Bath Life – issue 331

Food/Arts/Entertainment/Shopping/Property @BathLifeMag

CELEBRATING THE BEST OF THE

TEA TOTAL

ISSUE 331 / 20 JANUARY – 3 FEBRUARY 2017 / £3

ISSUE 331 / 20 JANUARY – 3 FEBRUARY 2017 / WHITE HEAT

PACKS A BRUNCH

SHOP THE PERFECT TEA-TIME ACCESSORIES

THE BEST PLACES FOR THE BREAKFAST/ LUNCH MASH-UP

DRY CLEAN

HOW TO SAY CHEERS, AND DETOX AT THE SAME TIME

ON THE BATH OF RIGHTEOUSNESS

HOW TO DELUXE YOUR BATHROOM

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EDITOR’S LETTER / ISSUE 331 / 20 JANUARY – 3 FEBRUARY 2017

Food for thought

32

ALL WHITE ON THE NIGHT We spend an evening with Marco at his restaurant near Bath

Welcome to one of our big foodie issues of the year in which we have a voracious appetite for everything from hero-ingredient brunches to Dry January mocktails.

Firstly, let us begin by introducing two stellar names in the culinary world; the first, who you will have already spotted on our cover, is the ever stony-faced – yet surprisingly warm-hearted in person – Marco Pierre White, who we met at his gloriously dark, twisted, Hitchcock-esque restaurant, Rudloe Arms, just outside Bath to talk killing for sport, hiding from the world and why he never wanted to be a chef (page 32). The second name, although a no less important one, is the godfather of Italian cuisine, Antonio Carluccio. We caught up with him when he visited his Milsom Place restaurant where he was signing copies of his new book Vegetables, so, of course, we quizzed the avid meat-eater on vegetarianism (page 54).

Continuing on the delicious theme, we made it our duty to visit some of Bath’s best brunch spots (what an arduous task) to discover if the mighty avocado will ever be beaten to the top spot – according to the city’s café owners, it will, by fermented vegetables and smashed peas, apparently (page 56).

We’ve also reviewed The Roman Bath’s Kitchen (page 52); shopped for tea-time accessories (page 68); and sipped some of the tastiest non-alcoholic tipples in the name of Dry January (page 63).

Elsewhere, local interior experts have been dreaming about their fantasy bathrooms (page 72); and we’ve discovered just what it’s like to live a day in the life of Team Bath Netball captain and trainee solicitor Eboni BeckfordChambers (page 106).

See you next time for a Valentine’s Day special…

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

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FEATURES / ISSUE 331 / 20 JANUARY – 3 FEBRUARY 2017

56

FOOD

It’s not breakfast, it’s not lunch – it’s better than that. We dish up the best of the brunch bunch in Bath

106 Bath Lives

A chat with trainee solicitor and netball superstar, Eboni Beckford-Chambers

REGULARS / ISSUE 331 / 20 JANUARY – 3 FEBRUARY 2017

72

THE ARTS 41 Arts intro Djordje Ozbolt brings his witty art to the Holburne Museum

42 What’s on Arts, gigs, shows and events – time to update the events diary

FOOD 52 Restaurant We find classic dishes that are perfectly executed at The Roman Baths Kitchen Vegging out and catching up with the Italian godfather of cooking, Antonio Carluccio

63 Try Five

65 Food & drink news

Bath Life, MediaClash, Circus Mews House, Circus Mews, Bath BA1 2PW 01225 475800 www.mediaclash.co.uk @The MediaClash

Cocktail making classes at Combe Grove, how to waste less food, and get baking for the charity, Help For Heroes

© All rights reserved. May not be reproduced without written permission of MediaClash.

SHOPPING 67 Shopping intro

A selection of beverage accessories that will be just your cup of tea

LIFEST YLE 72 Bathrooms Lots of big ideas for the little room from the city’s top bathroom designers

Managing editor Deri Robins deri.robins@mediaclash.co.uk Deputy 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 and Philippa May Group 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

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

Try a dry five with alcohol-free suggestions from the city’s drink experts

68 Editor’s choice

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

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

54 Food & drink news

With a little needling, you can make your own piece of art thanks to The Makery

M E ET T H E T EAM

78 Car review David Flatman goes roving in the Range Rover Sport SVR

PROPERT Y 90 Property showcase

80 Gardening

Contemporary meets classic in this eight-bed Corston home

Emma Bond in praise of the sweet spring snowdrop

DEPARTMENTS

BUSINESS 85 Business insider News, views and interviews from the region’s professionals

11 14 25 27

Spotlight Society A man’s world Girl about town

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

On the cover The man who made cooking cool, Marco Pierre White at his restaurant just outside Bath.

Photograph by Jesper Mattias. See the full feature on page 32.

Rick’s late son Kierran has been his inspiration

BATH: ITS LIFE AND TIMES

Salena Godden is a poet and she knows it

CHARITY

KEEP ON RUNNING It will be a very special moment for Rick Dean when 12 March, the day of the 2017 Vitality Bath Half Marathon, arrives as he will be running the race in memory of his son, Kierran who would have turned 21 this year.

Kierran was diagnosed with a disease affecting his immune system at three years old and died when he was just six.

“Children’s Hospice South West was of enormous comfort,” says Rick. “The hospice helped us with the shock and the loss, as well as practical arrangements, such as preparing the house for when Kierran came home and, later, the funeral.”

Since becoming a registered fundraiser in 2008, Rick has done 15 or 16 half marathons, completed the London Marathon, jumped out of planes and abseiled down a waterfall to raise money for the hospice.

“If it hadn’t been for losing Kierran, I would probably never have done any of the things I have achieved over the last few years,” says Rick. “Having two older girls, I had always imagined playing football with Kierran, and doing typical boy things, and this way I still get to have time with him and do that. It is his legacy to me.”

For more: www.bathhalf.co.uk

T050

American jazz musician Madeleine Peyroux appears at the Bath Festival in May

FESTIVALS

TAKE TO THE STAGE The Bath Festival, which starts in May, is taking shape with a flurry of exciting and diverse range of talented names dropping into the 130 plus event line up.

Along with acclaimed crime writer Sophie Hannah, American jazz musician Madeleine Peyroux and celebrated cellist Steven Isserlis in conversation with Schumann super-fan Simon Callow, there’s Irish novelist Colm Tóibín, New York acappella band Naturally 7 and Komedia playing host to a debate centred on The Good Immigrant, which was voted Britain’s favourite book and which J.K. Rowling said was “an important, timely read” and features 21 contributors, including the brilliantly witty and mischievous poet and writer, Salena Godden.

For more: www.bathfestivals.org.uk

Simon Callow will be talking to Steven Isserlis

SPOTLIGHT

BATH LIFE AWARDS

LEARNING CURVE The all-important finalists for the Bath Life Awards are unveiled on pages 29-31, and excitement is mounting ahead of Bath’s biggest-ever business awards. The latest sponsor is the University of Bath, taking the education category.

A huge surge in nominations means that this is set to be the biggest awards to date.

Tickets are now finalists-only, with sales tracking some way ahead of last year’s record sell-out and waiting list. Ball Room tickets were suspended as far back as October, due to unprecedented demand.

The University of Bath is sponsoring the Awards for the first time, as part of the yearlong celebrations for its 50th anniversary.

PHOTO BY PAOLO FERLA

Nothing beats being there…

Vice chancellor, and former Awards judge, Professor Dame Glynis Breakwell comments, “The University’s success is intrinsically linked to the city of Bath Professor Dame and, in turn, we Glynis Breakwell make a significant contribution to the local economy and community.

“Our 50th anniversary programme of events provides us with an opportunity to celebrate our considerable achievements and also to say ‘thank you’ to our friends and business partners in and around the city. So we are delighted to sponsor the Education category in the Bath Life Awards and to be a part of this prestigious event.”

The Royal Crescent Hotel & Spa is the Headline Sponsor of the Awards with its brand partner Taittinger. Bristol Airport is sponsor of the Platinum Award – the Winner of Winners on the night. In addition to the University of Bath, sponsors include: Apex Hotels, Bath Rugby, Bath Audi, Bath Volkswagen, Bluefin, Bryers, Circo, Clifton Marquee Company, Enlightened Lighting, Fidelius, First Bus, Hawker Joinery, Kersfield, Minuteman Press, Novia, Savills, SearchStar, Stone King, Tile & Flooring and Vistage.

Silver-level Associate Sponsors include: Bath Holiday Rentals, Epoch, Mogers Drewett, Royal Bank of Scotland, Thrings, Woodhouse & Law and Kambiz Shayegan’s restaurant group.

For more: www.bathlifeawards.co.uk Twitter @BathLifeAwards

There are rumours this guy used to be in the Rolling Stones

ROMAN BATHS

ROCK OF AGES Men of a certain age need to look after themselves and the Roman Baths are helping them do just that.

Their stone line-up of distinguished figures, which includes Julius Caesar, Claudius, Hadrian and Constantine the Great, are currently undergoing conservation work.

Stephen Clews, Roman Baths and Pump Room manager, explains, “They will all have a careful clean and undergo minor repairs to keep them looking their best and also protect them for the longer term.

“We carry out conservation work to these statues every nine or 10 years. They are quite fragile and, being made of Bath stone, are vulnerable to the weather.”

All of the statues, apart from Julius Caesar, date from Victorian times, and were carved by the sculptor GA Lawson and erected by architect John McKean Brydon, ready for the grand opening of the Roman Baths to the public in 1897.

Julius Caesar was added in 1989 to replace an older version that had been vandalised.

Visitors will be able to see the work for themselves and have an opportunity to speak to the conservators.

For more: www.romanbaths.co.uk

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Adventures in party-going

Anna from The Hotsie Totsies

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

ST YLISH SOIRÉE

Susie Bennett, Christine Graham, Colette Dartford and Amanda Muir

Bath-based interiors and homeware brand Brissi recently celebrated its Bath store’s second birthday with a party.

Hosted by co-owners Arianna Brissi and Siobhan McKeating, more than 200 guests enjoyed an evening of exclusive discount, ice-cold champagne, tasty food including a multi-tiered birthday cake with limoncello icing and entertainment from The Hotsie Totsies.

Photos by Estienne Sheppard www.estiennephotography.com

Andy Thomas and Ryan Miller Rosemary Suthers, Siobhan McKeating, Lolly Oakes and Justine John Nic Houghton, Andrew Sheridan and Laura Sheridan

Philippa May and Chris Cook

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

Arianna Brissi

SOCIETY Andy Kelly, Gary Day and Julia Green

RECIPE FOR SUCCESS A champagne and canapés launch was held recently for 45 invited guests to launch Shaker & May’s new bespoke, handmade kitchen showroom in Frome. The evening saw a charity auction raise £1,700 for Dorothy House.

Photos by Adam Carter www.adamcarterphoto.com

Louise Day

Steve Caie, Sean Hawkins and Andrew Kelly Jason Godridge

Richard Ferris and Sami Attia Philip Swash and Sarah Dedakis Katie Watson and Ella Morison Tony Greenslade and Antony Sherman

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

SOCIETY

DOING THE CIRCUIT Mogers Drewett held a seasonal drinks get-together at Circo last month. with one hundred clients and contacts of the Bath-based law firm taking the opportunity to network and catch up over drinks and specially prepared canapĂŠs.

Photos by Paul Gillis www.paulgillisphoto.com

Ron Bocock, Lucy Cotterell and Jake Stacey

Caroline Melville, Louise Kelly and Louise Howman

Matt Pegler and Iona Everett

Huw Thomas, Alison Treble and Caroline Melville

Amanda Inch, Steve Lee and Frank Collins

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

David James and Melanie Greening-James

Rupert Hart, Steven Treharne and Willum Long

Jim Robertson and Michael Blowers

SOCIETY

SPECIAL AGENTS The team at C The World recently invited clients and contacts to their drinks and canapés reception to launch their new Bath offices based in The Corrider.

The independent travel agent’s director, Carolyn Park, used the opportunity to praise the independent retail community within Bath for their support.

Photos by Jeni Meade www.jeni-meade-photography.com

Lucy Beattie and Karen Walker

Jason Hindle, Vikki Annett, Clyve Waite and Steve Dean Claire Rosser, Niel Ballenjur and Steve Giles

Malcolm Pearce, Julie Pymm and Richard Brown

KISS AND MAKE UP Lucy O’Donoghue hosted an opening launch night of her new Trim Street beauty boutique, Wisteria Lane, recently. The 100 guests had the opportunity to enjoy fizz and nibbles, as well as being treated to makeovers by the salon’s resident, and visiting, specialists.

Photos by Rachel Allen and Liz Bugg www.solutionsrepublic.co.uk

Anisa Farmer and Jodie Brown

Bethan Franacesca, Julie Rivers, Leanne Burges, Julie Brackenbury, Maria Moon, LucyAnn O’Donoghue, Ash Ali, Gabrielle George and Barbara Alexa

Olive O’Donoghue and Lucy O’Donoghue

Gemma Porteous, Tess Ariola and Louise Glasbey

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

SOCIETY

IN GOOD TASTE Barbora Ormerod, head chef and director of The Devilled Egg, an online cookery school, helped host a recent class at hobsons|choice Bath showroom. The kitchen workshop demonstrated, and then assisted, invited guests how to make a variety of easy and tasty party nibbles, including mini meal Yorkshire puds.

Sally Hartley and Joel Hartley

Clive Hathaway and Barbora Omerod

Photos by Jessie Myers www.soul-media.co.uk

Mette Lowe, Jacqui Edmiston and Hetty Dupays

Invited guests

FINE DINING David Newton, director of private housebuilder and property development group Kersfield , was the guest speaker at last month’s Bath Life Business Club. Along with a delicious lunch at the The Royal Crescent Hotel & Spa, members enjoyed anecdotes and insights into David’s field of work.

Photos by Philip Field www.philipfield.com

Sarah Latham and Charlie Salter

Katie Allen, Naomi Pound, David Newton, Lorri Newton and Steve Goulston

Iestyn Lewis, Peter James, Rosanna Hood and Tyrone Allard

Tony Pidgeon and Peter Woodhouse

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

A MAN’S WORLD

DAVID FLATMAN

FREEDOM THROUGH DISCIPLINE Although it will be considerably less fun than always saying yes, 2017 will be a year of self-restraint for Flats

A

s a family, mine always looked with very real pity upon those who lived their lives with restraint. This wasn’t noses-up, supposed elitism, more a sadness that some people hadn’t yet realised just how much fun life could really be. It wasn’t that we had loads of money or loads of stuff, but we just kind of went for it, and fun was generally deemed a good enough reason to do just about anything.

To a non-damaging extent, that’s really how I’ve continued to live. I haven’t bankrupted myself or married any hookers in Vegas, but I have rarely said no to (legal) fun since I left home half my life ago. This doesn’t mean that every decision made has been reckless or unconsidered but it does mean that, when moments arrive at which some level of selfcontrol is required, I remain, effectively, an infant, unable to even take the time to consider the less enjoyable option.

This was most recently exposed as Mrs F and I sat with friends over lunch at their Bristol home, discussing our respective exercise regimes. As I confirmed that I indeed work out hard thrice weekly, there were looks of disbelief around the table. Said friends remained polite, but I knew what they were thinking: if he trains that hard, then how come he still doesn’t fit in our dining chairs?

Three minutes later and I was being weighed on the bathroom scales, with all eyes fixed on the digital display and all attendees giggling in anticipation. Let’s just say it was a decent Christmas.

I shan’t bore you with stats and figures, but it didn’t make promising reading. As I began to argue that genetics were all the explanation

needed, Mrs F chimed in, in typically robust, unfluffy style: “Flats, when’s the last time you said no to a mouthful of food? And I mean any food.”

It was a sufficiently aggressive question to cause a collective, awkward squirm from the assembled parliament of contemporaries but I, for once, had no answer. Harking back to that time I had food poisoning in 2010 didn’t cut it, and I was instantly disabused of any and all excuses beyond the self. Even as a professional athlete, I did what I wanted.

Lash up on a Saturday night followed by a full English the next morning? Yep. Weekly.

Chocolate brownie with my cappuccino during chaps’ social time? Naturally.

I do not intend to make any aggressive assertions surrounding my physique and how its substantial girth might be reduced in 2017, but I am going to start trying harder to say no. This sounds like it might be substantially less fun than consistently saying yes and getting amongst it, and I suspect it will be.

Here’s hoping that, in 2017, this heavier gentleman finds freedom through discipline. To this end, I’ve just this second taken a break from typing to quickly and unceremoniously decline a piece of complimentary GWR fruit cake on the train home from London.

This is not something I have done before, but I think it felt good.

So, time to show some self-restraint, after all these years. I hope Mum isn’t offended.

THREE MINUTES LATER AND I WAS BEING WEIGHED ON THE BATHROOM SCALES, WITH ALL EYES FIXED ON THE DIGITAL DISPLAY AND ALL ATTENDEES GIGGLING IN ANTICIPATION

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

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GIRL ABOUT TOWN

PHILIPPA MAY

BREAKFAST of CHAMPIONS

SINCE THIS REVELATION, THE PAST FEW YEARS HAVE SEEN A REVIVAL OF EXCITING FOODIE ADVENTURES IN BATH

From Nigella seeds and butternut squash, to haggis and bacon cream, our carb-loving columnist shares her favourite ingredients for a killer breakfast

T

here’s nothing better than a mid-week daydream about what you might treat yourself to on the weekend. You might be like me and find it a struggle to create anything remotely appetising for breakfast in the wee hours of the weekday morning, you might be a super mum feeding tiny mouths, or you might just rather an extra 10 minute doze when your alarm goes off; whatever your preferences, scrambling eggs and rustling up bacon in the middle of the week can be tough.

This is why some clever legend created brunch.

Things that should be heavily celebrated and never missed on the weekend include a slow wake-up, a crisp walk, barista’d coffee and a tasty late-morning feast.

With a penchant for burning toast under the grill far too easily, a brekkie out is always a welcome treat.

Not too long ago, a trend began in Bath, with a new type of ‘local’ (the one that’s come from afar but now calls Bath home) bringing with them new traditions for brunch. The South African-inspired Jika Jika, that sadly closed in 2014, was where it all began for me.

Jika was my first experience of a proper barista coffee outside of London, their toasted breakfast burrito containing bacon, egg, hash brown, cheese, avocado and mango chutney was a welcome and tasty breath of fresh air on the Bath breakfast scene.

Since this revelation, the past few years have seen a revival of exciting foodie adventures in Bath. Now there are a host of breakfast artisans taking over the city, whether it’s Hunter & Sons’ savoury bacon waffles with bacon cream and maple syrup or The Green Bird Cafe’s butternut squash with poached eggs, you’re now spoilt for choice. Gone are the days you had to settle for a meagre morning meal in a standard chain restaurant; if you want to do it right, pick a local place where they will remember your name and how you take your coffee.

If it’s been a heavy night, however, one thing that revolutionised my morning routine was the arrival of Bertinet Bakery. Mr Bertinet has bestowed upon us the option of grabbing delicious almond pain au chocolats, or an enormous sourdough (the best you’ll ever taste) to spread our own recipes on in the comfort of our own homes.

I promised myself I wouldn’t mention the dreaded avo-cliché (sorry, this trend isn’t going to die out fast) but if you haven’t tried a sprinkling of chilli and Nigella seeds on your salty avocado and sourdough, you can thank me later.

Brunch is becoming a Bath tradition. You’ll rarely hit an empty brunch-favourite on the weekend, and you’ll almost always spot a few friends revelling there too. But sometimes a home brekkie is where it’s at. Lucky for me, my partner, Guy, is a specialist in the breakfast department with perfect timing of the separate components that make a truly good brunch, and yet second place has to go to Dave Attwood who, ever eager to impress, introduced us to haggis with our eggs and bacon – an inspired addition (he bulk-buys the posh ketchup too).

Philippa May is an interiors enthusiast and the designer and brand creative manager for accessories label Abbott Lyon. Follow her on Instagram @_philippamay_

www.mediaclash.co.uk I BATH LIFE I 27

The White stuff Marco Pierre White was the youngest chef in the world to achieve three Michelin stars and went on to become a culinary rock star.

Lisa Evans met him at his restaurant just outside Bath to talk killing for sport, hiding from the world and his passion for interior design Photo g raphy by J e spe r M at t i a s A s s i s te d by T ega n Rush 32 I BATH LIFE I www.mediaclash.co.uk

ONE TO ONE

E

xcuse fingers,” says mercurial culinary rock star Marco Pierre White as he piles a crouton with gruyère cheese and hands it to me across the table before dunking his own in a mug of fish soup. “I’m only into real food,” he says, still chomping between words. “I crave the ordinary. I don’t like 20-course little portions of fancy à la carte nonsense which are cold by the time they reach the table. Give me a ham sandwich any day.”

Here I am, dining at a restaurant owned by the man who was the world’s youngest chef to win three Michelin stars; the man who had a whole generation of chefs working for him, including Gordon Ramsey; the man whose captivating memoir, The Devil in the Kitchen, will apparently be turned into a Hollywood film, and all he wants to talk about, in great detail, is what makes for the perfect takeaway fish and chips.

He’s never been one to fit in with the typical image that comes with haute cuisine, even though he was a master of it; instead he was known as the chef who made cooking cool and who, in his younger days, rumour has it, made love to a customer between courses at his London restaurant Harveys, which he opened aged 25.

Marco’s hotel and restaurant, Rudloe Arms, is set within 14 acres of idyllic grounds and offers stunning views across the Box Valley towards Bath

I CRAVE THE ORDINARY. I DON’T LIKE 20-COURSE LITTLE PORTIONS OF FANCY À LA CARTE NONSENSE WHICH ARE COLD BY THE TIME THEY REACH THE TABLE

Few names in the culinary world inspire as much reaction as his, but Marco is adamant that he’s not the subversive hell-raiser he’s been made out to be (ITV’s Hell’s Kitchen wouldn’t have done him any favours, then). In fact, he seems quite the introvert and says he doesn’t enjoy being in the public eye, and loves nothing more than hiding from the world in the quiet countryside, alone, walking in his wellies.

Apt, then, that we’re here at Marco’s Rudloe Arms just outside Bath, which, aside from being a hotel and restaurant, has 14 acres of picturesque, peaceful grounds, a menagerie of animals and myriad secret spots, such as wooded areas and sunken and tropical gardens.

“This is my place of respite,” says Marco, who for most of the year is travelling for his TV and restaurateur career, but when he’s got a day off, he’s here, or at his home in Wiltshire, concealed from London’s paparazzi gaze. “But even when I’ve got a day off, I still work. I’m not one to sit still, that’s why the Rudloe Arms is constantly getting improvements made to it.”

He retired from cooking in 1999 and says he’s much more fulfilled since hanging up his chef’s hat; he’d never wanted to be a chef in the first place, it just happened to be the profession of the men in the family, which he naturally fell in to. w www.mediaclash.co.uk I BATH LIFE I 33

ONE TO ONE “It stems from my childhood,” he says. “I’ve always worked hard; work was always something I had to do, and I come from a working-class background where you worked from a young age.

I never necessarily dreamed of becoming a chef, you just do what you know, and my father and grandfather were chefs, so that’s what I did. But I walked away from it in the end; it’s not what I wanted anymore. If I had it my way now I’d just be here [at the Rudloe Arms], but you’ve got to earn a living.”

He’s never lost his sense of perfectionism or his work ethic and he’s transferred his talent for cooking on to, of all things, interior design. He has coordinated the design of the Rudloe himself, filling it to the brim with bizarre, fantastical, conversation-commanding paraphernalia. The décor is his personality “as if it were thrown on the walls”, he tells me. There’s no rhyme or reason to it, he simply crams the rooms with objects, antiques and art that he’s collected over the years.

There are the ‘dark genius’ Bob Carlos Clarke’s photographs of semi-naked women, and many shots of the younger Marco in his chef whites, his cheekbones razor-sharp, his expression brooding.

Beyond the art, the venue retains the traditional qualities of the Victorian house, but painstakingly so. It’s a labour of love and has been extensively refurbished – from the hand-placed cobbles on the long, sweeping driveway, to some rooms being opened and some made smaller with partition walls to return them to their original layouts.

It’s safe to say he has high standards, and rooms are eclectically pieced together, torn apart and restarted until they are, in Marco’s eyes, flawless.

Above: Marco and his ‘gentle soul of a dog’, Clive the lurcher; left: art and antiques are a major part of the hotel’s décor

I NEVER NECESSARILY DREAMED OF BECOMING A CHEF, YOU JUST DO WHAT YOU KNOW. BUT I WALKED AWAY FROM IT IN THE END; IT’S NOT WHAT I WANTED ANYMORE 34 I BATH LIFE I www.mediaclash.co.uk

There’s something dark and twisted about the venue; the room I’m staying in, for example, has a creaking, chest-height rocking horse at the foot of the bed, the vintage funfair signs strung up on the walls are bordered by naked bulbs which buzz and flicker eerily, and the eyes in the room – be it from the paintings of sad clowns, the menacing owl sculptures, or a horse head (this one in particular was bought from a French butcher, Marco tells me) – stare at you from all angles.

“The hotel will never be finished,” Marco says of his Frankenstein-esque creation – a once inanimate space which he’s been gradually infusing life into over three years. “There’ll always be something more I want to do, or a room I want to rip up and start again, that’s just my nature.”

So how does a man who’s always on the go and hasn’t put his feet up a day in his life come up with a retreat such as the Rudloe where the aim is for his guests to “escape reality, unwind and stop working so hard”?

“It’s precisely because I never relax,” he says, a corner of his mouth twitching into a smile. “My brain is always in overdrive. I may not know what it’s like to fully relax, but that doesn’t mean I can’t create somewhere others can.” w The food offering, of course, is still centre-

ONE TO ONE

Right: All manner of curios – from Victorian rocking horses to vintage funfair signs – fill the guest rooms; below right: colourful artworks adorn every inch of the Rudloe Arms restaurant

stage but, although he dabbles in the kitchen, the executive chef isn’t Marco, it’s Phil Bayliss who, like Marco, trained under Pierre Koffmann – one of the most influential French chefs to have cooked in London.

At the table, it’s fascinating to see how Marco’s demeanour changes. He switches to his regimented chef days and clicks his fingers when placing his order with the waiter, adding the word ‘immediately’ on the end. Just minutes before, when we were in the sitting room chatting languidly over a bottle of preprandial Pulpo Albariño, Marco was warm, and mellow to an almost horizontal state on the sofa, jet-lagged after his long-haul flight the day before. But as soon as food is on the agenda, he’s alert and seems to snap into work-mode and I glimpse that fiery, intense stereotype I was expecting (or, rather, hoping) to see from the outset.

When I cautiously interrupt the food order he decided to place for me (roast partridge with braised champagne cabbage and fricassee of wild mushroom) to tell him that I’d rather a meatfree option, I’m curious and eager to hear his response, knowing that he has, in the past, been scathing of vegetarianism.

“You eat fish, though, yes?” he probes, his leonine curls framing his face as he peers over his end-of-nose-perched glasses. I don’t. “Do you know what,” he continues abruptly. “No one should ever knock something until they’ve tried it themselves, which is why I went vegan for nine months. I gave up protein, carbs, everything. I lost so much weight. I used to hate vegetarians, but now, as I’ve tried it out myself, and my daughter is one, I can now understand it a bit more.”

It’s a shock coming from the man whose hotel is decorated with animal skulls and taxidermy and whose menu doesn’t have a veggie option in sight. “I used to love hunting and killing,” he says, scribbling down the word ‘vegetarian’ followed by four question marks on a notepad, ready to give the waiter. “It was the alpha male in me, but now I’m not so bothered.

“Don’t worry,” he adds, after noticing I’ve clocked his note. “The chef will whip up something very tasty for you.” And he did. My starter is a croustade of quails’ eggs Maintenon with mushroom duxelle and hollandaise sauce; and my main – sliced aubergine, courgette and red pepper in a rich tomato sauce.

I ask if the farm animals – from the Aberdeen Angus, to the boisterous geese – on the land outside the hotel make it onto the menu. Marco looks at me, aghast. “They are my pets,” he scorns, his eyes still playful. “The only animals we do send off are the pigs. They make such a mess of the ground that we’ve got to let it breathe, and 36 I BATH LIFE I www.mediaclash.co.uk

NO ONE SHOULD KNOCK SOMETHING UNTIL THEY’VE TRIED IT, WHICH IS WHY I WENT VEGAN FOR NINE MONTHS. I USED TO HATE VEGETARIANS, BUT NOW I CAN UNDERSTAND IT A BIT MORE

then we get more pigs. The animals here love humans, and guests can just wander around and see them.”

He even has a pair of size five Barbour wellies waiting by the door for me the next morning after a delicious breakfast, and takes me to see the “happy beasts”. “Morning, piggies!” he bellows, and they squeal back delightedly. “They think I have food. They’re as greedy as me. Now let’s go and tickle the sheep on their noses, yes?”

It’s clear that Marco is extraordinarily passionate about the Rudloe and everything that comes with it – it seems to bring out his funloving inner child, and I can just imagine him breaking into an exuberant skip as he points out the butterfly fields and beehives he’s created.

Although his canvas was once the kitchen, his artistic vision has evidently shifted, and he’s now more content than ever.

Rudloe Arms, Leafy Lane; 01225 810 555; www.rudloearms.com

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Music/theatre/film/more

REMASTERED Recent visitors to The Holburne Museum have been enjoying a mess-with-your-head free exhibition by the celebrated artist, Djordje Ozbolt.

Described as an intervention, he has created a new fable based both on The Holburne’s artistic stories of history, religion and mythology and on the traditional folklore of his native Serbian homeland. He invades traditional still-life paintings with objects from contemporary society, distorts classical portraiture, and transforms sculpture. While admiring the craft and delicacy with which the pieces in the collection have been executed, Ozbolt’s response is suffused with an attitude of playful subversion.

In preparation for this exhibition, Ozbolt spent an extended period, as artistin-residence, at Hauser & Wirth Somerset in Bruton, during which time he created this exciting new body of work for The Holburne. He continues his residency at Hauser & Wirth, Somerset, where he opened a solo exhibition of new work entitled Brave New World, which started 19 January, and runs until 7 May.

Djordje Ozbolt‘s The Grand Detour can be seen at The Holburne Museum, Great Pulteney Street, until 5 March; www.holburne.org

www.mediaclash.co.uk I BATH LIFE I 41

21 January – 18 February

Woolf Works is a performance by The Royal Ballet based on the writings of Virginia Woolf, which will be live streamed at the Wiltshire Music Centre on 8 February; Former Bath College student Gabrielle Aplin plays Komedia on 15 February; Catch the feel-good, post-apocalyptic children’s drama Beneath The Blizzard at the egg

Exhibitions UNTIL 25 JANUARY

EXPRESSIONS OF RESEARCH Five artists have each been collaborating with different University of Bath research centres to create fascinating, inspiring and educational works, which includes exploring machines for making music to adapting the mathematics of the chaos theory to understand art and creativity. The Edge; www.edgearts.org UNTIL 28 JANUARY

MODERN MASTERS PRINTS The gallery, which can be found on John Street, will be presenting a selection of international modern master prints including the artists Joan Miró, Henry

Moore, Ben Nicholson, Antoni Tapies, Jean Arp, Sonia Delaunay, Eduardo Chillida, and Marino Marini. Adam Gallery; www.adamgallery.com

Europe, and includes a display of paintings, lino prints, raku sculpture and fine porcelain ceramics. Rostra Gallery; www.rostragallery.co.uk

UNTIL 28 JANUARY

UNTIL 31 JANUARY

WINTER SHOW Features cosy scenes from printmaker Frans Wesselman, delicate little porcelain bowls from Peter Wills, along with striking new paintings from Corinna Button and Moira Huntly and captivating miniature etchings by Peter Ford. Bath Contemporary; www.bathcontemporary.com UNTIL 30 JANUARY

FRESH TALENT This brand new exhibition showcases some of the brightest new artists from both the UK and

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

FIRST LIGHT A series of paintings and prints

by Bath-based Nick Cudworth capturing the light of dawn as the rising sun catches the edges of buildings and enhancing the shadows. Nick Cudworth Gallery; www.nickcudworth.co.uk

remain, even today, sacred and wonderful. Lane House Arts; www.lanehousearts.co.uk UNTIL 31 JANUARY

EMMA ROSE Award winning Bath artist, Emma Rose, recently shortlisted for the LaBelle Abstract Prize, has a collection of new work where vibrant colours meets captivating landscapes, on display at her charming first floor gallery on Walcot Street.

Emma Rose Artworks; www.emmaroseartworks.com

UNTIL 31 JANUARY

DEVOTIONAL IMAGERY Leslie Glenn Damhus’s paintings capture the spirit of how symbolism is adaptive to changing social values. The playful signs and symbols in her portraits represent concepts that

UNTIL 12 FEBRUARY

RED – CULTURE, HISTORY AND CRAFTSMANSHIP This collection explores the many different aspects of this bold primary colour in Chinese culture, from the materials used

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ARTS

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 UNTIL 19 FEBRUARY

PETER BROWN: A BATH PAINTER’S TRAVELS This exhibition features over 100 stunning new oil paintings and drawings from all over the world

by Bath-based artist Peter Brown, known as Pete the Street for his habit of painting his artwork outdoors, whatever the weather. Victoria Art Gallery; www.victoriagal.org.uk UNTIL 19 FEBRUARY

JEAN ROSE: THE POETRY OF THE EVERYDAY Jean Rose was among the first artists to enrol at the Bath Academy of Art in the late 1940s. Sixty five years later she is still at work in the city, with beautiful works celebrating everyday social activities, such as gardening. Victoria Art Gallery; www.victoriagal.org.uk UNTIL 5 MARCH

DJORDJE OZBOLT: THE GRAND DETOUR By ‘invading’ the grounds of the museum Ozbolt the artist creates new works from old collections, and leads us to discover and consider exciting, fresh perspectives on the past. See more on page 41. The Holburne Museum; www.holburne.org UNTIL 12 MARCH

DRAWN TO THE LAND This ongoing and exploratory project by award winning documentary photographer Sophie Gerrard takes an intimate and stark look at the contemporary Scottish landscape, through a series of fascinating photographs of female farmers. Fox Talbot Museum, Lacock Abbey; www.nationaltrust.org.uk UNTIL 28 APRIL

HILARY PAYNTER: AGE OF ENLIGHTENMENT A striking new body of wood-engraving work by Hilary Paynter, specifically commissioned by Devon Guild of Craftsmen, on the subject of ageing. Art at the Heart of the RUH; www.artatruh.org

UNTIL 17 MAY

TRANSFORMATION A major solo exhibition of sculpture in the pioneering gallery and arts centre based in Bruton by the late Elisabeth Frink, that comprises a selection of her distinctive bronzes, alongside a series of drawings that highlight her considerable skill as a draughtsman.

Hauser & Wirth Somerset; www.hauserwirthsomerset.com UNTIL 30 MAY

#IGERSBATH Celebrate some of the best photography of Bath, by the talented people of Bath, with this Instagrammers exhibition supported by The Bath Pizza Co. Green Park Brasserie; www.bathpizzaco.com/exhibition UNTIL 1 JANUARY 2019

A HISTORY OF FASHION IN 100 OBJECTS The Fashion Museum presents 100 ‘star’ objects that illustrate a fascinating history of fashion from the 1600s to the present day, referencing huge, groundbreaking moments in history, as well as the more personal and quieter stories about clothes. Fashion Museum; www.fashionmuseum.co.uk

Top to bottom: See Modern Masters such as Joan Miró at the Adam Gallery; Emma Rose has a new exhibition at her charming Walcot Street gallery

10 FEBRUARY – 8 APRIL

JAMES CAPPER – SCULPTURE & HYDRAULICS The works of artist James Capper demonstrate his passion for hydraulic engineering, fascination with technology and references land art and insects.

The Edge; www.edgearts.org 11 FEBRUARY – 4 JUNE

4 FEBRUARY – 1 JANUARY 2018

LACE IN FASHION The Fashion Museum Bath’s special exhibition for 2017

of The Holburne Museum’s Flemish paintings, but also on the great wealth of paintings by the Bruegel dynasty in the UK. The Holburne Museum; www.holburne.org

is Lace in Fashion, which showcases over 50 exquisite pieces, showing how lace has been used in fashion, from the time of Shakespeare to the present day. Fashion Museum; www.fashionmuseum.co.uk

BRUEGEL: DEFINING A DYNASTY This exciting new exhibition not only shines a light on the quality

Plays/Shows 23 – 25 JANUARY

SWAN LAKE Swan Lake is Tchaikovsky’s masterpiece, a tragic tale of love and betrayal with an instantly recognisable score – performed with superb artistry by the renowned Saint Petersburg Classic Ballet on their UK tour, accompanied by a full orchestra. £18-£33.50. Theatre Royal Bath; www.theatreroyal.org.uk w

www.mediaclash.co.uk I BATH LIFE I 43

ARTS

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which depicts the composer’s clandestine love for married friend. The Quartet will be joined by international pianist Alasdair Beatson for Elgar’s Piano Quintet. 7.30pm, £20. Wiltshire Music Centre; www.wiltshiremusic.org.uk

25 JANUARY

I’M SORRY, I HAVEN’T A MINUTE! Scary Little Girls make their debut at The Mission Theatre with their delightfully bonkers cabaret radio show, which involves an ambitious husband and wife team, plus audience participation. 7.30pm, £10.

The Mission Theatre; www.missiontheatre.co.uk

15 FEBRUARY

GABRIELLE APLIN With her acoustic pop-folk sounds, Gabrielle returns to her home town with an impressive record sheet including sales of over two million singles and 150 million Spotify streams.

7.30pm, £16.50. Komedia; www.komedia.co.uk

2 FEBRUARY

JONATHAN PIE Jonathan Pie is a TV news reporter but there is a problem.

He hates his job. He hates his colleagues. He hates politicians.

But mainly he hates the f**king news. Expect strong language and big laughs. 8pm, £18.50.

Komedia; www.komedia.co.uk

16 – 18 FEBRUARY

BATH BACK FEST This six-concert, three-day festival celebrates the music of J S Bach and his baroque contemporaries. The programme includes a lunchtime concert with the outstanding Chinese classical guitarist Xuefei Yang and the Heath Quartet. For more information on prices and venues, visit www.bathbachfest.co.uk

2 – 4 FEBRUARY

MATTHEW BOURNE’S EARLY ADVENTURES Five-time Olivier Award winner, and the only British director to have won the Tony Award, choreographer Matthew Bourne returns to his roots in Early Adventures, a toe-tapping programme of hit pieces including The Infernal Galop, which depicts France as seen by the uptight English imagination. £21- £35.50. Theatre Royal Bath; www.theatreroyal.org.uk 8 – 18 FEBRUARY

THE MISER Griff Rhys Jones, Lee Mack and Mathew Horne star in this hilarious adaptation of Molière’s classic comedy. Fanatical about protecting his wealth, the paranoid Harpagon suspects all of trying to filch his fortune and will go to any length to protect it. £18-£33.50. Theatre Royal Bath; www.theatreroyal.org.uk 8 FEBRUARY

THE ROYAL BALLET: WOOLF WORKS A live stream ballet of the first revival of Wayne McGregor’s critically acclaimed ballet triptych, inspired by the works of Virginia Woolf. 7.15pm, £15.

Wiltshire Music Centre; www.wiltshiremusic.org.uk 9 FEBRUARY

BATH PHILHARMONIA Australian born guitarist Craig Ogden joins one of the largest and most respected professional

There’s a host of star names, including Griff Rhys Jones, appearing in this new production of Molière’s classic comedy The MIser at Theatre Royal Bath

orchestras in the South West to perform a trio of delights, De Falla’s Ritual Fire Dance; Rodrigo’s Guitar Concerto; and Ravel’s Mother Goose. 7.30pm, £25-£15. The Assembly Rooms; www.bathphil.co.uk

Music 24 JANUARY

TELL THE HOI Experimenting with psychedelic sounds and alternative structures, Bathbased rock band Tell The Hoi, are creating a new wave of brave and exciting indie sounds and making their presence felt on the live music scene. 7pm, £3.

Komedia; www.komedia.co.uk 27 JANUARY

ALAN WEST, STEVE BLACK AND ADAM SWEET Roots songwriter Steve, blues guitarist Adam and Alan’s acclaimed folk voice, combine to deliver an exciting mix of both cover and original songs, with a live performance that is honest, instant, inventive and adaptive.

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

8pm, £10. Chapel Arts Centre; www.chapelarts.org 27 JANUARY

FROM THE JAM From The Jam, features former Jam bassist Bruce Foxton, which of course has helped them gain a reputation for incendiary live performances that includes classic hits such as Down In The Tube Station At Midnight, Going Underground, Town Called Malice and The Modern World. 7pm, £20.

Komedia; www.komedia.co.uk 3 FEBRUARY

BLAIR DUNLOP Blair has recently been described as ‘bringing an air of tenacity, while displaying a fine repertoire of well-crafted songs spanning traditional and contemporary.

He’s determinedly taking the traditions of folk in his own direction.’ 7.30pm, £12.

Victoria Hall, Radstock. www.victoriahallradstock.co.uk 10 FEBRUARY

DORIC STRING QUARTET Mendelssohn’s first string quartet is set alongside Berg’s Lyric Suite,

17 & 18 FEBRUARY

KATE DIMBLEBY Kate, daughter of David, is touring to promote her latest album SongBirds, which is a unique recording of original selfpenned songs featuring nothing other than Kate’s sublime voice without any musical accompaniment. 8pm, £14.

Ustinov; www.theatreroyal.org.uk

Family fun 28 JANUARY

CREATE: ART Led by artist educator Dorcas Casey, activities are tailored for 5 to 11 years, and vary from sticking, collage and drawing, as well as exploring other ways of art making such as printmaking and using textile. 10am-12.30pm, £5. The Edge; www.edgearts.org 4 – 5 FEBRUARY

NEVERLAND Inspired by J.M. Barrie’s world of Neverland in Peter Pan, toddlers and their parents are invited to step into a white-tented den to play among dazzling 360-degree video projections. Price for one child and one adult £16. the egg; www.theatreroyal.org.uk w

ARTS

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10 – 1 4 F E B RUARY

BENEATH THE BLIZZARD Since the disaster, nobody has ventured above ground. It’s not safe as an icy wind screams between buildings and drifts of snowmen haunt the streets. But down in a secret bolthole, a band of survivors and misfits, dance in the dark. 7+. £8.50/£7.50. the egg; www.theatreroyal.org.uk 13 – 17 FEBRUARY

KIDS’ DISCOVERY WEEK Aimed at families, this is a chance to explore the Haynes International Motor Museum and the education centre, by being set a series of missions and puzzles. 10.30am-3.30pm. Haynes International Motor Museum; www.haynesmotormuseum.com

Other UNTIL 29 JANUARY

BEHIND THE SCENES AT NO 1 ROYAL CRESCENT Join a weekend tour to discover the housekeeping secrets of how Georgian houses were cleaned by the servants 240 years ago. £10. No 1 Royal Crescent; www.no1royalcrescent.org.uk

flood defence works, which have uncovered extensive remains of 18th and 19th century industry and evidence of medieval activity along the Avon riverside.

7.30pm, £4. Bath Royal Literary and Scientific Institution; www.brlsi.org 5 FEBRUARY

BATH VINTAGE AND ANTIQUES MARKET Amid the 60 traders selling retro jewellery, collectable antiques and upcycled wonders, there’s also a DJ spinning original vinyl, an organic juice bar and a restaurant offering Sunday lunches. Green Park Station; www.vintageandantiques.co.uk 12 FEBRUARY

BATH ARTISAN MARKET This buzzy Sunday market plays host to over 70 stalls selling the best of the west’s upcycled vintage, handmade and art treasures with gourmet food stalls and a craft workshop area.

10am-3pm. Green Park Station; www.bathartisanmarket.com

23 JANUARY

A SYRIAN LOVE STORY The latest screening from Pop Up Docs was filmed over five years and charts an incredible odyssey looking for political freedom in the West. For Raghda and Amer, it is a journey of hope, dreams and despair.

8pm, £7. Boston Tea Party; www.popupdocs.com

23 – 26 JANUARY

BEGINNERS CONTEMPORARY INTENSIVE DANCE Run over four consecutive nights, this course is designed to help develop contemporary dance technique, improve fitness and flexibility, as well as offering the chance to meet new people.

6-7pm, £26-£20. The Edge; www.edgearts.org 25 JANUARY

ARCHAEOLOGICAL DISCOVERIES AT BATH QUAYS This promises to a fascinating talk about the excavations as part of the Bath Quays Waterside

Top to bottom: The acclaimed Matthew Bourne’s Early Adventures comes to Theatre Royal Bath; Blair Dunlop brings his well-crafted blend of traditional meets contemporary folk to the Radstock’s Victoria Hall on 3 February

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

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

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Immerse yourself in authentic Italian culture and tradition 9-day guided tours to the Unesco World Heritage recognised Cinque Terre, stunning Tuscany and glorious Emilia Romagna 5-day cooking lesson tours to Cinque Terre with professional and award-winning chefs “Before the big day” tours to the picturesque Lake Garda region For more information, visit our website www.doriatour.com

nick cudworth gallery

Milsom Street Signed, Limited Edition Prints FIRST

LIGHT

3 – 31 January

An exhibition of paintings and prints which capture the quiet scenes within the city as the sun rises on the soon to be busy streets and buildings.

5 London Street (top end of Walcot Street), Bath BA1 5BU tel 01225 445221 / 07968 047639 gallery@nickcudworth.com www.nickcudworth.com

T h e C u r ta i n E x c h a n g e For the best dressed windows

IN BATH

11 Widcombe Parade, Bath, BA2 4JT | Tel: 01225 422078 | Email: curtainexchange@live.co.uk www.curtainexchangebath.co.uk

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

R E S TA U R A N T

FOOD

The Roman Baths Kitchen The ordinary-looking menu may be one you’ve seen a thousand times, but the food is so superbly good it won’t matter

By L I SA E VA NS

I

t’s not often that I’m won over by a restaurant’s dessert; in fact, I’m not that interested in sweet dishes at all, and if there’s a cheeseboard on offer instead, I’m ordering it. But the heavenly banoffee waffles at The Roman Baths Kitchen drowned my savoury partiality with their lashings of buttery, caramel sauce, maybe even for good.

It was the waffles’ pillowy fluffiness hiding beneath the crunch of a paper-thin, molten-then-hardened coating of sugar that lured me in. I’m still avoiding the thought of how calorific they must have been, especially as they were topped with toffee ice cream and a blanket of whipped cream, but at least they had fresh banana slices (I keep telling myself ).

I decided to opt for these waistline-unfriendly squares of golden scrumptiousness because I’d already ordered a mountain of cheese for my starter, and a bowl of carbohydrates for mains, so by that point, the diet was unsalvageable, the damage was done.

With said mountain of cheese arrived a mere 23 slices of soft, warm, rosemary-scattered bread which were ready to be dipped in a whole baked camembert and then decorated with cornichons and piquant beetroot relish. Just so you don’t think I’m terribly greedy, I’d like to point out that this was a sharing board, but still, having said that, it definitely should have been attacked by more than just the two of us.

Many would have opted for a light salad after such a mammoth, carb-heavy appetiser, but not me; a comforting, silky bowl of pearl barley risotto topped with yet more cheese – parmesan this time – spun through with

IT WAS THE

WAFFLES’ PILLOWY FLUFFINESS HIDING BENEATH THE CRUNCH OF A PAPER-THIN, MOLTENTHEN-HARDENED COATING OF SUGAR THAT LURED ME IN

wild mushrooms, leeks and truffle oil was on my agenda.

I unfortunately failed myself, and was unable to eat more than two thirds of the burly portion, but my dining partner’s garlic butter-slathered, eight-ounce sirloin, on the other hand, was gone in a flash.

On paper, which is to say the menu, it all sounded quite conventional, with British brasserie-style classics on offer that you’ve eaten many times before: burgers, fish of the day, pan-fried chicken. The meals arrive at the table in all their ordinary-looking, unfussy glory – no bells or whistles, no edgy table theatre, no pioneering presentation – but had I eaten them with my eyes closed, the word ‘ordinary’ wouldn’t have entered my mind. The flavours were exquisitely executed, the textures perfectly balanced, and everything was cooked as Goldilocks would have wanted – just right – and I was reminded in that moment never to judge a book… you know the rest.

What the food may have lacked in the looks department, the surroundings certainly made up for. The first thing I noticed in the Grade-II converted townhouse restaurant was its opulent, deep purple lighting which flooded the room with glamorous colour, creating a modern ambience around classical, elegant Georgian features. But the restaurant’s unbeatable USP is its location in the heart of the city, nestled between some of Bath’s most striking architecture including the Roman Baths and Bath Abbey, offering views of the lively square that links them.

As if you’re not already tempted to visit, I have but two more humble points to mention: the restaurant’s food and drink offering is created by renowned caterer Searcys – the oldest, and one of the most reputable, hospitality companies in Britain – and the execution of the dishes is mastered by Ross Shaw, a chef with 20 years’ experience who’s well-known on the Bath restaurant scene having previously worked at some of the city’s most popular establishments including Gascoyne Place, the Marlborough Tavern and Bailbrook House.

And if all that doesn’t impress you, just go for the outrageously good waffles. You won’t regret it.

DINING DETAILS The Roman Baths Kitchen, Abbey Churchyard, Bath, BA1 1LY; 01225 477877; www.romanbathkitchen.co.uk Prices Starters £3.95 – £14.95; mains £10.95 – £22.50; desserts £4.50 – £7.95 Vegetarian choice A good amount of starters, but only a token main Wine list Specialist champagnes and sparkling wines dominate – from Searcys Cuvée and Lanson Black Label NV, to Bollinger and prosecco Service/ atmosphere Graceful and stylish with a laid-back edge

www.mediaclash.co.uk I BATH LIFE I 53

ONE TO ONE

THE VEG of REASON When the godfather of Italian cooking, Antonio Carluccio, came to Bath for a signing of his latest book, Vegetables, he caught up with LISA EVANS and shared his plans to visit this year’s Great Bath Feast, the one ingredient he’d never eat again, and his fondest memories of the city

O

ver the past 50 years, the name Carluccio has become synonymous with great Italian cuisine, and there are now 102 Carluccio restaurants, and among them stands the pretty courtyard-based eatery in Bath’s Milsom Place, which is secretly one of the favourite locations of the restaurants’ founder, Antonio Carluccio OBE. “I try to come to Bath at least once a year,” says the chef, writer and restaurateur who was appointed Commendatore – the equivalent of a British knighthood – by the Italian Government in 1998 for services rendered to Italy. “December is perhaps the best time to visit as the Christmas lights and Christmas market are wonderful.

“The South West, in particular Bath, has a vibrant food scene with many local food festivals and restaurants that bring international flavours – Italian, Spanish, Mexican, Thai and more – to the city,” he adds. “With Carluccio’s at Milsom Place, local residents and visitors alike can enjoy classic Italian dishes with a contemporary twist and plenty of authentic Italian personality. In recent weeks, and with the introduction of a new menu, the deli has been brought to the forefront to showcase the importance of quality, artisan ingredients and bring Italian convivialità closer than ever to Bath.”

We met with Antonio when he came to the city for the signing of his latest cookbook, Vegetables, in which he describes how to buy and prepare 100 different varieties of vegetable, from leaves and roots to pods, seeds and shoots, and from squashes, pulses and grains to herbs, spices and nuts. Don’t let its title fool you, though, as this is not a vegetarian book; fish and meat feature in the majority of the recipes, too.

“I decided to make vegetables the star of the show in this book because they are at the heart 54 I BATH LIFE I www.mediaclash.co.uk

of every Italian meal, and my mother taught me from a young age that these ingredients should be cherished just like pasta or fish. Tomatoes, courgettes, mushrooms, peppers and greens, like spinach and basil, all add colour and flavour to Italian cooking and are indispensable.

“It’s easy to believe that Italians eat nothing but pasta and pizza in rotation,” he adds. “But what’s less well-known is that we love vegetables as much as we love both of these staples. Vegetables is a Mediterranean’s guide to discovering the joys of what the fields and hedgerows have to offer chefs and home cooks.”

He believes himself lucky, after so many years in the foodie world, to still have new ideas and lightbulb moments when it comes to putting together fresh recipes that haven’t been done before.

“I’m very fortunate to still have the creativity l had when l brought out my first cookbook, but l put this down to a number of factors,” he says.

“Travelling is still one of my biggest passions and it’s while I’m away on these trips that l find the most inspiration for new recipes. This year, I’ve been to Turkey and Norway, and while in Scandinavia l tried new techniques for cooking with wild mushrooms.”

Although his five-a-day are important to him, the thought of eating them, and only them, is a step too far for Antonio, but any recipe that follows his cooking mantra is bound to be a delicious one, as he explains, “I believe balance is a very important aspect of any diet and I wouldn’t want to restrict my enjoyment of meat or fish to become known as a vegetarian chef,” he says. “Having said that, my preference is always for very simple, rustic cooking that follows my MOF MOF philosophy – minimum of fuss and maximum of flavour.”

For more: www.antoniocarluccio.co.uk

QUICK-FIRE ROUND WITH ANTONIO CARCLUCCIO When will we next be seeing you in Bath?

Sadly my last trip to Bath was a flying visit to Bath, but I’m hoping to return for the Great Bath Feast this year.

I also enjoy visiting friends who live nearby What are your fondest memories here?

It is the city that gives me a very strong feeling of the Romans being here before me What’s your all-time favourite dish?

Risotto with wild mushrooms, or spaghetti vongole with clams Apart from Italian, what’s another preferred cuisine of yours?

I’m quite fond of Chinese because it’s freshly made with natural ingredients Any ingredients you won’t touch?

I have tried many different foods throughout my lifetime, but one that I’ve never liked is Icelandic putrefied shark because it is against any reasonable concept of good taste

It’s easy to believe that Italians eat nothing but pasta and pizza in rotation, but what’s less wellknown is that Italians love vegetables as much as they love both of these staples

www.mediaclash.co.uk I BATH LIFE I 55

FOOD

BRUNCH

BRUNCH

BUNCH As brunching in Bath is big trend, we caught up with seven local café owners to find out more about their offerings for the year ahead

By E V E LY N GR E E N

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

BRUNCH

M

ove over, avocado, there are new hero brunch ingredients in town. From lactofermented vegetables and chia seeds, to smashed peas and Middle Eastern babka, these are the tasty morsels you’re likely to see a whole lot more of on your pre-afternoon menus in 2017. Bath’s café owners tell us more…

CASTLE FARM CAFE

The venue: The cafe is hidden away in an old barn, nestled within the beautiful rolling hills of Midford, situated on a charming organic vegetable farm among fresh herbs, sweet smelling flowers, and happy chickens Their passion: Owners Robert Eldon and Sarah Kelloway aim to serve wholesome, tasty food from the soul, in a friendly, rustic atmosphere What to expect: Cosy tables, speciality drinks, local and organic produce from their own farm, plus a vegan and gluten-free offering We’re ordering: The organic stewed apple porridge, or hot bananas – cooked in almond milk with fresh lime, and ginger-infused honey – served on toast with peanut butter. And on weekends, from the more extensive menu, mushrooms with garlic aioli on toast, or roasted tomatoes with mozzarella, basil pesto, balsamic on Bertinet sourdough

WE’RE ORDERING THE HOT BANANAS

– COOKED IN ALMOND MILK WITH FRESH LIME, AND GINGER-

INFUSED

HONEY – SERVED ON TOAST WITH PEANUT BUTTER

Below: Castle Farm Cafe is situated on a charming vegetable farm, on which they grow their own produce

FOOD

Something special: They have a pizza oven and incredible views over Midford, plus they run lots of quirky events, from movie and documentary nights, to themed evenings, and talks from local inspirational people Hero ingredient for 2017: Smashed green peas When to go: From 10am Wednesday – Sunday Castle Farm, Midford; www.castlefarmcafe.co.uk

SAME SAME BUT DIFFERENT

The venue: The double-height ceiling, mirrored arches, deep aubergine walls, abstract art and personalised playlists create an alternative and eclectic vibe Their passion: Everything is made from scratch on the premises by head chef and owner Robert Indge. Ice creams, dressings, even ketchup and mayonnaise, are all concocted on site What to expect: You’ll find all the classics and healthy options such as their popular eggs picante with chorizo, or smoked salmon with cream cheese on toast We’re ordering: French toast with frozen berries and white chocolate sauce Something special: The breakfast joint turns into a tapas and wine bar in the evening Hero ingredient for 2017: Lacto-fermented vegetables, and chia seeds When to go: From 8am Monday – Friday; from 9am Saturday; and from 11am Sunday 7a Prince’s Buildings, Bartlett Street, Bath; www.same-same.co.uk w

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

BRUNCH

owner Duncan Glendinning. “If you walk past early morning or late at night you will see the steam billowing from the bread ovens in our basement as our bakers work through the night.

Our breads are fermented slowly and our pastries are hand-crafted” What to expect: An offering including homemade granola with seasonal compote, and freshly baked pastries We’re ordering: Pancakes with honey and caramelised bananas Something special: They have a pop-up toast bar where customers can pay a set price and enjoy a selection of different breads which they can toast themselves Hero ingredients for 2017: Middle Eastern shakshuka and babka When to go: From 8am Tuesday – Saturday; and from 9am Sunday

EXPECT

EVERYTHING FROM AMERICAN-

STYLE PANCAKES TO CHORIZO

19 Barton Street, Bath; www.thoughtfulbakery.co.uk

AND BUTTERNUT SQUASH

CAFE RETRO

HASH

THE GREEN BIRD CAFE

The venue: Based between the Royal Crescent and the Circus, the interior has a relaxed feel to it, and although it has a simple design, there are plenty of features to catch your eye What to expect: Everything from Americanstyle pancakes with maple syrup and bacon, to scrambled free-range eggs on toast We’re ordering: Chorizo and butternut squash hash served with a poached egg Something special: If you are looking for a secluded suntrap, head to the delightful courtyard at the back Hero ingredient for 2017: Mushrooms, especially when cooked in butter, with a splash of cream, and then served on toast When to go: From 8am Monday – Saturday; and from 10am Sunday

FOOD

Above: Chic and simple décor at The Green Bird Cafe; below: Cafe Retro, and its classic breakfast menu, has been thriving for 23 years

The venue: It’s an eclectic, shabby-chic space in a beautiful Georgian building Their passion: “We’re probably one of Bath’s longest running independents serving locals, tourists and a number of celebrities for the past 23 years,” says owner Mark Goldsmith What to expect: A classic breakfast menu featuring options such as muffins with eggs and bacon, and smoked salmon on granary toast We’re ordering: The ever-popular eggs benedict Something special: They have a hidden Roman wall in the cellar Hero ingredients for 2017: Nuts, grains and fruits – healthy and versatile When to go: From 9am Monday – Sunday 18 York Street, Bath; www.caferetro.co.uk

w

11 Margaret’s Buildings, Bath; www.greenbirdcafe.co.uk

THE THOUGHTFUL BREAD COMPANY

The venue: It has a relaxed, homely vibe, and the décor follows an up-cycled theme Their passion: “We are a bakery first and foremost, so everything is made and baked by hand in our on-site bakery from scratch,” says www.mediaclash.co.uk I BATH LIFE I 59

FOOD

BRUNCH

WILD CAFE

The venue: Tucked away down a pretty cobbled street, the business has a bohemian edge with a wild edge What to expect: All-day brunch options including bubble and squeak, oak-smoked kippers, a gluten-free full English, and avocado on sourdough toast We’re ordering: The faggot or crab benedict Something special: They have an open kitchen, so you can watch the chefs doing their thing Hero ingredient for 2017: Homemade hollandaise sauce When to go: From 8am Monday – Friday; from 9am Saturday; and from 10am Sunday 10a Queen Street, Bath; www.wildcafe.co.uk

THE COURTYARD CAFÉ

The venue: “It’s a cool, modern design with a bit of a 70s beach-side feel to it,” says owner Harald Bret What to expect: All-day breakfasts, sausage sandwiches and homemade cakes We’re ordering: Pancakes with strawberries and blueberries Something special: They reopened just a couple of months ago after a stunning refurbishment Hero ingredient for 2017: Spinach When to go: From 9am Monday – Saturday; and from 10am Sunday

IF YOU WALK PAST EARLY MORNING OR LATE AT NIGHT YOU WILL SEE THE STEAM BILLOWING FROM THE BREAD OVENS IN OUR BASEMENT AS OUR BAKERS WORK THROUGH THE

NIGHT

1 Lilliput Court, North Parade Passage, Bath

Above: Fig Danishes in the making at The Thoughtful Bread Company; left: smoked salmon bruschetta at Cafe Lucca

CAFE LUCCA

The venue: It’s in The Loft – a shared space with Blue Fashion and Home, so you can enjoy all-day dining with a bit of designer shopping What to expect: Avocado bacon or salmon bruschetta, Bertinet croissants with ham and gruyère, homemade quiches and scotch eggs We’re ordering: The Lucca breakfast, which has grilled eggs with parmesan, parma ham or sweetcured bacon, grilled tomatoes and toasted ciabatta Did you know: Chefs are restricted from cooking fry-ups at the venue because of the extraction in a listed building, so they have had to be creative with their brunch offering Hero ingredient for 2017: Avocado, but served with a French radish, baby chard and pickle twist.

When to go: From 9am Monday – Sunday 1 Bartlett Street, Bath; www.cafelucca.co.uk 60 I BATH LIFE I www.mediaclash.co.uk

TRY FIVE

The Riverford selection is enough to make us river dance

3

Amanda and her Cheeky Bean choice

Let’s look at…

DRY JANUARY

Spot the five-a-day in Combe Grove Shane’s drink

2

D

ry January doesn’t mean opting for dry white wine, dry gin or even a dry martini – it means a month of no alcohol consumption, and we can see the benefits of a period of abstinence, no matter what time of year it is. An alcoholfree health kick can bring about the advantages of a clear mind, clear skin, weight loss and energy gain, so we’ve asked a few of our favourite local sources for their tasty teetotal recommendations...

1THE JUICE COLLECTIVE

Owner EMMA FRAMPTON What drink do you recommend to help detox? Our whole range of cold-press is designed to not only fit into your daily routine but also to support you with detoxifying your body. One of the favourites is Green02 for the most nutritious ingredients and health benefits.

What are the health benefits of Green02?

It is packed full of important antioxidants, vitamins and minerals to help with energy levels, immune system and bone health. www.thejuicecollective.co.uk

2

RIVERFORD

Representative NATASHA BEATTY What are the health benefits of juicing?

Organic fruit and veg has been proven to contain more nutrients than non-organic equivalents, gram for gram, so your juice will be giving you a good range of vitamins and minerals. Ginger has powerful antiinflammatory and antioxidant properties, can help ease digestion problems and can help Take a shot of goodness with The Juice Collective

1

with cold and flu symptoms.

What drink do you recommend to make not drinking alcohol more bearable?

If you’re looking for a light drink to sip in the evening while others are drinking wine, try Luscombe Elderflower Bubbly; it feels grown-up up and sophisticated, and partners very well with savoury dishes.

4 Cascara’s coffee is a real tonic

www.riverford.co.uk

3THE CHEEKY BEAN

Co-owner AMANDA HARVEY Do you see changes to coffee orders at this time of year? A lot of people drop dairy, so there’s an increase in requests for almond and soya milks.

Is there a coffee you would recommend for its health benefits? We have our special ‘Jungle Runner’ espresso smoothie. It is made up of espresso, almond milk, frozen banana and agave nectar. And, for a year-round choice, you cannot beat a flat white made with whole-bean, unsweetened soya milk. www.thecheekybean.co.uk

4

COMBE GROVE

Head barman SHANE TURNER What drink would you recommend for someone not drinking alcohol? Making your own cordials is fun, and when you make them yourself, you know exactly what’s in them.

Our strawberry, mint and cucumber combo is always very popular.

What ingredients do you think work best in a healthy non-alcoholic drink? Ginger juice gives a great kick; we also like playing with citric acid from lemons and limes, which makes drinks a bit more exciting, without using

5

loads of sugar. Beetroot juice is a fun superfood and gives a sweet, earthy flavour, whether used in mocktails or cocktails. www.combegrove.com

5

CASCARA

Owners JAY OHLSEN & ANA MARIA SOTO SOTO Can coffee be considered healthy?

Of course! Good coffee contains so many essential nutrients including B vitamins, magnesium, manganese and potassium, along with huge levels of antioxidants. Enjoyed regularly, it can reduce the risk of Alzheimer’s and help boost metabolism.

What about decaffeinated coffee? We use the best quality, single estate (comes from one farm) beans and do not use nasty chemicals to strip out the caffeine – ours are water processed, using little more than mountain, or mineral water, and carbon filters.

Twitter @cascarabath www.mediaclash.co.uk I BATH LIFE I 63

Ian Hobbs Technical Services offer an array of commercial & industrial service solutions, all under one roof

Air Conditioning

Refrigeration

Plumbing & Heating

Electrical

Renewables

w: www.ianhobbs.com t: 01225 444171 e: info@ianhobbs.com /ianhobbstech @ianhobbstech

hon fusion chinese restaurant

tel 01225 446020 opening hours mon - sat: 12noon - 11pm sun & bank holidays: 25 claverton buildings • widcombe • bath ba2 4ld 12noon - 10pm

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

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

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

FOOD & DRINK 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

Help the heroes with a battleberg cake or a Victoria cross sponge It’s all about the taste, with no waste

IT BAKES COURAGE As you watch your sponges rise, you could also be raising funds for a great cause. The charity Help for Heroes is asking people to get baking between 15 –30 April, to help support their work with the veterans, who may have been wounded or injured in some way, and their families.

“Every slice sold really does make a difference to help rebuild lives and it is so easy to get involved,” explains Sonya Griffths, Help for Heroes’ marketing manager. “You could hold a tea and cake event at work, school, in your local community centre or simply invite friends around to your home for a slice of cake for a donation and a catch up.

“A free fundraising pack comes with the chance to win a Kenwood kMix donated by Debenhams, along with collecting boxes, a sweepstake game, bunting, balloons and pricing stickers. Also, the winner of our Best Cake Competition could win a stay at the Bloomsbury Hotel in London.”

For more: www.helpforheroes.org.uk

WASTE NOT WANT NOT It is estimated the average family could save up to £700 a year, simply by throwing away less food, so as part of the national Love Food Hate Waste campaign, local councils across the West Country, including Bath & North East Somerset, are offering free cookery and budgeting courses to local residents.

Heather Goddard, South Gloucestershire council’s communities committee chairwoman, explains, “These free Eat Well, Spend Less cookery and budgeting courses, devised by the anti-poverty charity

The Trussell Trust, are great as they help people to manage their shopping and food preparation more efficiently so that they throw away less food which, in turn, also leads to savings at the checkout.”

The no-charge classes each run for two and half hours a week for six weeks and, along with teaching cookery skills, how to plan and budget for simple recipes and food hygiene, they also suggest ideas on how best to use leftovers.

For more: www.bathnes.gov.uk www.lovefoodhatewaste.com

FREE SPIRIT

Shane knows what’s in the mix

Whoever said the answers couldn’t be found at the bottom of a glass was wrong.

And Combe Grove’s head barman, Shane Turner can show us how.

With over 20 years of experience under his shaker, Shane, who once made a cocktail for Shirley Bassey, will share his vast knowledge and passion for botanicals, and then help his cocktail students make a tipple of their choice at his monthly Combe Grove workshops.

“I’m a big fan of using what’s around you, and being situated where we are, we’re really spoilt with access to wonderful

local ingredients. I love to use herbs in my drinks, and I also work closely with our head chef Leigh Evans,” says Shane, who has worked at Bristol’s Gold Brick House and Seven Shed, and 131 in Cheltenham.

“One of my personal favourites at the moment is the Chocolate Boulevardier, which consists of chocolate-rested rye whiskey, coco-infused Campari (which must be rested in the fridge) and sweet Vermouth, all in equal measures.”

Turn to page 63 for Shane’s Dry January cocktail recommendations.

For more: www.combegrove.com

www.mediaclash.co.uk I BATH LIFE I 65

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.

As part of our commitment to the development of the Bartlett Street Quarter as an area for excellent independent traders, we had the Wrought Iron Overthrow which spans Bartlett Street, both conserved and restored to its former glory by Ironart of Bath.

#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

Fashion/gifts/stores/more

MINI MASTERPIECE

Whether you’re an expert cross stitcher or needlepoint novice, make your embroidery projects fun and adorable with these miniature hand-finished wooden hoops which, once your creations are firmly inside, can be used as all manner of jewellery – from brooches and necklace pendants to keyrings or earrings, you name it. “You can put all sorts in them,” says Kate Smith, owner of The Makery in Bath.

“You can just put in a small piece of fabric that means something to you, or create a miniature work of art with techniques such as embroidery, cross stitch or appliqué to create your own unique, mini masterpiece with this gorgeous set. They can be used as accessories for your outfit, but the possibilities are endless, they could even be used as doll house ornaments, for example, or anything you wanted.

“The 3mm depth means you can sit your design inset or plush,” she adds. “The hoops are varnished on one side for a warm honey look or you can use the reversed raw side.”

So if you fancy getting creative in the comfort of your own home, try these itty bitty hoops and turn them into wearable works of art.

From £6, available at The Makery, 19 Union Passage, Bath; www.themakery.co.uk

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

1 2

3

4

5

1. INTO THE WILD

2. STIR IT UP

3. PERFECT BREW

4. ROLL UP, ROLL UP

5. DRINK ME

Curious Mugs, £12 each For a quirky daily pick-me-up, these ceramic vintage-style illustrated mugs are ideal.

Crafted from porcelain, they bring the beauty of the outdoors in and work perfectly together From Graham and Green, 92 Walcot Street, Bath; www.grahamandgreen.co.uk

Vintage teaspoon, £15.95 Individually hand-stamped with a ‘Tea now, gin later’ slogan, this silver-plated, vintage spoon makes for a timeless, witty keepsake From French Grey Interiors, 1 Burton Street, Bath; www. frenchgreyinteriors.co.uk

Tea infuser, £4 Gillards of Bath reckon the easiest way to make looseleaf tea in an individual mug is with an infuser spoon like this mesh stainless steel version From Gillards of Bath, Unit 2, 34 Box Road, Bathford; www.gillards.co.uk

Circus juggler jug, £29.50 Creators of cheerful design-led products for happy homes, Mister Berwyn has brought out this beautifully illustrated ceramic piece which can be used as a milk jug or vase From Rossiters of Bath, 38-41 Broad Street, Bath; www.rossitersofbath.com

Alice in Wonderland Tea Towel, £15 This Louise Kirk-illustrated tea towel was specially commissioned to celebrate the 150-year first publication anniversary of the story book by Lewis Carroll From Avenida Home, 27 Walcot Street, Bath; www.avenidahome.com

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

ED’S CHOICE

6

SHOPPING

7 8

TIME for TEA AS JANUARY IS NATIONAL HOT TEA MONTH, WE’VE SHOPPED A SELECTION OF UTTERLY CHARMING TEA ACCESSORIES FROM BATH’S ECLECTIC STORES 10 9

6. TALES OF THE ORIENT

7. TO THE LETTER

8. SILVER LININGS

9. BY THE BOOK

10. BOILING POINT

Traditional tea tin, £5.99 With a beautifully classic oriental design, this tea caddy will look stylish on your countertop, especially when paired with its smaller sister tin From Tea House Emporium, 22 New Bond Street, Bath; www. teahouseemporium.co.uk

Alphabet coaster, £3.50 These monochrome letter coasters can be mixed and matched in any creative combination to bring a personal touch to place settings at the table or to celebrate a family name From Vinegar Hill, 16 Milsom Street, Bath; www.vinegarhill.co.uk

Metro serving tray, £50 Available as part of a fourpiece tea set, or on its own, this textured stainless steel tray has a mirror finish and incorporates the effect of spiral flutes for a sophisticated, modern look From Robert Welch, 6 Broad Street, Bath; www.robertwelch.com

Jane Austen books teapot, £80 Celebrating one of Bath’s most famous residents, this teapot is shaped like a shelf of Jane Austen leather-bound novels From Jacks of Bath, 8 Abbey Churchyard, Bath; www.jacksofbath.com

Enamel kettle, £30 For use either on the hob or fire, this vintage kettle is both functional and striking From Mebyl, 4 Cleveland Terrace, Bath; www.twitter. com/mebyl_bath

www.mediaclash.co.uk I BATH LIFE LIFE II 69 www.mediaclash.co.uk I CLIFTON 69

a fresh approach From digital showers and waterproof TVs, to split-level flooring and double-ended bathtubs, here, five local experts describe what luxuries would adorn their fantasy bathrooms

By L I SA E VA NS

This free-standing carbon fibre bathtub from Bath’s SplinterWorks offers the playful form and optimum shape for a relaxing bathing experience

B AT H R O O M S

HOME

What would the colour scheme be?

It would be bright and fresh – classic gloss white is proving a winner when it comes to wall tiles.

Why do you think it’s important to create the bathroom of your dreams?

It’s the first and last room you use every day so why wouldn’t you create as stunning an oasis as possible – you deserve it.

Share your top tips for styling a bathroom...

Take time to think what’s important to you if you decide to change the whole room. Buy the best your budget will allow and be honest from the start about a final figure you’re prepared to invest.

Alternatively, a new bath screen, new accessories, taps, shower, a fresh coat of paint, or even some bright new towels can create a fresh look in an existing bathroom.

5, The Shambles, Bradford on Avon; www.bathroomsatno5.co.uk

HOTEL-INSPIRED DESIGN

A light and airy design by Bathrooms at No.5 in Bradford on Avon

IT’S THE

FIRST AND LAST ROOM YOU USE EVERY DAY SO WHY WOULDN’T YOU CREATE AS STUNNING AN OASIS AS

POSSIBLE – YOU DESERVE IT

I

f you’re planning to refresh or redesign your bathroom this year, take inspiration from the professionals. Whether you want a hint of hotel chic for a glamorous space or a whole new look featuring heaps of modern, digital installations, we’ve asked experts from in and around Bath to describe their dream bathroom oases, share their top tips on creating the perfect scheme for 2017, and reveal the trends that they think encompass the looks of the moment…

FUTURISTIC AND INNOVATIVE

For Nick Coombes, showroom manager at Bathrooms at No.5 Ltd in Bradford on Avon, his ideal bathroom would be technologically advanced, with metallic detailing…

Tell us about your dream facilities…

I’d have a bespoke walk-in shower with a remote controlled digital showerhead; there would be a wall-hung shower toilet with a sensor flush; a mirror cabinet with recharging socket and good lighting; a towel-drying radiator in stainless steel with a dual energy element so it can be used when the central heating is off; and under-tile heating with smartphone technology.

What are your favourite trends for 2017 that you’d add to your own fantasy bathroom?

Copper mosaic or floor tiling. Polished and brushed gold and nickel were introduced at the end of last year – these give an inspirational palette to people who are looking for an alternative to classic chrome.

Kim Marcer, co-owner of Ripples on London Road, Bath, says her fantasy bathroom would feature split levels, a double vanity unit, and would focus on texture instead of colour…

How would your perfect bathroom look?

It would be a space that I could completely relax in. It would be sectioned by different levels, so that I’d have a space where I can bathe, shower and even apply makeup, rather than one large open space. A freestanding bath with floormounted taps would be the centre point of the room, I’d have a double vanity unit for my husband and I, and a huge walk-in shower with a ceiling-mounted shower head and a heated shower seat. To finish it off, I’d want underfloor heating, lots of lighting, a recessed mirror cabinet and of course, a TV. Heaven.

Would it be colourful or subdued?

This season, colour is taking a bit of a back seat; in its place we see beautiful textured materials taking their position as a huge interiors trend. A subtle way to introduce textures into a bathroom is to start with tiles, for example on feature walls behind basins or in a shower recess, which will add interest to the space.

What about your ideal accessories?

The trend for copper accents is here to stay, it’s one that adds warmth and elegance to any setting.

I’d invest in statement pieces like a copper radiator or bath. I’d also bring the outdoors in with wood, for a Scandinavian look, which should be high on everyone’s interiors agenda for 2017.

Solid oak furniture looks hugely effective with very simple white bathroom tiling. Also, porcelain wood-effect tiling not only looks incredible but is more practical in a bathroom. w www.mediaclash.co.uk I BATH LIFE I 73

HOMES

B AT H R O O M S

What are the top 2017 trends that you love?

Boutique hotel bathrooms – 2017 will see more and more of the classic roll-top baths and decorative tiles, such as those you see in high-end hotels. Concrete basins are having a real moment; I’d team mine with a touch of black and very cool patterned tiles for an industrial twist.

Chelsea House, London Road, Bath; www.ripplesbathrooms.com

ACCESSORISE ALL AREAS

hobsons|choice’s design consultant James Carter’s dream bathroom would be geometric in style, and boast a double-ended tub, LED mood lighting and an integrated speaker system…

What current trend would your perfect bathroom reflect?

It would be contemporary in style and natural Bath stone in colour, with clean, flat surfaces.

Large aspect porcelain tiles would run from floor to ceiling with connecting grout lines creating a strong geometric appearance.

What luxuries would you indulge in?

I’d have a shower with a rainfall showerhead and a built-in heated stone-topped seat; underfloor heating; a wall-mounted vanity area with a ‘sit-on’ tap/basin arrangement; an integrated Bluetooth-connected speaker system; a doubleended bathtub; an AquaTV; LED mood lighting for a relaxing ambience; and, for those latenight bathroom trips, night-time sensor lighting with low-level spotlights to provide just enough illumination to see without being fully awoken.

What are some of your favourite emerging styles right now?

Natural textures, metallic finishes and lighting can all be used to break up large swathes of floor and wall tile, zoning areas and highlighting focal points. Wall-hung vanity furniture and sculptural mixer taps create a ‘lightweight’ and eye-catching washing area. Positioned above, flush-fit heated mirrors with integrated storage and hidden LED lighting complete the sleek look.

London Road, Bath; www.hobsonschoice.uk.com

SILENT SANCTUARY

Miles Hartwell’s ideal bathroom would be an internet-free zone so that he could blissfully unwind; here the co-founder of Bath’s SplinterWorks tells us more…

Describe your fantasy bathroom…

It would be a perfect sanctuary with no wi-fi access and a view of the ocean when soaking in the bath. It should be a room that can transport you away from the day-to-day thrum of life.

Escaping is important.

What current trends would you be happy to have in your new bathroom?

A black, brass and copper colour scheme along with designer towel rails and radiators.

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

Share your top tips to restyling a current bathroom…

Don’t over-light the space – allow for some bright lights where you need them around a mirror but also make provision for a low-light mood setting.

A simple £5 dimmer switch can completely transform a bathroom.

Textured surfaces are the new black (and white) at Ripples, Bath

18 Queen Square, Bath; www.splinterworks.co.uk

I’D HAVE A

STYLE AND SUBSTANCE

For Lifestyle Bathrooms’ designer Rex Cart, practicality and beauty go hand-in-hand…

What would your ideal bathroom offer?

A level-access wet room and walk-in shower, underfloor heating, and digital showers with single-touch button operation.

When it comes to the design, is beauty or practicality more important to you?

Why not have both? This is our speciality, as we work closely with customers who need a safer bathroom possibly due to becoming older or having mobility issues. They don’t want an ugly hospital style bathroom, so we use modern designs and unobtrusive stylish products to make life easier, such as grab-bars, and higher level WCs – which look no different to normal WCs. Share a top tip to breathing new life into a bathroom, affordably…

Cover existing tiles in a shower area with waterproof wall boards for a quick update without the full cost of changing everything.

8 Padin Close, Chalford; Stroud; www.lifestylebathrooms.net

RAINFALL

SHOWERHEAD; AN INTEGRATED BLUETOOTHCONNECTED

SPEAKER

SYSTEM; A DOUBLE-ENDED BATHTUB; AN AQUATV; AND LED MOOD

LIGHTING

FOR A RELAXING AMBIENCE

Specialists in bathroom safety With time you may find your bathroom becomes more difficult to use safely, however there are a range of options and products available to make life easier, for example; • Change your bath for a large shower or walk in bath • Create a wet room with a completely flat surface • Redesign your layout to make best use of space • Increase storage with built in units • Install underfloor heating to keep the floor dry • Add grab rails and fold away shower seats

Save 20% VAT*

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Above is an example of a recent project where the customer replaced their old bath and shower with a tiled wet room, suitable for a wheelchair user with a young family. *If you need to make changes to your bathroom due to disability or a medical condition, we are able to supply your bathroom VAT free, saving you 20%. Please ask for details.

For a free home visit, contact Rex on 07496 057281 or 01453 884167 Visit our website www.lifestylebathrooms.net for more information 30+ years of experience • Free design service & advice • Tiles, wallboards, mirrors & accessories supplied • Experienced polite installers

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

SHOWING THEM YOU CARE There are simple signs you can look out for that can indicate your pet's health might not be tip top, but as the BATH VETERINARY GROUP explain, once you know, they can also be easily remedied

W

e all know that moderate drinking does you no harm and can even have health benefits but when drinking becomes excessive then there is usually a problem that needs sorting out.

The same applies to pets. A 20kg dog needs to take in about one litre of fluids over a 24 hour period (fluid requirement is calculated according to your pet's weight). This fluid intake doesn’t necessarily have to be in the form of drinking water, most wet pet foods have a high moisture content anyway so you’ll probably note that your

“ANOTHER DISEASE THAT CAN CAUSE AN INCREASE IN THIRST IS DIABETES”

www.thepethealthclub.co.uk

pet will drink a bit less than the calculated amount.

The problem arises when your pet starts drinking excessively (i.e. more than the recommended amount over a 24 hour period).

You may also notice that because of your pet's increased fluid intake, they may want to go to the toilet more than usual.

There are many underlying factors that may cause your pet to drink more. The most common cause is kidney problems. The kidneys are responsible for regulating the fluid balance in the body so, if the kidneys are sick, this balance goes out of control.

Another disease that can cause an increase in thirst is diabetes. This condition is fairly common in cats and dogs of all ages and can also be accompanied by excessive tiredness and changes in weight.

Problems with your pet's liver can also increase an animal’s thirst, as can an infected uterus in bitches that are not neutered. There are numerous

other diseases which can affect your animal’s fluid intake but the bottom line is, all of the conditions mentioned are detectable with simple blood and urine tests that can be carried out by your vet.

Members of Bath Vet Group’s Pet Health Club will get an annual urine test included along with annual vaccinations, year round worming and flea treatment and numerous other benefits.

So, if you notice that your pet is drinking excessively, bring them down to the vets as soon as you can and we’ll try to get to the bottom of the problem before the condition gets too serious.

Bath Veterinary Group Rosemary Lodge, Wellsway, Bath BA2 5RL 01225 832521 www.bathvetgroup.co.uk

MOTORING

CAR REVIEW

PEDAL to the METAL Our columnist David Flatman takes the fastest Land Rover ever for a superior spin 66 I CLIFTON LIFE I www.mediaclash.co.uk

I

t’s only a bit of metal, mate,” said the lorry driver as he guided me, fag in mouth, backwards out of the London parking space he’d made indecently tight through his bolshy, lazy lorry parking. I hadn’t taken to him after first impressions and, by the time he began to mock my hesitant, inch-at-a-time reversing, he had no idea how close he was to involuntarily swallowing said ciggy.

It wasn’t just a bit of metal, you see, it was something far more special than the sum of its parts.

It was something that, even having been lucky enough to have spent time in some very special vehicles over the years, still seemed frankly beyond what I knew to be reality. Just as I cannot buy into anything from the science fiction genre, this thing was making me question whether all was as it seemed. The Range Rover Sport SVR, you see, is quite a thing.

At half past eight in the morning I cruised to school with my two children, seats nicely warmed beneath us, both screens defrosted before I’d even pulled off the drive, school bags and obligatory scooters

CAR REVIEW

swallowed. Admittedly, the exhaust – which we will discuss shortly – did set off the alarms of two other parents’ cars as I parked, but they didn’t seem to mind. The dogs piled in and, school run complete, to the woods we drove for an autumnal yomp.

Having flogged the hounds, I changed into my smartest suit and headed for the big city to work that evening. Having been looking forward to the A303 section of this journey most of all, the SVR was, frankly, astonishing. One friend described it as a muscle car and, what with all the power (550bhp) it possesses and with all the noise it spits from its rear, I understand this association. It isn’t a muscle car, though, as they only go fast in straight lines.

If you’ve ever tried to take a corner at more than eight miles per hour in a Ford Mustang you’ll know what it feels like to have your life flash before your eyes. The SVR’s handling – remembering it’s a Range Rover – seems to defy physics. It’s not just grippy and composed for a large SUV, it’s grippy and composed full stop. I used to drive a BMW 535d that I had chipped and all that boy racer stuff, and it was rabid – a brilliant car. And it wouldn’t see which way this thing went. The way it devours altering A-road cambers and corners and, perhaps even more importantly, the way it makes you feel, makes it hard to imagine a vehicle that covers so many buyers’ boxes.

It also makes it infinitely easier to overlook its less attractive traits. Fuel. It likes fuel. The thing is, I don’t think miles per gallon is something likely

SHOPPING

to play on the mind of potential SVR owners.

Surely, if you can afford the hundred grand-plus for an SVR with a few toys, then a tank of petrol is within your means. And believe me, any official fuel consumption figures are worth ignoring, not because they’re not achievable by the vehicle, but because you will soon realise that driving this car that sensibly makes David a dull boy. Boot it. Fill it up. Repeat.

Now, that exhaust. It is loud. So loud, actually, that it quickly becomes the main event. It’s not intrusive at motorway speeds but, as you pootle through town you will see heads turning. The sound is nothing like the tinny, aftermarket, boy racer racket that ruins villages. It’s bassy, sophisticated, and girthy.

You know that fabulous, rasping Aston Martin you heard once? Well double it. This thing is savage, and there’s even a ‘Sports Exhaust’ button which makes it even louder. I pressed it on every single journey.

It’s verging on scandalous, and it’s totally wonderful and addictive.

This Special Vehicles Operations version of the Range Rover Sport was labelled pointless and vulgar by many when it was announced, but it is neither of those things. Of course, it will not appeal to all, but to the lucky few who need a practical car but also lust after an absolute weapon on their driveway, it’s here. It’s not cheap, but it’s worth every penny. Truly, I’m still not sure how they did it.

For more: www.guysalmon.bristol.landrover.co.uk

NOW, THAT EXHAUST. IT IS LOUD. SO LOUD, ACTUALLY, THAT IT QUICKLY BECOMES THE MAIN EVENT

AT A GLANCE Car: Range Rover Sport SVR Price: £93,450 Model tested: 5 Litre Supercharged V8 Under the bonnet: 550bhp Performance: 0-62mph in 4.5 seconds Dealer: Guy Salmon Bristol Land Rover

www.mediaclash.co.uk I CLIFTON LIFE I 43 www.mediaclash.co.uk I BATH LIFE I 79

Nothing cheers the spirit more in the late winter than the arrival of the snowdrop

Spring forward

The first signs of spring have started to peep through winter’s gloom‌

By E M M A BON D 66 I CLIFTON LIFE I www.mediaclash.co.uk

GARDENING

MOST PEOPLE GROW THEM FOR THEIR SHEER ABILITY TO CHEER UP A MISERABLE BLEAK DAY

Above: winter is here but there is still much to see outside; below top: snowdrops can be grown in pots if you don’t have a garden; below bottom: planted in drifts for great effect

T

he sweet, flowering snowdrop, the first sign of spring and a sight for sore eyes. The long grey, winter months are rewarded by a glimpse of green shoots appearing from the bare soil and later tiny white buds turning to pretty nodding heads. There is a collective sigh of relief once these are visible, for it means that surely, at last, the worst of the winter is finally over.

A couple of years ago, a snowdrop bulb was bought for the princely sum of £725 on the online auction website eBay. This won the record for being the most expensive snowdrop bulb ever sold, beating the previous record of £360. The rare and much coveted bulb was called Elizabeth Harrison after its owner and was spotted in a Scottish garden. The rarity of this particular bulb was down to never-seen-before yellow markings.

There are a group of people called galanthophiles – or snowdrop collectors – who obsessively collect these plants, and in some cases have to keep their collections secure because of their value. However most people grow them for early winter interest, and their sheer ability to cheer up a miserable bleak day.

Snowdrops are either bought in bulb form or planted ‘in the green’, meaning that you buy a bunch of plants that have been dug up after they have finished flowering. This is a more successful way of growing them and there are many specialist suppliers to buy them from including, locally, Meadowmania (www.meadowmania.

co.uk). They supply Galanthus nivalis, the common snowdrop, and recommend planting them with Winter Aconites, which is how you often find them in the wild.

There are around 20 species of snowdrop and they are often confused with their much larger cousins, Leucojum and Acis species. The most common species of snowdrop found in our gardens are: nivalis, elwesii, plicatus and woronowii.

The flowers are all fairly similar at a glance, with either double or single petals, but what sets them apart are the green markings – these can be either very small, very large and not just green, but, like the rare bulb, yellow.

Make sure to plant them in clumps in a shady area where they enjoy well-drained soil with plenty of leaf mould or compost incorporated into the ground. Every two years, lift the clumps and split them, replanting half back in the same position and moving the rest elsewhere. If you allow the planting to become too dense they will eventually stop flowering. Keep an eye on other plants surrounding them, especially other bulbs, so that they do not get smothered, and each year you will be rewarded with a beautiful carpet of white flowers.

Snowdrops grow well amongst other winter plants, and will make a lovely underplanting for Cornus alba sibirica or Hamamelis x intermedia ‘Ruby Glow’. These shrubs will naturally protect the tiny snowdrops as they are growing during the colder months. They also look great amongst Trillium, Winter Aconite and ferns.

Surprisingly, most snowdrops do have some scent, and you will notice it most on a warmish day. An established area of them will give off a lovely whiff and this can be confusing if you don’t know they have fragrance as it’s hard to tell where it’s coming from! Galanthus ‘Ginns Imperati’ originates from Italy and is about 15cms tall and has a similar scent to bitter almonds. Others can smell a bit like wallflowers.

I have also grown snowdrops in pots to enjoy in my garden, or briefly on my desk at my studio.

They can be deeply planted in amongst other plants such as ivy or grasses. Try using the slightly larger Galanthus elwesii for a lovely long stemmed variety that will stand out amongst other plants. Later, after flowering, they can be planted back in the ground, but I do love getting a close-up view of their pretty, nodding heads.

There are lots of beautiful gardens to visit in the Somerset area where snowdrops will be on show, including Lacock Abbey, Hanham Court, East Lambrook Manor and various NGS gardens that open especially to show off their snowdrops.

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

www.mediaclash.co.uk I BATH LIFE I 81

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The sky’s the limit when it comes to Bath’s success

QUOTE OF THE ISSUE

“WE HAD NO WATER, A GAS LEAK, AND NO ELECTRICITY”

RETAIL SUCCESS

TOP OF THE SHOPS New research reveals major brands are choosing Bath over larger cties Bath is undoubtedly one of the most stylish places to set up shop. Sitting alongside myriad existing exciting and thriving independents are names such as Anthropologie, who chose Bath to open their first branch outside of London, and Maison Georges Larnicol, whose confectionery shop on Upper Borough Walls is the only outlet outside of France.

The recent research by Colliers International also confirms Bath’s retail strength statistically, revealing that the city is competing well with other, larger, UK destinations in attracting successful international brands.

The Collier’s National Retail Barometer tracked the UK openings of 10 successful international brands, recording their choice of target cities outside of London.

Bath was the top choice for 40 per cent of these brands tieing with Birmingham, Guildford and Brighton, each being chosen four times as a priority location, with Leeds ranked the first stop for 60 per cent of the brands.

The research suggests Bath’s affluent population, relatively low rent (compared to other major cities) and plentiful supply of tourists, makes it a desirable region.

“It is no surprise that Bath features so strongly in this survey,” comments Peter Woodhouse, partner at the law firm Stone King. “It is well known that our range of retail outlets, situated as they are in a beautiful Georgian setting, is a significant draw both for frequent shoppers and for less frequent ‘splash’ shoppers.”

Councillor Patrick Anketell-Jones, cabinet member for economic development, also adds, “A strong retail sector is vital to Bath’s economic success and the council is currently working hard to ensure the local economy continues to grow, with retail businesses maintaining a central role.”

For more: www.colliers.com

Which haidresser had a hairraising time when she first opened her business? Find out on page 89

£3,175 THE BIG NUMBER

The amount raised for charity by which Bath Rugby player?

Find out on page 87

www.mediaclash.co.uk I BATH LIFE I 85

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ONE TO WATCH

KIT GLAISYER Kit Glaisyer is a cinematic landscape painter who works from his Great Pulteney Street studio. Here he talks artistic influences, the wonder of wet pavements and how selling your work is over-rated

Tell us a bit about your background I grew up in rural North Dorset. My father was a doctor and both my parents were talented amateur artists. I still have my father’s sketches of us, and my mother made paintings of me and my brother dressed as cherubs.

We also grew up without a television, so I’m probably lacking half the cultural references of my generation.

What did you want to be when you were growing up?

At school, I was good at computers, so I thought I might work in film, television or design. I always loved painting, but being a fine artist wasn’t seen as a viable career.

However, when I went to art college in Bournemouth, I knew I had to become an artist.

What was your first job?

I was an art courier in London, driving a lorry around the country, delivering paintings. Another of my early jobs was as a film set painter.

Do you remember a particular painter that influenced you?

When I was quite young, an exhibition of John Constable oil sketches was a huge inspiration to me; also JMW Turner’s watercolours, and later on, Paul Cezanne’s paintings.

Who are the other artists you admire?

For inspiration, I often visit London to see the great artists of the past; the Dutch 17th century painters, the European Romantic painters, and the American painters of the Hudson River School.

Tell us about the first piece of work you sold Actually, selling your first work is over-rated; the money soon goes. What matters is developing your talent and building a reputation that allows the work to sell itself.

How do you stay inspired? Do you ever get creative blocks?

We’re surrounded by such beauty and wonder, whether it’s a simple reflection in a wet pavement, a sweet smile or a magnificent sunset. I think a creative block just means that your thinking has become predictable and dull. The solution is to keep challenging yourself, to aim higher, to explore new ideas and new techniques.

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

Who has inspired you throughout your career?

As an artist I try not to be too influenced by anyone else, instead, I’m constantly honing my own voice, and exploring deeper into the emotions that make my work authentic. But, paradoxically, being original means you also have to be aware of all the great artists, past and present, so that you don’t repeat what they’ve already done.

How do you intend to grow your studio space?

It’s just such a great space, a perfect location and just feels like it has huge potential. The gallery is currently only open by appointment as it also serves as my studio. I’ll have lots of new work on show and I’m planning to host regular parties here and open events too.

WE GREW UP WITHOUT A TELEVISION, SO I’M PROBABLY LACKING HALF THE CULTURAL REFERENCES OF MY GENERATION

Any plans to paint particular places in Bath?

Yes, I’ve had a few ideas, but I’ve only just begun to explore the city and surrounding countryside, so I’m equally intrigued about what will inspire me over the coming months. Bath is such a beautiful garden city, designed by artists and visionaries to embody the ideal balance of architecture and nature.

For more: www.kitglaisyer.com

Kit finds inspiration for his art work in the everyday beauty of his surrounds

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BATH RUGBY NEWS

MOVERS, SHAKERS, ETC

Bringing you the latest from the Bath Rugby headquarters

Stone King’s Sarah Clune

GOOD PRACTICE Stone King’s charity and social enterprise team has produced a safeguarding information sheet to help local youth football clubs. Sarah Clune, who works with the Bath law firm, explains, “Whilst safeguarding practices have undoubtedly improved over the years…it is clear that good practice is not always consistently applied.” Stone King is also planning a free safeguarding advice workshop. www.stoneking.co.uk

JUST DO IT Bath law firm Royds Withy King has donated equipment worth £100k to the social enterprise, We Do. IT, which helps young people from disadvantaged backgrounds gain skills to secure employment. Arthur Hindmarch of Commercial Group, which established We Do. IT as part of its commitment to being a responsible business, explains, “Every £1 spent with the social enterprise generates the equivalent of £4.87 in social value, so Royds Withy King’s generosity will be multiplied when we sell the equipment on again.” www.roydswithyking.com

LOOKING BACK With sixth form students facing the challenge of new-style A level exams this summer, Bath Tutorial College brings revision courses, including individual tuition, to Bath Spa University this Easter. “The aim is to build on all the groundwork students have completed at school and offer a course with a strong emphasis on converting knowledge into exam success,” explains academic director Andy Thompson. www.bathtutorialcollege. co.uk

Nick Auterac with a fine head of hair; below: shaving off his locks for a fine cause; bottom: with some of the young patients from Area 61

L

oosehead prop Nick Auterac used his head when it came to helping out a young person’s cancer unit last month.

The Bath Rugby player agreed to shave off his trademark locks and raised over £3,000 in the process. Along with a visit from several of members of the Aviva Premiership team, the cheque for £3,175 was presented to the specialist Teenage Cancer Trust unit at Bristol Haematology and Oncology Centre.

The players spent time with the patients and staff on the cancer unit, known as Area 61, a purpose-built in-patient and day care facility for young people with cancer aged 16-24 across the South West.

After their visit the team said, “We really enjoyed coming to the unit to meet the young people benefiting from this amazing service funded by Teenage Cancer Trust. Through chatting to the patients and seeing the facilities, we could see the donated money is going to a great cause.”

For more: www.teenagecancertrust.org

BUSINESS MATTERS DIARY From city centre conferences to networking breakfasts, make a note of the dates and make them work for you 2 3 JA N UAR Y

Bath Life Business Club at the Royal Crescent Hotel & Spa with Ian and Christa Taylor of the Abbey Hotel; 12-2pm, £50+VAT. www.bathlifebusinessclub.com 2 5 JA N UAR Y

Protecting Your Creativity: Stone King IP expert Gavin Llewellyn, discusses intellectual property rights at the Igloo. 6-7.30pm, free. www.creativebath.org 2 1 FE BRUAR Y

Netwalking in the Great

Outdoors: Entrepreneurial business owners do their networking along the banks of the Avon Valley Canal.

11am-1pm, £5.90. www.eventbrite.co.uk

renowned for their enthusiasm, passion and drive for creating outstanding cultures with purpose, talk at Curo Group.

9am-5.30pm, for prices see www.whynotinspires.co.uk

23 F EBR UAR Y

8 J UNE

22 MAR C H

Creative Bath Awards: A brand new ceremony, highlighting stunning creativity and celebrating top local creative, tech and cultural organisations and people.

For more information see www.creativebathawards.org

Bath Life Awards ceremony: A unique and joyous opportunity to celebrate the very best of Bath businesses at the Bath Assembly Rooms. www.bathlifeawards.co.uk Inspire with Why Not Inspires at Curo Group: Three speakers

www.mediaclash.co.uk I BATH LIFE I 87

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

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BREAKING NEWS...

Neil is thrilled to receive his award from Nicola Crow

TERRIFIC TRIO Our pick of the most exciting, intriguing or important local business stories right now Zara Perry, fifth from left, with her team, Tara Henson, Charlee Mitchell, Amy Stokes, Billie Louise Harris, Silkyh Richardson and Tamzin Bailey

FLUSH WITH SUCCESS

The first year of business for Zara Perry Hairdressing has been a testing one to say the least, but as owner Zara explains, it helped shape her company and make it stronger.

“Within four months of opening, a large steel fence was erected across the whole salon front for 12 weeks. We then had no water, a gas leak, and no electricity. However, through all these dramas, we pulled together as a team and also got to know our wonderful St James Parade neighbours, who helped us out.”

Zara managed to not only keep her clients happy, but in June 2016, seven months after opening, she expanded her business to include beauty. “I am super proud of my girls,” says Zara. “To achieve everything we have so far, with more plans yet to come, is down to working as a team.”

Neil Curtis, who is the senior designer at Ripples’ London Road showroom in Bath, scooped the company’s highest accolade, at their recent awards ceremony.

Neil, who has been with the company for four years won highest sales figures for an individual designer in 2016. Neil says, “This year I have worked on some exciting projects, brought to me from an array of wonderful people wanting to create their dream bathrooms – some from tiny cloakrooms to luxurious, large en suites.

“Receiving the award is great recognition of what a successful and exciting year we’ve had at Ripples Bath.”

The awards, held at South Place Hotel in London, saw all franchisees and designers come together to celebrate the year. Ripples’ sales manager Nicola Crow, who presented Neil with his award, adds, “Neil is an exceptional bathroom designer, he’s highly knowledgeable and makes his customers feel at total ease”.

For more: www.zphairdressing.co.uk

For more: www.ripplesbathrooms.com

NO SHORT CUTS

FRAMED IN CHELSEA If garden frames had status, then Bath-based Agriframes are heading towards becoming gardening royalty.

Their garden frames have caught the eye of the Royal Horticultural Society, been exhibited at the Chelsea Flower Show, been purchased and endorsed by Lawrence Llewellyn Bowen and shown on BBC TV by gardening guru Alan Titchmarsh.

In addition the company, which was bought by Hannah Downey, who is also an interior designer, and her husband Andrew, 11 years ago, has also been picking up awards along the way. “We have won trade stand awards and last year, we got four stars for our stand at the Chelsea Flower Show,” says Hannah. “This means that you have presented your products in a manner that reflects the criteria the RHS set.”

Agriframes are in the frame

Hannah‘s business is award-winning

For more: www.agriframes.co.uk

www.mediaclash.co.uk I BATH LIFE I 89

PROPERTY

SHOWCASE

90 LIFE LIFE I www.mediaclash.co.uk 112I I BATH CLIFTON I www.mediaclash.co.uk

SHOWCASE

PROPERTY

FINDING PEACE OF MIND Love is in the air for this Corston home, where traditional style meets contemporary comfort

By PA R K E R C H A DW IC K

www.mediaclash.co.uk I BATHLIFE LIFE I I 113 91 www.mediaclash.co.uk I CLIFTON

PROPERTY

SHOWCASE

L

ooking for the right property can be like looking for love – sometimes it can be eyes across a crowded room and you have your happy ever after, or maybe it’s a slog and a search, and a world of pain until you find the right one.

There is something about this beautiful, come-hither Georgian-style Corston country house set in 14 acres, that has us swooning and smitten in one fell swoop. The exterior alone brings together the traditional, the classical and the architecturally superior in one elegant building.

Marry this with an unexpectedly stylishly and visually captivating contemporary interior, and you’re onto to a winner. Throw in the large parkland style lawn, formal gardens and an orchard with well-established fruit trees, and it’s a match made in heaven.

Approached along an impressive quarter mile, tree-lined drive situated between three flat paddocks (sometimes you have to put a little bit of effort into your affairs), the house with its eggshell-smooth frontage and pillared portico, retains all the grandeur of a stately home from a bygone era, but the newness of its build means minimum upkeep, which brings a peace of mind.

Inside, the sweeping staircase is guaranteed to sweep you off your feet before you’ve had time to draw breath – and then the rest of the house continues to be breathtaking in the way it manages to combine elegance, simplicity and subtle touches of a luxury lifestyle.

On the ground floor the grand entrance hall is flooded with natural light from the lantern light on the main roof, highlighting both the space and the care in this property’s refurbishment, which is on the market for only the second time in over 80 years.

The flooring is mighty oak and benefits from underfloor heating throughout backed by energy efficient solar panels, an example of how the current owners have extensively refurbished the property using the finest quality materials and skilled workmanship.

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

Clockwise from top left: Natural light floods into the spacious rooms; a high end finish to the generously sized kitchen; the rear of the house reveals a balcony summer terrace; Even the bedrooms enjoy beautiful views of the lush, green surrounds

HOUSE NUMBERS

5,370

square feet of space

14.66

surrounding acres

£3.95M price

3-4

reception rooms

5-8

bedrooms

The spacious triple aspect drawing room has an open fireplace and the dining room has original restored cabinets and French doors leading to the gardens.

The kitchen features handmade painted units in wood, a generous central island with a beautiful granite top, an Aga cooker and Bath stone mantle with black glass, along with a wood-burning stove and double fridge. On this level, there is also a utility room, two cloakrooms and the boiler room.

Moving up, the galleried landing leads to five bedroom suites, with the master bedroom suite featuring a walk in dressing area crafted in walnut, and enjoying panoramic views across the Avon Valley. The main bathroom has ‘his and hers’ sinks and a bath resting on railway sleepers.

On this floor, you’ll also find the cinema room, perfect for those long winter nights when you want to cosy up with a good film, or the ideal venue for teenage kids to be entertained when they have their pals over. Grown ups can enjoy alfresco dining and anytime cocktails on the summer terrace with far-reaching views.

The property also comes with a plethora of useful outbuildings – there’s the highly secure new garage block, which can house up to 12 cars, along with two independently accessed workshops. To the south of the house, further barns in one of the paddocks could be used for stabling, plus there is also a separate studio, which is located next to Corston House Cottage. Ah, you didn’t know the house came with a cottage? And not some little dingy appendage of an outhouse, but a substantial two-floor property in its own right, with an open-plan kitchen/breakfast room and living room, plus three bedrooms, including a master bedroom with en suite bathroom, two further bedrooms and a bathroom.

Corston House, let us count the ways we love you – but give us a while, because there are a lot.

For more: www.knightfrank.com

A beautiful detached cottage style bungalow with wonderful views & bags of character. The sitting room has a cosy fireplace & enjoys lots of natural light. The smart kitchen dining room is a superbly sociable space; from here French windows open out onto a raised deck which looks over the garden. The master bedroom is well proportioned and has an ensuite. The third bedroom is presently used as the study. The first floor has a double bedroom and shower room. Lastly, we find the utility/boot room & good driveway parking.

N EW

Lower Kingsdown Road, Box, Guide Price £625,000.

N

EW

Trowbridge, Guide Price £675,000.

A substantial barn conversion on a select development on the fringes of town, on a private road. The master suite comprises of a large bedroom, a smartly appointed ensuite with both bath & shower cubicle plus two separate walk in wardrobes. The sitting room is impressive with a red brick fireplace housing a gas wood burner.

There are two further receptions a dining room & family room. The fifth bedroom is presently used as a study/home office.

In addition, we find a utility room, cloak room and internal access to the garage.

Externally there is parking & a garage plus a brick built outbuilding in the garden. The garden is enclosed and level.

Tel: 01225 866747 27 Market Street, Bradford-on-Avon, Wiltshire, BA15 1LL email: info@jeremyjenkins.co.uk • website: www.jeremyjenkins.co.uk

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

Leopold House, Victoria Bridge Road, Bath riverside, BA2 Prices from £775,000 • Luxurious 2 bedroom penthouse • Spacious open plan living with stunning views, perfect for entertaining • Underground residents parking with lift access to the apartment • Only a short level walk into Bath city centre This stunning new property is ready for immediate occupation so please do contact us to arrange a viewing of our show penthouse.

Contact: Giles Harling

GHarling@savills.com | 01225 474 591

THE APARTMENT COMPANY Selling & Letting Bath’s finest apartments

Great Pulteney Street, Bath

Offers in excess of £545,000

Grade I listed • Georgian • Second floor • Two bedrooms • Stylish interior • Two Ensuites • City Centre • Approx 802 Sq ft

Located on the famous Great Pulteney Street is this fabulous two bedroom apartment occupying the second floor of this impressive Georgian Townhouse. Once in the apartment you are welcomed into the entrance hall leading to a beautifully fitted kitchen with a large window offering pretty views over Henrietta Park. The bright south facing sitting room has two large windows and a feature fireplace.

There are two bedrooms with contemporary designed en suites. In this sought after location, its close proximity to all the amenities and providing easy city living, viewing this property comes highly recommenced!

Sales: 01225 471144

let Marlborough Buildings, Bath

£2250 pcm

Grade II listed • Georgian • First floor • Double bedroom • Mezzanine level • Shower/utility room • Exceptional refurbishment

We are delighted to market for rent this exquisite first floor apartment located adjacent to the Royal Crescent, in the highly sought after location that is Marlborough Buildings. Once entering the apartment, you will find an entrance hall and a grand drawing room, complete with original ornate cornicing, large sash windows overlooking the Royal Crescent, and an open plan Bulthaup B3 kitchen. Above this, is a mezzanine level, perfect for an occasional bedroom with a shower/utility room and study area. To the rear of the property is a large double bedroom with a Laufen ensuite. This is a stunning apartment which has been finished to an exceptionally high standard.

Lettings: 01225 303870

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

ARE YOU TAKING THE RIGHT STEPS AS AN ACCIDENTAL LANDLORD? You may not have set out to become a landlord, but you will be subject to exactly the same rules, regulations and laws. THE APARTMENT COMPANY can help you navigate the tricky world of letting

N

ot every landlord sets out to become one, in some cases, it is a solution for a change in circumstances. You may have inherited an additional property, be moving in with your partner or having to relocate for work, but you don’t want to sell. All these events and more will need you finding a way of affording the upkeep and repayments on your now empty apartment and therefore you have found yourself seeing renting as the solution.

People like yourself who find themselves renting a property, but not having a rental business, are described as accidental landlords.

Renting out your property comes with many responsibilities, you may think that as you’re not a professional landlord and you’re only renting out one property that the rules may differ, but this is not the case. At The Apartment Company, we

work closely with our accidental landlords, taking them through the sometimes-daunting process step by step.

Research undertaken by the Residential Landlords Association (RLA) has been released in a new report, which states that there are now 145 letting rules and regulations for landlords to adhere to. It is no surprise therefore that accidental landlords can feel completely overwhelmed. As an accidental landlord you could find it difficult to keep informed of changes to rules and regulations when they occur, which is why many turn to a letting agent.

The author of the report, property expert Kate Faulkner says, “The problem with accidental landlords is that as they don’t do this as a business, they may well not have any way of keeping up to date with changes in rules and regulations.”

Business and personal storage at its best

• Business and personal storage • Refrigerated storage • Sign and store for personal and business use • Bespoke connected services and packaging • Country Green Post boxes • Emergency refrigerated storage

01380 850939 enquiries@countrygreenstorage.co.uk www.countrygreenstorage.co.uk

If you find your change in circumstances seeing you looking at letting a property as a solution, come and talk to our lettings team at The Apartment Company and we can ensure that the steps you take are the right ones.

For more advice visit our blog at www.theapartmentcompany.co.uk Sales: 01225 471144 Lettings: 01225 303870 www.theapartmentcompany.co.uk

Woodford, Berkeley, South Gloucs Prices from ÂŁ525,000

Box Road, Bathford, Nr. Bath Prices from ÂŁ945,000

JUST RELEASED. 1st two of 4 brand new contemporary styled detached barn type homes in this exclusive development of only 6 elegant professional homes within 5 miles of Thornbury.

COMING SOON! A luxury development of only four contemporary detached villas in this tucked away cul de sac situated on the North Eastern outskirts of Georgian Bath.

4 beds (with en-suites to master & guest rms). Spacious dual aspect living rm, dining rm, stunning fitted k/breakfast rm and separate utility.

Vaulted ceilings to FF. Bold, confident yet reassuringly traditional.

Now under construction build completion expected Spring 2017.

4/5 bedrooms (one with GF master bedroom), Fitted kitchen breakfast room, separate utility room, large living/family room, ground floor cloak room, Garage, parking and garden.

Spring 2017.

T: 01225 471116 crossmanhomes.co.uk

T: 01225 325857

timbennettandassociates.co.uk

SERVICES GUIDE

MARKETING

GUIDE to SERVICES in the CITY TO ADVERTISE HERE CALL THE BATH LIFE TEAM ON 01225 475800 DATING AGENCY

New Year, New Love?

Caroline Crowther is a truly local personal introduction agency helping you meet someone new in your area. We offer a long term personal service until you find your perfect match.

For a professional and personal service call

01934 744788

or

0800 180 4788

www.carolinecrowther.com

ALLERGY TESTING

ALLERGY TESTING Feeling unwell? May I help you?

ARE YOU FIT INSIDE AND OUT?

uk co. st. yte erg all w. ww

Headaches & migraine, tiredness & fatigue, weight problems, eczema or other skin problems, asthma, catarrh & sinus congestion, IBS & digestive disorders, anxiety & depression.

If you suffer with any of the above complaints, an hour’s test could change your life!

For your nearest tester please contact Cindy on 07747 800097 or Email: allergytesting@churchviews.co.uk / www.allergytest.co.uk For local appointments please contact: Clarion Health, 2-4 Henry Street, Bath Tel: 01225 448348

STONE SPECIALISTS

JEWELLERY

Nigel Dando DAVIS MASONRY & CONSTRUCTION Natural stone specialist Bath stone restoration Walling Re-pointing t: 07910 621 316 e: jack_fb_123@hotmail.co.uk

WE BUY Gold, Silver & Platinum in any form or condition.

Nigel Dando 11 Pulteney Bridge, Bath BA2 4AY Tel/Fax: 01225 464013 www.nigeldando.co.uk

STONE SPECIALISTS

Repairs, Restoration Alteration of Stone Buildings New Build Stone Cleaning Stone Carving Fireplaces

Tel: 01225 462688 / 07968 697091 Email: Julian@bathstonemasons.co.uk

www.bathstonemasons.co.uk

B AT H L I V E S

Q&A

O

n top of being the captain of Team Bath Netball – the most successful team in the Netball Superleague – and an England International, Eboni is training to become a solicitor in the Commercial Dispute Resolution department at Bath’s Mogers Drewett. Ahead of the 2017 Vitality Superleague season and Team Bath’s first home match in March, Eboni talks us through her double life…

From a very young age my mother encouraged me to take an active role in sport…

I did gymnastics, lacrosse, tennis and swimming, but, ultimately, I loved the team aspect that I found with netball. I also had a very good teacher, Mrs Oates, whose passion for the game was uncompromising.

I’m a trainee solicitor at Mogers Drewett in Bath, and I absolutely love working there…

I joined the Queen Square-based firm a year ago; they’ve embraced my netball-mad lifestyle and have provided an opportunity for me to progress my legal career in a fun, supportive and challenging environment. Having completed a law degree and Masters, I was placed in the commercial dispute resolution team and I hope to specialise in this area upon qualifying.

My typical day starts at 5.50am...

I’m fortunate to be a member of the Team Bath Netball High Performance Programme which is run Monday to Friday, with weekends usually reserved for matches. When I wake up, it’s a quick shower, a protein smoothie, then onto my first training session at 6.45am. Then I head off to work for 8.30am and leave at 5pm. My second training session comes after work. This is an on-court session with the team. I finish at 10pm before heading home to repeat the cycle again.

I’d encourage young girls to get involved in sport because there’s more to it than physical activity…

It provides an arena to help develop your character, social bonds and important qualities such as drive, determination, persistence, leadership, organisation and teamwork – skills which are transferable in many areas of life.

EBONI BECKFORDCHAMBERS The Team Bath Netball captain and trainee solicitor on equality in sport, her biggest idols and discovering her inner Mary Berry The profile of women’s sport in the UK is definitely on the rise...

Especially on the back of London 2012, added with the recent success of the England Women’s Rugby Team, the Women’s Football Team at the World Cup, and the GB Women’s Hockey Team at the Rio Olympics. It’s hard to disagree that men’s sport still takes a considerable precedence on TV, however there’s been an increased endeavour to promote media coverage of female athletes. It’s our success that’s ruling the headlines and I believe if we can continue to display consistent success on the world stage, attitudes and perception of ‘women’s sport’ will change and may grab the ‘prime time’ attention and the attributed pay grades that it deserves.

In my spare time, I really enjoy interior design, photography and baking...

At the weekends you’ll often find me with my camera snapping away, creating different mood boards, or trying to channel my inner Mary Berry.

When one considers ‘women’s sport’, a sexual reference is often inferred...

Sex sells, and I don’t think we’ll ever escape the connotation, but as female athletes we have a duty to represent ourselves in a manner that exemplifies the skill level, hard work and sacrifice of being an athlete. It’s a constant battle to rewrite the perception, but my mother has always told me that I am in control of how I am perceived and if you conduct yourself in a professional manner and always deliver a good first, and sustained, impression, it will lend credibility to whatever ‘hat’ that you may be wearing.

My perfect weekend in Bath would start with breakfast at Sally Lunn’s…

This would be followed by a spa day at The Gainsborough Bath Spa Hotel, attending a Bath Rugby game, visiting my two favourite shops – Lavender Hill and Jo Malone – and finishing with dinner at Hudson’s Steak House.

My female sporting idol has always been Serena Williams…

I admire her poise and her persistence to achieve success. My male sporting role model would be Mo Farah. He’s the epitome of resilience, sacrifice and determination.

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

My mother lives the Cayman Islands and my family are based in the Americas…

Therefore, my most treasured possession is my laptop, so I can keep in touch.

I feel extremely privileged to be able to work, train and live in Bath...

When I have free time, I love to walk around the National Trust sites, indulge in Bath’s famous spas and catch up with friends over food.

If I owned Bath for a day, the one thing I would add is an annual Christmas parade…

It’s always my favourite time of year and I would love to see Santa on a float.

www.teambath.com