Bath Life - Issue 458 by MediaClash

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8 PAGES OF LOCALLY AND LOVINGLY SOURCED GIFT INSPO

DIE GI IN

TAKE THE WRAP

IN FINE FEATHER EXCLUSIVE BUBBLE DINING AT THE BIRD

THE TRIUMPHANT HAPPY DONUT BAKERY

THE BEST IN SNOWBUSINESS

THE DO-NOT-MISS ROUND UP OF THE CITY’S WINTER WONDERLAND

SET THE SCENE

ISSUE 458 / 3 – 16 DECEMBER 2021 / £3

ISSUE 458 / 3 – 16 DECEMBER 2021 / SHAKEN & STIRRED

HOLIER THAN THOU

LOOKING BACK THE INNOVATIVE BATH ARTS WORKSHOP

FESTIVE SPIRIT 15 AMAZING COCKTAILS CREATED ESPECIALLY FOR YOU BY OUR LOCAL BARTENDERS

PLUS JON MONIE AT THEATRE ROYAL BATH / EXPLORE A MONKTON COMBE MANOR / COX & COXʼS CEO RICHARD BELL

EDITOR’S LETTER

think I was about 18 when I discovered my first cocktail. It was on the Lloret De Mar and it went by the name of Blue Curaçao. A dash of lemonade and one paper umbrella later and well, wasn’t I the sophisticated one with my sticky, sweet, neon drink? On returning home, myself and my friend, showing off how well-travelled we were, badgered the barman in our Somerset boozer to recreate our holiday drinking vibe. But by the time he’d located and blown the dust off the bottle, our tans had faded, and we realised it was never going to ever be the same. These days I consider myself too old, too grand for drinks that look like slushies but whilst compiling our cocktail feature (page 78), I was overjoyed to discover the Mint Room have used it in their Frozen Rangpur. I looked, I booked, I’m going this weekend, and I will be sampling, so look out for those Bath Life #BlueCuraçao #LivingMyBest Life social posts coming to a thread near you soon. Along with our specially mixed festive cocktails, we have fashion inspiration to help revamp your going out out Christmas party outfit (pages 68 and 70). We also have an eight page gift guide extravaganza starting on page 29 – all locally and lovingly sourced (look out for a few beauts that are just perfect for recreating those Bath Curaçao cocktails at home. Just add a paper umbrella – and oh my, aren’t we the sophisticated ones?) Enjoy your happy hours, and see you in two weeks.

ABOVE: Bath’s mixologists magic us up some Christmas potions (page 78) BELOW: We’ve got over 100 gorgeous indie gift ideas (page 29)

SARAH MOOLLA

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

Issue 458 / 3–16 December 2021

COVER Damian Was, the head bartender at Sub 13, prepares a White Christmas Martini (page 78) Photo by Soul Media; www.soul-media.co.uk

BUY LOCAL FOR CHRISTMAS

29 XMAS GIFT GUIDE This year you can take care of your entire

Christmas shop locally – with ease

THE ARTS

49 ARTS INTRO Jon Monie returns to the Theatre Royal Bath

stage for this year’s panto, Cinderella

50 WHAT’S ON Theatre, music, family stuﬀ, comedy, art and all

that’s festive and fun in Bath and beyond

58 BATH ARTS WORKSHOP A slice of 1970s Bath arts 62 FILM Must-see Christmas ﬁlms at The Little 65 BOOKS Three main characters that leap oﬀ the page

LIFESTYLE

68 WOMEN’S FASHION How to dress this sparkles season 70 MEN’S FASHION Nick Hems’ classy Christmas style

FOOD&DRINK

73 TAKE 5 Bath Life Award New Business winners the Happy

100

Donut Bakery

74 FOOD & DRINK Bath’s latest newbies on the food scene 76 RESTAURANT A feast at Plate, Bathwick’s Restaurant & Bar

at The Bird, Bath

78 WINTER COCKTAILS Christmas cheers from our indie bars

BUSINESS

89 BATHWORKS Business news, views, and interviews 92 BIZ Q&A Richard Bell, CEO of Cox & Cox shares how they

cracked the code for low employee turnover

95 BATH LIFE AWARDS Q&A Civic winners 3SG on their

pandemic response and how to do good in Bath this Christmas

PROPERTY

97 PROPERTY LEAD The new Cotswold style cottage at

Lucknam Park Hotel & Spa

98 PROPERTY NEWS Updates from the market 100 SHOWCASE A medieval manor in Monkton Combe

DEPARTMENTS

17 SPOTLIGHT How to make the most of Christmas in Bath 18 INSTAGRAM The golden city 21 SOCIETY Robun and Bath Life join forces to celebrate the restaurant’s new private dining space 27 FLATLINE For Flats, Christmas is all about the turkey 106 LIVES Scriptwriter Gill Kirk on why Bath helps her write

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, Mariana Cantelo, David Flatman, Victoria Forbes Adam, Nick Hems and Matilda Walton Group advertising manager Pat White pat.white@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

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

SPOTLIGHT Get your skates on for Bath on Ice

Bath at Christmas

THAT FESTIVE FEELING

Christmas has arrived in Bath once again with plenty of decorations, shopping and fun activities to make the most of the season. Enjoy Bath’s festive decorations, from the illuminations trail adding Christmas sparkle to some of Bath’s most famous buildings, to the charming Victorian carousel and the enchanting Christmas tree outside the Abbey. Get shopping with the local artisan makers offering handmade gifts and one-of-a-kind treats at The Artisan Market in Queen Square and the Artisan Makers at Bath Abbey Quarter. Father Christmas and his upcycling Elves Swapshop will visit Milsom Street for a unique display with the Share and Repair volunteers, who will be showing passers-by how to mend toys and give them a new, loving home. Children are invited to see the Elf-O-Matic toy upcycler in action, bring along an old toy to be shared with another child – and pick a new toy of their choice. Children will also love the festive illuminations at the American Museum & Gardens and the nutcracker trail at The Royal Crescent Hotel & Spa. Pop over to Bath on Ice, the 1,000 square metre ice rink in Victoria Park, complete with glowing atmospheric lights for festive feels, then visit No 1 Royal Crescent and see the rooms dressed up for Christmas, and enjoy the traditions and celebrations of the season, Georgian-style with the new Tales of Christmas immersive tour. Finally – it wouldn’t be Christmas without panto. Cinderella marks its return to Theatre Royal Bath, with a brand-new laugh-out-loud script by Bath’s own panto legend Jon Monie. With all this and so much more besides – it’s time to start ticking off that Christmas activity to-do list. For more: www.visitbath.co.uk

Nothing says Christmas like Bath Abbey’s beautifully lit tree

The Christmas Light Trail sees Bath’s landmark buildings glowing

Hunt the nutcracker at the Royal Crescent Hotel & Spa

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

SPOTLIGHT

STAY GOLDEN

From the crisp multi-hued leaves to the soft glow of light cast across the city on these ever-darker evenings, Bath has never looked more golden

@canuckrunningamuck

@sues_photos

@bath.the.city

@becky_leyton

@claireelizabethtanner

@jan_thetraveller

@prettylittlebathuk

@The.aesthetic.city

@wildsoul_photographer

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

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

Roger Payne and Amy Lavery

Alison Watson, Andrew Berman, Jonathan Jordan and Harriet Delahunty

Tom Coles, Lauren Jenkins, Hannah Sheppard and Ed McKenzie

LET THE GOOD TIMES ROLL

Ryan Chin and Bella Zhu

Robun and Bath Life joined forces for an event celebrating the launch of Robun’s new private dining space. Over 100 guests attended the evening at the Japanese restaurant on George Street to network and try out the delicious canapés and cocktails in Robun’s distinct style. Roger Payne, CEO of Enhanced Hospitality, the owners of Robun, was also on hand to make a speech oﬃcially opening the space to the public. Photos by Adam Carter www.adamcarterphoto.com

Beccy Rennison, Sarah Moon and Marcus Whittington Emily Mander, Mike Bond and Angela Bond

Sara Horsfall, James Horsfall, Samuel Daniels and India Baller-Theyer

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

SOCIETY

George Batterham, Ben Smith and John Flinn John Carter, David Medlock and Kevin Guy

Deborah Dalley and Derwent Campbell

Martin Davis and Michael Davis

RAISE A GLASS

Bath Recreation has officially opened the Glasshouse Academy, a new initiative led by Matt Banahan which works with local schools to create opportunities for children to raise their aspirations and nurture positive lifestyle choices. Thomas Sheppard, High Sheriff of Somerset was in attendance to cut the ribbon and declare the new site officially open. Photos by Gareth Hoskins www.garethhoskinsphotography.com

Darroch Davidson, Thomas Sheppard and Richard Best Shahzia Lewis, Steph Massie and Sandra Tuck

Matt Banahan, Jason Dalley and High Sheriff of Somerset Thomas Sheppard Mandy Gardener and Winston Duguid

Jason Dalley and Simon Emery

Kant Mann and Stephen Baddeley 22 I BATH LIFE I www.mediaclash.co.uk

SOCIETY

Charlotte Grant and Libby Radford

Elaine Choi

Fang-Yu Lin Richard Bertinet and Ulrika Jonsson

Eddie Twitchett Julian Gomma

GREAT AND GOOD

Guy Ritchie

The return of The Great Bath Feast was a great success, with record-breaking numbers ﬂocking to Milsom Street to experience the tasty selection of vendors at the Artisan Market. The event was created in partnership with The Bertinet Kitchen Cookery School and featured a fun array of live cookery demonstrations from chefs including Richard Bertinet, Masterchef winner Ping Coombes and Chris Cleghorn, head chef of The Olive, the only Michelin star restaurant in Bath. Celebrity Masterchef ﬁnalist Ulrika Johnson also appeared. Photos by Richard Jarrett www.richardjarrett.com

Mirella Lamarina

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

Ping Coombes

Harrison Pieri

Barbara Besta

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FLAT LINE DAVID FLATMAN

That’s a wrap Flats is not making a list, nor is he checking it twice

“Christmas is all about the kids... and I’m all about the turkey”

n order to become better at buying Christmas presents I would have to fundamentally change who I am as a person. The gift buyer everyone wants to be at these times is the one who took a hint back in February or popped back to a shop in June, and whose wrapped-in-good-time assembly of meaningful, considered objects just makes them look like the most thoughtful person in the room. Or, depending on your position on these things, the most smug. I don’t do it that way. I wait until around mid-December, I pick up this very phone, and I scroll about for six minutes before ﬂinging some cash at the problem. And it is a problem. The problem is that it really has nothing to do with me, but it does impact how others feel about me. All I’m doing is being who I am, and all they’re doing is being disappointed at who I am: a lazy, thoughtless gift buyer. I would – and do – counter this by reminding them (and by ‘them,’ you know just who I mean) that the sort of gifting they ideally want isn’t actually part of the package here. I can’t do it. I mean, I could fake it for a year or so, but it wouldn’t last. I could set monthly reminders to jolt me into getting ‘that t-shirt you liked in Jan – remember?’ but that’s just fake. No, the reason I don’t spend all year being a great Christmas present collector is that I do not think about Christmas at all before about December 15th, at which point we’re knackered. ‘How would you feel if nobody thought about what you might want ahead of time?’ is a question that has been javelined at me in the past, with my answer

predictably being: ‘I couldn’t care less because I’m not nine.’ This always goes down a TREAT! The whole presents at Christmas thing is, in my mind, for kids. I would very happily indeed receive no gifts whatsoever, from anyone. I want to watch the children go mad, I want to cook and eat and drink with my family, and I want to listen to Michael Bublé on repeat all day. I don’t need things on this day, but it appears that very many grown-ups still do, which I find odd. The children actually like to get presents for the adults, and that’s a lovely thing. Last year I think I got a homemade bracelet and a barbecue apron from the kids. The bracelet I still have, and the apron they reclaimed on Christmas Day as they rather liked it and I haven’t seen it since. That’ll do me. By all means, I’m happy to sharpen up for Valentine’s Day (what a joke), and if you like a birthday to be a special day (again, I don’t get it when actual adults want this, but hey ho) then I’ll deliver good times and parcels and nice grub and cold fizz. Fine. But at Christmas it’s all about the kids, I’m all about kids, and I’m all about the turkey. Any underwhelmed grown-ups will, I’m afraid, have to keep their disappointment to themselves for the day while the rest of us concentrate on one another, not on little boxes full of things you don’t really need anyway. P.S. I bloody love Christmas, so no ‘bah humbug’ hate mail please! X David Flatman is an ex-Bath and England rugby star turned TV pundit and rent-o-mic. Follow him on Twitter @davidflatman and Insta @dflatman

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

Discover a haven of Christmas gifts, pop-ups, eateries and (for a limited time only) peek through the wardrobe into the land of Narnia... Milsom Place, Milsom Street & Broad Street, Bath BA1 1BZ 01225 789040 milsomplace.co.uk

CHRISTMAS GIFT GUIDE

IN THE PRESENT DAY

Make it the season of goodwill with local and lovely gifts

his Christmas, maybe more than ever, it’s all about sharing the love and celebrating the good times. For many of us it might be the first time we’re reunited with loved ones or feeling confident we can relax and get on with rocking around the Christmas tree on this jolly holiday. Our eight-page Christmas list is a lovingly and locally sourced compendium of the beautiful, the thoughtful and the exquisite and as always it’s about spreading the cheer and supporting our local indies and retailers.

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

Luxury matches in a Christmas tree matchbox, £7.50; from Vinegar Hill, 16 Milsom Street, Bath; www.vinegarhill.co.uk

Selection of indoor and outdoor fairy lights by Noma, prices start at £9.99, from Francis DIY, Francis DIY, 39 Moorland Road, Oldfield Park; www.francisdiy.com

Rotary angel candle holder by Pluto, £7.95, from Julia Davey, 20 Wellsway, Bear Flat, Bath; www.juliadavey.com

Hand made large glass bauble, £45,from Bath Aqua Glass, 15 Abbey Churchyard, Bath; www.bathaquaglass.com

Tula Wreath by Nkuku £36.50, from Homefront Interiors, 10 Margaret’s Building, Bath; www. homefrontinteriors. co.uk

Christmas stocking in William Morris golden lily fabric with claret velvet trim, £30, from The Art Cohort, 13 Chelsea Road, Bath; www.the-art-cohort.myshopify.com

Geometric hanging star light, £38, from Graham and Green, 92 Walcot Street, Bath; www. grahamandgreen. co.uk

BELLE OF THE BAUBLES Fab festive decorations

Stag in forest lantern, £28.50, from India Jane, 20 Milsom Street, Bath; www.indiajane. co.uk

Eat. Sleep. Sherry. Repeat. A6 typographic Christmas card by local Corsham designer Megan Allison, £3, www.etsy.com/uk/shop/VoeuxPrints

Gingerbread house advent calendar, £50, from Cox & Cox; www.coxandcox.co.uk

Monkton candlesticks, £39 for one or £65 for a pair, from Charlie Caffyn; www. charliecaffynfurniture.co.uk

Lydia the felt standing reindeer, £17, from Neptune, One Tram Yard, Walcot Street, Bath; www.neptune.com

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6 foot Kensington fir Christmas tree, £229.99, from Whitehall Garden Centre, Corsham Road, Lacock; www.whitehallgardencentre.co.uk

CHRISTMAS GIFT GUIDE

Studio desk lamp with spun shade in antiqued brass, £184, from Jim Lawrence, 114 - 116 Walcot Street, Bath; www.jim-lawrence.co.uk

Circle o f The Art Life cushion, £ 28, from Studio, www.e Knight’s Barn Emma Rose , mmaro , seartw Wellow, Bath orks.co ; m

Deco cocktail trolley, £425, from Cox & Cox; www.coxandcox.co.uk

Mask of Tutankhamen bookend, £44, from Modern Souvenir; www.modernsouvenir.com

Famous faces doorstops, £18, from Graham and Green, 92 Walcot Street, Bath; www.grahamandgreen.co.uk

Crested crane table mat, £24, from Avenida Home, 1c Rivers Street, Bath; www.avenidahome.com

MAKE ROOM AT THE INN

Beautiful gifts for the home Art Deco cocktail set of 8 glasses £180, cocktail shaker £145, cocktail ‘cherry’ stick carousel, £65 all from House of Hummingbird; www.houseofhummingbird.co.uk

Garden Trading set of 2 bourdon bowls, £40, stockists Woodhouse & Law, 4 George’s Place, Bathwick Hill. Bath; www.woodhouseandlaw.co.uk

Hanging speckled-washed rustic planter , £20, from Luca & Fig, 6 Widcombe Parade, Bath; www.lucaandfig.com Lenny swivel chair, was £1,189, now £999, from TR Hayes, 15-18 London Street, Walcot, Bath; www.trhayes.co.uk

Rabbit lamp in silver, £185, from French Grey Interiors, 1 Burton Street, Bath, www.frenchgreyinteriors.co.uk

4ft Chichester wine rack in shingle, £1,145, from Neptune, One Tram Yard, Walcot Street, Bath; www.neptune.com

Handmade ceramic penguin salt and pepper shakers by Hannah Turner, £23, from Rossiters of Bath, 38-41 Broad Street, Bath; www.rossitersofbath.com

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

After fourteen years, we’ve moved from our familiar spot on the Paragon right to the centre of Bath. You can find us on York Street, next to the Abbey, in the beautiful former Friends Meeting House. We have expanded over three floors, all lined with bookshelves, and now have space for over 75,000 books – including many more signed

first editions. But of course our rolling ladders, complimentary pots of tea and coffee, and brilliant bookselling team remain the same! We hope to see you soon - please do pop in to say hello and browse over a pot of coffee! We’re open 8:30am – 9pm every day, including Sundays.

Topping & Company Booksellers, York Street, Bath BA1 1NG

www.toppingbooks.co.uk

CHRISTMAS GIFT GUIDE Moonstruck gold necklace in peach, £90 from Design Vaults; www. designvaults.co.uk

Mixed metal rainbow hoops, £90 from Honey Willow, 8 Pulteney Bridge, Bath; www.honeywillow.com

Planet necklace, £125 from Icarus Jewellery, 3 Pulteney Bridge, Bath; www.icarusjewellery.com Narrow Oxidised Cuff, £105.95, from The Silver Shop of Bath, 25 Union Passage, Bath; www.thesilvershopofbath.co.uk

18ct rose gold, yellow gold and platinum hammered diamond set stacking rings starting from £925, from Gold & Platinum Studio, 19 Northumberland Place, Bath; www.goldandplatinumstudio.co.uk

SHINE BRIGHT LIKE A DIAMOND ‘Dazzle’ star ring in 9ct white gold with 0.12ct diamonds, £395 from Wylde, 12 Northumberland Place, Bath; www.nicholaswylde.com

Nkuku Kuya Necklace, £39.95 from Homefront Interiors, 10 Margaret’s Buildings, Bath; www.homefrontinteriors.co.uk

From treasured heirlooms to sparkly stocking ﬁllers

Platinum diamond drop earrings 1.29 cts, £2,995 from Orton, 6-7 Market Street, Bradford on Avon; www.ortonjewellery.co.uk

Oasis earrings, £23, by Ilista Studio; www.ilistastudio.com

18ct yellow and white gold rub set round brilliant cut diamond flex bangle, £3,115 From Mallory, 1-5 Bridge Street, Bath; www.mallory-jewellers.com

Double cup necklace, £330, from Tina Engell, 3 Bartlett Street, Bath; www.tinaengell.com

Fine ruby and diamond bracelet, £4,750 from Charles Hart Jewellers/Vintage Tom, 4 Cheap Street, Frome; www.vintagetom.co.uk Sterling silver hexagon with the large 9ct yellow gold bead at the top of the tassel, £52 from Cami-Lou Jewellery; stockists Jody Cory Goldsmiths, Luca & Fig, and Leak Gifts; Instagram @camilou_jewellerydesigns

Loop D’loop ring, £165 from Jody Cory Goldsmiths, 9 Abbey Churchyard, Bath; www.jodycory.co.uk

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CHRISTMAS GIFT GUIDE Ruark R1 MK4 Deluxe Bluetooth radio in light cream lacquer, £239 from Moss of Bath, 45 St James’ Parade, Bath; www.mossofbath.co.uk

Bath Life m ag www azine 26-i .med iaclas ssue subsc h.co.u r k/sub iption, £40 scribe , Patterned Zylinder tea pot, £65 from Kobi & Teal, 57 Catherine Street, Frome; www.kobiandteal.co.uk Cockatoo giclee print, A1, £125 from EDP, 104 Walcot Street, Bath; www.studioedp.com

Map of the British Isles dated c.1659 by W. Hollar, £1,350, from The Antique Map Shop, 9-10 Pulteney Bridge, Bath; www.dg-maps.com

STAR QUALITY

A little luxe inspiration that’ll suit everybody’s wish list Suave Owl pin, £10 from Suave Owl, 33 Milsom Street, Bath; www.suaveowl.co.uk The Ministry of Quizzes by The Ministry of Quizzes: The Ultimate Compendium for Puzzlers and Quiz-solvers by David Guest, £12.99, available from all good local indie bookshops

The Bath Metro Mug, £11.99, from MarbecVillage; www.marbecvillage.etsy.com

Éditions de l’Obsession magazine issue no 1, £12, from Magalleria, 5 Upper Borough Walls, Bath; www.magalleria.co.uk Tropical Fuzz by Yur Mum limited edition 180g colour vinyl cut, £18, www.chapter22rootsandrecords.com

Bath art map print hand drawn and limited edition, £18, from Firewater Gallery; www.firewatergallery.com

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

Christmas notes book, £12, by Fraser & Parsley; www.fraserandparsley.com

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

Clockwork Soldier Build a Mega Robot, £9.99, from My Small World, 19-21 St Lawrence Street, Bath; www.mysmallworld.co.uk

Illustrated map of the world by artist Sol Linero with frame, £54.95, from Roomytown; www.roomytown.com

Ginko smart floating moon lamp, £129, from Rossiters of Bath, 38-41 Broad Street, Bath; www.rossitersofbath.com

TOY TO THE WORLD!

Fun stuﬀ for kids of any age Large Larry lion rug, £169, from Graham & Green, 92 Walcot Street, Bath; www.grahamandgreen.co.uk

Rice DK Raffia circus play and storage basket, £54.99, from Honey on the Hill, 30 Catherine Hill, Frome; www.honeyonthehill.co.uk

Dog embroidery kit, £24, from Leah Nikolaou; www.leahnikolaou.com

Tim Minchin’s When I Grow Up Children’s Book, £11.04, from The Oldfield Park Bookshop, 43 Moorland Rd, Bath; www.theoldfieldparkbookshop.co.uk Hand knitted baby romper, £38, from TilianKids, 142 Walcot Street, Bath; www.tiliankids.com

Oioiooi Alphabet Play Blocks, £175, from autism-friendly toy selection at My Small World toy store, 19-21 St Lawrence Street, Bath; www.mysmallworld.co.uk

Sleepy bunnies, £35 and sleepy bunny rattles, £18, from TilianKids, 142 Walcot Street, Bath; www.tiliankids.com

Magical Spells Piece by Piece Puzzle Book, £12, from R F Gifts; www.rfgifts.co.uk

Little Bakers game, £6, from Rossiters of Bath, 38-41 Broad Street, Bath; www.rossitersofbath.com

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The Innocent Hound Christmas Treat, £10, from Bath Country Pets, North Wraxhall, Wiltshire; www.bathcountrypets.co.uk

CHRISTMAS GIFT GUIDE P.L.A.Y Merry Woofmas Collection featuring Christmas Eve Cookies: £11.95, Santa’s Little Elf-er: £11.50, Doglas Fur: £16.50, Good Dog Stocking: £11 and Clumsy Claus: £13.95 from Winston James Woof, 21 Paul Street, Frome; www.winstonjameswoof.com

Handmade Purrfect Cat Cracker, (also available for dogs too), £10.50 each, from Cox & Cox; www.coxandcox.co.uk Dog bed by Sophie Allport, £46, from Rossiters of Bath, 38-41 Broad Street, Bath; www.rossitersofbath.com

Mutts and Hounds Shelby Sheep toy, £17, from Winston James Woof, 21 Paul Street, Frome; www.winstonjameswoof.com

Stuffed pheasant dog toy, £13 from Rossiters of Bath, 38-41 Broad Street, Bath; www.rossitersofbath.com

Kikkerland fuzzy toy selfie clip for cat photos, £11.95, from Graham & Green, 92 Walcot Street, Bath; www. grahamandgreen.co.uk

PAWS FOR THOUGHT

Don’t forget to say thank you to your furry best friend Dog bandana in Bath Rugby’s blue, black and white stripes, £10, from Flamingo, 7 Widcombe Parade, Bath; www.flamingobath.co.uk

Dog themed printed tennis balls, prices start at £2.50, from Price of Bath, Quarry Hill Works, Box; www.priceofbath.com

Reserved for the dog cushion, £15, from Bath Country Pets, North Wraxhall, Wiltshire; www.bathcountrypets.co.uk

Rattan Mattaban medium pet bed, £395, from OKA, 26-27 Milsom Street, Bath; www.oka.com

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

CHRISTMAS GIFT GUIDE The Nourishing box, £36, from Planty Kate; www.plantykate.co.uk

Joana Fulana limited edition combination beauty bag, £49.99, from MONUSKIN; www.monushop.co.uk

The Lover perfume, 50ml, £79, from Apothke Perfume, TWENTY SEVEN, 27 High Street, Bath; www.apothekeperfume.com

Aroma Home pure essential oil blend sleep well 3 steps kit, £15.50, from Rossiters of Bath, 38-41 Broad Street, Bath; www. rossitersofbath.com

Zao ultra shiny palette, £52, from Refillable, 2-3 Cleveland Place East, London Road, Bath; www.refillable.shop (online exclusive)

…AND RELAX

It’s bath, body, and beauty time Flores bath essence, £15, from Luca & Fig, 6 Widcombe Parade, Bath; www.lucaandfig.com Face mask trio, £20, from Natural Spa Factory; www.naturalspafactory.com Evolve miracle facial oil 30ml, £30, from Little Lab, 20 Broad Street, Bath; www.littlelab.co.uk

Little Suds mini hearts gift box, £10, from Consciously You, 1 Kennington Road, Bath; www.consciouslyyou.co.uk

The Best of L’Occitane gift box, £34, from The Garden Spa by L’Occitane at The Bath Priory, Weston Road, Bath; www.thebathpriory.co.uk

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Winner . BEST CREATIVE BUSINESS . Bath Life Awards

GIFT VOUCHERS An unusual and personal gift Handwritten by Award-Winning Artist Commissions Original Paintings Limited Edition Giclée Prints Art Cushions Cards . Booklets . Tea Towels You choose the amount The Art Studio . Knight’s Barn . Wellow . Bath BA2 8QE www.emmaroseartworks.com . 07885 235 915

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For a huge range of Antique Jewellery, Rings, and pre-owned prestige watches including Rolex, Omega & Cartier visit our fabulous website:

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UNFORGETTABLE

CHRISTMAS EXPERIENCES There is no better gift than experience AFTERNOON TEA AT THE BATH PRIORY Treat a loved one to experience a great British tradition – a full afternoon tea including a selection of delicate finger sandwiches, delicious homemade cakes and of course warm scones served with clotted cream and homemade preserve. A vast selection of teas and coffees are available to accompany these treats. Tea can be taken in our celebrated 3 AA Rosette restaurant, with magnificent views across the hotel’s award-winning gardens or in The Pantry, lounges or terrace on request. To explore our full range of gift vouchers, now valid for 18 months, visit: www.thebathpriory.co.uk/gift-vouchers

LET US ENTERTAIN YOU THIS CHRISTMAS WITH A BATH BOX OFFICE GIFT VOUCHER Bath Box Office is the ultimate destination for tickets to festivals and events across the city. It sells tickets for The Forum, Bath Abbey, The Bath Festival, Chapel Arts Centre, Krowd Keepers Magic Show, Bath Mozartfest and many more. Whether it’s music, film, comedy, or theatre, give the gift of choice, and an experience for them to look forward to! www.bathboxoffice.org.uk

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

£40 PP

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FESTIVE AFTERNOON TEA/NYE GALA DINNER

Eat, drink and be merry with us at No.15 by GuestHouse, Bath this year. We have a Christmassy take on Bath’s beloved treat of afternoon tea featuring cucumber sandwiches, Turkey and trimmings sandwiches, mulled cider and apple jelly, white chocolate and coconut snowball, and delicious homemade scones. All served with tea from our carefully curated tea menu or a glass of beautiful Bolney Bubbly. And for those looking for a festive party, join us in the Pulteney Room for a festive lunch or dinner. Chef is cooking up some indulgent dishes and as always there will be comfort food and fun food. And for all of the festive fun without any of the prep, cooking or washing up, join us for lunch on Christmas Day. Or make sure the last meal of 2021 is one to remember with our New Year's Eve gala dinner followed by old school vinyl DJ. For more: 01225 807015 or visit www.guesthousehotels.co.uk

GIVE THE GIFT OF IF OPERA TICKETS THIS CHRISTMAS

FROM

£40 PP

Set within the stunning surroundings of Belcombe Court in Bradford on Avon, choose from either opera or our picnic proms performances. Why not pre-order your picnic and take some time to wander the atmospheric gardens and parklands of this rarely opened to the public Georgian house, before settling down to take in a very special live performance in the grounds. The If Opera season will be announced early Dec, and will run from Aug to Sept 2022. For full terms and conditions see www.ifopera.com/vouchers

INTERIOR COLOUR WORKSHOP In a fun and creative half-day workshop, learn how to decorate your home with colour. Explore design styles, colour psychology and create an inspirational mood board.

£95 PP

Lola will share her top tips on thinking like an interior designer, defining your style, and learning how to create your colour palette. Course duration: 4 hour course Venue: Lola's home in Bath Book dates: www.lolaswift.co.uk

GIVE THE GIFT OF SPA Spa Vouchers make a great gift for friends, family or colleagues. From £37, a ‘Thermae Welcome’ gives full use of the indoor Minerva Bath, the multi-sensory Wellness Suite and the open-air rooftop pool. As a special treat, a spa package lets you enjoy Bath’s natural thermal waters and a choice of lovely spa treatments.

FROM

£37 PP

Find out more and buy your spa vouchers online at www.thermaebathspa.com or call 01225 33 1234

F o r mo re in fo rmatio n ab o u t th e se e xperiences a nd their terms a nd conditions, plea se visit the compa ny’s webs i te. www.mediaclash.co.uk I BATH LIFE I 45

SPONSORED CONTENT

SAY YUUP THIS CHRISTMAS Experience the extraordinary with Yuup. Discover memorable and unique things to do in the West Country with passionate local people, independent creators, and small businesses.

Finola, Ridgeway Studios is a buzzing hub for resident ceramics artists and the home of low-key and casual pottery workshops. Take a spin on the wheels as resident ceramics artists Meredith and Naomi show you how to morph raw materials pulled from the earth into works of art. When you are not sculpting on the potter’s wheel you’ll be hand-building pottery with stoneware clay. This is a relaxed affair with refreshments available throughout. From £40 per person

f you are looking for heartfelt, unique, and out-of-the-ordinary gifts you’ll find unforgettable experiences with Yuup. Give someone the gift of the South West from a whole new perspective: from tasting masterclasses to woodland foraging and from pottery workshops to world cookery classes. Get some inspiration from this gift guide and give them something they’ll always remember:

FOR THE ONE THAT LIKES NATURE:

THE SHOWSTOPPER:

A wildlife safari through the Forest of Dean

In the Forest of Dean, the creatures of the night come out to play in this evening wildlife safari. Wild boars, fallow deer, bats, foxes, otters, and the odd pine marten all call this beautiful and mysterious ancient woodland their home. Be their guest as your host Ed guides you through the greenery to discover the shy residents of the Forest of Dean and learn to differentiate between the different cries and warbles you’ll hear as you explore. From £40 per person

Take a champagne flight in a hot-air balloon

FOR THE FOODIE ONE: Taste the fruits of the world with DBM Wines

Is there anything more romantic, more fantastical, or more iconic than being transported through the air by hot air balloon? This is an unforgettable sky-high experience that will give you a view of your favourite city from a whole new perspective. A hot air balloon flight raises the bar when it comes to great gifts. Perfect for special occasions like Christmas or simply something to cross off the bucket list! The best bit about this gift? They get to share it with you. From £160 per person

Taste the mountain soil, the sea breeze, and bursting sun-drenched berries in this gastronomic experience that will take you across the globe. DBM Wines is an independent, personal wine merchant with over 30 years of experience. Taste wines specially selected by a Master of Wine (one of only 370 globally) in a relaxed and approachable atmosphere. Exclusive without being elitist, you’ll discover that expert wine knowledge can be found just at the tip of your tastebuds. From £20 per person

FOR THE ARTY ONE:

Embrace the ancient craft of pottery with Ridgeway Studios Created by husband and wife team Max and

With over 350 unique local experiences you’re sure to find something for everyone. Discover more great experience gift ideas and gift vouchers at yuup.co www.mediaclash.co.uk I BATH LIFE I 47

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

OH YES HE IS!

Bath’s own, much-loved, award-winning comedian Jon Monie is appearing as Buttons alongside one of the biggest stars of children’s television Dani Harmer in Cinderella at Theatre Royal Bath, that runs 16 December – 9 January. This will be Jon’s 19th Christmas show at the theatre, and in January 2019 he entered the record books when he made his 1,000th Bath pantomime performance during the run of Peter Pan, in which he played Smee. But this isn’t where Jon’s talents end – he has also written this year’s script, having previously written the Theatre Royal Bath’s last pantomime Beauty and the Beast in 2019 for which he won Best Script at the Great British Pantomime Awards. And last year he wrote Pantomonium! which was staged at Blackpool’s Grand Theatre for online audiences. Jon says, “I’m genuinely thrilled that Cinderella will be going to the ball in Bath this Christmas. I’ve found time to write a brand-new script, packed full of new jokes, new surprises, and same old me. I can’t wait!” For more: www.theatreroyal.org.uk

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

WHAT’S ON 4 -30 December

The Enchanted Garden of Light will be illuminating The American Museum

EXHIBITIONS Until 24 December

MUSEUM OF THE MOON There’s a host of exhibitions, activities and concerts at Bath Abbey in the run up to Christmas including the chance to stargaze with the Bath Astronomers, a Cosmic Wonder Trail, Mindful Art Workshops led by Stephen Magrath, and the Melody Makers performing Mission to the Moon. Taking centre stage is the breath-taking Museum of the Moon by Luke Jerram – an inflatable installation artwork that is a near exact spherical replica of the Moon, with a diameter of seven metres. Bath Abbey; www.bathabbey.org

Until 3 January

HORNET, HAILSTONE, CRAB EYE, AERODROME… (ETC.) Hornet, hailstone, crab eye, aerodrome… (etc.) presents the fruits of a recent anagama kiln firing by Aaron Angell and Steven Claydon. These two leading British artists

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

Always check Covid-19 restrictions and instructions with venues before your visit

share an anachronistic approach to historical influence, in this instance in the vernacular of ceramics from late-medieval rural Japan from where anagama kilns originate. Holburne Museum; www.holburne.org

Until 9 January

ROSSETTI’S PORTRAITS A unique show devoted to one of the giants of Victorian art – the first ever exhibition dedicated to Dante Gabriel Rossetti’s portraits featuring some of his most celebrated artworks including The Blue Silk Dress and The Blue Bower. The exhibition also explores the artist’s intimate relationship with his muses and their influence on his depiction of beauty. Holburne Museum; www.holburne.org

Until 9 January

SUNIL GUPTA: THE NEW PRE-RAPHAELITES The ten images on display reference the struggle against Section 377 of the Indian Penal Code instigated during British rule in the 1860s

which criminalised gay sex. Holburne Museum; www.holburne.org

Until 14 January

ENGAGED This diverse and fascinating exhibition lining the corridors of the RUH are of thought-provoking experiential prints underpinned by theoretical research. The artists featured worked innovatively through the Covid-19 lockdown, and recently graduated in MA Multidisciplinary Printmaking at UWE, Bristol. www.artatruh.org

Until 27 February 2022

MYTHS AND MONSTERS A colourful celebration of children’s book illustration featuring the art work of family favourites such as The Gruffalo, Iron Man, Little Ogre, and Monsters in Underpants, along with 3D models and interactive craft activities. Alongside are the paintings by Victoria Topping representing the mythological

aspects with her depictions of Midas, Pan, Pegasus, Phoenix and Poseidon. Victoria Art Gallery; www.victoriagal.org.uk

Until 2022

SHOEPHORIA! Discover the fascinating evolution of shoe style over the last 300 years, from the actual footwear worn by Queen Mary and Queen Victoria, through to the recent contemporary designers, such as Manolo Blahnik and Vivienne Westwood. Fashion Museum; www.fashionmuseum.co.uk

12 December

BATH CONTEMPORARY ARTISTS’ FAIR Visit the bustling and buzzy space of Green Park Station to see a wealth of local talent exhibiting and selling their work. Artists who belong to the collective include Emma Rose, Speak To Me Gabriel, Elena Simeonova, and Georgina Peters. www.bcaf.co.uk

WHAT’S ON THEATRE / CINEMA

Until 11 December

SIX THE MUSICAL From Tudor queens to pop princesses, the six wives of Henry VIII finally take to the mic to tell their tales, remixing five hundred years of historical heartbreak into a 75-minute celebration of 21st century girl power. These Queens may have green sleeves but their lipstick is rebellious red in this sellout smash hit. Theatre Royal Bath; www.theatreroyal.org.uk

11 December

top: Amber Butchart delves into the fashion of the Pre-Raphaelite era in a free Holburne online event 16 December; middle: The annual CBeebies Christmas Show screening is happening at the Little Theatre; bottom: Brian McFadden of Westlife and Keith Duffy of Boyzone make up Boyzlife playing the Bath Forum on 10 December

CHILDREN

Until 22 December

SHAUN THE SHEEP: THE FLIGHT BEFORE CHRISTMAS’ TRAIL & SANTA’S GROTTO On the Shaun the Sheep themed walking trail at Woolley Grange the search is on to find the littlest lamb of the flock, Timmy, culminating in a one-on-one family visit to see Father Christmas and his elves in the grotto. Each child receives a gift from Father Christmas (suitable for 1+ years) and an activity sheet. www.woolleygrangehotel.co.uk

Until 24 December

UNTAMED BURLESQUE Featuring the rawest and wildest burlesque and cabaret stars on the UK, including headliner Foo Foo LaBelle, winner of Tallulah Blue’s Circus and Tattoo Convention 2016 Miss Ana Kiss, award-winning international songwriter and cabaret performer Laurie Black; and the mistress of inelegance and of being a little bit weird Hadria Hellbound. Chapel Arts; www.chapelarts.org

SQUIRREL Under the light of the winter sun, between the houses and the offices, and the rivers and the factories, Squirrel has buried their favourite acorn collection. It’s easy to remember where; it’s under the third tree from the left. Or was it the right? This is an enchanting story of new growth, with a sprinkling of snowy magic and puppetry mayhem suitable for 6 months to 4 years. The Egg; www.theatreroyal.org.uk

13 December – 8 January

Until 30 January

A CHRISTMAS GETAWAY The brand-new festive story – inspired by P.G. Wodehouse, Noel Coward , and classic British comedy – will be brought to life with a cast of just four actors and presented with New Old Friends’ trademark flair. Ustinov; www.theatreroyal.org.uk

16 December – 9 January

CINDERELLA Star of BAFTA-winning Tracy Beaker and former Strictly finalist, Dani Harmer plays Fairy Godmother alongside Bath favourite Jon Monie as Buttons in the Theatre Royal’s magical pantomime Cinderella. Joining them are Nic Gibney, Duncan Burt, Elly Jay and Josh Rose. Turn to page 49 for more. Theatre Royal Bath; www.theatreroyal.org.uk

21 & 23 December

IT’S A WONDERFUL LIFE In the small town of Bedford Falls, banker George Bailey (James Stewart) is the townspeople’s biggest defender. When, one Christmas Eve, George finds himself down, he ends up rescuing the mysterious Clarence – who shows George how his town might have looked if it hadn’t been for all his good deeds over the years. Turn to page 62 for more Little Theatre offerings. The Little Theatre Cinema; www.picturehouses.com

NARNIA DIORAMA Make a trip into Milsom Place and follow the paw prints to discover a vision of Narnia. A wondrous magically lit diorama created by Planet Gold Decor will transport visitors into a magical world complete with a life-size lion, accompanied by his faithful Narnia animal companions, the witch’s throne and, of course, the essential wardrobe. www.milsomplace.co.uk

5 December

THE NIGHT BEFORE CHRISTMAS The annual CBeebies Christmas Show screening follows the adventures of Holly and her brother Jack on Christmas Eve as they send their wishes to Father Christmas. But then they have to deal with the mischievous Wish Taker who steals their wishes, leading Holly to travel far and wide in search of them. Will she succeed and ensure Father Christmas has all the wishes in time for Christmas Day? The Little Theatre Cinema; www.picturehouses.com

10 December – 16 January FIVE CHILDREN AND IT Sent away to live in the countryside with their reclusive uncle, five children discover a secret that’s been hidden away for centuries:

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

WHAT’S ON a magical, mischievous and extremely grumpy Sand Fairy called It with the power to grant spectacular wishes. But as the children set off on a series of fantastic adventures, they soon learn that all your wishes being granted can get you into a whole heap of trouble. The Egg; www.theatreroyal.org.uk

21 December

HORRIBLE CHRISTMAS From the Car Park Party group and being staged at Cheltenham Racecourse, this tells the Horrible History of Christmas. From Victorian villains to medieval monks, puritan parties to Tudor treats. It is a hair-raising Christmas adventure in the company of Charles Dickens, Oliver Cromwell, King Henry VIII, St Nicholas and Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer. www.carparkparty.com

MUSIC

8 December

PARAORCHESTRA SYMPHONY OF SORROWFUL SONGS Cathartic and hauntingly beautiful, Henryk Górecki’s Symphony of Sorrowful Songs is an astonishing meditation on loss and transcendence. Performed by Paraorchestra, with acclaimed soprano Victoria Oruwari, Charles Hazlewood conducts this harmonic ‘spiritual minimalist’ composition in the deep, vast, and dark splendour of Bath Abbey. www.bathfestivals.org.uk

10 December

BOYZLIFE A brand-new show fronted by Brian McFadden (Westlife) and Keith Duffy (Boyzone), backed with a full live band, the boyband superstars perform hits of both bands in one evening. Expect classics including Picture Of You, World Of Our Own, Flying Without Wings, and You Raise Me Up. Bath Forum; www.bathforum.co.uk

10 December

CLYVE – FUNKY CHRISTMAS SPECIAL Clyve, is back at Chapel Arts for his 7th Christmas Special, delivering an upbeat evening of soul, funk, Motown, disco specials, seasonal favourites and a smattering of Beyoncé. Chapel Arts; www.chapelarts.org

12 December

BAD MANNERS Bad Manners were at the forefront of the ska revival movement in Britain in the late 70s and 80s, quickly becoming the novelty favourites of

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

the fad thanks to Buster Bloodvessel’s energising on-stage antics, and also their catchy hit classics such as Lip Up Fatty, Special Brew, and Can Can. Komedia Bath; www.komedia.co.uk

15 December

UNIVERSITY OF BATH CHAMBER CHOIR The annual University Carol Service in Bath Abbey by University Chamber Choir. The choir was formed in 1977 and is primarily made up of students with a student-run committee, plus a few staff members, totalling around 35 voices. St Mary’s Church, Bathwick; www.thesubath.com

16 December

THE LORD OF THE RINGS & THE HOBBIT – THE CONCERT Featuring The Shire Choir and Philharmonic Orchestra & the State Academic Symphony Orchestra of the Republic of Belarus, this brings a whole new dimension to the Oscarwinning soundtrack by Howard Shore for the film adaptation of J.R.R. Tolkien’s Lord of the Rings. Bath Forum; www.bathforum.co.uk

17 December

STEVE HARLEY & COCKNEY REBEL The charismatic Steve Harley celebrates an impressive 48th year in music this year and is touring with a full six-piece rock band. Classics include Judy Teen, Mr Soft, Love’s A Prima Donna, the legendary Sebastian, as well as the evergreen Make Me Smile (Come Up And See Me) a song that is noted by PRS as one of the mostplayed songs in history on British radio. Bath Forum; www.bathforum.co.uk

18 December

THE BOOTLEG BEATLES The world’s premier Beatles tribute act, the Bootleg Beatles will be performing all the classic hits, but is also presenting a special set dedicated to Let it Be, celebrating the long-awaited release of the critically acclaimed Peter Jackson Beatles documentary The Beatles: Get Back. Bath Forum; www.bathforum.co.uk

18 December

CAPPELLA NOVA Local choir Cappella Nova perform a special Christmas programme of carols, festive music and readings, including the first performance of A Christmas Lullaby, a carol written especially for Cappella Nova by the Icelandic composer Hafliði Hallgrímsson. The concert at St Matthew’s Church, Widcombe Hill,

above:

The Christmas Getaway, inspired by P G Wodehouse, performs at the Ustinov right: A magical, mischievous and extremely grumpy Sand Fairy called It is coming the Theatre Royal Bath on 10 December until 16 January below: Elena Simeonova is just one of the artists who is a member of the Bath Contemporary Artists’ which is holding a fair at Green Park Station 12 December

WHAT’S ON

Bath and is in aid of Bath Welcomes Refugees and St Matt’s Regeneration Project. www.cappellanova.org.uk

COMEDY 21 December

THE HORNE SECTION The five-headed musical comedy band play their final date of their That’s How I Like My Tour at the Forum. This unique musical stand-up show promises comedy, songs, enthusiastic dancing, and a lot of mucking about in a totally unruly and ridiculous fashion. Bath Forum; www.bathforum.co.uk

OTHER

Until 19 December

BATH ARTISAN MARKET Bath’s biggest and favourite independent artisan market is back and running every day in the heart of the city in Queen Square. Different local creators, food producers and street food vendors will be joining each week and weekend so there will always be something different to see and plenty of ways to shop local and support small businesses. www.bathartisanmarket.com

Until 19 December

BATH HUMBUG INDOOR ART MARKET The Bath Humbug Art Market held at 44AD artspace in the Abbey Courtyard is a showcase of affordable contemporary art and hand design crafts to suit every taste, gift budget and stocking. Ranging from jewellery, fine art painting, hand printed cards and t-shirts, books, textiles, homeware and ceramics; you are invited to peruse an exceptional array of unique gift ideas all available to purchase direct from the artists and designers themselves. www.44ad.net

This family-friendly magical festive trail in the Warminster countryside will be flooded with enchanting illuminations, all choreographed to a soundtrack of much-loved seasonal music from Sony Music. There will be neon strings stretched between towering trees, a walk through a tunnel of hearts and onto larger-than-life mistletoe, a flotilla of festive, brightly coloured boats bobbing on the lake, and a giant, colour-changing flora. Stourhead; www.nationaltrust.org.uk

Until 3 January

BATH ON ICE Get your skates on and head to Royal Victoria Park for some festive fun on the specially installed ice rink. The Bath on Ice Moguls Bar will be serving delicious hot food and spicy mulled wine to keep you warm and in the festive spirit. Right next door is Glow Golf with its twinkling fairy lit mini-putts. www. bathonice.com

Until 3 January

CHRISTMAS AT LONGLEAT Journey through a mesmerising tunnel of light and sound, and wander through more than a hundred twinkling Christmas trees. There’s a trail of illuminated sculptured flowers dotted alongside the snowy paths, the Hedge Maze is adorned with yet more fairy lights, and the 20-metre enchanted singing Christmas Tree will be performing carols in the Square. Plus, along with storytelling in the Flight Before Christmas show happening in the Longbarn, the Longleat Santa Train will be calling in at Father Christmas’s Grotto. www.longleat.co.uk

5 /6 /8 /9 /12 December

ENCHANTED CHRISTMAS Visit Westonbirt Arboretum to help to reunite Father Christmas with his lost reindeer and experience mesmerising light displays and stunning spectacles along the way. The Christmas adventure takes visitors through the illuminated arboretum, speaking to the trees and tree elves for clues. www.forestryengland.uk

GHOST STORIES AT THE GRAPES The Grapes pub on Westgate Street invites you to discover a true Bath tale of love, jealousy and murder. Supported by CC Kellogg and The Invunerable Nothings, the play, written and performed by Resident Playwright Dan Lewis-Jones, tells the story of a new landlord that uncovers the truth about the life of Richard Gay and his murdered wife Alice. For more turn to page 74. Tickets cost £12 and are available from www.bathboxoffice.org.uk

Until 2 January

9 – 31 December

Until 21 December

CHRISTMAS LIGHTS AT STOURHEAD

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THE ENCHANTED GARDEN OF LIGHT

The Longleat Santa Train will be calling in at Father Christmas’s Grotto until 3 January

Sparkling dashing reindeer will guide your way as you enter mesmerising tunnels of light and are greeted with the delightful sights, smells and tastes of this wonderful season. You’ll keep warm under the stars with hot spiced apple drink, seasonal mulled wine and luxurious hot chocolate, and feast on a banquet of delicious treats from homemade mince pies and roasted chestnuts to mouth-watering hotdogs and gourmet burgers. American Museum; www.americanmuseum.org

16 December

MEDIEVAL REVIVALISM IN PRE-RAPHAELITE FASHION A free online event organised by the Holburne Museum in which fashion historian, writer and broadcaster Amber Butchart delves into the fashion of the Pre-Raphaelite era to consider the romantic medieval revivalism at the heart of many styles and techniques, before reflecting on its continued influence on fashion from the 1960s to today. www.holburne.org n

Would you like to work in Media Sales? We are always looking to hear from talented individuals who would like to work for MediaClash, presenting advertising opportunities and marketing solutions across our portfolio of fantastic local titles. We are a growing business and anticipate there being various opportunities over the next few months. If you would like to join our continuing success story please email your CV to pat.white@mediaclash.co.uk or give us a call anytime on 01225 475800 for a chat about the company, our magazines and available positions.

www.mediaclash.co.uk

SPONSORED CONTENT

CO-WORKING, POWERED BY SOCIAL PURPOSE Join the brightest of Bath’s businesses at the exclusive HOUSE OF ST JOHN’S, set to open December 2021

he House of St John’s is the perfect place for the new hybrid working lifestyle. Inspired by similar ventures in other cities, the House of St John’s is proud to bring a new concept in co-working to Bath. Not only do members get to benefit from the first-class facilities on offer, but profits from their membership will be gifted to charity partner, St John’s Foundation, specifically for its Foundation Fund; a fund established to support disadvantaged children in Bath and North East Somerset and to help lessen the education attainment gap.

● ● ● ●

High Speed Internet. Hidden outdoor terrace. A prestigious BA1 postcode. Access to the building via a secure app. ■

● Focused on community, inclusion and informal Above: The House of St John's is located on Queen Square

luxury, the House is the place to work, connect and grow. ● Membership with meaning, supporting social change. ● Individual offices, dedicated desks and co-working. ● A programme of networking and social events. ● An elegant event space for hire. ● Bookable boardroom and meeting rooms. ● Stylish members-only bar and lounge. ● High-end fixtures and fittings. ● Partnerships with the local business community resulting in discounted products and services.

Interested? Visit the website: www.hosj.co.uk or call 01225 486486 www.mediaclash.co.uk I BATH LIFE I 57

ARTS

SCENE SET Looking back at the innovative and influential theatre and performance group, Bath Arts Workshop

By Victoria Forbes Adam

eturning to Bath after 50 years, I find the streets alive with joyful ghosts: a gaudy band of drummers marching on the Paragon. Windmills and a solar trumpet on Walcot burial field. ‘Paramilitaries’ lined up across the weir, and elderly ladies bouncing gently on inflatables. They return as dream-like fragments of a life that seems unimaginable in these harsher times, beset by corruption and poverty and foreshadowed by climate disaster. But that life did exist in the 1970s, when for a dozen years Bath’s enchanting but then soot-blackened streets were the setting for a spectacular flowering of creativity and social enterprise, a rowdy and irreverent revolution of artists and activists, working with local communities to set up cultural, social and green technology initiatives. A new book, Bath Arts Workshop, Counterculture in the 1970s, written by seven of us involved at the time, tells the story of the Workshop from its birth in 1969, to the end of the next decade. With full colour illustrations and contributions from many who took part, it represents an important part of Bath history. Founder Phil Shepherd’s letter to the council proposed a centre in which ‘the barriers between arts media are indistinct’ and ‘setting up a theatre company... to provide a valuable contribution to the life of the community’. Surviving on a pittance, our first

activities included an information service and ‘happenings’ in Victoria Park. A couple of years on we were running two experimental theatre companies – Exploded Eye and the Natural Theatre Company – plus music, exhibitions, video and drama workshops and film screenings. Alongside our art we ran a second hand furniture and jumble shop at 146 Walcot Street (HQ from 1973), a cheap transport and removal service, adventure playgrounds, and mass catering at protest marches as Bath City Civil Aid. Christmas was a sumptuous free feast for 200, among them the old, lonely and homeless. It was never explicitly planned, but we were perceptive to the social problems that existed in some areas. Our response was to provide useful community services that helped fund our arts activities. And one way or another we got to know loads of people. It didn’t feel like work, it was just daily life. We didn’t worry too much about our mission statement. We were exploring ‘new ways of living and having fun’. Ideas were discussed and decisions made at weekly meetings. We accommodated people’s different views but our collective striving for practical action usually prevailed and humour was the glue that held us together. Anyone was welcome to join in our activities and they did in droves, adults and kids alike. Climate change activism was core to the Workshop and far ahead of its time. The book relates how a group of builders and architects formed Comtek (community technology). They helped save Georgian buildings from demolition, among them the 18th century Royal Tennis Court in Julian Road. That building

“Bath’s enchanting but then sootblackened streets were the setting for a spectacular flowering of creativity and social enterprise”

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clockwise: The crowds line up for the Walcot Festival in 1975; the now closed Hat and Feather pub’s float on carnival day; the Bath Arts Workshop Walcot Street shop was a hive of community spirit, Bath activism, and arts creativity.

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

The Dorchester Café headquarters near Manvers Street

The whole Bath community came together for the Sunshine Festival in 1976

THOSE WHO WERE THERE

“I found myself humping wardrobes for King Kong removals and lugging disco and PA equipment as well as developing the ‘arts’ work we were developing. No wonder the head honcho of SW Arts remarked that he sometimes searched in vain for the art in the Arts Workshop.” Performer, artist, designer and core Bath Arts Workshop (BAW) member Ralph Oswick “We all loved the BAW. I remember getting lots of jumble from the shop. Gordon was amazing on the piano. The kindness and open door of the Workshop and you guys’ accepting attitude of us kinds from broken homes. It was a bit of a refuge to a lot of people... We were lucky kids.” Mary Gouldbourne who was one of many local children who would visit the BAW

is now the Museum of Bath at Work, where an exhibition on the Workshop ran for much of 2021-22. Comtek members also explored alternative energy technologies, pioneered the reuse of building materials and set up Walcot Reclamation, the UK’s first architectural salvage yard. We all came together for our annual summer festivals – glorious outpourings of creative activity, attracting thousands of visitors. They aimed to provide an alternative to the more conventional Bath Festival. We put on eight to 10 days of virtually free entertainment, open to all comers. Music, experimental theatre and poetry mingled with puppets, tea parties and the weird trappings of the newly-emerging alternative technology, courtesy of Comtek. These were heady days reflecting an extraordinary moment of experimentation and the exchange of ideas. Anything seemed possible. In 1972 the millionaire Charlie Ware lent us the 60-room Cleveland Hotel in Great Pulteney Street. It brimmed with creativity for a whole week. The following year the beat poet Allen Ginsberg performed to a group of teenagers in a Twerton dome, its silver shell flapping in the breeze, as they fell silent and listened entranced. 1974 was blighted by torrential rain, but it didn’t matter. We were fortunate to live at a time when glossy perfection wasn’t an option. We embraced do-it-yourself solutions and they were often more satisfying in the end. Shaun Smith, now of Radio Bath, recalls, “The Last Festival was for me as a Bathonian the best this city has produced. It included

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“In 1973 I entered the Workshop office and was immediately put to service. Each day was different, either helping with equipment, dressing up as a clown, walking in some mad parade, or jumping onstage as one of Rocky Ricketts’ crazed fans. I stayed in a disused dairy being used to exhibit the kinetic sculptures of Charles Byrd.” Friend of BAW and visiting performer Paul Goddard “I had a very hot shower with solar-heated water. And watched members of the Natural Theatre Company dressed as scientists in white lab coats fussing around a display of solar drying – two tea towels pegged to a washing line!” Actor, writer and eco-activist, and one-time artisan shoemaker Rob Llewellyn

The Normals take performances to the streets of Bath

ARTS

Bath’s own Rocky and the Jets

The Sunshine Festival Wind Generator pictured in 1976

MUSIC MAESTROS

Between 1972 and 1976, the Bath Art Workshop organised festivals played host to many artists and performers including the late Poly Styrene of X-Ray Specs, Steve Winwood, Shakin’ Stevens & the Sunsets, Portsmouth Sinfonia, Hawkwind, Pete Brown from Cream, the Pink Fairies, and Bath’s own Rocky Ricketts & the Jet Pilots of Jive, featuring the fabulous Rockettes.

ALL parts of the city and was inclusive of all Bath residents. Sadly the weather showed its ugly head and there was a heavy storm...The creative minds got together and the last day was held at the old dairy...I can’t remember who came up with this idea but I hope she/he/they became a great success. Later festivals were more intimate affairs, though still on a huge scale, based mainly in the Walcot burial field and building on our connections in the area. In 1978 local community artists took over, declaring Walcot Independence in 79, with a national anthem and coups d’état at midnight. Comtek’s scaffolding skills were essential as ever. They built the staging, and one year, a beautiful elevated walkway across the burial field, perfect for viewing the eco-gadgetry on display. So what of our own theatre which was after all a core element of the original plan? The answer is that artistry, theatricality and humour suffused all that we did. A mystery coach tour for people in need of a holiday was held up by highway men on horseback, and encountered poets in hedgerows. ‘The Smart Party of Great Britain’, led by Sir Ralph Oswick, arrived in a limo seconds before the Duke of Gloucester, at the snobby re-opening of the Theatre Royal. We headlined in the Chronicle and made our point. There was method in our madness, but our theatrical ‘politics’ were usually very funny and somehow everyone felt involved. The Naturals have since performed all over the world and are still going strong. Ultimately our book refutes the convenient idea that 1970s counterculture ended in hedonism and despair, capturing instead how much was achieved in those years. Its legacy lingers on via the talents and energies of organisations like Bath Fringe, and those of hundreds of others. They ensure that activities to protect the planet and foster community creativity live on in the beautiful city of Bath. n

The Sunshine Festival Procession in 1976

“Beat poet Allen Ginsberg performed to a group of teenagers in a Twerton dome”

Bath Arts Workshop: Counterculture in the1970s by Brian Popay, Corinne D’Cruz, Jennie PotterBarrie, Penny Dale, Phil Shepherd, Thornton Kay and Victoria Forbes Adam, published by Tangent books, rrp £25. Available from www. tangentbooks.co.uk and all good local indie bookshops For more: www.bathartsworkshop.org

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THE REEL THING EMMA INGLEDEW

CLOCKWISE: Tangerine takes place on Christmas Eve as transgender sex worker Sin-Dee Rella tries to track down her cheating boyfriend; The classic It’s a Wonderful Life was considered a flop when it was first released in 1946; Relationships are put to the test when wife and mother Anja gets a life-threatening diagnosis in Hope; Michael Caine stars alongside Kermit The Frog in everybody’s favourite The Muppet Christmas Carol

It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas at The Little with a flurry of new favourites and old classics Hope

The holidays do a great job of bringing together family. However, occasionally, the act of bringing family together can instead reignite old hurts and wounds. This is what happens in Maria Sødahl’s latest feature Hope. Hope follows an ambitious artist couple, Tomas (Stellan Skarsgård) and Anja (Andrea Bræin Hovig) as they prepare their blended family for the Christmas season in the face of the news Anja has developed an inoperable tumour. This may sound like a bleak set up for a film, but Sødahl’s masterful writing keeps it from becoming too depressing, as it keeps things hopeful, as the film’s title suggests. Whilst definitely not your standard Christmas fare, Hope is a wonderful film about relationships, family, and falling back in love.

It’s A Wonderful Life

It’s A Wonderful Life may now be considered a classic, but when it was released in 1946, it was branded a failure. The ﬁlm did not come close to making back the money it had cost

“Michael Caine takes the part of Scrooge so seriously you forget half of his co-stars are felt” 62 I BATH LIFE I www.mediaclash.co.uk

to produce and received mixed reviews from critics. However, since then it’s had a complete revival and was ranked by the American Film Institute as being the most inspirational American movie of all time. Ultimately, It’s A Wonderful Life’s popularity comes down to how it perfectly captures the spirit of warm-hearted Christmas cheer. Moreover, just like how director Frank Capra screened the film for his family every Christmas, so too has it become a Christmas tradition to screen the film at The Little. What’s more, all of our screenings come with a glass of mulled wine, a mince pie, and post movie carol singalongs led by our staff.

Tangerine

Tangerine takes place over the span of an eventful Christmas eve in the life of transgender sex worker Sin-Dee Rella. Sin-Dee, who has just finished a 28-day prison sentence, discovers her boyfriend and pimp has been cheating on her, and goes on a mission with her best friend to track him down. When Tangerine premièred at the 2015 Sundance Film Festival, it was clear that its director Sean Baker (who would go on to direct Oscar nominated The Florida Project) was onto something special. Memorably, Tangerine was filmed entirely on three iPhone 5S smartphones and the film was praised for its groundbreaking approach. It went on to be included in Steven

Schneider’s ‘1001 Movies You Must See Before You Die’ list, and is the perfect alternative Christmas ﬁlm for anybody tired of Die Hard.

The Muppet Christmas Carol

It’s not Christmas until the little green frog sings. The Muppets’ enduring charm and humour have kept their popularity going since they first appeared on screen in 1976, so it’s no wonder that when Picturehouse members voted for their favourite Christmas film to be screened this year – The Muppets prevailed. The Muppet Christmas Carol is one of those rare films that appeals to every single age group. It’s funny, warm hearted, and surprisingly spooky (the ghost of Christmas Yet To Come anybody?). Michael Caine takes the part of Scrooge so seriously you forget half of his co-stars are felt, and when Kermit’s nephew Robin as Tiny Tim sings Bless Us All, you just know Charles Dickens would have approved. Emma Ingledew is a life long film fan who graduated with a BA in Film Studies to become manager at The Little Theatre Cinema, 1–2 St Michael’s Place; tel: 01225 466822; www.picturehouses.co.uk

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Family run and providing quality food and service since 1985 CHRISTMAS BOOKINGS NOW BEING TAKEN Open Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve (closed Christmas Day to 30th December) 1-2 New Street, Kingsmead Square, Bath BA1 2AF Tel: 01225 466377 www.pekingrestaurantbath.co.uk a @PekingBath f pekingrestaurant Opening Hours: Monday – Saturday 12 noon – 2.00pm and 6.00pm – 10.30pm | Closed Sundays.

BOOKS NIC BOTTOMLEY

Out in front Nic selects three books with three particularly memorable lead characters

“Her childhood, as an orphan raised by her uncle in remote Montana, gave her an almost feral sense of independence”

s we continue our swing through book gifting recommendations for the season ahead, I have three novels with particularly memorable lead characters to point you towards. The first has a setting and cover for the season, even if some of the trials and truths revealed within the story are far from festive. Small Things Like These by Claire Keegan (Faber, £10) is set during the run up to Christmas 1985 in a small Irish town. Coal and timber merchant Bill Furlong enjoys a generally contented life with his wife and a plethora of daughters. Amidst his Christmas deliveries this particular year is a coal drop-off to the town’s influential and somewhat ominous convent. Whilst making the delivery he witnesses some disturbing scenes, triggering far-reaching consequences and a moral reckoning within him. Bill is a gorgeous, quiet lead character in many ways, full of contemplation and kindness from the off. But what he sees at the convent resurrects difficult memories and puts his moral compass to the test. Bill might be brave, but this is a community where the church has an unyielding influence, where livelihoods and reputations can easily be lost, and where silence often reigns in the face of wrongdoing. As the traditional Christmas preparations intensify regardless, Keegan tells her claustrophobic tale in a pared-back style that is nevertheless sensitive and evocative. Her observations of the minutiae of life engender feelings of warmth and nostalgia even as the serious sides to the story play out. The Great Circle by Maggie Shipstead (Transworld, £16.99) has not one but two compelling lead characters whose cleverly connected stories are explored in a dual narrative that flits between the mid-twentieth century and modern day. In the older timeline, we follow the life of fictional female aviator Marian Graves whose plane goes missing in the 1950s towards the end of her attempt to make a great circle flight around the globe. From this start point Marian’s earlier life is then revealed. Her childhood, as an orphan raised by her uncle in remote Montana, gave her an almost feral sense of independence that would hold her in good stead in later years. And

when she has an unexpected encounter with a couple of daredevil pilots, her wanderlust and dreams of escape turn to a lifelong obsession with the idea of flying. An obsession she’s ultimately only able to realise by tethering herself to a charismatic but shady character. The second of the novel’s main players is Hadley Baxter, a young actress at a crossroads in her career and with the sense that playing the role of Marian Graves in the biopic of her life could just be the resurrection she’s been seeking. As she sinks herself into the role, Hadley becomes aware of the connections between her life and Marian’s – she too was orphaned at a young age when her parents had perished in a plane crash, she too was raised by an uncle ill-suited to the responsibilities of parenthood. As she learns more, Hadley falls deeper into Marian’s story and the mystery surrounding her final flight. The final unmissable character I wanted to mention was Martha, the focus of Sorrow and Bliss by New Zealander novelist Meg Mason (Orion, £14.99). When we meet her, Martha is a 40-something writer who has been struggling since her teenage years with an undiagnosed mental illness. We’re introduced to her at a low ebb in chaotic adult life, as Patrick, her husband of many years, walks out on their marriage. Adrift, she contemplates what to do next and, as she does so, we’re taken back into her childhood and to her first meeting with Patrick, as we begin to follow her life story through towards the current day narrative. We learn that Martha has always had a destructive edge to her character – full of both light and dark; witty and talented but at the same time enigmatic and infuriating to her family and friends in many respects thanks to her straight-talking. Sorrow and Bliss gives you the feeling that you’re reading a series of anecdotes from a truly fascinating life. Ultimately it is a love story centred on Martha’s relationship with Patrick as well as an exploration of mental illness and how it can impact on every aspect of a life and all the relationships connected to that life.

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

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Superb Quality Clothes Care Excellent Value SPECIAL OFFER

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DRESSING UP FOR CHRISTMAS Luxe and glitz is leading the festive party protest after our long confinement inside By Mariana Cantelo

andemics, recessions, world wars, cold wars, controlling ideologies, extremist religions, revolutions and perhaps the worst movement of all, minimalism (only joking). When faced with the above, history has told us that whatever happens, there is an innate desire to dress up and celebrate in the face of adversity, whatever your culture, whatever your background. What people wear openly and behind closed doors, is a form of individual rebellion and freedom of expression.

Bedeck and dazzle Year after year we see the return of sequins, feathers and faux fur at this time, a protest against the dullness of winter. It’s a tradition that everyone can relate to, an evolutionary instinct to bedeck and dazzle, when nature’s beauty is hibernating. We have a feeling that this season could be one of the glitziest, most over the top, peacocking, voguing, dramatic, blingiest seasons in a long time. We certainly have cause for celebration and hope. Winter 2021 style surely should be a statement against a long conﬁnement inside and sweatpants. A long period of sadness and chaos. It’s like we’ve

been pupating and the spring just didn’t really happen. We still want to be responsible, caring and socially minded but what we wear is our opportunity to peel off our old layers, in a completely harmless and joyous way, transforming into butterflies. Metallics are the new neutrals Dressing from day to night right now, might only require a bit of extra lippie and a change of shoes as it’s official, metallics are ‘the new neutrals’ and sequins are for every day power-dressing. If you are out of practice in wearing heels, fear not. There is a plethora of chunky and cleated boots on offer that offset the swirling maxi perfectly, making something that could look a little ‘costumey’ into something modern and fresh. Also, have you noticed that the dropped hemline has re-made an appearance? We think it’s a reference to the ‘roaring twenties,’ that backlash against the horror of the First World War. Either way, it looks amazing teamed with a long boot and voluminous puffa jacket. Similarly, the mini skirt, that total symbol of 60s rebellion, is back with a vengeance. You can wear it as a counter-foil to romantic knits and silk, minimal and sleek, or as part of a rock n’ roll statement look. Again, don’t worry if you are more into a laid back approach. There is a gorgeous array of fine knitwear dresses out there in long draped, elegant shapes. This also balances with a chunky trainer or boot beautifully and layers with tweed, faux fur, big coats, and leather jackets like a dream. An emergence from a chrysalis The tradition of dressing up is something that cuts across generations and the transformational value of putting something exciting and different on to wear, should never be under-rated. What feels important, is understanding that there shouldn’t be any rules in how you do it. If you have the confidence to wear head to toe block colour go for it, whatever your age but it’s just as special to ‘tweak’ or make a subtle change that for you feels ‘dramatic’ or ‘butterflylike.’ Rebellion can be subtle, your style change for the season, anarchic in a purely personal way. Bright accessories, for example, are a great way to re-energise what you already own, without a huge amount of investment in time or money. Even a change in nail colour, or experimenting with a new eye make-up look, can give you energy and represent an emergence from a chrysalis, or a new beginning.

Clothes and accessories sourced from Dorothy House charity shops Photographer Egle Vasi Models Tash Kings and Angelica Baines from Mustard Models. Make up and hair stylist Chantelle Moody Styling by Eleanor Tasker and Marianne Cantelo

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Marianne Cantelo is the business development project manager for Dorothy House Hospice Care which provides end of life support and care across the South West. They have 25 high street shops across the region selling fantastic preloved items which provides a large part of their income, plus an online Dorothy House shop. For more: www.dorothyhouse.org.uk

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SHOPPING LIST 6

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1. 18ct yellow gold pear cut amethyst and diamond drop earrings, £1,175, from Mallory 1-5 Bridge Street, Bath; www.mallory-jewellers.com 2. Gold Shimmer Edith dress by Pearl Lowe, £245, from Pearl Lowe; www.pearllowe.co.uk 3. Skirt dorine 102, £ 139, from Bath Oska, 30 Upper Borough Walls, Bath; www.bath.oska.com 4. Faux fur coat in warm sand, £169, from Spirit Fashion; 3 High Street, Devizes; www.spiritfashion.co.uk 5. Desigual floral blouse with a double layer of tulle, £74, from Gaff Clothing, 29 Upper Borough Walls, Bath; www.gaffclothing.co.uk 6. Medium studded silver belt, £18, from Sassy & Boo, 9 Bartlett Street, Bath; www.luellafashion.com 7. Ripple bangle, £455, from Emma Aitchison; www.emmaaitchison.com 8. Gold Portman tassel bag, £49.50 from Portman, 28 Milsom Street, Bath; www.nickieportman.co.uk 9. Navy suede cocktail ankle boot, £255, from Chanii B, 9 Milsom Place, Bath; www.chaniibshoes.com 10. Carole Waller silk shawl scarf, £95 and Annie Beardsley cuff £65, both from Waller & Wood; www.wallerandwood.co.uk

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TIME TO SPRUCE IT UP A BIT

Men’s stylist NICK HEMS on sartorial elegance this Christmas season

1. Jumper – The Fair Isle knit actually originates from Fair Isle, an island in Shetland, northern Scotland with a population of just 55 people. This pattern is often replicated within many of the designs you see on Christmas jumpers. This tank offers unique and stand out style as an alternative to the Christmas jumper, which you can of course wear after the 25th. 2. Coat – This heavy weight wool blend car coat is a perfect overcoat for the winter. Move away from darker colours and go for a statement piece like this one. This coat offers good versatility across your wardrobe and can easily be dressed up and down – chinos, jeans, shoes and trainers will all work here. 3. Shirt – It’s quite easy to add interest to a staple white shirt by adding some colour. This Suave Owl shirt gives you a couple of different ways to do this through either folding the inside of the cuff or on the placket of the shirt if you’re leaving buttons undone. It also offers additional comfort with three per cent of spandex giving you a snugger fit and a slimmer silhouette without the discomfort. During party season this translates as drink, dine and dance with confidence!

7. Boots – Practical, hard wearing and stylish, these Redwing boots are definitely worth an investment. Originally designed for heavy duty use, these boots fit seamlessly into a winter wardrobe and will work well with both jeans and chinos as well as lasting for years. They are also available in a choice of colours. 8. Scarf – It’s easy to fall into standard navy/grey/ black colours with our winter wear. A scarf is a great way of adding some colour into the mix and giving our whole look a style uplift really easily. They also make great presents. If you typically finds scarves itchy, opt for cashmere for softer and lighter feel, and with more insulation than a typical woollen scarf. 9. Leather accessories – Laptops are lighter, we work more from home and we carry around less cash and cards than ever before, that’s why these pieces from Mont Blanc are appealing. Not your typical black or brown leather, this icy blue is beautiful and again both items will last for years to come and their classic style brands them ageless. 10. Cologne – Fragrance can definitely be seasonal. Scent has the proven power of triggering memories, feelings and can help lift our mood. This gorgeous winter warmer is described as an enigmatic nightcap. Fine whisky edged with spicy pimento and finished with warm cedarwood. Forgetting all that, it just smells great.

4. Trousers – These slate-coloured mid weight organic cotton trousers again offer versatility. Warm enough for the winter months and having a slim silhouette on the body means they will look really sharp whether you are choosing to wear them with shoes, trainers or the Redwing boots also listed here. 5. Socks – Ditch the naff festive socks and try these midto-heavyweight socks by Rototo, which are perfect for the winter months. The variety of knitting patterns give it stretch and comfort and the striking design will definitely *Christmas cracker joke alert!* ‘stand’ the test of time. 6. Christmas Jumper – Well I’d be a fool to ignore them! With the emphasis being on sustainability at the moment though, I would urge you to try and purchase yours pre-loved from a charity shop or swap with someone you know. In 2019, according to research by the environmental charity Hubbub, an estimated 12 million Christmas jumpers were bought, with a quarter of those worn once before being discarded.

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Nick Hems is a one of the UK’s leading men’s style consultants specialising in personal styling, shopping and gift buying and based in Bath. Gift vouchers can be purchased for his services by contacting him via his website: For more: www.nickhemsstyle.co.uk

iving a nod to Christmas with your style or clothing choice doesn’t have to involve feeling uncomfortable in an ‘not quite sure about this’ Christmas jumper or hideous socks. If you want to get into the festive spirit without looking like you belong on the tree, have a look at some of these handpicked items from some of Bath’s ﬁnest retailers and think about adding something new in your, or indeed someone else’s, wardrobe.

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SHOPPING LIST 1. Wool Fair Isle Tank, £129, from Brora, 6 Bridge Street, Bath; www.broraonline.com 2. Pearly King Classic Covert Rust Men’s Tailored Car Coat, £179, from Gaff Clothing, 29 Upper Borough Walls, Bath; www.gaffclothing.co.uk 3. Suave Owl White Shirt Vibrant Floral Contrast, £50, from Suave Owl, 33 Milsom St, Bath; www.suaveowl.co.uk 4. Folk Lean Assembly Pant, £125, from Maze, 19 Green St, Bath, www.mazeclothing.co.uk 5. Rototo / Ivory & Dark Green Jacquard Socks, £20, from Found, 17 Argyle St, Bath; www.foundbath.co.uk 6. Check out Dorothy House online or in their Bath stores; www.dorothyhouse.org.uk 7. Red Wing Men’s Classic Moc Leather Lace-Up Boots, £269, from British Shoe Company, 14 Green St, Bath; www.britishshoecompany.co.uk 8. Paul Smith Wool Scarf, £85 from Zucci, 7 Upper Borough Walls, Bath; @zucci_clothing on Instagram 9. Montblanc Leather Slim Document Case, £805 & Montblanc Credit Card Holder, £135 (both from Sartorial Denim Blue Leather range) from Mallory, 1-5 Bridge St, Bath; www.mallory-jewellers.com 10. Whiskey & Cedarwood Cologne, £130 from Jo Malone, 6-7 Old Bond St, Bath; www.jomalone.co.uk

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TAKE 5 Nat Morris and Meg Smith

One benefit of not having a shop is that we have to use social media to communicate with our customers, so it’s almost like our followers have been on this journey with us. We’ve got to know them, they’ve got to know us and they’ve literally watched us grow – that’s pretty cool. If you had to say one thing – the best thing about creating your own business is... The freedom to form our direction. If there’s a product we want to make or a new skill we want to develop, we can put our energy into that. It’s fun to think of these ideas and bring them to life.

On the other hand, what’s been difficult about it? Running your own business is often romanticised, when in reality, it’s hard work. Probably the hardest you’ll ever work in your life. You quite literally quit a nine-to-five to then go to work 24-hours a day.

THE HAPPY DONUT BAKERY One half of the donut-making duo, Meg Smith shares the secrets behind the young company’s success... The Happy Donut Bakery is a 100 per cent vegan bakery run by recent University of Bath graduates Meg Smith and Nat Morris. Since launching during lockdown they have used social media to cultivate a dedicated following, and their regular pop-up shops in Bath always sell out in a matter of hours. They offer a delicious range of donuts, cookies, rocky roads, brownies and

cakes online for daily delivery. At this year’s Bath Life Awards they were recognised for all they have achieved with the Award for New Business. How do you feel about being Bath Life Award winners? It’s absolutely crazy. It’s so easy to get caught up in the day-to-day, so it was so nice to win and have that reassurance that we are on the right track.

Whereabouts do you display your Award? We don’t have a shop front so it’s literally on our mantelpiece at home. Looks good too! What do you think made you stand out to the judges? Maybe because we’re a little bit different. We don’t have a shop, we’re a two-person team, we’re LGBT, female, and only 23. We’ve had quite a lot against us in the last year, we’ve not got the resources or the years of experience but we’ve learned how to make it work and have achieved so much already. What is the secret to Happy Donut’s success? We know how to play to our strengths. Nat’s interested in baking, the science behind it, and creating the best possible products we can. I’m interested in building a brand, marketing, and the social media side of things. We also try to think outside the box by popping up in shops that we know will resonate with our customers. You do seem to have a pretty amazing relationship with your customers...

Do you think being Bathbased has contributed to your success at all? There’s a really strong community and support for small businesses in Bath, we wouldn’t be here without them. What’s the best piece of business advice you’ve ever been given? We weren’t given it but we heard it on a podcast – to have a USP (unique selling point) that makes our brand stand out from the crowd. For us, it’s that we’re a vegan company that’s not exclusively for vegans – 70 per cent of our customers aren’t vegan which goes to show that our products are just as indulgent as the non-vegan equivalent. Any exciting Happy Bakery plans for us to watch out for? Our focus for next year is getting our own shop and growing our team. We’re so excited. Finally, let’s end on something surprising… We never intended to start the Happy Donut. All of this is a result of lockdown boredom. For more: www.thehappydonut.co.uk

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FOOD & DRINK S N A P S H O T S O F B AT H ’ S F O O D S C E N E Feast Brothers Joey Ashton and Scott Wheeler

AUSSIE RULES

DISHY BROTHERS The Feast Brothers now have a permanent pitch in Bath. From Wednesday to Saturday you can find them at 1 Westmoreland Road from 5-9pm serving up their delicious pasta dishes. At the mobile street food trailer, founders Joey Ashton and Scott Wheeler specialise in good food – think the finest ingredients, served with creativity and flair, like their speciality dish, spaghetti cacio e pepe served from a wheel of pecorino Romano sheep’s cheese. You can pick up their popular pasta dishes to takeaway from the trailer, order online via Deliveroo or keep an eye out for their pop up events – they’re hosting the first with Electric Bear Brewery in Weston, Bath on 17 and 18 December. For more: www.feastbrothers.co.uk

Aussie-influenced Nook has just opened its doors at New Bond Street. It is founder Millie Clifford’s second café – the first opened in Frome back in 2018 – with her distinctive menu packed with cold press juices, superfood smoothies, Aussie-quality speciality coffee, poke bowls, acai smoothie bowls and much more besides. The entire menu is gluten free, with plenty of options for plant-based and vegan eaters too. “Nook is an Aussie-influenced café that gives a nod to the wonderful cafés in coastal Australia,” says Millie. “It was dreamed up whilst sitting on a beach eating poke bowls and drinking cold press juice in the early Aussie summer months of 2018. Our vision was to create a place that sold all the healthy, wholesome and colourful food that Aussie cafés had to offer.” For more: www.nooktheshop.co.uk

The Grapes is serving up ghostly tales this festive season

GHOSTS OF CHRISTMAS PAST The Grapes on Westgate Street is serving up something a little different this festive season. Resident playwright Daniel Lewis-Jones has partnered with CC Kellog and The Invulnerable Nothings for a performance that dives into the history of the public house, which is one of the oldest buildings in the city. Ghost Stories at The Grapes uncovers the ‘truth’ about the life of the building’s first resident, Richard Gay and his murdered wife, Alice, in the intimidate 30-seat

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setting of The Grapes’ upper floor. “I’m so excited about Dan’s play being performed in the Living Room,” says Ellie Leiper, landlady of The Grapes. “It is absolutely what that room would have been built for when the ornate lime plaster ceiling was constructed around 1612. To have it bring the ghosts of the building back to life is even more fun and I hope people really enjoy the space while they take in the story.” For more: www.bathboxoffice.org.uk

Frome darling Nook has opened a second spot in Bath

PLATE, BATHWICK’S RESTAURANT & BAR AT THE BIRD, BATH Enjoying a festive feast in the Christmassey dining domes By Lydia Tewkesbury

he rapid increase in popularity of the dining dome is a pandemic silver lining I can get behind. They have popped up everywhere, blossoming like mushrooms across the terraces and back gardens of luxury hotels, courtyards and beauty spots around the country. I’ve gazed longingly through my mobile screen as I’ve scrolled through various aesthetic dome possibilities on Instagram, but our recent trip to Plate, Bathwick’s Restaurant & Bar at The Bird, Bath was my first actual experience. It lived up to the hype. Our bubble (perfectly warmed in preparation for our arrival) was a festive little world all its own. Lanterns and baubles dripped from the ceiling to cast a soft glow across the table, and fluffy throws draped on the chairs were the finishing touch to our cosy oasis. Before the food even began to arrive, we were impressed.

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If I have one recommendation: arrive hungry. Plate Restaurant’s dome dinner feast for the whole table is not playing – when they say feast, they mean it wholeheartedly. We began with an utterly mouth-watering starter of Bertinet sourdough – with Iberico chorizo, bresaola, capocollo, salami, prosciutto crudo and pickles, and confit salmon with caviar for my companion for the evening, and a heritage beetroot, goats curd, pumpkin seed and pesto salad for me. The pièce de résistance that we could not stop gasping over however, was the enormous block of whole baked Bath Soft Cheese with rosemary and garlic. Though we knew there was so much more food yet to come, we could not stop scooping melty, rich, creamy cheese onto cakey sourdough loaf. ‘I think I drive past the farm where they make this cheese’, my companion said, as we agreed we definitely needed to visit. And perhaps move in, for greater cheese proximity at all times.

RESTAURANT

Onto the mains: for my friend, a perfect steak of Himalayan salt dry-aged chateaubriand, and for me a beautiful big bowl of wild mushroom pappardelle stirred through with rich, sultry Old Winchester. Chewy, creamy and utterly satisfying, the nutty mix of mushrooms and tang of the cheese had me staring in dumb-founded wonder at my plate. When I glanced at my friend she wore a matching expression of awe at her own. But there was still more – this is a feast after all. The sides. Oh, the sides. A bowl of luxurious The Bird mac ‘n’ cheese (yes, I had pasta with a side of pasta. Don’t knock it ‘till you’ve tried it), crunchy, enormous truffle and parmesan triple-cooked chips and fresh sautéed Bromham greens. At this point I should note the feast is designed for four. We were two. But sometimes life hands you a challenge made for you and we were, as the saying goes: born ready. The service that accompanied it all was lovely – assistant manager Jason couldn’t do enough for us, and appeared as enthused by the meal as we were. Plate offers dining, but also an experience, from the service to the domes, which have a charming not-quite-privacy where you’re sequestered but surrounded by equally cosy-looking glowing bubbles of convivial eaters. And, after the meal, should you wish to return to the crowds before heading home for the night, the Bird’s cosy and cool Winter Lodge is now open to cater to Nordic-style festive desires. But though the Lodge beckoned, we were far from finished. For dessert, we diverted from the feast menu at Jason’s insistence. The Bird’s patisserie chef is a genius, he promised, and we needed to experience it in full. He was not wrong. Full to burst, we still made room for the lightest, luxe, creamy salted caramel cheesecake. Whipped and cloudlike but with the perfect biscuity crunch at the base, it was the perfect way to round out an utterly exquisite meal. The other upside of the dining dome is the relative privacy to enjoy your cosy, satisfied food coma. We sat back, admiring our own glowing dome and the pretty decorations around us, stroking our food babies and declaring the night a grand success. We may never need to eat again, but as last meals go, this one was truly epic. n

“When they say feast – they mean it” DINING DETAILS Plate, Bathwick’s Restaurant & Bar at The Bird, Bath, 18-19 Pulteney Rd (South), Bathwick, Bath BA2 4EZ; tel: 01225 580438; www.thebirdbath.co.uk Opening hours Weds – Sat 12 – 9.30pm, Sun 12.30 – 9pm; Tues 6 – 9.30pm Owners Ian and Christa Taylor Chef Jamie Forman, executive chef of Kaleidoscope Collection Covers 50 Specialities/recommendations The dome’s menus are incredible and there’s a Himalayan salt dry-aged chateaubriand that’s a winner Prices Starters £5-9, mains £16-25, £7-12; Festive Dome Dinner Feast for the whole table with a glass of Taittinger £60pp Vegetarian options Many Disability access Small step to access the restaurant

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COCKTAILS

IN THE CHRISTMAS SPIRIT 15 bartenders from local and lovely watering holes share their shaken and stirred seasonal favourites By Sarah Moolla

BIRD CLUB

By Mo Carol (above right pictured with Gianni, the assistant restaurant manager, bar supervisor at The Bird) 18-19 Pulteney Road, Bath; www.thebirdbath.co.uk “This is a festive twist of a well know classic. The sloe gin and cardamom allow for a sweet

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and spiced taste with the dry vermouth and egg white rounding it off. It’s super well rounded and a huge crowd pleaser. Best enjoyed in our just launched Winter Lodge with a sharing platter, or at home with a few pigs in blankets and whilst listening to the best Christmas song ever, Fairytale of New York by The Pogues.”

Ingredients 8 crushed cardamon pods 35ml Chase Sloe Gin 15ml Martini extra dry 15ml lemon juice 10ml lemon juice 25ml egg white Method Add all ingredients to shaker, shake hard, remove ice, and shake again.

ROSEMARY POWERS

By Daniel Williams, general manager of Dos Dedos, Edgar Mews, Bartlett Street, Bath; www.dosdedos.co.uk “It’s a herbal and fruity number that’s perfect for sipping next to the Christmas tree, best accompanied by Last Christmas by Slaves on Live Lounge, and served with either a leftover turkey taco with cranberry sauce, mini roast potatoes, or both!” Ingredients 30ml Plantation 3* white rum 10ml Averna Amaro 10ml Triple Sec 10ml red wine 5ml grenadine Ginger ale to top up Method Build in a highball glass and serve with singed rosemary to garnish.

WHITE CHRISTMAS MARTINI By Damian Was, head bartender at Sub 13, 4 Edgar Buildings, Bath; www.sub13.net

“Garnished with a sparkly, sugared rim, this cocktail is an adults-only white chocolate milkshake in a Martini glass. It maintains a smooth, creamy and chocolatey flavour, whilst remaining rich, but not sickly. I personally love the festive feel of this cocktail when topped off with an adorable mini candy cane, perfect for the winter season. I’ve called it White Christmas because it’s a timeless classic and one that never disappoints grandma.” Ingredients 25ml vanilla vodka 25ml white chocolate liqueur 30ml double cream 10ml vanilla syrup Honey and sugar for dipping, chocolate for grating, and if you have one handy, a candy cane to garnish Method Pour a generous amount of honey onto a plate to dip the rim of your Martini glass in. With a separate plate, dip the honey coated glass into some sugar. Set the glass aside to chill. Grab a cocktail shaker and measure all the ingredients into the tin before shaking until ice cold. Double strain the contents into the prepared Martini glass and garnish with a small candy cane and some finely grated milk chocolate.

FROZEN RANGPUR

By Adrian Inzaghi, restaurant manager at The Mint Room, Longmead Gospel Hall, Lower Bristol Road, Bath; www.themintroom.co.uk “While this is a sweet cocktail, the sour that comes through stops it from being too sugary, which means it can be enjoyed with a piece of Christmas cake. The vivid blue colour is in honour of the Elvis Presley classic Blue Christmas.” What you’ll need and how to make it Any clear glass tumblers Salt the rim of the glass Fill 8 crushed ice cubes in to the glass Pour 25ml prosecco or Champagne Now add the following ingredients in to a cocktail shaker 25ml Rangpur tanqueray gin 15ml Blue Curaçao 15ml freshly squeezed lemon juice 20ml Gomme Shake well Pour it in to the glass You can add a single edible flower and a maraschino cherry on top for garnish.

CLAUSMOPOLITAN

By Pietro, the cocktail matador of Casa De Tapas, 18 York Street, Bath “Clausmopolitan is our own twist on the original all time favourite – the Cosmopolitan. I’d suggest drinking this with our winter special ‘pinxto de pavo con salsa de aràndanos’ which are marinated turkey skewers served with homemade cranberry sauce.” Ingredients 50ml Absolut Vanilla Vodka 25ml Triple Sec 50ml cranberry juice Lime juice Sugar Cranberries for garnish Method Add all of the ingredients in a cocktail shaker with ice and shake until wellchilled. Serve in a classic Martini glass and garnish with fresh cranberries.

COCKTAILS PLAYER’S PUNCH

By Louis Moon, bar manager of The Hideout, 1 Lilliput Court, Bath; www.hideoutbath.co.uk “Player’s Punch tastes like a warm, sweet, spicy Christmas. At the bar, at this time of year, we open a little hatch and sell hot drinks for the markets. My advice when it comes to drinking this is that it’s best drunk non-stop, every day, and accompanied by a shot of Hideout’s very own Crab Smasher.”

Ingredients 30ml gin 25ml spiced apple syrup 15ml cranberry juice 5ml lemon juice 2/ hot water 3 1 dash angostura bitters Lemon wheel garnish For the spiced apple syrup: 1 peel lemon 1 peel orange 4 cloves (crushed) 2g cinnamon 2g nutmeg

2 star anise 100ml apple juice 100g caster sugar Method Infuse your spiced apple syrup ingredients for 20 minutes in a jug or bowl before straining through muslin. To make your punch, add the gin, 25ml of your syrup, and lemon juice to your favourite glass or mug, top up with 2/3 freshly boiled water, add a dash of angostura bitters and garnish with a lemon wheel.

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COCKTAILS

BABY SPICE

By Georgii Ellis, bookings and event manager at The Common Room, 2 Saville Row, Bath; www.commonroombath.co.uk “Every time this spicy, citrussy cocktail is ordered at the bar, we recite The Night Before Christmas. Best enjoyed sitting by the fire as a post dinner digestif. The cloves and cinnamon will soothe the senses while the sweet orange and anise will aid digestion after your third helping of stuffing. This also pairs nicely with a raisin rich, rum rested Christmas pud. Or enjoyed as you pass round the Christmas fudge tin.” Ingredients 40ml Two Swallows citrus spiced rum 20ml La Hechicera Colombian aged rum 15ml spiced orange syrup For the spiced orange syrup The rind from 5 oranges 10g cloves 5g Ceylon cinnamon crumbled 5g star anise broken 200g caster sugar 200ml water Method For the spiced orange syrup, add ingredients to a saucepan and stir over a low heat until the sugar has dissolved and allow to cool. To make your cocktail, add your ingredients to an iced-up mixing glass (any measuring jug will do), stir for half a minute, strain into an old fashioned/rocks glass. Fill glass with cubed ice. Garnish with an orange wheel (stud with cloves and dehydrate for a real Christingle vibe!).

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HIBISCUS & GINGER COLLINS

By Izzy Kearns, bartender at Timbrell’s Yard, 49 St. Margaret’s Street, Bradford on Avon; www.timbrellsyard.com “This is the perfect winter drink to kickstart your night. Not too heavy but with a wonderful warming winter hit thanks to the spice from the ginger wine. Best sampled on the Timbrell’s Yard covered terrace by the banks of the River Avon. Settle in by the wood burner with a cosy sheepskin rug, twinkling fairy lights above and the river winding by outside.” To make Use Cotswolds Gin, Stones Ginger Wine, hibiscus syrup, lemon juice and soda. And in a highball glass, build the ingredients and then top with soda and garnish with a dehydrated orange.

BOLLYWOOD STAR MARTINI By Mohan Shanmugam, bar manager of Bandook Bath, 3-7 Milsom Place, Bath; www.bandookkitchen.com

“At first this is sweet and fruity but the shot of Champagne sharpens as the bubbles burst through. This cocktail is eclectic like jazz and is a taste sensation when coupled with a bowl of Gunpowder popcorn – a Bandook special.” Ingredients 25ml Old Portobello gin 25ml Passoã Liqueur 25ml passion fruit puree 15ml freshly squeezed lemon juice 15ml raspberry syrup for colour 15ml Gomme 50ml pineapple juice 6-8 crushed ice cubes Method Add all the ingredients in to a cocktail shaker, shake well and pour in to a Martini glass. Garnish with dried rose petals and a single dried orange slice. Accompany your cocktail with a 35ml Laurent Perrier Brut Champagne served in a shot glass.

COCKTAILS

WILD BLING TING

By Rashinthe Rodrigo, operations director and resident cocktail aficionado at The Coconut Tree, 36 Broad Street, Bath; www.thecoconut-tree.com “This ever-popular, made for sharing, party-starter ‘Cocotail’ is garnished with fresh passionfruit leaves, paper straws and sparklers. It is a heady mix of island tropical fruit flavours with a fizzy finish thanks to the bubbles." How to make and serve Combine Sri Lankan Arrack, Dead Man’s Fingers Passionfruit Rum, passionfruit juice, lime and vanilla. Serve with a full bottle of the Delavigne sisters’ Della Vite vegan Prosecco for topping up.

THE ITALIAN JOB

By Danny Yardley, bartender at Flow Bar, 8 The Bridge, Frome; www.flowbarfrome.co.uk “This is the Flow Bar’s fruity twist on the Negroni, and is best served with a full day of Christmas gift shopping behind you, and a night of revelry ahead of you. This stellar cocktail is a bonafide party starter, so gather your favourite humans together and get Santa Baby by Eartha Kitt playing in the background, and you're good to go.” How to make it Dry gin, combined with sweet vermouth and Aperol, shaken with blackberries.

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CRANBERRY SAUCED

by Alex Muir, bar manager at The Bar at No.15 by GuestHouse, 15 Great Pulteney Street, Bathwick, Bath; www.guesthousehotels.co.uk “My aim as a bartender is bring joy to people, be it through an unexpected combination, a thoughtfully prepared favourite or simply providing some company. This drink has the capacity for this, and then some. It is refreshing yet festive – the gin and lemon cleanse the palate as the sweet/acid balance of the shrub supports the cranberry, and Aperol makes for a long and pleasant finish. It works well with canapés – some smoked salmon or even a duck rillete, and best consumed with group of your most loved ones.” Ingredients 25ml fresh lemon juice 20ml cranberry and sage shrub (to make you'll need 500g of fresh cranberries, 500g of sugar in a jar mixed. Store in a fridge for 2 days. Add 100g of white wine vinegar and stir well and burst a few of the cranberries, leave sealed in the fridge for 3 more days, strain and store in the fridge) 20ml Aperol 50ml Fishers Gin Method Add all ingredients to a cocktail shaker and give them a good shake with plenty of ice. Double strain (through a tea strainer to remove even the smallest bits of ice) into a coupe glass and garnish with a dehydrated lemon slice and a deep-fried sage leaf.

SALTED CARAMEL ESPRESSO MARTINI

By Rohan Wolsey, manager of Green Park Brasserie, Green Park Station, Bath; www.greenparkbrasserie.com “The three coffee beans used classically represent health, wealth and happiness which is a perfect wish for this time of year. Taste wise we're talking deep velvety coffee and chocolate cut with rich caramel undertones – it’s practically a dessert in a glass. Ideal as a Christmas pick-me-up at the end of a busy day.” Ingredients 40ml Stolichnaya Salted Caramel Vodka 20ml Tia Maria 5ml Gomme 1 shot espresso Method Shaken with ice and double-strained into a chilled cocktail glass. Classically adorned with 3 coffee beans.

COCKTAILS THE CITRUS DROP

By Raimund Gutschera, food and beverage manager at Whatley Manor Hotel and Spa, Easton Grey, Malmesbury; www.whatleymanor.com “The inspiration for our limited edition Whatley Manor Citrus Vodka by Sapling Spirit, which is made using citrus waste, is sustainability The result is fresh and fruity, and works well served with nuts, just an hour or two before the full Christmas dinner.” Ingredients Whatley Manor Citrus vodka Honey from Whatley Manor’s own beehive Lemon juice Method Add lots of ice in cocktail shaker along with 50ml of Whatley Manor Citrus Vodka and 25ml of lemon juice. Add 25ml of honey. Shake. Strain. And to finish, garnish with lemon zest.

THE RED ROBIN

By Madison Walsh, bar manager at The Ivy Bath Brasserie 39 Milsom Street, Bath; www.theivybathbrasserie.com “The Red Robin is a showstopping, full-flavoured cocktail featuring sharp notes of lemon and pomegranate, and the warming addition of sweet apple cider. The whiskey matches well with cheese and meats at home, and if in The Ivy, try it with the twice baked stilton and walnut soufflé, or the goose shepherd’s pie with pigs in blankets and creamy mashed potatoes.” Ingredients 50ml Marker’s Mark whiskey 20ml lemon juice 15ml pomegranate syrup 5ml honey syrup 50ml apple cider Method Shake and strain into a rocks glass, garnish with apple fan or crab apple.

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It’s the city’s business

BATHWORKS THIS ISSUE >>CLEARLY PR GETS B CORP STATUS (88) >>BUBBLE BRINGS JOBS TO BATH (89) >>BIZ Q&A RICHARD BELL OF COX & COX (90)

New year new career Cool Ventures offers fully funded learning opportunities for the budding entrepreneurs of B&NES

ool Ventures will host its first Free Saturday Start Up Clinic of the New Year in January. The business start-up programme from the Bath & North East Somerset Support Service provides free training and support to B&NES residents to explore business ideas, assess viability and provide guidance. “Enquiries about starting a business or getting help with running a business have increased significantly during the pandemic,” says Sue Marchant, director at Cool Ventures. “We are

BUSINESS CLUB

really proud to be delivering this free service to help start-up and trading businesses within Bath & North East Somerset.” The Starting in Business Webinar is part of a fully funded 12-hour Start-Up Programme that covers everything from finance to business plans and funding bids. Ruth Lane started Bath-based dementia care service Forget Me Not Club in 2020 with the support of the programme. She says, “When I started out with my dream to have my own day centre, I did not know

The Cool Ventures team: Laura Lewis, Dr Emma Smith, Nathan Marchant, Rachel Sweet, Sue Marchant and Sandra Merrell

anything about how to go about it. With the help of Sue at Cool Ventures I managed to put my dream into reality. Her help and support on business, employing staff, finances etc was pivotal in my business becoming a success. We are nine months in now and already doing very well, I have two permanent staff, one student and one bank member. I could not have done this without Cool Ventures’ belief in my idea and support to make it real.” For more: www.coolventures.co.uk

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

Paul MacKenzie-Cummins wants Clearly PR to be a force for good

CLEARLY ONE OF THE BEST Artist Victoria Topping in her new studio in central Bath

ON TOP

Internationally acclaimed artist Victoria Topping, whose stunning work has appeared on the cover of Bath Life, has moved into a brand-new art studio in central Bath. Victoria’s bold, striking and instantly recognisable works that fuse a mix of traditional and digital techniques will now come to life at the 32 Gay Street space, where she occupies the ﬁrst ﬂoor. “After my business really picked up during lockdown, I’ve been able to upscale into a beautiful new studio of

Paddleboarders and kayakers paddled a combined 738 miles for Dorothy House

my own,” Victoria says. “The space has allowed me to bring clients in for viewings, and in the future, I’ll be holding workshops and other events here, too. “The move has allowed me to create art on a bigger, more ambitious scale as well as giving me the headspace to be more productive – since moving in May I’ve already created a whole new body of work, The Zodiac series, as well as several new prints and originals.” For more: www.victoriatopping.com

Clearly PR is now a certified B Corporation. The Saville Rowbased agency is only the seventh PR agency in the country – and only the second in the South West – to become an accredited B Corp, which includes a stringent whole-business assessment measuring the agency’s impact on the environment, its people, supply chains, customers and local communities. “The process we started 11 months and 11 days ago has been the most intense, demanding, rigorous and invasive that we as a business have ever undertaken,” says Paul MacKenzieCummins, founder and managing director at Clearly. “But it has also been rewarding, reflective, and remarkable in every way and in equal measure. “Gaining accreditation is no mean feat and it is something that me and the team are immensely proud of, but we must improve. We need to continue to rethink and reimagine the environmental and societal impact that we create and consider how we can influence change outside the four walls of our business.” For more: www.clearlypr.co.uk

PUSH THE BOAT OUT

The inaugural Big Avon Paddle raised £13,000 for Dorothy House Hospice Care. Organised by Channel Kayaks and hosted by The Boathouse pub, the event saw a troop of avid paddleboarders and kayakers complete 164 loops to Saltford Marina and back – totalling a combined 738 miles. “We could not be more pleased with the support we have received from everyone that was involved in making The Big Avon Paddle happen and the money raised will make an immeasurable diﬀerence,” says Phillippa Watson, head of relationship fundraising at Dorothy House. “The help we received from the team at The Boathouse every step of the way was tremendous. “This was a totally new event for us and the ﬁrst fundraising event we have staged for almost 18 months. It could not have been more successful and we look forward to doing it all again next year.” For more: www.dorothyhouse.org.uk

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BATHWORKS

Ari Last founded childcare app Bubble to meet the need for flexible childcare

Childcare provision app Bubble is set to bring hundreds of jobs to Bath as part of a large recruitment drive in the area. The app connects parents to on-demand childcare with a network of sitters and full-time nannies. “Demand for our service in Bath has been rising for a while now, which is why this recruitment drive has become a real priority for us,” says Ari Last, founder of Bubble. “We know there are families out there who are crying out for more affordable and flexible childcare and we also know that there are lots people who could benefit from a new and rewarding source of income. “As a father myself, I understand the difficulties of finding reliable childcare, which is why the idea for Bubble was born. Bubble makes the process much less stressful, making it one less thing for parents to worry about.” Roles are flexible, and Bubble helps all new applicants secure the relevant CBR and DBS checks, as well as basic training. For more: www.joinbubble.com

Award-winning science writer Vicky Bennett

MOVERS AND SHAKERS ETC RESEARCH QUEEN

University of Bath PhD student Vicky Bennett has won the 2021 MRC Max Perutz Science Writing Award for her article ‘Cranberry juice won’t cut it anymore’. The award-winning piece, published in The Observer on 7 November, was about identifying potential drugs that might be re-purposed to target drug-resistant bacteria that cause urinary tract infections (UTIs). “I want to try and do research that’s going to potentially help a wide range of people and lead to better treatments, and improve the situation for a lot of people who currently suffer in many different ways,” says Vicky. “I was really happy and grateful to win this Award for writing about an area which isn’t the most glamorous and therefore doesn’t always get much recognition, but still affects millions of people each year.” Vicky won a cash prize of £1,500 for the Award, which challenges students to explain why their research matters in 1,100 words for a non-scientific audience. www.bath.ac.uk

CONSTRUCTIVE CHANGE

Royds Withy King solicitor Lizzy Painter has been announced the chair of Generation For Change (G4C) South West. G4C is the professional voice for young people driving change in the UK built environment industry. “I am delighted to be appointed as the new chair of G4C South West,” says Lizzy, who specialises in construction and engineering. “I look forward to expanding on our message and goals as we continue to represent and promote the breadth of passion and opportunity in the industry across this region.” www.roydswithyking.com

SHARE THE CARE

THE TALENT POOL The Cleveland Pools Trust’s interpretation volunteers have won at the national 2020 Marsh Volunteer Awards, which celebrates the work of museum volunteers across the UK. The team at Cleveland Pools were recognised for their display boards, development of heritage learning materials and an intergenerational ﬁlm project created in partnership with Mentoring Plus – among many other projects. “We are absolutely thrilled that our interpretation volunteer team has been recognised with this National Award by the Marsh Awards for their unwavering commitment to the Pools,” says Alice Le Page, learning and engagement trustee for Cleveland Pools. “Volunteers remain at the heart of this organisation, and we are honoured to have built not just partnerships but friendships with some truly wonderful people. Thank you!” For more: www.clevelandpools.org.uk

The Award-winning Cleveland Pools Trust interpretation volunteers

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BATHWORKS

“THE TWO BEST THINGS ANY KITCHEN CAN BOAST ARE AN ISLAND AND A DOG” going to do about it? Other than that, work hard, treat people well, never be afraid to stick your neck out, accept the knocks when it doesn’t work out, then get up and go again.

BIZ Q&A

Richard Bell

The CEO of Cox & Cox on growing, progressing, and how to style a productive workspace

ichard Bell is the CEO of Frome-based online interiors retailer Cox & Cox. Prior to joining Cox & Cox three years ago, he spent 14 years as a marketing director at the mail order and online fashion retailer Boden and then Charles Tyrwhitt, the multi-channel men’s clothing specialist, where he gained a strong understanding of the market. His experiences in marketing helped shape the strategy at Cox & Cox today, where he has presided over a period of astronomic growth. Here he gives us a peek behind the scenes. Richard, tell us about life as the CEO of Cox & Cox It’s hugely varied. I spend most of my time trying to work out what the company will look like in a few years’ time, where the growth needs to come from, and working back from there to make sure that we have the right products, resources, and infrastructure in place to enable that. But we’re also a team and you do whatever the business needs on any given day – I was driving

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the delivery van between our warehouses last week (loved every minute). What drew you to join the Cox & Cox team? I don’t think you can ever really give your best unless you absolutely love the brand you represent and have a passion for the products. I was a fan and a customer for many years before joining, so I get to live and breathe it every day. You joined during a period of substantial growth – what has that been like? The company is now four times bigger than when I started three years ago, but growing fast presents just as many urgent challenges as going the other way. I’ve been through rapid growth before and have seen the pitfalls of not staying ahead of the curve, so while the strategy hasn’t changed, we’ve hit pinch points and milestones much quicker than expected and have had to be very agile to make the most of it. Looking back at this time, what are you proudest of?

Our record of promoting from within. We place far more value on attitude and aptitude than experience, and so it doesn’t matter where you start in the business. If you’re smart and passionate, there’s nothing stopping you from progressing or even completely changing your career path. Our staff churn is less than five per cent, which speaks for itself. What have you learned along the way? That you have to take people with you. You can’t do everything yourself, so communicating well, being as straight and transparent as you can, and setting the tone are vital. There is a world of difference between being a manager and a leader. Do you have any advice for those smart, passionate people looking to progress? You need to be very self-aware, not just of your own strengths and weaknesses, but of your personal brand. What do you want people to say about you when you’re not in the room, and what are you

Okay, let’s talk interiors. What’s going to be on trend in 2022? The industrial trend has been incredibly popular with our customers, and next season we’re moving this further on towards ‘soft industrialism’. There will still be plenty of signature black, metal and mesh furniture, but by adding plenty of really tactile soft furnishings, deep pile rugs and cushions, velvet sofas and plenty of accessories, it’ll be less stripped back bare, and much softer and cosier. What’s one of your personal favourite ranges? I love our new kitchen ranges, and we recently won an award from Livingetc for our freestanding kitchen larder. My favourite piece is the freestanding kitchen island with a built-in pet bed. The two best things any kitchen can boast are an island and a dog. And what about your work space – how do you style for productivity? Both my work and home offices are pure Cox & Cox style, clean and stripped back to help me avoid cluttering up both the space and my head. My only real distractions are a Bluetooth speaker and a picture of Nick Cave. Having said that, the best place for any sort of proper thinking is wandering along the Bath Skyline Walk. The year’s almost out. What’s coming up for Cox & Cox in 2022? We will be launching our own Marketplace so that we can bring all the wonderful products that we find on our travels, but can’t sell as Cox & Cox, to our customers. We’ll also be expanding our borders and launching in Europe. Exciting times. For more: www.coxandcox.co.uk

BATHWORKS Simon Jones, Bob Irwin, Claire Black and Nick Hems

Shine bright

A few top tips for writing a nomination that stands out

Take your time

Do not – we beg you – leave your nomination until the deadline looms. You’ve got ages, so use that time well. Start making a list of all of the successful moments of your year. Ask yourself: what have you achieved? What makes you stand out? Think on it a while. Show don’t tell

Everyone says ‘we’ve had a great year’. The judges want much more than that – they want to know precisely why it’s been great. Get into the weeds, leave no stone unturned and paint a detailed picture of your excellence. This is not the time for modesty. Be honest

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judges will check out your feeds – so if you’ve only tweeted twice this past year you will be rumbled. Step into the judge’s wig

Consider the experience of the Bath Life Awards judge: you’re faced with pages upon pages of information about great local businesses and projects. They’re the best of the best. Everything starts to blur into one. Make it easy for them. Express yourself clearly and concisely. Give as much information as possible, but get to the point. Steph Wilder

Testify

Gathering testimonials is a great way to persuade judges of your greatness. Of course you know you’re wonderful, but if you can get a customer/ service user to say why they think you’re great, and be detailed about it, all the better. Judges want three testimonials from the last 12 months that make you most proud. Have fun with it

Seriously. It’s all too rare that we make the time to sit and reflect about everything that’s gone well in the last year. Take this as an opportunity to give yourself a hearty pat on the back. For more: www.bathlifeawards.co.uk

The Bath Life Awards celebrates the best of Bath’s businesses, from professional services to cafés, retail to charity

TESTIMONIAL

“Honestly it’s such a boost after a year full of challenges for everyone. To win this year means even more considering the setbacks our industry has had.” Steph Wilder, owner of Good Day Café, Café winner 2021

fresh season of Bath Life Awards is almost upon us. The nominations are open, and now is the time for Bath’s businesses, charities and creative types to shine. But how to make the most of your nomination? We’ve got a few tips...

BATHWORKS

BATH LIFE AWARDS 2021 James Carlin, director of 3SG shares the story of the amazing pandemic response that earned the B&NES third sector group its double Bath Life Awards win CIVIC WINNER

PLATINUM WINNER

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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. From 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, Hwam, Stuv and Jetmaster. Get in touch or visit the showroom. Mendip Fireplaces, Monkton Combe, Bath BA2 7HD. info@mendipfireplacesbath.co.uk, Tel: 01225 722706; www.mendipfireplacesbath.co.uk

BATH KITCHEN COMPANY

CHEVERELL

www.bathkitchencompany.co.uk

www.cheverell.co.uk

Founded in 2006, Etons of Bath is the UK’s only specialist interior design practice focussed on refurbishing, renovating and reinvigorating Georgian and Regency homes and hotels. Their team of 12 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. 7-9 North Parade Buildings, Bath BA1 1NS; Tel: 01225 312003

WESTSIDE DESIGN

FLOORING BATH LTD

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 email info@westsidedesign.co.uk www.westsidedesign.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

Flooring Bath Ltd has decided to bring a flooring show home to you. They will visit the space that requires 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 info@flooring-bath.com; www.flooring-bath.com

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. Established in 1989 it has over 30 years of experience to guide you through the whole process. Cheverell, Waller Road, Hopton Park, Devizes, Wiltshire SN10 2GH; Tel: 01380 722722;

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, Everhot range cookers, garden furniture and Kadai 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. Dunsdon Barn, West Littleton,Wiltshire SN14 8JA; Tel: 01225 892 200; www.boniti.com www.mediaclash.co.uk I BATH LIFE I 105

BATH LIVES

“I moved to Bath to learn how to write” PHOTO BY ORION KIRK

reactivated. London was too distracting and expensive, so I moved to Bath, to learn how to write.

GILL KIRK The scriptwriter and strategic communications consultant on not getting elected and pushing her imagination beyond the credible Gill grew up in Glasgow, and when she was eight, moved to Buntingford in Hertfordshire. She studied at Oxford University specialising in English, linguistics and Icelandic myths. Having got involved in student politics during this time, she went on to become a Parliamentary lobbyist during the time of ‘cash for questions’ scandal, and was Labour’s film unit coordinator in 1997. She also ran campaigns including getting benefits fast-tracked for people with motor neurone disease, and in her spare time, worked with the Free Tibet Campaign. She is now a scriptwriter and strategic communications consultant at Lyric Communications. Her latest play, Skin In The Game, has just finished at the New Wimbledon Theatre.

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

The first thing I remember writing was rambling, illegible

yarns sprawling over bulging school jotters. I remember some poem about a devil tree that held bad children captive for eternity. I only remember it is because it got me a ‘Highly Commended’ in a Cadbury’s competition.

Writing means I get the wonderful chance to push

my imagination beyond the barely credible.

I ran for Parliament but after not becoming an MP, and a couple of years heading up Heathrow’s political engagement, I set up Lyric

Communications to advise on engaging with communities and got a six-month gig as interim communications director at the Royal Shakespeare Company. Boom! That schooldays scriptwriting bug was

I wrote a disturbing thing about reality TV and audience responsibility in 2010, when

2050 and how future us responds to climate chaos here, at home. Sometimes, being scared is the most effective way to encourage a change in behaviour – so we’re hoping to frighten a few more poor souls on tour in 2022.

the Ustinov’s Andrew Smaje commissioned a night of new writing called The Push. It was where the real audience end up voting for an execution. I thought everyone liked audience participation, but apparently that’s not a hard and fast rule…

My other jobs have included selling records in Woolies,

Trying to write means I’m eyeball to eyeball with my ever-evolving flaws. And

two of us for eight years and it’s great fun, as he gets dragged along to all kinds of things he’d otherwise miss. Our friends and community are a huge part of our world.

theatre’s an uncomfortable industry for the vast majority; it’s about chance, opportunity and privilege more than talent. I’m hugely lucky to have another career world that almost keeps me sane and solvent.

In my other current job, I help other writers and directors

work out the best way to tell their stories for their audiences. And I help organisations communicate clearly and honestly to the people they need to reach. I’m in awe at the magic others make in this business. The

directors, dramaturgs (who are like book editors), actors and technical experts. No single artist is ever responsible for a success. There’s always a team – today and historically – who bring you the art that’s in front of you. The last time I was scared was when I was researching my latest play, Skin In The Game,

which has just finished at the New Wimbledon Theatre. It’s a climate chaos satire about Britain in

which was great, and selling shoes in Freeman Hardy Willis, which was not. I’ve the enormous privilege of being mum to a very lovely ten-year old. It’s been just the

My idea of perfect happiness is being in warm summer shade

under a tree, hidden from view by long golden grass. Laughter somewhere ‘over there’ and books, a cheese feast and wine very definitely ‘over here’.

I’ve been learning Norwegian

on Duolingo for 552 days.

My ambitions for the future are to raise a confident, kind

and happy child. And that’ll be a cinch, so with my spare time, I want to raise funds to get Skin In The Game on tour. I’m just completing a novel, so I have dreams for that, too. Behind all of these – and my day job – is a driving need to help connect people across our society. It sounds very earnest, so I always makes sure it’s a lot of fun. n For more: www.gillkirk.com / www.lyric-communications.com