Bath Life – issue 357

Dining/Arts/Entertainment/Shopping/Property ISSUE 357 / 19 JANUARY – 2 FEBRUARY 2018 / £3

@BathLifeMag

CELEBRATING THE BEST OF THE CITY

ISSUE 357 / 19 JANUARY – 2 FEBRUARY 2018 / IN A PAWFECT WORLD

TASTE OF ASIA WE TRY OUT BATH’S

DESIGN & BUILD COMMUNITY REGENERATION IN THE CITY

NEW VIETNAMESE SUPPER CLUB

PURPLE PATCH SHOP THE COLOUR OF THE YEAR: ULTRA VIOLET

THE MUTTLEY CREW

DISCOVER THE ARRAY OF LOCAL PET-FRIENDLY HANGOUTS

THE VISCOUNTESS CHEF

GET COOKING WITH THE FIRST LADY OF LONGLEAT

EDITOR’S LETTER / ISSUE 357 / 19 JANUARY – 2 FEBRUARY 2018

Price of Bath’s personalised balls for dogs are indivially scented and can have your pup’s photograph on them

Tails of the unexpected

32

PAWS AND EFFECT

Local businesses based on the love of animals

As an animal obsessive, this issue has been a particularly enjoyable one to write because we’ve delved into the realm of all things pets. On page 32, we meet pet-shop baristas; makers who craft toys that enable blind dogs to play; a speciality dog-treat baker; animal portrait-painters (including one artist who unwittingly helped a patient survive heart surgery); and a canine masseuse, many of whom managed to turned their hobbies into local businesses.

Talking of local businesses, it’s a very exciting time for us right now, as the Finalists of the Bath Life Awards 2018 have just been announced.

Turn to page 29 to see who’s up for an award at our glittering ceremony on 1 March at the Bath Assembly Rooms.

Elsewhere, our shopping pages this week focus on Pantone’s Colour of the Year for 2018: ultra violet (page 76); our property section features the new-builds of Bath (page 102); and, on page 58, you’ll find our review of a new Vietnamese eatery in Bath at which you’ll also be able to experience cookery courses and a lunchtime takeaway service.

Enjoy!

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

FEATURES / ISSUE 357 / 19 JANUARY – 2 FEBRUARY 2018

102

A look inside some of Bath’s state-of-the-art new-build homes

THROUGH THE KEYHOLE

114 Bath Lives

The First Lady of Longleat explains how she’s breathing new life into the historic estate

Staggeringly good Thai coming soon to Bath From lunchtime tapas to delicious curries, exotic seafood, stir fry and noodles, Giggling Squid’s menu lends itself to the distinct sharing culture of Thailand; Bath guests are invited to experience bold Thai flavours and exciting dish combinations

For your chance to be invited to our VIP Opening Party please sign up to Giggling News via our website www.gigglingsquid.com/bath “Exciting cooking” The Times

Bluecoat House, Saw Close, Bath BA1 1EY www.gigglingsquid.com @gigglingsquid

REGULARS / ISSUE 357 / 19 JANUARY – 2 FEBRUARY 2018 M E ET T H E T EAM

THE ARTS

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

45 Arts intro

Deputy editor Samantha Walker sam.walker@mediaclash.co.uk Managing editor Deri Robins deri.robins@mediaclash.co.uk Senior art editor Andrew Richmond Graphic design Megan Allison Cover design Trevor Gilham Contributors David Flatman, Nic Bottomley, Grace Williams, Nick Woodhouse Group advertising manager Pat White pat.white@mediaclash.co.uk Deputy advertising manager Justine Walker justine.walker@mediaclash.co.uk Account Manager Sophie Speakman sophie.speakman@mediaclash.co.uk Sales executive Louis Grey louis.grey@mediaclash.co.uk

Two perfectly cast canine bronzes that don’t need walkies

46 What’s on Time to update the events diary

55 Bookshelf Nic Bottomley goes the extra mile with these get-up-and-go reads

57 Film Grace Williams reveals the films she’d like to see win gongs this awards season

Production and distribution manager Sarah Kingston sarah.kingston@mediaclash.co.uk Deputy production manager Kirstie Howe kirstie.howe@mediaclash.co.uk Production designer Matt Gynn matt.gynn@mediaclash.co.uk

FOOD 58 Restaurant A supper club worth raving about at Noya’s Kitchen

Chief executive Jane Ingham jane.ingham@mediaclash.co.uk Chief executive Greg Ingham greg.ingham@mediaclash.co.uk

69 Food & drink news The Shrubbery at Bath College, Castle Farm and Eat Square

SHOPPING 75 Shopping intro One-of-a-kind raw crystal jewellery designed and created in Box

76 Editor’s choice We’re in a purple patch for Pantone’s Colour of the Year

LIFEST YLE 79 Beauty Mani and pedi time at SJ Beauty in Bath

58

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

BUSINESS

DEPARTMENTS

89 Business insider

13 16 28

News, views and interviews from the region’s professionals

PROPERT Y 96 Property showcase A rather special Widcombe townhouse at Cambridge Place

Spotlight Society A man’s world

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 Pups have their own menu to choose from at the Doghouse café in Bradford on Avon. For the full feature, turn to page 32. Photo by @SpanielLife on Instagram

BATH: ITS LIFE AND TIMES

James Blunt and George Ezra, right, stare moodily into the distance

ENTERTAINMENT

HITTING THE RIGHT NOTES Chart-toppers George Ezra and James Blunt are heading our way this summer, and bringing their toe-tapping tunes with them.

George, perhaps known best for the catchy hit Budapest, will play Westonbirt Arboretum as part of its Forest Live series on 17 June.

And James Blunt – whose song You’re Beautiful – was the standout track from his Back to Bedlam album, will headline Bath

Racecourse on 15 September.

The singer-songwriter has sold over 20 million records across the world, and will take to the stage to headline the racecourse’s new two-day Bath Cup Festival.

Acting executive director of Bath Racecourse, Russell Smith, says, “We’re absolutely delighted to be announcing James Blunt playing live here at Bath Racecourse;

we’re delighted to attract an artist of James’s calibre to play here as part of the Bath Cup Festival.”

Tickets for James Blunt start from £40, with children’s tickets also available.

Tickets to see George Ezra cost £34.50.

For more: www.forestry.gov.uk/music and www.bath-racecourse.co.uk

SPOTLIGHT

These chaps know how to dress to impress

FUNDRAISING

Opposite: The eccentricity of Salvador Dali captured by Carlo Chinca, below

exhibition, and its coordinator Jon Leahy says, “This is a unique opportunity to see the work of a locally-based photographer who has taken a wide range of celebrated images over the years. The exhibition will include video and slide displays and aims to give a detailed insight into Carlo’s life and work.”

The award-winning photographer lives in Bath, and some of his other highprofile subjects include Patti Smith, Buzz Aldrin and Luciano Pavarotti.

Hundreds of men will step out for charity on St Patrick’s Day, as part of the annual Bath Men’s Walk from Winsley.

Organised by the Bath Rugby Foundation, the two-hour, eight-mile hike will see some 700 men and boys, from 12 upwards, putting their best feet forward along the Kennet and Avon Canal.

The event will start at Dorothy House at 12pm on 17 March and finish at the Rec, Bath, in time to see two Six Nations matches – England v Ireland, and Wales v France.

And walkers will even get a free pie and pint to replenish all that lost energy.

Dale Hattey, events manager at Bath Rugby Foundation says, “I’m sure the prospect of the Super Saturday, Six Nations extravaganza will get the men walking in double quick time.”

Proceeds will go to the foundation, which helps young people through sport, and Winsley hospice Dorothy House.

Mark Olson, from the Avon Road Amigos team from Devizes, says his flamboyant team will again be taking part.

“We’re easy to spot as we always dress up in Mexican sombreros and ponchos,” he says.

“This year will be our fourth Bath Men’s Walk and we’re aiming to gather a team of 20 walkers and beat our fundraising total of £2,468.26.”

Last year’s walk raised over £70,000, and the foundation is hoping to beat that.

The entry fee is £29.95, and registration begins at 11am.

For more: www.photobath.co.uk

For more: www.dorothyhouse.org.uk

EXHIBITIONS

PICTURE PERFECT A photographer whose work has captured Salvador Dali, Paul McCartney and Monica Lewinsky is being shown in Bath.

Carlo Chinca is an award-winning photojournalist, and his pictures have been featured in publications including The Telegraph, The Observer and Life magazine.

The free exhibition of Carlo’s large format prints will run from 9 – 17 February at the Bath Royal Literary & Scientific Institution (BRLSI).

PhotoBath has helped to organise the

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FACE A FAC E

Adventures in party-going

Joining the glitterati

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

THE NEXT GENERATION

Andzelika Kozakiewicz, Nathan Osoria and Emma Robson

Bath Young Professionals (BYP) let their hair down at their glamorous annual ball, at Walcot House, Bath.

Drinks and nibbles were served on arrival, and there was a welcoming speech from Ben White from BYP. Guests hoped lady luck would shine on them in a raffle, and also took to the floor for dancing and merriment.

Photos by Bonnie Rose Photography www.bonnie-rose.co.uk

BYP’s verdict on Walcot House?

“We can’t wait to return!”

The dapper James Iverson, Dan Kenyon and Mike Stevens

Emily Cox and James Barrett

Industrial chic at Walcot House

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

Lucy Robbins, Rebecca Dorrington and Steph Cook

Jennifer O’Rourke and Noemi Lamanna

SOCIETY Betsi Miller-Hughes, Annette Luck, Debbie Hicks and Alexa Voisey

BESTDRESSED The opening of indie boutique Portman saw owner Nickie Portman throw a celebratory party.

Guests browsed faux furs, leather jackets and a treasure trove of accessories, and enjoyed a glass of fizz and a chance to mingle at the Milsom Street boutique.

Photos by Bonnie Rose Photography www.bonnie-rose.co.uk

Kiana, Nickie and Jess Portman

Katie Mackenzie, Kerrie Millichap-Merrick and Sara Spratt Kerry Beall and Chloe Regan

The event was a chance for a meet and greet

Playing dress-up

Sally and Tim Painter

Christine Cromack, Georgie Cargill, Katie Weston and Dione Orrom 18 I BATH LIFE I www.mediaclash.co.uk

SOCIETY Mary Claridge, Anthony Crouch and Gani Naylor

HORSING AROUND A party was held in December to mark the opening of Lakota Fields, a not-for-profit horse sanctuary in Westwood, near Bath.

The holistic horse sanctuary has been founded by Lalita Powell, who hopes the local community will support the venture. “We offer horses deemed unfit for purpose, or in need of rescue, a safe space to rehabilitate so they can go on to offer healing and therapy to young people and adults needing therapeutic support within the local community,� says Lalita.

Photos by David Shoukry www.englishphotoworks.com

Ann Pelsmaekers and Sam Messemer Fiona Sharman and Alexandra Rogers

Maddie Naylor and Guna Couch Lalita Powell

Liz Davies and Katy Imbert-Terry Leilai Immel-Parkinson and Matthew Parkinson

Robin Burden and Nicola Sweeney 20 I BATH LIFE I www.mediaclash.co.uk

SOCIETY

PUSHING THE BOAT OUT

Sir David Hempleman-Adams

The City of Bath Sea Cadets celebrated the opening of their new headquarters at St John’s Road, Bath, and fittingly were joined by explorer Sir David Hempleman-Adams.

Unit chairman, former Royal Navy officer and charity trustee, captain Peter Dalrymple-Smith, says, “Sir David was ideally placed to fly the flag for the next generation of cadets as the first person ever to reach both geographic and magnetic North and South Poles, as well as climb the highest peaks in all seven continents.”

David Moore and Liza Collard

Photos by Nick Cole www.nickcolephotography.co.uk

Iestyn Lewis, Pater James and Chris Birakos

MORNING FUEL

Ian Gilchrist, Peter Dalyrymple-Smith and Nick Gilks

Paul Seymour and Andrew Sandiford

Members of Bath’s business community attended a networking breakfast organised by the Bath Half Marathon, to find out how they could support the city’s biggest annual fundraising event.

The event took place at The Pump Room, and attracted more than 40 businesses.

Race director Andrew Taylor says, “We wanted to take the opportunity to meet some of the businesses that take part in the Corporate Challenge and also let others know how they can get involved in the future.”

Loraine Morgan-Brinkhurst and James Currant

For more: www.bathhalf.co.uk Photos by Jeni Meade Photography www.jeni-meade-photography.com

Angela McAusland with Dale Hattey 22 I BATH LIFE I www.mediaclash.co.uk

Andrew Taylor and Martin Roberts

SOCIETY

GOOD CHEER Savills in George Street, Bath, was the venue for a fundraising event in conjunction with the Sporting Wine Club.

Guests enjoyed sparkling wine on arrival, and sampled delicious red and white varieties from around the world.

Raising a glass to the event

Paul Coleman, Simon Halliday and Phil De Glanville Matt Perry, James Edmondson and Nicole King

Rebecca Treacy, Jon Feeny and Martin Kohn

ST YLE AND SPLENDOUR No.15 Great Pulteney was the glamorous venue for Bath Fertility Clinic’s Christmas party.

Guests enjoyed mingling and merriment, taking in the ecelectic designs and artworks which feature in the city centre hotel.

Photos by Marina Feldham www.marinafeldhamphotography.co.uk

Helen Kendrew and David Walker

Cherish Thomas and Ruth Haynes Annette and Nick Sharp

Dr Kate Kerr

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

SOCIETY

JUICE FANATIC

Emma Summers, Nicole King and Andrew Summers

Drinks and nibbles were enjoyed at Juice Recruitment’s exciting winter party, held in the heart of the city.

The do, at Sub 13 at Edgar Buildings, saw guests mingling at the fun get-together ahead of the festive break.

Beccy Gregory, Ben Vowles and Alice Derrick

Photos by Nick Cole www.nickcolephotography.co.uk

Jack King and Carys Richards

Neal Slateford, Debbie Taylor and Amanda Cooper

GLITTER BOMB A sparkly event was held at Spotty Herberts, Bath, with guests able to craft their very own glitter badges.

The shop was dressed by Riot Balloons, and Kristal Bayliss, from Sparklechild, was on hand to help with the creations and demonstrate the technique of sparkle layering.

“We donated 10 per cent of all takings on the night to Great Ormond Street Hospital in support of Kristal of Sparklechild’s fundraising,” says Spotty Herbert’s Kate Austin.

Kate Austin

Here’s some they made earlier

Photos by Nick Cole www.nickcolephotography.co.uk

Kristal Bayliss

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

Tegan Howard, Claire Mumford and Astral Blanchard

A MAN’S WORLD

DAVID FLATMAN

A FOR EFFORT Flats contemplated giving up booze and meat for January, but decided it would please his wife too much. Maybe she ought to employ some reverse psychology…

I

have tried to give something up for January, I really have.

Well, I’ve thought reasonably hard about trying. I get the whole charity angle of these sponsored efforts, but I didn’t think about it in time to get all that going, so really it’s just the notion of proving to myself that restraint is possible that seems potentially valuable. I mean, as it happens, I’ve proven that I currently do not have the ability to stop doing what I want to do just for the sake of it, so, not only have I achieved nothing, I’ve also disappointed myself. Win-win.

A dry January is a lovely idea, especially when your December was so party-filled that you ended up feeling vomitous on Christmas Day at the suggestion of a glass of wine. It’s just not feasible, though – not in my little world – as an event host who only drinks tap water doesn’t tend to set a terribly fun tone. Maybe I need to get better at nursing one pint for six hours at a time.

Meat was another suggested substance that I might try to do without for a month or so, and this idea certainly has merit. Mrs F has long argued that my red meat intake will see me “have a heart attack next to that bloody barbecue,” so it would keep her happy.

Thing is, though, she has a habit of making things up and declaring them facts (like the day I scolded her for leaving every light on in the house all day long, and she told me that it indeed requires more energy – and therefore money – to turn them on again than it does to let them shine. I popped onto the internet and proved this to be tosh, which gave me a disproportionate amount of pleasure), so I

popped to the doctor for an MOT. Sadly for Mrs F, I was indeed in rude health (even the doctor was shocked as, at six feet tall and 21 stone in weight, I should probably have exploded by now), so all motivation to reduce the rib-eyes dissolved. Hmm, so what to cut back on? I’ll have a think ahead of next January…

Onto this year, and it’s time to consider the creation of an outdoor kitchen at the new house. It’s certainly tempting to get a team of professional designers in, but it’s also certainly extortionate for what is, ultimately, an area devoted to animal fat and charcoal. It’ll need to neatly house my various grills, of course, and I’m keen to install a proper outdoor beer fridge, too. Perhaps a commercial dishwasher might help preserve our family kitchen, and I’ll need a wine cooler. Come to think of it, in booze and beef this outdoor kitchen will indeed embrace the very things Mrs F thinks I ought to be going without. Funny how that works. Maybe she ought to employ some reverse psychology: “Flats, I’ll be home an hour later than usual tonight; please have wine and a large piece of slow-cooked meat ready for me. And no vegetables.” According to the very principles of marriage, Mrs F demanding this would lead me unavoidably to do the opposite. Gosh, I do hope she never cottons on.

AT SIX FEET TALL AND 21 STONE IN WEIGHT, I SHOULD PROBABLY HAVE EXPLODED BY NOW

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

The Doghouse in Bradford on Avon is a dog-cafĂŠ, groomers and pet shop in one

Pawsome projects From a dog portrait-painter and a canine masseuse, to a pet shop barista, and a toy-maker who helps blind dogs play, meet the animal-lovers who turned their hobbies into businesses‌

Photo credit: @SpanielLife on Instagram

By L i sa E va ns

ANIMAL MAGIC

W

ith so many petpassionate creatives in the city, we’ve been discovering how they’ve combined their animal obsessions with their work.

We’ve met a former South African-safari guide who now runs a specialist dog-treat bakery; we’ve visited a café-meets-groomers with a dedicated dog menu which offers salmon fishcakes and puppacinos; and we’ve chatted with a painter whose pup-portraits made a seriously ill patient more determined to fight for their life. w

THE PROMISE OF THE DOG

ARTWORK MADE ME EVEN MORE DETERMINED TO GET OUT OF INTENSIVE CARE

Bath-based artist Beth Goodwin quit her career to throw herself into the world of pet portraits

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

ANIMAL MAGIC HUMAN AND HOUND HANGOUTS

Picture the scene: you’re ordering a homemade pupcake and puppuccino for your pooch, a locally roasted coffee for yourself, and settling down in a café brimming with wagging tails and wet noses. This is reality at the Doghouse – a new destination shop for dog owners – in Bradford on Avon. Staff are proud to call themselves ‘the pet-shop baristas’, but it’s far from just a café. You can also shop for a range of pet accessories, foods and gifts for dogs and cats in their boutique, and there’s a rather special grooming salon, too.

“Our salon is equipped with the latest technology to ensure your dog has the most stress-free experience,” says Ruth Warren, whose border terrier, Sparky, is the catalyst behind the business. “In our café, we serve treats for dogs (and their humans) including salmon fishcakes and frozen yogurt. We believe that being ‘dogfriendly’ is more an attitude than a service.”

Nine years ago, Ruth set up a local pet shop called Fetch, which she says gave her a real understanding of her trade. It was here she developed the idea of combining the service element of dog-grooming with retail, and adding a café created the social hub and magic that she says makes the new business so special.

Top: Bath’s Sally Muir, an artist in residence at Anthropologie, spends her days creating paintings of beloved pets; bottom: a patient customer at the Doghouse, waiting for her puppuccino

WE SERVE TREATS FOR DOGS, INCLUDING

SALMON FISHCAKES AND FROZEN YOGURT

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

PET PORTRAITS

When is a painting more than a painting? When it makes you more determined to stay alive.

Sally Muir, a Bath-based artist specialising in painting dogs, says her most memorable customer is a woman named Sam who underwent major heart surgery. Sam spotted a series of Sally’s artworks displayed in Bath’s Royal United Hospital, and noticed that one of the illustrations looked just like her dog, Roobarb. Sam’s mum promised that, if Sam got through the operation, she’d buy her the artwork. When Sam recovered, she sent Sally a picture of Roobarb sitting next to his likeness.

“The promise of the artwork made me more determined to keep my heart pumping, to get out of intensive care and to return home to my dog who I missed terribly after those three months of being in hospital,” says Sam. Sally, whose painted plates and glasses can be found in Anthropologie, adds, “Owners have so many reasons for wanting paintings of their dogs.

I’m often asked to paint elderly dogs; people want to have something to remember their dog by. I quite understand that impulse.

“A woman once asked me to paint her dachshund as a surprise for her husband on their first wedding anniversary. A few days later, the husband contacted me to ask me to paint their chihuahua as a surprise for his wife; I only wish I could have been there when they opened them.”

Laura Tubb, a local watercolour-, ink- and digital-illustrator who creates emotional-value pet portraits for clients, says it’s an honour to produce something that will be treasured forever. “Most of the time I just get to hear happy stories from pet owners,” says Laura, who began promoting her business while studying at Bath Spa University in 2013. “But some are quite sad; my first commission was of an old border collie named Alfie. The owner knew his time was limited, and wanted something special to remember him by.

She was so pleased that I’d managed to capture his personality. A week after she received the painting, Alfie passed away.”

From her home studio in Broughton Gifford, just outside Bath, you’ll find Tamsin McGeown, of Higgledy Ink Illustration, creating custom, mainly w

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ANIMAL MAGIC digital, illustrations of pets.

“From a young age, I loved drawing animals,” she says. “My cats and dogs were always the perfect models (as was my dad), as they (and he) liked to sleep a lot; which made them good to sketch. I now draw any type of animal – I have even been commissioned to sketch an owl called Axl.” She finds it important to get a grasp of an animal’s personality before sketching it; and she loves to hear about their traits – aiming to capture their cheekiness, the knowingness in their eyes, and the way they hold their heads.

“I was recently commissioned to draw every dog a lady had owned since the 1970s,” says Tamsin. “She wanted to represent her beloved dogs, past and present, in a modern way – it was a wonderful commission to do.”

Up until last year, Beth Goodwin, who lives in Timsbury, Bath, had had a string of office jobs in which she felt unfulfilled, so she quit her career to throw herself into the world of art. She now spends her days creating wildlife and animal illustrations in graphite and watercolour.

“Drawing animals is not only my job but my absolute passion,” she says. “It’s such a great feeling knowing that families will look at their pet portraits and be able to remember their lost family member over the coming years. I also (of course) illustrated my own dog as a present to my husband. Our Ralph was a stray on the streets of Transylvania as a puppy. He’s our hero!”

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

Above: Fudge is proud of his artwork, done by Higgledy Ink Illustration in Broughton Gifford; below: Natalie Brookes, owner of Binky’s Dog Walking in Batheaston, is living the dream

PETSITTING

Professional puppy-cuddler Natalie Brookes, owner of Binky’s Dog Walking in Batheaston, specialises in puppy crèche and group dogwalks in Bath and beyond, and she’s living the dream. “We help dogs get the love, exercise and interaction they need while their parents are at work or busy,” says Natalie, whose labrador/ pointer cross, Binky, was the inspiration for starting the business. “Our puppy daycare is designed to enable everyone to experience the wonders of owning a dog for the first time; we ensure the dogs get round-the-clock attention, and we help provide an age- and breed-specific routine, along with the toilet training and socialisation they need.

“It’s a win-win,” she adds. “They get eight hours of learning about the big wide world, and we get love and cuddles throughout the day. Dogs are the most beautiful, intelligent and rewarding pets anyone could ask for. Hopefully Binky’s helps others to share this experience by making it possible to own a dog or puppy when you would otherwise struggle logistically.”

Sharon Goulty also runs a business which revolves around looking after other people’s pets, but hers is a rabbit hotel. Rustic Rabbit Retreat, in Trowbridge, provides all-day attention, toys and all-inclusive treats from Sharon’s apple, pear and cherry trees.

“Rabbits are wonderful pets,” says Sharon who has over 40 years’ experience of caring for rabbits. “They are gentle, funny, loving and very quiet, they are also very intelligent and can be litter-trained. Like dogs, they will come when their names are called, beg for food, and will follow their owners everywhere.

“The majority of rabbits visit us for their holidays and settle really well in a bunny-only garden,” she adds. “Guinea pigs holiday with us too, as do tortoises. Last summer, we had 60 residents a day.”

ANIMAL MAGIC TREAT TIME

Say goodbye to boring biscuits and welcome to Four Legged Fancies’ specialist dog bakery in Chilcompton, Bath, where you’ll find everything from chicken-and-sausage birthday cakes to peanut butter snaps.

“We take the time to hand-make natural, wheatfree treats with a fun twist,” says owner Victoria Stent. “Many dog treats on the market might look tasty, but many of them contain high amounts of sugar, salt, colours, and additives.

“My family has trained guide dogs in Bath for over 35 years, so we have always been a dog-mad family,” she adds. “I started selling treats at the Bath Farmers Market, and I found out there was a big demand. We now trade at over 50 shows a year, and we supply Pets at Home.”

Victoria’s animal-related background is very impressive; she’s volunteered in animal sanctuaries all over the world, worked with chimps in Zambia, and walked jaguars in Bolivia.

“The jaguars had been kept illegally as pets,” she says. “People would raise them in their homes and then dump them with us when they got too big and dangerous. The sanctuary couldn’t release them into the wild as they were too tame, so, each morning, we would take them out walking through the forest on long ropes so they could spend hours walking, swimming and playing.”

She’s also a qualified safari guide who spent years on the job in South Africa; more recently, she’s worked with search dogs on environmental research projects, and she fosters kittens for Bath Cats and Dogs Home.

UP CLOSE AND PERSONALISED In the village of Box, you’ll find family-owned ball-manufacturing business Price of Bath where they make dog toys that are much more than just a bit of fun. There are noise-making balls that help blind or partially-sighted dogs play; balls which are scented with dogs’ favourite smells – from lavender to chocolate – as well as personalised ‘happy birthday’ balls with your dog’s photo on.

ONE-OFA-KIND ACCESSORIES FOR DOGS AND CATS INCLUDE CARDIGANS AND BOW TIES

Above: Bath’s Ursule Gaylard designs and knits accessories and clothing for dogs and cats; below: pupcakes by Four Legged Fancies in Chilcompton, Bath

“The balls we make for dogs are all 100 per cent pet-friendly,” says Louise Price, sales director, whose grandfather started the business in 1936.

“We manufacture everything ourselves, so we know what ingredients go into the balls, and they can’t be destroyed as easily as some others.”

Ursule Gaylard, who runs Ursule Gaylard Creations in Whiteway, Bath, spends her days designing and knitting one-of-a-kind accessories and clothing for dogs and cats, including cardigans, bow ties and beds.

“After knitting my first pair of socks, I became absorbed in the complexity of knitting, and it turned into an obsession; I was knitting 10 hours a day, every day,” says Ursule, whose cats, Gibu and Luna, inspire her work. “When knitting wasn’t satisfying enough anymore, I started writing patterns. My best-selling pattern at the moment is one for a cat bed called The Catipi.”

Like Ursule, Rebecca Wilshere specialises in handmade-to-order animal accessories – such as leads, collars, seatbelts and toys – at her business, Two Dogs & Co, in Saltford.

“Last spring, I was looking for fashionable leads for my dogs, Max and Charlie, but couldn’t find any I really liked, that were good-quality and reasonably priced,” she says. “So I decided to look into making one. From this, the inspiration for Two Dogs & Co developed, and later opened in May 2017, with Max and Charlie becoming chief product-testers and models.” w www.mediaclash.co.uk I BATH LIFE I 37

ANIMAL MAGIC

In her garden studio in Carlingcott, Bath, potter Kara Ford designs and hand-crafts ceramics, including personalised pet food bowls which range from kitten-sized through to Great Dane-sized.

“Each one is specially commissioned and has the pet’s name embossed on it,” she says. “The whole process takes up to six weeks. I did pottery as a hobby for 12 years, but never believed I could make a proper living from it. That all changed in 2014 when I applied for BBC’s The Great Pottery Throw Down, and, to my surprise, got down to the last 20 applicants. Meeting the other potters made me realise it’s possible to do something you love for a living, and it gave me the confidence to give it a go.”

BEST BEHAVIOUR

Dog-behaviour guru Adam Daines at Avon Dog Services – a dog-training school in Corsham – has the magic touch when it comes to getting pooches to obey, but it’s the owners he wants to help the most.

“Every dog is unique,” he says. “Even if we’re working with two dogs from the same litter, the training needed will be different. But, crucially, our positive methods help transform the lives of dog owners who may be having problems with their pet, or just want to take part in new activities with their dog such as agility, scent-work and trick-training.

“It can be life-changing for people who live with dogs that are aggressive or struggling to adapt, or for owners needing to rebond with their pet,” he adds. “One-to-one agility sessions can be a good exit route for dogs with specific issues, giving them something positive to take part in. If you can get the correct positive and kind interventions and the understanding of your dog, nearly anything is possible.”

Above: The Catipi, by Ursule Gaylard Creations, looks like a cosy hangout; below: toys from Price of Bath can be scented with your dog’s favourite smells – from lavender to chocolate

THERE ARE

NOISEMAKING BALLS THAT HELP BLIND

OR PARTIALLYSIGHTED DOGS

specialises in holistic therapies for people,” says Lindsay, who lives in Timsbury, and whose business is mobile. “After seeing the benefits of natural healthcare with my own dog, who has suffered bilateral cruciate disease and an autoimmune condition, I knew this was the route for me. Also, as I’m trained as an animal behaviourist, I can assess whether behavioural problems may be stemming from underlying pain.”

Lindsay has always loved animals, but after spending time in China working with rescued moon bears which had been farmed for their bile, she realised their propensity for forgiveness towards humans, who had put them through years of agony.

“Animals never ceases to amaze me,” she says.

“I feel honoured at the level of unconditional love they give, and how intuitive they are. My months of volunteering with bears in Asia, working as a behaviourist to help rehabilitate rescued bears – some of whom had been in cages for 30 years – into their new life of freedom, was incredibly eye-opening.”

Most pet owners feel that they know how to look after their animals and what threats to keep them away from, but Rebecca Broom at Bath Vets, in Wellsway, Bath, says there are hidden dangers to be aware of.

“Dixie, a young labrador, came to us seizuring after eating mouldy food,” she says. “Mould that forms on food-waste can cause vomiting, tremors and hyperthermia and can progress to collapse.

This can happen in as soon as half an hour. It’s important to recognise how dangerous some toxins and foods – from flowers to chocolate and raisins – can be to our pets.

“Bath Vets at Rosemary Lodge Veterinary Hospital is home to the city’s only 24-hour emergency vets centre, and is one of the UK’s leading referral hospitals,” she adds. “With the convenience and continuity of qualified vets and nurses at your local surgery, we provide exceptional care for your pet.” w

PLAY

HEALTHY AND HAPPY

Although it might not be the first thing that pops into your mind when you think about your pets’ health, Lindsay Cope, owner of Paw Vida Holistic Therapies, believes complementary treatments – such as canine massage – can be beneficial for our furry friends.

“I set Paw Vida up as a sister brand to my business Pura Vida Holistic Therapies, which www.mediaclash.co.uk I BATH LIFE I 39

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ANIMAL MAGIC PETS AT WORK We chat to a handful of the city’s business owners who take their pets to the workplace, and discover why they’re adamant that their four-legged friends boost their businesses…

RADIANCE WELLBEING Holistic therapies and beauty salon New Bond Street Place, Bath “Cadbury the springer spaniel is our company secretary,” says Roger Morrad, who co-owns Radiance Wellbeing with Emma Hopwood. “He even has his own LinkedIn page where he’s regularly invited to interview. Companies like Google and Amazon have policies where bringing your pet to work is encouraged. It adds an air of fun and is a great distraction.

“Running our independent business is challenging work, and having him on board helps to keep a sense of grounding to our day,” he adds. “When you’re trying to solve a problem, he seems to know that a little paw on the knee is all you need to get the job finished.”

Myrtle likes to help with the hoovering up at Clayton’s Kitchen

CLAYTON’S KITCHEN Restaurant George Street, Bath “I bring my weimaraner puppy, Myrtle, to work with me,” says Rob Clayton, chef proprietor at Clayton’s Kitchen. “She does help business; my staff love seeing her and have enjoyed watching her grow. And bringing her to work definitely gives us, as a family, a better worklife balance, as we get to walk as a family in the mornings. So far, she hasn’t wrecked too much in the restaurant, and she’s very helpful with the hoovering up.”

VESTA DESIGN Interior design Staverton, Trowbridge My mixed-breed dog, Loki, and my Siamese cats, Thor and Wolverine, are with me every day at work,” says Kate Howard, owner of Vesta. “But they’re often more of a hindrance than a help – they like to play with samples and walk on my laptop demanding cuddles. Having said that, animals in the workplace are good for morale because they remind you that life is not all about work.”

Lauren Prince had to chase Teddythe-escapee down George Street

Cadbury’s even got his own LinkedIn page

Thor and Wolverine are used to a life of luxury

FWD: THINKING Recruitment agency Gay Street, Bath “Our shih tzu, Teddy, loves being part of the action at work, and is extremely friendly,” says Sam Laite, owner and director of FWD Thinking. “He’s engaging, positive and full of energy, just like his co-workers. I would say it helps business when you have a pet; we are professional yet approachable, and Teddy fits the ethos perfectly. He also encourages us to get some exercise (especially the time he made a break for freedom, and our principal consultant had to leg it down George Street to catch up with him heading to Chandos.”

John Law and Nick Woodhouse with their favourite distractions, Monty and Otto

WOODHOUSE & LAW Interior and garden design Bathwick Hill, Bath “Our dogs – Monty, a working cocker spaniel, and Otto, a wire-haired dachshund – really enjoy the interaction with our colleagues and customers, and Otto particularly makes sure he gets a fuss from anyone new to the showroom,” says Nick Woodhouse, director at Woodhouse & Law. “The dogs are mainly in my office, so they get the run of the basement level and garden. Bringing them to work offers us a lot more flexibility, and helps us achieve a better work-life balance, but drawbacks include Monty’s ongoing, failed attempts to get in the dishwasher after every lunch.”

VERVE LIVING Interiors boutique London Road, Bath “Our shop-dog is Suki the cockapoo,” says Michelle Aitken, co-owner of Verve.

“She loves people and, as the showroom is a large space, there’s plenty of room for her to greet customers. She loves the hustle and bustle of shop life, but thankfully seems to sense when it’s best to lie low under the desk.

“Having Suki provides a talking point with customers,” she adds. “Most people respond well to her friendly nature and accept her as part of the team, even asking after her when she’s not there.”

Greeting customers at Verve is Suki’s favourite pastime

TAURUS REAL ESTATE Property investing and development Queen Square, Bath “Having a pet in the workplace helps raise the mood, reduce stress and encourage physical activity,” says Tom Stack, MD of Taurus Real Estate, whose labrador puppy, Sienna, comes to work with him. “Sienna travels in the car with me to meet clients and investors. Productivity definitely improves with her here; she puts daily stresses into perspective.

“However, there have been a few challenges,” he adds.

“When we visited Tile & Flooring on London Road, Bath, recently, Sienna pooped all over the display tiles. It was a rather awkward situation which required me to have to apologise profusely and scrub the tiles clean.”

An innocent-looking Sienna at Tile & Flooring, Bath, before disaster struck

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

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

PLANNING FOR A NEW ARRIVAL You’ll find useful advice, tips and support at BATH VET SURGERIES

A

pproximately 46 per cent of British households have a pet – that’s an estimated 12 million people! Puppies and kittens are the most popular pets.

It is great fun getting a new pet but it is important to do some homework, look beyond the animal’s appearance and ask the question, “Is this breed of puppy or kitten right for me and my household?”

Consider: ● Exercise requirements ● Temperament ● Suitability for your family life ● Costs of veterinary treatment (or medical insurance) and: ● Time requirements.

Remember, puppies can take weeks or even months to become fully house-trained.

This requires time and perseverance and may involve the sacrifice of some sleep and household items (puppies can chew!). You may need to adapt your house to keep an inquisitive puppy or kitten safe. Some puppies

need lengthy periods of daily exercise for many years.

Pet ownership can be expensive. Bath Vets offer a great money-saving Pet Health Club providing a gold standard of preventative healthcare at a significant saving. This plan covers vaccinations, flea and worming control, discounts on food and regular health checks.

We also offer free first consultations for all new pets and new clients.

If you are thinking of getting a new puppy or kitten and would like to know more then please contact us to book a FREE nurse appointment and, once you have them home, arrange to bring them in to see our team. We always look forward to meeting new arrivals.

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

OUR CLINICS: • Rosemary Lodge Hospital, Wellsway, Bath, BA2 5RL; 01225 832521 • Bath Cat Clinic, 4 Beaufort East, London Road, BA1 6QD; 01225 312061 • Chapel Veterinary Surgery, Forest Road, Melksham, SN12 7AA; 01225 702427 • Marshfield Veterinary Surgery, 57 High Street, Marshfield, SN14 8LR; 01225 891171 • Oldfield Park Veterinary Surgery, 4 Third Avenue, Oldfield Park, BA2 3NY 01225 423652 • Peasedown Veterinary Surgery, 46 Bath Road, Peasedown St John, BA2 8DL 01761 435673 • Saltford Veterinary Surgery, 478B Bath Road, Saltford, BS31 3DJ; 01225 872002 • Station Road Veterinary Surgery, Lower Weston, BA1 3DY; 01225 428921 • Park Road Vets, 11 Park Road, Keynsham, Bristol, BS31 1BX; 0117 9339 933. www.mediaclash.co.uk I BATH LIFE I 43

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Music/theatre/film/more

ON GUARD

It won’t have escaped your attention that this issue of Bath Life has a number of four-legged friends gracing its pages.

But what to do if you really, really want a pet but simply don’t have the time or lifestyle for one? We may just have found the answer.

Although there’ll be no tail-wagging from this perfect pair of pooches when you step in the door, they’ll have been patiently waiting all day – and night, come to that.

And the perfectly cast bronzes won’t have

made a mess or destroyed your slippers.

The Long Dogs are by talented Wiltshire artist Olivia Clifton-Bligh and can be seen at David Simon Contemporary, as part of its Mixed Winter exhibition. Price on application.

Olivia lives and works at Bull Mill Arts, an artists’ community established by Lord Bath on the Longleat Estate, and has signed and numbered the limited-edition faithful friends.

For more: www.davidsimoncontemporary.com

www.mediaclash.co.uk I BATH LIFE I 45

20 January – 16 February

Wax lyrical with Ruby Wax at Topping & Company Booksellers of Bath; look for the Highway Rat at Westonbirt; is it a shirt or is it wallpaper? muses Joe Lycett at Komedia

Exhibitions

and the universe. Various times; Andrew Brownsword Galleries, The Edge; www.edgearts.org

UNTIL 21 JANUARY

SEURAT TO RILEY: THE ART OF PERCEPTION Seeing is no longer believing in this exhibition of some of the last two centuries’ greatest optical illusionists.

10am; £9-10; The Holburne Museum; www.holburne.org

UNTIL 25 FEBRUARY

MICHAEL PETRY: IN THE REALM OF THE GODS Delve into the mystical undercurrents of Bath with an eerie, compelling artistic exploration of the city’s ley lines.

10am; The Holburne Museum; www.holburne.org

UNTIL 3 FEBRUARY

ENGINEERED EQUANIMITY: THE MACHINES OF STEVEN PIPPIN Ambitious experiments, playful exploits and hybrid machines in this free exhibition from one of Britain’s best and most inventive artists, Steven Pippin.

His technological manipulation reveals the inter-relationship between objects, mechanisms

UNTIL 14 MARCH

LINOCUTS Striking linocuts from Mo Lancaster who draws and observes women together, with her witty artworks taking amusement from their camaraderie and interaction.

Victoria Art Gallery; www.victoriagal.org

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

UNTIL 14 MARCH

ENTERTAINMENT IN BATH This exhibition is based on works in the gallery’s collection, as well as loans from the National Portrait Gallery and Royal Collection Trust, and depicts the creative stars of Georgian Bath and the venues where they performed. The exhibition touches upon some of the less obvious ‘entertainments’ in the city, from gambling and prostitution to learned societies.

It’s brought up-to-date with pop concerts at the Pavilion and Victoria Park and WOMAD. Victoria Art Gallery; www.victoriagal.org.uk UNTIL 22 APRIL

DRESSED TO IMPRESS: NETSUKE AND FASHION This exhibition explores the intricate accessories worn

by Japanese men during the Edo period, 1615-1868.

Netsuke are a form of Japanese miniature sculpture that were primarily functional, but evolved into an important art form. Includes items from the British Museum and the MEAA’s own collection.

Various times and prices; Museum of East Asian Art; www.meaa.org.uk 26 JANUARY – 19 APRIL

THE LANDSCAPE COLLECTIVE Exhibition from a group of UKbased landscape photographers, including a recent winner of the Landscape Photographer of the Year. Part of the ongoing Art at the Heart series of exhibitions at the RUH. 8am-8pm; Central Gallery, Royal United Hospital, Bath; www.artatruh.org

W H AT ’ S O N

ARTS

1 – 28 FEBRUARY

MIXED GALLERY ARTISTS A mixed show of artworks including work from Susan Laughton and Esther Brown.

Gallery & Barrow; www.galleryandbarrow.com 1 – 2 8 F E B RUAR Y

HEART’S DESIRE Original contemporary paintings, limited edition glicée prints and cards from artist Emma Rose’s award-winning landscapes and abstracts, with an emphasis on deep, heartfelt colours and emotions.

Emma Rose Art Works; www.emmaroseartworks.com

Plays/Shows

8pm; £15/£13; The Ustinov; www.theatreroyal.org.uk

UNTIL 20 JANUARY

26 – 27 JANUARY

BLOOD BROTHERS Willy Russell’s captivating and poignant tale of twins, separated at birth, and the fateful consequences that follow when they meet in later life.

Various times and prices; Theatre Royal Bath; www.theatreroyal.org 22 JANUARY – 24 JANUARY

SHOWSTOPPER! THE IMPROVISED MUSICAL Watch a brand new musical comedy created from scratch as each performance is created from audience suggestions, with hilarious results. Various times and prices; Theatre Royal Bath; www.theatreroyal.org 23 – 24 JANUARY

TRANSLUNAR PARADISE How do you let go when a loved one passes away? Rose returns from beyond the grave to perform one last act of love in this poignant play.

8pm; £15/£12; The Ustinov; www.theatreroyal.org.uk 25 JANUARY

ODYSSEY One actor, one hour and an epic quest to reunite with his family and seek bloody revenge.

8pm; various prices; The Ustinov; www.theatreroyal.org 26 JANUARY

MISTRESS AND MISFIT Hear Shappi Khorsandi’s razorsharp wit and jokes – softened by some rather mischievous delivery and charm.

RICHARD ALSTON DANCE COMPANY Lift your spirit and quicken your pulse with three pieces from the acclaimed dance company, back in Bath after nearly a decade.

Marvel at Carnava, Chacony and Gypsy Mixture, with the latter featuring infectious Romanian and Macedeonian music.

Various times; £17.50-£32.50; Theatre Royal Bath; www.theatreroyal.org.uk 27 JANUARY

KRATER COMEDY CLUB Watch comedy from three top stand-ups and enjoy the best compères in the business in this side-splitting evening event.

8pm; various prices; Komedia; www.komedia.co.uk 1 – 3 FEBRUARY

THE NIGHT OF THE IGUANA Tennessee Williams’ sultry tale of dying dreams, frustrated sexuality and lost souls in 1940s Mexico.

Various times; £12/£10; The Ustinov; www.theatreroyal.org.uk 16 FEBRUARY

I’M ABOUT TO LOSE CONTROL AND I THINK JOE LYCETT See Joe Lycett on his brand new stand-up tour for jokes and tales of the pathetic internet trolling he’s been up to recently.

As seen on 8 Out Of 10 Cats Does Countdown and QI. 8pm; £20; Komedia; www.komedia.co.uk

Top: an atmospheric photo from The Landscape Collective; Above: Mo Lancaster’s linocuts feature at the Victoria Art Gallery

Music

Family

UNTIL 21 JANUARY

UNTIL 21 JANUARY

BRADFORD ROOTS MUSIC FESTIVAL Pop, poetry, and more in this annual celebration of local talent in this village near Bath.

Take part in workshops and children’s activities, and get your groove on with music and entertainment.

Plus sample delicious local food. 11am; £14-£20; Wiltshire Music Centre; www.wiltshiremusic.org.uk

TREASURE ISLAND Ahoy me hearties – join Jim Hawkins and friends as they set out in search of buried treasure.

But Long John Silver is in hot pursuit so expect a riot of songs and slapstick. Various prices; 2.30pm; The Rondo; www.rondotheatre.co.uk UNTIL 31 MARCH

THE HIGHWAY RAT TRAIL Pre-schoolers – and their parents will relish looking w www.mediaclash.co.uk I BATH LIFE I 47

ARTS

W H AT ’ S O N

for The Highway Rat on this fun trail, with the character created by Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler. Complete fun activities on the way.

Various times and prices; Westonbirt; www.forestry.gov.uk 24 – 27 JANUARY

PUSS IN BOOTS Traditional family pantomime with laughs and plenty of fun.

Various times; £9/£7; St Philip & St James Church Hall, Odd Down, Bath; www.stphilipstjames.org 24 JANUARY – 11 FEBRUARY

SNOW MOUSE An enchanting winter’s tale featuring a sleeping mouse and a curious child. Cue sliding, tumbling and laughter as they explore together and try and keep warm.

Various times and prices; the egg; www.theatreroyal.org

21 JANUARY

WINTER WELLNESS WALK Brush off any winter cobwebs with this peaceful walk and embrace the early morning atmosphere. You’ll be able to slow down and let go of tension; the walk will finish with light refreshments in the tea garden.

9am; £7; Prior Park Landscape Garden; www.nationaltrust.org.uk

27 JANUARY

CREATE: ART Get creative at these fun and arty sessions for five-11-yearolds, pre-booking is advised and children must be accompanied by an adult.

10.30am; £5/£3; The Edge, University of Bath; www.edgearts.org

23 JANUARY

27 JANUARY

CREATE: TALES FOR TOTS Created especially for younger members of the family is this interactive morning of storytelling, music, drama and crafts designed to introduce accompanied children, aged three-four, to the wonders of stories. Various times; £7.50 per parent and child; The Ensemble Room, The Edge, University of Bath; www.edgearts.org

Top: Engineered Equanimity at the Edge; Above: get creative at Make

from Let’s Make Art. 7-11-yearolds can take part in one or two action packed days, each a special mix of imaginative fun exploring themes from the Jerwood Drawing Prize exhibition in the galleries.

9am-4pm; from £35; Art Studio; The Edge; www.edgearts.org

10 FEBRUARY

LUNAR NEW YEAR CRAFTS 2018 is the Year of the Dog and this crafty workshop celebrates with this free family session.

Learn how to make fans, money packets, masks and more.

2pm; Museum of East Asian Art; www.meaa.org.uk 14 – 15 FEBRUARY

MAKE Get messy and creative with experienced artist educators Alice Hendy and Karen Davies

17 FEBRUARY

FAMILY DRAWING FESTIVAL Experience a day of creativity with badge-making, facepainting, storytelling and a whole lot of drawing.

Take part in a special art trail, watch the interactive theatre show Suitcase Stories, have a tour of the galleries, and get drawing and making with activities designed for the whole family.

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

10am; various prices; The Edge, University of Bath; www.edgearts.org

Other

BATH RUGBY FAVOURITES An evening of rugby and revelry with a trio of Bath Rugby favourites, including our very own columnist David Flatman, plus Zach Mercer and David Trick, in this event hosted by the Bath Rugby Foundation and The Ivy Bath Brasserie.

The evening will include a champagne reception and delicious three-course dinner.

6.30pm; £60; The Ivy Bath Brasserie; www.bathrugbyfoundation.com

20 JANUARY

SINGING DAY WITH JOHN RUTTER A rare opportunity to take part in a vocal workshop day led by one of the greatest British composers and conductors, John Rutter.

The music for the day will be a mixture of choral music, church and secular, old and new, with some of John’s recent compositions and personal favourites added. All ages and abilities welcome.

10am; £20/£11; Bath Abbey; www.bathabbey.org

26 JANUARY

HATS AND HEADDRESSES WORKSHOP If you want to get ahead you may want to make your very own hat, with Annabel Lewis helping you to design your own glamorous headwear or enhance an existing one.

2pm; £85; V V Rouleaux; www.vvrouleaux.com 26 JANUARY

ORIGAMI NETSUKE Make origami dogs in netsuke form in this adults’ workshop. w

ARTS

W H AT ’ S O N

Netsuke are miniature Japanese sculptures and, traditionally, an intricate men’s fashion accessory.

6pm; £8/£6; Museum of East Asian Art; www.meaa.org.uk 28 JANUARY

HYGGE YOGA Unwind at this mini-retreat with candlelit Vinyassa flow yoga sessions looking out onto trees and greenery, followed by a calming meditation session.

2.30pm; £62; Combe Grove; www.combegrove.com 31 JANUARY

RUBY WAX Searingly honest, passionate, and full of verve, the rather extraordinary and fabulous comedienne joins us to talk about her funny and compassionate new book How to Be Human.

8pm; £9.99-£14.99; a Topping & Company event at Christ Church, Julian Road, Bath; www.toppingbooks.co.uk 1 FEBRUARY

EAT HAPPY A delicious demo and solo offering from Melissa Hemsley, one half of the famous sister partnership Hemsley + Hemsley.

Her Eat Happy book features quick and easy dishes from supermarket ingredients designed to see you through the whole week deliciously, of course.

8pm; £7; Topping & Company; www.toppingbooks.co.uk 4 FEBRUARY

WINTER TREE ID WALKS Join an expert to identify different tree species in the famous and beautiful deer park where the multi-Oscar nominee The Remains of the Day was filmed, and enjoy breathtaking scenery along the way.

2pm; £5; Dyrham Park; www.nationaltrust.org.uk/ dyrham-park 4 – 5 FEBRUARY

WRITERS’ RETREAT Award-winning author Lucy Christopher invites you to a weekend designed to recharge your creative batteries, with a three-hour workshop and personal chats to hone your latest work – when you’re not

enjoying the hotel’s stunning views, its gourmet food, and luxurious spa. £235; Combe Grove Hotel; www.combegrove.com.

6 FEBRUARY

KIERKEGAARD’S PHILOSOPHY OF ANXIETY Allison Assiter, professor of feminist theory at the University of the West of England, offers a radical new perspective on Soren Kierkegaard’s contributions to the philosophical problems of morality and free will – and therefore on how voluntary a decision to attend this lecture really is.

7:30pm; £2/£4; BRLSI; www.brlsi.org 7 FEBRUARY

COLLECTION HIGHLIGHT TOURS Discover the stories behind the city centre gallery’s principal treasures, with Dr Chris Davies, in these free sessions.

1pm; Victoria Art Gallery; www.victoriagal.org.uk 10 FEBRUARY – 29 MARCH

JERWOOD DRAWING PRIZE The largest and longest-running open exhibition of drawing in

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

Top: learn how to make delicate origami dogs at the MEAA; Above: Tuck in with Melissa Hemsley and Eat Happy

the UK returns to Bath for the second year.

The drawing prize champions excellence and celebrates contemporary drawing practice, with hand-drawn, digital and three dimensional works from

65 emerging and established and talented UK artists.

Various times; Andrew Brownsword Galleries, The Edge, University of Bath; www.edgearts.org

nick cudworth gallery

The Last Over Oil on Canvas

january Exhibition Throughout January

Original oil paintings, prints and cards of Bath, still lives and figure compositions by Nick

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

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We have the experience and versatility to ensure your day is a perfect one.

Our green and beautiful surroundings make us the perfect location for a wedding or event.

So come and see what makes Lansdown special...

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BOOKS

ARTS

IF YOUR WALKING BOOTS ARE CALLING, LOCAL HISTORY LEGEND ANDREW SWIFT IS ON HAND WITH HIS NEW COUNTRY WALKS FROM BATH

OUT AND ABOUT Add some get-up-and-go to your days, with books that help you grab life by the jugular

By N IC BO T T OM L E Y

T

his time of year always feels like a time for achievement.

I suppose it’s the same for everyone – the new year is still fresh, resolutions haven’t all quite crumbled to dust – but I think it’s also a particular preserve of the retailer to relish the space and relative calm of post-Christmas trading and to be fired up with energy for new projects.

Don’t get me wrong, if I could have Christmas trading all year round then I’d still vote for that, but there’s something about January and February that always offers such promise for a heavily ticked ambitions list – both at work and at home.

Books (of course) can help even when you’re in this mood – not to sit still and read, but to get up and grab life by the jugular.

If, for example, your walking boots are calling to you despite the chilly air and muddy trails of winter, local history legend Andrew Swift is on hand with his new Country Walks from Bath (Akeman, £15) to help you discover the multi-faceted landscape around our city. This latest Akeman Press book extends the remit of Swift’s walking routes to the countryside around the city, after his previous essential guides to wandering the city’s streets such as On Foot in Bath, and Literary Walks in Bath.

On New Year’s Day, six grown-ups and 10 kids strode out from our house along the excessively puddley Kennet and Avon towpath from Bradford on Avon, aiming for the Claverton side of Bath with Andrew’s book in hand. Of course, most of us (even the chaos-cloud of kids) could stumble our way to Bath along the canal path without any guidance, but Andrew’s routes always eschew the obvious option in exchange for the less-beaten path. For him, the canal path is a repeating touchstone for this journey, a ribbon that the actual route drops in on between deviations over old quarry tracks and riverside walks.

Even if you’re familiar with Andrew’s routes – and I doubt you’ll know them all, as 14 of them loop out over the hills surrounding the city in every imaginable direction – retracing them with this book brings the hidden histories of the landscape and its rural and industrial architecture, to life. Each walk is illustrated with maps, photographs of points of interest and is accompanied by clear directions and commentaries around the many layers of the past that you’re trampling over.

If you’re determined to get out and about further afield this year, then there is a superb new glove-compartment filler to help you find independent places to

stop for snacks, away from the dreaded motorway services. The Extra Mile by travel guide luminary Alastair Sawday and Laura Collacott (Printslinger, £12.99) is a beautifully laid out little pocket guide to eateries, farm shops, cafés and foodie pubs that are all within 15 minutes’ drive of a motorway junction.

Organised road-by-road and with a useful bias to the South West (M4, M5, A303, M3, A30 and A38 all feature heavily) the authors have uncovered location after location that will free you from the Haribo-heavy realfood exclusion zones to which we’re often forced to resort. All that said, of course, Gloucester Services does make it in. Indeed, how could they have omitted that olive and croissant-strewn mini Widcombe clinging to the M5. Sawday identifies Gloucester Services as part of “a quiet revolution” in motorway services that is daring to challenge the wisdom of decades that all every driver out there wants to break up the journey is a tray of chicken nuggets. And until that revolution is completed, The Extra Mile is going to make our road-trips a lot more palatable.

Lastly, if your desire to achieve or “do” or “go” is more athletic in nature and you need a steer on what to “do” or where to “go”, then grab a copy of Tobias Mews’ Go! (Aurum, £16.99) to help get your thoughts aligned. The irrepressibly energetic author urges you to think “adventure” and “challenge” at all times in order to weave in adrenalin rushes to your everyday life. He’ll soon have you ditching all or part of your commute in exchange for running shoes, racing up hills against funicular railways on your next city break, or dashing to Wales to climb a couple of peaks with a cross-country run in between them.

And, on the way back, you can stop off at Gloucester Services for a gourmet sausage roll recovery snack.

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

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

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FILM

ARTS

Clockwise, from left: Meryl Streep and Tom Hanks star in The Post; Darkest Hour sees Gary Oldman as Winston Churchill; the story of the US’s first female news reporter is followed in The Post; Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri depicts a grieving mother with a message

OLDMAN HAS ALREADY SCOOPED THE GOLDEN GLOBE FOR BEST ACTOR – WILL HE WIN AN OSCAR TOO?

ON TO A WINNER

As it’s award season, our film columnist tells us what cinematic delights we shouldn’t be missing…

I

t’s award season, and having worked through five years of statuette programming, I’ve written a handy checklist of what you’ll expect this coming programme: Meryl Streep – check; Tom Hanks – check; Daniel Day-Lewis – check; emotive historical drama based on true events – check; assorted cinematic brilliance – check.

Let’s start with The Post, a moving historical drama with Meryl Streep and Tom Hanks directed by Steven Spielberg.

The film follows Kay Graham, the US’s first female news reporter and legend of The Washington Post. Echoing previous award nominee Spotlight, Graham uncovers evidence of corruption; however, this time it’s the US government and their withholding of incriminating papers on Vietnam. Graham and the paper’s editor Ben Bradlee (Hanks) release the infamous Pentagon Papers and end up with more than their reputation on the line.

Another war-time drama now as we hop across the pond to England with Darkest Hour. Gary Oldman tries on the cigar as Winston Churchill, the film focusing on the first few weeks of Churchill’s time as PM. By his side is his ‘darling’ Clementine, played

by British cinema favourite Kristin Scott Thomas. Oldman has already scooped the

Golden Globe for Best Actor – will he win an Oscar too?

Staying in old Blighty, we visit a rather different tale with Phantom Thread, which is supposedly Daniel Day-Lewis’ last film.

Reunited with There Will Be Blood director, Paul Thomas Anderson, Day-Lewis plays Reynolds Woodcock, a dressmaker for the elite, who finds a muse who inspires him but also causes him woe. Fashion lovers won’t want to miss this film – the costumes are as stunning as the acting.

Let’s skip back over the pond and talk about the long-titled Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri, which has already scooped up the top prizes at The Globes.

Sometimes, it takes a simple story to deliver something that resonates with any cinema-goer. Martin McDonagh (In Bruges, Seven Psychopaths) delivers an original screenplay that is comedic and moving.

Frances McDormand plays grieving mother, Mildred, whose daughter was violently killed months previous. Angered by the slow progress of the local police department (fantastic turns here from Sam Rockwell and Woody Harrelson), she purchases advertising space on three billboards to draw the public’s attention. The local cops don’t take too kindly to this, and a black comedy of confrontation and redemption is the

stunning result.

Talking of ponds, let’s chat about Guillermo del Toro’s latest beauty The Shape of Water. True to form, Del Torro’s visual effects introduce us to magnificent creatures and transport us to new worlds within our own. This time, we travel to 1960s Baltimore in a secret government-run lab where Elisa (Paddington’s Sally Hawkins), a mute, works as a janitor. Upon discovering an amphibious creature being held captive at the lab, both Elisa and the creature form a bond by communicating in new ways other than voice. The film is The Little Mermaid meets Creature From The Black Lagoon… an unusual yet pleasing combination.

If none of our awards-season fodder grabs you, then why not revisit some beloved classics with our We Love Wes Anderson season? We will be screening all of Wes’s fabulous features in anticipation of his 2018 release, Isle Of Dogs. If you only have time to see one, we urge you to go and watch Fantastic Mr Fox. Not only is it a masterful quick-witted stop-motion treat, but it also stars... us! That’s right, see The Little in all its glory in model-format and cheer when you spot us!

Rather take in something different? Then why not indulge in some cultural events?

The Met Opera season is still going strong, with La bohème and Così Fan Tutte coming up. Want to watch a play? We have the National Theatre’s Cat on a Hot Tin Roof, with blistering performances from Sienna Miller and Jack O’Connell.

So get your glad rags on and cram these cinematic delights in before all the awards are over.

Grace Williams, marketing manager The Little Theatre, 1 – 2 St Michael’s Place 01225 466822; www.picturehouses.co.uk

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

R E S TA U R A N T

FOOD

Noya’s Kitchen Put your glow sticks away, there’s a different kind of club night that’s the highlight of the week for the foodie fraternity. Noya’s Kitchen’s popular Vietnamese supper club – which has just found a permanent home in the city – is well worth raving about

By L I SA E VA NS

V

ietnamese is the word on the street, well, on the parade – St James’ Parade, Bath, to be precise. Since 2013, a reservation at Noya’s Kitchen’s pop-up supper club in Bear Flat has been one of the most sought-after dining tickets, often with a waiting list of six months.

But Noya’s Kitchen now has a new, permanent home in a Grade-II listed building in central Bath, in which the aim is to create a warm, homely, stylish space to host evening clubs and lunchtime sessions. And we were lucky enough to get a space at the opening night in December.

If you’ve never been to one of these supper clubs before, here’s what expect: Noya Pawlyn – a petite bundle of energy and excitement – welcomes everyone at the door, and we all take our seats wherever we fancy. In supper clubs I’ve attended in the past, we’ve been seated around one large communal table, but at Noya’s we have informal, individual tables (we still end up chatting to other diners, though, as the intimate, cosy venue allows for it). Then, once we’re all settled, Noya announces the five courses we’ll be served this evening.

It’s not like a standard restaurant in which you select what you want from the menu; you get what you’re given – delicious, vibrant, fully authentic South East Asian dishes, so good that people wait up to half a year to experience them.

Noya’s roots in Vietnamese food run deep. She was born in Vietnam, but she and her family had to leave when she was seven-years-old, after the war ended.

Her first experience of cooking was in a refugee camp in Hong Kong, where she made rice for her four younger siblings while her parents worked. She now cooks the food she loves, and aims to give her diners a completely new foodie experience.

Tonight’s first dish – which is served to everyone, around 28 of us, at the same time – consists of wondrous wontons – the edges crisp and blistered like poppadoms – shattering to reveal creamy sweet potato and roast butternut squash. They are served with zingy coriander salsa (we quickly learn that herbs aren’t just a garnish here, they play a major part) and we’re instructed to use our hands and dab the crunchy parcels into a dipping sauce

A BOUNTY OF AROMATICS

WALLOPS YOU WITH INTENSITY AND DEPTH

that makes the tongue tingle.

The room fills with exotic scents as we move onto sizzling five spice pork belly (or five spice-marinated tofu and oyster mushroom for the vegetarians) on a mound of slippery vermicelli noodles which quickly soak up the rich peanut and hoisin sauces. The sweetness of the satay hits first, then the spices flicker in, and finally a bounty of aromatics wallops you with intensity and depth.

Even the parts of the dish that you think are going to be unsurprising – the radish and carrot, for example, which are pickled and sweet – vibrate with flavour and are properly thought about.

On to crispy coconut pancakes which are golden with turmeric and are stuffed with pork belly and puy lentils.

They are served with a fiery sauce, turbocharged with diced red chillies, and every mouthful gives you a different combination of feisty deliciousness.

Next are tender chunks of chicken submerged in a fragrant, shimmering stew, shot through with just the right amount of chilli and ginger heat and topped with the crunch of spring onion. It comes with jasmine rice and pickled cucumber, and the vegetarian version consists of ginger and chilli aubergine, mung bean patties and pak choi, which is all topped with a rubble of peanuts for a textural accent.

To finish, there’s a coconut crème caramel with a soft orange and coconut macaroon and a bitter-sweet ginger syrup, which lends a delicate but enlivening sting. Like the other dishes, the pud combines beautifully balanced flavours with a healthy vibrancy. It’s that F word – fresh – which governs. Nobody here tonight could feel that they were doing anything other than being good to themselves.

As Vietnamese food culture is based on ordering and sharing dishes amongst friends, Noya’s supper clubs make for the perfect environment in which to do just that. The cherry on top is that Noya’s energy and passion is also injected into cooking classes – where you can learn how to create dishes such as chicken pho, crispy pork spring rolls, lemongrass beef skewers, and red Thai curry – meaning you can eat her food every night at home if you so wish.

And, if you’re feeling lazy, she’s also setting up takeaway service, likely to launch in March.

Whatever way in which you decide to sample Noya’s food, the main thing is that you just try it; allow the flavours to perform acrobatics on your taste buds, and give your senses a thrill-ride. I would happily queue for six months for another of her five-course masterpieces.

DINING DETAILS 7 St James’s Parade, Bath, BA1 1UL; 01225 684439; www.noyaskitchen.co.uk Prices Lunch – served Tuesday to Saturday – is £8 per dish; five-course evening supper club –Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays – costs £40 per person Drinks There’s a ‘bring your own’ policy, with a £3 corkage charge per bottle of wine, and £1 per beer. Soft drinks are available in-house Service/atmosphere Extremely friendly, experiential dining

www.mediaclash.co.uk I BATH LIFE I 59

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

DINING in BATH Bath Life’s selection of the best places to eat out in Bath and the surrounding area BRITISH THE BATH PRIORY Weston Rd, Bath; 01225 331922; www.thebathpriory.co.uk Michelin-starred fine dining overlooking hotels award-winning gardens CIRCUS RESTAURANT 34 Brock Street, Bath; 01225 466020; www.thecircusrestaurant.co.uk Voted number four in the UK in The Times “20 secret restaurants that foodies love” CLIFTON SAUSAGE 5 Bladud Buildings, Bath; 01225 433633; www.cliftonsausage.co.uk Upmarket sausage and mash restaurant and bar newly opened in Bath CORKAGE 132 Walcot St, Bath; 01225 422577 Chapel Row, Bath; 01225 423417 www.corkagebath.com Award-winning small plates restaurant and wine specialist THE DOWER HOUSE, ROYAL CRESCENT HOTEL 16 Royal Crescent, Bath; 01225 823333; www.royalcrescent.co.uk/dining AA 3 rosette fine dining at one of Bath’s most iconic locations HENRY'S 4 Saville Row, Bath; 01225 780055; www.henrysrestaurantbath.com Imaginative modern dining offering a classic menu and also full vegetarian and vegan menus DAN MOON AT THE GAINSBOROUGH RESTAURANT Beau St, Bath; 01225 358888; www.thegainsboroughbathspa.co.uk Creativity meets delicious food with this talented chef MENU GORDON JONES 2 Wellsway, Bath; 01225 480871; www.menugordonjones.co.uk Multi award-winning fine dining with constantly changing surprise tasting menu THE OLIVE TREE RESTAURANT, THE QUEENSBERRY HOTEL Russell St, Bath; 01225 447928; www.thequeensberry.co.uk One of Bath’s longest established restaurants, overseen by Chris Cleghorn with 3 AA rosettes 60 I BATH LIFE I www.mediaclash.co.uk

WOODS 9-13 Alfred St, Bath; 01225 314812 www.woodsrestaurant.com legendary Bath dining institution serving French influenced British cuisine

THE GARRICKS HEAD 7-8 St John's Rd, Bath; 01225 318368; www.garricksheadpub.com City centre pub and dining room next to Theatre Royal

CAFÉS & COFFEE SHOPS

THE HARE AND HOUNDS Lansdown Road, Avon, Bath; 01225 482682; www.hareandhoundsbath.com Airy, relaxed spot with modern British gastropub menu, extensive wine list and scenic outdoor area

CAFÉ LUCCA 1-2 Bartlett Street, Bath; 01225 335394; www.cafelucca.co.uk Stylish contemporary café situated at The Loft on Bartlett Street offering a Mediterranean inspired menu with barista coffee and sumptuous homemade cakes GREEN BIRD CAFÉ 11 Margaret's Buildings, Bath; 01225 487846; www.greenbirdcafe.co.uk Independently run cafe located between the Circus & Royal Crescent THE KINGSMEAD KITCHEN 1 Kingsmead St, Kingsmead Square, Bath; 01225 329002; www.fieldfireandfeast.co.uk Laid-back, modern cafe-bar open daily from 8am until 6pm for breakfast, brunch, lunch and tea using own farm produce

CALIFORNIAN

THE LOCKSBROOK INN 103 Locksbrook Rd, Bath; 01225 427119; www.thelocksbrookinn.com Recently opened canal side gastropub in Bath, open every day for drinks, brunch, coffee, lunch, evening meals and grazing in between THE MARLBOROUGH TAVERN 35 Marlborough Buildings; 01225 423731; www.marlborough-tavern.com Award winning gastropub using seasonal local produce THE NEW INN 24 Monmouth Place, Bath; 01225 442944; www.newinnbath.co.uk Burgers and bar snacks with cask and craft ale and beers

THE FIREHOUSE ROTISSERIE 2 John St, Bath; 01225 482070; www.firehouserotisserie.co.uk Californian and Tex-Mex dishes, prepared over a wood-fired grill in a rustic setting

THE RICHMOND ARMS 7 Richmond Place, Bath; 01225 316725; www.therichmondarmsbath.com Hearty dishes with menu changing on a daily basis

GASTROPUBS

INDIAN

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

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

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

THE MINT ROOM Longmead Gospel Hall, Lower Bristol Rd, Bath; 01225 446656; www.themintroom.co.uk Award winning contemporary Indian fine dining

THE CHEQUERS 50 Rivers St, Bath; 01225 360017; www.thechequersbath.com Inventive British food served in a welcoming pub atmosphere close to the Royal Crescent

MARTINI RESTAURANT 8-9 George St, Bath; 01225 460818; www.martinirestaurant.co.uk Traditional Italian food served in a cosy atmosphere

ITALIAN

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

SOTTO SOTTO 10 North Parade, Bath 01225 330236; www.sottosotto.co.uk Classic Italian menu with a contemporary twist in candlelit vaulted cellars

STEAKHOUSES

OLÉ TAPAS 1 John Street, Bath 01225 466440; www.oletapas.co.uk Charming, authentic Spanish tapas – one of Bath’s best kept secrets

PIZZA

THE HERD 12a Argyle St, Bath; 01225 316583; www.theherdrestaurant.co.uk Locally sourced meat of the finest provenance alongside a simple, seasonal menu

THE OVEN 21 Westgate St, Bath 01225 311181; www.theovenpizzeria.co.uk Neapolitan artisan pizza using local and Italian imported produce

HUDSON STEAKHOUSE 14 London St, Bath; 01225 332323; www.hudsonsteakhouse.co.uk Award-winning steakhouse in listed building specialising in prime aged steaks and delicious starters with a fusion twist

KOH THAI TAPAS 36 Broad St, Bath 01225 311232; www.koh-thai.co.uk Award winning small Thai tapas plates and cocktails

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

TAPAS

THAI BY THE WEIR 16 Argyle St, Bath 01225 444834; www.thaibytheweir.co.uk Restaurant overlooking the weir, serving a classic Thai menu

TAPAS REVOLUTION 20A St Lawrence St, Bath; 01225 312917 www.tapasrevolution.com/bath Newly opened authentic Spanish Tapas

THAI

OUTSIDE of BATH BRITISH THE GREENHOUSE RESTAURANT The Pavilion, Wadswick Green, Corsham SN13 9RD; 01225 585880; www.thegreenhousewg.co.uk Smart, stylish and relaxed new dining destination THE GARDEN 15-17 The Bridge, Chippenham, SN15 1HA 01249 465672; www.thegardenuk.co.uk Relaxed dining using British produce

COUNTRY HOUSE HOTELS LUCKNAM PARK Colerne, Wilts, SN14 8AZ 01225 742777; www.lucknampark.co.uk Michelin Star fine dining at the renowned Park restaurant and more informal dining at the stylish contemporary brasserie at 5 star country house hotel WIDBROOK GRANGE HOTEL Trowbridge Rd, Bradford-on-Avon BA15 1UH; 01225 864750; www.widbrookgrange.co.uk

Modern farmhouse cuisine, locally sourced and freshly prepared

Award winning modern British food and cask ales in country inn

GASTROPUBS

THE PEAR TREE INN Top Lane, Whitely, Wilts, SN12 8QX; 01225 704966; www.peartreewhitley.co.uk An elegant revamped country inn with an acclaimed restaurant and contemporary rustic-chic bedrooms

BUNCH OF GRAPES 14 Silver St, Bradford-on-Avon BA15 1JY; 01225 938088; www.thebunchofgrapes.com Bar and restaurant inspired by the village bistros of South West France THE GEORGE AT WOOLLEY 67 Woolley St, Bradford-on-Avon, BA15 1AQ; 01225 865650; www.thegeorgebradfordonavon.co.uk Recently refurbished gastropub from award winning team HOMEWOOD PARK Abbey Lane, Freshford, Bath BA2 7TB 01225 723731; www.homewoodpark.co.uk Luxury hotel with two rosette restaurant and spa THE LONGS ARMS Upper South Wraxall, Wilts, BA15 2SB; 01225 864450; www.thelongsarms.com

THE WHEELWRIGHTS ARMS Church Lane, Monkton Combe, BA2 7HB 01225 722287; www.wheelwrightsarms.co.uk Pub featuring modern takes on British classics, plus understated, individually decorated guestrooms

FARM SHOPS ALLINGTON FARM SHOP Allington Bar Farm, Allington, Chippenham SN14 6LJ; 01249 658112; www.allingtonfarmshop.co.uk Shop and Café selling local produce

www.mediaclash.co.uk I BATH LIFE I 61

the home of rice and noodles Classical Thai cuisine in a relaxed and friendly authentic Thai environment.

Set over two floors with beautiful views of the Weir.

Party bookings are welcome

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

01225 444 834

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

CAFE KITCHEN Providing young people with special needs training and experience in an award-winning cafe.

Open 8am–4pm Monday to Friday and 9am–12pm Saturday, serving delicious home made cakes, breakfasts, lunch and hot & cold drinks.

We are available for private hire and bookings are available for the meeting room.

Please call Amelia on 01225 838070 Based next to Three Ways Special School, 180 Frome Road, Bath, BA2 5RF

RECIPE

FOOD

Roasted butternut squash with buckwheat, pomegranate and feta (Serves 4) The Ivy Bath Brasserie, on Milsom Street, shares the recipe of one of their most popular dishes Ingredients 2 medium-sized butternut squash 30ml rapeseed oil 2g Maldon salt flakes For the topping 200g buckwheat grains 1L cold water Pinch of Maldon salt flakes for seasoning 150g drained and rinsed tinned chickpeas 30g pomegranate seeds 100g roughly crumbled feta (1cm rough pieces) 2tbsp toasted pumpkin seeds 1tbsp toasted sunflower seeds For the harissa yoghurt 250g natural yoghurt 1tsp Harissa paste 5tsp Ras el hanout paste 1tbsp honey Pinch of Maldon salt flakes Pinch of ground cumin

For the mint and coriander dressing 120ml extra virgin olive oil 35g baby spinach A small bunch of fresh mint leaves (20g) A handful of coriander leaves (14g) 1 garlic clove, peeled and finely chopped 1tbsp lemon juice Pinch of Maldon salt flakes

Method 1. Peel the squash and remove 1cm from both ends; cut the squash lengthways into 1.5cm-thick slices, then place into an oven tray and drizzle with rapeseed oil, seasoning to taste. Cook in a pre-heated oven at 180°C/ gas mark 4 for 30 – 35 minutes, until the squash is cooked through and soft to the touch (but still firm).

2. To make the buckwheat, chickpea, pomegranate and feta topping, place the water into a pan, put on a high heat, add salt, bring to the boil. Then add the buckwheat and cook for eight minutes, drain through a colander and leave to cool.

When chilled, gently toss through the drained chickpeas, pomegranate and roughly crumbled feta, and mix well.

3. To make the harissa yogurt, place all ingredients into a bowl and mix well with a whisk.

4. To make the mint and coriander dressing, place all ingredients into a blender and blitz until smooth.

3. To plate the dish, reheat the mixed grain and the butternut squash in the oven at 180°C/ gas mark 4 for five minutes. Place the squash on a serving plate and drizzle over two large tablespoons of harissa yoghurt. Divide the grains into four portions and place it over and around the squash. Drizzle one tablespoon of mint and coriander dressing around the plate, and finish the dish with fresh coriander and mint leaves.

For more: www.theivybathbrasserie.com

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

Quality food • Great location • Free delivery

Our new website is now LIVE!

5% off online orders www.bathsushi.co.uk 01225 330508

Bianco Rosso Pizza Co.

Mobile Wood Fire Artizan Pizzeria

Hire us for private parties, weddings, business lunches, festivals and village fĂŞtes.

Our smart new pizza trailer can now also be hired as a Bar with nibbles/finger food for your special occasion.

For info please call Vito on 07872 335120 or e-mail us on vitoalbergo@live.com

Please check our Facebook page and Instagram for info, news, pics and where to find us during the week.

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

Clever confectionary from Mark Tilling, second left Healthy and wholesome fare at Castle Farm

FRESH FROM THE FIELD

SWEET LIKE CHOCOLATE A host of top chefs have been helping students at Bath College hone their skills, including Mark Tilling, winner of BBC Two’s Bake Off Crème de la Crème.

Mark was taking part in the college’s Employability Week, an annual event which sees professionals visiting to inspire and teach students. The pâtissier demonstrated the fragile and precise art of chocolate-making.

Mark has worked as a pâtissier for over 25 years, and won the title of UK Chocolate Master in 2008, and finished seventh in the World Chocolate Masters final in Paris a year later.

He says, “I was at their level early in my

Puff and stuff at Eat Square

career and we didn’t have people coming into college to visit. They are so lucky to have these different companies and chefs come in to inspire them. You never know, we might have the next chocolatier or master chef in the room.”

Also taking part were staff from the Pig near Bath, who helped students prepare a three-course meal at the college’s wellregarded Shrubbery restaurant.

Other activities during the week included bread- and cocktail-making, wine-tasting, cooking demonstrations and mock interviews with employers.

For more: www.bathcollege.ac.uk

A café in a picturesque setting near Bath is now opening on Friday and Saturday evenings, so diners have more time to enjoy its delicious, freshly grown fare.

Castle Farm Café, at Midford, is run by owners Mark and Jo Edwards, and will continue to serve wholesome vegetarian food, including stone-baked pizzas.

But they have also added more dishes to the menu, with much of the produce coming from their organic farm.

“We have more seating and we are looking forward to introducing some new menu items to our perennial classics,” says co-owner Mark.

Dishes will change every few days and include seasonal risottos, cottage pies, goulashes and stews.

Castle Farm Café is open until 4pm during the week, and until 9.30pm on Fridays and Saturdays.

For more: www.castlefarmcafe.co.uk

WHO ATE ALL THE PIES? A pop-up pie and mash eatery has opened in Walcot Street, Bath, and is hoping to become a permanent addition to the artisan hub of the city.

Eat Square is open until the end of January, in the site previously occupied by pizza restaurant Yammo.

Its hearty fare includes pies, pasties, sausage rolls, vegan soups, cakes and other hand-made treats.

For Veganuary they also have vegan pies served with vegan mash and gravy.

Founder Alex Joll is now hoping that a Crowdfunder appeal will see Eat

Square staying in Bath’s artisan hub.

He is no stranger to the fundraising platform, having successfully helped the growth of his pie business previously, with Eat Square also found in Bradford on Avon.

“I am sure it also has something to do with the rewards being a lot of pies,” he says of successful Crowdfunder appeals.

Eat Square will open from 8.30am until 4pm, Monday to Saturday.

For more: www.eatsquare.co.uk

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advertisi n g feat u re h o t e l s

Meet the hotelier The experts in Bath ensuring guests’ stays are so good they’ll want to return

simon hall

Hotel Indigo Bath 01225 460441 www.bath.hotelindigo.com Tell us about your hotel?

Opening in 2018, Hotel Indigo Bath will be a 166-bedroom boutique hotel located in the centre of Bath. We’ve been inspired by the area’s rich architectural beauty which is echoed through the design of our guest rooms and stylish lounges.

What do you like about most about working in Bath?

As a relative newbie to Bath, it really is a place like nowhere else I’ve worked before. Just on first appearance, the immaculate Georgian buildings are stunning but I also like to delve a little deeper into the culture. With a hotel like ours that’s so focused on the neighbourhood story, I’ve been completely captivated with every aspect of Bath’s fascinating history.

What is the biggest misconception surrounding working in a hotel?

There’s often a bad reputation given to the hospitality industry as a whole, but I think it’s unfair.

At times, the hours are long and I’m not denying it can be hardwork, but what career isn’t if you want to be successful? The rewards, however, are fantastic.

Knowing that you’ve contributed to a guest’s enjoyment and seeing their satisfied, smiling faces as they leave is worth every second of hard work.

Pash Naidoo Francis Hotel Bath, MGallery by Sofitel 01225 424105 www.francishotel.com

What is your favourite part of the job?

I know my answer may come across as a cliché, but I love the diversity and varying personalities of both our guests and the team. I can without a doubt say that no two days are the same, and would not have it any other way.

Tell us about your hotel?

To me the Francis Hotel is an institution within the city.

She stands proudly on Queen Square, steeped in history, exuding class, elegance and traditional charm.

What advice would you give to anyone considering hospitality as a career?

Fantastic! Embrace it!

If you have that natural passion and flair for the industry, no doubt you will love it.

At some stage it stops being a career and becomes a lifestyle.

Where was your very first job in the industry?

I had the honour of my first job being in The Animal Kingdom, in Disney Florida.

It’s here that I worked as an attractions’ hostess, and from where I inherited my customer service gene.

jonathan stapleton

Andrew Jordan

Executive vice-president, YTL Hotels; The Gainsborough Bath Spa; 01225 358 888; www. thegainsboroughbathspa.co.uk

The Royal Crescent Hotel & Spa; 01225 823333 www.royalcrescent.co.uk

Where do most of your guests come from?

People come to stay with us from all over the world – America, Asia, Europe – and from across the UK. It’s been incredible to witness our reputation spreading far and wide since our opening, only two years ago.

What is your favourite part of the job?

Satisfying guests, by continually evolving the hotel’s offering.

From themed supper clubs, creative workshops and tai chi in our beautiful Chapel, to the subtler touches, like pillow menus and turn down poems – I believe these extras bring the hotel to life, keeping us relevant, on the pulse, and deserving of our five-star rating.

What plans does your hotel have for 2018?

We have several event series in the pipeline, including Phenomenal Women – a series of talks by some of the country’s most inspiring business women, as well as wellness masterclasses, gin tastings, themed afternoon teas and supper clubs. I am also excited to announce the impending opening of The Gainsborough Bath Spa’s sister property, Monkey Island Estate, in spring 2018 - a picturesque private island along the River Thames in Bray, Berkshire.

How has the hotel business changed in the last few years?

There have been quite considerable changes in the past few years, this is mostly due to the impact of the digital era and, in particular, the effect that OTAs (online travel agents) have on hotels’ direct booking business, combined with shorter lead times. This is something that we have embraced and adapted to in a positive way, in that it encourages hotels such as ours to be more connected with our customer base and to also be much more creative and proactive in our marketing, PR and partnership ideas.

What do you like most about working in Bath?

It’s an international yet intimate city, and it’s most definitely the ‘new London’. Bath feels friendly and safe and as a city it has a high regard for its diverse community.

Where was your very first job in the industry?

I started in the industry aged 19 with long hair, usually worn in a ponytail, and a beard, as an apprentice chef at the George V in Paris, earning £17 a week with the nickname Jesus Christ!

www.mediaclash.co.uk I BATH LIFE I 71

Fashion/gifts/stores/more

IN THE RAW

Each piece of one-of-a-kind, raw crystal jewellery that Leah Jarosy – owner of Eden & After – sells is handcrafted by her at her home-studio in Box. To create the textural finish of her accessories, they are placed in an acid bath, and, using electricity, a layer of copper is built up over a period of 24 to 36 hours. The end result is organic and unpredictable, with each piece being unique.

This aqua aura quartz crystal and solar quartz necklace is one that stood out to us.

The unusual pendant is encased in oxidised copper and hangs on a lead, nickel and antique copper chain in your choice of length.

Prices are in the region of £38 – £70, with no two pieces the same; www.edenandafter.etsy.com.

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PURPLE REIGN

WORLD COLOUR AUTHORITY PANTONE HAS ANNOUNCED THAT THE COLOUR OF THE YEAR, 2018, IS ULTRA VIOLET. WE’VE BEEN ON THE HUNT FOR THE DRAMATIC, ENIGMATIC HUE IN BATH’S SHOPS…

5

1. SIT PRETTY

2. LET IT SHINE

3. SWITCH ON

4. MAKE A SPLASH

5. LISTEN UP

Spider Chair, £290 Dressed with Facet Violet wool, this seat makes a statement with its unusual curved edges and splayed legs From Rossiters of Bath, 38 – 41 Broad Street, Bath; www.rossitersofbath. com

Dragonfly pendant, £25 At Bath Aqua Glass, each piece of dichroic glass jewellery – including this sterling silver and glass dragonfly pendant – has been designed and handmade in their city studio From Bath Aqua Glass, 14 Cheap Street / 15 Abbey Churchyard, Bath; www.bathaquaglass.com

Montigny glass table lamp, £250 This curvaceous lamp, made from ridged glass, allows for the easy introduction of purple as an accent colour into any room From OKA, 26 – 27 Milsom Street, Bath; www.oka.com

Aqueous Fluoreau 7, from £350 This Mark Mawson artwork is part of a series titled Aqueous, which is a journey into an alien or underwater world, using a combination of coloured liquids and photography From Modern ArtBuyer, 1 Cliffe Drive, Limpley Stoke, Bath; www.modernartbuyer.com

The Roberts Revival Uno, £159.95 A smaller version of the brand’s classic retro-chic digital radio, with nostalgic, 1950s styling. It comes complete with state-ofthe-art DAB technology and the freedom which portability brings From Moss of Bath, 45 St James’ Parade, Bath; www.mossofbath.co.uk

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

ED’S CHOICE

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SHOPPING

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8

9

10

6. JUMP-ER ROUND

7. BRING TO LIGHT

8. ROCK ON

9. RESTING PLACE

10. MERCI BOUQUET

Tignes Jumper, £179 A chunky knit delivered in a daring purple hue, Baum & Pfedergarten’s Tignes turtleneck brings a sense of the unexpected to the warm winter cut From Anthropologie, 1 – 4 New Bond Street, Bath; www.anthropologie.com

Recycled UV artwork, £100 At his The Endomusia exhibition (6 – 11 February) at 44AD, studio artist Broose will present an exciting fusion of art and sound. Much of the work uses resin and phosphorescent pigments, which are best seen in a darkened room From 44AD artspace, 4 Abbey Street, Bath; www.44AD.net

Purple sapphire ring, £2,200 The focal point of this 18ct yellow and white gold ring – made by Bath goldsmith Jody Cory – is a glimmering purple sapphire, framed by two diamonds From Jody Cory Goldsmiths, 9 Abbey Churchyard, Bath; www.jodycory.co.uk

Elephant coaster, £5.95 Bring cheer to your tabletop with this hand-illustrated coaster, and there are plenty more animals to choose from – including rhinos, monkeys and foxes, with contrasting motifs From Graham and Green, 92 Walcot Street, Bath; www.grahamandgreen.co.uk

Lilac lisianthus, £1.50 – £2 per stem These pretty, flaring purple flowers and buds are long-lasting and come in various moodlifting shades From The Painted Flower, Green Park Station, Bath; www. thepaintedflowerbath.com

www.mediaclash.co.uk I BATH LIFE LIFE II 77 www.mediaclash.co.uk I CLIFTON 69

H E A LT H A N D BEAUTY

IT INSTANTLY MAKES ME REALISE WHAT I’VE BEEN MISSING OUT ON ALL THESE YEARS

There are plenty of manicure styles to choose from

NAILED IT LISA EVANS tries a PolyGel manicure and a Footlogix pedicure for the first time, at the recently opened SJ Beauty in Bath

W

hen you’ve booked in for a three-hour mani-pedi, the last thing you want to be faced with is a beautician you don’t get on with. The traits of a ‘perfect’ beautician are different in everyone’s opinions – some clients don’t want to engage in small talk and would rather be left to quietly stew in their own thoughts, some want to gossip and laugh, and some like to get their darkest secrets off their chest to someone who’ll listen.

I’d go as far as saying Sarah-Jayne Eyles, who owns SJ Beauty on Wells Road, Bath, is an ideal beauty therapist. There’s not a dull moment when you’re with this effervescent, happy ray of sunshine, and she instantly made it on to my ‘nicest people I’ve ever met’ list. Even though this was our first time meeting, I felt as if I was catching up with a life-long friend. The thing about SJ is you can see that she ‘reads’ the customer in order to know what type of experience they want – whether they want to natter away, or just want some peace and quiet – and that, in my opinion is what makes her so fabulous.

At the salon – which opened last year – I was booked in for a PolyGel manicure, something that I’d not heard of before.

It’s been years in the making, and delivers

strong, flexible, feather-light nails and is a ‘revolutionary’ (as nail techs describe it) hybrid between acrylic and gel. After my nails had been buffed and filed and my cuticles had been tidied, SJ applied the extensions and then proceeded to sculpt the gel, which had a putty-like viscosity, to my nail shape. You choose from pink, clear or white shades – perfect if you’re a fan of the French manicure – but any colour polish can be added on top, and the manicure will last for weeks.

I don’t normally have nail extensions as I find typing on a keyboard tricky when I have them on, but, this time, I decided that long talons would make for a nice change

The recently opened salon is an immaculate space in which to completely switch off from reality

of pace – ‘new year, new me’ and all that. But, you know how, when you have a cold, you remember all the times you freely breathed through your nose and wish you hadn’t taken that for granted? Well, extensions make me realise how much easier life is with short nails. Doing up buttons up while wearing extensions? No chance. Putting in earrings?

Had to enlist my other half to help. Casual face-scratch? Eye out. I’m not cut out for glamorously lengthy claws, but that’s besides the point. The next time I have PolyGel (and I will have it again), I’ll make sure it’s just on my natural nails.

Once the nails were finished, it was time for a dreamy Footlogix pedicure (which SJ tells me is the world’s first ‘pediceutical’ foot-care line, with pharmaceutical-grade ingredients, and it instantly makes me realise what I’ve been missing out on all these years).

I usually forgo the full pedi, and opt for a polish only, with no added indulgence or luxury, but this treatment gives you the full works. It started with a warming foot-soak while I relaxed in a cosy, sink-into armchair.

Cleverly, at SJ Beauty, the seats are on an elevated platform, allowing the therapists to work their magic on your tootsies without them having to get into that back-breaking stooped position. Next was hard-skin buffing and removal, seaweed exfoliation and then file- and cuticle-work followed by a soothing foot and leg massage, finished with a gel polish and moisturiser.

These treatments are not ‘express’ in any way, and are definitely not made for those in a rush; they are meant to be appreciated and enjoyed, allowing you to switch off, be pampered and escape reality for a little while.

There’s so much besides nail treatments to choose from at this salon nestled in the characterful area of Bear Flat, with tip-to-toe treatments including Lycon waxing (which has a reputation as the crème de la crème of hair removal), lash extensions and lifts, St. Tropez spray tanning, revitalising Decléor facials and deep-tissue massages. The welcoming atmosphere, and SJ herself, is reason enough to visit, but with such an array of options on the contemporary, bespoke beauty menu, I’ll definitely be making the trip across town again and again.

For more: 134 Wells Road, Bath, BA2 3AH; 01225 339833; www.sj-beauty.com

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

Whichever your riding style, we have the electric bike (or bike) to suit you... as:

bikes from brands such We can also supply regular ea , KTM and others.

Orb , Cube, Scott, Lapierre

2017 BIKE CLEARANCE SALE

UP TO ÂŁ500 OFF

HAPPY NEW YEAR! Come and pamper and rejuvenate yourself at the new SJ Beauty salon in Bath.

Treatments available include manicures, pedicures, decleor facials and body treatments, eyelash extensions, LVL lash lift, spray tanning, Lycon waxing (reduced pain), Russian volume lashes and much more!

134 Wells Road, BA2 3AH | Tel: 01225 339833 | www.sj-beauty.com sjbeauty.bath SJ-Beauty

Take advantage of our January offers with

10% OFF ALL TREATMENTS Enquire about packages available for new and existing clients.

D E N T I S T S a d v e r ti s i n g feat u r e

Meet the dentist We catch up with some of the best dentists in Bath who provide a variety of dental treatments with a dazzling smile.

Hatem Algraffee Specialist periodontist Bath Dental Clinic 01225 333848 www.bathdentalclinic.co.uk

How did you get into dentistry?

As a teenager I did not know what I wanted to pursue as a career. One of our neighbours had qualified as a dentist, so I observed him work and was truly fascinated. As they say, the rest is history!

How would you best define modern dentistry?

Dynamic and exciting. Having qualified over 20 years ago, dentistry has changed so much for the better. There have been clinical developments in the use of biological pro-healing agents and 3-D imaging in dental practice. At Bath Dental Clinic we are very fortunate to have such equipment and a range of specialist services.

Previously such clinical services and specialists would be only available in teaching hospitals.

What have been your career highlights so far?

There have been a few highlights: qualifying as a specialist periodontist, and teaching at Guy’s Dental School, which is world renowned. I also co-founded PerioAcademy, which teaches and mentors postgraduate dentists. At Bath Dental Clinic, we offer this program of education for local dentists and hygienists.

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

IAN BELLAMY

Aquae Sulis Dental 01225 339767 www.aquaesulisdental.co.uk How would you best define modern dentistry?

Modern dentistry is the ability to use the latest technical advances to benefit our patients – from bioactive materials that help to repair teeth to 3D imaging. These techniques allow us to make a major impact on our patients’ lives by restoring their teeth to give a natural, healthy appearance.

What makes your practice different?

In addition to the latest dental techniques, we put our patients’ interests first. This involves taking time to find out what our patients want, to explain all of their options and to deliver care in the most considerate way.

Sarah Tukmachi

Dave Stone

Specialist in paediatric dentistry Bath Dental Clinic 01225 333848 www.bathdentalclinic.co.uk

Avon House Dental Practice 01179 862992 www.avonhousedentalpractice. co.uk

Why can people be scared of going to the dentist?

Dental phobia often stems from a previous negative experience or parental anxiety which is transferred to the young child.

Dental treatment may feel invasive of your personal space and people often report the feeling of loss of control as one of the main reasons for their anxiety. This is why it is so important to try and build positive associations with dental treatment in children from a young age.

What would surprise us about you?

I can juggle seven balls and have done the odd bit of fire breathing! The hand-to-eye coordination and manual dexterity of juggling sharpens my skills in my day job, but I wouldn’t recommend fire breathing as being very good for your teeth! I don’t do much clowning around but I do enjoy a good sense of humour and think that this can break down some of the anxieties that are often associated with visiting the dentist.

Why are some people scared of going to the dentist?

Despite the innovations in dentistry, people are still having bad experiences. This can be traced back to treatment they received as children but repeated bad experiences only negatively reinforce these fears. We want to try to end this cycle with gentle care.

What do you most enjoy about your job?

Working with children brings a large amount of variety to my day. I particularly enjoy treating nervous children as building their confidence in receiving dental treatment can be hugely rewarding. My clinical training has also allowed me to work in a number of different settings and with different medical teams which I have found particularly enjoyable.

What else do you offer at your innovative practice?

An exciting development is that we’re now offering facial aesthetic treatments with our aesthetic nurse practitioner. This fits well with some of the other treatments that we provide.

Describe your ideal day?

An early morning walk with my two dachshunds followed by a busy, rewarding clinical day.

At the weekends I’d explore the beautiful countryside surrounding Bath or visit a market in East London.

Describe your ideal day.

Commuting to work along the Two Tunnels and Bristol-Bath cycle path and completing a ‘smile makeover’ in time for someone’s special day. My ideal day would be finished off by visiting one of Bath’s many restaurants.

Were you good at brushing your teeth as a child?

I was a pretty stubborn child but tooth brushing was well drummed into me from quite a young age. This is obviously something I have passed on to my children, as they say, old habits die hard.

CHRIS PARK

ROBERT KELLY

How would you define modern dentistry?

For anyone who has not had any dental work it’s a combination of education, prevention and minimal intervention. For those who have already had dental treatment the focus shifts towards function, preservation and longevity. We have some incredibly skilled clinicians and technicians, all of whom have a plethora of new materials with which to work.

This enables us to be ahead of the game with the ever increasing aesthetic demands that you rightly place upon us.

Did you always want to be a dentist?

I originally longed to become a professional golfer however given my ineptitude and less than ideal handicap I was forced into exploring more realistic alternatives. As my father is a dentist, and given my interests in working within a caring profession, dentistry seemed very suited to my personality. To date my career choice has been extremely rewarding and I have enjoyed additional training to work towards my goal of becoming an endodontist.

Little Dental Co @ Larkhall Dental Rooms 01225 431231 www.littledental.co.uk

What might we be surprised to find out about you?

I have always had a sweet tooth and, as a result, was scared of going to the dentist as a child. It was far from ideal at the time but now helps me empathise with my patients.

What excites you most about your job?

I have recently partnered up with an amazing charity, ‘Teeth Team’, to help reduce the number of children requiring hospital admissions for teeth extractions. I look forward to working in conjunction with some of Bath’s junior schools to ensure that those most in need receive assistance from an early age.

Endodontics Bath Dental Clinic 01225 333848 www.bathdentalclinic.co.uk

What’s your favourite sweet thing?

I very rarely binge on sweet things, but when I do I have been known to inhale vast quantities of the stuff and hide the evidence. I am a sucker for honeycomb ice cream and enjoy making tubs of the stuff over a quiet weekend.

What has been your proudest accomplishment so far?

It would have to be staying sane whilst completing a PhD alongside undertaking my postgraduate speciality clinical training in endodontics. Having this academic background has enabled me to meet influential people and teach, train and learn in leading institutions.

Would you like to work in Media Sales?

We are always looking to hear from talented individuals who would like to work for MediaClash, presenting advertising opportunities and marketing solutions across our portfolio of fantastic local titles. We are a growing business and anticipate there being various opportunities over the next few months.

If you would like to join our continuing success story please email your CV to pat.white@mediaclash.co.uk or give us a call anytime on 01225 475800 for a chat about the company, our magazines and available positions.

www.mediaclash.co.uk

GARDENS

GROW YOUR OWN WAY Our resident garden expert, NICK WOODHOUSE, on the most popular outdoor (and indoor) trends of the year

F

rom recreating wild habitats, to installing indoor mini greenhouses, there’s a new direction in the world of gardens for 2018. Read on to discover five of the top trends of the moment...

REWILDING

Gardens aren’t always necessarily as green as they might appear, with the needs of local wildlife often overlooked in favour of aesthetics and convenience. Rewilding aims to reverse this. The movement is gaining huge momentum at present and aims to restore natural ecosystems, returning land back to its former self.

Up until now, it’s been difficult to grasp how this might be applied to our own gardens – spaces that, by definition, aren’t destined to be truly wild. There seems, however, to be a growing understanding of how to recreate habitats in our own backyards and reconnect spaces that have become defragmented over time. The inclusion of berry-producing plants or stopping the use of insecticides in our own gardens are just two of many simple but effective means of reversing centuries of ecological damage.

BRINGING THE OUTSIDE IN

growing our own in whatever spaces we have to hand.

Traditional greenhouses can of course help protect your crops from both the expected and unexpected when it comes to the British weather; but they can come a heavy price tag. So it may be no surprise that the trend towards indoor plants extends just as much to growing your own produce. Expect a growing number of indoor mini greenhouses and micro-grow LED gardens to join those already on the market over the coming year.

AL FRESCO LIVING

Raw teak log side-tables

by Gloster, used to display a wealth of indoor plants

Recent years have seen much talk of the garden becoming an additional room of the house. The recent rise in purchases of indoor plants has flipped this trend on its head; the house itself is now becoming an indoor garden. This goes beyond the untended focus in the corner and now welcomes back succulents to the fold. Like us, these plants like warmth, dryness and the sun; so it’s no surprise we’ve become happy bedfellows once again.

Plants have now become integral design elements of the home. As well as leading the eye and providing a pleasing repetition, they also offer the varying contrast, texture, colour and form that you would look for in garden design. As well as their well-known air-purifying qualities, it is also believed that they control room humidity and reduce both stress and noise pollution. And there are an evergrowing number of products coming to the market that allow us to add some plant-love to even the smallest of spaces; take kokedama hanging planters, xerographica air plants or even a modern take on the more 70s terrarium.

Sales of garden accessories are expected to rise by 22 per cent by 2021, led largely by those looking to create entertaining and kitchen spaces outside. With the boundaries between the home and garden becoming that little bit more blurred each year, it would seem our love of the more Mediterranean approach to outdoor living is set to continue. Outdoor entertaining and kitchen spaces provide the perfect antidote to the restricted size of their indoor counterparts, allowing us to introduce features that are more often identified with sunnier climes. It’s predicted that sales of fire pits and mini pizza ovens alike will both be on the up this year.

GOING WIRELESS

Technology is forever on the move, hopefully presenting us with the means of making our lives just that little bit easier. These improvements have traditionally had greater uptake within the home but it would seem that garden suppliers are finally catching up. Solar lighting, for example, has improved significantly in both performance and aesthetics in recent years. Their inclusion in a design can instantly remove what can become expensive and disruptive cabling, providing, instead, instant impact and greater interest in the garden that extends beyond dusk.

Outdoor lamps and lanterns are also becoming real features in themselves, with emerging products offering the ease of recharging via a USB port or mains charger.

For those after a bit more control of their outdoor lighting, smart solutions seem to be improving by the year, too. Wireless lighting systems can now be controlled through a smartphone or tablet, offering flexibility and the ability to expand easily in years ahead – appealing even to the most technologically challenged among us.

GROW YOUR OWN

The growing influence of health bloggers has made many of us question how we live and eat, turning away from meat in favour of plant-based proteins and clean eating. With food prices on the up and organic produce enjoying a greater appreciation, the move towards greater self-sufficiency is set to continue, with more of us 84 I BATH LIFE I www.mediaclash.co.uk

Nick Woodhouse is the co-director of interior and garden design company Woodhouse & Law on 4 George’s Place, Bathwick Hill, Bath; 01225 428072; www.woodhouseandlaw.co.uk

Ambient Nest solar and mains rechargeable LED lanterns by Gloster

the house itself is now becoming an

indoor

garden

KITCHENS | EXTENSIONS | CARPENTRY | BUILDING

07977 186746 artisancarpentry.co | steve@artisancarpentry.co

a d v e r t i s i n g f e at u r e h e at i n g s e r v i c e s

New year, new heating?

John Williams Heating Services are happy to advise on any heating issues you may have

T

he team at John Williams Heating Services would like to wish all Bath Life readers a very happy and healthy 2018.

If you, or someone you know, are considering upgrading your boiler, sorting out your heating, or buying a woodburning stove as part of a home improvement project, we’d be thrilled to hear from you.

We’re a family-run firm set up by local couple John and Debbie Williams 14 years ago. We have a team of locally-based experienced heating engineers, plumbers, bathroom fitters and apprentices working to an ethos of strong customer service. We pride ourselves on being skilled, reliable, smart, honest and clear with all of our clients across Bath, North East Somerset and Wiltshire.

Based out of our premises at Bumpers Farm Industrial Estate in Chippenham, the team can be seen out and about daily in their smart branded vans – they even have a vintage van which readers may see from time to time. We offer a range of services including heating and

The team at John Williams Heating Services

boiler installations and repair for domestic and commercial premises; full heating, maintenance and certification for commercial clients including landlords and estate agents; supply and install central heating systems; full plumbing services; Aga and Rayburn servicing; underfloor heating servicing and installation and wood-burning stove surveys and installations.

We also offer a personal consultation service for those who want to visit our Chippenham showroom by appointment to see what’s possible and discuss all options without any obligation.

Debbie Williams says, “Our showroom is the ideal place for you and those advising you to meet with our engineers to discuss the best solution for any type of heating and boiler project you are planning.

“There’s no obligation or pressure to sign up to anything. Many customers make several visits over several months to make sure every question has been answered and the final solution is perfect for many years to come.”

Customers can also choose to spread the cost of servicing and upkeep for total peace of mind by taking out one of our gas and oil service plans.

Bumpers Farm Industrial Estate Chippenham, Wiltshire SN14 6LH www.jwheating.co.uk; 01249 709024

Shake-ups/launches/intel/promotions

B AT H G E T S S ER I O US Congratulations to all our Finalists!

KEY AWARDS DATES 5 FEBRUARY:

Sponsors’ and Finalists’ Reception, Walcot House 1 MARCH:

The Bath Life Awards, Assembly Rooms 21 MARCH:

Winners’ Dinner, Royal Crescent Hotel & Spa

BATH LIFE AWARDS

EXCITEMENT SURGES AS FINALISTS ARE REVEALED! You really have to be in it to win it as our keen finalists will testify The all-important Finalists for the Bath Life Awards are unveiled on pages 29 – 31, and excitement is ramping up ahead of Bath’s biggest-ever business awards.

Twitter went into overdrive on 16 January, with companies expressing elation and excitement at being named Finalists. Grand Reveal Day, sponsored by SearchStar, set social media alight and saw the online Bath community full of congratulations for all those worthy businesses who made the shortlist.

Tickets to the uber-glam event have been in high demand for some time and, with the recent announcement of Finalists, are now in even shorter supply.

“Finalists secured the vast majority of the remaining tickets within minutes of their release and all are expected to go soon,” says Steph Dodd, event manager at MediaClash, Bath Life’s publisher. “The latest position will be updated via Twitter and email. We’re overwhelmed by Bath’s support for the Awards and we’re extremely excited for what will be another sell-out night of celebration.”

The surge in sponsorships and nominations means

that this is set to be the biggest Bath Life Awards to date.

Before the big night, Finalists are invited to meet other hopeful winners, Headline Sponsors The Royal Crescent Hotel & Spa, and category Sponsors at a special Sponsors’ and Finalists’ Reception on 5 February.

The Awards will take place at the Assembly Rooms on 1 March.

Sponsors of the Awards are led by our long-term Headline Sponsor, The Royal Crescent Hotel & Spa together with its brand partner Taittinger; plus Platinum Sponsor Bristol Airport; and Savills, Fidelius, Bath Audi, Bath Rugby, Minuteman Press, Stone King, Bluefin, Bath BID, Tile & Flooring, Apex Hotels, Novia, Hope House, Curo, Kersfield, HomeLets, Bryers, First Bath, Hawker Joinery, Bath Volkswagen, soVision IT, Clifton Marquee Company, Hotel Indigo, Sub 13 and Enlightened Lighting. Feature sponsors are Circo, Vistage, SearchStar and Fwd:Thinking.

Silver Sponsors include Mogers Drewett, Pearson May and the Trevor Osborne Property Group. www.bathlifeawards.co.uk @BathLifeAwards

QUOTE OF THE ISSUE

“BEFORE I RETRAINED, I ASSISTED THE STYLING AND COSTUME FOR FILM/TV INCLUDING THE X FACTOR AND BRITAIN’S NEXT TOP MODEL” Laura Campbell on how she helped the next generation of stars look their best For more: see page 90

£2.5m THE BIG NUMBER

The amount being invested in a Bath youth hostel Find out more on page 92

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

BUSINESS INSIDER

ONE TO WATCH

LAURA CAMPBELL A creative streak and an eye for beautiful fabrics means windows dressed with Laura’s blinds and curtains have never looked better Tell us a little about your background I have always been interested in art and design; even as a child, my dress sense was to pick every colour in the rainbow and wear it all.

With my father in the RAF, we moved around a lot and one of my favourite things with each move was to re-design my new bedroom.

I always loved helping my parents decide where the furniture was best placed in the rest of the house and I loved shopping for home accessories with my mum, I still do now.

Although through my education I focused on performing arts, after leaving school I went to college and studied fashion design.

I continued this at university and received a BA (HONS) in fashion design.

My ambition lay within fashion and costume styling which is the role I reached while living in London between 2007 and 2010. I worked for various fashion magazines styling shoots, a photo studio styling clothes for online shops, I styled various bands and assisted the styling and costume for film/TV including The X Factor and Britain’s Next Top Model.

What did you want to be when you were little?

I wanted to be many things from an RAF gate guard to an actress, with many other ideas besides! I was always creative as a child.

What was your first job – and how much did you earn?

My first job was at a pub/restaurant; I was 14 and so excited to earn my own money.

I got paid £5 each Saturday and Sunday morning.

Is everything you make hand-sewn?

For curtains and blinds yes, not cushions and teepees. It really is the best finish for curtains and blinds and the traditional way to make them.

I WAS WARDROBE ASSISTANT FOR THE FILM POWDER DESIGNING COSTUMES FOR ACTOR ALFIE ALLEN

Tell us a little about Laura Campbell Designs…

When I returned from London, I had my son soon after and took some time out for the first year. After the year off with some casual work at the Theatre Royal Bath, I secured a part-time job in a fabric shop.

It was there I met people I work with now and was inspired to retrain in soft furnishings.

Laura Campbell Designs started after my training had finished and I was lucky enough to be trusted to make curtains for the home of an interior designer. The same interior designer then went on to give me more work and I received some recommendations from happy customers. I still work with all the same people today while also expanding with new clients.

Who taught you to sew? And where did you hone your design skills?

My mum taught me to sew as a child, my nan taught my mum and my nana taught my nan, they were all fantastic. My mum would make mine and my sister’s clothes, bedding, curtains, blinds and cushions just as 90 I BATH LIFE I www.mediaclash.co.uk

my nan had done for her and my auntie. I used to love watching my mum make them up, and she would let me make dolls’ clothes with the scraps. I had these basic skills, and then at college and university I improved and progressed using different machines. My soft furnishing training expanded my skills again and I learnt more hand-sewing techniques.

I like to make things traditionally so I would rather look at a Merrick & Day book for reference – it’s my bible!

What are the best aspects of your job?

I really do love everything about my job but I’d say my favourite aspect is fitting/installing. It’s so lovely dressing the windows and seeing my work hanging.

Before Christmas, I was working on a house that my customers had just moved into, so they had nothing on any of the windows. The fitting was particularly great seeing all the rooms finished with my soft furnishings and looking homely. It’s a lovely moment.

What makes your business stand out?

The personal touch. I have makers who help me with big orders but I really do see the whole job through from start to finish. My customers can ask me absolutely anything about the job involved – for example, as well as knowing about fabrics, I have the knowledge to advise on the right poles and tracks so that what my customer orders works with the design they envisage.

I don’t just make curtains and blinds, I design and make children’s teepees which are also bespoke.

They are made from a choice of child safety-tested fabrics. The customer chooses the fabric based on samples I send out. Most customers now are enjoying a more neutral style and so I am at present designing my staple ‘Laura Teepee’ which can be easily ordered online soon.

What feedback do you get from clients?

It has been wonderful, my customers love that I am easily contactable and have a quick turnaround.

Tell us something about you that might surprise us…

I was wardrobe assistant for the film Powder, designing costumes for Alfie Allen. It was his last film before Game of Thrones.

For more: www.lauracampbelldesigns.com

BATH RUGBY NEWS

MOVERS, SHAKERS, ETC

Bringing you the latest from the Bath Rugby headquarters

Eleanor gets festival fever

NEW YEAR, NEW ROLE Eleanor Household has moved from Komedia to take up a new role as head of marketing and development at Bath Festivals.

It follows Komedia’s successful bid for community ownership; however, she will still be involved.

She will step onto a newly formed board once Komedia Bath has transitioned to a Community Benefit Society. www.bathfestivals.org.uk

BANKING ON IT Housebuilder Linden Homes Western, creating the Ensleigh new homes development in Bath, worked with local schools, businesses and residents to collect food for The Genesis Trust foodbank in December.

It saw essentials, such as food and toiletries, being donated to the foodbank, based at Manvers Street, Bath.The charity provides short-term emergency food and assistance to local people, who’ve been referred to them in crisis. www.lindenhomes.co.uk

Halena Coury, Elliott Stooke and Zak and Kye Paradise get shirty

Men (and women) in lycra have seen over £50,000 raised for the Bath Rugby Foundation.

72 intrepid cyclists took part in the French 400 in June, cycling though the Normandy countryside.

The event was headline sponsored by Flying Pig – with the company’s Andy and Kye Paradise also taking part and using plenty of pedal power.

The renovation firm has signed up as lead sponsor for this year’s event , The Giro Di Toscana, which will see 100 cyclists pedal through the Italian countryside, with a choice between 50 and 85-mile routes on each of the three days.

And, as thanks for their efforts, the foundation handed over a team jersey signed by the Bath Rugby squad.

Bath Rugby Club president and foundation fundraiser, David Trick, says, “It’s great when a sponsor understands

and supports the work undertaken by the charity and Flying Pig definitely fits into this category. In addition to the role as lead sponsor, they also individually raised a lot of money from friends, clients and colleagues who supported their efforts.

“We are delighted to announce they’ve taken on a similar role for the Giro Di Toscana Cycling Challenge.

“Huge thanks, and if we only have half as much fun in Italy as we had in France it will be yet another great experience for all participants and volunteers.”

The Giro Di Toscana Cycling Challenge takes place from 6 – 10 June. The foundation runs award-winning programmes for disadvantaged children in Bath.

For more: www.bathrugbyfoundation.com

BUSINESS MATTERS DIARY From city centre conferences to networking breakfasts, make a note of these dates and make them work for you 2 2 JA N UA RY

Bath Life Business Club with guest speaker Tarquin McDonald, chief exec of Bath Rugby Club. Hear about plans for the Rec and just what it’s like being in charge.

Royal Crescent Hotel & Spa; www.bathlifebusinessclub.com 2 5 JA N UA RY

Free strategy and business planning workshop designed to help delegates set clear goals and identify key projects.

9am; Bath and County Club; www.eventbrite.co.uk

A very special event for this year’s worthy Finalists. www.bathlifeawards.co.uk

29 J ANUAR Y

Exporting Essential for Artisans is aimed at artists and creatives looking for new ways to grow sales and tap into lucrative overseas markets.

9.30am; The Makery; www.eventbrite.co.uk 5 F EBR UAR Y

Bath Life Awards Finalists’ and Sponsors’ Reception.

8 F EBR UAR Y

An introduction to the new General Data Protection Regulations – new regs mean businesses must keep their data in order, or face crippling financial penalties.

9.30am; £5-£20; The Chapel, St John’s Foundation; www.eventbrite.co.uk

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BUSINESS INSIDER

TERRIFIC THREE

This space is work-ready

Our pick of the most exciting, intriguing or important local business stories right now The Italianate mansion is getting a makeover

DESIGNED FOR LIFE

HOSTEL MAKEOVER A youth hostel housed in an Italianate mansion in Bath is to undergoing a £2.5m upgrade.

Bath Youth Hostel at Bathwick Hill, Bath, has been chosen for the

YHA chairman Peter Gaines

biggest ever investment by the Youth Hostel Association (YHA).

It will see the number of beds increased by 12 to 133, as well as other upgrades carried out.

YHA chairman Peter Gaines, who lives in Wellow, says, “This investment in Bath typifies the modern YHA of the future. Bath is a popular destination for both school groups and young people and their families and it was important to me that we brought the youth hostel up to the worldclass accommodation

standards now associated with the YHA network.”

The hostel is currently closed and will re-open again in April following the refurbishment of the main building.

Construction of a new annex will begin in March, and is expected to open later in the year.

The upgrade will also include a new cycle store and guest laundry, while all bedrooms will be fitted with secure electronic key access.

For more: www.yha.org.uk

A Bath company whose products are sold in over 60 countries worldwide has moved into a bespoke workplace in the city centre.

Wild & Wolf, an award-winning gift and lifestyle company, has moved into 20 Manvers Street after working with Bath office design and build firm Interaction.

The result is a unique space over three floors, complete with photovoltaic panels – a method for generating electric power by using solar cells to convert energy from the sun into a flow of electrons.

“What they have created for us is a tailor-made workspace that will enhance the incredibly creative minds of our team,” says Wild & Wolf’s CEO, Paul Taylor.

Zoe Parr, one of the designers at Interaction who worked on the project, says part of their brief was capturing Wild & Wolf’s creativity.

“After analysing the workplace in-depth, the team at Interaction were able to create a one-of-a-kind space that truly caters for Wild & Wolf’s needs,” says Zoe. “We injected personality with unique design quirks and bespoke joinery, and the result is a space that will truly help Wild & Wolf to stand out”.

Wild & Wolf produce design-led gifts and lifestyle products with style and substance, to appeal to all ages.

It partners with global brands including Ted Baker, Orla Kiely, and the V&A. It is also home to the popular games and toys brand Ridley’s Games and men’s lifestyle brand Gentlemen’s Hardware.

For more: www.wildandwolf.co.uk

PASSING IT ON Glastonbury supremo Michael Eavis will be passing on his knowledge of running festivals at an event in Bath on 6 February.

He’ll be joining a panel of experts as part of Festivals: sustainability, survival and the future of the industry, taking place at Bath Spa University.

He’ll be joined by industry professionals including Doug Fransisco, creative director at The Invisible Circus and Judith Robinson, head of 92 I BATH LIFE I www.mediaclash.co.uk

programming at The Bath Festival.

There will also be a Q&A with the audience encouraged to pose questions.

Darren Hoad, senior lecturer in business management and pathway leader for festivals and event management at Bath Spa University, says, “We are absolutely thrilled to have such a renowned line-up of industry speakers joining us for our next Creative Business Network event.

“The future of the festivals and event

industry is an incredibly exciting one, but there are certain challenges ahead that businesses must overcome if they are to stay commercially viable and relevant.”

The free event starts at 6pm and will include drinks and nibbles, live music and a stage production showcase from Hot Cheeks, the team behind the Glastonbury Glade area.

For more: www.bathspa.ac.uk

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BUSINESS INSIDER

BATH LIFE AWARDS 2017

WINNERS OF THE SPECIAL ACHIEVEMENT CATEGORY

UNIVERSITY OF BATH It’s the city’s second largest employer, with over 3,000 staff, and adds nearly £300m to Bath & North East Somerset’s GDP. And, as its students spend more than 6,000 hours fundraising and volunteering for charity each year, it was a worthy winner of a Bath Life Award

Prof Bernie Morley (third from left) proves that academia isn’t stuffy

So how did it feel to win a Bath Life Award? How did you celebrate? And where is your award now?

To receive a special achievement award at the end of the night, given to the university for our contribution to Bath and the local community, was both unexpected and deeply appreciated.

The award now sits alongside a number of others the university has achieved, to be seen by the many visitors we receive from around the world.

What do you think makes the University of Bath stand out from its competitors?

Our research and reputation for excellence in teaching, learning and graduate prospects.

This was highlighted by our gold award in the Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF), which is the UK Government’s assessment of teaching quality in universities.

Our academics are conducting research which is making a real difference across the globe – from developing fuel-efficient cars of the future, to identifying infectious diseases more quickly, or working to improve the lives of female farmers in West Africa.

What do you aim to achieve in the next couple of years?

One of the most exciting things we’re doing, having stabilised undergraduate numbers, is to increase our postgraduate taught provision.

We’re looking at developing distance-learning and online courses to expand our offer beyond the traditional models of teaching face-to-face on campus.

What advice would you give someone looking to go into this sector?

Be curious. That is what has driven me throughout my career. The sector is changing rapidly and universities around the world are innovating to deliver the best possible teaching, appropriate to the way students learn, and to create the most conducive environment for producing amazing research that solves some of the biggest challenges humanity faces. The UK needs to attract talented, creative academics to ensure our sector remains one of the best in the world.

OUR RESEARCH IS HELPING DEVELOP FUELEFFICIENT CARS AND IDENTIFY INFECTIOUS DISEASES

Do you think being an active part of the community is important?

We pride ourselves on being an active, and integral, part of the community. We also greatly appreciate being in such a beautiful, safe and vibrant city, so we see it as a positive, two-way relationship.

We know the university’s students are academically gifted – but how do you help them become employment-ready?

Two thirds of our undergraduate students do a placement or a studyabroad year. We have links with over 3,000 placement providers across the world, meaning our students have the opportunity to gain realworld, relevant experience.

What impresses me about students at Bath is the non-academic extracurricular activities they do. From volunteering, working for local businesses to representing the university in one of its many sports and societies, the university is a real hub of drive and passion.

So much of this is brought together through the Bath Award (a challenging university award), which helps to boost students’ abilities when applying for jobs in an economic climate where good jobs attract hundreds of applicants.

These factors are part of the reason we’re ranked 6th for graduate prospects by The Guardian and 7th for graduate prospects by The Times and The Sunday Times Good University Guide.

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

Any news to share, or exciting projects in the pipeline?

The university is investing £3.5m to more than double the current capacity of 105 exercise stations, as well as offering dedicated group exercise space, zones for functional training and state-of-the-art equipment. It is scheduled to open in autumn 2018. I look forward to seeing even more members of the local community training alongside our staff, students and professional athletes who use these incredible facilities.

What do you love most about being in Bath?

I love the juxtaposition between the old and new; between the powerful sense of heritage and history and the spirit of enterprise that so many start-ups and new businesses create.

The university’s Innovation Centre really distils that for me; there’s so much possibility for the future in this city.

What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever been given?

Work with great people. It’s not always easy but you learn so much. I have been lucky enough to work with a Nobel Prize winner and the current chief scientific adviser to the government, and learnt a huge amount, not just about science but about what’s important in life.

Tell us something that might surprise us I dedicated my PhD to Kenny Dalglish and wrote to him, care of Liverpool FC, to tell him.

For more: www.bath.ac.uk

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PROPERTY

SHOWCASE

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

SHOWCASE

PROPERTY

2 CAMBRIDGE PLACE There’s something rather special about 2 Cambridge Place, because it’s the first house in the area that’s hit the market since 2004

By E V E LY N GR E E N

www.mediaclash.co.uk I BATHLIFE LIFE I I 113 97 www.mediaclash.co.uk I CLIFTON

PROPERTY

SHOWCASE

O

n our pages this week is a very special home, as it’s believed to be the first whole house in Cambridge Place to hit the open market for at least 14 years. It’s special for another reason, too: the houses in this desirable Widcombe area of Bath are attributed to the famous architect John Pinch, who famously designed many of the villas on Bathwick Hill.

And did we mention that it’s rather handsome, both inside and out?

2 Cambridge Place is a Grade-II listed Georgian townhouse complete with four glorious storeys to explore and enjoy. Step inside the spacious, substantial semidetached property and you’ll discover six bedrooms and the added bonus of a self-contained apartment on the lower ground floor, which has a living room, kitchenette, two bedrooms, a shower room and access to its own private courtyard. It has been let on Airbnb basis very successfully in recent years, so that could be a sparkly idea for a new owner to adopt.

But, back to the main house, and you’ll notice it’s presented in immaculate order, with a traditionalmeets-rustic style throughout. The grand, light-filled entrance hall leads into the ground floor accommodation, our favourite room of which has to be the expansive, farmhouse-style kitchen/breakfast room – complete with an Aga and a utility room – decorated in a duck-egg blue and neutral colour scheme, and so roomy that the current owners have placed a six-seater dining table in the middle of the space. There’s also a long dining room-cum-library, and a large drawing room complete with impressive floorto-ceiling windows.

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

Clockwise, from top left: the spacious drawing room is brought to life with pops of colour; the kitchen has a rustic, farmhouse style; plenty of space for al fresco dining when the sun starts to reappear; a modern family bathroom with traditional touches

HOUSE NUMBERS

3,257

square foot of space

6

bedrooms

£1.685M price

5

bathrooms

2

gardens (front and rear)

On the first floor is the beautifully appointed master bedroom – with an en suite shower and bath – a second double bedroom, and a modern family bathroom with a free-standing bathtub. And on the top floor there are two further double bedrooms and a shower room.

Outside, there’s a pretty front garden with a pathway leading to the front door, and the property also benefits from a side pathway to the rear gardens which has a lovely terrace. There is also direct access from the kitchen to this terrace, which leads to a lawned area flanked by attractive mature beds, and a useful shed for storage and a greenhouse.

The location is yet a further draw; it’s situated on the lower slopes of Widcombe Hill, just a short walk from Widcombe Parade. The city centre is only a few minutes walk away over the pedestrian Halfpenny Bridge and, top tip, the Bath Skyline Walk passes through Widcombe and provides spectacular views over Bath and the surrounding countryside. There are also the striking Prior Park Landscaped Gardens to explore, and great schools such as Prior Park, Widcombe Infant and Junior, Beechen Cliff, Ralph Allen and The Paragon are nearby. That’s not to mention the shopping that can be done in Widcombe, with of course rest stops at chic and cheerful independent cafés, bars and restaurants.

This is, apparently, the first chance to claim a home here for almost a decade and a half, so our advice is to move fast, as an opportunity like this might not come around again for quite some time.

Knight Frank, 4 Wood Street, Bath, BA1 2JQ; 01225 325 999; www.knightfrank.co.uk

NEW BUILDS

IT SHOWS WHAT CAN BE ACHIEVED WITH COMMITMENT AND PASSION

Bath’s skyline is changing, with new-build developments helping to shape the city while making the most of the latest technology to make today’s homes state-of-the-art

By SA M A N T H A WA L K E R

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

NEW BUILDS

COMPLEMENTARY MATERIALS

Of course, with any new build there can be detractors, but today’s developers are mindful of the surroundings, often using similar materials to those in nearby buildings. And it’s worth remembering that Bath’s Georgian gems were new-builds once.

At Mulberry Park, Foxhill, Bath, not only is the area being regenerated, but local materials including Bath stone, brick and slate have been used to complement their surroundings in the creation of 700 high-quality contemporary new homes.

PHOTO BY CRAIG AUCKLAND/FOTOHAUS

I

t can’t have escaped your notice that times are indeed a changing, and in Bath that means new homes and communities are taking shape.

It’s an exciting opportunity to regenerate once-neglected parts of the city, and breathe new life into Bath with striking architecture and stateof-the art features.

Perhaps the most imposing development is at Bath Riverside, where an exciting residential quarter has been created on land that had lain derelict for a quarter of a century but now has homes ranging from studios to penthouses.

It’s found on the south bank of the River Avon, on land that was once occupied by the world-famous Stothert & Pitt engineers, with the 44 acre site made up of new homes and communal spaces in a £400m development.

“It’s an excellent example of inner city regeneration, it has shown what can be achieved with careful planning, commitment and passion, and, once complete, will have created over 2,200 new homes,” says Marcus Evans, sales and marketing director for Crest Nicholson.

The most striking building at Bath Riverside is Royal View, which boasts breathtaking views – unsurprisngly, since it stands eight storeys high – and with its riverside setting, looks very much like a ship coming into dock. When it comes to development, Bath’s ship really is coming in.

Above: eye-catching angles at Bathampton home Carisbrooke, created by Bath’s CaSA Architects; below: squeaky clean at Ensleigh

“We worked with leading architects HTA Design to create homes that reflect the architectural context of Bath with a contemporary twist – homes that work beautifully for modern family life,” says Lisa Howells, Curo’s sales director for Mulberry Park.

“Many homes feature large picture windows to create light, airy interiors, and bi-fold doors connect open-plan kitchen diners to generous landscaped gardens.”

And for developers Kersfield, coherency is key says Katie Allen.

“Our in-house design director oversees design from the outset to ensure the exterior architecture and internal space is coherent and well-considered, always with the homeowner in mind,” she says.

At Linden Homes’ Ensleigh site at Lansdown, Bath, the homes have a crisp and classic feel.

“The elegant homes feature large windows that flood the properties with light and are finished with natural stone, crisp white render and slate roofs, while balconies with glass balustrades help extend the living space outside,” says Susan Scholfield, Linden Homes Western’s sales and marketing director.

“The properties, all named after Italian artists – have a classic feel to them, with oak handrails and the four- and five-bedroom homes include granite work surfaces in the kitchen, integrated fridge/freezers, dishwashers and stainless steel double ovens.”

And such is the city’s pull that Bath really does need new homes for those who’ve grown up here or those who want to make it their own.

“Bath has lots of gorgeous historic buildings, but w www.mediaclash.co.uk I BATH LIFE I 103

NEW BUILDS as the city grows it needs more new homes,” adds Lisa Howells from Mulberry Park’s developer Curo.

But how, we wonder, do you create a community as well as providing rather beautiful places for people to live in?

It’s all to do with the range of properties available on site, which then appeal to different demographics, say developers.

“We’re particularly pleased with the range of buyers who’ve been attracted to Holburne Park, which promises to develop into a nicely-balanced community,” says Francis Firmstone, director at Hardrock Developments, the developers behind Holburne Park on the Warminster Road, Bathwick.

It’s one of three exciting developments on former MOD land in Bath, (the other sites are Ensleigh at Lansdown and Mulberry Park at Foxhill) being transformed from rows of office blocks into highly desirable places to live.

“This includes professional couples buying their first home together, families with children and newly-retiring downsizers,” says Francis.

“The new neighbourhood is within easy strolling distance of the city centre, yet close to the open countryside, and provides a rare opportunity to own a brand new, classically-designed home in Bath.”

At Linden Home’s Ensleigh development, special events have been held to help foster that community feel, helping you settle in even quicker.

“When you move home it can be difficult to know the best time to meet your new neighbours,” says Susan Scholfield, Linden Homes Western’s sales and marketing director.

“You intend to introduce yourself, but then two weeks pass while you’re busy unpacking and that moment seems to have gone.

“So far, we have held a fun day and meet your neighbours events to ensure our residents are introduced and we have also invited local schools to bring their pupils on site visits, so they can learn

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

Above: Your eyes aren’t deceiving you – this CGI shows new build property Beckford Gate; below: Comfortable living at Holburne Park

A NEW HOME WILL HAVE HIGH LEVELS OF ENERGYEFFICIENCY AND LOW RUNNING COSTS

about the housebuilding process. When we create a development, we always try to help our new residents become part of the community but we encourage the wider community to learn about the site too.”

BESPOKE, BEAUTIFUL AND MODERN

Of course, much of the attraction of buying new is the fact you can have your own home made bespoke to your needs and all you need to do after purchase is simply move in.

That’s because a new-build home comes with long warranties so you don’t need to have all manner of tradespeople on speed dial.

“When buying a new-build home, you have the benefit of a 10-year building warranty and two-year defect and liability period from the contractor, so it’s a low maintenance option,” says Katie Allen from Kersfield.

“A new property will have high levels of energy-efficiency with low running costs as well as a layout and specification to meet modern lifestyle requirements.”

At worst, you may have to wield your hammer to put up some paintings but that’s not really a hardship is it?

It certainly beats having, say, draughty sash windows rattling in their frames or a home that simply hasn’t kept up with the times and needs expensive updating.

“I love the full-length picture windows which flood the homes with light,” enthuses Lisa Howells, sales director at Curo’s Mulberry Park development.

“In the town houses, the bi-fold doors from kitchen to garden are a perfect way to open up the space on summer evenings. Finishing touches like the oak internal doors are stylish and modern.”

And, as an ultra modern bonus, all homes at Mulberry Park have access to fibre broadband and TV, and buyers can choose practical touches such as power sockets with USB. Slap bang in the heart of this city will be Walcot w

NEW BUILDS Yard, once home to Walcot Reclamation.

It’s being developed by Bath-based property developers Kersfield, who are currently working on a number of building refurbishments and new-build developments in the city.

These beautiful and considered projects include Lansdown Square West, with family houses, townhouses and apartments around a landscaped square – what’s not to love?

“Our Walcot Yard development is a collection of eight three-bedroom houses in Bath’s artisan district,” says Kersfield’s Katie Allen.

“This area has a long-standing community feel with its independent galleries and shops. Finishes will be exemplary, including timber flooring and wood-burning stoves to living areas, with an air of contemporary design throughout.”

It’s a well-known fact that parking can be at a premium in Bath – something the lucky residents of Walcot Gate won’t have to lose any sleep over.

“Car parking will also be provided within the development – a highly sought-after commodity so close to the centre of Bath,” adds Katie Allen from Kersfield.

NATURE ON YOUR DOORSTEP

Green space is important as we all strive to get the work/life balance right. Situated close to open countryside and the wide spaces of Bath Racecourse is Ensleigh, Bath, developed by Linden Homes.

“I just love Ensleigh, it’s a stunning development and there are some absolutely gorgeous views over the rolling countryside,” says Susan Scholfield, Linden Homes Western’s sales and marketing director.

Hope House, being built by independent development and regeneration specialist Acorn Property Group, boasts green space that may bring out the green-eyed monster in those not lucky enough to live there.

The prestigious development of luxury apartments and houses within walking distance of

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

Above: bringing the outside in at Mulberry Park; below: park life at Hope House

FINISHES WILL BE EXEMPLARY WITH WOODBURNING STOVES IN LIVING AREAS

the city centre is nestled within six acres of private parkland, with meandering walkways and virtually a small zoo of wildlife including bats and wild deer.

And tree huggers will be in their element – some of the trees are over 100 years old.

“The Gardens, Hope House, is a hidden jewel at the lower part of the site,” enthuses Robin Squire, regional managing director of Acorn’s Bristol office.

“Accessed via a private drive, these four exclusive and striking four double bedroom homes are the ultimate in modern sophistication. The Gardens is contemporary in design and features sedum green roofs, as well as private gardens, parking and direct access to Hope House parkland.”

The grounds at Hope House were designed by landscape architects Matthew Wigan Associates – and did we mention there’s a tennis court on site?

“Hope House is so much more than new homes,” adds Robin Squire.

“The extensive private parkland and woodland grounds form a glorious natural environment and a communal grand formal lawn for all residents to meet, relax and enjoy.”

At Bath Riverside – as well as park and community space, there’s even stunning greenery inside. Its atrium, complete with hanging plants, provides an oasis of calm and serenity to the modern interior.

At Kersfield’s Lansdown Square West, with family houses, townhouses and apartments, there’ll be a landscaped square to look out on. Its Beckford Gate development on Lansdown Road, Bath, will provide four seductively spacious apartments in a new-build Georgian-style villa and see the historic Beckford’s Gate – once the entrance to Beckford’s Tower – restored to its former glory.

It is perhaps fitting that, like those in Beckford’s time, today’s architects are keen to leave their mark by coming up with some eye-catching yet still liveable new homes in the city.

CaSA architects are based in both Bath and London, with its deliberately small team of architects delivering beautifully designed, bespoke buildings.

At Holburne Park, the homes share an architect with the Duchy of Cornwall’s Poundbury estate in Dorset. “Robert Adam is the acclaimed architect who has created the homes at Holburne Park, whilst the interiors have been designed by luxury interior designers Sims Hilditch,” says Francis Firmstone, director at Hardrock Developments.

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

45 Old Fosse Road Odd Down, Bath BA2 2SP

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 01934 824056, or email allergytesting@churchviews.co.uk

Now testing at Lansdown Clinic, Bath BA1 5EE www.allergytest.co.uk

To advertise here call ✆ 01225 475800

Tel: 01225 352437 07894 210446 Fax: 01225 350429 Member of Painting, Decorating Association

CONTRACTOR

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Estab

D R Vowles & Son Ltd are highly reputable roofing contractors based in Bath, Somerset. We provide premier roofing services for residential, commercial and industrial clients with properties throughout the south west.

For more information please call Liz today

01225 425232

Upper Weston Farm, Weston, BATH BA1 4HL

drvowlesandson.co.uk

SERVICES GUIDE

HOLIDAY RENTALS

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60+ luxury properties for lets 2 nights to 5 months Holidays – For business – Friends & family – Temporary accommodation during renovation/relocation Contact: 01225 482 225 | alexa@bathholidayrentals.com www.bathholidayrentals.com

Laundry and Ironing Services Tailored to your needs Domestic and Commercial

www.bathhousekeeping.com FRE pick-up E an delivery d availab le

01225 292141 | 07977563167 info@sparklingmatters.com

Offering 4 & 5 star holiday rentals since 2006

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PONDS AND AQUATICS

Richard Brook POND & AQUATIC SYSTEMS

DESIGN • CONSTRUCTION • CLEANING • MAINTENANCE BLANKET WEED SOLUTIONS AND MORE T: 07834 973945 E: richard.brook9@btinternet.com

WWW.PONDANDAQUATICSYSTEMS.CO.UK PLUMBING AND HEATING

JEWELLERY

A family run business, installing, servicing and repairing boilers and heating systems in Bath for 25 years.

Landlords Gas Safety Inspections also undertaken

Accredited Installer

MADDISON plumbing heating & gas services ltd.

T 01225 837025 E steve.maddison@virgin.net maddisonplumbing.co.uk

Luxury & local The most sophisticated audience is just a call away

✆ 01225 475800

TAILORING

Nigel Dando 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

CLOTHING & SOFT FURNISHINGS No job too small!

Alterations • Repairs • Custom Tailoring Curtains • Soft furnishings Fixed price quotation prior to starting work 01225 867940 07455 913796 fashionv@hotmail.com Westdale Park, Holt Road, Bradford On Avon BA15 1TS Open: Tues–Sat 9.30am–3pm or by appointment

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Q&A

E

mma, Viscountess Weymouth is the wife of Ceawlin Thynn, heir to the 7th Marquess of Bath. When her husband succeeds his father as the Marquess of Bath, Viscountess Weymouth will become the first black marchioness in British history. Lady Emma Weymouth works as a brand ambassador for Fiorucci, has modelled for Dolce & Gabbana, and is a financial supporter of the Women’s Institute. The Viscountess is also a chef and has her own online cooking show, Emma’s Kitchen, where she cooks historic recipes as well as her own creations in the kitchens of the Longleat estate. She regularly hosts Emma’s Afternoon Tea at Longleat, using all local ingredients for the tea and food. In June 2017 she organised the first annual Longleat Food and Drink Festival. Emma and Ceawlin have two children, John, three, and Henry, one.

My childhood was a very safe, very happy time…

I’m close with my mum and sister and so the three of us spent a lot of time with one another in London, the West Country and the South of France – we still do! I went to school in London before studying for a History of Art degree at University College London.

I’ve always been in the West Country...

I have family who live in the West Country who I always visited as a little girl. I think that’s why I feel so at home at Longleat – it’s familiar.

I went to Queen’s Gate school...

I was head girl in the end. It was a lovely environment to be in and I was studious, and I liked being part of the team and representing the school well.

I tried acting for a bit…

After receiving one of top five A-level theatre studies grades in the UK that year, but I found my feet more in presenting as I could be myself and felt liberated in that role.

Ceawlin and I had known one another for years…

It was mainly through a family connection, which then, after rekindling our friendship, grew into us dating and then getting engaged. We have now been married a little over four years.

We have two young boys…

John who is a very funny, very lively three-year-old, and our baby, Henry, who was one in December. He was born in LA via a surrogate as I was very unwell when I had John as I suffered with a complicated pituitary gland issue. This meant it wasn’t safe for me to carry another pregnancy myself.

My life motto is ‘moderation not deprivation’…

I’m a firm believer that a little of what you fancy is good for you.

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

LADY EMMA WEYMOUTH Viscountess Weymouth, also known as The First Lady of Longleat, is credited with bringing a new, positive energy to the estate I’m impatient and always looking to achieve the next step or reach my next goal…

I find it very hard to sit still. There’s forever something I want to be working on or a place I want to be visiting.

I’m never bored…

I have a lot of interests and passions including cooking, fashion, fitness and art. Also, my boys are hugely entertaining to be around.

My mother and sister are my rocks…

I could never thank them enough for everything they have done and the inspiration they have been for me.

You feel like you’re in another world when you’re at Longleat…

I love living here. It’s a very special place; the gardens were designed by Capability Brown and coming down the drive never, ever fails to give me a little flutter in my stomach. During the Festival of Light, which finished at the start of January, it was like being in a fairy tale.

I feel a terrific responsibility to preserve the house for generations to come…

We live in a house where so much life and history has already gone before us, which is both marvellous and overwhelming at the same time.

Longleat, absolutely…

We love having the opportunity to show all of the exciting events and new arrivals.

We regularly visit the safari park with our own children…

John loves to visit the donkeys in particular. We also have two giant Flemish rabbits; they’re sisters called Venus and Serena.

I love hosting people at Longleat…

I enjoy talking to everyone, so curating an experience such as the Food Festival is the dream for me. There are plans in the pipeline to do it again this summer. Glastonbury won’t happen at Longleat – it wasn’t meant to be.

I love to bake with John as my helper…

We made an incredible Smarties Surprise Cake the other day for John’s school and it looked great.

I recently attended the magical Evening Standard Theatre Awards…

Which I loved, as the theatre is a huge passion of mine. The host, Phoebe Waller-Bridge, was incredible. So insightful, witty, funny and engaging.

I used to agonise over small decisions…

Whereas, now, I’m a lot better at just getting on with it. Worrying too much is such a waste of time.

There’s a doorframe which has been used to chart the height of the Thynn children since the 1700s…

It’s one of my favourite things about the house – these little pencil marks with the dates beside them.

Ceawlin and his sister Lenka are on there and so is John, right at the bottom.

I have huge ambitions to make Longleat into more of a foodie destination…

And help the team at Longleat to grow the food offering available on the estate. Emma’s Kitchen and the Festive Afternoon Tea are two ways which I’m helping to bring this ambition to life.

We would do another series of All Change at

www.longleat.co.uk

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