARK Colerne, Wilts, SN14 8AZ; 01225 742777; www.lucknampark.co.uk Michelin Star fine dining at the renowned Park restaurant and more informal dining at the stylish contemporary brasserie at 5 star country house hotel THE PIG Hunstrete House, Hunstrete, Pensford, Bath BS39 4NS; 01761 490490;

www.thepighotel.com/near-bath Part of the acclaimed Pig group, country house hotel and restaurant with food sourced from Kitchen garden WIDBROOK GRANGE HOTEL Trowbridge Rd, Bradford-on-Avon BA15 1UH; 01225 864750; www.widbrookgrange.co.uk Modern farmhouse cuisine, locally sourced and freshly prepared

GASTROPUBS BIDDESTONE ARMS Biddestone, Wilts SN14 7DG; 01249 714377; www.biddestonearms.co.uk Whitewashed country pub with upmarket, robust British fare in a beautiful Cotswold stone village BUNCH OF GRAPES 14 Silver St, Bradford-on-Avon BA15 1JY; 01225 938088; www.thebunchofgrapes.com Bar and restaurant inspired by the village bistros of South West France THE FOX AT BROUGHTON GIFFORD The Street, Broughton Gifford, Wilts, SN12 8PW; 01225 782949; www.thefox-broughtongifford.co.uk

Famous for Sunday Lunches using own produce and wide range of beers and wines THE LONGS ARMS Upper South Wraxall, Wilts, BA15 2SB; 01225 864450; www.thelongsarms.com Award winning modern British food and cask ales in country inn THE PEAR TREE INN Top Ln, Whitely, Wilts; SN12 8QX; 01225 704966; www.peartreewhitley.co.uk An elegant revamped country inn with an acclaimed restaurant and contemporary rustic-chic bedrooms

FARM SHOPS MEADGATE FARM SHOP Weekesley Ln, Timsbury, BA2 0NH; 01761 470089; www.meadgatefarmshop.co.uk Shop and café selling local produce

THAI THAI BARN 9-10 St Margaret's St, Bradford-on-Avon BA15 1DA; 01225 866443; www.thaibarn.co.uk Open for 18 years specialising in royal Thai cuisine

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SE

E

U

TH

GR

EENHO

AT THE GREENHOUSE IT’S

CHRISTMAS TIME

Join us at The Greenhouse Restaurant this Christmas and enjoy the festive party season in a relaxed and stylish setting, the perfect destination to share in the celebrations with your family, friends and colleagues too.

The Greenhouse Restaurant, surrounded by the scenic Wiltshire countryside, is located at the heart of Wadswick Green.

We’ll be offering a 2 or 3 course festive fayre (£20pp for 2 courses or £24pp for

3 courses) available for lunch and dinner from 28 November – 24 December. We’ll also be open on Christmas Day for a gourmet dining experience and again on Boxing Day for classic brunch and gastro pub lunch dishes.

Our opening times during the festive period are listed below.

Further details about Christmas at Wadswick Green, including all of the festive menu’s, upcoming events and more can be found on our website www.thegreenhousewg.co.uk.

FESTIVE OPENING HOURS CHRISTMAS EVE open for lunch and dinner, normal opening hours CHRISTMAS DAY open 11am - 5pm | BOXING DAY open 11am - 6pm 27 TO 30 DECEMBER normal opening hours NEW YEAR’S EVE normal opening hours - ‘til late | NEW YEAR’S DAY 11am - 6pm Booking during the festive period is essential

FT FAIR WADSWICK GR ER CRA EEN W T N I W FRIDAY 11 PM R NOV 1 ELCOMES YOU TO THEI OV 10AM – 3 2P M – 8 N PM & SATURDAY 12 Join us for the ultimate marquee shopping experience with quality handmade products from Wiltshire’s finest local crafters and a chance to win some fabulous prizes from our charity raffle in support of Dorothy House Hospice Care.

Get the girls together for a spot of ‘late night’ Friday shopping and visit the Wadswick Green Spa to make your evening extra special by enjoying a twilight pamper session for just £35pp. Booking is essential – 01225 583030.

Invite all of the family on Saturday to our luxury marquee for tasty treats and more. Or enjoy a spot of lunch, delicious warm drinks and food served by The Greenhouse Restaurant.

For more information visit www.thegreenhousewg.co.uk | www.wadswickgreen.co.uk or call 01225 585880.

FREE AND ENTRY PARK TO TH ING E CRAF T FAI R

The Greenhouse Restaurant is open every day from 9am-11pm Monday to Saturday and 10am-8pm (last orders at 6pm) on Sundays.

You can reserve a table at any time by calling us on 01225 585880 or book online at www.thegreenhousewg.co.uk

THE GREENHOUSE RESTAURANT | THE PAVILLION | WADSWICK GREEN | CORSHAM SN13 9RD

A fabulous European inspired modern British restaurant 01225 480042 www.raphaelrestaurant.co.uk

EAT, DRINK and be MERRY Yes, we know it’s early to talk about Christmas, but if you want to get yourself into a decent spot for your festive get-together with friends or workmates then you need to start planning pretty soon. So here’s our pick of the top local places in which to party the holiday season away

By L I SA E VA NS

The Field Kitchen at Glove Factory Studios is growing in popularity 62 I BATH LIFE I www.mediaclash.co.uk

CHRISTMAS PA R T I E S The Catherine Wheel

HIGHLIGHTS

INCLUDE SMOKED PIGS’ CHEEK

FRITTERS WITH CELERIAC REMOULADE, AND AROMATIC SHORT RIB OF BEEF WITH STAR ANISE

With its exposed stone walls and period fireplaces, this Grade-II restaurant specialises in traditional country pub food. The façade, dining room and bar were built in 1680, but this was an extension to a house which was many years older. “If you look underneath the eaves you will see an array of carved stone faces,” says owner Roo Allison. “This suggests it was built for a very rich family.”

From the Christmas menu, Roo recommends the ham hock terrine with a chunky piccalilli to start, the slow roast belly pork for main and the clementine cheesecake with orange curd sauce for pudding.

The numbers: £17.50 for two courses, and £22.50 for three.

39 High Street, Marshfield; 01225 892220, www.thecatherinewheel.co.uk

Same Same But Different

Same Same’s usual modern European tapas menu will transform into a Christmassy one come the festive period. “As an alterative to the normal turkey dinner, we recommend the pan-fried stone bass with chorizo, wild rice and curly kale – our chef knows how to put a twist on a simple dish,” says owner Robert Indge who’s been running the restaurant for over a decade. “We always pay attention to our Christmas decoration and enjoy creating a happy atmosphere.”

The numbers: The Christmas tapas party is £24.95, and it’s £22.95 for two courses or £25.95 for three.

7a Prince’s Buildings, Bartlett Street, Bath; 01225 466856, www.same-same.co.uk

The Locksbrook Inn

We can’t decide if we’re more excited for Christmas or New Year at this classic gastropub where there are private celebration options galore from 25 November onwards. From the festive party menu, managing director Joe Cussens recommends the game terrine to start, the Christmas ham with celeriac remoulade and apple compote for main, and baked Alaska with passionfruit and white chocolate for pud. The restaurant only opened six months ago following extensive refurbishment (it was formerly The Dolphin) but it has quickly gained popularity for its contemporary, sociable and cosmopolitan style.

The numbers: £26 per person.

103 Locksbrook Road, Bath; 01225 427119, www.thelocksbrookinn.com

Timbrell’s Yard

In the heart of Bradford on Avon you’ll find this Grade-II listed venue which opened last year after a loving refit. Highlights from the upcoming yule menu include smoked pigs’ cheek fritters with celeriac remoulade and pickled beetroot; venison bresaola with fig and ewes’ cheese; aromatic short rib of beef with star anise; and spiced hake fillet with chorizo and caramelised fennel, all of which will be overseen by chef Tom Blake of former River Cottage fame. w www.mediaclash.co.uk I BATH LIFE I 63

CHRISTMAS PA R T I E S “Whether dining with the family or as a large party, guests over the Christmas period can expect our usual, high quality, outstanding dishes which showcase local suppliers,” says Henry Gray, general manager.

The numbers: £25 for two courses; £29.50 for three; Christmas Day set menu: £70 per person.

49 St Margaret’s Street, Bradford on Avon; 01225 869492, www.timbrellsyard.com

Bistrot Pierre

“Over the Christmas period, we stick with what we do best which is French cuisine,” says general manager Beau Clarke. “We’ve been open since June 2015 so this will be our second Christmas.

We have an open kitchen so customers can watch the chefs at work cooking their festive feasts.

The restaurant is beautifully decorated during Christmas so it makes a wonderful setting for seasonal celebrations.” Top picks from the holiday menu include braised beef in a red wine sauce; herb-crusted salmon; and curried crab.

The numbers: The three-course party menu is £26.95, and the Christmas Day menu is £59.95 for five courses.

4 Princes Buildings, George Street, Bath; 01225 321840, www.bistrotpierre.co.uk

Hare & Hounds

With a six-course offering to look forward to on Christmas Day, this firm favourite, with its unrivalled views over the Bath countryside, has the holiday period all wrapped up. The classic gastropub’s party season menu is bursting with quirky alternative dishes – from pork meatloaf with onion jam, to roast cod with risotto cake and saffron cream sauce – and there’s also an inviting cocktail list to look forward to. We’ll have the winter berry bellini please…

The numbers: £27.50 per person.

The Holburne Museum

Lansdown Road, Bath; 01225 482682, www.hareandhoundsbath.com

Great Pulteney Street, Bath; 01225 388572, www.holburne.org

The museum space provides a wonderful venue for a drinks party or a more formal dinner and the rooms available to hire include their contemporary Garden Café, the beautiful Ballroom Gallery and the sumptuous Picture Gallery. This year’s party menu is inspired by their exhibition Silver: Light and Shade, so expect some sparkling and delicious treats to tempt you.

The numbers: Not quite finalised ¬– there are a few months until Christmas after all.

The Mint Room

Specialising in Indian fine dining cuisine prepared by head chef Soyful Alom, The Mint Room takes authentic, traditional dishes from all corners of the country and imbues them with a touch of modern panache.

“We are always very busy during the festive season,” says general manager Moe Rahman.

“We have a number of private and charity events booked, and we will be holding our now famous Bollywood New Year’s Eve dinner and dance.”

Turkey will be on the menu, but not as we know it. “It’ll be a spiced tikka version served three ways,” says Moe. “There’ll also be dishes like Welsh lamb cutlets simmered in a spiced tomato sauce, and pan-fried halibut in a creamy coconut and mustard-seed infused sauce.”

The numbers: £30 for two courses, and £35 for three.

Longmead Gospel Hall, Lower Bristol Road, Bath; 01225 446656, www.themintroom.co.uk w 64 I BATH LIFE I www.mediaclash.co.uk

Above: The Hare & Hounds on Lansdown Road is always beautifully decorated during the party season; Below: This year, The Chequers Christmas menu will be overseen by new head chef Rupert Taylor

WE WILL BE

HOLDING OUR NOW FAMOUS BOLLYWOOD NEW YEAR’S EVE

DINNER AND DANCE

Christmas Day £75 per person

Celebration Menu 2 or 3 course, £22 or £29 per person

EAT, DRINK & BE MERRY

Top Lane, Whitley, Wiltshire SN12 8QX 01225 704966 T f @peartreewhitley

www.peartreewhitley.co.uk

CHRISTMAS PA R T I E S Ring O Bells

At this modern Anglo-French restaurant, you’ll find a classic Christmas menu with some unusual alternatives – think clay-baked sea bream encased completely in local clay, accompanied with a toffee hammer for customers to break it open, and butter-poached guinea fowl with lemongrass dauphinoise and white wine sauce – and owner Ash Kumar is proud to say that all the produce is locally and freshly sourced. The venue is known by locals for its live jazz sessions every Sunday and it has some exciting events coming up next month – watch this space.

The numbers: £22.50 for two courses, £25.90 for three.

10 Widcombe Parade, Bath; 01225 448870, www.ringobellswidcombe.co.uk

The Greenhouse

This stylish all-day dining destination, surrounded by beautiful Wiltshire countryside, opened last year. Their seasonal celebratory menu is a combination of classic Christmas favourites and dishes which deviate from the ‘norm’ such as honey-roast duck followed by apple panna cotta with cinnamon crumble and salted caramel.

Between 28 November and 9 December, parties of six or more will receive a complimentary bottle of prosecco, but groups can dine until Christmas Eve. On Christmas Day there’ll be an extra-special offering, and on Boxing Day there’ll be a relaxed classic brunch and buffet.

66 I BATH LIFE I www.mediaclash.co.uk

The numbers: The party menu starts at £20; the Christmas Day menu is £75; and it’s £14.95 per person on Boxing Day. The Pavilion, Wadswick Green, Corsham; 01225 585880, www.thegreenhousewg.co.uk

The Field Kitchen

Situated within the courtyard at Glove Factory Studios, The Field Kitchen is becoming something of a destination venue with the opportunity to host private functions and weddings. It had humble beginnings when it opened in 2009 and acted as a kitchen-shed canteen for studio members. That building was demolished to make way for the new extension, creating a further 20 studio spaces and a new café with seating for 100 people or 250 including the courtyard and lake side venues. Come the jolly season, expect ingredients picked straight from the kitchen garden and dishes such as 72-hour cured duck with pickled chestnut, and slow-roasted clementine ham hock prepared by John Hornsey from the two Michelin star Hand and Flowers, and Alex Woods previously from Pony and Trap, The Bath Priory and Lucknam Park.

The numbers: From £20 for a pop-up style gettogether, or £40 for a seated dinner.

Glove Factory Studios, Holt; 01225 784 081, www.glovefactorystudios.com

CHRISTMAS PA R T I E S

The numbers: Lunch from £27.50 and dinner from £37.50.

1-3 North Parade, Bath, 01225 461603, www.abbeyhotelbath.co.uk

The Chequers

Opposite page: Christmas feasts at Bradford on Avon’s Timbrell’s Yard will be overseen by chef Tom Blake of former River Cottage fame. Above, left to right: At Circo bar and lounge on George Street, you can indulge in Christmas cocktail masterclasses or relaxed buffetstyle affairs; look out for themed nights and cabaret events at Abbey Hotel in December

The Marlborough Tavern

Having been running for 10 years ago, this modern British gastropub knows its way around a Christmas feast. This year, the 2AA rosette restaurant menu is lit with an enticing spread including options such as tea-cured salmon with orange and beetroot to start, butternut squash and wild mushroom wellington as a main vegetarian option if you’re not a venison or turkey fan, and cinnamon and raisin crème brûlée to finish.

The numbers: £28 per person.

35 Marlborough Buildings, Bath; 1225 423731, www.marlborough-tavern.com

THE SNOW-

TOPPED APRÈS-SKI BAR IS ON ITS WAY BACK

Abbey Hotel

With the snow-topped Après-Ski Bar on its way back, winter suppers in the 3AA rosette Allium Restaurant, the ArtBar creating impressive cocktails, and the Igloo gearing up to be one of the city’s winter hotspots, the Abbey Hotel is giving us plenty to be jolly about this year. As well as private booking options, there’ll also be events to look forward to such as the 1920s themed cabaret night on 1 December and a Tenors Un Limited evening featuring classic Christmas songs and a three-course meal on 6 December. And, of course, the festive meals will all be prepared with a modern European style and an Asian influence by executive head chef Chris Staines and his talented team.

Serving guests since 1776, this 2AA rosette restaurant serves award-winning, inventive and creative British food in a welcoming pub atmosphere. With its new chef Rupert Taylor – who previously worked at Heston Blumenthal’s The Fat Duck and Jamie Oliver’s Fifteen – the plans are well underway for the merry season.

The menu offers delicious-sounding choices such as venison with quince and baked celeriac, and pollock with chorizo and crispy mussels.

The numbers: £30 per person.

50 Rivers Street, Bath; 01225 360017, www.thechequersbath.com

Clayton’s Kitchen and Circo

As well as catering for Clayton’s Kitchen restaurant, award-winning chef Rob Clayton and his team produce the food for Circo, too, which is conveniently located in the basement of the restaurant. “We have every guest requirement covered, from a comfortable meal to just a snack,” says general manager Paul Newson. “There are plenty of options for Christmas parties, with sitdown meals at Clayton’s or a buffet and cocktails in Circo (where DJs are available any night from November to December).” We already have our eye on the cheese bonbons with cranberry dip, and are tempted by the thought of a cocktail masterclass or a gin high tea – just two of the drinks packages available at Circo.

The numbers: Clayton’s Kitchen three-course menu: £38; Clayton’s Kitchen five-course New Year’s Eve menu: £85; Circo buffet: £18.50.

15a George Street, Bath; 01225 585100, www.theporter.co.uk w

www.mediaclash.co.uk I BATH LIFE I 67

CHRISTMAS PA R T I E S

The LIST In Bath

The Beaufort 1 Beaufort East, Bath; 01225 334050 www.thebeaufortinbath.com

The Kingsmead Kitchen 1 Kingsmead Street, Bath; 01225 329002; www.fieldfireandfeast.co.uk

Bonghy-Bo 2-3 Barton Court, Upper Borough Walls, Bath; 01225 462276; www.bonghy-bo.co.uk

King William 36 Thomas Street, Bath; 01225 428096 www.kingwilliampub.com

Browns Old Police Station, Orange Grove, Bath; 01225 461199 www.browns-restaurants. co.uk

Koh Thai Tapas 36 Broad Street, Bath 01225 311232; www.koh-thai.co.uk

Cau Bath 2 Milsom Street, Bath; 01225 316158 www.caurestaurants.com Circus Café & Restaurant 34 Brock Street, Bath; 01225 466020; www.thecircuscafe andrestaurant.co.uk

Komedia 22-23 Westgate Street, Bath; 0845 293 8480; www.komedia.co.uk/bath Mandalyns 13 Lansdown Rd, Bath; 01225 425403; www.mandalyns.co.uk

Martini Restaurant Combe Grove Manor 8-9 George Street, Bath; Brassknocker Hill, Bath; 01225 01225 460818 834644; www.martinirestaurant.co.uk www.combegrove.com Macdonald Bath The Curfew Inn Spa Hotel, 11 Cleveland Place, Bath; 01225 Sydney Road, Bath 313747; 0344 879 9106 www.thecurfewbath.co.uk www.macdonaldhotels.co.uk The Eastern Eye 8A Quiet Street, Bath; 01225 422323; www.easterneye.com Garricks Head 7-8 St John’s Road, Bath; 01225 318368 www.garricksheadpub.com Green Park Brasserie Green Park Station, Green Park Road, Bath; 01225 338565; www. greenparkbrasserie.com The Herd 12A Argyle Street, Bath; 01225 316583; www. theherdrestaurant.co.uk Hilton Bath City Walcot Street, Bath; 01225 463411; www3.hilton.com

Ole Tapas 1 John Street, Bath; 01225 466440 www.oletapas.co.uk Peking Restaurant 1-2 New Street, Bath; 01225 466377 www.pekingrestaurantbath. co.uk Ponte Vecchio Spring Gardens Road, Bath; 01225 466833; www.pontevecchiobath.com The Pump Room Abbey Chambers, Church Street, Bath; 01225 444477 www.romanbaths.co.uk/ pump-room-restaurant

68 I BATH LIFE I www.mediaclash.co.uk

More local options to get the party started...

Raphael Restaurant and Bar Gascoyne House, Upper Borough Walls; 01225 480042 www.raphaelrestaurant.co.uk

Centurion Hotel Charlton Lane, Midsomer Norton, Radstock, Somerset; 01761 417711 www.centurionhotel.co.uk

Royal Crescent Hotel 16 Royal Crescent, Bath; 01225 823333; www.royalcrescent.co.uk

The Fat Fowl Silver Street, Bradford on Avon 01225 863111; www.fatfowl. com

Orchardleigh House Orchardleigh Park, Frome; 01373 472550; www.orchardleigh.net The Pear Tree Inn Top Lane, Whitely, Wilts; 01225 704966 www.peartreewhitley.co.uk

The Fox Broughton Gifford The Street, Broughton Gifford, The Three Gables 01225 782949; www.thefoxSt Margaret’s Street, broughtongifford.co.uk Bradford on Avon; 01225 781666 The Fox and Hounds www.thethreegables.com Colerne Vino Vino 9 High Street, Colerne; Widbrook Grange Hotel 5-6 Seven Dials, Saw Close, 01225 744847; www.

Trowbridge Rd, Bath; 01225 312341 Bradford-on-Avon; www.vinovinowinebar.co.uk foxandhoundscolerne.co.uk 01225 864750 Guyers House www.widbrookgrange.co.uk The Wheelwrights Arms Guyers Lane, Pickwick, Church Ln, Bath; Christmas party Corsham; 01249 713399 01225 722287 caterers and www.wheelwrightsarms.co.uk www.guyershouse.com The Stable 1 Westgate Building, Kingsmead Square, Bath; 01225 429851 www.stablepizza.com

Woods Restaurant 9-13 Alfred Street; Bath 01225 314812 www.woodsrestaurant.com

Hartley Farm Shop Winsley, Bradford on Avon; 01225 864948; www.hartleyfarm.co.uk

Yum Yum Thai 17 Kingsmead Square, Bath 01225 445253 www.yumyumbath.co.uk

Holcombe Inn Stratton Road, Holcombe, Somerset; 01761 232478 www.holcombeinn.co.uk

Zazu’s Kitchen 6 - 10 Wellsway, Bear Flat, Bath; 01225 425795 www.zazuskitchen.co.uk

The Lamb on the Strand 99 The Strand, Semington, Trowbridge; 01380 870263 www.thelambonthestrand. co.uk

Out of town

Allington Farm Shop Allington Bar Farm, Allington, Chippenham, Wilts; 01249 658112 www.allingtonfarmshop.co.uk

The Longs Arms Upper South Wraxall, Wilts, 01225 864450; www.thelongsarms.com

Biddestone Arms Biddestone, Wilts, 01249 714377 www.biddestonearms.co.uk

Lucknam Park Colerne, Wiltshire; 01225 742777 www.lucknampark.co.uk

Bunch of Grapes 14 Silver Stree, Bradford-on-Avon, Wiltshire; 01225 938088 www.thebunchofgrapes.com

Meadgate Farm Shop Weekesley Lane, Timsbury, 01761 470089; www.meadgatefarmshop. co.uk

other services

Bath Crockhire 68 Combe Road, Bath; 01225 833233 www.bathcrockhire.com George Goes Out 01380 723053 www.georgegoesout.com Larkhall Butchers 1 Lambridge Buildings, Bath; 01225 313987 www.larkhallbutchers.co.uk Snap in a Box 07720 704690 www.snapinabox.co.uk The Sweet Tricycle 01373 836415/ 07951 205409 www.thesweettricycle.co.uk The Tasting Room 6 Green St, Bath; 01225 483070; www.tastingroom.co.uk

TREAT YOURSELF TO A HILTON CHRISTMAS CELEBRATE THE FESTIVE SEASON It’s the most wonderful time of the year, so spend it with the perfect host: Hilton. With our exclusive hospitality package, fine dining and quality entertainment, you’re sure to please everyone.

TRADITIONAL CHRISTMAS PARTY NIGHTS Saturday 3, Friday 9 and Saturday 17 December TRIBUTE NIGHTS Friday 2 December – Four Seasons Tribute Band Thursday 8 December – Tina Turner SANTA FAMILY SUNDAY LUNCH Sunday 11 & 18 December Contact us for further information on Christmas at the Hilton HILTON BATH CITY Walcot Street | Bath | BA1 5BJ W: bathcity.hilton.com T: +44 (0)1225 463 411 E: events.bath@hilton.com

Christmas Parties at the Macdonald Bath Spa Hotel Celebrate your Christmas Party with friends or work colleagues at the Macdonald Bath Spa Hotel and enjoy an evening of sumptuous food and dancing.

SILVER PARTY NIGHTS Sunday to Wednesday @ £29.95 3 course dinner & dancing

GOLD PARTY NIGHTS Thursday to Saturday @ £40.00 Champagne Reception, 3 course dinner & dancing Prices are per person

For details please email events.bathspa@macdonald-hotels.co.uk M A C D O N A L D B AT H S PA H O T E L

Sydney Road, Bath BA2 6JF 01225 444 424 www.macdonaldhotels.co.uk

BATH CITY

&

GUYERS HOUSE HOTEL & RESTAURANT All that you would expect of an English country house Guyers House Hotel & Restaurant is a charming, privately owned four star, 2 AA Rosette country house hotel surrounded by its own outstanding gardens at Corsham, 8 miles east of Bath.

The hotel has 37 en-suite bedrooms, elegant dining and sitting rooms, a panelled Bar and an award-winning restaurant of real distinction.

We will do our very best to make your stay as friendly, enjoyable and comfortable as possible.

“The buildings and grounds were stunning and the food was exceptional. Recommended to anyone wanting a nice relaxing break.�

For more information visit our website www.guyershouse.com or call us on 01249

713399

indulge, enjoy & relax at The Holcombe Inn this Christmas CHRISTMAS EVE – Live music from The Lewis Creaven Band

Tickets available £15 per person (includes a retro basket of hot food)

CELEBRATE CHRISTMAS WITH US Christmas Day

Indulge in our 5 course menu on Christmas Day for just £75pp A range of dishes are available to suit everyone's taste

Christmas Parties

We will be offering two stunning menus to cater for different budgets All of our Christmas menus are available to view on our website

NEW YEARS EVE – Dickie Bows & Diamonds Theme Night Enjoy a 3 course meal and live music from Guy Johnson Just £65 a ticket which includes Champagne at midnight

The Holcombe Inn Stratton Road, Holcombe, Bath BA3 5EB T 01761 232478 E bookings@holcombeinn.co.uk www.holcombeinn.co.uk

Larkhall Butchers Best Butcher

BATH GOOD FOOD AWARDS WINNER – THIRD YEAR RUNNING

MAKE YOUR CHRISTMAS TASTE MAGICAL ORDER YOUR BESPOKE CHRISTMAS MEAL NOW 1 LAMBRIDGE BUILDINGS | LARKHALL | BATH | BA1 6RS Opening Times: Monday – Friday 07.00 – 17.00, Saturday 07.00 – 13.30, Sunday Closed E info@larkhallbutchers.co.uk T 01225 313 987 W www.larkhallbutchers.co.uk

Ponte Vecchio

Cocktail Bar • Events • Parties Open 7 days a week

The best Italian restaurant at the best location...

Ristorante & Bar

CHRISTMAS BOOKINGS NOW BEING TAKEN • FROM SMALL GROUPS TO LARGE PARTIES, WE CATER FOR ANY OCCASION

Ponte Vecchio Restaurant is set in one of Bath’s most scenic eating locations – next to the world famous Pulteney Bridge and overlooking the River Avon.

01225 424800 • info@pontevecchiobath.com find us on

www.pontevecchiobath.com

Spring Gardens, Under Pulteney Bridge BA2 6PW

Best Western Centurion Hotel Charlton Lane, Midsomer Norton, Nr Bath BA3 4BD @seanhorwood RestAtCent 01761 417711

www.centurionhotel.co.uk

CHRISTMAS PARTY NIGHTS 8PM UNTIL MIDNIGHT THREE COURSE MEAL & DJ Friday 02 December 2016 £32.50 Saturday 03 December 2016 £32.50 Thursday 08 December 2016 £22.50 Saturday 10 December 2016 £34.00 Thursday 15 December 2016 £25.00 Saturday 17 December 2016 £34.00 Thursday 22 December 2016 £29.50 Friday 23 December 2016 £32.50 Want a private party night on a date not listed?

Please give us a call. (Min 60 people)

CHRISTMAS PARTY NIGHTS MENU ROAST MUSHROOM SOUP WITH CHIVE CRÈME FRAÎCHE COLN VALLEY SMOKED SALMON WITH FENNEL PORK & GREEN PEPPERCORN PÂTÉ, SOUR DOUGH ROAST TURKEY WITH ALL THE FESTIVE TRIMMINGS CONFIT DUCK LEG WITH DAUPHINOISE POTATOES CORNISH HAKE WITH SALSA VERDE POLENTA CAKE WITH TOMATO FONDUE CHOCOLATE COOKIE CHEESECAKE TRADITIONAL CHRISTMAS PUDDING WITH CLOTTED CREAM SELECTION OF 3 WEST COUNTRY CHEESES WITH CRACKERS

café · bar · restaurant

Late licence for private parties

For Parties & Receptions

B

onghy Bo offers a wedding reception venue with a difference. Situated in the hidden courtyard garden of Upper Borough Walls, this cafe and restaurant makes an ideal venue for private functions set in a secluded place in the heart of Bath.

Bonghy Bo can comfortably accommodate 50 to 100 guests with either a small band or a DJ for entertainment. The flexible buffet menu can be changed to meet your specific tastes and budget and can be accompanied by Prosecco, Champagne or a selection of wines.

Even if you have already booked your special day, Bonghy Bo makes an inspired choice for Hen parties. Drop in for a chat and ask to view the photos in order to see the success of past events!

To organise a memorable special occasion, please ask for Katharine, who will be happy to discuss all of your requirements.

Opening hours: Mon 9.30am-6.30pm

Tues-Sat 9.30am-9.30pm

Sun 10.30am-6.30pm

2-3 Barton Court (behind Anthropologie), Upper Borough Walls, Bath, BA1 1RZ T. 01225 462276 www.bonghy-bo.co.uk

Book your Christmas Party now!

Country pub

~ Dining

~ Smokehouse

THE LONGS ARMS South Wraxall

Quality food freshly prepared for you

Charming country pub * Smoked foods lovingly produced in our very own Smokehouse * Warm & friendly atmosphere * Lovely walled garden * Function room available

FESTIVE MENU NOW AVAILABLE, & BOOKINGS BEING TAKEN

BEST CHEF AND BEST FOOD PUB FINALISTS IN THE FOOD READER AWARDS 2016

PLEASE CONTACT US FOR MORE DETAILS

BEST CHEF

AWARDED A

MICHELIN BIB GOURMAND

FINALIST IN THE

TRENCHERMAN’S GUIDE AWARDS 2015

LISTED IN THE

UK TOP 50 GASTRO PUBS 2014 & 2015

South Wraxall | Bradford on Avon | Wiltshire | BA15 2SB TheLongsArms @thelongsarms Tel: 01225 864450 | www.thelongsarms.com

Book your Christmas Party today!

Friday Night Disco Nights Dinner & Disco

99 The Strand, Semington, Trowbridge, BA14 6LL

t 01380 870263

e restaurant@lambonthestrand.co.uk www.thelambonthestrand.co.uk

Restaurant • Bar • Café • Deli Tuesday to Saturday – lunch and dinner Bar open from 11am for drinks and coffees Woods is available for private parties, corporate entertainment, press launches, weddings and family celebrations.

Private room seats 36-40 people.

The whole restaurant can accommodate 120 people.

Party menu £35 per head

DINE AT WOODS

Lunch and early dinner 2 courses £15 3 courses £20 Lunch: 12 noon - 2:30pm Early dinner: 5:15pm - 6:30pm Tables up to 6 people.

SEAFOOD EXTRAVAGANZA

Every Friday Lunch and dinner a la carte also available 24 hours notice required to order lobster, oysters, Dover sole and turbot, subject to availability. All our fish is delivered daily from Brixham.

SUNDAY LUNCH

1st Sunday of the month 2 courses £15 • 3 courses £20 Traditional roast.

A la carte also available.

NEW BAR MENU

Featuring 6oz aged Sirloin steak, fries & salad £9.95 Tuesday to Saturday lunch Tuesday to Friday dinner 12 noon - 2.30pm • 5pm to 7.30pm

CHRISTMAS MENUS & OCTOBER FOOD FESTIVAL EVENTS now available on the website 9-13 Alfred St. Bath BA1 2QX • 01225 314812 woodsinbath@gmail.com

www.woodsrestaurant.com

Game terrine and pear chutney Smoked venison fillet and pickled blackberries Cream of white onion soup and garlic crouton Balsamic roasted beetroot, Cashel Blue and walnuts Trio of Salmon and horseradish cream Pan fried scallops, roasted belly pork and calvados sauce Traditional roast turkey Pan roast duck breast, red cabbage, dauphinoise and cherry jus Roasted hake fillet, rascam potatoes and coriander oil Pan fried Gilt head bream and mussel chowder Butternut Wellington, onion soubise and roasted carrots Stuffed mushroom, wild mushroom ragout and soft herb polenta

Our three course festive menu £25

Traditional Christmas pudding and brandy sauce Sticky toffee pudding and vanilla bean ice cream Chocolate St Emilion Creme brulee and roasted plums Glazed lemon tart with raspberry cream meringues Cheese and biscuits

Private party room available

FAT FOWL

The Green, Biddestone, Nr Chippenham, Wiltshire SN14 7DG Tel: 01249 714377

Bradford on Avon Reservations 01225 863111 | info@fatfowl.com

www.biddestonearms.co.uk

LE P M

SA I

A M T S

R CH

S

U

N ME

£22.50 FOR THREE COURSES £17.50 FOR TWO COURSES PRE-BOOKED CRACKERS INCLUDED!

STARTERS

Parsnip, sage & white bean soup served with soda bread (v) Ham hock terrine with a chutney piccalilli & crusty bread Brie & cranberry filo twists with an apple & walnut salad (v)

MAIN COURSES Roast turkey breast filled with cranberry stuffing served with roast potatoes, seasonal veg & a light red wine jus Pan-fried plaice fillet with a warm quinoa & edamame salad (gf) Butternut squash & goats cheese risotto with sage oil (v)

Book your Christmas meal now at

The Catherine Wheel Marshfield, Bath SN14 8LR 01225 892220 roo@thecatherinewheel.co.uk www.thecatherinewheel.co.uk

PUDDINGS Traditional Christmas pudding with brandy sauce Christmas spiced chocolate cake with cream (gf) Clementine cheesecake with orange curd sauce Marshfield Ice Cream Available from Thursday 1st December to 30th December (excl 25th & 26th Dec)

JOIN US THIS CHRISTMAS FESTIVE LUNCH & EARLY MENU 2 courses for £20.95 3 courses for £24.95 Sunday to Wednesday 12noon to 6pm

Add a little sparkle to your Christmas Enjoy a Champagne and canape reception or cocktail party at one of Bath’s most elegant venues.

This season’s menus are inspired by our stunning exhibition Silver: Light & Shade. Your Winter celebration at the Holburne will be the most sparkling event of the season.

FESTIVE EVENING & WEEKEND MENU 3 courses for £29.95 Available after 6pm Sunday to Wednesday and all day Thursday, Friday and Saturday

Available from Monday 14th November to Friday 30th December 2016 (Excluding Christmas Day and Boxing Day)

For more information contact Charlotte Kippax c.kippax@holburne.org or call 01225 388563

Great Pulteney Street Bath BA2 4DB

WWW.HOLBURNE.ORG

Browns Bath Old Police Station, Orange Grove, Bath, Somerset, BA1 1LP 01225 461199

EVERY FRIDAY NIGHT COCKTAILS AND JUKEBOX NIGHT Premium Cocktails 2-4-1 until 10pm EVERY SATURDAY NIGHT GUEST DJ'S & CABERET

A great end to a Christmas party night out!

TEL: 01225 425403 *Free entry before 12pm. Last entry 2am.

Open until 3am.

See our facebook for events and opening times. *charges may apply earlier on event nights.

Come and join in the fun at Martini Restaurant.

Book your Chirstmas party with us today - our full Christmas menus are available online now!

8/9 George Street, Bath BA1 2EH Tel: 01225 460818 reservations@martinirestaurant.co.uk www.martinirestaurant.co.uk

NEWLY REFURBISHED. UNDER NEW OWNERSHIP. Our extensive refurbishment includes our downstairs bar area as well as our beautiful upstairs lounge which is available for exclusive hire.

The Curfew Inn Please contact Dan or Emily on 01225 313747 for details 11 Cleveland Place West, Bath BA1 5DG

www.thecurfewbath.co.uk

An intimate country feel gastro pub We’re putting the delicious into Christmas!

2 Courses for £22.50; 3 Courses for £25.90 Our Christmas menu offers a fresh, contemporary take on traditional dishes using local produce.

Book your Christmas Party now

LIVE JAZZ | FUNCTION ROOM | EVENTS 10 Widcombe Parade, Bath BA2 4JT 01225 448870 www.ringobellswidcombe.co.uk

Shop • Cafe • Plants Now taking Christmas bookings

Shop... for all of your fresh fruit, vegetables, bread, plants and more Cafe... Sit back, relax and enjoy the atmosphere with a fine cup of coffee or an afternoon tea. We also serve breakfast and light bites for those feeling a little peckish and roast dinners are now available on Mondays!

Plants... We sell beautiful seasonal plants and flowers which can be found in and around the Farm Shop.

OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK

free wi-fi

Monday - Saturday 9am - 5pm 10am - 4pm Sundays and Bank Holidays

Weekesley Ln, Timsbury, Bath, BA2 0NH 01761 470089 info@meadgatefarmshop.co.uk www.meadgatefarmshop.co.uk

Classical Thai cuisine in a relaxed and friendly authentic Thai environment Party bookings are welcome

the home of rice and noodles New Hot Pot Menu Traditional East Asian cuisine, consisting of a simmering metal pot of stock at the centre of the dining table with ingredients placed in the pot, cooked at the table and served with a dipping sauce

01225 444 834

16 Argyle Street, Bath BA2 4BQ info@thaibytheweir.com | www.thaibytheweir.com

www.thesweettricycle.co.uk

#thesweettricycle

helen@thesweettricycle.co.uk 07951 205409

TASTING ROOM SPECIALIST WINE AND SPIRITS Shop and Bar

Voted in the top 50 of the UK's Best Independent Drinks Merchants 6 Green Street, Bath BA1 2JY | 01225 483 070 www.tastingroom.co.uk

F O R BO OKING S PH O NE

01 225 4436 86

1 4 – 1 6 T H E CO R R I D O R , BAT H

C H R I S T M A S M E N U AVA I L A B L E 24 N OV E M B E R – 24 D E C E M B E R Prosecco on arrival • Chef’s special sharing platter, speciality doughs • Metre pizza (choose your own toppings) • Glass of wine or soft drink • Neapolitan baba and panettone • Limoncello liqueur £30 per person

D O U G H P I Z Z A R E S TA U R A N T. C O . U K

Award Winning, Family Run Farm Shop Established for over 30 years Selling Quality Local Produce Open Daily 9am-6pm 10am-5pm on Sundays

HOME & LOCALLY REARED FRESH MEAT, POULTRY AND GAME. HOMEMADE SAUSAGES, AND BURGERS

Family run and providing quality food and service since 1985 LOCAL CHEESES & HOME COOKED MEATS LOCALLY GROWN VEGETABLES & FRUIT HOMEMADE CAKES & PIES LOCALLY MADE CHOCOLATES & FUDGE PRESERVES & CHUTNEYS LOCAL ALES, CIDERS & FINE WINES

Christmas meat orders now being taken TEL: 01249 658112 www.allingtonfarmshop.co.uk

Allington Café

OPEN DAILY

Celebrating British farming, quality and passion Chef created meals from our farm to your plate Signature bakes by our in house pastry chef Barista made hand roasted coffee

SAME QUALITY, SAME SERVICE, NEW LOOK. 1-2 New Street, Kingsmead Square, Bath BA1 2AF Tel: 01225 466377 www.pekingrestaurantbath.co.uk a @PekingBath f pekingrestaurant Opening Hours: Monday – Saturday 12 noon – 2.00pm and 6.00pm – 10.30pm | Closed Sundays.

St. James’s Café ~ Deli Freshly Prepared Daily:

h Lunch g h Breakfast g h Food to go g h Ready Meals g h Smoothies g h Cake g h Speciality Tea g h Coffee g We don't just serve food, we create it!

Christmas evening bookings now being taken

Open daily from 8am • Closed Sundays

Tel: 01249 463326 www.allingtoncafe.co.uk

5/6 St James's St, Bath BA1 2TW Phone: 01225 336106

Allington Bar Farm, SN14 6LJ

A cut above...

Serving wonderful Thai food in light and relaxed surroundings...

Organic wines, coffee and free range produce. MSG free. Veggie options.

Take away available.

Restaurant CaffĂŠ 17 Kingsmead Square, Bath 01225 445253 www.yumyumthai.com

Try our Tour of India tasting menu Longmead Gospel Hall, Lower Bristol Road, Bath BA2 3EB Tel: 01225 446656 12-16 Clifton Road, Clifton, Bristol BS8 1AF Tel: 01173 291300 Email: info@themintroom.co.uk www.themintroom.co.uk

fa

Experience real Moroccan food cooked and served in a distinctive and traditional manner together with genuine warm hospitality in absolute beautiful Moroccan surroundings.

Arabic and Fresh Mint Tea and Baklava Shisha Pipe • Bazaar Shop CHRISTMAS BOOKINGS NOW BEING TAKEN

REAL MOROCCAN CUISINE 1A North Parade Bath, BA11LF Reservations: 01225 839822 Enquiries: 01225 466437 www.taginezhor.co.uk

WINNER WATERING HOLE

2 Saville Row, Bath BA1 2QP info@commonroombath.co.uk 01225 425550

COMMONROOMBATH.CO.UK

THE THREE GABLES

newly refurbished...

Widbrook Grange Restaurant Modern farmhouse cooking from our award winning chef in an elegant grade 2 listed farmhouse, now completely re designed Also open to non residents for dinner At The Three Gables, we offer accomplished cooking at affordable prices: a modern menu with Mediterranean influences, using fine local produce with classic techniques.

N O W O P E N F O R S U N D AY L U N C H SPECIAL EVENTS THURSDAY 13TH OCTOBER Tasca D’almerita Sicilian wine dinner evening Tasca d’Almerita is a fine wine producing estate in Sicily with an aristocratic background. It was founded in 1830 and has been the point of reference for high quality wine for over 100 years. £75 per person Aperitif and canapés from 7.30pm | Dinner at 8.00pm | Four courses including wines

To see what all the fuss is about and to book a table call 01225 864750 or email stay@widbrookgrange.co.uk www.widbrookgrange.co.uk

THURSDAY 27TH OCTOBER Lunch with Orton Jewellery We have invited local bespoke jewellers Christine and Lee from Orton’s Jewellery for an interesting talk on the history of diamonds.

Luncheon Club, 12.00pm with lunch at 12.30pm: £29.50 per person including a three-course lunch and a glass of wine St Margaret’s Street, Bradford-on-Avon BA15 1DA 01225 781666 | thethreegables.com | info@thethreegables.com TheThreeGables

Widbrook Grange Hotel Bradford on Avon BA15 1UH widbrookgrangehotel @widbrookgrange

FOOD & DRINK YOU’VE COME A BLOG WAY, BABY! It may have started as a simple blog back in 2011, but The Foodie Bugle is about to become a prime location three-storey shop on Abbey Street.

“The business started organically from my home in Wiltshire,” explains The Foodie Bugle’s founder Silvana de Soissons. “Using social media was really important in the early days to show the world our products. Then it became a printed magazine, followed by an online shop, a pop-up shop and then a bricks and mortar store in Margaret’s Buildings in Bath.”

The move to Abbey Street is a long time ambition realised for Silvana. “I stalked this shop for years. When I was a student at university here, I remember admiring its façade and thinking, one day, I would like to run a food shop or tearoom in this square.

“There was a lot of interest in the building and I had to put forward a strong written case as to why The Foodie Bugle should be the new tenant.

“It was a wonderful moment when I was told my bid was successful and now we are working towards an end-of-the-month opening.”

For more: www.thefoodiebugle.com

One woman and her blog

PHOTO BY SAM SHORT

W H AT ’ S M A K I N G T H E G O U R M E T N E W S I N B AT H

Stay drink aware with Juno

PUB TALK There’s a new indie bar in town, Juno, and for director Andy Mills, it’s almost a home from home.

“The decoration has been a personal journey for me as a lot of the art and skateboard decks we have adorning our walls come from my personal collection.” he explains. “My lounge looks pretty bare at the moment.”

Andy, who was the former project manager for the skate clothing store Route One, admits starting up the Philip Street drinking venue and

kitchen had its challenges. “At times I felt like I had bitten off more than I could chew; because our budget was low, we did almost all of the work ourselves, we only hired in a plasterer and an electrician – everything else was done in house.”

Juno officially opened on 26 August and serves slushie cocktails, world and craft beers, along with “a small but perfectly formed” menu which includes pizzas and Juno Dirty Fries.

For more: www.junobath.co.uk

Fashion/gifts/stores/more

PHOTO BY PAULO FERLA

SHINE BRIGHT

We have our eye on autumnal interior styling right now, and although the industrial look has been with us since the 80s, adding an urban feel to your home – especially when complementing it with softer touches – is still a great way to keep it on trend. An easy way of introducing this raw, edgy style is to do it with accessories such as unusual lighting. Felix Lighting Specialists is an achingly cool independent shop, owned by Gary May, selling refurbished, maritime and rare lighting – think bold, illuminated laser-cut skulls, neon street signs from New York (we’re obsessed with their Bronx sign, but at £11,000 we may have to start smaller) – some of which they handcraft themselves in their workshop near Bath.

Create an impactful talking point in your home by adding 1940s North Sea Beacons into darkened corners, for example, or add subtlety to your living room with scissor-action wall lamps or hanging pendants complete with mottled glass bulbs. Oversized, heavy-duty feature lights are popular right now and work especially well in period homes with high ceilings that can cope with a grand scale, and surely even the smallest of rooms can handle a petite nuclear bunker desk lamp or a vintage prison search light (we told you this shop was extraordinary). At the moment, Felix have a new range of hammered, aged-look metallic fixtures, handmade by themselves, which bring retro glamour to the forefront, and we can’t wait to go on our next shopping spree.

Felix Lighting Specialists, 6 Bartlett Street, Bath; 01225 315 110; www.felixlightingspecialists.co.uk

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Laundry Services Tailored repairs and alterations Suede and Leather Cleaning

2 SUITS DRY CLEANED FOR ONLY £20

Van service available 6 Monmouth Place, Bath BA1 2AU Tel 01225 311595

BARTLETT STREET

ANTIQUES

Offering a diversity and quality of stock to rival London’s Bond Street or the Portobello Road.

For the most comprehensive collection of quality Antiques, Jewellery, Fine Silver, Vintage Collectables and Fine Art outside of London with in-house working Goldsmiths.

Over 70 specialist dealers showing on stands and displaying in showcases.

#BartlettStreetQuarter Bartlett Street Antiques Centre 8 Bartlett Street Bath BA1 2QZ • Email: bartlettstreet@yahoo.co.uk Open 10am - 4.30pm Monday to Saturday, closed Sundays and Public Holidays

To contact individual dealers by telephone please use our website:

www.bartlettstreetantiquescentre.com

SHOPPING

ED’S CHOICE 2

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1. COMFORT ZONE

2. POT LUCK

3. HEAVY METAL

4. LIGHT THE WAY

5. GOOD AS GOLD

Zig zag cushion, £38 A bold yet simplistic handblocked design adorns this linen cushion which strikes the right balance between playful (with its pompom tassels) and sophisticated From Indigo & Will’s, 3 George Street, Bath; www.indigoandwills.com

Avron clay vase, £29.90 With its retro-inspired look, this cross pattern ceramic vessel makes a striking design statement even when it’s empty From AtNo67, 6-7 Prospect, Kingsdown, Corsham; www.atnumber67.co.uk

Richmond Copper table, £199 In the metallic hue of the moment, this modern, strong, structural design is an ideal example of when style meets substance From TR Hayes, 15-18 London Street, Bath; www.trhayes.co.uk

Zirconia chartreuse and silver lamp, £35 – £75 Create a refined and stylish feature with this striking lampshade that will fit in effortlessly with a contemporary interior From Graham and Green, 92 Walcot Street, Bath; www.grahamandgreen. co.uk

Geo tealight holder, £10.90 Hand-painted gold wire frames a delicate, internal glass votive which hangs freely inside, allowing a candle’s flame to flicker and dance From India Jane, 20 Milsom Street, Bath; www.indiajane.co.uk

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WHEN IT COMES TO AUTUMN’S TRENDS, THERE’S A LEAN TOWARDS THE GEOMETRIC, WITH EVERYTHING FROM TRIANGULAR FIGURES, QUADRATES AND ZIGZAGS SHAPING THE SEASON

9 10

6. ALL ANGLES

7. SHADES OF GREY

8.SHAPE UP

9. TREASURE CHEST

10. LOOK SHARP

Maisie necklace, £30 Handmade using age-old techniques, geometric squares fuse together to form an elegant, striking chain From Treaty Jewellery, 2 Hetling Court, Bath; www.treatyjewellery.co.uk

Geometric bowl, £8 With its subtle trellis design and calming tones, we’re big fans of this pretty feature bowl From Rossiters of Bath, 38-41 Broad Street, Bath; www.rossitersofbath.com

Sixton London zig zig dress, £62.99 New for the AW16 season, this flared jersey dress with mid-length sleeves is perfect for the transitional period From Boho, 13 Broad Street, Bath; www.bohofashion.com

Diamond emerald cabinet, POA With the style of a precious jewel, this hand-finished sideboard is luxury furniture at its finest From Woodhouse & Law, 4 George’s Place, Bath; www.woodhouseandlaw. co.uk

Zig zag coasters, £19.99 for four Decorate your home with these Scandi-feel, parquetlook coasters for a natural aesthetic From Vinegar Hill, 16 Milsom Street, Bath; www.vinegarhill.co.uk

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FA S H I O N

BRIDAL

The LOOK of LOVE From barely-there patterns to bespoke separates, we discover the hottest new bridal looks in Bath and beyond

By E V E LY N GR E E N

BRIDAL

FA S H I O N

What should we look out for this year?

We are holding an Anna Campbell trunk show on 11 and 12 November and are offering brides the chance to book in and view these dresses which are exclusively available to our studio. www.flossyandwillow.uk and www.perfectdaybridal.net

KRYSTLE BRIDES

Former fashion design student at Bath Spa University Krystle Herbert-Worgan set up her bridal boutique on Bath’s Saint James Parade in 2012 shortly after her own wedding. Expect to see designer labels from Augusta Jones and Maggie Sottero to Ronald Joyce and Mia Mia. What’s big for bridal trends right now?

We are seeing a draw towards warm colours such as blush, cream, champagne and mocha for the winter months. We love these colours with jewel-tone bridesmaids’ dresses and rose gold accessories.

And what about next year’s styles?

We’re excited to be seeing some very sleek and simple shapes coming through for spring and summer. We think a more relaxed, boho feel will become popular as brides look to find less traditional venues.

What’s coming up with you?

We are holding an Augusta Jones trunk show on 28 and 29 October to coincide with our four-year anniversary. We will receive extra gowns from the collection and will be offering in-store promotions and goody bags.

Opposite page: Lace sheath, embellished dress by Maggie Sottero at Bath’s Krystle Brides; This page: Waverly Bride top and Bordeaux skirt, exclusive to Bradford on Avon’s Flossy & Willow

FLOSSY & WILLOW AND PERFECT DAY BRIDE

Both owned by cousins Laura Shepherd and Kerry Munday who have backgrounds in fashion, these Bradford on Avon based bridal boutiques offer both high-end and affordable designs. Perfect Day specialises in luxury bridal wear from national and international designers such as Anna Campbell, Naomi Neoh and Charlie Brear, and at Flossy & Willow – the opposite of a formal, old school bridal boutique – you’ll find designers such as Mikaella, Catherine Deane and Benjamin Roberts.

Who would love your dresses?

At Perfect Day, our bride is someone who is looking for something a little different, and at Flossy & Willow we have a fabulous fusion range of designers for the modern-day bride with style.

What are the hottest upcoming bridal trends?

We’re still seeing bridal separates as key for 2017 trends. Our brides love exploring the many varied bridal looks they can create from separates, allowing each bride to be creative and have a much more bespoke look.

Surprise us…

We had celebrity bride Amy Williams’ wedding featured in Hello! magazine last summer and have supplied a veil to a groom for his bride, for the BBC show Don’t Tell the Bride. www.krystlebrides.co.uk

CARINA BAVERSTOCK COUTURE

Owners Carina Baverstock and Lucy HaywarRodgers opened their boutique in Bradford on Avon in 2010. This was followed a year later by a boutique to dress the mothers of the brides and grooms. At their bridal boutique, expect to find classic designer gowns by the likes of Suzanne Neville, Caroline Castigliano and Stewart Parvin as well as alternative designers such as Alice Temperley and David Fielden. Here, Lucy answers our questions…

What are the bridal trends of the moment?

Brides are moving away from whites and daring to walk the aisle in hues of blush or powder blue, or even in patterned dresses made from luxurious printed silks.

What about the cuts?

The low or illusion back is still a strong look but there has been a move to a change of neckline with www.mediaclash.co.uk I BATH LIFE I 107

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plunging fronts and halternecks becoming popular.

What sets you apart from other bridal shops?

We have our own team of couture-level fitters and seamstresses.

Surprise us…

We had our television debut on E4’s All Hail the Veil which aired earlier this year – we were likened to the Trinny and Susannah of bridal.

What’s coming up with you?

We’ll soon be hosting designer weekend events with the likes of Caroline Castigliano, Suzanne Neville and Alice Temperley. Brides can try dresses from a designer’s entire collection and sometime even have a private appointment with the designer herself. www.carinabcouture.com

CATHERINE MILLER

At her eponymous studio on Hungerford Road, Bath, Catherine Miller designs and makes bespoke wedding gowns for the individual. She trained in Bath with a degree in textiles and set up her business in 1983 with a focus on pure silk and lace gowns and special occasion wear.

Who is your typical customer?

They want something they can’t find in the shops.

I work closely with individual shape, enhancing the positives of the body and disguising the negatives. My brides want to be unique which includes wearing gowns created from high-end fabrics and laces.

What makes a perfect wedding dress?

The stand-out features include getting a gown 108 I BATH LIFE I www.mediaclash.co.uk

exclusive to you because it has been designed for you and is therefore a perfect fit. Being part of the design process ensures you walk away with a dress that is a reflection of your personality.

Above: An ethereal, capped sleeve Picasso dress from Carina Baverstock Couture in Bradford on Avon

Surprise us...

I designed and made a gown to be the centrepiece of a nature and wildlife documentary for the BBC. silkspecialistcatherinemiller.co.uk

LUXQUISITE BRIDAL COUTURE Specialising in Pronovias gowns, Luxquisite on Bladud Buildings, Bath, celebrated its second birthday in September. The shop’s manager Holly Rush tells us more…

What makes your shop different?

It’s a small, relaxed yet exclusive boutique in the heart of glorious Bath. We offer skilled advice, styling and customer service and we believe in tailoring the experience to the individual.

Each bride should feel confident, welcomed and understood.

What do you specialise in?

We are a premium stockist of Pronovias and Pronovias Atelier. Pronovias is our only designer.

Our main collection ranges from £1,300, with sale dresses starting from £400 and Atelier gowns reaching in excess of £4,000.

What else can customers find there?

Shoes by Pink by Paradox and Freya Rose – all of which can be dyed to any colour – and accessories

by Pronovias, Nieve Designer Couture and Halo & Co. www.luxquisite.co.uk

BRIDES ARE DARING TO WALK THE AISLE IN HUES OF BLUSH OR POWDER BLUE

LUXURY BRIDAL WEAR Anna Campbell

Exclusive stockists to Charlie Brear Naomi Neoh

Jesus Peiro

BY APPOINTMENT 7 SILVER STREET BRADFORD ON AVON NR. BATH 01225 309309 www.perfectdaybridal.net

BA15 1JY

AWARD WINNING BRIDAL BOUTIQUE

AUGUSTA JONES • ELLIS ENZOANI • MAGGIE SOTTERO RONALD JOYCE • MIA MIA SAN PATRICK • KELSEY ROSE MARK LESLEY

APPOINTMENTS ADVISED 01225 446844 www.krystlebrides.co.uk

11 St James Parade, Bath, BA1 1UL b

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Beautiful wedding gowns designed and made for the individual

Bridal Jewellery Collection now available online

All enquiries welcome

Tel 01225 339294 Email catherine_miller@btinternet.com www.silkspecialistcatherinemiller.co.uk

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ad v e r tisi n g featu r e d e n t i s t ry

Just what is ‘Restorative Dentistry’?

Unsurprisingly, restorative dentistry is that field of dentistry associated with the restoration of the teeth.

But as Toby Talbot of talbot clinic explains, it covers a wide range of treatments worth considering...

R

estorative dentistry includes several disciplines, each dedicated to a specific aspect of oral health.

Prosthodontics: Replacement of missing teeth The use of dentures, bridgework or implant supported prostheses, fixed or removable.

Periodontics: Treating gum disease 20% of patients are susceptible to gum disease which can cause loosening of the teeth.

Endodontics: Decaying and infected teeth The result of irreversible damage to nerves within the teeth, requiring teeth to be re-built.

Implantology: ‘screw-in’ teeth An alternative to dentures, teeth are permanently fixed to implants, replacing lost roots.

Successful outcomes

Clinical studies have been conducted to discover how long restorations survive, and it’s worth noting that dentistry has a finite lifespan.

Many patients will experience recurring tooth decay under a filling. Breakdown of dental materials is inevitable, although which material is selected is critical to avoid early failure.

Sometimes the cosmetic considerations of patients may dictate the use of a toothcoloured restoration even though its physical characteristics are inferior to metal alloy.

As long as you’re made aware of the expected lifespan of your choice, its subsequent decay can be accepted prior to treatment.

The right diagnosis

On-going problems with your teeth and gums can have a huge impact on your life and well being. Hospital referrals can be a slow process but thankfully the pool of specialist dentists in Bath will ensure you get the treatment you need.

It’s common knowledge that teeth decay without regular care. With the invasion of harmful bacteria on a daily basis, your teeth are in an everlasting battle. Clinical research shows that once the size of a cavity or the destruction of the tooth amounts to more than half of the remaining tooth, a simple filling may not be adequate.

In some cases, the onset of tissue loss can be rapid due to accidental damage. In others,

it can take years following gradual wear (eg. grinding your teeth while sleeping). Other causes include erosion through dietary choices and ailments featuring high acidity such as reflux, which can inflict considerable damage to teeth, from the stomach.

Choice of materials

Whether a tooth needs to be re-built for functional reasons such as eating and speaking, or for cosmetic reasons, a range of materials including metal alloys, composite plastics and porcelains may be used.

15-20% of patients exhibit evidence of tooth grinding and clenching which can suggest stronger materials for their wear resistance.

Today’s metal alloys can be matched to physical demands, whereas resins and porcelain materials lend themselves to achieving lifelike tooth colour, but are less hard wearing. I often have to discuss with my patients the various benefits and risks associated with the use of materials to ensure they choose what’s them.

Cosmetic dentistry

When a patient is concerned about the appearance of their teeth, this becomes the remit of the specialist in restorative dentistry.

Tooth-coloured restorations, veneers and crowns offer exceptional results. A daylight environment is an absolute necessity, by the way, for assessing and matching teeth colours.

Even the colour of the walls of a surgery will influence the shade of natural teeth.

Dental implants

Despite high standards in modern dentistry, thousands of patients suffer tooth loss every year due to injury, decay and gum disease.

Historically, the only solutions for tooth loss were bridges and dentures. Today however, dental implants are becoming a more accessible option.

Implantology focuses on the replacement of a tooth with an implant to secure a permanent or removable alternative. While this option may offer benefits over dentures, there are hidden issues associated with this treatment.

My first dental implant was inspired by Professor Brånemark, with a patient at the University of Washington in 1981, marking a new era in tooth replacement procedures.

There have been more than seven million

Brånemark implants carried out since worldwide through close collaboration of specialists in prosthodontics, oral surgery and periodontics.

As implant procedures have become simplified over time, the number of general dental practitioners these treatments has risen.

Indeed, any qualified dentist with an interest in implantology can attend postgraduate training to do so, without the need for specialist accreditation.

While minimum requirements for continued training are set out by the General Dental Council (GDC), as with any surgical procedure there are many complications, including infection, rejection and failure, that only a suitably trained dentist may notice.

This issue is confusing to the public because of the sheer number of dental clinics advertising themselves as ‘Implant Centres’, or offering ‘advanced restorative dentistry’ services.

Find the right specialist

The GDC assists the public in distinguishing between those General Practitioners with a ‘special interest’, from fully accredited specialists. Only those practitioners on the GDC Specialist Register are entitled to call themselves ‘Specialists in Restorative Dentistry’.

To avoid any confusion, visit the GDC website to check whether the practitioner you’re considering is an accredited specialist in prosthodontics, oral surgery, periodontics or has undergone appropriate postgraduate training.

Alternatively, you could always contact the Talbot Clinic for a confidential discussion. I’d be glad to see you.

Toby Talbot is one of Bath’s premier dental practitioners and a specialist restorative dentist.

He dedicates his time to his Bath-based Talbot Clinic and educating the public on dentistry.

01225 426222 enquiries@talbotclinic.co.uk www.talbotclinic.co.uk

www.mediaclash.co.uk I BATH LIFE I 115

Our workshops are for all ages and skin types.

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HAIR AND BEAUTY

The BEAUTY of AUTUMN From the return of the perm, to black nails and lips, the city’s experts talk AW16’s top hair and beauty trends to try, and they bust beauty myths while they’re at it, too...

By L I SA E VA NS

Romantic Grandeur by Aveda at Artizan George Street

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HAIR AND BEAUTY

THE ONE WITH AN AMERICAN FLAIR At this modern beauty concept business, you’ll find makeup workshops and nail and eyebrow bars. Its owner, Katherine Spreadbury, is the founder of, and ambassador for, the Temptu and Mud brands in the UK. She trained in the USA with celebrity makeup artist Patrice Miranda (who’s worked with worked with Britney and Madonna) and she opened her business in Bath two years ago.

What makes Little Lab different?

We host airbrush party makeup and we also stock big beauty brands from the USA that are hard to find in the UK. What’s new with you?

The hand-held Temptu airbrush system, and two-week professional makeup courses.

What are the current beauty trends?

Khaki and navy are going to be big this season, as are metallic stripes and marble effects on nails.

What’s your go-to beauty quick fix?

Using a badger brush, load the size of a 10p of primer and 5p of foundation on the same brush and blend for 20 seconds.

What else?

Little Lab also has a salon at The Gainsborough Bath Spa. 20 Broad Street, Bath; www.littlelab.co.uk

Airbrush makeup classes at Bath’s Little Lab are a popular choice for hen and birthday parties

Bath’s The Health & Beauty Centre specalise in deep tissue massage within its calming treatment rooms

THE ONE SPECIALISING IN DEEPTISSUE MASSAGE

THE HEALTH AND BEAUTY CENTRE

Now in its 23rd year of business, the beauty salon, owned by Jannean Lawrence, covers everything from facials and waxing to manicures slimming treatments.

What’s your most popular treatment?

I specialise in deep tissue massage and enjoy making grown men cry (in the past this has included a Bath Rugby coach).

What’s trending in the beauty world right now?

Black is back for nails and lips, as is fresh THE ONE OFFERING HEAD-TO-TOE PAMPERING

FRONTLINESTYLE

The multi award-winning hairdressers and day spa is owned by Frances Urwin who took over from her father in the 90s. The first salon opened in 1951, and their Bath business, located in a Grade-II building, has been running since 2003.

What makes the salon special?

We offer discreet expert advice about scalp disorders, and are specialists in wigs and

and glowing skin.

What’s your recommended treatment for the colder months?

To prep your feet, we suggest removing hard calluses and skin.

Share a winter skincare tip…

Exfoliate using an enzyme exfoliator rather than a gritty one as they cause less sensitivity.

Share a common beauty mistake…

Smothering the skin with too much moisturiser. This can cause problems such as milia, lines and wrinkles.

5 Old King Street, Bath; www.bathbeautycentre.co.uk

hairpieces with a private room.

Your favourite hair trends for autumn/ winter?

Bronde – a multi-tonal mixture between brown and blonde.

Recommend a beauty treatment for the colder months…

The CACI non-surgical facelift aims to reduce fine lines and wrinkles.

4-5 Monmouth Street, Bath; www.frontlinestyle.co.uk

THE ONE OWNED BY A FORMER POP SINGER

Use a facial oil at night; this will lock in critical moisture.

She was once a singer with the German band Propaganda, but 13 years ago Betsi Hughes left her pop career behind to open her beauty salon.

Dispel a beauty myth…

‘Wearing makeup every day is bad for your skin.’ Makeup can actually help protect the skin from UV rays and pollution.

GREEN STREET HOUSE

What treatments are you recommending right now?

Warming ones such as hot stone therapy, and resurfacing facials combating sun damage and dry skin.

Share a top skincare tip for this season…

118 I BATH LIFE I www.mediaclash.co.uk

PHOTO BY PHILIP FIELD

LITTLE LAB

Surprise us…

The building we’re in was constructed in around 1700 and it has the oldest privy in Bath in the basement under the arches.

And we were once featured on Channel 4’s Risking it all.

14 Green Street, Bath; greenstreethouse.co.uk

HAIR AND BEAUTY THE ONE WITH A CATWALK EDGE

PHYLOSOPHIE

The hair salon owned by Miles and Sarah Rhodes opened in Bath less than two years ago and was followed by a second at The Gainsborough Bath Spa. What hair trends are you recommending this season?

Natural roots with a perfect blend, getting progressively lighter towards the ends of the hair. Volume and organic texture are big catwalk trends, too.

What’s new with you?

We are looking into launching an ambitious start-up project, one which empowers talent and removes some of the barriers for creative entrepreneurs in the fields of hair and beauty, food, floristry and retail.

What else?

The furniture at Phylosophie is mainly mid-century antique which we feel complements the 400-year-old townhouse we occupy.

16 Northumberland Place, Bath; www.hairdressersinbath.co.uk

THE ONE WITH A CELEBRITY FOLLOWING

ARTIZAN, GEORGE STREET Husband and wife Matthew and Shelley Carr opened their hair salon in Bath 21 years ago.

What’s new with you?

We’re about to open a second floor space.

What new trends have surprised you this season?

The return of the perm. We’re lucky to have a stylist who can perm as the demand for this recently has been 500 per cent up.

Do you have a mantra?

A hairstyle isn’t just about fashion; it must suit your face shape, your lifestyle and, most of all, your personality.

Bath-based actor Anthony Head distracting the staff at Artizan George Street

THE ONE FOUNDED THREE DECADES AGO

ARTIZAN, BARTLETT STREET

Having been running in Bath for 30 years, the salon, run by Philip Thompson ( founder) and Zac Fennell (director), offers a unique space split over different levels.

What’s Artizan’s go-to style?

It’s editorial; we prefer hairstyles that are stylish and sassy but not obvious.

What trends are popular for AW16?

The shag – early 80s rock chick – it’s choppy with strong colours.

Dispel a myth about haircare…

‘If you cut your hair off it grows back thicker’ – not true.

What else…

Artizan used to be Evans and Owens, a department store with four miles of tubing carrying vacuumed receipts around the building. That’s the reason the salon is so open plan.

5 Bartlett Street, Bath; www.artizan.co.uk

Share your best hair advice for the colder months…

Limit hot showers as they can rob your hair of crucial moisture.

Dispel a haircare myth…

‘Don’t pluck grey hairs or more will grow’ – this is not true.

What’s your favourite aspect of your business?

Our varied clientele. Our most famous client family is Anthony Head (actor), his wife Sarah Fisher (TV presenter) and their two actress daughters Daisy Head and Emily Head. We have our fair share of Olympians too.

8a George Street, Bath; www.artizanbath.co.uk

THE ONE WITH A SPECIALIST DOCTOR

THE ORANGERY LASER & BEAUTY CLINIC

24 years ago, Suzannah Chamberlain opened her independent business which specialises in clinical and medical treatments such as IPL hair reduction and injectables.

What are your most popular treatments?

Jan Marini peels, injectables by a specialist doctor, and skin rejuvenation techniques.

What sets you apart?

Longevity is a characteristic of the employees at The Orangery, our staff stay for a long time – the current staff length of service is six to 16 years.

What else?

We have peaceful treatment rooms in our lower level, reached through a courtyard garden.

2 Kingsmead Street, Bath; www.theorangerylaserandbeautybath.co.uk

THE ONE WITH SPECIALISED TREATMENTS

THE DUCHESS

The beauty, aesthetics and wellness salon, owned by Beatrice Pounder, has been running since 2013.

What’s new with you?

As part of our relocation, we have opened a skincare shop featuring a range of natural, locally made products.

What sets you apart?

We welcome clients living with cancer and offer a range of customised treatments suitable for every stage of treatment and recovery. We recommend the NHS-designed skincare range Defiant Beauty which is great for those with delicate and sensitive skins.

What treatments are popular right now?

Lash lifting, and soft, natural-look brow shaping.

What’s your autumnal beauty recommendation?

Tackle blotchy skin with a full body polish and natural spray tan.

33 Walcot Street and 12 Pierrepont Street, Bath; www.duchessbeauty.co.uk

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Relax, Rejuvenate, & Revitalise #

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day spa for men and women 14 green street, bath BA1 2JZ tel: 01225 426000 www.greenstreethouse.com

The Alternative to Production Line Hairdressing Phylosophie 16 Northumberland Place, Bath 01225 484952 www.phylosophie.com Phylosophie @phylosophiehair phylosophiehair

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SATURDAY 5TH NOVEMBER 6.30PM 'TIL LATE Venue: Bailbrook House Hotel, Eveleigh Avenue, London Road West, Bath, BA1 7JD

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ad v e r tisi n g feat u r e h e a lt h a n d f i t n e s s

all gain, no pain!

Dave Wilby, the founder and CEO of Team Breakthrough explains how his groundbreaking approach to personal training and therapy has been keeping his clients in peak condition and pain-free for over 14 years

T

eam Breakthrough has developed quite a reputation for physical transformations in the past few years, but Dave Wilby is keen to stress that how clients look is only half of the battle. Feeling great and being healthy are just as important.

When you walk through to door at Team Breakthrough the first thing you see is a large, amazingly well equipped, light airy gym. The next thing you notice is that everyone using the equipment is being supervised by their own personal trainer.

And it is this key difference that sets the Team Breakthrough apart from the many other fitness businesses in the area.

“When you take on a programme at Team Breakthrough you are not just doing it yourself. You have the support of a highlyskilled and experienced expert team to help, guide and encourage you,” explains Dave.

“Everyone here really cares about their individual clients and takes a personal pride in helping them achieve their goals. These can be fat loss, improved body shape, confidence issues, and in many cases chronic pain.”

The Team Breakthrough experience begins with an assessment by your assigned trainer.

Initially it is all pretty standard stuff: height, weight, body fat, but then things get a bit more in depth.

“One of our great strengths is the therapy team”

Dave is a qualified neuromuscular therapist and he likes to (literally) get to grips with his clients’ potential injury problems before starting them in the gym.

“One of our great strengths is the therapy team,” says Dave. “A lot of the people who come to us are in pain. We get clients with everything from serious spinal conditions to niggling sports injuries “We have a wide range of skills we can offer and we put together programmes based on their needs, be it physical therapy followed by exercise to increase muscle strength and mobility, or weight loss.

“We specialise in clients who don’t like gyms, so the environment and ethos is very important as well. We aim to get them fit, healthy and pain-free but we want them to enjoy doing it.”

Appointments are scheduled around the client’s needs and if you prefer to workout with other people there are also group training sessions available most weekday mornings and evenings as well as Saturday morning.

There is no membership fee and all training and therapy sessions are offered on an hourly rate.

Dave Wilby, founder and CEO of Team Breakthrough

Team Breakthrough Unit 2,The Ley Business Park Box, Wiltshire SN13 8EH 01225 743 801 enquiries@teambreakthrough.co.uk www.teambreakthrough.co.uk

www.mediaclash.co.uk I BATH LIFE I 127

ad v ertisi n g feat u re d e n t i s t ry

the wisdom of dental care The Bath-based award-winning dental practice BATH SPA DENTISTRY talk dental care, looking after your pearly whites, and local heroes in blue, black and white, Bath Rugby Club

B

ath Spa Dentistry is an award winning, private dental practice in the centre of the historic city of Bath, established in James Street West for many years. The practice offers the highest quality dental care using the very best technology and cosmetic techniques in a modern, professional and friendly environment.

As the basis of modern dentistry is prevention, the team offer a range of treatments and services to ensure any dental problems are kept at bay, in addition to providing a range of cosmetic and aesthetic procedures to help people enhance their smiles.

Bath Spa Dentistry are continuing their relationship this season with Bath Rugby as their Official Dentistry Partner. Providing the squad, academy players and staff with a variety of dental services to ensure problems in their mouths can be minimised and eliminated, including drop in clinics at Farleigh House.

This season to help the players protect their mouths, teeth and jaws on the field of play, the team at Bath Spa Dentistry have fitted and supplied all of the players with their own custom made mouth guards in the recognisable Bath Rugby colours.

The advice for anyone wanting to look after their teeth is ‘prevention is better than cure’ and this not only applies to wearing a mouth guard for contact sports, but also when it comes to your on-going oral health.

By visiting your dentist and hygienist regularly, many dental problems can be prevented, as they have the knowledge,

Our team are dedicated to providing you with all your dentistry needs

expertise and special equipment to be able to spot the early signs developing, before their patients do. Often leaving a dental issue too late, until there is pain, swelling or bleeding, can cause more problems in the longer term and often treatment costs more than the preventative options.

The practice has its own membership plan to help people spread the cost of their regular dental treatment with a small monthly payment. There is also an interest free credit scheme to help spread payments across

Custom made mouth guards for Bath Rugby's 2016-17 campaign

several months for more complex and costly treatments, such as replacement of many teeth with dental implants.

The advice from Bath Spa Dentistry is to look after your teeth and oral health by getting regular check-ups, going to see your dentist as soon as a problem arises and protect your mouth when taking part in any contact sports.

For more information about the Membership Plan, sports mouth guards or any of our cosmetic dentistry treatments do get in touch.

Bath Spa Dentistry 19a James Street West Bath BA1 2BT 01225 464346 reception@bathspadentistry.com www.bathspadentistry.com

www.mediaclash.co.uk I BATH LIFE I 129

IT IS VITAL THAT THIS TYPE OF COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT IS PROTECTED IN A CITY SUCH AS BATH

VEGMEAD VICTORY As Bath community garden volunteers are celebrating a successful campaign to save their vegetable patch, Emma Bond tells us why the spot matters so much.

Photography by Tom Dawson

Views of London Road from Vegmead garden

66 I CLIFTON LIFE I www.mediaclash.co.uk

GARDENING

Pictured: volunteers grow a colourful abundance of fruit and vegetables at Vegmead garden which people are encouraged to help themselves to

W

ay back in August 2011, I wrote about a muchloved local community garden at Hedgemead Park in central Bath. Called Vegmead, this site was taken over from Bath Council and developed, with support from Transition Bath, into a thriving community vegetable garden. Previously the garden had been a neglected and overgrown formal flower border, and over the years had slowly disappeared from sight. The project members were volunteers with the common goal of making a visible site that, not only demonstrated how easy it can be to grow your own food, but also as a community garden where anybody could learn and join in.

Support and donations were given by local businesses including TR Hayes – which has almost a bird’s eye view of the garden – together with Prior Park Garden Centre, Somerset Willow Growers and Hinton Organics, and donations were also given from an array of local supporters.

In total, 35 volunteers spent 400 man-hours creating the garden. Volunteer Bath residents included a wide demographic of individuals including students, teachers, retired people, computer programmers and children. You can see the incredible effort that the group went to on YouTube – it shows a time-lapse of the work that took place.

At the time, Bath Council Parks Department offered support not only by allowing this site – which is, most importantly, a visible one that is seen by many people each day at the top of Walcot Street – to be used, but also helped with providing greenhouse space and allowing compost bins to be kept nearby.

I recently met with the very enthusiastic and

energetic small group of volunteers for the garden – The Vegmead Community Group – who have been celebrating after successfully campaigning to keep Vegmead where it is, following discussions with Bath and North East Somerset Council.

After the Vegmead Group’s impassioned plea, the council confirmed that the vegetable patch would stay where it is and not be relocated to a spot between London Road and the River Avon.

However, the garden has a year to prove itself before the council takes another look at whether it can stay where it is.

They intend to increase the number of volunteers involved with the project growing organic food and sharing the produce with anyone who wants it. The group also intend to continue learning from each other and extending their food-growing knowledge this way. It is vital that this type of community engagement is protected in a city such as Bath where much of the emphasis is on tourism.

The very success of Vegmead has relied on its visibility and prominent position on the slope at Hedgemead and it is hoped that, in the future, there will be many more projects like it around Bath. Bristol, which is after all not that far away, is a vibrant city and host to 33 successful growingprojects overseen by Incredible Edible and featuring a food trail and community growing in parks, streets, station platforms and public spaces such as the Bear Pit. Bath could follow their lead and increase the number of community growing spaces encouraging education and involvement as the health benefits, both physical and mental, that can be derived from gardening and community involvement are undeniable. This will invariably reduce pressure on the NHS and other services and improve people’s lives.

Emma Bond, Bath Garden Design and Landscaping, Orchard Studio, Old Orchard, 88a Walcot Street, Bath; 07968 727415; bathgardendesign.com Photos © Emma Bond

www.mediaclash.co.uk I BATH LIFE I 131

Award Winning for customer satisfaction

Our message is simple, we put you at the centre of designing your garden by listening carefully to you and creating your garden with and for you. Please read our website reviews which will give you more information and let you know how we won Best for Customer Service on Houzz 2016.

Professionally trained with many years in the industries of landscape, garden design, horticulture, ecology and conservation.

Our website will show you more of the lovely gardens we have designed and created with our clients.

www.cowengardendesign.co.uk

Telephone Andrew on 01225 635357 or 07711301118

a d v e r tisi n g f e at u r e g a r d e n i n g

One of the beautiful small garden gates we made especially for the Feel Good Front Gardens at the RHS Hampton Court show this summer

Make an entrance

The experts, the choice and the range at Jacksons Fencing will help open doors to a brand new outdoor style this season, while also offering practical gated security

G

ates are there for a very good reason – simply put, a gate helps to keep the baddies out, and keep the goodies safely in.

With the darker evenings on the way, you might be considering tightening up your security, whether that’s in a rural or urban setting. Wherever your property is, one of the first things will be to look at your perimeter, normally that’s the fencing.

Fencing style and height need consideration and will mainly be dictated by your location and situation. This is a meaty subject and there are masses of choices on our website, so if you are starting from scratch or replacing fencing, you can gain valuable advice and info right there. We even have a handy fence calculator app to help you work out everything you need for your project.

That’s all good, but I’m sure it won’t have escaped you that somewhere in your scheme you are going to need a gate, after all a fence is marvellous and useful thing, but pretty inconvenient without a gate. Whether it’s to

allow you to put out the wheelie bins, let you in and out, keep your dog, children safely in the enclosure, a gate is an absolute necessity.

You may not even be in the market for a new fence, if this is so, please ignore the last few paragraphs. However as a fence anorak, can I at least make a suggestion?

Please make sure your gate, or gates are in a good state of repair. It is vital. I have mentioned in these pages before how illogical it is to have the perimeter of your property fenced to keep unwanted visitors out, but then to leave the gate unlocked. We are often told that thieves are opportunists, always on the lookout, they may try a few gates – if your gate stays shut, then they will move on to the next one, it’s as simple as that. Of course, if your gate is a bit rickety, then no amount of locking is really going to stop someone coming through, which is another good reason to make sure that it is a good sturdy gate and not a pushover!

So let’s hear it for gates, they can save you a lot of grief, and if by chance you need a new one, we have a special offer running through

Win a Jacksons Log Store...

To enter the free prize draw and be in with a chance to win a Jacksons Log Store, simply log on to your dedicated page, address below, and follow the easy instructions on how to enter.

The draw closes on 30 November 2016.

To enter go to: www.jacksons-fencing.co.uk/bathlocal

September and October – half price delivery on all gates in our Good Fencing Guide range.

And like all our timber products they have the 25 year Jakcure guarantee too. Full details and T&Cs can be found on your dedicated web page: www.jacksons-fencing.co.uk/bathlocal • louise@jacksons-fencing.co.uk

Jacksons entrance gates

Most of Jacksons garden panels have a matching gate like the stylish Venetian shown above

For info on any of Jacksons products or brochures, please call 0800 0966151 to talk to your local Jacksons Fencing Centre

www.mediaclash.co.uk I BATH LIFE I 133

Kingfisher Blinds

We supply and fit roller blinds, vertical or venetian blinds to suit any room We offer a personal, friendly service from first contact through to the installation of your chosen blinds.

All enquiries welcome.

FREE ESTIMATES FULL INSTALLATION AND CAD DESIGN SERVICE 1,400 SQFT SHOWROOM WITH FULL DISPLAYS Radstock Road, Midsomer Norton, Radstock BA3 2AD Tel: 01761 419114 Email: enquiries@firenza.co.uk Web: www.firenzaltd.co.uk Opening hours: Mon 12pm - 5pm Tues - Fri 9am - 5pm Sat 9am - 3pm

Kingfisher Blinds, Radstock, Somerset BA3 3ED 01761 434665 07801 059357

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ANTIQUE AND MODERN CARPETS BOUGHT, SOLD REPAIRED AND CLEANED 25 YEARS IN BATH LARGEST SELECTION IN THE SOUTH WEST

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Shake-ups/launches/intel/promotions

B AT H G E T S S ER I O US

Bath’s appetite for fine dining shows no sign of waning

QUOTE OF THE ISSUE

“A COUPLE OF JOBS CROSSED MY MIND INCLUDING RUNNING A GUEST HOUSE WITH MY GRANNY, BUT SHE WASN’T KEEN”

FOOD INDUSTRY

MOVEABLE FEASTS

When this person’s grandparent laid down the law, her life took a different path. Find out who on page 138.

New exciting restaurant plans for Bath mean there could soon be more choice on the menu Indies, businesses and creatives are just some of the ingredients helping keep Bath buoyant economically, along with the city’s thriving restaurants and cafés which are a huge part of the mix. There are estimated to be 400 eateries attracting both tourists and day trippers, as well as keeping the residents, fed, watered and happy.

Confirming Bath’s reputation as a foodie mecca is the growing number of restaurants, both new and established, looking to secure premises in the centre.

The famous London haunt The Ivy Brasserie, which recently opened a restaurant in Bristol, has submitted plans to convert the NatWest bank on Milsom Street into an eatery, which, if approved, would create 70 jobs.

The American burger chain Smashburger is looking to take over units in the city centre, and three street-food inspired restaurants, the Bangkok-inspired Thaikhun, the Lebanese canteen Comptoir Libanais and fried chicken experts Absurd Bird, are set to open in the new

SouthGate food quarter later this autumn, with talk of more joining them.

“The hospitality industry is one of the main pillars of the UK and Bath,” says Bath’s MP Ben Howlett. “It is the fifth largest industry in the UK, directly employing over 2.4m people and accounting for a further 1.2m indirect jobs in other areas. It’s good news for the local economy that Bath is both flourishing in this sector and attracting new business.”

Councillor Patrick Anketell-Jones, cabinet member for economic development, adds, “Bath is ideally arranged for enjoying hospitality in a small, intimate centre that lends itself to evening recreation. So even when the shops have closed, there is plenty of scope for entertainment and eating.”

For more: www.southgatebath.com

2.4m THE BIG NUMBER

Hospitality is Britain’s fifth largest industry, directly employing 2.4m – great news for Bath’s expanding foodie scene Find out more opposite

www.mediaclash.co.uk I BATH LIFE I 137

BUSINESS INSIDER

ONE TO WATCH

NICKY BANKS Nicky Banks is a senior associate in the residential property, farms and estates team at law firm Royds Withy King in Bath. Here she talks early dreams of running a guest house and riding pillion to Venice...

Tell us a bit about your background..

I grew up in Chippenham and spent many happy days in the school holidays travelling into Bath with my father to buy fresh produce from the city’s fruit and vegetable wholesaler for his greengrocer’s business.

What job did you want to do when you grew up?

A couple of jobs crossed my mind including running a guest house with my granny, but she wasn’t keen, setting up an animal sanctuary and teaching.

Why did you join Royds Withy King?

I wanted to work for a firm that is firmly entrenched in Bath but with the added benefit of being able to offer my clients and professional contacts a wide range of specialist services under one roof. I have also been impressed with the firm’s growth in recent years and its rankings, both as a UK Top 100 Law Firm, and as one of The Sunday Times’ Top 100 Best Companies to work for.

What are the most rewarding aspects of your work?

I love meeting people and working with them to achieve their end goal. I also enjoy the analytical nature of my work and solving problems. Moving house, building a property portfolio and dealing with the knottier issues which arise through property ownership, renovation, investment and development can be really stressful for the people involved, so I try to add as much value as I can.

Tell us about a memorable piece of work…

I worked on the purchase of an estate made up of

a 16th century house and lodges where the title deed was in several parts and included an old settlement.

Apart from complex issues arising from the title deed and listed building status, there were questions relating to the water supply, drainage, rights of way and woodland schemes, which had to be dealt with.

It was challenging for everyone involved but ultimately we got everything done and my clients moved in on schedule.

What makes Royds Withy King stand out from its competitors?

The approachability of the people who work here and their genuine desire to help. I’d also highlight the firm’s realistic outlook on fees and the depth of knowledge and range of specialists they have across a network of offices, now including central London.

Where do you like to eat out in Bath?

I particularly enjoy seafood and curries so if I was pressed to choose, I’d say Loch Fyne and Rajpoot.

What do you love about Bath?

I love that you can walk from one side of the city to the other.

Surprise us…

I once rode pillion on a Triumph Speed Twin to Venice and back.

For more: www.roydswithyking.com

Nicky Banks outside the Royds Withy King office in Northumberland Buildings, Queen Square

I ONCE RODE PILLION ON A TRIUMPH SPEED TWIN TO VENICE AND BACK

BUSINESS INSIDER

MOVERS, SHAKERS, ETC

Fans rejoice after Leroy’s heroic try, scoring against Worcester on 17 September

Illustrator Robert Kann

PITCH PERFECT

Robert Kann, architect, illustrator and owner of pitch26, has recently opened up a new gallery and studio space in Church Street.“Pitch26 showcases my iconic architectural illustrations of local scenes,” explains Robert, who became self-employed three years ago. “It may also provide the opportunity for other creative people to use it for exhibitions and workshops in the future.” www.pitch26.com

GOOD PRACTICE

Daniela Nickols, family partner at Mowbray Woodwards has been nominated for the Law Society Excellence Award for ‘Solicitor of the Year – Private Practice.’

The winners will be announced at the Hilton Park Lane awards ceremony on 20 October. www.mowbraywoodwards.co.uk

NEW DIRECTION

Jonathan Church, is to become artistic director of the Theatre Royal Bath Summer Season.

Previously at Chichester Festival Theatre, his first season will be summer 2017, which will be unveiled in January 2017.

“I’m absolutely delighted to be taking on this role at the Theatre Royal Bath, one of my favourite theatres in the country.” www.theatreroyal.org.uk

BATH RUGBY NEWS Bringing you the latest from the Bath Rugby headquarters The short-term re-signing of Leroy Houston has seen a lot of love coming his way. Leroy left Bath this summer to rejoin Australian Super Rugby side Queensland Reds in a bid to further his international ambitions.

However, the back-rower returned to The Rec on a contract until the end of October while Taulupe Faletau recovers from injury. “The support here is unbelievable.

I’m still on a high because the fans show me so much love,” says the 29-year-old Australian.

• Novia recently announced it has signed a contract to continue as an official partner of Bath Rugby for another two years. “We are really thrilled that Novia have extended their contract with Bath Rugby,” says Matt Powell, business development director at Bath Rugby.

“Novia have been a fantastic supporter of the club, the Foundation and the players over the past five years, and we are delighted that they have committed to another two years as an official partner.”

This extended contract will result in a total of a seven year commitment, cementing Novia as a long-term partner to Bath Rugby.

For more: www.bathrugby.com

Matt Powell and Novia’s Bill Vasilieff are on the ball

Coming fixtures: 1 October, 3pm, Aviva Premiership away game against Gloucester 7 October, 7.45pm, Aviva Premiership home game against Sale Sharks www.mediaclash.co.uk I BATH LIFE I 139

Successful, well-established year-round language school in the centre of Bath requires

HOMESTAY HOSTS IN BATH to host both short-term and long-term students.

We teach adults and teenagers, and need both single and twin-room accommodation.

For further details, including rates of payment, please contact our Accommodation Manager: Sarah Wringer, KIE Bath, 5 Trim Street, Bath, BA1 1HB Direct Line (01225) 473502, Email: sarah.wringer@kaplan.com

BUSINESS INSIDER

BREAKING NEWS

FANTASTIC FOUR Our pick of the most exciting, intriguing and important local business stories right now

WINNING WAYS

John Law gets judgey

Winning a Bath Life Award is such a strong accolade for a business. So it was no surprise that a special How to Win a Bath Life Award seminar was sold out.

Held at The Gainsborough Bath Spa on 19 September, attendees from around 50 companies heard practical tips including those from former judges, Woodhouse and Law’s John Law, and Marcus Whittington from Bath Boutique Stays.

The principal themes included, ‘Think like a judge’ and ‘Winners can come from anywhere’ – whether prior winners, first timers or, of course, non-advertisers.

The presentation is on the awards website, which can be accessed by anyone and the ‘Top Tips’ will be published once the nominations have opened on 1 November.

The latest sponsor was also unveiled at the seminar: Hawker Joinery, sponsor of the coveted Gastropub category. Current sponsors of the awards, which are free to enter, include: the Royal Crescent Hotel & Spa (Headline) plus category sponsors Savills, Circo, Novia, Bath VW, Bath Rugby, Stone King, Bath Audi, Tile & Flooring, Minuteman, Fidelius, First Bus, Bluefin, Apex Hotels and now Hawker Joinery. For sponsorship enquiries, please contact pat.white@mediaclash.co.uk For more: www.bathlifeawards.co.uk @BathLifeAwards

LEARNING CURVES When Annette Dolan left school, she was aware her literacy levels weren’t the same as her peers, but despite this she became determined to succeed in life.

“I also noticed my way of thinking was different too, and it wasn’t until later I found out I was dyslexic,” explains Annette. Despite personal setbacks and professional challenges, she went on to become a successful entrepreneur and founded Bath Aqua Glass.

Annette, who lives in Wiltshire, has now written Dyslexia Rules KO charting her life’s journey and also to call for a rethink on how schools look at dyslexia. “I wanted to step over a massive fear of the written word and show how a dyslexic’s mind works. My aim is to change the education system so dyslexics can be taught in a different way to encourage their skills.”

Annette’s book launch, which is sponsored by Morgan Brinkhurst Consultancy, takes place at Bath Waterstones on 27 October.

For more: www.waterstones.com

Here’s to Bath Marketing Consultancy’s continued success

Top of the glass with Annette Dolan

Andrew’s digging his award

LAND MARK Bath-based Cowen Garden Design has scooped a top award from the upmarket lifestyle website Houzz.

The leading online platform for home renovation and design, which has 35 million monthly users, voted the landscaping and garden company, which has been running for 20 years, the ‘Best Customer Service’ winner.

Andrew Cowen who owns the company says,“Winning the Best Customer Service Award is testament to our firm belief that good design starts with excellent communication between client and designer.”

“We’re so pleased to recognise Andrew Cowen of Cowen Garden Design and for him to be voted one of our ‘Best Of Houzz’ professionals by our enormous community of homeowners,” adds Andrew Small, managing director of Houzz UK. “Customer Service honours are based on several factors, including the number and quality of client reviews a professional received in 2015.

“A ‘Best Of Houzz 2016’ badge appears on winners’ Houzz profiles, as a sign of their commitment to excellence. These badges help homeowners identify popular and top-rated home professionals.”

For more: www.cowengardendesign.co.uk

PARTY STRENGTH Question: what do parties, yoga, gardens and a Dubai sportswear company have in common? Answer: Bath Marketing Consultancy. The Walled Garden in Mells, Kali Yoga in Spain and Italy, a large corporate and private party event company in London and a sportswear business in Dubai are all using the Bath-based firm for marketing support.

Director Paul Tagent explains, “We

have invested in increasing our inhouse expertise to give clients even more marketing support, which is fully accountable. Expansion into more digital options allows BMC to not only design and build award-winning websites, but to also run external marketing activities, which benefit from our SEO expertise.”

For more: www.bathmarketingconsultancy.co.uk

www.mediaclash.co.uk I BATH LIFE I 141

BUSINESS INSIDER

BATH LIFE BUSINESS CLUB

Our very own Bath Life columnist David Flatman pitched up at The Royal Crescent Hotel & Spa for the Bath Life Business Lunch which, unsurprisingly, was a sell-out and one of our biggest and most popular yet

T

ry and pigeon hole David Flatman, if you dare. Is he a former rugby player, a raconteur, a writer, a TV pundit and commentator, a corporate host or possibly even a rabblerouser with the royals?

He’s all the above and then some. He’s also a dream to talk to – give him a subject and, like the prop he once was, he’s off and running and doesn’t stop until he’s over the try-line with a brilliantly salient, hilariously funny or thought-provoking punchline.

David, or Flats as he is affectionately known, started playing rugby union at the age of eight for his local club Maidstone FC, and signed his first professional contract at 19 for Saracens in 1998. He went on to play for the England national rugby union team and Bath Rugby before injury forced him to

A pre-lunch catch up with the Bath Life Business Club members

142 I BATH LIFE I www.mediaclash.co.uk

PHOTO BY PETER TRAVERS

KICKING BACK WITH FLATS David Flatman gets ready to field questions

retire at 32.

“Like most players I was completely focused on my sport,” he says. “Everything a player eats, drinks, does on holiday, is all about the game on Saturday. You never imagine a life beyond that. You don’t want to.

When a player stops, they lose 85 per cent of their income. It’s tough.”

However, Flats found an ally in his agent, Michelle Blair, and without hesitation, puts his post-sporting career success down to her.

“She’s intelligent, driven, dead honest and forced me to take jobs I didn’t want to when I was injured. Without her, I’d have been the guy who was finished, terrified and had nothing else to do. I’ve been with her 12 years, and she’s now one of my best mates.

One of his first jobs was an admin role with Bath Rugby as head of communications.

“I’ve always slept really well but I remember waking up one night with terrible chest pains, thinking something was very wrong,” says Flats, who soon realised it was his career choice that was very wrong. “I knew I should be grateful because I loved those guys and I love the club, but I couldn’t do it – the job didn’t feel like me. I felt constricted, so I left.”

He describes the day he walked away from the decently-paid and cushy job as one of the best days of his life, but admits he was a man without a plan and still is. “I am determined in life to do as little stuff as possible that I don’t like doing, because I’m crap at it at.”

He also refuses to indulge in any longterm planning. “If you start to think, ‘I want to be the next Gary Lineker or become a zillionaire’, then you’re introducing stress into your life. It’s not about aiming low, it’s about keeping it real, and I rather like it – it suits me. I’ve always wanted to be the guy who turns up, does his best and then gets

I WANT TO SPEND TIME WITH THE WIFE, TAKE THE KIDS TO SCHOOL, WALK THE DOGS – AND THEN WORK CAN FIT IN AROUND THAT picked next time around.”

It’s an approach and philosophy that is serving Flats very well indeed, as his postrugby career proves, but he’s adamant work will not get in the way of his life. “I want to spend time with the wife, take the kids to school, walk the dogs – and then work can fit in around that.”

As for the story about getting raucous with the royals, next time you see the witty, warm and very entertaining Flats, be sure to buy him a drink of his choice, pull up a chair and ask him yourself. You will not be disappointed.

FRESH THINKING OVER A FINE LUNCH

The Bath Life Business Club is a select group of senior business people. It features a leading speaker – for example, Glastonbury Festival founder Michael Eavis – and a damn fine two-course lunch. The next meeting is on 17 October 2016 – if you’d like to join, please contact Stephanie Dodd (Stephanie.Dodd@ mediaclash.co.uk). These events sell out quickly, so look out for the emails...

The Bath Life Business Club is sponsored

by Bishop Fleming

A D V E R T I S I N G F E AT U R E S E R V I C E S

LOOKING AHEAD CLARKSON’S INDEPENDENT FUNERAL DIRECTORS, a truly personal and caring service

C

arol Spalding and her daughter Sophie May have set high standards for the care offered to families and their loved ones.

As an independent family firm, Clarkson’s is able to offer a highly individual, personal and caring service to each and every one of their clients.

More and more people are choosing to prearrange their funeral to reduce the emotional worry and anxiety for their family. With a Perfect Choice Funeral Plan from us, which is also cared for under the NAFD, you can pre-arrange your funeral and fix your funeral director’s costs at today’s prices, no matter how long you live or what happens to the economy in the meantime, which can help reduce the financial burden on your loved ones. It allows you to set out your wishes in advance so your family don’t have to second guess what you might have wanted. The plan can also include a contribution towards third party costs (known as disbursements), such as crematorium, clergy and doctor’s fees. One of the main reasons that we recommend Perfect Choice Funeral Plans is because they provide outstanding financial security for your money. All plan monies are held securely in a whole of life assurance policy for extra peace of mind.

In addition you will also benefit from the knowledge and experience we have developed

“MORE PEOPLE ARE CHOOSING TO PRE-ARRANGE THEIR FUNERAL” over many years. We can help you tailor your funeral plan to accommodate any special wishes you may have. With a pre-paid plan, you can make top-ups or update your plan details at any time, and you can choose to pay upfront or by monthly installments giving you the utmost flexibility.

For further details or for an information pack, please don’t hesitate to contact us at any time.

Windsor Place, Upper Bristol Road, Bath BA1 3DF 01225 426822; www.clarksonsfuneraldirectors.co.uk contact@clarksonsfuneraldirectors.com

OFFICE SUPPLIES OFFICE FURNITURE OFFICE MACHINES

DELIVERIES TO YOUR DOOR...

TEL: 01249 444777 EMAIL: SALES@WOODSOFFICE.CO.UK WWW.WOODSOFFICE.CO.UK

Woods the stationers

OUR SHOP HAS BEEN ESTABLISHED IN BATH FOR OVER 200 YEARS

Come in for all your day to day and gift stationery

12 Old Bond Street, Bath Tel: 01225 445 347

F I N A N C E ad v erti s i n g feat u re

THE TAXMAN IS CLOSING IN ON YOUR UNDECLARED LETTINGS INCOME Renting out a property and not notifying the HMRC can have significant financial consequences. Pearson may explains the best way to avoid panics and penalties

T

here are lots of reasons why people might have failed to declare income from letting property to HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC); it might be that your spouse has declared all of the income because they look after the lettings, but if the property is held jointly by husband and wife then in most cases the income should be split 50/50 and declared on each of their tax returns; it might be that you have appointed a letting agent and thought that the agent dealt with everything including the tax; or maybe it’s simply that HMRC hasn’t asked you for details of your rental income. The list is endless, but make no mistake, if you receive income from property then the onus is on you to correctly declare that income and pay any tax due over to HMRC. If you are breaking out in a cold sweat whilst reading the above, then rather than burying your head in the sand and hoping that the problem will go away, there is an opportunity to help you stop worrying about what might happen, have certainty about what tax you owe and get things right for the future - this opportunity comes in the form of a Let Property Campaign.

HMRC are increasingly making use of their powers to request information from certain bodies, and in recent years, this has included a requirement for letting agents to disclose details of their clients and the level of rents received for example.

“ we have assisted many new clients with making voluntary disclosures”

144 I BATH LIFE I www.mediaclash.co.uk

Even if you don’t use a letting agent, HMRC potentially have a number of other tools at their disposal which they can use to identify landlords for example; information from the land registry, mortgage lenders, tenancy deposit schemes and even social media.

Don’t assume therefore that HMRC will never find out that you have been renting out a property; they probably will find out sooner or later, and the penalties imposed will be more significant if they discover it first rather than you voluntarily making a disclosure.

The campaign is a voluntary disclosure opportunity aimed at landlords of residential property who have failed to disclose rental income on their tax returns. Upon receiving such disclosures, HMRC have the ability to offer the ‘best possible terms’ to minimise any penalties or fines that may otherwise be levied. The campaign is open to all residential property landlords, whether they have one property or multiple properties.

HMRC’s ‘Let Property Campaign’ has been in force now for over two and a half years and during that time we have assisted many new clients with making voluntary disclosures under the campaign.

The first step to make use of the campaign is to notify HMRC that you wish to do so, which can be done using their online notification form. A notification must be made for each individual so if a property is owned jointly by

Procedure for making a disclosure

ad v erti s in g feat u re F I N A N C E

husband and wife for example, two separate notifications will be required.

Once the notification form is submitted, HMRC will write to you with a unique Disclosure Reference Number (DRN) which you need in order to make disclosure to HMRC of the full details regarding the previously undisclosed rental income. You have three months from receipt of the DRN within which to make full disclosure and pay any tax and penalties that are due.

As part of the disclosure you must calculate any profit or loss made on the property rental(s) and include details on the disclosure forms. You will need to know what type of expenses you can offset against your rental income and we can talk to you about this in more detail to make sure you make a claim for all eligible expenses to reduce your taxable income.

You also need to calculate the amount of tax payable on any rental profits and disclose this on the form. This will depend on your level of other taxable income in each tax year in question. You cannot normally include details on the disclosure form for the current or previous tax years and may therefore need to file tax returns for those years. We have lots of relevant experience and can guide you through the process.

What about penalties and interest?

These must also be calculated when making the disclosure and you must decide what level of penalty applies in your individual circumstances – this will depend on the facts of the case and the reason for not making the disclosure previously. These penalties are significantly lower than could be charged if disclosure is prompted (e.g. following an enquiry from HMRC) and/or you deliberately tried to conceal the inaccuracy or for failure to make a disclosure.

From our experience the Let Property

Campaign is proving useful for a number of taxpayers who have come to us having not previously made any disclosure of their rental income. The whole concept of the campaign means that HMRC should accept the vast majority of disclosures without any further enquiries. It means you can sleep easy at night and is much better than waiting for an inspector to knock on your door!

The above is for general guidance only and no action should be taken without obtaining specific advice.

- Celebrating 175 Years -

37 Great Pulteney Street, Bath BA2 4DA 01225 460491 mail@pearsonmay.co.uk www.pearsonmay.co.uk

Nick Oliver FCA FIoD

www.mediaclash.co.uk I BATH LIFE I 145

WINNER’S PROFILE

BATH LIFE AWARDS

ESTATE AGENT/ PROPERTY WINNER Sponsored by

PHOTO BY PAOLO FERLA

SAVILLS From art teacher training to estate agency, Luke Brady is now the head of Savills Bath office and here talks about loving the city, sport and his job How did you celebrate the Bath Life Award?

Having been the perennial runners up for many years, we were delighted to win and celebrated with our prize bottle of champagne from headline sponsors Taittinger, along with bacon butties from fellow award-winners the Green Bird Cafe.

How would you describe Savills Bath?

We are a global company with an independent spirit.

I think that whilst being part of a global PLC, Savills Bath operates more like an independent locally within the city – this is demonstrated by the number of local events and charities we support across the city each year.

Have you always worked for them?

I was training to be an art teacher in London but quickly discovered it wasn’t what I wanted to do – I’ve been in agency ever since.

How important for business is being an active part of the community?

It is critical. A significant part of our Bath Life submission demonstrated this, from our corporate support of Bath Rugby to the smaller local events we sponsor year on year, as well as local fundraising events in which we partake as individuals.

What do you love most about your job?

Doing my job where I do it. Whilst any job is a challenge, it is a privilege to do what I do, and for whom I do it, in Bath. I feel very lucky living and working somewhere where other people, from all across the world, choose to visit for holidays or their recreation time.

What has been your most memorable transaction?

My greatest trophy sale is overseeing Bath’s most beautiful house, Widcombe Manor. In terms of 146 I BATH LIFE I www.mediaclash.co.uk

Luke Brady, third left, celebrates Savills win at the Bath Life Awards with Belinda Bradley, Carly Foster and Matthew Pegler

longevity and complexity, I would have to say Somerset Place having been involved since its sale as a university in 2006 to still being involved in its resale as luxurious apartments now.

What do you aim to achieve in the next couple of years?

Stability in uncertain times, and to hold our nerve whilst there is inevitable market volatility.

What advice would you give to someone

to go into this sector?

I FEEL VERY looking I would suggest starting at grass roots level with a recognised firm that has an excellent LUCKY LIVING programme. I believe hard work, AND WORKING training resilience and integrity are the foundations for success in this industry.

SOMEWHERE WHERE OTHER Any exciting news to share? has embarked on their first national PEOPLE, FROM Savills TV campaign, with adverts on ITV, Channel ALL ACROSS THE 4 and Sky, supported by a whole host of marketing activity. All feedback WORLD, CHOOSE other welcome!

TO VISIT FOR What do you do when you’re HOLIDAYS not working?

I’m a keen runner, cyclist and sports fan, following West Ham United at most home games and Bath Rugby when I can, in between driving my children around to swimming training.

Tell us an interesting and little know fact about yourself?

When I took over the running of Savills Bath five years ago, I was the youngest head of office at that time – and I still am today!

For more: www.savills.co.uk

On the move...

Regency Offices has moved its Bath Head Office from 2 Wood St to 3 Princes St, Bath BA1 1HL, just around the corner from the Francis Hotel.

We also operate our business address service from 3 Princes St where we have a great meeting room facility with 46 inch TV.

Av ai la bl e

no w!

We have added 23 Gay St & 29 Monmouth St to our portfolio of buildings and are letting these buildings on a floor by floor basis, with each floor being approx 500 sq ft. We have installed leased lines at these locations, which we can split securely between clients.

They provide internet up and down speeds of 100MB.

Need an office?

We have six offices available in Bristol at 3 Portwall Lane, BS1 6NB, just a 5 minute walk from Bristol Temple Meads Rail station.

Available from ÂŁ175 per desk per month As ever we remain the most flexible provider of office space in Bath & Bristol Call Sharmella Kirby or Tony Williams Bath : 01225 326400 | Bristol : 0117 2034070 info@regencyoffices.com

www.regencyoffices.com

ad v ertisi n g feature s o l i c i t o r s

for legal advice every small step of the way...

To help with the many varied paths to parenthood including fertility treatment, surrogacy and adoption, MOGERS DREWETT has launched a new specially-tailored legal service

I

f you're considering fertility treatment, adoption or surrogacy, then it pays to get legal help and advice early on in the process.

The family team at West Country law firm Mogers Drewett, has introduced a new surrogacy, fertility and adoption service in response to the growing need for specialist legal advice. The new service will be delivered

by Anne-Marie Hamer who joined the family team in February as a family lawyer and specialises in surrogacy and fertility law.

Rebecca Silcock, partner and head of the family team at Mogers Drewett explains, “As surrogacy becomes a more mainstream pathway to parenthood we have gradually received more enquires from people who are looking for advice on the legal planning

“ensure in the early planning stages that you fully understand your parental rights”

associated with surrogacy arrangements, such as acquiring parental rights and bringing children who are born abroad back into the UK. Fertility treatment and embryo storage is also a very complex area of law and can be emotionally challenging but one we can provide sensitive and supportive advice on.

“Whether you are considering donor, co-parenting, surrogacy, fertility or adoption

what is vitally important is to ensure in the early planning stages is that you fully understand your parental rights, implications of your actions and that you have robust parental agreements in place.” Under the new service, Mogers Drewett will be able to assist with; surrogacy legal planning including international surrogacy, parental orders, pre-conception agreements, donor co-parenting agreements, donor disputes, embryo storage and ownership disputes as well as adoption.

For more information visit www.md-solicitors.co.uk Contact Anne-Marie Hamer on; Office: 01225 750000 Mobile: 07702 802122 ahamer@md-solicitors.co.uk

www.mediaclash.co.uk I BATH LIFE I 151

VILLAGE PEOPLE

There’s nothing shy and retiring about the new wave of luxe retirement villages, which are attracting a whole new generation of retirees More people are looking ahead, planning their future and choosing village developments like The Chocolate Quarter 152 I BATH LIFE I www.mediaclash.co.uk

By Sa r a h Mool l a

RETIREMENT SPECIAL

M

isconceptions about getting older – grey hair, no teeth and tartan slippers – are thankfully old news thanks to decent hair dye, good dentistry and beautiful shoe shops. These days most of us talk positively about retiring – whether it be realising our dreams to travel more, take up golf, hang out with friends, learn a new skill or enjoy more arts and culture – we are learning to embrace what is increasingly being termed as the new or the third stage of life.

Recent figures show one in seven 65-year-old women, and one in 12 newly retired men, will live to celebrate their 100th birthday and this quiet revolution in longevity of life spans also means people are recognising the need and importance of taking charge of our future now. “Initially the ageing population boom seemed to take the retirement care market by surprise and facilities were not what one would have wished, but things have improved beyond all recognition,” says solicitor Helen Starkie, who specialises in power of attorney law.

So along with upfront conversations about long-term investments and pension plans, we are talking honestly about housing and how our accommodation needs might change over the years. Those looking around on a relative’s behalf or opting to take charge of their future now, are more than pleasantly surprised by the

A home flooded with daylight, like this design by architects DKA, is always important

OUR RESIDENTS OFTEN

improved standards and the choices, not least the increasingly popular retirement developments.

Penny Scambler, sales and marketing director for the Wiltshire-located retirement village Wadswick Green confirms, “our residents often liken their stay to feeling almost like a docked cruise ship 365 days of the year. It offers a luxury hotel lifestyle, contemporary living with a day spa, hair salon, sophisticated restaurant and bar, beautiful views of the Wiltshire countryside, a chauffeur-driven car service for local day trips and an action-packed events calendar.”

Couple this with beautifully maintained and litter-free landscaped grounds, it’s not hard to see the attraction. It’s also the thought behind the layout which often makes these alternative homeowner accommodations a cut above, such as Bath-based architects DKA’s design and scheme at The Old Vicarage in Leigh. The focal points of using natural light, surrounding gardens, outside space and the views, create a positive and beautiful environment.

The Chocolate Quarter in Keynsham, which will house 136 stylish apartments and a 90-bed care home, as well as office space, retail outlets, GP surgery and pharmacy along with a 50-seater cinema, swimming pool, dance studio and pizza restaurant when it opens in summer 2017, is already causing a huge amount of interest. “We’re seeing enquiries from a much younger cohort of people, which is challenging the commonly-held perception that you need to be old and frail to live in a retirement community,” says Steven Webster, the marketing and communications manager of the St Monica Trust, the charity behind the development, confirming that younger people are looking ahead into their older age and taking positive action now.

“There’s no one thing to look for when choosing a future home, whatever stage of life you’re at,” says Sarah Clarke a private client w

LIKEN THEIR STAY TO

FEELING

ALMOST LIKE A DOCKED

CRUISE

SHIP 365 DAYS OF THE

YEAR

Many villages boast five-star facilities, like this spa and pool at Wadswick Green

www.mediaclash.co.uk I BATH LIFE I 153

RETIREMENT SPECIAL

The exterior of the Pavilion, Wadswick Green exterior looks more hotel than home

solicitor who manages Stone King’s care planning services. “What’s important is that it feels right for you.”

On the important checklists are central locations, good transport links and car rental schemes, along with occasional guest suites, spare rooms, decent kitchens, balconies, great views and pets permitted. And these are, more than often, being ticked.

McCarthy & Stone, the UK’s leading retirement housebuilder and the team behind the assisted living, high-quality, privately owned development Lambrook Court on Gloucester Road, have provided a layered approach to residents’ choices as regional managing director Simon Mantell explains, “If you want to host a get-together, and don’t want to cook, the on-site table service restaurant serving three-course meals makes a great venue.”

Another appeal of these cleverly crafted villages is how it is acknowledged honestly but also unobtrusively that we all might need help and support one day, whether it be with the shopping or getting dressed. “With The Chocolate Quarter,” says Stephen, “any support or care that is needed will be brought to people on an individual basis

RETIREMENT HOMES DIRECTORY Avonpark Village 01372 383950 www.avonparkvillage.co.uk Bloomfield Care Centre 01761 441511 www.barchester.com/home/ bloomfield-care-centre Brunel House 01225 560100; www.mmcg.co.uk Chantry Court 0800 0147 552 www.chantrycourt.com

WE’RE

SEEING

ENQUIRIES FROM A MUCH YOUNGER COHORT OF

PEOPLE

Being free of house maintenance means you can get on with enjoying life

and will be individually tailored at the time they need it.”

Pat Fuggle, 68, who lives at Wadswick Green with her husband Norman, 70, says, “Like most people our ages, we weren’t planning to move to a so-called retirement development, but it felt like the right thing to do after visiting Wadswick Green. We realised that if we made the step now, rather than later, our overall lifestyle would improve immensely and we could fully enjoy our new freedom.”

The Chocolate Quarter 0117 919 4258 www.thechocolatequarter.org.uk

Westbury Court Care Home 01373 441555 www.brighterkind.com/westburycourt

Kingfisher Lodge Care Centre 01225 560597 www.barchester.com/home/ kingfisher-lodge-care-centre

The Wingfield Care Home 01225 560598 www.barchester.com/home/wingfieldcare-home

Lambrook Court 0800 153 3782 www.mccarthyandstone.co.uk

HOME CARE SERVICES

Wadswick Green 01225 585880 www.wadswickgreen.co.uk

154 I BATH LIFE I www.mediaclash.co.uk

Care South 01761 422920 www.care-south.co.uk

Way Ahead Care 01823 321123 www.wayaheadcare.co.uk

LEGAL SERVICES

Helen Starkie Solicitors 01225 442353 www.helenstarkie.co.uk Stone King Solicitors 01225 337599 www.stoneking.co.uk

OTHER SERVICES

University of the 3rd Age in Bath www.u3ainbath.org.uk Caroline Crowther Introduction Agency 01934 744788 www.carolinecrowther.com

U3A in Bath A positive and creative approach to retirement

There are 340,000 of us in England and 1,500 in Bath.

We are "U3A in Bath" and our members are all retired or working part-time. We take part in a range of activities – from History to Languages, from Tennis to Country Walks. You can see the complete list of our 100-plus interest groups on our website – www.u3ainbath.org.uk

Please come to our OPEN DAY THURSDAY 27TH OCTOBER The Pavilion, North Parade 10.00 am to 1.00 pm Everyone welcome

U3A in Bath describes itself as a lively and friendly association offering a wide range of study and leisure activities for those who are retired. The study groups work on the basis that members who have expertise give their services freely to those who wish to develop their own skills.

U3A holds regular talks and about two to three hundred meet monthly in the Pavilion in central Bath.

There is a wide range of topics addressed and we have heard from doctors who have travelled the world on a motorbike, the raid on Entebbe, George Bernard Shaw, Neutrals at War, and Escape from Broadmoor, plus local topics like Bath and its river from Roman times, and employment in eighteenth century Bath, a great variety of talks!

It’s easy and cheap to join and we welcome new members. Download the application form from our website or join at our monthly meeting or our Open Day on 27th October.

www.u3ainbath.org.uk

A D V E R T I S I N G F E AT U R E L E G A L F O C U S

HOME SWEET HOME Solicitor HELEN STARKIE explains why she believes that living care-free in a good care home can be a positive, and sometimes cheaper option for old age than staying at home

“A QUARTER OR MORE OF A PERSON’S LIFETIME MAY BE SPENT IN RETIREMENT”

M

any older people still remember workhouses, grim places notorious for the dismal existence they offered residents. Officially abolished in 1930, in practice many workhouses continued in all but name until as recently as 1948 – and even then, given post-war economic constraints and cultural habits, things did not improve much beyond providing a roof over the heads of the residents. There was little interest in understanding old age problems. And why would there be? Average life expectancy for a man in the late 1950s was still only 65, leaving no retirement years to be considered.

Now the expected life-span of a man is 86 (for a woman 89) and a quarter or more of a person’s lifetime may be spent in retirement – but given what they have lived through and the fact that many of them have never visited a modern care home is there any wonder that many of those in or approaching old age are anxious about what the future holds for them.

It is bad enough giving up one’s own home but what if what awaits them is as grim as

they believe it might be – and as expensive as they imagine?

A true story – Mrs X was a widow in her mid-80s when she became my client. She had spent almost all her money on live-in ‘care’ (effectively someone to sleep in her spare bedroom) after being burgled and losing her confidence to stay alone in her house at night, but she was determined never to go into a care home. When I visited I would find her huddled in her coat and mittens over a one bar electric fire to save money on heating. Her life was lonely and miserable.

A couple of years later a health problem meant that she had to go into respite care for a week (she was adamant that it would be no longer!). When I visited her the day after she moved in she looked ten years’ younger.

Wearing a shirt and slacks she was thrilled to tell me that someone had just done her hair, cut her nails and put moisturiser on her face and hands. “Feel that!” she said, putting my hand to her cheek in delight. She had had a hot lunch chosen from a menu, enjoyed a glass of wine and exchanged reminiscences with a lady at the neighbouring table. She had

laughed for the first time in years. Her room was comfortable, warm and cheerful and she was tickled pink to have her own wet-room adjoining her bedroom. She certainly did not want to leave at the end of the week – or ever. So she didn’t. She stayed for the rest of her days, whilst she was fit enough to do it making the most of trips out, time in the gardens, playing bridge with other residents and conversations with contemporaries.

When, later, her mind frayed no-one criticised her. She was understood and cared for – and when the end eventually came (considerably later than I suspect it might have done had she not made the move) she received nursing care from familiar faces of whom she had grown fond and with whom she felt ‘at home’.

The sad irony was that it cost her less to be in that home than it was costing her to be at home.

That was about ten years ago and things in the residential care world have improved even more since then. The market is now large enough to be truly competitive so standards have to be top notch. Many residential homes nowadays justifiably pride themselves on providing facilities to rival those in a high quality hotel.

Are homes expensive? They are not cheap, but most are excellent value – and when you compare the cost of living in one with the cost of running your own home you may be pleasantly surprised! Will ‘they’ take your house away from you? No. Most of the terrifying tales one hears about that sort of thing are just that – scare-mongering tales.

Seek proper advice from your solicitor ahead of your move and you will have the peace of mind of knowing exactly what the financial ‘bottom line’ is likely to be in your own case – and keeping expense to a minimum.

Helen Starkie Solicitor 5 Gay Street, Bath BA1 2PH 01225 442353 www.helenstarkie.co.uk

www.mediaclash.co.uk I BATH LIFE I 161

Helping you meet someone new in your area Make the first step and contact us today.

0800 180 4788 www.carolinecrowther.com

PROPERTY

SHOWCASE

ALEXANDER HOUSE 164 LIFELIFE I www.mediaclash.co.uk 112 II BATH CLIFTON I www.mediaclash.co.uk

SHOWCASE

PROPERTY

The largest in a surprising new-build development, this cleverly designed home, with its cinema, swimming pool, bar and gym, offers modern living at its best

By E V E LY N GR E E N

www.mediaclash.co.uk I BATH LIFE LIFE II 165 www.mediaclash.co.uk I CLIFTON 113

PROPERTY

SHOWCASE

A

ppointed with leisure facilities to rival a health spa, Alexander House sits in a quiet oasis in a stunning setting surrounded by beautiful grounds and open meadows.

The property was designed with modern living in mind while at the same time not losing sight of the needs of a practical family home. There are contemporary, exciting features aplenty inside including a snug cinema room complete with reupholstered original cinema seats, a large games room, a gymnasium and a bar as well as surround sound and underfloor heating throughout. And that isn’t forgetting the secondary kitchen for entertaining purposes.

It’s clearly a home in which to relax, de-stress and ‘lose yourself’, hence its heated indoor swimming pool finished with a deck chair area and automated cover, and its sauna and steam rooms.

All these sleek facilities are separated from the main living area, with the lower ground floor creating an extensive leisure and entertainment suite which has its own heating unit functioning independently of the main house. The magnificent open-plan living area features a high-spec kitchen-meets-dining room which cleverly incorporates integrated appliances including a steam oven, a warming oven, a coffee machine and automated recycling functions as well as an extractor fan concealed within worktops.

The kitchen is set around a central island and has full-height sliding doors leading out onto the substantial first floor balcony which has matching flooring allowing 166 I BATH LIFE I www.mediaclash.co.uk

Clockwise from top left: The classic-look cinema room; the vast, contemporary living room; the airy kitchen is a real hub of the home; the icing on the Alexander House cake, the swimming pool and sauna room

HOUSE NUMBERS

6,500

square foot of space

3

reception rooms

£2.8M price

6

bedrooms

1

large garden

internal areas to flow effortlessly to the outside. On this floor you’ll also find a wonderfully light and sizeable drawing room. It’s screened off by a large fish tank and is complete with a feature wall made of Bath stone – taken from an existing building which was demolished on the site and recrafted by a local stone mason.

The generous hallway leads to the master bedroom – fitted with a walk-in wardrobe and en suite – which overlooks the garden, and also on this level are five further double bedrooms, two with en suites.

Near the village of Larkhall, the house is set in beautiful, private grounds in a quiet, and slightly surprising, location to the back of Bath’s Percy Place – a Grade II listed rank of Georgian properties. Within the Place is a small development of three new-build properties, and Alexander House is the largest.

Considering that the city centre is just a level walk away, you’re not short-changed on outside space either; the large secluded garden has been thoughtfully designed with a lovely summer house and an area plumbed for the installation of a hot tub. There’s also a large, southfacing private patio, and the house itself is crowned with an eco-friendly, living green sedum roof. You’ll also find a sweeping driveway, reached through electronically opening gates, and a double integrated garage.

In a market filled with beautiful period properties, this detached, contemporary home is indeed a rare find, and a unique opportunity if we ever saw one.

Knight Frank, 4 Wood Street, Queen Square, Bath, BA1 2JQ, 01225 685246; www.knightfrank.co.uk

Trowbridge Road, Bradford-on-Avon. Guide Price ÂŁ645,000.

A spacious and beautifully presented Victorian family home that has been fully renovated from top to bottom in 2010 and has been in the same family for over 45 years! Number 36 is on the south side of town a short walk away from amenities and local schools.

The house has been extended to an exceptional level catering for the whole family whilst still retaining many period features.

The kitchen extension is the heart of the home with its open plan breakfast dining area and doors leading onto the garden, the perfect place for gathering with friends and family! We find a cosy living room with feature fireplace, separate dining room for formal

entertaining, a family room/snug, utility and cloakroom. The first floor has an impressive master bedroom with ensuite and dressing area with fitted wardrobes plus two further double bedrooms, one is presently used as an office and a spacious family bathroom. Up again we have two further double bedrooms & shower room.

Externally from the kitchen we find a pretty, mature level garden facing south west, laid mostly to lawn with a super patio area for soaking up the sunshine – perfect! There is space for a vegetable patch and more plus two sheds. The front garden is enclosed with Victorian railings & gate, lawn and pretty borders.

Tel: 01225 866747 27 Market Street, Bradford-on-Avon, Wiltshire, BA15 1LL email: info@jeremyjenkins.co.uk • website: www.jeremyjenkins.co.uk

THE APARTMENT COMPANY ne

w

Selling & Letting Bath’s finest apartments

Brunswick Place

Offers in Excess of £750,000

Grade II Listed • Georgian • Garden Maisonette • Three bedrooms • Stunning interior • Shower room & bathroom • Approx 1,319 Sq Ft

We are delighted to bring to the market this exceptional maisonette with a private south facing garden. The property has undergone total high end refurbishment as has the entire building. The interior comprises: open plan sitting room and kitchen overlooking and opening onto the garden, three bedrooms, family bathroom, shower room, storage space/cupboards. The garden has been landscaped and has an all weather ‘lawn’, bespoke lighting and a patio area for dining. There are private vaults for storage. With its superb central location this apartment is expected to generate a considerable amount of interest.

Sales: 01225 471144

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agree let

Great Pulteney Street

£1,850 pcm

Georgian • First floor • Stunning refurbishment • Two double bedrooms • Luxury bathroom & shower room • No pets • Sought after location

A beautifully renovated first floor apartment in the highly renowned, Great Pulteney Street with a level walk into the city centre.

The apartment boasts a wealth of period detail complemented with high quality kitchen and luxury bathrooms. The well balanced accommodation comprises large drawing room with three full length sash windows to the front enjoying a delightful outlook, modern open plan kitchen with high spec appliance’s, master bedroom with luxury en-suite shower room, second double bedroom and bathroom. Apartments of this nature are very rare and generate huge interest.

Lettings: 01225 303870

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P R O P E R T Y A D V E R T I S I N G F E AT U R E

HOMEBUYERS ARE DEMANDING THESE TWO THINGS

A

Peter Greatorex from THE APARTMENT COMPANY explains the benefits of having an area for home working in your apartment

s our society and economy changes over the years so do the needs for our homes. Advances in technology make things possible today that were not available in the past. I was watching the first Lethal Weapon film the other night and couldn’t help laughing at the ‘mobile’ phone, which consisted of a large battery pack with a phone cable, and handset attached, it just shows in such a short space of time how things change and evolve.

Did you know that nearly a quarter of a million more people work from home today than they did a decade ago? It will, therefore come as no surprise that one of the rooms homebuyers are demanding is a home office.

A recent nationwide study highlighted that having the ability to work from home is crucial for today’s homebuyers, the second must

have is a view. A home office doesn’t have to be located inside your apartment, those with a large garden or outside could look into a garden office. Some of the most fascinating designs are those of purpose built garden offices from spheres to cubes to angles to curves, their uniqueness will not only provide buyers that room their desire but its presence can also add value to your home.

It is easy to create an area for home working in your apartment, whether that is with a stylish desk adorning a living area, or the creation of a dual-purpose bedroom, or maybe even a complete home study. Presenting the solution for working from home can only be an advantage when selling your apartment.

The Apartment Company was started from a home office and now grown into the prominent apartment specialists we are today. You never know what future your desk holds for you.

As we start to step into the busy autumn season, we are already finding an increase in vendors and buyers want to move home before the end of the year. Let us help you on your way.

For more advice visit our blog at www.theapartmentcompany.co.uk/newssearch.aspx Sales: 01225 471144 Lettings: 01225 303870 www.theapartmentcompany.co.uk

10 C e ho yea leb m rs ra es o tin es f le g t 2 tt 00 ing 6

HF lettings strives to ensure it's a very positive experience giving you the reassurance that your property is being cared for.

Experience the difference with a personal tailored service…

Fully managed service • Find a tenant only service • Find a tenant only & rent collection

16 High Street, Corsham SN13 0HB | Tel: 01249 716333 | Email: info@hflettings.co.uk | www.hflettings.co.uk

Broad Street, Staple Hill, Bristol Prices from £176,950 JUST RELEASED! Four contemporary apartments in an elegant newly built 4 storey building situated just off this bustling high street in north eastern Bristol between Downend and Fishponds.

Choice of 10 properties situated mainly on the 1st & 2nd floors. Each comprising 2 beds, bathroom & living room with fitted kitchenette, Double glazed, Gas CH and allocated parking space plus attractive balconies to rear units. Excellent access to transport links & Bristol city centre. Ideal for FTB’s or investors.

Prices from £176,950 to £249,950.

FIRST UNIT RESERVED ALREADY...

T: 01225 471116 crossmanhomes.co.uk

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Buying or selling, just search Savills.

Savills Bath Edgar House, 17 George Street Bath BA1 2EN

01225 474 591 bath@savills.com

savills.co.uk

Last few remaining

Bath riverside

Asking Price: ÂŁ1,250,000

Savills are delighted to be offering for sale the sumptuous 4 bedroom villa house just a short level stroll from the city centre at Bath Riverside. Positioned overlooking the River Avon offering three roof terraces from which to enjoy the tranquil and luxurious views, this property is simply stunning. The superb open plan kitchen family room on the ground floor is perfect for entertaining whilst the formal living room on the first floor offers multiple living space options around the central staircase and out on to the second floor terrace.

With a superb master bedroom suite this is luxury living in the best setting. With Crest Nicholson offering part exchange or the ability to assist you with your house sale this will allow you to move into this superb property immediately.

To arrange a viewing, please contact us: GHarling@savills.com | 01225 474 591

DOVETAIL PROPERTIES GO TO GREAT LENGTHS TO FIND THE RIGHT PROPERTIES FOR TENANTS AND THE RIGHT TENANTS FOR LANDLORDS.

• Independent Lettings and Investment Specialist Based in the Heart of the City • Sarah Dedakis – Fellow Member of ARLA (Association of Residential Letting Agents) • Committed to providing a personable and tailored service

“�is was the fourth time we rented an accommodation in UK and undoubtedly you were better than all the other agents we dealt with. Prompt and professional. Best wishes to you all and your company!” Debjyoti Paul, Tenant

As an ARLA licensed member we are qualified and compliant for the reassurance of our clients and tenants alike.

Moving homes your way.

With 120 years experience, we know it’s not just a matter of moving things from A to B. It’s about the smallest detail and the greatest consideration.

Wherever your destination, each of our branches offers purpose-built storage facilities with quick and easy access to ease the strain of moving house.

For generations, we’ve helped our valued customers move their way and we’d love to do the same for you.

Call us today or visit our website, and we’ll get in touch within 24hrs.

9 Margaret's Buildings, Bath BA1 2LP 01225 446399 www.dovetailproperties.co.uk

Bath 01225 460 650

Or visit: www.robinsonsrelo.com Fully accredited member of the British Association of Removers (BAR) and a Which? Trusted Trader

Would you like to work in Media Sales?

We are always looking to hear from talented individuals who would like to work for MediaClash, presenting advertising opportunities and marketing solutions across our portfolio of fantastic local titles. We are a growing business and anticipate there being various opportunities over the next few months.

If you would like to join our continuing success story please email your CV to steve.hawkins@mediaclash.co.uk or give us a call anytime on 01225 475800 for a chat about the company, our magazines and available positions.

Georgian town house available to rent from 31 December 2016 – 31 March 2017 (dates are exible)

www.mediaclash.co.uk

Natalie Hartwell 2 Upper Camden Place, Bath, BA1 5HX, England nat@splinterworks.co.uk | +44 7748 058718

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CARPENTRY

PLUMBING A family run business, installing, servicing and repairing boilers and heating systems in Bath for 25 years.

PAINTING – DECORATING – CARPENTRY JOINERY – MAINTENANCE

Landlords Gas Safety Inspections also undertaken

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Tel: 07703976707 Email: info@chcarpentry.net Web: www.chcarpentry.net

MADDISON plumbing heating & gas services ltd.

T 01225 837025 E steve.maddison@virgin.net maddisonplumbing.co.uk

STONE SPECIALISTS

NORTON MASONRY LTD Repairs, Restoration Alteration of Stone Buildings New Build Stone Cleaning Stone Carving Fireplaces

Tel: 01225 462688 / 07968 697091 Email: Julian@bathstonemasons.co.uk

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Stonework Specialists & General Builders 38 LONG BARNABY, MIDSOMER NORTON, RADSTOCK BA3 2TZ

Tel/Fax: 01761 419422 Fax: 01761 232480 Mobile: 07901 712232 / 07899 927276

Email: nortonmasonryltd@hotmail.co.uk

www.nortonmasonryltd.co.uk Over 30 Years Experience

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ALLERGY TESTING Feeling unwell? May I help you?

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JEWELLERY

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45 Old Fosse Road Odd Down, Bath BA2 2SP Tel: 01225 352437 07894 210446 Fax: 01225 350429 Member of Painting, Decorating Association

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Nigel Dando 11 Pulteney Bridge, Bath BA2 4AY Tel/Fax: 01225 464013 www.nigeldando.co.uk

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B AT H L I V E S

Q&A

A

s part of the Bath Abbey Footprint Project, the Abbey’s mighty Klais organ – the largest in the South West – is about to be stored away, its glory not to be seen or heard again for years.

In October, Bath Philharmonia will perform Avec Orgue at a concert at Bath Abbey, and joining them as a soloist on the Klais is acting director of music at Bath Abbey, Shean Bowers. Here he tells us what to expect of the performance and how his career in music started at the age of eight.

You’ll be performing an end-of-an-era organ solo at the Bath Abbey in October, what can we expect on the day?

I’m looking forward to performing two of the most famous and well-loved organ concertos on such a wonderful instrument in such a wonderful venue.

The Saint-Saens Organ Symphony will give me the opportunity to show off the Abbey organ’s most commanding stops and pipes, whilst the Poulenc Organ Concerto will show off the organ’s huge palette of colours. The audience can expect an evening of great music on one of the world’s most famous organs.

We hear that you inspire over 1000 children a week to sing? Tell us more…

Yes, I help local school children to find their voices through the Abbey’s schools’ singing programme, which I founded six years ago. We encourage over 1,100 children a week to sing.

Is it true that your musical career began when you yourself were a child?

I started my professional musical life aged eight as a chorister at Liverpool Cathedral where I was taught to play the organ by professor Ian Tracey. I went on to gain a full scholarship to study at Chetham’s School of Music. My studies have taken me to the Royal Academy of Music, Liverpool University and the Royal Northern College of Music.

You’re currently the acting director of music at Bath Abbey, what does your important role entail?

I run the music programme there. On an average day, I might direct rehearsals for one of the Abbey’s four choirs, organise the organists and choose the music for all Abbey services.

What’s the best bit about your job?

Spotting musical potential in young people that never knew that they could sing, and nurturing and developing their musical talents.

Shean with Bath Abbey’s Klais organ

SHEAN BOWERS The acting director of music at Bath Abbey, talks composers, Italian restaurants and his upcoming performance with Bath Philharmonia in an end-of-an-era concert And the most challenging?

Not having the capacity to involve more young people in our schools’ singing programme.

What drew you to Bath?

I moved to the city six years ago when I was appointed assistant director of music and choral director at Bath Abbey.

Where do you call home and what are the pleasures of living here?

I live in Bath city centre; there are only 48 steps from my front door to the organ loft. If you listen out early mornings and evenings, you might just hear me practising the Abbey’s Klais organ. The architecture in Bath is amazing; after all, I get to go to work in the Abbey each day. Bath people are very cultured; they enjoy and appreciate good classical music played well. I appreciate the support I get from local head teachers when recruiting choristers for the Abbey Choirs; we’re lucky to have a high standard of education in this city.

What’s your favourite shop, restaurant and café in Bath?

Orvis is a favourite for clothing, my ideal restaurant is Martini on George Street – their pasta is delicious – and I love Cafe Lucca for their consistently delicious food and impeccable standards in service.

Tell us about a city view that inspires you…

Standing on Stall Street, looking through The

178 I BATH LIFE I www.mediaclash.co.uk

Colonnades and facing the west front of Bath Abbey.

Share a favourite spot in Bath?

Bath Abbey’s organist’s bench.

Your most treasured possession?

A set of cufflinks given to me by my choir in Liverpool.

Who is your favourite composer?

It depends what I’m playing at the time. At the moment, I’m listening to Liszt’s Faust Symphony, which is magnificent.

Best life moment…

Not everyone has the best of starts in life; I’m forever grateful to Dean Derek Walters who gave me £100 to buy my first interview suit.

What would you change about Bath if you owned it for a day?

I’d turn down the volume on the street musicians.

Surprise us…

I’m an organist for BBC Radio 4’s Daily Service.

See Shean and Bath Philharmonia on 28 October, 7pm at Bath Abbey.

For more: www.bathabbey.org/footprint and www.bathphil.co.uk