Bath Life - Issue 435

TAKE ME

#BathTogether

ISSUE 435 / 15 – 28 JANUARY 2021 / THE LAND OF NOD

TAKE IT TO THE VEG TASTY RECIPES FOR VEGANUARY

THE RODE TO SUCCESS

THE SMALL VILLAGE WITH A BIG FOODIE REP

BRIGHT FUTURES EXPERT ADVICE ON LIGHTING YOUR HOME

WALK THE WALK THE BATH SKYLINE STEP BY STEP

FROME WITH A VIEW

EXPLORE A PRETTY LITTLE COUNTRY HOME

MASTER OF VENICE SNEAK PREVIEW OF THE UPCOMING CANALETTO EXHIBITION

ISSUE 435 / 15 – 28 JANUARY 2021 / £3

I Y D N O R U E R A M S THE ART OF SLEEPING WELL

BATH & BRISTOL

BRAND NEW SHOWROOM IN BATH NOW OPEN 5 Saracen Street, Bath BA1 5BR | 01225 634 025

Proud Finalist of

SUPPORT A LOCAL BUSINESS AND BENEFIT FROM THE FOLLOWING: ● Premium, Sleek, German Engineered ● Luxury Kitchens at competitive prices ● All kitchens delivered pre-built ● Supply only or Fully installed ● Free Design and quotation service

“From start to finish the experience has been very positive, everything that was promised from the fantastic graphics package and knowledge of showroom designer, to the completed kitchen has been delivered.

The very professional and reliable fitting team made the whole experience trouble free and the quality of the kitchen is outstanding, but the fitting was always our priority and we are thrilled with the final result delivered and fitted in lockdown.

Well done Kutchenhaus Bath” Amanda

Find us 5 Saracen Street, Bath BA1 5BR

Opening times Monday - Saturday: 10am - 5pm Sunday by appointment

Contact Email: Showroom@bath.kutchenhaus.co.uk Tel: 01225 634 025

Inside Clifton Down Shopping Centre, Whiteladies Road, Clifton BS8 2NN

Monday - Saturday: 9.30am - 5.30pm Sunday by appointment

Email: Showroom@bristol.kutchenhaus.co.uk Tel: 0117 213 0497

S T O R E S N AT I O N W I D E

EDITOR’S LETTER

ABOVE: Night Still Life by

Atsuko Fujii (page 52) BELOW: A visit to the foodie village of Rode (page 46)

I

’ve always loved my sleep. Sometimes I wake up and immediately work out how long before I’m back in bed. It’s not because I don’t like the hours in between – I love them – but sleep is just so delicious.

Also pretty darn useful when it comes to lockdown.

Early to bed with a great book, and then that all important deep sleep. It works wonders for speeding up time, but also keeping us mentally and physically strong.

Which is why we’re celebrate sleeping on the cover and with an ed’s choice special over on page 51. Lockdown part three is a lot to ask of people but we know the drill – for most of us our role is to stay home and STFU. This actually saves lives. And to help keep sanity and some semblance of normality, we’ve chosen to continue publishing during this period. So much is seemingly standing still but there is always positivity and joy to be found in our gorgeous city. New foodie start-ups (page 44); local business success (page 55); there’s virtual art exhibitions, online lessons and local podcasts (page 22); Bath’s property scene is growing (page 63); plus we’ll be looking to keep the relevant and entertaining content going, with this issue o ering a sneak preview of the postponed Canaletto at the Holburne (page 14), expert advice from Bath’s interior professionals on how to light your home, and the benefits of eganuary page along with two ama ing plant-based recipes to try out (page 40).

One person who probably won’t be turning to page 40 though is our illustrious columnist David Flatman. His approach is to just eat a little less meat and download a calorie counting app. This of course is another huge reason we wouldn’t stop publishing – we all need to keep up to date with the progress of this Flats-invented dubious diet.

Meantime keep your chin up, and see you in a fortnight.

SARAH MOOLLA

Follow us on Twitter @BathLifeMag Instagram @bathlifemag

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

Issue 435 / 15 –28 January 2021 COVER Impermanence Byobu wallpaper by Mindthegap available through stockists Woodhouse & Law; www.woodhouseandlaw.co.uk

THE ARTS

14 CANALETTO A lockdown special preview of the astounding,

temporarily postponed, Holburne exhibition

21 ARTS INTRO Glimpse Bath through a fairytale lens 22 WHAT’S ON How to keep yourself entertained at home 24 BOOKS More escapism from the book maestro Mr B

WALKING

32 BATH SKYLINE Step by step guide to one of Bath’s most

famous walks

FOOD&DRINK

36 VEGANUARY These Bath vegans are out to prove you aren’t

losing out by going plant-based

40 RECIPES Elite vegan sports nutritionist TJ Waterfall shares

a couple of his go-to plant-powered favourites

42 RESTAURANT Abbey Hotel Kitchen at its Sunday best 44 FOOD & DRINK NEWS Lockdown has struck again, but that

hasn’t stopped these new businesses

46 OUT OF TOWN We’re on the road to foodie village Rode

SHOPPING

51 INTRO Bedding down for lockdown 52 EDITOR’S CHOICE Shop these sleeping beauties

BUSINESS

36

70

55 BATHWORKS The successful local businesses and start-ups

making the headlines eet ophia li ord anghad of ath olistic Massage 55 BATH LIFE AWARDS New biz award-winners the Oyster Shell 58 BIZ Q&A

PROPERTY

63 PROPERTY NEWS ew sta er for ath ity ets and the ane

Austen Centre gets a helping hand

66 SHOWCASE A rare chance to purchase a stunning home on the

prestigious Great Pulteney Street

70 LIGHTING Experts light the way for home illumination 76 RESIDENCE How the owner of this Frome home went from total

beginner to interiors expert

DEPARTMENTS 6 9 11 27 82

SPOTLIGHT Fashion, music, and a night at the pictures FLATLINE For the record, Flats will not be doing Veganuary STYLE COUNSEL Philippa on home lighting GREG INGHAM On looking for pleasure in lockdown LIVES Mentor Mark De’Lisser on why he made this city his home

Editor Sarah Moolla sarah.moolla@mediaclash.co.uk Deputy editor Lydia Tewkesbury lydia.tewkesbury@mediaclash.co.uk Managing editor Deri Robins deri.robins@mediaclash. co.uk Senior art editor Andrew Richmond Graphic design Megan Allison Cover design Trevor Gilham Contributors Nic Bottomley, David Flatman, Greg Ingham, Philippa May and Matilda Walton 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 Account manager Dan Nichols dan.nichols@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 and Exeter. 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

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

LEFT: Sketches for A Dress of Hope by Ibrahim

Kamara and Gareth Wrighton; RIGHT: Bomber jacket by Francesco Colucci

We’re lucky enough to live in one of the most beautiful cities in the world, and here’s the proof

Fashion

OF THE MOMENT

Picking the Fashion Museum Bath’s Dress of the Year 2020 was always going to be a mammoth task – so this year’s selector, award-winning fashion journalist and educator Iain R Webb, chose seven. The camel cashmere Burberry cape worn by Naomi Campbell with her hazmat suit, face mask and rubber gloves; the iconic Black Lives Matter cotton t-shirt; the blood orange satin padded bomber jacket from designer Francesco Colucci’s series of Isolation Portraits; and A Dress of Hope, hand crafted by Ibrahim Kamara and Gareth Wrighton from antique table linin and lace trimmings, were just some of the garments Iain chose to express this extraordinary year.

“Fashion is now communicated and disseminated in so many ways other than from the catwalk, which in itself often feels, well, old fashioned. As does the selection of one garment, one ensemble, in the attempt to encapsulate 365 days, especially when each new day brought dreadful news,” says Iain. “As February turned into March, the arrival of the ovid pandemic terrorised the world. In ay, the killing of eorge loyd horrified.

In 2020, how could these things still be happening? This was no conventional year.

“I have therefore chosen to take a radical approach, curating instead a collection of garments that combined tell a story of a moment in time.”

The pieces will go on display when the museum reopens.

For more: www.fashionmuseum.co.uk

Tugba Türkcan/ @Turkantugba

Music

PLEASE DON’T STOP THE MUSIC

he newly reformed ath estival rchestra is thought to be the first new arts organisation founded during the pandemic.

Since we were forced to lock down last March, the Orchestra has made it their mission to bring classical music to diverse audiences in underserved communities.

“With an energetic social purpose, the relaunch of the Chamber Orchestra highlights the talent and energy that young musicians can contribute to the development of the performing arts,” says Peter Manning, the founder and artistic director of the BFO. “Central to our vision is our sense Maren Bosma (violin and artistic of social purpose, the opening of genuine opportunity creator), Joanna Patrick (viola) and Nina Kiva (cello) are part of a team to creative minds within an orchestra that is very much of young people bringing classical of and for the 21st century. It’s been a privilege to work music to underserved communitie with these 27 highly talented individuals during a time when so many of us have struggled with our creativity because of the restrictions created by the pandemic.”

When the BFO applied (unsuccessfully) for Covid relief funding earlier in the year they were told by the Department of Digital, Culture, Media and Sport they were ‘probably’ the only arts organisation launching in the midst of the pandemic. “To be able to create a whole new artistic venture in such a di cult year is, I think, a great achievement and I am very proud of this group for gaining this distinction,” says Peter.

For more: www.bathfestivalorchestra.com

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

Rob Browne/@rob_browne_photos

James Whitlock/@whitlock2011

SPOTLIGHT Cinema

A NIGHT AT THE PICTURES

In a much-needed reminder that some things can still go according to plan – albeit, rescheduled – the FilmBath Festival triumphantly took place in December. They had a Covid-safe screen rigged up specially in Green Park Station. Film fanatics wrapped up warm to enjoy a socially distanced viewing of the 30th festival’s exciting programme, which included Oscar-tipped Francis McDormand ick Nomadland, Supernova, starring Colin Firth and Stanley Tucci, and Mad Mikkelsen’s unnerving turn in Another Round. or ore fil bath org k

Covid-safe, socially distanced, we adapt FilmBath’s Holly Tarquini, making it happen against all odds

Even a pandemic can’t defeat the magic of a good film on the big screen

Andrea Knight and Ana-Maria Mora

Megan Witty and Pip Falkner-Lee

www.mediaclash.co.uk I BATH LIFE I 7

ALL PHOTOS ON THIS PAGE © ANNA BARCL AY

Film has taken on a new level of importance in this trickiest of years

Attention Business Owners and Directors Do you need more than just accounts and tax returns from your accountant?

Being able to prepare your MTD returns, accounts and tax returns is a given for a professional firm.

Seven Reasons why hundreds return to PG Owen Ltd each year.

Clear fixed and guaranteed fees. When we say fixed we mean it

But can your accountant help you make more money?

Free advice sheets and newsletters to help your business grow

Does your accountant have experience working in your specialist field?

Advice from experienced qualified professionals

Does your accountant give you answers or just more questions?

In house mortgages, life, pensions and investment advice.

We are more than just your accountants; we are your complete business partners.

We speak to you in plain English Full range of legal and probate services through our sister company A unique one stop advice service for all businesses and individuals from cradle to grave and beyond!

Contact us now: 7 Northumberland Buildings, Wood Street, Bath BA1 2JB T: 01225 422183 E: bath@pgtax.co.uk

www.pgtax.co.uk

Bailbrook Lane, Bath

01225 791155 ashford-homes.co.uk

WINNER

A stunning development of two individual contemporary luxury homes set in a beautifully mature setting with magnificent views.

FLAT LINE DAVID FLATMAN

Veg of reason

© TAKING PICTURES

From calorie counting to ignoring Veganuary, Flats is crossing his meaty fingers this year’s diet will work

“I am eating less meat. I still probably eat more than you do, but I used to eat seven times more than you do”

I

can’t help thinking that Veganuary is missing the point somewhat. I know that most folks that buy into it are just trying to cleanse their festively bloated bodies after a calorific, boo y month or so, but thumping oneself into something unsustainable doesn’t seem the way to go. Many people of course keep veganism up full time, and no doubt feel great for it, but that’s not who we’re talking about here.

If done conscientiously, eganuary is a month of purity, high health, creative, tasty dishes before returning pretty much to normal.

Having a good month is better than not having a good month, obviously, but why not make smaller changes that last for good, thereby removing the need to aggressively cleanse at all?

I’m a fine one to talk, by the way, this typing almost making me short of breath. Since I began consuming solids alarmingly early,’ according to my doting mother , I have eaten too much of pretty much everything, displaying little or no self-control whatsoever where grub is concerned. I eat a lot of meat, but meat isn’t the only area of cardiovascular concern. Name a food group, and I eat too much of it. An intense cleanse would do me good, actually, but I see it as pointless as I’ll never keep it up.

Instead of a four-week body blit , then, I am trying to make smaller changes that might – might – last longer than the end of the month. irst up, the big one when discussing Veganuary: meat. I am eating less meat. I still probably eat more than you do, but I used to eat seven times more than you do, so baby steps. The meat I do eat is the best quality all local, all grass fed and or organic, all ideally from carbon neutral producers. It costs more than the basic sausages and bacon from orrisons, and this indeed helps me to eat less. I spend about the same as I used to on meat – maybe even a little less – and I eat better stu less often. hat works for me.

I bought a book called Charred by enevieve aylor, a ristolian outdoor cook who is a genius. It’s all

veggies and it’s superb. This makes vegetables every bit as exciting as meat, and that’s coming from a lifelong devotee to protein.

I don’t drink a huge amount but, like many, I have drunk more often in lockdown than ever before. There are fewer boo y binges, but it got to the point last year when we decided not to have a G&T followed by a glass or two of wine on Sundays and Mondays. Then homeschooling wore us down and that just became Sundays… Dry January is something I can get behind, primarily as the thought of a bottle of red right now doesn’t make my traditionally welcoming mouth water as readily as normally it might, but I’m not ruling out a tasty glass in the next week or so; all that’s needed is a bit of sustainable moderation.

Something else I’m doing is counting my calories. On the face of it, this is e tremely dull and hypocritically unsustainable. owever, it is fascinating, truly. I have a little app and it knows everything!

I simply scan the barcode on the packet and it says: ‘Old El Paso Mild a ita it,’ with all the calories ne t to it. I’m doing it to increase my awareness of what’s going in, and it is addictive. I think it will help in the long term, as certain treats become less and less ‘worth it’.

As for veganism being the answer, my oldest mate is vegan and is appro imately five stone overweight, so it can happen. His wedding was a lovely day out, but upon us he forced the most unimaginative vegan food ever unimagined. asically it was crudit s and ula oops which, it turned out, were vegan friendly. ho knew e all had a great time, and we all had a Chinese takeaway delivered once the crisps and carrot sticks had run out.

I love veganism – the whole notion of it — but it isn’t for me (yet). What is for me is making a few changes and taking a little more time over what I consume – both ethically and calorifically in a way that might last until next Christmas. Meaty fingers crossed.

David Flatman used to play rugby for England and Bath, now he talks and writes. ollo hi o itter da id at a a d stagra d at a www.mediaclash.co.uk I BATH LIFE I 9

STYLE COUNSEL PHILIPPA MAY

Philippa gets her lighting inspo from Walcot House

ALL THINGS BRIGHT AND BEAUTIFUL Philippa sheds some light on how she illuminates her home

W

illiam orris once said, If you want a golden rule that will fit everything, this is it have nothing in your houses that you do not know to be useful or believe to be beautiful.

It has always stuck with me. art of designing your home is about your life, how you use your space, what you do to rela and how your home facilitates your personal life, and now even your work life. reat design shouldn’t ust be led by how it looks but how it works. ighting is one of the most transformational things you can a ect in your interiors. oo functional and you end up with a heavily spot lit and stark space akin to a surgical theatre. oo minimal and you risk not only chopping a finger o whilst making dinner, but living in a dark and depressing

abode. ith more people living and working in the same space, lighting will play an important role in design for . nder or over illumination can result in headaches, fatigue, or eye issues, but it’s often an aspect of our homes that we think about last or worse, when it actually becomes an issue. here are two types of light that you need to think about natural and artificial, and the former will often dictate the choice of the latter. ever shun your natural light, not only will it combat A but it will also help with mental stimulation, a great source of energy if you’re working from home. If you have a sunny room that’s not required to be particularly dark for any specific activity such as sleeping, don’t dress it with heavy drapery or shutters that block those glorious beams. Instead opt for a sheer linen voile to decorate and control the

“With more people living and working in the same space, lighting will play an important role in design for 2021”

Reeded bone china and brass pendant, price starts at £220, www.felixlightingspecialists.co.uk

lighting or plantation shutters that prevent glare without disrupting the aesthetic look of your window. nce you’ve conquered your natural light, use artificial lighting to complement and add layers to the space. tart with their function if you need daylight’ to complete tasks think about sunken spotlights over particular areas, but don’t over do it, you often need less than you think. hen move onto your less functional, more atmospheric or fun lighting do you want to highlight any features like alcoves, alter the perceived proportions of a room or simply add character I’ve become especially fond of minimal feel, ambient lights and was compelled to create something decorative in our living room to replace our traditional table lamp from an une pected source of inspiration. ith lockdown hindering a lot of the usual cultural shows

and galleries, I’ve been heavily in uenced by local aunts, and have loved the new refurb of he alcot. he combination of reeded glass lights and natural te tures has created a welcoming and modern speakeasy vibe. his idea can be easily replicated with the beautiful pieces in ath’s own eli ighting my favourite is the reeded bone china and brass pendant . ho’d have known a restaurant would be such an interiors trendsetter I’d go so far as to say that he alcot’s lighting choices throughout are as impeccable, mouthwatering and inviting as their steaks.

Philippa May is an interiors enthusiast and is director of a branding and marketing company Mayd Studio. Follow her on Instagram @_philippamay_ www.mediaclash.co.uk I BATH LIFE I 11

ART

THE GRAND CANALETTO

View on the Grand Canal looking north from the Palazzo Contarini dagli Scrigni to the Palazzo Rezzonico

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

The Holburne’s eagerly anticipated Canaletto exhibition Painting Venice may have been postponed but we bring you a sneak preview

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

ART

T

ABOVE: The Church of the Redentore on the Giudecca; BELOW: The Piazzo San Marco looking towards the Basilica San Marco (Piazza, Campanile and Church of San Marco)

“The Woburn Abbey paintings are the largest set of paintings that Canaletto ever produced”

he Holburne Museum in Bath was due this month to exhibit an incredible set of paintings of Venice by Canaletto (1697 – 1768), until lockdown caused its delay. The collection of 23 splendid paintings, which has not left its home at Woburn Abbey in Bedfordshire for more than 70 years, will o er an e ploration into analetto’s life and work, alongside themes of 18th century Venice and the Grand Tour.

Created over a four-year period, when the artist was at the pinnacle of his career, the Woburn Abbey works are the largest set of paintings that Canaletto ever produced, and much the largest that has remained together.

Combining both his eye for accuracy and composition, Canaletto: Painting Venice celebrates some of a erenissima’s most recognisable views, whilst also referring to the city’s historical importance as a trading centre, not least with the Ottoman Empire and other eastern nations.

The Holburne exhibition, which will go ahead later in the year restrictions permitting, will provide a unique and unprecedented opportunity to see these exceptional paintings at viewing height, as they normally hang three high in the setting in the dining room they have occupied at Woburn since the late 18th century. The set features not only classic views of the Grand Canal and the Piazza S. Marco, but also some of the city’s less well known nooks and crannies, rarely captured

www.mediaclash.co.uk I BATH LIFE I 17

ART

ABOVE: The Campo Francesco Morosini from San Stefano; BELOW: View of the Doge’s Palace at the Piazzetta seen from the Bacino (The Palazzo Ducale, and Entrance of the Piazzatta di San Marco)

by other artists, and revealing new historical and cultural perspectives on Venice in its last decades as the ‘most serene Republic’.

This is one of the rare occasions that any of the successive Dukes of Bedford and Trustees of the Bedford Estates have lent the set of paintings since they arrived in Britain from Canaletto in the 1730s.

The paintings were commissioned by the 4th Duke of Bedford, who was evidently attracted by Canaletto’s burgeoning reputation for producing precise and atmospheric views of the Italian city’s most iconic views and landmarks. The Duke, then Lord John Russell, was in Venice on the Grand Tour in 1731, and presumably met Joseph Smith, Canaletto’s newly appointed agent, who was a Venetian resident and later British consul there. Three bills from Smith to the Duke survive in the family papers; dated 1733, 1735 and 1736, those add up to just over £188 (about £16,000 today), and is believed to incomplete, judging from what is known of the prices Canaletto commanded.

Holburne’s director, Chris Stephens, says, “We are honoured that this wonderful, unrivalled set of Canaletto paintings will come to the Holburne, the perfect setting for visitors to study the paintings closely in a way that has never been possible before. It is very exciting to think that they are leaving the dining room in oburn Abbey for the first time in more than 70 years.” n For more: www.holburne.org

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

“Canaletto: Painting Venice celebrates some of La Serenissima’s most recognisable views”

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

ROSETINTED GLASSES There’s something very ‘Toto, we’re not in Kansas anymore’ about this print by Millie Putland – except in this version, the yellow brick road would be pink. As we head into this tricky new year of restrictions, there might be something to be said for viewing life through a rose-coloured lens. Keep safe, follow the rules and – for goodness sake – keep washing those hands, but look for the magic, too. If we can find glimpses of something like this pastel paradise where life is soft and sweet in a city built from candy oss in our day to day, then we aren’t doing half bad.

For more: A4 Pulteney Bridge print by Millie Putland, £19 from Millieillustrate at www.etsy.com

www.mediaclash.co.uk I BATH LIFE I 21

January 2021

© NETFLIX

ON

A ’

Golda Rosheuvel's exquisitely entertaining turn as the stern Queen Charlotte in Bridgerton

20 January

BATH WATERCOLOUR WORKSHOPS: EARTH Local artist Catherine Beale is o ering art classes over Zoom. he celebrated artist is sharing her skills in a series of classes, with the first for the year coming up this month. his workshop is all about the art of colour composition, with atherine leading attendees on a virtual tour of omerset’s lavender fields. www.catherinebeale.com

25 January

COOK ALONG WITH WAFAA POWELL ow more than ever is the time to finally learn how to cook, or e periment with new cuisine. p your culinary skills with a Zoom class with afaa owell. earn to create your own healthy, tasty and a ordable ebanese cuisine from scratch with her e pert guidance. irst up she’s teaching us how to make our own sweet iddle astern aklava crispy, akey and oh so moreish, it is the perfect lockdown treat. And we have it on good authority it tastes even better when you made it yourself. Classes cost £30 per household. For dates and booking isit da i g a o rs o k 22 I BATH LIFE I www.mediaclash.co.uk

BELLY DANCING WITH DANCING FLAVOURS In addition to her delicious cook alongs, afaa owell is also a belly dancing teacher. et your groove on at one of her regular uesday night classes virtual for the moment, of course. nergising, a great way to shake o those negative emotions and toning to boot handy after all the previously mentioned homemade baklava , belly dancing is a great way to de stress body and mind. da i g a o rs o k

26 January

COVID & SOCIETY he I is hosting a virtual lecture with mma lennon, a ir enry ellcome research fellow at the niversity of ambridge, where she models detection of rare viruses. he’s also the co founder of nivursa, a tool designed to help public health o cials detect and respond to infectious disease threats. he’ll cast her e pert ga e across the many tra ectories of the ovid pandemic, which, as we all know, have varied greatly according to ecological, social and technological factors. er talk will focus on the interactions between ma or global forces ecological breakdown and

social inequality, for e ample and how they in uence the outcome of the pandemic on communities. www.brlsi.org THE HIVE YOGA STUDIO ONLINE CLASSES uring lockdown it is more important than ever to prioritise self care. igning up for a few online classes with he ive oga tudio is one great way to take a moment for yourself during an ious times.

As well as teaching a range of styles of yoga, they also o er II classes with lympian Amy illiams, stretching sessions and ilates among other options, seven days a week. www.jointhehive.co.uk DANCE FIT & ZUMBA here’s no better spiritual lift than shaking it out to great music. ortunately. ance it ath has shifted online for lockdown, with a range of classes in their unique and oyful fusion of dance, aerobics and Zumba. hey have live work outs streaming most days, in addition to a bumper weekly work out on demand with e tra tracks if you want to practise and perfect those routines ready for the I reen ark gatherings. da efitbath o k

WE GET IT GET TOGETHERS In a time where many have been shielding at home for months, organisations like e et It, ath’s support community for those dealing with cancer, have become absolutely vital. very riday at . am they host the et ogether on Zoom a chance to grab your beverage of choice and touch base with a community that knows what you’re going through better than any other. he first hursday of every month at pm they also host he riends amily ang ut, a supportive monthly meet up for the family members and loved ones who look after, listen to and lift the spirits of people dealing with cancer. www.wegetit.org.uk TOP TEN TREASURES he ictoria Art allery has produced a new ou ube series to keep us entertained while we wait for the city’s cultural life to restart. op en reasures is hosted by gallery manager on enington and museum assistant im iseley and is released weekly. he ten selected pieces o er ust a glimpse of the breadth of work in the gallery’s e tensive permanent collection. he fascinating videos dive into the history of works like

WHAT’S ON

PODCASTS Plug in and switch off with these Bath-based podcasters BATH INDIE PODCAST Cherisse Rogers is a woman after our own heart. Her podcast sees her interview Bath’s creative indies, with previous guests including Polly Jackson of Whole Lotta Knots, founder of the MND tee Em Frampton, and self-care guru Roseanna Arroyo.

Search Bath Indie Podcast on Apple Podcasts and Spotify

ABOVE: Learn more about

Hugo Van Der Goes' Adoration of the Magi in the Victoria Art Gallery's YouTube series LEFT: Cherisse Rogers hosts the inspiring Bath Indie Podcast BELOW: Jason Bryant's Reaching for Rainbows exhibition of photographs details the many faces of lockdown

MR B’S PODCAST Jessica Gaitán Johannesson hosts where she chats with authors and fellow Mr B’s team members.

They’ve just wrapped up their justice season, which included

Hugo Van Der Goes’ Adoration of the Magi, one of the oldest pieces on display in the museum. We’ve all got a bit more time on our hands right now – why not use it to up your art history knowledge? Search for the Victoria Art Gallery on YouTube REACHING FOR RAINBOWS Somerset photographer Jason Bryant’s online exhibition of photographs with South West eritage rust o er one man’s take on life since March 2020. From winding shopping trolley queues to roped o playgrounds, children laughing in rope swings with their adults, rediscovering the joy of long hours spent outside, and sombre moments of re ection, the array of images capture the gamut of when it was first announced that we would be entering lockdown.

Shepton Mallet-based photographer Jason has been working in the press going on two decades, with his shots gracing the pages of many publications including The Times and The Daily Telegraph. But, for Jason, it is ultimately that which he sees on his own door step that inspires him most of all. www.swheritage.org.uk STORYTELLING Every week, bookshop Mr B’s Emporium invites its youngest devotees to take a seat and fire up YouTube for a story, engagingly read

by Gemma Dunnell – who adds in the occasional aside of her own for good measure. Yes, it’s technically for

episodes with Petina Gappah about her latest novel, Out of Darkness, Shining Light and Niven Govinden, author of This Brutal House. Turn to p 24 for more Mr B lockdown reading suggestions. www.mrbsemporium.com THE LIKE HER PODCAST A podcast by the aforementioned Roseanna Arroyo, a massage and beauty therapist and wellness advocate, The Like Her Podcast celebrates women doing amazing work in the worlds of beauty, wellness and beyond. Deep and relatable chats are what we need right now in this period that, for many, has been defined by solitude and the wisdom of oseanna o ers a comforting light for these trying times.

Search The Like Her Podcast on Apple Podcasts and Spotify

the kids, but even grown ups will find themselves drawn into the happy, colourful worlds Gemma guides us through. Embrace magical beings, other worldly explorations and animal and dinosaur friends with the little ones – and grant yourself some easy homeschooling peace in the process. Search Mr Bs Emporium of Reading Delights on YouTube BRIDGERTON If you’ve not watched it yet, now is the perfect time. The Shonda Rimes-produced Regency drama – much of which was shot here in Bath has become one of et i ’s biggest shows of all time. Silly, sexy and utterly escapist, it tells the tale of the eight Bridgerton siblings and their quest for love, wealth and status in high-powered world of the Regencyera upper classes. Plus, you’ve got the added fun of spotting all the Bath locations – which we explore more about in our next issue, out 29 January. et i o SHY OF MAKEUP Transform your look in lockdown with makeup classes from the experts at Little Lab. With eight years of teaching under their belts and over 4,000 students now able to achieve that perfect eyeliner ick, they’re o ering virtual workshops in everything from getting your daily routine down to statement looks for special occasions (one day we will have those again, honest). By appointment only, www.littlelab.co.uk n www.mediaclash.co.uk I BATH LIFE I 23

BOOKS NIC BOTTOMLEY

The great escape part III Reading about limpets with teeth on their feet might take your mind off the pandemic

“One man’s escape, might be another man’s day job” 24 I BATH LIFE I www.mediaclash.co.uk

L

et me guess. When it comes to reading, you’re after some escapism (again).

Well, books are good for that, even as we stumble into another disconcerting lockdown. They’re here for us, ready to whisk us away to foreign or fantastical locales or to simply enable us to think about something other than the norm. Not that there’s such a thing as a norm any more.

It is impossible to give blanket recommendations for escapist books because each reader’s definition of escape is so di erent and personal – one man’s escape, might be another man’s day job. That doesn’t stop me picking out some worthy candidates for you to contemplate for your next phase of escapist reading though.

For Heather Buttivant, the seashore and its life-crammed pools represent the ultimate escapism. Each exploration plunges her into a new microcosm – a fully formed hidden world separate from the strains of our own.

She invites us into these worlds in Rock Pool: Extraordinary Encounters Between the Tides (September Publishing, £9.99) in which she introduces us to the incredible lives being led by the creatures of our shoreline.

Concentrating on 24 species – from crabs to clams and starfish to glass shrimp uttivant explains not only their behaviour but also the intricate relationships between them and how they rely on one another for their survival.

And survival is no mean feat when it comes to the shoreline because, as the author explains, the constant change involved in living on the border between land and sea make it a perilous place to live and makes the ability to constantly adapt a pre-requisite.

Take limpets, for example (and you know you’re beginning to escape the day-to-day when you find yourself reading avidly about limpets whose feet (I know, news to me too!) contain teeth (you couldn’t make this up) that are made of the strongest known biological material, enabling them to cling on whatever the tides throw at them.

Aside from everything else, Rock Pool is a homage to the power and importance of the sea itself as a vital ecosystem, and a consideration of what a positive in uence its presence can be on our own mental health and wellbeing.

Escape can also be found in the past. Even in tales that are not all positive or happy. The

Distance by Ivan Vladislavic (Archipelago, £14.99) is a novel of two brothers, one of whom is himself on a journey into the past as he rediscovers the scrapbooks he kept 40 years earlier when living in Pretoria.

The scrapbooks were all centred around his hero of the time, Muhammad Ali, who would ultimately come to ply his trade on African soil in the Rumble in the Jungle. In the early 1970s Joe was a man obsessed, keeping details of every newspaper clipping about Ali (some of which are included within the text), his boxing and his many pronouncements. This was Apartheid South Africa however, so when he sided so vehemently with Mohammed Ali, it was to the chagrin of the rest of his white family, who saw Ali as an outspoken interloper.

The Distance watches Joe revisit the divisions of the time, in his own family and wider society, and attempting to reconnect with his brother Branko despite those divisions.

For me, escapism now, even more than usual, is about transporting myself away to the distant lands that there is currently no chance of actually reaching. After Christmas I reached for travel-writing legend Eric Newby and specifically his On the Shores of the Mediterranean (Harper Collins, £10.99), which recounts a languid journey around Southern Europe and North Africa taken in the early 1980s (when the book was also first published .

With his usual good humour, Newby embarks on the trip in the slightly haphazard way that characterises many of his journeys, giving the impression that it is only the company of his long su ering wife anda that is preventing the whole escapade descending into chaos.

The writing is on the wall, to be honest, from the very first chapter, as they witness a afia shooting in Naples and then get themselves into some ill-advised neighbourhoods whilst researching the elaborate (and frequent) funeral rituals of the city. The book’s map promises an Adriatic swing before ultimately making it to ibya upon the invitation of olonel addafi, and so inspires as much nervousness as it does wanderlust, proving that sometimes the best form of escape, even in a lockdown, is the kind you do from the safety of your armchair.

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

Fireplaces, wood burners, gas fires, chimney and flue specialists

Classic to contemporary – concept to completion

Chesney’s . Barbas Bellfires . Hwam . Stuv . Jetmaster Contact us today or visit our showroom Mendip Fireplaces (Bath) Monkton Combe, Bath, BA2 7HD | 01225 722706 info@mendipfireplacesbath.co.uk | www.mendipfireplacesbath.co.uk

#BATH TOGETHER GREG INGHAM

Unknown pleasures We may be further apart yet we’re closer still – creating unexpected pleasures and commonalties, reckons MediaClash’s chief exec GREG INGHAM…

W

hatever else it throws at you, life will always have pleasures to offer. And we should take them,” said Billy Wilder, film director. Billy’s right. Even in these utterly [insert adjective of choice] times, when reality has been outsourced and life placed on slow repeat – even now, there are pleasures to be taken. It helps to identify them, venerate them, share them – to dwell in those good moments, even if fleeting, to dream of better times, to be plausibly positive.

For some, it’s the quotidian joy of banana bread: yes, that emblem of inventive domesticity.

When it comes to hierarchies of need, food supports all: this second Great Pause is once more meaning that more families are spending more time together eating, lives temporarily no longer busy with activities and meetings and culture and socialising and late working, the complications

of cluttered run-hard schedules replaced by the clarity of simple repetition, of shared experience.

That absence of busyness, that limitation of options reduces our lived lives, for sure. But those pleasures of being together are an unexpected compensation.

For others, there’s the pleasure of learning new skills, whether old crafts or new technologies.

Lifelong learning has rocketed, with some 43 per cent of adults learning through lockdown according to the Learning and Work Institute – aided by technology (imagine remote learning in dial-up days?) and of course driven in some cases by the need to learn new skills for career reasons. Still learning, though.

And for yet more it’s been the restorative power of nature, those heartsurge, Wordsworthian moments of outdoor joy when all is not so much right with the world as abso-bloody-lutely beamingly great, again. Walk through this city, walk from this city, and simple pleasures abound.

Then there’s the pleasure to be

“Whatever else it throws at you, life will always have pleasures to offer”

taken in small things, those quiet moments of shared thinking and experiences, even if remotely, with friends and families: further apart yet closer still. Birthdays in lockdown aren’t the same: you can’t celebrate all together or go somewhere special. Yet they’re more singular. And often more inventive, with friends taking the extra time that they have to make videos and remembrances, to be more open and thoughtful in their tributes than merely buying presents. Yes, not the same: take the positives nonetheless.

But I’d like to suggest yet deeper pleasures. Ones that are vital to these [yadda yadda] times.

That’s the linked pleasures of empathy and shared humanity.

We’re all experiencing the same thing in different ways: all in the same storm but in different boats.

This pandemic, and especially this second Great Pause, achieves the rarity of everyone facing the same issues. The litany of those and the hopes, doubts, fears don’t need further articulation.

What matters is what we do – how we think, respond and particularly support each other, seeing the world through others’ eyes. Some will consider that we are reduced in these times, and there’s obvious truth in that. But truth is rarely singular. It’s also true that we all have a better idea now of what it is like to be someone else and what someone else is experiencing because our reality is more similar. It’s akin

to that adolescent realisation that others are also experiencing what I’m experiencing – that they have much the same fears and hangups, that it’s not just me.

The complexity of adulthood has masked that simple sense.

The pandemic strips it back, making us realise that yes, others are also finding it difficult to separate working from home from living at home or are drinking too much or exercising too little or are bored of thumbing through Netflix or have completed their hundredth eyesroll to ‘you’re on mute’ or really don’t understand how to support Key Stage Four maths learning.

Or are fearful. Lockdown unlocks our emotions, permits us to be more open with each other. It really is OK not to be OK. That dry January lockdown cocktail of grin-and-bear it stoicism blended with sheettossing sleeplessness spiked with fears: just me..? Thought not.

Perverse though it may sound in these completely [insert yet wilder adjective of choice] times, there are unexpected pleasures in simply dwelling on our common humanity – and of how we have become more human.

#BathTogether – always…

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

• Domestic and commercial roofing specialists • Covering Bath, Bristol and the South West • Trading since 1985 Tel: 01225 421499 Email: mail@youngsroofing.co.uk www.youngsroofingbath.co.uk Braysdown Lodge, Woodborough, Peasedown St John, Bath BA2 8LN

ADVERTISING FEATURE

IMPROVE YOUR WELLBEING AND HAPPINESS HUM, brought to you by ON:SONG, offers weekly singing sessions with a massive 20 per cent discount for Bath Life readers

L

aunched this year, HUM is weekly, online singing and wellbeing sessions that enhance your physical, mental and emotional health, leaving you feeling happier, less stressed and more

energised.

HUM brings people together from the UK and beyond for isolation-defying singing experiences that combat loneliness, explore the voice, enhance wellbeing and provide a sense of connection for everyone.

“It’s like a gym membership” says George Bell, co-founder of On:Song. “But instead of conditioning for the body, it is conditioning for the mind, and instead of lifting weights, it’s singing!”

HUM is for both seasoned singers and complete beginners who would like to enjoy the benefits of singing in their life, and learn from experienced and engaging singers, vocal coaches and wellbeing professionals. Using

20% OFF All 3 memberships have 20% off for Bath Life readers. Use Promo code: BALIFE20

Zoom to create a truly immersive experience, each week you can dive into a Wellbeing Lunchtime Session and inspirational Evening Session that unlocks songs and music from different eras, cultures and traditions.

WELLBEING LUNCHTIME SESSION (40 MINUTES) The lunchtime singing sessions promote wellbeing, mindfulness and unity. You will explore areas such as stress, sleep, connection and energy, and will use breath, vocal, and movement techniques to improve your wellbeing and boost your confidence.

EVENING SINGING SESSION (50 MINS) These culturally enriching sessions focus on inspiring you, designed to broaden musical horizons and introduce new musical themes and ideas. Each session draws from a different cultural realm, offering insight into different traditions, genres, artists, regions or eras.

Standard membership at £18 per month This gives you access to two online sessions each week, plus you can get them on demand so you can catch up if you miss one. Plus there is a host of additional singing material online for you to

enjoy, and discounts to additional singing events in between the sessions.

Complete membership at £25 per month.

The same as standard, but there is more online singing material, and the extra events between sessions are included in the membership.

Basic membership at £10 per month.

Access to the online singing sessions and an online community of other HUM singers.

HUM is a product of On:Song, a small national company with a big impact, committed to promoting the benefits of group singing to support global wellbeing. Started in 2016 by two musicians, Greg Staw and George Bell, On:Song works with talented singers to provide sessions in a huge range of styles. Having recently received Cultural Recovery funding from Arts Council England, HUM has launched to improved the wellbeing of the country through the use of song.

Subscribe now: onsong.co.uk/hum www.mediaclash.co.uk I BATH LIFE I 29

ADVERTISING FEATURE

COURSES & CLASSES Level up your skill set for 2021

TANYA SLATER

LAURA ANDREWS

AKA THE GIRL WHO SIMPLIFIED

PRINCIPAL, BATH SCHOOL OF DANCE

07769149598 www.thegirlwhosimplified.com

www.bathschoolofdance.co.uk

What led you to teach your course?

Having spent a decade decluttering my home and my entire life, I overcame my crippling mental health and improved my life exponentially. I’ve condensed 40 years of life challenges, learning, and experience and created a work of passion transforming people’s lives with my Home Clearing Club Method.

Tell us about your classes/courses?

Born out of lockdown, the Home Clearing Club is a seven-week online course that gently guides students week by week, room by room around their home to remove all their excess ‘stuff’. I offer this course in three formats to suit all budgets, lifestyles, and personal needs. No matter which format students follow, very quickly everyone starts to understand the ways in which the things they have accumulated over the years have been holding them back and adding to their overwhelm and exhaustion.

What should students expect to achieve through the course?

I teach my students how to take control of their homes so they can better take control of their lives. It is best described as wellbeing, confidence, clarity, life, family, relationship, mental health, and business coaching all rolled into one – and uniquely disguised as a home clearing course to make positive lasting change. Basically, it’s magic!

Tell us about your classes?

We run ballet, contemporary and ballet fitness classes for children aged 3 to adults. Our classes for children run in a Covid-19 secure environment at our Combe Down studio. Adult classes currently run online and have proven to be a fantastic and convenient way to keep dancers dancing, from complete beginners to those with years of experience. Dancers from all over the country have joined us online!

What sums up the ethos of your school?

We are a welcoming and nurturing school that recognises the physical and mental benefits of dance to dancers of all ages and abilities. Dance is an escape; a happy and social activity. The School’s vision is to bring the healing powers of dance to the whole community.

What do you enjoy most about teaching?

Watching dancers progress and grow in confidence. A ballet teacher doesn’t just teach ballet, they teach children how to be well-rounded individuals, which makes our role so fulfilling. Also, the joy of bringing adults back to dance. It is so inspiring to see dancers return after 30+ years and rediscover their love for it.

VANESSA SAYCE

THE MARMALADE HOUSE 01225 445855; www.themarmaladehouse.co.uk The Marmalade House runs specialist furniture painting and design courses, and has trained hundreds of amateur and creative professionals in the art of transforming old furniture into beautiful pieces. They work with a range of finishes from traditional French and Gustavianstyle antique looks, to more modernist warehouse-style and flat-painted finishes. The courses are unique, full day, and hands-on with all the skills you need to start your own projects competently. Courses run from their barn studios in Kelston, with homemade farmhouse lunches included, and all materials are provided for the day. All trainees need to bring is themselves and plenty of enthusiasm!

In the spring, The Marmalade House is delighted to be offering a new Advanced Furniture Painting course that brings in new products and trends, and allows trainees to practise marbling, coastal-style painting, rust and verdigris finishes, and lime-washing. Their interior design days are also very popular, working to dispel the worry some have of introducing colour into the home, looking at interior styles and designs, and creating mood boards. The Marmalade ethos is to encourage students to re-use and rework what they have to make it really beautiful again.

The courses are run by Vanessa and her Marmalade colleagues. Vanessa is a multi-award-winning interior designer and teacher, who specialises in the art of furniture painting and colour-work. She has worked in London, The Middle East, Oxfordshire, extensively in the locality, and increasingly in France. “Creativity never stands still,”she says. “There are always new influences and ideas. We truly love what we do, and that overspills into all our courses and classes. We teach as we work on projects and schemes, and are constantly learning ourselves – that’s why we are able to keep our courses fresh and interesting, and above all collaborative.”

www.mediaclash.co.uk I BATH LIFE I 31

farmland; look out for Sham’s Castle on the way; enjoy the walk at a pace to suit you; sheep can be found grazing in Richens Orchard

AIM SKY HIGH Our step by step guide to the Bath Skyline walk

5 4 3

2

Sham Castle

Bathwick

1

Bathampton Down

6

Bath Golf Club

Bushey Norwood University

BATH 11

Sports Training Village Smallcombe Wood

Widcombe

Prior Park

10

Rainbow Wood Farm

7

Claverton Down

9 The Priory

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

8

© INSTAGR AM @SUES _ PHOTOS _ / BATH AND BEYOND PHOTOGR APHY

CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT: Parts of the walk are across

I

t’s lockdown part three, and time to clear our heads again with a great big stomping, life a rming walk. his time we’re pulling out the big guns and going for the classic the ational rust’s ath kyline Walk, showing us Bath at its incredible, breathtaking best. nly a short stroll from the city centre and we enter another world, the skyline hills above Bath, through six miles of meadows and ancient woodlands to secluded valleys.

At any time of year, a variety of views nestled among tree-lined hill from this walk’s elevated position can o er new perspectives of ath something we long for right now. lus there are lot of kissing gates – which is also something we all long for right now...!

STARTS AT: Bathwick Hill, Cleveland Walk and ends here too.

LENGTH: Approx 6 miles TIME: Allow between 3 hours and 30 mins, and 4 hours LEVEL: Moderate THINGS TO LOOK OUT FOR: Sham Castle, Smallcombe Garden Cemetery, Richens Orchard, and all those kissing gates!

WALKS

Enjoy spectacular views across Bath

1 Cleveland Walk and North Road: Standing on Bathwick Hill at entrance to National Trust Bathwick Fields, cross road to Cleveland Walk opposite and continue for 400m until narrow footpath on right opposite Sham Castle Lane. Follow path to meet North Road. Turn right and continue to kissing gate on opposite side of road. Cross road, and through kissing gate.

2 Sham Castle Down: Continue up steep

steps and path through field. At top go through kissing gate onto small road with bench on left. Detour to Sham Castle (200m). Cross over road and follow path up past small stone building, then bear right to reach Sham Castle.

Retrace steps to bench.

3 Bathwick Wood: From bench, keep views to your left. Take path down steps into woodland. Follow path. Ignore metal kissing gate on left, and instead follow path right and right again, steeply uphill to kissing gate at the top.

The National Trust have marked out the route

4 Bathampton Down: Turn left onto track, keeping woods to your left. Continue past kissing gate on left. Leave wider track on approach to radio masts and take smaller grassy path to left. ontinue across two fields keeping level ground. Walk down a short slope which bears left, turn right into wood over stile.

5 Bathampton Wood: Follow winding path through woods until reaching junction of steep cross path. Go straight across past large rocks on both sides and up short slope between two trees where path splits. Take wider path in middle, past large rocky cli on right. eep to the higher path, ignoring any others. Path ascends gently to large Y junction, here bear left and continue to metal kissing gate.

6 Bushey Norwood: Go through kissing gate into open field. ontinue ahead with fence on left. At end of field, go through gate in wall and bear right. ross field keeping wall on right until reaching gate. Go through gate, turn left along track. Turn right before metal gates and go through wooden gate (University land). Go over stone stile in wall on left and turn right along road for 100m. Turn left onto public footpath at gap in wall just before Cats and Dogs Home. Follow path, it narrows at end then reaches Claverton Down Road. Go left for 40m then cross road to small layby.

7 Claverton Down: Go through gate to left of layby. Follow fenced path for 800m, through several wooden gates until you reach woodland on the right.

8 Woodland Path: Turn right into woodland, and follow woodland path for 1km, until you reach wooden gate in stone wall. Go through gate and straight over cycle track. ontinue, with playing field on right. ear left down rocky slope, ignoring wooden stile straight ahead.

9 The Balcony and Rainbow Wood Fields: Turn right, through stone pillars.

Continue along path with views down the valley on left. Go past pond on left then bear right up steps. Continue straight ahead through trees until you re-join cycle track.

Turn left onto cycle path and follow for 150m until you reach metal kissing gate on left.

10 Widcombe Hill and Smallcombe Vale: Go through kissing gate and follow path down to main road at bottom. Cross road, and continue down road with field and views to right. urn right into field through kissing gate, then immediate left through second kissing gate. alk downhill across field keeping views ahead. Bear right to reach the kissing gate next to water trough. Go through kissing gate and follow path down steps keeping fence to left.

Detour to Smallcombe Garden Cemetery – a tranquil haven with abundant wildlife and a number of notable historic graves including the piano seller Francis Milsom whom the Bath city centre street is named after – turn right up lane for 140m.

11 Bathwick Fields: Go through kissing gate at bottom of hill, cross lane, and through gate opposite. Continue up steep path and steps, bearing right and bending left. Go through kissing gate into field. ontinue up slope until Bath is in view. Bear right then keep left as path forks and continue to kissing gate into Richens Orchard, where sheep can often be seen grazing. Cross top of orchard to another kissing gate. Bear left and head for kissing gate.

Go through kissing gate and take path to right. ontinue m across field to pedestrian gate ne t to larger gate. it field and go straight on to reach National Trust Bus Stop where walk started.

For more: www.nationaltrust.org.uk

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

ADVERTISING FEATURE

PLANT POWER Are you taking the Veganuary plunge? Perhaps you just want to include more plant-based meals in your diet.

Meet Bath’s vegan community – they’ve got your back

By Lydia Tewkesbury

JANIFA BERRIDGE OF JANIFA’S KITCHEN How did you get started?

I’ve been a teacher at the renowned Demuths Cookery School since it was established 20 years ago. I started Janifa’s Kitchen as a direct response to the coronavirus crisis. I’ve always worked freelance so when the school was locked down, I needed an income. The Farmers’ Market at Green Park Station managed to keep going, so I grabbed a pitch, created a menu of exciting, healthy lunch pots and got stuck in.

Why do you think Bath has seen such a surge in vegan businesses in recent years?

In my opinion achel emuth has played a significant role in setting the foundations. There was an established vegan/vegetarian community here in ath when I first moved to the city back in the early ’90s, and Demuths Restaurant was at its heart. Many of its inspirational head chefs stayed in the city to establish their own vegan businesses.

Phil created Green Rocket Café and Richard bought Demuths and transformed it first into Acorn then into ak, while achel switched her focus to her cookery school. With Demuths head chef Helen Lawrence now at the helm of the cookery school, she has worked with and encouraged the likes of Lucy from Bath Culture House and Amy of Relish vegan cakes.

What would you feed a vegan sceptic?

It’s got to be Gado Gado, an Indonesian dish which translates as Mix Mix. Traditionally it is a spicy roasted peanut dipping sauce, similar to satay but served with a platter of seasonal vegetables. I stir my mix of steamed and raw vegetables with salad potatoes straight into the sauce so you can eat it straight from the tub. It’s loaded with fresh lemongrass, which packs an amazingly aromatic punch.

For more: @janifaskitchen on Instagram

LOIS, @VEGANBATH ON INSTAGRAM SHARES WHY SHE LOVES BEING VEGAN

The vegan community is one of the most enthusiastic groups of people you’ll come across. From the collective excitement over a new food launch (Greggs Vegan sausage roll!) to the support we give to anyone considering veganism – you know vegans have always got your back. I love that.

I love being vegan because it just feels right to me. No amount of ‘what about bacon though?’ (side note, I never even liked bacon) will negate the knowledge that veganism is absolutely the right thing in terms of animal welfare and the environment. On a personal note, veganism has really helped me settle into Bath after moving seven years ago. I think nothing of sitting by myself in Cascara with a cup of tea and a toastie, where staff are always so chatty and welcoming – whereas I’m typically too nervous to do something like that otherwise. I love the big genuine smile and chat you get from Niraj at Chai Walla. I love people watching at Rooted on Chelsea Road. It’s stuff like that that makes me proud to be part of the vegan community in Bath.

SUS DAVY, CASCARA What’s the vibe in Cascara?

We really pride ourselves on our friendliness. We want you to feel warm and at ease when you enter our space. Having a hard day? We will be here for a chat, a hug (when Covid allows!) or simply to lend an ear.

What are some stereotypes about veganism you’d like to see change?

First, that vegans are ‘preachy’ – this feels so outdated but is still being used against those on a vegan diet/lifestyle. None of the vegans I have met seem preachy. A vegan diet is better for the planet and for animal welfare – there is evidence to prove it – but I don’t feel it is preaching.

Second, that vegans don’t get enough protein – you only need Google plant protein to understand it is easy to get your nutritional requirements on a vegan diet.

What’s one thing on the menu you’d serve to a sceptic?

Janifa sells her tasty salads at the Bath Farmers’ Market

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

ur vegan smoked salmon’ made with carrot has been a huge hit to omnivores and vegans alike. any say they can’t tell the di erence!

For more: 3 Upper Borough Walls, Bath; tel: 01225 452636; @cascarabath on Instagram

“The most important thing is to try in whatever way you can”

VEGANUARY 3 Don’t let others’ judgement put you off.

4 Try not to overcomplicate it. he internet is at your fingertips, there’s a tonne of information out there and after a while it becomes second nature to check the back of the packet to see what’s in what you’re about to eat.

What’s one donut that’d melt the heart of even the most hardened vegan sceptic?

ur limited edition profiterole donut. A donut filled with cream not coconut cream, thank god that’s dunked in a rich chocolate sauce. It’s delicious and was our most popular avour over hristmas.

For more: www.thehappydonut.co.uk

HELEN LAWRENCE, DEMUTHS Tell us about Demuths Cookery School

emuths originally started as a restaurant way back in the ’ s plant based eating has come a long way since then! e’ve been teaching people how to get creative with vegetables since 2000. We o er a wide variety of classes, across di erence cuisines and skill levels.

What are some of your top tips for going vegan in a way that sticks?

Even non-vegans can’t get enough of Happy Donut Co

MEG SMITH AND NAT MORRIS OF THE HAPPY DONUT CO

here are easy switches you can make switching to oat milk or soya yoghurt, for e ample and don’t forget that lots of staples, like peanut butter, are accidentally’ vegan. igning up to eganuary or hallenge are great ways to start as they have loads of resources to help you. he main thing is to ust take it at a pace you’re comfortable with so that you don’t feel overwhelmed.

For more: 6 Terrace Walk, Bath; tel: 01225 427938; www.demuths.co.uk

SUZY PUDDEPHATT, HARVEST Tell us a bit more about Harvest

What’s different about The Happy Donut Co?

Unlike most, we operate from home and hand deliver almost every order ourselves. All of our Insta content and website has been done ourselves, with some help from Google and Pinterest. But the biggest di erence is that he appy onut o is a business that started during the first lockdown in April, one that is female led and owned.

arvest’s mission is to accessibly provide an innovative selection of ethically sourced, free vegetarian and vegan products, specialising in organic, free from’ and health foods. arvest is a workers co operative and part of ssential rading, one of the ’s largest co ops, meaning the company is entirely owned and operated by its workers. ur consciously di erent’ ethos has served us well, as 2021 marks our 50th birthday!

What does it mean to be vegan in 2021?

What’s the biggest misconception about going vegan?

It means di erent things to di erent people. It’s definitely becoming more of the norm and less taboo. As with everything, there’s always a stereotype. Stereotypes make great headlines, but often they are just that. For us, the most important thing is to try in whatever way you can. hether that’s choosing to be vegan or choosing a vegan donut over a non vegan donut. It’s not about doing everything, it’s about doing what you can, when you can.

I’d say the biggest misconception about veganism is that it’s di cult.

In the past few years especially, there’s been such an e plosion of new vegan products and businesses, you can find a vegan alternative to ust about anything.

Why do you think there are so many vegan businesses in Bath?

or us, we can see the di erence in how our parents set up and operated businesses in the 1980s, compared to how we set up ours in 2020. Nowadays, the importance of being an honest, transparent and morally driven business is huge. A number of studies have shown that for millennials and Gen Z, one of the most important factors when choosing what businesses to support is that company’s mission, values and morals.

What are your top tips for turning vegan in a sustainable way?

1 Do it for the right reasons. If you think veganism is going to make you skinny, think again. e’re testament that vegan products do not equal healthy products.

2 Don’t put too much pressure on yourself, we all mess up at some point. If you can’t go fully vegan, ust do what you can. hether that means eating vegan once or twice a week, or consuming less animal products, or giving up everything bar cheese. o what you can and own it.

All your plant milk needs are covered at Harvest

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

VEGANUARY What would you feed someone doubtful about vegan food?

It’s a tricky one to pick just one vegan food to give a sceptic – there are so many amazing vegan ‘dupes’ now! I’d say one of my current favourites, though, is the Love Raw Cre&m Filled Bar which is totally indistinguishable from its non-plant-based counterpart.

For more: 37 Walcot Street; Tel: 01225 465519; www.harvest-bath.cooop

AMY MAGNER, RELISH

How did you end up a vegan baker?

I’d always been the go-to friend in our group to make these ridiculously lavish and totally OTT birthday cakes, and my brownies and layer cakes were always the first thing to go at markets. arkets turned into wholesale then wholesale turned into celebration cakes and now that’s what I do full time and I love it.

How are you doing things differently?

I think elish is a bit di erent because I aim to make cakes that even non vegans order. y customers are per cent non vegans, which is the ultimate compliment. I make cakes that people know and love like cherry bakewells, rich chocolate fudge cake, and co ee and walnut just plant-based.

Rooted are known for their flavoursome vegan eats

Why do you think veganism is so popular in Bath?

I think that’s due to the fact that so many young people settle in Bath.

The younger generation are more commonly vegan or veggie, and as Bath is jam-packed full of young creatives, I think it was inevitable.

Which of your cakes would change a vegan-wary mind?

y chocolate fudge and salted caramel cake every time. It’s my most popular cake by far and for good reason – it’s moist and fudgy with an oozy salted caramel centre. Divine!

For more: www.relishvegan.co.uk

Amy’s extraordinary cakes are to die for – that they’re also vegan is just a bonus

GEORGINA READ PETER, ROOTED Tell us more about Rooted

e are a family run business, launched in by icholas eter and ichelle eace. e quite literally built ooted from the ground up. ost things you see in ooted, from the bar to the tables, we upcycled as a family. Our ethos is seasonality is the key to sustainability. We take so much inspiration from our multicultural heritage in Britain and our food is very representative of that. Our most popular dish is the Full Indian Breakfast that is served with an almond chai or mango lassi.

What’s one thing on the menu you’d serve a sceptic?

ur famous vegan unday roast. ushroom ellington with lentils, sweet potato, chestnuts and cranberry, roasted roots, seasonal greens, braised sultana red cabbage, and our wild mushroom gravy.

Any misconceptions about veganism you’d like to show the door?

I would say one misconception about vegan cooking is that people believe there is little avour. eople are blown away by the combinations of avours we use here.

For more: 20 Newbridge Road, Bath; tel: 01225 425161; www.rootedcafe.co.uk

MATHEW THOMAS, EXTINCTION REBELLION BATH ACTIVIST You don’t have to be vegan to join Extinction Rebellion, but I always say that going vegan is one of the most impactful ways an individual can act to reduce their personal environmental footprint, greater even than cutting down on your flights or buying an electric car.

Avoiding meat and dairy could reduce your carbon footprint from food by nearly three quarters according to a recent report by researchers at University of Oxford. If everyone stopped eating meat and dairy, they also found that global farmland use could be reduced by 75 per cent, an area comparable to the size of the US, China, Australia and the EU combined. Not only would this result in a sizeable reduction in greenhouse gas emissions, it would also free up land lost to agriculture, one of the primary causes for mass wildlife extinction and soil erosion. @extinctionbellionbath on Instagram

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

A

T

A

I

A

J Waterfall is a plant-based sports nutritionist from Bath. He works with elite vegan athletes ranging in disciplines from Premier League and international footballers and endurance runners, to Olympic athletes and professional rugby players. e has a first class master’s degree in nutrition from and loves to bring clients the best advice based on the latest science and nutrition research. He’s just released a book, The Plant-Based Power Plan, which is designed to provide you with all the evidence-based tips, advice and strategies he uses with elite sportspeople to help you thrive in health and performance, on your plant-based diet.

THE TOP THREE BENEFITS OF A VEGAN LIFESTYLE FOR HEALTH, ACCORDING TO TJ

A balanced vegan diet is proven to be one of the healthiest ways to eat – thanks to the higher intake of antioxidants and the thousands of important phytonutrients in plant foods, along with the lower intake of saturated fat and other potentially detrimental components in meat and animalbased products. The evidence is fast growing and covers a wide range of health and performance benefits. ere are my top three 1. Gut health: average fibre intakes in the are around half what they should be, while vegans tend to consume well over the recommended minimum, which is vital for feeding the good bacteria in our gut. And there’s growing evidence that our gut health in uences almost every other system in the body – even mental health!

2.Weight management: there’s strong evidence that a plant-based diet is the most e ective way to both maintain a healthy weight, and lose weight sustainably for anyone looking to shed some pounds. It’s even been shown to be more e ective and much healthier) than low-carbohydrate diets.

3.Performance: a large and growing number of world-class elite athletes are taking advantage of the performance benefits of a plant-based diet – such as improved recovery times and increased blood ow to working muscles during exercise.

TRY IT AT HOME BLUEBERRY PROTEIN SMOOTHIE BOWL Want to turn any smoothie into a smoothie bowl? It’s like having a healthy ice cream for breakfast, and they’re great because eating your smoothie with a spoon slows down your eating. Plus you can appreciate the nice toppings which add di erent colours and texture.

Time: 5 minutes Difficulty: easy Storage: best consumed immediately Serves: 1

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

Ingredients 1 frozen chopped banana ½ cup of frozen blueberries 1 cup of fresh spinach (approx. 30g) ¼ of a fresh beetroot tablespoon ground a seeds 1 scoop of vegan vanilla protein powder (optional) ½ cup of water Method Blend all the ingredients in a high-powered blender until thick and smooth. If you like, you can then scatter over your favourite toppings, for example more fresh fruit, nuts, seeds, or nut butter.

Nutrition: alories rotein . g arbohydrates . g f which sugars . g ats . g f which saturates . g ibre . g High in protein and a great source of key nutrients iron and omega- 3, plus vitamins A, , , folate and magnesium.

RECIPES MEAT-FREE CHILLI I’ve been experimenting with vegan chillies for years now – making loads of little tweaks and improvements each time, taking inspiration from several other recipes – and I’m proud to say this is definitely the best one yet . . . It’s a rich, deep chilli with a good spicy kick and complex flavours that rivals any meat- based version. The quantities in this recipe make 8 servings, so use your biggest pan and freeze any leftovers – as with many dishes, the flavours actually develop and become even more infused after freezing and reheating.

Time: 15 minutes prep + 60 minutes cooking Difficulty: easy Storage: keep covered in the fridge for up to 3 days Freezable Serves: 8 Ingredients 2 tablespoons rapeseed oil 1 large onion, finely chopped 2 red peppers, chopped 5 cloves of garlic, finely chopped a thumb-size piece of ginger, finely chopped or grated 1 red chilli, finely chopped 1 teaspoon chilli powder 1 tablespoon ground cumin 2 tablespoons smoked paprika 150ml red wine

3 x 400g tins of chopped tomatoes 2 x 400g tins of green or brown lentils 200g quinoa, uncooked 1 x 400g tin of black beans 1 tablespoon cocoa powder 2 tablespoons soy sauce (or 1 tablespoon tamari for GF option) 1 litre veg stock salt and lots of black pepper

3. To improve the consistency, I like to remove just a couple of ladles of the chilli and blitz in a blender to a thick sauce, then return it back to the pot (this step is optional but does give the chilli a thicker, richer consistency).

4. Serve with rice, and a selection of toppings such as soy yoghurt, mashed avocado and fresh coriander, sliced spring onions and pickled jalapeños.

To serve (per person): 1 cup of cooked rice 2 tablespoons soy yoghurt ½ an avocado, roughly mashed a handful of fresh coriander, chopped

Nutrition (served with 1 cup Of white rice, ½ an avocado and 2 tablespoons plain soy yoghurt): • Calories: 564 • Protein: 18.7g • Carbohydrates: 86.2g • Of which sugars: 9.8g • Fats: 20.1g • Of which saturates: 3.1g • Fibre: 19.1g

Method 1. Heat the rapeseed oil in a large pan over a medium heat. Fry the onion and red peppers for 10 minutes, until starting to soften and turning translucent. Add the garlic, ginger and red chilli and continue frying for a further 2– 3 minutes, then add the spices and fry for a further 1– 2 minutes, stirring continuously.

2. Add the red wine and let it simmer for 5 minutes, until reduced by about half. Then add all the remaining ingredients, just starting with 1 litre of stock and keeping the rest handy in case the chilli starts to look a little dry. Simmer gently for around 40 minutes, until the lentils and quinoa are tender and the chilli is deep and flavoursome.

High in protein and a great source of key nutrients iron and zinc, plus vitamin C, folate, pantothenic acid, magnesium and manganese.

These recipes and more are featured in TJ’s new book,

The Plant-Based Power Plan: Increase Strength, Boost Energy and Perform At Your Best. It is available to buy from a Bath independent bookshop.

www.meatfreefitness.co.uk

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

ABBEY KITCHEN HOTEL

It’s a Sunday best for Sarah Moolla at the relaunched city centre hotel

I

can’t cook a roast. I can eat roast, mmmmm…. yummy – gobble it all up – and end by rubbing my tummy. But cook? No way. Each individual item is fine. I can cook some meat. hen later maybe some potatoes. And if you’re lucky and give me a few hours or so, I’ll get round to the veg. But all of it, cooked, in one fell swoop? And then to be served to some happy, lazy, good for nothings hot and on time? Uh-uh. It’s not happening. It’s so hard and I get so stressed and so angry. I often play up the anger so as to scare my husband into taking over. It’s worked because he’s now the Sunday roast chef in our house. It does mean that our children love him more than me, but to be honest it’s totally worth the trade.

So when I am invited to try out the new Abbey Hotel Kitchen’s relaunched Sunday roast menu, there’s only person I can invite – the person my children love more than me. One drawback taking him out for a roast though is his tendency to come over all pseudo food critic

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

because this is his patch’. hose roast potatoes were a bit hard. hat beef was a little tough I’d say. mmm uniform Yorkshires...I suspect shop bought foul play here...” I’ll just nod, whilst gobbling it all up, and then end by rubbing my tummy. his time though we’re both pretty speechless mainly because we were happily and greedily stu ng our faces. his has to be one of the finest roasts, created by chef onny dwards, we have ever had. ut first our starters, which in hindsight we should have swerved due to the gargantuan portions that were headed our way. he meaty garlic mushrooms came in a sweet, creamy, sauce with the slightest whisper of white wine, atop a light, airy slice of fresh ciabatta. My husband’s salt and pepper squid, which was crisp, light with a firm not chewy bite, came with a generous sprinkling of rocket and enough garlicky aioli for proper dredging purposes. hen comes along the unday best it can all barely fit on the table the orkshires alone looking the si e of

RESTAURANT

their county of origin. hey’re pu ed, golden, crispy and shape wise as un uniform as can be almost to the point of looking monstrous no neat Aunt essie’s cheating going on here. y husband has the love hearts for eyes’ emo i face going on as dish after dish is brought. lossy vibrant red cabbage, slightly softened by pickling but still with that satisfying crunch. igs in blankets that are actually proper bangers peppery and porky wrapped in rashers so deliciously browned to almost be like crackling. he shiny meaty discs of stu ng are a surprise I am so used to the dried, breadcrumb style of a sage and onion mi that the addition of sausage meat throws me it does quite clearly say it in the description by the way, this is me arriving like a hungry hippo and not reading the menu properly . hey are incredible oily, plump, and eshy, delivering hits of sage and wafts of onion. he scene stealing triumph though even compared to the golden, crunchy, soft inside roast potatoes and the deeply avoursome medium rare beef is the cauli ower cheese. A oyous, belter of a dish lavish with al dente orets baked in a bubbling, thick cheesy sauce, with crisp cheese crust. It’s like all your comforts have come at once. he piquancy of the cauli ower works so well with the roast beef, I could have happily ust had the two components on my plate and declared it probably one of my favourite roasts ever. As it is, there was all this other tremendous stu going on nudging it into the realms of best I’ve ever had. his didn’t ust end with rubbing the tummy, belts also had to be unnotched a couple of holes. es, because we were stu ed, but also to make room for the puddings a moist, syrupy and heavenly sticky to ee pudding with a ball of vanilla ice cream and Abbey itchen version of ton’s ess, which was a delicious meringue style strawberry cheesecake served with a bullet of esty raspberry sorbet. he enchanting dining room itself, enhanced with eclectic and impressive artworks, all from local artists, and the sweet, attentive and informative sta , including food and beverage manager herisse ogers, made our over indulgence and la y afternoon ust the perfect way to spend a unday. ne thing we are both agreed on, we won’t be bringing the boys. hey’ll love it too much, and I can’t a ord to be nudged into third place for their a ections. n

“Proper bangers, peppery and porky, wrapped in rashers so deliciously browned to almost be like crackling” DINING DETAILS Abbey Hotel Kitchen, a Tribute Portfolio hotel, North Parade, Bath. tel 01225 461603; www.abbeyhotelbath.co.uk Opening hours: 12pm-10pm daily Covers: 38 during Covid restrictions, 70 when normal service resumes Outdoor space: An open terrace located at the front of the hotel during the summer months.

Prices: Starters: £6.50 - £8.50; mains: £12 - £19; desserts: £6.50- £9.50 Drinks choice: A full drinks menu available including, beers, wines, soft drinks and cocktails at the Art Bar Vegetarian options: A good choice including spiced parsnip winter soup, garlic mushrooms, and nut roast Disability access: Yes Atmosphere: Relaxed, friendly, and happy to have you – always a lovely feeling Decor: A huge draw, amazing food aside, is the contemporary and striking artwork lining all the walls which will look to frequently change and support local talent

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

FOOD & DRINK NEWS

JUST WHAT THE DOCTOR ORDERED

Lisa Mahlberg knows all the best gourmet goodies around

ruton’s already e cellent culinary scene has a welcome new addition. erlin abron ohnson, the chef behind the famed sip is opening a wine bar and picerie. he ld harmacy in the heart of the town is inspired by the piceries of rural rance, and will be somewhere you can stop in for a co ee or a glass of red and a small plate, and a spot to pick up fresh, local provisions for cooking at home. he ld harmacy’s retail side will be filled with produce from erlin’s own vegetable plot, amworth pig charcuterie, local dairy, farmhouse cheeses, pickles, preserves and a dry goods store. he ld harmacy feels like a natural progression from sip, erlin says. At the restaurant we let the home grown, seasonal ingredients shine, so I wanted he ld harmacy to continue in this vein and allow locals and visitors alike to be able to take home the same produce we use at the restaurant ust a few doors down. I love the idea that you could drop in to he ld harmacy and pick up some supplies to take away like some local cheese with beautiful charcuterie and a ar of pickles, and go o into the omerset countryside to en oy a picnic with loved ones, or choose to stay and settle in for the night with some wine, cider and small plates. he ld harmacy will launch soon. eep an eye on their social media for updates.

For more: @theoldpharmacybruton on Instagram

ABOVE: Merlin

Labron-Johnson will continue his centring of fresh produce in The Old Pharmacy; LEFT: In addition to its retail offering, they will have small plates to eat in

Knowledgeable staff in Edgars are on hand to help you make the perfect choice

SOMETHING FISHY

here’s another newbie in town to keep us well fed during lockdown. dgar oods is a specialist seafood store. It’s your one stop shop for quality fruits of the sea from acific est oods, with e pert sta on hand to ensure a dreamy dine at home e perience in these restaurant less times. If fish isn’t your thing, they also have delicious goodies on the shelves from the likes of artwright and utler, as well as some lu ury Italian delights by I ove Italia.

For more: www.edgarsfoods.co.uk

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

WHAT’S COOKIN’

If there’s one thing that defines lockdown, it’s food. uddenly so much of our days revolve around what we might eat ne t followed closely by what we’re going to watch on et i . he least you can do for yourself is eat well, and the brand new ourmet ookIn store on onmouth treet o ers plenty of tasty options. A lu ury retail e perience, they stock gourmet treats like ing ea, eal ombucha, ermanos olombian o ee, hocolate ree, ernando ensato and entire rinks as well as a range of eclectic homewares. efore the pandemic, founder Lisa ahlberg had ust started another business o ering private cooking lessons, which she had to put on hold. o, when the opportunity to start a shop came up, she leapt at it. his little shop has given me the business space, good position and easy access to build up a foodie customer base, while selling gourmet artisan products all chosen for their ama ing story, quality and the sustainability ethos to the environment, she e plains. hen she’s able, she hopes to host supper clubs in the space with a highly qualified chef sometimes her husband, liver, a chef on a lu ury motor yacht or speciality cook local to ath.

For more: www.gourmetcookin.com

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

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

www.bathstonemasons.co.uk

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

✆ 01225 475800

FOODIE RODE TRIP Exploring a pretty village that’s firmly on the gastro map Words by Sarah Moolla; Pictures by Nick Cole

“In Rode people really care about where their food comes from and shopping locally” 46 I BATH LIFE I www.mediaclash.co.uk

Choc on Choc’s Flo Broughton with her father and fellow founder Kerr Dunlop

OUT OF TOWN

R

ode is one of those places that, everyone who has ever visited or passed through, admires, and if you live there – you love it. With its rural picturesque setting, rose garden cottages and busy little high street – it has the air of a quaint village that time forgot in a cosy, unsullied way. But a visit to the Rode General tore, af ost ce owned by aritsa arrington reveals there is a vibrant and beating heart to this pretty parish. Along with the expected essentials, the shelves are packed with delicious locally made goods including Somerset gelato Palette & Pasture and Wessex Flour, and they take orders for nearby producers such as Castlemead chicken. Plus it houses a small café that serves up delicious homemade treats including pasties and cakes from the local he illage aking o. o find out more, we talk to some of those producers helping put Rode on the foodie map…

Somerset Foodie’s Ben Tollworthy also offers online cooking classes

FLO BROUGHTON and KERR DUNLOP, co-founders of Choc on Choc. Chocolate House, High Street, Rode; www.choconchoc.co.uk Tell us a little about the background to Choc on Choc…

The Choc on Choc story started in 2003 when me and my dad, who is an inventor, were messing about in the kitchen with chocolate and came up with the idea of making chocolate noughts and crosses games for the family as gifts. he idea took o and we developed a unique layering technique to help us stand out from the crowd.

How is the business doing now?

We are stocked in more than 200 retailers in the UK and also ship worldwide including across Europe, Japan and Australia.

How does being based in Rode benefit your business?

It’s a lovely place to work and provides local employment and keeps the family business where it started.

So despite Choc on Choc’s expansion, you’ve stayed in the village?

Yes, the company is still based in the village but the manufacturing has moved to bigger premises with a fully functioning team and some serious equipment. Dad makes the chocolate moulds in ‘his shed’ while I run the

Choc on Choc love to experiment with new designs and ideas

business, and we design the chocolates together. Even though the business has grown, we still make all the chocolate by hand and the sta receive in-depth training to do so.

Have you seen Rode change over the years?

We moved here in 1984, when I was four years old. The village has become an even bigger community – it has always had one at heart and is very inclusive of everyone, and with the likes of social media it can become even more so now.

What sets it apart from other villages?

The community and all the fun events that get put on throughout the year, such as pantomimes played by villagers, the summer fêtes, cinema nights and safari suppers around the village. We have a buddy system that was created for lockdowns and is such a great example of how this village pulls together, and how friendly it is.

Any examples of any Choc on Choc collaborations?

We recently worked with Chatley Farm Brownies, based in Tellisford, the next village, to create a lovely range of brownies that have been a hit.

Anything new coming up for Choc on Choc?

We are always creating new designs and ideas, and are currently working on a at packed aster gg.

BEN TOLLWORTHY, owner of SOMERSET FOODIE, the independent online food retailer. Church Farm, Parkgate Lane, Rode; www.somersetfoodie.com Tell us a little about Somerset Foodie…

We sell inspiring ingredients and recipe kit boxes, which we source from independent artisan makers, for people who love to cook. It can be via a click and collect, home delivery or mail order service and we use biodegradable packaging wherever we possibly can. www.mediaclash.co.uk I BATH LIFE I 47

OUT OF TOWN Why Rode to start your business?

I’ve lived in the local area for 18 years and chose to locate our business at Church Farm as I’ve been an advocate of Fussels products for a long time.

Tim Fussell is also a great friend and we’ve shared food, beers, and laughs for many years – the synergy between our shared values and passion was an obvious fit for omerset oodie.

Any other collaborations in the pipeline?

We recently met MasterChef winner Ping Coombes, who lives in the local area. Ping is a real inspiration and we are planning to work together on some exciting foodie projects.

What brought you to Rode in the first place?

The love of a good woman! My wife Alice, was born and bred in the area and we moved back here when we were e pecting our first child. At that time, I was still earning a living as a chef and we had the opportunity of running a caf in rome. Although ode is o the beaten track and feels rural, it’s close to some great, lively towns full of independent, artisan businesses like ours. The village of Rode has a strong identity and a community network underpinned with a sharing and caring philosophy.

And how have the Rode community responded to your business?

Our business is only four months old, so it’s still very early days. Everyone we meet is massively supportive of what we are trying to do and we get such brilliant feedback and reviews from our customers. I think you only get that in smaller communities.

Locals shared fruit and veg for the Village Baking Co to use in their breads

Joe Wilkin started The Village Baking Co from a tent in his mum’s garden

THE VILLAGE BAKING CO is a small craft bakery co-owned

by JOE AND JEN WILKIN. 11 Lower Street, Rode, www.thevillagebakingco.co.uk

We hear you make everything slowly and by hand. Talk us through the process…

We keep our product range small because everything is slowly and carefully created by hand, and great things can’t be rushed. On our menu you will find our regular products that have a tried and tested loyal following, such as our large sourdough, cinnamon buns and a wholegrain spelt tin loaf. Each week we also produce a number of sweet and savoury specials based around what is fresh and currently in season.

How did you come to be living in Rode?

I was set to start a new job in April 2020, but when the pandemic took hold those plans were put on hold indefinitely. ith a young baby and toddler in tow, we moved in with my mum in Rode.

Which means The Village Baking Co. has only just started up?

Yes. The initial plan was to buy a bread oven and bake a small number of sourdough loaves for people in the village during the lockdown period, all from a catering tent in my mum’s garden: it was panic-buying peak and lots of people were self-isolating or shielding.

What’s the division of labour?

I am the baker – I have previously worked as a chef, butcher and baker over the years for some of the best independent food businesses in the area. en takes the orders, does deliveries and the behind the scenes stu .

How did it develop from there?

We soon found there was great support and interest in what we were doing, and there was great local wholesale backing. The catering tent was quickly outgrown and in July 2020 we took on a rented property and converted the garage into a bakery.

How can people buy your products?

We have also been lucky to have our products stocked in three local

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

Tim Fussell of Fussels Fine Foods is Rode born and bred

businesses, including The Somerset Foodie, and Rode General Store & Café, who have been so supportive, placing orders for our products every week and spreading the good word about our business.

And how have the community supported you?

In Rode people really care about where their food comes from and shopping locally. There has even been a plethora of seasonal produce o ered to us by customers, which we have then featured in all their glory quince bostocks, blackberry slices, courgette & tomato tarts, apple bread & butter pudding and pear tarts, to name but a few.

What’s your best seller?

To date our cinnamon buns are the clear favourites, largely thanks to the great publicity by the Rode comedian Jarred Christmas, who talked about his love for them in his latest stand-up set.

TIM FUSSELL is manager of sales at FUSSELS FINE FOODS, the rapeseed oil producer. Church Farm, Parkgate Lane, Rode; . ussels ne oods. o.u Who are Fussels Fine Foods?

e produce the ’s finest cold pressed e tra virgin rapeseed oil, directly from the field to the kitchen, we have perfected the whole process.

Having succeeded in securing national listings with both Sainsbury’s and Morrisons, we pride ourselves in our ability to supply and innovate. We have a range of products suitable both for retail and food service.

Rode General Store, Café & Post Office is a hub for many local producers

“Rode is a vibrant village with lots going on, and is a fabulous place to call home” How does being based in Rode benefit your business?

Being a long-established family business in the village, people know where to find us. ur customers are very supportive of us and our products, and we work closely with other local businesses.

Tell us about your work with Somerset Foodie

We assisted with the start-up of the Somerset Foodie, which now operates out of the same building. hey have some great food on o er and frequently film their video recipes in our demo kitchen. e supply other businesses in the area and have also used Choc on Choc as a supplier for our hristmas o erings.

Any other plans in the pipeline you can share?

We are very much looking forward to opening our doors to the public as soon as we can to re-establish our successful guided tours, where we share to chance to learn more about farming in general and how we do what we do. It is a hands on view of a field to fork e perience culminating in tasting some of our fabulous products and finding out the best ways to use them.

How long have you lived in Rode?

53 years, I’m Rode born and bred. It’s a vibrant village with lots going on, and is a fabulous place to call home. It has no main road running through the village so it feels secluded and very safe.

What changes have you seen over the years?

It has grown in terms of population, but still retains a great sense of community – new people bring new businesses and new life, which all help to keep the school, pubs, post o ce and village stores busy and as essential parts of the community.

What’s your own go-to Rode place to eat?

I love to have a co ee and a sausage roll in the ode eneral tore, and the food at ross eys is e ceptional. n

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

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

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

We teach adults and teenagers, and need both single and twin-room accommodation.

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

SHOPPING LIVE WELL, BUY BETTER

SLUMBER PARTY

We could tell you the usual guff about quality sleep being good for concentration, productivity, weight control, athletic performance, as well as minimising the risk of heart disease, strokes and type 2 diabetes risk. But instead we’re going with – a lovely bed and great night’s kip makes a lockdown much more tolerable. Fact.

Pentlow king bed in Waterford Peridot, prices start from £1,720, www.sofasandstuff.com

www.mediaclash.co.uk I BATH LIFE I 51

FES & HAL DESIGN VELVET BEDTHROW, £240 This 100 per cent cotton velvet throw has been dyed and hand blocked by airtrade certified skilled artisans using eco-friendly and organic dyes.

From Indigo & Wills; www.indigoandwills.com

WINSER LONDON SILK EYE MASK, £25 With the glamour of silk blended with the comfort of cotton and soft elasticated strapping this eye mask is perfect for getting some decent shut eye.

Stockists Rossiters of Bath, 38-41 Broad Street, Bath; www.rossitersofbath.com

THE DREAM TEAM

From eyes masks to pillow potions, these sleeping beauties can help with the Zzzzzs

PILLOW POTION, £15 A deeply relaxing pillow and room spray with an essential oil blend of frankincense, bergamot and calming lavender to waft you into blissful slumber.

From Consciously You, 1 Kennington Road, Bath; www.consciouslyyou.co.uk

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

ORANGERY ROOM DIFFUSER, £50 Fashionable since the 17th century neroli is known for its wonderfully relaxing properties.

Top clean citrus notes with the deeper fragrances of geranium, rose and jasmine add warmth and comfort to your bedroom.

From True Grace, Crusader Park, Roman Way, Warminster; www.truegrace.co.uk

WHEN BRAINS DREAM: EXPLORING THE SCIENCE AND MYSTERY OF SLEEP BY ANTONIO ZADRA AND ROBERT STICKGOLD, £18.99 Written by two worldrenowned sleep and dream researchers this looks at why and how we dream, and if dreams hold psychological meaning or whether they are merely the reflection of random brain activity?

From The Oldfield Park Bookshop, 43 Moorland Road, Bath; www. theoldfieldparkbookshop.co.uk

ED’S CHOICE NIGHT STILL LIFE BY ATSUKO FUJII, POA The work of the acclaimed Japanese artist possesses a sense of stillness and depicts exquisite, meditative contemplations of objects suspended in space.

From Beaux Arts Bath, 12-13 York Street, Bath; www. beauxartsbath.co.uk

GOLD, PEARL & CAVIAR MOISTURISER, £61.20 Slather on this rich and potent face cream and then simply rest while it does the hard work of helping restore elasticity and stimulating cellular growth to help regenerate the skin.

From Natural Spa Factory, Bath Business Park, Foxcote Avenue, Bath; www.naturalspafactory.com

SPOT PRINT PYJAMA SET, £89 Made from airy cotton, these pyjamas come in a classic spot print and a relaxed silhouette, meaning you won't want to, and won’t need to, take them off, even for that oom call.

From Whistles at Kilver Court, Kilver St, Shepton Mallet. www.kilvercourt.com

GARDEN TRADING HAMBLEDON BUTLER’S TRAY, £150 Use as a console, side table, or detach the tray for breakfast in bed.

Either way you can stay hibernating for that bit longer.

Stockists Woodhouse & Law, 4 George’s Place, Bathwick Hill; www.woodhouseandlaw.co.uk

RUARK R1 MK4: DELUXE BLUETOOTH RADIO, £229.99 Simply delightful to wake up to in the bedroom, but great in any room, the new Ruark R1 brings style along with a quality bluetooth receiver built in that can wirelessly stream to the radio from phone or computer.

From Moss of Bath, 45 St James’ Parade, Bath; www.mossofbath.co.uk

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

It’s the city’s business

BATHWORKS THIS ISSUE >>CEIT & CO PANDEMIC-INSPIRED CANDLES >>LEVEL UP WITH T-CUP >>SIAN CLIFFORD-SANGHAD OF BATH HOLISTIC MASSAGE

The road to recovery

A

new fund has launched in Bath to support micro businesses, freelancers and third sector organisations. The Studio at Palace Yard Mews, Bath Spa University’s research and innovation hub, launched the £20,000 fund with support from the University’s strategic Centre for Cultural and Creative Industries.

“The Studio aims to foster creativity and innovation and we hope that The Studio Recovery Fund can support those micro businesses and sole traders a ected by the pandemic to develop projects that help the renewal of the local area,”

BUSINESS CLUB

ABOVE: Abigail Branagan, manager of The Studio is on a mission to support Bath’s economic recovery; The Studio at Palace Yard Mews LEFT: Celestial Labs, which specialises in drone technology, is a Studio resident

says Abigail Branagan, manager of The Studio.

“We are looking for creative technology projects and ideas that align with the West of England Combined Authority’s (WECA) key ambitions to enable businesses to thrive, strengthen inclusion and support a green recovery. We’re really excited to see what types of proposals will be taken forward.”

3. Strengthening inclusion and building an inclusive economy where everyone has the opportunity to achieve their potential.

4. A green recovery, using changes in behaviour brought about by the pandemic to accelerate transition to net zero carbon.

5. Renewing spaces and creating greener, healthier, more vibrant places to live and work.

he A’s five key ambitions for recovery are 1. Rebuilding businesses, helping new and existing businesses to survive and thrive.

2. Getting local people back into jobs that pay above the living wage and o er employment security.

The funded projects are set to begin in March, with a showcase to follow in May. For more: www.bathspa.ac.uk/the-studio

Virtual one hour sessions, all free to attend Search Bath Life on LinkedIn for upcoming dates and registration If you would like to get involved, please email events@mediaclash.co.uk MEDIACLASH.CO.UK 115

SAVE OUR SCREENS TIVOLI Cinemas on Dorchester Street is one of 200 independent cinemas to receive much needed support through the Culture Recovery Fund. TIVOLI received over £7,000 from the £30 million pot allocated by the British Film Institute (BFI).

“Across the country, local independent cinemas are hubs and lifelines for communities and often the only form of culture and entertainment,” says Ben Roberts, chief executive of BFI. “From educational programmes and workshops

for young people, to screenings for the elderly and audiences with specialised needs, these cinemas play such an important role in people’s lives. The Culture Recovery Fund will mean that many of these cinemas survive the current crisis, and go on to play a vital role in the recovery of local economies and communities, bringing people together to o er oy, solace and the magic of the big screen.”

For more: www.tivolicinemas.com

© LLOYD EVANS PHOTOGRAPHY

TIVOLI received a much needed £7,000 from the Culture Recovery Funds

ETERNAL FLAME

ABOVE: Alisha Ceit Iver launched her business after being made redundant in the first lockdown RIGHT: Ceit & Co candles are handmade and fragranced FAR RIGHT: The Tiny Changes Candle raises funds for charity

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

Nothing raises the spirits in the midst of the January blues like a scented candle. Bath-based Ceit & Co is the newest local candle go-to. Launched by Alisha Ceit Iver, Ceit & Co is one of the many brave businesses born of pandemic redundancy.

At the start of the first lockdown I lost my ob in the hospitality sector. To start making some extra money I started making reusable face masks as Stitch & Ink (@stitchandinkdesign), and had no idea how popular they would be. Since May I’ve sold almost 2,000!” Alisha explains. “The demand for face masks is starting to decline, but there is no sign of life going back to normal. Over the summer I was applying for obs every day but getting nowhere, so I ust decided to give up the search and focus on creating my own business.

“I started by developing the products for Stitch & Ink but then I fell back in love with candle making.

Over the past few months I’ve been testing candles and creating a brand that I’m proud of.”

Ceit & Co candles are handmade and homefragranced in the city. The range includes a candle for charity, Tiny Changes, set up for mental health advocacy in honour of the late Scott Hutchinson of the indie band Frightened Rabbit.

For more: www.ceitandco.etsy.com

BATHWORKS

MOVERS AND SHAKERS ETC T-Cup founders Ed Van Rooyen and Lee Mears have created an app to help you get some balance in your life

FILL YOUR CUP ‘Tis the season of New Year New You. Cynical as we pretend to be about New Year resolutions, we all have areas of our life where we would like to improve. Enter T-Cup, a new Bath-based start-up co-founded by Ed Van Rooyen and Lee Mears. T-Cup is a performance tracking app that encourages users to re ect on their daily activities and how they impact how they feel and perform. he app o ers useful hints and tips gleaned from a user’s data to create a personalised path to a healthy, balanced lifestyle.

CEO Ed explains: “Lee Mears, my friend, former England Rugby player and British & Irish Lion asked me: ‘What do you want in life?’ I don’t know, I replied. All I know is that I want to be happy, healthy and successful.

“It was a lightbulb moment. We realised that there was no existing way of tracking those things. hat conversation made me realise that I wanted to find the right balance in my life and to help others find it and keep track of it too. o together, ee and I founded up.

T-Cup is used by organisations like Exeter City Council to increase wellbeing of employees, as well as individuals looking to manage their habits – Jazz Carlin, double Olympic silver medallist and GB swimmer is a fan. “These days, my ultimate goal is for my young daughter to look back when she’s older and say, y dad made a di erence’, says Ed. “Today, I’ve never had a better balance of the things that are important to me in my life. up has helped me to find my balance and I want to help others find theirs too. or ore t p o k

Amie MacNab-Jack is using social media to get parents and little ones outside

BUT FIRST COFFEE

TECH UPGRADE New equipment has enabled clinicians at the Royal United Hospitals (RUH) to revolutionise treatment options for patients in need of complex facial and dental surgery. Thanks to a generous legacy and donation from a local charitable trust, the Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery and Orthodontics (OMFS) department has been able to access a brand-new in-house Chris Keating’s, speciality 3D and dental 3D surgical planning and technician is upping the game prosthetic design service.

“We have been able to revolutionise the way in which we approach a patient’s case,” explains Chris Keating, speciality 3D and dental technician, who is running the service. “This technology allows surgeons to enhance the precision of treatment and the planning of surgical procedures.

3D digital models can either be printed for diagnostic purposes or they can go on to be used in multiple stages of pre-operative surgical planning and implant design.” or ore r h hs k

Are you following Sips and Slides Bath on Instagram?

The account, launched by Amie MacNab-Jack, highlights the best co ee play area combinations in the city. It’s a great way of discovering cute new kid-friendly spots in the city you may have missed out on.

“Sips and Slides was birthed on the precipice of Lockdown 2.0, having learned the absolute importance of getting outside for both myself and my little ones for our physical and mental health,” Amie explains.

“Those long days are always made sweeter by a hot cup of co ee and a piece of cake and there was an evident gap in the market in the local area for a guide for parents combining these two things. It also serves as a creative outlet for me, and something to put my mind to – and of course the little ones aren’t complaining!”

Follow @sipsandslides.bath on Instagram

TO CAP IT ALL

AnaCap Financial Partners has purchased Bath-based wealth management service Novia Financial.

“Novia was keen to partner with a company that had a strong track record in growing fintech businesses with innovative operational strategies, says ill assilie , Novia’s CEO. “We believe that AnaCap represents the perfect choice to help us develop and, pending completion, we look forward to an exciting new chapter for the company in 2021 and beyond.” o ia fi a ial o k

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

BATHWORKS Sophia will soon be launching an online wellbeing shop

“HOLISTIC MASSAGE MEANS LOOKING AT THE PERSON AS A WHOLE” How have you responded to the lockdowns?

I’m retraining in aromatherapy and I’ve also been working on a wellbeing shop, soon to be launched on my website. It’s also been ama ing to keep in touch with many clients via Zoom who knew ! , o ering help and advice even when we have to be closed.

Why did you choose to specialise in pregnancy massage?

BIZ Q&A

Sophia Clifford-Sanghad Sophia Clifford-Sanghad, founder of Bath Holistic Massage, explains why we should make massage part of our regular self-care routine

Could you give us a brief overview of your career so far – you haven’t always been a massage therapist, have you?

I started o my career as a personal stylist and clothing buyer. It seems a lifetime ago now, but at the time was something I was really invested in. I love the way that clothes can be an e tension of your personality and helping people wear something that suited their body shape could really boost their confidence and wellbeing.

I didn’t see my ob as in fashion’ but rather as a means of empowering people.

What inspired you to become a massage therapist?

y transition to a massage therapist came from a desire to continue that empowerment, helping people physically and mentally. I loved the fact that massage could touch on all these points in such an alternative way. hen I returned to ath in , I was at a point in my life when I was ready for change. I worked a brief stint at ak restaurant, formally emuths, where I met some ama ing people who supported and inspired me to follow my passions, so I took the leap and spent time retraining, slowly starting ath olistic assage in .

What does it mean to take a holistic approach to massage? or me a holistic approach to massage means looking at the person as a whole. uscles in the body are tangible and can be approached in a methodical way, however it’s so important to look at other reasons as to why one’s body may be feeling compromised. or e ample, a lot of time, stress can manifest itself in the tightening of the neck and 58 I BATH LIFE I www.mediaclash.co.uk

shoulders, so if we can touch on why a person is feeling this way then their self awareness can really help in relieving them of physical ailments.

What’s your favourite thing about running your business?

I love that you can really see and feel the benefits of a massage straight after a treatment has finished. ften the client immediately feels looser and more balanced.

It’s ama ing to see your work helping someone and fundamentally improving their health. here’s also the plus of being part of an ama ing network of ath businesses! e’ve got a real passion for supporting independents in this city and I’ve made so many friends from all walks of life.

What’s the hardest part about it?

he physical aspect of work. It’s like doing a workout si times a day for an hour at a time, but I wouldn’t have it any other way it certainly keeps me on my toes! It’s all about practising what you preach, taking care of your body, stretching and warming up and down correctly, and drinking lots.

What are some of the challenges of the industry?

It would be odd if I didn’t talk about how and the beginning of this year has a ected us all. As a small independent business it has been heart breaking to have to close down for the third time. I felt gutted that I was letting so many clients down and yet there was nothing I could do about it. ut with every cloud comes a silver lining, and it has definitely made me more resourceful.

I’m in such awe of the female body, I find it fascinating all the physiological changes that take place in nine months, and having two children myself know how essential it is to nurture and look after your body during this time. regnancy massage is a great way to begin to support the ourney to motherhood as it encourages the mother to listen to her own body and encourages a safe space to connect with herself. It’s also obviously great if you’re su ering from all the aches and pains which so many women e perience at this time as massage can really help to alleviate tension.

What about post-natal massage?

I also am a strong advocate for postnatal massage, as post birth, the mother can so often overlook her own wellbeing. assage is a great way to help your body heal and it’s pretty good to get some time on your own too.

What are your top tips for taking better care of ourselves this year?

ake your own self care routine, stick to it and do things for yourself. hether that means taking a walk on your own, running yourself a bath or buying that thing that you’ve always wanted but never been able to ustify, ust do it. I’m going to make sure, post lockdown, that I always grab a co ee with a friend once a week, even if it’s ust for half an hour. I know it will be something I look forward to.

Are there any misconceptions about massage you’d like to see dispelled?

I’d love people to consider massage to be a necessity and part of their self care routine rather than a lu ury that you treat yourself to once in a blue moon. I think it’s great that I see many people beginning to do ust that and really be aware about looking after themselves and their wellbeing.

What are you plans for Bath Holistic Massage in 2021? here’s the online wellbeing shop, which I’d love to see as bricks and mortar this year, but ideally simply being able to make a safe return to work and continue supporting more people who I’m sure will need it more than ever this year.

For more: Bath Holistic Massage 3 Chapel Row, Bath; tel: 07837 828156; www.bathholisticmassage.com

© SOUL MEDIA

Dan Rosser and Ashley Hill were only six months into the business when The Oyster Shell won its award

BATH LIFE AWARDS 2020

Daniel Rosser, owner of THE OYSTER SHELL shares what winning a Bath Life Award meant to the fledgling business You won! Congratulations! Talk us through the night We honestly couldn’t believe it, even to be invited and to be a part of the night was special. Myself and Ash, our shop manager, went and naturally we were nervous. During the night there were many thoughts going through our heads; we were, I believe, in one of the toughest categories and we’d only been open six months. I said to Ash, ‘We should be proud to just be here, so let’s just enjoy it’.

How did it feel to win?

When we were announced as the winner, I sat there in shock, looked at Ash and he just grabbed me saying, ‘My God, we’ve only gone and won.’

I couldn’t believe it. I honestly felt so proud and it’s a massive credit to all of our team to be recognised as the best new business in Bath.

How did you celebrate?

We went straight to the bar, bought a bottle of champagne and hit the after party. It’s fair to say we had a few sore heads in the morning but it was worth it.

What do you think it is about your business that helped you secure your Bath Life Award?

I think it was a combination of a lot

NEW BUSINESS WINNER SPONSORED BY

of things. It’s the risk which we have taken financially in order to restore and build a beautiful-looking shop.

I’d like to think our vision of not only trying to produce the best fish and chips possible, but the fact we have invested in a building to give the local community and people of Bath a chippy our family would love to run for many years to come, was what the judges recognised.

What does winning the Award mean to you, the team and the business?

For me it was massive and a moment I was very proud of. It also gives me a tool to keep driving my team on and striving to be the best we can be. When you win an award like that, people have even higher expectations and now it is our job as a team to make sure that we deliver and show customers why we won

the Award. The team have worked so hard from the day the doors opened and I couldn’t be prouder of them for achieving the Award after such a short period of time in business.

How might you describe your key clientele?

I think a good chippy is as important to the British public as a local pub.

It’s very traditional and becomes part of people’s weekly routine. We never opened the chippy to cater for or attract a certain clientele, it was more to create a shop which people love to come to from all walks of life and enjoy really good fish and chips or the other items we o er on our menu.

Is there someone in business that you admire and try learn from?

There are many people who I take a lot of inspiration from, but I guess it would be my mum and dad. As a family we worked hard and crazy hours and still do to this day, but we love it. I’m very proud of them and admire all they’ve both achieved, starting small to creating the restaurant and now the takeaway all o their own back by reinvesting. I feel pretty lucky to have their guidance while running The Oyster Shell both practically and from a financial point of view.

What has the impact of the pandemic been on your business?

I’m sure like everyone it has had a huge impact in both negative and positive ways. It’s been tough and being such a new business, we have a lot of financial pressure from the rebuild of the shop. However, we have no choice other than to keep going and have to try to turn all the negatives into positives.

What were some of the positives?

It’s given us time to evaluate and reshape the business. We now have a delivery service in place, our online ordering has accelerated and 80 per cent of our trade is now pre-ordered online, which is great for us and the customers, as people no longer have to wait 20 minutes plus during busy periods, and we get a constant controlled ow of tickets. lus we have normal at-the-door trade. All three aspects are now functioning and working well. I feel we have a great platform to build on and to try and keep pushing the business forward.

For more: The Oyster Shell, 5 Moorland Road, Bath; tel: 01225 727176; www.theoystershell.co.uk www.mediaclash.co.uk I BATH LIFE I 59

BATHWORKS “HAVE YOU GOT WHAT IT TAKES TO WIN A BATH LIFE AWARD?”

Sponsors benefit from the most prestigious business event in Bath

Any company can win!

Business get the joy of winning – and sponsors get the benefit of extensive repromotion of their success

TESTIMONIAL

“Thank you for inviting me to be a judge. It was such an honour and I thoroughly enjoyed it. The insight to the Bath business community has been inspiring. I previously enjoyed, respected and appreciated Bath Life but I now realise and appreciate the deeper value of what you do.”

Tarquin McDonald Bath Rugby

n

ro

h

The Bath Life Awards are returning – and they provide a superb route to promote local businesses

E

ach year the Awards have unrivalled reach across all types of Bath companies – from the coolest of the indies to the largest of the players. Thousands of businesses are reached through marketing, several hundred nominate and the Awards night itself has sold out far in advance for many years. Tickets are available only to Finalists and Sponsors.

They’re backed by extensive marketing over several months: major email campaigns; at Bath Life’s other events like our Business Clubs; via a bespoke website; through all social media channels; and of course in Bath Life. The extra time for the Awards means yet more marketing benefits for all.

Bath companies are planning their strategies to develop business in and to make sure they benefit from the upturn when it emerges in the coming months.

According to MediaClash events and brand manager Annie Miekus, there are three key attractions for considering sponsoring the Awards: he ath ife Awards are highly e ective, with exclusive association via unrivalled business marketing.

ard

hey’re e tremely e cient one deal guarantees sponsors reach thousands of companies on many occasions.

“And they’re incredibly stylish! After this year of all years, we know that there is massive demand to celebrate the very best of Bath together – in the most uberglamorous way.

“Our sponsors are with us every step of the way…”

The initial roster of leading Bath businesses is led by headline sponsor The Royal Crescent Hotel & Spa, plus category sponsors Apex Hotels, Bath Audi, Clearly PR, Enlightened, Hotel Indigo Bath, Marsh Commercial, Minuteman Press, Novia Financial, Savills, Spaces, Stone King, Truespeed and Bath Life itself. Feature sponsors include Freestyle Designs, Sub13 and Triangle Networks.

Several category sponsorships are currently under discussion. A limited number of Silver Sponsorships will be available closer to the event.

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

SPONSORSHIPS For remaining options, please contact annie.kelly@ mediaclash.co.uk or pat.white@mediaclash.co.uk

TICKETS BLA: Finalists and Sponsors only, updates when on sale. Limited number of Silver Sponsorships including Table.

AWARDS The uberglam Bath Life Awards are held at the Bath Assembly Rooms. Nothing beats being there…

NOMINATIONS Open via website www.bathlifeawards.co.uk

Please note: the Awards sell out every year with left many on the Waiting List.

SOCIAL MEDIA Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn and Twitter for all updates.

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

PROPERTY P L A C E S T O L I V E , W O R K A N D P L AY

Hope House living and dining area

Donations

A NOVEL IDEA

Acorn Property Group and Galliard Homes have pledged support for the city’s Jane Austen Centre

The Jane Austen Centre has gratefully greeted the Acorn and Galliard donation

The developers have donated £1,000 to the Jane Austen Centre, as part of the centre’s ongoing fundraising. In addition, they will donate a further £100 for every one of the new homes sold at their Lansdown site, Hope House, between now and the end of March 2021. The funds will be used to support the centre’s reopening following the easing of lockdown restrictions.

Paul Crossey, managing director of The Jane Austen Centre, says, “We are delighted to accept this generous donation from Acorn & Galliard which helps secure the future of the Jane Austen Centre. 2020 has been a challenging year, particularly for tourism, but it has been incredible to receive so much support from individuals and from businesses.”

Robin Squire, regional managing director of Acorn’s Bristol office says, We are pleased to donate to the ane Austen Centre and play our part in ensuring the centre stays open to welcome new visitors. The preservation of Bath’s rich history and Georgian roots is important to us; with the transformation of Hope House we worked closely with heritage specialists to preserve the original Georgian architecture and bring the scheme to life for a new generation.”

For more: www.janeausten.co.uk / www.acornpropertygroup.org

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

PROPERTY Commercial

OFFICE CHAT

Grosvenor House has been bought for £6,750,000

Grosvenor House on the Lower Bristol Road, previously owned by Wessex Water, has been bought by Weslyan Assurance Society for £6,750,000. he rade A o ce comprises former railway sheds converted into a twostorey, modern, open plan o ce space, Carter Jonas’s Philip Marshall and benefits from car spaces.

Partner at Carter Jonas South West, hilip arshall, says, Although new development is underway, ath still su ers from an acute shortage of o ce space, with a market that remains dominated by converted space within historic buildings. y contrast, rosvenor ouse, with its light, modern, open plan accommodation, and large oor plates, o ers investors a unique opportunity.”

For more: www.carterjonas.co.uk

Help build your business through the Bath Property Awards

Awards

BATH PROPERTY AWARDS WELCOMES ALL-NEW SYMPOSIUM he highly successful ath roperty Awards are back on arch as a virtual

conferencing event featuring thought leadership seminars, structured networking for sponsors and delegates and culminating in the celebration of e cellence, the Awards itself.

Businesses of all sectors can build their pipeline and reinforce their client relationships with hundreds of sponsors, finalists and partners being virtually brought together to create a powerful business marketing channel. o matter in what capacity a business takes part, this unique event is definitely not one to be missed, with many of ath’s finest leading figures in attendance.

“We are delighted to be introducing the Bath Property Awards, featuring our all new symposium, an e citing and necessary change for this year, says events and brand manager Annie iekus of edia lash. etworking is a huge part of the Awards and we’ve worked hard to keep this at the heart of our event. here is also a planned e tra event later in the year for real life networking open to all attendees.”

The Bath Property Awards is the largest gathering of property professionals in the city, with the headline sponsor of ogers rewett. ther sponsors backing the Awards are category and feature sponsors awker oinery, ondon ountry ortgages, paces, outh est usiness inance, riangle etworks and Bath Life.

For more: www.bathpropertyawards.co.uk

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

Appointments

HOWDY PARTNER Bath City Lets, who specialise solely in

property rentals in the city, have welcomed a new managing partner to the team, athalie hompson. athalie brings with her a wealth of e perience from her years in the ath property market, previously having been at Bath Property Letting, which subsequently became part of the omans roup.

Managing director Jenny Bower says, “We are delighted to have athalie oining us at ath ity ets and look forward to building on our current successes to substantially grow our business together.”

For more: www.bclettings.com

BACK ROW, LEFT TO RIGHT: Lydia Elliott, new recruit Nathalie Thompson, Jayne Gimson, and Sabrina D’Alimonte-Morrison FRONT ROW, LEFT TO RIGHT: Sue Snook and Jenny Bower

8 GREAT PULTENEY STREET

Matilda Walton explores a home in one of Bath’s most desirable locations 66 I BATH LIFE I www.mediaclash.co.uk

PROPERTY

W

hen it comes to addresses in Bath, there are none so grand or so sought after as Great Pulteney Street.

Perhaps Bath’s most iconic vista, it has housed the city’s most fashionable elite – from typical Georgian nobility to the occasional money-laundering scoundrel – throughout the centuries. Today, the grand boutique hotel at its centre, No 15. Great Pulteney plays regular host to Bath’s visiting rich and famous. When it comes to status, it doesn’t y much higher than Great Pulteney Street.

Opportunities for property in this most desirable of locations are far from every day, so don’t expect this e quisite, three oor townhouse to be on the market for long. Grade I listed, the original Georgian details sprinkled throughout the opulent home are utterly gorgeous, from the breath taking fa ade take a moment and ust imagine how it might feel to come

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

PROPERTY

home to such a sight in the cosy glow of the evening – to the original cantilever staircase, decorative panelled arches and delightful (working!) dumb waiter, which delivers food to the dining room from the kitchen above.

While we aren’t entertaining at home right now, think of the amusing surprise it’ll make for assembled dinner guests one day.

Like all Georgian properties, the apartment will be a joy to decorate. The current owners have balanced period with modern to great e ect, with more traditionally driven spaces – think rich, patterned wallpaper and chunky sofas organised around a blazing real fireplace contrasting the fresh, modern vibe of the Mark Wilkinson kitchen. Cream colour units are vibrant against shining black marble countertops, enviable range-style cooker, ceiling spotlights and spotless wooden ooring. nce we’re through the pandemic, it really is a home built for hosting.

Upstairs the bedrooms are a little smaller than rooms on the lower oors, which stretch the full length of the building, but benefit from such glorious natural lighting it hardly matters. The naturally lower ceilings common to properties on Great Pulteney Street give them an extra cosy feel – think Scandi-inspired hygge by way of Jane Austen.

As far as locations in this city go, Great Pulteney Street is the ultimate – an address that stands for elegance, class and style, it would be a dream to call it home.

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

HOUSE NUMBERS

Bedrooms

5

Guide price

£1.58 million

Bathrooms

3

Square foot

2,829

Reception rooms

2

Knight Frank, 4 Wood Street, Bath; tel: 01225 686078; www.knightfrank.co.uk

ADVERTISING FEATURE

2020 property review

T

Peter Greatorex from THE APARTMENT COMPANY looks back over the unusual and memorable year that was 2020…

his is certainly a year we are all going to remember. We have gained a new appreciation for what matters, we have a wealth of new Covid-19 jargon, and face masks and distancing has become the norm. Yet through it all, the property industry has been ticking away; we have changed our practices, introduced virtual viewings and valuations, and throughout Bath people have been buying, selling and moving home. Let’s review 2020 and see what 2021 may bring.

THE STAMP FRENZY The announcement of a Stamp Duty holiday by Chancellor Rishi Sunak saw what some people described as a ‘home moving frenzy’. Now there is no doubt that the holiday did encourage many to bring forward their plans for moving home, and even opened the doors to others. Let’s be honest, this year has made us all think and reflect, allowed

us to rediscover and we have made huge life decisions, such as where we want to live, how we want to live, and with whom.

THE PROPERTY MARKET Across the country the property market has been busy: UK house prices have grown by 5.4 per cent a year to October 2020. In terms of transactions, 105,630 were recorded in October 2020, 8.1 per cent higher than October 2019 and 9.8 per cent higher than September 2020 (HMRC). In Bath, over the last 12 months, 26 per cent of property sales were apartments. Regardless of if you are looking to buy, sell, let or rent, you will want to understand the facts of what is happening in the local property market. And now you can, by viewing our regularly updated market insight report on our website.

WHAT DOES THE FUTURE HOLD? The announcement that the Stamp Duty holiday will not be extended is not what we would have

liked, but that being said, the market next year is not predicted to be bleak. Moving home is still high on the agenda for many in 2021, and Rightmove forecasts a robust 4 per cent national average house price growth in 2021. Therefore we are all prepared for a busy 2021, as many wish to put away the ghosts of the pandemic and dream of a fresh start in the new year.

“The magic in new beginnings is truly the most powerful of them all.” – Josiyah Martin New beginnings start with The Apartment Company.

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

AND THEN THERE WAS LIGHT

How to brighten your home, and not throw shade

By Sarah Moolla

INTERIORS OPPOSITE PAGE: Kitchen design by Neptune; THIS PAGE: Reception room design by Etons of Bath

H

ow to light a room. ind a socket, plug in a lamp, ip the switch, and boom, ob done, right ell yes but it won’t be a ob done well. ecause good lighting and smart technology can bring about so much more than a pool of functional illumination. hink ambient, task and accent, and how lighting can a ect the mood of a room you can play with space, colours, and shade you can take a room from the white stark of day to the cosy warmth of an intimate dinner party with the dial of a dimmer. o help throw some light on the matter, we ask local interior and lighting professionals to help show us the way ighting is always about layering, says Charlie Slater

co-founder of Etons of Bath, who provide expert advice, interior design, sourcing and project management for Georgian and period homes and hotels. “You need to have di erent levels of light for di erent times of the day and potentially for di erent types of activities. hilst recessed spots may be required for task lighting in a bathroom or kitchen it should always be supplemented by softer lower level lighting.

In rooms other than these, we always try to avoid recessed spots. hey are often standard issue but good design means countless recessed spotlights especially on high eorgian ceilings are not required. ven in a bathroom, we tend to use wall lights, internal lighting to cabinetry and even low level lighting on I passive infrared sensor that are set to come on during the night.

“You need to have di ere t le els o light or di ere t ti es o the day www.mediaclash.co.uk I BATH LIFE I 71

INTERIORS IN THE DARK ROOM

Lulu Keyzar, Bath store leader at Neptune, the design experts and interiors retailer, also has suggestions for scene stealing lighting. “In the living and dining room: Combining feature pendants with table and oor lamps, as well as wall sconces, creates layers of light, which makes a space feel much cosier. ne pendant looks good, but several grouped together creates real impact, especially in a larger room or over a dining table.

In the hallway, a statement light creates an incredible first impression and, in an area where you don’t spend lots of time, you can a ord to be bold with your design choice. If the ceiling is low though, avoid pendant lights as this can make a space feel smaller instead, use a table, oor or wall lamp to make your statement.

And for the kitchen, ceiling and spotlights are certainly necessary, but they can cast shadows over your preparation area, so don’t rely on them as your only light source. Incorporate low level s under wall units or even behind glass splashbacks, which will give an even wash of light.

THE SHADOWS

“Avoid one single pendant in the middle of the room as this will cast harsh shadows, says Jim Lawrence of the eponymously named lighting specialists on Walcot Street, who use classic, handcrafted techniques for their British-made products. ne thing we always like to recommend is using multiple lighting sources in one area, which helps to soften and di use the light.

Nahla Robinson, whose travels in Indonesia and Bali inspired her to set up the lighting and home furnishings company Nala Lighting on her return to ath, points out shades made with natural materials like bamboo, wicker and cane can also have a softening e ect. ur woven pendants re ect the light to create beautiful patterns on the ceiling and walls. ur designs, which combine traditional bespoke alinese craftsmanship with a modern design aesthetic, establish the importance of bringing a touch of nature into the home to make a statement and bring calmness to our busy lives.

ABOVE: Coya Pendant from Nala Lighting; BELOW: Peacock lantern

vintage mirror in antiqued brass, £346.50, from Jim Lawrence

DETECT AN ACCENT

A subtle tinge or a heavy brogue hatever works best says im awrence, Accent lighting could be subtle strip lighting on shelving, along the plinth of your kitchen island, in cupboards or in niches that highlights your room’s natural features. endant lights will throw their light all round a room equally so are better for general tasking purposes, whereas a wall or ceiling mounted spotlight can be angled towards you to give bright, focussed light where needed, or away from you onto a wall or ceiling to add to the general ambience of the room. onsider, if possible, that your lights can be controlled separately so you can create di erent moods at the ick of a switch. It’s worth considering dimmable wall lights or spotlights that can be moved alongside more decorative systems, as these will give a subtle background illumination. or high ceilings, uplighters on top of the kitchen cabinets or spotlights hung along beams will enhance the general light. All of our pendants come with cable and chain that can be easily shortened at home, so you can en oy any design you like no matter your ceiling height.

“Multiple lighting sources in one area helps to soften a d di se the light 72 I BATH LIFE I www.mediaclash.co.uk

White feather pendants from Graham & Green, £219; www.grahamandgreen.co.uk

“One pendant looks good, but several grouped together creates real impact”

INTERIORS An example of a seamless transition between indoor and outdoor lighting

by BrownHen Solutions

“It is important to consider the control of both natural and artifi ial light together

White outdoor monkey lights from Graham & Green, £110, www.grahamandgreen.co.uk

LIGHT BULB MOMENT

“We give a lot of thought on the types of lights a room requires – overhead spots, pendants, task lamps – however we don’t often spend as much time considering the all-important light source: the bulb. onsider , ompact uorescent lamps, halogen, lumens watts and Kelvin scale, depending which room of the home you’re lighting,” says Neptune’s Lulu Keyzar.

BRIGHT SPARK

Lighting is also becoming brighter in other ways as Jools Browning of BrownHen Solutions, the Bath-based smart technology and bespoke lighting specialist explains, “Intelligent, or smart, lighting can operate multiple lighting circuits to create the lighting scene you require for the task in hand. For example, a ‘prepare’ scene in the kitchen can turn multiple lights on to suit preparation of the meal and then when it is time to eat, a ‘dine’ scene changes the light settings accordingly, all at the touch of a button. mart lighting o ers so much more than ust custom lighting scenes. It provides energy e ciency, added safety and security, and the ability to control several smart products in your home at once with ust the touch of a button, including lights that come on automatically as the sun goes down; control the lighting (and the heating, door locks) in your home all from your mobile device whether you’re across the street or the other side of the world enhance energy e ciency and you can mainstream day-to-day tasks for example, with a simple preset you’re able to switch o all the lights simultaneously, turn o s and electronics, lock the doors, and set the alarm.”

DAY LIGHT SAVING

“When one is looking at lighting a room it is important to consider the control of both natural and artificial light together, advises rown en Solutions’ Jools. “Remember to think about shading for windows and allow your intelligent lighting to seamlessly control all types of light throughout the day. here is an increasing take up of window dressing such as roller blinds, roman blinds, and curtains. he benefits are numerous such as saving energy by keeping rooms cool in the summer and warm in the winter, improving security by simulating occupancy and helping safety by not needing window blind cords.” n

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

OUR LEADING LIGHTS BrownHen Solutions; www.brownhensolutions.com Etons of Bath; www.etonsofbath.com Jim Lawrence; www.jim-lawrence.co.uk Nala Lighting; www.nalalighting.com Neptune; www.neptune.com

NEST AND THRIVE

Fiona Cromwell invited us to explore her Frome home, which she styles and shares with her twenty thousand-plus followers via her Instagram account, @fiandherhouse

Words by Lydia Tewkesbury Photography by Chris Wakefield

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

RESIDENCE

F

iona Cromwell has always loved interiors. On moving into her Georgian townhouse in Frome, she delved into the world of Instagram, where she has since amassed more than twenty thousand followers ever-excited to see her latest home updates and styling tips. Here, she shares with us what it took to create her stylish, cosy home.

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

We’ve lived in our home since 2015. Although it was perfectly ‘liveable’ when we got here, it was a little rough around the edges (which period property isn’t?) and wasn’t quite our décor style. There were two rooms in particular that needed renovation – the bathroom and the kitchen. The bathroom ended up needing attention a bit sooner than we had originally planned and budgeted for due to a non-functional shower attachment and a dodgy macerator!

What was your vision for the décor?

As first time buyers, we hadn’t renovated or decorated a property before, so we were very much total beginners to it all. Our main approach was to neutralize all of the colours that had been employed to give us a blank canvas. e went for white and o white grey as our core colours and built up depth and texture with homeware, artwork and soft furnishings, with some statement walls, including the dark wall in our front room, which is painted in Railings by Farrow & Ball. We wanted it to be quite minimal because both of us are pretty neat and tidy and clutter makes us feel quite anxious.

What are the common pitfalls that people fall into when redecorating?

I think it’s really easy to get caught up in the latest trends, some of which will date quite quickly. If it makes you happy and re ects your style, then go for it, but if it’s not quite ‘you’ then stick with what you love. Don’t be too hasty when choosing colours and statement pieces because you will be exposed to them a lot. Go for paint, paper and paneling that will make you happy when you see it.

In your opinion, which room should you start with when redecorating and why?

I would probably rank it from the room you live in the most, through to the one you are in the least. It’s so important to get your main living spaces just right so that they make you feel truly at home. In a practical sense, if you can get the main rooms done first, you’ll have a retreat from the carnage of the other works in progress after that!

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

As someone who uses Instagram to document their home, I have to say that it is one of my main go-tos. I’ve made some close friendships on there and, even if someone doesn’t have the same décor style as me, they often have tips relating to I and furniture hacks that are being told in an unfiltered way, which is really useful. I do really love an interiors magazine, too, because you can’t beat a curated article presenting beautiful homes. Even if I can’t a ord the items they have used, it can provide endless inspiration for how to present a room and how to bring elements together.

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

The statement dark wall in Fiona’s front room is painted in the colour ‘Railings’ by Farrow & Ball

We used a lot of paint shades by Little Greene in the house, including the bedroom and dining room, and we purchased them through William Rose Paint Company in Frome. They’re a lovely family-run business and their customer service is second to none.

We got our bathroom and kitchen tiles through Mandarin Stone, based in Bath.

In terms of homeware and accessories, we have a couple of pieces from Resident in Frome – they stock some incredible Scandi brands that are in keeping with our style. We could spend a lot of money in there if we wanted to.

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

RESIDENCE What are your favourite local homeware shops?

Apart from Resident, I really love Frome Hardware for functional homeware, Pilea for lovely house plants and Mary Kilvert for quirky, unique prints and tea towels.

Do you have a favourite room or part of the house you are particularly proud of?

I really love our dining room, which is probably because it was one of the more straightforward to furnish and a space which we didn’t have to compromise on. We were able to have the large, bespoke dining table we wanted (made by a company called Konk in Bristol) which is multifunctional as a place to eat, work and play. We wanted a dining room where we could relax, chat, socialise and have lovely family meals. It really is the heart of our home. e find it welcoming and it acts as the focal point of the whole house.

What was the most challenging room to design and why?

hat would definitely be the front room. he previous owner used it as a living room as intended, but we really weren’t keen on having it as the main placed we relaxed, due to the fact the front door opens directly into it. o, in the end, we decided to use our spare third bedroom on the first oor as a TV room for the evenings, which allowed us to make the front room a place to gather for a drink, or to play with our young son in the daytime.

We didn’t have the pressure of having to squeeze in a three-piece suite so we just went for some lounge furniture, including a velvet sofa, which we love.

It’s got a ‘snug’ like vibe without looking too cramped. And I’ll never tire of the beautiful tiled fireplace.

What do you want people to feel when they enter your home?

I hope that our home makes people feel relaxed, but interested. I love it when you visit someone’s house and you’re intrigued to see how the layout works, where things are from and want to ask questions about why people chose to do what they do. I hope that we’ve designed it to encourage people to want to chill out here our home is spread across three oors but also feels quite cosy, so it’s important to us that people think it’s homely.

What did you learn from designing your own home?

ot to rush into things. e were definitely guilty of not considering more paint testers or looking at di erent design ideas because we ust wanted to get things done as soon as possible. It’s also definitely worth saving up or budgeting a little more for those key pieces that will then last you for the long-term. Our dining table, chairs and string shelving are proof of this – I don’t think they’ll ever go out of fashion and the quality is amazing.

Whose house would you like to have a snoop around?

I would love to have a snoop around Nigel Slater’s house. My husband and I are a tad obsessed with him and his recipes, and I’ve seen glimpses of his home online – it looks so beautiful and understated and I’d love to see more. I have a lot of appreciation for the way he writes and would find it fascinating to see the space in which he feels inspired (and perhaps he might cook for me while I’m there… a girl can dream).

Does the interior of your home reflect your personality?

I think it does. I’m an extroverted introvert with a busy mind, so I like rooms to feel calm and minimal, but I do like little dashes of personality here and Fiona recommends budgeting a little more for those ‘forever’ items like a dining table

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

Fiona’s poodle, Brontë is a big hit with her Instagram followers

there to show that I’m a bit silly and giddy at heart. This is why we’ve gone for little fun details like the terrazzo style decals on the chimney breast in our living room/ TV room – it added the last detail that was lacking and gave the space some interest without compromising the overall simple style of the room.

Does being an interiors influencer impact on your home at all or how you have decorated?

The majority of our décor was completed before I properly delved into the world of Instagram. Although I set up the account when we first moved in, I stepped back from it during pregnancy and the first year or so of having our son. There have been some little updates we have done since I’ve become more active online and it is really exciting to share new updates and room reveals with an audience. It feels like you’ve achieved something when you have even more people observing it and supporting it.

Finally, what’s the nicest thing anyone has ever said about your home?

Got an amazing local home? Want it to feature in Residence?

Contact lydia.tekesbury@mediaclash.co.uk

I think the nicest comments have related to how we’ve done such a good job on it because doing so much decorating and legwork is hard work and it’s so much more rewarding when people can recognise now far you’ve come.

There were phases of time when we were doing it every evening and it felt like the house would never be finished. I also have to add that many of my colleagues think I have some sort of qualification in interior design from seeing snippets of the house on endless Zoom calls, so I’m definitely banking that as a big compliment, too!

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

ADVERTISING FEATURE

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

CLAIR STRONG INTERIOR DESIGN

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 www.clairstrong.co.uk

ETONS OF BATH

KUTCHENHAUS

Bath s leading fireplace, wood burner, gas fire, chimney and flue specialist. rom classic to contemporary, concept to completion, their team of experts can work with you to achieve your perfect interior. Brands include Chesney’s, Barbas Belfires, wam, tuv and etmaster. et in touch or visit the showroom. Mendip Fireplaces, Monkton Combe, Bath . o me d pfireplacesbath.co.uk Tel: 01225 722706; www.mendipfireplacesbath.co.uk

BATH KITCHEN COMPANY

FLOORING BATH LTD

ounded in , tons of Bath is the s only specialist interior design practice focussed on refurbishing, renovating and reinvigorating Georgian and egency homes and hotels. heir team of interior designers, planners and project managers can help you design and deliver classically inspired interiors that add value, turn heads and improve the use of space.

Tel: 01225 639002; www.etonsofbath.com

Based in the heart of Bath and specialising in bespoke, handmade kitchens, Bath Kitchen Company become personally invested in every kitchen they design and build. It’s about attention to detail at every stage – creating a beautiful space that enhances the way you live. orth Parade u ld s ath Tel: 01225 312003

WESTSIDE DESIGN

CHEVERELL

www.westsidedesign.co.uk

www.cheverell.co.uk

Westside Design is a family-run Bath based company offering a tailored design, manufacturing and installation service for all aspects of cabinet making and joinery. Specialising in contemporary bespoke kitchens and interiors.

Contact Michael on 01225 330843 or 07976 268458 or ema l o ests dedes .co.uk

MENDIP FIREPLACES

Kutchenhaus have opened a brand new showroom in the heart of Bath bringing their beautifully designed and highly engineered German kitchens to the city. Owner Rob Cash and his experienced and talented team look after every customer through the journey from enquiry to completion, creating kitchens of the highest standard at affordable prices. 5 Saracen St, Bath BA1 5BR; Tel: 01225 634025; www.kutchenhaus.co.uk/showroom/bath

www.bathkitchencompany.co.uk

Cheverell is set in the heart of Wiltshire with a stunning showroom and workshop, offering a full bespoke design, manufacturing and installation service in kitchens, bedrooms, and interiors. stablished in it has over years of experience to guide you through the whole process. Cheverell, Waller Road, Hopton Park, Devizes, Wiltshire SN10 2GH; Tel: 01380 722722;

looring Bath td has decided to bring a flooring show home to you. hey will visit the space that re uires flooring (commercial or residential), measure it, go through samples and work out your best option. They pride themselves on sourcing quality products and the ability to work with all trades and conditions with a can-do attitude.

Call James or Nick on 07761 663492 /07704 062181 o oor bath.com www.flooring-bath.com

BONITI

Boniti is based on the outskirts of Bath and offers a wide range of quality interior and exterior products: natural stone and timber flooring, verhot range cookers, garden furniture and adai firebowls. As well as the vast selection of products on offer, a friendly and personal service is at the heart of all that they do. u sdo ar est ttleto ltsh re Tel: 01225 892 200; www.boniti.com www.mediaclash.co.uk I BATH LIFE I 81

BATH LIVES

“I pretty much e ro rst week that I would e sta ere or a le” biggest achievements. was when we left and leaving my ob, which loved, and our home felt like a big deal. But embracing the unknown and choosing adventure and experience over comfort and security really changed my outlook and how engage with the world.

MARK DE’LISSER

I kind of ended up stumbling into the charity and volunteer sector but am so glad that did.

The professional mentor reveals how it was hearing ‘Cheers Drive’ that prompted him to fall in love with Bath

Bath is full of brilliant organisations that provide vital support for different communities in and around the

Mark is a father, a youth mentor and a poet originally from Harrow in North West London and has been living in Bath for 15 years, having studied at Bath Spa University. He volunteered as a mentor and then worked as the Supplementary School Coordinator at the Black Families Education Support Group. After a stint travelling, returned to Bath to become a professional mentor with Mentoring Plus, who provide support to children and young people facing significant challenges in and around Bath.

I came to Bath for university and pretty much knew from my first week in the city that I would be staying here for a while. was so shocked that people

said thanks to the bus driver that ust didn t happen where grew up, that friendliness and the sense of community was something that really struck me.

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

My mum Melanie De’Lisser was a nursery nurse and a teaching assistant and worked

with children for over years, so guess that planted the seed in me. love what do and working with children and young people is absolutely brilliant really get to see their genuine expressions of themselves, as well as have some wonderful conversations.

My mum has been and will always be my biggest inspiration. he has shown me

the power of unconditional love and has always supported me in everything that do. Because of her know what true strength in the face of adversity looks like, and how important it is to laugh and keep a light heart even when life can feel a little heavy.

Spending a year travelling in a van called Duffy and working in New Zealand with

my wife has been one of my

county and am so lucky to have been able to work for a number of them. ntil recently worked as a ommunity lay upport Worker for the Bath Area lay ro ect BA before oining entoring lus.

Me and my wife Natalie have been blessed with our daughter Aluna, who is now

nearly one and half. he really is such a gift and becoming parents has definitely grounded us and made us want to be the best we can be for her.

Like many of us I am so often my own worst critic and can be

unnecessarily harsh on myself. find that by taking the time to reflect on the be kind to yourself approach, m better able to embrace compassion and patience, both internally and externally.

first lockdown created and self published my own poetry and art maga ine and then asked people to donate to the russell rust if they wanted a copy. was completely blown away by the response and we were able to raise around , which all went towards helping to end food poverty in the .

I am excited to be part of Bath Abbey’s up and coming ‘Monuments, Empire and Slavery’ event later this year,

where will be performing a poem that wrote in response to the exhibition. his exhibition feels like a big deal as it is important that we begin to critically re examine Britain s colonial history and its impacts on society today.

I live in Monkton Combe and I really wouldn’t want to be anywhere else right now. t

is such a wonderful place to call home and to raise my daughter during her early years. Being surrounded by so much beautiful nature it s easy to forget how close we are to the city. love being able to ust walk down to the undas A ueduct or up to ainbow Woods, and being so close to the wo unnels is fantastic.

My ‘secret’ Bath is Fairfield House. As the former residence

of aile elassie, there is so much history there, can t believe more people don t know it exists. n

Writing and performing poetry is something that I love, and

am really lucky to have been given a number of different platforms to do so. uring the

For more: www.mentoringplus.net