Bath Life – Issue 378

ISSUE 378 / 9 – 23 NOVEMBER 2018 / FESTIVE FUN

© CHRIS WAKEFIELD

EDITOR’S LETTER

ABOVE: Sneak a peep inside a

Georgian home that oozes modern elegance (page 124); BELOW: Party-season jewellery to adorn yourself with (page 40)

D

epending on when you read this fortnightly issue of Bath Life, the Christmas decorations are about to/have already been switched on in the city; the Bath Christmas Market is ready to begin/has begun; Bath on Ice has opened/will open its biggest rink yet; and winter wonderlands have been popping up all over the place (see page 54 for more).

My email inbox is already bursting with festive party invitations, and I’ve already started getting the gifts in, so, let’s face it, party season, and the most sociable time of the year, has arrived.

If you’re in the party mood, turn to page 40 to see a rainbow of playful, sparkly accessories to adorn yourself with at your upcoming special events, or take a look at page 90 for festive hair and beauty tips and trends.

Elsewhere, we’ve been baking with the bread master himself: Richard Bertinet (page 70); we’ve been peeping inside some beautiful homes (page 124 and page 133); and we’ve been chatting to celebrated singer Camille O’Sullivan ahead of her tour-stop to Komedia Bath at the end of the month (page 146).

So, whatever’s in the diary – festive or not – have a great November.

LISA EVANS Follow us on Twitter @BathLifeMag Instagram @bathlifemag

www.mediaclash.co.uk I BATH LIFE I 3

Please contact bathevents@cnty.com for all private hire and package enquiries Saw Close Bath BA1 1EY 01225 308 990 Know your limits! For more information go to: BeGambleAware.org – DrinkAware.co.uk

www.cnty.com/bath

TRY SOMETHING NEW AND EXCITING THIS CHRISTMAS

Come for the Action, Stay for the Fun!

Issue 378 / 9 – 23 November 2018 COVER Bath on Ice returns with glow-in-the-dark mini golf and its biggest ever ice rink. See page 54 for more festive things to do in Bath

THE ARTS

53 ARTS INTRO The highly anticipated Peter Gabriel

Reflections exhibition

54 WHAT’S ON Music, theatre, art, family fun and

much more

63 FILM The best films on at the Little right now 65 BOOKS The great reads that look back to the past

FOOD&DRINK © TIM WOOLFE

68 RESTAURANT The most mellow eaterie in town 70 EXPERIENCE Bold, brilliant and from Brittany –

we try out Richard Bertinet’s baking workshop

74 THE BIG INTERVIEW We chat to the owners of

one of Bath’s favourite cafés

80 WINE Angela Mount talks festive wine 83 TRY 5 Looking for fresh, local produce? Check out

74

68

these farm shops

84 FOOD & DRINK NEWS The lowdown on all the

local culinary news

SHOPPING

40 JEWELLERY Time to shine and sparkle with these

gorgeous gems

88 EDITOR’S CHOICE Grab your Christmas wish

88

40

© BET T Y BHANDARI

70

© SIMON HARRISON

© PAUL MAT THEW

list – this is what’s on offer at The American Museum and Garden’s festive fair 90 BEAUTY How to look amazing at the office Christmas party

www.mediaclash.co.uk I BATH LIFE I 11

Issue 378 / 9 – 23 November 2018

BUSINESS

101 BUSINESS INSIDER Who’s making a mark on the

corporate scene in Bath?

PROPERTY

109 BATH PROPERTY AWARDS All you need to know

about Bath’s first property awards

124 RESIDENCE Drool over this Georgian pad 133 SHOWCASE Check out this former school, now a

DEPARTMENTS 15 20 35 146

SPOTLIGHT SOCIETY A MAN’S WORLD LIVES Meet celebrated singer Camille O’Sullivan

90

124

133 Editor Lisa Evans lisa.evans@mediaclash.co.uk Deputy Editor Harriet Noble harriet.noble@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 Editor’s Photo Bonnie Rose Contributors David Flatman, Angela Mount, Sophie-Claire McLeod, Matt Bielby 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 Annabel North annabel.north@mediaclash.co.uk Sales Executive Polly Jackson polly.jackson@mediaclash. co.uk Production/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 Chief Executive Jane Ingham jane.ingham@mediaclash.co.uk Chief Executive Greg Ingham greg.ingham@ mediaclash.co.uk 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.

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). 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

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

© CHRIS WAKEFIELD

chic dream house

SPOTLIGHT All lit up: Bath Christmas Market at night

Christmas

MARKET FRESH

It’s nearly that time of year again when the appearance of chalets can only mean one thing: Bath Christmas Market is upon us. This year, there will be over 160 chalets with over 80 per cent of the producers originating from Bath and the surrounding area. So, what’s new this year?

The market will encompass a new festive shopping area in Milsom Street; this will be the first time chalets have been in this area in the market’s 18-year history. The new location will also boast a piano, decorated by local school children, that will form part of a ‘pop-up Christmas scene’, encouraging visitors to host their own sing-along.

Elsewhere, there will be a festive family artisan market in Queen Square every Saturday of the Market, where children can enjoy a range of activities and entertainment including a kid’s café, street food, festive storytelling, Christmas arts and crafts workshops, Bath Aqua Glass glassblowing demonstrations and face painting.

Sustainability is also at the core of this year’s market.

Visit Bath, the organisers of Bath Christmas Market, have collaborated with craft designer Christine Leech, also creative director of Marie Claire magazine, to create decorations made from empty bottles.

Mick Heath, head of events at Visit Bath says, “As one of the largest events in the South West, we are keen to make the market as sustainable and eco-friendly as possible. Christine’s clever use of single-use plastic to make beautiful decorations is an innovative way of using up some of the plastic waste in the city.”

For more: www.visitbath.co.uk

Community

Bath’s two universities and Bath & North East Somerset Council have joined forces to launch this year’s Good Neighbour Campaign.

Bath Spa University’s vice-chancellor, professor Sue Rigby, and the University of Bath’s acting vice-chancellor, professor Bernie Morley, teamed up with councillor Bob Goodman and students from both universities to take part in the Student Community Partnership’s (SCP) yearly initiative to encourage good relations between students and local residents.

The team of volunteers took part in a day of doorknocking to over 1,000 properties in Bath, offering neighbourly advice to all, with the aim of establishing neighbourly relations and to provide information to new residents regarding waste, recycling and bin collection days.

Student residents also received advice on living in the city, including utilising the different public transport services on offer and the variety of opportunities to get involved in the local community, such as volunteering.

Professor Susan Rigby says, “It’s been wonderful to be out and

© UNIVERSIT Y OF BATH

STAND TOGETHER

Everybody needs good neighbours

about in the city, meeting student and local residents alike.

It is important that good relations between all residents are established and maintained, and the Good Neighbour Campaign allows concerns to be raised and addressed, as well as providing useful guidance. It’s been very interesting meeting the different members of the community throughout the day and hearing how the SCP can strengthen further the relationship between the universities and the city.”

For more www.scpbath.org.uk

www.mediaclash.co.uk I BATH LIFE I 15

SPOTLIGHT Charity

RuN WiTh iT

Harry Pratt and Liam Willett

Education

STEP IN TIME Norland College has celebrated the first male degree graduates in the college’s 126-year history, at its annual graduation ceremony at Bath Abbey.

Liam Willett, 21, and Harry Pratt, 21, have become the first males to complete the college’s BA (Hons) degree in Early Years Development and Learning.

Liam Willett is currently employed as a newly qualified nanny (NQN) for a two-year-old boy and Harry is currently interviewing for his dream position as a Norland Nanny in London.

Dr Janet Rose, principal of Norland College says, “We are playing a part in challenging gender stereotypes and showing that early years’ practitioners of any gender can follow a career as a nanny as long as they have a strong commitment to working with children and strive to provide the very best environment for children.

“We match our graduates with families and we are increasingly getting requests for more males, which suggests attitudes are changing to this kind of profession. Over the next few years, we hope to see more young men consider a degree at Norland and follow in the footsteps of Liam and Harry.”

For more www.norland.ac.uk

Green friends

The Bath Half Marathon is undoubtedly the city’s biggest annual event, attracting 15,000 runners and 30,000 spectators. And because last year’s run was cancelled due to the snow, there has been even more excitement than normal for next year’s event, which will take place on 17 March, 2019.

GET INVOLVED With just under five months to race day, the 2019 Bath Half general public entries have now sold out.

For any runners without a place and hoping to take part there are still some charity places available. The Bath Half has sold a record number of charity places this year, with local charity of the year Children’s Hospice South West already selling all their entries, and the main race charity, the British Heart Foundation on track to sell out very soon.

Andrew Taylor, race director for the Bath Half says, “This is the 20th consecutive year the race has sold out, and we have actually sold out quicker this year despite opening the entries three weeks later. We have also found that charity sales have increased significantly, and we believe this may be attributed to our introduction of direct sales for featured charities through our website entries page. However, we hope this also indicates the way we carefully managed the race cancellation last year by refunding all charity entries.

“As well as charity places, there are

Running champions

some corporate challenge team places available, and we will be getting the hugely popular fun run launched very soon, so watch this space.”

THE CORPORATE CHALLENGE This is where businesses have the chance to get competitive at the race.

The Bath Half reserves 500 places for entrants representing business teams that compete for the coveted men’s and women’s trophies. The scheme offers a unique team-building and fundraising opportunity for businesses and guests to compete at one of the most popular city centre road races in the UK, and the largest single-day charity fundraising event in the South West.

For more www.bathhalf.co.uk

Environment

PLANET EARTH

The Tree Conference in Frome was a sell-out event which showcased effective strategies for citizen-led reforestation and for halting deforestation worldwide.

Attended by a 240-strong audience, the event placed a core focus on supporting the younger generation to be resilient caretakers of the Earth. in a Skype interview with the conference’s founder, Suzi Martineau, millennial trailblazer Ayana Young spoke of the devastating effects of global warming she’d recently witnessed first-hand in Alaska, pointing out that practically nothing is being done to stop the destruction of our planet. She shared a powerful message for the next generation, “We need to be committed to the long haul and watch out for burnout, and for things that can try to derail us or distract us, whether that’s social media, or human-condition drama. None of that really matters when we actually look at what we’re losing.”

For more: www.thetreeconference.com

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

SCENE T H E L AT E S T A DV E N T U R E S I N PA R T Y- GO I N G AC ROSS BAT H

Claire Randall

Keith Morris and Laura Morris

Gillian Stafford, Lorena Roberts, Sharon Warne, Helen Canty, Fiona Coombs and Nick Mann

Geoffrey Bray and Ina Bray

Catherine Hughes and Stephen Allen

LUCKY STAR

Pamela Gibson, Pauline Brigden and Hilary Hughes

Lucknam Park celebrated their 30 years anniversary in style with an evening event hosted by managing director, Claire Randall, who gave a speech to thank everyone for their loyalty.

Guests enjoyed Joseph Perrier Champagne and an array of foodie delights, including handcarved ďŹ llet of Wiltshire beef, mini Yorkshire pudding, garlic and thyme potatoes and English cheeses, while listening to a string trio and harpist.

For more: www.lucknampark.co.uk

Carolyn Perry, Deborah Brown, Sharon Rooney and Brenda Harraway William Franklyn and Joyce Franklyn

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

Photos by Nick Cole

Julie Burgess, Wendy Miller, Julie McDonough, Carol Allen, Brenda Harraway, Susie Sturgeon and Valerie Osborn

BATH’S BEST BUTCHER Bath Good Food Awards: Best Butcher Winner 2013-Present Crumbs Awards: Best Retailer Winner 2017 & Finalist 2018 Bath Life Awards: Environmental Finalist 2018

L

arkhall butchers combines passionate, traditional butchery with a modern take on the profession. We strive to create an atmosphere that is welcoming to customers, especially those unused to the more involved experience of local independent retailers.

Supplying to Bath and the surrounding areas, we have a reputation for providing produce of the highest quality to restaurants and the community alike.

We stock a wide range of not only meat and poultry, but also fish, game and condiments.

Our friendly staff will help to provide you with invaluable knowledge and ideas to bring to the table, or feed the family with one of our midweek deals – you will find something for every household.

At Larkhall Butchers the provenance of food is as important to us as it’s quality.

Using close ties with local farms, we are able to ensure that the meat is being sourced both humanely and ethically as well as being of the best quality.

CHRISTMAS ORDERS NOW BEING TAKEN

Larkhall Butchers just continues to live up to its name of being the best butcher in Bath for consecutive years. The produce is always of the highest quality, and the shop just gets better every year!

Ping Coombes, MasterChef 2014 winner

1 Lambridge Buildings, Bath BA1 6RS | 01225 313 987 larkhallbutchers.co.uk | info@larkhallbutchers.co.uk

SOCIETY

The finalists for the best hat in Bath competition

Pumping iron with a smile on his face

Sharif Hassan and Umar Ahmed

SKY FULL OF STARS

Film fans were out en masse as a weekend of classics were screened at the Royal Crescent.

The events, run by The Luna Cinema, saw groups of families and friends snuggle up to watch Grease, Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone and The Greatest Showman al fresco, with an abundance of blankets, snacks and drinks to accompany the magical evening.

Photos by Ali Peck

Roman Davis and Vivian Davis

Shelly Rees-Langley, Linda Holgate and Salley Buxton Enjoying a night out

Super sunset at the Royal Crescent Kara Fogerty

Grease is the word

Phoebe Deason and Evie Taylor 22 I BATH LIFE I www.mediaclash.co.uk

SOCIETY

Louise Scott

Laura Crouch, Mary White, Sian Marshall, Abby Coleman, Lucy Barling, Nicki Boreham and Dagmara Doraczynska

Holly Reynolds and Rebecca Murdoch

TRUE BLUE

James Barnett and Mike Reynolds

The Bluebell charity hosted their end of summer ball, with 130 guests enjoying drinks on the roof garden overlooking the sunset, followed by a scrumptious three-course dinner cooked by head chef Johnathan Williams and the team at Bath Racecourse. Speeches came from Ruth Jackson (CEO and founder of Bluebellcare) and the event organisers Holly Reynolds and Rebecca Murdoch. Guests were treated to three inspiring ďŹ lms and there was a rafe with amazing prizes donated from local businesses.

For more: www.bluebellcare.org

David Cass

Photos by Sarah Fitzgerald-Jones

Elaine Flanagan

Dancing queens

Janusz Stabik and Mike Reynolds

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

Ruth Jackson

Dan Francis, Caroline Francis, Martha Organ and Mark Organ

SOCIETY

What happens when a tree, an octopus and a Quality Street collide

Spot the a-maze-ing display

A giant teabag floats through the city

FRUITS OF THE FOREST

The new look sweeping the nation

The Forest of Imagination festival attracted thousands of visitors to Bath as the pop-up contemporary arts and architecture event was staged in the city for its fifth consecutive year, with a special focus on Bath’s riverside setting.

The free, three-day event saw city centre spaces transformed into a ‘future forest’ with a series of forest-themed areas – the forest canopy, forest floor, regeneration forest and floating forest. Each forest fragment offered a sensory palette of playful sound installations, visual art trails and hands-on workshops, encouraging people of all ages to connect with nature and their own creativity.

“It was a joy to witness everyone exploring their own imagination and creativity through the inspiration and sensory experience of nature,” says Penny Hay, co-founder of Forest of Imagination. The festival is a celebration of the creative ecology of the city.”

For more: www.forestofimagination.org.uk

Step aside Tracey Emin, here comes the future generation of artists

Photos by Forest of Imagination

Kids going crazy with the crayons

What do they say about working with children and animals I spy with my little eye

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

Hot to trot pottery

The cool kids raving with their parents

SOCIETY

Rafaelle White, Tim O’Sullivan, Loraine Morgan-Brinkhurst and Carl Brinkhurst

James Savage, Kate Balwin, Anna Perry and Bill Vasilieff

NIGHT AT THE MUSEUM

Novia Foundation charity held their launch recently in the historic Roman Baths. The event saw the right worshipful mayor of Bath and over 100 local dignitaries convene, with guests enjoying bubbly and canapés, while speeches were made by Bill Vasilieff, CEO Novia Financial; James Savage, Novia Foundation Trustee; as well as Jamie Luck, from local charity Mentoring Plus.

The event included a charity raffle with spectacular prizes donated by individuals and local businesses, which included a family ticket to a league match, donated by Bath City Football Club; corporate hospitality at Bath Rugby, donated by Novia Financial; a Taste of Bath Hamper; a hot tub session and afternoon tea from No.15 Great Pulteney; and a hot air balloon ride from Bath Balloons.

For more: www.novia-financial.co.uk Photos by Harriet Noble and Simon Lees

Peter Keates, Heather Fell and Matt Perry

Emma Wyatt and Hein Van Vorstenbosh

Tony Rees, Ceri Adams, Hilary Pearson, Jody Roblin and Nic Amor

David Walker, Karen Walker, Vicky Windsor and Nicola Gregson Dave Field, Nick Raine and Ray Tubman

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

Mike Gibbs and Darryl Aylett

Charly Andrews, Jenny Godwin and Aurelia Harris

SOCIETY

Eule Kairele, Frankie Strong and Sean Coutts

Jonny Toby, Emily Lane and Georgia Salter-Randall Megan Solomon and Charlotte Jarrett

SUPERSTYLIN Bath sign makers Freestyle Designs celebrated 10 years in business with a big birthday bash in the private Beau Nash Suite at Century Casino.

Clients, colleagues and friends old and new enjoyed a night of entertainment, while sipping on champagne and nibbling on mini risotto, scotch eggs and smoked salmon. Guest enjoyed a spectacular view of Bath from the balcony.

For more: www.freestyledesigns.co.uk Photos by Harriet Noble

Simon Owe and Jason Summers Hana Whittington, Bradley Bailey and Marcus Whittington

Bronwyn Rundle and Laura Stephens

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

Angi Henderson, Leslie Redwood and Kartini Sutoto

Carole Banwell and Annie Moss

Justin Folker and Gary Foster

SOCIETY

Emily Fox, Sophie Cleverly, Laura James and Ed Shire

Abbey Cullen, Vicki Cheadle, Martin Brown and Jeremy Strong

IT’S A KIND OF MAGIC

The Bath Children’s Literature Festival held its launch at Waterstones bookstore, with a friendly bunch of children’s authors and illustrators attending the event. Guests mingled happily, enjoying prosecco, wine and nibbles. Artistic directors John and Gill McLay both gave speeches to give a warm welcome to everyone attending the festival and to thank everyone for their support. Gill finished off her speech by giving a toast to imagination and magic.

For more: bathfestivals.org.uk

Jane Harris and Suresh Ariatnam

Photos by Harriet Noble

Jill McLay and John McLay

Rachel Leyshon and Lucy Van Smit

Alistair Steel, Ian Brockley and Leslie Redwood Katherine Busuttil and Conor Busuttil

David Chant, Margaret Pemberton and Elaine Chant 32 I BATH LIFE I www.mediaclash.co.uk

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A MAN’S WORLD DAVID FLATMAN

Hairy situation

© TAKING PICTURES

This is the story about how Flats grew his hair, all so that he could be trimmed by his hairdresser crush…

“I didn’t really need a haircut at all, but I had an ulterior motive. There was a girl, you see”

T

he last time I had my hair cut was in the year 2000. The truth was that I didn’t really need a haircut at all, but I had an ulterior motive that, truth be written, sounds somewhat less than noble all these years on. I was 20 years old and, despite having been shaving my head for convenience since 1996, I grew my hair out simply in order to reasonably gain access to Toni & Guy. There was a girl, you see, and as my buddies and I cruised past in our cars – elbows out of the windows, naturally – on the daily trips to and from training, we would slow right the way down, hoping to catch a glimpse of this Mariah Carey/Jennifer Aniston mashup of a super human. Every day she would stride across the salon in the white Lycra dress they called a uniform, leaving just enough to the imagination, and we would gasp and pant like a gaggle of overtired puppies as we crawled by. She knew. Of course she knew.

The problem was that all four of us – who lived together – were bald. Well, they were all bald, and I shaved my head to save the bother of styling it thrice daily after training sessions. It was therefore decided one evening that I’d have to bite the bullet and make myself trim-worthy.

It took a long time, and the transition period was genuinely uncomfortable. The time came, though, and I called and booked my slot.

What might, looking back, have appeared odd was that I arrived with what amounted to very little hair at all and three very large bald men in tracksuits. With their black eyes and cauliflower ears, they must have resembled a definitely ineffective personal security unit. Anyway, I couldn’t shake them off, so in they came and down they sat.

And there she was. Quite the vision in said dress, she stilettoed

her way over and beckoned me forward with fingernails that might well have been commandeered from a passing eagle. Off we toddled, the lads’ necks craning to inspect our progress, to what she called the consultation area. Now, to be clear, I had a maximum of three quarters of an inch of hair on my head, so this consultation centred primarily on what coffee I might like. Four seconds after she’d asked me how exactly I’d like my nut cut we were done, and my coffee was still molten.

Here we go, I thought, now the chat can begin. I planned to ask her about upcoming summer holidays, general shift patterns, favourite local hangouts and, of course, IF SHE HAD A BOYFRIEND. This was a solid plan, until she disappeared.

Turned out she wasn’t a hairdresser at all, a fact confirmed

by Steve, the man tasked with the day’s easiest gig.

“Nah,” said Steve, “she just sorts she coffees and that.” “Cool,” I replied, doing my best impression of a man not squirming and wondering how much this grand error would cost me both in terms of training ground humiliation and pounds Sterling.

They had big windows, and they undoubtedly saw me coming.

Steve clippered me for three whole minutes, asked me for £26 – a lot of money 18 years ago – and presumably shook his head as we bowled out of there, my buddies weeping with laughter.

My fine in the next day’s team meeting was to stand at the front and shave my head completely, thereby compounding my loss.

The real agony wasn’t that, though, it was the one that got away. I still think it was this incident which made all my hair fall out.

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

www.mediaclash.co.uk I BATH LIFE I 35

A HUE’S HUE OF JEWELLERY We’re coming up to party season, so here’s a rainbow of accessories to adorn yourself with at your upcoming festive events

By Lisa Evans

A

s we enter the most social time of the year, with an overwhelming number of festive parties on the horizon, it’s time to get playful with what you wear, especially your accessories.

Christmastime gives us the justification to sparkle, shine, and be as extra as we want, every day. Here we look at the spectrum of tantalising jewellery colours that are popular for the months ahead…

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

Simon Harrison ‘Electra’ necklace, £695, available at Alexandra May, Brock Street, Bath; www.alexandramay.com

JEWELLERY 1

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Why are we so drawn to green? Moss, olive, mint, lime – so many colours on the verdant spectrum are named after the natural world around us; it represents vitality, youth and growth. “During winter, green is almost absent from nature, so wear it instead,” says Eily O’Connell, whose unexpected and organic jewellery is available at her eponymous pop-up shop in Hetling Court until 15 November.

Joanna Szuplewska, at Szupa, based in Weston, who creates unique Swarovski pieces, says the arresting, fresh hue has been her focus all year; and Annie Beardsley, who creates jewellery in her workshop at the end of her garden in Fairfield Park, loves using green in her work at this time of year as it reminds her of all things festive – from Christmas trees, to mistletoe and wreaths.

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SHOPPING LIST

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1. Bangle, from £79, Quadri, Milsom Place, Bath; www.quadri.co.uk 2 & 4. Emerald and diamond rings, £885 and £1,890, Coppins of Corsham, Church street, Corsham; www.coppinsofcorsham.co.uk 3. Annie Beardsley earrings, £45, Waller&Wood, Abbey Green, Bath 5. Swarovski bracelet, £59, Quadri, Milsom Place, Bath; www.quadri.co.uk 6. Peridot and pink sapphire ring, £1,890, Orton, Market Street, Bradford on Avon; www.ortonjewellery.co.uk 7. Simon Harrison brooch, £195, Alexandra May, Brock Street, Bath; www.alexandramay.com 8. Necklace, £180, Icarus, Broad Street, Bath; www.icarusjewellery.com 9. Annie Beardsley cuff, £45, Waller&Wood, Abbey Green, Bath; wallerandwood.co.uk 10. Su Trindle gem brooch, £190, Waller&Wood, Abbey Green, Bath; wallerandwood.co.uk 11. Anaconda ring, £695, Eily O’Connell Jewellery (pop-up shop until 15 November), Hetling Court, Bath; www.eilyoconnell.com 12, 13 & 14. Simon Harrison bangle, £495; studs, £70; hoop earrings, £75, Alexandra May, Brock Street, Bath; www.alexandramay.com 15. Emerald ring, £9,175, Nicholas Wylde, Northumberland Place, Bath; www.nicholaswylde.com 16. Su Trindle ring, £130, Waller&Wood, Abbey Green, Bath; wallerandwood.co.uk 17. Swarovski ring, £16.99, Szupa, Weston, Bath; www.etsy.com/uk/ shop/Szupa

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

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JEWELLERY GOOD AS GOLD

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A unique, eye-catching accessory in classic gold is an ideal accompaniment to a little black party dress for the festive season, thinks Harriet Fox, the owner of Quadri of Bath in Milsom Place. Contemporary jewellery-maker Susannah Way, who’s based in Trowbridge, says gold is synonymous with luxury, and she likes to combine it with designs based on the everyday, to create a contrast between precious and non-precious.

Eily O’Connell says rose gold is on the rise again this season, having had somewhat of a big revival of late, “A favourite of mine is 14 carat rose gold, as it still has the rich yellow tones, with a subtle rose hint. It looks beautiful combined with blue, grey and lilac tones.”

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SHOPPING LIST

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1. Fossil necklace, £439, Susannah Way Jewellery, Trowbridge; www.swayjewellery.com 2. Teardrop pendant, £40, Sam Morris Jewellery, Chippenham; www.etsy.com/uk/shop/ SamMorrisJewellery 3. Diamond ring, POA, Orton, Market Street, Bradford on Avon; www.ortonjewellery.co.uk 4. Simon Harrison bear pendant, £225, Alexandra May, Brock Street, Bath; www.alexandramay.com 5. Multi-strand choker, £45, Quadri, Milsom Place, Bath; www.quadri.co.uk 6. Ring, £185, Grace & Mabel, George Street, Bath; www.graceandmabel.co.uk 7. Earrings, £49, Orton, Market Street, Bradford on Avon; www.ortonjewellery.co.uk 8. Moonstone bangle, £100, Quadri, Milsom Place, Bath; www.quadri.co.uk 9. Diamond ring, £1,895, Orton, Market Street, Bradford on Avon; www.ortonjewellery.co.uk 10 & 11. Bangle, £168; wire ring, £25, Quadri, Milsom Place, Bath; www.quadri.co.uk 12. Carol Hunt ring, £625, Waller&Wood, Abbey Green, Bath; wallerandwood.co.uk 13. Necklace, £630, Quadri, Milsom Place, Bath; www.quadri.co.uk 14. Sputnik ring, £6,400, Tina Engell, Ainslie’s Belvedere, Bath; www.tinaengell.com 15. Simon Harrison bear bracelet, £1,450, Alexandra May, Brock Street, Bath; www.alexandramay.com 16. Necklace, £150, Icarus, Broad Street, Bath; www.icarusjewellery.com 17. Gold chain, £259, Orton, Market Street, Bradford on Avon; www.ortonjewellery.co.uk 18. Gold and diamond earrings, £1,280, Mallory, Bridge Street, Bath; www.mallory-jewellers.com 19. Moonstone earrings, £39, Quadri, Milsom Place, Bath; www.quadri.co.uk

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STRIKING SILVER

Silver – the colour, not necessarily the material – is an all-rounder in terms of suiting pretty much all skin tones, as far as Harriet Fox at Quadri of Bath is concerned. And Nicholas Wylde, at Nicholas Wylde Goldsmith in Northumberland Place, is currently focusing on colourful and rare stones set in white gold.

“Our Dazzle collection’s diamond-encrusted pieces have been designed to mimic the glittering beauty of untouched snow,” he says.

“Our mistletoe earrings and necklaces are a firm favourite; our customers have been known to present these gifts by dangling them above their loved ones’ heads for a kiss, before gifting them with the diamond jewellery for Christmas.”

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1 & 2. Black and white diamond earrings, £5,250; black and white diamond ring, £1,890; Orton, Market Street, Bradford on Avon; www.ortonjewellery.co.uk 3. Carol Hunt Jewellery rings, £168 each, Waller&Wood, Abbey Green, Bath; wallerandwood.co.uk

1. Carol Hunt chain, £325, Waller&Wood, Abbey Green, Bath; wallerandwood.co.uk 2, 5 & 6. Snowflake pendant, £1,220; holly pendant, £650; mistletoe studs, £1,000, Nicholas Wylde, Northumberland Place, Bath; www.nicholaswylde.com 3. Star necklace, £325, Susannah Way Jewellery, Trowbridge; www.swayjewellery.com 4. Platinum diamond ring, POA, Orton, Market Street, Bradford on Avon; www.ortonjewellery.co.uk 7 & 9. Diamond ring, £3,650; bracelet, £145, Orton, Market Street, Bradford on Avon; www.ortonjewellery.co.uk 8. Simon Harrison drop earrings, £150, Alexandra May, Brock Street, Bath; www.alexandramay.com 10. Necklace, £180, Icarus, Broad Street, Bath; www.icarusjewellery.com 11. White gold and diamond earrings, £2,845, Mallory, Bridge Street, Bath; www.mallory-jewellers.com 12. Spin ring, £95, Susannah Way Jewellery, Trowbridge; www.swayjewellery.com 13. Rings, £296 each, Grace & Mabel, George Street, Bath; www.graceandmabel.co.uk 14. Simon Harrison crystal bracelet, £495, Alexandra May, Brock Street, Bath; www.alexandramay.com

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Fabulous selection of limited high end designer costume jewellery and scarves.

Personal service to find exactly what you are looking for.

23 BROCK STREET BATH BA1 2LW | WWW.ALEXANDRAMAY.COM | 01225 465 094

JEWELLERY

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TRUE BLUE

Traditionally a summery hue, blue has popped up again for the older months; expect royal blues, clear aquamarines, bright Paraiba tourmalines, zingy zircons and intense tanzanites at the likes of Orton Jewellery, for example.

These cool shades add a freshness to your outfit, reminiscent of those crisp, clear, wintry days, says Brendon O’Connor, marketing and communications director at Simon Harrison Jewellery – stocked at Alexandra May on Brock Street – which has, for four decades, designed and made jewellery for some of the most iconic names in fashion – from Jean Muir to Vivienne Westwood.

Leah Jarosy, whose business, Eden and After, is based in Box, Wiltshire, creates raw crystal jewellery in heavily textured copper settings; she says a bold blue accent is great for adding a statement to a neutral or black winter outfit. And Dilek at Icarus, on Broad Street, thinks it recalls the tranquility and timelessness of the depths of the ocean.

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1. Moon necklace, £42, Eden & After, based in Box; www.edenandafter.etsy.com 2. Pendant, £45, Sam Morris Jewellery, Chippenham; www.etsy.com/uk/shop/SamMorrisJewellery 3. Earrings, £90, Icarus, Broad Street, Bath; www.icarusjewellery.com 4. Tanzanite ring, £3,590, and zircon ring, £1,450, Orton, Market Street, Bradford on Avon; www.ortonjewellery.co.uk 5. Teardrop studs, £24, Quadri, Milsom Place, Bath; www.quadri.co.uk 6. Aqua necklace, £60, Sam Morris Jewellery, Chippenham; www.etsy.com/uk/shop/SamMorrisJewellery 7. Necklace, £32.40, Szupa, Weston, Bath; www.etsy.com/ uk/shop/Szupa 8. Sapphire and diamond earrings, £2,295, Mallory, Bridge Street, Bath; www.mallory-jewellers.com 9. Sapphire ring, £545, Eily O’Connell Hetling Court, Bath; www.eilyoconnell.com * 10. Fern Robinson earrings, £95, Waller&Wood, Abbey Green, Bath; wallerandwood.co.uk 11 & 12. Sapphire ring, POA; sapphire ring, £1,995, Orton, Market Street, Bradford on Avon; www.ortonjewellery.co.uk 13. Aquamarine pendant, £2,995, Nicholas Wylde, Northumberland Place, Bath; www.nicholaswylde.com 14. Acorn earrings, £85, Eily O’Connell, Hetling Court, Bath; www.eilyoconnell.com * 15. Annie Beardsley cuff, £45, Waller&Wood, Abbey Green, Bath; wallerandwood.co.uk 16. Necklace, £150, Icarus, Broad Street, Bath; www.icarusjewellery.com 17. Fern Robinson divided necklace, £85, Waller&Wood, Abbey Green, Bath; wallerandwood.co.uk *Which runs as a pop-up shop until 15 November

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A brave, daring red is about as festive as it gets, and no other colour has its punchy, ravishing extraordinary appeal. Zesty orange may not be the typical hue you’d think of for winter, but, when it comes to accessories, many makers are favouring it right now. So warm up your winter look with jolts of either of these bright, confident shades…

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1. Bangle, from £49, Quadri, Milsom Place, Bath; www.quadri.co.uk 2. Annie Beardsley earrings, £45, Waller&Wood, Abbey Green, Bath; wallerandwood.co.uk 3. Necklace, £150, Grace & Mabel, George Street, Bath; www.graceandmabel.co.uk 4. Su Trindle ring, £135, Waller&Wood, Abbey Green, Bath; wallerandwood.co.uk 5. Necklace, £404, Grace & Mabel, George Street, Bath; www.graceandmabel.co.uk 6. Necklace, £89, Susannah Way Jewellery, Trowbridge; www.swayjewellery.com 7. Swarovski necklace, £119, Quadri, Milsom Place, Bath; www.quadri.co.uk 8. Teardrop pendant, £45, Sam Morris Jewellery, Chippenham; www.etsy.com/uk/shop/ SamMorrisJewellery 9. Fern Robinson necklace, £95, Waller&Wood, Abbey Green, Bath; wallerandwood.co.uk 10. Rubelite ring, £2,950, Orton, Market Street, Bradford on Avon; www.ortonjewellery.co.uk 11. Bangle, £54, Quadri, Milsom Place, Bath; www.quadri.co.uk 12. Beaded necklace, £47, Szupa, Weston, Bath; www.etsy.com/uk/shop/Szupa 13. Earrings, £42, Quadri, Milsom Place, Bath; www.quadri.co.uk 14. Fern Robinson brooch, £140, Waller&Wood, Abbey Green, Bath; wallerandwood.co.uk 15. Annie Beardsley earrings, £45, Waller&Wood, Abbey Green, Bath; wallerandwood.co.uk 16. Reversible earrings, £9, Quadri, Milsom Place, Bath; www.quadri.co.uk 17. Su Trindle earrings, £55, Waller&Wood, Abbey Green, Bath; wallerandwood.co.uk

Dower and Hall pendants, Sterling Silver and white Topaz from £85

DESIGNER COLLECTIONS HANDMADE BESPOKE JEWELLERY REPAIRS AND REMODELLING 18ct white gold and Diamond drop earrings. £2150

ENGAGEMENT AND WEDDING RINGS HANDMADE BESPOKE JEWELLERY REPAIRS AND REMODELLING

COPPINS GOLDSMITH & SILVERSMITH

Coppins of Corsham, 1 Church Street, Corsham, SN13 0BY 01249 715404 | info@coppinsofcorsham.co.uk | www.coppinsofcorsham.co.uk

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PINK AND PURPLE PRETTIES

From pale, rosy hues and soft pink natural diamonds, to vibrantly flushed sapphires and rich wine-coloured tourmalines, there is a pink hue to complement any skin tone, says Lee Orton, director at Orton Jewellery in Bradford on Avon. As for purples, Dilek Koroglu, the owner of Icarus on Broad Street, says it’s the shade of nobility and quality, and should be worn with utmost confidence.

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JEWELLERY SHOPPING LIST

1. Raw crystal necklace, £80, Eden & After, based in Box; www.edenandafter.etsy.com 2. Amethyst necklace, £815, Coppins of Corsham, Church street, Corsham; www.coppinsofcorsham.co.uk 3. Bracelet, £125, Grace & Mabel, George Street, Bath; www.graceandmabel.co.uk 4. Annie Beardsley cuff, £45, Waller&Wood, Abbey Green, Bath; wallerandwood.co.uk 5. Corn snake ring, £1,420, Eily O’Connell, Hetling Court, Bath; www.eilyoconnell.com * 6. Annie Beardsley earrings, £45, Waller&Wood, Abbey Green, Bath; wallerandwood.co.uk 7. Simon Harrison earrings, £95, Alexandra May, Brock Street, Bath; www.alexandramay.com 8. Swarovski necklace, £149, Quadri, Milsom Place, Bath; www.quadri.co.uk 9. Pink tourmaline ring, £1650, Orton, Market Street, Bradford on Avon; www.ortonjewellery.co.uk 10. Morganite pendant, £3,995, Nicholas Wylde, Northumberland Place, Bath; www.nicholaswylde.com 11. Bracelet, £45, Quadri, Milsom Place, Bath; www.quadri.co.uk 12. White diamond morganite, £3,250, Orton, Market Street, Bradford on Avon; www.ortonjewellery.co.uk 13. Simon Harrison earrings, £55, Alexandra May, Brock Street, Bath; www.alexandramay.com 14. Fern Robinson earrings, £95, Waller&Wood, Abbey Green, Bath; wallerandwood.co.uk 15. Earrings, £85, Grace & Mabel, George Street, Bath; www.graceandmabel.co.uk 16. Simon Harrison bracelet, £295, Alexandra May, Brock Street, Bath; www.alexandramay.com 17. Rose gold Berries ring, £575, Eily O’Connell, Hetling Court, Bath; www.eilyoconnell.com * 18. Swarovski earrings, £59, Quadri, Milsom Place, Bath; www.quadri.co.uk 19. Bracelet, £250, Icarus, Broad Street, Bath; www.icarusjewellery.com *Which runs as a pop-up shop until 15 November

Kaz Robertson Jewellery earrings, £150, available at Waller&Wood, Abbey Green, Bath; wallerandwood.co.uk

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ADVERTISING FEATURE

The power of storytelling SIMON HARRISON JEWELLERY talk about the importance of narrative within their work and their upcoming collaboration with Alexandra May

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hristmas is all about storytelling, from wise men to the traditional pantomime. At its heart is a sense of community and belonging.

Stories are there to be shared and help to unite, highlighting everything we have in common.

Simon Harrison Jewellery understand the power behind the story having worked with leading designer houses for over four decades including Swarovski, Paul Smith, Vivienne Westwood, John Galliano, Givenchy and Alexander McQueen to create jewellery collections.

Every piece in the collection starts with a story.

These can come for mythology, fairy tales or even a childhood memory.

Multiple referencing is key, a good example is the Bear Bracelet. Its starting point being the convergence of an antique Turkish rug with a 2D woven pattern of a bear, Victorian Bear Skin rugs and the universal story of Goldilocks and the Three Bears. The interweaving of these ideas leads the design process. It evolves, like

“PLACING NARRATIVE AT THE HEART TRIGGERS AN EMOTIONAL RESPONSE. IT IS A POWERFUL TRIGGER”

The window display at Alexandra May for the launch of the the Electra collection

a novelist developing a character. The design goes on a journey.

Craftsmanship is at the heart of the process, mixing chainmail and detailed casted tufts of metal fur. Each tuft has multiple variations in size and shape, creating a random and organic texture. It takes 565 individually cast tufts to create the texture. Each of these are linked onto the chainmail by hand.

The Coral collection started by observing a chain in a harbour. As the tide went out it revealed a build-up on seaweed and barnacles.

Collaborating with the model maker helped to bring the story to life. They work with the mind and skill of a sculptor to create threedimensional lyrical content that is key to the narrative.

Placing narrative at the heart triggers an emotional response. It is a powerful trigger. It provides jewellery that helps to amplify the wearer’s natural confidence. The result is a piece that strangers will come and ask about. It breaks down social barriers.

Themes are extended beyond the jewellery into the retail space. The company has collaborated on a number of occasions with Alexandra May to create eye-catching windows, from shoals of fish to celebrate the launch of the Electra collection to a Christmas decoration theme using the Coral collection. We believe jewellery should be fun and expressive. A whole store can evoke that sense of joy.

We are currently working with Alexandra on a new Christmas window based on the vintage toy theatres, pantomime and Victorian travelling theatre companies. The window will be installed in November so do check it out on Brock Street.

Wishing everybody a wonderful Christmas from the team at Simon Harrison. ■

Available at: Alexandra May, 23 Brock Street, Bath, BA1 2LW www.simonharrison.com www.mediaclash.co.uk I BATH LIFE I 51

Oriel Lodge A highly rated residential care home, specialising in dementia care for the elderly. With local, friendly staff & management, Oriel Lodge prides itself on the quality of service it provides all its residents.

Oriel Lodge has several amenities including an in-house chef who provides high quality meals. It also has a conservatory with spectacular views of Bath, provides regular activities centred around its residents’ lives, and has a quiet area for residents.

Please call us to talk about your needs, or arrange a visit.

Oriel Gardens, Swainswick, Bath BA1 7AS info@oriellodge.com • 01225 310 301 • www.oriellodge.com

the arts s n a p s h o t s o f b at h ’ s c u lt u r a l l i f e

IN THE BEGINNING In 1978, celebrated international photographer Clive Arrowsmith photographed Peter Gabriel in a number of key locations around Bath including the Bath Abbey, Roman Baths, and near Solsbury Hill (the title of a classic Gabriel track released in 1977). Gabriel had recently left the band Genesis to start a solo career when these images where shot. The Bath shoot was Clive and Peter’s second together and pursues a more surrealistic and intimate vision than their first, which came about after Peter called Clive and asked him to come to Bath.

This highly anticipated exhibition will feature these never-before-seen images of Peter Gabriel, plus other images from Clive’s extensive body of work, including images of The Dalai Lama, David Bowie, Sir Paul McCartney, George Harrison and Kate Bush.

There will also be a host of events including workshops, talks and a film, and Clive will be running a live photo-booth session, in which museum visitors can have their portraits taken – by quite simply one of the most influential portrait photographers of today.

© Clive Arrowsmith

Peter Gabriel Reflections is on at the Museum of Bath Architecture from 1 December – 3 February For more: www.museumofbatharchitecture.org.uk

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WHAT’S ON

© MARK WATSON

10 November –8 December

Katie Melua is performing at The Forum

EXHIBITIONS Until 12 November

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.

Tues-Sat 10am-5pm, Sun noon-5pm, £5 adults, £4 seniors, The Museum of East Asian Art; www.meaa.org.uk

Until 24 November

PEDRO RODRIGUEZ GARRIDO The celebrated Spanish artist is exhibiting a collection of new works based around his preferred theme

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of ‘cityscapes’. He has visited Bath and London to gather subject matter for the exhibition, but there are also scenes of Windsor, New York, and Madrid. This show includes a number of works on paper – a medium that the artist has taken to with enthusiasm.

Mon-Sat, 9.30am-5.30pm; Adam Gallery; www.adamgallery.com

Until 25 November

ADELA BRETON: TRAVELS WITH A PAINTBRUSH In 1887, Artist Adela Breton left her home in Bath to travel the world – this exhibition showcases the best of her art from these adventures. During her explorations she became an expert on Mexican archaeology and documented her travels around

Europe, the Americas and Japan in a series of watercolours.

10.30am-5pm; Victoria Art Gallery; www.victoriagal.org.uk

Until 30 November

DRAWING ON STYLE EXHIBITION A new exhibition of rare original fashion illustrations opens, which will highlight the extraordinary talents of leading fashion artists of the 20th century, including rare and previously unseen original works by masters of the genre as well as work by important contemporary fashion illustrators working at the forefront of fashion interpretation today.

Mon-Tues by appointment Wed- Sat 10am-4pm; Gray M.C.A; www.graymca.com

Until 1 January

WONDER WOMEN OF SPACE A free exhibition celebrating the 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 truly inspires them.

1-5pm weekdays, 10am-5pm weekends, various prices, Herschel Museum of Astronomy; www.herschelmuseum.org.uk

Until 20 January

GAINSBOROUGH AND THE THEATRE Celebrity, naturalism, performance and friendship are the themes in this exhibition, which showcase Gainsborough’s portraits of actors, managers,

WHAT’S ON musicians, playwrights, designers, dancers and critics of the 1760s-80s.

Open daily 10am-5pm, Sunday 11am5pm; General admission £12.50; The Holburne Museum; www.holburne.org

© BEAUX ARTS BATH

© MARCO BORGGREVE

19 November – 21 December

TOP: The Belcea String Quartet will be performing at Bath MozartFest ABOVE: Nick Mackman’s Brief Encounter (Elephants) will be showing at Beaux Arts Bath BELOW: Nick Cudworth’s Through the Looking Glass at Victoria Art Gallery

NICK MACKMAN 2015 British wildlife artist of the year Nick Mackman’s collection of sculptures includes a family group of elephants and a pack of African wild dogs. Ceramics on display will also include the beautiful porcelain works of Chris Keenan. The gallery will also be exhibiting a mixed group of painters and sculptors’ work, among these Anna Gillespie, Beth Carter, Ruth Stage and Dawnne McGeachy.

Mon-Sat 10-5pm and by appointment.

Closed Sundays; Beaux Arts Bath; www.beauxartsbath.co.uk

1 December – 3 February

PETER GABRIEL REFLECTIONS In 1978 celebrated international photographer Clive Arrowsmith photographed Peter Gabriel in a number of key locations around Bath. This exhibition book will feature these never before seen images of Peter Gabriel, plus other images of The Dalai Lama, David Bowie and Sir Paul McCartney.

Mon-Fri 1pm-5pm, weekends 10am5pm; Museum of Bath Architecture; www. museumofbatharchitecture.org.uk

1 December – 17 February

NICK CUDWORTH: BATH NIGHT PAINTINGS 2003-18 This exhibition presents over 20 of Nick’s stunning Bath night paintings in the form of giclée prints on stretched canvas. The artist’s brilliant eye for the effect of light on colour ensures visitors will want to explore the city’s beautiful buildings after dark.

10.30am-5pm,Victoria Art Gallery; www.victoriagal.org.uk

PLAYS/SHOWS Until 10 November

THE NIGHTINGALES Ruth Jones, of TV classic Gavin & Stacey, stars in this comedy about a village acapella singing group who enter a talent competition. Loyalites are tested, tempers are frayed and surprising changes are in store for the motley crew.

Various times, Theatre Royal; www.theatreroyal.org.uk

17 November

LILA DANCE PRESENTS: THE HOTEL EXPERIENCE A man checks into a hotel the night before his wedding unaware that things may not be as they seem. As the clock ticks the walls around him seem to blur and dissolve as fragments of memories tumble into the room in the form of past lovers. A mesmerising dance performance.

7.30pm; £12, £8 Concs; The Edge; www.edgearts.org

5 December

A CHRISTMAS CAROL Charles Dickens came to Bath just a few months before he died in 1870 and gave a public performance of this popular festive story. Celebrating the 175th anniversary of the publication of Charles Dickens’s A Christmas Carol, European Arts Company return with their authentic and refreshing adaptation of this timeless tale.

8pm; prices vary; Rondo Theatre; www.rondotheatre.co.uk

FAMILY

16 November – 6 January BATH ON ICE The whopping ice rink this year is the biggest yet, measuring in at 1000m2 so there will be plenty of space for those keen to glide.

Also on site is Moguls Alpine Bar, serving hot mulled wine, wood fired pizzas, deluxe hot chocolates, log burners, warm rugs and a range of beers and wines.

11.45am-10pm weekdays, 10.30am10pm weekends; various prices; Royal Victoria Park; www.bathonice.com

16 November – 6 January GLOW IN THE DARK MINI-GOLF The 18- hole course will be lit up in full splendor, with glow-in-thedark balls, mist and atmospheric lighting.

11.45am-10pm weekdays, 10.30am10pm weekends; various prices; Royal Victoria Park; www.bathonice.com

20 November – 1 January

A CYCLE OF LIGHTS An interactive, pedal-powered light display in front of Russell & Bromley, Old Bond Street, Bath.

Various times; BathBid; www.bathbid.co.uk

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WHAT’S ON 20 November – 1 January CHRISTMAS TREE CAROL TRAIL Festive trees at welcome points to the city. Spot all 10 trees and identify the musical theme at each one.

Various times; BathBid; www.bathbid.co.uk

3 December

DIAMOND PIN WORKSHOP Make your own layered diamond sparklechild pin to wear on your party frock at this workshop. Enjoy drinks and music and shop all evening with 10 per cent off items.

Workshops at 6.30pm, 7.15pm, 8pm; £10; Spotty Herberts; www.spottyherberts.com

MUSIC

10 November

THE MUSIC OF OTIS READING This charismatic show pairs Burundian singer songwriter Mudibu with Hammond and horns from The Jezebel Sextet. They’ll be performing 20 Otis Reading Classics, such as Respect, My Girl, Try a little Tenderness.

8pm-10.30pm; door price £22.50. advance £20; Chapel Arts Centre www.chapelarts.org

16 November

CRAIG CHARLES FUNK AND SOUL The BBC radio host, actor and television personality is ready to transform The Cheese & Grain into a boisterous boogie land. He’ll be showing off his back catalogue of seriously tangy tunes ranging from modern mash ups and classic takes of the wildest funk and soul around.

8pm-1am; £17 advance (plus service charge), £19 door; Cheese and Grain; www.cheeseandgrain.com

Until 17 November

BATH MOZARTFEST A celebration of classical music performed by outstanding international musicians with the works of W A Mozart at its heart.

This year its range spreads from the Tallis Scholars’ performance of English music from the 17th century to orchestral extracts from Wagner’s Lohengrin and Die Meistersinger.

Tickets from £12 to £45; various locations; www.bathmozartfest.org.uk

28 November

RED HOT CHILLI PIPERS Arguably the most famous bagpipe

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band on the planet, expect bagpipes with attitude, drums with a Scottish accent and a show that carries its own health warning.

The band’s achievements have reached incredible heights with their groundbreaking fusion of traditional Scottish music and rock/pop anthems which they proudly call “Bagrock”.

7.30pm; £25; Bath Forum; www.bathforum.co.uk

28 November

FAUSTUS Acclaimed folk band Faustus will be performing from their UK ‘Cotton Lords’ Tour, where they will be presenting new tracks from their ongoing cotton famine poetry project, which was featured on BBC Radio 4.

8pm-10.30pm; door price £15, advance £14; Chapel Arts Centre; www.chapelarts.org

6 December

KATIE MELUA Multi award-winning recording artist Katie Melua will be joined by a cast of stellar musicians, as well as members of Gori Women’s Choir who featured on the silvercertified 2016 album ‘In Winter’.

The album commanded some of the finest reviews of her career with the Sunday Times describing it as “bewitching…ravishing… spellbinding” Doors 7pm; prices vary; Bath Forum; www.bathforum.co.uk

OTHER

Until 11 November

FILMBATH FESTIVAL Nearly 50 films will be shown in various locations around the city, as well as workshops, talks and Q&As with professionals working in the industry. An inspiring and diverse selection of films that includes Bath debuts, documentaries and vintage classics, as well as Hollywood and independent films.

Various times and prices; www. filmbath.org.uk

Until 11 November

THE BISHOP’S PALACE CHRISTMAS ARTISAN MARKETS The team at the Palace have curated an incredible array of over 40 stalls of local and handmade crafts.

10am-4pm; prices vary; Bishop’s Palace; www.bishopspalace.org.uk

ABOVE: Make a wreath at the winter floral workshop at The Gainsborough Bath Spa LEFT: Prue Leith will be at Topping & Company Booksellers BELOW: Folk band Faustus are performing at Chapel Arts Centre

WHAT’S ON 14 November

AN EVENING WITH PRUE LEITH TV cook, food journalist, cookery book author, not to mention judge on The Great British Bake Off, Prue Leith will be chatting about about her career, her life and her recipes.

8pm; £7 early bird, £25 (includes book); Christ Church; www.toppingbooks. co.uk

14 November

CHAMPAGNE & CHABLIS EVENING AT CORKAGE The evening will consist of a choice of top Chablis and various champagnes including Blanc de Blanc, Blanc de Noir, Brut Nature and Vintage and all the wines are paired with dishes. Advance booking is essential.

7pm; £65; Corkage on Chapel Row; www.corkagebath.com

15 November

GARDEN HISTORY WITH DR AUDREY GERBER Enjoy an interactive story of garden history using objects and images that invite your curiosity. You will learn about influential designers and how their work shaped gardens of today.

10-3pm; £50 (includes tea, coffee and lunch) Friary; www.ruralskillsbath.com

15 November

KILVER COURT – GREAT HOUSE CHRISTMAS PARTY The designer village will be hosting a party where hand-picked decorations, gifts and delicious Christmas food will be offer, plus an evening of entertainment.

5.30pm-8pm; Kilver Court, Shepton Mallet; www.kilvercourt.com

16 November

CHRISTMAS BAKING WITH RICHARD BERTINET Join Richard Bertinet as he takes you through your Christmas baking treats, from Christmas stollen, traditional mince pies, delicious pecan and cranberry bread and the signature prune and cardamom loaf. 10am; Bertinet Kitchen, www.thebertinetkitchen.com

21 November – 22 December

APRÈS-SKI BAR – ABBEY HOTEL The Après-Ski Bar makes a welcome return, serving Alpine appetisers, Christmassy cocktails and heaps of festive fun. The cosy cabin is the perfect place to snuggle

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

up under blankets, sip on mulled wine with chums. Open10am to 11pm daily; Abbey Hotel; www. abbeyhotelbath.co.uk

22 November – 31 December

WINTER WONDERLAND The Bird hotel’s new heated outdoor bar will be serving festive drinks and food. Expect flickering candelabra and Bavarain rugs to keep you cosy.

Open10am to 11pm daily; Bird Hotel; www.thebirdbath.co.uk

24 November

COSY CHRISTMAS CRAFT FAIR - AMERICAN MUSEUM Handcrafted ceramics, textiles, jewellery and prints, plus the chance to met the makers and gain an insight into their craft.

11am-4pnCraft fair and gardens £5 (under 5s free); American Museum; www.americanmuseum.org

27 November

MIDDLE ENGLAND WITH JONATHAN COE Dubbed “the novel of his career” Middle England is a novel about the absurdity of today’s political classes and of those that have been left behind. Jonathan Coe will be chatting about the book, Brexit bust-ups, fact and fiction and the state of the nation.

7pm; £6; Mr B’s Emporium; mrbsemporium.com

29 November

WINTER FLORAL WORKSHOP Enjoy learning and creating a winter wreath at this interactive workshop. A two-course festive lunch in the stylish Dan Moon at the Gainsborough Restaurant, before taking your beautiful seasonal wreath home.

10am-1pm; £85 (including lunch); The Gainsborough Bath Spa www.thegainsboroughbathspa.co.uk

29 November

DAVID SIMON CONTEMPORARY CHARITY AUCTION Thirty works of art by artists across the country, including paintings by Peter Brown NEAC, all in aid of local charity Triumph Over phobia. There are also unusual prizes such as a day’s yacht sailing, vintage wines and a holiday in Devon.

7pm; Macdonald Bath Spa Hotel; www.davidsimoncontemporary.com

ABOVE: Chris Keenan’s Tomorrow a Landscape at Beaux Arts Bath LEFT: Jonathan Coe will be speaking at at Mr B’s Emporium BELOW: Lila Dance Presents: The Hotel Experience at The Edge

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FILM FROM LEFT: Harry Potter fans will love the new Fantastic Beasts; Widows stars a stellar cast; Paul Dano’s directorial debut, Wildlife

Get the picture?

This month, the Little has a mixture of magic, drama and action to keep you entertained…

W

e’re well into the season of cold weather now, which means you’ll need some amazing films to get you into the warmth of a lovely cinema.

First up, we have the new adventure into J.K Rowling’s wizarding world, Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald. For any Harry Potter fan, this is a definite must-see.

Delving more into the history of the wizarding world, the film follows magizoologist Newt Scamander (Eddie Redmayne) who is enlisted by mentor and future Hogwarts’ headmaster, Albus Dumbledore (Jude Law), to thwart the plans of dark wizard Gellert Grindelwald (Johnny Depp). Grindelwald wants to disrupt the peace between the muggle world and the magical world, believing muggles (non magical people) are not worthy and should be eradicated. For any fan of the Potter franchise, this film will answer plenty of questions about the relationship between Dumbledore and Grindelwald.

Filled with wonderfully magical moments and fantastic beasts, this film is great for especially J.K fans, young and old.

Next, we have the directorial debut from Paul Dano (There Will Be Blood; Swiss Army Man), Wildlife. Adapted from Richard Ford’s book by the same name, this meticulously acted period piece is impressive, and a triumph for production designer Akin McKenzie and

cinematographer Diego Garcia, who create a magnificent picture of post-war American life.

The film follows Joe (Ed Oxenbould), a young teenage boy who moves to a small town in 1950s Montana with his parents. His dad, Jerry (Jake Gyllenhaal), struggles keeping the family afloat, eventually leaving the family home to take a low-paying job fighting wildfires. This subtly indicates the end of his marriage, leaving Joe to be the witness of his mother Jeanette’s (Carey Mulligan) depression.

She treats Joe like an adult, or a substitute husband, as we witness her gradual change.

She reverts from the cheerful, respectful wife and mother, to the rebellious young woman that Jerry had originally fallen for. However, Joe is left to fend for himself – getting to school, getting his own meals and looking after himself. This leaves him wondering what his role is in his fractured family.

It’s an incredibly watchable film, with outstanding performances from all three main characters. It’s a satisfying drama that studies damaged lives in an intimate nature, that is a triumph as Dano’s first directorial role.

Lastly, we have Widows. Starring a stellar cast and directed by 12 Years a Slaves’ Steve McQueen, this is a masterful thriller packed with punch.

In McQueen’s dazzling update of Lynda La Plante’s ITV mini series, he creates a world that discounts and underestimates the power of women. After a heist goes

“Starring a stellar cast, and directed by 12 Years a Slaves’ Steve McQueen, this is a masterful thriller”

wrong, killing all the men involved, their wives are forced to pick up the pieces.

Veronica (Viola Davis) mourns the loss of her husband Henry (Liam Neeson), the ringleader of the gang, but her grief is interrupted by fear, as she’s threatened by politician Jamal (Brian Tyree Henry), who had previously been a key player in the criminal scene in Chicago. His money was destroyed in the accident that killed Veronica’s husband, and he gives her a month to return the $2m after finding evidence that Henry was involved in the heist. Veronica tracks down the surviving wives to help her pull off a job that none of them would be ready for.

Davis fiercely commands any scene that she’s in, and is equally adept at conveying utterly heartbreaking emotion. The other stars, Michelle Rodriguez and Elizabeth Debicki also expertly convey the grieving process, combined with absolute determination to protect their husbands’ legacy.

This outstanding thriller is already tipped for an Oscar nomination, and is definitely worth seeing.

Sophie-Claire McLeod is duty and marketing manager at The Little Theatre, 1–2 St Michael’s Place; 01225 466822; www.picturehouses.co.uk

www.mediaclash.co.uk I BATH LIFE I 63

Crafting beautiful homes in stunning locations Bath | Somerset | Wiltshire | Cotswolds | Dorset

01225 791155 ashford-homes.co.uk

NIC BOTTOMLEY BOOKS

Rewrite history NIC BOTTOMLEY’S book choices this week all look back in time – whether it be to medicine, wars, nature or gadgets

“It’s an ode to the scientists whose relentless pursuit of perfect accuracy has such a huge daily impact on our lives”

R

ecently I heard Chris Brookmyre talking about how he and his wife, Marisa Haetzman, had come to combine forces under the pseudonym Ambrose Parry to write the Victorian medical crime drama The Way of All Flesh (Canongate, £14.99). It all happened because of Haetzman’s interest in the invention of chloroform and the medical world of 19th-century Edinburgh. She’s a medical historian and a consultant anaesthetist, so she was well placed to research this subject, and combing her knowledge with Brookmyre’s plotting skills – honed over 20-odd successful crime novels – looked like a recipe for success.

Before giving that response though, Brookmyre said they decided to write the book after “suddenly realising it was possible to write history without mentioning the Tudors”. In bookshop world, it did feel for a while like all British history took place in the Tudor era. With Hilary Mantel, Philippa Gregory, CJ Sansom and Alison Weir all simultaneously at the height of their powers, it felt like there was only one period that mattered. Now, though, we’re in a phase where fiction and non-fiction publishers alike are seeking out unusual historical angles and less documented episodes, to satisfy readers’ insatiable appetites for intriguing tales from the past.

In Dreamers (Pushkin, £16.99), Volker Weidermann explores a six-month slice of German history immediately after World War One, that saw the creation of a short-lived new state with writers and creatives at the heart of the action. The revolution that led to the formation of the People’s State of Bavaria was masterminded by journalist Kurt Eisner, who had been imprisoned for treasonous activities in the last months of the war.

Though the Kingdom of Bavaria was the first monarchical element of the German Empire to fall and be replaced with a republic, the events there were just part of a larger spirit of upheaval, discontent and, ultimately, revolution across Germany.

In bohemian and socialist Bavaria, Eisner’s fellow revolutionaries included a clutch of great wordsmiths and cultural figures, and it’s this aspect of the revolution that Weidermann concentrates on. He looks at how Eisner led a movement that also included

poet and novelist Rainer Maria Rilke and novelist Thomas Mann, author of Death in Venice, and The Magic Mountain. And he also contemplates the revolution’s legacy and what could have been, had the new socialist state not crumbled following Eisner’s assassination in early 1919.

Ladders to Heaven by Mike Shanahan (Unbound, £8.99) might be broader in scope than Dreamers in terms of geography and time, but it’s certainly more niche in its subject matter. This intriguing book explores the history of the fig tree and the role that the 700-odd varieties of these remarkable plants could play in repairing forests and limiting climate change. The resilience of fig trees dates back more than 80 million years, and that longevity relates to their bond with the small wasps that pollinate them and which themselves depend on accessing the figs in order to breed. That inter-dependency results in a tree that’s able to bear fruit year round and so sustain many other species.

As well as the nature-writing and environmental angles, though, in this quirky but deeply researched book, Shanahan looks at the cultural and historical influence of fig trees and their fruit. Of course we are reminded of their symbolism and their involvement in creation myths, but we also learn of the more bizarre instances when folk have married a fig tree or made a tree the king.

And finally, from natural engineering to the human equivalent, Simon Winchester’s Exactly (Harper Collins, £25) is an ode to precision and the scientists whose relentless pursuit of perfect accuracy has such a huge daily impact on our lives, even though we don’t often stop to think about it. He considers the history of accuracy in engineering and its importance to the vehicles we travel in, the gadgets we rely on and the telescopes that draw the stars closer to us. It’s a book that makes us appreciate the individuals who care about all that detail, so that we don’t have to, and so that our lives run ever simpler and smoother.

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

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

Successful, well-established year-round language school in the centre of Bath requires

HOMESTAY HOSTS IN BATH to host both short-term and long-term students.

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For further details, including rates of payment, please contact our Accommodation Manager: Sarah Wringer, KIE Bath, 5 Trim Street, Bath, BA1 1HB Direct Line (01225) 473502, Email: sarah.wringer@kaplan.com

SAME SAME BUT DIFFERENT Expect chilled, European vibes at this cosy tapas joint

By Harriet Noble Photos by Paul Matthew

G

oing out for dinner on a Friday night can mean giving yourself a bit of a talking to first. After a long week at work, hunkering down at home, closing the curtains on the world and sinking into slippers and telly can be exactly what you are aching for, and the thought of a loud, jam-packed restaurant filled with it’s-the-weekend revellers is a jarring one.

It was with this feeling that I went to Same Same But Different on Bartlett Street.

My first impressions of the place were that it didn’t really look or feel like a restaurant, but I mean this in a good way. It’s small and dimly lit, with cosy auberginecoloured walls, old-fashioned wooden tables and chairs, and Spanish music playing softly in the background; the mood is one of a very chilled, late-night European wine bar. In other words, absolute heaven.

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

And it’s clear from the get-go that the gang have kept simplicity at the core here; there isn’t a long menu with gazillions of choices, and no fancy, flowery language which has you getting out your phone to Google what the heck it means. The food choices are chalked up on the board – a list of tapas and about three main courses of mainly burgers. The tapas offering looked really tempting, so my chum and I opted for these.

To start off with, we went for warm bread with olive oil and balsamic vinegar, and then we had braised lamb shoulder with cumin and coriander; breaded duck egg, chorizo and cider lentils; crispy halloumi with romesco sauce; Spanish-style tortilla served with fresh aioli; patatas bravas; and a garden salad with quinoa.

I dived into the lamb first, which was extremely tender, delicious and boasting a sweetness to it which reminded me of chocolate – can lamb taste like chocolate? I loved it anyhow.

RESTAURANT REVIEW

The breaded duck egg was probably my favourite of the dishes. Aesthetically, it was very pleasing; the brightest sunshine-coloured egg looked like it had come straight out of a Disney movie. As for the lentils, I have always been a life-long fan, but I know they are not everyone’s cup of tea. However, I would implore people to try these, as the cider sauce was so warming and smoky it made for a really hearty dish that felt just perfect for a wintry night. My pal, a self-confessed cheese addict, rated the crispy halloumi dish very highly, too.

The salad with quinoa was a very good shout. I like tapas a lot, but I sometimes find there is a distinct lack of greens, which can make the meal a bit rich. Our dishes were perfectly balanced out by the salad; it might sound a bit virtuous, but it positively zinged with citrus flavours, spices and sesame.

We were pretty full at this stage, but somehow managed to find room for dessert, choosing to share an apple and cinnamon crumble and ice cream, which was scrumptious.

While we happily ate our way through our tapas, and drank our wine, looking around, it felt like the other diners had got the memo on the vibe of this place too.

There was no screeching or loud groups, and because the restaurant is not huge, there were no massive tables of people dominating the space. Everyone was simply tucking into their wine and tapas, chatting easily. It is a mellow restaurant indeed, and the perfect spot for a date or dinner with a friend.

By the time we were finished, we were so suitably rejuvenated, the tiredness from the week having miraculously evaporated, like it sometimes does, that we headed off with happy, if bursting, bellies for further socialising in the city, fantasies of an early night in front of the telly completely forgotten. n

“It zinged with citrus flavours, spices and sesame”

DINING DETAILS Same Same but Different, 7a Prince’s buildings, Bartlett Street, Bath, BA1 2ED; 01225466 856; www.same-same.co.uk In a nutshell A cosy café and restaurant, offering brunch, lunch and supper We ate breads; braised lamb shoulder with cumin and coriander; breaded duck egg, chorizo and cider lentils; crispy halloumi with romesco sauce; Spanish-style tortilla; patatas bravas; salad with quinoa; apple and cinnamon crumble and ice cream Prices Tapas dishes £4.50 – £6.25; mains £10 – £12; desserts £5.96 Drinks Very concise but good wine list, plus rosé and prosecco choices What else? Friendly, fuss-free and mellow.

Come daytime, it serves up great brunch and lunch choices, and they have good-value earlybird menu choices

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

FOOD & DRINK

The slightly more fiddly folding techniques had us giggling a bit

BREAD of HEAVEN

Learning the craft of baking bread is not easy – luckily, though, when Richard Bertinet is there to teach you, it is nothing short of joyous. The wine helps too…

By Harriet Noble Photos by Betty Bhandari 70 I BATH LIFE I www.mediaclash.co.uk

W

hen I first moved to Bath, among the advice I was given about living in the city was the recommendation that I should buy Bertinet bread. Indeed, everyone raves about Richard Bertinet’s bread, it is just something that anyone living here knows about.

But his fanbase is truly global, thanks to his bestselling books, like Dough and Crust, which have caused both amateurs and professional bread bakers to adopt his particular technique of working the dough. And for those who want to take it to the next level – to learn from the master in person – they enrol on one of the baking courses that Richard runs from his Bertinet Kitchen Cookery School on Saint

Andrews Terrace. That’s exactly what I did.

My personal experience of baking bread is minimal. I have happy memories of baking with my granny when I was little, but my lasting memories of this are opening the door to the airing cupboard, nose first, to smell the magically risen bread; I remember nothing of the technique, though. As an adult, my experience is limited to eating a lot of it and watching The Great British Bake Off – the bread lion bread made by Paul the prison officer in series six remaining a glorious highlight.

What is clear as soon as I arrive for my Introduction to Baking course, is that the master of baking is also a natural teacher.

Knowledgeable and a great communicator definitely, but also very very funny, boldly charismatic and absolutely passionate about creating delicious loaves.

And then there are all the other lovely people on the course, too, and what a varied and interesting bunch they are. Among the group, is an inventor called Nick, a very stylish retired mum and her artist daughter, a chemist, a university lecturer, an engineer, a taster for Twinings, and a couple from Tennessee who have come on holiday to England specifically to do this course. Fortunately, there is a mixture of abilities, from complete novices like myself to serious baking hobbyists.

Everyone is very chatty on arrival and we have a cuppa and a chat in the light, bright Bertinet kitchen. Richard comes towards us, “Right, straight jackets on,” he says, as he hands out aprons. Pinnies tied, Richard stands before us and announces solemnly, “After today, you may become a bread bore. Bread… it does something to people.”

He goes on to tell us a bit about his background, baking from the age of 14 in

Brittany. School was not a total pleasure for Richard, “I had dyslexia, never would I have believed that I would write six books or be a teacher.” After moving to Bath, he set up The Bertinet Kitchen Cookery School and bakery. He says, “This school is my treasure, it is very special to me.”

He also talks about the universality of bread, how people eat it in every country in the world. They may have different techniques but they all use the same basic three ingredients: flour, yeast and water. Such is Richard’s passion for the subject, quite frankly it’s almost moving, and yet he peppers his stories with anecdotes and jokes, many along the French-man-confused-atEnglish-ways theme, which have us all laughing.

MAKING DOUGH – RICHARD’S TECHNIQUE

Richard making it look easy

Richard gives us a demonstration on how to make dough. He says, “It’s all about making the basic dough. Learn these skills first, then get confident and build on it.”

The most surprising thing about his technique is that he doesn’t knead the dough, or not in the way I have seen on TV anyway.

Instead, he has this technique where, once the ingredients are mixed, you pick the ball of dough, hands at the bottom, and then you slap it down on the table and stretch the dough and fold it over.

When you’ve done this a few times, you do what he calls ‘taking the dough for a walk’, which means moving it across the counter surface with a scraper, this seems to help it keep and mould its shape. What was also a revelation to me is that the dough is not just a ball which you can toss around willy-nilly, there is a top and a bottom side and they have to stay in place.

Richard tells us that, like most things in life, if we want to be good we must, ‘practise, practise, practise’, but that we should also enjoy the whole process; he encourages us to ‘dance with your bread’. I look around at this point; the students, are mesmerised by Richard’s impassioned words and are smiling at his buoyant and joyful enthusiasm.

GETTING STARTED

How many people does it take to make a focaccio

“After today you may become a bread bore”

We’re put into pairs, I’m with inventor Nick.

Our task is to make some dough, as just demonstrated by Richard. After adding the ingredients, we take turns in taking the dough for a walk and doing the slap, stretch and fold technique. It is really tricky, very strenuous and monumentally sticky. Our dough looks nothing like Richard’s did, but Richard or one of the team are always at hand, and they come over and give us advice when we need it. After a while, the ball starts to take shape, it gets less sticky and more smooth. A bit of faith doesn’t go amiss in bread-making, I feel.

We stop for a break. Petite cups of espresso and almond croissants are handed round.

After only a few sips, Richard takes my cup away from me and ladles in something glossy and dark, without telling me what it is. I take a sip, it’s a prune, drowning in something pretty strong that is rather eye-opening, yet utterly warming. The something pretty strong is dark rum, and it proves just the ticket.

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

FOOD & DRINK We continue baking, this time in groups of four, to get more practise making dough.

Whether it is Richard’s encouragement or the splash of rum, I’m feeling a bit more confident, alert and ever so slightly French. The dough technique is getting easier. I realise that I relish the physicality of it all as well; I am used to tapping on a laptop for most of the week, so to be slapping and stretching messy dough, hands all floury, knees bent is very enjoyable – but a workout, no doubt.

WHAT DID WE MAKE?

Using the dough that we have made, having rested it for a bit, we make fougasse. This is a French type of bread, typically associated with Provence. Richard shows us how to make the shape of the dough into an ear of wheat and how to use our handy scrapers to make slashes that give it a decorative look.

Richard also shows us how to make flamiche aux poireaux, a beautiful tart made with leeks, gruyère cheese, crème fraîche and nutmeg.

We move onto making olive oil dough and, with this, we make pecorino and olive breadsticks, which we twist and spiral to set, and also focaccia with rock salt and rosemary, the smell of which is divine.

We have a go at doing other types of bread too, like French baguettes, which, given their simple shape, are surprisingly difficult. We also make mini loaves of bread, the size of the palm of a hand.

A proud display of our efforts

Raising a glass to our culinary success

Going with the dough

“This school is my treasure.

It is very special” RICHARD’S TIPS FOR BAKING BREAD • Use metal bowls – they are light and won’t break • Invest in some decent salt – Brittany salt if you can get it, or Cornish salt • Not sure what temperature of water to use when making your dough? Richard says if you are aware of the temperature, it’s not right • Practise, practise, practise.

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When we break for a late lunch, I forget we are in the UK because the scene in front of us is pure France. There is a long trestle table, with all the fruits of our labour – fougasse, focaccia, breadsticks, baguettes and mini loaves – all protruding happily from baskets. There are also patés, and puy lentils, salads, camembert and chutney and lots of red wine. We sit down and dig in. There is much chatter; we are so proud of ourselves and can’t believe we have made all of these wondorous loaves that are so delicious. I always think the contestants on Bake Off are almost unbelievably nice, but everyone on this course is unbelievably nice too – bread-baking enthusiasts are just inherently a good breed, I have realised.

After lunch, Richard picks up the bread we have made, squeezing it, and gives us positive feedback. If the bread is a bit lopsided and bit less than perfect-looking, he frowns in mock seriousness saying, “Qu’est-ce que c’est ?”

After lots of selfies – Richard is very patient – the master bid us farewell. Even though I’ve eaten my body weight in bread, I don’t feel bloated and uncomfortable – sleepy yes, but that might be more to do with the copious amounts of red wine I’ve consumed. I arrive home, clutching my recipe books and leftovers from the course, feeling really inspired to bake, to ‘dance with the bread’ as Richard says, and to share and eat it all with everyone I love. I might just have a nap first though.

For more: www.bertinet.com

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

THE BIG INTERVIEW

Bath is heaving with coffee shops, but there are distressingly few great ones. (Blame the chains, of course; we have well over a dozen Starbucks, Costas and Neros in the centre alone.) Helping spearhead the resistance in recent years has been Jane and Adrian Campbell-Howard’s Society Café, a minor city institution with a pair of sites locally, two in other towns, and an engagingly welcoming attitude. “We call ourselves Society for a simple reason,” says Jane.

“We attract all sorts.”

Words by Matt Bielby Portraits by Tim Woolfe www.mediaclash.co.uk I BATH LIFE I 75

THE BIG INTERVIEW

W

e’re always talking about landmark restaurants in the history of Bath – George Perry-Smith’s influential Hole in the Wall, say – but our vibrant coffee shop culture gets short thrift in comparison. Two, however, stand out: Colonna and Smalls on Chapel Row, and Society Café on Kingsmead Square. Plenty of West Country foodie businesses are started by DFL (Down From London) types, but the couple behind Society – Jane and Adrian Campbell-Howard – are more BFM (Back From Morocco), and have serious international credentials between them. Adrian was brought up across Asia by expat parents, while Jane worked as a globetrotting chef for Ferrari and McLaren.

Fittingly, they met in San Francisco – if not quite the spiritual home of the coffee shop, then damn close – and now run four sites in Bath, Bristol and Oxford. “We met when I checked into the second cheapest hostel in San Francisco,” Jane says, “as the cheapest was full. Adrian did the same. And thank goodness we did!”

Before Society, you guys ran hotels, right?

Jane: Actually, I was a chef to start with. My

first boss was Marco Pierre White at Harveys in London. I just knocked on his door and said, ‘Can I have job?’ Later I was a chef in Formula One; I loved the noise of the engines, and this vast circus rolling into town. But when I got with Adrian we started looking for a hotel we could run together.

Adrian: This was 1998, we were in our mid-20s, and it was an exciting time for British food – and for boutique hotels.

So you found a place in the Cotswolds…

Jane: We were offered a hotel in Bourton-on-the-Water

Would the guys ever run a hotel again? “Of course,” says Adrian, “though they’re incredibly hard work.”

with 14 bedrooms and a 40 seater restaurant. It already had high occupancy levels, too. We couldn’t believe our luck.

Adrian: The problem was, it was chintzy and old-fashioned, dried flower arrangements everywhere. We needed to redecorate fast – and, in the meantime, compensate for the way it looked with amazing service and food.

Later on you sold up and legged it to Morocco…

Adrian: We could see the financial crash coming, and

wanted to do some travelling with the kids – we’d had the benefit of living abroad, and wanted that for our children, too. So in 2007 we went to Morocco, running a 26-bedroom hotel in Marrakesh. Eventually we wanted to come back, though, and started looking at hotels in England – but couldn’t find anything we loved. We did, though, decide on Bath. Not because either of us knew it, but for the beauty, the schools – and because the hotels have the highest occupancy rates outside London.

Jane: I’d came to Bath to scope it out and would be that mad person in the queue at Boots talking to everybody, asking if they lived here and liked it. And they always did. We were knocked out by the positive attitude about the place.

So what happened? Did you start getting interested in coffee shops simply as an alternative to a hotel?

Adrian: There were a couple of really good independent

ones in Bath, like Colonna and Smalls, but more and more chains kept opening and they seemed to be busy all the time

– even though they weren’t that good. We thought, without wanting to sound arrogant, there must be room for someone doing the same thing, but better. We looked to bridge the gap between Caffè Nero and Colonna and Smalls – better coffee than the chains, but nothing too intimidating either.

Jane: Though running a coffee shop is hard, it’s nothing like a hotel. We might get to leave Society at 7pm, which sounds late – but at a hotel you’re just getting going by then.

One interesting thing about your Kingsmead Square site is that it doesn’t look like a coffee shop at all…

Adrian: No – in fact, our landlords had originally thought

“More chains kept opening.

We thought, there must be room for someone doing the same thing, but better”

of it as offices. That space helped define what our offering would be, though. We can’t have a big kitchen here…

Jane: Or any kitchen at all, really.

Adrian: …so we pared things down, kept it simple. We just offer coffee, sandwiches and cake. And that’s good, as food’s just one more thing to go wrong. Our plan was to do just a few things, but to do them very well.

Jane: We’re not allowed any real signage on the building, and it’s got Georgian windows rather than huge glass panes.

That’s one reason we put plenty of seating outside, even in the dead of winter – so people can see we’re here.

Adrian: The other reason is that there’s nowhere to store it except in the shop, so it has to go somewhere!

And now you’ve got three other Societies too…

Jane: We were offered our space on Bristol’s Harbourside

very soon after we opened the first Society, and it was so amazing – an old boat building factory – that we had to take a look. But things got very complicated in terms of planning permission, so it took years to make it happen, by which time we’d already opened two other shops: a small takeaway on The Corridor in Bath, and one in Oxford.

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THE BIG INTERVIEW Adrian: It really works having two sites in one town, if only

because it means we can swap staff from one to the other if we need to. We’d love second cafés in Bristol or Oxford too.

Tell us about the bike obsession.

Adrian: All the best places reveal something about the

owners, and I love bikes, photography and good books, so you’ll find that stuff in all our shops. In Kingsmead Square we’ll always have a bike on the walls, a tradition that began as another storage issue – I had this beautiful hand-painted bike and nowhere else to put it. These days we display guest bikes from specialist builders, though we don’t attract a particularly cycling-oriented crowd.

How is Kingsmead Square these days?

Jane: It’s really picking up. It’s almost like one of those

European squares full of café tables now – though it still has the odd grungy moment, of course.

Adrian: And there’s an amazing atmosphere amongst the businesses, like we’ve experienced nowhere else. Rather than being competitive and secretive, everyone helps each other.

Jane: That’s Bath all over, really. I totally see why young people go off to study elsewhere, then come right back – because there’s nowhere else quite like this. And we see the same thing with every mum and dad amongst our friends, too: they’ve all made a conscious decision to live here.

How much of a coffee geek do you have to be to work and drink at Society?

Jane: Well, we’re very geeky. But among our customers, it’s

about 15 per cent and growing – albeit quite slowly. Even those who don’t care about provenance know when they’re getting a good cup of coffee, though.

Adrian: Mostly, we don’t tend to employ experienced baristas, but recruit more on attitude. You can train someone to make good coffee – it takes time, but you can do it – but energy and sparkle and a genuine desire to look after people is rather more rare.

Jane: We have – what is it? – 26 staff across the four shops now, and almost all are full time. Each shop has its own manager and head barista, plus we’ve a head of coffee and head of training based in Bath. And our coffee buyer is a next level geek; he came from a roaster and lives and breathes coffee.

And would you cook for Formula One again, Jane? “I loved it,” she says, “but are you kidding? Not now, with a family.”

Is the coffee you serve the major difference between Society and somewhere like Starbucks?

Jane: That, and the quality of everything we sell. Our milk

is more expensive, for instance; it has more body and is sweeter, perhaps because it comes from pasture-fed cows.

The only complaint we ever get is that the coffee isn’t hot enough, but that’s because serving coffee too hot will make that natural sweetness disappear.

Adrian: We spend more on our coffee and milk than the chains, and on the real chocolate in our hot chocolate, yet we sell a cup for a similar price. Yes, our rents tend to be a little cheaper than high street sites, but our profit margins are still smaller. But that’s okay – we’re not in it purely for the money.

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they’re not intimidating. With an indie like Society, someone will walk in and you can see they’re uncertain about what to do: should I sit down and wait for someone to take my order, or should I come to the counter? I used to be quite shy myself – still am, to an extent – so I understand how people can get anxious and confused when the rules aren’t clear.

So, what’s next?

Jane: We said we’d try to do a new site a year for ten years,

Where do you buy from?

Adrian: Origin is our house coffee supplier, but we’ll go

to Nicaragua ourselves to buy the next year’s coffee; it helps, of course, that the farmers we use are incredibly nice people. This year, though, the political unrest isn’t great – as happens distressingly often in coffee producing countries – so it’ll just be a flying visit.You get a feeling for these things, and have to take a sensible call.

What do the big chains get right?

Jane: Tea can be okay. I love coffee too much to drink theirs.

Adrian: The big thing they have going for them is that

“There’s an atmosphere like we’ve experienced nowhere else.

Everyone helps each other”

so we’re always looking. Perhaps Cardiff or Exeter – or even as far way as York or Cambridge. No more in Bath, though: we wouldn’t want people to think we’re flexing our muscles.

Adrian: We’d rather see more fellow travellers do well, places like Picnic Coffee or Mokoko Coffee, who’re helping lift the overall coffee standard.

Finally, what about the great laptop debate? You were in the papers about that this year, weren’t you?

Jane: I hate the idea that anyone might feel they’ve

outstayed their welcome, but there’s been lots of talk about this lately. At one point The Jeremy Kyle Show wanted us to go on complaining about laptop users hogging tables – but it’s really not the case. In fact, they’re good business, as they’ll buy several coffees, perhaps a sandwich at lunchtime, and we’re honoured they’ve come to us.

Adrian: And our guys are now very good at saying, look, do you mind budging up a little to squeeze someone else in?

No-one ever minds. n For more: www.society-cafe.com

WINE

THE MOST WINE-DERFUL TIME OF THE YEAR Angela Mount talks festive wine buys that will impress at a party

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here’s no escaping it, party season is well and truly here. With Christmas confectionery weighing down the shelves, and festive lights ready for the switch-on, November and early December is the time to plan.

Party season is not the time to bring out your most treasured bottles – save those for Christmas Day, or for special friends – at this stage, wine is the support act, not the star, as the focus is on socialising; if you’re hosting a large party, budget does come into play also. It’s all about finding delicious, crowd-pleasing wines that hit the spot. There’s also the challenge of a plethora of multi-flavoured canapés to juggle for drinks parties; malbec, for example, doesn’t quite see eye to eye with smoked salmon, and muscadet may not be the best option for a hearty, slow-braised stew.

So good-value, impressive wines, is the order of the day. My first recommendation is to invest in a few magnums; not only do they contain two bottles worth of wine (and you get a discount if you buy three or more), but they have the ‘wow’ factor too. Let’s start with fizz. If champagne is the plan, you’ll get much better value, and often an even better quality from small artisan, familyrun producers. Top of the tree for me is the gloriously elegant JM Gobillard Brut Grande Reserve Premier Cru (£62.50). With its teeny bubbles and wafting aromas of buttered crumpets and baked apples, it has a superstylish and rounded flavour. The epitome of elegance.

Catering for the masses? You won’t go wrong with a sleek-looking magnum of Ruggeri Prosecco Quartese DOCG (£33), a slightly drier style from one of the best areas in the region. Lively and fresh, and with an alcohol level of just 11 per cent, this fits the bill for party nights.

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“It’s all about finding delicious, crowdpleasing wines, that hit the spot”

Moving on to still wines, I’m a great advocate of the ‘rosé isn’t just for summer’ campaign; it’s fabulous with all manner of party food, especially, smoked salmon, and mildly spicy nibbles. Chateau Gassier, Le Pas du Moine, Cotes de Provence (£29.50) looks and tastes the part, with its pale peach colour, and ethereally delicate summer fruit and citrus tones.

For warming, medium-bodied reds, also in magnificent bigger bottles, try Quinta do Crasto Douro Superior (£39.50), dark, and brooding in its intensity, yet with a seamlessly silky texture, full of herb-dusted blackberry fruit; or try the great value Ramon Bilbao Rioja Reserva (£35), classic in style, with rich aromas and flavours of strawberries, vanilla and spice. Don’t just think parties, magnums are wonderful Christmas gifts, so buy early and tick those off the shopping list.

Sticking with reds, but moving to standard size bottles, you don’t want anything too light or too serious for parties; my top tips for quality and value would lead to two of my favourite mid-weight reds from Europe.

Firstly the juicy, fruit-driven Domaine Brusset, Ventoux Les Boudalles (£9.95), an absolute gem from the Rhone, is bursting with dark berry fruit, yet gentle and light in its touch, also perfect for a Sunday slow-roasted lamb. Add to that the option of La Segreta Nero d’Avola (£11.95), a deliciously smooth and beguiling Sicilian delight, with bright damson fruit and a hint of spice – perfect with pasta suppers.

Moving onto whites, sauvignon blanc is still the nation’s favourite, and if New Zealand is your choice, then opt for either Yealands Landmade Sauvignon Blanc (£11.95), bristling with bright, tropical passion fruit-drenched flavours, or citrussy fresh The Frost Pocket (£9.95). For a gentler, subtler style of sauvignon, mingled perfectly with a dollop of semillon, opt for Chateau Sainte Marie Entre deux Mers, a vibrant, yet subtle delight, full of bright lemon character, with a creamy finish. Or, for the most outrageously well-priced sauvignon of them all, head straight to Chateau Laulerie Sauvignon blanc (£8.95), from adjacent Bergerac, a delightfully crisp, zesty white, full of gooseberry fruit and grapefruit freshness. Snap it up now.

If you’re not a fan of sauvignon, my best bets would be La Segreta Grillo (£11.95), a bright and breezy, grapefruit peel-infused white from Sicily, or the mellow and aromatic Ailala Treixadura (£12.95) from Spain, packed full of ripe, peachy fruit. If you like albariño, this is the cool new kid on the block.

Looking for a richer, smoother white with a warming edge? For burgundy lovers, but at a fraction of the price, Les Mougeottes Chardonnay (£9.95), from Southern France, is packed with baked apple and toasted hazelnut loveliness, mellow and rich in style – perfect with salmon, or a winter-warming chicken roast.

Party season sorted. ■ All drinks featured are available at Great Western Wine, Wells Road, Bath. Angela Mount is a Bath-based wine writer, presenter and international judge who had her taste buds insured for £10million during her tenure as one of the country’s leading supermarket wine buyers. She works with wine producers, chefs and distributors. For more, visit www.greatwesternwine.co.uk

TRY FIVE 2

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RURAL THERAPY

Homemade produce and quality fresh food from local farm shops

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HARTLEY FARM SHOP Based in Bradford on Avon, the team here are particularly proud of the produce that comes straight from their farm, which includes vegetables, salads, herbs, sourdough bread and their own dry-aged beef.

On their Christmas menu, you’ll find freerange local turkeys, homemade pies, festive cheese, and vegetable boxes. They are also hosting a Christmas market on 1 December, where customers can sample festal products and tuck into mulled wine and mince pies while watching food demonstrations and carol singers.

“This year marked 10 years since we opened the farm shop on our family farm in Winsley,” says owner Tom Bowles. “Our goal then was pretty simple: to champion local food and farming and create amazing experiences around great food at our farm shop. This is still very much our focus today, and our Christmas market is a wonderful event to showcase this.” www.hartley-farm.co.uk

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NEWTON FARM FOODS Situated on the Duchy of Cornwall Estate in Newton St Loe, Newton Farm Foods offers award-winning beef, pork, sausages, beefburgers, lamb and locally sourced poultry and cheese. They also offer bespoke hampers, where a ‘food scout’ will advise and put together a sensational hamper to suit individual tastes.

Business development manager Roz Golding says, “Our unique destination enables us to offer an eclectic mix of ‘own grown’ meats, high-quality, fresh, locally grown produce, store-cupboard ingredients,

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local beers and ciders, English wines, gifts, homeware and hardwares, plus a buzzing café where customers can enjoy a coffee, light bite or main meal in a lovely rural setting, watching our cows graze in the fields.” www.newtonfarmfoods.co.uk

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PRIOR PARK FARM SHOP Located within Prior Park Garden Centre, this farm shop has a great selection of locally sourced produce, from chocolate and cheese, through to fresh fruit and veg and delicious gift sets – like Bath blue cheese from The Bath Soft Cheese Company and Anne’s Honey from hives in Bath. The shop also has a great ‘free from’ food area with lots of gluten-free, sugar-free and vegan alternatives.

What festive products have they got in store this Christmas? Walnut tree festive nut and marzipan selections, chutneys and preserves, Christmas pudding cookies, and a gin baubles giftset. www.priorparkfarmshop.co.uk

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ALLINGTON FARM SHOP Expect freshly baked bread, homemade cakes and pies, locally made biscuits, eggs – from quail to goose – and more at this familyrun farm shop near Chippenham. There’s also an in-house butchery, which offers a wide range of meat and cuts, with much of the meat being reared on the farm, a delicatessen and an on-site café. They are holding their festive tasting day on 24 November and a Christmas shopping evening on 7 December, when you can meet some of their suppliers and taste their delicious products. www.allingtonfarmshop.co.uk

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FARLEIGH ROAD FARM SHOP The mantra at Farleigh Farm Shop, in Norton St Philip, is, ‘If we can make it ourselves, we will; if we can buy it locally, we will; but if we can’t, we will buy the finest quality produce so our customers always get the best.’ Their range includes ready meals, quiches, cakes, salad and desserts, with their bestseller being their homemade traybakes, especially the malteser crunch.

Their Christmas tasting evening is on 21 November, when customers can go and try all the festive food. n www.farleighroadfarmshop.co.uk

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FOOD & DRINK NEWS WINE TASTING EVENTS COMING UP

The pub is surrounded by hills and valleys on the edge of Bath

‘A Taste of Piemonte’ will see Emanuela Negro, the daughter of the Agricola Negro winery owner, taking guests on a journey through the wonderful region of Piedmonte and its finest vintages, with each wine perfectly matched to the delicious menu especially created by The Bath Priory’s executive chef, Michael Nizzero.

When: 7.30pm; 15 November Where: The Bath Priory www.thebathpriory.co.uk

WHEEL OF FORTUNE The picturesque Wheelwrights Arms, in Monkton Combe, is for up sale, following the owner announcing plans to retire.

David Munn created the Wheelwrights Arms in its current format 12 years ago, and has decided to retire and is selling the lease of this award-winning pub with rooms. Featuring in both the 2018 Michelin Guide and Good Pub Guide, the Wheelwrights Arms boasts seven letting bedrooms, a beer garden with extensive views, as well as the bar and restaurant.

David says, “This has been a difficult decision to make given the ongoing success of the Wheelwrights Arms, which for over 12 years we have continually strived to improve and create the business it is today. Having achieved this, now is the time for a new owner who can grow the business further.”

Phil Cooke will be presenting volcanic wines from around the world. Expect at least eight wines plus bread and cheese When: 7.30pm; 19 November Where: Chapel Arts Centre www.chapelarts.org This South American Wine Tasting will consist of a guided tasting of wines from Argentina, Chile and Uruguay hosted by wine expert Lee Evans.

When: 7pm – 10pm; 22 November Where: Le Vignoble www.levignoble.co.uk A night of artisan cheese and wine where a hand-picked selection of wines from around the world, each carefully chosen to match a different delicious artisan cheese from local cheesemonger Pong. Tutor Tristan Darby will be on hand to present each pairing and answer any cheese or wine questions.

When: 7 – 9pm; 28 November Where: Great Western Wine www.greatwineschool.co.uk

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For more: www.fleurets.com

WALKING IN A WINTER WONDERLAND The Bird’s Winter Wonderland is launching

very soon for their very first Christmas in Bath. What to expect? Outside, there’ll be a veranda with heaters and seating with faux fur rugs, with a singing reindeer (and camel) no less. Drinks will include a Mrs Clause’s Cosmo (with blood orange cointreau, orange gin, cranberry and lime juice), a Red Nosed Mojito (with spiced rum, gingerbread syrup, lime juice and Fever Tree spiced orange ginger ale), while food offerings include turkey croquettes and wood-fired pizzas.The bar will be open daily from 22 November to 31 December, from 10am – 11pm.

For more: www.thebirdbath.co.uk

Winter Wonderland’s tasty treats

THE

CAKERY A REAL MOROCCAN RESTAURANT, BATH

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

ARTISAN COFFEE | FRESH BREAD LUNCH | CUSTOM MADE CAKES

CHRISTMAS PARTY BOOKINGS NOW BEING TAKEN

Gluten free, dairy free and vegan options available  Visit the shop to book your party or event!  ARABIC & FRESH MINT TEA AND BAKLAVA • SHISHA PIPE • BAZAAR SHOP 1A North Parade Bath, BA11LF Reservations: 01225 839822 Enquiries: 01225 466437 WWW.TAGINEZHOR.CO.UK

21 Claverton buildings, Bath BA2 4LD tel 07891 211852 email thecakery-@hotmail.com b The Cakery

@TheCakeryBath www.thecakerybath.co.uk

thecakerybath

CAFE KITCHEN Welcome to our award-winning café - providing young people with special needs a unique opportunity to gain work experience and training.

We are working with the local community and employers to develop work experience opportunities after students have worked in 3 Cafe Kitchen.

Join us for breakfast on Saturday mornings Open 8am-12, with breakfast served until 11am.

Full breakfast menu and freshly baked cakes, scones, coffee and a range of cold drinks always available.

No booking required.

Open Monday to Friday 8am–4pm | Saturday 8am–12pm Available for private hire. Please call 01225 830377 or email lucy.beattie@threeways.co.uk Located @ 180 Frome Road, Odd Down, BA2 5RF. Limited parking available on site, full wheelchair and buggy access.

Chocolate making classes in the centre of Bath.

Perfect for individuals, private groups or team-building events

Now takin book g ings

!

indulge, enjoy & relax at The Holcombe Inn this Christmas CHRISTMAS FESTIVITIES We cater for romantic couples, small and large parties to ensure your Festive experience at the Inn is one to remember!

Visit sevenhillschocolate.co.uk for more details or find us at: Bath Farmer’s Market Bath Christmas Market

Two courses £23.95 | Three courses £29.95 Table decorations and Christmas crackers included A discretionary 10% service charge applies to parties of 10+

Christmas Menu sample STARTERS Squash & Apple Soup, coriander & toasted Pumpkin seeds Beetroot Carpaccio, Goat’s Cheese with walnuts, rocket & red wine vinaigrette Lamb Pithivier roast parsnip & carrot purée MAINS Slow Roast Turkey Breast with pork apricot stuffing, chipolata, Tuscan potatoes, bread sauce, roast carrots & sprouts Celeriac Pecan Nut Roast, potato almond croquette, roast carrots red wine gravy Oven baked Hake, mashed potato, brown butter capers, parsley & lemon leeks & savoy DESSERTS Warmed Pear & Almond Tart, vanilla ice cream & chocolate sauce Figgy Pudding with Brandy Butter & Brandy Snap Steamed Chocolate & Clementine Pudding, Cointreau & crème fraiche

New Year’s Eve Party with Tim Pitman "The Voice of Somerset" We are pleased to present the talented Tim Pitman who will be entertaining you throughout the evening along with disco & dancing. Enjoy a fabulous three course meal (menu choices can be found on our website). Dress to impress! £79.95 (including Champagne at midnight)

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

LIDDED JARS, £18 At Andrew Eddleston’s stall in the museum, expect a range of handmade decorative pottery, made to be used From Andrew Eddleston; www.andreweddleston.co.uk

OPEN MARKET

The American Museum & Gardens are putting on a Cosy Christmas Craft Fair at the end of November.

Here’s an insight into what delights – from all-local businesses – they’ll have for us to rummage through…

SPALTED SYCAMORE CANDLESTICKS, £45 Handmade by a wood turner who injects fun and vibrancy into everyday objects, these candlesticks holders would make a fetching dining table centerpiece From Bodrightly Wood; www.bodrighywood.co.uk

CANDLES, FROM £3.95 Sweetness and Light make beeswax candles, cards from vintage postage stamps, and novelty soaps for children From Sweetness and Light

TREAT POUCH, £12.50 Simply fill these pouches with the essential dog treats, and clip to his/ her lead From Two Dogs & Co; www.twodogsco.com

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PLANT POT, FROM £4 Display your succulents in this minimal concrete pot to add a touch of the Scandi-meetsbotanical vibe to your interiors From Botanica Verde; www. botanicaverdeonline. wordpress.com

ED’S CHOICE

KOKEDAMA, £15 ‘Kokedama’, a Japanese variant of bonsai, has become an internet craze, with creative gardeners transforming houseplants into dangling sculptural objects From Botanica Verde; www.botanicaverdeonline. wordpress.com

CANAL SIDE VASE, £125 Beautiful in its simplicity, this vase doesn’t even need flowers in it to be an eye-catcher From Bodrightly Wood; www.bodrighywood.co.uk

MOORS LANDSCAPES, FROM £40 Silversides Studio makes landscapes in glass based on the colours, textures and landmarks of the South West From Silversides Studio; www.silversidesglass.co.uk

CAMPER VAN CLOCK, £25 Maybe you’re a collector of funky clocks or a camper van enthusiast; whichever it is, this stained glass timepiece may strike you From Lucian Stained Glass; www.lucianstainedglass.com

THE DETAILS

When: The weekend of 24 and 25 November, from 11am – 4pm Where: The American Museum & Gardens, Claverton Manor, Bath; www.americanmuseum.org What’s there: Handcrafted ceramics, textiles, jewellery and prints. Meet the makers, and gain an insight into their craft and production methods.

SHRUG, £56 This luxury faux fur shrug, which is bamboo-lined and handmade, is ideal for the cold spell that lies ahead From Liz Oliva Hats; www.lizolivahats.com

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© BOBBI BROWN

HAIR AND BEAUTY

BEAUTY BUZZ Christmas party season is upon us, so here are the hair and beauty experts’ tips on how to prepare for a big night…

By Lisa Evans

C

hristmas is a matter of weeks away, and party season has most definitely arrived, so we’ve been visiting salons in Bath to ask their professionals for advice on how to preen to perfection ahead of festive events. Here’s their checklist…

FACE

The better your skin looks, the better your party make-up will look on top of it. Right now, there’s no better time to ramp up your skincare regime and get your complexion in tip-top condition.

Charlotte Jordan, manager at LittleLAB on Broad Street, suggests indulging in their signature Fig+Yarrow LED light therapy facial, which she says will create a flawless

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base and banish dry skin caused by the cold weather.

Thierry Davis, a make-up artist at Bobbi Brown on Old Bond Street, agrees that facials are the way forward; he often prefers at-home sessions rather than sitting in a salon. “A facial gives you that time to relax and unwind. I just pop on a mask once a week – my favourite is our Skin Nourish mask – then I grab a hot chocolate, snuggle up and watch a film while the product gets to work.”

At Frontlinestyle on Monmouth Street, a treatment they recommend to stimulate a natural luminosity is a CACI Synergy facial, which includes microdermabrasion and skinpeeling to achieve instant radiance and supersoft, glowing skin.

For more advanced treatments, such as facial thread veins, Hannah Paradise, the owner of Enhance Medispa on George Street, wouldn’t recommend having these over busy social

“Glitter, red lips and and glowing skin are going to be big” times such as Christmas, as downtime may be needed; best to put these off until the new year.

MAKE-UP

If you haven’t got the foggiest how to wing a liner or bake an under-eye, then head to the experts at LittleLAB for a party make-up workshop with your friends. Or just get your airbrush make-up done by them on the day of the special event. A full face of make-up to go is also available at Frontlinestyle, as are one-toone lessons.

LittleLAB

THE BEAUTY OF…

We asked local beauty experts what are the biggest beauty trends for party season…

Stephanie Horan at Glow Beauty on Bartlett Street “Expect burgundy, red and plum tones on nails. Also, nail art has made a serious comeback; we love simple, subtle designs such as metallic half moons, or glittery tips replacing the classic white of a French manicure.”

Melanie Weekley at BAMM on Julian Road “Glitter, red lips and and glowing skin are going to be big. We have a variety of make-up taster days and workshops, including bespoke courses and lessons to try your hand at.”

Thierry Davis and Amber Hopgood at Bobbi Brown on Old Bond Street “Clean skin and brows will never go out of style; if you have those as your base, anything you do will always look amazing. We offer a wide selection of complimentary ‘how to’ make-up lessons, plus a make-up application service for £30, which is redeemable against products purchased.”

Emma Webber at Natural Spa Factory in Foxcote Avenue “J-Beauty (or Japanese Beauty) is a trend that will be staying with us into 2019. You will see lots of ingredients borrowed from Asia popping up in beauty and skincare as a result, including yuzu fruit and Gotu Kola.”

HAIR At Artizan on George Street, many

of the customers book in for blowdries every weekend in December; plus, the hair salon’s glossing service – which reinvigorates colour – is a popular treatment. “Everyone who visits also has a pampering head, shoulder and neck massage as part of our regular service,” says senior director Matthew Carr. “Pampering is what we are all about.”

“Regular trims keep the hair healthy and encourages growth,” adds Katy Vass, owner and head stylist at Number Twenty Six Hair on Broad Street. “Conditioning treatments keep the hair strong and healthy; we love the INNOluxe and MUK options – a godsend in the colder weather, as they repair dry, damaged or brittle hair, increasing strength and reducing breakage.”

BODY

One or two days before the party is the time to give your skin a healthy-looking glow, says Frances Urwin, managing director at Frontlinestyle on Monmouth Street, who recommends an in-salon Sienna X spray tan.

“The day before your tan, wax or shave any unwanted hair, allowing your pores plenty of time to close, otherwise you’ll end up with a dotty finish,” she says. “Also, paint your nails and toenails to prevent them from being stained by the tan, and buff away dead skin cells with an exfoliator to reveal the ultimate smooth base. On the day of the tan, don’t apply deodorant, perfume or body lotion as these act as a barrier and stop self tan from developing properly.”

FINISHING TOUCHES

Brows are the beauty obsession of the decade, and are the key to creating a clean and striking look. To perfect them, Charlotte Jordan at LittleLAB suggests having them tinted, threaded and trimmed every two or three weeks. As for lashes, Russian Volume extensions are her recommendation for Christmas, as they give a full, glamorous, fluttery finish.

Or maybe you want to try an LVL lashlifting treatment, which lasts up to eight weeks, as proposed by Stephanie Horan, the owner of Glow beauty on Bartlett Street.

When it comes to nails, a top tip from Charlotte Jordan at LittleLAB is to book your final nail appointment of the year between 21 – 24 December to see you through the Christmas and New Year period. Zara Perry, the owner of Zara Perry Hairdressing on St James Parade, says she always has her nails done every two weeks, especially at this time of year, making sure they’ll look beautiful in time for present-opening. She also says waxing is a must this time of year, “There’ll be no moustaches for me over the Christmas period,” she says. “Every festive fairy light will be twinkling on the hairs otherwise!”

SALON STYLE

The top festive ’dos, according to Bath’s hair whizzes Glow Beauty

David Maxwell at David Maxwell Hairdressing on Argyle Street “Rich auburn colours will be used – lots of lovely Moroccan reds, sunset tones and copper spices to complement soft, feminine cuts. For parties, this will look beautiful in gentle waves or pinned up in a relaxed bun or a loose plait.”

Katie Gould-Hitchcock at BA1 Hair, Bartlett Street “A big, bouncy polished blow-dry never goes out of date and is always a very popular choice around the festive season.”

Zara Perry at Zara Perry Hairdressing on St James Parade “I’m loving the simple, elegant ponytail look. With a wave in the ends, a ponytail can look romantic and soft; or for a more striking look, a high pony is one to wow the crowds with.”

Katy Vass at Number Twenty Six Hair on Broad Street “Braids and up-dos finished with bows or vintage-style slides will be popular. We are also loving sleek and straight hair worn with a middle parting, adding hair tinsel or glitter for that party factor.”

BA1 Hair

Matthew Carr at Artizan on George Street “Natural curls are in for the girls; and, for the boys, we like short funky cuts with an ’80s theme.”

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HAIR AND BEAUTY L:A BRUKET BODY LOTION, £31 Rossiters of Bath, Broad Street, Bath; www. rossitersofbath.com

CLARINS SET, INCLUDING MASCARA, EYE PENCIL AND MAKE-UP REMOVER, £22 Frontlinestyle, Monmouth Street, Bath; www.frontlinestyle.co.uk

KEVIN MURPHY HAIR OIL, £30 David Maxwell Hairdressing, Argyle Street, Bath; www.davidmaxwell hairdressing.co.uk GOLD DUST MASK, £8.50 Rossiters of Bath, Broad Street, Bath; www.rossitersofbath.com

RED CARPET LIPSTICK, £28 Bobbi Brown, Old Bond Street, Bath; www. bobbibrown.co.uk

CHRISTMAS BRUSH SET, £69 Bobbi Brown, Old Bond Street, Bath; www.bobbibrown.co.uk

PARTYSEASON PRODUCTS

ROSE HAIR & SCALP MOISTURISING MASQUE, £23 Aesop, New Bond Street, Bath; www.aesop.com

Preen to perfection with these festive hair and beauty essentials, as chosen by Bath’s salon owners…

EMMA HARDIE FACIAL KIT, £45 Space NK, New Bond Street Place, Bath; www.spacenk. com

THE BLAZING MR SAM EDP, £185 Penhaligon’s, New Bond Street, Bath; www.penhaligons.com

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PAUL MITCHELL CONDITIONER, £14.50 David Maxwell Hairdressing, Argyle Street, Bath; www.davidmaxwell hairdressing.co.uk

AVEDA CHERRY ALMOND SHAMPOO, £15.50 BA1 Hair, Bartlett Street, Bath; www. ba1hair.co.uk

DE:STRESS BATH OIL, £16.45 Natural Spa Factory, Foxcote Avenue, Bath; www.naturalspa factory.com

AIRBRUSH MAKE-UP GUNS, FROM £159 LittleLAB, Broad Street, Bath; www.littlelab.co.uk

The Salon for Classic Style 6 Bridge Street, Bath BA2 4AP

Tel: 01225 462686

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ADVERTISING FEATURE

Meet the dentist

We catch up with some of the best dentists in Bath who provide a variety of dental treatments with a dazzling smile DAVE STONE

AVON HOUSE DENTAL PRACTICE 01179 862992 www.avonhousedentalpractice.co.uk

CHRIS PARK

LITTLE DENTAL CO @ Larkhall Dental Rooms 01225 431231 www.littledental.co.uk How would you define modern dentistry?

For anyone who has not had any dental work it’s a combination of education, prevention and minimal intervention.

For those who have already had dental treatment the focus shifts towards function, preservation and longevity. We have some incredibly skilled clinicians and technicians, all of whom have a plethora of new materials with which to work. This enables us to be ahead of the game with the ever increasing aesthetic demands that you rightly place upon us.

What would surprise us about you?

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

Describe your ideal day.

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

from other dentists since 1995 when I set up Bath Spa Dentistry.

What does your typical day look like?

Every day is different, I could be in surgery all day, giving a new smile to a patient with a complete set of new fixed teeth, and the next I could be teaching, either my own implant courses in Bath or as a Course Director for the Royal College of Surgeons in London, Diploma in Implantology course.

What might we be surprised to find out about you?

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

What excites you most about your job?

I have recently partnered up with an amazing charity, ‘Teeth Team’, to help reduce the number of children requiring hospital admissions for teeth extractions.

I look forward to working in conjunction with some of Bath’s junior schools to ensure that those most in need receive assistance from an early age.

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

Were you good at brushing your teeth as a child?

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

DERMOT MCNULTY BATH SPA DENTISTRY

01225 464346 www.bathspadentistry.com How long have you been involved in dentistry?

I qualified in 1982 and have been practising implant dentistry since 1987, taking referrals

What is the most rewarding aspect of being a dentist?

Meeting my patients, working with my team and helping people with their dental problems, and transforming people’s lives but also helping other dentists move forward in implant dentistry through teaching.

Describe your ideal day.

I enjoy clinical dentistry and I have chosen to involve myself predominantly in reconstructive dentistry using dental implants. It has become a fast moving and innovative area of dentistry which can really change lives.

ADVERTISING FEATURE

that help to repair teeth to 3D imaging.

These techniques allow us to make a major impact on our patients’ lives by restoring their teeth to give a natural, healthy appearance.

What makes your practice different?

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

IAN BELLAMY

AQUAE SULIS DENTAL 01225 339767 www.aquaesulisdental.co.uk How would you best define modern dentistry?

Modern dentistry is the ability to use the latest technical advances to benefit our patients – from bioactive materials

Why are some people scared of going to the dentist?

Despite the innovations in dentistry, people are still having bad experiences.

This can be traced back to treatment they received as children but repeated bad experiences only negatively reinforce these fears. We want to try to end this cycle with gentle care.

What else do you offer at your innovative practice?

An exciting development is that we’re now offering facial aesthetic treatments with our aesthetic nurse practitioner.

This fits well with some of the other treatments that we provide.

new modern developments. I always want to stay up to date, and advance my skills in new techniques mainly related with implantology.

What are you like as a patient?

Terrible, but luckily I have several close colleagues who I can call on should I need treatment; I know I must be the worst patient of their day!

GEORGE MEXIAS CIRCUS HOUSE DENTAL & IMPLANT CENTRE 01225 952362 www.bathsmile.co.uk Did you always want to be a dentist?

I attended a dental technician course after I finished school and this triggered my interest in dentistry.

What do you enjoy most about your job?

One of the things I enjoy most in dentistry is how it is always evolving and how traditional technique merges with

Describe your ideal day?

A mix of surgery, consultation and final treatment appointments. About 90% of my work is dental implants, and I enjoy this surgery. It’s also rewarding that my patients are always surprised at how straightforward the process is.

Did your mum ever have to tell you to brush your teeth?

She still does when I visit her.

What might we be surprised to learn about you?

I recently acquired my private pilot’s license and I love to spend my spare time in various small airports around the UK. Next year I hope to be able to fly myself to Greece.

TOBY TALBOT

THE TALBOT CLINIC 01225 426 222; www.talbotclinic.co.uk How did you get into dentistry?

Accidentally. I started life in my bedroom as a boy dissecting road-kill to carry out autopsies, to document “causes of death”.

What has been your proudest accomplishment so far?

Securing an appointment at the University of Washington when there were over 500 applicants for the post. Especially as one of my Professors had told me I was 'wasting my time'.

What makes your clinic different?

We are a multi-specialist clinic with a patient retention percentage of 97 per cent.

How do you spend your time at work?

Fiddling with my fingers.

How would you best define modern dentistry?

A shift from being disease focussed to addressing more cosmetic aspirations and concerns.

What’s your favourite sweet thing?

Chocolate fondue made by the master chef at the Priory Hotel. He should be awarded a CBE. What might we be surprised to learn about you?

If I ever became prime minister, I would ban retirement except for the moribund. It’s an utter waste of experience.

What do you most enjoy about your job?

People, people and people.

Were you good at brushing your teeth as a child?

Of course not.

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

THE TALBOT CLINIC COSMETIC DENTISTRY

What makes a beautiful smile? It's all about symmetry and oral health THE MASTER BUILDER

In most cases, patients present with moderate to high levels of toothwear. Bruxism e.g. toothgrinding, misaligned teeth and bite, diet, age and genetics, all play a factor in the amount of toothwear presented. Every patient seeking to improve their smile will be assessed for their individual requirements. Like any good master builder will know, nothing will last if not the foundation be solid and strong.

With our specialist approach, we will build up all that has been lost. Restoring worn down toothstructure, rebuilding the often long lost integrity of a patient's teeth, or replacing them altogether with the use of the most advanced implant technology.

ORTHODONTICS – THE ARCHITECT

The Talbot Clinic is proud to introduce Invisalign™ as a treatment option for all suitable candidates.

CONSULTATION – THE MASTER DIAGNOSTICIAN

A beautiful smile starts with a dedicated specialist. He or she must be an exceptionally skilled master of his or her craft. The first consultation is where everything starts. A comprehensive assessment of each individual case is required when creating naturally beautiful smiles. Every patient is unique.

And so are their needs. Cosmetic dentistry requires us to merge our specialties and become master diagnosticians.

The often complex task of creating beautiful smiles requires nothing less than excellence in all areas of dentistry.

Yet, in order to deliver a perfect result, a clinician must be both an artist and a scientist, combining the accuracy of the seasoned practioner with the eye of the artist.

Cosmetic dentistry is an artform. Only a profound commitment to excellence will deliver a perfect result for each patient. Every time.

At The Talbot Clinic, we believe that there is no such thing as too much effort. We take excellence as a given and will only accept the very best. We will never compromise in any area of your treatment. Excellence is assured throughout. Whether it be in treatment, material choice, functionality or aesthetics, perfection of results and patient care, is our gold standard.

Cosmetic Dentistry = Specialist Restorative Dentistry.

INVISALIGN TREATMENT: AT THE FOREFRONT OF ALIGNER THERAPY

Invisalign treatment uses cutting-edge technology to create a series of virtually invisible and removable plastic trays (aligners) that are custom-made for an ideal fit over a patient’s teeth at every treatment stage.

Invisalign aligners gradually and gently shift teeth into their correct position based on the exact movements a dentist or orthodontist plans out using ClinCheck 3D software. 3D software allows you to show the patient the likely final tooth position.

THE TALBOT CLINIC MR TOBY TALBOT

A multi-specialist clinician with a passion for excellence CLINICAL DIRECTOR Toby founded The Talbot Clinic in 1992 after working in London’s teaching hospitals for over a decade. Today, as a hands-on specialist in restorative dentistry, Toby cares for a prestigious patient list on a daily basis.

Having graduated in General Dentistry at Sheffield University, Toby embarked upon a hospital, teaching and research career in the United Kingdom and in the United States. In both the US and the UK, Toby established his expertise in all the fields of Restorative Dentistry, Prosthodontics, Periodontics and Endodontics.

EXPERT WITNESS An independent expert witness with British and American training, Toby has spent more than 20 years providing a fast track service for the legal community in cases of clinical negligence.

As a seasoned expert witness, Toby assists courts, counsel and judges in making accurate and well-informed decisions in cases relating to restorative dentistry and all aspects of prosthodontics, periodontics, endodontics and implantology.

Toby Talbot is registered with the General Dental Council (GDC registration number 51225), Wimpole Street in London as a Specialist in Restorative Dentistry, Prosthodontics, Periodontics and Endodontics.

24/7 EMERGENCY DENTAL CLINIC We offer an out of hours emergency service to all new and existing patients. We are on-call 24/7 for anyone in need of emergency treatment. In case of any dental emergency or acute pain, please call 01225 426222

Full Consultation, Assessment and Treatment Plan including X-rays ÂŁ150.00

For consultations with Toby please call 01225 426 222 or book online www.talbotclinic.co.uk 24 Emergency Practice. Part of

. Because We Care

The Talbot Clinic, Tasburgh House, Warminster Road, BA2 6SH. Phone 01225 426 222. Company reg. no. 02853023

BUSINESSINSIDER B AT H G E T S S E R I O U S

The city is one of the highestranking spa towns in Europe

Quote of the issue

“AS A WOMAN IN HOUSING, SHE STANDS UP–AND FIGHTS–FOR THE RIGHTS OF CUSTOMERS” But which award-winning person is being described here? Turn to page 105 to find out

The Big Number

LOVE AT FIRST SITE An application to become a doubleinscribed UNESCO World site could bring millions to the city

B

ath could get a significant boost in the tourism sector, following the news that it is in the running to become a rare double-nominated UNESCO World Heritage site.

A report before Bath & North East Somerset Council’s cabinet asks to endorse a submission to UNESCO by the Great Spas of Europe, which represents the 11 spa areas.

The report says Bath is now one of the highest-ranking spa towns in a group of eleven across Europe – including Vichy in France and Baden Baden in Germany, which form the nomination to UNESCO. UNESCO World Heritage status remains the most prestigious and highly coveted accolade bestowed on any heritage site and marks a place as being of global significance.

Other cities that have the double-

19,000 nominated UNESCO World Heritage site status include Bruges and Barcelona.

Councillor Paul Myers, cabinet member for development and regeneration says, “This nomination, if successful, would give global recognition to Bath as a leading international spa destination and be a huge shot in the arm for tourism. Tourism provides thousands of jobs in and around the city and it also brings in millions of pounds every year and so being able to say Bath is a doubly-inscribed UNESCO World Heritage site is something only a very small number of places worldwide can make.”

The report says in addition to status and marketing potential, a successful nomination would also

This is the reported number of tech and creative jobs in Bath and Bristol. More details on page 105

have great international networking potential. Baden Baden hosted the G20 Economic summit in 2017 and it would enable the council to take advantage of any possible European funding streams which require partners.

The nomination will be made to UNESCO (Paris) by 31 January 2019. After the bid is assessed and an inspection visit is carried out, a final decision is due to be made in June 2020.

For more www.bathnes.gov.uk

MEDIACLASH.CO.UK 115

ONE TO WATCH

James Horsfall of Bath Kitchen Company learnt about design and materials the old-fashioned way, as an apprentice to his father. He tells us what the future interior trends are and the mistakes to avoid when redoing the kitchen What was your journey into kitchen design and what inspired you?

Bath Kitchen Company is a family business that was established by my father 30 years ago, and so, naturally, when the time came, the baton was passed to me as I’ve always had the more creative and design-based brain in the family.

As a young apprentice, I learnt the ways of kitchen design and, as my career has progressed, I have continued to be inspired by the work of others and only when the clients are 100 per cent happy does it give me that buzz to keep at it.

“THE CLIENT IS THE DREAMER AND THE DESIGNER IS THE GUIDE ”

The company has been going for 30 years – what do you think has determined its success?

Keeping the business small and local has had a major effect on its success – through the hard work of regional craftsmen and using only the finest materials to provide our clients with their perfect bespoke kitchen.

What is the biggest mistake a person can make when dreaming up their perfect kitchen?

Don’t let your imagination run away with you, use the designer to collaborate ideas in order to make quality kitchen you desire.

The client is the dreamer and the designer is the guide. Two minds are always better than one.

Having your kitchen redone can be really stressful– how do you make the process painfree for the customer?

I have experienced many emotions from clients on every project, but I have learnt to guide them through these stressful times. I put my heart and soul into each project in order to achieve the dream kitchen for my clients. There are always moments that will stress people out, but in the end I aim to produce perfection.

What advice would you give to someone who wanted to redesign or to decorate their kitchen?

Take your time, think not only what looks good but about what is efficient for creating lovely meals.

Kitchens aren’t only meant to look good but they are creative work stations. It must be a space that you enjoy being in.

What are the challenges and rewards of working with Bath Kitchen Company?

The best reward in designing a client’s perfect kitchen is the knowledge that these people can enjoy and share new memories for years to come. But with every new project, it can be hard to push the boundaries of design, and so you’re constantly being tested.

Give us some insider knowledge on the future trends for kitchen design...

Interior design trends are so hard to keep up with. At the moment we aim to take a more classic approach, but we have seen the trends leading towards a more industrial feel, using materials such as aged brass and concrete.

What is the thing you are most proud of professionally?

Successfully continuing the family legacy is my best achievement I could ask for. Bath is special to me, and so it’s an honour to have a business that has been successful for 30 years. Also, the feedback that we have had from clients who are delighted with work we have done, and who years later are still enjoying their kitchen.

And personally?

I really value the relationships I have with friends and family and even though my brother lives in Chicago we still talk on the phone most days.

What is your own kitchen like?

It is an open-plan living, dining and cooking area. Designed to be a sociable space with lots of natural light, it’s a real cooks kitchen and is heavily used and enjoyed.

For more: www.bathkitchencompany.co.uk

BUSINESS INSIDER

BATH SPORTS NEWS Bringing you the latest in sporting news

BUSINESS MATTERS DIARY From networking breakfasts to invaluable evening courses, make a note of the courses and classes that will help your business flourish 15 NOVEMBER NETWALKING IN BATH Stretch your legs over lunch and head outside for a spot of networking in the great outdoors on 15 November 2018. Walk, talk and network along the banks of the Kennet and Avon Canal with fellow business owners and entrepeneurs. 11am-1pm; Bath Spa Rail Station; www.rfmcoaching.com 19 NOVEMBER NETWORKING FOR YOUNG ENTREPRENEURS This event brings together young and ambitious individuals, below the age of 35, with a keen interest in business. Meet like-minded people and grow your network.

6.30pm-9pm; Bath Brew House; www.yena.co.uk

Twerton Park is headed for a makeover

AHEAD OF THE GAME People living in Twerton are being invited to view emerging design options for the redevelopment of Bath City FC’s home ground.

The scheme will see the partial redevelopment of Twerton Park, providing new sports facilities, a community hub, affordable housing and improvements to Twerton High Street. The proposals also include purposebuilt student accommodation.

Bath City FC announced last year that it was working with Greenacre Capital on a scheme which will help to secure its financial future and also deliver real benefits for the surrounding community.

Nick Blofeld, chair of Bath City Football Club says, “We want Bath City FC to be a central part of the Twerton community which is why we are engaging and consulting again on plans as they evolve.

MOVERS AND SHAKERS ETC

“The overall economic viability of the scheme is key to ensure that Bath City FC can remain at Twerton Park. The purpose-built student accommodation is an integral part of what makes the overall project work.

“We would like to thank everyone for their patience and ongoing support, especially as this stage has taken a little longer than originally expected. We would now like more feedback and we hope as many people as possible will come and see the next stage of the design.

“This is an exciting time for Bath City FC and a real opportunity to create something which Twerton and the wider city can be proud of. I would encourage anyone with an interest to attend the events and have their say on the future of their club.”

For more: www.bathcityfc.com

20-21 NOVEMBER CREATIVE BUSINESS JUMPSTART A two-day workshop for creative industry graduates, artists and anyone else who wants to start making money from their creative practice.

10am-4pm; Bath Spa University; www.eventbrite.com 22 NOVEMBER MENTAL HEALTH IN THE WORKPLACE Owen Morgan, founder of World Health Heroes will be here with some of his heroes to look at how we can all improve mental health in the workplace.

6pm-8pm; Spaces www.worldhealthheroes.com 26 NOVEMBER BATH LIFE BUSINESS CLUB James Scott, chief executive of RUH will be talking at this event, which includes a three-course lunch at The Royal Crescent Hotel and Spa; www.bathlifebusinessclub.com

Kabir Aliri, spa manager of The Gainsborough Bath Spa

SIMPLY THE BEST

Kabir Aliri, spa manager of The Gainsborough Bath Spa, has been awarded the prestigious title of Spa Manager of the Year at the Boutique Hotelier Awards 2018. Editor of Boutique Hotelier Zoe Monk says, “Kabir impressed the judges with his attention to detail and savvy approach to maintaining standards at The Gainsborough Bath Spa, which is widely known as one of the best in the business.” www.thegainsboroughbathspa.co.uk

VICTORIOUS

Sharp Family Law welcomes Victoria Barnett as the newest addition to their team. Victoria is a trained collaborative lawyer, negotiator and litigator. “I’m thrilled that Victoria has joined us. She shares the firm’s approach to protect what matters most and empower people to move on with their lives. Victoria is an experienced lawyer in her field with a strong following in Bath,” says senior partner Richard Sharp. www.sharpfamilylaw.com

SAFE HANDS

Law firm Royds Withy King has announced the launch of Life Safe® – an exclusive legacy management portal which will allow people to keep a secure record of all their important documents, digital assets and treasured possessions in one place These might include wills, property or trust deeds, contracts and other legal documents. www.roydswithyking.com

GO-AHEAD

Plans for a premium lifestyle hotel on the site of Bath College’s Allen Building on James Street West, which were initially rejected on design grounds, have received a recommendation for approval from planning officers. The hotel will feature a restaurant, bar and gym facilities at ground-floor level open to guests and public alike. www.dextermoren.com

www.mediaclash.co.uk I BATH LIFE I 103

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.

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BUSINESS INSIDER

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

Award-winner Sarah Seeger; INSET: Bath, not just a tourist magnet

be no tickets on open sale for the awards, held on February 28, with priority going to finalists.

For more information on sponsorship, get in touch with Pat White pat.white@ mediaclash.co.uk

RISING STAR

The happy team, proud as punch

RUNNING WILD

Bath-based gifting company Wild & Wolf were presented with The Queen’s Award for Enterprise: International Trade 2018 trophy at an awards ceremony in Bath. HM lord lieutenant, Anne Maw, and deputy lieutenant Edward BayntunCoward were both in attendance to present Wild & Wolf with the official glass trophy.

The Queen’s Awards acknowledge and celebrate business excellence across the UK, and Wild & Wolf has been recognised for its excellence in international trade, demonstrating substantial international growth in overseas earnings and commercial success within its sector.

Paul Taylor, CEO at Wild & Wolf says, “The presentation of this prestigious accolade was a fantastic opportunity for the Wild & Wolf team to reflect on this tremendous achievement. It was a privilege to introduce the HM lord lieutenant and deputy lieutenant to our talented team, and to our design-led gifts and lifestyle products. It is a real honour that our international sales growth has been officially recognised with such a respected award.”

For more: www.wildandwolf.com

ALL SYSTEMS GO

The Bath Life Awards have kicked off – with nominations now open.

Organisers are gearing up for another record level of nominations from local businesses.

Companies can enter multiple categories via a form on the website, and it’s free to enter. Winners are decided by a panel of independent judges, and finalists are announced on 15 January.

“Timing is everything,” says Steph Dodd, events director at MediaClash. “Don’t sell your business short by leaving your nomination to the last minute.

Absolutely any business can win.”

Massive demand means there will

Nominations are now open – so get writing

Sarah Seeger, director of Tenancy Services at Bath-based housing association Curo, has won the Professional of the Year category at the Women in Housing Awards thanks to her influential work relating to universal credit.

Sarah who has been interviewed by the cabinet office on the implementation of welfare reforms, presented evidence to the House of Commons Select Committee on benefit delivery, and appeared on C4 News to highlight the impact of universal credit on claimants and the high use of food banks.

Curo’s head of customer accounts Emma Owens says, “Sarah cares deeply for our customers and that shines through every decision she makes. Her approach to supporting people struggling financially has transformed the lives of many of our poorest customers. She has fought hard to be their voice when they’ve not been listened to. As a woman in housing, she stands up – and fights – for the rights

of customers.”

Curo chairwoman Liz Potter was also a finalist in the awards, shortlisted in the board member of the year category.

For more: www.curo-group.co.uk

WEST IS BEST

Bath and Bristol have been named the most productive tech region in the UK. There are over 19,000 creative and tech jobs in Bath and Bristol, according to a new report – 11 per cent above the national average for the sector. It’s the most productive technology region in the UK, with the average turnover per worker in Bath and Bristol technology companies greater than both Reading and London.

The report is from Business West and is part of a wider local statement which has been welcomed by Creative Bath as it reveals key statistics about the creative and digital sector in the South West.

“This report highlights the importance of the tech and creative sector to Bath,” says Greg Ingham, chairman of Creative Bath and chief executive of MediaClash.

“It’s a growth area with aboveaverage salaries and significant gross value add to the city. So it is vital that the planners and developers do all that they can to enable the retention of existing companies in the sector and to promote Bath as a superb place to do business.”

For more: www.businesswest.co.uk

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

SERVICES GUIDE ALLERGY TESTING

HOME CARE

ALLERGY TESTING Feeling unwell? May I help you?

ARE YOU FIT INSIDE AND OUT?

uk co. st. yte erg all w. ww

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

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

For your nearest tester please contact Cindy on 07747 800097 or 01934 824056, or email allergytesting@churchviews.co.uk

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

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STONE SPECIALIST

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

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

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

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CONTRACTOR

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

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Upper Weston Farm, Weston, BATH BA1 4HL

drvowlesandson.co.uk JEWELLERY

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

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BATH PROPERTY AWARDS PREVIEW

IF WE BUILD IT…

The first-ever Bath Property Awards take place on 23 November at the Apex City of Bath Hotel. In this special preview, we explain why the awards are happening and highlight the leading property companies in Bath OUR SPONSORS Headline Sponsor: Mogers Drewett Category Sponsors: Bishop Fleming, Douglas Westcott, Gem Solutions, Halsall Construction, HPH, L&C Mortgages, Minuteman Press, Mogers Drewett, Regus, Sprague Gibbons, SWBF, Tile & Flooring, Together, Touchstone and Unividual Venue Partner: Apex Hotels

TIMETABLE July: Launched August: Tickets suspended due to high demand September: Launch Reception, all sponsorships sold October: Sponsors’ and Finalists’ Reception takes place 23 November, from 12pm: Bath Property Awards 9 December: Special Bath Property Awards Winners’ supplement published in Bath Life May 2019: New to market – the Bristol Property Awards November 2019: Bath Property Awards 2.0…

P

roperty matters. And it matters more in Bath than in most other places.

It matters domestically – where we live, how we experience Bath, and how exactly we navigate the city from our base.

It matters commercially – where our companies are based, what retail and office space there is, how the city houses and encourages clever expanding enterprises.

And it matters aesthetically. We are all the beneficiaries of a small group of 18th century visionaries whose extraordinary creativity has bequeathed a visual legacy that enriches all our lives, daily.

No wonder this city simply teems with clever property companies shaping our city’s destiny.

It is for all those reasons and more that we launched the Bath Property Awards, to celebrate the best property business and to highlight the centrality of property to us all.

Just think of the connectedness of the world of property: land-owners, planners, visionaries, entrepreneurs, deal-makers, architects, engineers, imagineers, developers, builders, suppliers, designers, lawyers, accountants, conveyancers, financiers, mortgagers, underwriters, marketers, all manner of specialists – and agents: for lettings, for resi, for commercial.

And then, once built, once transformed, once sold, it all starts over again…

Consider this. The tectonic plates in Bath are shifting. For example, last month Creative Bath had major presentations on the massive Bath Quays project and Bath Rugby’s Stadium for Bath. They will transform huge swathes of our city right through the centre to the benefit of us all.

Tectonic plates take time to shift. But shift they do.

With all the clever companies, all the energy, all the opportunities, no wonder the Bath Property Awards have sold out of places and sponsorships.

TV star and property developer Martin Roberts is our host for the awards. All will be revealed on 23 November...

ORGANISERS The Bath Property Awards have been created, designed, promoted, sold and organised by MediaClash, the South West’s leading events company.

It also produces client events, from parties to launches, talks, receptions to conferences. Please contact stephanie.dodd@mediaclash.co.uk

www.mediaclash.co.uk I BATH LIFE I 109

BATH PROPERTY AWARDS PREVIEW

THE JUDGES WILL DECIDE… A panel of independent judges will decide the winners of the inaugural BATH PROPERTY AWARDS. They are drawn from all areas of the property sectors…

CLAIRE SMITH partner, BuroHappold Engineering Claire is a partner at BuroHappold an international, integrated engineering consultancy.

She has lived in Bath since she came to study Structural Engineering at the University of Bath.

BuroHappold is proud to be engineering the new B&NES development at South Quays and the Abbey Footprint Project.

LISA HOWELLS Sales director, Curo Lisa has more than 25 years’ experience in the residential property sector.

She joined Bath-based Curo in 2015 to spearhead the organisation’s new homes, shared ownership and leasehold sales programme. Lisa is also a non-executive board member for a housing association in Wales.

FIONA MCNULTY Property lawyer and Evening Standard property

columnist Having qualified as a solicitor in 1983, Fiona has been a residential property lawyer since 2003. She is the legal expert for Homes & Property Evening Standard and has been so since 2007.

In her weekly column she deals with readers’ propertyrelated issues.

LYDIA FAY Property developer Lydia is an interior designer and property developer with a degree in the History of Art and Architecture. She has worked for developers in London doing warehouse conversions and new builds

by Piers Gough the architect.

In Bath, she renovates and restores listed buildings.

ALLISON HERBERT Chief executive, Bath BID Allison is the chief executive of the Bath Business Improvement District (BID). The BID is an independent, not-for-profit, business-led initiative working to create the environment for businesses in Bath to succeed.

CHARLOTTE RAYNES Managing director, Amarelle Charlotte is the managing director of commercial interior design and build company Amarelle.

Charlotte has a keen interest in environmental issues and sustainable design principles.

Charlotte also has an LLB Honours Degree in English Law.

GEORGE FERGUSON Architect, city imagineer and former Mayor of Bristol George is a British politician, former architect and entrepreneur, who served as the first elected Mayor of Bristol from 2012 to 2016.

From his Bristol-based practice Ferguson Mann Architects, he founded the UK-wide group of architects, Acanthus, and the Academy of Urbanism.

JULIAN COOK Director, Burston Cook Julian is a FRICS chartered surveyor who set up his own business in 1992 specialising in commercial property consultancy and now director of Burston Cook, one of Bristol’s most active commercial property agents.

RICHARD CHERRY Former chief executive, Countryside Properties Richard has worked in the housebuilding and property industry for 36 years. He was formerly chief executive of the Partnerships business at UK house builder Countryside Properties.

Richard is passionate about creating sustainable places of lasting design quality.

STEPHEN EMMITT Professor, University of Bath Stephen is an architect and head of the department of Architecture and Civil Engineering at the University of Bath. Stephen worked in practice prior to becoming an academic. His areas of specialism relate to design management and architectural technology.

www.mediaclash.co.uk I BATH LIFE I 113

BATH PROPERTY AWARDS T H E L AT E S T A DV E N T U R E S I N PA R T Y- GO I N G AC ROSS BAT H Hayley Blacker, Interaction

SPONSORS’ & FINALISTS’

Michael Blowers, from headline sponsor Mogers Drewett

Ian Taylor, Kaleidoscope

Circo was thronging last month with 130 leading property people at the second of Bath Property Awards’ events; the Sponsors’ and Finalists’ Reception. The awards are headline sponsored

by Mogers Drewett.

Photos by Roy Newport

John White, AGM Tina Bugg, Joel Bugg Furniture & Spaces; Zoe Morgan, SWBF; and Sara Barnett, AMH

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

Kevin Murphy and Penny Murphy, Aaron Evans Architects

A development by

1 and 2 - bed luxury Georgian apartments available in the centre of Bath Proud to support the inaugural Bath Property Awards

Pr

ice ÂŁ3 s s 95 tar ,0 t a 00 t

Winkworth Bath, 13 Argyle Street Great Pulteney Street, Bath BA2 4BQ 01225 829 000 lmcilroy@winkworth.co.uk winkworth.co.uk

Savills Bath, Edgar House, 17 George Street, Bath BA1 2EN 01225 474 591 bath@savills.com savills.co.uk

TYNING MEADOWS Tyning Road, Bathampton, BA2 6TQ

Prices from £1,450,000 Tyning Meadows is a high quality development of 10, five bedroom detached family residences, set in exceptionally large plots, by award winning local developer, Charlcombe Homes.

• Show Home Available To View By Appointment • Gated Entrance to each Plot • Southerly aspect • Double Garage with Potential for Studio Above • Rural Views • Outstanding rated primary school James Dredge Senior Negotiator T: 01225 325 999 M: 07970 107 494 E: James.Dredge@Knightfrank.com

Bella Howard-Evans Sales Negotiator T: 01225 325 999 M: 07971 067 992 E: Bella.Howard-Evans@Knightfrank.com

f

l

www.knightfrank.co.uk

FUNDING SOLUTIONS FOR YOUR BUSINESS AND PROPERTY NEEDS FLEXIBLE SERVICED OFFICE SPACE IN BATH CITY CENTRE Property Investments

Property Development

Bridging Finance

Crowd Funding

Commercial Mortgages

Invoice Finance

Asset Finance

Banking Consultancy

01225 800849 enquiries@swbf.co.uk www.swbf.co.uk South West Business Finance is a broker of credit and not a lender. South West Business Finance is a trading name of Aspire Commercial Finance Limited Registered in England & Wales under no: 09076273. Aspire Commercial Finance Limited is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (690089) and also a member of the NACFB (06/0035/CM)

Cambridge House, Henry Street, Bath BA1 1BT | Tel: 01225 618100 www.clarendonbc.co.uk

Reach the best in the west Affluent, active and influential and just a call away

Private Property Funding

01225 430 590 info@haydart.co.uk

Bath Life team 01225 475800

ADVERTISING FEATURE

A Tale of Two Cities

Dom and Hannah Walkiewicz are the founders of THE BUILD BRISTOL GROUP, a three times nominated Bristol Life Finalist

T

hey started the company in the wonderful city of Bristol which they call home. So they thought it only fair to spread the B.B. love to Bath. Hannah says, “We have now launched Build Bristol Bath, and it’s exciting.”

The Build Bristol Group will be five years old next spring though Dom has worked within the building industry since 2001. After the birth of their third child, Hannah decided to pack in her career in recruitment, and support Dom with his business. In a very short time, the BB team has grown from just one to twenty-five.

Dom and Hannah juggle a demanding job with an equally busy home life: daughter Matilda is now 10, eldest son Ludovic seven, and Theodore is now four– add to the domestic mix two pups, Stella and Casper, and an ancient cat named Spencer. Let Hannah tell you more . . .

WHERE ARE WE? The name kind of gives it away – of course,

“WITH THE NATURAL GROWTH OF OUR BUSINESS IT SEEMED THE RIGHT TIME TO SET UP BUILD BRISTOL BATH!”

we’re based in Bristol. However our incredible team have travelled as far as France for our clients over the years. With the natural growth of our business it seemed the right time to set up Build Bristol Bath. We were seeing a demand in Bath for a brilliant builder so that got us thinking...

garden that was perfect for a studio, and we needed some extra space for our three kids to use at the weekend, and for the occasional overnight guest, but most importantly we wanted a BB HQ. Last year we set about creating our new studio – and it’s better and more gorgeous than I could ever imagine.

HOW WE STARTED...

TRENDS AND REQUESTS...

In January 2014 Dom had finished working for a large property developer based in the South West. After doing several projects for friends and family in Bristol, as well as renovating our own houses, we thought Bristol was lacking a very good independent building company. After lots of brainstorming, The Build Bristol Group was born. And the rest, as they say, is history.

The biggest enquiries that come in to BB are for full renovations, kitchen extensions and loft conversions. It’s always really exciting to see what clients would like. Working with them through from design to build.

FAVOURITE BUILD? It’s a really really hard one. We’ve worked with so many amazing clients. However the kitchen shown belongs to a really lovely family in Redland, Bristol. We completed this extension last year. The beautiful parquet flooring and the clients attention to detail on the finishes really does give this kitchen the wow factor! One of my all time favourite projects has been our own home! It’s been a labour of love, and it took a zillion years to complete, and lots of nagging, as Dom is always too busy with clients’ projects to do ours.

PLANS...

2018 has been a big year for BB. As we turned four in April, we decided, with the growth of the business, to divide it into ‘commercial’ and ‘residential’. We’ve also now taken the plunge with Build Bristol Bath too. We have an in-house architect, so we are now able to offer a turn-key service to our clients, we work closely with quantity surveyors and brilliant independent designers offering the full package. We can’t wait to see what 2019 holds for us. n

WORKSPACE...

We always had the idea we’d like a home office.

We had some ‘dead space’ at the end of the

www.buildbristolbath.com www.mediaclash.co.uk I BATH LIFE I 123

RESIDENCE

THE GRAND TOUR Words by Harriet Noble Photography by Chris Wakefield

Paula Foulsor’s home is a Georgian beauty no doubt, but stuck in the past it is not. Its cool clean lines, bursts of colour and quirky furniture pieces make this home a living space that oozes modern elegance

“I prefer to buy something that I have fallen in love with and will love for ever” 124 I BATH LIFE I www.mediaclash.co.uk

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aula Foulsor’s house is a great example of how to renovate a period property. The Georgian house, with its classic proportions, ceilings and windows are all respectfully given space to shine. But the clever addition of colourful, yet elegant furniture pieces, combined with a modern colour palette, produces a home that combines the old and the new seamlessly. Along with being something of an interiors genius, Paula Foulsor, (along with being head of marketing at Petersham Nurseries), also hosts monthly supper clubs in her house. We chatted to Paula to find out about her vision for the house and what inspired her along the way.

How long have you lived in your house and what did it look like when you bought it?

Renovating a period home is often about peeling away layers of what has been in fashion at one time or another to uncover the original property beneath. When we bought this house, it had been lived in by the same family

for more than 40 years, and although it had been very well cared for it was very dated.

Entrances to rooms had been blocked, wiring and plumbing were old and the hardwood floors were covered in carpet. We simply tried to return it to its authentic state. At one point, I worried we’d gone too far, turning a worn but warm family home into a barren space, but now I realise that we needed to strip it back and then start afresh.

Talk us through the interior…

The armoire in the drawing room was bought in Tetbury about 24 years ago. It’s been everywhere with us and I still adore it. The orange painting in the drawing room was bought at one of the first “affordable art fairs” in Battersea Park about 20 or 21 years ago. The dining table

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RESIDENCE was bought on the New Kings Road, again about 25 years ago.

It had been newly made then to an old design with wood from an old piece of furniture. The yellow sleigh rocking chair in the spare bedroom is from Petersham Nurseries and so is the mirror above the mantle piece in the drawing room.

What was your vision for the décor of the interior of the house?

“People raise their eyebrows when I say we invite strangers into our home”

I like clean lines and a neutral template that acts as a backdrop for your treasures. Most things that we have in our home represent a time or a place and will be with us for ever. I don’t really believe in buying things for their functionality. I prefer to buy something that I have fallen in love with and will love for ever. We decided to have a white and grey consistent colour palette for the walls and wood work throughout the house so that everything that you put against it stands out.

I also knew that I wanted the kitchen not to look like a kitchen.

The two rooms on the ground floor of our Grade-I town house have such wonderful features that I wanted them to be what you notice rather than the cupboards within them. I actually think that is true of the whole house. When you live in a house that has been built with such care and consideration for proportions, with windows, architraves, cornicing and ceilings as wonderful as those created in Georgian times, you have a perfect backdrop for anything. The trick is not to detract or overpower, more to complement and accentuate.

The tiles in both bathrooms were from Fired Earth. The shower room tiles were called Valletta and based on a design from a Maltese Palazzo. My parents are both Maltese and I am very fond of the traditional cement tiles that you find commonly out there.

Who or what are your inspirations when it comes to style and décor?

I loved Petersham Nurseries and their style long before I ever worked there. The understated elegance and relaxed welcoming way of putting pieces together. I like to mix old and new which creates an eclectic look.

Pretty in pink bath offset with cool greys and whites

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What local shops did you source your décor, homeware and accessories from?

The kitchen was created by Sustainable Kitchens, the marble was from Bristol Marble, the bench in the hallway was from Hay, the painting in the drawing room was from David Simon Contemporary, and cushions were from Katherine Fraser.

What are your favourite independent homeware shops in Bath?

Hay, Found, The Fig Store and Katherine Fraser.

Do you have a particular favourite room or is there any part of the house you are particularly proud of?

I love the drawing room. My collection of glassware plays centre stage against the white walls and modern white shelving unit.

I also love the bathroom on the top floor. The pink bath was carried up from the basement by the builders (much to their disgust) and the sink was down there too. Painted and cleaned up with new taps, both have a new lease of life and suit that room perfectly. We bought an antique mirror from Shepton Mallet antique fair and towels from The Fig Store.

What was the most challenging room to design?

The kitchen. It was a tricky space. We reopened the space between the two rooms as the original wedding doors had been lost and the opening blocked. This meant that, in the kitchen, we were left with very little wall space to work with. That’s why we came up with a plan to turn one of the doorways into a dresser, and to build a free-standing, very high cabinet which could house most of our table and glassware. One thing that we are not short of is height.

The butchers table on wheels enables us to have a little more work surface when we need it, and when we don’t it can be parked very neatly out of the way.

Paula Foulsor

A rainbow assortment of glassware that catches the eye

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RESIDENCE You run regular supper clubs at your house – how did this come about?

My eldest daughter wanted me to cook dinner for 25 friends for her 21st birthday. I was happy to cook but she wanted me to sit down and eat too, which would have been hard, so I asked Alex Dome, who also works at Petersham Nurseries, if he would come and help. As we prepped the meal, the idea for Sion Hill Place Supper Club was born.

People raise their eyebrows when I say we invite strangers into our home but for us it was a great way to meet new people in Bath, and Alex can create his own menus. We have lots of regulars that come time and time again. Some in groups, some as couples or as singles. Some people enjoy it because you never know what the conversation will be about, some use it as a way to have a dinner party with friends without the hassle.

When new people arrive you can see that they are not sure what to expect, but with a bellini in hand and as the food starts to come out, people relax. I find it a real pleasure to see people enjoying a great meal. It’s one of the simplest things that give the greatest satisfaction. Whatever the reason for coming to one of our supper clubs, you can always be certain that the food will be good.

Got an amazing Bath home? Want it to feature in Residence? Contact lisa.evans@mediaclash.co.uk

Funky parrot wallpaper in the bedroom

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

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

9 8 W A L C OT S T R E E T, B AT H B A 1 5 B G T E L 0 1 2 2 5 4 6 9 2 4 0 E M A I L C O N TA C T @ H A L I D E N . C O M W W W. H A L I D E N . CO M

ADVERTISING FEATURE

FOR THE HOME Our local businesses are poised and ready to help with all your home needs for winter

BATH CARPETS AND FLOORING

BEAR INTERIORS

www.carpetsandflooringbath.co.uk

www.bear-interiors.co.uk

Carpet and flooring from all the leading manufacturers for your home or business, offering a Karndean specialist, marmoleum, vinyl’s, safety flooring and rugs.

Free measuring and estimating. No gimmicks, just honest value for money. The domestic showroom and commercial office is located at 4 Kingsmead Street, Bath, BA1 2AA. Call 01225 471888

ROSSITERS

Rossiters is a design-led lifestyle store offering a carefully curated range of furniture, fabrics, wallpaper, and home accessories. Its in house interiors team provides a full design service free-of-charge to customers. The beautiful woodpanelled design rooms are home to a huge selection including exclusive ranges from Cole & Son and House of Hackney, as well as Annie Sloan chalk paints. 38-41 Broad Street, Bath, BA15LP; Tel: 01225 462227; www.rossitersofbath.com

TILE & FLOORING

For over 40 years Tile & Flooring of Bath has developed its reputation as a high quality supplier of design lead materials and installation service, gaining important and long-standing relationships – from discerning home owners managing their own projects, to design and build professionals servicing the property industry. Tel: 01225 310561

www.tileandflooring.co.uk

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MENDIP FIREPLACES

Bear Interiors are a small, approachable company delivering quality interior solutions at affordable prices. From advice on colour schemes to renovation, from initial planning to project completion, they can help you. To arrange a free consultation please call Lynette Labuschagne on 07977548340 or email lynette@bear-interiors.co.uk

Bath’s leading fireplace, wood burner, gas fire, chimney and flue specialist. From classic to contemporary, concept to completion, their team of experts can work with you to achieve your perfect interior. Chesney’s, Barbas Belfires, Hwam, Stuv, Jetmaster. Get in touch or visit the showroom.

Mendip Fireplaces (Bath) Monkton Combe, Bath BA2 7HD. info@mendipfireplacesbath.co.uk, Tel: 01225 722706

KNEES HOME AND ELECTRICAL

KELLY MARIE KITCHEN INTERIORS

Loved locally since 1879, Knees offer a one stop shop to update your home. With top kitchen appliance brands and a showroom full of beautiful home furniture and accessories, they pride themselves on helping customers find the right product. Free Neff appliance demo and discounts event on 17 November in the Trowbridge store. Spitfire Retail Park, Trowbridge BA14 0AZ; High Street, Malmesbury SN16 9AA Tel: 01225 754161; www.knees.co.uk

BONITI

Boniti is run by brothers Giles and Simon Lunt.

Started in 2006, Boniti has grown hugely as a company and now offers a wide range of quality interior and exterior products: natural stone and timber flooring, Everhot range cookers, garden furniture and Kadai firebowls. Call 01225 892 200 Dunsdon Barn, West Littleton,Wiltshire SN14 8JA www.boniti.co.uk

www.mendipfireplacesbath.co.uk

Working from her beautiful showroom and with over 15 years’ experience in the kitchen industry, Kelly Marie has built a strong reputation. She combines technical aspects of design with an intrinsic creativity, producing functional yet beautiful spaces. Her portfolio includes luxury German made kitchens and Italian painted shaker kitchens. Full design and installation service. Call 01225 481881 www.kellymariekitchens.com

PIETRA WOOD & STONE LTD

PWAS Ltd. have been supplying and installing quality floor and wall coverings for over 15 years across the South of England, from both their Holt and Fulham showrooms.The company prides itself on the range of products and customer service it can offer to both the residential and commercial market.

The Old Filling Station, 400 Ham Green, Holt BA14 6PX Tel 01225 783527; www.pwasltd.com

ADVERTISING FEATURE

JOEL BUGG FURNITURE & SPACES

WOODHOUSE AND LAW

CLAIRE RENDALL DESIGN

www.woodhouseandlaw.co.uk

www.clairerendall.com

TR HAYES CURTAINS & BLINDS

CLAIR STRONG INTERIOR DESIGN

Joel Bugg design and create elegant, bespoke fitted furniture and interiors, which are architecturally thought-through to seamlessly fit and suit your property.

Working with private clients and architects, they offer a fully managed service from initial concept designs through to final installation, sourcing and providing all elements of the finished interior. Call 07779 236242

An established full-service interior and garden design company, delivering commercial and residential projects with exceptional service. From their showroom and studio on Bathwick Hill, Woodhouse and Law is committed to delivering creative, stylish and individual design solutions from the initial concept right through to the all-important finishing touches.

TR HAYES

www.joelbugg.co.uk

TR Hayes has been selling furniture in Bath for over 100 years now, and has a reputation for good quality and excellent service. The large store features many well respected brands, with an amazing array of furniture of all types on display, but never one to rest on its laurels, you will always find something a bit different to catch the eye. 15-18 London Street, Walcot, Bath BA1 5BX Tel: 01225 465757; www.trhayes.co.uk

From gently textured traditional interiors to gorgeous glitz, Claire Rendall Design creates quality interiors as varied as their clients. On time, to budget both locally and internationally.

Please contact info@clairerendall.com or call 07778 240223 for further information.

You will find a large selection of fabric samples to browse in Hayes’ Curtain and Blind department, with many leading brands. Also on offer are an array of styles of blinds and shutters, curtain poles and trimmings, with experienced staff on hand to help.

Highly qualified, professional fitters are used to ensure the best results. 15-18 London Street, Walcot, Bath BA1 5BX; Tel: 01225 465757; www.trhayes.co.uk

Clair Strong Interior Design is a small, creative company based in Bath, providing a wide range of services for both residential and commercial clients. Her portfolio of projects includes the design, project coordination and sourcing for some of Bath’s most beautiful residences, as well as sports clubs, offices and other commercial venues.

Contact Clair on 01225 426906 or 07855 79731

HOBBS MARBLE & GRANITE

AVONVALE CARPETS

VERVE LIVING

www.hobbsmarbleandgranite.co.uk

www.avonvalecarpets.co.uk

www.verveliving.uk

Hobbs Marble & Granite is a well established natural stone supplier that has been trading for 30 years in Bath and the surrounding areas. They specialise in the fabrication of granite, marble, slate, travertine and quartz products – particularly kitchen worktops.

Radstock Road, Midsomer Norton, Radstock BA3 2AA Tel: 01761 412934

Avonvale Carpets has served homeowners and businesses throughout Bath and Wiltshire for over 46 years, providing a unique combination of excellent choice, in-depth expertise and perfect fitting. A family-run business, the company offers a selection of quality flooring that’s truly second to none.

37 Kingsmead Street, Bath. Tel: 01225 427057

www.clairstrong.co.uk

Verve is an interiors store with a difference. This creative hub is all about mixing it up: an ever-changing collection of one-off vintage pieces sits alongside locally sourced contemporary artwork and accessories, all exclusive to Verve in Bath. Pop in, a warm welcome awaits.

15 Walcot Buildings, London Road, Bath BA1 6AD Tel: 07785 332536

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ADVERTISING FEATURE

Winter warming

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Peter Greatorex from the APARTMENT COMPANY explains why selling your apartment in winter could be the best decision you ever make…

he temperature has dropped, the gloves are on, and whether we like it or not, winter is on its way. You may have considered moving home but then decided to wait until the New Year. Is this the right move? Or, could selling your apartment in winter be the best decision you make?

BEAT THE CROWDS As Christmas approaches the shops get busier and the crowds sometimes make it hard to find what we want. At the moment there are fewer properties on the market than at other times, so there isn’t the competition that there would be in spring. Selling your home in winter means it has a better chance of standing out and being noticed.

LET’S GET SERIOUS There are times of the year when people dabble with the notion of moving, but the buyers who are

out and looking in winter are serious. They know they want to move and won’t let the cold weather outside deter them from viewing a property.

Winter buyers tend to have a clearer idea of what they are looking for, which means we’re able to match apartments and buyers easier.

GIVING THEM THAT FEELING That feeling that turns an apartment into a home you want to buy can’t be bottled. It’s different for everyone, but you can help your apartments trigger it by presenting the space in a way that screams ‘home’.

With the winter chill, walking into a warm and cosy apartment that makes you want to snuggle up with a cup of hot chocolate is bound to tug at your heart strings. If you have a fire, whether that’s gas or a log burner, try and have it lit for a wonderful welcome. Make sure any lamps as well as ceiling lights are on in rooms to create a calming and relaxing atmosphere.

WHY WAIT? Whatever your reason for wishing to move, don’t dismiss selling in winter. We are still achieving exceptional sales prices for our sellers at the moment, and it’s great to work with such motivated buyers.

If you would like more information on selling your apartment this winter, come and chat to The Apartment Company, and you could be starting your new year in a new home. n

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

A PLACETO CALL HOME

PROPERTY A PL ACE TO C ALL HOME

HISTORY REINVENTED

Within Hope House – a prestigious development of luxury homes within walking distance of the heart of Bath – we take a look at one apartment in particular…

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PROPERTY

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estled within six acres of parkland in Lansdown, with its own tennis court and complete with undercroft parking and concierge service, the Grade-II Hope House – the former Bath Royal High Junior School – dates back to 1781.

It was once an early Regency home leased by the garden enthusiast Charles Hamilton in the late 18th century. He used the elevation to create generous terraces and parkland that gave incredible views over Bath. Hope House’s upper terrace overlooks the city beyond and is linked to the middle terrace by a grand staircase.

The spacious middle terrace is centred around a generous sunken garden, with a ha-ha to separate the tasteful lawn from the informal park beyond.

Quality paving and hand-crafted metal work evoke

the restrained elegance of Regency Bath and are interweaved between the honey-coloured stone, the new buildings, the piazza and lower street. Elsewhere, unspoiled woodland and maintained gardens offer residents a place to relax and gives an amazing sense of living in the grounds of a stately home.

A masterpiece of classic Georgian design, it has been refurbished with sophistication in mind and sympathetically converted into seven luxury two-, three- and four-bedroom apartments with inherent characteristics, including wonderfully high ceilings.

Flawlessly designed interiors blend classic and contemporary design to give these beautiful bespoke homes inviting living spaces dignified with grace and charm.

Specifically, we visited apartment F3, a fourbedroom, ground floor property in the main building of the original school. It’s due for completion early next year, but already looks spectacular. Of particular note is the fully fitted, bespoke Stephen Graver kitchen – which sits in an open-plan area, alongside the living room and dining area – with quartz worktops, a Belfast double sink and a built-in wine cooler.

It’s chic living at its best. Form and function work in harmony; the kitchen and bathrooms are functional, durable and graceful; and there is balance, richness and subtlety in the choice of colours and textures. These are stylish living spaces that will continue to delight you and could easily amount to a perfect home.

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PROPERTY

The development sensitively takes into account the surrounding buildings views and vistas, in particular Lansdown Crescent that sits dramatically above the parkland. Each property has been carefully considered and designed to make for the most efficient but stimulating space; there is also flowing continuity between the new buildings, gardens and the landscape to create a coherent and quality development.

Hope House is one of the most exciting developments to come to Bath in decades, and, one thing’s for sure, we’re going to be extremely envious of whoever moves in.

HOUSE NUMBERS Square footage

2,369

Bedrooms

4

Bathrooms/ WCs

4

Grounds

6 acres of parkland

Price

£2.4M

Where

Hope House, Lansdown, Bath

What else? There’s an on-site concierge, two allocated car parking spaces, and a private tennis court for residents Savills Bath, Edgar House, 17 George Street, Bath BA1 2EN; 01225 474 500; www.savills.co.uk

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JUST VISITING

“The people in Bath march to the beat of their own drum”

CAMILLE O’SULLIVAN Ahead of her Bath performance, the singer talks about her former career as an architect, her hidden skills, and her love of cardboard Celebrated French/Irish singer and actress Camille O’Sullivan is taking her hit show, Where Are We Now?, out on a UK tour, and one of the stops will be Komedia Bath. She’s been named as one of the Top 25 Performances on BBC2’s Later With Jools Holland, and she’s appeared in movies such as Mrs Henderson Presents, with Dame Judy Dench and Will Young, as well as performing with The Royal Shakespeare Company and at venues across the globe.

I love Komedia Bath and can’t wait to perform there again…

I don’t know if I’ve climbed on a table there, but I’ve certainly wanted to. The crew are amazing; what they’re able to do with the lights and sounds always makes

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it magical. I love the atmosphere when it’s all set up, especially as the room is so intimate – it almost feels like you’re in a Berlin club. People in Bath are always joining in which is always good fun.

My new show is… a love letter, in a way, to Bowie and Cohen, especially Bowie as he inspired me to become a singer. My world was rocked a little when those two people disappeared, and then the world seemed a little off-kilter, so I used the title of Bowie’s song Where Are We Now to pay homage to them.

So, it’s storytelling, it’s rock, it’s ballads, it’s about showing different aspects of yourself.

I’m quite bonkers, in a loving, crazy way… I think a lot of people love the emotional quality of the show, and how wild it gets,

but there’s a very gentle side to it as well, with beautiful songs, followed by another act of craziness. I think a lot of women enjoy the fact that I like to unravel on stage. You get a lot of people who feel like something has unlocked in them, and I think that is what music is about: being uninhibited.

I love so many things about Bath… I was an architect before, so I love the Crescent. It’s just one of the most stunning cities I’ve ever visited. I also visited the Roman Baths when I was there last.

The people in Bath march to the beat of their own drum…

I love what Bathonians wear; they seem to be into dressing nicely. It very much reminds me of my time in Brighton – this city has the same feel of individuality.

I could see myself living in Bath… It seems to me a serene and beautiful place, plus I love the history of how the Romans settled there. It’s got something very different to it.

Getting older as a woman on stage… that’s not a pleasurable thing. I think the challenging part is that I’m quite youthful in how I am on stage and how liberated I am as a performer, so I’m very

hard on myself, but then women say to me that they love the fact that I don’t care during the show and that my make-up shifts a little.

Something that I’m drawn to is cardboard… I’m cardboard mad; my partner sees me with cardboard and he starts to get nervous! I’ve been making a cardboard circus world for my five-year-old daughter; people are telling me I should have a career in that.

My most treasured possession is… my sketchbook. I’m not really into things that cost a lot; I always like gifts that are made for me, or things that my friends have given to me – stuff that wouldn’t mean anything to anyone else.

At the top of my bucket list is to write songs… I’ve gotten used to the fact that what I am is a performer – I bring other songs to life. The other side of me is nervous to write songs, but I just have to give it a go, and then be really embarrassed and never share them.

I also want to learn how to do tricks and circus training, or become a really good chef. n Camille will be appearing at Komedia Bath on 22 November; www.komedia.co.uk

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