Bath Life - Issue 464 by MediaClash

TAKE ME

BATH LIFE AWARDS PREVIEW SPECIAL

ISSUE 464 / 25 FEBRUARY – 10 MARCH 2022 / £3

WINNING LOOKS

WHEN MORE IS MORE

ROCKING THE RED CARPET

ISSUE 464 / 25 FEBRUARY – 10 MARCH 2022 / A FLOWER WITH POWER

THE MARVELS OF MOORLAND ROAD

GOLD PLATED THE BEST LITTLE DISHES IN BATH

GORGEOUS GLUTTONY

BOOK LOVERS

GETTING GREEDY AT THE PIG NEAR BATH

GIVE YOUR NOVELS THE BEST SHOW POSSIBLE

HELLO PETAL! HOW TO MAKE YOUR GARDEN MORE WELCOMING P L U S W O R L D B O O K D AY

TA M S I N M O R I / S A R A H B U R N S

DISCOVER A WORLD OF PREMIUM KITCHEN APPLIANCES B R A N D N E W ‘ L I V E ’ F I S H E R & PAY K E L E X P E R I E N C E C E N T R E N O W O P E N

Excellent - 4.9* out of 5

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ST YLING BY WOODHOUSE & L AW

EDITOR’S LETTER

visitor ready (page 50) BELOW: Join the beautiful book club (page 42)

ABOVE: Get your outdoor space

orld Book Day used to bring me out in a cold sweat – not because I don’t love books, because I really, really do (see the above image? Combine it with the image on the left, and that’s me living my best life). But trying to come up with a ‘book-related’ outfit for my two boys felt like a Stephen King horror story. While other parents seemed to be conjuring up the most incredible literary costumes for obliging children (hats off to those Year 3 Willy Wonkas, Cat in Hats, and Sherlock Holmeses – don’t you just loathe other parents sometimes?), mine were steadfastly refusing to wear that Harry Potter cloak again or the stripy red ‘Where’s Wally?’ top. “I want to go as Daisy Duck.” “We read about Martin Luther King at school so him please.” These outfits did not happen. Instead it was a case of ‘dress in black, carry the book, and say you’re Alex Rider’. And one particular low point was the printed out face of The Diary of a Wimpy Kid stuck on to a chopstick. However I don’t think the boys are as traumatised by these parental failings as I am. If you ask them now, as teenagers, about World Book Day, one of their strongest memories is clutching their £1 WBD tokens and spending hours in The Oldfield Park Bookshop trying to choose a read from the exhilarating selection. So I’d like to give thanks to those who truly inspire and keep the flame of reading alive in the next generation – the likes of Harry Wainwright, owner of The Oldfield Park Bookshop who features in our amazing Moorland Road feature (page 12); Nic Bottomley of Mr B’s Emporium Bookshop, who shares some recent children’s publications from local authors on page 39; and Bath’s own Tamsin Mori (page 106) whose ‘stormy’ work is whipping up an army of young fans. And if any parent out there is fretting about a WBD outfit for 3 March – I have one unused Mr Twit beard you can have…

SARAH MOOLLA Follow us on Twitter @BathLifeMag Instagram @bathlifemag

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Issue 464 / 25 February – 10 March 2022 COVER Gold Dahlia by Bath-based artist Georgia Cox via Modern ArtBuyer; wwwmodernartbuyer.com

MOOR IS MORE

12 MOORLAND ROAD The businesses at the heart of the thriving

community in Oldfield Park

THE ARTS

27 ARTS INTRO A 700-year celebration of printmaking at the

Victoria Art Gallery 28 WHAT’S ON Theatre, music, family entertainment, comedy, art and fun in Bath and beyond 37 FILM From superheroes to prima ballerinas and everything in-between at The Little this month 39 BOOKS Nic’s picks for World Book Day

SHOPPING

41 SHOPPING INTRO A reading light with a difference 42 EDITOR’S CHOICE Bookish style

FOOD&DRINK

44 RESTAURANT Farmyard luxury at The Pig Near Bath 47 FOOD & DRINK NEWS Bradford on Avon Food and Drink

Festival is set to return this summer

48 TRY 5 Small plates with a big impact

GARDENS

50 SPRING IS COMING How to prep for the al fresco months ahead

AWARDS SEASON

60 WOMEN’S FASHION Get red carpet ready 62 MEN’S FASHION Awards season style 67 BATH LIFE AWARDS PREVIEW A look ahead at what to expect

at the 2022 Bath Life Awards on 3 March

BUSINESS

89 BATHWORKS Local business news, views, and interviews 92 BIZ Q&A Sarah Burns introduces Join the Dots 93 AWARDS Q&A The Community Wellbeing Hub on providing

award-winning support through a pandemic

PROPERTY

99 PROPERTY LEAD Prime Bath house prices set to rise 100 PROPERTY NEWS Updates from the market 102 SHOWCASE Stylish apartment living in Bath’s artisan quarter

DEPARTMENTS

9 SPOTLIGHT Meet Longleat’s new star attraction 11 INSTAS Small signs of spring 23 FLATLINE Flats is learning there’s more to garden renovation than buying the perfect barbecue 106 BATH LIVES From dressing like a sofa to making tea for James Bond with children’s author Tamsin Mori 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, Marianne Cantelo, David Flatman, Nick Hems, Emma Ingledew, John Mather and Matilda Walton Group commercial manager Pat White pat.white@mediaclash.co.uk Business development manager Annabel North annabel. north@mediaclash.co.uk Business development manager Dan Nichols dan.nichols@mediaclash.co.uk Business Development Executive Kyra Hardy kyra.hardy@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 / Gemma Bourne gemma.bourne@mediaclash.co.uk Chief executive Jane Ingham jane.ingham@mediaclash.co.uk Chief executive Greg Ingham greg.ingham@mediaclash.co.uk Bath Life MediaClash, Carriage Court, 22 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

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

SPOTLIGHT LGBTQ+ History Month

The Royal United Hospitals (RUH) Bath is marking LGBTQ+ History Month with a new rainbow entrance to demonstrate the hospital’s commitment to providing an inclusive environment for patients and staff. The initiative is being led by the RUH’s LGBTQ+ Staff Network. “We’re so proud to have our first rainbow entrance painted for all to see and can’t wait to see others popping up around the hospital site,” says Steve Dunne-Howells, chair of the Network. “Visuals like this can provide reassurance to both staff and patients that the RUH is an open, nonjudgemental organisation.” For more: www.ruh.nhs.uk

TECHNICOLOUR

Baby koala and mum Violet at Longleat

Longleat

A STAR IS BORN

Gayle Williams, Cara Charles-Barks, Steve Dunne-Howells, Baz Harding-Clark, Simon Sethi, Alvina Ware and Alfredo Thompson

A baby southern koala recently made its first appearance at Longleat. The baby is the first ever southern koala to have been born in Europe. The baby was actually born last year, but has spent the first six months of its life tucked inside mum Violet’s pouch – only recently venturing outside. “The arrival of the first baby southern koala is a huge event for

the entire team here and something we have all been working towards and hoping for since we launched the new facility three years ago,” says Lord Bath. “We are delighted with how well both mother and baby are doing. As well as being a first for us, this is also Violet’s first experience of motherhood and she is proving to be a caring and attentive parent.” For more: www.longleat.co.uk

The Royal Bath & West Show will return this June

Coming up

EWE’LL LOVE THIS

The Royal Bath & West Show is set for a welcome return this summer following its pandemic-enforced hiatus. The three-day celebration of Great British farming will feature its usual packed itinerary of livestock and equine classes, rural life exhibitions, popular family entertainment, a delicious and varied food offering and live music. “Livestock competitions, parades and equestrian classes are at the show’s heart and true to our traditions,” says deputy head of shows, Jess Chiplen. “Although it bridges the gap between urban and rural life, it remains an agricultural show and captures farming’s past, present and sustainable future.” The Royal Bath & West Show takes place 2-4 June. For more: www.bathandwest.com

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SPOTLIGHT

RISE AND SHINE

There’s a glimmer of a hope of spring in the air…

@morning.walk.to.work

@cityofbathscrapbook

@ashjamesphotography

@stacksbath

@jwilkinson_98

@travelsofmark

@wanderexplorephotography

@lewis_photography91

@drmelf

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THAT’S MOOR LIKE IT When it comes to a sense of community, Moorland Road in Oldfield Park is where it’s at Words by Sarah Moolla Pictures by Jessie Hudson-Myers of Soul Media

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STREET LIFE hances are if you know Moorland Road, you’ll love Moorland Road. It lies at the heart of Oldfield Park and is a slightly scruffy, big of spirit, packed with indies, high street. It is home to a number of distinct communities including the older long term residents, new families attracted by the great local schools, young professionals for whom the close proximity to the city and great transport links are a draw and students who benefit from the local amenities and location to various campuses. At one end of Moorland Road lies Oldfield Park Railway Station and at the other end, away from the bustle of the shops, lies the peaceful Linear Way – a ribbon of no-car countryside carved out from the original Somerset and Dorset Railway Line, that forms part of the Two Tunnels Greenway with its interactive light and sound installation. Alex Mole of Molehill Construction and Molehill Waste is a huge fan of Oldfield Park and has based his business here. “Oldfield Park is a very community led area with many of the residents having lived here for years. I come from just up the road in Southdown. I deal a lot with the guys from Francis DIY, and I really enjoy dining at the Velo café and Moorfields pub.” It is The Grumpy Baker café for Ed Major, the communications manager of the charity Genesis Trust Bath based on West Avenue which offers immediate practical help to people who are hungry, homeless and vulnerable. Here we meet just a few of the indie retailers who help make Moorland Road such a positive place to be.

and Harris before we arrived just under 20 years ago. I was drawn to Moorland Road by the strong sense of community, a world where people stop and share time with one another. Oldfield Park has a strong and unique sense of identity, grounded in people being there for one another in their daily lives. There is something of the everyday about our street. We have a traditional butcher, greengrocer, ironmonger and chemist, along with a variety of complementary food outlets and service providers such as hairdressers and beauticians. The street may not have the boutique retailing found in the city centre, but what we do we do well, and people take great pride in the quality of service they offer. Most of the traders are independent businesses and take time to understand their customers’ needs. It’s easy to overlook, but we have the Linear Path on our doorstep, a lovely wooded walkway in the middle of our suburban world. Adjacent to it is St Alphege’s Church, an Italianate Church built in the 1920s to the design of the great architect, Sir Giles Gilbert Scott. It is an absolute architectural gem.” opposite page: Steve Banable took over the butchers in 1974 at just 21;

below: Harry Wainwright opened his Oldfield Park Bookshop

20 years ago

“Oldfield Park has a strong and unique sense of identity”

STEVE BANABLE owner of S&L Banable Butchers, 27 Moorland Road, Oldfield Park;

tel: 01225 424724 “I used to live in nearby Stanley Road and took over the business in 1974. Why Moorland Road? Have you seen the number of chimney pots here? Chimney pots mean houses which means a lot of people and families who need feeding. I was only 21 when I took over the shop but with hard work and lovely loyal customers, it has enabled me to bring up four children and have what I consider to be a good and useful life. The work has kept me fit and provided work for quite a few employees over the years. I take great pride and pleasure and consider myself very fortunate to have a shop in Moorland Road. These premises have been a butcher shop since circa 1910 and I believe it was a pork butchers selling only pork and pork products. In those days things were separate and you had to visit a different shop for chicken, game etc.”

HARRY WAINWRIGHT, owner of The Oldfield Park Bookshop,

43 Moorland Road, Oldfield Park; www.theoldfieldparkbookshop.co.uk “The shop is part of a late Victorian-early Edwardian terrace. It was once the home of the Maypole Dairy, one of a series of Co-operative shops supplying food for the local community. Later it was a fruit and vegetable shop owned by Rogers

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STREET LIFE

Abdou and Sarah Doré of SuperStokes carried on working throughout the lockdowns

“It is lovely to be a part of such a diverse and close community”

ABDOU KNOWN AS ALI G, manager of the fruit and veg shop SuperStokes, 38 Moorland Road, Oldfield Park;

tel: 01225 374092 “Along with fruit and veg, many of which are exotic, we also sell plants, along with lots of basic products like fresh bread and eggs, tinned food and specialist Mediterranean food. We supply many of the local businesses including The Oyster Shell, Chicken Express, Adel’s kebab and pizza place, The Grumpy Baker and the newly opened Moorland Gate Mediterranean restaurant that also does full English breakfasts until late in the afternoon. It was a privilege to be able to keep going all through the pandemic delivering to many of our loyal customers and serving the community. If one of the staff are off or away our customers always notice and ask after us. It is lovely to be a part of such a diverse and close community.”

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STREET LIFE GARRY ROSSER, owner of The Oyster Shell, 5 Moorland Road, Oldfield Park;

www.theoystershell.co.uk “I choose Moorland Road to open my business in October 2019 as I have very fond childhood memories of shopping with my mum for the daily groceries and meat from the local butchers. Half a pint of fresh cockles from the cockle lady that used to stand outside the Ancient Mariner, as well as popping into Woolworths to buy a toy with my pocket money. As far as I can remember back these particular premises were the 99p shop, but when we renovated, we unveiled a beautiful vintage sign that revealed that it had previously been an ironmonger. Moorland Road is a beautiful and vibrant secondary high street which boasts popularity with many sectors of clientele from our older generation, and our future generation of students of whom all respect traditional ways of life. We work closely with lots of our fellow traders – we use Mr Banable’s for all our meat-based products, we use Stokes for our groceries, and of course Hannah and Josh at The Grumpy Baker for our morning lattes. We also use Francis DIY for any of our DIY needs and occasionally Sainbury’s’ for any little bits we run out of. Being able to support each other is very important to me.”

“We work closely with lots of our fellow traders” JILL CARR, trustee of Moorland Road Community Library, Moorland Road, Oldfield

Park; www.moorlandroadcommunitylibrary.com “The building started life in 1892 as a private school run by Miss Sarah Ann Saunders. In 1920 the weekly school fees were 6d (6 pence!). The building was a Christadelphian Hall in 1930s and then in 1961 it became a library. This was council run until July 2019 when it was taken over by the community, and the library is now led and staffed completely by volunteers. The regular footfall along the road to the shops really benefits us and, in turn, we like to think that our presence benefits the shops. We provide a comprehensive free to user library book service to all of the local community. The library is still linked to LibrariesWest, meaning that people can reserve and order books from a huge catalogue which spans the south west. Moorland Road still retains the feeling of a small village in a big city. The shops are diverse and the area is a great mixture of well-established local residents, young families and young professional people.”

above: Garry, owner of The Oyster Shell on the left, with Amy

Edwards and Brad Matthews; left: Trustee Jill Carr and fellow volunteer Susan Walker at the Moorland Road Community Library

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

Assured Glass and Glazing have served the City of Bath and surrounding areas for 20 years. We offer a wide range of UPVC & Aluminium Windows, Double Glazing, Doors and Conservatories. We have grown to become one of Bath’s premier suppliers and installers of UPVC products. Contact us today for a quote or to discuss any of our products or services:

01225 444116 | www.assured-upvc.uk sean@assuredglassandglazing.co.uk 15 Livingstone Rd, Bath, BA2 3PQ

The Guildhall Your idea, our venue, the event of the year

Maybe you have attended a wedding in our grand Banqueting Room, or had the joy of registering your child’s birth in our Georgian building. But were you aware that the Guildhall has hosted book talks, gin festivals and film screenings to name a few of our diverse events? The Guildhall has four picturesque rooms, is only a ten minute walk from the Bath Spa train station and is the only heritage venue in Bath where you can select a caterer of your choice. If you are searching for a venue to hold your unique event then come to the High Street for a new experience. To book a viewing or to find out more contact Sara Brooks, Events Manager, at sara_brooks@bathnes.gov.uk • 01225 477442

STREET LIFE

“You can always count on the other traders to recommend you” above: Leon’s family-owned shop Newleaf Healthfoods specialises in all things health and refillable; below: Directors Leigh Samways and Simon Francis are the son and daughter of Derek Francis who founded the hardware store Francis DIY 55 years ago

LEON BOOK, owner of Newleaf Healthfoods,

29 Shaftesbury Avenue, Oldfield Park; tel: 01225 425301 “Back in the 1970s this was once was a butcher shop, and leather goods outlet after that. It became Scoopers in 1987 and when we took over 15 years ago, we renamed it Newleaf Healthfoods. We are a family run business and deal in Ecover refills, zero waste groceries with everything from flour to herbs and pasta to yogurtcovered fruit, plus there’s an extensive range of health foods including gluten-free and vegan products, and a health range such as vitamins. This is a vibrant area with a great mix of young and old, and you can always count on the other traders to recommend you. The arrival of the fresh fish shop has been a great addition to Moorland Road and I think if an old-fashioned bakers were to open on Moorland Road it would do really well.”

STEVEN BISHTON, senior team member of hardware store Francis DIY, 39 Moorland Road, Oldfield Park;

www.francisdiy.com “Francis DIY has been trading for 55 years and was started by Derek Francis when he opened a shop on the Bear Flat, then re-locating to the current premises in the mid 1980s. This means we have many loyal customers who have been shopping with us for years. The shop is stocked from floor to ceiling with household and seasonal essentials. Our in-store key cutting service and wide selection of decorating products is very popular. We even stock a range of pre-cut wood, a range of plumbing products, and fireworks. Moorland Road has always been a thriving suburb of the city. Many people visit the street daily to buy essentials and to socialise in one of the coffee shops or bars. A real sense of community thrives here.”

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STREET LIFE

“Moorland Road is one of the places that when people visit it they love it” above: Tash Bishop, owner of No 45 Hairdressing on the left, with stylists Millie Louarradi and Casey Godfrey; below: Sean Maslen’s Assured Glass and Glazing premises used to be a bicycle shop before he set up business there 19 years ago

TASH BISHOP, owner of the independent hair salon No 45 Hairdressing,

45 Moorland Road, Oldfield Park; tel: 01225 448887 “I took over the established hairdressers where I worked in July 2020 and renamed it No 45. It appealed as it is near to the town centre but still has a real community feel and atmosphere. It’s also easier for clients to drive to and park easily compared to most places in Bath. Moorland Road is one of the places that when people visit it they love it and continue to support it. A lot of that is thanks to restaurants like Velo Lounge, Panahar, and the nearby Moorfields pub because they attract new people all the time – we’re big fans of Magu Burgers here! We all support each other’s businesses and you can always rely on the brilliant Francis DIY for their advice and help. The Facebook site Moorland Road is Amazing is really handy as well for asking questions and finding out what’s happening in the area.”

SEAN MASLEN, owner of Assured Glass and Glazing,

15 Livingstone Road, Oldfield Park; www.assured-upvc.uk “This is a family owned business set up 19 years ago in what used to be a bicycle shop, specialising in installing UPVC and aluminium windows, doors and conservatories. This area is good for footfall and lots of tradespeople come here for breakfast and lunch thanks to all the places there are to get food. My personal favourites are the Velo Lounge and The Grumpy Baker. Public transport is good here with the train and the buses, and among fellow retailers, it can feel like we are an extended family. Many of us are pretty upset the NatWest Bank is about to close – the staff in there have been great. In December we arranged for everyone to wear a blue assured hat for the nearby Children’s Hospice Charity Shop and raised £1,000 in the process.” n

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

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FLAT LINE DAVID FLATMAN

“I’d love to bring the outside in, but I’ve got a long hallway”

Field of dreams

When Flats plans a garden it mainly involves buying a new barbecue and some sausages

f I hear anyone else talk about ‘bringing the outside in’ in relation to their garden I might get an ear bleed. Partly because, like ‘light and airy’, it’s an aggressively overused phrase, but also because I’m jealous that I can’t do that at my house. I’d love to bring the outside in, but I’ve got a long hallway, a loo, and some steps to travel, pass, and climb in order to reach my garden. Admittedly there are only three steps, but they don’t help the flow. No, my garden is separate from the house and that’s just fine. Actually, a couple of houses ago I did have a kitchen that opened straight onto a lovely big patio, which in turn flowed into a large, flat, nicely mown lawn. And nobody ever bloody used it. Honestly,

I think I saw the children independently move towards the bottom of the garden three times in five years. I just mowed it every week with hope in my heart (and a bottle of cider in the ride-on’s drink holder…). Or it was too cold. Too cold to go out there. Too cold to leave the doors open. Too cold. Seeing as we’re in the UK, bringing the outside in is about as ridiculous a concept as buying a convertible car. I have a convertible car. It’s pointless. So if you want to go into my garden then you have to leave my house. Like a normal house. Some of it is nearly done now, thanks to the quite excellent work of Big Mariusz and the heavy mob at MBG Gold. I didn’t know them until a friend at Boniti Stone recommended with such enthusiasm that I bought in. Just please don’t bombard them

with requests until my gaff’s done, ok? When Guy, the project manager asked about the garden during an early visit, I told him it was all in hand and I was having a relatively rudimentary outdoor kitchen built. He checked my plans (some messages on WhatsApp) and pointed out very gently that I had underestimated the job. Anyway, after a Christmas and New Year break and lots of rain, we’re almost at the point of finishing that. And yes, Guy was right. I’d picked a barbecue and some sausages and that was about it. Now, though, the rest of the garden needs doing. We have such a lovely patio (yep, Boniti for the win – you might have guessed that I rather love that place), but where that ends a war zone begins. My poor neighbours. We’re trying so hard to get to a point where we can remedy the aesthetic, but Brexit and Covid and me forgetting emails have led to some key deliveries being delayed. So I thought I’d quickly knock up a pencil drawing, over my morning toast, of what the garden should end up being. Turns out that’s harder than you think. ‘Couple of taps up the end too please, for watering plants and that,’ said I. ‘But you’ve just laid a patio without running any pipes beneath it,’ said he. ‘I did ask you about this, four times,’ he added. Hmm, details and emails. Anyway, we’ve found a way. I think… It’ll be simple – it’s not a particularly large space – but it also has to work. It needs to accommodate a toddling toddler, a charging, one-eyed French Bulldog, peaceful morning coffees, and mass gatherings of six-foot-six carnivores. I can’t wait for it to be done; we’re going to bring the outside out. 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

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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 Angela Moss and David Moss

Sheila Hammerton and Richard Hammerton

Sue Sutcliffe and Anthony Sutcliffe, Lady Bridget Wadey, Gail Cornish and Raymond Cornish

Tenor Andrés Presno, soprano Lucy Mellors, Paul Weiland and Oliver Gooch

CURTAIN UP

Crowds gathered at Belcombe Court in Bradford on Avon for the launch of If Opera, the new iteration of Iford Arts. True to form, the opera company provided a musical evening, with performances of arias from If Opera’s main performance for 2022, La Rondine, in addition to a joyful performance from baritone Matthew Palmer, who took to the stage to sing an original patter song about all the ways to support If Opera in its new era. Photos by Lucy McGrath;

Sarah Howe and Jonathan Howe Sopranos Jana Holesworth and Fiona Finsbury

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www.lucymcgrathphotography.co.uk

Soprano Lizzie Holmes

Tenors Osian Bowen and William Pearson

SOCIETY

John Pattison and Tracey Siddle

Claire Davis and Jennie Russell Sam Lane and Will Lane

Lynn Jones, David Maxwell and Ben Thorn Mad Mark the magician

LANDMARK CELEBRATIONS

Chris Rogers and Denise Coughlan

David Maxwell Hairdressing recently celebrated 10 years in business. The salon on Argyle Street welcomed 35 clients and friends to raise a glass to the landmark occasion for the salon. Guests celebrated the proud moment with speeches from David Maxwell and Ben Thorn of Kevin Murphy, the salon’s brand partner, enjoyed a glass of prosecco or two and delicious Thai ﬁnger food provided by Sue Montgomery. Magician Mad Mark was also on hand to entertain guests with fun tricks. Photos by Beth Denny www.davidmaxwellhairdressing.co.uk

Terry Field and Graham Field

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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

PRINT WORKS

A fascinating 700-year celebration of the history of printmaking is coming to Victoria Art Gallery. From Hogarth to Hodgkin will start with old masters such as Cranach and Durer and then bring the story right up to the present day with works by Grayson Perry, Cornelia Parker, and Paula Rego. Alongside the exhibition artworks, such as La Table Ronde by Marc Chagall (1887-1985) seen here, there will be a display showing how printing techniques have developed and improved over the last ﬁve centuries and explaining these techniques including woodcut, mezzotint, etching and screen printing. The tools of the trade will also be on show such as lithographic stones, etched copper plates and etching tools. From Hogarth to Hodgkin exhibition runs from 5 March to 4 May at the Victoria Art Gallery; www.victoriagal.org.uk

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See the winners of the Global SinoPhoto Awards at The Museum of Asian Art until 14 May

WHAT’S ON 26 February – 24 March

EXHIBITIONS Until 31 March

BEHIND CLOSED DOORS Beautifully created images depicting a slice of Bath history entwined with contemporary art is the collaborative work of Jason Dorley-Brown and Emma Taylor. The exhibition is to help raise awareness of and funds for the local mental health charity Bath Mind. ArtBar at Abbey Hotel Bath; www.abbeyhotelbath.co.uk

Until 21 April

PROTECTING OUR PLANET Bristol-based charity Wildscreen have brought together a vibrant series of photographs from indigenous people across the world focusing on the theme of Community to be displayed in the corridors of the RUH sites. Curated in collaboration with If Not Us Then Who and their network of artists which includes Edgar Kanaykõ Xakriabá, Irati Dojura. www.artatruh.org

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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

Until 30 April

LIGHT AT MARSTON PARK An immersive light exhibition by internationally acclaimed British artist Bruce Munro at Marston Park 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 2 May

PEOPLE MAKE MUSEUMS Showcasing over 20 sculptural pieces that have been specially

made for this exhibition. The aim is to celebrate the creativity and the importance of people in museums and capture some of these complex, personal moments of connection; revelations, ﬂeeting conversations, thoughts, and feelings evoked by museum spaces and objects. Holburne Museum; www.holburne.org

Until 2 May

IDA APPLEBROOG Feminist pioneer Ida Applebroog has consistently explored the interconnected themes of power, gender, politics, and sexuality throughout her career. The new exhibition at Durslade Farm, Bruton consists of highlights travelling from the artist’s largest survey to date at Museo Reina Sofía, Madrid, alongside important new works created over the past year. Now in her 90s, the comprehensive survey speaks to Applebroog’s radical introspection as a woman and an artist, presenting life as it is and the repetitive patterns of our existence. www.hauserwirth.com

Until 8 May

THE TUDORS: PASSION, POWER AND POLITICS In partnership with the National Portrait Gallery, London, and the Walker Art Gallery, Liverpool, the Holburne Museum’s new exhibition featuring 25 famous Tudor portraits. The fascinating and extensive collection includes the ﬁve monarchs of the time spanning 1485-1603; Henry VII, Henry VIII, Edward VI, Mary I and Elizabeth I. Holburne Museum; www.holburne.org

Until 15 May

OLD GHOSTS Old Ghosts by artist Mick Peter takes a wry and aﬀectionate look using a cartoons-come-to-life tableaux, at the idea of history as an industry. It’s a narrative trail through the museum and its garden that humorously critiques the conventions of heritage sites through various encounters, like that with a hapless signwriter who is desperately trying to complete his task of refreshing the Museum’s

WHAT’S ON

detailed images that are both dreamy and complex. Daniel works at a much larger scale and is inspired by both the natural and manmade world. Black Swan Arts; www.blackswanarts.org.uk

5 March – 4 May

signage. Inside there is also a ‘screen test’ area – a playful riff on the Holburne also as a filming location. Holburne Museum; www.holburne.org

Until 14 May

above: A sparkly Sophie Ellis-Bextor and her legendary Kitchen Disco comes to Bath on 9 March; left: Daniel Mcgirr’s work is on display at Black Swan Arts in A Duet of Lines exhibition below: Canadian quartet Barenaked Ladies bring their rocking folksy sounds to Bath Forum on 24 March

GLOBAL SINO PHOTO AWARDS The annual Global SinoPhoto Awards is an international photography contest, which aims to communicate Chinese culture through remarkable imagery reflecting the skill, creativity and imagination of the photographer, and to connect photographers internationally. Museum of East Asian Art; www.meaa.org.uk

5 March – 3 April

A DUET OF LINES Frome-based Guy Watts and Bristol-based Daniel Mcgirr both specialise in producing meticulous pen and ink drawings. Guy works at a tiny scale. Each drawing is composed of hundreds of fine pen marks, which build up to create

JEAN ROSE As a student at Bath Academy of Art at Corsham Court, Jean Rose rubbed shoulders with Kenneth Armitage and William Scott. Inspired by the intimate interiors of Vuillard, she developed her warm painterly patterns in park scenes and floral subjects that reveal the clarity and focus she sees in the world around her. Still working into her nineties, this remarkable artist completes a painting a week. Victoria Art Gallery; www.victoriagal.org.uk

5 March – 4 May

FROM HOGARTH TO HODGKIN The From Hogarth to Hodgkin exhibition will offer visitors a walk through the history of printmaking, starting with old masters such as Cranach and Durer and bringing the story right up to the present day with works by Grayson Perry, Cornelia Parker and Paula Rego. Turn to page 27 for more. Victoria Art Gallery; www.victoriagal.org.uk

THEATRE / CINEMA 8 – 12 March

BLOOD BROTHERS Written by Willy Russell, this much -loved multi-award winning musical tells the captivating and moving tale of twins who, separated at birth, grow up on opposite sides of the tracks, only to meet again with fateful consequences. Theatre Royal Bath; www.theatreroyal.org.uk

17 – 26 March

BEAUTIFUL: THE CAROLE KING MUSICAL Beautiful tells the inspiring true story of Carole King’s remarkable rise to stardom, from being part of a hit songwriting team with her husband Gerry Goffin, to her relationship with other writers, culminating in becoming one of the most successful solo acts in popular music history in our time, having written countless classics such as You Make Me Feel Like a Natural Woman, You’ve Got a Friend, and So Far Away. Theatre Royal Bath; www.theatreroyal.org.uk

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WHAT’S ON 24 – 26 March

RICE When a high-flying executive and an office cleaner meet, an unlikely, but always easy, friendship forms. Written by Michele Lee, this is a moving tale of migrants of different generations and the complex relationships they forge with both their new home and each other. Ustinov; www.theatreroyal.org.uk

CHILDREN 12 – 13 March

THE SUPER GREEDY CATERPILLAR Want to see puppets behaving badly, people in fairy wings, and a six foot caterpillar that wants to eat the entire supermarket including your granny? Course you do, so head to The Egg where you’ll find all this plus live song, music, and an undersized trumpet. The Egg; www.theatreroyal.org.uk

17 – 19 March

UNDERWATER A multi-sensory dance and music show for babies and their families. When a ballerina meets an octopus beneath the waves of the deep blue sea, the pair form a beautiful friendship – and dance a loving duet to a twinkling soundtrack. The Egg; www.theatreroyal.org.uk

MUSIC 2 March

THIS IS THE KIT Singer songwriter Kate Stables who goes by the performing and band name of This Is The Kit is a long time favourite of BBC Radio 6 music. Kate sings, plays guitar, banjo, trumpet and percussion, while a cast of carefully hand-plucked friends deliver guitar strums, hushed horns and electronic textures that sit beneath Stables’ easy lilt. Komedia Bath; www.komedia.co.uk

5 March

MESSIAH 250 The Paragon Singers, director Tom Guthrie and music director Sarah Latto present a dramatisation of Messiah at St. Swithin’s Church, Bath. The project is supported by Arts Council England and local benefactors, and will offer the community the opportunities afforded by new technologies to interpret this work differently. www.paragonsingers.co.uk

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9 March

SOPHIE ELLIS-BEXTOR Sophie’s Live Kitchen Disco Tour will bring the virtual to life, cooking-up classic glitter ball staples and her own dancefloor-beckoning bangers from across her seven albums in a thoroughly domestic Studio-54 sensation. A must-attend and boogie event for all disco divas. Bath Forum; www.bathforum.co.uk

14 March

LONDON SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA Sir Simon Rattle and the London Symphony Orchestra make a triumphant return to Bath Forum with Bristol Beacon. From Hannah Kendall’s 21st-century classic The Spark Catchers, through Dvořák’s playful homage to the New World, to Schumann’s most personal symphony, the show programme promises to take the audience on a fantastic emotional journey. Bath Forum; www.bathforum.co.uk

18 March

THE BLUES OTHERS Remember this? “It’s 106 miles to Chicago, we’ve got a full tank of gas, half a pack of cigarettes, it’s dark and we’re wearing sunglasses. – Hit it!” Dig out your shades, dust off the trilbies and locate that sharp black suit (but please don’t smoke – it’s bad for you) as this all local 13-piece band pay musical tribute to the Blues Brothers. Blues Others members include two paramedics, a farmer, and a teacher. Komedia Bath; www.komedia.co.uk

19 March

XODUS’ BOB MARLEY TRIBUTE BAND Founded in 2017 by a band of seasoned musicians from Birmingham, XODUS brings the best of the selection to their live performance setlists with favourites like Buffalo Soldier, Is This Love, Waiting In Vain, and I Shot The Sheriff. Chapel Arts; www.chapelarts.org

23 March

ANTOINE PRÉAT Winner of the PDGYA Award 2020, Franco-Belgian pianist Antoine Préat presents a Wiltshire Music Centre lunchtime concert that is defined by intensity and flair and includes Liszt’s staggering one movement sonata inspired by

top: The Struggle for Territory is also a Struggle for Water by Edgar Kanayko Xariaba can be seen as part of the Art at the RUH’s current exhibition, Protecting Our Planet; above: Jason Dorley-Brown and Emma Taylor join creative forces in the Behind Closed Doors exhibition at the ArtBar in Abbey Hotel Bath

WHAT’S ON Dante’s Inferno, which stretches pianists to the very edge of virtuosic and skilled technique. www.wiltshiremusic.org.uk

24 March

BARENAKED LADIES Over the course of 33 years, the beloved folksy, poppy with a touch of hip hop Canadian quartet who are widely acknowledged as one of the best live acts on the planet, have sold 15 million records worldwide and built up an arsenal of mega hits including If I Had $1,000,000, One Week, Pinch Me, and The Big Bang Theory Theme. Bath Forum; www.bathforum.co.uk

COMEDY Every Sunday

DRAG KARAOKE AT MANDALYNS Most days of the week the welcoming LGBTQIA+ Mandalyns bar has always got something upbeat, fun, and groovy happening, and Sunday nights are no exception. Their drag karaoke nights are in fact so darn good, Sunday is the new Saturday. www.facebook.com/mandalynsbath

10 March

I BLAME THE PARENTS Comedian Geoff Norcott is wondering what he can blame on his parents. Luckily there’s plenty to sift through – his dad was a trade union man who obsessed over stocks and shares, and his mum was a closet chauvinist and far too frank on the subject of sex. Komedia Bath; www.komedia.co.uk

23 March

ONE WORD: WOW It’s time for a little get together; so pull up a chair, get all cosy and let Lou Sanders (aka Dr Giggles) tell you about the time she gave this horse a boner. Lou’s previous celebrated show Say Hello To Your New Step-Mummy was selected as a top show to see by The Times, The Sunday Times, and The Guardian. Komedia Bath; www.komedia.co.uk

23 March

NISH KUMAR: CONTROL It has been a period of upheaval and uncertainty with Covid and the political situation. Nish, a twotime Edinburgh Comedy Award nominee and host of The Mash Report, is definitely taking all of these things very personally. Bath Forum; www.bathforum.co.uk

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

SPORT 5 March

BATH CITY FOOTBALL CLUB V EBBSFLEET UNITED Bath City will aim to pick up points against promotion-chasing Ebbsfleet as the National League South enters an important stage of the season. This game will be one of three home matches for the Romans in March as they look to finish their campaign on a high. Kick off 3pm at Twerton Park; www.bathcityfc.com

5 March

BATH RUGBY V BRISTOL BEARS Derby Day returns to the Rec in an early match as Bath Rugby take on Bristol Bears in a match with over 130 years of history. A number of homegrown players on both sides will go head to head in an attempt to earn bragging rights for the final time this season. Kick off 3pm at Bath Recreation Ground; www.bathrugby.com

13 – 14 March

TEAM BATH NETBALL SUPERLEAGUE There are two opportunities to watch Team Bath in Vitality Superleague action in just over 24 hours. Celtic Dragons make the short journey from Wales to the Team Bath Arena on 13 March (2pm centre-pass) before Team Bath face defending champions Loughborough Lightning in a rematch of the 2021 Grand Final on 14 March (5.30pm).University of Bath; www.netball.teambath.com

OTHER 4 March

AN EVENING WITH RUBY WAX Author and comedian Ruby Wax comes to Toppings to discuss how she has spent the last three years speaking to the people who are spearheading the latest innovation and influencing a brighter future for humanity for her new mental health and well-being book, And Now for the Good News. www.toppingbooks.co.uk

4 March

BIG BATH SLEEP OUT Help raise money for the local homeless charity Julian House by swapping beds for sleeping bags and braving the weather. You can either sleep out at Alice Park, or do so at home and join in with a series of live streamed events and talks. www.bigbathsleepout.co.uk n

top: Spend an evening with comedian and writer Ruby Wax at Toppings on 4 March; right: Underwater is a gorgeous multisensory dance show for babies coming to The Egg; below: Comedian Geoff Norcott will be at Komedia on 10 March and wondering what he can blame on his parents

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THE REEL THING EMMA INGLEDEW

From blockbusters to the ballet, from ransom notes to romance, there’s an eclectic range of brilliant releases about to hit The Little’s screens The Duke (release date 25 February)

The Duke is one of those brilliant stories that if it hadn’t really happened, then you’d accuse the storyteller of making it too far-fetched. The ﬁlm follows the 1961 case of Kempton Bunton, a 60-year-old taxi driver, who stole Goya’s portrait of the Duke of Wellington from the National Gallery in London. He then went on to send ransom notes, but his demands were not money for himself, but instead calling upon the government to invest more money in the elderly. The ﬁlm is as funny and heartfelt as the true story, and Jim Broadbent manages to steal the audience’s hearts, as well as a priceless painting.

The Batman (release date 4 March)

The Batman comes from the mind of director and writer Matt Reeves, also known for Cloverﬁeld and Planet of the Apes. He has described this version of Batman as a mix between a detective story, action movie, and psychological thriller, and many of the roles were written with the cast in mind. This includes of course the central character, Bruce Wayne. The role was written for Robert Pattinson, who rose to fame with the Twilight franchise and has gone on to achieve great critical acclaim in a variety of indie dramas including Good Time and The Lighthouse. He stars alongside Zoë Kravitz, who is playing Batman’s sometime enemy, sometime ally, sometime love interest Selina

Kyle, also known as Catwoman. The bat and the cat must work together to delve into Gotham’s underworld to stop Paul Dano’s The Riddler. For people who loved Joker’s fresh insight into the comic book genre, The Batman is a must see.

Bolshoi Ballet: Swan Lake (release date 6 March)

Swan Lake is maybe one of the most renowned and well known ballets of all time, and now a recording of The Bolshoi Ballet’s performance will be pirouetting onto our screens. Tchaikovsky’s music is nothing short of a masterpiece, and the ballet is ﬁlled with some of the most iconic choreography of the classical canon, including the Dance of the Cygnets and the heart-stopping ﬁnalé performed by the white swan Odette. For those unfamiliar with the story, it follows Prince Siegfried, who encounters a beautiful woman named Odette, who has been cursed to live as a swan. Their romance is ultimately doomed, as he is lured away by the ravishing black swan, Odile. The Bolshoi Ballet performs this story beautifully, with prima ballerina Olga Smirnova leading the cast, and taking on the daunting dual role of the black swan and the white swan.

Ali & Ava (release date 1 March)

Ali & Ava is a fantastic new British release – a love story with a true heart.

CLOCKWISE FROM TOP:

Ali & Ava is a love story with a true heart; The Duke tells the story of a good cause ransom; Prima ballerina Olga Smirnova leads the Bolshoi Ballet’s production of Swan Lake; Robert Pattinson and Zoë Kravitz star in The Batman

Landlord Ali and classroom assistant Ava begin a romance but it’s made slightly awkward in that Ali has separated from his wife, but hasn’t told anybody. Director Clio Barnard finds beauty in the most simple moments, and the chemistry between the two leads, Adeel Akhtar and Claire Rushbrook respectively, feels alive and engaging. The film’s central message is one of acceptance, and is filmed tenderly and delicately. This is a beautiful film that becomes truly stunning in its quietness and peace.

Emma Ingledew is manager at The Little Theatre Cinema, 1–2 St Michael’s Place; tel: 01225 466822; www.picturehouses.co.uk

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

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BOOKS NIC BOTTOMLEY

A world of books Nic on celebrating World Book Day with local children’s authors

“A game of hide and seek during a summer family holiday ends in an actual disappearance”

he 25th anniversary of World Book Day is coming up 3 March and, all being well, this time it will have the chance to fire on all its bookish cylinders. Every kid in the country gets to take the token they receive from the charity into a bookshop and swap it for one of the special World Book Day books. Not to mention the dress-up opportunity to don a cape and draw a lightning bolt on their head. And this year local authors can connect again with young readers in schools. The array of creative writing courses at Bath Spa Uni, and the supportive community of writers it has helped foster, make our area a literary hub for writers of children’s and teen fiction. Every time one writer launches a book, the others come out in force to support and collectively they go to great lengths to inspire our local youngsters to read and try writing for themselves – whether by holding workshops, supporting libraries, participating in the Bath Festival or organising brilliant events like the annual Bradford on Avon mini book festival. This World Book Day, Joanna Nadin is the flagbearer for our local area’s writing talent having penned The Worst Class in the World in Danger (Bloomsbury) one of the 12 official World Book Day books that can either be bought for £1 or received free as a swapsie for a World Book Day token. Expect more chaotic comic capers from the out-of-control Class 4B that featured in the first three hilarious Worst Class in the World books, and more strictness and exasperation from the brilliantly named (in my humble opinion!!) headteacher, Mrs Bottomley-Blunt. Another local writer who we’ve been working with to arrange school visits around World Book Day is Sophie Kirtley, author of The Wild Way Home and The Way to Impossible Island

(each Bloomsbury, £6.99). These brilliant and emotional adventure novels feature timeslip friendships between present-day children and stone-age characters, who combine forces for action-packed journeys and to help each other understand and overcome some very real-world problems. Shortly after World Book Day, keep an eye out for the much-anticipated publication of two new books by local writers for slightly older readers. First, Lou Abercrombie has followed-up her inspiring debut Fig Swims the World (Stripes, £7.99), with another aquatic coming-of-age drama for readers aged around 10 and upwards. Coming up for Air (Stripes, £8.99) sees Coco embrace oceanswimming and freediving as she tries to deal with the turmoil of a far from smooth move to a coastal home. And then May sees the publication of Tracy Darnton’s third gripping teen thriller, Ready or Not (Stripes, £8.99). This is a novel with a suitably pulse-pausing premise, as a game of hide and seek during a summer family holiday ends in an actual disappearance. All of these talented local writers have had to deal with books being published in the relative attention-vacuum of the last two years. And so have so many others that are equally worthy of discovery or rediscovery – such as Hannah Tooke, Lucy Hope, Nicola Skinner, Annelise Gray, Emma Read, Fleur Hitchcock and Emma Perry, to name just eight! I can’t wait to team up with so many of these writers around World Book Day, at schools and in our shop, to show children just how fun it is to spending time geeking out about books and reading. 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 39

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SHOPPING LIVE WELL, BUY BETTER

LEADING LIGHT

When closed, the Smart Book Light masquerades as a laser-cut wooden book, but when opened it transforms into a sculptural light emitting a wonderful ambient warm soft LED light through the pages. The beautiful, exquisite design opens to a full 360 degrees with cleverly concealed magnets, and the soft touch Tyvek pages are tearproof and water-resistant. It has a battery life of eight hours and is charged up using a micro-USB. Smart Book Light by Gingko Design, £35, available from Rossiters of Bath, 38-41 Broad Street, Bath; www.rossitersofbath.com

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

ARROW BOOKMARK, £31 Made by the Bath designer Clive Roddy, each limited edition wedge-shaped placeholder is made from a solid chunk of oak and painted in shiny red acrylic. From Clive Roddy; www.cliveroddy.co.uk

CHICHESTER BOOKCASE, FROM £2,755 Chichester’s got all the charm of traditional country oak furniture, but can be ordered in any of the Neptune paint colours to coordinate with your décor. From Neptune, One Tram Yard, Walcot Street, Bath; www.neptune.com

READING MATTER How to make your books even more beautiful

WINDLEY KEY CORAL BOOKEND SET, £85 These luxurious and functional textured white coral book ends are hand painted resin on a wooden plinth and are beautiful enough to be displayed alone. From India Jane, 20 Milsom Street, Bath; www.indiajane.co.uk

DARK MANGO WOOD SHELF, £150 A solid piece of grey toned mango wood forms a shelf sat within a stylishly simple dark metal bracket frame to create a striking feature piece. From Cox & Cox; www.coxandcox.co.uk

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

ELEPHANT BOOKMARK, £8.95 This vintage style brass elephant bookmark from Nkuku is the perfect gift for book lovers or is ideal as a decorative desk accessory. From Homefront Interiors, 10 Margaret’s Building, Bath; www.homefrontinteriors.co.uk

ED’S CHOICE

THE TURLEIGH BOOKENDS, £99 A simple interlocking design handmade from 45mm solid oak, these bookends with a clean, uncomplicated structure made by the Bradford on Avon designer are solid support for even those heavy books. From Charlie Caﬀyn; www.charliecaﬀynfurniture.co.uk

BLOOMINGVILLE DOUVE WOODEN MAGAZINE STAND, £100 Made from beautiful, sustainable Paulownia wood, the stand is split into three sections to store books and magazines and can be painted to suit any room in the home. From Resident. 20 Paul Street, Frome, Somerset; www.residentstore.co.uk

GAZING LIZARD BOOKENDS, £85 Frame your favourite books with this metallic black and bronze ﬂecked reptile who is as unique as the stories she bookends. From OKA, 26-27 Milsom Street, Bath; www.oka.com HAMBLEDON OFFICE SHELF LADDER OAK, £150 Taking inspiration from traditional step ladders, this timeless shakerstyle design by Garden Trading is crafted from raw oak, with shelves of varying heights to allow for larger hardbacks. Stockists Woodhouse & Law, 4 George’s Place, Bathwick Hill; www.woodhouseandlaw.co.uk

TATTOOED ARM BOOKMARK, £8.50 Made in Scotland by a small family-run maker this leather, vintage-style tattoo design arm shaped bookmark has been cut and foil embossed so that each one is unique. From Graham and Green, 92 Walcot Street, Bath; www.grahamandgreen.co.uk

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

THE PIG NEAR BATH

You’ve got to respect a place that swaps swimming pools for vegetable plots By Sarah Moolla

ou can bandy about phrases like shabby chic and country charm all you like but when you visit The Pig Near Bath you see their true meaning. I’ve got a new one to throw into the mix – farmyard luxe. And this Grade II Georgian country pile with its long crunchy gravel drive entrance, 20 acres, and 30 bedrooms, has it all in bucketloads. I particularly love that they filled in the swimming pool to create a veg plot – this really is The Somerset Good Life. You can keep your ostentatious poolside glitz – these guys have onions to grow. The Converse low-top and black jeans wearing staff bounce around with an enthusiasm and energy that definitely demonstrates all that fresh air, found just 15 minutes outside of the city centre, is doing them all the world of good. With deadlines, teen boys, and a storm brewing – I need me some of that– so I head off to find the treatment room. I find myself tramping between rows of veg, skirting

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

columns of climbers, and coming face-to-face with a scarecrow, convinced I’ve been misdirected – but no – lo behold – Emily pops out from a potting shed and beckons me in. There’s exposed wooden floors, a rake hanging on the wall, and the birdsong soundtrack is for real. I’m here for a VOYA treatment – derived from seaweed which consists of essential minerals, vitamins, and bioactive compounds. The Upper Body Unwind starts with a warm exfoliation of the back followed by a soothing back, arm and hand massage, finishing with a facial oil. I love it – it’s a massage that actually invigorates and energises instead of sending you into a drooling stupor – I emerge tingling and refreshed and ready for lunch. The dining space is a greenhouse style conservatory with solid wooden tables, crisp white linen, little terracotta pots of aromatic herbs dotted about, and a happy buzz in the air. It’s early lunchtime on a Monday and the place is packed and yet the service is swift, friendly, and faultless. And the food pretty much the same. Their ‘25 miles’ menu refers to the promise

RESTAURANT

that the ingredients are sourced from no further than 25 miles away. But a quick scan of our forks and then a look out over the fields and actually a lot of what we’re eating is probably less than 25 metres away. It’s not just the fruit and veg from the land of course – this place grows its own specialist plants in the greenhouse and polytunnels – there’s meat from the deer park, and resident pigs, chickens, and quails – plus the eggs. They have a mushroom house, beehives, and there’s a smoke house on site. The starter plates of garden, fishy, and piggy bits are scrumptious, unpretentious representatives of all the great and the good The Pig Near Bath offers. Piled high grazing style, is earthy, garlicky, cylindra beetroot hummus; frilly corsages of roasted kalette (a cross between a sprout and kale); bite-sized ham hock Scotch eggs with a mustardy, mayo Coleman’s dressing; along with homemade, olive oil-drizzled, toasted triangles of sourdough bread and thin ring slices of sweet pickled onions. My favourite though is the furiously bubbled, and crunchy gnarled, strips of pork crackling, with just the softest fatty underbelly served with a sharp, tart, and properly generous dollop of apple sauce. The James Golding’s Loch Duart oak smoked salmon is also something else – firm to the point of being meaty, and not fishy but with an intense and deep flavour brought out with a zing by the pickled cucumber and cider dressing. Okay, Loch Duart is not very near to Bath but the smokehouse is and The Pig head chef has put his name to it. My companion’s wafer-thin slivers of the Hunstrete fallow deer carpaccio tenderly melt under the heat of the horseradish mayonnaise. The Pig’s food is well thought out, beautifully presented, and designed to be savoured – not rushed. In an ideal world, which in fairness The Pig Near Bath nearly is, we’d stop between courses, pull on a pair of those Hunters wellies they have stacked by the entrance, and go for a brisk walk in the grounds (maybe avoiding eye contact with the pigs and the deer), and return ready to slowly eat some more. But real life is crowding in and drawing our stay to a close. We’re also a little gutted to have to drag ourselves past the glittering come-hither art deco bar – this place might be eco-minded but there’s also a whiff of boutique hedonism that definitely makes us vow next time these little piggies won’t be going home. n

“Furiously bubbled and crunchy gnarled strips of pork crackling”

DINING DETAILS The Pig Near Bath, Hunstrete, Pensford, Bath, BS39 4NS; tel: 01761 490490; www.thepighotel.com Established March 2014 and owned by Home Grown Hotels Ltd Accommodation 30 rooms with prices starting from £195 The grounds The surrounding grounds are made up of a garden around the hotel itself with a kitchen garden through the walls which is sizeable and full of seasonal fruit and veg. Beyond that there are bee hives, chickens, quails, the pigs and the deer park Name of Spa The Potting Sheds

Types of treatments offered VOYA treatments offered which cost £115, massages and facials Opening hours of restaurant Breakfast, lunch and dinner with no strict restaurant times Name of chef Jack Stallard Type of food served Home grown fresh seasonal British cuisine with food sourced from the kitchen garden or from within 25 miles of the hotel Covers 160 Outdoor space Of course, lots of gorgeous outside seating Prices Starters cost between £8 – £12, Mains £19 – £28, and desserts £8 – £12

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

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

DAILY BREAD

Bath locals Emma Savage, Alan Bennet and Sharon Savage are opening up a new artisan bakery and café at Avonside in Melksham next month. The Good Loaf is the latest venture from Emma, who along with mum, Sharon ran the Kingsmead Square clothing store favourite Grace & Ted for nearly a decade. When they closed up shop after the pandemic hit, Emma turned her talents to baking. “We’re so excited to open up at Avonside and join the community. We can’t wait to get everything in place in The Good Loaf café’s first home and start serving up the freshly baked breads, cakes and meals which we make ourselves,” says Emma. The Good Loaf ’s menu will feature artisan breads made by Alan, who was previously head baker at Bakers of Bath. Emma and Sharon meanwhile will provide a delicious array of homemade cakes and sweet treats along with all-day brunch options, hot sandwiches, and seasonal specials. For more: www.goodloafcafe.co.uk The Good Loaf is about to launch

The Bradford on Avon Food Festival will be back in June

ABSOLUTELY SCRUMPTIOUS The Bradford on Avon Food Festival is back this summer, and set to bring over 100 artisan and street food stalls to the town over the weekend of 11 – 12 June. Enjoy the pop-up pub with plenty of local brews and, new for this year, a pop-up gin bar courtesy of Wiltshire-based distillery Scout & Sage. The Food Glorious Food tent is making a welcome return, too, hosting talks from local food producers in conversation with Simon Brown. The entertainment doesn’t stop at food however – shoppers can head to the Home@BoA area to buy everything from homewares to clothing and gifts; children’s entertainment will be on hand in the form of face painting with Julia’s House, cooking workshops with Fun Kitchen Company and circus workshops from Flotsam and the Fool; and the festival’s popular Fun Dog Show from Hearing Dogs for Deaf People will also return. There are still spots open for stallholders – check the website for more information. For more: www.scrumptiousfoodfestivals.co.uk

IN GOOD TASTE

Emma Savage and Alan Bennet

Julianna Sedli from The Old Cheese Room will be on hand with cheese expertise

The Royal Crescent Hotel & Spa is marking International Women’s Day with an event dedicated to woman-led cheese creation. The cheese and wine tasting on 8 March is dedicated to highlighting some of the South West’s very best cheeses produced by women, and promises a delightfully tasty journey through five perfectly matched cheese and wine pairings. Julianna Sedli from The Old Cheese Room will host along with Savouring Bath’s qualified cheese expert, Mike, trying out samples of Lypiatt, Berkswell and Wigmore among other delicious cheeses. For more: www.royalcrescent.co.uk

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SMALL PLATES, BIG IMPACT The spots where you really can try a little bit of everything

BANDOOK This modern Indian street food joint from the talent behind The Mint Room oﬀers a vibrant mix of traditional and modern dishes – with a few originals thrown in by its creative culinary team. While you can opt big with a curry bowl, we’re partial to the small plates and chaats, best for a dining experience with a little taste of everything. We especially love the keema pav, a soft buttered brioche bun served with curried mince lamb, or, for the veggies the pav bhaji – a buttered bun served with curried vegetable mash. www.bandookkitchen.com

BAR BRETON This stylish French bar has the advantage of being ﬁrst, delicious and second, ideal pretheatre dining – located just a hop, skip and a jump from the doors to the main auditorium of the Theatre Royal. With a menu inspired by many trips to Brittany and the best treats northern France has to oﬀer – think: excellent cheese – and French wines sourced from a collection of small family producers, all that’s missing is the white sand and crisp blue ocean view of a holiday en Francais. www.barbretonbath.co.uk

PINTXO Immerse yourself in the food culture of Spain with this authentic tapas experience.

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Inspired by the Pintxo bars of San Sebastián, the Basque-style restaurant has a cosy but cool vibe and an extensive and ever-changing menu of beautifully crafted, ﬂavourful dishes. The owners are sherry enthusiasts, reﬂected in Pintxo’s uniquely varied drinks menu – and they work with a local importer to ensure they’re pouring only the best. www.pintxobath.co.uk

“Its vast menu oﬀers a never-ending array of new ﬂavours”

LE VIGNOBLE The cool European vibes hit the moment you step inside this wine lounge. The awardwinning wine merchant offers self-service wine tasting from Enomatic dispensers alongside a simple but delicious French tapas menu. Cured meats, tangy cheeses, and rich, aromatic terrines are on offer alongside a sumptuous collection of sweet treats including the mouthwatering sweet artisan nut mix – available in cherry, berry and chocolate, or salted caramel and chocolate – macarons and an unmissable warm French shortcrust pastry apple tart with vanilla ice cream and coffee sauce. www.levignoble.co.uk

THE COCONUT TREE The Coconut Tree is one of those restaurants that draws us back again and again because its vast menu offers a never-ending array of new flavours and combinations to discover. It’s a crash course in Sri Lankan street food, from hoppers – bowl-shaped coconut milk pancake served with coconut sambol, seeni sambol (caramelised onions with a hint of cinnamon) and lunu miris (Sri Lankan salsa), to kotthu – a Sri Lankan hybrid food made from finely chopped roti with egg, vegetables and meat. ■ www.thecoconut-tree.com

Bringing you the very best of Colombia! 6 Abbeygate St, Bath BA1 1NP 01225 316774 Info@thecolombiancompany.com www.thecolombiancompany.com

EXTERIORS

GARDEN PARTY Make your outdoor space the perfect place to socialise By John Mather 50 I BATH LIFE I www.mediaclash.co.uk

uring 2020 we truly began to realise the value of our outdoor space. We gathered in our bubbles, groups of six, or no more than two households, grateful for the chance to be together regardless of how unprepared those gardens and patios were for entertaining. It also made us appreciate how gorgeous it is to spend an evening outdoors – just because the pandemic restrictions are behind us doesn’t mean we won’t be al fresco socialising for years to come. Here we turn to our local exterior and gardening professionals for advice on how to get our space garden party ready. PERSONAL GROWTH Traditionally people show more of their personality in their home than they do in their adjoining garden but Nick Woodhouse of Woodhouse & Law, who specialise in interior and garden design, wants us to be bolder when planning our space. “When we are designing both indoor and outdoor spaces, we will always try however to look at them holistically. We’d advocate developing a mood and/or materials board for the home and garden as a whole. That way, you can then select colours and shades that will work across the two spaces. “In introducing this greater cohesion, a good garden design will instinctively bring a client’s individuality into an outdoor space too, creating a space that they will instantly feel more comfortable and at home in. “Even though these links can be subtle and nuanced, they can help break down visual barriers between the two. In doing this, the garden can very much start to feel like part of the interior of your home and vice versa.”

“A naturally enclosed space creates the feeling of a retreat”

A good garden design will instinctively bring a client’s individuality into an outdoor space, says Nick Woodhouse

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EXTERIORS Eliza Gray notes bifold doors are essential to achieving a seamless and crisp look

or French doors, considering how they will integrate with the garden before you install them is essential – more often than not, the reality after the building work is ﬁnished, is a neck breaking drop from your beautiful new doors onto a muddy patch some distance below. The decisions on ground level, drainage, ﬂooring materials and the view from the house are key and must be made before the doors are installed, to ensure a seamless and attractive outcome.”

GO WITH THE FLOW

Avoiding steps is vital to help the flow from home to garden, agrees Sam Selby, director of the Bath-based Selby Landscapes, a design and build landscape gardening company. “Bringing the external floor levels up to the same height as the internal gives the impression that your new kitchen is twice the size it actually is. Just be sure to consult an expert as drainage is a crucial part of any good garden installation and something that can easily be overlooked or not done correctly. “A clever choice of stone will © VISOGLIDE DOORS FROM TECHNIGL A ZE FOR JENKINS DEVELOPMENTS serve both internal and external applications correctly and really give a consistent finish to your new space. Areas can be broken up to give more interest using contrasting stone combinations or different sized units.” And as Nick Woodhouse explains, the key to getting the living space and garden space to flow is not to simply try mirror one to the other. “When designing an outdoor space, it’s important not to become obsessive about linking the two spaces. It’s often harder to hold back and know when to stop. We would encourage people to start with subtle references. For example by referencing colours in planters on a terrace with the soft furnishings in an adjoining room. This is often enough and REAP THE BENEFITS TENFOLD will result in a far more sophisticated and timeless result.” There is a reason why bifold doors are the biggest trend in homes and gardens over the last five years, as the presenter and designer on BBC Garden Rescue and founder of the Bath-based Greenbook IN RETREAT Landscape Design, Chris Hull, explains, “They allow free If you don’t have an enclosed outdoor space for entertaining then movement between interior and exterior, making the garden an look to create one, says the team at Agriframes, who specialise in extension of the home. Most commonly used in kitchen diners, it hand crafted garden structures. “A naturally enclosed space could allows the garden to become an al fresco paradise, perfect for feasting, be close to a wall or under a mature tree, which creates the feeling of friends and Fridays! a ‘retreat’. If you don’t already have those areas in your garden then “One of the main things I think people overlook is that it actually decorative screens, trellis, or a gazebo planted with climbers, can help becomes one giant picture frame for your garden, where you can sit define the space. (even in the depths of a cold Bath winter) and gaze out upon the ever “A garden arch over the path can give the sense of entering into changing seasons. Still forming that connection, even without you a different ‘room’ in the garden and curving beds either side of your having to leave the comfort of your sofa.” retreat give you the chance for more aromatic and scented planting. Eliza Gray, owner of and lead designer at Eliza Gray Where space is at a premium a garden arbour can be tucked into a Gardens, a garden design studio based just outside Bath, quiet corner with room for a bench or small table and chair – perfect agrees it all starts with the doors. “Planning your garden at the same for a tea break or as a place to sit with a book on a summer evening. time as you plan your bifold doors is essential to achieve a seamless and Even in the smallest courtyard or on a balcony, scented annuals such as crisp look. Whether you have decided on bifolds, sliding doors, sweet peas can be grown on an obelisk.”

“Bifolds act as one giant picture frame for your garden”

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Rosie Nottage loves a showstopper of a plant

EXTERIORS

above: A clever choice of stone will give a consistent finish to your new

PLANTING IDEAS

space, says Sam Selby; below: The team at Agriframes recommend a gazebo planted with climbers to help define a space

Rosie Nottage, who heads up a Bath-based practice of designers and landscape architects, champions a showstopper of a plant to really remind us of the beauty of an outdoor space. “I love a plant that makes you stop – I have been halted in my tracks by the incredible heady fragrances of an Edgeworthia chrysantha (in Clifton), by a Coronilla valentina subsp. Glauca ‘Citrina’ (at the back of the Holburne), and by a Chimonanthus praecox (in Larkhall).” The advice from our experts is definitely do not be deterred by seeing beautiful plants and flowers as high-maintenance. As Sam Selby points out, more plants doesn’t necessarily mean more work. “A good planting scheme can be looked after with a few maintenance visits a year. Dense planting beds and surrounding greenery will relax you and do wonders for mental health. It makes the space inviting to visitors and also invites birds and bees into your garden, which is so important as wildlife communities are being increasingly threatened. “The plants don’t just have to be in the ground, and simple training wires or timber battens can encourage green walls to further add interest to the space, and a metal panel or vertical sculpture can encourage upward growth.”

GREAT AND SMALL

And don’t think small just because you have a small garden – in fact quite the opposite, says Rosie Nottage: “Be big and bold! Use plants with larger leaves and architectural shapes such as Astelia, Fatsia japonica and glory vines. If the garden is sheltered by nearby houses it might be mild enough for you to experiment with exotics – try bananas, alocasia and tetrapanax. If you can grow Shefflera to the point its peeping over your garden walls, the neighbours will be wondering what goes on inside!”

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“Make the space inviting to visitors and also the birds and bees”

Design Designfor forCommercial Commercial&&Residential ResidentialProperties Properties

clair@clairstrong.co.uk clair@clairstrong.co.uknn07855 07855797311 797311nn01225 01225426905 426905

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EXTERIORS slightly colder climate, it’s not always as great as it seems. The best solution to making you feel warm and cosy is fire. There are numerous ways to bring some heat into the garden and all have varying degrees of cost and benefit. “The most simple form is a fire bowl. A large steel bowl that you can fill with logs and all sit around merrily. However there is always one person that will get a face full of smoke and regret lighting the thing in the first place! “Second are gas or electric powered fire pits/tables. No smoke, no hassle. These are great for providing a bit of warmth and a consistent flame throughout the evening. You can even get dining tables that have a fire blade in the centre, with hot plates above to keep your food warm. “Taking it up a notch are outdoor wood burners. These look fantastic and really replicate that same feeling you get sitting in front of one in your home. They kick out a great amount of heat and have style points too if you choose the right one. Finally the ultimate outdoor fire solution would be the outdoor fire place. It can be made into a real focal point of your entertaining space, making a part of the garden that everyone wants sit around. The challenge with this is to make sure it doesn’t look kitsch, so use materials that are being replicated elsewhere in the garden, for example it could have a Cotswold stone surround.”

ROOM WITH A VIEW above: An insulated multifunctional room like this from Future Rooms can add a

whole new all-weather socialising space; below: Chris Hull suggests making fire the focal point of your entertaining space

LITTLE DETAILS

The view both from the house and in the garden itself should be one of variety, interest and intrigue, as Eliza Grey explains, “Rather than the whole garden being on view from the glass doors, it creates more interest to block some views and give glimpses of others. You can use planting, low walls, trees or feature pots as visual blocks near to the house – don’t be scared to use big specimens near to the house. These views can be exaggerated at night with the use of lighting – picking out key features such as specimen trees. I often use statement pots from Torc Pots or Urbis to draw the eye, up-lighting them to create drama after dark.” At The Urban Garden, the garden centre based in Victoria Park which is run by the volunteering and training company Grow Yourself, there’s a whole raft of plants and products to keep those outdoor spaces both wildlife, and people, friendly. “Our most popular items include lanterns, festoon lights and fire bowls to give warmth to a space,” says the community interest company’s director Matt Smail. “Garden mirrors to make a small space look bigger; herbs which we recommend planting near the dining area or have in pots on a table or near the BBQ; and growing salad plants in containers – which again are ideal for fresh picking when needed.”

Richard Kocerhan, managing director of Future Rooms, which designs, supplies and installs a range of garden rooms, suggests building an actual other room in your garden can add a whole raft of flexible options. “Having an insulated multifunctional room in the garden means it can be used for work during the day, exercise in the evening, and for entertainment over the weekend, serving as a cinema room or a bar area.” n For more: www.agriframes.co.uk / www.elizagraygardens.co.uk / www.futurerooms.co.uk / www.greenbooklandscapedesign.co.uk / www.rosienottage.com/ www.selbylandscapes.com/www.theurbangarden.org.uk / www.woodhouseandlaw.co.uk

FEEL THE HEAT

“Everyone loves the European dream of dining outdoors and entertaining long into the night,” says Chris Hull “But with our

“There are numerous ways to bring some heat into the garden”

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EXTERIORS

HOW DOES YOUR GARDEN GLOW? A little inspiration to make your outdoor space special

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SHOPPING LIST

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1. French box wall lantern, £485, www.hollowaysofludlow.com 2. Crescent window box with planter, prices start from £250, www.garden-requisites.co.uk 3. Supremo Riviera 3m parasol in old green, £119.99; www.whitehallgardencentre.co.uk 4. Petite gothic mirror, £30, www.vinegarhill.co.uk 5. The Urban Garden sells a huge array of plants and products; www.theurbangarden.org.uk 6. Copenhagen pot by Bergs Potter, £35, www.juliadavey.com 7. Cuprinol Garden Shades, prices start from £12.99 for 1 litre; www.francisdiy.com 8. Indoor / outdoor chevron dining table, £550, www.coxandcox.co.uk 9. Small glass tea light candle holder by Ib Laursen, £2.50, www.honeyonthehill.co.uk 10. Concrete bench planter, £695, www.grahamandgreen.co.uk

WINNING LOOKS All dressed up and somewhere to go Words by Marianne Cantelo Styling by Eleanor Tasker

ow clever the fashion world is, unleashing all the inspirational glamour for dressing up on the couture catwalks. Conveniently, they are just in time to tempt the world’s most famous celebrities into showing oﬀ their ﬁnest creations on the awards red carpet in the spring, including the leading lights at the upcoming Bath Life Awards on 3 March. Celebrating local businesses, charities and wonderful people, the opportunity to dress up and walk down the red carpet is not to be missed.

RULE BREAKER

Bath is the architectural equivalent of a silk ball gown – we owe it to our city to go to town and keep it beautiful whoever we are, whatever shape we are. As our A-list role models become more diverse, designers have opened their eyes to what consumers want. This year Valentino’s ten house models reflected the bodies of today’s role models, not the typical size zero look, but beautiful, diverse, relatable bodies. The true beauty of red carpet dressing today is that all the previous rules are there to be broken if you like. How do you find the perfect garment for elegant dressing, or rulebreaking, when most shops don’t get party wear until September? The easiest way to experiment and find out what might suit, is to explore vintage shops. The Yellow Shop in Bath stocks incredible pieces all year round. If you feel like wearing Dr Martens and tulle, or trainers and breaking the rules like a noughties Lily Allen, you’ll find everything you need there.

RED CARPET READY

If you wanted to mimic the Jean Paul Gaultier show, you could easily find voluminous skirts and blouses in Jack and Danny’s on the London Road (just speak to Sheila and she’ll find you what you need) and then layer over clean-lined corsetry by What Katie Did, keeping it from looking ‘costumey’ by choosing single tone colours. It’s also super simple to find jewel-like clutch bags in charity shops all year round – if you see one, get it – then it will be ready for when you need it. Another trick is to layer tulle skirts in the vein of Giambattista Valli, wearing one skirt as an off the shoulder voluminous top. The online Dorothy House shop has some incredible full circle ball gowns, maxi skirts and quirky LBDs – buy a larger size and with the money that you save on the dress, pay for tailored alterations that contour and flatter.

LOCAL WINNERS

Look in carefully curated boutiques like Maze and Gaff. In their sales you’ll find individual pieces from last season, that are red carpet ready for today. I love the blouson sleeved Selected Femme sequin dress for an easy glamour. Grace & Mabel have a beautiful array of dresses that are rule breakers, the Stine Goya Ilona dress is an incredible statement piece well as the Jordan sequin tulle. Don’t forget the chill in the air and layer up your gown with faux fur. Regular visits to Portman on Milsom Street will be rewarded by original Italian made coats that are bold and beautiful and very unique. And a final word in stepping out – shoes are everything – a positive of an Awards ceremony is the opportunity to arrive by car, only walk a short walk and then sit down. It means those towering heels that otherwise might terrify, can get a gleeful outing, or consider Chanii B for unique but comfortable heels that’ll never scare you. Marianne Cantelo is the business development project manager for Dorothy House Hospice Care. The charity has 25 high street shops across the region selling fantastic pre-loved items which provides a large part of their income, plus it now has an online shop. For more: www.dorothyhouse.org.uk Photographer Egle Vasi; www.eglevasi.com Styling by @eleanortasker Clothes sourced from Dorothy House Make up and hair @LouiseJaneMakeupArtist Model Alana Thomas from Gingersnap Models Venue: 12 The Paragon by @We_Are_Always_Sunday

FASHION 1

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SHOPPING LIST

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1. Floor length velvet Joan dress, £495, www.pearllowe.co.uk 2. White jade stone earrings with gold chain tassels, £32.50, Spirit Fashion, 3 High Street, Devizes; www.spiritfashion.co.uk 3. Green and amethyst torque bangle in 18ct rose gold and steel, £4,690, Mallory 1-5 Bridge Street, Bath; www.mallory-jewellers.com 4. Desigual Messages bag with sequins, £64, Gaff Clothing, 29 Upper Borough Walls, Bath; www.gaffclothing.co.uk 5. Vintage handsewn magenta sateen longline pencil skirt in size large, £9.99, www.dorothyhouse.shop 6. Saline sequin dress in copper by Selected Femme, now £112.50 reduced from £225, Maze, 19 Green Street, Bath; www.mazeclothing.co.uk 7. Ellie dress in flower foliage by Stine Goya, £280, Grace & Mabel, 3 George Street, Bath; www.graceandmabel.co.uk 8. Ada floral tights, £32, Anthropologie, 1 – 4 New Bond Street, Bath; www.anthropologie.com 9. Wide leather ring buckle belt in brass, £24, Sassy & Boo, 9 Bartlett Street, Bath; www.luellafashion.com 10. Jupiter shoe with cut out heel and adjustable ribbon around the ankle in orange and fuchsia, £245, Chanii B, 9 Milsom Place, Bath; www.chaniibshoes.com

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FASHION

LICENSE TO THRILL

Bond is the inspiration for Awards dressing this year By Nick Hems

ith the Bath Life Awards soon upon us, we thought we’d give you a heads up on what to wear when the dress code states ‘Uberglam’. This can be defined as a soft interpretation of the traditional black tie minus the rigidity. Think of it as a party where you need to dress fancy, but not a fancydress party – not unless you’re going as James Bond. My one key piece of advice though is this is all about the fit – buying off the peg is fine but consider visiting a great local tailors such as Milsom Street’s City Tailors to achieve that impeccable look. And now it looks like the world has opened up and there’s going to be lots of celebratory events to attend, it could well be worth getting professional style advice from someone like myself. The right black tie outfit is an investment piece that means you’ll be Awards winner ready – always!

THE DINNER JACKET The jacket is really your

statement piece so choose wisely. Traditional black tie wasn’t even black, it was midnight blue. The reason for this is midnight blue turns very black as the light fades in the evening, while black can actually turn more of a dusty grey. Midnight blue and black remain the best options for a traditional dinner jacket though. Consider a velvet jacket option – it’s more of a fun choice, and it definitely exudes personality which formality can erase. It’s easier to inject some colour here as well, ideally one that works best for skin tone. Popular choices remain black and blue, but burgundy and racing green are also rising in popularity and availability.

SHIRT The black tie event shirt is also known as

a dress shirt and one that’s traditionally pleated and double cuffed, it would also be fastened with studs instead of buttons. A wing tip collar is a more formal choice, but the modern and not at all incorrect option would be a turn down collar. Also, in the versatile and sustainable stakes, a quality turndown collar definitely wins.

TROUSERS As long as the trousers are dark,

fitted and match the jacket then you’re winning. Traditional black-tie trousers have a single row of braiding running down the leg, but that’s not a necessity these days. Aesthetically you are better off without a distracting belt, so you could consider braces or trousers with some stretch to them if you are going to be indulging over the evening.

SHOES If you can, step away from your everyday

office shoes. I would say the key is keeping your shoe minimalist and black. A narrower low-profile shoe will definitely help when it comes to keeping the look

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elegant. Black and patent is the classic look for a full dinner suit.

BOW TIE If you are looking to inject a little

personality then a coloured bow tie is an option here and not even frowned upon at traditional blacktie events, as long as it’s not white (reserved for whitetie events). If you can go for the hand-tied option – it may take an extra 30 mins to get ready and a few viewings on YouTube, but the outcome looks so much more polished. The trick is NOT aiming for a perfectly symmetrical look here. But there are also plenty of pre-tied bow ties options if you want to make life easy.

CUMMERBUND OR WAISTCOAT

Traditionally a gentleman would hide their waist at such events, leading to the construction of a powerful V at the chest, shooting up towards the shoulders, framed by silk, peaked lapels, which gives the most flattering showing of the physique. Both cummerband and waistcoat are considered optional, and as a rule, no belt should be worn with a waistcoat.

POCKET SQUARE Keep it

simple, a white pocket square keeps things elegant and traditional. If opting for colour or pattern, don’t make it too standout as it will detract from the entire look.

CUFFLINKS In line with

everything else, simple and elegant wins the days.

WATCH Personally I’d avoid sports

or smart watches, again aesthetically they detract from the overall look. A dress watch always looks best, or again a simple analogue watch pulls the look together well.

SOCKS – Yes, wear some and keep them black, no place for novelty numbers here!

Based in Bath, Nick Hems is a one of the UK’s leading men’s style consultants. He specialises in personal styling, shopping and gift buying. For more: www.nickhemsstyle.co.uk

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1. Nelson black wool mohair dinner trousers, £250, Gieves & Hawkes, 20 Old Bond Street, Bath; www.gievesandhawkes.com 2. Kirkwall white poplin pleated front evening shirt, £145, Gieves & Hawkes, 20 Old Bond Street, Bath; www.gievesandhawkes.com 3. Tailored fit olive velvet dress jacket, £179, Moss Bros, 22 Milsom Street, Bath; www.moss.co.uk 4. Van Buck plain bow tie, £25, Suave Owl, 33 Milsom Street, Bath; www.suaveowl.co.uk 5. Parliament whole cut Oxford show by Loake in onyx black, £399, The Brogue Trader, 15 Green Street Bath; www.thebroguetrader.com 6. Black and white contrast cummerbund, £18, Moss Bros, 22 Milsom Street, Bath; www.moss.co.uk 7. Silver oval sterling silver hinged polished cufflinks, £100, Nicholas Wylde, 12 Northumberland Place, Bath; www.nicholaswylde.com 8. Thomas white pocket square, £48; www.thomasfortin.com 9. De Ville Tresor By Omega in 18ct yellow gold, £15,100, Mallory, 1-5 Bridge Street, Bath; www.mallory-jewellers.com 10. Boss mercerised logo socks, £11, Jolly’s House of Fraser, 13 Milsom Street Bath; www.houseoffraser.co.uk

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SPONSORED CONTENT

EXPERIENCE HARMONY DEISIE WELLNESS presents a Five Senses Yoga Retreat at La Residencia in Deià, Mallorca

mmerse yourself on an exclusive yoga retreat, fusing luxury with physical and sensual harmony, led by yoga instructor Nicky Lewis. All five senses will be engaged as you practice yoga amongst the olive groves, above the Mediterranean and embraced by the Serra de Tramuntana mountains. An exceptional yoga retreat held exclusively in partnership with La Residencia, Belmond Hotel, the uber stylish, luxurious boutique hotel. Situated in Deià, a picturesque village where the honeyed stone of ancient Mallorcan buildings appear to tumble down the mountainside and into the sparkling cerulean sea. With access to three swimming pools, a spa, tennis courts, hot-tub, courtyards, citrus groves and lavish gardens, La Residencia is without doubt one of the finest five-star hotels in the world. Queen-sized beds, ensuite bathroom, robes, slippers, fresh fruit and bottled cold water ensures your bedroom will become a comfortable haven to take pleasure in. As the sun rises and the soft swell of waves

break on the beach below, unroll your yoga mat to the sound of birdsong. Let go of worry, work or family stress, as you unfurl on the mat and breathe deeply. A bounteous feast of wholesome and healthy fresh fruit, home-baked breads and pastries, juices, yogurt, island honey, muesli, local Mallorcan cheeses and eggs are served by the pool every morning after your first yoga class – treat yourself to eggs Florentine or even pancakes. A super healthy plant based meal is included and is provided in the pretty, Bougainvillea covered courtyard of a local restaurant in Deià village. Practising yoga for more than twenty years, Nicky Lewis is a qualified Hatha, Yin and Restorative yoga teacher, she is also certified in Primordial Sound meditation with the Chopra Centre in California. Nicky is a wellness coach who encourages the concept of holistic wellness through body, mind and spirit. Morning yoga as the sun rises will energise and strengthen you for the day, while sunset classes will focus on restorative, healing yoga and meditation to provide restful sleep and relaxation. n

What to Expect 8.30am Sunrise yoga amongst the olive groves 10.30am Super healthy brunch by the pool 11.30am Morning pool swim and relaxation 2pm

Guided walk and sea swim

4pm

Vegetarian dinner in Deià village

6.30pm Sunset restorative yoga and meditation 8pm

Evening swim and relaxation

Next Retreats: 5-8 April 2022 & 18-21 Oct 2022 Do not miss your chance to live your best life, book your place on the next Five Senses Yoga Retreat at La Residencia with Nicky Lewis www.deisiewellness.co.uk/mallorca

SPONSORED CONTENT

FOR THE BODY & MIND Take care of yourself inside and out

APPLETON NUTRITION is founded by

Nicolle Appleton, a fully-qualified Nutritionist with 15 years-experience in Alzheimer’s disease research. She is a specialist in optimising the health and wellbeing of those affected by Alzheimer’s, dementia, and Parkinson’s disease. Our diet can deeply affects our minds and our lives – get the knowhow on nourishing your brain with the choice of strategy sessions and 6-months programmes. nicolle.appletonnutrition@gmail.com; 07894086663; www.appletonnutrition.co.uk

DAVID MAXWELL HAIRDRESSING

AT THE CORE

is a physiotherapy and wellbeing clinic with a range of treatments to help patients with all types of pain and reduced mobility typically associated with injury, sports rehabilitation and arthritis. With modalities such as MBST® therapy that set it apart from other clinics in the area, the primary focus is on helping patients back to fitness as quickly as possible, so that they can get back to doing what they enjoy most. Unit 3, The Foundry, Beehive Yard, Walcot St, Bath, BA1 5BT; 01225 461205; www.atthecore.health

YMCA HEALTH & WELLBEING CENTRE is a charity with an aim of making health

and well-being accessible to as many people as possible. Membership includes fully inclusive access to the gym and classes, as well as the YMCA’s professional staff. Plus by joining, you’re contributing to helping others through your membership fees or pay-as-you-go options. Broad Street Place, Bath, BA1 5LH; 01225 325913; fitness@ymca-bg.org; www.ymcabath.org.uk

BISHOPSTROW HOTEL & SPA

is a multi-award-winning salon in the heart of Bath, fulfilling all haircare needs from cutting and styling to colour transformations, all in a friendly and luxurious salon. Established in 2011, the salon specialises in hair extensions, bridal hair and five-star customer service. Every visit will leave you looking and feeling gorgeous. 10 Argyle Street, Bath BA2 4BQ; Tel: 01225 435713; www.davidmaxwellhairdressing.co.uk

LITTLE LAB offer award-winning beauty classes and beauty salon treatments; they are no strangers to makeup classes. They have been teaching people how to achieve a three-to-five-minute daily routine for over eight years in their shop in Bath, and have taught 4,500 people their bespoke routine. Think of it as shy-ofmakeup mentoring aimed to give confidence. Book Live for your beauty appointments. 20 Broad Street, Bath BA1 5LN; 01225 310849; www.littlelab.co.uk

The newly designed Hot Tub Junior Suites are just one of the latest additions to Bishopstrow Hotel & Spa. Each suite sits on a private terrace surrounded by hedges, adorned with unique art pieces, underfloor-heated, and offers a walk-in rainforest shower experience. What better way to connect body and mind than a private countryside retreat? Boreham Rd, Warminster BA12 9HH; 01985 804680; www.bishopstrowhotel.com

DR LUCY FACIAL AESTHETICS

HOMEWOOD BATH

THE SPA AT NO.15, BATH

www.doctorlucy.co.uk

www.homewoodbath.co.uk

is a medical Aesthetics clinic situated in Widcombe, Bath offering a bespoke service for all your aesthetic needs. With an emphasis on ‘natural’, Dr Lucy uses Wrinkle relaxing, Dermal Fillers, Profhilo and Mesotherapy’s to deliver outstanding natural results from anti-ageing to tweaks which enhance or disguise certain features. 10 Rossiter Road, Bath, BA2 4JP; 07887514154

The all-new CBD spa treatment collection at Homewood is one of the first of its kind in the area. Including a CBD body treatment and facial, these deeply soothing experiences, combined with the natural healing properties of CBD, will increase your energy and spiritual enlightenment. Abbey Lane, Freshford, Somerset, BA2 7TB; 01225 580439; spa@homewoodbath.co.uk;

offers a soothing spa with 6 treatment rooms perfectly decorated in calming tones providing the ideal backdrop to relax. Carefully curated playlists guide you to escapism, mood-boosting, focus or relaxation. Wellness tailored to speak to your senses, all carefully balanced for an instantly soothing and relaxing experience which ever treatment you choose. 15 Great Pulteney St, Bath, BA2 4BS; 01225 807015; www.guesthousehotels.co.uk/no-15-bath

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BATH LIFE AWARDS 2022 SPECIAL PREVIEW SECTION

Get ready to celebrate the best of the city at the Bath Life Awards on 3 March in the Assembly Rooms. In this special preview, we meet the judges and take a sneak peek at what to expect on the night www.mediaclash.co.uk I BATH LIFE I 67

BATH LIFE AWARDS

AWARDS SEASON

Get ready to meet the next Bath Life Award winners in March

he Bath Life Awards is the absolute highlight of our year. With every fresh crop of nominations, we are utterly blown away by the talent, innovation, creativity and tenacity of the city’s businesses. Across all of the industries, every year we discover fresh talent, celebrate excellence and create meaningful new connections as we come together to spotlight another group of finalists and raise a glass (or several) to the winners. The judging is a painstaking process – each nomination poured over, discussed and debated until we’re left with only the best of the best. It’s never an easy decision – heated debates are had every year – but that’s part of the fun. You can

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learn more about this year’s decision makers on page 71. The list of finalists – meet them all on the Bath Life Awards website – represent a snapshot of the most exciting projects the city has to offer. On the night itself, that excitement is palpable, with everyone dressed in their finery and gathered in The Assembly Rooms ready to celebrate. The community vibe is strong – and it’s more than just the prosecco. The finalists have come along hoping to win, of course – but in the end whether they go home with a trophy or not, they leave with a sense of something gained. This might be the potential for a new business partnership or simply a reminder of the vital role we all play in the evolution of the city we love. It’s time – dig out your glammest outfit, get your dancing shoes on, and prepare to party. For more: www.bathlifeawards.co.uk

Categories: 21 Award categories (including the all-new Sustainability Award) Sponsors: Apex Hotels, Bath Audi, Bath Life, Bath Rugby, Crumbs, Enlightened, EntreConf, Hotel Indigo Bath, HPH Commercial Property, MediaClash, Minuteman press, Novia, Savills and Stone King Features: Bath Clinic, Freestyle Designs, Juice Recruitment, Sub13, Sulis Down by Countryside Properties and Triangle Networks Key dates: Thursday 3 March, Bath Life Awards at The Assembly Rooms

Key messages: Ball Room tickets now sold out/ Limited tickets and tables remain in the Tea Room Join us at the after party at Sub13 once the Awards ceremony finishes. Please check out the full safety guidelines for the event on the Awards website. All attendees will be asked to show proof of one of the following on arrival at the Awards: • Double vaccination via COVID Pass (NHS app) or vaccination card • Negative test result taken in the last 24 hours (NHS app or text message confirmation)

SPONSORED CONTENT

FROM JAPAN WITH LOVE Start off the year on the right foot at Japanese-inspired restaurant ROBUN

ne of Bath’s most exciting restaurant launches of the last 12 months, Robun is a tribute to Japanese author Kanagaki Robun and his 1872 book Seiyō ryōritsū, which introduced western barbecue to Japan. The restaurant's modern-day interpretation of 'Yakiniku' specialises in sharing platters of beautiful robata grilled meats, sea food and vegetables fused with elements from across Asia, paired with inspired cocktails, wines and an extensive choice of Japanese whiskeys in the most inviting and sociable of settings. One of the most popular aspects of its offering is the unique and innovative Japanese Afternoon Tea service, perfect for an elegant afternoon with friends. Dine on Japanese-inspired delights, with a menu that boasts the likes of Akami Sashimi and Chicken Karaage, followed by treats such as Black Truffle chocolate torte and Mochi ice cream. There’s plenty of choice to tantalise the taste

buds, accompanied by a selection of traditional Japanese teas. For those who are looking to hold a private celebration, party or work event, Robun’s first floor exclusive dining room and bar is one of Bath’s best kept secrets. Hosting up to 40 seated or 50 standing, this beautiful and atmospheric space will provide the perfect venue for that special event. Robun’s dedicated events team will be in touch prior to the event to help plan and design it and then of course to provide exceptional service and hospitality throughout, with a bespoke range of menus and drinks. Also recently launched is Robun’s delicious lunch menu. Starting at £22.95, this offers a range of sushi and sharing plates including dishes like soft-shell crab tempura roll with Kimchi mayo and a caviar-topped Waygu nigiri with Yuzu miso truffle sauce. Great food, great drinks, great service, Robun is the perfect place to celebrate the start of 2022. ■

For more information or to make a booking please call: 01225 614424 or email us at: bookings@robun.co.uk Online: www.robun.co.uk

BATH LIFE AWARDS

THE JUDGES WILL DECIDE…

Every year there’s a fresh panel of impeccably impartial and independent judges for the Bath Life Awards. It’s a diverse and knowledgeable group from a wide variety of sectors and sizes of business. They and they alone will decide our winners… CAROLINE BAXTER Director, Aspire to Move

BRIONY PHILLIPS CMO, Rocketmakers,

As part of Briony’s work, she dedicates one day each week to running the Investment Activator Programme, a collaboration with TechSPARK to increase the flow of equity capital into the South West.

Caroline joins the panel having over 20 years’ experience in the property sector in sales, lettings and new homes. She enjoys running her own letting agency with her fellow director Will Maslin, which opened its doors two years ago.

KIM MARCER Director, Ripples Bathrooms

As a teenager Kim worked in various Bath based businesses such as Combe Grove Manor and The Bath Chronicle. She went on to study Hotel Management in Cheltenham and having successfully completed her degree, she joined Ripples Bathrooms in 1993.

Anna is the owner of Cassia, a collection of co-working cafés in Bath, Bradford on Avon and (soon!) beyond. She is the chair and owner of MPC, an agency which uses the built environment as a catalyst for positive change, addressing inequalities in society.

EMMA ROSE Owner, Emma Rose Art Works DIMO DIMOV Professor of Innovation and Entrepreneurship, University of Bath

Before Bath, Dimo was on the faculty at Newcastle University, University of Connecticut and IE Business School. Prior to entering academia, he was finance director with Marriott International, overseeing two hospitality businesses in Budapest. His research focuses on entrepreneurial thinking, process, and practice.

MASON POLLOCK General manager, Picturehouse Cinemas

Mason is an experienced general manager with a demonstrated history of working in the retail and restaurant industry, and now happily transitioned into the cinema industry working for Picturehouse.

ANNA SABINE Managing director, Cassia

Emma is a successful artist who specialises in paintings and commissions alongside accessible design advice for the home and office. Her past working life in London spanned theatre, film, photography and dance, all of which feed her creative and business process.

DR YUKTESHWAR KUMAR Deputy Mayor of Bath

TIM RUTHERFORD Partner, Stone King

Tim is a partner at Stone King and the head of the firm’s Charity & Social Enterprise Sector Group. He has a reputation for being one of the leading lawyers acting for charities both in Bath and throughout the country.

Yukteshwar is the first person of Asian heritage to take the role of the Deputy Mayor of the City of Bath. He was voted as the most influential person in the city in 2020 by The Bath Chronicle and is a senior academic at the University of Bath.

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SPONSORED CONTENT

NATURAL VITALITY Find a sanctuary of relaxation in Bradford on Avon at Bath Life Awards finalists VITALITY DAY SPA

ased in Bradford on Avon, Vitality Day Spa is an award-winning family-run business that offers a range of relaxing and indulgent treatments including massage, facials, and natural beauty experiences. The team of highly trained therapists promote a holistic approach to every treatment, ensuring that each visitor is looked after as an individual, including after care to help continue the beneficial effects of treatments at home. The spa prides itself on innovative treatments that reflect its ethos and dedication to the environment and natural products, in addition to working closely with local and independent businesses that share a passion for providing the highest quality to customers. Following lockdown, Vitality introduced its Wanderlust treatments, designed to create an opportunity to be immersed in some of the delights of the world without the need to travel further than Bradford on Avon. Indulge the senses in treatments that allow you to drift away to enchanting and exotic locations. Inspired by

and utilising the natural products occurring within landscapes around the world, Vitality has created numerous treatments that transport you to remote global wonders – from crisp mountains and Nordic shores to tropical rainforests and ancient zen gardens. As an added bonus, for every Wanderlust treatment purchased, £1 is donated to charities supporting either important conservation work around the globe or mental well-being right here in the UK. The most recent development at Vitality Day Spa is the Cherished Lily Collection, which focuses on pregnancy and post-pregnancy treatments. The treatments are designed to nurture mumto-be throughout her pregnancy journey, helping to enhance the incredible connection between mother and baby, provide some much-needed self-care, and bring a dash of glam. Vitality's therapists are currently training in the new-post pregnancy treatments, which are due to be launched in April. If you are interested in visiting, check out the website for Vitality's treatment menu and booking details. Alternatively, the team are always available

for a phone call if you would like to discuss treatments further or arrange a gift voucher. Vitality Day Spa is proud to be a finalist in the Bath Life Awards 2022 and the team are looking forward to attending the fabulous event. ■

8 Market Street, Bradford on Avon BA15 1LH 01225 309 356; www.vitalitydayspa.co.uk

BATH LIFE AWARDS FI N A L IS T S A N D SP O NSO R S R EC E P T I O N

Luke Uren and Tim Whelehan

ALL PHOTOS BY SOUL MEDIA

Benjamin Trought, Alison Watson and Eve Wright

Sally Vivian and Amy Cuckoo

Emma Rose, Sue Fourie and Malachi Bogdanov

FINALISTS COUNTDOWN

Georgie Farnham and Ashley Barnes

The excited finalists and sponsors for the 2022 Bath Life Awards gathered for an exclusive evening at The Gainsborough to toast to another year of successful, thriving Bath businesses – and wish each other all the best for the big night.

Julia Tisdale, Cathy Adcock and Ruth Kelly Jenny Perez, Sam Selby, Dulcie Selby and Eliza Gray

Jon Hackett, Lotte Duncan and James Grace www.mediaclash.co.uk I BATH LIFE I 77

Kate Marshall, Lucy Middlefell, Rob Middlefell and Steve Marshall

Bath BID welcome ambassadors Katie and Abi

Mason Pollock, Reuben Collings, Kalvin Simmons and Sarah Moolla

Samantha Gorham, Ian Redding, Georgie Farnham and Ashley Barnes Simon Jones

Steve Huggins and Adam Leon Matthew Peglar, Jack King, Bob Irwin and Jamie Butt

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Clare Emberson-Pratt and Leigh Samways

AWARDS 2021 ALL PHOTOS BY SOUL MEDIA

Simon Jones, Bob Irwin, Claire Black and Nick Hems

Chris Blakeley, Megan Smith and Nat Morris

Polly Jackson, Philippa May and Robyn Blackmore Sarah Baker, Seb Kedzierski and Caitlin Rolfe

Stephanie Dodd, Lydia Tewkesbury, Annabel North, Harriette Dixon, Greg Ingham, Dan Nicholls, Emma Maisey and Pat White

HIT REWIND

Michael Musgrave, Karoline Chesterman, Madeline Wibberley, Emma-Marie Smith, and Rebecca Harvey

The Bath Life Awards 2021 was a joyous affair. Last year’s event at Bath Pavilion was an epic celebration of success against all the odds. It was a night for those businesses who had thrived despite the pandemic and organisations who had held the city up throughout it. It was a moment for the community to reunite after so much enforced separation around a singular love for our city. We can’t wait to do it all again on 3 March.

The excitement was palpable for the winners

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

Lucy Billington

B AT H ’ S P R E M I E R M O R T G A G E B R O K E R With nearly 20 years’ experience in the mortgage industry, we have expert knowledge in many areas including:      

Residential mortgages Mortgages for the self employed First time buyers Buy to let mortgages Holiday let mortgages Limited Company and HMO mortgages

We have access to over 90 mortgage lenders and offer fee free advice, with five star ratings across multiple review sites including Google and Trust Pilot. Appointments are available over the phone, via video calls or face to face, and we will shortly be relocating to a central Bath office just off Queen’s Square.

We are proud to have chosen The Grand Appeal, the Bristol Children’s Hospital Charity, as our charity partner and donate £75 on completion of every mortgage referral we receive. FINALIST

Lansdown Financial Services Ltd, 6 & 7 Trim Street, Bath, BA1 1HB www.lansdownfs.co.uk | 01225 459515 | enquiries@lansdownfs.co.uk

ARCHITECTS

David Flatman, Madeline Tovar, Nicola Fender and Josh Berry-Jenkins

Kartini Sutoto

Miles Lloyd and Sarah Williams-Martin

Table celebration for Dermaguru Matt Pegler presents Restaurant winners The Mint Room with their Award

David Flatman and Greg Ingham were hosts for the evening Lorna Montgomery picks up her award from Flats

Sarah Moolla

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HALF PRICE BOTTLE OF PROSECCO FOR ALL SPONSORS AND FINALISTS *Offer available until 31st March

FINALIST

Based within the local shopping district of Oldfield Park in Bath, we have been supplying the widest range of DIY & Hardware products available. We have been trading since 1966 and are a family-run business. Having been on the high street for over 55 years we have a wealth of experience and pride ourselves on the friendly service we provide to our customers, both new and existing. Our range of stock runs to thousands of items and our dedicated and friendly staff will be delighted to offer advice or simply point you in the right direction!

At My Mortgage Maker, we take pride in what we do and we’d love to help find the right mortgage for you. Let us take the hassle out of what doesn’t need to be a stressful process. Northgate House, 2nd & 3rd Floors, Upper Borough Walls, Bath, BA1 1RG Call us on 01225 962532 or email info@mymortgagemaker.co.uk



WWW.MYMORTGAGEMAKER.CO.UK

Free Local Delivery. We are open Monday – Saturday 8am – 6pm & Sunday 9am – 4pm 39 Moorland Road Bath BA2 3PN • 01225 427885 www.francisdiy.com

Your home may be repossessed if you do not keep up repayments on your mortgage.

We are passionate, friendly and real, and just so happen to be perfect for the 'Gram'. If you know, you know. If you don’t know, don’t worry. You’ll soon know.

HYDRAFACIAL • BROWS & LASHES • FACIALS BODY & INTIMATE WAXING • THREADING • MANI’S & PEDI’S GEL & ACRYLIC NAILS • SPRAY TANNING • GIFT VOUCHERS

A luxury city-centre apartment

for the most discerning of visitors

Hey Siri, how many stars does Dudes n’ Dolls Beauty Salon have on Google?

We must be doi ng somet h i ng r i ght i f Vi sit E ngl a nd h ave g iven us 5 st a r s! And our guests agree: “Spotlessly clean”, “Best view in town”, “Absolutely gorgeous”, “Home from home”, “Luxurious” “Communication from Sam is 5 star”, “Perfect spot”, “Sumptuous”, “Incredible host” “Highly recommend”, “Stunning high end luxury”

Come and see what you think. Book online www.hopeplacebath.co.uk Book online: www.dudesndollsbeauty.co.uk Dudes n’ Dolls, Keynsham, Bristol, BS31 1EG Tel: 0117 9860181 • Follow us: f  dudesndollsbeauty

and

@hopeplacebath

Hope Place,Lansdown Road, Bath,BA1 5DL

It’s the city’s business

BATHWORKS THIS ISSUE >>HOLLOWAYS OF LUDLOW LAUNCHING 2 MARCH (91) >>BIZ Q&A SARAH BURNS OF JOIN THE DOTS (92) >>BLA Q&A WELLBEING SERVICE (93)

Bath Rugby has partnered with Bath College to provide more opportunities for women to enter elite rugby

Top of the game

Bath Rugby’s exciting new partnership with Bath College providing women a pathway into elite rugby

new partnership between Bath Rugby and Bath College has launched to aid the development of promising young female rugby players in the area. The partnership provides the first pathway to the elite game for women in the region, mirroring successful existing schools partnerships for male players. “The formation of Bath Rugby Women’s Academy is the start of a long-term commitment with Bath College to create a best-in-class Women’s Academy and facilitate the growth of the female game throughout the region,” says Tarquin McDonald, chief executive of Bath Rugby. “Providing

opportunities for girls to further their education and rugby careers is imperative if we are to see the women’s game thrive. “Our Academy will be a springboard for girls looking to explore a career in rugby, with the hope that many will progress from this programme to the pinnacle of the sport.” Bath Rugby and Bath College will together deliver the Diploma in Sporting Excellence (DiSE) and BTEC Level 3 Sports Coaching and Development Programme, which aims to provide an outstanding rugby and academic programme – all overseen by Maria Crowfoot, Bath Rugby’s rugby development lead and RFU Level 3 qualified coach. This new partnership complements the one already in place with the University of Bath’s Women’s Team, and offers an exciting

development opportunity to the best young players in the region. “At a time when collaborations have never been more important, we are so pleased to enter into this long-term partnership with Bath Rugby,” says Jayne Davis, principal and CEO of Bath College. “It combines two aspects of the College we are very proud of: sport and quality of education. To have the opportunity to further the sporting careers and education of young women through this exciting route is something we are all looking forward to. “I can’t wait to see the names and faces of successful female rugby players leading the way in the future.” Applications are open now. For more: www.bathrugby.com /www.bathcollege.ac.uk

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BATHWORKS

FUNDING THE FUTURE The Studio in Bath has launched a fund to support BANES-based creative technology microbusinesses, freelancers and third sector organisations as they recover from the detrimental effects of the pandemic. It’s the second year Bath Spa University’s research and innovation hub has provided the £25,000 fund, which will be split into grants ranging from £1,000 to £5,000. “Freelancers and micro-businesses within the creative industries sector continue to be negatively impacted by the pandemic,” says Professor Kate

Pullinger, academic lead at The Studio and director of Bath Spa University’s Centre for Cultural and Creative Industries (CCCI). “To help support the ongoing recovery of the sector in BANES, The Studio is looking to fund creative technology projects that explore a specific area of research or help stimulate business growth.” The fund’s key focus is on proposals that demonstrate inclusion, environmental sustainability and innovation. Submissions close on 21 March. For more: www.thestudioinbath.co.uk

David McNulty with Olympic gold medal winner Tom Dean

HALL OF FAME Swim coach David McNulty has been inducted into the University of Bath Hall of Fame for Sport. Coach to a host of British stars that went on to Olympic, World, European and Commonwealth success – including winners of the seven gold medals brought back from Tokyo 2020 last summer – David developed the British Swimming National Centre Bath into one of the world’s leading training programmes. “Thank you to the University of Bath for this award,” says David. “I remember seeing the Hall of Fame pillars going up a few years ago and thinking ‘I would love to be a part of that some day’, so this is a great honour.” David comes from a background of competitive swimming and was part of the University’s inaugural intake of UK Sport’s elite coaching programme, successfully graduating in 2016. “I’ve done three Olympic Games here and we’ve won 13 medals. It’s a legacy I want to keep going, I want more medals for British Swimming and I want to do it here at the University of Bath, I wouldn’t want to be anywhere else,” he says. For more: www.teambath.com

Bath-based composer, pianist and creative coder Charlie Williams, known as Larkhall, was one of last year’s recipients

NATURAL TALENT

The University of Bath is one of the first to achieve accreditation for its Natural Sciences programme

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The University of Bath is among the first universities in the UK to achieve accreditation by the Society for Natural Sciences for its natural sciences degree programmes. This means the University’s six Natural Sciences courses have achieved the standards set by the newly launched accreditation framework, and are recognised for outstanding quality interdisciplinary science education. “The Natural Sciences team in Bath are delighted to have achieved accreditation from the Society for Natural Sciences,” says Dr Gary Mathlin, Natural Sciences programme lead. “I am personally very proud of, and grateful to, the team which did the hard work in putting the bid together and presenting it to the Society.” Natural Sciences students at the University of Bath can choose from a range of subjects: Biochemistry, Biology, Chemistry, Environmental Science, Pharmacology and Physics, studying both fundamental and interdisciplinary units from those subjects. For more: www.bath.ac.uk

Graham Street, managing partner of RWK Goodman LLP

Holloways of Ludlow is launching in Bath on 2 March

MOVERS AND SHAKERS ETC JOINING FORCES

Royds Withy King and Goodman Derrick are to merge this year. The merged law firms will be known as RWK Goodman LLP as of May, and will continue to trade from Royds Withy King’s current offices, including their local branches. “This merger is a significant step forward for both firms,” says Graham Street, Royds Withy King’s managing partner. “For Royds Withy King it strengthens our position as a Top 100 UK practice enhancing and significantly extending the breadth and depth of expertise and specialist services available to clients, particularly in the areas of Corporate and Real Estate.” Graham Street will continue as the firm’s managing partner, with Goodman Derrick’s senior partner Edward Hoare and chief operating officer Mark Jones joining the firm’s executive committee. www.roydswithyking.com

HOUSE STYLE Luxury lighting and furniture retailer Holloways of Ludlow is oﬃcially launching its Bath store on 2 March with a new showcase by Danish artist Carsten Beck. Ten oil paintings created exclusively for Holloways of Ludlow are on display in the new Bath store alongside a curated selection of contemporary lighting and furniture from the likes of

brands including B&B Italia, Cassina, Carl Hansen & Søn, Gubi and more. “Most of the UK has been underserved with high-end design furniture; our approach is about bringing great design closer to home. With our Bath store opening, we see the opportunity to connect with a growing customer base in the area and around Bristol, the

THE PROVIDERS

Bath-based financial services consultancy and software provider, Altus has raised funds for specialist sensory equipment and VR technology for the Children’s Ward at the Royal United Hospitals (RUH) Bath. “We really appreciate the generous donation from Altus. The funds will enable us to make a huge difference to the sensory facilities we are able to offer parents and families during their hospital stay,” says Jo Powell, lead play specialist at the RUH. “The VR headsets are for young people to use during painful procedures, and as a preparation and distraction, and help reduce anxiety, along with having fun and enjoying their time in hospital.” www.foreverfriendsappeal.co.uk

south west and the Cotswolds,” says Mark Holloway, CEO. “Ultimately, we want to oﬀer our customers multiple touchpoints and make it easier for them to shop with us – whenever and wherever they want. We’re delighted to bring our unique brand experience to Bath.” For more: www.hollowaysoﬂudlow.com

England World Cupwinning cricketer Fran Wilson is returning to Bath Cricket Club

NEW INNINGS England World Cup-winning cricketer, Fran Wilson is returning to Bath Cricket Club to play a key role in the development of its young cricketers. Fran recently came back to the area following her retirement from the England team, and is now playing for Western Storm alongside coaching duties and mentoring two junior coaches at Bath Cricket Club. “It’s amazing to be able to return to the club which has been so pivotal in my cricketing career and life in general,” says Fran. “From

11 years old, Bath Cricket Club provided me with a fantastic training opportunity with great coaches as well as a competitive opportunity in boys, girls, and women’s cricket. It is also somewhere I have been able to develop my coaching, not to mention the friends and teammates I have been lucky enough to meet. I’m very excited and grateful to be able to return and be a part of such a brilliant community again.” For more: www.bathcricket.com

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BATHWORKS

“I JUST LOVE THE COLLABORATIVE NATURE OF WORKING” What about on Join the Dots’ side? There are a lot of industry bodies that help with important information such as Two Sides for the print sector and Ad Net Zero encompassing the entire advertising industry. Where we can’t reduce the impact, we work with charities such as the World Land Trust and Ecologi to offset everything from the hours we spend on our laptop to the paper a campaign is printed on.

BIZ Q&A

Sarah Burns Join the Dots is feeling brand new! oin the Dots is an award-winning independent marketing agency that uses data to create marketing strategies across different media channels. Formerly Edit, Join the Dots announced a rebrand and its new name at the end of January. Sarah Burns, head of media partnerships and solutions is here to tell us more… What is your role at Join the Dots, Sarah? I am responsible for the day to day pitching to, and onboarding of new clients. I look after our supplier relationships, fostering meaningful partnerships to deliver the best possibilities for our clients. I am also passionate about a sustainable future within the advertising industry and so work with our clients and suppliers to make sure we create a sustainable world we can be proud of.

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The company was recently acquired by The Salocin Group and went through a rebrand. Tell us more… Following the sale to The Salocin Group in November 2021, Edit’s media team has been relaunched as a stand-alone media agency named Join the Dots, part of a series of moves to facilitate the building of a data powered marketing services group. What does the rebrand mean? The rebranding of the media agency team will allow both Join the Dots and Edit to maintain focus on their core competencies: Edit on helping clients maximise the value of their first-party data and customer retention, Join the Dots on the profitable acquisition of new customers based on insight. What’s the best project you’ve worked on? That’s like asking to pick my favourite child! Without wanting to avoid the question, I just love the collaborative nature of working with all our clients and suppliers.

Okay then,can you tell us what the favourite part of your job is overall? It’s not a specific brand or project, but the moment at the end of a project when we take the client through the results of their campaign is always a highlight. Not only showing them the impact the campaign has had on the business KPIs, but the insights we have garnered from the data that will help us optimise and inform future campaigns to continually improve everything we and the client does. How do you go about creating sustainable campaigns? For us, sustainable campaigns are planned from the start, not just offset as an afterthought. As such, we work closely with the client on everything from creative to data production to make every element as eco-friendly as possible. For instance, does a client need to produce a new TV ad? Or can they use existing creative to save using vital resources that all carry a carbon footprint.

How has the pandemic affected marketing needs? It has made brands look at their marketing mix in a whole new light, and whilst we return to offices, hybrid working is a new way of life and so working from home will have a longterm effect on media selection for clients. The way we plan is audience first, so who are the audience, and where can we reach them? How have you changed your approach? Since the beginning of 2020 we’ve worked with 31 new brands across 11 different vertical sectors, helping them find their audience at home through the power of channels like letterbox media, TV and third party inserts (placing inserts inside all the packages from those midnight shopping sprees we all experienced during the lockdown days!) What were you most proud of in 2021? Gosh, so much; bringing to life our new branding for Join the Dots, winning Silver at the DMA awards for our work with RSPCA, helping to launch D2C brands Natusan and James Wellbeloved during a pandemic, and the millions of pounds we helped raise for charities through successful marketing campaigns during the pandemic. For more: Join the Dots, 20 Manvers Street, Bath; www.wejointhedots.co.uk

BATHWORKS

Sarah Williams-Martin, James Carlin, and Miles Lloyd celebrating the Community Wellbeing Hub’s success

BATH LIFE AWARDS 2021 Jo Scammell and Claire Thorogood on the COMMUNITY WELLBEING HUB’s Bath Life Awards success HEALTH & WELLBEING WINNER Tell us – how did it feel to win a Bath Life Award?

It was a huge surprise and honour. We are delighted that the work of all the partner organisations has been recognised in this way. Where do you keep the Award?

At the Community Wellbeing Hub where all the staﬀ can see it.

What are your winning qualities?

The approach, hard work and commitment of everyone involved. When you work together, positively and in partnership, great things can be achieved.

What makes the Community Wellbeing Hub different?

The service we provide is unique in Bath and North East Somerset and serving local residents is at the heart of what we do. We believe the Hub has made it easier for local people to quickly access the support they need in a joined-up and seamless way. What would you say is your favourite part of life at the Community Wellbeing Hub?

All the partners at the Hub can go home in the evening knowing that they have made a positive diﬀerence to someone’s life. Are there any frustrations?

Any new initiative will have its forming, storming and norming phases, but the pro-active and

co-operative approach of our partners has meant there was very little of this and we are happily performing together. What’s the best advice you’ve been given?

Coming together is a beginning; keeping together is progress; working together is success.

“THE MODEL IS WORKING WELL AND IT IS SOMETHING WE WISH TO CONTINUE AND BUILD”

Any exciting plans for us to watch out for?

The Hub was a concept that was discussed for some time but the pandemic made its creation extremely rapid. The model is working well and it is something we wish to continue and build upon. What do you wish more people understood about the Community Wellbeing Hub?

We’re not a single company but a successful collaboration of public, private and third sector organisations.

For more: www.communitywellbeinghub.co.uk www.mediaclash.co.uk I BATH LIFE I 93

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THE BUSINESS FOR GOOD SERIES Founder of the charity 1st Impressions, Dr Jane Ellis-Brush, on her journey from Bath grad to businesswoman, lecturer and mentor

“I CHOSE BATH BECAUSE IT WAS, AND STILL IS, AN EXCELLENT PLACE TO STUDY”

Dr Jane Ellis-Brush, founder of 1st Impressions

hen I ﬁnished my PhD at the School of Management, I always thought I’d return to academia one day. Over 30 years later, I’m back at Bath as a senior lecturer in supply chain management – the subject of my PhD and the industry I’ve worked in ever since. It’s strange how things work out. I chose Bath because it was, and still is, an excellent place to study. There’s a fantastic network of people – you’ll be holding a book and the author is at the lectern teaching you. My PhD gave me a lot of conﬁdence and credibility. I was the second woman to become president of the Chartered Institute of Procurement and Supply, and was a managing director for a global bank. I was living abroad when lockdown

happened, and we moved back to the UK in 2021. That’s when I saw the lecturer position at the University – it was such a good ﬁt. While unpacking to start our new life in Bath, I realised how many clothes I’d amassed during my corporate career. I thought, ‘Why not give it to those who need it?’

To me, ambition means allowing yourself to do what you want without boundaries. I tell my students at Bath to take chances and be curious. You must have conﬁdence in yourself and it’s something I’ve been building throughout my career. I hope to help others develop their self-belief.

I set up 1st Impressions (1stimpressions. org.uk) – a charity that supports female jobseekers by providing them with workwear and mentoring. The University of Bath gave me the right connections, and I have volunteers and students helping with clients, clothes donations, charity set-up and marketing. 1st Impressions (Bath) CIC is in the early stages and we’re now looking for rental space to create a nice experience for women as they choose their clothes. It may seem superficial, but the right outfit has a huge impact on confidence.

Are you a graduate of the School of Management with a story to share? Connect with us: alumni@management.bath.ac.uk

#THINKAMBITIOUS www.mediaclash.co.uk I BATH LIFE I 95

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THE BEST SEAT IN THE HOUSE Local chair experts, SUMMIT AT HOME have recently launched a range of Harris Tweed® furniture for the home and office.

anging from ergonomic home office chairs to dining, occasional, kitchen chairs & footstools the new collection is handmade in Wiltshire using an exclusive Harris Tweed® fabric collection, made to order & delivered free from as quickly as 3 working days.

Harris Tweed® is made from 100% British wool, naturally renewable, biodegradable and recyclable. Four tweeds have been handpicked for the collection, Mallard Green & Heather Pink have a textured weave with a colour fleck running through giving a vibrancy and breath-taking depth of colour. Marine Navy & Moss Green are woven with a traditional herringbone pattern, allowing the beautiful tones of the weave to shine through. The Summit at Home cloth is handmade at the Carloway Harris Tweed Mill on the Isle of Lewis. The Harris Tweed® home collection includes occasional & dining chairs, kitchen bar stools & footstools, all of which can be handcrafted in your choice of Harris Tweed® fabric. The Summit at Home ergonomic office chair collection has nine chair ranges in a total of 19 fabric colours. Renown for the wellness features built into this range, alongside a host of standard adjustment

features, customers can choose from armrest, inflatable lumbar, body balance mechanism, twin air cell technology, memory foam and mesh options. If you’d prefer to take a chair for a spin first, visit their local Trowbridge showroom and see one of their chair experts. ■

Aintree Avenue, White Horse Business Park, Trowbridge, Wiltshire, BA14 0XB; Call a chair expert on 01225 777844; www.summitathome.co.uk Bring this article for £25 off when you spend over £200 or use BTL25 online.

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The Royal Pavilion (1992)

Uplands Farm (2017)

Bath Post Office (2004)

Bath Cats and Dogs Home (2000)

Sydney Gardens (2022)

The Wessex Building, KES (2015)

CELEBRATING 30 YEARS Toast to three decades of growth with BBA ARCHITECTS & PLANNERS

arking the 30-year anniversary of the practice, BBA are celebrating their past and looking to the future. The early 1990s, which saw a deep recession that resulted in many business closures, including ‘Company of Designers’, at the time one of the UK’s largest architecture practices. Following redundancy, five previous ‘Company of Designers’ directors, undeterred by the tough economic climate, established a new architectural and planning practice at Henrietta Mews in Bath. Originally named Brian Bishop Architects, on Brian’s retirement the company became BBA Architects, as it is known today. Throughout the 1990s to early 2000s, the practice grew in size, and was responsible for planning and designing of landmark new developments and buildings in Bath and the South West, including The Royal Pavilion, The Hampton Stand at Bath Rugby and Port Marine in Portishead. Expansion continued throughout the next 15 years, including work on well-known and unique developments including Bath Cats & Dogs Home, The Tramshed and the Bath Post Office conversion. In 2016, Sally Hewins (MCIAT) and Dan Washington (MRTPI) joined Matthew Bollen (RIBA) as directors. The past seven years has

seen continued modernisation of the practice, with ever increasing expertise and skills, enhanced by the practice’s 2020 relocation to The Studio in Darlington Wharf – a bespoke premises including an open-plan studio with beautiful views over the canal and Bath. Over recent years the practice has had the privilege to work on The Wessex Building at King Edward’s School, rejuvenation of the former Douglas motorcycle factory in Kingswood, Bristol (for over 350 houses and care homes), Uplands Farm, The Orangery Care Home, award-winning BANES new and extended schools, Millennium Terrace and the rejuvenation of Sydney Gardens. Director Matt Bollen says, “Most of our staff have been with the practice for many years and the directors would like to thank them all for their effort and commitment throughout this time. And to complement our great team the directors are always looking for talented people to join us to help build the practice on to further successes in years to come.” Since its inception, BBA has focused on creating a multi-skilled and diverse workforce to enable design and delivery of an extensive portfolio of private and public work. The team at BBA pride themselves on working closely and collaboratively with clients, with the belief that the key to a successful design is understanding how it will be delivered,

developed and used through its lifetime. All BBA projects come from an ethos of caring deeply about the community and the places designed and delivered. “When I started in 1993 at BBA most of the work was still done on the drawing board,” says Matt. “Technology has progressed with 3D walk-through visualisations, yet most of our clients still like working with BBA because we develop the ideas through initial conceptual hand-drawn sketches, which makes them feel involved in the process of design to realise their dreams.” 2022 marks the 30-year anniversary of the practice. The directors are planning a summer event to mark this great milestone, to celebrate with clients and partners and to toast the future of BBA Architects for the next 30 years and beyond. ■

BBA Architects Ltd, The Studio, Darlington Wharf, Darlington Rd, Bath BA2 6NL; 01225 460427; mail@bba-architects.co.uk; www.bba-architects.co.uk www.mediaclash.co.uk I BATH LIFE I 97

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 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. 

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.

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

Curtains Cushion covers Quilts Wedding dresses Dry Cleaning Order online

Get in touch!

Tel: 01225 292141 www.thebathlaundry.co.uk Unit 10, Old Mills EST, Paulton, BS39 7SU

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

The former residence of Prime Minister William Pitt, located on Johnstone Street is on the market with Savills

Market report

RISE AND SHINE

Prime Bath house prices expected to rise by 19.3 per cent in next five years The value of prime residential property in the southern region is forecast to grow by 19.3 per cent over the next five years, according to research by the estate agents Savills. This means the price of a home at the higher end of the regional market in Bath – broadly the top five-to-10 per cent by value – is set to increase by an average of four per cent this year as a result of high demand and a shortage of stock. These predictions follow a strong period of growth in the prime housing market since the pandemic started, with a desire for lifestyle change and a shift in working patterns

driving exceptional demand for property in and around Bath. Alistair Heather, head of Savills Bath, explains, “Bath, alongside Oxford and Winchester, was one of the top three UK cities for value growth last year, with gains of more than 10 per cent on average. This is indicative of an incredibly buoyant market in which supply has been unable to keep up with demand.” Lifestyle-driven interest has shaped the market for prime property outside of the city too, as Alistair notes, “Country houses sold well as many more buyers sought to

make their rural dreams a reality. This was particularly apparent in Wiltshire, which saw a 225 per cent uplift in sales of homes at or over £2 million. “Hybrid working is arguably the single most significant factor affecting the prime property market in Bath. Before the pandemic the city was seen as just that bit too far outside of London to be genuinely commutable. Now, as many people settle into a more flexible pattern of working, it has become a real possibility.” For more: www.savills.co.uk

www.mediaclash.co.uk I BATH LIFE I 99

PROPERTY NEWS The next online symposium organised by Bath Property Awards is 24 March

Bath Property Awards

SUSTAINED EFFORT Bath Property Awards have launched the Property Symposium – a regular online morning conference, running from 9am to 1pm, bringing together industry experts for panel sessions and networking opportunities. On 24 March the topic is sustainability, looking at the built environment for both residential and commercial, and the property sector’s long term eco-responsibility. For more: www.bathpropertyawards.co.uk

Expansion

ON THE PLUS SIDE Following the one year The HPH PLUS work space on Gay Street anniversary of their launch celebrates its first anniversary; on Gay Street, serviced office INSET: Stephen Brown of AB Dynamics provider HPH PLUS have also announced plans for two more locations – another in Bath and also Chippenham. These will follow the model of their first space which focusses on value and performance, and combines Georgian elegance with embedded technology vital for a modern office space including advanced heating controls, sound insulation, and super-fast fibre optic broadband. AB Dynamics, who are one of the world’s leading specialists in automotive test systems, are just one of the companies who use the space. Stephen Brown, the group’s chief operating officer, says, “The executive team use 23 Gay Street as our group PLC head office providing us with the ideal solution for our business in central Bath. The car park is also a great added bonus.” For more: www.hph.co.uk

The Kier team have used their head to avoid waste

Construction

FLOWER HEADS To keep workers safe, hard hats on a construction site have to be replaced at least every ﬁve years. Rather than throw them away, the Kier team building the RUH’s new Dyson Cancer Centre have found a new use for them – as hanging baskets, brightening up the site all year round. For more: www.ruh.nhs.uk

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

West Lodge has come on to the market for £1.85 million

Residential

WEST SIDE STORY

West Lodge, a three-storey, seven bedroom detached period property has come onto the market at £1.85 million with Peter Greatorex estate agents. Along with five bathrooms, a laundry room, numerous original features echoing an Arts and Crafts influence, a balcony, and ample gardens, the striking home offers far reaching views across the city. For more: www.petergreatorex.co.uk

PROPERTY

ONE TRAM YARD Apartment living in Bath’s artisan quarter By Matilda Walton 102 I BATH LIFE I www.mediaclash.co.uk

ithin Bath’s artisan quarter of Walcot Street, tucked behind the collection of cool cafés, vintage shops and artsy indies, lies One Tram Yard. Built in the 1820s to house Bath’s trams, high end furniture brand Neptune bought the space in 2017, transforming the ground floor into a showroom and café, while the upper floors became 13 luxury apartments, created by the Neptune architecture and interior design teams. Apartment 203, the lavish penthouse on the second floor, is on the market now. Experience the cool of apartment living in an area of the city driven by the arts – without sacrificing any of the space. With three large bedrooms – all with en-suite bathrooms – a huge open-plan kitchen-living area, an expansive additional living space and a lovely roof terrace – at 2,422 square feet, there’s little danger of longing for townhouse life. Neptune’s fingerprints are apparent throughout the considered design. It oozes quality, from the Lefroy Brooks baths, showers and taps to the beautifully minimalist, Shaker-inspired kitchens from Neptune’s own Suffolk range, filled with Neff appliances. When creating the apartment, Neptune’s team

adopted a restorative approach, returning the building to its basic elements, bringing back its character, individuality and sense of history. The design is informed by Neptune’s founder John Sims-Hilditch, who believes that a feeling of home is inspired by a distinctive love of nature, so the apartment has an elemental feel. Natural materials like wood and metal proliferate throughout, providing that sense of connection to the elements as well as a resolutely safe, sturdy and long-lasting appeal. At One Tram Yard, you’re buying into a certain lifestyle – an inexplicable cool, a professional swagger, an adjacency to Bath’s bohemian side. Consider a life in the penthouse, encircled by the leafy banks of the Avon slipping calmly past on one side, and the rooftops of Bath’s iconic terraces stretching towards the horizon on the other. Picture stepping out onto the roof terrace in the quiet of the early morning with a warming cup of coffee as the sun comes up, and watching it turn the city golden. It’s the perfect spot for city centre professionals searching for contemporary cool in Bath’s heritage heart. One Tram Yard is a peaceful retreat of course, but with only one step outside the door you’re right in the heart of things.

HOUSE NUMBERS Price

£1.8m

Sq ft

2,422

Bedrooms

Bathrooms

For more: Knight Frank, 4 Wood Street, Bath; www.knightfrank.co.uk

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

SPONSORED CONTENT

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

NEXUS OF BATH

WOOLF INTERIOR ARCHITECTURE & DESIGN create unique, client-focused contemporary

MENDIP FIREPLACES

is a Bath based family business specialising in painting and decorating, plastering, tiling, sash window restoration and other property restoration. Nexus have built a reputation for the highest standards of workmanship with experience across a range of projects from listed buildings through to new builds, with a complete commitment to customer service and health and safety Tel: 01225 300414; www.nexusofbath.co.uk

and traditional interiors, valued for their individual, beautifully tailored characterful design. With 25 years of expertise delivering space planning, detailed design, procurement, art curation and project management. An award-winning practice with studios in Bath & London, WOOLF are accredited designers of historic, period, listed houses and hotels. Tel 01225 445670; woolfinterior.com

Bath’s leading fireplace, wood burner, gas fire, chimney and flue specialist. From classic to contemporary, concept to completion, their team of experts can work with you to achieve your perfect interior. Brands include Chesney’s, Barbas Belfires, Hwam, Stuv and Jetmaster. Get in touch or visit the showroom. Mendip Fireplaces, Monkton Combe, Bath BA2 7HD; info@mendipfireplacesbath.co.uk, Tel: 01225 722706; www.mendipfireplacesbath.co.uk

CLAIR STRONG INTERIOR DESIGN

Clair Strong Interior Design is a small, creative company based in Bath, providing a wide range of services for both residential and commercial clients. Her portfolio of projects includes the design, project coordination and sourcing for some of Bath’s most beautiful residences, as well as sports clubs, offices and other commercial venues. Contact Clair on 01225 426906 or 07855 79731

VIRTUOSO FLOORING

COOPERS HOME APPLIANCES

www.clairstrong.co.uk

Offering stylish, innovative flooring solutions to meet the needs of the savvy Bath homeowner. Virtuoso employ the largest team of experienced fitters in Bath. Their dedicated team are ready to turn your dream floor into a reality. Call now for a free consultation or visit their new show room on Moorland Road. To enquire, email info@virtuosoflooring.co.uk or call 01225 972715; www.virtuosoflooring.co.uk

BATH KITCHEN COMPANY

SCHMIDT BATH

THE WOODEN FLOORING STUDIO

Based in the heart of Bath and specialising in bespoke, handmade kitchens, Bath Kitchen Company become personally invested in every kitchen they design and build. It’s about attention to detail at every stage – creating a beautiful space that enhances the way you live. 7-9 North Parade Buildings, Bath BA1 1NS; Tel: 01225 312003 www.bathkitchencompany.co.uk

Providing bespoke kitchens and made-to-measure interiors across the Bath area for more than 35 years, Schmidt Bath offers luxury solutions for the home at affordable prices. With a dedicated in-house fitting team, your project will be completed to the highest standards. Visit their showroom to see the latest ranges and more of what they can offer. 1 Park Road, Bath BA1 3EE; Tel: 01225 337276; www.schmidt-bath.com

Coopers Home Appliances is an independent retailer trading continuously since 1947 and specialises in kitchen appliances. We have built an enviable reputation, delivering great products with an eye for the unusual. Value driven and customer focused. Striving to make shopping a pleasurable and human experience – a real antidote to the soulless online shopping ‘trip’. 01225 311811; www.coopershomeappliances.com

A specialist in real wood flooring with a showroom based in Frome. Offering the area’s widest range with parquet, herringbone, planks and decorative panels to choose from. Ted Todd & Woodpecker showroom partners. Together with their own in-house installation craftspeople. Their boutique paint & wallpaper store is next door too. 43 to 44 Vallis Way, Frome BA11 3BA; 01373 228388; www.thewoodenflooringstudio.com www.mediaclash.co.uk I BATH LIFE I 105

BATH LIVES

“Cloud catching has become a common playground game” TAMSIN MORI She’s made tea for James Bond and dressed as a sofa Children’s author Tamsin Mori lives in Larkhall with husband Bernardo, an architect, their two children Leonardo and Isabella, and with her parents living in the adjoining half of their home. Before doing a Masters in Writing for Young People at Bath Spa, Tamsin worked in IT, project managing software and web site development. Her first book, a magical adventure story set in Shetland, The Weather Weaver was published last year and her second, A Gathering Storm, is due out this month. My first degree was in Neuroscience (back when I was keen to become a brain surgeon). I was diverted from

my slightly gory plans when I became fascinated with whales. Their brains are almost identical to human brains, which neatly contradicts the notion that

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

humans are innately more intelligent or communicative than other animals. The worst job I’ve ever had, was standing in the street dressed as a full-size twoseater sofa, handing out

leaflets. I didn’t realise when I took the job that there would be a costume. It completely ruined my teenage street-cred – makes me cringe just thinking about it.

My best job (before being an author) was working at Eon Productions, who make the Bond films. It was ridiculously

glam. Highlights included: serving tea and biscuits to Q and James Bond, running errands in a chauffeur driven car, and we had after-work access to the private cinema. My very first book launch was virtual, so nothing like I’d

imagined. The upside was that

everybody could make it – friends and family from far and wide – Shetland to Australia. It felt like a very vivid and wonderful daydream. It didn’t truly sink in until I was able to visit a bookshop and see my book in their window.

Its high street is packed with independent shops, and there’s a lovely sense of community. My favourite local haunt is Alice Park – Tony, who runs the café there, organises all sorts of events throughout the year, and their coffee is second to none.

The Weather Weaver was the most borrowed library book in Shetland last year,

I’ve been taking visiting friends to the Roman Baths here for decades and every

and a teacher got in touch to tell me that ‘cloud catching’ has become a common playground game in the primary schools up there. One young reader wrote to tell me that she never goes out without a weather bag now, just in case she meets her cloud.

I usually crochet in the evening, to unwind. There’s

a pleasing symmetry in unknotting my brain by knotting something else. It’s got a lot of similarities with writing – starting with a single thread, then twisting and knotting it, until it takes on a completely new form. It demands just enough of my attention that I can’t hold onto any stresses or worries.

I live just on the edge of Larkhall. It’s very much part of Bath, but also still a village.

time, I discover something new. There’s a real sense of stepping back in time.

My ‘secret’ Bath is Bathwick fields – part of the National

Trust’s Bath Skyline walk. It’s a liminal space between city and countryside, lush with meadow flowers and bright with birdsong, and has spectacular views across the city. It’s the perfect place to find some distance from everything. n

The Weather Weaver by Tamsin Mori (UCLan Publishing £7.99) is available from local bookshops

For more: www.tamsinmori.com

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