Bath Life – Issue 459 by MediaClash

TAKE ME

ISSUE 459 / 17 – 30 DECEMBER 2021 / £3

GLAD TIDINGS WE BLING

ISSUE 459 / 17 – 30 DECEMBER 2021 / WE WISH YOU A MERRY CHRISTMAS

BEAUTIFUL, INDIE LAST MINUTE STOCKING FILLERS

WE BRING YOU SOME FIGGY PUDDING…

CHRISTMAS CITY LIGHTS BATH IN FULL SPARKLE

…AND OTHER TASTY DELIGHTS

MERRY & BRIGHT CELEBRATING THE MOST WONDERFUL TIME OF YEAR

THE LULLABY OF BROAD STREET

OLD, NEW AND EVERYTHING IN BETWEEN

SPICE WORLD

THE WONDERS OF THE MINT ROOM

A NEW CHAPTER

THE RIVETING STORY OF TOPPING & COMPANY

PLUS THE AWARD-WINNING BATH MIND / THE STARRY SOMERSET PLACE •MAKE A WIZZ & WILD CHRISTMAS WREATH

EDITOR’S LETTER

wreath (page 55) BELOW: A Taste of Bath and other festive delights (page 44)

hings I like about Christmas. Family, friends, parties, TV, board games, and chocolate log. Things I don’t like about Christmas. Nothing. I love it all. I especially love putting together our Christmas issues, when the city of Bath takes on a whole new shimmering gorgeousness making it even more darn beautiful than it is already. And once again Bath has shown its inner steel and true mettle. Where obstacles were placed such as the cancellation of the Bath Christmas Market, smaller markets ﬁlled the gap like the Bath Artisan Market in Queen’s Square; where shops have been forced to close there’s been exciting new pop-ups in the empty units (page 73); and powerhousing its way through all this is the rich seam of talented, enterprising and resilient indies we’re so lucky to have. Turn to page 39 for our last minute stocking and festive foodie guide, all of which champions the local, the lovely, and the on-our-doorstep. Mirroring this sentiment over on page 34 is our feature exploring the magic of Broad Street – not only is it the home of one of Bath’s oldest retailers – the glorious indie department store Rossiters – but right opposite is one of the city’s most interesting new stores – the funky record and house plant shop Chapter 22. On page 18 we also visit the new and spectacular York Street home of Topping & Company – a move that meant it was one of the biggest independent bookshops opening in England for many decades. Have yourself a very merry Christmas and we’ll see you in two weeks to talk more things positive and lovely for 2022.

ABOVE: Make your own Wizz & Wild

SARAH MOOLLA Follow us on Twitter @BathLifeMag Instagram @bathlifemag

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Issue 459 / 17–30 December 2021 COVER Photo by Casper Farrell; www.brilliantbath.co.uk

STOCKING FILLERS

39 CHRISTMAS STOCKING GIFT GUIDE A round up of the

best local last-minute gifts and sumptuous foodie treats

THE ARTS

18 TOPPING & CO Behind the scenes of the move to York Street 25 ARTS INTRO The Mythical Beasts Past and Present exhibition 26 WHAT’S ON Theatre, music, family entertainment, comedy,

art and all that’s festive and fun in Bath and beyond

31 BOOKS Mr B on books to make them smile

SHOPPING

34 BROAD STREET From the Bath institutions to the relative

newbies, there’s a little bit of everything on Broad Street

FOOD&DRINK

46 RESTAURANT Having a pretty mint time at The Mint Room 49 TAKE 5 Bath Life Award bar winner Flow Bar Frome 50 FOOD & DRINK Bath Pizza Co in the top three at the

National Pizza Awards

52 XMAS RECIPES Festive treats from Cooking With Alcohol

CRAFTS

55 DIY Make your own Christmas wreath with Wizz & Wild

BUSINESS

61 BATHWORKS Local business news, views, and interviews 65 BIZ Q&A Jo Hall, people and projects director for allmanhall 67 BATH LIFE AWARDS Q&A Charity winners Mind on how

they support Bath’s mental wellness

PROPERTY

73 PROPERTY LEAD From empty units to pretty little pop-ups 74 PROPERTY NEWS Updates from the market 76 SHOWCASE A Georgian home with a story to tell on

Somerset Place

80 RESIDENCE Interior designer Annabel Grimshaw shows us

around her beautiful Hinton Charterhouse home

DEPARTMENTS

SPOTLIGHT Bath’s brightest star Harmonie-Rose Allen turns on the Christmas Trail lights 9 INSTAGRAM It’s the most wonderful time of the year 11 SCENE All e es n the ﬁnish line at the alk li e r the 17 FLATLINE All Flats wants for Christmas is a clue what they want 90 BATH LIVES Meet the inspiring Miley Porritt

Editor Sarah Moolla sarah.moolla@mediaclash.co.uk Deputy editor Lydia Tewkesbury lydia.tewkesbury@mediaclash.co.uk Managing editor Deri Robins deri.robins@mediaclash. co.uk Senior art editor Andrew Richmond Graphic design Megan Allison Cover design Trevor Gilham Contributors Nic Bottomley, David Flatman, Matilda Walton and Nick Woodhouse 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

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Christmas

Pride of Britain winner Harmonie-Rose Allen took to the stage to turn on Bath’s Christmas Light Trail this year. Seven-yearold Harmonie recently won Child of Courage at the Pride of Britain Awards in November for her inspirational courage and unbreakable spirit. She is a quadruple amputee, a result of contracting meningococcal septicaemia at ten months old – a diagnosis for which she was given a 10 per cent chance of survival – but Harmonie has thrived against the odds, and her spirited story and campaigning with meningitis charities inspires her many thousands of followers. Harmonie was joined on Milsom Street by BBC Points West presenter Ali Vowles, Bath BID’s chief executive Allison Herbert and council leader Kevin Guy to switch on the trail of lights, which are bringing festive sparkle to Abbey Churchyard, Kingsmead Square, Stall Street and Upper Borough Walls among other spots around the city centre. There was also plenty of pop-up festive entertainment around the city, including performances from Widcombe Choir, seasonal stilts walkers from C ri s C mpan , a ﬁrst l k at the Artisanal Makers in Bath Abbey Quarter and theatrics from the Natural Theatre Company. The Christmas Light Trail is funded by Bath & North East Somerset Council, with the Milsom Street light section funded by Bath BID, Milsom Place and the West of England Combined Authority’s Love Our High Streets programme. For more: www.welcometobath.co.uk

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ALL PHOTOS © BATH BID

LET THERE BE LIGHT

SPOTLIGHT

CLOCKWISE FOR TOP LEFT: Harmonie-Rose Allen switches on the Bath lights; the twinkly decs of Milsom Street; Miss Mistletoe a.k.a. Louise Wirick from Curious Company; the Christmas Lights Trail is happening until the end of December; Widcombe Choir perform festive tunes; light projections have popped up across the city centre; Allison Herbert and Kevin Guy join Harmonie-Rose on stage; the event is attended by the Mayor of Bath June Player; Natural Theatre Company entertain

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SPOTLIGHT

IT’S BEGINNING TO LOOK A LOT LIKE CHRISTMAS... …yes, everywhere you go. From the Artisan Market to the Christmas Light Trail, Bath has decked the halls for the festive season

@bathcityphoto

@rhianwirtz

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@fiwalksandpaintsthesw

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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 Rebecca Mitchell and Laura Michell

Thalia Hayter Annette Coop and Emily Mizon

Four legged walkers made the most of the day out

Mary Allen, Raurie Allen, Laurence Allen and Laura Bryant

STEPPING OUT

Chris Webster and Steven Webster

Around 200 walkers took part in the Walk for Life, the annual sponsored walk along the Kennet & Avon Canal in support of the Royal United Hospital (RUH) Bath charity, The Forever Friends Appeal. Half of the walkers completed the full 26.2 mile marathon challenge from Bishops Cannings near Devizes, while others took on the shorter 10-mile route from Bradford on Avon, with both parties i t ri sl r ssing the ﬁnish line at the Holburne Museum in Bath. The Walk for Life raised more than £35,000, which the charity will invest in life-saving medical equipment and life-changing services at the RUH. Photos by Paul Gillis Photography www.paulgillisphoto.com

Team Kier Baz Harding-Clark, Anita West and Clare Blakeley

Jack King and Luke Brady

Taff Thomas and Gilly Thomas

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SOCIETY

Alison Howell

Jude Rice and Claire Loder

Ros Powell Bush

Annie Maw, Lord Lieutenant of Somerset

GARDEN VARIETY

he igh heri merset, h mas heppard re entl h sted his ann al garden tea part at Bath Cit arm he theme the ear as in l si n, and Bath Cit arm pr ided the per e t sp t r the gathering, sh asing a mm nit rganisati n ith in l si e al es that rks r the eneﬁt l al pe ple he arm s pp rts er pe ple a ear thr gh a range pr e ts in animal are, h rti lt re and atering hi h help ad lts ith mple health and s ial are needs and ng pe ple a ing ad ersit gr skills, nﬁden e and s ial net rks l nteers made and ser ed the tea t the igh heri and his g ests, and ga e them a t r the arm Photos by Mark Pickthall Studio www.markpickthall.co.uk

Deborah Steele Luke Harrison; Laura Wolfers Chair of Street PC; Thomas Sheppard High Sheriff of Somerset

Dave Mason, David Hobday, Louise Harvey, Lizzie Heffer, Davina Rose and Simon McNeill-Ritchie Evie Bodman

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Brendan Tate Wistreich

Charles Hobhouse, High Sheriff of Wiltshire

SOCIETY

Barbara Disney, Zoe Hughes-Gough and Jan English

The Fresh Art Project works with artists with mental health challenges

Creativity Works encourages wellness through art

Wren Sidhe and David Wetton Marian Lassam and Sue Fourie

TOP FORTY

Bath charity Creativity Works celebrated 40 years with a gathering for the private view of this year’s Fresh Art Partnership Project. resh Art is an inn ati e pr e t that aims t make a di eren e in the lives of people experiencing mental health challenges through creativity, and the exhibition in Bath Central Library was the culmination of works from this year in a range of mediums. Guests enjoyed speeches from Creativity Works supporters like artist Jill Carter and Fresh Art artist Barbara Disney that detailed the positive impact of the project. To close, Creativity Works chair Martin Pople presented the charity’s creative wellbeing manager Philippa Forsey with a long service award commemorating her 20 years of support. Photos by Rose Dedman www.rosededmanphotography.com

Gill Carter

Stacey Pottinger, Jaq Hough, Sarah James, Philippa Forsey, Karen Blake and Morwhenna Woolcock

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FLAT LINE DAVID FLATMAN

Present tense

It’s beginning to look a lot like Flats has no idea what to buy his nearest and dearest this Christmas

“I’m easy to buy for, and at this time of year that makes me a bloody hero”

r the first time an remem er e dra n a t tal lank hen it mes t Christmas presents r m middle da ghter things ere made easier hen she t ld me pre isel hat she anted straight nt Ama n, ght and paid r ithin se nds, d n t dge me , t r e er ne else m attling hard t as as sat d ll ped n the s a the ther e ening that te t messages arri ed r m t m a rite men, asking i had an inspirati n r gi ts r their pre teen da ghters as sim ltane sl attered that the d th ght t ask me, and relie ed that thers ere str ggling t his g t me thinking a t h e ere still are finding it di lt, and the nl n l si n that mped t as that the e alread l d g t e er thing a ing slept n it and taken time t distill m th ghts, n think m right the e l d g t e er thing hers are fine r irthda s t eel ins ientl th ght l at Christmas nless re the kid the l e them, t it s n t a t them t s a t n t ha ing t appear an a l, la parent admitting t r peers that e gi en r hildren s little th ght Cl thes mean, es, e ept the e g t them all, and hate er isn t ite right an a h se l el little trinkets that seem lassi and h les me like the ll last a li etime ill last a li etime, in r l t r in s me ne else s h me ia a harit sh p he re all seless angerines re he d n t eat them, th gh, e a se it s Christmas and the ha e infinite h late B t like tangerines s ll get s per Christmass and add th se t m nline sh p r m M rris ns M girls think the ant hand ags t the re r ng e a se the literall d n t e er se them, t

instead tr ing t n in e them the re r ng m st g ing t n t an a easier et them an e perien e hear the r , t let me tell that an kid h is happ t pen a ard as their main present, ith details a da t s metime in the t re printed nt a lded pie e A , is aking said happiness t please their parents and is in a t de astated m h lding ast and h ping that an idea dr ps int m lap as sit n the s a t s an appr a h that has ne er please see tn te let me d n in the past als ha e a fian h ants n thing t s n t that she an t think an thing, it s that she ants n gi ts e a se she has all that she needs and ets n t ne thing sed t think this as all s ntheti ntentment designed t make her seem an a rda le sp se, t n , there is n t an e t that she desires e ept me, t re se t e e tified his ser es th t make m li e e eedingl di lt e a se i sl she needs presents r she ll e the nl ne ith t an n Christmas a , and that again ld re e t adl n me and t make me eel like a h rrid ns merist east, e a se e asked r a ee e, s me a tersha e, s me ks, s me trainers, s me l em n g m gear g d it s s s t , a eanie, a ee ma hine, and a iling ater tap might read this and think me greed t re r ng m eas t r, and at this time ear that makes me a l d her er reg larl 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 17

TURN THE PAGE A fresh start for Topping and Company Booksellers By Lydia Tewkesbury Photos by Betty Bhandari 18 I BATH LIFE I www.mediaclash.co.uk

The Topping team moved into their new York Street home in a hectic three-day process

ne of Bath’s stalwarts has moved to a new location. Over one busy weekend, the Topping & Company booksellers team packed up thousands of books and transported them across the city to their new home. The enormous new shop on York Street extends across three rs, rammed all to wall with books. We chat with founder Hugh Topping to get the inside story. So Hugh, why did you decide it was time to move?

We were very fond of our familiar home on the Paragon. It was a very happy 14 years there. But as a bookseller, one is always looking for more space for books...

BOOKS

The Topping booksellers team is made up of experts in their fields

And why this particular building?

r ne h me n rk treet p ts s right in the heart Bath, and has gi en the pp rt nit t e pand er three rs As s n as e had a l k ar nd the rmer riends Meeting se e ell in l e ith the ilding and sa hat a antasti ksh p it ld make th r the n m er k ases that it h lds and als r the s pe it gi es s r h sting a th r e ents he ilding has an e tra rdinar hist r it as designed in the th ent r illiam ilkins h designed the ati nal aller and as riginall sed rie the reemas ns e re e ming a aker Meeting se t s antasti t e a le t pen s h a remarka le ilding t the p li again and ele rate its hist r It must have been a massive job to renovate. Tell us about the process…

e had a antasti team pe ple rking n the pr e t r ar hite ts ere Mark ra and e alker, and r rilliant ilders

Founder Hugh Topping in the new York Street space

“As a bookseller, one is always looking for more space for books...”

ere ra alls Making and ﬁtting s man k ases is n mean eat r iners ames rmand n are ased in erth and e er ase as made p in i e e re tra elling d n t Bath t e ﬁtted e ldn t ha e asked r a m re heer and diligent team pe ple t rk n the pr e t ne is al a s ns i s the listed stat s the ilding, its hist r , and its ar hite t ral hara ter A reader re entl said that the elt the ilding as al a s meant t e a ksh p, hi h is l el t hear What was moving day like?

t as a mamm th team ndertaking e m ed e er thing r m the ld ksh p er three airl mani da s pa king, an transp rtati n, and npa king ha e t admit as ite glad t see the a k the ig l e rates that e had hired in hen the ere ﬁnall lle ted The new Topping is one of the UK’s largest independent bookshops to open in years. How does that feel?

ne the reas ns e ﬁrst pened in Bath as r l e and admirati n r the it s independent spirit he est part pening in r ne rk treet h me has een the p siti it and s pp rt e e had r m the pe ple Bath e h pe that the ne spa e is the ph si al mani estati n r elie in the printed rd and in independent kselling

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BOOKS

CLOCKWISE FROM LEFT: More author events are planned in the space; Topping offers free tea and coffee while you peruse; there are around 75,000 books on the Toppings shelves; it has been remarked that the space looks like it was always meant to be a bookshop

How many books are in there?

We’ve currently got around 75,000 titles on the shelves, with space to grow. We’ve already worked out where we can squeeze a few more shelves in here and there... Wow! How on do you curate the collection with so much space to fill?

Our team is made up of booksellers who are experts in their own sections and look after ordering, meeting with publishers, and keeping up to date with new releases. We don’t just focus on bestsellers, as we want to have a really broad range of titles – even if they might spend a e ears n the shel es e re the ﬁnd the right home. It’s having the range of titles that makes browsing in a physical bookshop so enjoyable, and opens up possibilities for serendipitous discovery. We also get the papers every week and read the reviews – a real highlight of the weekend! And we love nothing more than talking about books with the readers and friends in the bookshop, which has always been a great way to expand our reading. What are you most excited about in the new space?

Christmas is suddenly approaching, which feels hugely exciting. We’ll be planning some

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late-night Christmas evenings with mulled wine and mince pies for everyone. Apart from that it’s been really lovely seeing some new faces in the bookshop alongside the familiar ones. We’ve already had some great events in our new space which have been a lot of fun – German festive baking with Anja Dunk was a recent highlight. What’s coming up that we should look out for?

The Bath team is booking up events for 2022, which I would tell everyone to keep an eye out for as we’ve got some great names in the pipeline. The best way to do that is to sign up to our weekly newsletter where we talk about the best books we’ve been reading recently and all the new upcoming events. Most importantly, what’s coming up that we should read?

Possibly the thing I’m most excited for is Hanya Yanagihara’s follow-up to A Little Life, To Paradise, coming next January. A Little Life is an 800-page novel so if you get reading now you’ll be ready in time. For more: Topping & Company Booksellers, York Street, Bath; www.toppingbooks.co.uk

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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

CA B

Bath-based artist Bronwyn Williams-Ellis has created an exhibition of ceramic plates depicting mythical beasts to run concurrently with Victoria Art Gallery’s Myths & Monsters. “After initially having a creative block about how to approach the project, lockdown happened and with no distractions around, I suddenly started creating,” says Bronwyn, whose studio is based on Walcot Street. “The collection, Mythical Beasts Past and Present, is a series of earthenware chargers with a er pers nal h i e m thi al easts r m di erent s r es in l ding Celti , British, Mediterranean, and Norse. There’s also a couple of my own making, as well as creatures that are rapidly becoming extinct and therefore probably soon to be mythical.” Mythical Beasts Past and Present by Bronwyn Williams-Ellis can be seen at Victoria Art Gallery on Bridge Street until 27 February; www.victoriagal.org.uk www.mediaclash.co.uk I BATH LIFE I 25

WHAT’S ON

Follow the Bath Christmas Light Trail which illuminates parts of the city until 31 December

18 December 13 January

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

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 breathtaking Museum of the Moon ke erram an in ata le 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 Aar n Angell and te en

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Claydon. The two artists share an anachronistic approach to hist ri al in en e, in this instan e 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 he ﬁrst e er e hi iti n dedi ated 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 m ses and their in en e n 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 which was 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

MYTHS AND MONSTERS A colourful celebration of children’s book illustration featuring the art work of family favourites such as a I n an itt 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 27 February

BRONWYN WILLIAMS-ELLIS: MYTHICAL BEASTS PAST & PRESENT The lively and colourful beasts painted onto ceramic dishes featured in this show have been conceived as partners to the adjoining Myths & Monsters exhibition. Always interested in early art and archaeology, it was during a visit to the Alhambra palace in Spain that Bath artist Bronwyn Williams-Ellis became excited by colour and drawing on surface-decorated ceramics. Turn to page 25 for more. Victoria Art Gallery; www.victoriagal.org.uk

Until 30 April

LIGHT AT MARSTON PARK An immersive light exhibition by internationally acclaimed British artist Bruce Munro at Marston Park

WHAT’S ON

TOP: The breath-taking Museum of the Moon by Luke Jerram is currently at Bath Abbey; BOTTOM: The Flight Before Christmas show is just one of the festive activities happening at Longleat

in Frome. The artist’s ephemeral light-based works have featured in urban landscapes and remote rural areas around the globe, including the acclaimed Field of Light, currently illuminating Uluru in Australia. www.marstonpark.co.uk

Until 24 April

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

THEATRE / CINEMA Until 8 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 air Ustinov; www.theatreroyal.org.uk

Until 9 January

CINDERELLA Star of BAFTA-winning Tracy Beaker and former Strictly ﬁnalist, ani 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. Theatre Royal Bath; www.theatreroyal.org.uk

10 & 11 January

THE LATE-IVITY With a couple of perfunctory tweaks to the script and literally a few minutes of re-rehearsal, Living Spit have managed to make it appear as if they’ve put loads of thought into it, whilst actually doing barely any work. The mistletoe may be manky and the tinsel may be tired, but this is still a cornucopia of comic Christmassy crudeness. Only this time it s g t a slightl di erent title because they’re doing it in January. Ustinov; www.theatreroyal.org.uk

12 – 22 January

THE PLAY WHAT I WROTE Hamish has written a play, an epic set in the French Revolution called A Tight Squeeze for the Scarlet Pimple. Sean, on the other hand, wants to continue with their double act. He believes that if they perform a tribute to Morecambe and ise, amish s nﬁden e ill e restored and the duo will go on. B t ﬁrst ean needs t pers ade a guest star to appear in the play what Hamish wrote. With rave reviews and previous guest stars having included Nigel Havers, Kylie Minogue, and Joanna Lumley, this is in the ‘do not miss’ category. 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 e, e rge ﬁnds himsel d n, 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. The Little Theatre Cinema; www.picturehouses.com

23 December

SPIDER-MAN: NO WAY HOME r the ﬁrst time in the inemati history of Spider-Man, our friendly neighbourhood hero is unmasked and no longer able to separate his normal life from the high-stakes of being a super hero. But then when Peter asks for help from Doctor Strange, the stakes become even more dangerous, in this Marvel Christmas-release epic starring Tom Holland, Zendaya, and Benedict Cumberbatch. Tivoli Cinema; www.tivolicinemas.com

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

WHAT’S ON CHILDREN Until 24 December

SQUIRREL Under the light of the winter sun, et een the h ses and the es, and the ri ers and the a t ries, Squirrel has buried their favourite a rn lle ti n t s eas t remem er here it s nder the third tree r m the le t r as it the right his is an en hanting st r ne gr th, ith a sprinkling sn magi and p ppetr ma hem s ita le r m nths t ears The Egg; www.theatreroyal.org.uk

Until 16 January

FIVE CHILDREN AND IT ent a a t li e in the ntr side ith their re l si e n le, ﬁ e hildren dis er a se ret that s een hidden a a r ent ries a magi al, mis hie s and e tremel gr mp and air alled t ith the p er t grant spe ta lar ishes B t as the hildren set n a series antasti ad ent res, the s n learn that all r ishes eing granted an get int a h le heap tr le The Egg; www.theatreroyal.org.uk

21 December

HORRIBLE CHRISTMAS r m the Car ark art gr p and being staged at Cheltenham a e rse, this tells the rri le ist r Christmas r m i t rian villains to medieval monks, puritan parties t d r treats t is a hair raising Christmas adventure in the mpan Charles i kens, li er Cr m ell, ing enr , t i h las, and d lph the ed sed eindeer www.carparkparty.com

MUSIC 6 January

JAZ DELOREAN a el rean is the lead singer ith the and ank s the enge and als per rms n his n aking inspirati n r m ar r m pian pla ers the ld est, the m rn l mel dies his C pri t an estr , and a pat h rk mi and tragi st ries r m gr ing up around a travelling funfair, Jaz deli ers an e le ti set ith tender observations of our fragile and s metimes t isted e isten e n this planet Chapel Arts; www.chapelarts.org

13 January

LEWIS CLARK e is is the resident m si ian at Pound Arts Centre in Corsham and his distin ti e m si al st le dra s

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

n a l e rh thm and l es hile e pl ring an e le ti range in en es in l ding traditi nal British lk, atin, Ameri an r ts, and ider r pean traditi ns Chapel Arts; www.chapelarts.org

COMEDY 21 December

THE HORNE SECTION he ﬁ e headed m si al med and pla their ﬁnal date their That’s How I Like My Tour at the r m his ni e m si al stand p sh pr mises med , s ngs, enth siasti dan ing, and a l t m king a t in a t tall nr l and ridi l s ashi n Bath Forum; www.bathforum.co.uk

31 December

KRATER COMEDY CLUB NYE SPECIAL n an e ening t p med ith Christian eill , Mark s Birdman and MC Andre Bird along with food before the show starts ant t sta and see the e ear in at media make s re a M t r it ld ti ket as ell www.komedia.co.uk

OTHER

Until 21 December

ENCHANTED CHRISTMAS isit est n irt Ar ret m t help reunite Father Christmas with his l st reindeer and e perien e mesmerising light displa s and st nning spe ta les al ng the a The Christmas adventure takes visitors through the illuminated, talking ar ret m, mplete ith se ret el es happ t share l es www.forestryengland.uk

Until 31 December

THE BATH CHRISTMAS LIGHT TRAIL Bath is in ll esti e s ing and a alk ar nd the it is all need t d t en here s traditi nal ele rati ns ar nd the A e Quarter; an illumination trail of the hist ri ildings and landmarks Bath the s staina le and amil riendl l es apsh p an assortment of Christmas shopping options, as well as street entertainment and ar l singing here s als a spe ta lar esti e illumination highlighting the splendid e rgian a ade Mils m la e s Mils m treet entran e and l k t r sparkl dis mirr r alls al ng al t Street www.welcometobath.co.uk

ABOVE:

Tracy Beaker star Dani Harmer is Cinderella’s Fairy Godmother at Theatre Royal Bath; RIGHT: Coming to the Theatre Royal 12 January on is the acclaimed comedy The Play What I Wrote; BELOW: See Spiderman unmasked at Tivoli Cinema Bath

DANTE GABRIEL ROSSETTI MONNA VANNA, 1866, OIL ON CANVAS, 88.9 × 86.4 CM, © TATE, LONDON

CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT: An immersive light exhibition by internationally acclaimed British artist Bruce Munro comes to Marston Park in Frome; Squirrel, enchanting puppetry for little people is on at The Egg until Christmas Eve; there’s still time to enjoy the exhibition of one of the giants of Victorian art, Dante Gabriel Rossetti, at the Holburne

Until 31 December

THE ENCHANTED GARDEN OF LIGHT 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 can 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 American -inspired homemade mince pies and roasted chestnuts to mouth-watering hotdogs and a choice of delicious gourmet burgers. American Museum; www.americanmuseum.org

Until 2 January

CHRISTMAS LIGHTS AT STOURHEAD This family-friendly magical festive trail in the Warminster countryside is ded ith en hanting illuminations, all choreographed to a soundtrack of much-loved seasonal music from Sony Music. There’s neon strings stretched between towering trees, a walk through a tunnel of hearts and onto larger-than-life mistletoe, a tilla esti e, rightl l red sailing boats bobbing on the lake, and a giant, l r hanging ra 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

carols in the Square. Plus, along with animal-assisted 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

Until 3 January

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

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 s lpt red ers d tted al ngside the snowy paths, the Hedge Maze is adorned with yet more fairy lights, and the 20-metre enchanted singing Christmas Tree will be performing

Until 30 January

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

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BOOKS NIC BOTTOMLEY

All smiles

Nic on three books, and one game guaranteed to bring a little joy this season

“Splashes of red on robins’ breasts and holly berries appear in her frostier prints”

ore than any other year I think any last-minute bookish gifts in 2021 should be geared to make the recipient smile. Well, apart from last year maybe, it’s a close-run thing let’s face it. Either way, if there’s a book-shaped hole in the stocking re in harge st ng ll, think making it one that will amuse, uplift or generally boost happiness is a sound plan. Take A Year Unfolding by Angela Harding phere, r e ample eaﬁng thr gh this gorgeous collection of prints is a mindful and inspiring experience for any lover of art, creativity or nature. Amongst many other achievements, Harding was the artist behind the stunning covers for Raynor Winn’s The Salt Pats and The Wild Silence as well as James Rebanks’ English Pastoral. The soft blue and sage green tones of those images are frequently on show again in this broader collection, which navigates all four seasons as seen from the window of her home and studio in the rolling countryside of Rutland. As autumn hits, the blues darken and the amber of autumn leaves start peppering her work, before splashes of red on robins’ breasts or holly berries appear in her frostier prints. Alongside the images are essays about her more renowned works (including the book covers) and about her process and working environment that give a real insight into how she translates those views from her window or her countryside wanderings into her beautiful art. Even the reverse of the cover is an inspiration – featuring a triptych scene that’s exclusive to this edition of the book. Keeping to the theme of smiles inspired by images of the natural world, the youngest wilderness lovers will adore the frosty wonderland of The Lights that Dance in the Night by Yuval Zommer (OUP, £12.99). This glistening storybook sees the northern lights dance across the page in rhyme as they zip from space to Earth and then from pole to pole, illuminating a host of colourful wildlife along the way. The story of the lights isn’t necessarily the key to this book. For me, it’s more about the joy and magic of the illustrations which, just like Zommer’s previous mamm th n n ﬁ ti n ks intr d ing hildren to bugs, beasts, the ocean and more, seem perfectly pitched to capture and inspire the youngest imaginations.

Maybe this one’s just me, but there’s something hand-rubbingly uplifting about beautiful graphic or comic storytelling. That’s why I’m going to include here Myths, Monsters and Mayhem in Ancient Greece by James Davies (Big Picture, £14.99) which is such a fun and detailed graphic novelisation of stories that have been retold so many times before. Bright, intricate panels that are often hilarious (the Minotaur’s crazed smile has to be seen to be believed) and only occasionally gruesome, retell many of the myths themselves as well as nipping d n all kinds entertaining m thi side-roads – the map of the Greek underworld t pped a sk ll ith shades and a hair lip is a particular highlight. Perhaps intended for ‘middle-grade’ kids, to be honest I think its appeal is far broader than that and that many teen and adult readers will enjoy and retain more about the myths from this than from many of the recent longer narrative retellings. Finally, happiness for all the family in the form of, wait for it, a game rather than a book. Yes, I know, I’m supposed to write a book column, but hey I included one album review earlier in the year so what’s the harm in diversifying once more to throw in a recommendation for Happy City by Aiki and Toshiri Sato (£19.99), a fabulous family card-based game that is upbeat to its very core. The aim of the game is to build your own happy high street (can you see why I’m a fan?) by ing di erent ildings r ther eat res in ea h round that boost your population, your town’s happiness or your wallet. Investing in more apartments brings more people to town; a big factory will bring you money but lose you some happy points and a bookshop, needless to say, sends your town’s happiness through the roof. Once certain types of building are in place in their town, each player can also scramble to choose one special potentially gameswinging feature (we’re talking unicorn ranches here). At the end of a game, which last half an hour or so and has just the right mix of strategy, subterfuge and chance, the player with the biggest and happiest population is crowned the winner and an g t read ne their heer ks with a smug smile on their face! 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

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

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THRINGS MEETS… Buro Happold

Strategic tax and estate planning specialist and THRINGS partner Mike Westbrook speaks to Claire Smith, Bath office director at integrated consulting engineers and advisers, BURO HAPPOLD Mike Westbrook: Buro Happold is a big name in Bath. But for those not familiar with the business, how would you describe what it does? Claire Smith: Buro Happold helps to create beautiful buildings and environments. And not just here in Bath but all over the world. We have teams in 29 locations across the globe who have been involved in notable projects such as the 2012 Olympic Stadium, the Danube Bridge, the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures in LA, the Jewel Changi Airport in Singapore and the Grand Egyptian Museum, Giza, Egypt. MW: How did it all start? CS: In 1976 a wonderful visionary, Ted Happold, was head of the School of Engineering at the University of Bath, but he wanted to continue to practise. So, he established Buro Happold with the idea of building a business which would attract some of the best engineers and create some of the best working environments. MW: What is the process for creating a new building? CS: Every project starts with the client – understanding what they want and how they envisage the end result. So, for example, with the Olympic Stadium, the client wanted it to be re-usable so that was in our minds throughout the whole project. And indeed, post 2012 Olympics, it is now a multi-use stadium for fans to enjoy sports, music and entertainment. MW: At what point does Buro Happold get involved in a project? CS: Very early on. The architect

decides the layout and how a building will look, we can help with everything else to make the building work. I am a structural engineer, so I make the building stand up. Our environmental engineers work out how to make the building comfortable to be in, our ‘people-flow’ engineers analyse how people will move around the building to ensure the best possible experience – and so on… We work collaboratively with the entire team (which includes the external partners in the project) until we have created the perfect environment which meets the client’s needs. MW: What issues are particularly important for Buro Happold now? CS: Sustainability is a big priority for us; it definitely drives

our business. We work hard to reduce the impact on the environment, not simply when the building is finished but over its entire lifespan. There has been a huge shift generally – our clients, investors and the government have all signed up to environmental targets, so we want to help them to honour those. MW: What do you love most about your role? CS: Perhaps unsurprisingly for a structural engineer, the making and the doing excite me most. But I also love the people side of the job: Bath is like a training hub for many of our staff. It is wonderful to see young people start and develop their careers here and go on to work all over the world.

MW: What are you most proud of? CS: There are many projects I am proud of but possibly the most exciting is the regeneration in the hearts of Bath and Bristol and especially North and South Quays in Bath. Buro Happold is part of creating a mixed-use commercial district for Bath, helping to ensure its success as an environmentallyfriendly, exciting and growing city for the future. n

2 Queen Square, Bath BA1 2HQ 01225 340000; solicitors@thrings.com www.thrings.com www.mediaclash.co.uk I BATH LIFE I 33

STREET LIFE

BROAD APPEAL There’s a little bit of everything on Broad Street

Words Lydia Tewkesbury Photos by Betty Bhandari an ﬁnd a little it e er thing n Br ad Street – from delicious dining at spots like The Coconut Tree, to the gym at the YMCA, to beautiful clothes at Boho. It’s also home to tile specialists Fired Earth and Mandarin Stone and eclectic indies like Rossiters making it one of Bath’s premium interiors’ quarters. Here, meet those helping make Broad Street so special.

STREET STALWARTS

What do we want when we’re shopping? Everything in one place. And you have just that in Rossiters, the beautifully curated independent department store celebrating its 60th birthday this year. “60 years ago Rossiters opened its doors on Broad Street in a narrow, small shop in what is now our greetings card department,” says Peter James, managing director. “Over the last six decades we have extended up and down this part of Bath. The store has developed into an emporium of the home trading over four levels. ‘Aladdin’s cave’, ‘tardis’ ‘rabbit warren’, ‘maze’, or simply, ‘this shop is amazing!’ – we hear from isit rs n a dail asis r ssing the thresh ld r the first time r m the Christmasse dreamland e en e er ear ssiters defies an keen shopper not to be drawn inside by the festive window display – to the in-house interior design team, Rossiters is the complete package, and the force behind many stylish Bath homes. Across the road, another stalwart beckons. The characterful and st lish rrid rs Mils m la e are filled ith independents like rist Anemone and Chanii B Shoes and hair and beauty salon NOI. It’s also a must-stop for food at the likes of Bandook Indian Kitchen, Bosco Pizzeria, Le Vignoble wine lounge and Spanish café and deli, Vero’s. “A street amongst streets, Broad Street can often be seen as the street between those that sandwich it – Milsom Street and Walcot Street,” says Andrew Davies, duty manager of Milsom Place. “But it deserves exploration and discovery as it has its own character and will reward all those who enjoy a ramble around.”

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

The Broad Street building that now houses Rossiters has had many iterations over the years

“Everything anyone needs can be found on Broad Street”

Peter James, managing director of Rossiters

STREET LIFE FRESH BLOOD

Broad Street has recently welcomed exciting new retailers, like Chapter ts and e rds, the re rd plant ee sh p that arri ed n the street with a splash in September. “We used to take kit around the country following bands like Balaam and the Angel, and The Mission,” says Dean Brown, who co-owns the sh p ith partner i la a l r r passi n r m si ne er aned ast r ard t d ring the interim ears i la e ame a rist and I spent the years working for a large retailer in charge of packaging s l ti ns and s ppl hain initiati es e ame t gether as a ple three ears ag and d ring C id times had this idea a t pening a shop in our current home of Bath that would combine plants and music… so Chapter 22 Roots and Records was born.” The shop showcases Dean and Nicola’s passion for the music of the s, espe iall the p st p nk, alternati e s ene, and ith its ee ering and hara ter l listening ths at the a k, it s i kl become a Broad Street destination. Skin Stories is another newbie to the street – a facial aesthetics clinic, owned Samantha Del-Greco. e er e er thing r m gentle a ials, t n rish dr skin r lean t ngested skin, t impressi e anti ageing s l ti ns that rem e lines and e en pr ide a mini a eli t, sa s amantha

the traditional oil to bath bombs for the ultimate relaxing soak. It’s this eclecticism of wellness, retail and food that makes Broad Street such a dra , a rding t erem ans, head pr d ts at d d All al ng the street, e g t s me the est p s, sal ns, restaurants, fashion fronts, and furnishing establishments in Bath,” he sa s er thing an ne needs an e nd n Br ad treet, and e e al a s een appre iati e that e e een a le t ntri te towards that.”

WELLNESS CHECK

When you’re not shopping, Broad Street is a destination for a health and wellness reset – starting with a work out at the YMCA. The gym and st di pen se en da s a eek, ith lasses n er ranging r m high intensity circuits to yoga. Trish Fairbeard, the YMCA’s director of marketing and business de el pment sa s, here is the added eneﬁt that an s rpl s nds from our health and wellbeing centre goes towards our charitable work s it is a in in get ﬁt and health hilst als helping thers at a t gh time in their li es Goodbody Botanicals is the next stop on your search for calm. Its high alit CB ering an e a essed in a range rms, r m

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

ABOVE: Eat and shop at Milsom Place; BELOW: Chapter 22 Roots and

Records showcases its owners’ passion for the ‘80s

ABOVE: Danut Vijianu is the 29-year-old owner of G Hatto Barbershop;

RIGHT: Newbie on the street Skin Stories is a must stop for beauty lovers

BEAUTY LIES WITHIN

Once you’ve addressed your inner wellness – it’s time to take care of your outsides, whether that’s with a vampire facial at Skin Stories (using gr th a t rs r m r n l d r an anti aging e e t , r a dapper trim at G Hatto Barbershop. The three-strong team of barbers is led by Danut Vijianu, who took on ownership of the barbershop three years ago, having worked there for the last seven years. ma ng entreprene r ears ld ith er ears experience as a barber and hairdresser with some big plans,” says Danut. “The team are ready for every challenge, and we always keep up with the newest haircuts and styles. Whenever we have time, we invest in training with the best barbers across the UK and Europe.”

ON THE FRINGES

mmediatel Br ad treet nne ting t al t treet ll ﬁnd the bustling Saracen Street – a must stop for interiors lovers drawn to the area by the likes of Rossiters. Aspect Window Styling is a local specialist for high-end window rnishings, ering a mi ea ti l linds, sh tters, rtains and a nings ith e pert ﬁtters n hand t “This area has a strong local small business community which encapsulates Bath’s independent spirit,” says Nick Hewett, owner of Aspect Window Styling. “Everyone is very supportive of each others’ businesses and there is a great positive atmosphere in the area.” Rob Cash, managing director of Kutchenhaus feels much the same. “We love being located within the ‘home improvement’ quarter of Bath and being located alongside some fantastic businesses who share our passion for interiors,” he says. “There is a real community spirit with our neighbouring businesses and this is why we love being in this part of Bath.”

YOU HAVE BEEN READING

Goodbody, 7 Broad Street, Bath; www.goodbodystore.com Chapter 22 Roots and Records, 8 Broad Street, Bath; www.chapter22rootsandrecords.com Milsom Place, Broad Street, Bath; www.milsomplace.co.uk Skin Stories, 24 Broad Street, Bath; www.skinstories.co.uk G Hatto Barbershop, 28 Broad Street, Bath; www.ghattobarbershop.booksy.com Rossiters of Bath, 38-41 Broad Street, Bath; www.rossitersofbath.com Aspect Window Styling, 1 Saracen Street, Bath; www.aspectwindowstyling.co.uk Kutchenhaus, 5 Saracen Street, Bath; www.uk.kutchenhaus.com

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

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CHRISTMAS GIFT GUIDE Cast iron stocking holders, £22, from Cox & Cox; www.coxandcox.co.uk

JE SUIS UN SOCK STAR Last minute stocking gifts from Bath’s finest indies

he inspiration for Christmas stockings is thought to date back to the 4th century when St Nicholas, a Greek Christian bishop helped out an impoverished but proud family by throwing three bags of gold down their chimney. One of these landed in the stockings that were drying by the fire. While we can’t guarantee precious metals landing from the skies, we have sourced 55 precious last minute gifts from our golden indies, with a two page spread of divine local goodies to treat yourself and your loved ones.

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

Rugby matches 50 safety matches with strike plate on the base, £15, from Flamingo, 7 Widcombe Parade, Bath; www. flamingobath.co.uk

Family shoot with professional photographer Betty Bhandari, £150 for one hour and all photos included; www. bettybhandari.com

Boston Red Paisley Silk Tie, £85, from Thomas Fortin; www.thomasfortin.com

Rosie Flo seed packets by Bathbased paper product designers, £9.99 per packet, from Rosie Flo; www.rosieflo.co.uk

Marble and mango wood chopping board by Oregon, £37.50, from Woodhouse & Law, 4 George’s Place, Bathwick Hill; www.woodhouseandlaw.co.uk

Palmea bath robe, reduced to £112.50 from £225, from Yves Delorme, 11 Milsom Place, Bath; www.yvesdelorme.com Bath Rugby Penkridge Bear £14.99, from The Bath Rugby Shop, 1 Argyle Street, Bath; www.bathrugbyshop.com Aban rustic gold tealight holders, prices start at £16.50, from Luca & Fig, 6 Widcombe Parade, Bath; www.lucaandfig.com

Bird bracelet with Indian white beads pink bird charm by Bath based designer Emma Mandell-Lynn, £35, from LaSource; www.lasourcetrading.co.uk Davines Love shampoo bar, £14, from Noi Salon, 20 Milsom Place, Milsom Street, Bath; www.noisalon.co.uk

Obagi Hydrate and Professional-C Serum, £118, from Revitalise SkinCare Clinic, 21, The Courtyard, The Gateway, Bythesea Road, Trowbridge; www.revitaliseskincareclinic.co.uk

Faux fur trimmed gloves in navy, £15, from Sassy & Boo, 9 Bartlett Street, Bath; www.luellafashion.com

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

CHRISTMAS GIFT GUIDE Hand wash and hand lotion duo with clementine and spearmint combined with grapefruit, geranium and angelica by Ubiety which raises money for Dorothy House Hospice, £28, from Ubeity; www.findubiety.com

Fig & Vanilla Hand Care Set, £27, from Natural Spa Factory, Bath Business Park, Foxcote Avenue, Bath; www.naturalspafactory.com

Smeg 1950s style milk frother, £159, from Coopers Stores, 13-15 Walcot Street, Bath; www.coopers-stores.com

Sterling silver contemporary designer bracelet, £175, from Orton Jewellery, 6-7 Market Street, Bradford on Avon; www.ortonjewellery.co.uk

Ceramic canapé dish in delicate blue by the Clarence Court egg specialists based in Lacock, £30, from Clarence Boutique; www. clarenceboutique. co.uk

Large Christmas star tin candle by Freckleface, £10, from Homefront Interiors, 10 Margaret’s Buildings, Bath; www.homefrontinteriors.co.uk

Bundle of 10 luxury cards by Emma Rose, £19.50, from Emma Rose, The Art Studio, Knight’s Barn, Wellow, Bath; www.emmaroseartworks.com

Orange Twisters socks – each pair bought means a pair donated to the homeless, £11, from a company founded by a former Bath pupil Ed Vickers, Jolliesocks; www.jolliesocks.com

Hermes bust bauble, £12.50, from Cox & Cox; www.coxandcox.co.uk

GAIA lip balm with ojoba, sunflower and coconut oil, £10, from Whatley Manor Hotel and Spa, Easton Grey, Malmesbury; www. whatleymanor.com

Ice Cream Truck fine art print by Sara Gillingham, £15.95, from Roomytown; www.roomytown.com

Palette and grey skinny silk handpainted scarf Carole Waller, £65, from Waller & Wood; www.wallerandwood.co.uk

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

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CHRISTMAS GIFT GUIDE Large circle ‘Solo’ pendant, £1,850, from Nicholas Wylde, 12 Northumberland Place, Bath; www.nicholaswylde.com

Omega De Ville Tresor steel watch, £4,360, from Mallory 1-5 Bridge Street, Bath; www.mallory-jewellers.com

Nourishing facial serum, £18 from Planty Kate; www.plantykate.co.uk

Grayson Perry statement brooch, £60, from The Holburne Museum, Great Pulteney Street, Bath; www.holburne.org

Shaving bowl and soap by Norse, £20, from Julia Davey, 20 Wellsway, Bear Flat, Bath; www.juliadavey.com

Rainbow Glass Christmas Tree by Eva Glass Design, £10, from The Art Cohort, 13 Chelsea Road, Bath; www.the-art-cohort.myshopify.com

Harris tweed finsbay flat cap, £45, from Suave Owl, 33 Milsom Street, Bath; www.suaveowl.co.uk

The pamper jar giftset, £21.80 from Refillable, 2-3 Cleveland Place East, London Road; www.refillable.shop

HAY’s cap bottle opener, £14, from Holloways of Ludlow, 37 Milsom Street,Bath; www.hollowaysofludlow.com

Rosewood & Honey Body Collection Duo, £40 from MONUSKIN; www.monushop.co.uk Ceramic mini jug with robin, £6.99, from Whitehall Garden Centre, Corsham Road, Lacock; www.whitehallgardencentre.co.uk

Volcanic ring – silver and green tourmaline, £355, from Jody Cory Goldsmiths; 9 Abbey Churchyard, Bath; www.jodycory.co.uk

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

Winston Estate sparkling wines, from £45, a bottle from Bacchus Concierge; www.bacchusconcierge.com SUAVE OWL Bath Dry Gin 70cl, £40, from SUAVE OWL, 33 Milsom Street, Bath; www.suaveowl.co.uk Classic vegan brownie box, £10, from The Happy Donut Bakery, www.thehappydonut.co.uk

Organic toasted and textured almond nut butter, £4.99 from Nutcessity; www.nutcessity.co.uk

DIVINE DELIGHTS Festive foodie treats made for sharing

The Banquet Collection, £85, from Charlotte Brunswick, 3 Church Street, Bath; www.charlottebrunswick.co.uk Salted caramel and chocolate yule log, £40, from Sugar Cane Studio, 1 Grove Street, Bath; www.sugarcanestudio.co.uk

Olive tapenade, £4.40, from Raphael’s Mediterranean Deli Products; www.meddelifood.co.uk

The Luxury Christmas Box, £22.50, from Sally McNally Bespoke Cakes; www.sarahmcnallycakes.com

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

Elderberry and bramble jam, £3.50, from Heavenly Hedgerows; www.heavenlyhedgerows.co.uk

CHRISTMAS GIFT GUIDE

Gingerbread house baking kit, £9.60, from Flourish Foodhall and Kitchen, Glenavon Farm, Saltford; www.flourishatglenavon.co.uk

Christmas box including 2 classic 2 classic medialunas, 2 filled facturas (of your choice), 1 gingerbread alfajor person, 1 chocolate snowman alfajor and 1 Mantecol bar, £17, from Lunita Pasteleria, email info@lunitapasteleria. com to order; www.lunitapasteleria.com

Kimchi trio selection box containing traditional, kale and brussels sprout Kimchi, £16, from Bath Culture House; www.bathculturehouse.co.uk Become a founder member of Bath’s first luxury sparkling wine, from £99, from Minerva Wine, Great Moor Estate, Bath; www.minervawine.com

Affineur walo racelette du Valais, £33.60/kg, from The Fine Cheese Co., 29 & 31 Walcot Street; www.finecheeseshops.co.uk

Taste of Bath gift card, from £10, www.taste-of.co.uk

Honey, £6, from Wainwright’s Bee Farm; at the Bath Farmers Market every Saturday; www.thehoneystash.co.uk

Whitehall Vineyard mulled wine, £9.99, from Whitehall Garden Centre, Corsham Road, Lacock; www. whitehallgardencentre.co.uk

Salted caramel rum, £15, from Friary Drinks; every Wed-Sun at the Bath Artisan Market, Queen Square, Bath; www.friarydrinks.co.uk

Cranberry Kick preserve from Wiltshire Chilli Farm; daily stall on Union Street; www.justchillies.co.uk

www.mediaclash.co.uk I BATH LIFE I 45

THE MINT ROOM

Sarah Moolla steps into a glittering, fragrant rld ndian ﬁne dining

t’s a shame the outside of the building looks so unglamorous,” remarks one of my dining companions as we approach the breeze block style, former meeting hall, building nestled around the corner from the Sainsbury’s garage and on the junction of a busy Lower Bristol Road. Wrong, I say – this is exactly one of the reasons that makes the Mint Room so special. Its very inauspicious, drab surrounds lend a Narnia-like appeal as you step into a world of shimmer, glitz, and incredible Indian food. There’s the rapar nd padded hite leather an ettes, rs paved with crackled gold, lustred and radiant walls, a entral glittering ringed ater all, ith light di sing mosaic lanterns – this is Bollywood glamour with a Brick Lane heart right in the middle of a lost part of Bath. he men ers l ts re gnisa le rr h se favourites, much to the joy of three of the teenage cuisinely-conservative dining companions with us. But for the grown-ups there’s plenty of sophisticated and

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

contemporary options, along with funkier roadside café inspired dishes. And everything is presented with thought and rish e en the small p ed p ppad m dis s brought to nibble on while looking at the menu are an A-list special – light and airy and studded with cumin seeds –served with a sweet chunky mango chutney and a sm th, alm st milk , ﬁer hilli sa e r dipping Added pana he and a s tl a rs sh ld e listed as the Mint Room house specials – there are no 5 chilli icons to depict heat – here spices are layered through the dishes – yes, there’s the distinct lip tingle sensation of the green chilli in the malai tikka but also waves of ginger, garlic, cardamom, and coriander come at you. The tandoori salmon with its blackened spice crust, hums with the undercurrents of honey, garlic, and garam masala. I’m not particularly carnivorous in my dining habits but I fell hard for the Rajashthani lamb chops which had been marinated in Kashmiri chilli, yoghurt, cloves and ardam m and then r asted in a la en ﬁnd m sel gnawing in the bones whilst plotting how I can return alone and not have to share the sharing meat platter.

RESTAURANT

Luckily the freerange Welsh lamb shank is one of the dishes ordered, again not normally something I’d have liked but the meat is so smoky, soft and succulent thanks t eing tenderised ith gh rt, a red ith ennel, black pepper, red chilli, cumin, coriander, and then braised n the ne r eight a rs me h rs eat m h m re than m air share als attle hard t steal the last the risp skinned, at s ares grilled paneer m e er hall mi, there s a ked heese ntender in t n The Mint Room also takes the classics and mixes them p the de nstr ted sam sa mprised ried es soft golden potato served with a musty chickpea masala, drizzled with fresh yoghurt, dotted with sweet tart bright pomegranate seeds, seemingly thrown onto a bed of r n h ganthi a and p ed ri e a ses n si n in the younger ones but they are fascinated to learn this is a t all sam sa d ne ndian street d st le The feast of Stephen has nothing on us and soon our corner booth round table is laden with billowing pillows p , il , en s r hed naans steaming ls g lden pila ri e, there s a heer tter hi ken tikka masala s eet ith n t milk a t rmeri g lden, ri sl r it k rma and an trage sl deep spi ed seafood moilee consisting of tiger prawns, scallops, salmon and sea ass ith a ki k designed t at h g ard a t se nds a ter eating et that dela ed, t seri sl ﬁer e ki k, e mes s addi ti el intrig ing that keep sp ning it in t g es m, m, , m re m, m, , m re epeat til plate is empt Simon, who is the front of house tonight, talks us through our choices and is enthusiastic and passionate a t hat emerges r m l Al m s kit hen al a s a reass ring sign B t hat als has s s ning is his p siti it ith the teens the ma ha e pted r the i s k rmas, tikkas and pesh ari naans t he makes them eel the ha e h sen the est pti ns p ssi le e makes them e ited r hat s t me high end the Mint m ma e t it is n t pretenti s r elitist e leave the glittering, glowing, fragrant world of the Mint m n a high this time n t n ti ing the dra e teri r and instead r ell ed sel es are ating n a ntented l d eing made t eel el me and ind lged

“Billowing pillows i

vn s d naans”

DINING DETAILS The Mint Room, Bath, Longmead Gospel Hall, Lower Bristol Road, Bath, BA2 3EB, tel: 01225 446656; www.themintroom.co.uk Open Monday 5.50pm – 11pm and Wednesday – Sunday 5.30pm – 11pm Owned by Luthfur Rahman and Moe Rahman Chef Soyful Alom Established August 2011

Room cocktails which are legendary – special mentions go to the Pornstar Martini and Espresso Chai Martini. Since our visit a special Christmas menu has been launched Prices Starters cost between £7 - £19, mains £16 - £21, desserts £5 - £9 Accolades Numerous and recent wins include Bath Life Awards 2021 for Best Restaurant and made no 16 in The Times 30 Best Restaurants for a Curry last year

Outdoor space There’s a fabulously chic and newly renovated roof terrace with 40+ seatings

Vegetarian and vegan options Plentiful with specialities such as the palak kofta, sweet potato shammi, anjeer paneer tikka, vegetarian platter, samosa chaat, and kadai paneer

Recommendations Chicken Lababdar, seafood moillee and the beef chettinad. Also the Tour of India which is five-course tasting menu with paired wines. Don’t skip the Mint

Atmosphere Get your glad rags on and enjoy a night of great food in a special Bath venue with a Bollywood meets Brick Lane vibe.

Covers 90 Type of food served Indian fine dining

Disability access Yes but no accessible toilets

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

TAKE 5

Sarah Baker, Seb Kedzierski and Caitlin Rolfe

together and play together” What’s special about working with Flow Bar Frome?

Whilst I take my clients’ communications very seriously, it’s a dream role working with a cocktail bar, which means that I get to have a lot of fun with the social media and when styling cocktails on photo shoots. Obviously, I get to check the cocktail quality too…. Lucky me!

What have some of the challenges been?

FLOW BAR FROME Sarah Baker, marketing

consultant for Flow Bar Frome shares her experience of working with a Bath Life Award winner

Flow offers a cool and creative cocktail offering created by expert mixologists

Flow Bar Frome has had quite an 18 months. After opening its doors at the end of Covid restrictions last July, the bar has since cultivated a legion of fans of its tasty, cool, creative and most of all delicious cocktail offering. From DJ nights to do-it-yourself cocktail classes with expert mixologists – there’s always fun to be had in the new staple of Frome night life. Flow was recognised for its success with a win in the bar category at the Bath Life Awards.

How did you feel when you won your Bath Life Award?

Incredible. What a tonic for our hard-working team to get such a highly acclaimed Award after the 18 months we have had. We can’t stop smiling. Where do you keep the Award?

The Award takes pride of place behind our award-winning bar. She might even get her own plinth when we get the time. What do you think cinched your win?

he mpetiti n as ﬁer e, and it could have gone to any of the ama ing ﬁnalists, t e l e what we do, and we hoped that our passion would shine through our nomination. How did you stand out to the judges?

e er a er in l si e and friendly welcome to all our guests. Our suppliers are local where possible and we set really high standards around our cocktail making, bar design and team recruiting and training. And we work really bloody hard to support our neighbours and community where we can.

e ﬁnall pened a ter the ﬁrst lockdown on 4 July, and whilst many of the restrictions are now lifted, to keep our team and guests safe we are still working within some Covid measures. In short, we still have not operated without any restrictions. Give us a snapshot of life at Flow

We work together and play together. We consider ourselves very much a family at Flow, and we never seem to get tired of each other’s company. How would you describe Frome, and what it means to the business?

r me, like Bath, ers the very best of the South West, the most discerning and creative customers, incredible suppliers and producers in the heart of an amazing community. As we all think about our 2022 goals, what’s in the pipeline at Flow?

Flow Bar Frome is very much Flow bar number one, with activity underway looking at sites for more Flow bars in Bath and the surrounding area. Watch this space, as some say...

ﬂ

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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

PIZZA DE RESISTANCE

Bath Pizza Co n a t p ranking at the ati nal i a A ards he li e mpetiti n held in nd n at the end em er sa head he nah le king li e p against ther finalists all fighting r the t p sp t e won second place. The competition included t r nds the te hni al, in hi h mpeting chefs were challenged to create a pizza using a m inati n sp ns r pr d ts, and the k , here nah pr d ed Bath i a Co’s signature Spinaci. A a rite at the restaurant in Green Park tati n, it in l des t mat , ri tta, spina h, arti h ke, r ast garli , parmesan and an egg at its centre. t s a massi e accomplishment a ter a er Jonah Pole won second place at the National Pizza Awards challenging 20 m nths, sa s Ale eters, dire t r the Bath i a C nah has led r team he s r fi e ears and th r ghl deser es the a lade t p in the e re all delighted r him For more: www.bathpizzaco.com

Ping Coombes will host her first supper club of the year at The Artery in January

THE MASTER Ping’s Makan Club is coming back. BBC Masterchef winner Ping Coombes is h sting her ﬁrst s ppers the ear n and an ar at he Arter At her reg lar Makan Cl s, ing ser es p r Mala sian inspired dishes t her g ests A s ial e perien e, it has a dinner part eel here e er ne is in ited t get t kn ne an ther he men is a s rprise, t ne thing is ertain lea ing ith a full tummy and some new foodie friends. For more: www.pingcoombes.com

SAY CHEESE

Bath Pizza Co is ranked in the top 3 pizzarias in the UK

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

Two Bath cheeses feature in a new book hr ni ling the finest heeses a aila le in the country. A Cheese Monger’s Compendium by Ned almer is a li el t r thr gh heeses, mplete ith their hist ries, the st ries ehind pr d ti n, and the pe ple still making them today. The Bath Soft Cheese Company’s The Merry Wyfe of Bath features – a local staple that, ed re eals as a t all the res lt a competition launched by cheesemaker Hugh adfield hen he t rned t sta t help him reate a lassi ne heese An ther r m gh, Bath Bl e, als makes an appearan e, here it s praised r its made hand appearan e, the res lt hand pier ing r m gh adfield s team, h re sed the assistan e ma hines in a r the man al pr ess Pick up the compendium from a Bath indie k sh p r the heese l er in r li e For more: www.serpentstail.com

A Cheese Monger’s Compendium features two cheeses from Bath

COOKING WITH ALCOHOL

aron and Susannah Rickard are the Bath-based authors behind the new cookery book Cooking with Alcohol. The idea for book’s theme began when they hosted dinners themed on alcohol with a group of their friends from the University of Bath. Here they select two festive specials...

BLOODY MARY PRAWN COCKTAIL Serves 4 as a starter

“While the traditional prawn cocktail recipe of sweet prawns in Marie Rose sauce has stood the test of time, our version of this elegant starter is sure to surprise and delight. Here, we’re frying the prawns in spices and serving them hot alongside a Bloody Mary sauce. This creates a delicious contrast of texture and temperature – and with the Tabasco, black pepper, horseradish and vodka, there’s a definite kick to it! It’s the perfect way to begin a festive meal. “There’s only a small amount of vodka in the sauce, but the spiciness makes the flavour more noticeable than you’d think – make sure to taste it before you add any extra vodka.” Ingredients 1 tbsp vodka 150g mayonnaise ½ -1 tsp Tabasco sauce (depending on how spicy you want it) 1 tsp horseradish sauce or fresh grated horseradish 1½ tsp Worcestershire sauce 2 tsp tomato paste 1 lemon - ¼ juiced for the sauce, ¾ sliced into wedges to garnish herr t mat es er finel chopped for the sauce, 8 halved to garnish sti ks eler h pped int finger length sticks 250g raw shelled king prawns r en and de r sted are fine ½ tsp celery salt (or substitute with ¼ tsp table salt) tsp hilli akes 2 tsp butter Freshly ground black pepper

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

Method 1. Combine the vodka, mayonnaise, Tabasco, horseradish, tomato paste, 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce and a good grinding of black pepper in a small bowl. Mix well, then stir in the lemon i e and the ﬁnel h pped herr t mat es 2. Divide the celery sticks and halved tomatoes between 4 small bowls or ramekins. Add a large dollop of the sauce and a wedge of lemon alongside.

3. Pat the prawns dry with kitchen roll, then sprinkle them ith the eler salt, hilli akes, ½ tsp Worcestershire sauce and a good grind of black pepper. 4. Heat a frying pan over a high heat and melt the butter until sizzling. Add the prawns and fry for around 3 minutes, turning once or twice, until the prawns are cooked through and browning. 5. Remove the pan from the heat, divide the prawns between the bowls, then serve immediately.

CHRISTMAS RECIPES WHISKY STICKY TOFFEE PUDDING Serves 6

“Treacly and luxurious, sticky toffee pudding is an easy-to-make dessert, certain to please a crowd. Traditionally, dates are soaked in boiling water before being added to the mixture, which creates the pudding’s famous stickiness and wonderful sweetness. We love to go a step further, and soak the dates in whisky. This adds a warm, slightly spicy flavour that permeates throughout the dish as it steams in the oven. Pair it with our simple whisky toffee sauce, and lashings of ice cream or custard. “If you can bear to use a smoky, peaty scotch here, it’s worth it. During cooking, the sweetness and smokiness are enhanced, adding a delicious bite to this classic pudding. But if your single malt is too precious to cook with, a cheap one will work beautifully here too.” Ingredients 80ml + 2 tbsp whisky 175g dates - stoned and chopped into large pieces 200ml boiling water 170g butter (120g for the sauce, 50g for the pudding) 270g light or dark soft brown sugar (120g for the sauce, 150g for the pudding) 150ml double (heavy) cream 2 eggs g plain r 1 tsp baking powder ½ tsp mixed spice or pumpkin spice Salt Ice cream or custard to serve

Method Cover the dates in 200ml boiling water and 80ml whisky and allow to soak for at least half an hour.

ld in the r, aking p der, a pin h salt and the mixed spice until just combined, then stir in the dates along with all of the soaking liquid.

For the toffee sauce 1. In a small saucepan, combine 120g butter, 120g brown sugar, the double cream, 2 tbsp whisky and a pinch of salt. Cook over a low heat, stirring occasionally, until the butter has melted and the sugar has dissolved.

4. Take the baking dish out of the freezer and pour the pudding mixture on top of the chilled t ee sa e la e in the en and ake r min tes, r ntil the t p is ﬁrm and g lden brown and a knife comes out dry when poked into the pudding.

p na t a third the t ee sa e int the bottom of a large ovenproof dish and place the dish in the freezer while you make the p dding ea e the rest the t ee sa e t one side.

arm the remaining t ee sa e er a l heat, then serve the pudding with a generous helping arm t ee sa e and lashings ice cream or custard.

For the pudding 1. Preheat the oven to 180ºC/gas mark 4 / 350ºF 2. In a large mixing bowl, beat together the remaining 50g butter and 150g brown sugar until pale and creamy. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well with each addition.

Cooking with Alcohol by Aaron & Susannah Rickard (RRP £20, Lendal Press) is available to order from all Bath indie bookshops. For more: www.instagram. com/rickardkitchen

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

CHRISTMAS CRAFTS wreath. This will be used to secure your ingredients to the frame. Pull it towards you and make sure it’s nice and tight.

MOSSING Mossing is possibly my favourite part of the wreath making process. Place your moss in large pieces over your wreath frame, scrunch it into the base and wrap with your wire. It feels so incredibly soft and lovely beneath your hands. WIRING Make sure that you are securing the moss to the wreath frame as you go, wrapping your wire around and pulling towards you each time. Continue until the whole base is covered in green mossy goodness.

6 Issy Watts loves to moss

FLOWERING

Issy Watts, founder of Wizz & Wild, shares her ten steps to making the perfect Christmas wreath

s we head into the winter months, full of dark evenings, candles and s ﬁreside beverages, for me, a wreath is the perfect way to welcome the spirit of Christmas into your home. Whether it’s dried and created with gorgeous textural grasses from the hedgerows, or fresh and ﬁlled ith ea ti ll s ented blue spruce, nothing makes me feel more festive than having a wonderful wreath to adorn your door, wrapped in velvet ribbon. Here is my ten-step guide on how to create your own wildly festive wreath…

is by making lots of little bunches and nestling them in amongst your base layer, continuing to secure these in the same direction with your wire each time.

BASE LAYERING I like to establish the shape of my wreath by using my focal foliage, and for this you could use something dense like spruce. Make sure you are adding your base layer foliage in the same direction each time, overlapping slightly as you go to ensure that no gaps are left.

BUNCHING Once you have your shape, you can start to add other intricate ingredients. One way to do this

DELICATES The last thing to add are the super delicate stems such as grasses or feathers. Sometimes these are the ﬁnishing t hes that create the magic. These can often be poked into the base of the moss wreath, or gently secured with mossing pins. RIBBON he ﬁnal t h is h sing a ribbon to tie around your wreath. For winter wreaths I love to use velvet ribbon as they are deep and romantic and evoke a really festive feeling. Once your ribbon is attached, wrap your wire around once more, poke through the moss base, and cut to free.

ADORNING The last thing to do is to decide where this beautiful wreath will hang. Traditionally, I love to adorn mine on my front door, however they look fabulous when h ng a e a ﬁrepla e, r e en n a feature wall. For more: Wizz & Wild, Manor Farm, Upton Cheyney; www.wizzandwild.com

Hang on a feature wall for real festive impact

MATERIALS You’ll need a circular wire or willow wreath base, scissors, reel wire or twine, moss, and an abundance of festive foliage and decoration (we like to keep ours natural and wild, so pinecones and dried fruits are our go-to).

FORAGING The winter months are fantastic for foraging wild hedgerow treasure (with permission from the landowner of course). Ivy, wild clematis, twisted willow, holly, rosehips and honesty seed heads make for the perfect natural ingredients.

THE STRUCTURE Start by tying the end of your twine/wire to the base of your

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Interiors & Homewares Work from local artists and makers Prints, Cards & Gifts

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SCHOOL GUIDE VICTORIA BOND

How to help your sn ﬂa d at school

Helping our children help themselves perform better in the classroom is a skill for life, not just for Christmas

is the season to marvel at our little angels in their school nativity as the ﬁnal e da s of term draw to an are e nearl there et l se A rding t ed ati n e perts, h e er, r hildren are ear r nd sn akes a generati n of children who cannot cope with criticism or setbacks and have an attention span shorter than a TikTok trend. Modern learners are er sensiti e and addi ted t praise, and l e n thing m re than laming s me ne r s mething else r n t rea hing their academic potential. As parents, we’re faced with a dilemma: do too little to help them, and e re n anta s na ght list too much, and we’re responsible r reating et an ther rade sn ake h is a raid t ail Throw the pandemic and over 600 million missed school days into the mix, and it’s no wonder mums and dads hard ired t ﬁ pr lems don’t know where to start. i ing r hildren the t ls to enable them to look after and

nurture their own mental health and ell eing is ke he are per e tl equipped to boost their own ‘happy brains’ and we all know that happy learners are the m st s ess l , as the holidays arrive and we have the opportunity to rest and reset, here are four ways we can help pupils to learn to help themselves in 2022.

Let them fail – it’s the stepping stone to success

As parents, it’s perfectly natural to protect our children from disappointment and hurt and it’s tempting t rem e sta les r reframe failure as a ‘don’t worry, darling n n e ent B t i e al a s tr and di se pset, it takes a a the opportunity for children to build resilien e t s ital that the learn that hard things happen, and the an s er r a time and get a k p again hare times hen things ha e n t g ne s ell r and help them see the value in perspective. mall ail res are part e er da life and they need to increase their ail re rate t de el p ping skills Big ail res ill al a s signal help and support but it’s their job to

learn t di erentiate et een the mountains and the molehills.

Nurture independence with the ‘Three Before Me’ rule

A ke iss e r sn akes is that the are sed t parents s ping in far too quickly to solve their problems and it’s important that we ster their a ilit t ﬁnd their n s l ti ns the me t ith a hallenge, it s m h m re p er l to ask, ‘How do you want to sort this t re entl sp ke t a head tea her a leading girls s h l

“Woke is really just another word for kind” h t ld me she en rages all her pupils to ask the ‘Three Before Me’ esti n hi h three things ha e tried rsel e re ming to an adult for help, and why do think the ha en t rked h esti ning en rages independent pr lem s l ing hi h is key to classroom success.

Don’t mock the woke

Our children spend a vast am nt their aking h rs gling at nstagram in en ers and a lot of the social media landscape is set up to make them feel that what they look like is more important than what they say and elie e elping them t raise their voice – online or in real life – helps to develop their own sense of spa e and lsters rage and nﬁden e eall listen t r

children and look for ways for to help them to speak up. Oh, and it’s important that we don’t call them ‘woke’ when they do. One expert said recently that ‘woke’ is really just another word for ‘kind’ – it shows they care. Their ideas, no matter h di erent t rs, sh ld always be welcome around the kitchen table.

Hail the H2O

e e all tried t drill the fi e a da message int an e e r lling broccoli hater. But instead of dishing t spe ifi r les a t fitness and d, tr and en rage them to think more widely about their d as an ama ing gi t strength and e i ilit tr ng d str nger mind, and sleep, exercise and food will all play a part in making their s h l da easier you do want to pick one ‘new year, ne nag attle, en raging them t drink ater reg larl thr gh t the da as, a rding t a re ent survey of 100,000 pupils by the ell eing app C p, the a t help keep school children focused. Even mild dehydration was shown t signifi antl a e t m d and performance. New water bottle for Christmas, an ne Victoria Bond is founder & CEO of School Guide, an easy-to-use website that helps parents discover exam results, catchment maps and parent reviews for all their local schools For more: www.schoolguide.co.uk

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

HOMESTAY HOSTS IN BATH to host both short-term and long-term students. We teach adults and teenagers, and need both single and twin-room accommodation. For further details, including rates of payment, please contact our Accommodation Manager: Sarah Wringer, Kaplan International Languages Bath, 5 Trim Street, Bath, BA1 1HB Direct Line (01225) 473502, Email: sarah.wringer@kaplan.com

SPONSORED CONTENT

IT’S BEGINNING TO LOOK A LOT LIKE CHRISTMAS AT THE HOUSE OF ST JOHN’S Bath’s new co-working space, powered by social purpose

he first of its kind in Bath, it transpires the House of St John’s has another claim to fame. The now beautifully renovated 1 Queen Square was gifted to its owner, St John’s Foundation, by the Whittington family who were descendants of none other than Christmas panto favourite, Dick Whittington!

Legend has it that Dick came from a poverty-stricken childhood and made his fortune through the sale of his cat to a rat-infested country. The real-life Richard Whittington (1354–1423) however, came from a wealthy merchant family from Gloucestershire. Although it is true that he did travel to London for work and was made Lord Mayor of London, it is not even known if he had a cat at all; however, we prefer to believe that he did. You will find that some of the rooms at the House of St John’s have been named to reflect this whimsical connection, adding another layer of character to this wonderful building. Members can choose from co-working, dedicated desks or individual offices.

Interested? Get in touch with Amy Grant and Hollie Markham on 01255 486486 or email hello@hosj.co.uk for your tour. www.mediaclash.co.uk I BATH LIFE I 59

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A BOUNCE BACK BUDGET? Matthew Rutter from Bath-based chartered accountants and tax advisers PEARSON MAY takes a look at the changes for individuals and businesses in the Chancellor’s latest budget…

hancellor Rishi Sunak delivered the autumn Budget on 27 October and it was a Budget which aims to ensure that the UK economy bounces back following the Coronavirus pandemic. The main announcements were focused on spending and there were relatively few tax changes announced. Income tax limits and the personal income tax allowance will remain at their current level until April 2026 and there were no increases to Capital Gains Tax (CGT) or Inheritance Tax rates or allowances (nor any changes to Agricultural or Business Property Reliefs). However, a rise in the National Living Wage was announced, together with an extension of the 100 per cent Annual Investment Allowance for businesses investing in plant and machinery, and an increase in the timescale within which individuals have to report and pay CGT on the sale of residential property. I have set out below a summary of the main announcements, together with a reminder of some of the tax and National Insurance changes previously announced, some of which are due to take effect from next April.

KEY CHANGES FOR INDIVIDUALS The 30-day time limit for reporting and paying CGT on the sale of residential property (as we have written about in detail in previous articles)

has been increased to 60 days from the date of completion of the property sale. This extended deadline applies for completions which take place on or after Budget day (27 October 2021). The standard National Living Wage for those aged 23 and over will increase to £9.50 an hour from 1 April 2022, whilst those aged 22 and under will also see an increase. The current earliest age at which most pension savers can access their pension pots without triggering a tax charge is 55. From April 2028, this earliest age will rise to 57. This measure will affect individuals born after 5 April 1973, whose earliest date to access their pension benefits will see a two-year delay compared to those born on or before that date. The taper rate in Universal Credit will reduce from 63 per cent to 55 per cent, meaning Universal Credit claimants will be able to keep an additional 8p for every £1 of net income they earn. As previously announced in September, the 1.25 per cent Health and Social Care Levy will be introduced from 6 April 2022 via an increase to National Insurance Contributions, before becoming a freestanding levy from 6 April 2023. From 6 April 2022, the tax rates on dividends will also increase by 1.25 per cent. The first £2,000 of dividends received by individuals in each tax year is taxed at 0 per cent but over and above that, the basic rate of dividend tax will increase to 8.75 per cent, the higher rate will increase to 33.75 per cent and the additional rate increases to 39.35 per cent.

KEY CHANGES FOR BUSINESSES

Matthew Rutter, a partner at Pearson May

It is currently the case that most corporate and unincorporated business are able to utilise a £1m Annual Investment Allowance (AIA) to claim 100 per cent tax relief on their qualifying expenditure on plant and machinery (and fixture, fittings and equipment etc.) The AIA was previously £200,000 and was due to revert back to that level on 1 January 2022. However, the Chancellor announced that the £1m annual allowance will be retained until 31 March 2023. Amongst other changes to the business rates system, a new temporary business rates relief for England was announced for eligible retail, hospitality and leisure properties for 2022/23. Over 90 per cent of retail, hospitality and leisure businesses will receive at least 50 per cent off their business rates bills in 2022/23. It had already been announced that the

Making Tax Digital (MTD) regime for income tax purposes was to be delayed until 6 April 2024 and the proposed reforms to basis periods is also now planned to come in to effect from the same date. The MTD regime is based on businesses and landlords with income of more than £10,000 being required to maintain their accounting records in a specified digital format and submit extracts from those records regularly (likely quarterly) to HMRC. The basis period reforms will mainly affect those unincorporated businesses that do not already draw up annual accounts to 31 March or 5 April each year. The transition to the new rules is planned to take place in the 2023/24 tax year, with the rules fully in force from 6 April 2024 onwards. As announced by the Chancellor at the spring Budget earlier this year, the main rate of Corporation Tax will remain at 19 per cent until 1 April 2023 but will then increase to 25 per cent for companies with profits over £250,000. From 1 April 2023, the 19 per cent rate will become a ‘small profits rate’ payable by companies with profits of £50,000 or less and companies with profits between £50,001 and £250,000 will pay tax at a rate between 19 per cent and 25 per cent on a gradual sliding scale. From April 2023, Research & Development (R&D) Tax Relief will be extended to include data and cloud accounting costs. Plans to target abuse and improve compliance with the R&D regime will be published later in the autumn. Further details of the various announcements in the Budget are included in our 2021 Autumn Budget Report publication, which is also available on our website or by contacting one of our offices. * The above is for general guidance only and no action should be taken without obtaining specific advice.

Matthew Rutter BSc(Hons) FCA CTA Pearson May Chartered Accountants & Chartered Tax Advisers Bath, Chippenham and Trowbridge 37 Great Pulteney Street, Bath BA2 4DA 01225 460491; mail@pearsonmay.co.uk www.pearsonmay.co.uk www.mediaclash.co.uk I BATH LIFE I 69

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

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MEET THE

AGENCY Succeed through collaboration with the experts

ALEX SYKES

DIGITAL MARKETING MANAGER, DIGIPRINT GROUP 01225 424821 www.digiprintgroup.com What sets you apart from other printing services? We have a focus on delivering phenomenal customer service, delivering quality products, and maintaining our promise to be as eco-friendly as possible. We’ve had our minds set to being Net-Zero since 2015, and this year we have reached Climate Positive status, offsetting more carbon than we produce in a year – so, our customers are in the greenest hands possible with us. What do you find most rewarding about your role? I’ve actually only recently jumped into my role as digital marketing manager here at Digiprint, and I’ve found that no two days are ever the same – a completely cheesy line I know. But it’s so true, from creating online content and advertising material to the creation and design of customers’ work, there’s a bit of everything every day, so it’s safe to say I’m kept on my toes. I think that the most rewarding aspect of my role here, is being able to showcase the amazing work that the team produce, whether that’s in-house production or work that has been produced at our signage unit at Bumpers Farm, seeing the large signage and vehicle graphics go from concept designs to full application and being able to shout out about what we do, I find super rewarding. Why should businesses utilise your services? Well, for a start we have an amazing team at our studios, each of them has a large wealth of knowledge to offer up – simply put they’re great at what they do. Everyone here takes so much pride in what they produce for our customers, no job is too big or to small, our customers are in some pretty safe hands. Not only this, but we also have access to a wide variety of printing materials and processes, from your standard in-house copy printing to large format printing posters, branded products such as mugs, cushions, aprons etc along with large shop signage and even vehicle graphics. Essentially you name it, and there’s a very good chance we’ll be able to produce it for you.

PAUL MACKENZIE-CUMMINS MANAGING DIRECTOR, CLEARLY PR 01225 694349; www.clearlypr.co.uk

What are the most important marketing considerations for businesses in 2022? Purchasing decisions are increasingly influenced by what a business stands for, says, and does. Their focus will move from ‘selling’ themselves as the best this or leading that, to how they can support their customers without expectation of renumeration or loyalty. This will give rise to greater environmental and social governance (ESG) reporting and customer engagement in the form of information sharing rather than communicating sales messages. Why should a business use your services? We are not the number one agency in the region, but we want to be. To become so means we work harder to deliver the results and business outcomes that clients want, which is why over 80 per cent of all clients renew with us once their initial contracts expire. More important is our ‘Pledge’. Clearly gives 2 per cent of every penny we make to sustainable and social impact initiatives, so our clients know that by working with us they are also helping the planet and those most disadvantaged in society. In November, Clearly became a Certified B Corporation – only the seventh PR firm in the UK to gain accreditation. What sets you apart from other agencies? We are not your ‘typical’ kind of public relations agency. In fact, Clearly is not really an ‘agency’ at all – we are a consultancy. The difference being that we work with clients to create, implement, and measure media, creative, and content campaigns that are aligned to the strategic goals of the organisation and deliver better business performance. We do not do all that fluffy stuff that looks great but doesn’t always translate into improved perceptions or bottom lines.

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

Q&A

With Host My Property founder, Daniel Daly

We list and manage your property on leading holiday let sites including Airbnb and Booking.com We are happy to meet with you and discuss your property without any obligation. We list your property, ﬁnd the guests, look after them during their stay and ensure that your property is cleaned, checked and maintained before the next guests arrive.

Host My Property currently manage a quality driven property portfolio. If you are considering listing a new property or need someone to take over the management of an exisiting property, please get in touch.

01225 58 70 71 hello@hostmyproperty.co.uk www.hostmyproperty.co.uk

Who are Host My Property? Host My Property are a Bath based short-let property management company. We offer a complete solution for your short term let offering a fully managed service for both clients and guests in our beautiful city of Bath. We are very happy to work with clients who have an established Airbnb property or set up new listings for clients who want to use their properties to generate an extra income. What would be the one piece of advice you would give to potential clients? When I speak to potential clients, I always suggest that regardless of whether they decide to work with us (which I hope that they do) that they should pick a local management agent. We believe it is beneﬁcial to work with a business that is based in Bath, that knows the city and is readily available when needed. What else do you believe is important when picking a management agent? That you ﬁnd a management agent that you can trust and who are passionate about delivering a high quality service. Do you charge an onboarding fee? We do not charge an onboarding fee. We only start to make a return when our clients do.

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ANGUS MEEK ARCHITECTS

Key Features:

PROPERTY P L A C E S T O L I V E , W O R K A N D P L AY Kate Clark brought her Planty Kate products to the 15 New Bond Street pop-up

PHOTO BY JULIA PERRY INSTAGR AM @JULESPERRY81

Kabisa African Creations were available in store

Wiltshire based Scout & Sage Spirits popped by

Property hub

PRETTY VACANT

How Bath’s empty shops are being repurposed Richard Samuel and Cllr Kevin Guy with Lisa Doerr, founder of Slouchy

Around the city centre recently you may have noticed those ugly spaces left by failed sinesses eing ﬁlled prett little reati e p p ps his is part the n il s Vacant Units Action Project to breathe new life into the city centre, supporting local siness and en raging t all t is nded r m , hase nding, a arded t the n il the est ngland C m ined A th rit s high streets re er nd e B nd treet is dedi ated t the n il s pr pert h r m M nda s t h rsda s and, r se en nse ti e eekends, is eing sed l al ra t traders t share their pr d ts ith sh ppers in Bath he pr pert h als pr ides a a r the n il t dire tl pr m te its pr pert p rt li t sinesses in Bath, s pp rting them t thri e and dri ing the regenerati n the it entre he ﬁrst t eekends the esti e sh pping e perien e hi h la n hed n em er sa l h , lant ate, id andmade, B i andmade Children s Cl thes, t age pirits and a isa A ri an Creati ns take er the e B nd treet sh p C n il leader e in sa s, r mmer ial pr pert h is a i rant spa e here e an make the m st pr m ting the assets e are rt nate t ha e in Bath, attra ting ne siness and helping r high streets t thri e he p p p sh ps are sh asing these letting pp rt nities as ell as ringing an e en ri her Christmas sh pping e perien e t residents and isit rs in Bath, en raging m re pe ple t sh p l al For more: www.bathnes.gov.uk

www.mediaclash.co.uk I BATH LIFE I 73

PROPERTY NEWS Residential

EMPIRE STATE

A two bedroom, two-bathroom apartment in The Empire on Orange Grove has come up for sale and is on the market with Hamptons for £465,000. Number 34 is served by two lifts as well as the grand staircase, and still retains many of its riginal ar hite t ral eat res in l ding st ne m lli n ind s hi h, r m its ﬁ th r l ati n, en s ar rea hing ie s er the it as ell as near ltene Weir and Bath Abbey. The Grade II listed building was built in 1901 as Bath’s foremost luxury hotel and d ring rld ar as sed the Admiralt as a p stal s rting e For more: www.hamptons.co.uk FROM TOP TO BOTTOM:

The apartment enjoys beautiful views; access to the floors is via a grand staircase or one of two lifts; the Empire was once used as a postal sorting office The award-winning team at Aspire to Move

Award winning

BEST SELLER Recent Bath Life Award winners, Aspire To Move ha e een a arded the British r pert A ards Best Lettings agent in Bath. The winners are selected by a mystery shoppers process by which every agent receives e-mails and phone calls from assessors posing to be both landlords and tenants, looking for service excellence and those agents that go above and beyond. Caroline Baxter who co-owns the Saville Row letting agency, says, “This award means the world to us as it is n t an a ard an enter, and all agents are dged a r ss di erent riteria ith ser i e eing the ke area e are st appr a hing r t ear anni ersar , so to win this prestigious award is a real high for us and as a team we pride ourselves on our service and approach to all customers.” For more: www.aspiretomove.co.uk

Lola Swift is sharing her interiors knowledge

Interior design

ON THE RIGHT COURSE Bath ased interi r designer la i t has st launched a series of in real life and online courses to help the home improver expand their knowledge interi r st le and design ri es start at st , and the sessions include how to create a colour scheme for the home, and how to select materials and textures. Lola says, “The aim is to help unlock creativity and help introduce the tools that can ensure a home helps demonstrate a person’s personality. For more: www.lolaswift.co.uk

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

SOMERSET PLACE A luxurious Georgian townhouse with a tale to tell By Matilda Walton 76 I BATH LIFE I www.mediaclash.co.uk

omerset Place is a crescent in evolution. It has been the centre of a twisting, turning tale since its very beginning – architect John Eveleigh went bankrupt during construction after the Bath City Bank went belly up, so though the crescent began in 1790, it wasn’t completed until the 1820s. Damaged during the Second World War, it went onto become student accommodation in the 1950s and ’60s before a 2010 redevelopment led to its current iteration as one of the most desirable addresses in the city. It’s been through a lot, but as we all know, story builds character. Situated high above Bath’s centre on the southfacing northern slopes, the crescent enjoys spectacular, panoramic views across the city and beyond. m e int this rade listed, ﬁ e r e rgian

PROPERTY

HOUSE NUMBERS Price

£3.8m

Square foot

4,167

Bedrooms

Bathrooms

Savills Bath, Edgar House, 17 George Street, Bath; www.savills.com

t nh se t the res ent s entre is t rite r n se ti n the e er e l ing st r n a pr pert s h grande r, it s n t hard t se r imaginati n r hat that might e r a start, it s a h me that demands an ner prepared t make an entran e r m the impressi e entran e hall think st ne rs and s eeping antile er stair ase t the edding d rs nne ting the dining r m and kit hen that st eg t e thr n pen in a dramati ashi n, it s a pr pert large en gh t h se e en the iggest pers nalities t has all the ne essaries the high end, hand ilt kit hen in l ding eat re island nit mplete ith integrated ind ti n h and rising e tra t r, ith rther integrated applian es in the sleek st ne rk, and a m st ha e ker h t ater tap ith a h le heap l ries t sp il e en the pi kiest pr pert h nter he grand s th a ing dra ing r m s rnate rni ing, high eiling, eat re ﬁrepla e and tri tall sash ind s ith, est all, rking sh tters are t tall e isite all n their n t it is the ea ti l

first r al n the lead t t that ill strike en in the hearts all riends and neigh rs st pi t re it m rning reak ast ith the rld eritage it el , r ine ith riends at hing the s n g d n tter per e ti n he ithdra ing r m ers a s retreat t pl s m re edding d rs and ie s er the ea ti ll lands aped rear garden A r ss the rest the fi e rs, ll find si edr ms, r athr ms, a se l tilit and a amil r m the latter might se t n ind t gether, r it ld ser e as an independent li ing spa e r the nger mem ers the h seh ld t s an en rm s pr pert that an e arranged r hate er the hanging needs the piers, a le el e i ilit that has ne er een m re desira le than in r rrent ir mstan es n ertaint eep the si edr ms, r perhaps trans rm a ple int a h me g m, art st di , ga spa e, r st d the pti ns are nl limited the reati it the er ne thing s r s re h e er d es m e in t rns the page n an e iting ne st r

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

RESIDENCE

ONE OF A KIND Creating a unique country aesthetic from scratch Compiled by Lydia Tewkesbury Photos by Suzy Slemen and Emma Lewis

nterior designer Annabel Grimshaw and her husband decamped to Hinton Charterhouse on the outskirts of Bath in 2017 after two decades in London. They knew little of the area, except that they loved it, and when it came to the move everything fell into place. The house in Hinton Charterhouse was only the second they saw and it had all the ingredients to bring Annabel’s vision of her country home to life.

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

The decor throughout the whole house was very dated when we bought it he la t n the se nd r didn t rk at all as it had riginall been two houses that were joined together. There was a walk-through room with a funny en suite that didn’t work as a bedroom – or anything else really – and then a door that led through to the other part of the house, that previously has been used as a B&B. here as als a sel ntained at a e r garage that again, hadn t been touched in a long time. Sounds like a lot was going on! Where did you start?

he first as the sel ntained at as e kne e anted t t rn this int an Air n e als th ght i e did this first then e ld li e in it whilst completing the work on the main house…which is what we did. We knew we wanted to connect the two parts of the house, to make it feel like a whole home, but it’s Grade II listed – so it was going to be tricky finding a s l ti n M h s and h r ns his n ilding mpan in London) came up with the genius idea of changing the position of a staircase in a newer part of the house that really started to open up some possibilities. We wanted to create a hallway all along the front part of the house to join it all together, but it depended on getting planning permission to make an opening in a wall in the old part of the house – n t s mething that is eas t tain B t, ith the help Martin Blake, a local architect, this permission was granted.

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

Annabel likes to switch out soft furnishings like cushions to uplift a room from time to time

“It is lived in and practical, as well as being a reflection of who we are and what we love” www.mediaclash.co.uk I BATH LIFE I 81

RESIDENCE What was your vision for the decor?

I really wanted to honour the age and character. It’s a Georgian house, early to mid-18th century. It has a cottage-y feel, with exposed wooden beams, but unusually, downstairs the ceilings are quite high, which is a really nice feature as it gives a bit more of a feeling of space in these rooms. Having moved from London and a typical Victorian terrace, we did have some more modern pieces of furniture, which I wanted to incorporate in a more traditional English country style, but still to make it contemporary with a mixture of modern and vintage pieces, colour and pattern. It had to be cosy too. I knew I wanted colour and pattern, and t em ra e a slightl e le ti mi st les, as ﬁts ith the English country house aesthetic. I have a real love of colour and pattern in fabrics and I wanted to use these on blinds, for re-covering pieces of furniture, and to add pops of colour and interest in cushions. Who is your interior style inspiration?

I am always drawn to the work of other interior designers who design joyful, uplifting interiors, who can combine colour and print successfully. I love the work of Beata Heuman, Elizabeth Hay, Nicola Harding, Anna Spiro. I love using interesting fabrics with beautiful colour combinations, so regularly get inspiration from fabrics. Also books, hotels, nature, art galleries – these all provide sources of inspiration.

“You will get the best out of your house if you really think about the way you like living” 82 I BATH LIFE I www.mediaclash.co.uk

What part of the house are your proudest of?

e l e the ne spa es n the ﬁrst r that e rmed r m the ld walk-through room. By re-dividing this space up, we created a wide hallway that now runs down the front of the house and connects the t parts the h se, a alk in dressing r m the master edr m and a beautiful family bathroom. I particularly love the bathroom with the half-height panelling that we used, its free-standing bath and the ea ti l e is and d allpaper t t p it all What was the most challenging room to design?

efinitel the la t the first r as des ri ed, and als the g est room. There was a weird little en suite in one corner and a funny cavity in the room which comes from the chimney breast in the room below. We wanted to keep an en suite in this room but didn’t want to enclose the window, as it gave quite a bit of light to the room. We solved it with an en s ite that has n fi ed d r and entres the ind et een this opening. We then used the cavity space for storage by panelling the whole wall, but left secret storage behind the panelling which gives three decent-sized wardrobe spaces. It also meant we could have the bedhead against this wall which made the most sense in terms of use of the space.

The aim was to create a joyful, uplifting interior

CLOCKWISE: Exposed beams give a cottage-y feel; Annabel Grimshaw; the bathroom features wallpaper by Lewis and Wood; the house melds contemporary and traditional styles

www.mediaclash.co.uk I BATH LIFE I 83

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

I would love people to walk in and feel that it is a home, not a show house. We are a family with young children, so it is lived in and pra ti al, as ell as eing a re e ti n h e are and hat e l e Perfection is not what a home should be about. I also hope people feel uplifted by the colour and print used throughout. What did you learn from designing your own home?

To be patient! You do not have to decorate everything all at once. Live in the house and see how you use the rooms. You will get the best out of your house if you really think about the way you like living and how you will use the space. Do this before even thinking about the decorating. Does the interior of your home reflect your personality?

Yes, I would say it does. I trained as a graphic designer so my love of colour, print and design has always been there. You’re an interior designer by trade – how does this impact your choices?

think it deﬁnitel made it easier, as ell as m h s and r nning his own building company! We had done quite a few house renovations in London before moving to Bath so had experience already doing it for ourselves. Being in the trade just means you are much more practiced at deﬁning hat ant, h t mm ni ate it and then here t source everything. As a designer, I think your home is always going to be a bit of a work in progress though. There are still lots of things I would love to do. I enjoy changing accessories by switching out cushions,

re-upholstering furniture to give it a new lease of life and moving lights ar nd t gi e a di erent eel How do you hunker down for a cosy winter?

As we are right in the centre of the village, we string lights along the length of our house, which gives a lovely feel for us and anyone passing by. A wreath will be put on the door, made by me, this year at the Berd lat i e B n h ral reath making rksh p ake i , esti e greener and lights get added er the t large ﬁrepla es, and the ﬁres are lit, as well as candles by local company Collingwood of Somerset – they make the best smelling winter scents. And, of course. a huge Christmas tree which gets squeezed into the living room and decorated with sparkly baubles and lights. Whose house – famous, not famous, dead or alive – would you like to have a snoop around?

Hinton House, a large country house in our village which is owned by Jake Dyson. It has been completely renovated over the last few years and I would to have a look around – it looks amazing. Finally, what’s the nicest thing anyone has ever said about your home?

That we have breathed new life into it. For more: www.annabelgrimshaw.com

Got an amazing local home? Want it to feature in Residence? Contact lydia.tewkesbury@mediaclash.co.uk

ANNABEL’S LOCAL FAVOURITES

Annabel likes to include bright pops of colour throughout her home

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

“Among favourites in Bath are definitely Berdoulat and nam store – love these independent creative businesses. We used Mandarin Stone for tiles, Milagros tiles (Bristol), Davies of Bath for paint, Laura Campbell Designs for window dressings and cushions. For furniture and accessories, we used Cart House in Bristol (great vintage), Gabriella Knight (vintage), Lucy Auge for art, The Bath Framer and Looking Glass of Bath for vintage frames, OKA and 8 Holland Street for accessories and Wells Reclamation, Inq for lampshades.”

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TAKING PLEASURE How Grosvenor Gardens lost out in the Georgian battle for Bath’s favourite pleasure gardens By Nick Woodhouse

ith just Sydney Gardens remaining as Bath’s only example of the city’s many pleasure gardens, it is easy to overlook the sheer boldness of its contemporaries. Competing gardens with which Sydney Gardens fought tooth and nail to become the go-to entertainment space for Georgian society; ones which promised just as much to captivate, entertain and titillate its paying visitors. Yet also ones which have all but disappeared from view, and from any recognition. It is local historian and author Kirsten lli tt that ﬁrst intr d ed me t the sheer scale of Grosvenor Gardens, which once linked Grosvenor Place to the River Avon, stretching across what is now Ringswell Gardens and beyond, over a large expanse of today’s Kensington Meadows. Kirsten has been taking visitors around Bath’s many landmarks since

for the project; the development was dependant on subscribers, and wealthy ones at that. For £100 (around £11,000 today) a subscriber would receive a metal token that allowed entry for two people to the gardens. Whilst this fee was on a par with those of Sydney Gardens, Grosvenor was decidedly further from the city, and therefore that bit less appealing. The gardens would have t e m re magnifi ent than an thing that proceeded them. As many as 143 dwellings were promised, running along three sides of a rectangle that would enclose the pleasure gardens. These would be accessed by a hotel, sitting grandly at the very centre of Grosvenor Place itself. From here, visitors would be led to a central saloon, a pinery, an aviary, a swimming bath, bowling greens, a la rinth, s ings, fishp nds, a a e and a gr tt Plans for the gardens took on a less formal design than those of Sydney Gardens, with a meadow for the grazing for Alderney cows echoing Marie Antoinette’s hamlet at Versailles. Except the opening of the gardens in August 1792 went largely unnoticed. The design was incomplete, and the event was ered m re as han e r potential subscribers to see the works in progress. No one however could have predicted the deadly blow that political circumstance would deal the following year. On 1 February 1793 France declared war on Great Britain, leading to a run on the banks, already on a constant knife edge. Bath City Bank collapsed, the Bath and Somersetshire Bank soon followed. Although the retraction of funding was calamitous for Eveleigh, he persisted; the gardens re-opened in May of that year, advertising breakfasts and for those much-needed subscriptions. This proved however not to be enough; he was declared bankrupt before the end of the year and the Grosvenor project was prepared for auction (learn about an ther ilding pr e t a e ted n page The development was soon acquired by Eveleigh’s former collaborators on the project; brothers William and John Townsend and Richard Hewlett, who again opened the gardens in May 1794. There was much to be done however, and with some urgency; Sydney Gardens were evolving before their eyes. Keen t sta rele ant, a la ish fire rks displa as staged in July by Signor Invetto, famed locally for his similar displays at Bath’s more established

“The opening of the gardens in August 1792 went largely unnoticed” 1985, and today I was to have my own tour of the grounds on which these audacious gardens once sat. As Kirsten explained, the work of those behind such gardens was far from easy, and often led them to personal bankruptcy. Just two weeks before the local press reported plans by William Johnstone Pulteney for Sydney Gardens in June 1791, the architect John Eveleigh placed a notice in the same title for his plans for Grosvenor Place and its accompanying pleasure gardens he ﬁrst sh t in a attle et een gardens had een ﬁred eleigh a ra e a t r a man who once worked on the very Pulteney estate with which he was now competing. At the time, the stars seemed aligned for Eveleigh and Bath’s prosperity. The city was in the ascendancy and King George III’s recent bout of ‘madness’ seem to be over; the appetite for a new pleasure garden seemed assured, as did the need for lodgings for those enjoying them. Eveleigh lacked however the necessary funding

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Spring Gardens. It seemed there was little joy or return for those brave enough to take on the realisation of a pleasure garden. Within three years of taking the reins, the new owners were also declared bankrupt, the gardens let to Mr E Davis. Determined for the gardens to work, a series of grand events were announced. A concert in August 1797 promoted ‘the labyrinth with swing chair’, a ferry for those wishing to cross the river to the event, and pleasure boats bringing attendees along the same river from the city centre. By 1799, the central saloon was complete and allowed for concerts to be held inside and t, r la ish ﬁre rk displa s t e ie ed under welcoming shelter. This failed however to compensate for the gardens’ distance from the city, or their proximity to the river. The gardens ten ded and ere reg larl steeped in mist, viewed suspiciously by visitors who would refer to it as ‘the damps’. In 1803, many of the houses of Grosvenor Place were put up for sale, alongside shares in the gardens. The space’s time as a pleasure garden was over; the land would soon be divided up between nurseries and market gardens. By the 20th century, just one archway of the saloon remained; a doorway at its northern end. As our tour comes to an end, I ask Kirsten what the subject of her next book might be. Perhaps, one day, on Bath’s best buildings she replies. Kirsten has been writing since 1984, founding Akeman Press with husband Andrew Swift in 2003. Taking its name from the Saxon name for Bath, Akemancester, the publishing house is now home to over 20 books on the city, its surrounds, and its history. It is Kirsten’s most recent book however, No Swinging on A Sunday, that tell us the history of the city’s pleasure gardens; of the many, like Grosvenor, that are long beyond recall, and of Sydney Gardens, the victor in the battle of the pleasure gardens. No Swinging on a Sunday by Kirsten Elliott, £19.99, and is available direct from Akeman Press or to order through local bookshops. For more: www.akemanpress.com Nick Woodhouse is the co-director of interior and garden design company Woodhouse & Law on 4 George’s Place, Bathwick Hill, Bath; 01225 428072; www.woodhouseandlaw.co.uk

GARDENS

CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT: Remains of the Grosvenor Gardens’ saloon;

original design plans depict a fireworks area and bowling green; a sketch (c1800) by John Nixon of two swings at Grosvenor Gardens; Kensington Meadows is now the site of the failed pleasure gardens

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“Over 100,000 thousand crisp packets have been saved from landfill” st , an ne er ha e g ests, and quite often there was tension for all of us when people clashed. Clashes are inevitable as everyone is having their own hard time. Being on the streets was hard, draining, scary, lonely and just degrading. I really hated

it – it was freezing. It makes mental health issues even harder. I didn’t meet one person on the streets who asn t s ering signiﬁ antl ith their mental health.

MILEY PORRITT AKA The Iron Man of Frome on being made homeless at the age of 15 and creating survival blankets made from ironed crisp packets Miley Porritt was made homeless at the age of just 15. He is now 24 years old and living in his own flat in Frome. Recently, despite not owning an iron or ironing board, founded his The Iron Man Frome business, and last November he came up with the concept of ironing crisp packets together to make survival blankets which would be useful to protect the homeless against the cold. He has since gone on to make 2,344 crisp packet survival blankets for distribution to homeless charities. Miley also works for the Frome-based specialist construction firm GB Foundations who have helped support Miley’s survival blanket enterprise since its inception. I was adopted at a young age but my adopted family broke down. I am originally

from Hammersmith in London but was moved around the

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country in care. It wasn’t the best upbringing, but I received a lot of love from my adopted dad Martin Porritt. He raised me to be a very environmentally caring person. At 15 I was working full time at a restaurant and had accommodation above the premises. However a safety

inspection later revealed it to n t e ﬁt r li ing in d e t n h t ater, n radiat rs, r a ﬁre exit. A prohibition notice was immediatel pla ed n the at and I had to move out that same day. I initially moved in with a friend but that went wrong for many reasons, and my mental health

declined dramatically. I felt I had no friends, no family, and no one to turn to for help. I gave up on myself and didn’t care about anything for a while. Not having a permanent place and moving all the time was so hard. You have to guard your

Luckily the YMCA saved me. They really supported me

thr gh this di lt peri d m life. I moved to Frome and they managed t help me get the at li e in n t t k m re than ﬁ e years for me to be stable and in my own place but thanks to their guidance, they helped me grow into the person I am today.

I love my flat. It’s my home and

I believe everyone has the right to have their own home where they feel safe.

I was out through the lockdowns tr ing t er help

and support to those that needed it in Bath and the surrounding areas. It was a time when homeless people needed help more than ever. It was during lockdown I set up Iron Man Frome and it was the

best decision I ever made in my life. When I started up I didn’t even have an iron or ironing board, but n m er ﬁrst rder, sed the money to buy the items and did the order the same day. I now have a steady stream of customers and hire two people to help.

I like to watch Prime Minister’s Questions when ironing.

It’s a good way to keep up with what’s happening in the world. It’s important for young people to kn a t rrent a airs as this is our future they are dealing with.

I had been reading up on recycling when I discovered crisp packets can’t be recycled.

I had the idea of ironing them to bind them together and make cheap Christmas decorations. Before I knew it I had ironed together enough to make a blanket, and it was almost identical to the type paramedics and runners use for warmth.

We are getting around 40-50 deliveries every day. Thanks

to the Facebook page I’m getting crisp packets from, not just the local community, but from all over the place. It takes roughly 75 crisp packets to make one blanket e ir n them int strips ﬁ e and once we have 15 strips we iron them into a big blanket. Since starting up we have made 2,344 crisp packet sleeping bags and also saved

over 100,000 thousand crisp pa kets r m landﬁll, pl s sa ed 19,000m2 of clear waste plastic. Each one of those crisp packets would have been buried and then taken more than 80 years to decompose.

We directly distribute the survival blankets to local homeless charities, as well

as post to other charities around the country. People also make and distribute their own blankets using our instruction guides.

My ambitions for the future are that I stay settled and can be in a position to help those who need it. I would love it if one day

Iron Man Frome could become a charity that helps tens of thousands of people each year in man di erent a s

For more: www.facebook.com/ TheIronManFrome