Bath Life – issue 358

Dining/Arts/Entertainment/Shopping/Property ISSUE 358 / 2 – 16 FEBRUARY 2018 / £3

@BathLifeMag

CELEBRATING THE BEST OF THE CITY

ISSUE 358 / 2 – 16 FEBRUARY 2018 / IT MUST BE LOVE

WORD ON WALCOT STREET THE PEOPLE, THE HISTORY, THE QUIRKS

They’re sweet on each other!

It’s French baker Richard Bertinet and his wife Jo

BE MINE BROWSE OUR HEARTFELT VALENTINE’S GIFT GUIDE

LOCAL LOVE

ASIAN SENSATION OUR PICK OF THE BEST EXOTIC FLAVOURS HERE IN BATH

large version

SCULPTURAL CELEBRATION ART AND THE LUNAR NEW YEAR

THE CITY’S COUPLES WHO HAVE ALL MADE WORKING TOGETHER WORK

EDITOR’S LETTER / ISSUE 358 / 2 – 16 FEBRUARY 2018

PHOTO BY DAVID SHOUKRY

Love is in the air

30

POWER COUPLES

Life is short and work days are long, so these couples have redressed the balance

As February is the month of love, we decided it would be a good opportunity to chat to the couples in business in and around the city. Turn to page 30 to discover the stories behind 19 local power duos who have all made working together work.

Also in this issue, we’ve taken a closer look at the artisan quarter of Walcot Street, which, as you’ll find out on page 76, is much more than just a pretty picture. There are fascinating secrets to be whispered and legends to be told about it, and, according to the locals and historians we spoke to, the area was once home to a bear pit, used to display bears for entertainment and bear-baiting; it has a plague burial site; and Goldilocks was written there.

Fast-forward to modern day and it’s just as intriguing. For example, there’s a studio at which Spielberg’s War Horse props were made, and the street is packed with creative outdoor art, including a giant mural by Radiohead album cover-designer Stanley Donwood.

Elsewhere, explore some of the countries in Asia which have not only shaped our city, but broadened our taste horizons, too (page 62); browse our Valentine’s Day-themed gift guide for some heartfelt inspiration (page 30); and meet a local photojournalist whose subjects have included Salvador Dalí and Paul McCartney.

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

PHOTO BY DERRYN VRANCH

FEATURES / ISSUE 358 / 2 – 16 FEBRUARY 2017

76

THE WONDERS OF WALCOT

Meet the artisans at the heart of Bath’s most eclectic street

106 Bath Lives

Photographer Carlo Chinca opens the shutters on his life

REGULARS / ISSUE 358 / 2 – 16 FEBRUARY 2017 M E ET T H E T EAM

THE ARTS

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

39 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, Angela Mount, Philippa May and Nic Bottomley 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

A small but perfectly formed Japanese accessory-turned-artwork

40 What’s on Find what’s hot and happening in our events diary

53 Bookshelf War – what is it good for?

Books, says Nic Bottomley

FOOD

58 Food & drink news

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

Tasty titbits from Le Vignoble, Seven Hills Chocolate and The Ivy Bath Brasserie

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

60 Wine

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

54 Restaurant It’s an inn with rooms – but don’t underestimate the Methuen Arm’s foodie credentials

Angela Mount is in the pink for Valentine’s Day

62 Try 5 Asian cuisine Delicious dishes you won’t need your passport for

67 Fresh is best

The brains behind field-to-fork business Farmdrop

SHOPPING 71 Shopping intro Rings that are right up our gemstoned street

72 Editor’s choice Valentine’s Day will be sealed with a kiss with these gifts

54

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

BUSINESS

DEPARTMENTS

87 Business insider

9 14 27 29

Who’s been innovating and moving and a shaking this issue?

Spotlight Society A man’s world Inside story

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

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

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

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

PROPERT Y 96 Property showcase Location meets property perfection in magnificent Monkton Combe

On the cover Husband and wife Richard and Jo Bertinet of The Bertinet Kitchen. For the full feature of couples who work together, turn to page 30.

Photo by David Shoukry

BATH: ITS LIFE AND TIMES

COMMUNITY

EDDIE AND HIS SCISSORHANDS

Top: Eddie gives back on the streets; main picture: style and design in the salon

A pop-up hair salon with a difference can be seen on the streets of Bath.

The mobile salon sees hairdresser Eddie Ilic setting up a portable stool and offering free haircuts to homeless people in the city.

Eddie, who works at BA1 Hair in Bartlett Street, Bath, wants people to look and feel their best, and hopes his story will inspire them.

“It is just part of giving back, that is why I do it,” says Eddie, who also describes himself as a street barber.

“I am in recovery for drugs and alcohol so it makes me feel more appreciative and grateful.

“It also gives these guys a bit of confidence, puts a bit of a smile on their faces and that is what drives me to do it.”

And the gifted hairdresser doesn’t cut corners and makes sure to factor in the latest styles.

He’ll even do beard and moustache trims to make sure his street clients look dapper.

Bath Life spent some time with Eddie while he set up his pop-up street salon, and spoke to one grateful client (who we’ve decided not to name) who hopes to be back on his feet soon.

“It makes me feel better about myself,” he says. “It costs me money though; when people see me looking smart with my hair done they think I’m not homeless and don’t give me money – but I still like to have it done.”

For more: www.ba1hair.co.uk

SPOTLIGHT

EVENTS

SMASHING THROUGH THE GLASS CEILING The gender pay gap has been the talk from many a woman’s – and man’s – lips recently, so an exciting series of events at The Gainsborough Bath Spa is particularly apt.

Phenomenal Women is being held in conjunction with the University of the West of England, and its high-achieving speakers will celebrate, support and inspire.

The bi-monthly talks run until November, with each speaker discussing their experiences and the challenges encountered on the route to success.

“One hundred years ago, women would not have been permitted to be members of, nor graduate from, the University of Bath,” says Theresa McDermott, business

development for The Gainsborough Bath Spa. “Today, Carole Mundell heads up the physics department. While many women worked outside the home, this was usually in addition to heavy domestic responsibilities – and they were generally paid far less than men. Today, all of our speakers have forged successful careers, many within what are traditionally thought of as ‘male’ roles,” The first talk takes place on 21 February when Liv Garfield, CEO of Severn Trent Water speaks. (For more see page 44).

Other high-profile speakers include Laura Marshall, the MD of Icon Films.

Tickets cost £15.

For more: www.thegainsboroughbathspa.co.uk

From left: Speakers Laura Marshall, Liv Garfield and Carole Mundell will inspire

Chiselled looks thanks to a diet of Salad Cream

TALKS

SUEDE IS BACK IN FASHION The pages of Bath Life have been awash with glittering names all queueing up to come to Bath recently, and now we have some more for you.

Brett Anderson, lead singer with Suede, will be in Bath on 15 March to talk about his book Coal Black Mornings. Possibly one of the coolest men in music, acclaimed for a one-time Britpop sound, Brett will trace his journey from childhood to success.

His book will reflect on teenage clashes with his eccentric dad – who would dress as Lawrence of Arabia and parade around their council house – all the while airconducting his favourite composers.

Brett describes himself as a “snotty, sniffy, slightly maudlin sort of boy raised on Salad Cream and milky tea and cheap meat,” so his talk will be revealing – but perhaps short of dietary advice.

Other famous names coming to Bath include Tears for Fears at The Rec, Razorlight at Pub in the Park, and Suggs and Kim Wilde at The Forum.

The list continues with legendary bassist Bruce Foxton playing at Komedia with band From The Jam, while Toploader and Gabrielle Aplin will also be at Pub in the Park. And Robert Plant has been added to the Bath Festival line-up.

8pm; £16.99; a Topping event at Christ Church, Julian Road.

For more: www.toppingbooks.co.uk

Adventures in party-going

Miles Nesbitt and Phillippa Watson

SCENE

Sian Pirone and Aldo Turner

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

TRY HARD It was a sell-out affair when Tarquin McDonald, chief executive of Bath Rugby, gave an enlightened talk at January’s Bath Life Business Club. Guests enjoyed a delicious lunch at the Royal Crescent Hotel and Spa, and heard about Bath Rugby’s plans both on and off the pitch.

The next Bath Life Business Club takes place on 12 March.

For more: www.bathlifebusinessclub.com

Laura Majewski, Alison Treble and Alison Woodhead

Photos by Beata Cosgrove www.beatacosgrovephotography.com

Julian Frere, Andrew Sandiford and Graham Street

Darren Ackrill and Simon Basford

Nicala Clapperton, Huw Jones and Annabel North

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

Paul Morris, Steve Hawkins and Mark Crowther

w

SOCIETY Continued from page 14

Julia Davenport-Cooper, Paul Coleman, Tarquin McDonald and John Squier

Jonathan Walker, Jonathan Stapleton and Ian Taylor

Louis Grey and Dawn Abercromby

Kartini Sutoto and Edward Chapman And did we mention we had a delicous lunch?

Matthew Greenwood and Tom Boyce William Wood and Andrew Cronan 16 I BATH LIFE I www.mediaclash.co.uk

SOCIETY Dawn Knowles, Tessa Clegg, Helen Brill and Zeya Thomas

IN THE MIX

Christ Church on Julian Road, Bath, was the venue for celebrity chef Tom Kerridge when he shared words of wisdom from his book Lose Weight For Good at an event organised by Topping & Company Booksellers of Bath.

The Michelin-starred chef has lost an incredible 12 stone in three years – and kept it off – despite still being very much hands-on in the kitchen.

Photos by Leon Day www.leondayimages.com Tom Kerridge

Nigel and Kerrie Mawditt

Emma Rees and Lesley Waters

Cindy and Eddie Aze

Jessie and Penny Jenkins

Stephen Garge and Nick Malpeli

Michelle and Bob Hylands

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

SOCIETY Craig Marsh and Richard Saunders

LAYING DOWN

Jacqui Lazare and Rachel Hotham

THE LAW Bath law firm Royds Withy King hosted a ‘meet the team’ event for over 100 guests to thank them for their support.

The lawyers welcomed clients and contacts to the firm’s annual event, held at The Apex’s conference centre, with drinks and canapés.

Managing partner Graham Street gave a speech, and also introduced Stuart Brazington, who has been appointed as regional lead partner for Bath.

A time to talk

Carmella Templar and Steve Barrett

Victoria Jones and Mark Heath

Stuart Brazington, Kate Morton and Graham Street

Karen Pettemerides

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

Paul Daniels

SOCIETY

MOVING FORWARD

Hannah and Mark Lamputt

A rebrand for recruitment firm FWD Thinking was celebrated with a party at Framptons, Bath.

Guests enjoyed drinks and heard how the Gay St firm would continue to find the best candidates for employers.

“I am tasked with making sure we exceed expectations and our career consultants live up to our three brand values – bravery, positivity and thoughtfulness,” says director Sam Laite.

Harry Hawkins, Amy Jones, Katherine Bayley and Marcus Green Simon Barbato, Lauren Prince and Sam Laite

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

Courtney Borrows, Victoria Stoate and Anna Burch

EVENING ENGAGEMENT The launch of Samuel Croudace Wealth Management took place in the beautiful setting of the Combe Grove Hotel, Bath.

Guests celebrated the evening with nibbles and fizz, before enjoying an informative talk.

Samuel says, “This was an event to celebrate the launch of my new business and it was a privilege to share this with everyone who joined us for the evening.”

Alan Gerrish, Wendy Davis and Samuel Croudace

Keith Fowler and Caroline Croudace

Photos by Estienne Sheppard www.estiennephotography.com

Cady Nixon and Molly Wood 22 I BATH LIFE I www.mediaclash.co.uk

Elaine, Alice and Peter Gilbert

SOCIETY

FABULOUS FUNDRAISING Gary Button and Kingsley Graves held a charity fundraising evening to celebrate their second anniversary at the Prince of Wales in Peasedown St John, near Bath.

The chosen charity was the Tony Morgan Tulip Fund at Dorothy House, as Tony was a close friend.

“I believe it is important as a local business that we give back to the community; for years we have raised money for charities in the various hotels and public houses that we have run,” says Gary.

Gary Button and Anne Cahill

Carolyn Seward and Jason Lane

Tony Morgan’s grandson Kane Brinkhurst with Katie Welsh

Sarah and Hollis Cluck

Photos by John Holbrook www.johnholbrookphotography.co.uk

SHINY HAPPY PEOPLE Guests at a special event at the eclectic Alexandra May had the chance to meet designer Simon Harrison. Alexandra’s beautiful shop on Brock Street, Bath, was the venue for the event.

Ingrid Fijnheer, Rosemary Moore, Sue Purdin, Eileen Wilken and Olga White

Photos by Estienne Sheppard www.estiennephotography.com Alexandra Van Montagu

Fiona Cole and Collette Haynes

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

Alexandra May and Simon Harrison

A MAN’S WORLD

DAVID FLATMAN

ONE MAN AND HIS DOG Valentine’s Day may be on some people’s minds in February, but the only loving bonds Flats is thinking about right now are the ones he has for his pooches

I

t’s not an easy thing to discuss, but what does one do when one’s beloved pet dies? I know that about half of you don’t have pets and, therefore, can’t really see what all the fuss is about, but I ask you to take it from us, it’s a thing. There’s some science somewhere on the internet that proves beyond doubt that giving affection to and receiving affection from a pet creates a bond akin to that between a baby and a breastfeeding mother (God I hope I haven’t just made this up – I swear I saw it on Channel 4 once).

So when these animals, all dependent, all grateful, and all unique, die one day, well, it’s hard to deal with.

What most people seem to do when it comes to doggies is to declare immediately that no more dogs will ever be bought or rescued here, as no other could ever replace Fido. Then they get over it a bit and get a new one and everybody’s happy. But I’m not thinking about this from an emotional point of view. Emotionally, when The White Warrior kicks the bucket, I cannot imagine being able to even breathe, let alone talk or work or be a dad. It will destroy me for a while because, despite being one of the most consistently infuriating and relentlessly naughty dogs in Europe, he is my heart and soul. Just this morning I was swearing at him for ripping apart our kitchen bin liner and scattering its contents on the floor mopped ONE HOUR earlier by our wonderful cleaner. Then, as I came back in having cleared it all up and put it out of reach in the garage, there he was, pleased as punch to see that I hadn’t indeed gone out to work.

What a legend.

Anyway, let’s put sadness to the side and think practically. Having dogs makes absolutely no sense whatsoever if you’re not retired, unemployed or workshy. I mean, they’re nice to have around and all that, but they are also the biggest bind in life, behind kids. And I include

mortgages in that. As long as you turn up for work and don’t kill anyone, the mortgage numbers just disappear without you having to actually do anything, but dogs take work. They require extensive admin. Let’s take today as a random example: 6.45am – The White Warrior decides he’d like to take his raw food breakfast (defrosted individually overnight, every night) slightly earlier today. Perhaps he has plans. To this end, he barks without cessation, too deaf to heed my instructions to SHUT UP from bed. 9am – the bin bag incident. 9.30am – walk the dogs for an hour in the rain. 10.30am – wash them both as they’ve rolled in the luscious faeces of another beast.

10.45am – lose the plot as I find them both, still wet, on the fabulous Brissi sofa they know they’re not allowed on. 10.50am – refill their water. 10.51am – put frozen food in fridge to defrost for tomorrow. 12pm – leave for London. 3pm – pay a dog walker to take them out again as Mrs F and I both have jobs. They absolutely love their walkers, but they ain’t paying no bills. 6.30pm – Mrs F gets home to find a perfect poo on the hall floor, the dogs having broken out of a side window and raided the bag of rotten apples. There will be more poos for us in the morning, of this we can be sure.

So you see my point. They are expensive, naughty, and antisocial, and we haven’t even mentioned the cost of having them looked after should we decide to go abroad. We have agreed that when they go, they will not be replaced.

As much as we adore them, it simply doesn’t make sense. All that’s left to do now is to tell the children this news, allow them a short period of mourning and pleading, and then to get in the car, go up to the dogs’ home and get a new one. It’s all just so bloody inevitable.

GIVING AND RECEIVING AFFECTION FROM A PET CREATES A BOND AKIN TO THAT BETWEEN A BABY AND A BREASTFEEDING MOTHER

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

INSIDE S T O RY

THERE’S ONE BIG THING I LOOK FOR WHEN SEARCHING FOR A LITTLE GETAWAY ABODE: A FREESTANDING TUB

HOME FROM HOME We’re now into the second month of the year, so surely it’s time for a holiday? PHILIPPA MAY’S main criteria when it comes to hotels is that they offer some interior eye candy…

I

t’s been a bit manic recently but I finally feel like I’m about to slow down. I’m determined to take some time out and hopefully get away for a long weekend before summer comes and we can scurry off on a full holiday. When looking for somewhere to get away to, although it’s extremely important to find somewhere to relax and rejuvenate, I like to make sure that there’s going to be some interior eye candy for me to lust over.

When you go and stay somewhere new, whether it’s a big country house or a small boutique hotel, it’s nice to get ideas for the home that you may not have thought about. Big budgets usually mean great décor, and there’s always a way to get that same look for yourself even on a tighter budget. Thanks to social media, where everyone shares every aspect of their life, especially when it’s something to be seriously envied, we’re all talking so much more about travel.

I don’t necessarily mean major jetsetters either; for me, just getting away from your day-to-day routine is a holiday, and you can take inspiration from wherever you go – whether it’s Saint Lucia or Salcombe.

A roll-top tub and crisp bedlinen await at The Pig Near Bath

The Pig Near Bath is a local favourite for me, especially when you can hire out the big dining room (which has an amazing Harry Potter vibe, with grand paintings and a long table that always looks magical) for a fun-filled night with friends, complete with delicious cocktails and food.

Having stayed at The Pig on The Beach – down near Studland in one of their amazing little shepherd’s huts – I’ve been obsessed with their interiors and, essentially, how they conquer the rural shabby chic look. The key part of this is chic, though they feel very laidback, their hotels still have an amazing air of glamour. Every object, you can tell, has been carefully found and curated to bring the whole experience together – with stripped floors, wood-clad walls juxtaposed against decadent chandeliers, and mismatched luxury fabrics. They manage to convey an opulent grace while still feeling unbelievably cosy.

If you haven’t stayed at a Pig, I can’t recommend them enough, especially when it comes to breakfast time – thank me later.

There’s one big thing I look for when searching for a little getaway abode, and that’s a good bathroom and a freestanding tub.

I never have time for baths usually, and so, if I’m free, that’s where I’ll be – it’s the perfect piece to top off your relaxation and they just look so pretty!

Our hut down on the beach had a beautiful sage-coloured tub overlooking the bay and a flock of quietly sleeping sheep – you couldn’t find a better bath if you tried, and the whole bathroom, with its deep mahogany vintage wood details and sage walls, was a nod to an interior trend that put The Pig ahead of its time.

This year, it looks as though sage is set to take over as the new neutral, with the term receiving a 170 per cent increase in searches on Pinterest.

I’d be excited to use this new colour in a bathroom with Mandarin Stone’s Calacatta tumbled marble to keep it light and airy, brushed brass fittings to create a bit of old-glamour luxury, and a freestanding tub that will bring that boutique hotel style into your home. Top it all off with a glass of champagne, and some fine English soaps from Brissi on Milsom Street, and you don’t have to go away at all...

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

www.mediaclash.co.uk I BATH LIFE I 29

COUPLES AT W O R K

LOCAL LOVE

French chef Richard Bertinet and his wife Jo have been working together for more than a decade

Meet the couples who have all made working together work…

By L I SA E VA NS

A

s Valentine’s is in the air, we’ve been chatting to local couples who own businesses together and have found a way to integrate love and work. Read on to discover the stories behind these power duos...

THE BERTINET BAKERY

Richard Bertinet and Jo Harrod Bertinet have been married since 1999 Was it love at first sight?

We were inseparable after meeting at a London nightclub. We got engaged in Cape Town when I [Richard] was working there, and got married the year after.

Why did you start working together?

We wanted something of our own so that we could be flexible around a family. We left London for Bath in 2005, which was when we really started working together.

Tell us more about the business…

There are two: The Bertinet Kitchen Cookery School, which holds baking and cooking classes; and The Bertinet Bakery. The bakery started as a Saturday shop but has been growing, and now has two retail shops in Bath but also supplies bread and pastries to restaurants, hotels and shops, as well as to 100 Waitrose stores across the country.

How do you find working together as a couple?

Our paths don’t cross that much. It can sometimes seem like we are ships that pass in the night.

Share your secrets to success as a couple who works together?

Don’t take work home. Running a business is time-consuming enough as it is without discussing it over your cornflakes.

St Andrew’s Terrace; Brunel Square; and New Bond Street Place, Bath; www.bertinetbakery.com

PINTXO DE BATH

Married couple Mark Mentzel and Teresa Vazquez run their San Sebastian-style tapas restaurant together in perfect harmony How did you meet?

In 1989, working as chefs at a Savoy group restaurant. Our relationship 30 I BATH LIFE I www.mediaclash.co.uk

PHOTO BY DAVID SHOUKRY

Favourite spots at which to spend a day off?

We used to have a date night every fortnight; we’d go to a favourite local pub like the King William, or just find a bench with a view.

Now, days off tend to revolve around our three children.

Photos by david shoukry

The owners of Darcy’s met when Rachel’s father set them up

was rocky at the beginning – as we were working together in a highly stressed environment. When Teresa left the job, things were much better.

So what made you decide to do it again?

We went to live in Spain where we ran our friend’s restaurant. Things were much better then; we were more mature, I guess. We also ran our own tapas bar in Sanlucar (Teresa’s home town). We moved to Bath in 2001 and worked together again for five years at Le Parisien..

How do you divide up your roles?

We share roles, but the plan is that I will open Pintxo in Bristol while Teresa runs the Bath restaurant.

Best and worst parts of being in business together?

It’s difficult when we have to tell each other off, even after 28 years of being together.

me as I made the trip down from London and slept in my car – as I couldn’t afford Bath hotels – on the promise of a few (cancelled) dates, until finally we grabbed a coffee. This will be our 10th year of marriage.

When did you start working together?

Six years ago. My passion has always been property, and Hana was working for Savills. It all happened by accident.

Tell us about the business…

It can We let properties alongside incredible packages sometimes seem which utilise the wealth of the unique visitor in the city. In a place with the country’s like we are ships offerings third highest hotel rates, we offer great value. We see ourselves as guardians of restored historic buildings. that pass in the night How do you find working together as a

Barton Street, Bath; www.pintxobath.co.uk

Darcy’s News Café

Working together means that husband and wife Matthew and Rachel Twomey have only had one break in three years Tell us about you as a couple…

We met in London having been set up by my [Rachel’s] father. Matthew was my father’s account manager. My father obviously knew me well, as I’ve now been married to Matthew for 17 years.

Why did you start working together?

We first went into business while we were living in South Africa. In Bath, we wanted a business that would allow us time to spend with our kids.

Tell us about your business…

It’s a traditional newsagents which delivers to over 600 homes and many businesses on a daily basis. We changed from being a shop to a shop/ café. I felt that the ‘great coffee (and wholesome food) with a newspaper’ concept would work well.

Worst bit about working together?

You have ‘stalemate’ situations with no one to break the tie. Also, there’s a challenge with family holidays – something we’ve only managed once in three years.

Gay Street, Bath; www.darcysofbath.com

Bath Boutique Stays

Moss of Bath’s owners say the secret to working with your spouse is respecting each other’s roles

Hana and Marcus Whittington, who are married, buy listed buildings in Bath, renovate them in a contemporary style and short-term let them Tell us your ‘meet cute’ story…

Hana was working at Bath’s Hudson Steakhouse. I knew, if I could get her to talk to me, I would marry her. In the months following, she ignored

couple?

Mostly easy-peasy. I wear the trousers (that Hana picks for me).

Do you take time off together?

We have dinner at Hudson Steakhouse – which takes us back – and we go ‘dinosaur hunting’ in Victoria Park with our son.

London Road, Bath; www.bathboutiquestays.co.uk

Society Café

Husband and wife Adrian and Jane Campbell-Howard own a small collection of independent coffee shops How did you first meet?

In a hostel in San Francisco in 1996. We talked until the sun came up, then walked to Golden Gate Bridge. Adrian was living in Hong Kong and  Hana and Marcus say their business, Bath Boutique Stays, happened by accident

COUPLES AT W O R K I was travelling with the Grand Prix for Ferrari and McLaren, and so, as this was pre-email, we wrote to each other for seven months.

When did you go into business together?

The same year we met – I headed out to Hong Kong where Adrian was working in a Thai restaurant. It could have ended up being a disaster, but it was totally exhilarating. We bought a hotel in the Cotswolds in 2000, and, after that, we ran the El Fenn in Marrakech together. We’ve been working together at Society since 2011.

Share your secrets to success as a couple who works together...

Respect, gratitude, kindness, and keeping the weekends for the family.

Favourite spot to spend your time off together?

The Dark Horse, Corkage, and No.15 Great Pulteney.

BATH WATER

Married couple Rachel and Mark Allen are the directors of a bottled water company How did you meet?

We were set up on a blind date in Bath and immediately hit it off. We’ve now been together for 13 years and have a nine-year-old daughter.

Tell us more about Bath Water…

It plays to our love of Bath and of food and drink. While at lunch one day, we ordered water, and a bottle from Scotland appeared. We asked ‘why doesn’t Bath, a city synonymous with water, have its very own brand of water?’ And Bath Water was born.

What are your secrets to working together?

Partnership and trust. Oh, and our office dog, Rosie, helps.

Have you found a good work-life balance?

As full-time working parents, it’s not easy. We try to work ‘on the move’ when our daughter has activities.

Bath Water’s directors hit it off after a blind date

MOSS OF BATH

Husband and wife Tim and Annie Moss work together at their television, home-entertainment and hi-fi store How did you meet?

We first met when I (Annie) visited the shop to buy a mobile phone. The next time I went in – to get a TV remote control – Tim asked me out for lunch. He still charged me for that remote control, though. We’ve been together 25 years, now, and have two children.

IT’S DIFFICULT WHEN WE HAVE TO TELL EACH OTHER OFF, EVEN AFTER Technology featured in your first meeting. Did 28 YEARS that continue?

What are your favourite places to visit when you’re not in work?

We’re fond of The Bath Priory (where we had our wedding reception).

Also, Mark is a keen Bath Rugby fan and is pleased to have negotiated our Bath Water sponsorship as official hydration partner of Bath Rugby.

Queen Square, Bath; www.bathwater.co.uk

The owners of Society Café went into business together the same year they met

PHOTO BY JACK STEAD

Kingsmead Square, Bath; www.society-cafe.com

Yes. I’m quite practical, and when Tim proposed I suggested that he could buy me a new PC instead of a ring. Our good friend Nic (Wylde) is still waiting to make the engagement ring!

When did you start working together?

Tim has worked in the business since 1980 and I joined about 10 years ago to maintain the website and deal with marketing and advertising.

Any secrets to making it work?

I have absolutely no idea how to wall-mount a television, and Tim doesn’t know the password to access the website dashboard. We have absolute respect for one another’s roles.

Your favourite spots at which to spend time as a couple?

Woolley Grange (where we had our wedding reception); and most days off consist of a long dog-walk, good coffee and, ideally, a home fixture watching Bath Rugby play at The Rec. St James’ Parade, Bath; www.mossofbath.co.uk

PHOTO BY DAVID SHOUKRY

CURTAIN UP THEATRE SCHOOL

Sarah and Tristan Carter, who are married, teach children how to sing, dance and act How long have you been together?

We met in sixth form and got married 27 years ago.

Why did you start working together?

I was an oncology pharmacist, and Tristan a jobbing actor. Tristan didn’t w 32 I BATH LIFE I www.mediaclash.co.uk

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COUPLES AT W O R K like being away from home and wanted to see our children growing up, so Curtain Up was born. It’s an independent theatre school for students aged four to 18; we teach singing, dancing and acting, and create stunning performances. It’s not unusual for children to join us in primary school and leave us when they head off for university.

How do you find working together as a couple?

We laugh a lot and find the positive in everything. You have to have a good sense of humour in the world of performing arts. Tristan is the visionary that dreams the dreams, and I make them happen.

How difficult do you find juggling life and work?

It can be tough. Realistically, we won’t have a day off until after Easter.

Where do you visit on days off?

Parade Gardens is our special place.

St Gregory’s School, Bath; www.curtainup.org.uk The Colombian Company’s owners’ two rules are: never argue over work, and family comes first

THE COLOMBIAN COMPANY

Husband and wife Jhampoll Gutierrez Gomez and Veronica Ganan Burgoa run a coffee shop at which you’ll find speciality Colombian drinks How long have you been a couple?

For fours years, six months and 11 days. We met during a wild night out.

We got married last year, and we have three beautiful, grumpy children.

When did you start working together?

Almost straightaway. Gary started helping me in the studio at my home; it was the only way he could get me to stop working and have dinner.

When did you start working together?

We started our business in 2016; we began by importing speciality green coffee and selling to cafés and restaurants. We then joined the Bath Artisan Markets, but our coffee house opened at the end of last year.

Tell us about your business in a nutshell…

We are both artists with a long history of exhibiting and selling our work in this country and internationally, and we now have our own lovely retail gallery/shop.

Do you have any rules in business?

Never argue over work, and family always comes first.

How does your work differ from each other’s?

We both design and make the pieces we sell, but I focus on painted silk scarves and clothing, and Gary makes functional ceramics and sculptures.

Is it difficult finding spare time?

At the moment, work is taking over, but we are hoping to be able to have some time off to attend a summer wedding. We spend most evenings together and we enjoy having a drink in the local pub.

How do you juggle life and work?

It can be difficult to switch off as our studios are at our home and have been there for 20 years.

Abbeygate Street, Bath; www.thecolombiancompany.com

Abbey Green, Bath; wallerandwood.co.uk

WALLER&WOOD

NOT JUST PETS

Gary Wood began working with his partner Carole Waller as it was the only way he could persude her to have dinner with him

PHOTO BY DAVID SHOUKRY

Partners Carole Waller and Gary Wood are both artists who have sold their work at the likes of Liberty London, and Bergdorf Goodman in New York How did you meet?

At The Bell Inn, Bath; we’ve been together since 1994.

Janine and Michael Tozer have been married since 1985 How did meeting each other change your lives?

Before meeting Mike, I was about to go and teach English in Greece.

I decided not to go after meeting him. Months later, I won a car in a raffle, and this meant that we could put down a deposit for a house. Mike adopted my daughter in 1987, and that year we had a son together.

Tell us the proposal story…

As it was a leap year, I proposed to Mike. I left a rose for him at work with the message ‘marry me?’.

Why did you decide to go into business together?

Mike was fed up in his role as a deputy head teacher. I was working for a chap who owned pet shops. He decided he wanted to sell the Bath shop, so we bought it. We bought another one in Larkhall and a third in Frome.

Do you ever butt heads at work?

Our roles complement each other. Mike runs the Frome shop, then comes over to Bath (where I’m based) for the other half of the week.

How do you spend your days off?

We walk our dog up Widcombe Hill and look down on the city. And we love the Little Theatre Cinema and Raphael Restaurant.

St James’ Parade, Bath; www.notjustpets.co.uk

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

COUPLES AT W O R K RIPPLES

SWOON GELATO

Why did you start working together?

After spending most of his career hairdressing, Michel was looking for a change. At the time, I was working for Ripples and we were offered the opportunity of the pilot scheme, running the first franchise of Ripples in Bristol. We found premises in Bristol and opened the doors for trading in 1996. We took over as the owners of Ripples Bath in 2011.

Tell us about your business…

We make and sell artisan gelato and sorbetto made from fresh ingredients. We make fantastic gelato cakes, too, which can be personalised for special occasions. We have also developed a luxurious hot chocolate which we make from scratch for those colder days.

Married couple Kim and Michel Marcer own Ripples Bath and Ripples Bristol showrooms together How long have you been together?

It’s been 32 years.

How do you find working together as a couple?

It’s one of the best parts of the job – we love it! The secret is always finding something to smile about. In all these years, though, we have never got the work-life balance right, which is why when we have days off it’s important to make the most of them.

And what do you do on your days off?

We love The Bath Priory; it’s a place that is very special to both of us.

London Road, Bath; www.ripplesbathrooms.com

FLAMINGO

How do you find working together as a couple?

It works well as we don’t actually spend too much time together. I (Amanda) produce most of my work at home as I have a studio set up there. It’s more work than life at the moment, but we’re not complaining, as we love what we do.

Your favourite place in Bath to spend a day off?

We like walking to Alexandra Park to sit and look at the view of Bath.

Flamingo’s owners say working together works because they don’t spend too much time together

How do you find working together as a couple?

We get on well together – most of the time. I am in charge of the operational side, and Ana is involved with events and recruitment.

What are your secrets to working together?

Once a week, we try to get away and have a night out together – no work, no family, just the two of us together.

I WEAR THE TROUSERS (THAT MY WIFE PICKS FOR ME)

Husband and wife Simon and Amanda Brown, who have been together for 25 years, own an art, card, and gift shop which offers design-led, unique work – the majority of which is Bath-themed Why did you set up in business together?

A few years ago, Simon sold his business (The Turtle Mat Company) and was looking for something else to do. We’d also been thinking about how to sell my artwork. So, with Simon’s sales background and my design background, we opened Flamingo in 2015.

Widcombe Parade, Bath; www.flamingobath.co.uk

Husband and wife Bruno Forte and Ana-Maria Forte are both directors at their authentic gelato parlour How did you meet?

Ana came to work in my parents’ restaurant, where I was the manager. It was love at first sight. We’ve now been together nearly 14 years.

The ideal spot at which to while away a day off?

Bath is a very romantic city. The first time we visited, we wandered around the Royal Crescent talking about having a business here one day.

Kingsmead Square, Bath; www.swoononaspoon.co.uk

HENNY & JOE’S

Ashley Bailey and Lottie Heynen, who are engaged, use traditional methods to make chai syrups, which they supply to over 500 stockists How long have you been together?

Five years. I used to work for Jika Jika on George Street, Bath, and a friend of mine worked at the other end of the road in Chandos Deli. He said there was a girl that came into Chandos every day and she would be right up my street. He was right. So, naturally, I left my job and took any position I could get at Chandos. Every time she came in I had butterflies but didn’t know what to say. A few weeks passed and she got tired of waiting around, so she asked me out.

Tell us about the proposal…

Every January, we stay at Rick Stein’s in Padstow to recharge our batteries. Before our trip, I took a video of myself asking my two boys (children from a previous relationship) whether they would want us to get married. I showed Lottie the video on the beach and, when she looked up, I was on one knee, ring-box in hand.

How did you get into business together?

I started the business, but it was small when Lottie and I first met. We could count our stockists on one hand. We both had day jobs and it was something we were doing on the side. It was only when we won an award that we started taking things seriously.

Do you have any rules?

We’ve got a ‘no talking about work while the kids are still awake’ rule.

PHOTO BY BONNIE ROSE

Brassmill Lane, Bath; www.hennyandjoes.co.uk

LEATHER CHAIRS OF BATH

Sara and Nick Loxton, who are married, run a traditional, British workshop making classic leather chairs, exporting them all over the world How did you first meet?

At Moles nightclub in 1986. Nick had dropped off to sleep having taken part in the I Ran the World charity event that day! That was my first weekend in Bath having decided to move here from London. w www.mediaclash.co.uk I BATH LIFE I 35

Quality ooring and carpets at competitive prices

Showroom in Chelsea Road, Bath info@interiorharmony.co.uk | 01225 483818 www.interiorharmony.co.uk

COUPLES AT W O R K

Where is an ideal place to spend your free time?

Little Solsbury Hill. When George was living in Larkhall, we often used to go up there in the evenings with a bottle of wine and a couple of glasses and just look out over Bath and enjoy the peace and tranquility.

Leather Chairs of Bath’s owners met at Moles nightclub in 1986

Southwick, Wiltshire; www.defossard.co.uk

THE SCALLOP SHELL

Garry and Lisa Rosser, who are married, run a fish and chip restaurant where they serve up traditional favourites How did you meet?

We used to live next door to each other when we were younger and we went to the same school. We met back up when we were 16.

When did you start working together?

One month after we met! We both knew we wanted to be self-employed.

We had nothing, other than our education and a huge amount of optimistic energy, so we had nothing to lose.

How do you find working together as a couple?

We are in control of our lives and our problems are shared. We often say that, after 31 years running our own business, we are now unemployable.

Do you give yourselves a break every now and then?

We always feel that no one can sell our furniture like we do, and we worry that we are losing sales if we’re not at work. I worked from my hospital bed the day after our son was born, which was really very stupid.

Your favourite place in Bath to spend a rare day off?

The Skyline Walk.

How did you end up in business together?

Our first business was the opportunity to open a seafood deli, and I asked Lisa to leave her job and come and help out; that was in 2008. She used to come in and make all the fishcakes, pâté and tarts.

LIFE IS SHORT, WORK DAYS ARE LONG, SO WORKING TOGETHER IS A NO-BRAINER

What about now?

I run the restaurant, and Lisa’s in charge of the financials and making sure the restaurant always looks its best.

What are your secrets to working well together?

We banter rather than argue; we’ve only had a few cross words in the last 10 years.

York Street, Bath; www.leatherchairs.co.uk

What are your other favourite local restaurants?

We love the Rudloe Arms in Corsham, for the food and to stay. They serve the sort of classic cuisine that’s really hard to find now.

THE GREEN BIRD CAFE

Claire and Henry Hunton’s independent business is nestled between the Royal Crescent and The Circus How did you meet?

It was in 2001 on the first night at Bath Spa University. We got married in the Chapel at Kingswood School (where I was working at the time).

Monmouth Place, Bath; www.thescallopshell.co.uk

Why did you start working together?

I (Claire) took five years out of work to have our two children, and Henry was looking for a change after working for the same company for 12 years, so it seemed like the right time. We opened the café in 2015.

How do you find working together as a couple?

We are best friends, so why wouldn’t we want to spend as much time together as possible? Life is short and work days are long, so it seemed like a no-brainer.

Do you have any rules?

We try not to talk shop while the children are around, but they are as proud of it as we are (our son took our Bath Life Award to school!).

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

DE FOSSARD

Married couple George and Cornelia de Fossard are clock-makers who use centuries-old techniques to create new timepieces Tell us about you as a couple…

We met at college. George was studying antique clocks, and I was studying antique furniture. After emigrating to Canada in 2009, George secretly handcrafted a ring and proposed on Christmas Day. We got married in 2010 in my home country of Germany.

PHOTO BY @LXRSHOTS

PHOTO BY DAVID SHOUKRY

When did you start working together?

In 2011, after I came back to work following maternity leave. In 2005, George had taken over the family clock-restoration business and set up a workshop in Bath. After working for a number of years as a restorer in London, I too was up for a new challenge, so the decision seemed natural.

Ashley Bailey and Lottie Heynen could count their stockists on one hand when they first started Henny & Joe’s. Now they have over 500

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

©THE TRUSTEES OF THE BRITISH MUSEUM

Music/theatre/film/more

HAPPY LUNAR NEW YEAR

This sweet little Chinese boy clutching a mask for a lion dance is actually a netsuke, an intricate Japanese accessory worn by men during the Edo period, 1615 – 1868. These miniature sculptures were primarily functional, helping to secure items in clothing, but evolved into an art form.

In this Lunar New Year, also known as Chinese New Year, the Dressed to Impress exhibition of netsuke is just one of the attractions at the Museum of East Asian Art (MEAA), Bath.

2018 is the Year of the Dog, with the MEAA’s main celebration taking place on 18 February; expect storytelling, activities and museum trails from 12pm – 4.30pm.

“Lunar New Year is the most important holiday of the year for the Chinese and some of the East and South-East Asian countries,” says Rachel Yi Yuan, the MEAA’s communications and events manager, with Chinese New Year on 16 February.

“Traditionally it is celebrated with family and the community through activities including deep-cleans, decorating houses with traditional papercuts, feasting, and setting off firecrackers to bring in the new year with a bang,” says Rachel.

Dressed to Impress runs until 22 April.

For more: www.meaa.org.uk

www.mediaclash.co.uk I BATH LIFE I 39

3 February – 3 March

Get in the spirit with whisky-tasting at Topping; There are So Many Reasons to go to The Ustinov; hot-steppers Vincent Simone and Flavia Cacace get all Tango Moderno

Exhibitions U N TI L 2 5 F E B RUARY

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

U N TI L 1 4 MA RC H

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

UNTIL 19 AP R IL U N TI L 1 4 MA RC H

U N TI L 2 8 F E B RUARY

HEART’S DESIRE Original contemporary paintings and limited-edition giclée prints with an emphasis on heartfelt colours and emotions, with Indian inks and acrylics used to striking effect.

Emma Rose Art Works; www.emmaroseartworks.com

the less obvious ‘entertainments’ in the city, from gambling and prostitution to learned societies and fashionable chapels. The story is brought up-to-date with pop concerts at the Pavilion and Victoria Park, festivals and WOMAD. Victoria Art Gallery; www.victoriagal.org.uk

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

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

THE LANDSCAPE COLLECTIVE Exciting exhibition from a group of UK-based landscape photographers, including a recent winner of the Landscape Photographer of the Year. 8am-8pm; Central Gallery, Royal United Hospital, Bath; www.artatruh.org

UNTIL 22 AP RI L

DRESSED TO IMPRESS: NETSUKE AND JAPANESE 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; see page 39 for more.

The exhibition features a selection of netsuke, chosen from over 2,300 in the British Museum’s collection, with more pieces added from MEAA’s collection to show the range and beauty of these objects.

Various times and prices; Museum of East Asian Art; www.meaa.org.uk

3 F E B RUARY

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

Plays/Shows 3 F E B RUARY

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 3 F E B RUARY

TANGO MODERNO Watch former Strictly superstars Vincent Simone and Flavia Cacace in this intoxicating production, pulsating with energy and colour – and some of the best footwork in the business. Various times and prices; Theatre Royal Bath; www.theatreroyal.org.uk 5 F E B RUARY

SO MANY REASONS This soulful play explores the influence our mothers have on the way we understand the world from a British Ghanaian woman’s viewpoint, and wonders what happens when we realise mums don’t always know best. 8pm; £15/£12; The Ustinov; www.theatreroyal.org.uk 6 – 1 1 F E B RUAR Y

SWAN LAKE AND THE NUTCRACKER An opulent performance from Saint Petersburg Classic Ballet, complemented by a full orchestra and outstanding soloists. Various times and prices; Theatre Royal Bath; www.theatreroyal.org.uk 8 – 9 F E B RUARY

HEADS UP Multi award-winning Kieran Hurley writes and performs the tale of a familiar city at its

Paradise lost in Crimes Under The Sun

moment of destruction.

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

Various times and prices; The Ustinov; www.theatreroyal.org.uk

1 2 – 1 7 FE BRUAR Y

16 F EBR UAR Y

Theatre Royal Bath; www.theatreroyal.org.uk 28 F EB RUARY – 3 M ARCH

THE PLAY THAT GOES WRONG Bungling thespians are putting on a 1920s murder mystery, with accident-prone actors all struggling to get through until the final curtain in this hilarious comedy. Various times and prices; Theatre Royal Bath; www.theatreroyal.org.uk 1 3 – 1 7 FE BRUAR Y

HIS DARK MATERIALS PARTS 1 & 2 A lavish two-part stage adaptation of Philip Pullman’s award-winning fantasy trilogy Northern Lights, The Subtle Knife and The Amber Spyglass, from the teenage actors of Next Stage Youth. £12.50/£10.50; various times; The Mission Theatre; www.missiontheatre.co.uk.

I’M ABOUT TO LOSE CONTROL AND I THINK JOE LYCETT Pop in and see Joe Lycett on his brand new stand-up tour, where he’ll be sharing jokes, paintings and some of the pathetic internet trolling he’s been up to recently. As seen on 8 Out Of 10 Cats Does Countdown, QI and The Royal Variety Performance.

8pm; £20; Komedia; www.komedia.co.uk 20 – 24 F EBR UAR Y

MY FAIR LADY Wouldn’t It Be Loverly to watch this musical, based on George Bernard Shaw’s Pygmalion, from the critically–acclaimed Bath Operatic and Dramatic Society. £15–£33; Theatre Royal Bath; www.theatreroyal.org.uk.

CRIMES UNDER THE SUN A secluded island hotel becomes a crime scene when a scandalinducing femme fatale is felled.

All the guests are suspects – but are they alone?

Music 10 F EB RUARY

SARAH MCQUAID Born in Madrid, raised in Chicago and living in Cornwall, this singer’s voice has been likened to malt whisky and melted chocolate, so naturally we’re all ears.

8pm; £15/£12; The Ustinov; www.theatreroyal.org.uk 22 – 24 F EB RUARY

27 F EBR UAR Y – 3 MAR C H 1 3 – 2 4 FE BRUAR Y

WINTER SOLSTICE Family betrayal and the inescapable presence of the past reverberate through this razorsharp comedy about the rise of the new right from an acclaimed German playwright.

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

THE IMPORTANCE OF BEING EARNEST A witty, deliciously decadent comedy from Oscar Wilde in this town and country tale of perambulators, handbags and love. Various times and prices;

BATH BACHFEST A three-day mini fest to celebrate the music of JS Bach and his contemporaries, in this annual celebration of all things baroque.

Various times, prices and venues; www.bathbachfest.co.uk w www.mediaclash.co.uk I BATH LIFE I 41

ARTS

W H AT ’ S O N

Family U N TI L 1 1 F E B RUARY

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 7 – 8 F E B RUARY

AFRAID TO ASK An intrepid and intriguing production and the result of a collaboration with Bath College: what happens when you ask a young person what is happening – and actually listen to the answer?

Various times and prices; the egg; www.theatreroyal.org.uk 9 – 1 1 F E B RUARY

THE LITTLE MOCHI MAN A little cooked rice ball, Mochi Man, is tired of being bullied for his size (he was the last scrap in the pan) so runs away to seek his fortune in this tale of origami puppetry, animation and specially-composed music.

Various times; £8.50/£7.50; the egg; www.theatreroyal.org.uk 10 F E B RUARY

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

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

2pm; Museum of East Asian Art; www.meaa.org.uk 11 F E B RUARY

BIG DAY IN: WINTER FUN A fabulous, mini fest of storytelling, creative arts and crazy pop-ups including the Stollercoaster, a roll-in, roll-out IQ-raising facility to mesmerise babies.

10.30am-3pm; the egg; www.theatreroyal.org.uk 15 – 1 8 F E B RUARY

LITTLE RED AND THE BIG BAD WOLF A bold and highly theatrical re-telling of the well-known classic packed with music, dance and song – all exploring the thrill of adventure and the unknown, versus safety and familiarity.

It’s game on for Amy Conway at the egg

Various times; £8.50/£7.50; the egg; www.theatreroyal.org.uk 1 7 FE BRUA RY

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.

10am; various prices; The Edge, University of Bath; www.edgearts.org 2 1 – 2 5 FE BRUAR Y

THE POLAR BEARS GO UP The polar bears are moving up in the world but they’ve lost their balloon and need to get it back. So, naturally, there’s lots and lots of tree-climbing, jumping on clouds and reaching for the stars in this cute tale.

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

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

26 – 27 F EBR UAR Y

AMY CONWAY’S SUPER AWESOME WORLD Join Amy on an interactive theatrical video game adventure and battle the minions of fear, loneliness and despair using collective powers of connection and resilience. For ages 12+.

Various times; £8.50/£7.50; the egg; www.theatreroyal.org.uk 2 – 4 MAR C H

A TIGER’S TALE A ramshackle travelling troupe tells the true story of a family of acrobats and their adopted tiger cub, inspired by the book Tiger on a String, with circus skills, puppetry, live music and song.

Various times and prices; £8.50/£7.50; the egg; www.theatreroyal.org.uk

Other

the Oscar-nominated The Remains of the Day was filmed.

2pm; £5; Dyrham Park; www.nationaltrust.org.uk 4 – 5 F EB RUARY

WRITERS’ RETREAT Join award-winning author Lucy Christopher for a weekend designed to recharge your creative batteries, with a threehour workshop and personal chats to help hone your work. £235; Combe Grove Hotel; www.combegrove.com 5 F EBR UARY

LOVE, ART & TRAGEDY: CLOSE ENCOUNTERS Join lecturer Catherine Wallace for her talk on a Cornish colony, home to a wide variety of artists including Samuel John Birch, in this Arts Society Bath event.

7.15pm; £8; BRLSI; www.batheveningarts.co.uk

4 F EBR UAR Y

WINTER TREE ID WALKS Join an expert to identify different trees in this famous and beautiful deer park, where

6 F EBR UARY

KIERKEGAARD’S PHILOSOPHY OF ANXIETY w Allison Assiter, professor

IFORD ARTS 2018 OPERA | PROMS CONCERTS PICNICS

CANDIDE*

MAY 26 I 29 I 30 I JUNE 1 I 2 I 5

PARTENOPE

JUNE 23 I 26 I 28 I 30 | JULY 3 I 4

MADAME BUTTERFLY JULY 21 I 24 I 26 I 28 I 31| AUG 2 I 4

THE PETO PROM

SATURDAY 9TH JUNE HEIDI VOGEL, JAMES TAYLOR QUARTET

MIDSUMMER PROM

FRIDAY 6TH JULY MICHELLE JOHN, THE GIN TRAP HOUSE BAND

FINAL FLING PROM

SATURDAY 7TH JULY MARCO MARCONI TRIO, MISS KIDDY AND THE CADS

YOUNG SINGERS GALA CONCERT POPULAR OPERATIC ARIAS AND ENSEMBLES

SUNDAY 3RD JUNE

2 5 T H A N N I V E R S A R Y F E S T I VA L S E A S O N 26 May – 4 August 2018 www.ifordarts.org.uk Box Office (Theatre Royal Bath) 01225 44 88 44

* Music by LEONARD BERNSTEIN. Book adapted from Voltaire

by HUGH WHEELER. Lyrics by RICHARD WILBUR. New version by JOHN CAIRD (The 1999 Royal National Theatre version). With additional lyrics by Stephen Sondheim, John Latouche, Lillian Hellman, Dorothy Parker and Leonard Bernstein.

Performed by arrangement with Music Theatre International (Europe) Limited.

ARTS

W H AT ’ S O N

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 your decision to attend this lecture really is.

7:30pm; £2/£4; BRLSI; www.brlsi.org.

7 F E B RUARY

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 7 F E B RUARY

JOAN OF ARC: LECTURE Part of the Minerva seasonal programme of lectures, with this event featuring professor Ronald Hutton from the University of Bristol.

5.15pm; lecture theatre, 8W1.1, University of Bath; www.bath.ac.uk 10 F E B RUARY – 2 9 MA RCH

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

Various times; Andrew Brownsword Galleries, The Edge, University of Bath; www.edgearts.org 18 F E B RUARY

HYGGE YOGA East slouches next to West in this marriage of Scandinavian and Indian relaxation techniques, capped off with a candlelit meditation session and a bowl of hot soup as you unwind and admire the superb view from the balcony. £62; Combe Grove Hotel; www.combegrove.com 20 F E B RUARY

MEET THE ARTIST: MICHAEL PETRY A rare opportunity to speak

A furry tale in The Polar Bears Go Up at the egg

to the renowned multimedia artist and art historian behind the In the Realm of the Gods exhibition, and delve into the mystic underpinnings of Bath.

7pm; £10; The Holburne Museum; www.holburne.org.

2 0 FE BRUA RY

ITALIAN LANGUAGE SUPPER CLUB Learn Italian in a fun and sociable way and, as the lessons take place in a deli, you’ll learn to order your supper quicker than you can say ‘prego’. Classes are taught by qualified teacher and deli owner Laura Doria, and the first lesson is half-price. Bellissimo! £20; 7.30pm-9pm; The Italian Food Hall; www.italianfoodhall.com 2 1 FE BRUA RY

PHENOMENAL WOMEN: LIV GARFIELD A series of talks celebrating high-profile businesswomen kicks off with Liv Garfield, head of Severn Trent Water, former head of BT Openreach, and one of only four female CEOs in the FTSE 100. 6pm; £15; The Gainsborough Bath Spa;

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

www.thegainsboroughbathspa. co.uk

University of Bath; www.bath.ac.uk

21 F EBR UAR Y

2 MAR C H

JAPANESE WHISKY-TASTING Award-winning author of The Way of Whisky, Dave Broom, leads a tasting from his beautiful in-depth journey around Japan’s whisky distilleries, unveiling the philosophy that lies behind a fascinating whisky culture.

7.30pm; £10-£40; Topping & Co; www.toppingbooks.co.uk 21 F EBR UAR Y

ART STORE TOURS Join a curator and explore the permanent collection housed in the art stores, in this free event.

Booking advised.

12pm; Victoria Art Gallery; www.victoriagal.org.uk 21 F EBR UAR Y

TRANSPORT IN THE LOW CARBON AGE As part of the Minerva seasonal programme of lectures, with this event featuring professor Jamie Turner from the University of Bristol.

5.15pm; lecture theatre, 8W1.1,

LUNAR NEW YEAR STORYTELLING FOR ADULTS As part of the Lunar New Year season of activities, storyteller Polly Tisdall presents the story of the dog – a fascinating version based on a traditional story from the Akha People in South-East Asia. Polly will also talk about her journey sourcing traditional tales from across the region, and says storytelling remains an important part of everyday village life.

7pm; £6; BRLSI; www.meaa.org.uk 3 MAR C H

JAPANESE SUMI: INK PAINTING ON FANS The hand fan was, and still is, part of traditional Japanese fashion. Be inspired by various exhibitions and design and paint your own paper fan, led by a Japanese sumi (ink) painting artist. 11am; £40/£35; MEAA; www.meaa.org.uk

High quality • Bespoke • Built to order Features include: Belfast sinks, cast iron exterior lights, Farrow and Ball painted panelling, fold away table and chairs, built in storage space, plug in cooking hobs and TV points, LPG gas boiler, fully functioning bathroom with walk-in shower.

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A DVE R TI SI NG FE ATURE EDU CATIO N

Strumming a tune during the Junior School’s ukulele music lesson

Pre-Prep pupils making dens during their weekly forest school lesson

DEVELOPING A JOY OF LEARNING KING EDWARD’S SCHOOL is inspiring a passion for knowledge, discovery and adventure

W

e aim to make learning irresistible, taking our children on a journey of discovery both in and out of the classroom. For the boys and girls in our Junior School and Pre-Prep and Nursery, this might involve them quizzing a NASA astronaut as they explore the solar system in a science lesson, or else finding themselves at the site of a famous battle as they re-enact scenes from the English Civil War, or even experiencing world music as they play the steel pans or Indonesian gamelan.

Described by a current parent as ‘a little piece of school heaven’ our Pre-Prep and Nursery offers an exciting and stimulating world in which to start school life. Personalised learning ensures that every child thrives and is provided with the extension and support they need. Weekly forest school lessons, trips, specialist teachers in music, art, French, design technology and PE, and engaging projects all help to enrich our broad and creative

curriculum. With school days full of magical discovery and excitement, our children play, make friends and explore the world together.

“EVERYTHING IS DIRECTED TOWARDS THE WELL-BEING OF PUPILS. NO WONDER THEY ENJOY THEIR EDUCATION AND DO SO WELL IN IT.”

around a lovely central library, not to mention the adventure playground, wildlife pond dipping area and meadow, our children flourish and grow as they take full advantage of all that KES has to offer.

King Edward’s Pre-Prep and Nursery offers both the Universal 15 hour and the Extended 30 hour (where eligible) funding for three- and four-year-olds.

– The Good Schools Guide Review ‘KES feels like a happy school’ noted The Good Schools Guide after its recent visit to our Junior School. With unrivalled facilities including specialist teaching rooms for art, design technology and music, and a state-of- the-art ICT suite and science laboratory, all housed

Junior School pupils getting hands-on in the Science Lab

North Road, Bath, BA2 6HU 01225 464313 admissions@kesbath.com www.kesbath.com

Pupils enjoying ‘imaginative play’ at the Pre-Prep

www.mediaclash.co.uk I BATH LIFE I 47

GCSE & A-Level

Revision Courses: Supporting Achievement

12th – 16th February 26th March – 13th April 28th May –1st June

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• Located in Wiltshire between Bath and Chippenham.

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For more information please contact Henry Pike on: 01225 334577 | revision@bathacademy.co.uk www.bathacademy.co.uk 27 Queen Square, Bath, BA1 2HX @BathAcademy

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EASTER REVISION = EXAM SUCCESS

Bath Tutorial College’s Easter Revision Courses at Bath Spa University specialise in helping students achieve their very best grades in A-level and GCSE exams

A

ll students need to achieve the best possible grades at GCSE and A-level and progress to their chosen university course.

To achieve these goals students need to be fully prepared for the exam room and attending an Easter revision course is the best way to ensure exam success in the summer.

Changes to the A-level system have brought everything down to one vital set of exams at the end of the course. These new and more challenging exams have come at a time when demand for places at many universities and courses is higher than ever.

For GCSE students, this summer brings the new grading system and worries about what it will all mean, so getting it right in the exam room is more important than ever.

Good GCSE grades are the gateway to the widest choice of subjects at A-level, and are also important for admission when it comes to university.

While schools do all they can to prepare pupils for exams, many students find themselves feeling they need more help.

At Bath Tutorial College, we aim to build on work completed at school and offer a course where we convert knowledge into exam success. We help our students develop and sharpen exam techniques so they understand how to get the most marks in the exam room – marks that all add up to top grades.

At Bath Tutorial College we build programmes of study that genuinely meet your needs. Students attending group-based study for a week or more join small groups – typically about five or six students – offering valuable interaction with tutors during a

An intensive course can spell exam success

“We will give you a clear view of what the exam room demands and set you on the path to greater success” teaching day with over six hours of contact time. A-level group-based courses last for a week per subject while GCSE students can take two subjects in one week. Students wanting individual tuition can attend for as little as a morning or afternoon for two or three hours in just one subject and can do this any time between now and the summer exams and in any subject.

Our setting is spectacular. Bath Spa University’s Newton Park campus, high on a hill above the city, is a place where our A-level and GCSE students, day and residential alike, can savour the inspirational environment waiting for them in their own future – once these tricky school-age exams are negotiated successfully Bath Tutorial College courses are designed to address student concerns and cement

knowledge, to boost confidence and improve grades. We will give you a clear view of what the exam room demands and set you on the path to greater success.

To find out more, please contact us or visit the website.

Andy Thompson MA (Cantab), Academic director, Bath Tutorial College 01225 313076 info@bathtutorialcollege.co.uk www.bathtutorialcollege.co.uk

www.mediaclash.co.uk I BATH LIFE I 49

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BOOKS

A MODERN-DAY FRANKENSTEIN’S MONSTER IS CREATED, AN INDESTRUCTIBLE “WHATSISNAME”

WAR OF WORDS

The theme of war is one of the most extensively studied of all literary subject matters. Here, NIC BOTTOMLEY explores some of his favourite novels in the genre

W

ar. What is it good for?

Absolutely nothing.

Although, saying that, one peculiar by-product of war is some truly incredible literature. The theme of war – and its impact on the citizens of the countries involved – is one of the most widely explored of all literary subject matters. And the depressing endless supply of conflicts around our troubled world mean that there has been no let-up in the genre, as writers continue to shine a light on the human impact of the world’s conflicts with their insightful novels.

Forty years on from the coup d’état in Argentina that saw the dawn of a dark period of oppressive regime control, novelist Caroline Brothers has explored those events in her novel The Memory of Stones (Bloomsbury, £8.99). The novel begins in 1976 and focuses on a tight-knit family who are already anticipating the coup (it wouldn’t be the first) without being overly fearful.

Indeed, when the military junta does take over and ends the rule of Isobel Peron, the novel depicts a regime-change with modest fanfare and limited bloodshed.

Tensions rise, however, when the postcoup repression rears its head and enemies of the new regime and ordinary folk who could be perceived as being dissenters, begin vanishing. When Osvaldo Ferrero,

the family’s father, realises he is at risk due to his involvement with some recently published satirical cartoons, he flees to Paris, and so begins a sudden disintegration of a previously harmonious family.

Next to disappear is the fiancé of Osvaldo’s daughter Graciela, and, soon after, Graciela herself heads into hiding as Buenos Aires becomes a fearsome place devoid of trust.

Left alone, Osvaldo’s wife, Yolanda, struggles to retain contact with her exiled husband, who himself is wracked with guilt and frustration at being absent in his family’s time of need, and to piece together the truth about her daughter’s whereabouts. Brothers expertly depicts a family rendered helpless by a quick-brewing climate of fear and paranoia in this fast-paced and emotional novel.

War and Turpentine, by Flemish poet Stefan Hertmans (Vintage, £8.99), skirts the boundaries of fiction and memoir as the author combines his own memories of his grandfather as an old man with an earlier narrative based on his grandfather’s diaries. The overall effect is a homage to a man whose propriety and formality in later years was very obviously rooted in the sense of duty and strong family values that he learned from his strong and earnest parents.

The novel begins with the author recalling his grandfather, Urbain, with great affection.

Upon Urbain’s death, our narrator receives

ARTS

his copious diaries and begins piecing together his earlier life. First we hear of Urbain’s childhood and the extraordinary relationship he had with his parents: his strong mother from a well-to-do family who fell in love with his penniless and poorly father – a painter specialising in church frescoes. Urbain himself develops a lifelong passion for art from his father – helping prepare the “turpentine” of the title as a young boy.

The war element appears when the welleducated Urbain is enlisted as an officer to fight in the trenches of World War One. Here we leave the third-person storytelling behind and move into gut-wrenching first person narrative of Urbain’s wartime diaries. To this artistic, sensitive man, the brutality of war was difficult to comprehend, and these pages show the experiences of a tremendously loyal and brave man struggling but somehow coping in the horrendous undignified theatre of war.

Frankenstein in Baghdad, by Ahmed Saadawi (Oneworld, £12.99) is a very different novel of war from an Iraqi author, whose tale won the 2014 International Prize for Arabic Fiction. This wartime sci-fi homage takes place in American-occupied Baghdad. The setting is a microcosm populated by many different opposing factions – militia, old government forces, foreign occupiers – and among them all marauds a scavenger and junk dealer who has formulated a dark plan. Aghast at the proliferation of body parts on the bombed-out streets, Hadi sets out to piece them randomly together to give these victims an identity that might be properly buried or memorialised instead of left forgotten and unidentified.

And so a modern-day Frankenstein’s monster is created, an indestructible ‘whatsisname’ who, true to his literary forefather, soon springs to life and sets out to take uncontrollable revenge on behalf of the victims of the bombings. Frankenstein in Baghdad is an intriguing and inventive appropriation of a classic tale which underlines the endless possibilities for novels of war.

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 53

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

R E S TA U R A N T

FOOD

The Methuen Arms An inn with rooms in the quaint village of Corsham has reopened after an extensive transformation, offering a stylish country escape with creative, whimsical foodie credentials

By L I SA E VA NS

L

ike the food, the décor at the handsome, newly renovated Methuen Arms – the latest opening from Butcombe Brewery – is anything but simple. Look one way and there’s exposed brickwork, age-old timber beams, Georgian windows, and traditional tapestries in muted tones, look the other, and you’re faced with an entire wall of modern, flamboyant artworks featuring bold pink flamingos and birds of every colour, plus velvet sofas in joyful shades of emerald and jade. It’s a country gem steeped in history, but it certainly has a kick of the contemporary.

When it comes to the fare, there is a considered complexity in every forkful. The man leading the kitchen – Leigh Evans, formerly of Combe Grove Manor, The Chequers and The Royal Crescent Hotel in Bath – can cook, there’s no doubt about that. Leigh – who reached the quarter finals of BBC’s MasterChef: The Professionals in 2008 – makes everything on site from scratch where possible, whether it’s for a simple pub snack or a more indulgent evening meal.

Firmly renowned for its foodie credentials, The Methuen Arms created a new menu to sit alongside the refurbished restaurant, and it’s quite the showstopper. Even the side dishes – such as the kale, ham hock and caraway, and the chillibuttered, toasted almond-topped tenderstem – are exciting. And that’s not to mention the dessert, which is like something from a children’s book – but more on that later.

While we mull over our menu decisions, a board of warm, chunky-cut sage and red onion bread is delivered to the table with accompanying marinated olives and pork crackling butter. Good start.

I begin with a soft, runny-in-the middle duck egg with sage gnocchi and leeks on a celeriac purée that has been worked to a luscious smoothness. The golden dumplings are probably the best I’ve ever tried – they’re smooth rather than sticky, and give a comforting carby embrace on this cold night – and the verdant flourishes are ones which even vegetable-loathers would want to shovel down. The kale and sage leaves are salty and snappably crisp after frying, and the leeks have charred edges, giving them a savouriness and an unusual textural dimension.

My comrade, although enticed by the crispy goose with plum and pancetta, goes for the braised brisket with

THE DESSERT IS LIKE

SOMETHING FROM A CHILDREN’S BOOK

parsley and piccalilli, which work in head-turning alchemy together. The richly flavoured meat arrives packaged inside a crisp pastry-like wrap atop a piquant green swirl, and is decorated with sunshine-yellow pickles and artful cucumber curls.

On the main menu, there are two distinct sections. One has refined options such as venison haunch with smoked garlic dauphinoise and blackberries, or partridge with duck-fat chips and bacon and tarragon jus; and the other has pub favourites, including bacon cheeseburgers, beerbattered haddock with chips, and pie and mash. My dining partner opts for the latter – a turkey, ham and chestnut suet pudding served with creamy mashed potato, sticky parsnips and rich gravy.

For me, it’s a curry that has an appreciation of the importance of texture. Unlike a standard curry – which is a medley of ingredients swimming in a sauce – this intriguing dish comes to the table laid out in a meatand-two-veg style (only there’s no meat, as this is a vegan option). There’s a course stack of crushed Bombay potatoes, cubes of tofu and butternut squash, and jazzed-up greens – including saag, fresh, sweet sprouts which are halved and charred on the flat sides, and purple kale florets – and it’s crowned with an onion bhaji and sprinkled with fat raisins. The not-too-spicy curry sauce comes separately in a jug, so you can add as much or as little as you like.

I want the apple and blackberry crumble with brandy custard and clotted cream ice cream for pudding, but it’s only served as a ‘for two’ option, and my dining partner is being selfish, so, instead we both have the toffee apple cheesecake. It’s a fairytale on a plate, and it’s a dish you want to applaud for its imaginativeness before destroying it. The whipped white chocolate cheesecake is entirely enrobed in a chocolately coating, and a ‘stalk’ emerges from the top so that it resembles a toffee apple. It’s encircled by a moat of crumbly biscuit, and embellished with bright green spheres of eye-widening granny smith sharpness, wobbly cubes of red jelly, and mixed spice ice cream. The standout accompaniments, though, are the apple beignets (cinnamon sugar-coated puffed doughnut).

This is a restaurant where you can either enjoy grown-up creations (with a dash of whimsy) or you can keep it a laid-back affair with hearty pub grub. We can thoroughly recommend this distinctly stylish escape to the country – nestled beside the beautiful grounds of Corsham Court – which successfully marries comfort with opulence.

And, bonus, if you find yourself too stuffed to move afterwards, you’ll be glad that The Methuen is an inn with cosy rooms in which to sleep off all the indulgence.

DINING DETAILS The Methuen Arms, 2 High Street, Corsham, Wiltshire, SN13 0HB; 01249 717060; www.themethuenarms.com Prices Starters £7.50 – £12; mains £7.50 – £26; desserts £6 – £15 Drinks The staff are very helpful when it comes to recommending wines to accompany individual dishes Service/atmosphere Utterly attentive and traditional with a modern twist

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

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 Delicious fine dining overlooking the hotel's award-winning gardens CIRCUS RESTAURANT 34 Brock Street, Bath; 01225 466020; www.thecircusrestaurant.co.uk Voted number four in the UK in The Times's “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, plus a beautiful terrace 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 56 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 Canalside 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 a 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 delicious 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 Authentic Spanish Tapas plus an outside terrace

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-starred fine dining at the renowned Park restaurant, and more informal dining at the stylish contemporary brasserie at this five 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 Lovingly refurbished gastropub from awardwinning 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 57

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 ?

STACKS APPEAL

Will these chocs see the end of your health kick?

The Ivy Bath Brasserie has created two mouthwatering options just for Pancake Day. On 13 February, the restaurant on Milsom Street, Bath, will have classic buttermilk pancakes, £7.95 with lemon, sugar, Greek yoghurt and lemon balm, and hot buttermilk pancakes, £8.95, with strawberries, raspberries, blackberries, Greek yoghurt, lemon balm and a warming strawberry sauce, on the menu.

For more: www.theivybathbrasserie.com

These pancakes look flipping amazing

CHOCS AWAY If you’ve ever been tempted to make truffles or dreamed about making ganache, then a new course in Bath will tick all the (chocolate) boxes.

Seven Hills Chocolate has courses on 25 February and 25 March, and will also show foodies how to make caramel, as well as some tempting vegan options.

“We use high-quality chocolates, predominantly from South America and Madagascar, which have distinctive,

rounded and long-lasting flavours,” says owner Nick Shearn.

“Customers increasingly like to try different flavours and we regularly make small batches of different experimental ganaches.”

The workshops take place at The Thoughtful Bread Company and cost £125. They start at 9.30am and lunch is included.

For more: www.sevenhillschocolate.co.uk

DATE FOR YOUR DIARY

Yannick Loué ‘nose’ what he likes

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

Santé! French wine bar Le Vignoble opens in Bath on 24 March, with customers able to kick back and relax with an extensive list to choose from, or buy bottles to enjoy at home.

And there will be French tapas to sample at the chic Milsom Place bar.

“Having run our Plymouth outlet since 2012, we are very excited to bring our unique wine business to Bath,” says owner Yannick Loué.

“Our range of over 300 carefully selected wines will be available to drink in or takeaway by the bottle, alongside 32 by the glass from our self-service wine machines to drink on site.

“We like to provide wines with a good balance between quality and price, focusing on small producers and unusual varieties – all of which go perfectly with our continental tapas platters and small plates.”

Le Vignoble has already won a number of awards, including Best Independent Wine Merchant in 2016 and Top Merchant of the Year in 2014 from Harper’s Magazine.

Wines by the glass change frequently, with the list depending on the season and the availability of new wines.

For more: www.levignoble.co.uk

Fresh Italian Products • Filled Ciabattas & Paninis Freshly Ground Coffee • Fresh Italian Deli and Produce Customer Orders Welcome

Many Brands including Balocco, Levoni, Negrini, Pasta Di Casa Mia, Mulino Bianco, Barilla, De Cecco, Riscossa, Voiello 5 Cleveland Place East, London Road, Bath BA1 5DJ

01225 470194

Caffè Caruso INDEPENDENT ITALIAN RESTAURANT Lunch 12–2.30pm Dinner from 5pm Pre-theatre Monday – Friday 5–6.45pm 2 Courses £12.95

VALENTINE'S SPECIAL Aperitivo, 3 Course Dinner and a Romantic Movie £26.50 01225 426735 3 Trim Bridge, Bath BA1 1HD

www.caffecarusobath.co.uk

FOOD & DRINK

WINE

DRINK EXPERT

ROSÉ-TINTED

I WORK ON THE PINK WINE, PINK FOOD THEORY

Our wine columnist Angela Mount discusses all things pink and sparkly for Valentine’s Day

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here’s a huge amount of hype about Valentine’s Day, with real pressure to deliver on the day, be that cards, presents, or a bespoke dinner. Personally, I’ve always loathed Valentine’s night out in restaurants, with the clichéd red rose, glass of fizz and set menu, with awkward-looking couples who are often out for the sake of the occasion, and hardly speak across the table. In my mind, far better to personalise things and create a romantic haven at home, with gifts and a carefully prepared dinner, where time and consideration are the key. Light the fire, bring out the candles, set the table, dim the lights, switch on the soulful music, and the mood is immediately far more romantic, even if you do order takeaway.

So this year, why not engage your inner domestic god or goddess, and create a feast at home for your loved one? It will certainly show them how much you care, and it’s a great way of impressing your squeeze.

Smoked salmon, duck, strawberries and, inevitably, chocolate seem to be the order of the day in many cases – but for all of these, you need wine. It’s seductive and both charms and impresses.

Let’s start with fizz. While some will wish to impress with the grandest of champagnes, you don’t have to spend a small fortune; it’s about the two of you – the fizz is the supporting act. But at the risk of being stereotypical, it has to be pink. Taittinger Brut Prestige Rosé, NV (£45), in its sparkly, rose-hued gift-box, is always a good bet.

Sophisticated and super stylish, this wild strawberry and raspberry-scented fizz delivers a tiny stream of bubbles, and elegant, subtle flavours, with its creamy, delicate yet opulent character. Chill it down, and make sure your champagne flutes are crystal clear.

One tip – never wash wine glasses in too much washing up liquid – the residue will stay on the sides and kill the bubbles when you next use them. I would also recommend flutes rather than the old-fashioned champagnes coupes, created in the 18th century, by Marie Antoinette – apparently

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

to mirror the shape of her bosom! Flutes have a smaller surface area which will preserve the bubbles and deliver far more in terms of aroma and flavour.

Instead of champagne, why not support our ever-burgeoning English sparkling wine industry by picking a pink beauty from Hampshire: Hattingley Valley Rosé, 2014 (£34.50), an award-winning fizz, which is right up there, or even beyond many champagnes. Deliciously rich in taste, yet with a tremulous lightness of touch, it sparkles with verve and intensity, with a red berry and cream ripeness.

If you’re on a budget, there are options, too, and my tip would be to head straight to Cleto Chiarli Brut NV (£12.95) – a delightfully crisp and deliciously fruity sparkling wine from north east Italy, for an elegant, light, flirty style of fizz.

All of the above will work perfectly with a lovingly made starter for the night, however simple it is. I work on the pink wine, pink food theory, so all these pink sparklers would be ideal with smoked salmon, prawns, salmon sashimi or seared tuna. But if you don’t fancy fizz, for a fish or seafood starter or main course head straight to Château Sainte Marguerite, Cuvée Symphonie, 2016 (£19.95), which seduces simply with the sleek curves of its bottle shape. Ethereally pale peach in colour, it’s an award-winning Côtes de Provence rosé, from a top estate, and delivers beautiful scents and flavours of strawberry, peach, green apple and lemon balm. Supreme elegance in a bottle.

While I’m focussing on pink wines for this month, for those of you who fancy red on Valentine’s, keep it light, keep it soft, keep it velvety. My suggestion would be to head for the fabulously great value Carrick Unravelled Pinot Noir, 2016 (£15.95), with its smooth, raspberry, elegance – especially if you are having duck, or if steak is on the menu. And if a richer red is needed, why not head to Argentina, not for Malbec, but for the deliciously rounded and sumptuous Trapiche Estacion 1883 Bonarda, 2014 (£11.95). It’s gloriously rich, but a touch lighter and softer than Malbec – it’s the seductive siren to the Malbec male lead in an Argentine tango.

Onto a sweet finish. Strawberries are always a Valentine’s Day favourite, and pink fizz will work perfectly, but why not indulge in a little bit of sweetness with the refreshingly light and frothy Fontanafredda Moscato d’Asti Moncucco, 2016 (£9.95 for 50cl), which provides a riot of sweet yet refreshing grapey flavours, with scents of honeysuckle and rose, and it’s a modest fiveand-a-half per cent alcohol.

Finally, for chocolate – another given for Valentine’s – there are many rich dessert wines available, but impress your loved one with something a little different. Bertani Recioto Valpolicella, 2014 (£23 for 50cl) is a decadent, sweet red from northern Italy, packed with aromas and flavours of dark cherries, dried raisins, sweet cinnamon spice and dark chocolate. My final tip for a smooth, late-night drink would be the irresistible Mozart Chocolate Cream Original (£14.95), a blend of sensuously rich Belgian chocolate, vanilla from Madagascar, and cream.

Luscious. Tempting. Irresistible.

Valentine’s Day drinks sorted. Enjoy the moment.

All drinks featured are available at Great Western Wine, Wells Road, Bath. Angela Mount is a Bathbased wine writer, presenter and international judge who had her taste buds insured for £10million during her tenure as one of the country’s leading supermarket wine buyers. She works with wine producers, chefs and distributors.

For more, visit www.greatwesternwine.co.uk

Valentine's Day at the Macdonald Bath Spa Hotel Welcomed with a glass of champagne and Canapés, followed by a �ive-course dinner accompanied by a Jazz and Soul Band.

To book now call 01225 444 424 or email our Events team on: india.broad@macdonald-hotels.co.uk

M A C D O N A L D B AT H S PA H O T E L

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

CAFE KITCHEN Welcome to our special, awardwinning café - a great place to meet friends, hold events and to give back to your community.

The cafe provides young people with special needs a unique opportunity to gain work experience and training.

Open Monday to Friday 8am–4pm Saturday 8am–12pm Available for private hire: Please call Amelia on 01225 838070 or email amelia.hartley@threeways.co.uk Located @ 180 Frome Road, Odd Down, BA2 5RF

Fine dining at The Mint Room

ASIAN SENSATION These five Bath restaurants prove you can enjoy the exotic tastes of Asia without leaving the city

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

look back through the history of Bath is very revealing. Not only has there been an Asian community in the city for at least a century, but there’s evidence of many successful businesses too. This includes the earliest record of Chinese people living and working in Bath at the Kingsmead Street Chinese Laundry in 1916, according to research from the Museum of East Asian Art. So, here, we take a look at some of the countries in Asia which have not only shaped our city – but broadened our taste buds too.

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PEKING BATH

Bath’s oldest Chinese restaurant is Peking in Kingsmead Square. The family-run indie opened in 1985, with its owners originally from Hong Kong but happily at home living in our Georgian city. It’s an east meets west example of dining at its finest.

Its founder, known in Bath as simply Mr Wong, is now semi-retired but still keeps an eye on the 33-year-old business. “I would call ourselves a traditional English Chinese,” says his son Jun Yee. “We do simple things well and source our ingredients locally; our meat comes from Terry & Son, for example.

“Over time people have come into Bath

Oodles of noodles at Bonghy-Bo

and tried to aim for the Chinese student market, but I think we have stuck to what we do and it has been quite successful.

“The ingredients are known to English customers because when my dad opened, it was to cook for the English market – we do things that people know.” Dishes from £2.95. www.pekingrestaurantbath.co.uk

BONGHY-BO

Also priding itself on longevity is Bonghy-Bo at Barton Court, Upper Borough Walls, Bath, owned by Katharine Tang.

Katharine learned her culinary skills in Hong Kong, under the watchful eyes of her mother and grandmother – and other equally

TESTING, TESTING

Shredded beef Peking style

Fancy a curry in a hurry at Phat Yaks?

creative family members. She has now been in the business for 40 years, with Bonghy-Bo celebrating 30 years in 2017.

“Even though my ideas for dishes are based on my Hong Kong upbringing, I like to incorporate flavours from other areas of Asia,” says Katharine.

“We get our ingredients from Chinese supermarkets and I also use local suppliers to help the economy.”

The eatery’s most popular dishes are its signature special noodles and spare ribs – and meals have been enjoyed by many a famous face, including Mick Jagger and Van Morrison.

“Other names are Bob Mortimer, Kurt Russell and Goldie Hawn, Andrew Lincoln, Noel Edmonds to name but a few,” says Katherine of her veritable who’s who of famous diners. “Curt Smith of Tears for Fears has been coming here for years, when he is home from LA, and will be back when they play in Bath in May,” Dishes start from £3.95. www.bonghy-bo.co.uk

THE MINT ROOM

A famous name who packs a punch was tempted by the fine cuisine at The Mint Room, Longmead Gospel Hall, Lower Bristol Road, Bath. Mike Tyson rocked up, adding to its other famous diners from both Hollywood and Bollywood – including actor Jude Law. The business, founded in 2011, also thinks local – with produce supplied from Bartlett & Sons, Charles Saunders Ltd and Bath Bus Station Fruiterers.

“The Mint Room Bath opened in 2011 and has been going strong ever since,” says Moe Rahman, who, along with his brother Luthfer, owns the restaurant.

“There was never a fine dining restaurant

Home for Pranee is near the Mekong river, and she regularly travels back, gaining inspiration from a vibrant food scene.

“Foodwise, we’re always looking to develop our menu further; I’m eager to introduce some lovely fresh dishes inspired

by Thai vegetables, which tend to be forgotten in the modern world.

“I eat them and get transported straight back home.” Dishes start from £7. www.gigglingsquid.com Pranee brings a taste of her homeland to Giggling Squid

like this in Bath when we launched, and there still isn’t.

“It’s about having a contemporary, even innovative style, albeit couched in resolutely Indian recipes – made with quality British ingredients – that exceed customer expectations, with presentation that gives the wow factor.” Dishes from £6.95.

New at The Mint Room is a roof terrace offering cocktails and bar food. www.mintroom.co.uk

GIGGLING SQUID

New restaurant on the block, Giggling Squid, Bluecoat House, Saw Close, Bath, gets its flavours from co-founder Pranee Laurillard’s Thai heritage.

“My husband and I sat in the basement of a tiny, tiny fisherman’s cottage – now our Brighton restaurant – way back in 2002 and pulled together our first Thai Tapas menu,” says Pranee.

“Our idea was to cook simple, rustic, fresh Thai food. We wanted dishes that people could eat like they do at home.”

PHAT YAKS

“We make everything freshly ourselves, that includes grinding and blending our own spices,” says Sarah Gurung, co-owner of Nepalese eateries Phat Yaks and Yak Yeti Yak, at Kingsmead Square and Pierrepont Street, Bath, respectively.

“Just over half of our menu is vegan but we don’t cook specifically for vegans as we believe our food has to be good enough to be enjoyed by everyone, regardless of their dietary requirements,” says Sarah.

“Pakoras – crispy vegetable fritters in our special mixed batters – are our most popular dish at Phat Yaks. The kale ones are especially popular, but Curry in a Hurry comes a close second.” Dishes start from £5, and there are a couple of ingredients you won’t find on supermarket shelves.

“We use timur – a spice unique to Nepal, which we have to import ourselves,” says Sarah. “It’s similar to Szechuan pepper but not so astringent and it has a stronger citrusy aroma.

“We also use long pepper – an ancient Asian spice that grows on jungle vines and is notoriously difficult to harvest.” www.phatyaks.com www.mediaclash.co.uk I BATH LIFE I 63

the home of rice and noodles C H I N E S E R E S TA U R A N T

Classical Thai cuisine in a relaxed and friendly authentic Thai environment.

Family run and providing quality food and service since 1985 Bookings For Valentine’s and Chinese New Year now being taken 1-2 New Street, Kingsmead Square, Bath BA1 2AF Tel: 01225 466377 www.pekingrestaurantbath.co.uk a @PekingBath

f

pekingrestaurant

Opening Hours: Monday – Saturday 12 noon – 2.00pm and 6.00pm – 10.30pm | Closed Sundays.

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

Fortune Inn

Chinese Restaurant & Traditional Pub

Quality food • Great location • Free delivery

Our new website is now LIVE! Superior Chinese, Szechuan & Authentic Chinese Cuisine within a fully air conditioned restaurant near the heart of Wiltshire market town, Chippenham.

Function room available with capacity for up to 50 people

115 Sheldon Road, Chippenham, SN14 ODA 01249 661382

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

Noodle Bar Functions • Parties • Events 2-3 Barton Court, Upper Borough Walls, Bath BA1 1RZ

01225 462276 • www.bonghy-bo.co.uk

BATH LIFE DEPUTY EDITOR Bath Life, the premier magazine for Bath, is looking for an energetic deputy editor to join its editorial team. You’ll need to be a highly literate, supremely organised self-starter with a great visual eye and enthusiasm for all things Bath. Reporting directly to the editor, your duties will include: • Finding and writing up the hottest new stories in the arts, business, retail, food and drink sectors • Feature writing • Attending regular Bath Life events and parties across the city • Proof reading • Organising photography

You will need to be: • Proactive in finding timesensitive, exciting stories, news and events • Organised and efficient • A skilled networker • Someone with their finger on the pulse of what's happening in Bath

If you think you have the qualities and experience for this role, please send your CV to: lisa.evans@mediaclash.co.uk

www.mediaclash.co.uk

FOOD & DRINK

Opposite: Ben is happy with all things local; these eco vans are electric

SHOP ’TIL YOU FARMDROP

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en Pugh started Farmdrop because he was frustrated about the lack of affordable and convenient access to high-quality food from local producers.

“Digging a little deeper, I realised that the problem was perpetuated by the major supermarkets who source from great distances, waste unsold food, and give an unfairly low cut of sales back to the farmers,” says Ben. “This is the broken food chain that Farmdrop is trying to fix, and we are doing it by sourcing food from local producers, only harvesting what has already been purchased by customers, and giving the farmers an unprecedented share of the retail price.”

Ben has got the eco side of his business covered, too; not only are suppliers local – Bath Soft Cheese to name just one – but deliveries are from vans that run purely on electricity.

How do you source your food partners?

The majority of fresh produce on Farmdrop is sourced from within 100 miles, because we believe that food produced closer to home tends to be fresher, more seasonal and less carbon-intensive. Farmdrop currently works with 170 local producers in the South West, in addition to the 200 that supply our London customers. A great many of these are local

Meet the founder of the local, ethical grocery service that wants to change the way you shop (and the way you think about shopping) – and learn how you too can ‘click to harvest’

livestock farmers and vegetable growers.

What does ‘click to harvest’ mean?

At Farmdrop, we have created a farmedto-order supply chain – every item of food that passes through our hub will have been ordered by a customer. Our producers have access to their own online portal, where they can see live orders coming through and will use it to make a judgement about how much food to harvest or process on that day. This system drastically reduces food waste and ensures that our food is as fresh as possible.

What sets Farmdrop apart from other food box delivery schemes?

It offers much more convenience and flexibility than a box scheme – we deliver seven days a week and customers can choose for themselves what’s in their basket, just like any other online supermarket. But, unlike the supermarket, we prioritise local and sustainable producers and pay them properly.

How do prices compare?

On an average basket of like-for-like products, prices are similar to Ocado.

How fresh are the foods you deliver?

Farmdrop can move food from the farmer to the customer’s door in around 19 hours, which is around five times fresher than what

you would get in a supermarket. Our eggs, for example, will be no more than one or two days old when you receive them, and our fresh greens like spinach or kale will often have been freshly cut the day before.

Is there a minimum price?

There is no minimum for an order but if it is under £30 then we charge £3 to cover the delivery. If it is over £30 then we have a free six-hour delivery window, a threehour delivery window for £2, or a one-hour delivery window for £4.

Tell us about a few favourite suppliers Hobbs House Bakery is fantastic – I love their sourdough breads in the morning with fresh butter from Berkeley Farm in Wiltshire.

And the Severn Project grows some cracking fresh salads and does great work for the wider community.

What makes you special?

In a marketplace that is so often plagued by scandals and bad practices, particularly from the supermarkets, I think Farmdrop’s ability to stick to its core mission while innovating all the time, has been a win-win both for our customers and for the producers. www.farmdrop.com

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ad v e rtising f e at u r e d e n t i s t s

Optimal Gum Health Wide-ranging specialist care is available at bath dental clinic

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ath Dental Clinic aims to provide high quality personalised specialist dental care to our patients, in a supportive, calm and comfortable environment from dedicated and qualified staff.

They are delighted to offer specialist gum treatments in their state-of-the-art surgeries in central Bath.

Periodontist, Mr Hatem Algraffee (General Dental Council No: 72250), trained at Guy’s & St Thomas’ Dental Institute under the mentorship of Professor Richard Palmer. He is passionate about healthy gums, which leads to heathy teeth

“… healthy gums lead to healthy teeth and improved quality of Life”

and improved quality of life. Hatem accepts referrals for all aspects of periodontal diseases and he has developed a subspeciality interest in soft tissue regeneration, including root coverage and aesthetic periodontal procedures.

Mr Algraffee offers: • Treatment of bleeding gums (gingivitis) • Treatment of gum disease (periodontal disease) • Regeneration of bone loss around teeth • Gum disease treatment around implants (peri-implantitis) • Correction of uneven gum lines (crown lengthening) • Cosmetic gum grafts to correct gum shrinkage • Treatment of bad breath (halitosis) To arrange an initial consultation, please call 01225 333848 or visit bathdentalclinic.co.uk.

Hatem Algraffee BDS, MSc, M.Clin.Dent., MRD RCS, MFDS RCS

Bath Dental Clinic, Catharine Cottage, 21 Catharine Place, Bath 01225 333848; reception@ bathdentalclinic.co.uk www.bathdentalclinic.co.uk

Fashion/gifts/stores/more

REBEL YELL

The trouble with this job is that you come to writing a piece like this thinking serenely, “I’m not really a jewellery person,” only to exit the other side screaming “I must have that ring, I must have that ring, I must have that ring!” like a mad woman. These unconventional Nudo rings, created by Milanese atelier Pomellato and stocked in Mallory, are right up our gemstoned street.

Although the creators have looked to their 50 years of tradition for the skill and Italian craftsmanship needed to create these big, bold and beautiful rings, they have rebelled tired convention when it comes to design. The Nudo – naked – stones, sitting on thick bands, are exposed on all sides and are as modern as they are eye-catching.

Choose from Blue Topaz, Rose Gold, Lemon Quartz, Amethyst, Diamond or Brown Diamond.

Prices start from £1,240; www.mallory-jewellers.com

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

1

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WITH LOVE WHETHER YOU PLAN ON TREATING YOURSELF OR SENDING SOME HELPFUL HINTS TO YOUR SIGNIFICANT OTHER, HERE’S OUR HEARTFELT COLLECTION OF VALENTINE’S DAY GIFTS

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4

1. YOU’VE BEEN SERVED

2. HEART OF GLASS

3. MALLOW DRAMATIC

4. LOVE-PLATE

5. DOWN TO A FINE HEART

Authentic Italian gelato, from £1.99 After a romantic meal, you’ll need a luxurious dessert. Our choice is a tub of handmade-inWiltshire gelati – which comes in nine flavours From Lacock Dairy, Selves Farm, Forest Lane, Lacock; www.lacockdairy.co.uk

Dichroic heart pendant, £46.75 This pendant is available in 10 colours and has been handmade in Bath using a combination of dichroic glass and sterling silver From Bath Aqua Glass, 14 Cheap Street / 15 Abbey Churchyard, Bath; www.bathaquaglass.com

Marshmallow selection, £2.50 How can you improve the goodness of a marshmallow?

By dipping it in chocolate of course. Mix and match your toppings on eight pieces From The San Francisco Fudge Company, 6 Church Street, Abbey Green, Bath; www.sanfranciscofudge.co.uk

RELATIONSHIP

Heart dish, £24.50 Use this Parlane dish however you please – from candle-holding, to sweetserving – it’s even ovenproof, so you can use it to help make your Valentine’s feast From Hartley Farm Shop and Kitchen, Winsley, Bradford on Avon; www.hartley-farm.co.uk

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

Emma Bridgewater plate, £19.95 Spread the love at the dinner table and serve up a meal to impress on these heart-patterned plates From Rossiters of Bath, 38-41 Broad Street, Bath; www.rossitersofbath.com

ED’S CHOICE

SHOPPING

7 6

8

9 10

6. BLOOMING LOVELY

7. ON THE MAP

8.SEEING RED

9. WING IT

10. LET IT GLOW

Charme d’Eden set, £160 The elegance of the floral print satin, trimmed with delicate pearl lace, emphasises the joyful, confident femininity of the Charme d’Eden line From The Dressing Room, 7 Quiet Street, Bath; www. dressingroombath.com

Bespoke Bath graphic, from £10 They say a picture is worth a thousand words, well, this Bath-themed picture is made of words. Local artist Katie Leighton designed this graphic to celebrate all her favourite places to visit in the city From Lines and Designs Co, Bradford on Avon; available on www.etsy.com

Heart’s Desire artwork, £1,500 Created with gold, copper and silver leaf laid on top of Indian inks, acrylics and canvas, this artwork is an alchemy of crimson, magenta and deep purples From Emma Rose, 78 Walcot Street, Bath; www. emmaroseartworks.com

Roman winged heart ring, £182 This Sophie Harley hammered silver ring with gold-plated detail symbolises love, hope and liberation From Grace & Mabel, 7 Broad Street, Bath; www.graceandmabel. co.uk

Neon heart light, £50 Sculpted to reflect a bold shape, this light radiates a neon glow and will turn a corner of a room into a quirky, eye-catching space From Graham and Green, 92 Walcot Street, Bath; www.grahamandgreen. co.uk

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B e a u t y a d v e r t i s i n g f e at u r e

new year, new you

Is it time to refresh and restore your makeup bag? Carol Cooper of Bare Face Makeup can help you achieve your desired look

C

arol Cooper began her colourful designing career at Thames Television. Her first assignment was for A Voyage Round My father, John Mortimer’s homage to his father starring Sir Laurence Olivier, Alan Bates and Jane Asher.

Carol has undoubtedly picked up expert tips along the way. Carol explains: “My passion has always been makeup and having had a wonderful career as a designer in the film and TV industry, I am often asked what I would recommend.

“Over the years, I have used a variety of products on many different skin types and tones – I would love to share this knowledge with you and help you to discover what you can achieve. “We often feel overwhelmed when choosing makeup;

“we often feel overwhelmed when choosing makeup”

about Carol’s work as a designer on IMDB.

the selection can be rather daunting.” Let Carol help you choose the right products whilst expertly giving you the tools and tuition to create your perfect look, leaving you with the confidence to go solo!

Carol’s more recent design work includes diverse projects such as the third series of Broadchurch, The Musketeers, the BAFTAnominated Housewife, 49 (Carol also received a nomination for Best Make Up & Hair Design), BBC Two’s The Best of Men, starring Eddie Marsan, and Charlie Higson’s The Incredible Adventures of Professor Branestawm. You can find out more

Bareface Make Up tuition offers you: Refresh and Restore, one hour Breathes new life into your make up bag by talking through your desired look. You can then discuss the products and tools you need to do this.

Upfront and Personal, one hour 30 mins With Carol’s expertise and guidance, you’ll be shown the perfect way to apply your make up.

Practice and Perfect, 45 mins Here you have the option to follow up and practice your technique as well as discuss anything you’re not sure about.

Contact Carol to discuss prices 07831 504124 carol@barefacemakeup.co.uk

Photo by DERRYN VRANCH

Walcot Street has apparently been dubbed ‘Bath’s Artisan Quarter’ since Roman Times

Word on Walcot Street Walcot Street’s independent traders share their fascinating stories and legends of the artisan quarter – from a historic bear pit and a plague burial site, to spots where Spielberg’s War Horse props were made, and where Goldilocks was written

By L i sa E va ns

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

First, a little history…

The overwhelming consensus from business owners on Walcot Street, is that its bohemian atmosphere and independent businesses make the area unique. According to local journalist Richard Wyatt of Bath Newseum, the street has been dubbed ‘Bath’s Artisan Quarter’ since Roman Times, and – until the 19th century – was the main route into Bath.

“TR Hayes furniture store – at the London Road end of the street – has a mini museum of Roman artefacts unearthed from beneath a store extension,” says Richard. “At the other end, the Brutalist-inspired Hilton Hotel and multi-storey car park is the only part of a 1960s redevelopment proposal to be built. The complete scheme would have also seen a traffic tunnel dug from the centre of Walcot Street to New King Street.

“This is a road that has been home to pubs, market gardens, the largest brewery in the West of England, a tramway centre, a cattle and sheep market and even a home for wayward girls,” he adds. “Look out for fine 18th- and 19th-century shopfronts, St Swithin’s Church – where Jane Austen’s father is buried – the once gas-lit staircase up to The Paragon where young ladies enticed gentlemen to be robbed by their male accomplices, and even a double bike stand that spells ‘Walcot’ if you stand back and look.”

STREET LIFE

The Looking Glass of Bath has supplied mirrors to 10 Downing Street, a royal residence and several embassies. Pictured is sales manager Paul Robinson

DAYS GONE BY Take a look at what the shops on Walcot Street were once used for…

At Etons of Bath, Hayward & Wooster – a building company who ceased trading in 1970 – is etched into the stonework in their showroom.

THIS IS BATH’S NOTTING

Many moons before Harvest Natural Foods was there, the shop was already a greengrocers, where deliveries were made by a horse and cart backing into the shop – hence their large doors and ramp.

HILL

Farpoint’s current location was originally used as a bakery from around 1901. Then, in 1982, it was one of the first Mastershoe stores around. Farpoint now reside in what was the ‘sports shoe’ section.

The building in which Looking Glass of Bath is now based was originally a coach house and stables for one of the houses on The Paragon and is built into the Roman wall that runs along that part of Walcot Street.

If we were to describe Walcot Street to an outof-towner, we’d say it’s colourful, eclectic, and an epicentre for all things independent and unique.

Julija Atgalainyte, showroom manager at Avenida Home, agrees, adding that the discreet location makes it even more enticing. “It’s tucked away from the beaten path,” she says. “Visitors here have often put more effort in researching their travels. The quarter caters to all who are looking for something different; you can find everything from yarn to glassmaking workshops, from charity shops to exquisite homewares and delicious food.”

Tom Smallman, sales consultant at Farpoint Developments – an authorised Apple repair centre, which also sells Apple products and other premium brands such as Bose and Sonos – says the street is a respite from the hustle and bustle of the centre of town, and it allows you to take in the historic surroundings.

“It’s shadowed by the towering Paragon, a group of 250-year-old Georgian listed buildings,” says Tom. “There’s also such an eclectic mix of shops, selling everything from cheese to home furnishings.”

For Kate Vincent, marketing manager at Graham and Green, the area’s strong sense of community is one of the first things she noticed. “The collection of craftsmen, designers and shop owners all boast a strong spirit,” she says. “We work together to create unique events, build community spaces and to maintain Walcot’s quirky character.”

Ann-Marie James, buying director at Rossiters of Bath, agrees that the retailers are always coming up with innovative ways to promote the street. And the YMCA Bath’s marketing manager Trish Fairbeard considers it to be the best street in the city for its energy and friendliness, but adds that, in order to keep this street alive, they need more people to visit.

Because, so far, the street is almost untouched by large chain stores, Emma Rose, of Emma Rose Art Works, describes the area as a ‘small street with a big heart’. “Around 90 independent business all thriving and bouncing off each other makes for a lively vibe,” w

Towers of sweet indulgence at DidiCakes

Rossiters is made up of three buildings that were originally the homes of wealthy weaving families.

The shop’s homes and gardens department was originally occupied by a bed and carpet retailer called, coincidentally, Weaver & Son. The space in which Graham and Green is located was once home to the prestigious Red House Bakery; a Grade-II listed bake house, opened in 1903 by Alfred J Taylor. When renovating the space, the G&G team uncovered a pitched glass roof and many of the original bakery tiles.

In the late 1700s, the workshop of a silversmith named William Townsend was located where Avenida Home is based today. It seems that creativity is truly ingrained in the area.

PHOTO BY DERRYN VRANCH

PHOTO BY DERRYN VRANCH

WHAT MAKES IT SO SPECIAL?

www.mediaclash.co.uk I BATH LIFE I 77

STREET LIFE says the artist. “The camaraderie is delightful. Why go anywhere else when you have the world in a nutshell right here?”

“I live and work on Walcot Street, so I spend much of my time here,” says weaver Katherine Fraser who opened her first shop just three months after leaving university. “The individuality of the shops and eateries, and the people that run them, is what makes the place so special. There are very few streets that have such a diverse range of businesses with such great characters running them.”

The creator’s haven that is A Yarn Story

Walcot Street brings together a vibrant, eclectic collection of characterful independent shops

PHOTO BY DERRYN VRANCH

The area itself is packed with creative outdoor art, including a giant mural – created by a famous artist – and the Great Wall of Walcot, on which you’ll find caricatures of traders’ faces carved from stone, in honour of the various denizens.

“There are hidden statues along the wall below The Paragon that were made for some of the shops,” says Tom at Farpoint Developments. “If you look closely, you’ll see ours – a small apple with a bite out of it. There have also been numerous mural installations on the street, too – the current one is drawn by Stanley Donwood, who has designed every Radiohead album cover since 1995. The mural depicts a forest swathed in colour; this may look cheerful but it is the result of a nuclear explosion.”

Fringe Arts Bath is also based on the street (at the rear of the Bell Inn, where it’s been since 1992). The co-operative is responsible for a 17-day festival of arts – Bath Fringe – which involves music, theatre, visual arts and street performance.

“Bath Fringe first started in 1981 as the naughty little sister of Bath Festival – which was then seen as quite a stuffy affair,” says Wendy Matthews, co-artistic-director of Bath Fringe Festival. “Bath Fringe was instrumental in organising the legendary Walcot Nation Day festivals that ran for nine years from 1997 and took over the street for a day. There are now, during Bath Fringe, over 250 events that take place in around 45 venues and attract over 20,000 people.”

PHOTO BY DERRYN VRANCH

ARTS AND CREATIVE

There are plenty of galleries and art studios – including Gallery & Barrow, Nick Cudworth Gallery and Spilsbury Illustration – dotted in and around the area, which add to the inventive vibe, too.

“Walcot Street is the hub of Bath’s creative practices and aspirations,” says Simon Spilsbury of Spilsbury Illustration Limited and The Creative Federation, who first opened his illustration and animation studio on Walcot Street in 1996. “On show is street art, some of the city’s best independent retailers, and, out of the public eye, creative businesses are beavering away designing, filmmaking, illustrating, animating, photographing, cooking, publishing, printing and more.”

Another artist who you’ll find on this street is Emma Rose, who showcases her original, contemporary paintings from her gallery based above the Bath Sofa & Curtain Company.

You’ll find plenty of other creatives on the street, including Carmen Schmidt at A Yarn Story – a wool shop which hosts knitting and crochet workshops – and Katherine Fraser. Katherine’s eponymous business is rather unusual in that all of the one-off handwoven textiles for fashion and interior she sells are made on site. “You can come into the shop and watch us weave away right in front of you on our traditional loom,” she says.

INTERIORS

The street is a hub for Bath’s artistic, creative practices, including Spilsbury Illustration Limited

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

If Ann-Marie at Rossiters were to sum the street up, she’d say it’s Bath’s Notting Hill. “It’s the most eclectic shopping street in the city, where you’ll find artisan cake-makers, vintage clothing stores and an incredible list of interiors retailers,” she says. And many traders agree that the interiors aspect of the street is getting bigger.

Rossiters itself – which opened in Broad Street in 1961 and expanded to open the Walcot Street entrance towards the end of the decade – has a vast interiors department. The store started life as

Photo by DERRYN VRANCH

a jewellers but expanded into two neighbouring buildings. The extra space was used to introduce design-led homeware and furniture, including ranges from renowned designers.

There’s also Graham and Green, an independent boutique emporium filled with unique, colourful and unusual furniture, lighting and home accessories; Farrow & Ball, a supplier of own-brand paint and handcrafted wallpaper; Looking Glass of Bath, which has supplied mirrors to 10 Downing Street, a royal residence and several embassies; and Etons of Bath, which specialises in interior design and window dressings for period houses and hotels.

“It’s rare to find such a collection of independent shops with many specialising in interiors,” says Charlie Salter, director at Etons of Bath. “It’s just far enough off the tourist trail to mean that shoppers who do end up there are really looking to buy, explore and engage.”

The house of mirrors – AKA the Looking Glass of Bath – make, design and restore picture and mirror frames, make distressed or foxed mirror glass to fit into their replica antique frames, and send mirror tiles worldwide.

“After deciding it was the ideal location for me, I opened a shop on Walcot Street in 1987 at no.94 – shortly thereafter expanding to include No. 96,” says Anthony Reed, the owner of Looking Glass of Bath, who also happens to wear another hat which involves restoring oil paintings.

Quirky Avenida Home focuses on wallpapers, fabrics and table accessories – such as placemats, hand-glazed ceramics, natural linens and artful trays.

All pieces feature original art and unique designs by artists with whom the owner Isabel Saiz works to create colourful, modern and individual items.

“My dream was to bring new and unexpected beauty to home accessories,” says Isabel, who used to be head of marketing at Farrow & Ball, and was in charge of the National Trust Home Collection and Delicious Art at the National Gallery, London.

“With Avenida, my creative energy has found the perfect outlet.”

“The mural may look cheerful but it depicts the result of a nuclear explosion.”

Food and drink

There’s

street art drawn

by Stanley Donwood who has

designed Radiohead’s album

covers

Did you know?

“Several of The Paragon’s buildings were demolished during the Bath Blitz in 1942.

The houses have since been restored to their former glory.”

Tom Smallman at Farpoint Developments

show that the poet Robert Southey lived at 108 in his aunt Mrs Tyler’s house.”

Charlie Salter at Etons of Bath

“There’s a plague burial pit at the bottom of the field behind Walcot Chapel. And the chapel itself is a mortuary chapel.”

Wendy Matthews at Bath Fringe Festival

“Interesting independent businesses are hidden away in a few spots; Lamb Industries in Beehive Yard, for instance, made the cannon for the Spielberg movie War Horse.”

Simon Spilsbury at Spilsbury Illustration

“Not many people know, but St Swithin’s Church has strong associations with Jane Austen; her parents married there, and her father is buried there.”

Kate Vincent at Graham and Green “Goldilocks was allegedly written at our address, 108 Walcot Street. Records

“There are rumours of there being a bear pit in our courtyard once upon a time.”

Trish Fairbeard at YMCA Bath

“Walcot Street still has a working Roman sewer running along it. And Bath Olivers (crackers) were first baked in the bakery behind No. 96.”

Anthony Reed at Looking Glass of Bath

In 1971, vegetarian wholefoods shop Harvest Natural Foods opened on Walcot Street and it’s still thriving today, with a focus on local and vegan products, as well as loose bulk produce.

“As a business, one of our main goals of the year is to dramatically reduce plastic consumption,” says Suzannah Puddephatt at Harvest. “We already only provide paper or recyclable bags and containers; however, our aim is to get rid of all unnecessary plastics completely.”

There are plenty more food-related businesses nearby, too, including deli and sandwich bar Made

by Ben; small-plate and wine bar Corkage; cake shop DidiCakes, and The Fine Cheese Co. “We sit among the array of engaging and sometimes surprising independent stores that make internet shopping humdrum,” says John Siddall, director at The Fine Cheese Co where you’ll find a huge variety of cheeses and cheese-themed gifts. “We’ve been here for decades (over 25 years, but we’ve lost count), and we intend to be here for decades to come; some say we’re an institution.

We’re constantly refreshing what we offer (apart from the cranberry chicken sandwich), and new for 2018 are a number of new treats, from exclusive cheeses and chocolates to classic beef wellington.”

New to the street is pop-up artisan pie company Eat Square, which opened in December and took over the spot formally occupied by pizza restaurant Yammo. It’s currently running a Crowdfunder project to help raise money to complete renovations and open here permanently.

“We are all about local and handmade, so we feel Walcot Street is a great fit, says Alex Joll, founder and managing director, whose menu serves pie, mash and gravy, as well as pasties, sausage rolls, soups and cakes. “The unit we’ve moved into has been empty for over a year and there’s a lot of work to do here.

But we have high hopes of creating a fun place to enjoy the best of local produce – from Dusty Ape coffee, to Kettlesmith beer, Iford Cider, our pies, and a whole lot more.”

Tucked away

There are plenty of concealed areas and businesses you may miss if you’re walking too quickly. For example, you’ll find not-for-profit social enterprise the YMCA Bath nestled in the gap between Walcot  www.mediaclash.co.uk I BATH LIFE I 79

STREET LIFE

PHOTOS BY DERRYN VRANCH

Chris Barclay at The Yellow Shop, where you’ll discover quirky, vintage finds

Street and Broad Street, as Trish Fairbeard explains.

“We are tucked away and have the most adorable courtyard out the front of our building,” she says.

“We want more people to walk up those steps from Walcot Street and come in and say hello, do a fitness class, use our nursery and conferencing facilities, or stay with us.

“We’ve had a building in Bath for over 163 years,” she adds. “The YMCA is the largest and oldest youth charity in the world – there are now 114 across England, each one autonomous and a thriving and active community that transforms lives.”

The easy-to-miss Walcot Chapel, which frequently comes alive with exhibitions, is a favourite of Emma Rose Arts Works; one of Farpoint’s favourite lunch stops is the pop-up garden on the corner of the car park outside The Hilton; Graham and Green enjoy the escapism of the secret garden at the back of The Fig Store and the hidden green space next to Walcot Chapel in Walcot Gate; and Harvest’s team can’t get enough of the Wild Walcot Gardens, created

by Vegmead Community Group. “We can see it from our window, and it’s turned a bit of a blot on Walcot Street into a vibrant little green space,” says Suzannah at Harvest.

Lola Berenbaum at vegetarian wholefoods store Harvest

GOLDILOCKS

WAS ALLEGEDLY WRITTEN AT OUR ADDRESS

WHAT WOULD MAKE IT BETTER?

Many retailers agree that more promotion of the area would be beneficial and may increase footfall, as Tom at Farpoint explains.

STAND-OUT SPOTS The street’s business owners’ favourite neighbouring shops...

“Walcot House, which replaced Club XL, is a new venue for dining, music and dancing.

If you want your bike repaired, go to Johns Bikes; if you fancy a bite to eat, try a sausage roll from Made by Ben; for a late-night takeaway, Schwartz Bros burgers are some of the best. We also have a hairdressers (Melanie Giles), vintage clothing shop (The Yellow Shop), charity shop (Save the Children) and one of the last true pubs in Bath, The Bell!”

Tom Smallman at Farpoint Developments

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

“The Fig Store is next door to me. I’m full of admiration for their rather sexy interiors all in grey tones – although it goes against my ethos of colour, colour, colour!”

Emma Rose of Emma Rose Art Works “We enjoy lunch at Aqua to rest after shopping.”

Charlie Salter at Etons of Bath “Harvest supplies the people of Bath with organic produce and a wide selection of ethically sourced goods that would normally be hard to find.”

Julija Atgalainyte at Avenida Home

“Walcot Street provides a diversity of stores and services, but the introduction of the SouthGate shopping district drew a lot of the footfall away from us. Despite this, there’s a distinct selection of the population who prefer the quieter scene and the individuality of Walcot Street.

“If there was to be more promotions to draw people up to this end of town, it would benefit the local businesses and show off another side of Bath’s history that is often bypassed.”

For Julija at Avenida Home, a newcomer she’d like to welcome would be a cosy coffee shop – as she was sad to see the popular Sam’s Kitchen close its doors; Graham and Green’s team would like to see the few empty shops in the street transformed with window displays to make the most of the spaces until they’re filled; Ann-Marie at Rossiters says a dry cleaners would be an ideal addition, and Etons of Bath would like a sandwich shop as close as possible to their showroom.

Simon from Spilsbury Illustration adds a practical point, “Potentially, Walcot is a creative hotbed with the surfeit of talent residing in the city. But with square footage at a premium, most are priced out of the market. If Bath wants to be a creative force, there needs to be flexibility and long-term vision for the provision of affordable space. Turning The Corn Exchange into a creative enterprise seems the obvious thing to do and would create the perfect gateway to Walcot’s creative emporium.”

“Our favourite is DidiCakes – a wonderful place for cakes, tarts, quiches and sausage rolls. Scrumptious.”

Ann-Marie James at Rossiters “I like lunch at The Fine Cheese Co., and I go to Shannon for great gifts.”

Trish Fairbeard at YMCA Bath Group “Corkage is a great addition, and Meticulous Ink is an eyeful of quality.”

Simon Spilsbury at Spilsbury Illustration “I love popping in to chat with Bronwyn in her lovely tile-making studio tucked away at Old Orchard.”

Katherine Fraser at Katherine Fraser

The Framing Workshop has been trading as an independent family run business on Walcot Street for over 28 years. We treasure you, our client, and spend time helping you to find the best way to display and protect your cherished objects, artworks and memorabilia. Creativity and respect for each artwork are core to what we do.

Every picture tells a story. Come and share yours.

80 Walcot Street, Bath, BA1 5BD | Tel: 01225 482748 www.theframingworkshop.com framing@theframingworkshop.com

Vegetarian and vegan wholefood shop and deli explore our range of packaging free options 37 Walcot Street, Bath, BA1 5BN tel: 01225465519

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

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Looking Glass of Bath Bespoke Mirror Makers

'Tiled Panel Mirror' which can be made to any size.

Offering traditional and contemporary collections in a range of designs and finishes All our mirrors are made and finished in our own workshops in the centre of Bath See our website for more information on what we offer 93-95 Walcot Street, Bath BA1 5BW 01225 461969 info@lookinglassofbath.co.uk www.lookinglassofbath.co.uk

Emma Rose Original Contemporary Art Paintings • Commissions • Cards Limited Edition Giclée Prints Upstairs at 78 Walcot Street, Bath BA1 5BD www.emmaroseartworks.com

A R T WO R KS

Bath Life Awards Arts Finalist

SERVICES GUIDE

HOME CARE

GUIDE to SERVICES in the

BABY AND TODDLER

CITY TO ADVERTISE HERE CALL THE BATH LIFE TEAM ON 01225 475800 DATING AGENCY

JEWELLERY

Looking to find that special someone?

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

For a professional and personal service call

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0800 180 4788

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HOLIDAY RENTALS

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 Offering 4 & 5 star holiday rentals since 2006

GARDEN SERVICES

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

For Special Gardens Quality Garden Care and Development (by M.A.C. Gardening Services)

Established 20 years Bath based company 01225 336556 or 07833 351568 email: michael.cuff25@btinternet.com www.macgardeningbath.co.uk

STONE SPECIALIST

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

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

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SERVICES GUIDE

CONTRACTOR

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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.

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PLUMBING AND HEATING

Landlords Gas Safety Inspections also undertaken

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DECORATING

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

MADDISON

Laundry and Ironing Services Tailored to your needs Domestic and Commercial

TAILORING

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Shake-ups/launches/intel/promotions

B AT H G E T S S ER I O US Helen smiling at Everest base camp – before her trek back began

Manpower from Jon Rolfe, Lewis Moody and Barry Newbury

QUOTE OF THE ISSUE

FUNDRAISING

TREK YOURSELF Three superfit staff at Epoch Wealth Management in Bath raised tens of thousands of pounds for charity by tackling some of the world’s toughest terrain Managing partner Barry Newbury and co-founding partner Jon Rolfe traversed Costa Rica in a gruelling challenge for The Lewis Moody Foundation, raising £29,000, while PA Helen Witcombe raised £20,000 for Children’s Hospice South West by trekking to Everest base camp.

The Lewis Moody Foundation was set up by the former Bath Rugby star to help young people living with brain tumours, and their families.

And the Costa Rica event took its toll on mind, body and soul.

Over eight arduous days, the pair combined mountain biking, trekking and kayaking as they travelled through the wilderness of the Central American country, from the Atlantic to the Pacific coast.

Jon says: “I fully expected my mind to be capable and my body to give out on me, but the reverse was true. I didn’t get a single blister but found it mentally exhausting. But it was all worth it and we would like to thank everyone who sponsored us so generously.”

Barry lost a close friend to a brain tumour in 2016, and

the tragedy inspired him to complete the intrepid trip.

“I’m proud that the money we have raised will go towards helping those affected by this devastating condition,” he says.

Meanwhile, Helen didn’t have it any easier on her twoweek Nepal trek.

“The trek was tough, really tough,” says Helen.

“Getting to the Everest base camp itself is a slog, but then standing there drinking it all in and knowing you have to go back the same way you came – and it’s not all downhill – so you’re still a week away from having a shower and a celebratory drink, makes it all a bit more difficult to appreciate.

“The terrain is tricky, there are some steep ascents and also descents, a lot of dust, the diet is different, there is altitude to contend with and it’s very cold at night and in the morning. It’s a real assault on the body and mind.

“But it was all for a very worthwhile cause.”

For more: www.epochwm.co.uk

“I’M OFTEN MISTAKEN AROUND THE CITY FOR PHIL SPENCER FROM LOCATION, LOCATION, LOCATION” Joel Bugg on his propertyloving doppelganger.

Find out more on page 88

£49,000 THE BIG NUMBER

The amount raised by globetrotting staff at Epoch For more: see opposite

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

BUSINESS INSIDER

ONE TO WATCH

JOEL BUGG After 20 years in the industry, the designer and creator of bespoke fitted furniture and interiors decided to set up his own business in 2015. Days later, a client placed an order for a new kitchen... and he’s never looked back Tell us a little about your background I developed a passion for art and design at an early age and naturally followed this path in my education with a foundation year at Bournemouth College of Art and then on to a BA (Hons) in furniture design and craftsmanship at Buckinghamshire College of Brunel University – the only institution at the time offering such a degree.

While there are still furniture design degree courses in the UK, the practical cabinet-making degree no longer exists and is such a loss for the industry. Upon graduating, I embarked on a career in fitted furniture design, working for two high-end, high street furniture specialists, before a 10-year career as design manager for arguably the country’s leading specialist luxury, bespoke cabinet makers.

What did you want to be when you were little?

Probably something like a professional Lego designer. I was always redesigning my Lego sets and constructing the next best space buggy or car.

I suspect those early construction skills went a long way in developing my cabinet-making skills.

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

During my university summer breaks, I worked as an apprentice kitchen fitter, earning around £7 an hour. It proved to be quite an eye-opener, as I got to work in some very lavish surroundings, including a stately home and on a Harrods window display. It was invaluable experience, and having site knowledge is key when designing fitted furniture.

What is your favourite material to work with?

I love anything natural, so woods or stone are stand-out materials for me.

I love the variation, uniqueness and the natural ageing process you find in these two materials, something that can’t really be replicated by manmade substitutes.

What makes your business stand out from others?

Our designs are truly unique. The word ‘bespoke’ is often misrepresented in the furniture industry, and what might be advertised as a bespoke piece of furniture can be from a range or stocked only in predetermined sizes. We have no standard items or ranges we refer to, every project starts with a blank piece of paper and is designed wholly bespoke and tailored to a client’s wishes. My designs will often carry moulding and cornice details that are reflective of a home’s history and I also design and have had made, all our own handles and knobs. I guess you could also say that as a trained cabinet-maker, I have the added insight to design furniture with more complexity than is readily available.

I WAS ALWAYS REDESIGNING MY LEGO SETS AND CONSTRUCTING THE BEST SPACE BUGGY OR CAR

Where did you hone your craft?

From life as an undergraduate furniture designer/ cabinet-maker, to a designer for leading high street kitchen furniture brands, to lead furniture designer on multi-million-pound budget Grade-I listed property renovations, I’ve been fortunate that my career has given me a wealth of knowledge in my field. I’ve also renovated two of my own properties here in Bath, designing, making and installing all the furniture and joinery; there is no better experience than hands-on.

Your business sounds versatile – from individual pieces to renovations – but what gives you the most satisfaction?

Without doubt seeing how a space plan for a new or renovated room has transformed the way clients use their home. Before designing any fitted furniture for a space, I take an all-encompassing view of it, looking at the way a room flows, how it’s used, as well as any inherent architectural features.

In this way, I can suggest structural alterations to improve a space, ensure 88 I BATH LIFE I www.mediaclash.co.uk

kitchen cabinetry, for instance, meets the needs of the user, but moreover, add sympathetic architectural design details to the furniture, so that it feels as if it always belonged.

We notice you’ve used fumed eucalyptus in a kitchen – what is this beautiful wood?

It’s only available in this country as a veneer, the sheets of which are cut from choice logs. The timber originally hails from Australia and New Zealand, but is now widespread in Europe. The wood is generally yellow/light brown in colour, but the fuming process exposes the timber to ammonia and turns it to a beautiful chocolate brown. It has a striking rippled effect, which shimmers as the light passes over the timber.

Is there a particular building you would love to make a piece of furniture for?

I’m a big fan of Arts & Crafts architects, particularly Edwin Lutyens, and was fortunate to work in one of his properties in the past, but a piece for one of his more stand-out works such as Castle Drogo or Lindisfarne Castle would be my choice.

Tell us something about you that might surprise us…

I’m often mistaken around the city for Phil Spencer from Location, Location, Location, but I’m not sure he shares my hobby of taking photographs of interesting door handles!

For more: www.joelbugg.co.uk

BATH RUGBY NEWS Bringing you the latest from the Bath Rugby headquarters

Emma practises clean eating

JUICY INFO Finding the right job may just have got easier as Juice Recruitment has launched a series of guides packed with helpful advice.

The guides include How To Update Your CV and How To Achieve a Pay Rise, and draw on the expertise of many of Juice’s clients.

Juice Recruitment founder and managing director, Emma Summers says: “There are some incredible candidates and amazing success stories, and, at Juice, we are always looking to add value to this wealth of expertise and experience across the South West.” www.juicerecruitment. com

As a former Bath Rugby player, Ryan Davis is wellplaced to help the next generation of talent.

Ryan is now Bath Rugby Academy’s Pathway Coach, a role which sees him helping to bring out the best in promising teenagers.

His career with Bath started when he was just 18 – and he’ll be drawing on these experiences when coaching.

“My first ever game was against Quins, I came on at 15 and I was so nervous,” he says.

“When I got the ball, I couldn’t hold onto it, but once I had that game, everything flowed.

“The biggest shock is that you go from school (Colston’s) where we were such a strong outfit and not losing for two years.

“I then remember my first A-league game and we were absolutely drilled by 60-70 points. It was an eyeopener because you had to grow up really quickly.”

Ryan’s career was plagued by injuries but, that aside, he says he loved every minute.

“I was thrown into the deep end and learnt some big lessons when someone like Mike Tindell is running down your channel for Gloucester,” says Ryan.

“When you played with the likes of Shaun Berne,

Combe Grove has been awarded bronze in the Green Tourism Awards, following its efforts to minimise the hotel’s impact on the environment.

Its eco-friendly initiatives include switching to a 100 per cent renewable energy tariff, replacing inefficient boilers and introducing an entirely electric kitchen.

Green Tourism Awards are the world’s largest sustainable certification programme. www.combegrove.com

Olly Barkley, Nick Abendanon and Matt Banahan, you had a mixture of people in their prime, young players and then the more senior guys.

“For me, it was outstanding because you had a good balance.”

After leaving Bath, he joined Exeter and then went on to play for Wasps, before retiring in 2013.

With a degree in business and leadership management under his belt, coaching badges followed.

“It’s been huge – maybe my career went the way it did to facilitate for me being a coach, and that’s my honest opinion,” he says.

“I didn’t really fulfil the potential that I had, but I gave it my best go.

And, when it comes to coaching, Ryan will keep a watchful eye. “I think it’s important that you’re very player-led instead of being coach-led, so you give them more exposure to making mistakes, rather than not allowing them to,” he says.

For more: www.bathrugby.com

BUSINESS MATTERS DIARY From city centre conferences to networking breakfasts, make a note of these dates and make them work for you 6 FE BRUA RY

GREEN DREAMS

Ryan Davis knows experience counts

PHOTO BY PATRICK KHACHFE/ONSIDE IMAGES

MOVERS, SHAKERS, ETC

Employment Made Easy – HR Essentials For Small Businesses: A free workshop for businesses in B&NES with the interactive session covering how to recruit the best person, management and motivation and simplifying employment legislation.

1.30pm; Bath and County Club; www.eventbrite.co.uk 8 FE BRUA RY

An Introduction To The New General Data Protection Regulation: All businesses need to make sure they are completely up-to-date with the new requirements and so avoid significant fines for any breaches,

with this Bath BID event bringing organisations up to speed with the requirements. £5 for Bath BID members; 9.30am; The Chapel, St John’s Foundation, Bath; www.eventbrite.co.uk 12 F EBR UAR Y

Bath Property Curry Club: Property-related businesses have the chance to informally network, mingle, and meet other property professionals and businesses operating in the Bath and surrounding areas over a curry and a drink. 6pm; The Bengal Bear, High Street, Box; www.eventbrite.co.uk

13 F EBR UA RY

Networking For Young Entrepreneurs: An event for young professionals under the age of 35 who are thinking of starting a business or want to see it grow.

6.30pm; The Bath Brew House; www.eventbrite.co.uk 22 F EBR UA RY

Go Get Networking: These sessions take place four times a year and are for smallbusiness people keen to meet like-minded people and share ideas. £5; 9.30am; Framptons; www.eventbrite.co.uk

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

BUSINESS INSIDER

TERRIFIC THREE Our pick of the most exciting, intriguing or important local business stories right now

LETTING LEARNING FLOW All schools talk about creativity, but there is something very special going on at the Royal High Junior School, the junior wing of the Royal High, now based in Weston.

Not only is it the only school in Bath or Bristol to make it to the final of the TES Independent School Awards but it is the second time in a row that the school has made the final in the same Creativity Category.

Head Heidi Hughes explains that all teaching is based on a curriculum where the emphasis is on learning which flows from subject to subject rather than teaching in separate blocks, and that girls often work together collaboratively whatever their age.

“It frustrates me when I hear people writing off creativity as something somehow secondary to what schools do,” she says.

“Creativity is a state of mind and we are nurturing young minds to think creatively in every subject – whether that is maths, science, languages or the arts.”

Heidi says it is crucial for parents to understand that schools are educating children for a future which might involve several careers as well as unknown technological advances.

“What we do is unique in Bath but

Creativity matters says Heidi

An artist’s impression of the new learning centre

FIRM FOUNDATIONS FOR LEARNING

when you consider creativity is not only at the heart of all good business but that creative industries themselves raise billions for the UK economy, we think we have got it right here,” adds Heidi.

The Royal High Junior School will find out whether it has won the coveted national Times Educational Supplement award on 8 February.

Kingswood’s state-of-the-art education development has edged one step closer to completion with the final beam now in place.

The development will house a new multi-functional hall, new classrooms, art and music spaces and an intriguing innovation room. It will also house a brand new nursery, which will be known as The Garden at Kingswood, and a pre-school welcoming children from nine-months-old into the Kingswood community.

Headmaster Mark Brearey says: “At Kingswood Prep School, we are aiming high. We want what our children are learning to be relevant throughout the whole of their lives and for them to be well-rounded, kind, communicative, hard-working and passionate about their world.”

“Our new development will enhance the educational journey of all of our children, and we are excited by the additional opportunities and possibilities that the new buildings will open up for our pupils.”

The new space opens in September, with the dynamic working environment allowing staff to collaborate with colleagues, and ensure their young charges’ educational experience is constantly evolving.

For more: www.royalhighbath.gdst.net

For more: www.kingswood.bath.sch.uk

EASY RIDER

James O’Neill can’t wait to get his hands on the award

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

Chauffeur Travel has brought something special home – a bronze medal in the Professional Driver awards for quality, service, and innovation.

The Bath firm was founded in 1994, and owner James O’Neill says he’s delighted to have received the accolade.

“We pride ourselves in delivering high standards, consistently,” he says.

“This is a difficult challenge, as there are many moving factors which can derail schedules. Behind the scenes our team, with the aid of technology, work tirelessly to manage the day-to-day

challenges which present themselves.”

Judges say they were impressed by Chauffeur Travel’s attention to detail and ability to grow.

Professional Driver editor Mark Bursa says, “Chauffeur Travel is a family-run chauffeur firm that has posted impressive growth year-on-year without compromising a meticulous approach to service.”

The firm provides optional extras in its cars, such as wine, gourmet sandwiches and newspapers.

For more: www.chauffeurtravel.co.uk

Call Monahans Wealth Management now on 01225 472800 Lennox House, 3 Pierrepont Street, Bath BA1 1LB www.monahans-wm.co.uk

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Wealth Management

With Monahans Wealth Management you’re in safe hands.

Our Family Wealth Transfer Advice can help to ensure your wealth is passed on through the generations to those you care about the most.

BUSINESS INSIDER

Nothing, but nothing, beats being there…

THE BATH LIFE AWARDS

SCENE SET FOR THE BEST AWARDS The Bath Life Awards is set to be the biggest and best yet, with both ticket and nomination records smashed well in advance of the big night For the first time ever, tickets for the Bath Life Awards were exclusively reserved for sponsors and finalists only, such was the incredibly high demand. And the significantly increased finalists’ allocation was swiftly snapped up by hopeful winners on the SearchStarsponsored Grand Reveal Day, with names being added to a burgeoning waiting list.

For the second year in a row, all of the categories are sponsored, mostly on three year deals. And the vital barometer of nominations has once more been reset, with a massive 351 nominations received – up over 20 per cent on last year’s record-breaker.

“The support this year from Bath businesses and organisations has been truly overwhelming,” says Steph Dodd, the event manager for MediaClash, Bath Life’s publisher. “If we could get more than 500 people in the Assembly Rooms then we definitely would – because we would love more companies to experience the Awards. We’re doing what we can to juggle all the requirements for tickets but sadly we just can’t physically fit everyone in.

“We’d like to send a massive, massive thanks to all who have

contributed so far – to our sponsors, partners and to our nominating companies. And, prospectively, to our judges, who have a particularly tough job this year with so many brilliant Bath businesses entering the Awards. Roll on 1 March: it’s going to be immense!”

Sponsors of the Awards are led by our longterm 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, the Trevor Osborne Property Group and the YMCA Group.

THE SUPPORT FROM BATH BUSINESSES HAS BEEN TRULY OVERWHELMING

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

The Bath Life Awards 2018 take place at the Assembly Rooms on 1 March. www.bathlifeawards.co.uk @BathLifeAwards

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

WHAT IS THE ROLE OF THE COURT OF PROTECTION? Local legal expert HELEN STARKIE explains…

U

ntil a situation occurs which requires them to deal with this body most people give the Court of Protection little thought – but we all should because it is very likely that each one of us will to have to deal with it at some time.

The Court of Protection’s role is to protect the interests of anyone who lacks the legal capacity to make their own decisions – be those in relation to the person’s finances or their wellbeing.

In an ideal world all adults would have had the foresight to make a Lasting Power of Attorney, appointing someone of their own choosing to make decisions for them should they ever lose their mental capacity to make them for themselves. If an LPA exists, then the person appointed to act as Attorney will have a responsibility to step into the breach and ensure that the best interests of the person lacking full capacity are protected. But it is not an ideal world and many people have still not got around to making LPAs – and in these cases if they lose their mental capacity then the Court of Protection can step in.

The court cannot make all day-to-day decisions for every ‘patient’ – that would be far too onerous and expensive, so it delegates its day-to-day decision-making role for each patient by appointing for them a deputy. When it appoints a deputy, the court defines the extent of his or her authority in an order. The deputy is usually granted very wide powers to make decisions for the patient.

However, the authority of the deputy does not extend to making a will for the patient, making significant gifts from the patient’s assets or issuing legal proceedings on the patient’s behalf. A welfare deputy may not make financial decisions; a financial deputy may not make welfare decisions. If a deputy wishes to step outside his or her remit he or

“WHILE IN OFFICE A DEPUTY MUST ALWAYS ACT IN THE BEST INTERESTS OF THE PATIENT ”

she must apply to the Court of Protection for specific permission to do so.

The court oversees the deputy’s activities and will also be instrumental in resolving issues or problems which the deputy is unable to resolve personally – and it will deal with the appointment of a new deputy, if the existing one falls by the wayside, or cancelling the deputyship altogether if the patient recovers his or her capacity to make their own decisions.

While in office a deputy must always act in the best interests of the patient, and strictly in accordance with the provisions of the Mental Capacity Act 2005 and Code of Conduct.

They may act only in respect of those matters with which the patient cannot make decisions for themselves, and aim to involve the patient as fully as possible in those decisions which the deputy is making.

The deputy must keep the assets of the patient separate from anyone else's. They must take proper advice from appropriately qualified specialists when dealing with different aspects of the patient’s affairs, must file an annual tax return if required by HMRC to do so, must take out an insurance bond to protect the assets under their control – and, crucially, must keep full accounts and report each year to the public guardian.

So – who can be a deputy? Often a relation of the patient is appointed, but sometimes

that is not practical – the relation may be too burdened by caring for the patient to deal with paperwork – or he or she may simply not be very confident dealing with financial matters – or there may be a disagreement between relations as to which of them should take on the role.

In such cases a solicitor specialising in this area of law is usually appointed as deputy. He or she may be nominated by the family of the patient or the court may nominate one. Such a deputy is bound, in addition to the rules mentioned above, by professional rules set by the Solicitors’ Regulation Authority and their costs for acting as deputy are strictly limited by the court and must be approved annually by the public guardian.

Helen Starkie Solicitor 5 Gay Street, Bath BA1 2PH 01225 442353 www.helenstarkie.co.uk

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PROPERTY

SHOWCASE

WESTFIELD HOUSE

Period style in a picture-perfect valley location – what’s not to love?

By R AC H E L I FA NS

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

SHOWCASE

PROPERTY

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PROPERTY

SHOWCASE

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hrow up a suitcase stuffed with crisp £50 notes in Bath and, like as not, your wad will land on a beautiful house. Things become harder if you want to combine the perfect property with the ideal location, but, this issue, we think we’ve struck gold.

Westfield House is a beautifully proportioned period property built with pinpoint accuracy on the edge of the most stunning valley in a picture-perfect village on the outskirts of the UK’s most fantastic city. (Okay, we’re done with the superlatives now that we’ve got your attention.)

As we nipped out on a cold January day to have a gander, the irony of its Summer Lane address didn’t pass us by.

It’s appropriate though as, even through the familiar Bath mist, it was easy to imagine this place on a blue-sky day: the outside pool alive with playful shrieks, the green lawns buzzing, and the rooms inside flooded with light.

Westfield in Monkton Combe has loads of space – count off 4,040 sq ft of internal space, 3.8 acres of land, five outbuildings, seven bedrooms and miles of open views on the fingers of your left hand while dialling the estate agent to book a viewing with your right.

You enter via a central hallway which leads to a bright, modern kitchen on the right and an equally light-filled family room on the left. Separated by bi-fold doors from the sitting room, the house sprawls backwards in quite a surprising way, the lounge leading to the drawing room which links to the garden room. The current owners have created a fresh interior which chimes effortlessly with the period detail that remains.

Upstairs you’ll find a master bedroom with boutique-hotel bathroom and incredible views, four bedrooms on the first floor, and a further two hidden somewhere in the attic.

(How are they fitting all this within the four walls, I ask myself, but then this house really is huge.)

Cross the driveway and you’ll find an equally well98 I BATH LIFE I www.mediaclash.co.uk

Clockwise, from top left: just a taste of the beautiful gardens; cosy up with the woodburning stove in the drawing room; light floods into the vast kitchen; subtle style in one of the property’s bathrooms

HOUSE NUMBERS

£2.2M price

4,040

square foot of space

5

outbuildings

1

appointed, light and airy dwelling. This time it’s a onebedroomed annexe – do with it as you will, but you may find the proverbial grannies are fighting off the teenagers or the Airbnb-ers for this one – which is afforded more character and space by its double-height ceilings.

The grounds, perching on the side of the hill overlooking the village, are sloping. But sloping in that rolling, beautiful way rather than a nice-but-useless way. Terraced where necessary – don’t forget the beautiful pool – and laid almost exclusively to lawn, with mature trees and hedges, an orchard and even a few ‘secret’ areas, the garden envelopes the house perfectly.

And now let’s talk about location. Some villages are beautiful. Some are historic. Some are well-placed. Some are blessed with a fantastic pub. Monkton Combe can appear a Hogwarts-type place on first glance, as much of its property is owned by the eponymous school, but for those wondering whether the scholarly presence overwhelms the identity of the place, fear not, because it doesn’t.

Once owned by the monks of Bath Abbey, the village has a popular pub which lays on one of the best roasts in the region, and it links in one direction to the canal path either to Bath or out to Bradford on Avon and in the other direction to the Two Tunnels cycle path. Its church contains the grave of Harry Patch, who was the last surviving British soldier to fight in WWI, and its railway station – now defunct – even starred in 1950s film The Titfield Thunderbolt.

I could go on but I’ve run out of words – suffice to say it’s more than just your average pretty village.

I can’t think of a better way to spend those notes I have stuffed in my suitcase…

outdoor pool

7

bedrooms

Savills, Edgar House, 17 George Street, Bath, BA1 2EN; www.savills.com; 01225 474550 Whiteley Helyar Estate Agent, 6 Princes Buildings, George Street Bath, BA1 2ED; www.whiteleyhelyar.net; 01225 447544

p r o p e r t y a d v e r t i s i n g f e at u r e

Meet the agent The home letting and sales experts with their fingers on the pulse

David Mackenzie

Partner, head of residential sales, Carter Jonas LLP 01225 747251 07557 162754 www.carterjonas.co.uk What makes you different from other agents?

We deal with the people, not just the property.

Understanding your clients’ needs is paramount in this market. Added to that, we are the only firm in Bath offering a full spectrum of property services to include residential sales and lettings, commercial, rural, planning and architecture.

What do you anticipate for the Bath property market in 2018?

There will be a lack of quality stock coming to the market, as we have seen over the last two years.

This will mean the best of the best will continue to sell well and you need to ensure you are in the best position possible in order to purchase.

What key advice would you give to a vendor?

Concentrate on selling yours before looking to purchase.

If you find the house of your dreams before you are in a position to purchase, this will heighten the chances of you having to overpay and undersell your property to secure the purchase.

Willum Long & Carey Gilliland Madison Oakley 01225 466525 www.madisonoakley.co.uk

What makes you different from other estate agents?

Hyperlocal knowledge, candid no-nonsense, no pressure advice and a single-minded focus on selling and letting

What key bit of advice would you give to a vendor?

Choosing the most appropriate agent for you is about what service you get for your fee, not what the fee is on its own.

What area do you specialise in?

A large proportion of our business comes from previous client recommendations so you’ll find us working across all parts of Bath and out into close villages.

fiona pattOn

Eleanor Hall

What are the key values of your letting agency?

Local knowledge, honest communication and great service. Even with all the 21st century tools, these are still essential to us.

What new plans do you have for 2018?

We are a new team and we are very excited for 2018, our plans are to expand our Help To Find service to help to get our clients moving quicker into homes that they really want; we are passionate about helping more clients move in 2018 than ever before.

Head of lettings, Pritchards Lettings; 01225 618860 www.pritchards-bath.co.uk

What do you anticipate for the Bath lettings market for 2018?

Continued growth in the rental market with professionals and families relocating to Bath.

More people will rent before they purchase. Good quality homes remain in short supply, so if you are thinking of letting yours, get in touch!

What is your favourite part of the job?

After more than two decades in the industry, it’s still the joy of handing keys out to new owners and sharing their excitement.

What key bit of advice would you give to a landlord?

With so many changes to legislation and tax, find an agent who really knows their stuff, is an ARLA member, and who can advise on all aspects of property from start to finish, so you remain compliant and your property stands out.

What changes would you make to the property sector?

A root and branch revamp of the hugely outdated conveyancing system as well as compulsory licensing of estate agents to ensure transparency and accountability.

If you weren’t working in property what would you be doing?

I studied TV documentary, so I’d be nosing about for a good story to film! A House Through Time (BBC) is my current favourite – tracing residents of the same house from 1850 to today – a great programme.

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

Allen and Harris 01225 482244 www.allenandharris.co.uk

What makes you different from other estate agents?

Whilst we have all the benefits of being part of a national estate agents, we believe ourselves to be a very family orientated branch, we deliver more of a personal service to our clients, not only through our estate agency but also through our mortgage services, and our mortgage manager Matthew runs a free no obligation Help To Find service to help find our clients their dream home.

What are the key values of your estate agency?

We care about our customers and recent testimonials really show we are beginning to change the perception of estate agency.

What is your favourite part of the job?

Helping clients find their dream homes, and helping first-time buyers achieve their dream of home ownership.

BEN PURNELL

TYNINGS; 01225 833899 www.tyningsbath.com What area do you specialise in?

With our office based in Combe Down we are considered and recommended as the local experts but our sales area also encompasses the whole of Bath and surrounding villages. We provide both sales and lettings services and all valuations are free of charge What makes you different from other estate agents?

It has been said that our honesty, compassion and friendly approach makes us stand out from the crowd.

We excel at matching people to property, and it is not uncommon for us to have several houses in any one chain through this process.

Properties are as individual as the people who live in them, and so we provide a truly personal and professional approach to all our clients.

What is your favourite part of the job?

It is a multi-faceted occupation and one in which you will experience highs and lows on an almost hourly basis! The most rewarding part of the job though is helping people find their dream home, and others move on with their lives in adventures new.

Where do you live and why?

We live in Southstoke village, just to the west of Combe Down village, to the south of the city. To me it is the most picturesque village within reach of the city and the views of the surrounding countryside and wildlife are simply exceptional.

Jacob Heatley-Adams Director, Hunter French 01249 715775 www.hunterfrench.co.uk

What advice would you give to a vendor?

Be sensible about pricing.

When you see a property stagnate on the market it’s usually because a vendor hasn’t been realistic. If you’re thinking of selling, glance a critical eye over your property and write a snagging list – making it look its best will mean you get a good deal.

Finally, for those wanting to save time in the sales process, we’d recommend selecting a solicitor as soon as you’ve started marketing your home so they can complete and return all the paperwork.

How do you differ from other estate agents?

Our unpretentious, friendly approach and reputation for excellent marketing is often what wins us business. A big part of it is down to the quality of our communication: we’re proud of the investment we make in really getting to know each property and understanding our client’s journey so together we can achieve the best result.

What’s your favourite part of the job?

Meeting such a variety of people and hearing about their lives keeps things interesting! It’s great to be able to help clients out of tricky situations but, the best bit, will always be seeing people find their dream home.

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

WHY ISN’T YOUR PROPERTY SELLING IN BATH?

O

If your home isn’t selling, it may be time to reassess things, as a slow market cannot be used to justify this delay in Bath

ur city has a notoriously strong property market – you only need read leading industry reports to see this. Even in the lead up to Christmas when everybody believes it to be traditionally quieter, we actually had fourteen deals between mid-November and the new year.

If you have haven’t sold in two or more months, the problem is your property is probably starting to look stale in the eyes of prospective buyers.

Questions start to arise such as ‘Well what’s wrong with it? Why hasn’t it sold yet?,’ which could impact what your home is worth to them.

Here are a few things to think about to help get you back on track…

Do you need new photography? Pictures paint a thousand words and are where first impressions count. For example, if you have poor quality ones, you are portraying poor accommodation. If your Christmas decorations are still up, you’re highlighting that you’ve been

on the market a while. Sometimes it just takes an overhaul to create interest.

Are you using an apartment specialist? Make sure you are using somebody who has a good track record for selling your type of home.

What does your home look like? If your property looks untidy or worse, people can see wallpaper peeling off the walls, cracked tiles, dripping taps, blown light bulbs and so on, they’re going to be put off. Good presentation is key.

Is it being promoted properly? If not, people aren’t going to know your apartment exists. Make sure it’s appearing on the three major portals – Rightmove, Zoopla and Prime Location – being advertised locally, and has a key spot on your agent’s window display.

Does your apartment have a virtual tour? Out of area and overseas buyers often like a virtual tour before commuting to an actual viewing.

Have you considered going off-market? Low key marketing can be a very good approach but

Bristol & Clifton's premier Commercial Property Agents Keep up-to-date with our latest news, deals, testimonials and market comment at our website: www.burstoncook.co.uk

UNIT 2, THE OFFICE VILLAGE, BATH BUSINESS PARK, BATH

• Self contained office.

• 15 on site car parking spaces.

• Modern, open plan space, with high quality finishes.

• Showers and bike storage.

• Approximately 2,124 sq ft – 4,284 sq ft (197.3 sq m – 397.9 sq m).

• Well established business park.

• Available to rent or purchase.

For any further information, please contact Finola Ingham of Burston Cook on 0117 934 9977

Over

20 years'

in experience ty er p ro p the sector

you need to be with an agent that attracts an audience specific to what you are selling.

It might be worth switching agents… Do your research and ask friends and family who they recommend. Don’t choose somebody based on who offers the lowest fee – instead ensure they are good at selling your type of property and offer a coherent marketing and pricing strategy that will attract the best result possible for you.

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

Professional property finders ...with a personal touch

Are you fed up with those long drives every weekend to view properties – only to find they are not what you expected... or maybe you just don't have time to look?

We can help!

bath &country property finders

• Takes the stress out of house-hunting • Saves you time, effort and money • Provides an independent and unbiased service • Doesn't charge a registration fee We act exclusively for you in the search and acquisition of property.

Call us for an informal chat on 01225 571620 www.bathandcountry.co.uk

B AT H L I V E S

Q&A

T

he work of a Bath-based photographer whose subjects have included Salvador Dalí, Paul McCartney and Monica Lewinsky, is being shown in the city this month. Carlo Chinca is an award-winning photojournalist and his pictures have been featured in publications including The Telegraph and The Observer.

The free exhibition, organised with the help of PhotoBath, will showcase Carlo’s wide range of celebrated images, with his other subjects including the likes of Patti Smith, Buzz Aldrin and Luciano Pavarotti I have been a professional freelance photographer for 45 years…

I’ve been lucky enough to photograph the likes of Paul and Linda McCartney, and Ronnie Knight – the world’s most wanted man at that time.

Curiosity keeps me going…

And, even though I’m a person with a reserved nature, when I have a camera to shield me from my subject, I generally lose any inhibitions.

Studio or set-up portraits can be nerve-wracking, but you have to remember that your subject is probably feeling even more self-conscious than yourself.

I’d like to photograph The Glimmer Twins – Mick Jagger and Keith Richards…

As they’ve stood their ground and continue to perform energetically. From history, I would have loved the opportunity to photograph Italian film director Federico Fellini.

I was born in Bath, but went on an adventure for a while…

In 1976 I moved to London to further my career, and by 1987 I’d relocated to Spain to work with Lookout Magazine and the BBC for five years. I came back to Bath in 1991.

Bath is incredible…

My favourite place in the city is Sydney Gardens, and I enjoy going to the The White Hart in Widcombe for food and drinks.

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

CARLO CHINCA The local, award-winning photojournalist on photographing one of the world’s most notorious men; rubbing shoulders with 80 celebrities over his career; and why his prized possession is a sketch of a snail by Salvador Dalí If I had the power, I would change a few things about Bath…

I’d pedestrianise the whole centre, reintroduce trams, reopen the local railway at Green Park Station, reinstate the old cattle market, make the Guildhall Market into a proper food and flower market, and build a concert hall.

At the moment I’m…

Writing an anecdotal book with pictures about all the 80 famous people I’ve met and/or photographed over the past 45 years. I’m looking for possible publishers currently.

My most treasured possession is…

My signed book with a sketch by Salvador Dalí.

His dramatic, dreamlike painting had me hooked at a very early age. He was my hero when I studied to be a painter but I realised I wasn’t up to it. Photography beckoned and that became my career. I first bumped into him in 1973. I stayed at a cheap B&B overlooking his home, and, while I was strolling along the beach, who should walk towards me but the maestro himself. I missed the opportunity to speak to him so I went back the following year, knocked on his door and asked him to sign the volume of his work I had brought with me. He did, and he added a sketch of a snail.

Something people don’t know about me is…

Back in 1971, I worked for 18 months as a postmortem room technician at the mortuaries of the RUH and St Martin’s Hospital, Bath.

My biggest achievement is my gold medal and first prize for monochrome photography…

These were from the Nikon International Awards in 1985.

My best personal moment was meeting Rudolf Nureyev and Margot Fonteyn…

This was while working as an assistant photographer to Zoë Dominic.

I have one big regret…

That is, being introduced to Trevor Howard of Brief Encounter fame in the streets of Bath in 1973 and not thinking of taking a photo.

A free exhibition of Carlo Chinca’s work will run from 9 – 17 February at the Bath Royal Literary & Scientific Institution (BRLSI). For more, visit www.photobath.co.uk or www.carlochinca.com

Bathrooms at

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