Bath Life – issue 365

Food/Arts/Entertainment/Shopping/Property @BathLifeMag

CELEBRATING THE BEST OF THE CITY

Issue 365/ 11 – 25 May 2018/£3

ISSUE 365/11 – 25 MAY 2018/COLOUR IN THE CITY

TIME FOR TLC

SENSE & SENSIBILITY USE ALL FIVE SENSES TO DISCOVER THE CITY

YOU’D BETTER NOT KILL THE

SUMMER WELLBEING TREATS

I FEEL GOOD

SHOP FOR HEALTH-KICK GOODIES “I expect the people of Bath to bring their disco shoes”

GROOVE SOPHIE ELLIS-BEXTOR’S BRINGING DISCO TO THE BATH FESTIVAL

Bathrooms at

No.

5

your local Villeroy & Boch stockists

NEW SHOwroom OPEN in trim street | 12a Trim Street, Bath BA1 1HB | 01225 308060 5 The Shambles, Bradford on Avon BA15 1JS | 01225 309110 | www.bathroomsatno5.co.uk

EDITOR’S LETTER / ISSUE 365 / 11 – 25 MAY 2018

Let’s dance

50

STAY ANOTHER SONG Sophie Ellis-Bextor’s on her way to Bath

Bath is constantly alive with colourful goings-on, and this month is no exception as we have The Bath Festival to look forward to. Actually, we don’t even have to look ‘forward’ to it anymore because the multi-arts celebration begins the very same day as this issue of Bath Life is published (11 May). We do have to wait a little while longer to see our cover star, Sophie Ellis-Bextor, perform, though. She’ll be joining other admired vocalists and musicians – including Paloma Faith, Robert Plant and Midge Ure – in an open-air party at the finale weekend of the festival, which takes place on 26 – 27 May. Turn to page 50 to read our exclusive interview with the Murder on the Dancefloor singer, who discusses feminism, her new album, her love for the city’s indie shopping scene, and what her surprising fruit-related party trick is.

So, you’ll be hearing a lot of music over the next couple of weeks, but if you want to indulge your other four senses, too, then turn to page 28 where we’ve put together a ‘sense-ational guide’ to Bath, so you can explore the city’s tastes, smells, sights and more.

Also in this issue, we ask the question ‘What makes a house a home?’ to local, indie homeware traders; turn to page 86 to pick up their top tips on how to ensure your home interiors reflect your personality and enrich your daily life.

Have a marvellous May Lisa Evans, Editor Follow us on Twitter: @BathLifeMag Follow us on Instagram:@bathlifemag

GR A ND O PENI N G

25 th M AY 2 018 OPEN TO THE PUBLIC FROM 9pm

Saw Close Bath BA1 1EY Know your limits! For more information go to: BeGambleAware.org – DrinkAware.co.uk

www.cnty.com/bath

Come for the Action, Stay for the Fun!

FEATURES / ISSUE 365 / 11 – 25 MAY 2018

28

SENSES

When it comes to our stimulating city, why stop at sightseeing? Luxuriate in Bath’s smells, tastes and more

114 Bath Lives

The inspiring healthcare assistant who touches and saves local lives

REGULARS / ISSUE 365 / 11 – 25 MAY 2018 M E ET T H E T EAM

THE ARTS

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

37 Arts intro

Deputy editor Lauren Scott lauren.scott@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, Grace Williams, Nick Woodhouse, 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 Account Manager Annabel North annabel.north@mediaclash.co.uk Sales executive Polly Jackson polly.jackson@mediaclash.co.uk

Take in the bright sunny prints of Life in Colour and lift your spirits

38 What’s on Time to update the events diary

57 Bookshelf Where would a strong novel be without a strong lead character?

59 Film Love, loss and a literary adaptation hits the box office

FOOD 60 Restaurant

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

A visit to the laid-back Brasserie at Lucknam Park skips the fitness room for doughnuts

64 Take 5

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

Heavenly tastes grace plates at village inn Sign of the Angel

65 Food & drink news Winning food photography, new chef at No.15 Great Pulteney and slices of Italia to go-go

86

SHOPPING 74 Summer health It’s all about you... and the local gurus full of body positivity

82 Editor’s choice Treat yo’self to some TLC with these wellness-inducing finds

BUSINESS

DEPARTMENTS

86 Homewares

97 Business insider

Meet the suppliers on hand to turn your house into a home

Who’s moving, shaking, inventing and innovating this issue?

11 16 25

LIFEST YLE

PROPERT Y

92 Garden

106 Property showcase

Find peace and tranquility with a view in Iford’s blooming backyard

A grand Georgian villa with a view and Frenchy vibe – ooh la la

Spotlight Society A man’s world

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

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

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

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

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

On the cover Singer Sophie Ellis-Bextor gives us an exclusive interview ahead of her Bath Festival performance.

For more; page 50.

Photo credit: Sophie Muller

BATH: ITS LIFE AND TIMES

Behold, the authentic roman soldiers

Bath Spa Uni students sang their hearts out

HALF TERM

There’s no excuse for the kids to be twiddling their thumbs this May half-term. The Roman Baths, Fashion Museum and Victoria Art Gallery have a host of activities planned – including a Togas and Tunics workshop, where young visitors can play historical dress-up. Little ones will also be able to make a Roman-inspired treasure chest, have a go at ‘messy knitting’, or create some beautiful spring blossoms and trees to take home. All the events are free for local residents with a Discovery Card.

For more: www.bathnes.gov.uk

PHOTO BY PATRICIA MEAKINS PHOTOGRAPHY

BEAT THE BOREDOM

THE VOICE Will you be a winner on the night?

CREATIVE BATH

CREATIVE CHOICE Excitement is building for the 2018 Creative Bath Awards, and the all-important line-up of judges has just been revealed. They've been chosen from disparate areas of Bath’s creative, tech and cultural organisations, and reflect the diversity of the Awards, as well as the professional service companies supporting the sector. The panel for 2018 is particularly eclectic, with judges from Bath Spa University, The Holburne Museum and Bath Festivals, to name a few. The Awards ceremony will be held on 14 June in the middle of Queen Square.

For more: www.creativebathawards.org @CreativeBath

SING IF YOU’RE WINNING Six Bath Spa students recently sang their hearts out at a University open-mic night, but the event wasn’t a tipsy karaoke session. The young singers were looking to impress an audience of talent scouts from the hit TV show, The Voice UK. The search for next year’s stars was held at Bath Spa University’s Michael Tippett Centre, which is home to a hive of music-teaching activity and Bath’s only purpose-built concert hall.

The vocalists took it in turns to belt out their chosen tracks in front of professionals from the singing show’s talent-spotting team, each hoping to be picked for the live auditions of the

show’s eighth series later in the year.

One student, Suzanne Renaud-Betz, 20 – who is in her first year of studying for a BA in commercial music – gave the judges a unique rendition of the Pokémon theme-tune. “As part of my course, we were challenged to change the genre of a song,” she says. “I wanted to do something nobody else would.”

Less wacky song choices included Riptide by Vance Joy and You Were Meant for Me by American singer Jewel.

The performers will find out in the next few weeks whether they’ve impressed the talent scouts enough to make it through to the live show.

For more: www.bathspa.ac.uk

SPOTLIGHT

Kate Hardie will be talking films and females

IRONWORK FESTIVAL

FORGING FAMILY FUN

Stave off your existing plans and head to BathIRON

The ancient craft of the blacksmith has almost faded from view, but, next month, National Heritage Ironwork Group (NHIG) will be staging a festival of ironwork, BathIRON, in Parade Gardens, between 14 and 17 June.

This is a first for the city of Bath, and the four-day festival will be offering a unique opportunity to witness master blacksmiths at work, as they forge a brand new musicalthemed balustrade for the Parade Gardens bandstand. The design for the balustrade has a local story to tell, too, and is based on

an original musical score Hammer and Anvil, which was composed by Bath Spa University competition-winner Jake Garret.

BathIRON will also incorporate have-a-go forging sessions for kids (and big kids), street theatre, and a plethora of inspiring talks just around the corner in The Guildhall, Bath. The NHIG still need to raise £10,000 to help fund the new balustrade. Anyone can be part of its special creation and legacy by sponsoring a metal note, treble clef or a stave.

For more: www.bathiron.org.uk.

PARTY IN THE CITY

FRIDAY NIGHT FIESTA This year, The Bath Festival has broken from tradition by programming its Party in the City on the second Friday of the festival period. Party in the City is an almighty celebration of free entertainment in central Bath, and will take place this year on 18 May, from 6pm. The streets, parks and venues in the city will again be filled with music – whether you like acoustic, jazz, classical, choral, folk, world, indie

or pop, there will be something to fit the bill.

Featuring over 34 venues and 2,000 performers, the evening has historically attracted more than 20,000 people to the city.

After dark, key locations such as Queen Square, Parade Gardens and Brunel Square will start to come alive with arts and entertainment, as well as local foodie fare.

For more, see page 50 or visit www.bathfestivals.org.uk

Get out and about for party fun

FEMALES IN FILM

THE F-WORD Whether you’re into film or not, it’s impossible to have missed the recent Harvey Weinstein scandal that exposed sexism and abuse in the film industry.

FilmBath are hosting a special event at Komedia on 20 May to highlight the work of women in the industry, entitled Post Weinstein: Beyond The F-Rating.

Top of the bill, this will be a discussion chaired by writer, director and actor Kate Hardie and a panel of female film luminaries, who will be looking at how the #MeToo movement can continue to be galvanised in the wake of the Harvey Weinstein revelations.

The Bath Festival and FilmBath have joined forces to programme an entire day of F-Rated events alongside this key discussion, including author-led talk Meet The Suffragettes and lamp workshop Keep The Flame Alive. “The F-Rating is all about celebrating and amplifying women’s voices,” says Holly Tarquini, executive director of FilmBath. “This one-day festival is a heavenly line-up of women in film, politics, literature, music, comedy and craft.”

For more: www.filmbath.org.uk

Adventures in party-going

Jonathan Stapleton

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

WINNERS AT DINNER

Cornelia de Fossard, Oliver Langdon and Caroline Garland

A celebratory winners’ dinner was held at The Royal Crescent on 17 April, bringing together the stars of this year’s Bath Life Awards in the same room – or, the hotel’s Dower House restaurant.

An oh-so-glamorous champagne reception gave each champion the chance to meet, mingle, and toast to their success. A delicious three-course followed, with a melt-in-the-mouth salmon dish, and a sweet and seasonal rhubarb desert going down a treat. Dinner aside, the evening was a truly special way to recognise and congratulate the very best of Bath’s business community.

Photos by Andrew Lloyd www.alpictures.co.uk

Henry Gray and Klaudia Briddon

Claire Hunton and Tegan Howe

Andrew James, Alexandra Gozea and Richard Godfrey Hungry diners await their feast...

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

William Hibbert and Samuel Baker

SOCIETY

Anne Moss, Halena Coury and Lynne Fernquest

Jerome Chevet and Tim O’Sullivan Phil Mower, Keith Walker and Adam Walker Beth Denny and David Maxwell

Sophie Drake and Susan Harrison

Jon Keepen and Matthew James

Georgina Gallagher, Louise Herbert, Nicola Chilman and Laura Young Santos

Stu Matson

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SOCIETY

WHAT A HOOT A buzzing drinks reception was held on 18 April to unveil some of the first decorated owls that will be appearing around the city in this summer’s interactive Owls of Bath sculpture trail. Guests watched the talented owl artists at work, met Ghost the (real) barn owl and sipped on Barn Owl cider – all while networking in the contemporary delights of Spaces, Bath’s fabulous new office workspace.

Marc Gossage, Martin Longmore, Megan Witty, Emily Joachim, Alice Ellis and Vivien Simpson

Photos by Beata Cosgrove www.beatacosgrovephotography.com

Jess James, Tyree Newton, Linsey Derrick and Holly Wale

Naomi Johns

Cherry Beath, Julia Trickey and Jennifer Bull

Hollie Markham and Louise McCarthy

Rob Appleyard, Barry Cruse and Carol Cruse Richard Salkeld and Jay Marshall 18 I BATH LIFE I www.mediaclash.co.uk

SOCIETY

TOP OF THE HILL

Anna Christie, Bill Thomas, Robin Phillips and Vivienne Hayes

Award-winning independent developer Ashford Homes recently invited a selection of guests to view their latest stunning development: Norwood Dene.

The company is renowned for its construction of outstanding individual homes in idyllic settings, and this event served as a toast to their new two- and three-bedroom apartments, nestled behind Bathwick Hill. Guests and estate agents were able to tour around the beautiful new homes, which feature Bath stone elevations, bright windows and parking – all a stone’s throw away from the city centre.

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

Andrew Egginton, Lynette McAlister and Lindsay Dell

Fiona Hayes and Helen Silver

Stewart Morgan, David Smith, Rodd Timbrell Whittle and Philip Cobb Jess Goldsmith and Jo Armstrong

Guests enjoy the expansive space

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

Tom Griffiths and David Mackenzie

SOCIETY

PARTNERING NASH AND NOMS Over 60 of the finest local business minds met for another inspiring Bath Life Business Club lunch on 23 April. After a chance to mingle with drinks, the group enjoyed a sociable two-course meal at the Royal Crescent Hotel. The afternoon’s guest speaker, Edward Nash of Nash Partnership, shared fascinating insights, tales and experiences from 30 years working on some of the region’s biggest planning projects. For more, turn to page 105.

The next business lunch will star Cosmo Fry – great scion of the Turkish Delight family – on 4 June.

Paul Coleman, Dale Gregor and Stephen Pile Laura Driffield and Benjamin Wood

Photos by Andrew Lloyd www.alpictures.co.uk

Kieran Dewsnap and Darren Gordon

Hilary Pointer and Naomi Keith Nick Woodhouse and Fiona Daymond

Huw Jones, John Courtney and Ian Lloyd

Greg Ingham, Edward Nash and Alex Fielden Cook John Talbot and Gary Paradise 22 I BATH LIFE I www.mediaclash.co.uk

A MAN’S WORLD

DAVID FLATMAN

FAIR PLAY Kids’ play zones aren’t pleasant places for parents to be, so Flats has a plan…

I

’ve been lucky enough to miss a few kids’ parties recently. I know I’m supposed to feel sad at not having been there to see my beloved girls romping and sweating and launching and landing with their besties, but, the truth is, these occasions are invariably unsatisfactory. Well, the ones in public places are.

The ones at people’s houses are often fun, because there are real sofas to sit on and the hosts generally feel obliged to offer a mid- to high-level snack option, with either handmade cups of tea or proper coffee.

Yes, I’m up for house parties. But the ones where you scroll down the multicoloured, zany, practically illegible invite to the ‘location’ line and see ‘Bounce Out’ or ‘Jungle Juniors’ – that’s hell, that is. I am a down to earth guy (regular readers might disagree), but these places are often frankly substandard for attending adults. For the kids, they’re ace. I mean, they offer stuff to play on that won’t break, a safe place in which to operate at the preferred level of decibels without Mummy or Daddy losing the plot, horrendously sugary drinks, and food that, were it tested by CSI Bath, wouldn’t actually qualify as food.

Luckily for all parents who aren’t David or Victoria Beckham, kids don’t care about a room’s aesthetic, or the quality of its furniture and appliances, or its layout, when it has a trampoline in it. For us oldies, though, these things matter after a while. Before writing this column, I had a good think – three minutes’ worth – as to whether or not I’ve ever been to a soft-play centre or a trampoline-bouncing arena that wasn’t as shoddy as hell when it came to Daddy coffee and snacky time.

Nope. Not one. All awful. So, let’s make a plan. We can get rich, all the while feeling smug about the new children’s facility we’ve created.

What I want is nowhere near unachievable. I basically want a Richard Bertinet café that’s attached to an area designed to make indefatigable minors less indefatigable. Where the café ends, the zany zone begins, but this one is not separated by a wall of that thick glass with metal, cubed mesh in it for safety reasons. No, this separator is a gorgeous crittall door, all dark metal on gleaming glass. And beyond said divider lies not a playground comprising nothing but primary colours and sick, but a veritable ocean of muted blues and greys. A vision in duck egg.

The lucky children who get to play here (it’s members-only) won’t know that they’ve been upgraded, and that’s cute. But Daddy will, and that’s vital. Gone will be the days of being extorted and being forced to spend irretrievable hours in plastic chairs drinking no-frills instant coffee, and gone will be the days of the humble flapjack being the only treat that feels safe enough to spend your quid on – so appallingly lacking in expression are all its calorific, synthetic alternatives.

Earl Grey, an almond croissant, some nice music, and some frenzied kids sympathetically soundproofed, we’d be collecting brownie points at the same time as we sipped our third macchiato. This is a good idea and, seeing as you agree, how about crowdfunding for some cash to get things started? People will understand and will donate. After all, kids’ parties are not all about the kids, and the sooner we’re all honest about that, the better.

THE CHILDREN WON’T KNOW THAT THEY’VE BEEN UPGRADED. BUT DADDY WILL

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

Bath is the worst of all places for getting any work done William Wilberforce was not wrong

Sensational

Bath T Bath is a real assault on the senses. Here’s our definitive guide to its sights, smells, sounds and more...

By R AC H E L I FA NS

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

our guides tend to focus on sight-seeing in our wonderful city (and we totally get that) but living in this city is a feast for all the senses. We decided to set about creating a virtual museum of smells, tastes, feelings, sounds and sights, with Bath’s best views as an aide-memoire.

SENSES

SIGHT 1

2

The Royal Crescent – “A building more magnificent than any I had seen,” said Joseph Haydn. And we’re not ones to argue.

3

Walcot Street is the jewel in our indie crown. I don’t want to use the overused a-word (my 10-year-old asked me for some artisan bread the other day and I’ve sworn off it since) but this road is full of crafty creatives, foodie flair and great gifts.

PHOTO BY EDWIN JONES PHOTOGRAPHY

4

Come one, come all... some a little bit more slowly than others. The Bath Half is reputed to be the best half marathon in the country in terms of crowd support, and we missed it so much this year. There’s only a short stretch on Lower Bristol Road where runners are left alone to focus on the agony in their hips/knees/feet/lungs (delete as appropriate) but the rest of the route is a visual (and aural) feast.

5

Alexandra Park is a great spot for views from daybreak to sundown, at any time of the year. It’s close to the city, but it’s high up, so even the most photographically challenged people will end up with a topnotch panoramic shot.

3

2

6

Umbrellas aloft, walking sticks high, bright hats on, blue badges pinned, and even the odd bustle in place – it’s just as easy to spot a tour guide in Bath as it is to spot a tourist.

7

It’s ten years since 106 of King Bladud’s pigs took over Bath. They’ve almost all trotted off, but you can spot a few lurking.

8

Kelston Roundhill, aka, The Tump, can be seen from all angles. If you take the Cotswold Way from Weston Village, you pass by the peak on the way to Prospect Stile. Stagger up the hills for truly staggering views.

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Sydney Gardens is the only remaining 18th-century pleasure garden in the country. It doesn’t take much imagination to picture the promenade-ing and parlay-ing that took place on its wide avenues back then. Today, the railway line cuts through it and the drivers pip and wave as they go.

PHOTO BY DERRYN VRANCH

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Street artists year-round, peaking at Bath Festival time in May.

PHOTO BY @TIMBOPIC ON INSTAGRAM

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PHOTO BY @LOUISDS ON INSTAGRAM

We don’t do breathtaking duomos in Bath, but we do have a perfectly-formed abbey with a history to rival any that Italy can fling at you. We love the ladder of angels on the front, but step inside and you’ll see the amazing stone-vaulted ceiling.

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SENSES

1

PHOTO BY @NATHULL182 ON INSTAGRAM

3

PHOTO BY @TIMBOPIC ON INSTAGRAM

SOUND 1

4

2

5

3

6

“What’s that you say? Am I at the beach? No, No, I’m at work, honest…”

No-one who calls you ever believes you’re at work in Bath, because of the squawking gulls circling your head. The pigeons are everywhere, too.

Bright lights, a sudden roar, swathes of blue- black- and white-shirted fans spilling from the stadium at full-time. The sound of Bath Rugby is in our DNA, yes? As Gareth Chilcott said in 1993 when he was asked how he would mark his last game for Bath: “I thought I would have a quiet pint… and about 17 noisy ones.”

Love it or loathe it, the city centre on a Saturday is noisy, colourful and busy.

Embrace it; the whistle of a ghost town would be far worse…

8

PHOTO BY @SIMONJHUGHES ON INSTAGRAM

4

The long and wide sweeping descent of Bathwick Hill is a classic Bath view. As you approach Raby Place, you’re nearly in town, and your arrival is heralded by the bells of Bathwick St Mary church.

Party in the City is an annual high point, and this year promises to be extra special, as Bath Festivals prepares to celebrate its 70th birthday. Also, at The Bath Festival, Paloma Faith and Robert Plant will play at the finale weekend, alongside Alison Moyet, Sophie Ellis-Bextor and more. See our interview with Sophie on page 50.

See the Belmond British Pullman – sibling to the Orient Express – pull into Bath. Hear the steam and the chug, and watch the foreign tourists swoon.

7

Clip clop. You’ve guessed it – the perfectly turned-out horse and cart that plods around Bath. We’d recognise those funny white ear-gloves anywhere.

8

If I had to name the most-loved person in Bath, it would be easy. It’s got to be Jerri Hart, hasn’t it? If that doesn’t ring a bell, his stage name, The Crooked Crooner, may jog your memory. Impossible to pass by without stopping, smiling andwiping away a little tear. He’s so good!

9

The sound of rushing water when your near Pulteney Bridge and Weir is captivating.

PHOTO BY @MR OLLY ON INSTAGRAM

PHOTO BY @JOHNNYBOY7169 ON INSTAGRAM

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SENSES

1 3

RUGBY TOUCHES THE HEART OF MANY IN BATH...

YOU’LL FIND YOUNG AND OLD ON THE REC

5

PHOTO BY LAUREN SCOTT

PHOTO BY @SNAPPERBEX ON INSTAGRAM

TOUCH

1

In the next five minutes you have spare, walk down to the new Bath Quays Waterside. And, if you feel your feet getting soggy, don’t worry, that’s supposed to happen. The new park is designed to flood – yes, you heard me – the result of which is less flood-risk to housing and developments on the south side of the river. Clever stuff.

2

The natural thermal waters of Bath are begging to be dipped into. You’ll see ‘do not touch’ signs at the Roman Baths, but head over to The Gainsborough Bath Spa and bathe in it all day long. It’s also the only hotel in the UK to offer guests in-bathroom access to the thermal waters.

3

Rugby touches the heart of many in Bath and you’ll find young and old on the Rec seven days a week.

4

Feel your fingers sink perfectly into the two smooth holes, take the weight and go for it... the new bowling alley in Bath Sports and Leisure Centre is proving very popular already.

5

We love the Little Theatre, and we’re not alone. Bath’s smallest picturehouse starred in Wes Anderson’s Fantastic Mr Fox, and it’s an incredibly popular venue for parties, weddings and, of course, films. The seats are squashy, too.

6 7

The feel of walking on cobbled streets in high heels is one that is best forgotten.

The shopping in Bath just gets better and better. So, let’s take a moment to celebrate that Pretty Woman feeling of marching down Milsom Street laiden down with about 25 bags.

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TASTE 1

Sham Castle is worth the hike. Ironically, it was built just to improve the view to the hill from town, but is now a popular spot to visit in its own right. The views are incredible, and picnics taste a lot better up there in the rarefied air.

3

Like a kid in a sweetshop – or an adult – we’ve got a few shops that Wonka would love, covering sweets, fudge, chocolate, ice creams and more.

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4

6

5

7 8

Offering 230 gins behind its busy bar, as well as a pun-infused selection of Gin Austen cocktails, the Gin Bar on Queen Street also does distillery tours and gin making classes – be careful of the killer cobbles on arrival or departure.

The taste of summer. Okay, it’s tenuous, but SouthGate does summer well.

Fake grass, deckchairs, happy people and colourful brollies – hang in there, folks, it’s coming.

4 The San Francisco Fudge Factory’s sweet treats

Have you tasted Bath’s spa water? If not, stop by the King’s Spring in the Pump Rooms and treat yourself. It’s the temperature of an 30-minute-old cuppa and as salty as the Bristol channel.

We do beauty, history, culture, shopping and food, and now we do coffee, too.

The Kingsmead Square fruit and veg stall is a Bath stalwart, having moved here from the Bath Bus Station. It’s been around since 1970.

PHOTO BY SAZZLEATKINSON

Whenever I look down from the car park to the splendour that is Dyrham House, my breath catches in my throat, my head starts to spin and I need to be revived by a scone and a cup of sweet tea. Luckily for me (and you), a National Trust tearoom is within fainting distance.

PHOTO BY LAUREN SCOTT

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PHOTO BY @RACHELIFANS ON INSTAGRAM

PHOTO BY CHLOE MOORE PHOTOGRAPHY

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SENSES

SMELL 1

1

Combine a walk on Bath’s northern hills with a visit to Beckford’s Tower and Lansdown Cemetery. The tower reopened in March for its summer season (weekend and bank holidays only) and is another feast for the senses. Enjoy the views from the top of the tower, a taste of the Georgian era and the smell of cowpats as you tramp the fields.

PHOTO BY LYN EVANS

2 2

3

Nearing Hot Bath Street – and even further on a windy day – the smell of the spa seeps into your nostrils and reminds you of a more relaxing time wallowing happily in the rooftop pool. Is it the mineral-rich waters or the eucalyptus of the steam rooms? We don’t know, but we love it.

4

Iconic. Steamy. Atmospheric. And sometimes a bit smelly. The Roman Baths is surely one of the most-snapped views in the western world?

IT’S

SPRINGTIME,

5

It’s springtime, and where bluebells grow, so does wild garlic. The smell is wonderful, and the green of the leaves is as fresh as can be. Take the path through the wood that cuts from Beechwood Road in Combe Down to Horsecombe Brook and comes out at Tucking Mill.

AND, WHERE BLUEBELLS GROW, SO DOES WILD GARLIC

6 5

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Whether you start at Widcombe Lock, to pass by the Pumping House chimney and Bath Top Lock, enter through the gate in Sydney Gardens, or join the joggers at Darlington Wharf, the canal is a wonderful wander. The air is fresh, but periodically peppered with the smell of diesel and wood fires.

The smell of the Fudge Kitchen in the Abbey Courtyard takes me right back to my schooldays (it’s been there a while)… when we used to mosey in and hang around just long enough to feel we deserved a free sample from the tray on the counter.

Simple pleasures.

Weddings Families Portraiture Events Professional studio Fashion Jewellery Architecture

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www.beatacosgrovephotography.com

Music/theatre/film/more

RAY OF SUNSHINE

IMAGE CREDIT: © CCA GALLERIES

These squares of sunshine are just two of the iconic prints that can currently be seen at Bath’s Rostra Gallery. They feature in a colour-popping show that brings together works from three abstract artists: Sir Terry Frost, Sandra Blow and Bruce McLean.

The gallery has long been bringing a splash of colour to the city, and the new show Life in Colour features the most vibrant and eyecatching works from these inimitable late artists.

The carefully curated selection of limitededition prints includes Sandra Blow’s Canvas in Chrome (pictured top) and Carylon Sunshine (pictured bottom) by Sir Terry Frost. Sandra favoured geometric shapes with organic forms, so expect to see several more bold and graphic pieces in this style.

Painter Sir Terry Frost RA was renowned for his use of Cornish light, colour and shape, and in his painting Carlyon Sunshine, light seems to burst out of the composition. Life in Colour can be seen at the Rostra Gallery until 9 June. Take in these joyful, energetic prints in person and lift your spirit ready for the summer season.

Life in Colour is held in conjunction with CCA Galleries. For more: www.rostragallery.co.uk

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

12 May – 10 June

Jill Jackson performs at Chapel Arts; musical numbers in Trolley Girls as part of Bath Fringe Fest’s theatre programme; May Blooms in season at Emma Rose Artworks

Exhibitions U N TI L 1 3 M AY

OUTDOOR SCULPTURES A collaborative exhibition between Axle Arts and Tasburgh House Hotel. Sculpture from eight artists will be on show on the terraces across a range of media including bronze, steel, concrete and ceramic. Exhibiting artists include Marc Bodie, Dorothy Brook and Ian Edwards.

Axle Arts; www.axlearts.com U N TI L 2 8 M AY

LIGHT AND COLOUR A landscape show combining painted works from Kate Cochrane and Jason Nosworthy.

Kate’s colourful paintings lead the viewer into the rich textures and scenes of Tasmania, while Jason focuses on elements of landscape

that lean towards colourful abstractions. 10am-5pm daily; East Lambrook Manor Gardens, Somerset; www.eastlambrook.com U N TI L 3 1 MAY

MAY EXHIBITION An exhibition of paintings and prints that reflect artist Nick Cudworth’s interest in a variety of subjects, including portraits, still life and landscape. Two major new paintings, Colonnade 1 and Colonnade 11 have been over a year in the making.

Nick Cudworth Gallery; www.nickcudworth.co.uk

taken from the poem Sea Fever by John Masefield, which expresses one’s essential need for the ocean.

David Simon Contemporary; www.davidsimoncontemporary. com

Bruce McLean. As the name suggests, expect a collection of the painters’ most vibrant and eye-catching works. Rostra Gallery; www.rostragallery.co.uk For more, see page 37.

UNTIL 4 J UNE

UNTIL 16 J U NE

MAY BLOOMS Original contemporary paintings, limited-edition giclée prints and cards on show. With an emphasis on blooms, paintings zing with spring-life. Emma’s unique work is a mix of indian inks and acrylics with gold, copper and silver leaf.

Emma Rose Art Works; www.emmaroseartworks.com

U N TI L 4 JU N E

SEA FEVER A vibrant and colourful group exhibition bringing together the work of five artists, and their different responses to the subject of the sea. Inspiration has been

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

UNTIL 9 J UNE

LIFE IN COLOUR A colour-popping show that brings together works from three renowned abstract artists Sir Terry Frost, Sandra Blow and

COLLECTED SHADOWS A Hayward Gallery Touring exhibition from Southbank Centre, showing 200 photographs drawn from the extensive collection of The Archive of Modern Conflict.

It spans the history of the photographic medium from the mid-1850s to present day, displaying a vast array of images, which juxtapose time periods, geographies and photographic techniques.

The Edge, University of Bath; www.edgearts.org

W H AT ’ S O N

UNTI L 2 S E PTE MBE R

A CELEBRATION OF FLOWERS Fabric designer Kaffe Fassett makes a return to Bath with an exhibition inspired by flowers.

With a bespoke and dazzling colour scheme, the installation will transform the gallery using 40 vibrant coloured quilts and needlepoints. There will be large-scale works on show, which extend the floral theme into three dimensions. Victoria Art Gallery; www.victoriagal.org.uk UNTI L 2 8 O C T O B E R

SIDE BY SIDE: AMERICA AND WORLD WAR I 2018 marks the 100th anniversary of America’s first major military engagement in the Great War 1914 – 1918, with this exhibition uncovering the relationship between the US and Europe, as well as reflecting on those who went into battle, and those who stayed at home.

Various prices; The American Museum; www.american museum.org UNTI L 2 8 O C T O B E R

THE BECKFORD WOMEN An exhibition exploring the lives, loves and loss of the women who influenced – and were influenced by – Beckford. Various times and prices; Beckford’s Tower; www.beckfordstower.org.uk UNTI L 1 2 N O V E MBE R

A QUEST FOR WELLNESS Beijing-based artist Zhang Yanzi takes a look at healing and wellbeing from the Chinese tradition, with large-scale installations, paintings and more.

It should appeal to those with a curiosity about the human body, the human condition, medicine and healing. The Museum of East Asian Art; www.meaa.org.uk

UNTI L 1 J ANUARY 2 0 1 9

THE WONDER WOMEN OF SPACE A free exhibition celebrating the wonder women who are changing the way we see the world and beyond. The museum talks to leading female astrophysicists, astronomers and engineers to find out what inspires them.

Herschel Museum of Astronomy; www.herschelmuseum.org.uk 1 2 M AY

BATH SOCIETY OF ARTISTS

ARTS

An exciting annual exhibition celebrating artistic talent in the city. Many distinguished 20thcentury painters have exhibited with the society, including Walter Sickert, Patrick Heron, Mary Fedden and Howard Hodgkin.

Victoria Art Gallery; www. victoriagal.org.uk

Plays/Shows U N TI L 2 JU NE

THE WHALE An off-Broadway smash and a fiercely funny story about a father’s chance of redemption.

It centres around Charlie, a reclusive man marooned on a coach, weighing in at a fairly whopping 600 pounds. He’s a logistical nightmare, then, but can any of his visitors help him?

Various times and prices; The Ustinov; www.theatreroyal.org.uk U N TI L 2 JU NE

THOROUGHLY MODERN MILLIE A hilarious musical that’s based on the award-winning film of the same name. Straight off Broadway, this sparkling show is bursting with dance routines and catchy songs. Hayley Tamaddon is the star of the show, known for her diverse roles in Emmerdale, Chicago and more. Various times and prices; Main House; www.theatreroyal.org.uk 1 2 MAY

ART A long-running and successful play based on the original Old Vic production. When Serge spends an extortionate amount of money on a modernist painting, his close friends are baffled. The all-star cast features Nigel Havers and Denis Lawson. Various times and prices; Theatre Royal Bath; www.theatreroyal.org.uk 1 4 – 1 9 MAY

THE CASE OF THE FRIGHTENED LADY The Classic Thriller Company returns with a brand new adaptation from king of the detective thriller Edgar Wallace, one of the most popular writers of the early 20th century. The cast includes Gray O’Brien, Rula Lenska and Denis Lill. Various times and prices; Theatre Royal Bath; www.theatreroyal.org.uk

Top to bottom: Hayley Tamaddon stars in Thoroughly Modern Millie at Theatre Royal; May Stile, one of the new paintings at the Nick Cudworth gallery 26 MAY

THE CHILD WHO SAID NO A spoken word meta-drama and theatrical play from duo High and Dry, who bring together their experiences of mental health, recovery, and art. Expect stories that are based on real lives and an exploration of mental wellbeing.

7.30pm; £8; The Mission Theatre; www.highanddry

Music 12 MAY

TROPICAL MELTDOWN A wild fundraising gig to raise

money for Penny Brohn, a local charity helping people with cancer. Featuring Baila La Cumbia, Bristol’s top latin and tropical band, and DJs spinning tunes from 50s afro-jazz to futuristic Brazilian drum and bass.

Includes fancy dress and face painting. 8pm; The Bell Inn; www.thebellinnbath.co.uk 13 MAY

DEAN FRIEDMAN Dean Friedman returns to Bath for his 40th Anniversary Tour after a sell-out concert in 2016.

He will mark the milestone by performing his entire album w www.mediaclash.co.uk I BATH LIFE I 39

ARTS

W H AT ’ S O N

‘Well, Well,’ Said the Rocking Chair live, along with fan favourites from his four-decade career.

7.30pm; £27.50; The Mission Theatre; www.missiontheatre. co.uk

26 MAY

CREATE: TALES FOR TOTS Julia Donaldson’s much lovedtale The Gruffalo comes to life through interactive storytelling.

This interactive workshop will introduce young children to the wonders of stories, fire your child’s imagination, spark a love of reading and encourage their creativity. For two – four-yearolds. Various times; £7.50; Ensemble Room, The Edge, University of Bath; www.edgearts.org

13 M AY

HOUSE OF WATERS This Brooklyn-based trio has a global sound, drawing inspiration from African, Indian, Irish and South American traditions.

Having performed on stage with Ravi Shankar and many more, the three musicians are coming to the Bath Festival for a more intimate performance. 7pm; £18; Komedia; www.komedia.co.uk

29 MAY

17 M AY

KANSAS SMITTY’S Hear razor-sharp, masterful and cool-as-a-cucumber jazz tunes. This is the house band of London’s hottest jazz bars, and they’ll be creating an electric atmosphere on stage. 7pm; £25; Komedia; www.komedia.co.uk

Top to Bottom: Jazz up your evening with the tunes of Kansas Smitty’s; Komedia plays intimate host to the global sounds of trio House of Waters

18 M AY

MUSEUMS AT NIGHT Experience an evening of live music around the Great Roman Baths, as part of the Party in the City programme of events. As dusk settles, burning torches will illuminate the historic venue.

Enjoy a pop-up bar and music from local favourites including the Bath Spa Band and medieval musicians Waytes and Measures.

6pm; Normal admission price; The Roman Baths; www.romanbaths.co.uk 21 – 2 6 M AY

THE RAT PACK Get sent back in time to the glamorous, golden era of 1950s Las Vegas when Frank Sinatra, Sammy Davis Junior and Dean Martin joined forces to become the hottest ticket in town.

Head along, sing along and be transported to a reimagining of a famous night at the famous Sands Hotel. Various times and prices; Theatre Royal Bath; www.theatreroyal.org.uk

30 MAY

from their highly anticipated new collaborative album Hospital Hill.

7pm; £12; Chapel Arts Bath; www.chapelarts.org 8 JU N E

JILL JACKSON A launch tour for the independent Glaswegian singer-songwriter, who will be performing songs from her new album Are We There Yet? Jill takes influence from Celtic, country and Americana.

8pm; £12; Chapel Arts Bath; www.chapelarts.org

Family 1 3 MAY

SOMERSET GARDEN DAY An initiative with a simple ambition in mind: to encourage you to enjoy your garden, no matter how big or small it is. Down tools and celebrate the fruits of your labour with neighbours, family and friends.

Various locations; www.gardenday.co.uk

6 JUNE

JACK CARTY Australian singer-songwriter Jack Carty and Maz O’Connor will be performing as part of their joint headline tour of the UK. The independent acoustic duo will as they perform new tracks

GET KNITTED This is part of the crafty May halfterm activities on offer at Bath’s local museums. Find out about ‘messy knitting,’ and learn how to use finger knitting to make a cuff, neckpiece or something from your imagination. Various times; the half-term events are free for residents with a Discovery Card; Fashion Museum; www.fashionmuseum.co.uk

1 3 MAY

WHOOSH! A heartwarming musical performance to blow you to a warm world of breath and wind.

A trombonist, a clarinettist and a French horn player use

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

the language of music in this delightful show, presented at part of The Bath Festival in collaboration with the egg, Theatre Royal Bath.

12pm and 2.30pm; Weston Studio, The Edge, University of Bath; www.edgearts.org 19 – 20 MAY

CASTLE COMBE STEAM RALLEY A popular annual weekend event that includes a display of vintage steam engines and vehicles. Expect rides and attractions to entertain the whole family, a schedule of live arena events, craft stalls, stands and refreshments. Funds raised go to children’s charity, Jessie May. Various times and prices; Castle Combe Race Circuit; www. castlecombesteamrally.co.uk

WILD WOODLAND DAYS Identify insects and plants, build dens, cook over an open fire, take part in games and activities and create wild artwork with your children outdoors. Suitable for 5-11 year olds. Morning and afternoon sessions available; £10; Dyrham Park; www.nationaltrust.org.uk 10 J UNE

LEAF OPEN FARM Local farmers open their gates for this Sunday showcase, which is farming’s national open day, and a great opportunity to see what happens beyond the farm gate. Enjoy tractor rides, meet the animals, or follow a nature trail with the family.

Various local farms; www.farmsunday.org 17 J UNE

26 MAY

CREATE: ART Hatch creative ideas and spend some quality time together, in a supportive and friendly environment. You’ll leave with some fun creations and top tips for making art at home, too.

For five – 11-year-olds. 10.30am; £5/£3; Ensemble Room, The Edge, University of Bath; www.edgearts.org

FATHER’S DAY TEA Take afternoon tea in an 18thcentury Palladian mansion set amidst 500 glorious acres of parkland. The perfect treat for fathers on their special day, choose from a full afternoon tea with either whiskey or local ale, served in the library, drawing room or, if the weather agrees, on the terrace. Various times and prices; Lucknam Park; www.lucknampark.co.uk w

ARTS

W H AT ’ S O N

Other 12 M AY

MESSAGE BRUSH WORKSHOP Discover this unique and popular Japanese brush technique with artist Yuki Aoba. Make a postcard of a symbol or message to show off your thoughts in a powerful, colourful and positive way.

10am; £10; Widcombe Social Club; www.akiyamaconnects. co.uk 13 M AY

JUDY MURRAY From tragedy in Dunblane to triumph on the court, Judy Murray’s memoir Knowing The Score is a story of belief in the face of adversity. Judy will focus on her role as mother, a coach to her sons Jamie and Andy, and the ups and downs of parenting a child with big dreams.

1pm; £10; Komedia; www.komedia.co.uk

in beautiful views over the World Heritage City.

10.am; £4; Bath Skyline; www.nationaltrust.org.uk 1 7 MAY

CHEF’S TABLE EXPERIENCE A fun yet relaxed evening with exceptional food. Join executive chef Hywel Jones as he prepares and talks through a five-course menu. The evening starts with a champagne and canapé reception and includes the prepared dinner. 6.30pm; £75; Lucknam Park Cookery School; www.lucknampark.co.uk 1 8 MAY

PARTY IN THE CITY Bath’s biggest night of free arts entertainment across the city and an important part of The Bath Festival celebrations.

The night includes over 2,000 performers, 30 venues and three outdoor arenas. Various locations and times; www.bathfestivals.org.uk

13 M AY

2 5 MAY – 1 0 JUNE

14 M AY

1 0 JU N E

MARCUS DU SAUTOY The mathematician and author will be unravelling the themes of his new book How To Count To Infinity. Humans have only recently understood how to count to regions that no animal has ever reached – trust Marcus to teach you how it’s done.

11am; £8; Komedia; www.komedia.co.uk HISTORIC GARDENS OF THE ITALIAN LAKES An informative evening with members of the Arts Society Bath, who meet monthly to share their specialist knowledge.

This talk will cover the many gardens on the shores of Lakes Como and Maggiore, including a 16th-century parterre and water staircase, two gardens made by rival Napoleonic grandees, and many more. 8pm; £8; BRLSI Queen Square; www.batheveningarts.co.uk 15 M AY

CITY TO COUNTRYSIDE WALK Stretch your legs and glimpse a different side to Bath, as you wander from city to countryside on this guided walk. Learn about the history of Bath while taking

BATH FRINGE FESTIVAL An eclectic festival of all the arts – with few rules as to what should be in or out. Spanning over 25 venues, the Fringe includes theatre and cabaret, circus and dance, film, live music, spoken word, kids’ events and plenty of free family happenings. Various times and prices; www.bathfringe.co.uk LANSDOWN OPEN GARDENS Luxuriate in the gardens of Sion Hill, a landscaped garden in Somerset Lane and two classic gardens in Richmond Road. Tea, cakes, plants and vegetables will be available throughout the afternoon, with proceeds going to the upkeep of the Millennium Green. 2pm; £5; St. Stephen’s Millennium Green; www.milleniumgreen.org.uk 1 0 – 1 7 JU N E

BOULES WEEK A whole week of fundraising fun, held every day in the heart of Bath. Expect parties, a streetfood market, drinks, networking films, talks and of course, Boules – all in the aid of raising money for local causes. Queen Square; www.bathboules.com

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

Top to bottom: This year’s Bath Fringe Festival features a packed theatre programme; smooth acoustics of Australian singer Jack Carty at Chapel Arts

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

YOUR SOUTH DEVON SANCTUARY Stunning holiday homes just two hours from Bath

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idden amongst the beautiful colours of spring and early summer in South Devon are cleverly designed holiday lodges offering you a relaxing bolthole to unwind in. Palstone Lodges has a bespoke collection of luxury lodges for sale that are perfectly placed to explore and discover all that the South Hams has to offer. Close to the glistening coastline and with Dartmoor right on the doorstep, adventures are just waiting to be made at Palstone Lodges.

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“The lodge, the site and the area exceeded all our expectations. We couldn’t believe our good fortune when within a month or so, without any need for solicitors, we were able to pick up the keys and start our holiday adventures in Devon.

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

CRAFTS IN THE COTSWOLDS New Brewery Arts in Cirencester is the home of craft and making in the heart of the Cotswolds

W

ith an extensive programme of over 200 courses and workshops each year, New Brewery Arts is the place to explore your craft and creativity.

Great tutors lead inspirational classes and workshops in a huge variety of crafts, including pottery, willow weaving, textiles, painting, drawing and stone-carving.

Our summer school takes place between 30 July to 19 August. These multi-day workshops are an opportunity to learn new craft skills, nurture your talents and meet new friends. Workshops include letter carving, smocking, textile printing, shaker box making, ceramics and needle felting!

Our craft courses – usually 10 weeks – run on a termly basis, allowing you more time to explore a particular craft or to create more intricate work that needs time to progress. We also run regular workshops, offering you the chance to try craft

taster sessions; they take place over a few hours, a day, or sometimes two or three days. See the Courses and Workshops section of our website for full details and to book your place.

SPECIAL OFFER – 10% off all adult workshops running until September.

Quote BATHLIFE10 online or by phone.

At New Brewery Arts you’ll also find a gallery with regularly changing exhibitions, onsite makers’ studios where you can see craft at work and buy direct, a craft shop offering unique items created by extraordinary craftspeople, and a thriving café. If you’re coming from further afield, then our stylish boutique hostel, The Barrel Store, is right next door. It offers tasteful, centrally located accommodation at an affordable price, furnished with unique design elements by some of the best independent craft-makers in the UK.

“Excellent teacher, friendly and very helpful”.

“Fantastic workshop, very friendly atmosphere, plenty of one to one help” “Never been here before but will certainly return; an excellent place to immerse in various media, to watch people create things, to be inspired and to be tempted to buy beautiful items made by other crafts people and artists!”

Brewery Court, Cirencester GL7 1JH 01285 657181; www.newbreweryarts.org.uk hello@newbreweryarts.org.uk Mon-Sat 9am-5pm; Sun/Bank Hols 10am-4pm

nick cudworth gallery

The George at Bathampton Original and prints

MAY EXHIBITION 1 – 31 May

An exhibition of paintings and prints by Nick that reflect his interests in a variety of subjects including portraits, still life and landscape.

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

Photo by sophie muller

ONE TO ONE

SOPHIE’S WORLD Ahead of her performance at The Bath Festival later this month, Sophie Ellis-Bextor discusses feminism, her new album, and her love for the city’s indie shopping scene

By L I SA E VA NS

I EXPECT THE PEOPLE OF BATH TO BRING THEIR DISCO

SHOES

All eyes will be on Sophie at the end of May

E

ven if she wasn’t famous, with her strikingly geometric bone structure and eccentric sense of style, Sophie Ellis-Bextor would always stand out from the crowd. The singer, who stormed onto the scene with universal number one Groovejet (If This Ain’t Love) in 2000, will bring her poise, prowess and partystarting talent to Bath later this month when she performs at the finale weekend of The Bath Festival at The Rec. But she’ll be insisting on a show of effort from the crowd in return.

“I expect the people of Bath to bring their disco shoes, please,” says the Murder on the Dancefloor star, whose new album, The Song Diaries, is out in September. “I’m coming to perform, so I’ll bring the band in tow and we’ll bring the gift of disco.

We’ll do a full band journey through the last few albums and all the songs people would expect me to sing.”

She’s hoping to combine music with a spot of indie boutique shopping while she’s in the city, too. “I’ve been to Bath many times,” she says. “It’s a beautiful place; I love the Roman Baths and wandering round the streets where you have the little independent shops. I always find something nice to take home. Last time, it was birthday presents for one of my children, and my husband, w www.mediaclash.co.uk I BATH LIFE I 51

ONE TO ONE Richard, bought a very lovely vintage bass to add to his collection. He is a bass player, so this is permissible behaviour. I know we’ll make a day of it at the very least this time around.

“The Bath Festival is one of the first festivals of the season, so I’m looking forward to watching the bands and maybe hearing some of the authors talk,” she adds. “There’s also talk of me and my mum hosting a little something to do with the literary side of the festival. My mum has recently published her first work of fiction and is finishing a second; we’re both keen readers, so we’ll see.”

Sophie comes across as smart, sure and confident, but she says the only thing that can make her feel “invincible” is her family, which, for her, is at the core of everything. She’s even had the F-word tattooed inside a red heart on her bicep.

“My family and friends empower me,” she says. “I am so lucky as I am surrounded by kind, funny, loyal people who have always got time to give me advice when I need it. I’d be lost without them.

“My best moments in life are any weekend where Richard and I are home with our four boys,” she adds. “And if the sun is shining, we get all the family and friends over and have a BBQ. It’s the best.”

Her loved ones make her feel content, but when it comes to what makes her heart beat faster, the answer is: taking risks.

“The thing I’m probably proudest of in life is that I challenge myself,” she says. “I’ve realised I like to keep myself busy and do things that scare me a little professionally. It’s good for the soul.”

Her most recent endeavour has been to work on her greatest hits album, The Song Diaries, as she explains, “If I was to choose a best career moment, it would definitely be the fact that I’m still doing what I love, and the new orchestral project of reworking my singles with classical musicians has been amazing. It’ll give songs like Groovejet and Murder a whole new life.” w

THE BATH FESTIVAL For the 70th anniversary of Bath Festivals, The Bath Festival returns as a 17-day multi-arts festival, celebrating the city, with music and literature at its heart.

Paloma Faith will replace Tears for Fears (who have been forced to back out of the show on doctor’s orders) as headline act at the finale weekend. And throughout the festival you can also expect to see big names from the music and literary world, including Alison Moyet, Midge Ure, Seth Lakeman, Robert Plant, Judy Murray, Sir Chris Bonington, Robert Webb and Professor Green.

Other attractions over the weekend will include a poets’ corner, activity zones for children, artisan food, a plethora of live entertainment across four stages, plus the free-to-attend Party in the City, which takes place across 34 venues and outdoor spaces in Bath on 18 May, and will see the streets brought to life with acoustic, jazz, classical, choral, folk, world, indie and pop music and visual arts.

The Bath Festival runs from 11 – 27 May. For more, see www.thebathfestival.org.uk

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

BEING COOL IS OVERRATED The Murder on the Dancefloor singer is looking forward to a spot of shopping while she’s in Bath

27 Queen Square, Bath, BA1 2HX 01225 334 577 admissions@bathacademy.co.uk www.bathacademy.co.uk

ONE TO ONE QUICK-FIRE ROUND

What are your hidden talents?

I don’t really have any. If I’m half good at anything, I’ll tell you – and I’m not very good at anything. However, everyone needs a party trick, and mine is seasonal: I can tie a cherry stalk in a knot with my tongue.

If you could give your younger self a piece of advice, what would it be?

A few things, really: to worry less about what people think; that being cool is overrated; to not bother dying my hair blonde; and a free haircut is probably not going to be a good haircut – took me two gos to learn that one.

What helps you relax?

Sorting out stuff at home and generally pottering. It’s a busy life I lead and I love it but, if I have time, just getting the house sorted makes my heart happy. There’s always stuff to do and I know it’s never going to all be done, but such is life.

Are you a feminist?

Why, of course! As are my four sons. Who wouldn’t agree that men and women should have equal opportunities? Common sense, innit?

What can’t you stop listening to right now?

My husband’s band, The Feeling, is just reissuing its first album, Twelve Stops and Home, and it’s been lovely listening to that again.

Not a shameless plug – I am genuinely a fan, and that album is laced with memories for me as it was the soundtrack to me and Richard getting together, having our first baby and getting married. Fleetwood Mac is up there, too. My favourite singer of all time is Tricky. I love so many people, from Aretha Franklin to Karen Carpenter to Julie Andrews; I could go on.

What are your biggest passions?

Family, food, music, clothes, homewares, vintage, dancing. I get very over-excited about all of these things.

When are you coming back to Bath after you perform at The Bath Festival?

As soon as you invite me.

Fashion and all things vintage are two of Sophie’s passions

WHO WOULDN’T AGREE THAT MEN AND WOMEN SHOULD HAVE EQUAL OPPORTUNITIES? COMMON SENSE, INNIT?

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

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BOOKS

KNOWLEDGE IS POWER – ESPECIALLY IF YOU’VE GOT A HIDDEN AGENDA

CHARACTER BUILDING With memorable characters you’ll genuinely miss at the cores of these novels, here are NIC BOTTOMLEY’S choice of top reads this week

T

he publishing adjunct to legendary Marylebone booksellers Daunt Books has proven, over the last five years or so, remarkably adept at tracking down lost gems and bringing them back to the public’s attention.

One of their recent releases, though, is a new novel, albeit one with a nostalgic vibe.

Lillian Boxfish Takes a Walk by Kathleen Rooney (Daunt, £9.99) begins in New York on New Year’s Eve in 1985 when the octogenarian heroine heads out into the city for a stroll. As she walks, each place she passes brings to mind an episode from her remarkable life. Along the way, people concerned for her safety query the wisdom of her meandering without destination in a city known for its violent crime.

Nevertheless, Lilian robustly, and perhaps naively, refuses to be cowed.

The character at the heart of this novel is a remarkable woman: passionate, selfpossessed, ambitious, not merely polite but civilised. She creates connections wherever she goes, and is counter-culturally open for a city that she believes has begun to stifle true connection. She’s a character you’ll genuinely miss when the final page is done but whose admirable outlook on life will stay

with you long after.

Another memorable and likeable character leads Willie Vlautin’s latest book. Don’t Skip Out on Me (Faber, £12.99) confirms Vlautin as one of the modern masters of direct and deceptively simple prose. You’d expect nothing less from a man who splits his time between writing musically and in novel form. Vlautin writes and performs both solo and with the band Richmond Fontaine, producing stand-alone albums as well as soundtracks to his novels.

The latest offering from this creative dynamo begins in Nevada and, specifically, on the ranch of Mr and Mrs Reese where Horace, a young half-white half-Paiute Indian man has worked for several years.

The Reeses are an elderly couple whose own ranching days should be nearing an end.

Mr Reese struggles with the physicality of the job, though his wife clings onto her love of the place and is always reluctant to step away from it for even a moment.

The relationship between Horace and the Reeses is strong, tender, and almost akin to a surrogate parent-to-child bond. In fact, you’ll read a lot of books before you find characters as unfailingly sympathetic and kind as these steadfast farmers, who remain supportive to Horace even when he presents

ARTS

his heart-breaking decision to leave the ranch for Tucson.

Horace is determined to pursue his dreams of a boxing career – dreams that have led to something of an identity crisis.

To his mind, championship boxers are Mexican rather than Indian, and so his first steps along the road to success involve attempting to develop a taste for spicy food (with more agony than success) and burying his white-man’s death metal music collection. These will be only the first and most modest of the many high prices Horace has to pay to prove himself to the world as a boxer.

To complete a trio of superb and absorbing recent novels, I want to say a word about The Blinds by Adam Sternbergh (Faber, £7.99). This is a taut thriller set in a Texan desert community of people on a witness relocation scheme. There are a couple of innocent folk amongst them, but for the most part these are the very worst witnesses – criminals themselves who have put their head above the parapet to incriminate fellow miscreants.

But here’s the first twist: none of the witnesses know the background to why they came to be in this community. As part of a scientific experiment, they’ve had the memory of the crime that they witnessed or played a part in extracted. This dash of sci-fi works brilliantly, as it renders most of the characters paranoid or unjustifiably hopeful as to their own true character.

Calvin Cooper, the sheriff overseeing the community is also ignorant about the pasts of the citizens he patrols. In sharp contrast, three new arrivals in town have uninterrupted memories and seem to know everything about everyone. Knowledge is power – especially, as the novel explores, if you’ve got a hidden agenda.

There are so many curious twists, storylines and internal questions built into The Blinds – should you be given a second chance? If you do get a second chance, how do you deal with it? Is it possible to treat people as innocents even if you know they’re probably not? If this doesn’t end up as a Netflix boxset, then someone has definitely missed a trick.

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

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FILM

ARTS

Clockwise, from left: The Leisure Seeker, Lean on Pete, The Breadwinner and Tully

THIS NEW MOVIE HAS BEEN DESCRIBED AS A MILLENNIAL MARY POPPINS

LOVE AND MARRIAGE This month’s film recommendations mainly centre on family, relationships and love, with something lurking in the background

By GR AC E W I L L I A M S

S

ummer is just around the corner, and the characters in this month’s film selection already have their bags packed for their holidays. I’d like to say that they’re all going to have a jolly good time, but alas, there’s something lurking in the background to dampen the spirits. First up, we have The Leisure Seeker, about a retired couple who set off on an unforgettable journey in their trusty RV, whose name gives us the title of the film. At the wheel are two very fine actors indeed – Helen Mirren and Donald Sutherland – who play charming couple Ella and John Spencer. The two are both suffering from illness – John with Alzheimer’s and Ella with cancer. They decide to take one last trip from Boston to the Florida Keys to reminisce about their lives and loves. This is the first Englishlanguage feature from Italian director Paolo Vizri, and the film earned Mirren a Golden Globe nomination.

Next up we have On Chesil Beach, a sumptuous period drama based on Ian McEwan’s acclaimed novela. Saiorse Ronan (Brooklyn, Ladybird) shines as Florence, with Billy Howle (Sense of an Ending) as on-screen husband Edward. Florence and

Edward are newlyweds who decide to honeymoon next to the famous beach in Dorset. However, Florence is terrified of consummating their marriage, and so begins a dance of avoidance between her and her new husband. The film tenderly explores the theme of sexual awakening, while examining identity and commitment. McEwan’s screenplay adaptation of his novel is slightly more reserved than the book, yet just as impactful. It’s sure to be a weep-inducing cinematic ride.

Moving to warmer climates, we have That Good Night, another film that deals sensitively with the subject of terminal illness. The film stars the late and very great John Hurt as retired screenwriter Ralph, who wants to come to terms with his past mistakes and reconnect with his son. The film is based on N.J Crisp’s stage play, and boasts a superb supporting cast including the formidable Charles Dance.

Shot in the beautiful Algarve, Hurt’s final film performance is deeply moving. Despite passing away in 2017, the fact that we’re still seeing his brilliance shows what a force he was until the end.

Also coming up are a couple of indie gems for all you cinephiles out there. Lean

on Pete is the all-American coming-of-age story about a teen and his horse. Charlie lives on a farm with his single father and looks after one of the retired horses at the racetrack he works at. When Charlie learns that his favourite horse is to be removed for slaughter, the film dives into classic road movie mode. With Steve Buscemi as the cantankerous track owner and Chloe Sevigny as a tired-out jockey, the film puts a poverty-stricken American under the microscope with a hefty wallop.

On the flip side we have Tully, a film that displays the struggles of parenthood and the importance of friendship. Marlo (Charlize Theron) is a struggling mother of three – one of them being an adorable yet perma-bawling newborn. Along comes Tully, a night-nanny who is gifted to Marlo by her brother (Mark Duplass) to help out. This new movie, from top director and screenwriter combo Jason Reitman and Diablo Cody, the pair behind Juno and Young Adult, has been described as a ‘millennial Mary Poppins.’ Here, she comes with no magic suitcase or jaunty tunes to make the children calm. Instead, she brings patience, friendship and peace.

Last but not least, we have The Breadwinner, which was a hit at FilmBath Festival last year. From the remarkable studio behind The Secret Of Kells and Song Of The Sea, this gorgeous animation displays the horrendous conditions of war in Afghanistan through the eyes of a courageous little girl. When Parvana’s father is unjustly arrested by Taliban, her and her predominantly female family are left with nothing, as women are not allowed to go out without a male relative. Parvana disguises herself as a boy and pretends to be her cousin, so that she can go to the market and get food for her family.

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

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

R E S TA U R A N T

FOOD

The Brasserie at Lucknam Park The magnificent country house hotel has had a multi-award-winning year so far, so now’s as good a time as any to make your reservation

By L I SA E VA NS

W

hen you walk through the door of an opulent, elegant, creepercovered Palladian mansion and are greeted by the sight of chandeliers, bow-tied staff, oil paintings and crackling fires, the last things you expect to see on the menu are burgers and pizzas*, but Lucknam Park offers them. The casual fare is only available at the relaxed, modern brasserie, though. If you’ve a taste for the finer things in life, you should head over to their Michelinstarred restaurant instead.

Having indulged at Lucknam’s fine-dining eatery in the past, today I’ve come for a laid-back brasserie experience – so laidback, in fact, that the diners opposite us are playing Scrabble at the table. Don’t be fooled by The Brasserie’s informal style, though; the spacious, sleek, bright restaurant still offers a full à la carte menu, using ingredients straight from the hotel’s kitchen garden.

We begin with a bread board abundant with wild garlic and parmesan focaccias, music breads and Bertinet sourdough served with butter and oils.

Then, the deliciously creamy soup of the day – mushroom – arrives topped with the crunch of rosemary croutons, and it’s so thick that it leaves scoop holes. More impressive is the wood-roast lemon chicken salad with smashed avocado, crispy pancetta, and honey-mustard dressing.

Between courses, there’s a moment to revel in the crisply pressed sense of place and the countryside serenity.

From our window seats, we can’t see beyond the pretty walled gardens, but just knowing there’s a whole 500 acres of listed parkland and manicured lawns out there adds to the sense of peacefulness.

Slow-cooked pork belly is my dining partner’s dish of choice for main. It’s caramelised and sticky, exquisitely presented – with dollops, swirls and drizzles – and comes with salt-baked Jerusalem artichoke, apple, braised savoy,

WE HAVE NO ROOM FOR DESSERT, BUT WE PLOUGH ON REGARDLESS BECAUSE

DOUGHNUTS

and preternaturally smooth creamed potatoes.

My selection, from vegetarian options such as pea and wild garlic risotto, and pearl barley and butternut squash faggot, is the behemoth portion of mac and cheese, which breathes a fug of mature fromages upon arrival. The mac comes lolling in a creamy Montgomery cheddar sauce studded with truffled leeks, and a golden cheese crumb is scattered on top to add texture. I order a watercress, pea and mint side salad, to balance out the naughtiness of it all.

We have no room for dessert, but we plough on regardless because doughnuts. I have a Wye Valley rhubarb and custard doughnut with stem ginger ice cream and pretty, pink stewed rhubarb, and he has strawberry Eton mess served with vanilla Chantilly and fresh, fruity sorbet.

All I can say is, I’m glad I visited Lucknam’s spa before dinner, because there’s no way I’d be donning a swimsuit after this hefty feast. The Brasserie’s location, adjoining the fabulous spa, makes it the perfect place to stop off while enjoying a day of relaxation and rejuvenation. The spa is complete with eight therapy rooms, a 20-metre indoor pool, indoor and outdoor hydrotherapy pools, five thermal cabins and a salt-water plunge pool.

If I had the energy or the inclination, I would do a session in the small but well-equipped fitness room, but I don’t. There’s a great choice of leisure facilities available for those who do enjoy a more active, mind-stimulating break, though; there’s even an equestrian centre, with 35 horses, and a cookery school. The motto here is ‘Do nothing, try something, indulge in everything’. But if all you want a good night’s sleep, that can be arranged, too.

There are 42 luxurious bedrooms here, including 13 suites, some with four poster beds, which are all individually designed – continuing the ‘bygone era’ vibe that you get when you walk through the front door.

No matter your extra-curricular preferences, this year, the head chef at The Brasserie, Tom Westerland, won the National Chef of Wales 2018 award, and Lucknam Park received a gold award for Taste of England as well as a silver award for Hotel of the Year at the VisitEngland Awards. So, if you ask us, now’s a pretty good time to make a reservation at this five-star haven. *Rump steak burgers and wood-stone pizzas, may we add.

DINING DETAILS The Brasserie at Lucknam Park, Colerne, Chippenham, Wiltshire, SN14 8AZ; 01225 742777; www.lucknampark.co.uk Prices Starters £6 – £18; mains £8 – £64; dessert £8.50 – £10 Vegetarian choice A good handful of offerings Wine Quality over quantity Service/ atmosphere Friendly and sophisticated but relaxed

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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 Road, 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 a 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 62 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 CHEQUERS 50 Rivers St, Bath; 01225 360017; www.thechequersbath.com Inventive British food served in a welcoming pub atmosphere close to the Royal Crescent

CAFÉS & COFFEE SHOPS

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

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 DARCY’S 34 Gay St, Bath; 01225 425308 www.facebook.com/darcysbath Independent café/newsagent in Bath. Serving breakfast and lunch, coffee and cake daily GREEN BIRD CAFÉ 11 Margaret's Buildings, Bath; 01225 487846; www.greenbirdcafe.co.uk Independently-run café located between the Circus and Royal Crescent THE KINGSMEAD KITCHEN 1 Kingsmead St, Kingsmead Square, Bath; 01225 329002; www.fieldfireandfeast.co.uk Laid-back, modern café-bar open daily from 8am until 6pm for breakfast, brunch, lunch and tea using farm produce

CALIFORNIAN

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 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 a 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

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

ITALIAN CAFFÈ CARUSO 3 Trim Bridge, Bath; 01225 426735 www.caffecarusobath.co.uk Independent restaurant with authentic Italian dishes SOTTO SOTTO 10 North Parade, Bath 01225 330236; www.sottosotto.co.uk Classic Italian menu with a contemporary twist in candlelit vaulted cellars

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

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

TAPAS

STEAKHOUSES

THAI

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

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

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

TAPAS REVOLUTION 20A St Lawrence St, Bath; 01225 312917 www.tapasrevolution.com/bath Authentic Spanish tapas plus an outside terrace

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

OUTSIDE of BATH BRITISH NO. 10 TEA GARDENS Avoncliff, Westwood, Bradford-on-Avon BA15 2HD; 01225 853361 www.avonclifftea.com An independent tea garden located next to the picturesque aqueduct at Avoncliff.

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 Road, 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

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A tender rump is a firm fave on the inn’s menu

A guardian angel at the heart of Lacock village

TAKE FIVE

On a trip to Lacock’s Sign of the Angel you can expect cosy charm, history and heavenly tastes. Find out how head chef Jon Furby is breathing new life to the menu of this traditional village inn...

S

ign of the Angel is a 15thcentury inn based in the picture-postcard village of Lacock, just a short drive from Bath. The inn is now used as a restaurant and rooms, full of character, rustic fare, open fires and wonky ceilings.

The building might be steeped with history, but head chef (and business partner) Jon isn’t afraid to add some divine modern twists to traditional dishes…

Tell us about Sign of the Angel...

Our inn replicates the key aspects of what a traditional inn should offer, to provide greattasting food and drink, along with cosy, homely rooms for those staying overnight.

Where are you based?

We are situated in the National Trust village of Lacock, so a trip to us can be part of a day out in the village. Our inn dates back to 1480, so expect low beams, sloping floors and loads of character. When we took on the property it was looking rather sad for itself, so it was a pleasure to breathe new life back into the building.

European influence in my menus. While coming up with new dishes is important, it’s also fun to rethink some classics, too.

Sound delicious. Is your produce sourced locally?

Absolutely. We are very lucky here in the West Country to be surrounded by a number of great farmers, growers and butchers, as well as the many artisan producers. It is so important to develop relationships with your suppliers to get the best from them; quality of produce is always our focus.

Is there a favourite customer dish?

Since we opened, we’ve had lamb rump on the menu almost the whole time – each season we change the elements of the dish but it always outperforms the others.

Currently, we are serving the rump with

Where did the name come from?

We’re led to believe that the name comes from a local coin that had an angel on it. It is a name that we inherited, and we certainly weren’t about to tinker with history.

Describe your menu to us…

We serve British food but with a modern – and some say rustic – twist. I was trained classically, originally, so I have some 64 I BATH LIFE I www.mediaclash.co.uk

Jon takes a break from menu mixing in the cottage garden

minted potato, broad beans, celeriac and a mint sauce.

What foodie feedback have you so far?

We have already been really lucky to have positive reviews from local and national press, but to be awarded Alastair Sawday’s Pub/Inn of the Year in just our second year was an honour, and a proud moment for the whole team.

It’s nearly summer, tell us about the outside space...

There’s a beautiful cottage garden next to the stream, and a paddock that will gradually subsidise produce for the kitchen.

The garden lends itself very well to morning coffee and cake, or lunch al fresco, and is popular for our afternoon teas, all elements of which we make in-house – I’m still not sure what comes first with scones though… the jam or the cream?

We’ll happily enjoy either way. What new tastes are coming soon to the inn?

We recently made our tasting menu available to all guests dining (it was previously only for staying guests). This has been well received, and at £40 for seven courses, it is very reasonable. Our monthly tasting-menu events are always popular, too. Each month, we devise a tasting menu based on three seasonal elements, for example, next month is lobster, asparagus and gooseberry. We give you the option of drink-pairing, too, so make sure you aren’t driving. In fact…book a room.

For more: www.signoftheangel.co.uk

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

SOUTH WEST IS BEST

Simplicity and stark monochrome caught the judges’ eyes

ON THE HORIZON This year’s Pink Lady Food Photographer of the Year competition had over 8,000 entries from 60 countries, but it was Bath photographer Philip Field who wowed judges in the capital with his innovative imagery.

The glittering awards ceremony was held last month at The Mall Galleries, with Pru Leith presenting the prizes.

Philip – who has shot several stunning images for Bath Life in his time – was shortlisted as a finalist in three categories, but earned the Fujifilm Award for Innovation with Ostrich Horizon. Doing what it says on the tin – or name – the image captures a flock of ostriches springing across the brow of a hill. He took the shot while in Tanzania on an assignment for local

charity African Initiatives.

It might seem an unusual winner for a food photography competition, however. Philip originally entered into the category of ‘Food in the Field’, but was later delighted to find out that he’d been selected as Fujifilm’s top choice.

“I’ve such a love for photography and travel,” he says. “However, to actually win is another thing, especially in a competition as highly regarded as Pink Lady Food Photographer of the Year.”

It’s a dream come true for the talented local shooter, who now knows he has the support and expertise of camera giant Fujifilm behind him to help support his growing food photography career.

Boutique hotel No.15 Great Pulteney has just appointed Oliver Clarke as its new head chef. With a penchant for simple food that’s not simple on its flavours, Oliver is a keen advocate for locally sourced ingredients. He’s locally sourced himself, too, and makes the move to No.15 fresh from his most recent role as sous chef at Bath’s Abbey Hotel.

Oliver began his career in Bristol seven years ago and has worked in established eateries across the South West ever since.

“I’m thrilled to join the team at No.15,” says Oliver. “It’s really quirky and different, and there’s nowhere else quite like it in Bath. I’m really looking forward to the challenge of building a strong team and new food offering.”

Guests can expect a menu that keeps up with the very best seasonal (and local, of course) produce.

Oliver has already introduced a new all-day Bar 15 menu, featuring delicious small plates designed for sharing. These include a pork belly croquette, wood pigeon kiev, and hand-picked Devon crab – all ideal accompaniments for a laid-back cocktail or two in the stylish Georgian surrounds.

For more: www.no15greatpulteney.co.uk

Bright copper kettles, but no warm woollen mittens…

For more: www.philipfield.com

SLICE OF ITALY

It’d be rude to try just one slice…

The team behind Bath’s popular pizzeria The Oven have just opened a street food outlet on New Bond Street.

The Slice will be serving up customers smaller portions of their favourite pizza to takeaway, making it a go-to spot for quick, central – and tasty – lunchtime noms.

“There is a style of Italian pizza, invented in Rome, that was specifically designed for people on the move,” says co-owner of The Slice, Ben Shayegan. “Pizza al Taglio

is Italian for ‘pizza by the slice’ – literally by the cut. If you don’t have time for a sit-down lunch and you need a slice of Italy on the move, we have you covered!”

The Slice is open all week from 11am-11pm, and offers several takeaway deals. As well as the usual flavours of doughy delights, the menu also features other traditional Italian foods such as Arancini risotto and homemade cannoli.

For more: www.facebook.com/TheSliceUK

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Indian summer dining couldn’t be better than dining at Mint Room Bath and the re-opening of our Piper Heidsieck Rooftop Champagne Bar

Sunday brunch coming soon!

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

fa

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

Meet the foodie The local makers, servers and cookers who are sure to get your tastebuds tingling

Miranda Sidwick

Guildhall Deli Guildhall Market, Bath BA2 4AW guildhall-deli@hotmail.co.uk

How did you start out?

I used to be a primary school teacher, and my husband worked in the same school as me. After his untimely death, I needed a new direction in my life. At the time, my sister worked in The Deli and told me it was up for sale. I put on my business suit, bought The Deli, and my journey began.

What do you enjoy about running a deli in Bath?

The best part of my job is working with my sister and meeting my customers. Every day is different, especially during the tourist season.

What are the most popular items that you sell?

We have recently introduced a premium range of Scotch eggs and pies. These include black pudding, chilli and a veggie range of scotch eggs, as well as Cotswold venison and smoked salmon pies. I enjoy sourcing as many local products as possible.

What makes you different?

We are a family-based business with a unique selling strategy; if in doubt, put up some more fairy lights and bunting. You can’t miss us.

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Will baber

Tasting Room Wine & Spirits 01225 483070 www.tastingroom.co.uk Describe your offering?

I would like to think that we source quality and interesting wines and spirits that we are proud to stock and offer in the shop and on our tasting events. The tasting events are an integral part of our business, enabling us to show different producers and distillers products – either on a privately booked tasting (our regular Gin, Whisky, Wine tastings) or with one of the producer tastings.

What is your personal choice when it comes to wine?

I have a real passion and interest in Italian and American wines. This is reflected on our shelves with California and Italy holding pride of place.

Californian Pinot Noir and fragrant whites of Italy are our drink of choice for the summer.

What is your favourite part of the job?

Giving our customers recommendations that match their request – either as the perfect gift, the right wine to match a certain food, or, introducing them to new drinks.

What are the latest trends in the Spirit industry?

Mezcal, tequila and aquavit are all the rage in London.

Watch this space for a tasting coming soon.

Alan and Vicki Mowat

Riverford Home Delivery Bath 01225 437438 www.riverford.co.uk

What trends do you think Bath’s food scene will see this year?

We think we’ll see a further rise in vegan and plant-based offerings in Bath. It’s great to see people giving vegetables more prominence in their diets: research shows that the more veg you eat, the healthier you’re likely to be in the long term. We’re veg lovers ourselves, of course, so we’re delighted that vegetables are increasingly becoming the star of the plate in Bath.

Where do your source your produce from?

Most of our vegetables come from Riverford’s organic farm, and some things are grown by other organic producers who partner with us. We know where everything is grown, so we can trace the provenance of every carrot.

Which accomplishment has made you proudest?

We’re really proud of our Veg Fund partnership, which helps schools to raise funds and awareness of healthy eating. This year we’ve raised hundreds of pounds for local schools, and we’ve run lots of veg cookery workshops for children and parents, inspiring the whole family to eat their greens.

tom nicholas

Sign of the Angel 01249 730230 www.signoftheangel.co.uk Which other restaurants do you admire?

My friend, and Bath’s adopted Frenchman, JP, of the Beaujolais. He sustained a successful restaurant for a decade, and there is a lot to be said for that longevity in this industry.

What are the latest trends in eating out?

Casual dining is something we’ve always focused on and is increasingly what the majority of people desire. We want our guests to have really great quality food and drinks in an environment where they feel totally relaxed and comfortable.

If you could give one bit of advice to those starting out, what would it be?

Surround yourself with great people. I’m not a chef, but my business partner, Jon, is a superb one. Getting people in the team who are passionate for food is integral. Often, the exciting thing about independent start-ups is them entering the food world from other backgrounds, which brings this passion and innovation to the table… so to say.

Which accomplishment has made you proudest?

Being awarded Pub/Inn of the Year last year by Sawday’s (after only two years of business) was a fine moment.

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

laura doria

The Italian Food Hall 8 Edgar Buildings, George Street, Bath BA1 2EE www.theitalianfoodhall.com Describe your offering?

We are an independent Italian food shop and delicatessen that offers a hand-picked selection of food and wine, from small regional producers, as well as delicious freshly made panini, lunch specials and hot drinks. We bring real Italian produce to Bath at affordable prices for everyone to enjoy. The philosophy of our shop is ‘taste before you buy.’

What is your favourite part of the job?

Sourcing authentic foods and wines from small Italian growers, producers and manufacturers and offering a real Italian experience and atmosphere for all our customers when they come into the shop.

What do you like to cook at home?

I like to make my daughters Emily and Becky ‘hidden’ vegetable soups with tiny pasta shapes in. They have to guess what vegetables I’ve included each time!

What are your plans for the next 12 months?

We started our Italian language supper clubs at the beginning of the year. They are fun drop in sessions to help you learn Italian over a light meal. They’ve been really successful so far, so we plan to launch monthly Italian cookery and wine tasting workshops to inspire people to cook more Italian dishes and experiment with lesser known Italian wines. And, of course, keep sourcing new delicious products for the shop!

dawn hawking

Marshfield Ice Cream 01225 891221 www.marshfield-icecream.co.uk What do you most enjoy about being a food producer in Bath?

There are so many great food producers and restaurants in this area. It’s a foodie paradise.

How did you come up with the name of your business?

We are actually Oldfield Farm, but that name was trade marked. So, as there is no official farm called Marshfield Farm, we chose that.

Where do your source your produce from?

Our main ingredient is our own organic milk which makes up 55% of every tub of ice cream.

As we make our ice cream on the farm, it’s literally a stone’s throw from the ice creamery to the dairy. Double cream comes from various local dairies including Cotteswold.

Our chocolate fudge brownies and gingerbread come from Marshfield Bakery just up the road, and our latest flavour of gin and tonic torbet is made with gin from fantastic local producers 6 O’clock, who are based in Thornbury in Bristol.

Which other food producers do you admire?

Locally, we are in awe of Yeo Valley.

Who are your biggest influences?

My mother was a home economics teacher, and was always cooking, baking and entertaining. All my siblings love cooking. We are feeders.

Dan Stern

The Fish Shop 2 Third Ave, Bath BA2 3NY 07954 820692 www.lovethefishshop.co.uk If you weren’t in the food industry what would you be doing?

I hope I’d be making music. My stage name would be Danchovy - Bon Jovi meets fish. My other love is horses, so maybe I’d be working as a horse trail riding guide in the Mendips. The feeling of freedom you get from working outdoors is unbeatable.

Where do your source your produce from?

After eight years in the fish trade we try to buy as local as possible, with established contacts in Brixham, Looe, Plymouth and Newlyn. We are really lucky to be so close to the coast. We also buy from Fleetwood in Lancashire, Peterhead in Scotland and as far as the Orkneys. Our Var salmon – from the Faroe Islands – is free range and chemical free. We also buy some fish from Europe like Bass, Bream and Raw Tiger Prawns. Our sashimi grade line caught tuna comes from Sri Lanka. By way of contrast, the most local fish we sell are line-caught trout from the Chew Valley.

What is your favourite part of the job?

The customers; working in a shop allows you to make some very real connections with people. In the Bristol shop, our fish starred in a first date that led to marriage and a child.

After our first month in Bath we are already starting to make those connections, and hope to make many more in the years to come.

Zoi Baldry

Med Deli Food Ltd 07510 850317 zoi@meddelifood.co.uk How did you start out?

I was raised by British and Dutch parents, who had chosen a small Greek island to bring up their family.

Coming full circle, in 2014, I moved from Greece to Bath with my husband and young son in order to give our son a British education. My husband and I have extensive knowledge of the hospitality and restaurant industry. Our experience led us to focus on supplying to the existing restaurants, pubs, delis and hotels in Bath and beyond.

Describe your offering?

We source the very best in quality Mediterranean food, and strongly believe in the benefits of a Mediterranean diet – both for health and to promote longevity. After a great deal of research, we have chosen a selection of high quality products that taste great and are at competitive prices. Where possible, we have chosen products from small family-run farms with outstanding quality.

Where do you source your produce from?

Influenced by our experiences in the Med, we source our products from Italy, Greece and Spain. Our best-selling Extra Virgin Olive Oil from the area of Kolymbari, Crete, has been described as liquid gold. The chargrilled Roman style artichokes are a big hit, as are the variety of balsamic glazes, including a fruity mango flavour.

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F o o d ad v ertisin g feat u re

the harvest team Kyle O’Callaghan, Natalie Robertson-Adams, Tom Edwards Harvest; 01225 465519 www.harvest-bath.coop

Which other food producers do you admire?

We’re lucky to work with loads of brilliant local producers and suppliers: Bath Culture House, The Oven, Castle Farm, Ivy House Farm and Somerset Kimchi & Kraut, to name just a few. Outside of the shop we love to visit Nourish, Dough, and Chai Walla ,for their amazing vegan and vegetarian options.

What are the latest trends in food/eating out?

There’s been a massive increase in people wanting to shop plastic-free – we offer a variety of nuts, seeds, grains, dried fruits, spices, cereals and cleaning products in bulk for those wanting to cut down on packaging. Food-wise, fermented goods (such as kombucha, kefir, kimchi and sauerkraut) are becoming super popular as people become more aware of their health benefits.

How did you start out?

Harvest started out as a macrobiotic food-buying co-operative in the early ‘70s.

We are in the process of researching our history, in order to make a storyboard to put up in the shop.

Describe your offering?

We sell an extensive range of vegetarian and vegan groceries, organic fruit and veg, cruelty-free cosmetics and toiletries, as well as a range of sweet and savoury goodies on the deli counter.

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

ADrian jenkins The Pear Tree Whitley 01225 704966 www.peartreewhitley.co.uk

What are your plans for the next 12 months?

Our gardens play a major part in our business, we have already designed and erected our very own bespoke greenhouse using reclaimed sash and stained glass windows created by our gardener Elaine. Next up is adding a “Chef’s garden table” for friends & family to celebrate.

Where do you source your products from?

As local as possible using ingredients that are in season.

Some of our vegetables come from our very own kitchen garden.

If you could give one bit of advice to those starting out in food/restaurants what would it be?

Believe in yourself!

I THIS

IS ME

We all know that physical and mental wellbeing is not about beach bodies or heaven-sent age-defying serums. It’s about YOU. So come with me – The Greatest Showman soundtrack blaring in our ears – and check out how a little Bath-based TLC can help you reconnect with your inner glorious

By R AC H E L I FA NS

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

Exercising becomes fun when you find something you actually enjoy doing. Body Development has over 40 classes to try out

am brave, I am bruised, I am who I’m meant to be. This is me”. Since seeing The Greatest Showman I’ve been thinking this more and more. I’ve always got riled by headlines asking whether I have my bikini body ready, but now I think we need to actively reject anyone trying to tell us how we should be and look.

However, here we are at that time of year again – you know, the time of year when the sun comes out and we’re supposed to be happy but instead we get so undermined by societal expectations and fuelled by newspaper headlines, that we can barely bear to peel off our black opaques to expose just an ankle or two.

Well, there’s no body shaming here, and certainly no push for unattainable perfection.

This is a feature about you – your health and your wellbeing. I’ve gone through Bath’s offerings and picked out a few tips for sustainable mental and physical health, and collected a few ideas for treats on those days when you need a bit of a boost. But, make no mistake, you’re glorious just as you are.

WE ARE WARRIORS

So, we’re throwing out notions of quick-fix diets and 30-day abs-like-Miley-Cyrus apps and opting for a sustainable approach to physical health and fitness... right? We spoke to two personal trainers in Bath who major on achievable goals and longterm health.

SUMMER H E A LT H GUT REACTION

Chill out at Lucknam Park’s Spa

Firstly, meet Paula Martina Gooch from Aspire to Fitness, who explains her approach by quoting the tale of the 6th-century warrior and wrestler, Milo of Croton. He was said to have achieved his incredible strength by lifting and carrying a newborn calf when he was a boy, and repeating the feat daily as the calf grew to maturity.

She says, “I read a quote from a golfer who said, ‘Achievement is largely the product of steadily raising your level of aspiration and expectation’.

This is how I became fit – by setting small, achievable goals, and then, over the process of time, learning to constantly extend those goals.

“I encourage my clients to exercise regularly and to maintain healthy eating,” she adds. “Breaking bad dietary habits is one of the most challenging things people face, so I work with my clients to encourage the replacement of bad habits with a positive approach, designed to improve their strength, stamina, confidence and energy.”

Kate Burles of Exercise Easy has a powerful message, too. She works with all ages and fitness levels – from a marathon-runner who wants to improve his times, to someone who hasn’t exercised since they were left out of the school netball team 30 years ago, and everyone in between. She has got oodles of tips. Lift heavy to lift lean; watch your portion sizes; keep treats as treats (“otherwise it’s just overeating”); and the more you train, the more confident you will feel in life. And above all, be brave.

“I am a 57-year-old woman who went from personal assistant to personal trainer at the age of 50. I experienced the humiliation of being older and being smirked at at the start of training courses, only to be respected by the end. I know how intimidating it can be to be overlooked and not to be taken seriously by some younger participants and I’ve been exercising in gyms all my life. So, I’m living proof of what can be achieved, and I endeavour to pass on my knowledge and how I reached my personal goals.”

ACHIEVEMENT IS

LARGELY THE PRODUCT OF

STEADILY RAISING YOUR LEVEL OF ASPIRATION AND

Karen Crudgington, personal trainer at Body Development on Windsor Bridge Road, has a good few insightful tips that stick in the memory. Firstly – and it echoes something that Kate Burles said, too – having an educated and experienced trainer is as crucial to avoiding injury as is doing plenty of flexibility and mobility training. “Our classes (over 40 of them) are designed to complement one another and work in partnership with personal trainer sessions, too.

From calisthenics and boxing to weightlifting and training, our members become fitter, stronger and leaner. We pride ourselves on the fact that each member is taught to fully understand the exercises and movements and how to train well – a skill that they may keep for life.”

And don’t go on a mad diet, she says. Instead, start tracking your nutritional intake on a daily basis. Apps like MyFitnessPal not only show calories, protein, carbohydrate and fat consumption, but also make you accountable to someone. Before you know it, you’ll start making nips and tucks here and there. And – here we go, we’re getting specific now – “Taking care of your gut health is top of my list. There is a direct connection between the health of one’s gut and the health of the body and the brain. Gut bacteria regulates numerous bodily functions, including controlling metabolism and weight, immunesystem strength and, importantly, your brain health. If you want to look after your long-term health, start with your gut. Consume plenty of whole, organic, plant-based foods that are high in fibre, and are nutrient-dense. Supplement with a good-quality probiotic and avoid processed, highsugar, high-starch foods and alcohol.”

COMMON THEMES

‘Achievable’ is a word that keeps cropping up with all of our fitness experts. Matt Shepherd, senior physiotherapist at Physio Impulse in the centre of town, backs up the personal trainers’ w

EXPECTATION

Feel the stress float away in The Gainsborough Bath Spa’s naturally warm thermae waters

www.mediaclash.co.uk I BATH LIFE I 75

advice. “When people present with injuries, we often find ourselves repeating the mantra ‘too much, too soon,’ which is most often the cause of injury. Understandably, people get hooked on the buzz of a new sport or hobby and overdo things, especially when they are having so much fun.

“Take your time to ease into things, and if you are unsure, it’s often helpful to consult one of our therapists who can tailor a graded exercise programme to suit your fitness levels and help you achieve your goals.”

The work Matt and his colleagues do is so varied. “In a typical week, we could help a patient return to golf after a knee replacement operation, enable a client to walk pain-free with the help of a biomechanical assessment and the provision of custom orthotics, or even help someone to use a knife and fork for the first time following a debilitating stroke.

“Although the team helps individuals achieve their own specific goals, sub-optimal proprioception (which is the body’s natural awareness in space and balance) is a common cause of recurring injuries in the clinic’s clients.

Matt’s top tip? “It can cause falls as we get older and affect our ability to run off-road on uneven ground. We advise everyone to practise balancing standing on one foot, or to use a wobble cushion, every time they are brushing their teeth or waiting for the kettle to boil.”

LUCKY, LUCKY ME

So far, we’ve talked about the quest for physical fitness. Let’s now move on to the mind.

As Kabir Aliri, Spa Manager at the Spa Village at the Gainsborough Hotel in the centre of town rightly says, “When you feel like you’re on life’s treadmill, treat yourself to a spa day. It resets your body and mind into a self-care ‘groove’. Once you look after yourself in an achievable way like this, it gives you the confidence to start changing the bigger things.”

PHOTO BY PAUL GILLIS PHOTOGRAPHY FOR FRONTLINESTYLE

SUMMER H E A LT H

Whether it’s a trim or a full makeover, treating yourself to a spot of hair and beauty pampering could make a world of difference to your confidence

PRACTISE BALANCING BY STANDING ON ONE FOOT EVERY TIME YOU ARE BRUSHING YOUR TEETH

PHOTO BY EXERCISE EASY

Working out with a group is said to help you push yourself harder

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

Sharon Rooney, spa director at Lucknam Park, shows us how some spas have injected more into their treatment packages to encourage clients to maximise long-term gain from pampering treats. “Guests today are looking for more than a beauty treatment,” she says. “They want to feel restored and rejuvenated on the inside, as well as looking good on the outside. Our range of ESPA Mindfulness Treatments – including massages and facials – are popular, because not only do they nourish and hydrate the skin, but our trained therapists also teach guests how to ‘switch off’ with guided meditations.” Lucknam’s wellbeing house also hosts pilates and yoga classes to calm and strengthen the body. Its setting in 500 acres of parkland makes it the perfect location for a walk, run or ride. Sharon says, “We combine most of our spa treatments with wellbeing treatments.

One example of this is sunlight therapy, which is particularly popular during the winter, as it increases endorphins and creates a feeling of warmth and overall wellbeing.”

Kabir from The Gainsborough finishes our chat with a top tip regarding the wet stuff, “I recommend spending more time in water – two to three times a week. Naturally hot mineral water is best, but you can easily add your own minerals to your bath at home. Oh and scrub, scrub, scrub.

Removing all that old dead skin is invigorating and makes skin look fresher and younger. It doesn’t have to be expensive – you can make your own scrub at home with sea salt, coconut oil and a few drops of your favourite aromatherapy oil.”

If you don’t have time for a day of pampering, a hair or beauty fix can be a lift. We didn’t know what to think when Abigail Beszant from FrontlineStyle revealed that the makeup trend this season is (deep breath) ‘barely there.’ “All it means is that you need to do the prep,” she says.

“For instance, facials are the best way to get your skin into shape; we really take the time to work product into the skin and stimulate a natural luminosity.” Her recommendation is the Clarins Radiance Reviver Signature Facial. “It’s a fact; a one-hour Signature Facial has more relaxation and restoring benefits than a night of sleep!” Does that mean we can go partying and dodge the physical and visible effects after? Or are we losing sight of the health and wellbeing vibe now…?

H E A LT H

DIRECTORY

Looking to change and improve your life in 2018? The following businesses are poised to help

Dentists

Circus House Circus House, Bennett St, Bath 01225 447600 www.bathsmile.co.uk Bath’s leading dental & implant centre, dedicated to the provision of high quality dentistry using the very latest techniques

Hairdressers

B Hairdressing 11 Claverton Buildings, Widcombe, Bath; 01225 311332 www.bhairdressing.co.uk Personalised services offering the ultimate client experience Fine and Dandy 4 Prior Park, Widcombe, Bath 01225 461848 www.fineanddandybarbers.com Traditional gentlemen’s barbers Frontline Style 4-5 Monmouth Street, Bath 01225 478478 www.frontlinestyle.co.uk Hair and beauty services in the heart of Bath

Health, wellbeing and medical Allergy Testing Clarion Health, Henry Street, Bath; 01225 448348 www.allergytest.co.uk Testing for a wide range of allergies and disorders

BMI Bath Clinic Claverton Down Road, Bath 01225 835555 Private hospital with 67 beds, two major theatres, one minor theatre and a dedicated endoscopy unit.

Available for both NHS-funded and private patients Circle Healthcare Foxcote Avenue, Peasedown St. John, Bath; 01761 422222 www.circlehealth.co.uk Private hospital, part of Europe’s largest healthcare partnership

Holistic Hearing Excellence Spaces, Northgate House, Upper Borough Walls, Bath 07421 368051 www.hearingexcellence.co.uk Family-run hearing centre with the latest hearing aid technology The Pure Practice 20 St James’s Parade, Bath; 01225 285528 www.thepurepractice.co.uk Physiotherapy and sports therapy practice for injuries and rehab Snowberry Lane Ridgway House, 49 Shurnhold, Melksham SN12 8DF; 01225 700072; www.snowberrylane.co.uk Leading health and beauty cosmetics provider specialising in minimally invasive procedures and radio surgery

Nutrition and diet

Riverford Organic Farms 01225 722387; www.riverford.co.uk Weekly grocery orders from an award-winning online organic farm shop and box scheme

Personal trainers, gyms and health and fitness clubs and classes

Offers aerobics, toning, pilates and Nordic walking classes John’s Bikes 84 Walcot Street, Bath; 01225 581666; www.johnsbikes.co.uk Independent store run by keen cyclists, selling bikes, clothing, kit and tools for all abilities Monkton Leisure Monkton Combe School, Monkton Combe; 01225 721116 www.monktoncombeschool.com Sports club with facilities including a 25-metre swimming pool and state-of-the-art gym Moovit Ameliarolfe.pt@gmail.com www.moo-vit.fitness Bath-based women-only gym offering a unique, inspiring and addictive way to train

Spas

The Gainsborough Bath Spa Beau Street, Bath; 01225 358888 www.thegainsborough bathspa.co.uk Luxury spa village found in an exclusive hotel

Lucknam Park Spa Lucknam Park Hotel & Spa, Colerne, near Chippenham 01225 742777; www.lucknampark.co.uk A luxury spa inside a country house hotel setting McDonald Bath Spa Hotel Sydney Road, Bath; 01225 444424 www.macdonaldhotels.co.uk State-of-the-art spa with outside hydrotherapy pool Royal Crescent Spa 16 Royal Crescent, Bath; 01225 823333; www.royalcrescent.co.uk Unique Georgian setting in the heart of Bath, focusing on the natural elements of earth, air, fire and water Thermae Bath Spa The Hetling Pump Room, Hot Bath Street, Bath; 01225 331234 www.thermaebathspa.com Britain’ s only natural thermal spa, offering traditional and topquality facilities Woolley Grange Hotel Woolley Green, Bradford-on-Avon 01225 864705 www.woolleygrangehotel.co.uk Unique family-friendly spa.

Aspire to Fitness The Elms, Weston Park West, Bath; 07768 947946 www.aspiretofitness.com Fully qualified one-to-one personal training Bath Pilates Academy 07939 994757 www.bathpilatesacademy.uk Increase your flexibility, muscle tone, joint mobility, balance and improve your posture. Take time out to relax and renew your essential energies Combe Grove Manor Brassknocker Hill, Bath, 01225 834644; www.combegrove.com Club and spa located near Bath

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Lucknam Park

a

Winner of Best Hair Salon and Best Day Spa in Somerset 2016 CACI is the UK's best selling anti-ageing facial treatment system. It uses an innovative, non invasive, micro-current therapy delivering minute electrical waves to the skin’s surface, with the very latest, ground breaking *S.P.E.D technology to...

• Help the production of collagen • Intensively nourish and hydrate the skin

*NEW CACI SYNERGY NOW AVAILABLE AT FRONTLINESTYLE

• Deeply cleanse with ultrasonic skin peeling • Exfoliate with orbital microdermabrasion • Heal and trigger tissue repair with LED light therapy • Smooth and refine fine lines • Reduce puffiness and dark shadows • Tighten and tone face and neck muscles 4/5 Monmouth Street, Bath BA1 2AJ • 01225 478478 11 Broad Street, Wells BA5 2DJ • 01749 672225

Book online www.frontlinestyle.co.uk

Replace Your Missing Teeth With Dental Implants FEEL BETTER WITH PILATES Invest in a series of lessons in my quiet private studio.

ARE TOOTH IMPLANTS RIGHT FOR ME? Find out more with a no charge dental consultation with the surgeon George Mexias. Tel : 01225 447600 ✓ Eat, talk, laugh and smile with confidence ✓ No uncomfortable or loose denture ✓ No need to involve adjacent healthy teeth ✓ Highly experienced implant surgeon and dedicated team ✓ Single tooth dental implant with crown from £1500 using Nobel Biocare or Straumann Dental Implants

Circus House | Bennett Street | Bath | BA1 2EX

www.bathsmile.co.uk | 01225 447600 “Over the longer term, implants are usually a more cost effective and satisfactory option” – British Dental Health Foundation

Pilates will help you move better, improve your posture and strengthen and tone your muscles.

Mat classes held in Bear Flat, Walcot and Widcombe.

Contact Margo on 07939 994757 www.bathpilatesacademy.uk Email: info@bathpilatesacademy.uk

1

2

JUST AS WELL

3

TAKE CARE OF MIND AND BODY WITH OUR PICK OF WELLNESS-THEMED TREATS

4

5

1. IN YOUR FACE

2. LIFE ON THE VEG

3. DRINK UP

4. PAMPER TIME

5. DE-LIGHTED

Clarins SOS masks, £30 Hydrate, purify and nourish your skin – essential steps for your beauty routine – with these intensive masks From FrontlineStyle, 4 – 5 Monmouth Street, Bath; www.frontlinestyle.co.uk

Easy Vegan cookbook, £14.99 Veganism is a growing trend worldwide and this book will allow you to experiment with a plantbased style of cooking From Vinegar Hill, 16 Milsom Street, Bath; www.vinegarhill.co.uk

Choose Happy mug, £9.95 Start your day on a positive note and add a touch of charm to your cupboard collection with this cute cup From French Grey Interiors, 1 Burton Street, Bath, www. frenchgreyinteriors.co.uk

Skin & Tonic calm balm, £10 This is simple, honest skincare; a gentle, multifunctional balm – enriched with shea butter and chamomile oil – to nourish your skin From Anthropologie, 1 – 4 New Bond Street, Bath; www.anthropologie.com

Amber bowl candle, £140 This six-wick candle has a warm and seductive fragrance. A pure indulgence and a great accompaniment to your ‘me time’ From True Grace, 19 Milsom Place, Bath; www.truegrace.co.uk

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

ED’S CHOICE

6

SHOPPING 8

7

9

10

6. BLESS YOU

7. GET FRESH

8. QUICK ON THE DRAW

9. COME CLEAN

10. WRITING ON THE WALL

Organic cold and flu balm, £14 Locally based Bohobo Aromatherapies make natural concoctions such as beard balm and deoderant. Their cold and flu balm will help clear airways in a flash From Bohobo Aromatherapies, Frome; www. bohoboaromatherapies.co.uk

Energy Burst body & hand wash, £16 Crammed with grapefruit, lemon and rosemary, this wash will help refresh and energise you during your morning shower From Found, 17 Argyle Street, Bath; www. foundbath.co.uk

Tangle Wood, £8.99 This colouring book for grown-ups, by a Bathbased artist, allows you to escape into a world of creativity, discovering your inner child along the way From Jessica Palmer, Bath; www. jessicapalmerart.com

Fig + Yarrow products, from £36 These small-batch formulations – from body scrub to scalp tonic – have been designed to evoke vitality and radiance for the user From Little Lab, 20 Broad Street, Bath; www.littlelab.co.uk

Relax wall print, unframed from £3.50 Just a little reminder to stop, breathe and unwind.

Hang this mono print somewhere where you’ll see it every day From Cosy Prints, Melksham; www.cosyprints.co.uk

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FONTHILL garden centre Telephone 01761 451764 www.orientalrugsofbath.com Email katya@orientalrugsofbath.com

A family run business that’s been growing since 1967.

BATH ROAD, BITTON, BRISTOL 0117 932 3110 OPEN MON-SAT 8.30-5.30 SUN 10.30-4.30

www.fonthill-lakeside.com

Bookbarn International, 1 Hallatrow Business Park, Wells Rd, Hallatrow, Bristol, BS39 6EX

Cleaning Restoration Valuation

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

A POSITIVE PET BLOOD BANK You’ll find useful advice, tips and support at BATH VET SURGERIES

B

lood donation in human medicine is commonplace, with a variety of people attending blood donor sessions throughout the country.

It’s less well-known that animals can require a blood transfusion from being anaemic (where they have low red blood cells) too, from road traffic accidents and major blood loss during surgery.

Hope the cat arrived at Rosemary Lodge Veterinary Hospital after being found in the rain on a driveway by a member of the public.

She wasn’t moving and was close to death.

On arrival at the centre, a variety of tests were run, including a PCV which checks the level of red blood cells within the blood. Hope’s levels were dangerously low, her gums were pale – another sign of anaemia – and she was covered in fleas. Fleas feed on blood, and because of the sheer number that were present and her small size, it had caused her to suffer blood loss resulting in anaemia.

It was decided that Hope needed a blood transfusion to survive.

One of the veterinary nurses at Rosemary Lodge brought her own cat Bean in to be a blood donor for Hope, as they were both the

Hope

Bean

same blood type (A). The blood was then given to Hope over a few hours. Over time, she gradually improved. The next morning her gums were pinker and she was seeking attention and food. She was also treated for fleas to prevent any more blood loss from them feeding. Words cannot describe how happy all the staff at Rosemary Lodge were that this kitten had survived and our veterinary nurse (Laura Coles RVN) who kindly brought her own cat in to be a blood donor, fell in love with this little character and adopted her as soon as she was well enough to go home.

Animals have the same blood types as humans – dogs are either DEA 1.1 negative or positive, and cats have three main types; A, B and AB. Blood type A is the most common in cats and most domestic cats will be this blood type. Blood type B is rarer and certain breeds have been found to have a higher incidence of being type B, including British short hairs, Ragdolls, Cornish Rex, Burmese, Birman, Persian, Norwegian Forest cats and Maine Coones. It can be difficult to find blood donors for cats which are type B due to its rarity within the cat population.

If you are interested in registering your dog or cat on Bath Vets blood donor list please call us on 01225 832 521 or attend our blood donation open day, Sunday 3rd June 2018, 10am–1pm at Rosemary Lodge Veterinary Hospital. Come and talk to our vets and nurses about your pet giving blood. All pets can be screened for suitability and blood type. Join us for nibbles, drinks and some fab free goodies.

– Words by Cathy Woodlands BSc(Hons), VNPA, GradDipVN, RVN

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

OUR CLINICS: • Rosemary Lodge Hospital Wellsway, Bath, BA2 5RL; 01225 832521 • Bath Cat Clinic 4 Beaufort East, London Road, BA1 6QD 01225 312061 • Chapel Veterinary Surgery Forest Road, Melksham, SN12 7AA 01225 702427 • Marshfield Veterinary Surgery 57 High Street, Marshfield, SN14 8LR 01225 891171 • Oldfield Park Veterinary Surgery 4 Third Avenue, Oldfield Park, BA2 3NY 01225 423652 • Peasedown Veterinary Surgery, 46 Bath Road, Peasedown St John, BA2 8DL 01761 435673 • Saltford Veterinary Surgery 478B Bath Road, Saltford, BS31 3DJ 01225 872002 • Station Road Veterinary Surgery Lower Weston, BA1 3DY; 01225 428921 • Park Road Vets 11 Park Road, Keynsham, Bristol, BS31 1BX 0117 9339 933 www.mediaclash.co.uk I BATH LIFE I 85

H O M E WA R E S

HOMEY TOUCHES What makes a house a home? It’s those added accessories, that cultivate atmosphere, reflect your personality and enrich your daily life.

Visit Bath’s finest homeware shops and create homes with heart…

By L AU R E N SC O T T

T

he 19th-century English designer William Morris is famed for saying, “Have nothing in your house that you do not know to be useful, or believe to be beautiful.” He wasn’t talking about Bath’s homeware shops at the time, but we’re sure that if he visited the city today, he’d find plenty of covetable yet authentic items to lavish an interior with. If you want décor that’s on-trend (hint – botanical themes are still going strong), but full of personality, too, meet the local suppliers who are on hand to help…

WOODHOUSE & LAW

John Law, interior designer

What do you specialise in?

We go to great lengths to find stylish yet unique items to dress our design projects. Our showroom on Bathwick Hill showcases a carefully curated collection of homewares from local craftsmen and established designers.

Describe your homewares in three words...

Beautiful, authentic design.

What trends are popular at the moment?

Large-scale botanical prints are featuring prominently in all aspects of interiors, from statement wallpapers to lampshades. This has transcended to homewares, with greater use of houseplants in contrasting metallic and concrete pots, and palm-inspired pendant lights are on the up too.

VERVE

Michelle Aitken, interior consultant

Tell us more about your shop…

Verve is located on the revitalised London Road in Bath’s artisan quarter, and is now in its third year.

What do you sell?

We offer an ever-changing collection of vintage furniture alongside UK-sourced contemporary art and accessories.

STICK TO THE THINGS YOU LOVE;

AN HONEST HOME IS

NEVER OUT OF DATE...

BUY WHAT YOU LIKE, NOT WHAT IS ON TREND

What turns a house into a home?

Pieces that are true to the fabric of the space and the people that inhabit it.

What’s your business mission?

As an indie business, we strive to offer a personal service to our customers, and to create a space that’s inviting, relaxed and inspiring.

What trends are you seeing this season?

Metallics, floral accents, rattan, leaves, dark wood floors, as well as dark walls.

Do you offer any design services?

We offer styling consultations – ideal for those wanting to refresh a space or those who are stuck and want help moving ideas forward.

What’s so great about being based in Bath?

Bath attracts people who want to put their ideas into practice, giving it a more dynamic and enterprising vibe than you’d expect for a small city.

What’s your advice for choosing homewares?

If you value craftsmanship and individuality, try to invest in quality.

Your advice for choosing homey touches?

Stick to the things you love; an honest home is never out of date. In other words, buy what you like, not what is on trend.

Any exciting new products to shout about?

Our new collection of fragranced candles is due to launch this summer. We’ve sourced some beautiful hand-blown glassware.

What’s new at Verve?

We’re loving the funky range of copper desk lights from local artisan Colin Smith, and the new cushion colourways from Lux & Bloom.

www.woodhouseandlaw.co.uk

www.verveliving.uk

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

H O M E WA R E S NEST & BURROW

Suzanne Gattrell Hodshon, Artist and owner

What do you specialise in?

I design and handmake textural soft furnishings, including woven wall-hangings, children’s mobiles, rugs and decorations.

Tell us more about the business Nest & Burrow was launched in 2016, and I also teach weaving and macrame workshops from my home near Bath.

Your homewares in a nutshell?

My pieces add layers of texture to home décor. The wool designs are kept natural or dyed in gentle hues for an understated focal point.

Do you have a typical customer?

People who are naturally passionate about their homes and want something a little different. My work is an eclectic mix of interior tastes from bohemian, modern rustic and scandi.

Your advice for adding personality to a home?

Go with what feels right for you. Creating a piece yourself will add personality, too, be it painting, weaving or ceramics.

What are your new crafts like?

I have a collection, coming soon, of small to medium pieces with lots of gentle hues – perfect for summer. www.nestandburrow.co.uk

ROSSITERS OF BATH

Ann-Marie James, director

What do you specialise in?

Bespoke sofas, tables, accessories, gifts and a personal interior design service.

Describe the store in three words...

Stylish, eclectic, colourful.

Have a wilder breakfast with Rossiters’ jungle egg cups

You guessed it, floral trends are still blooming. We love this feature wall-covering, available at Rossiters of Bath

Your homewares in a nutshell?

High-quality, unique, covetous, useful, comfortable, beautiful [that would please William Morris].

What’s the ethos of the business?

We are in a beautiful period building and every room tells a story.

Our curation is based on seeking out well-designed, timeless products, and working closely with our suppliers to provide the best quality in everything we do. We spend a lot of time considering what would be useful and appealing to our customers, and our unique collections deliberately reflect the many activities of our daily lives.

Do you offer any design services?

A full interior design service helps with selecting wallpaper and fabrics, creating room schemes, curtain making, upholstery and advice on furniture accessories. For more a more personal, consultation we arrange appointments and home visits.

What homeware trends are popular in store?

All types of natural materials – mango wood, marble kitchenware and hand-woven basketware; and greenery, indoors and out, whether it be real plants or palm trees printed on wallpaper. There has also been a move away from grey, toward new neutrals, blush and sage.

What’s it like being based in Bath?

There are a lot of creative people living here, and a high interest in the creation of lovely homes – which is very rewarding for us.

What turns a house into a home?

Definitely a big, plump, comfy sofa, a great kitchen table to gather around and then the little details that add personality. A house is not a home without an item that someone has produced themselves.

Any exciting new collections you’d like to share?

A brand new fabric collection from great British brand Cole & Son, who are already well-known for their fabulous wallpapers. www.rossitersofbath.com w www.mediaclash.co.uk I BATH LIFE I 87

H O M E WA R E S

SALCOMBE TRADING Michelle Sames, co-owner

Where are you located?

We are in the heart of Bath in the northern end, on Broad Street.

What do you specialise in?

Scandinavian design and British artisans; a mix of high-quality furniture; and all you need to eat, drink and cook at home.

What’s the ethos of the business?

We are family-run, and try to evoke that in store. We want people to feel like they are coming into our home. We never stand still, and spend a great deal of time searching for new, unusual products.

What’s proving popular in your Bath store?

We’re loving earthy tones here – lots of olive, ochre and our favourite ‘Pompeiian Red’ from Fired Earth.

How do you want your customers to feel?

At Salcombe Trading, conversation plays a fundamental role in providing a very personal shopping experience; the crew have tried, tested and loved every item in the collection of pieces.

Salcombe reinvent the flat-pack image of Scandi furniture Xxxxxxxxxxxxxx

We’re seeing more tourists and international visitors, too (not to mention the odd celebrity).

What’s coming up on the horizon?

We have six house projects this year and will be injecting very different schemes into each one.

TIPS FOR PLANT-LOVERS

Any exciting news to share?

We’re moving to a bigger premises just a few yards away, and will be expanding our range considerably. We’ll be a mini-department store – there’s plans for a cafe with homegrown produce.

BOTANICA STUDIO

www.previoushomewares.co.uk

www.salcombetrading.co.uk

PREVIOUS HOMEWARES

Nicola White, co-owner

Tell us about the business…

I trained as a design historian, and my husband, Chris, is an architect.

In 2015, we opened up Previous Homewares on Corsham High Street, selling unusual new items and vintage pieces.

What do you specialise in?

We offer a wide range of homewares, from reupholstered chairs and multi-drawer cabinets, to mirrors, brushes and tableware. Imagine the unusual and unique: original oil paintings, old signs, chandeliers, taxidermy, and gypsy caravans.

What’s the atmosphere of the business?

Fun and friendly. We welcome children and dogs.

What wares are selling well?

Gilding and rose gold items are especially popular.

Teal, navy and blush pink are the colours of the season, and dark painted interiors with glamorous feature wallpaper are quite the thing.

What makes a house a home?

Things that have been individually chosen, because you love them and they have meaning for you, not because they are on every high street.

What is your customer feedback like?

They tell us that they feel welcome, entertained, fascinated, amused and intrigued by our range of stock. We have a wonderful, loyal, local following.

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

Based in Newbridge Alice Dobie, founder

• Dust plants when you dust your home, to prevent their pores from getting blocked. A slightly damp cloth run over the leaves will do the trick.

• When deciding where to position houseplants, be led by their natural habitat. Subtropical varieties like indirect light and high humidity, so perform well in bathrooms.

Succulents and Cacti enjoy drier conditions, placed on windowsills for direct light.

• Plants have become a design feature in the home.

Rather than placing them on the floor or an entrance table, cluster them around decorative fireplaces, elevate them on stools and plinths, or have them trailing from the ceiling.

• Houseplants need to be rotated regularly. This will aid even growth and help them to reach their full potential.

• Rainforest plants need watering every few days, but once a week is fine for subtropical varieties. A good shower from above is effective.

Instagram @botanica_studios

INDIA JANE

James Neil, marketing manager

Tell us more about the business...

We are a British home interiors brand specialising in furniture, decorative accessories and lighting. Our Bath store can be found on Milsom Street.

What interior items appeal at India Jane?

Our customers are drawn to products that are inspired by different eras, like our sleek Art Deco period designs and the enduring charm of our Provençal painted furniture.

In terms of homewares, what do you think turns a house into a home?

Enthusiasm and appreciation for every item selected, that combines to reflect the individual.

How do you want customers to feel?

Comfortable to browse and inspired by their visit.

Any exciting new collections to show us?

We’re launching a new collaborative collection with the V&A Museum in London. Taking inspiration from their extensive archives, the range encompasses lighting, decorative ceramics, drinking glasses, cushions and decorative trays. www.indiajane.co.uk

vintage furniture contemporar y styling

15 WALCOT BUILDINGS. LONDON RD. BA1 6AD

ver veliving.uk

07785 332536

Cosy up

07712 467347

your world

Modern wall décor created by artist Suzanne Gattrell Hodshon LEARN THE ART OF MACRAMÉ AND WEAVING WITH SUZANNE GATTRELL HODSHON Afternoon workshops and weekend retreats available in Nest & Burrows’ home studio

To find out more visit:

www.nestandburrow.co.uk 10% off with BATHLIFE

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

IN BATH

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

PERFECT FOR PRESENTS!

We specialise in unusual and well-priced: • Womenswear

• Man-gifts

• Accessories

• Stationary

• Jewellery

• Homewares

• Bath & beauty

• Toys

• Lingerie

• Vintage

Open Mon-Sat 10-5 | Tel: 01249 712367 | www.previoushomewares.co.uk

Visit us at 54 High St, Corsham and

previoushomewares

ad v ertising feat u re i n t e r i o r d e s i g n

Rossiters’ Recipe For Stress Free Interior Design For over 50 years ROSSITERS has been Bath’s leading go-to store for home interiors. Now, as it celebrates three leading additions to its designer ranges, its top in-house design team explain why their services keep customers coming back, room after room...

T

here is no job too big – or too small – for the design team at Rossiters.

Over the years they have dealt with just about everything from designing and building a four-poster bed for a whole house refurbishment in the Royal Crescent to organising blackout blinds for children’s bedrooms.

No matter the size, however, they handle each project with the same amount of care and attention to detail. They can advise you on colour schemes, fabric choices, and wallpapers.

They will help you select your curtain and blind designs, poles and tracks, and can arrange fitting and re-upholstery.

In addition, they will happily help with sofa and dining furniture selections and home accessories to complete the look. They are in an unrivalled position to do so as they have access to the full product ranges of all Rossiters’ suppliers – not just items that are currently on display but as with the Royal Crescent project the service doesn’t stop there. If a customer has their heart set on a particular look of headboard or ottoman the team can arrange for items to be made bespoke to their requirements.

“Basically, its about interpreting the

“We like to keep a relaxed feel so no one feels rushed”

customer’s vision so they get what they want with the least stress,” says designer Liz Knibbs, “Sometimes they know what kind of colour scheme they want or they bring in a picture on their phone and sometimes their ideas with be less formulated.

“We like to keep a relaxed feel in the department so no one feels rushed and we spend as much time talking to customers about what they are trying to achieve as we do showing them fabric collections. Design choices are very personal, someone’s contemporary look could just as easily be someone else’s traditional.”

The Rossiters’ team have exceptional resources at their fingertips, they not only have a contacts book full of trusted craftsmen but they have the largest collection of books from top design names in the area for customers to choose from. This month they are celebrating the addition of three top design names to their ranges: London-based House of Hackney fabrics, wallpapers and accessories will soon be available along with Annie Sloan paints and a stunning new range of fabrics by Cole & Son – better known for its wallpapers – will be exclusively displayed in Rossiters. These complement those of Colefax and Fowler, Jane Churchill, Manuel Canovas, Designers Guild, William Morris, Sanderson, Liberty, Malabar, GP & J Baker, Mulberry Home, Romo, Zoffany, Osbourne & Little, Nina Campbell and Nobilis,

New Annie Sloan paint collection

among others.

The Interiors department is on the 1st Floor at Rossiters and customers are welcome to walk in to view the selection or, if they want help with their choices, to make an appointment for an in-store consultation or home visit.

For enquiries call 01225 462227 or email interiordesign@rossitersofbath.com.

38-41 Broad Street, Bath BA1 5LP 01225 462227 www.rossitersofbath.com

www.mediaclash.co.uk I BATH LIFE I 91

GARDENS

IFORD IDYLL Set across two and a half acres, the steep hillside Peto Garden at Iford Manor affords the visitor wonderful views of the valley

I

By N IC K WOODHOUSE Photo s by I FOR D M A NOR

n 1964, news reached London that a very special house was on the market in Iford. So Elizabeth Cartwright and her mother headed there to take a look at the property first-hand. They were instantly charmed. As they stumbled across a dilapidated 13th-century mill, their eyes fell across the River Frome to the magnificent Iford Manor. It was to become both her home and her lifelong passion.

Elizabeth was just 25 at the time, so her purchase of the manor and its 100 acres might have seemed a curious choice for a young Londoner – particularly one so keen on socialising and travelling. But, as she explains, ‘‘It was love, I suppose. I wasn’t looking for a large house but the whole thing was absolutely enchanting. Otherwise, what would become of it? So many of these houses never recovered from the war, and at that time were being pulled down at the rate of one every two and a half days. So, I bought it, and have spent the rest of my life propping it up.”

Despite the property’s grand 18th-century façade, it was its steeply sloping garden that had once received fame and adoration. The Italianate gardens had been designed by renowned landscape architect and garden designer Harold Peto, once owner of the manor. The gardens ran over eight terraces and featured wide walkways, statues, fountains and cypress trees. However, while Peto was much-admired as a designer, sadly his structures often lacked foundations. By Elizabeth’s arrival, the much-neglected terraces were close to collapse, and, within months, the colonnade of the Great Terrace had fallen victim to the elements and blown over.

It was Elizabeth’s future husband who was to help restore the gardens to their former glory. Following his marriage to Elizabeth in 1979, John Hignett dedicated almost four decades to his passion for Peto’s original design, overseeing the rebuilding of terraces and providing the necessary support to the colonnade to ensure its longevity. He also invested considerable time into researching both the principles of oriental garden design and Peto’s travels to Japan in creating the Oriental Garden, unfinished in Peto’s time. This has turned out to be the garden’s favourite spot for engagements; a secluded area set in lush, green planting, with only the sound of trickling water and birdsong to interrupt the tranquillity.

Sadly, the garden’s original plans were lost to a fire shortly after Peto’s death. But early photos in Country Life helped fill this gap, as has the occasional discovery of the designer’s old plant labels.

John’s decades of perseverance have been recognised not only by 92 I BATH LIFE I www.mediaclash.co.uk

enchanted visitors to the gardens, but also by prestigious awards.

Most recently, it won the Little Treasure of Britain at last year’s Group Travel Awards.

John still considers himself an amateur to this day, despite such extensive hands-on experience. Nonetheless, his role as mentor continues to prove invaluable to his son William and daughterin-law Marianne, now custodians of the estate. With the baton duly passed to the couple on their marriage in 2016, the responsibility of continuing the legacy of Peto and previous custodians must have been both weighty and ever-present. The restoration works continue under the couple, as close to Peto’s ethos as possible, but with an understanding that any heritage asset must always stay relevant to visitors. “Opening the garden is important for us,” says Marianne. “There is little point having such wonderful heritage to ourselves, and we very much enjoy welcoming the community to our home to enjoy it and appreciate the landscape here in a tranquil environment, which is becoming ever-difficult to find in today’s hectic lives.”

To that end, Marianne and William hope to be able to invest in renovating the old barns soon, to provide a café offering produce from the estate that includes honey, beef, fruit and cider. When Marianne does get a rare moment to rest, she will head to the exedra. She’ll sometimes sit here with a book, or she’ll simply stop to observe the abundant wildlife enjoying the plants along the Great Terrace as they move with the wind.

It is the wisteria, however, that is Marianne’s favourite of all Iford’s plants. She describes the manor’s extensive collection of the plant – much of it free-standing – as bewitching. The wisteria that adorns the manor house pre-dates Peto, and is even rumoured to be one of the oldest in the country. This year, it is likely to be in full bloom at the end of May, with its lilac racemes exuding a heady, intoxicating scent on fortunate visitors.

Iford Manor www.ifordmanor.co.uk 01225 863146 Nick Woodhouse is the co-director of interior and garden design company Woodhouse & Law on 4 George’s Place, Bathwick Hill, Bath; 01225 428072; www.woodhouseandlaw.co.uk

There is little point having such wonderful

heritage to ourselves; we enjoy welcoming the community

Have you seen a pathway more inviting?

SERVICES GUIDE

HOME CARE

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

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

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

www.bathstonemasons.co.uk HOUSEKEEPING

38 LONG BARNABY, MIDSOMER NORTON, RADSTOCK BA3 2TZ

Tel/Fax: 01761 419422 Fax: 01761 232480 Mobile: 07901 712232 / 07899 927276

Email: nortonmasonryltd@hotmail.co.uk

www.nortonmasonryltd.co.uk Over 30 Years Experience

DECORATING

JEWELLERY

Paul Swift

Laundry and Ironing Services Tailored to your needs Domestic and Commercial

Painting and Decorating

45 Old Fosse Road Odd Down, Bath BA2 2SP

www.bathhousekeeping.com 01225 292141 | 07977563167 info@sparklingmatters.com

Stonework Specialists & General Builders

FRE pick-up E an delivery d availab le

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

GARDENING

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

CONTRACTOR

Shake-ups/launches/intel/promotions

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

Every little helps, as Bath Ales appears on Tesco shelves

Sulis is soon to be enjoyed by lagerdrinkers across the country

QUOTE OF THE ISSUE

“WE FOUND A SPECIAL PLACE IN OUR HEARTS FOR WHISKEY (AND EACH OTHER)”

BIG STORY

MAKING A SPLASH

Hare Brewery gets ready to hop into production

Bath Ales’ new brewery means double the pumping capacity and a divine supermarket drinks partnership A pint of Bath Ale has long been enjoyed across the South West, but the local brewer is now taking on the rest of the country, too, thanks to a new lager and an exclusive deal with supermarket giant Tesco.

Sulis – the brewer’s first-ever lager – is named after Sulis Minerva, Roman goddess of Bath, and was created collaboratively with Tesco. It will be appearing on the shelves of 550 stores across the country soon.

Darren James, senior brewer at Bath Ales, knows that lauching their first lager is a historical moment. “We’ve really taken the time to get Sulis right, and hope it really challenges drinkers’ perception of lager.”

The good news is, Tesco lager-buyer Dom Hill has agreed that Sulis’ fruity flavour profile will appeal to current customer tastes. “Consumers are becoming increasingly sophisticated,” he says. “There is a real demand for quality products from regional breweries on the shelves of our stores. We have a great relationship with Bath Ales and have worked closely with them to develop Sulis, which will be exclusive to Tesco. The fact that we are stocking it in so many of our UK stores (straight from launch) underlines the real confidence that we have in the product.”

The Tesco partnership is just one exciting happening in the pipeline for Bath Ales, which will be opening the doors of their new brew house on 15 May. Newly named

Hare Brewery is being built at the company’s existing headquarters in Warmley, between Bath and Bristol.

Set to be the most sophisticated and technologically advanced brewery in the region, it will be doubling its capacity to pump out more than 50,000 brewers’ barrels of beer – that’s more than 14.5 million pints – a year.

The bigger, better brewery even gives Bath Ales the chance to tinker with new beer flavours to complement its existing portfolio, such as Lansdown IPA, which is named after our treasure Lansdown Hill. The bottle label incorporates Bath Ales’ signature leaping hare – we’re sensing a theme here – and a bold and bright blue colour scheme.

Let’s hop back to Sulis, though, which has already launched in small cans in Tesco and will be available on draught from mid-May. Look out for the goddess of lager in your local pub, bar or Bath restaurant soon… www.bathales.com

The Hideout bar talk business and pleasure on page 102

14.5m THE BIG NUMBER

The annual pint capacity of Bath Ales’ new brewery We can’t wait to try one...

www.mediaclash.co.uk I BATH LIFE I 97

BUSINESS INSIDER

ONE TO WATCH

KIM MARCER If a luxury bathroom design is in the pipeline, the Ripples showroom on London Road is a good place to go. Owner of the Bath franchise Kim Marcer tells us how she’s waving away the competition, and celebrating the company’s 30th birthday...

Hi there, Kim. Tell us more about Ripples...

Ripples is an award-winning bathroom retailer, with 14 UK showrooms. I own the Bath and Bristol Ripples showrooms with my husband, Michel. We’ve recently been named ‘master retailer’ in one of the industry’s leading award ceremonies, the ekb&business Awards.

How long has Ripples been around?

Ripples was founded in 1988 by Roger and Sandra Kyme, from the London Road showroom in Bath.

We ran the first pilot scheme of the Ripples franchise business in Bristol in 1995, and then took over the Bath showroom in 2011.

Just add bubbles...

Sounds luxurious. Why else should customers visit you?

We take time to visit our clients’ homes and understand their likes and dislikes, to really create a bespoke bathroom that works well for them, not just now, but for years to come. If a client doesn’t want a complete redesign, then we can work with them, too. We sell some beautiful on-trend products, including tiles, brassware, and freestanding baths.

WE TAKE TIME TO VISIT OUR CLIENTS’ HOMES AND UNDERSTAND THEIR LIKES AND DISLIKES

Happy 30th birthday. How are you celebrating this milestone?

We are launching a 30th edition of our in-house magazine, the Ripples Style Guide. It’s a 32-page magazine full of beautiful Ripples bathrooms, valuable designer advice and many of the standout products that are available to buy. We’ll also be celebrating with events for our customers, and an end of year bash for the Ripples team to see the year out in style.

What does your design service involve?

We have a strong team of talented designers who focus on exceptional bathroom design, hand-drawing each bathroom project they work on. We understand that a client is individual, so we will always listen to their requirements and always pay attention to detail to deliver a complete personal service designed with each individual in mind.

What makes you stand out from your competitors?

I feel strongly that what sets us apart is our understanding and expertise when it comes to the bathroom. We employ designers in every showroom who are qualified to help customers ensure that their space achieves its full potential.

What do customers find in your showroom?

A team of talented designers, who are more than happy to sit and chat. We also hope that customers will be inspired by many of our displays, from contemporary to traditional, Art Deco to industrial.

Tell us about the ethos of Ripples?

To create a customer a dream bathroom – one that they are proud of, adore using and that is tailored to their every need.

Rewinding, what did you want to be when you were little?

I have a degree in hotel management, so my dream was always to own a small luxurious boutique hotel.

What are the best aspects of your job?

Meeting lots of wonderful homeowners who want us to transform their bathrooms. I love seeing a dream bathroom come to life and the end results are very rewarding. I am lucky that my job also allows me to travel, to meet our suppliers throughout Europe, and get a better understanding of the products that we are selling.

What do you like best about working in Bath?

The London Road (which is home to our Ripples showroom) has a wonderful community, and has become a creative hub for home interiors. It’s full of beautiful independent shops – roads like this really make Bath stand out.

Making a splash in the bathroom world

And finally, what are your plans for the future?

To redesign as many bathrooms for homeowners in Bath and Bristol as possible, to pave the way as one of the UK’s leading bathroom retailers, and to be innovative with our products and designs. www.ripplesbathrooms.com

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

BATH RUGBY NEWS

MOVERS, SHAKERS, ETC

Bringing you the latest from the Bath Rugby headquarters

Sarah Hickson

SUPPORTIVE SOLICITOR Bath-based law firm Mowbray Woodwards has promoted shining solicitor Sarah Hickson to the role of associate. Sarah joined the independent firm in 2010 and has expertise in estate planning and administration, drafting wills, and dealing with all aspects of later life planning. Partner David Whitworth says, “I am delighted that Sarah has been promoted to associate, as she has been an absolute asset to my team over the past eight years. Sarah has impressed us with her dedication to clients, supporting them through what can sometimes be a very distressing time.” www.mowbray woodwards.co.uk

KEEP IT COOL Business growth consultancy Cool Ventures has appointed ex-HSBC manager and business coach Peter Bridge to advise its Bath businesses.

Peter will be advising those enrolled on the Bath Business Support Programme, which is delivered by the consultancy and helps to provide free intensive support to pre-start businesses in the region.

Peter joins his new team after spending many years helping unemployed people and those with long-term health problems set up their own businesses. While at HSBC, he oversaw lending that totalled £250 million, and his expertise in business planning, finance, marketing and management is sure to aid entrepreneurs from Bath and beyond. www.coolventures.co.uk

The future looks bright for the next generation of talent at The Bath Rugby Academy. That’s the score from academy manager Andy Rock, anyway, who believes that all the hard work going on at Farleigh is going to yield young players with long-term potential at the club.

Andy’s role is to nurture talented young athletes aged 13 to 23, and to engage them in a programme that will push them – as potential elite rugby players – to the max.

“We’re blessed that right across the organisation everyone wants to see these young players come through and represent Bath Rugby for a long time,” says Andy, who joined Bath from Yorkshire Carnegie 18 months ago.

“I’m really confident that we’ll see even more Academy players become first team regulars in future years.”

The prospect of one day pulling on the blue, black and white jersey and sustaining a successful career at The Rec is tempting for any of the young men in the system, but it takes thousands of unseen hours’ work on and off the field to realise these dreams.

Andy is carving Rock-hard successes for young players at Bath Rugby Academy

“We do lots of work with the guys on understanding what’s ahead of them, and being able to have that selfawareness of what they need to do to keep progressing.

“To be successful in a team sport or team environment, you need to know that you’ve got people around you who you can totally rely on to be ambitious, challenging and push you to improve yourself.”

Since February 2002, and the introduction of the RFU’s regional academy programme, Bath Rugby Academy has developed a number of high-quality homegrown players hailing from the region. A number of its graduates have already begun to make their mark on the first team, including Beno Obano, Zach Mercer and Josh Bayliss.

Let’s hope the fruits of the Academy continue to grow through the seasons ahead.

For more: www.bathrugby.com

BUSINESS MATTERS DIARY From networking breakfasts to invaluable evening courses, make a note of the classes that will help your business flourish 1 6 MAY

MAKING YOUR WEBSITE WORK FOR YOU In this free workshop, expect tips from coach Andy Poulton on ways to improve your website.

Get noticed on Google, reach wider audiences, use marketing opportunities and social media, build brand-awareness, and, ultimately, attract new enquiries and business. 9am; Bath and Country Club; www.coolventures.co.uk 1 8 MAY

THE RURAL YOUNG PROFESSIONALS’ NETWORKING DINNER If you’re a rural worker based in Bath or North Wiltshire, head to Bath city centre for the evening and meet others who are in the same field. This is an opportunity to build professional

relationships in a relaxed environment. Invite your existing contacts and make it a Latin American dinner to remember.

18.15pm; £20; Las Iguanas; www.eventbrite.co.uk 24 MAY

GO GET NETWORKING A free event held by GO Get Networking, who run regular events without large membership fees or early breakfasts. Simply arrive, grab a coffee at the bar, and start a conversation. In the last 15 minutes, there will be a short talk on a subject useful to small businesses.

9.30am; Framptons; www. gogetorganised.co.uk 24 MAY

NETWALKING IN THE GREAT OUTDOORS Escape the office to join

performance coach Anna-Marie Watson and a host of likeminded walkers, for a talk and network session along the River Avon. It’s the perfect opportunity to make new connections, share ideas and draw inspiration from nature, with the added bonus of fresh air and gentle exercise.

11am; £6.95; Kennet & Avon Canal Path; www.rfmcoaching.com 4 J UNE

BATH LIFE BUSINESS CLUB The chance to hear Cosmo Fry – the hotelier, bon vivant, entrepreneur and scion of the famed Fry (Turkish Delight) family – share his business life insights. As usual for the club, expect fresh thinking over a fine lunch. Price TBC; 12pm; The Royal Crescent Hotel & Spa; www.bathlifebusinessclub.com www.mediaclash.co.uk I BATH LIFE I 99

BUSINESS INSIDER

FANTASTIC FOUR

BY ROYAL APPOINTMENT

CHAMP CHAMBERS Few of us return to work with a Commonwealth gold medal in our hands, but that’s exactly what netball champion (and trainee solicitor) Eboni BeckfordChambers has done this month.

“It’s been a whirlwind,” says the athlete, who is happy to have some structure back in her life after returning to her full-time role at law firm Mogers Drewett in Bath.

“The reception from my colleagues has been incredible. They’ve all followed the team’s journey, and I know that quite a few of them set their alarms to watch us play in the final.”

Managing to excel in both her legal and sporting career, Eboni joined Mogers Drewett in November 2016. They have continued to support her sporting endeavours ever since. Somehow, the sports superstar has balanced the demands of an elite athlete with a demanding role in the Bath law firm. Steven Treharne, managing partner, says, “There’s no doubt that Eboni’s

The law firm’s gold-star return

PHOTO BY PAUL GILLIS/PAULGILLISPHOTO.COM

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

schedule is incredibly challenging, but she’s got the stamina, commitment and passion to succeed both at work and on the court.”

The support from the local firm definitely helped the rest of the team, and the English Roses etched their place in the history books with a 52-51 victory over the defending champions; it was their first-ever Commonwealth Games gold medal.

For more: www.teambath.com / www.mogersdrewett.com

For more: www.wildandwolf.co.uk

JOINT SENSATION Looking inside the shoulder of a patient might sound gruesome, but revolutionary new technology is allowing Gavin Jennings, consultant shoulder surgeon at Circle Bath Hospital, to do just that – no gore needed.

For the first time in Europe, Gavin has been able to diagnose a patient on their first consultation, using a clever bit of tech called the mi-eye 2 – a tiny camera, light source and needle, which is then connected to a high-definition tablet. The approach is wellsuited for those unable to have an MRI scan – and is significantly quicker, too.

Gavin thinks the exciting new technology will save on both time and patient distress,

Bath-born gifting company Wild & Wolf might be popular with its customers, but it can now proudly boast a royal seal of approval, too. Last month, Her Majesty officially announced that the business would be given The Queen’s Award for Enterprise: International Trade 2018. Now in their 52nd year, these are the UK’s most respected business awards, as they’re judged solely on merit.

Paul Taylor, CEO of Wild & Wolf, is honored to have received the royal thumbs-up, and puts it down to the amazing talent at the company. “We’ve experienced tremendous growth in the last three years, and this coveted award is testament to the fantastic team we have here,” he says. “We’re proud of our contribution in raising the global profile of great British design.” The company has enjoyed worldwide success and growth over the past 12 years; founded in 2005 in Bath, their lifestyle products are now sold in over 60 countries. The win comes at an extra exciting time for Wild & Wolf, who, in January, relocated to a unique workspace in the centre of Bath, on Manvers Street. The team will be celebrating during a royal reception for Queen’s Awards winners in the summer. Back to Bath, though, and a trophy will be presented – by royal appointment – later in the year.

Enterprising Paul Taylor aims to boldly go into new markets

With this live tablet, who needs Netflix…

“It will prove very popular in terms of convenience for our patients, and I suspect that as it becomes more widely used, we’ll discover many new applications.”

For more: www.circlehealth.co.uk

PUMPS FOR ALL

The Roman remains have been awarded for their accessibility

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

We all know how popular the Roman Baths are, but the site has now been given the official seal of approval for the welcome it offers to visitors with disabilities (at the national VisitEngland Awards for Excellence). The awards were handily held at the Assembly Rooms, and the attraction took home gold in the inclusive tourism category.

Local cabinet member Paul Myers, in charge of economic and community regeneration, says, “many efforts have been made to ensure that the Roman Baths can be enjoyed by all of its visitors,

including those with disabilities, for example through staff training, information provision and adjustments to the building. It’s great that the Roman Baths has been named as the best in the whole of England for inclusivity.”

Wheelchair users can now access 90 per cent of the Roman Baths, and those with hearing or visual impairments can explore the site using British Sign Language guides and tactile displays.

For more: www.romanbaths.co.uk

BUSINESS INSIDER

BATH LIFE AWARDS 2018

BAR WINNER Sponsored by

THE HIDEOUT

So how did it feel to win a Bath Life Award?

It was a bit of a surprise to us, as we were up against some stiff competition. The bar scene is really starting to thrive in Bath, which is amazing.

What makes The Hideout stand out from its competitors?

Ross and myself come from a background of local pubs. When we moved into cocktails, we found a special place in our hearts for whiskey (and each other). So, we treat everyone that walks into The Hideout like it’s their local bar, and they drink here every day – whether it’s their first time or their 100th. We take what we do very seriously when it comes to service and cocktails, but the whole team here love what we do, and we don’t take ourselves too seriously.

How did you get into doing what you do?

I’ve worked in the hospitality most of my adult life. I have always loved the customer service side of it, but didn’t really fall in love with cocktails until I was working in London. When I moved back to Bath and got involved in menu development for a restaurant bar I was working in at the time, I found myself intrigued and fascinated about how flavours come together. Whiskey has been something I have always had an interest in, so I was ecstatic when the boss, Harry, asked me to run a whiskey bar with him.

PHOTO BY JENI MEADE

Tucked away in historical lanes is a bar lined with whiskey for every taste. General manager of The Hideout Callum Rixson talks us through Bath’s amazing local clientele, a new drinks menu, and his (many) favourite tipples opened a year and a half ago. However, next on the list is developing the bar and the menu.

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

Don’t be afraid to do something you love, rather than what you think people want. You will be surprised how many others love it, too.

Any exciting projects in the pipeline?

We have our new menu coming out very soon, with part two of the Highwayman’s Hangman, our own private bottling of Sonoma County Bourbon (it’s delicious) and The Lab… watch this space.

What has been your proudest business moment to date?

Becoming a Kilchoman Comraich (a carefully selected group of the world’s finest whiskey bars). We’re one of three UK bars able to sell Kilchoman Comraich, and we get access to exclusive bottlings that aren’t available to any other bar or retailer.

RUNNING A BAR ISN’T JUST ABOUT THE DRINKS

How has the business grown since you started?

Very organically. We have tried not to push advertising or TripAdvisor upon people, and let people share their experience through word-of-mouth and social media.

What do you love most about being in Bath?

For me, running a bar isn’t just about the drinks.

It’s about entreating the guests you’re serving and giving them an experience. In Bath, there’s not only an amazing local community, but a really good tourist trade, meaning we get to meet new people every day.

What do you do when you’re not working?

I like to spend time with my good lady, catch up with friends and write about whiskey. Any excuse…

Do you think being part of the local community important to the success of the business?

In Bath, especially, yes. Bath is all about the independent business, so the more we can help each other and share our knowledge, the better. We also host a lot of industry and consumer tastings – it’s a small place, after all.

Who are your business heroes?

I look up to Jim Meehan, and his attitude to serving drinks, and the bar industry in general. A good friend of mine, Josh Linfitt, is the brand ambassador for Scapegrace gin, and he continually offers support and advice about everything booze. And, of course, the boss, Harry, for supporting The Hideout madness.

What do you love most about your job?

Whiskey, our customers, and The Hideout team (and whiskey).

What’s your tipple of choice?

For go-to easy drinking, Monkey Shoulder; for super complex and tasty, Compass Box or Phenomanolgy; for big and smoky, Kilchoman Loch Gorm; andx in the sun, cider...

Have there been tricky times for The Hideout?

I think every small independent business starting up has its share of tricky times. Luckily enough for us, we have an amazing team and local clientele to support us and give advice.

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

We have already achieved more than we ever imagined since we 102 I BATH LIFE I www.mediaclash.co.uk

And lastly, surprise us…

Before I became a fully-fledged bartender, I used to build canal boats in Bradford on Avon.

For more: www.HideoutBath.co.uk

I N S TA L L AT I O N • M A I N T E N A N C E • R E PA I R Tel: 01225 571857 • 0776 5784333 Email: purelyplumbing@mail.com

Would you like to work in Media Sales?

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

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

www.mediaclash.co.uk

BUSINESS INSIDER

PHOTO BY ANDREW LLOYD

BATH LIFE BUSINESS CLUB

W

e want our local architects to design buildings that are functional, safe, and aesthetically pleasing. But in a city like Bath, it’s reassuring to know they’re creating spaces with the heritage of the area in mind, too.

The architect in question here is Edward Nash, who founded Nash Partnership in 1988 with a focus on historic buildings and sites with heritage sensitivities.

Edward was born in one of the cotton mill towns of Lancashire, and the features of local houses – drainpipes, to be precise – moved him from an early age. “I’ve always been really curious about why the built environment is the way it is – the sheer variety of it across the country, and across history,” he says. He went on to study architecture at the Royal West of England Academy School of Architecture – a course that no longer exists – and has stayed in the region since.

WE’VE BECOME SUSPICIOUS OF SYMBOLIC STRUCTURES...

I REGRET THIS Bath’s buildings have seen plenty of change during Edward’s time, but so has Nash Partnership. As a multi-disciplinary business celebrating its 30th birthday, incorporating regeneration and urban design into the mix was never a formal decision. “It happened because the recession of the 1980s threw up a lot of previous industrial sites with a strong heritage to them. This proved to work well for us because we had both commercial and heritage experience.”

Many major regenerative projects have stemmed from Edward’s own personal curiosity, rather than a strict business need.

“Sometimes, I think it was all curiosity. I’ve had a very good time following my own nose.

You’ve got to have a driver in business, and if that is your own curiosity – what gets you up in the morning – then that’s as good as any.”

Architecture defines and enhances cities – in Bath more than many – but although

BOLDLY BUILDING Edward doesn’t sit on the fence

Curiosity, regeneration, and the Bath-Bristol divide... architect Edward Nash, of Nash Partnership, considers the role of universities and business leaders in shaping the city’s future

we’re more visually aware than ever before, Edward feels we’ve also reached a pragmatic, utilitarian age, too. Hearing his earlier passion for romance, this is something that seriously bothers him. “Growing up in a well-ordered world in Lancashire, I was surrounded by public architecture on a grand scale, and the things that held it all together were the social institutions: the nunnery, the churches, the hospital… nowadays you go down the high street and see a bank that’s a Wetherspoons. Those magnificent buildings of the past existed because we lived in a much less egalitarian society. We’ve become almost suspicious of symbolic structures, and I really regret this.”

Does suspicion negate against bold (or expensive) design? “When I was small, people frowned on the Georgian era as repetitive and mechanistic – the very opposite of the romantic idea we have in Bath now. I don’t think there’s really a big difference between the Royal Crescent or The Circus and the new developments on Bath Riverside – bold is all about people’s perception.”

He believes radical designs shouldn’t be carried out for the sake of it, though. “What I hate is ‘piss-on-the-wall architecture’,” says Edward – which we’d like to politely rename as trophy architecture. “You do see buildings where you think the architect has got it completely wrong. There is a tremendous ego hit in being an architect. When you think you’re in charge (you’re not) of £40 million of someone’s money, you do – or should – feel a certain amount of responsibility.”

Edward has been the responsible carer (and sympathetic improver) of several of Bath’s historic buildings – one being the American Museum. “Our work demanded the careful balancing of specialist maintenance of the estate’s historic assets while exploring the potential of available spaces to improve the museum’s income stream.”

Sticking with recognisable buildings and tradition for a moment, Edward thinks that, on the whole, Bath deals with heritage well.

“Bath has that glorious skyline, which I particularly enjoy from my office. I just hope, whatever happens, we never think it’s okay to erect really tall buildings here.”

Nash Partnership is atypical of many businesses in the region, working as a Bath-

grown business but with an extra Bristol office. The two are thruppence apart, but they don’t often work together. “My work has a historical bent to it, and I’m convinced – from my research of past case studies – that in the 19th century there was a more joint-up supply chain between the two than there is now. It’s partly politics, which creates an inherent feeling that people don’t need to work together.”

“How an economy works doesn’t need to be the same as political structures, though.

Like it or not, Bath has to work out where it sits with perspective to Bristol. I don’t think enough work is being done to find out where Bath should fit, and, in this regard, we’re not as well-served by the university as we ought to be. They have specialist skills and work on an international level, but don’t see the need to connect with the city.”

In the absence of civic responsibility coming from a governing body, Edward thinks that local businesses should be taking on the leadership role. He knows that – heritage aside – buildings have social identities and purposes, too. In short, we need to move with the times. “How can we create value from all this historic stuff we’ve got to keep? The retail and tourist economy is 75 per cent what it’s all about in Bath. While this is important, we’ve also got to be working out what the next thing is.

We’re in an exciting time. The city has the opportunity to discover where it fits (within the regional devolution with Bristol), what it offers and what its narrative should be.” www.bathlifebusinessclub.com

FRESH THINKING OVER A FINE LUNCH

The Bath Life Business Club brings together a select group of senior business people.

It features a leading speaker and a fine two-course lunch at The Royal Crescent Hotel. The next meeting is on 4 June when our speaker is Cosmo Fry, the hotelier, bon vivant, entrepreneur and all-round character.

If you’d like to join, please contact Stephanie Dodd (Stephanie.Dodd@mediaclash.co.uk).

These events sell out quickly, so look out for the emails...

The Bath Life Business Club is sponsored by Bishop Fleming

www.mediaclash.co.uk I BATH LIFE I 105

PROPERTY

SHOWCASE

HOME OR AWAY?

This magnificent villa on Bathwick Hill wouldn’t look out of place if it were in the South of France…

By E V E LY N GR E E N

106 LIFELIFE I www.mediaclash.co.uk 112 II BATH CLIFTON I www.mediaclash.co.uk

SHOWCASE

PROPERTY

www.mediaclash.co.uk I BATH LIFE LIFE II 107 www.mediaclash.co.uk I CLIFTON 113

PROPERTY

SHOWCASE

S

itting poolside at this Georgian villa, its Bath stone façade warmed to golden in the glow of the sun, you’ll feel like you’ve been transported to the South of France.

We honestly had to look twice at this magnificent Grade-II listed property, 23 Bathwick Hill, to ensure it was indeed local, because its charming balconies, wisteria-covered pergolas and suntrap terrace seem to suggest otherwise.

Constructed circa 1817, this substantial, seven-bedroom villa is attributed to the acclaimed architect Henry Goodridge. Architecturally superb, the home has fine detailing both inside and out. Externally, the mellow stone elevations are enhanced by small wrought iron balconies as well as a large balcony that extends across much of the width of the building to the rear.

Step inside, and the elegant entrance porch leads into a grand reception hall with an original tiled floor, and a beautiful stone staircase with a mahogany handrail leads to the upper floors. Of particular note is the stunning drawing room; the proportions are superb and the ceiling details are exquisite, it has an attractive fireplace, there’s a bay window overlooking the jewel-like colours of the delightfully presented gardens, and double doors lead onto one of the balconies.

Also of similar grandeur is the adjacent room which has access to the same balcony. It’s currently used as a master bedroom with en suite, but it could easily provide a further excellent reception room. Also on the ground floor is a study plus a guest bedroom with handy en suite facilities.

The lower ground floor sits at garden level. There is a very pretty sitting room here with an open fireplace, a bay window, and French doors leading into the garden.

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

Clockwise, from top left: the airy bathroom; the country-chic kitchen; the elegant and refined reception room; the beautiful façade

HOUSE NUMBERS

6,640

square foot of space

7

bedrooms

£3.85M price

1

Swimming pool

374 sq ft Outbuildings

0.3 acres gardens

The kitchen/ breakfast room has the original dresser and an Aga that sits well alongside bespoke kitchen units. Also on the lower ground floor is an office, utility room, shower room, laundry room and numerous vaults providing good storage spaces.

On the first floor are three bedrooms, a bathroom and a shower room, and the second floor is currently laid out as a separate apartment. The views from the apartment are breathtaking. There’s a living room that steps up slightly into a dining room, and there’s a fully equipped kitchen, two bedrooms and a bathroom, making it a completely independent living space.

Outside, a terrace sits immediately to the rear which steps down to the garden that is mainly laid to lawn with an abundance of mature trees and flower beds providing colour, privacy and seclusion.

Far from Provence, the home is nestled on the south side of Bathwick Hill, benefitting from a rather glorious aspect to the rear over National Trust farmland. Beyond are the hills surrounding Bath, the outlook being towards Prior Park and Widcombe. Conveniently, the city centre is just a mile away, and there’s easy access to various nearby schools which include King Edwards, Prior Park and Monkton Combe.

Complementing this is the open countryside with many picturesque walks to be discovered. This, contrasting with the closeness of the bustling shopping hub, is, in our opinion, one of the major attractions to this property.

And the fact that the villa is so strikingly beautiful means you better act fast if you fancy being its next owner; it’s certainly not going to be around for long.

Savills Bath, Edgar House, 17 George Street, Bath, BA1 2EN; 01225 474 500; www.savills.co.uk

P R O P E R T Y ad v ertisin g feature

NEW PENTHOUSE SHOW APARTMENT AT BATH RIVERSIDE A brand new penthouse show apartment has opened its doors at Bath’s most sought after property development

S

howcasing the very best of Bath Riverside, this new penthouse home is open for viewings in what is arguably becoming the most prestigious address in the South West. Those wanting to live the high life now have the perfect opportunity to take a look around and see for themselves why the penthouse properties at the development are like nothing else available in the world heritage city.

The property boasts spectacular views out across the city while the specification is of the highest quality. Featuring the newest fabrics, furniture and designs, it will give those thinking about buying one of the top floor properties a real flavour for the lifestyle normally associated with the rich and famous.

A superb demonstration of modern architecture at its best, the use of space shows what can be achieved through imagination and creativity. Access to the property is through the beautifully appointed central atrium, which stretches from the ground floor all the way up the eight stories of the building, and includes columns of greenery that mirror the organic surroundings.

Upon entering the property, house hunters are hit with a massive wow factor. The first floor comprises a very spacious open plan living, dining and kitchen area which is flooded with natural light through the generous floor to ceiling windows. Designed for modern living, this stunning home enjoys a sleek Alno Kitchen and integrated Siemens appliances, which include a stylish wine cooler and coffee machine.

“a very spacious open plan, living, dining and kitchen area” Offering luxury at every turn, each of the double bedrooms include fitted wardrobes and a contemporary en suite bathroom. The living area provides access to the balcony, which stretches the full width of the property, as well as direct access to the secluded roof terrace which comes via a glass-encased spiral staircase. This leads owners up and outside where they will be able to enjoy far-reaching views across the rooftops of Bath and the surrounding countryside.

The roof terrace has plenty of space for outside furniture, sun loungers and potted plants, making it a calm, private oasis in the heart of the city. There is also spacious storage so that outdoor furniture can be put away during the winter months. This property comes with two allocated parking spaces which are in the residents’ underground car park.

Leigh Pitts, marketing manager at Crest

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Nicholson, says, “This is the perfect haven for those who enjoy a living space that comes with plenty of room, light and stunning views.

Those lucky enough to secure this last exclusive property will be able to enjoy the trappings penthouse living brings, from al fresco dining, soaking up the sun on the roof terrace, to the peace and security of a top floor retreat.

“Living in a property like this is all about the lifestyle, and anyone wanting to make the most of what Bath has to offer, while enjoying the many advantages of a penthouse apartment should pay the development a visit.

“There really isn’t anything quite like this anywhere else in the region and with the number of penthouse apartments limited, it’s a once in a lifetime opportunity.”

To make an appointment to view the last Royal View penthouse apartment please call 01225 463517 or visit www.bathriverside.co.uk

RESIDENTIAL LETTINGS & PROPERTY MANAGEMENT

Peace of mind for landlords

A thoroughly professional, friendly and efficient outfit. I highly recommend Reside, and look forward to using them for many years to come.

01225 445777 | www.residebath.co.uk | @ResideBath

Q&A

PHOTO BY LEE NIEL (LEFT)

B AT H L I V E S

T

here’s an abundance of individuals in Bath who are doing some truly remarkable, important things in and for the city, often in the toughest of circumstances.

One team which has had to cope where few of us could, doing extraordinary work with calm grace under the toughest of pressure, is the truly outstanding one at the RUH. It’s a place where many of us go in times of greatest need. A place which is vital to our city. Part of an organisation which is vital to our country. It touches lives, helps lives, saves lives.

Here, we speak to the RUH’s Louise Herbert...

On a typical day, I’ll set my alarm for 5.30am…

I start my working day – as a healthcare assistant for the RUH – by getting the patients breakfast and helping them with personal care. I help encourage mobility if a patient has had an operation, take blood pressure, keep dementia patients reassured and stimulated – with films, painting, knitting and music etc – and I finish at 7.30pm. This job is very emotional but it’s ever so rewarding.

I’ve always known that I wanted to work at the RUH… I left school at 17 and, after employment at a residential home and having a baby, I then began working with people that had dementia. I did that for eight years and learnt so much about the different types of dementia and how cruel the disease can be. It would make me wish that I knew the person before they had dementia; their photos would speak volumes. It was very emotional. That job led me to the RUH – definitely a proud moment.

I was in my first few weeks of the job when a patient became unresponsive…

It was amazing to see how many doctors and nurses came to help them. I was totally taken aback; there were at least 20 people around the bed. Also, it’s so touching how the staff on the ward can work so hard and still try to think of events to raise money for the ward – cake sales, walks, raffles. I love seeing the community coming together.

With this job also comes the responsibility of dealing with death…

It’s sad but it’s important; I have sat with many people as they’ve passed, as I wouldn’t want them to be alone. To have comfort at the end of life is so important.

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Louise (right), Georgina Gallagher and chief executive James Scott collecting a Bath Life Special Achievement award this year on behalf of the RUH

LOUISE HERBERT The healthcare assistant at the RUH on her love of charity, her favourite picnicking spot and a typical day in her life I’ve lived in Bath all my life…

I love the city and the history. I’ve lived in Southdown for 20 years and it’s perfect for me and my family.

My favourite view in the city is…

The one from Haycombe Cemetery crematorium – they have a large window, and when the sun is setting, the view’s just magical (I had cleaning job there once, which is how I know, if you’re wondering!).

The ideal day-off spot is…

Bath City Farm. I regularly take my youngest children to see the animals and have a picnic.

My favourite meal is...

My mum’s roast dinner, but I hate broad beans; they’re like bullets.

My most treasured possession is...

My mum’s wedding ring. My dad passed away when I was nine, so the ring is so very special to me.

A big achievement for me was…

Taking part in the Pretty Muddy run for cancer.

My great aunt was dying of cancer and a group of my friends and I took part in the race in her honour; we called the group The Fancy Nancys, as my aunt’s name was Nancy.

A proud moment was…

Winning a Bath Life Special Achievement award this year [along with manager Georgina Gallagher and chief executive James Scott, on behalf of the RUH]. I definitely did not expect it, I just thought how lovely it was to be invited to a glamorous evening; it was truly overwhelming.

My journey changed after winning the award..

I got a job working in the hospital’s theatres, as a healthcare assistant; it’s a great achievement for me as I’ve wanted this position for a very long time. I love working for the NHS; it makes me feel extremely proud. I do hope the NHS lasts a long time; there are so many opportunities here.

When I get some ‘me time’, I would love to get back to drawing…

I love art, but my aim this year is to learn to drive; I have taken a few lessons – it’s definitely on my to-do list.

On a night out, you’ll find me at…

Cosy Club – lovely food and décor. Like many mums, though, I don’t get out much. I’ve just started to find myself again; when you have children, you tend to forget about you and what you like, because you’re focusing on the family. www.ruh.nhs.uk