Bath Life - Issue 471

DADDY COOL

FRESH FOOD, FRESH AIR, NO FINER WAY TO DINE

HIGH SOCIETY

BATH SOCIETY OF ARTISTS RETURN TO THE VICTORIA ART GALLERY

FOODIE GIFTS FOR FATHER’S DAY

JUST FABULOUS DARLING THE WEIRD AND WONDERFUL WORLD OF FRINGE ARTS BATH

+

MORE PLEASE!

CHEF ANDI OLIVER ON HOSTING PUB IN THE PARK

ISSUE 471 / 1 JUNE – 16 JUNE 2022 / £3

ISSUE 471 / 1 JUNE – 16 JUNE 2022 / LIVING THE HIGH LIFE

OUTSIDE FAVOURITES

GARETH THOMAS ANNA SABINE JO LLOYD

INSPIRATIONAL IDEAS FOR GRAND DAYS OUT

EDITOR’S LETTER

W

e here at Bath Life are all about positivity as you know. We’re not here to highlight negativities, wage council wars, or moan about the parking – there are plenty of other spaces and places – probably waaaaay too many – for those who want to do just that. BUT I will admit, since being mugged by two seagulls working as a tag team on a beach in Woolacombe – one stood, stared, and squawked in the sand while tried to eat my sandwich and another flew into the ack o my head, knocking said sandwich out of my hand which was then deftly picked up by the squawker – I’m a little bit nervous about eating al fresco. Those birds are huge, ferocious and always hungry. They don’t scavenge, they attack.

However, luckily Bath’s hospitality trade are working hard to ensure these flying thugs don t diminish our appetite for outside dining – netting, anti-perch spikes, and huge table-shielding canopies. They do the job thank goodness, because let’s be honest, is there anywhere more magnificent than ath when the sun is shining This is why much of this issue is dedicated to being outside, whether it be to dine (page 50) or to have day-tripping fun with the family (page 38).

We also explore two of the many art exhibitions happening in the city right now, the visually eclectic and sometimes brilliantly bonkers Fringe Arts Bath festival (page 30) and the slightly more traditional yet still always impressively innovative Bath Society of Artists exhibition at Victoria Art Gallery (page 10).

Proof that Bath really is beautiful, inside and out.

© LOUIS SMITH; W W W.STUDIOWHISK.CO.UK

ABOVE: Celebrating the grandness of Bath (page 9); BELOW: The lowdown on Fringe Arts Bath festival (page 30)

SARAH MOOLLA

Follow us on Twitter @BathLifeMag Instagram @bathlifemag

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

Issue 471 / 1-16 June 2022 COVER Perfect timing when balloon meets Victoria Park Obelisk!

Turn to page 38 for more timely summertime ideas.

Photo by Dan Flinter; www.flintandsteel.co.uk

50

HERE COMES THE SUN

38 SUMMER DAYS OUT Make the most of the season

with fun experiences the whole family can enjoy

50 AL FRESCO DINING The best food, the best drinks and

the best vibes to enjoy them in

THE ARTS

10 BATH SOCIETY OF ARTISTS Insights from the 23 24 30 35

Society’s 117th annual exhibition

ARTS INTRO The Widcombe Art Trail returns WHAT’S ON Theatre, music, comedy, and art in the city FRINGE ARTS BATH The unique visual arts fest is back BOOKS Post-Bath Festival, Nic’s reading list is getting

out of hand…

FOOD&DRINK

45 FOOD & DRINK NEWS Beetroot’s sweeter season 46 TAKE 5 Andi Oliver on why she can’t wait to visit Bath to host

Pub in the Park

45

48 RESTAURANT Dough Pizzeria delivers al fresco gorgeousness

SHOPPING

59 SHOPPING INTRO Father’s Day special 60 EDITOR’S CHOICE Keep dad sweet with these

sumptuous treats

BUSINESS

67 BATHWORKS Local business news, views, and interviews 70 BIZ Q&A Jo Lloyd on co-working, Rengen House style 71 BATH LIFE AWARDS Q&A What mediation really means with

The School of Dialogue

PROPERTY

75 PROPERTY LEAD A garden module for the 21st century 76 PROPERTY NEWS Updates from the market 78 SHOWCASE The heart of Georgian Bath

DEPARTMENTS

46

6 9 17 19 65 90

SPOTLIGHT The Bath band following in the Beatles’ footsteps INSTAS Wander Pulteney Bridge and beyond FLATLINE Flats always wants to take it outside SOCIETY Catch up with the Bath Life Business Club EDUCATION Are there benefits to a single-sex education?

BATH LIVES The American Museum’s Gareth Thomas shares why American culture and history fascinates him

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, Peter Davies, David Flatman, Gideon Kibblewhite, John Mather, Kate McDonnell 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

www.mediaclash.co.uk I BATH LIFE I 5

SPOTLIGHT Fashion Museum

FASHION FORWARD A new exhibition co-curated by local people is open now at the Fashion Museum Bath. You Choose is made up of pieces selected by invited individuals and groups from across Bath and North East Somerset who experience fashion rom di erence ers ectives.

Featuring pieces by designer names Kenzo, Ossie Clark, Junya Watanabe and Gareth Pugh, as well as historic pieces like a 1750s man’s worsted wool banyan, and an 1881 beetle wing embroidered day dress, You Choose gives local people a voice and a visibility in the Fashion Museum galleries, and considers issues such as sustainability, creativity, gender fluidity and cultural identity.

Among the choosers is Will, a 20-year-old queer, non-binary youth activist who works for local charity Boys in Mind.

“To me, fashion allows a window into exploring gender – both traditional roles and fluidity they say. “As a genderqueer individual myself, I really try to blend what is viewed as traditionally masculine or feminine in my own style, and actually step away from the idea that certain items of clothing are meant or certain individuals or genders.

You Choose is the Fashion useum s final e hi ition in its current home – fli to age to learn more about its future.

For more: www.fashionmuseum.co.uk

You Choose is made up of pieces chosen by local people, like 20-year-old Will

Lois and Ed Jackson will carry the baton in the Queen’s Baton Relay

Birmingham 2022

PASS THE BATON The Birmingham 2022 Queen’s Baton Relay will visit Bath on its travels through England this summer.

Thousands of baton bearers with inspiring stories will have the honour of carrying the baton during its journey – etween and each day. Two o the confirmed baton bearers in BANES are Ed and Lois Jackson, who were nominated for setting up Millimetres 2 Mountains, an initiative taking people with physical and mental ill health on mountain expeditions to aid recovery. Ed, a former rugby player and Lois, a sports coach and life coach were inspired to start the organisation following Ed’s extraordinary recovery after a diving accident that left him quadriplegic. After extensive surgery and rehab, Ed climbed Mount Snowden, and, during lockdown, the equivalent of the height of Everest up and down the stairs, raising more than £50,000 for Wings For Life.

The Queen’s Baton Relay can be seen travelling through the city on 5 July.

For more: www.birmingham2022.com

Music

LOVE ME DO

Bath’s own folk duo, Humm have become one of four acts chosen to visit, write, and perform at Paul and Mike McCartney’s childhood home, 20 Forthlin Road – the address considered the birthplace of the Beatles. Humm beat hundreds of other unsigned acts to impress judges of the Forthlin Sessions, an event held by the National Trust in celebration of Paul McCartney’s 80th birthday.

“The opportunity to write and perform at 20 Forthlin Road is the highlight o umm s li e say rty ackson and arys Lewin, the duo behind Humm. “Every chord progression and lyric we write, we have tried our utmost to express and er orm something di erent and this is an ideology that has been directly shaped by the Beatles. To see and feel everything McCartney and John Lennon felt whilst writing together at 20 Forthlin Road will be life-changing, enhancing that connection to the roots o our musical out ut and overall love or music.

Humm will perform on 17 June, the eve of Paul’s birthday.

For more: www.nationaltrust.org.uk

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

Arty Jackson and Carys Lewin of Humm with Mike McCartney at 20 Forthlin Road

Explore Milsom Place to discover some of the best alfresco dining spots in the heart of the city alongside stylish retailers, prestigious brands and exclusive art installations…

Milsom Place, Milsom Street & Broad Street, Bath BA1 1BZ 01225 789040 milsomplace.co.uk

SPOTLIGHT

GREAT EXPECTATIONS From honey-hued Great Pulteney Street through to the majestic Pulteney Bridge everything about this part of Bath is, well, just great...

@ahappybathonian

@brilliantbath

@joojums

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@_thomascharles

@clairethatcher

@frl1975

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www.mediaclash.co.uk I BATH LIFE I 9

ARTS

SOCIETY FIGURES The colourful history and the illustrious members of the Bath Society of Artists

T

By Peter Davies

he current Bath Society of Artists Open exhibition running until early July at its customary Victoria Art Gallery location is its 117th annual. In recent years, with the happy incidence of ever-increasing sales and footfall, up to 17,000 visitors, the Society veritably provides one of the key events in the elegant Georgian spa city’s cultural calendar. For make no mistake, the popularity of a diverse and eclectic and inclusive range of work is a function of contemporary art’s pluralism and its across the board styles taking in abstraction and figuration – the latter using regulation categories of portraiture, still life, interior or landscape themes. To appease experimental impulses there are also multi-various media and processes on display comprising drawing, collage and construction, painting, printmaking from intaglio to relief and a range of sculpture in wood, stone, welded steel, and cast bronze materials.

“The Society has been blessed with many nationally significant artists”

IN THE BEGINNING

Throughout the many decades since its founding in 1904, with just 24 members, the Society and the Victoria Art Gallery were indeed made for each other, the two joined at the hip since their formation during the first decade o the last century. s current VAG manager Jonathan Benington wrote in the foreword to my 2013 book BSA; A History: “Our respective histories are so entwined that the areas of overlap extend far beyond the annual exhibition...the relationship has been a symbiotic one.”

LOCAL CONNECTIONS

By the same token the Society has drawn from, and acted in tandem with, local art schools such as the renowned and quintessential Corsham Court and recently with organisations like Bath Artist Printmakers or

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

Bath Artists’ Studios. Above all a reciprocal relationship with the Royal West of England Academy in nearby Bristol has seen the two share a resident the socially elevated and influential Lord Methuen throughout the whole course of the 1950s, as well as a stream of artists enjoying membership of both the two foremost west country art organisations. Painters Gerald Cains, Harry Walker, Neil Murison, Barrington Tabb, Diana Bourdon-Smith, David Inshaw and sculptor Richard Freeman from the post-war generation lead to contemporaries like Malcolm Ashman, collagist Nicky Knowles, Portisheadbased surrealistic Stephen Jacobson, Scot Midge aylor and Lawrence ash en oying mutual membership of both.

FURTHER AFIELD

Also beyond the annual exhibition, the BSA hosts quarterly talks at L in ueens uare and mem ers only shows in sundry locations about town as well as much urther afield as with way ay at ditions Liver ool in 2020 or a broad membership show in 2014 at the expansive Mariners Gallery on St Ives’s scenic harbourfront, home to the St Ives Society of Artists since 1927. But it is the annual VAG show at base camp that is the crucial fulcrum and conduit for change, experiment and the airing of new talent and the election of new members into the 120-strong living BSA organism. All this critical activity comes through an executive committee with chairman ndrew Lansley e hi ition organiser the Swindon-based Tim Carroll and secretary Vivienne Bolton. The President, a renowned and restigious figurehead is along with the VAG manager a constant on the rotating selection committee.

Mother by Maggie King ; OPPOSITE: Tulips in Red by Debra Pascoe; OPPOSITE INSET: Hound on Green by Sally Muir

ARTS ARTIST MEMBERS

The Society has, down the decades, been blessed with many prestigious and nationally significant artists. llustrious names like im ressionist Philip Wilson Steer, Sir Herbert Hughes Stanton, and Herbert Davis Richter during the inter-war period, Lord Methuen during the 1950s, Gilbert Spencer (brother of Stanley), abstractionist Adrian Heath during the 1980s, sculptor Ralph Brown in the nineties and evizes ased ruralist avid nshaw over the last years roviding a reassuringly amed figurehead. nshaw s unrise at t ves ay is a romantic maritime motif to contrast with his beach innuendos or astoral conundrums.

GUEST STARS

The annual guest artist, who similarly ups the ante and adds even a note of glamour to the exhibition, is from a rotating cycle of painter, scul tor rintmaker. The current guest is the elsh e ressionist painter Shani Rhys James whose Glass of Water comes from a rich vein o sel ortraiture and domestic narrative in her oeuvre. el ortraiture also figures strongly in mem er avid o ley my ook on him All by Myself highlighting a leading national ortraitist. ath ased rian lwell is also a de t hand at ortraiture though his sorties into architecture and ur an landsca e reflects the influence o i er utherland or where his current entry Home is concerned ash. ther salient influences include icasso no less and Tim arroll s trademark neo classical figures recall oth the anish master and migr ark Gertler. e goes u lic with a ma or mural near windon li rary.

CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT: Ladybird by Geoff Shillito; The Lighthouse by Rob Grieve;

Mural by Tim Carroll; The Glass of Water by Shani Rhys James

www.mediaclash.co.uk I BATH LIFE I 13

ARTS

ANOTHER DIMENSION

In recent years sculpture, hitherto an ancillary or adjunct item to painting, has comes to the fore. Utilising a plethora of styles and techniques from carving to modelling to construction the threedimensional component has positively prospered of late. Overtly whimsical reliefs like Michelle Dash’s Three Graces to Bob Osborne’s sardine can collage Cash is King contrasts with the monolithic abstracted solemnity of Minehead-based Maggie King’s prize-winning elm wood carvings, Guy Thomas’s welded steel constructs, Stephen Daniels’s compact bronzes or Victoria Atkinson’s superb Giacometti-like bronze Vita.

PICTURE THIS

Virtuoso performers light up the printmaking or watercolour entries.

The usual suspects like seasoned Corsham-trained Jean Cecil, vicepresident, former treasurer Jean Whiteley-Smyth, engraver Howard Phipps, and linocut printers like ex-Goldsmith tutor Howard Phipps and myself with Temple Meads 2 o er a gamut o contrasting gra hic approaches from intaglio to relief. Where watercolour is concerned ex-chairman Bob Rudd’s large scale wash compositions of Wiltshire landmarks or Plymouth-based Rita Smith’s interior still life Blackthorn excel in making the medium the message.

LEAVE A COMMENT

In the social sphere of our troubled times relevant social commentary is provided by Bath-based Paul Sonnabend’s madly symbolic Donald’s Death, integrating Basquiat and Warhol or by Stoke’s Ian Mood whose debut BSA entries like The Food Bank reflects the overty line in the Covid era Potteries region. A vision from gentler times comes with recently departed Corsham-trained Jean Rose’s The Conservatory, a valedictory in memoriam item from the BSA’s farewell lot for deceased members.

NEW MOVEMENTS

Newcomers add spice, novelty and energy to complete seasoned stalwarts like Gwyneth Browne, a member for a remarkable 70 years, Penny Elliot-Newman, Jean Whitley-Smyth and Janet Freeman. This backbone of devotion and continuity accompanies a Society validated by former exhibitors or members of the calibre of Sickert, William cott li ord llis oward odgkin and uncan Grant whose legacy today is furthered by the bestselling pleinairist painter Pete the treet rown whose rolific commercial success rovides an a t payback for BANES whose public sector support ensures a Society in ongoing rude health for a future set fair.

Bath Society of Artists Open exhibition is at Victoria Art Gallery until 1 July 2022 For more: www.bsaorg.uk

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

CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT: Blackthorn by Rita Smith;

Construction IV by Susan Gradwell; Home by Brian Elwell

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“In that messy little space with the endless sky above it, we were free to breathe”

An outside chance

A

Flats is going all out on eating out

l fresco eating is a big thing in (or rather, outside) this house. I think it stems from a couple of things. Firstly, memories of family holidays in Provence almost all revolve around bountiful feasts under a drooping tree, at a simple metal table, with everyone in swimming trunks and silly hats. All three of the day’s major feeds would take place here, and consequently getting home and eating dinner after school in the same old kitchen felt a bit underwhelming. Also I think I like it because I’m a bit fat. This means that I get quite hot quite easily, so a light – or heavy – breeze on my back as I cook and prepare is entirely welcome.

The thing is, al fresco in Bath isn’t the same as al fresco in Provence. This doesn’t stop me,

though. Frankly, as long as I’m not getting too wet, I’d eat out in the rain. But my family members are less silly when it comes to this, and are more orthodox in their reactions to the cold, so it can prove a thorny negotiation.

We are doing up our house and, by nothing but the purest of coincidences, the new outdoor kitchen was the first thing finished. n act it was the first thing finished y some margin (every time this fact was raised in accusatory tones I, of course, referred the complainants to the project manager). This means that, weyhey, we can eat outside every night! Except it doesn’t; not quite. We’re getting there, as May becomes June and those nights permit us to worry less about daylight deadlines, but I’m still struggling to get all the girls outside because it’s ‘freezing’ or it’s ‘spitting’. So last night I forced them. ‘If you don’t set the garden table and eat out there

with me I will take your gadgets away for a week and I’ll take two pounds from your savings account (they don’t know that there is no savings account and have never thought to investigate it, but it remains excellent leverage)’.

(By the way, I got my Fermob table from Treacle George in Tetbury. I’m only plugging it because the bloke there is so nice that I want you to all go there and shop with him.

He turned up in a van with his son to deliver it and we had co ee and a lovely time. t s a bit like getting your television at Moss of Bath instead of the internet – it just makes it a nicer experience).

It’s called parenting and it worked a treat.

Yes they wore one of Daddy’s sweatshirts each as it wasn’t exactly balmy out there, but they loved it and so did I. I think it’s the wind, the ambient noise, the absence of walls and a ceiling that make it so pleasurable. It’s a miniature, short-lived relief from some of the mini-constraints of normality that we didn’t quite know were constraining us at all.

Of course there may be the occasional bit of digging in required if it’s not thirty degrees and dry ut genuinely think the enefits outweigh all o that au su ering. Lockdown was obviously a negative experience in many ways but there were moments that felt blissful, des ite the aw ulness. Looking ack those moments, for us at least, were mostly when we all sat out in our little garden, sun blazing, cold drinks in hand and barbecued sausages by the dozen, with nowhere to go. We basked, we laughed, we argued, and the kids cried at various ketchup-based injustices. In that messy little space with the endless sky above it, we were free to breathe.

‘It feels like holidays’, my middle girl (and sous chef) last night observed, and that’ll do for me.

David Flatman is an ex-Bath and England rugby star turned TV pundit and rent-o-mic. Follow him n itt r a i at an an nsta at an

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

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 Georgie Stratton and Simon Jones

Jemma Hickman and Jo Reardon

Kate Abbey, Hetal Taylor and Renée Jacobs

Anna Sabine and Greg Ingham

COLLECTIVE THOUGHTS

Anna Sabine, entrepreneur and founder of Cassia Collective and The Female Edge, joined MediaClash chief exec Greg Ingham for a live interview at the May Bath Life Business Club. Anna spoke about Cassia’s Daiquiri-soaked roots – she came up with the idea in lockdown, with the bartender from her local – and her experiences in the male-driven property industry that spearheaded her latest project, The Female Edge. It was a stereotype-bashing session, with Anna breaking down gender inequality in the workplace and calling men to action to better support their female colleagues – turn to page 69 for more.

Richard Tidswell, Peter Woodhouse and Ian Lloyd

Photos by Soul Media; www.soul-media.co.uk

Ben Briggs and Matt Gregory

Julia Tisdale and Anita Powell

Guests gathered in the sunshine for pre-lunch drinks

www.mediaclash.co.uk I BATH LIFE I 19

SOCIETY

Richard Williams and Anna Kot

Bill and Betty Blockhead

Simon Fisher and Liz Gibson

WHEN LIFE GIVES YOU LEMONS

Bill and Betty Blockhead recently appeared at the 44AD gallery for LEMON SQUAT, an exhibition and absurd contemplation of life, art, and lemons in association with the mysterious PAnon Associates. Perhaps best known for his brief foray into political life, when he ran to become Bath’s MP on the campaign ‘Don’t Vote for Bill’ (341 people did). These days Bill has turned his attention to his new partnership with Betty Blockhead, and the pair’s artistic endeavours are something to behold.

Photos by 44AD artspace; www.44ad.net

Asha White and Bear Hollin

Les Kozel and Amy Kozel

Donal Wynne and Steph Wynne-Davey

Dragomir Mišina and Maxim Jones 20 I BATH LIFE I www.mediaclash.co.uk

SOCIETY

Chloe Porter, Michelle Porter and Kate Porter Sharon Challenger and Maddie Challenger with one of BAMM’s prosthetics

Mark Coulier and Mel Weekley

Molly Mcgowan, Maddison Cooper and Gozra Lozano

ALL MADE UP

Peter Swords King transforms a model

The Bath Academy of Media Make Up (BAMM) recently threw open the doors to prospective students to meet its world-class roster of trainers, who include Mark Coulier, an Oscar, BAFTA and Emmy-winning SFX and prosthetics designer; BAMM’s creative director Peter Swords King, who has an Oscar for his work on Lord of the Rings; and BAMM’s creative director for fashion, Gozra Lozano. The event marked the first time all three experts came together to talk about their influence on the industry – as well as give a live demonstration of their skills.

Photos by Katerina Pippi;

Emma Rutherford and Stacey Toulsen

www.immersiveexperiencegroup.co.uk

Gozra Lozano demonstrates make-up artistry

Ruby Barlow and Arthur Barlow

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

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

WALKING IN A WIDCOMBE WONDERLAND

Widcombe Art Trail is back and celebrating local creative talent. Over the weekend of 18 – 19 June, and in six venues including the Natural Theatre Company and Widcombe Baptist Church, visitors can drop in, peruse the art, and catch up with the 23 participating artists. On exhibition there will be a range of sculpture, printmaking, glass work, textile art, photography, and painting including the work of Sue Porter who specialises in ink drawings of local architecture as seen here – an extract from one of her Widcombe landscapes.

For more: www.widcombearttrail.com

www.mediaclash.co.uk I BATH LIFE I 23

Vanessa Fairfax-Woods is just one of the photographers exhibiting at Photo|Frome 21 June – 5 July

WHAT’S ON 2 June – 1 July

EXHIBITIONS Until 2 July

BATH SOCIETY OF ARTISTS 117TH ANNUAL EXHIBITION This exhibition showcases the best of the region’s artistic talent and is a must for art lovers and collectors alike, with all works for sale. Turn to page 10 for more. Victoria Art Gallery; www.victoriagal.org.uk

Until 3 July

DRESS TO REDRESS An exhibition of the work of contemporary Anishinabe artist and visual anthropologist Dr Celeste Pedri-Spade comes to Europe for the first time. The American Museum & Gardens; www.americanmuseum.org

Until 25 July

SHADES OF GREEN In this RUH exhibition curated by Sandra Higgins, specially invited artists, intentionally diverse in their practices, were each asked to respond to the same landscape view of Englishcombe. www.artatruh.org

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

Until 4 September

HENRY MOORE: SHARING FORM Hauser & Wirth Somerset presents a major comprehensive exhibition of works by Henry Moore, curated

by Hannah Higham of the Henry Moore Foundation in collaboration with the artist’s daughter, Mary Moore. www.hauserwirth.com

Until 18 September

LOVE LIFE: DAVID HOCKNEY DRAWINGS 1963-1977 With more than 40 of David Hockney’s drawings on loan from private collections, the new Love Life exhibition is a wonderful way to enjoy the artist’s incredible talent.

Works on display include Ossie Wearing a Fairisle Sweater, and Celia in Black, drawn in Marrakesh in 1971.

Holburne Museum; www.holburne.org

4 June – 3 July

ON REPETITION This new show at Black Swan Arts by artist Lucinda Burgess incorporates works in steel, charred

wood and glass, as well as more sculptural works using Indian Khadi paper. www.blackswanarts.org.uk

6 – 29 June

VIEWS FROM A PLAYROOM The exhibition of gouaches and etchings at Bath Central Library by Robin MacFarlan demonstrate his humour, ambiguity and an eye for detail – playful but also prompting deeper questions as to our perception of what is real and what is absurd. www.robinmacfarlan.co.uk

12 June

BATH CONTEMPORARY ART FAIR Since its creation last year, the Bath Life Award-winning BCAF has exhibited over 400 artists across a range o fine art hotogra hy sculpture, and textiles. Artists taking part in the eclectic exhibition in Green Park Station include Tom Watson, Georgia Cox, Melissa Wishart, Kate Marshall, Emma Rose, Charles Minty, Emma Lacon and Kat Parkin. www.bcaf.co.uk

18 – 19 June

WIDCOMBE ART TRAIL Six Widcombe venues play host to celebrate the work of 23 local artists. Turn to page 23 for more. www.widcombearttrail.com

21 June – 15 July

PHOTO|FROME This brand new festival will showcase all types of photography from local, national, and international hotogra hers at five exhibition venues, all with free entry.

There will be talks, workshops, a book fair, portfolio reviews and more. www.photofrome.org

THEATRE / CINEMA Until 4 June

THE DANCE OF DEATH Alice and Edgar’s lonely relationship is sustained by taunts and recriminations and when a newcomer arrives their insular lives

© JOHAN PERSSON

WHAT’S ON

skills to the beautiful gardens of the American Museum. In this original murder mystery by open-air theatre company Heartbreak Productions, five sus ects will e under the spotlight and the cast will look to the audience to help solve the crime. www.americanmuseum.org ABOVE RIGHT:

It’s a classic whodunnit Orient Express style pulling into the Theatre Royal Bath; ABOVE: The work of Tom Watson can be seen at the Bath Contemporary Artists’ Fair at Green Park Station on 12 June; LEFT: The Widcombe Art Trail is back on the weekend of 18 – 19 June with local creative talent on display including painter Rachel Ward

threaten to spin out of control even further. Stars Lindsay Duncan, Hilton McRae and Emily Bruni.

Ustinov; www.theatreroyal.org.uk

8 June

FAILURE STUDIES Marc, the editor, works with Babe, his assistant, and George, his longsu ering intern. hile arc and Babe publish nonsensical articles on eo le s fiascos George is ed poisoned crumbs that make him act like a chicken. Rondo Theatre; www.rondotheatre.co.uk

9 – 25 June

MURDER ON THE ORIENT EXPRESS The celebrated Belgian detective Hercule Poirot boards the legendary Orient Express, enjoying the prospect of a luxurious rail journey from Istanbul to Calais but instead there is a murder and his skills to find the killer are needed. Theatre Royal Bath; www.theatreroyal.org.uk

11 June

MUCH ADO ABOUT MURDER Bring your picnic and your detective

28 June

MACBETH The award-winning drama group, The Bradfordians, are performing at the Tithe Barn in Bradford on Avon to tell the tale of Macbeth who, manipulated by witches and his wife, murders his way to the top and to become king, but loses his moral code and his mind on the way. www.wiltshiremusic.org.uk

CHILDREN 18 June – 3 July

LIVING TREE Discover a ‘Forest of Imagination’ as the Egg’s stage is transformed with a real native orest floor a five metre high conce tual tree designed by artist Andrew Amondson, and an immersive mirror maze. Free admission.

The Egg; www.theatreroyal.org.uk

MUSIC 9 June

CHASE & STATUS The electronic music duo composed o aul ilton hase and ill Kennard (Status), known for their collaboration including the huge dance anthem All Goes Wrong with Tom Grennan, celebrate the release of their bold, invigorating sixth album What Came Before.

Komedia Bath. www.komedia.co.uk

10 June

THE BARRICADE BOYS The Bring Him Home Tour will feature music from some of the bestloved shows rom the est nd and Broadway stage, including Phantom of The Opera, Miss Saigon, Jersey Boys and Les Misérables, as well as hits from some of pop and rock music’s all-time great artists such as Queen, Elton John, and The Beatles.

Bath Forum; www.bathforum.co.uk

24 June

SIMPLY RED Simply Red fronted by Mick Hucknall, who are hailed as one of the most successful live acts ever to come out of the UK, will be bringing their best-selling soul and pop sounds to the beautiful Longleat grounds. Support comes from the legendary musical collective Soul II Soul. They are appearing as part of the Live at Longleat event which also includes Tom Jones, Diana Ross, and Tears for Fears. www.longleat.co.uk

COMEDY

Every Sunday

DRAG KARAOKE AT MANDALYNS Most days of the week the welcoming and upbeat 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

5 June

THE SINGING PSYCHIC GAME SHOW & SEVEN APRONS OF WOMAN – DOUBLE BILL

www.mediaclash.co.uk I BATH LIFE I 25

WHAT’S ON Edinburgh and Adelaide Fringe sell-out the Singing Psychic comes to Bath to demonstrate her spookily accurate (if bonkers) audience readings and introduce some 1970s team games including psychic Jenga. Seven Aprons of Woman is a comedic take on the trials, tribulations and tempers of women as they examine their apron strings and those hanging on to them.

Komedia Bath. www.komedia.co.uk

FESTIVALS Until 12 June

BATH FRINGE FESTIVAL The Bath Fringe is a festival of all the arts, with few rules as to what should be in or out – it’s what people want to do, and what venues in Bath they want to put on. Performances include The Many Lives of Nellie Bly at the Mission Theatre, and look out for local bands performing in Parade Garden. www.bathfringe.co.uk

Until 12 June

FRINGE ARTS BATH FESTIVAL Not to be confused with the above, FaB puts art in unusual places in unexpected ways all over Bath.

There’s a packed programme of free exhibitions, performances, and events. Turn to page 30 for more. www.fringeartsbath.co.uk

2 – 4 June

ROYAL BATH & WEST SHOW After two years away, the Royal ath est how is finally back with an extra special event celebrating the Platinum Jubilee year of its patron, HM The Queen.

Alongside the Jubilee celebrations, there’s plenty of returning favourites like the Paul Hannam Stunt Show and Pawsability Dog Agility Display, making a welcome return. www.bathandwest.com

2 – 5 June

VINTAGE NOSTALGIA FESTIVAL Head to Stockton Park for a funfilled weekend o live music dance vintage and antique shopping, classic cars, automobilia, theatre and children’s entertainment. www.vintagenostalgiafestival.co.uk

9 – 12 June

FOREST LIVE AT WESTONBIRT Forest Live promises unmissable live music in the breath-taking and beautiful location of Westonbirt Arboretum. This year performing amidst the trees are Rag’n’Bone

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

ABOVE:

The legendary Simply Red play Longleat; RIGHT: Robin MacFarlan’s exhibition Views From a Playroom can be seen at Bath Central Library from 6 June; BELOW: Comedian Reginald D Hunter is bringing the laughs to the three-day Americana Fest being held at the American Museum and Gardens

Man, Keane, Madness, and Texas.

Bring a picnic, a blanket and make a day of it. www.forestryengland.uk

11 – 12 June

BRADFORD ON AVON FOOD AND DRINK FESTIVAL The artisan and street food market brings a whole range of lipsmackin stalls including Somerset Charcuterie, Godminster Cheese, Purbeck Ice Cream, and Scout and Sage Distillery, along with a circus tent, a dog show, face painting, pottery, workshops, and live music. www.scrumptiousfoodfestivals.co.uk

17 – 19 June

PUB IN THE PARK We can’t get enough of Tom Kerridge’s foodie music extravaganza in Victoria Park hosted by James Martin, The Hairy Bikers, Andi Oliver, and others. Alongside foodie pop-ups from some of the country’s best eateries and chef demos, there’s a stellar music line-up the likes of Supergrass, Natalie Imbruglia, The Sugar Hill Gang ft. Grand Master Mellie Mel, and Norman Jay MBE. www.pubintheparkuk.com

20 – 26 June

CHALKE VALLEY HISTORY FESTIVAL Dubbed ‘the most civilised festival you will ever go to’ by Slow Travel, this seven-day history festival near Salisbury features world-class speakers like travel writer Colin Thubron, BBC broadcaster Justin Webb, and former Home Secretary Alan Johnson. www.cvhf.org.uk

WHAT’S ON

CULTURE CLUB …with Jarred Christmas

Jarred Christmas is a stand up comedian and hair loss expert. He’s been a pro comic for 22 years, a West Country bloke for six, is originally from New Zealand, and can be found regularly hosting the Krater Comedy Club nights at Komedia Bath.

© ROB WEBSTER

The last great film I saw It wasn’t the new Batman film. I fell asleep twice like an old man.

I loved the new Ryan Reynolds’ film Project Adam. But I am a bit obsessed with Ryan Reynolds. If he was Batman I wouldn’t have fallen asleep.

Head to Stockton Park for the unique Vintage Nostalgia Festival

22 – 26 June

GLASTONBURY Tickets long since sold out, so if you’re not one of the lucky few visiting Worthy Farm, there’s always next year, and in the meantime, you can enjoy Billie Eilish, Paul McCartney, Kendrick Lamar, and Diana Ross from the comfort of your own home on the telly. And later in the year there’s the chance to get your Glastonbury fi on ugust at the Glaston ury Extravaganza, organised by Michael Eavis and held in the ruins of Abbey, with Paloma Faith among others performing. www.glastonburyfestivals.co.uk

24 – 26 June

MARSTONBURY Huey Morgan is the host of this NYC-style block party in Frome’s Marston Park. An homage to big brother Glastonbury, it includes Huey DJ sets with a bit of everything from Chic to Donna Summer and Kool & The Gang.

When you’re through partying, on the Sunday there’ll also be a range of wellness classes and family fun on o er. www.marstonpark.co.uk

1 – 3 July

AMERICANA FEST This new three-day festival celebrates the best of American music and the best of local talent in the American Museum and

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

Gardens spectacular hilltop surrounds. Set to coincide with US Independence Day celebrations, the top line-up of music encompasses folk, country, blues and rock and roll, featuring acts like Ethan John’s Black Eyed Dogs and The Magic Numbers. Alongside the music will run an all-American comedy bill, headlined by Reginald D Hunter. www.americanmuseum.org

1 – 10 July

FROME FESTIVAL This year’s festival is the biggest to date with over events. ig names coming this year include DJ Jo Whiley, singer-songwriter Andy Fairweather Low, TV historian David Olusoga, the Kris Barras Band and guitarist Wilko Johnson. www.fromefestival.co.uk

COMING UP 30 June

ENTRECONF The region’s leading conference for entrepreneurs and partners is back.

Turn to age or some ig name news. www.entreconf.com

22 – 24 July

BATH BOULES The much-loved Bath Boules tournament is back in Queen Square raising money and raising ‘oh la la’ spirits. www.bathboules.com

A film I could watch again and again...

The Princess Bride. It’s the perfect movie for me. Sword fights, battle of wits, Andre the Giant, Inigo Montoya saying his immortal line “My name is Inigo Montoya, you killed my father, prepare to die”.

A painting that means something to me My youngest daughter when she was nine painted herself as an astronaut. We have it framed in her bedroom. I love it.

Best TV show ever…

Battlestar Galactica. No. Wait. Game of Thrones. No. Wait. The West Wing. No. Wait. Pointless. That’s my final answer. Pointless.

The book that changed my life Magician by Raymond E. Fiest. I was not a reader until reading that brilliant book at 15. I now listen to loads of audiobooks because I drive to my gigs a lot. Podcasts are great but there is nothing better than getting lost in a good story whilst driving on the M5.

The book I could happily re-read 11.22.63 by Stephen King. I’ve read it once. Listened to the audiobook once, and I’m thinking of reading it again.

Last live music gig Before the big panno demo, I saw a Kiwi band called Six60 in a small intimate gig in central London. These guys are stadium fillers back home. Great to see them up close and personal.

My favourite arts place in Bath The American Museum and Gardens. Very cool place to wander around and eat a Snickerdoodle. I also love Komedia and all the other theatres in Bath. The city has such a great, creative scene.

For more: www.komedia.co.uk Kiwi Jarred Christmas is a regular Komedia host

Rewind: Let’s Press Play Together by artist Jenny Alderton and photographed Tim Kavanagh

ABSOLUTELY FAB

Fringe Arts Bath Festival, now in its 16th year, is back and more fabulous than ever

By Kate McDonnell and Gideon Kibblewhite

F ABOVE: Shore Life by Caroline Fraser, and part of the exhibition Evidence

curated by Simon Taylor for Bath Photography Festival in 2022

ARTS

ringe Arts Bath Festival (known as FaB), Bath’s annual visual arts festival, has returned to the city after going online for two-years, with a whole plethora of free exhibitions and events.

The festival, which runs until 12 June, aims to raise the rofile o contem orary visual arts in Bath and beyond, and provides early-career curators and artists with a platform. All of which means a chance to see lots of exciting local artists and new emerging talent.

This year’s packed programme of exhibitions, screenings, and performances can be seen at Walcot Chapel, Milsom Place, 44AD artspace, and many other venues around the city. “FaB being back in business is a great feeling,” says FaB co-director Scarlett Mosnier. “It is amazing to be opening up spaces for people to wander into again. I love the chance encounters and the unexpected experiences across FaB’s exhibitions and events. The creative community which forms during the festival is unique.

“The curators, artists, core team and volunteers all spend this intense, fun period of time together. The exchange of ideas, support and friendships which are born out of FaB festival are amazing.”

This year, FaB is featuring more than 200 artists across 18 exhibitions taking in drawing, painting, video, animation, sound, poetry, sculpture, photography, printmaking, digital art, installation and more. Also on o er is the th a hotomarathon showcase – hotos taken in one single day by 40 people, following 20 themes set by FaB founder and Scarlett’s partner Arran Hodgson.

The first o cial a estival took lace in and it has since blossomed into an important asset to the cultural life of the city. “We are the ‘cheeky little sister’ to Bath Fringe Festival, which has been running for 30 years, and housed a visual arts component from the start,” says Scarlett. “In reaction to the visual arts side building in momentum and energy an o cial o shoot was ormed and ecame what we have here today.”

ABOVE: No Happy Endings by Samantha Johnston;

RIGHT: Artist James Lawton’s work Untitled is part of the

exhibition Glitch, curated by Lisa Lindqvist, 2022

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

ARTS

Photo by Stu Alsop of the performance art of artist Clare Carswell at Modern Art Oxford for LAPER, which is part of the project Biddy curated by Clare Carswell and Peta Lloyd; INSET: The work of artist Gabriella Tigoglu entitled Millie and Raya, and part of the exhibition The Coming of Age curated by Roderick & Jones

And you don’t have to have ‘artist’ written on your business card to take part, she explains. “FaB opens its doors to anyone with an idea for an exhibition or project which might have an interesting outcome. Our curators might have years of experience, or none. Our team is here to support them to make their ideas a reality.

“The broadest possible interpretation of visual arts is welcome at Fringe Arts Bath Festival. We house paintings on canvas through to videos of shivering plants. We work with children and adults, established and emerging artists, and welcome those who are self taught or who face barriers to presenting their work. Our reputation continues to grow locally, nationally and internationally.”

Of the many highlights of the festival over the years, two stand out for Scarlett.“People often say ‘I loved the cement heads being smashed by hammers’, and so do I. Prosthesis by Luke Tupper, was a self-destroying sculpture from the Prosthetic Impulse show in 2015. A cement head on a stand was gradually destroyed by an automated arm with a hammer smashing into it. The hammer would start up randomly, the sound of metal on concrete welcoming you to a basement gallery space. As you paused in front of the sculpture it would stop. You’d wait for it to re-start and nothing happened… until you walked away and the hammer started again. Disturbing, beautiful and fascinating.

“Goat 2 by Dorcas Casey, featured in FaB’s Bath Open Art Prize exhibition in 2012; a sculpture of a life-sized goat slumped on a chair, made of found fabrics. This then featured in Banksy’s Dismaland in 2015 where Casey was also commissioned by Banksy to create Cinderella’s fallen horses. I am so proud to see how far she has gone.”

“The festival aims t rais t r fi contemporary visual arts in Bath”

FaB runs from 27 May to 12 June at venues across the city .

For more: www.fringeartsbath.co.uk.

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

Part of the performance series called You Are Here: Detouring the City curated by Playground Collective Members

Still from video entitled Welcome Back Leeds by Tom Wright, which is part of the project SPACE curated by Sightlines Projects

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

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BOOKS NIC BOTTOMLEY

Wish list

The recent Bath Festival has seen Nic’s mustread book list get considerably longer

“Over 90 events in a week is a guaranteed method of creating a skyscraper of want-to-reads”

A

s the Bath Festival wra s u its first ull octane year since 2019, my reading pile is teetering higher than ever.

Sending booksellers here there and everywhere to sell books at over 90 events in a week is a guaranteed method o creating a skyscra er o want to reads . case in oint o how the rilliantly rogrammed estival shout out to ate Abbey and her team) can impact your reading timetable is the event I attended whilst jotting down thoughts or this iece. ark odkinson regaled us with tales rom his childhood and how he ecame the first reading addict amongst his amily and riends growing u in working class Rochdale. is No One Reads Tolstoy Round Here anongate . is one o those ooks that leaves you with innumerable reading deviations ecause o the author s constant re erencing o the books that have kept him company through his li e. There s music amily li e and a lot more esides in this memoir ut odkinson s thoughts on reading are ever resent. The ook culminates in a endices descri ing his to e read iles and listing his avourite discoveries inside second hand ook urchases – rom annotations to unexpected inserts. r s was a venue or five events that we co curated this year. The first o those gave me the o ortunity to interview ulia rmfield about her astonishing saturated novel Our Wives Under the Sea acmillan . . rom its striking cover to its emotional finale this novel is ust so well watery. The e igra hs e ore the te t egins come rom Moby Dick and Jaws and a uatic cultural re erences o every type are peppered throughout the increasingly tense and unsettling narrative.

The story itsel has a s lit timeline and two voices. irst there s iri whose wi e Leah has

recently returned home a ter an une ected delay rom a su marine dee dive research tri to the ocean floor. nly she has returned in a somewhat roken orm and we watch as iri grieves or the loss o the erson she knew e ore and struggles to hel Leah ad ust to li e back home. nters ersed with iri s account are Leah s diary entries during her trou led voyage. This is where the novel s action lies and where its incredi le claustro ho ia uilds as Leah and her two colleagues find themselves stranded in the darkness o the ocean floor with eculiar noises outside and their own emotional exhaustion and strained imaginations working overtime. Our Wives Under the Sea is a genre straddling novel with moments o horror sychological thriller and sci fi dysto ia all encased in a striking literary style.

Finally, another book that leapt into my wish ile during this year s estival is am owles Overruled neworld . . u lic law barrister Fowles spoke brilliantly about his experiences holding the government and other national odies to account in many o the very highest rofile recent cases. mongst many others he s worked with Gina iller against the rime inister against the etro olitan olice in the Sarah Everard vigil case, and against the ost ce when it erroneously accused its own sta o criminal activity. long the way owles draws some damning and thought rovoking conclusions a out the state and direction o British democracy.

Festival week should really come with an accompanying reading week to allow us to catch u ut as ark odkinson oints out in his ook we re all fighting an unmanagea le tide o wanting to read more ooks than we ll ever get through…and perhaps we should just embrace that!

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 35

SPONSORED CONTENT

THRINGS MEETS… Storm Consultancy

Stephen Horton, senior executive in the Succession and Tax team at THRINGS meets David Kelly, CEO of STORM CONSULTANCY Stephen Horton: Can you tell us about Storm? What does it do?

David Kelly: Storm creates websites, web apps and platforms for fledgling start-ups, flourishing scale-ups and restless corporate innovators. I like to think we create web-based solutions to unsolved problems.

SH: What is the lifecycle of a Storm project?

DK: Well, we are probably unusual in that we don’t simply create the web-based programme for an idea. We start at the beginning and look carefully at the business feasibility of a project – will it work? Is it sustainable? It would be a waste of our clients’ time and money for us to go away and build something that ultimately isn’t going to fly. So, our focus is on ensuring that an idea can become commercially viable.

SH: How did Storm start?

DK: Adam (Pope – chief tech officer) and I were at playgroup together, as well as at the same schools and university, and we were destined to be in investment banking. But we both decided to have a go at building a business which we would enjoy more than anything else. After dabbling quite successfully in software at uni, we made the leap and Storm was born.

SH: There are many digital agencies out there. What makes Storm different?

DK: Definitely our culture and our people; we always wanted to work with people we liked and who shared our values. That may sound naively idealistic, but we have continued with this ethos

throughout the growth of Storm.

SH: Storm has engaged in some very exciting joint ventures – can you tell us about those?

DK: At Storm, we believe in the power of collaboration. We like to jump at opportunities for working with innovative projects that can ultimately have a profound affect on our communities. One such joint venture is with CiteAb from the University of Bath – together we have been able to create a world-leading market data provider for the life science sector, and it has saved the sector over $1bn a year.

SH: And then there is Co-Forest – that sounds interesting…

DK: This was born from a desire to offset our entire 10-year carbon legacy. We created a not-for-profit company, roped in dozens of businesses in the Bath and Bristol area and bought a large area of land where we planted 10,000 trees. We are proud to have brought together so many people to do something so awesome.

certified as a B Corp company.

So, although we are looking at further growth, as well as bringing in new, exciting talent and engaging in more joint ventures, we want to continue to do so in a way that reflects our culture and values. n

SH: So, what’s next for Storm?

DK: We are incredibly proud to have been awarded a Queen’s Award for Innovation and, at the same time, to have been

2 Queen Square, Bath BA1 2HQ 01225 340000; solicitors@thrings.com www.thrings.com www.mediaclash.co.uk I BATH LIFE I 37

“The PIG’s food and music festival is a classic English summer party with a rock ‘n’ roll twist”

STAYING OUT FOR THE SUMMER Inspirational ideas for grand days out

By John Mather

W

SUMMER DAYS OUT

hether it’s the school holidays, a stolen Monday to use up the annual leave or a fle i li e o leisure planning local days out are an act o oy when you live in ath and the sun is out. A hot air balloon ride over the city, open air theatre at the ol urne or a undraising og around ictoria ark are ust a ew o the suggestions guaranteed to tickle your summertime ancy.

PIG OUT! Smoked & Uncut festival; www.smokedanduncut.com The G s ood and music estival on uly is a classic nglish summer arty with a rock n roll twist a home grown countryside carnival or music lovers oodies and amilies. eadliners include ools olland and his hythm lues rchestra and disco legends ister ledge lus a line u o local ands. ou can e ect s until late street ood stalls ars serving home grown cocktails wine fizz cider and eer a kids area outi ue market stalls The ield a and o u easting e eriences hosted y che ngela artnett ark i and itch Tonks. lso look out or the G s ield itchen hosted y che director ames Golding and the G che a rentices.

FULL OF DRAMA GARDEN THEATRE FESTIVAL; www.gardentheatrefest.co.uk eld in the grounds o the ol urne rom uly – ugust is a verita le east o outdoor entertainment and er ormances including An Evening Without Kate Bush, The Importance of Being Earnest, Wind in The Willows, and King Arthur er ormed y The Last aguette Theatre om any. nd making this e tra s ecial is a late night estival ar a as well as e clusive remium ticket ackages which rovide early venue access and lu ury ham ers ull o goodies or the day. r you can always ring your own icnic.

Angela Hartnett is just one of the celebrated chefs at THE PIG’s Smoked and Uncut festival; RIGHT: See King Arthur performed by The Last Baguette Theatre Company as part of the Garden Theatre Festival programme at the Holburne

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

SUMMER DAYS OUT JOG ON! RACE FOR LIFE; www.raceforlife.cancerresearchuk.org n uly ictoria ark is the starting oint and finish line or the k and k ath ace or Li e. ollow a glorious route around the city including Queens Parade Place, Royal Avenue, and the Royal Crescent and raise money or ancer esearch at the same time. nd i you don t ancy running the event organisers are also looking or volunteers to hel on the day. ntry is . and or children ooka le in advance.

LIVE THE HIGH LIFE Fly Away Ballooning; www.flyawayballooning.com im sky high with your adventures this summer and see the world rom a whole new ers ective. ly way allooning o er morning and evening omerset alloon rides lasting minutes. alloon ides omerset or two costs and takes in the amazing sights o the endi s and lackdown ills and urrow um all o which are teeming with ascinating wild li e. or the gin loving grown u s there is the high li e indulgence o the ath Gin erience which includes two cocktails a digital hoto al um and a oyal ictoria ark de arture.

IN THE ARIA IF OPERA 2022; www.ifopera.com era is ack ugust – e tem er and taking lace in the ully enclosed addles an theatre in the magical grounds o the Grade listed elcom e ourt in ord. t kicks o with the icnic rom with The lare Teal even ollowed y roductions o La Rondine, Rita & Il segreto di Susanna an interactive amily show The Man in the Moon, Dido and Aaneas with guest conductor hristian urnyn and the ristol nsem le and Tales from Chez Bullier, eaturing music y uccini erdi and Lehar among others.

“Experience daytime astronomy from the very garden the planet Uranus was discovered in 1781”

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

STAR QUALITY HERSCHEL MUSEUM OF ASTRONOMY; www.herschelmuseum.org.uk isit the erschel useum o stronomy on une the day o the summer solstice to e erience daytime astronomy rom the very garden the lanet ranus was discovered in . The solar telesco es and ath stronomers will e there rom am to m to guide you so you can o serve the sun sa ely and tell you more a out your nearest star. lso throughout the summer holidays there are constellation activities in the gallery and a children s trail around the museum.

BY GEORGE! No 1 Royal Crescent; www.no1royalcrescent.org.uk o. oyal rescent is a museum which has een decorated and urnished ust as it might have een during the eriod . The rooms eature historic urniture ictures and o ects that reveal what li e was like or ath s residents – oth those who lives u stairs and the servants downstairs. The new immersive e erience rings the house to li e through film and sound so that visitors can get a very real sense o what it would have een like ack then. n the last riday o every month there is a s ecially ada ted innovative ane usten tour e loring the li e and times o the Georgians using e tracts rom her cele rated novels.

CLOCKWISE: IF Opera is back in the magical setting of Belcombe Court in Iford;

on 3 July Victoria Park is the starting point for Race for Life; solar telescopes and Bath Astronomers will be in the garden of the Herschel Museum of Astronomy on 21 June to guide you through the Summer Solstice observations

WHEN IN BATH Roman Baths; www.romanbaths.co.uk There’s a whole range of activities for kids running over summer starting 25 July including Before the Romans which explores life in Britain before the Romans and the chance to make an Iron Age round house to take home, and Caesar’s Secrets about the life of Julius Caesar, his secret codes he used for messages and a make-your-own laurel wreath workshop. In the evening, from 23 July to 31 August, the Roman Baths will also stay o en until m o ering visitors a chance to enjoy the special atmosphere around the torchlit Great Bath, along with a pop-up bar.

© DEB PORTER PHOTOGR APHY

TRULY SCRUMPTIOUS Bradford on Avon Food Festival; www.scrumptiousfoodfestivals.co.uk The weekend of 11 – 12 June sees the Bradford on Avon Food Festival which is a dynamic and diverse celebration of all that is wonderful and delicious in the South West. Along with local food and drink such as cheese, chutneys, sweet treats and the finest estival street ood there s amily entertainment including the Food Glorious Food tent, circus workshops, face and pottery painting, cookery sessions for adults, live music, a fun dog show and lots more. New for this year is the Fun Kitchen with 30-minute cooking workshops for children aged 3-12 years old.

A MAGICAL NIGHT The Merlin Theatre in Frome; www.merlintheatre.co.uk The Merlin Theatre, Frome welcomes two amazing Illyria Theatre shows to its outdoor amphitheatre this summer. A Midsummer Night’s Dream brings magic and fun to this classic, Shakespearean tale of trials and love in an enchanted forest; followed by the award-winning company’s fantastic, unique, satirical and witty production of Gilbert and Sullivan’s Pirates of Penzance, also marking the company’s 30-year celebration, playing to over a million people. Bring along rugs and picnics to enjoy summer entertainment in the great outdoors.

CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT: There’s a whole range of activities at Roman Baths running

over the school holidays; the Merlin Theatre in Frome welcomes two Illyria Theatre shows to its outdoor amphitheatre this summer; enjoy the high life with Fly Away Ballooning; the weekend of 11 – 12 June sees the return of the Bradford on Avon Food Festival

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

© JODY GAISFORD

SUMMER DAYS OUT

CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT: Behind the doors of No 1 Royal Crescent lies a fascinating insight into the lives of the Georgians; there’s

plenty of children’s entertainment at the Bath Food Festival; Taste of Corsham showcases the best of local food and drink; Westonbirt’s new children’s festival celebrates books about nature and includes guided walks through the arboretum

IN GOOD TASTE Taste of Corsham; www.corsham.gov.uk On Saturday 18 June, from 10am-4pm, Corsham’s town centre will be the place to visit for all food lovers. Stalls, as well as businesses based in the High Street, will be showcasing the best of local and regional food and drink, with a free taste trail to enjoy. Alongside all the deliciousness, there’ll be live music, children’s activities and – new for 2022 – the Picnic Lawn in the grounds of Digital Mansion Corsham. Sit back in a deckchair, enjoy the food and drink from the stalls, and listen to great music from local musicians as they play through the afternoon. There is also the added, and unusual bonus, of free parking all day.

A NEW LEAF WILD WONDER AT WESTONBIRT; www.forestryengland.uk From 27 – 29 August, young bookworms can come and meet their favourite award-winning authors and illustrators including Michael Morpurgo, Cressida Cowell, Dara McAnulty, and Yuval Zommer, at this brand-new nature book festival for families at Westonbirt Arboretum. Activities include storytelling sessions, workshops, drawing lessons, and guided walks through the arboretum.

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

“On 18 June Corsham’s town centre will be the place to visit for food lovers” MASTER CLASS Bath Food Festival; www.fantasticfoodfestivals.co.uk Foodies are in for a treat this summer as the Fantastic Food Festival descends on Victoria Park 29 – 31 July. This isn’t simply about tasting this food, this is also all about experiences and masterclasses and experiences including from pasta making with Federico from Pasta Uliana and Italian legend Gennaro Contaldo; baking with Great British Bake Off’s Karen Wright, nutrition advice from Eva Humphries; and it’s definitely shaken and stirred with ndy larke s ocktail lass. There will also be lots of family friendly shows and entertainment happening throughout the weekend.

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

ASK FOR THE MOON

ele rate ather s ay with ood. Local che an oon who has worked at omewood ark otel the Gains orough ath a and has een awarded osettes twice in his career has created new tasting menu o es to e en oyed at home. uzu y an oon hel s you whi u a course meal y ollowing his sim le ste y ste guides. ach o serves two and costs and contains an amuse ouche starter main course dessert and co ee and etit ours. t s all re ed and ready to go – you ust need to add the finishing touches at home. r r an n c

BEST IN SEASON VERITY GENCO makes the case for beetroot

© VERIT Y GENCO

Beetroot is not so fleeting a cro as it can e sown and harvested a ew times a year – ut it tastes the sweetest in its eak season the s ring to summer months. eetroot has always had a it o an un air re – think murky ars sitting in the corner o grandma s cu oards and the itter airtight ags ound in su ermarkets year round.

There is so much more to this root veggie. ust look to the vegan community – meat ree meals like eetroot and chick ea urgers are in demand at our avourite urger oints these days not a vacuum ack in sight.

There are many health enefits to eetroot too. t contains nitrates which can reduce lood ressure and can hel you e ercise or longer. t hel s maintain healthy otassium levels can strengthen your ones maintain a healthier liver and fight inflammation throughout the ody – all with a rich and earthy flavour and a sweet a ter taste that makes uicing one hassle ree and delicious way o making the most o its health enefits. eetroot comes in a variety o vi rant colours – ur le stri y ink and yellow lood red and white. The yellow one

Dan has been awarded AA 3 Rosettes twice

is uite something when roasted and much sweeter than its si lings while the ink y stri y variety tastes great in salads shaved raw with ear or a le and tossed with a little mayo and a ew seeds – this slaw will enhance any summer al resco ar ecue and you ll orgive the odd it o hand staining during its re aration. nother avourite is a eetroot iryani and i you haven t tried making a eetroot tarte tatin – you really should. moked salmon with a dill and cucum er yoghurt dressing and uick ickled eetroot is a twist on the o ular candi classic and might suggest a local malted wheat sourdough read rom ertinet akery to mo it all u eetroot works est with a kick – serve it sweet salty or s icy – so will leave you to consider my final suggestion dark udgy slightly nutty eetroot rownies – and don t orget a dollo o whi ed cream.

Verity Genco is a food stylist, cook, baker and cat r r in nstagra rt a r r she creates recipes inspired by the seasons

Beetroot tastes sweetest in the spring and summer months

Gift at-home fine dining with Yuzu by Dan Moon

NO PLACE LIKE HOME

near ome is the go to online directory or the est local inde endent ood. Launched y then year old oyal igh chool student onor eaver during the first ovid lockdown the directory covers a range o roduce rom atisserie to gin distillery and all the groceries in etween. onor was ins ired to start the we site when she saw the way ath s inde endent ood retailers came through or the community throughout the lockdowns – Honor Weaver is supporting indies with her online she wanted to su ort them directory, nearHome in return. near ome is a we site that gives our uality inde endent ood roducers and sho s a lat orm to showcase their roduce and share their assion or what they do while also making them easier to find y the u lic says onor. started the we site during the first lockdown while was finishing Levels at the oyal igh chool ath and now am working on it ull time. r r n ar nt

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

TAKE 5 TV chef Andi Oliver is one of this year’s hosts of Pub in the Park

“Pub in the Park brings together all my favourite things in one place” One of your many roles is as a judge on the BBC Food & Farming Awards– what’s that like?

The F&F awards are wonderful to be a part of because it’s about championing independent producers. It’s just amazing to discover the incredible work that is being delivered up and down the country.

How do you go about judging the food? udge ood on several di erent criteria: the overall look, the execution, the spicing and/or seasoning – and really the heart of the dish, the overall impact it has.

Can you share any advice for newbies in the kitchen?

ANDI OLIVER Award-winning TV chef and broadcaster Andi Oliver is coming to Bath to host Pub in the Park

Andi Oliver is a TV regular and host of Great British Menu, Beat the Chef, Food Unwrapped and Saturday Kitchen, where she’s also a contributing chef. Off screen she has enjoyed an equally prolific culinary career, with four successful years at the head of ephemeral restaurant The Moveable Feast, time as creative director of The Birdcage followed by leading her own kitchen at The Jackdaw and Star, a renovated pub in the heart of Homerton.

After that she launched her award-winning restaurant,

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

Andi’s in 2016, and in 2020 she began her most recent venture, Wadadli Kitchen.

She’s visiting Bath this month to host the Pub in the Park food and music festival from 17 – 19 June.

What are you most excited about for hosting Pub in the Park?

Post pandemic, any opportunity that we have to gather and celebrate the things we love is so exciting and Pub in the Park brings together all my favourite things in one place: food, music and people – so it’s a triple win.

What are you looking forward to visiting in Bath?

PEOPLE! I have good friends in Bath and I can’t wait to see them.

Any recommendations on the menu at Pub in the Park?

I’m so excited I don’t even know where to start. The scope is amazing – from the Hand & Flowers to Atul Kochhar and Cyrus Todiwala. All the yum!

Tell us a little about your latest culinary project, the Wadadli Kitchen?

Wadadli is a celebration of where all my worlds collide – it’s Caribbean cooking from the heart of a British Caribbean woman.

And what’s being served up?

I feel like Caribbean food is hugely misunderstood – we are more than jerk chicken and rice and peas. Each island has its own culinary identity and history, and those endless kitchen stories are fascinating to me. I want to share them as I learn about them.

Take your time. Enjoy yourself.

Start small. Taste your food.

Make things you love. And ask questions – ALL the time!

Do you have an all time favourite food memory?

This is virtually impossible for me to answer – there are so many!

My favourite times though are big family gatherings. Every year my best friend and I cook up a storm at carnival for everyone, and I just love the feeling when everything goes down onto the table before everyone dives in and we can survey our work.

What’s your food philosophy?

Food should make people happy, it should bring joy. Make sure the kitchen is a happy place. No one wants to eat bad vibe food!

And finally what would you say is your ultimate comfort meal?

Depends on the day, but in summertime I love smoky barbecue chicken and gooey mac and cheese.

Pub in the Park is happening 17-19 June at Royal Victoria Park, Bath; For more: www.pubintheparkuk.com

A modern restaurant bar providing the tastiest dishes inspired by the tropical islands.

Carousel Fun Kitchen, 66 Walcot St, Bath, BA1 5BD

01225 432746 | bookings@carouselfunkitchen.com

www.carouselfunkitchen.com

ITALIAN MENU WITH A MODERN APPROACH EXTENSIVE WINE LIST

2 John Street, Bath, BA1 2JL 01225 482070 | bookings@laterra.co.uk www.laterra.co.uk

DOUGH PIZZERIA

A gorgeous slice of Bath life can be found in this bustling corner of Kingsmead Square

By Sarah Moolla

T

he sun is shining, the shades are on, we’re seated in a sun-dappled corner of Kingsmead Square under the huge Dough canopies, and thanks to the persuasive powers of manager Francesco, we each have a huge shimmering iced goblet of spritzer, one with zesty sweet Aperol and other a bittersweet Campari. It feels like a mini-break already, and the warm waft of fresh pizza is transporting us into late lazy lunchtime vibes – when in Rome (or Naples) and all that…

Now you might think you’re over pizza – but Dough has helped to elevate the humble student staple and bring about so ething inno ati e and definitely delicious. A clue to this kind of reinvent-the-wheel wizardry is the thinking-out-of-box credentials of the owners. Massimo Nucaro worked on the festival circuit for 18 years, and Emiliano Tunno has travelled the world as a pizza consultant – opening new restaurants in Dubai, Saudi Arabia and France. The pair met at a festival and soon beca e riends and whilst on a fishing tri to ew

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

Zealand came up with the idea to open Dough.

Dough’s USP is of course, (the clue is in the name) the dough. As well as traditional sourdough, there are currently di erent ty es o reshly- ade dough on the enu including an i ressi e fi e gluten- ree options, grano arso which is a burnt grain with a smoky fla our ka ut he tur eric seaweed ulti-grain and chocolate. All o er distincti e tastes textures and e en nutritional benefits that you si ly aren t going to find in a Do ino s. And the tea s i ressi e six-year track record – from Bath’s Corridor launch in 2016 to this second branch in Kingsmead Square, which opened April last year – reassures us this is no gimmick.

Francesco guides us through his favourites, which are made by chef Angelica, sister of owner Emiliano, so we know we are in safe dough-spinning hands. First up is the antipasto, a Dough special – it’s a mountain (well, a volcano to be more precise, actually Mount Vesuvius to be more precise still, which it is nicknamed after due to its towering triangular structure) made up of cured meats: delicate translucent sheets of fat streaked, chewy prosciutto crudo, peppery discs of cured pork salami, and

RESTAURANT REVIEW

my favourite, the silky, garlicky, spicy mortedello – it may look like pale pink slices of processed ham but it tastes divine. The accompanying cubes of Italian hard cheese add a salty, milky bite, with the roasted sweet aubergines, the oily, tart sun-dried tomatoes and fat, glossy olives providing freshness, texture, and pungency. Leaning upright over the whole shebang (creating that volcanic shape) are four quarters of light, slightly blistered, sourdough base – all topped with a generous lava o erflow o oli e-oil slicked unchy herby basil esto and a generous sprinkling of parmesan shavings.

This triumphant sharing platter has certainly given us a high-expectation taste of what’s to come – and luckily the pizzas are more than holding their own. My partigiana from the house specials is heavy with succulent cherry tomatoes, smoky crisped aubergine, beefy morsels of fennel-laced Italian sausage, intensely spiced porky nuggets o ndu a all o -set by a crea y rich o arella topping, and despite the lightness of the turmeric-tinged pizza base, it all holds together in proper, hold and eat with your hands, holiday style.

My plus one controversially goes for the Frutti di Mare, which is yellow tomato sauce, mozzarella, squid, mussels and rawns on a he base. A bit like inea le fish on a pizza can divide the most united of friends, families and lovers, and I am utterly disapproving and slightly narked by this selection. Until I reluctantly try it –and am truly gobsmacked – the plump squeaky prawns are incredible against the fruity, and almost honeyed, taste of the yellow tomatoes. I stop sulking and immediately take more than my fair share.

One of the joys of eating outside is being able to soak up, not just the rays, but also the buzz of city life around us. Underneath that impressive umbrella of the beautiful oak tree, Extinction Rebellion have a stall, the ath us tation Fruiterers are in fine oice first date couples are meeting, shoppers are resting, revellers are in the early stages of revelry – and we’re ordering another round of spritzers and the dolce pizza with its chocolate dough-base topped with banana, strawberry, Nutella and whipped cream. Bath looks beautiful, the vibe is upbeat, and we’re in no hurry to end this mini-break.

“The plump squeaky prawns are incredible against the fruity, and almost honeyed, taste of the yellow tomatoes” DINING DETAILS

Covers 60 in total

Dough Pizzeria, 9 Kingsmead Square, Bath BA1 2AB. tel: 01225 422320; www.doughpizzarestaurant.co.uk

Prices Starters cost between: £3.95 - £12.95 (for a sharer), mains £8.50 - £16.50, desserts £4.50 - £5.75

Opening hours Monday 12noon – 10pm, Tuesday closed, Wednesday – Friday 12noon – 10pm, Saturday 12noon – 10.30pm, Sunday 12noon – 9.30pm

Drinks Cocktails from the classic Aperol or Campari Spritz to an Espresso Martini. A good selection of wine, bottled beer, cider, spirits and mocktails.

Owned by Massimo Nucaro and Emiliano Tunno

Vegetarian options Good. There are also several vegan options and any vegetarian option, of which there are many, can also be veganised with vegan cheese on pizza or in pucce.

Established Dough in The Corridor opened in March 2016 and their outside Kingsmead terrace opened 12 April 2021, and the inside section of the restaurant a month later on 17 May. Type of food served Pizza of course, plus seasonal salads, warm sandwiches (a musttry), and Italian classics including lasagne, parmigiana, and cannelloni.

Disability access Accessible outside but the loo is down steep steps inside.

Good to know The restaurants are closed on different days, ensuring you can get a Dough pizza seven days a week. Dough also deliver via Foodstuff Bath, Uber Eats and Deliveroo.

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SUNNY SIDE UP Bath’s al fresco dining scene is the ultimate summer vibe

By Lydia Tewkesbury

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

AL FRESCO

Dine beneath the beautiful Green Park Brasserie porte cochere

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

AL FRESCO

W

hen it comes to al fresco dining, atmosphere is key. We want to feel transported, like an evening out or a Sunday brunch could be a holiday – even if it is just a stone’s throw from home. Here we have gathered some of the local best, whether you’re looking for a buzzy city centre pub feel, or a cosy sunset in the countryside – Bath and the surrounding area has it all.

Boho Marché, Francis Hotel, Queens Square, Bath; www.bohomarche.com

The vibe: Morocco meets the Med in this boldly coloured Bath escape.

Aquamarine tiles with swirling colours, bright-coloured cushions and wicker furniture are set against a backdrop of wooden troughs packed with plants in full bloom. But it’s not all about the aesthetic – the care ully curated menu reflects the diverse culinary influences o North Africa, traditional Moroccan cuisine, a sprinkling of Andalucian specialities and some French dishes, too.

Castle Farm, Midford Road, Bath; www.castlefarmmidford.co.uk

Dining with the sweeping vista of the Midford Valley on Castle Farm’s terrace is hard to beat for atmosphere. The view is breath-taking; the perfect place to watch the sky fade to pinks and purples as the sun slips below the horizon, or spot majestic birds of prey meandering over the countryside, in search of their own dinner. Castle Farm’s supper clubs are legendary – and generally sell-out – events, and in June the theme is ‘Astrid’s World’, inspired by the magical literary world of Astrid Lindgren – author of the Pippi Longstocking books – with a delicious menu of Swedish dishes.

Corkage, 5 Chapel Row, Bath; www.corkagebath.com

Corkage has a secret garden – and it is magical. Twinkling fairy lights twist through the trees surrounding the intimate dining area, characterful bird cages dangle from above and the Georgian terrace eyond o ers a cosy glow – the e ect is utterly romantic. t s covered and there are blankets available, so the British weather needn’t impact date night. n oy your summer fling dining on reshly shucked oysters and seasonal salads, or sipping on a glass of Pomelado Orange 2021 wine, with notes of clementine and green olive.

Electric Bear Brewing, Unit 12, The Maltings, Brassmill Lane, Bath; www.electricbearbrewing.com

Taproom, in the heart of the Brewery, is one for the cool kids. You know the ones – the cra t ale drinkers who know their rom their cask and they’ve got opinions about them all too. Expect a queue around the block – it’s worth the wait – and the atmospheric thrum of music rovided y the guest o the night. Ta room also hosts a di erent street food option every week – this month it’s Gourmet Warriors serving u tacos une Tandoori G s mouth watering ndian street food (10 June), The Jerk Yard Caribbean dishes (11 June) and Nawa Kitchen Tibetan street food (17 June).

© BETH CROCK AT T

BELOW: The secret garden at Corkage; RIGHT: Morocco meets the Med at Boho Marché

ct is tt r r antic” 52 I BATH LIFE I www.mediaclash.co.uk

AL FRESCO

ABOVE: Enjoy an afternoon tea on the peaceful Roseate Villa terrace; RIGHT: Sun bathe on the ‘Costa di Landrace’

Green Park Brasserie and Bath Pizza Co, Green Park Station, Bath; www.greenparkbrasserie.com / www.bathpizzaco.com Green Park Station in the summer months is the epitome of ‘vibes’.

The two restaurants o er two glorious terraces – one out ront o the rasserie eneath its eauti ul orte cochere where horses and carriages once stood awaiting arrivals rom the co led station entrance in years gone y. The second is underneath the vaulted glass roo inside the historic station estooned with glowing lights. atch the world go y com orted y the gentle warmth o the restaurant s outdoor heaters – and i you re visiting rom ednesday aturday en oy live azz unk soul and swing music.

Roth Bar & Grill, Hauser & Wirth Somerset, Durslade Farm, Dropping Lane, Bruton; www.rothbarandgrill.co.uk / www.hauserwirthsomerset.com

Landrace, 61 Walcot Street, Bath; www.landracebakery.com

Iford Manor Kitchen, Iford Manor Estate & Gardens, Iford; www.ifordmanor.co.uk

Milsom Place, Bath; www.milsomplace.co.uk

auser irth is a must or sunny days out. ander the internationally renowned gardens designed y iet udol and en oy the old scul tures that accent the glorious s ace. The terrace at oth ar Grill the restaurant at is a total sun tra – ask and re uel with resh seasonal dishes like their scrum tious lam ko tas made rom lam rom a acre arm ust down the road and si on aid o ruton acchus and os wines roduced y s very own urslade ineyard. ou can almost smell the gra es – the vineyard is a mere stone s throw rom the garden s ancient terraces situated ust next to the river Brue.

oak u the natural uns oilt eauty o the ord alley on the eace ul south acing terrace o the ord anor itchen the gently a ling iver rome and irdsong in the trees the only soundtrack. en or daytime dining ednesday unday the itchen also hosts regular riday su er clu s. oming u is the ord anor azz estival uly when head che atthew riddon will cook on an o en fire asado in The rchery Ground accom anied y the music o oe tilgoe Trio uly and ay Gelatos Giants uly .

ine ker side on alcot treet in a s ot a ectionately termed y regulars the osta di Landrace The ertivo Terrace or un oulevard . Guests en oy the summer months eo le watching with a view u to alcot ste s and the street s fine dwardian u lic drinking ountain where cows once aused to drink on the long lod to the castle market urther south. The akery runs regular izza nights every Tuesday while its connected restaurant stairs at Landrace o ers an a eritivo o snacks sharing lates and s ritz rom ednesday to unday to eat outside. stairs will host regular colla orations throughout the summer with its avourite wine im orters too with a night with London ased talian s ecialists Tutto ines coming u in uly – kee on eye on their social media or more details. hether it s ndian dining with andook ndian itchen – the ottomless runch is a necessary e erience – modern casual dining at osco izzeria dining en rancais at ote rasserie sun dress and ig flo y hat style editerranean vi es at Le igno le wine lounge – the cris olden anz othko os rom outh rica is the ultimate summer wine – cool summer cocktails rom The otanist or a slow weekend runch o authentic anish cuisine at ero s ilsom lace is to go to or summer gatherings al resco.

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

AL FRESCO

ABOVE: Le Vignoble offers a sunny spot to sip on wine;

RIGHT: Be adventurous and order from The Bird’s hidden cocktail menu

Newton Farm Shop and Café, Newton St Loe, Bath; www.newtonfarmfoods.co.uk

Newton Farm Shop and Café is an utterly wholesome experience.

Farmed by the third generation of the Gay family as tenants of the Duchy of Cornwall, here you get the authentic farm-to-fork experience in the cute courtyard, protected by the elements under the cover of the ca s eauti ul new stretch tent. t s a lovely co ee sto – ristol oastery tract o ee and loose lea teas sourced rom the Tea ouse m orium in ath fill the menu – with a selection o delicious seasonal dishes for lunch.

Rooted Café, 20 Newbridge Road, Bath; www.rootedcafe.co.uk

Watch the sun set over Chelsea Road with a delicious meal of miso steamed greens and vegan Caeser salad, washed down with an ice-cold vegan ecorino or the amous ooted uice o finely ressed carrot apple, lime and ginger. Look out for this vegan and vegetarian spot’s monthly supper clubs on social media, too.

Roseate Villa Bath, Henrietta Road, Bath; www.roseatehotels.com

A stone’s throw from Great Pulteney Street lies one of the most tranquil terraces in the city. Enjoy a sumptuous afternoon tea in front of the luxurious Georgian hotel on quiet Henrietta Street. Soak in the sun with views across to Henrietta Park, where birds sing and happy dogs rustle through the bushes.

The Bird, Bath, 18-19 Pulteney Road, Bath; www.thebirdbath.co.uk

Dazzling and bold, this boutique hotel in the city centre is doing al resco the modern way. ehind the hotel you ll find an intimate terrace with a view across to ath ey eaturing ooka le dining domes a cosy cabin, and the Lodge, always immaculately dressed for the season. The cocktail menu is outstanding – and they even have hidden s ecials you won t find on the menu. sk or The lying rankie or the armalade adness – they re well worth the risk.

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

The Courtyard Café, 3 Lilliput Court, Bath; www.courtyardbath.co.uk

The colour ul ourtyard a is a sta le o ath s s ring and summer months. sca e rom the ustle o The ey uarter down the ste s rom orth arade assage to the cute ca – with eauti ul ath stone Georgian architecture the view in every direction in this most historic corner of the city. One of the city’s favourite brunch meeting places, its avocado toast is to notch – think smashed avo and her whi ed feta with beetroot and mango salsa, piled atop fresh, crusty toast.

The ourtyard is undercover there s heating on the colder days and lankets too – so even on dam days it s a must.

The Grapes, 14 Westgate Street, Bath; www.thegrapesbath.co.uk

This energetic vi ey u caters to a wide range o unters o all ages. l resco drinkers can sit amidst the hu u flowing to and rom Kingsmead Square, or retreat out back to the relative quiet of St Michael’s Place, where the mood is distinctly more chill. Drinks-wise, there s a little it o everything – wine rom unleavy eers rom ristol eer actory and ettlesmiths gin rom cout and age and cider from Midford to name a few.

The Locksbrook Inn, 103 Locksbrook Road, Bath; www.thelocksbrookinn.com

anal side drinking and dining at The Locks rook is a re uired ath activity during the summer months. Watch cyclists and joggers weave u and down the aths – smug with int in hand and a ta le filled with everything from sharing platters to pub classics, burgers and pizzas, not to mention The Locks rook s amous unday roast – and raise a toast to lazy afternoons in the sunshine.

“Milsom Place is the go-to for summer gatherings alfresco”

Vero’s serves up a tasty menu of authentic Spanish cuisine

AL FRESCO

The Scallop Shell, 22 Monmouth Place, Bath; www.thescallopshell.co.uk

t doesn t get much more uintessentially summer that dining on fish and chips al fresco – and at The Scallop Shell, Garry Rosser and co. o er u the est around. The menu changes daily de ending on the catch ut you can en oy everything rom ornish lo ster to whole lemon sole with a view o the sun sinking eneath ath s golden hued roof tops. It is quite perfect.

Timbrell’s Yard, 49 St Margaret’s Street, Bradford on Avon; www.timbrellsyard.com

Time moves di erently on the utterly a ulous riverside terrace at Tim rell s ard – it is a lace o com lete rela ation. t has all the home com orts – it s covered has a crackling wood urner to warm the soul on chilly nights and shee skin rugs to throw across your knees i needed. retty lighting and a view o s iconic medieval arched ridge set the tone and the mouth watering menu is filled with avourites like an ried hake with garlic roasted mussels and the sum tuous white chocolate crum le.

The Elder, Hotel Indigo Bath, South Parade, Bath; bath.hotelindigo.com

There s a uzz on the terrace at The lder on outh arade. The im osing golden a ade o the edroom hotel in which the restaurant is situated glows in the sunshine a glorious ackdro or the menu o meaty ritish dining rom restaurateur ike o inson the s leading authority on wild ood and game.

Flourish at Glenavon, Glenavon Farm, Saltford; www.flourisha glena on.co.uk

Linger a while at the lourish oodhall itchen where you can dine under stretch tents estooned with retty lights and surrounded y looming flower eds. rates o rightly coloured ruit and veg are iled y the doors making your mouth water while you wait or your meal to arrive. ead down on une or lourish s ood est to cele rate its first irthday. There ll e su lier tastings a doggie snack ar sausage making demonstrations and live music.

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

LEFT: The Courtyard Cafe’s incredible avocado toast; ABOVE: Get the countryside

vibe at Newton Farm Shop; BELOW: Riverside dining at Timbrell’s Yard

“It is a place of complete relaxation”

BATH SPA HOTEL

Unwind in complete luxury and enjoy beautifully landscaped gardens, a fabulous spa and outstanding food. It's the ultimate destination for relaxation in a peaceful corner of timeless, glorious Bath.

Sydney Road, Bath BA2 6NS | 0344 879 9106 | www.macdonaldhotels.co.uk/bath

S PA N I S H C A F É A N D D E L I

Breakfast, brunch, lunch and coffee with a Spanish twist 17 Milsom Place Bath BA1 1BX @veros.bath Email: veronica@verosbath.co.uk

Only 12 minutes from Bath by train!

01225 789 650

SHOPPING LIVE WELL, BUY BETTER

Celebrate your superhero of a dad with this perfect indulgence treat. andcra ted y ode chocolatiers using the finest elgian milk chocolate u erdad is dusted in edi le gold owder and surrounded y eight white and dark chocolate su erhero figures.

Super Dad chocolate box costs £14 and is available from Choc on Choc, based in Rode; www.choconchoc.co.uk

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

ORANGE MELT BISCUITS BY COCO, £7.95 COCO’s Orange Melt Biscuits are made using the finest cottish made orange-infused butter biscuits, half dipped in milk chocolate.

Each box, designed by contemporary artist Sebastian Koenig, contains 133g of mouthwatering biscuits.

From Julia Davey, 20 Wellsway, Bear Flat, Bath; www.juliadavey.com

SUGAR DADDY

CLASSIC GENTS HAMPER, £40 Features all the top-rated goodies including local ale, Somerset’s finest cheddar ar snacks and a ew irresisti le sweet treats too.

From Taste of Bath, The Paragon, Bath; www.taste-of.co.uk

Indulge him with his favourite treats and tipples this Father’s Day 19 June CLASSIC CHOCOLATE BAR, £2.90 A little bar of something special from the York Street chocolate specialists.

From Mrs Potts Chocolate House, 7 York Street, Bath; www.mrspottschocolatehouse.co.uk

HAMBURGER DONUT, £5 A glazed donut bun topped with crushed Lotus biscuits, with a chocolate brownie ‘patty’ smothered in Lotus ‘burger sauce’, and white choc ‘mayo’ hand made by the Bath Life Award-winning bakers.

From The Happy Donut Bakery; www.thehappydonut.co.uk

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

COTSWOLDS BOURBON CASK SINGLE MALT, £64.95 reated rom select first fill ex-Bourbon casks in which rich and fruity single malt spirit has been patiently matured, ensures a sweet malty taste with notes of vanilla and honey.

From Independent Spirit of Bath, 7 Terrace walk, Bath; www. independentspiritofbath.co.uk

ED’S CHOICE ED STICKY TOFFEE CAKE, £24.95 This showstopper is a classic with a twist and enough to feed 14-16 people. The spiced sponge is sticky and treacly generously filled with dulce de leche along with their award-winning cream cheese frosting.

From Wild Flour Co, Unit 1A, Timsbury Workshop Estate, Hayeswood Road, Timsbury, Bath; i rca c c

PISTACHIO CHOCOLATE DIPPED FUDGE, £3.99 The smooth rich chocolate fudge is dipped in Belgian milk chocolate and rolled in crunchy istachios to finish.

From The San Francisco Fudge Company, 6 Church Street, Abbey Green, Bath; www.sanfranciscofudge.co.uk

BATH BREAKFAST COFFEE BLEND, PRICES START AT £3.50 FOR 100G Blended and roasted for a morning pick-me-up created by Tim, the owner of Teahouse Emporium. With this blend he wanted to create a rich smooth co ee that can be great on its own or with a dash of milk.

From Teahouse Emporium, 22 New Bond Street, Bath; www.teahouseemporium.co.uk

CHOCOLATE CHAI INFUSION, £19.85 This chocolate chai is a blend of Henny & Joe’s multi-award winning masala chai with the taste of cardamom, ginger, star anise, nutmeg, cloves, all spice, mixed spice, fennel seed and cinnamon, followed by hints of chocolate.

From Henny & Joe’s, The Locks House, Brass Mill Lane, Bath; www.hennyandjoes.co.uk

CAMPER VAN CAKE, £89.50 ade with light and moist s onge and filled with delicious talian meringue buttercream, this cake, which can serve 30 people, tastes incredible. Smaller sizes are available.

From DidiCakes 132 Walcot Street, Bath; www.didicakesbath.com

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

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is a medical Aesthetics clinic situated in Widcombe, Bath o ering a es oke service or all your aesthetic needs.

With an emphasis on ‘natural’, Dr Lucy uses Wrinkle rela ing ermal illers ro hilo and esothera y s to deliver outstanding natural results from anti-ageing to tweaks which enhance or disguise certain features.

10 Rossiter Road, Bath, BA2 4JP; 07887514154 www.doctorlucy.co.uk

LITTLE LAB o er award winning eauty 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 or over eight years in their sho in ath and have taught people their bespoke routine. Think of it as shy-ofmakeu mentoring aimed to give confidence. ook Live for your beauty appointments. 20 Broad Street, Bath BA1 5LN; 01225 310849; www.littlelab.co.uk

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BISHOPSTROW HOTEL & SPA

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 uni ue art ieces underfloor heated and o ers a walk in rain orest shower e erience. hat better way to connect body and mind than a private countryside retreat? Boreham Rd, Warminster BA12 9HH; 01985 804680; www.bishopstrowhotel.com

HOMEWOOD BATH

The all-new CBD spa treatment collection at omewood is one o the first o 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; www.homewoodbath.co.uk

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

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

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

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

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

All-boys schools have a reputation for breeding hyper-masculine behaviour but is it true?

SCHOOL GUIDE VICTORIA BOND

Let’s talk about (single) sex

I

Which benefits pupils more – single or co-ed schools?

f there’s one debate in education that can knock the state vs rivate de ate o its educational perch, it’s the pros and cons of single sex schools.

Do all-boys schools breed hypermasculine behaviour? Are all-girls schools really the key to acing every single GCSE? Only six per cent of schools in England are now single sex after the great ‘go comp’ shift of the 1970s but a high percentage of parents struggle when faced with the choice. Many of us get caught between two negative perceptions.

The first is that a mi ed education is hampered by distractions of the opposite sex. The second is that single se schools are not reflective of the modern working world.

The decision isn’t helped by the fact there are passionate advocates armed with compelling arguments in both camps. Fans o single se schools say they o er a more focused teaching style (e.g. shorter lessons for boys), less preconceptions about gender typical subjects (girls are 2.5 times more likely to study Physics A

level in an all-girls school) and exam results are better. Team co-ed claims that mixed schools do more to nurture emotional and social develo ment o er a softer culture more conducive to learning; and the daily interaction between boys and girls levels out some of the less desirable aspects of both.

But what does the data say on the issue of pink or blue? It’s no coincidence that the case for single sex schools usually resurfaces at the same time as exam results. Headlines claim girls have outperformed boys – again – and all-boys and all-girls schools dominate the league tables. However, many are highly academically selective and if we factor in prior attainment, there’s often very little in it. Yes, there is evidence that girls are quicker out of the attainment blocks: in the last o cial data e ore exams were cancelled), girls outperformed boys at age 11 in

SATs exams by eight per cent. But look at results for 18 year olds in the same year and girls achieved 25.5 per cent A* or A grades at A level, compared to 25.4 per cent for boys. It’s the classroom equivalent of ‘there’s nothing to see here, folks, move on’.

So how do we decide which is best? There may be a clue in the rise of so-called Diamond schools, which are on the up across the UK and education experts say o er the est of both worlds.

These schools educate boys and girls together in the early years, separately at 11-16 when the hormones are raging and there are key exams to pass, then together again from 16-18, the sixth form, when they are preparing pupils for university and the big wide world. It’s no coincidence that many single-sex schools have co-ed sixth forms for the same reason.

Ultimately, however, in a

“Only six per cent of schools in England are now single sex”

post-pandemic era when we are all putting a greater emphasis on pupil well-being, my advice would be to look at the bigger picture and decide if you like the feel and focus of the school – regardless of type. Are the kids nice? Will your son and daughter find their tri e Matthew Way, head of Stonar School, a co-ed school in Wiltshire, agrees, “I’m not sure that single sex vs co-ed is a useful question when choosing a school for your child.

Arguments on both sides of the debate focus on what limits a young person’s agency and development. It’s much more im ortant to find a school where the ethos and culture allows your child to be themselves.”

Victoria Bond is founder and CEO of School Guide, an easy-to-use website that helps parents discover exam results, catchment maps and parent reviews for all their local schools.

For more: www.schoolguide.co.uk

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

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It’s the city’s business

BATHWORKS THIS ISSUE >>BANES FIRST LGBTQ+ CHAIR (68) >>BIZ Q&A JO LLOYD (70) >>BATH LIFE AWARDS SCHOOL OF DIALOGUE (71)

LEFT: You Choose

‘Chooser’, Christelle;

BELOW: You Choose

features Ethiopian garments from the Museum’s collection; BOTTOM: Oldfield Park Junior School students selected an eco-friendly wedding dress for the exhibition

In with the old

This October, the Fashion Museum leaves its Assembly Rooms home to start an exciting new chapter

T

he Fashion Museum will leave The Assembly Rooms after 60 years on 30 October.

The exact location of the new home for the collection has yet to e confirmed ut the council has u lished e citing lans in the Milsom Quarter Masterplan that rovide a home or an enhanced Fashion Museum. The proposal includes a es oke new ollections tudy entre housed se arately at Bath Spa University that will rovide new acilities or events and allow the u lic a closer look at the collection in a purpose-built facility.

This is an e citing new cha ter in the ashion useum s long history; since 1963 the Museum

has een connecting eo le with ashion and it will continue to do so or many years to come says ine omero ca inet mem er or hildren and oung eo le ommunities and ulture or ath and orth ast omerset ouncil. lthough the museum is leaving its current home this is an o ortunity to look at how the ashion useum can est serve its audiences. The new ollections tudy entre will e a home or our world class collection o over o ects and will also rovide us with a s ace to o er events and access to the museum collection for anyone who wants to see it. The u lic industry e erts and academics will all e a le to visit the ollections tudy entre and take a closer look at the collection eyond what is on dis lay

in the museum. re ovid the ashion useum attracted more than visitors a year and has an international reach o thanks to its loans rogramme that see ieces rom its collection on dis lay at sites all around the world.

The new Fashion Museum and ollections tudy entre is ro ected to e com leted in the ne t five to eight years and in the meantime the Fashion Museum will engage locally and eyond with an e citing new rogramme o digital content events and more.

The Fashion Museum has now o ened its final e hi ition in its ssem ly ooms home You Choose which you can learn more about over on age .

For more: www.fashionmuseum.co.uk

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BATHWORKS

KEY FIGURES Two remarka le keynotes have een announced or ntre on the conference for entrepreneurs returning on une.

The two new s eakers are ood entre reneur reggae name media player and Dragon’s Den success story Levi oots and also videogames guru hil arrison the and general manager or Google running its games activities. hil ormerly led o games develo ment or icroso t and rior to that was resident o ony s

lay tation games studios worldwide. onsors to date at this virtual event are urges almon Lom ard dier and the niversity o ath. ntre on is a virtual con erence with a strong line u o keynote s eakers anels o ering ractical insights tales rom e erienced entrepreneurs and showcases of some o the coolest rightest and most romising start u s in the outh est.

Tickets are on sale now.

For more: www.entreconf.com

Phil Harrison is VP at Google

Shaun Stephenson-McGall is the new chair of BANES Council

IN THE HOT SEAT Councillor Shaun Stephenson-McGall is the new chair of Bath and North East Somerset Council. Shaun was first elected in and re resents the ldfield ark ward – he was elected to his new role in ay and is the first LGBTQIA+ chair of the council. am looking orward to the varied role o chair – to u hold the constitution o the council to showcase the work o our arish and town councils and su ort im ortant events including the ueen s latinum u ilee cele rations rmed orces ee and emem rance unday says haun. s the first LG T chair look orward to cele rating ride events and cham ioning diversity across ath and orth ast omerset. nd as chair am delighted to reside over our itizenshi eremonies – welcoming new citizens to our nation and to Bath and North East Somerset as well as su orting the council s role as a cor orate arent to our looked a ter children.

The new vice chancellor is ouncillor une layer who is taking u the duties ollowing the end o her year as ayor of Bath.

For more: www.bathnes.gov.uk

Dragon’s Den success story Levi Roots

PAWS FOR THOUGHT The ath ats and ogs ome has launched its ring eal which aims to raise towards unding its animal wel are work to rescue reha ilitate and rehome cats and dogs. The animal ehaviour team at the o ten work or weeks or months to win the trust of animals that come to the home like month old German Shepherd Lunar, who in her months at the ome has trans ormed rom a u y too rightened to e touched y eo le to one who loves uss rom sta – a result only ossi le ecause o s ecialist kennels and e ertise o the ome s ehaviourists.

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

e re a solutely committed to rescuing reha ilitating and rehoming animals like Lunar when they need us most says achel ones chie e ecutive at the . uch o our work goes on ehind the scenes and our ehavioural training medical treatment and round the clock care can e e ensive. e elieve that every animal deserves their est shot at a ha y ending and every ste o this rocess is reliant on donations, so any help you re a le to o er us as a donor volunteer or a cor orate su orter is very much a reciated.

For more: www.bathcatsanddogshome.org.uk

German Shepherd Cross, Lunar in a behaviour training session with her carer Shannon

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Bath College student Seb Baily won a spot on BBC Radio 1

Anna Sabine spoke to Greg Ingham live at the Bath Life Business Club

MAKING WAVES

A Bath College student has made it onto BBC Radio 1. Seb Baily, a 24-year-old music and technology student at Bath College, has won a s ot on the airwaves as one o five new presenters who joined BBC Radio 1 on rotation from February, out of thousands of applicants to take a guest slot as part of Radio 1’s Christmas Takeover. He’s just finished his residency as the early morning breakfast presenter.

Seb started his presenting career at local station Somer Valley FM, for which he continues to host the drivetime programme.

Seb gave a talk at the college where he shared his experience with fellow students. He said: “All the skills I have stemmed back to being here at Bath College. I don’t want to get emotional, but pay attention! Things that I learned at college pop up all the time that I use and have needed to know.” www.bathcollege.ac.uk

HIGH FREQUENCY

Law firm ogers rewett has advised on the sale of Somerset-based Goolledge Electronics to Techpoint, backed by Literacy Capital.

Goolledge is one of the market leading global suppliers of frequency control products used by some of the largest manufacturing businesses in the world.

“It has been a pleasure working with Jon, founder of Goolledge, and the wider advisory teams on this matter,” says Tom Webb, corporate commercial partner at ogers rewett. Like any deal this transaction had its complexities but we’re delighted that, along with the other deal advisors, we achieved a challenging timetable and delivered a deal with which all parties were pleased.” www.mogersdrewett.com

HAVING THE EDGE

At the Bath Life Business Club, Anna Sabine shared her latest venture, the Female Edge Anna Sabine is the founder of Cassia Collective, a co-working café with spaces in Bath and Bradford on Avon. She has recently launched The Female Edge, a member’s network on a mission to support women entrepreneurs – and women thinking of starting up a business – by providing education, a space to explore ideas and a peer group of fellow businesswomen with experience to share.

The need for female spaces “I think in every area of life there is importance in having spaces for women,” Anna said.

“So much of what we have in life is male spaces – without men realising that.”

She shared the myriad ways this shows up in the workplace, from all-male meetings on golf courses to the resources many men take for granted – for example, having a friend who works in another male-dominated industry like investment – that leave women on the back foot. With the

Female Edge, Anna hopes to redress the balance.

“We are a group trying to grow usinesses so we ll find speakers on funding options, speakers on what it means to be a B Corp, and we’ll talk to each other online about our challenges. It’s a thoughtful space for women who just want to chat to each other about nerdy business things.”

to join panels with me and they always say no’ – ask them again. Ask them again, then ask them if they would like some training, ask them if they would like some hel – find one o their colleagues and ask them to encourage them. If she keeps saying no – is there another woman in the organisation? t involves a it o e ort ut it’s not impossible to do.”

Going it alone Anna emphasised that breaking down the barriers women face in the workplace isn’t a problem for women to face alone – men have a vital role to play.

“If you’re asked to do a panel event and you think you’ve got a female colleague who could do that panel event, and even may be junior to you but is an expert – put them forward for the panel,” she says.

“There’s an onus on women to put themselves forward, but, actually it should be an onus on men, who tend to have the power. There’s always one bloke that says ‘I ask women

Making it When will the Female Edge be, in Anna’s eyes, a success?

“The three of us who run the Female Edge said success for the Female Edge would be when there is a policy discussion happening on Radio 4 about business they ask us to comment,” said Anna. “It’s good to have a s ecific goal – and then we’ll have a huge party when that happens.”

For more: The Bath Life Business Club is a monthly networking lunch featuring a live interview. For more information about future events follow our social media @bathlifemag

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

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“WE AIM TO CREATE A HOMEFROM-HOME” The uni ue and uirky s aces we have at engen ouse lend themselves to a range o fle i le o tions or holding events here. e have held a range o events to date rom team uilding worksho s to reak ast meetings to irthday arties and can even cater or wedding rece tions e also have a num er o meeting rooms availa le to hire to non mem ers.

And behind the scenes: what challenges do you face running the space?

There is still much uncertainty in the market lace. lthough workers are o ening u to the idea o co working many em loyers are still ehind the curve. The iggest arrier is who should e aying or mem ershi . e are seeing some em loyers re lacing the o ce ased model with a more fle i le o tion and are re ared to und co working s ace or their em loyees. any workers are however still e ected to ick u the ill themselves.

BIZ Q&A

Jo Lloyd a ty e o erson those who crave social interaction ut in an environment that is ro essional com orta le and colla orative. any o our clients have traditionally commuted away rom the city – now aced with working rom home they are seeking a community they can plug into.

What have been some of your best moments? very day is uni ue here and ve loved meeting so many di erent mem ers and visitors rom varied and interesting industries. t s great to see first hand the diversity o the ath working community. t s a really e citing time for Rengen House right now as we put together the finishing touches to our newly renovated works ace with the addition of 26 additional co-working desks. t s a great s ace and a antastic e ansion to the engen ouse o er.

And you offer Rengen House up for events, too?

For more: Rengen House, 4 Argyle Street, Bathwick, Bath; www.rengenhouse.com

How to build a professional network through co-working in Bath

R

engen House is a boutique co-working space on Argyle Street.

All high-end finishes dee colours and cool rela ing vi es the s ace o ers a co working community a lace to host meetings and events and a spot to chill out with clients and colleagues. s the ro erty associate Jo is responsible for the day-to-day running taking care o mem ers and building a strong and happy co working community.

Tell us, what’s the vibe like at Rengen House? e aim to create a home rom home environment where our mem ers can work interact and uild relationshi s ut in a fle i le and in ormal way. ree hot and cold drinks astries and snacks are all part of the package here. ost im ortantly we have set out to create somewhere that is a com elling and inspiring place to be.

What do you think makes Rengen stand out among the local co-working options?

There is accommodation availa le a ove the mem ers s ace and across

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

central ath ideal or visiting clients amily or riends. e also o er a range o events to suit most interests rom usiness reak asts to seminars to casual networking.

What are some of the options available for membership?

The working world is changing and clients are increasingly looking for fle i ility and mem ershi ackages that are tailored to their needs. Our mem ershi ackages start at five days er month or those that erha s already have a ase to work rom ut are craving hysical interaction with others and a change of scenery. ackages increase in days er month u to a ull time dedicated desk ackage or those looking or a more ermanent ase to work rom.

Can members change up their routine if they want? ur contracts are monthly rolling giving mem ers the fle i ility to adjust their packages according to their needs.

What sorts of companies work in the building? e don t target any s ecific industries as such. nstead we aim to a eal to

Rengen House has a professional, comfortable and collaborative feel

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ve een working with co e to hel tell government a out the e eriences o disa led eo le a lying or enefits. ighting to access disa ility enefits and services oth as a carer and service user or over two decades le t me with a assionate vision o a u lic sector system that would work well and airly or all disa led eo le.

Have your own experiences impacted your work?

BATH LIFE AWARDS 2022 Arabella Tresilian, accredited mediator and founder of The School of Dialogue, shares how mediation won a Bath Life Award

T

PEOPLE SERVICES WINNER he chool o ialogue ounded y ra ella is a ath ased accredited mediator resolving organisational dis utes and inter ersonal conflicts and training teams in advanced communication with a ocus on mental well eing.

What was it like to win an Award?

t elt com letely overwhelming – and also utterly delight ul as there was such an atmos here o cele ration in the room t took days or it to sink in.

Why do you think you won?

The scale o our work in . oom meant that we could train in house teams in mental health first aid and conflict management skills at ace – would sometimes e delivering three es oke training courses er day. e also discovered that mediation cases can e handled very e ectively i not more e ectively on oom allowing us to resolve over com le dis utes.

Tell us – what’s it like, being a mediator?

am a naturally conflict avoidant erson – and think most eo le are even those who resent as a arently a rasive or aggressive. o as a mediator it is a real rivilege to walk side y side ne t to eo le as they go to the heart o their ro lem and work it out e ectively through dialogue.

What do you love about it?

remain in awe o how courageous and creative we humans can e in overcoming discord. a solutely love how through good dialogue our mental health can e dramatically im roved.

When did you first know mediation was the dream job?

The moment knew conflict resolution was the right ath or me was at the end o one o my first co mediations when the two arties – who had een in itter distressing dis ute or two years – signed the agreement they had come to in the s ace o three hours and got u

and hugged each other. e all had tears in our eyes and ust thought to mysel y goodness the mediation rocess is ust magical.

What’s something you wish more people understood about the School of Dialogue?

ot many eo le really know what mediation actually is. ome con use it with ar itration others with counselling and yet more with giving u the fight . n reality mediation is a acilitated confidential negotiation in a sychologically sa e s ace that gives you a lot more control over your uture than litigation or raising grievances or walking away rom the ro lem.

What’s the best piece of business advice you’ve ever been given?

t s got to e un. That was the motto o my eloved late mother ay – who was a Bath Chronicle hotogra her or many years.

The motto has stood me and my si lings in good stead.

t s why do the work that do as a dis ute mediator in the health and social care sector ocusing on mental health and autism. s a cam aigner or co e have had the rivilege o sharing my lived e eriences to hel call or disa ility enefits withoutthefight.

Amazing! What campaigns have you worked on with Scope?

This year we hel ed deliver a etition o signatures to the ecretary o tate or e artment or ork and ensions calling or a review o ersonal nde endence ayments assessment ractices.

Let’s end on a fun fact. Tell us something surprising...

t the end o the first lockdown in my artner and were driving into ath or our very first at ut to el ut meal – the sun was shining and everything elt new and astonishing. y artner said to me we won the lottery right now what would you do said d uy a huge uilding and run mental health and conflict resolution worksho s there and d call it... the chool o ialogue. nd that is how the conce t was invented.

Amazing origin story! Did it change much from that first idea?

uickly realised didn t need the huge uilding. e had oom and all the wonder ul eo le o ath and eyond – what more did we need y artner a gra hic designer designed the logo and we were o ...

For more: www.arabellatresilian.com

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

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BENEFITS AND EXPENSES Matthew Rutter from Bath-based chartered accountants and tax advisers PEARSON MAY on reporting benefits and expenses

I

t is important at this time of year to not overlook the filing deadline for any forms P11D that may be required to report certain benefits and expenses provided to employees in the tax year ended 5 April 2022. Any forms required must be reported to HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) by 6 July 2022, together with the annual Employer Declaration form P11D(b), to avoid late filing penalties. A copy of the form P11D must also be passed to the employee in question by the same date. Payment of the Class 1A National Insurance liability arising on the business is payable by 19 or 22 July 2022, as detailed below.

Do all businesses need to complete the forms and which benefits/expenses are reportable?

Not every business will need to prepare forms P11D since they are only required if the employer has provided reportable and/ or taxable benefits or expenses to employees during the tax year. However, any business (whether operating as a sole proprietor, partnership, limited company etc.) with employees/directors will need to consider their reporting requirements.

The list of taxable benefits and expenses that may need to be reported is long but some of the more common benefits include company cars and vans, provision of living accommodation, medical insurance and interest-free (or low interest) loans.

Employers should review their records for the tax year carefully to ensure that any benefits or expenses provided to employees (which includes directors) are analysed and reported where necessary. There are potentially significant penalties for not filing the forms where they are required, or for completion of incorrect forms.

Matthew Rutter, a partner at Pearson May

There is the option to include the value of certain taxable benefits and expenses through your payroll, rather than including the details on a form P11D. This is known as ‘payrolling’ but you must have registered before the start of the tax year in question to make use of it, so if you haven’t registered already, you will not be able to payroll any benefits for the current tax year ending 5 April 2023. If you payroll all of the benefits and expenses in a particular tax year (having registered before the start of the year) then you shouldn’t need to file a form P11D for the employee(s) in question. Form P11D(b) will however still be required to account for any Class 1A National Insurance payable to HMRC. Is any tax and National Insurance payable on the benefits/expenses?

An income tax charge will usually arise on the employee based on the value of the taxable benefits included on form P11D. The employer may also have to pay Class 1A National Insurance on certain benefits provided and any Class 1A NI is payable to HMRC by 22 July 2022 if paid electronically (or 19 July if paid by cheque).

Employers should also be mindful that if they settle any personal liabilities owed by employees e.g. personal debts, or make payment for personal bills in the employee’s name e.g. telephone bills, the value of such payments could well be taxable on the employee as earnings and liable to Class 1 (employee and employer) National Insurance.

Are there any exemptions from reporting certain benefits/expenses?

There are a number of exempt benefits which employers can provide to staff without incurring a tax or National Insurance liability and which do not need to be reported on forms P11D. Again, the list of exempt benefits is lengthy but the more common items include car parking at or near the employee’s place of work, annual parties and functions where the cost does not exceed £150 per head per year, childcare vouchers (up to the exempt amount), contributions to a registered pension scheme and provision of a mobile phone (one per employee).

There is also a general exemption from the requirement to report certain business expenses paid or reimbursed by employers to employees and a ‘trivial benefits’ exemption. Broadly, trivial benefits are ‘non-cash’ benefits provided to employees, where the cost of the item in question is £50 or less.

The most common items that will be covered by the general exemption for business

expenses include reimbursement or payment of business travel (excluding ordinary commuting), subsistence costs associated with business travel, business entertainment expenses, credit cards used for business expenditure and qualifying fees and subscriptions.

What about expenses/benefits provided to employees who have had to work from home during the pandemic?

Many employees continued to be provided with extra support from employers in 2021/22 to enable them to work from home. HMRC introduced some concessions in the previous tax year to ensure that employees are not taxed on the benefit of this support. Where the employee was required to work at home as the workplace was closed or they had to self-isolate, the following costs are not treated as taxable benefits if met by the employer: broadband internet connection (if it was not already available); computer equipment e.g. tablet, laptop and office supplies reimbursing employees for the cost of home office equipment; and working at home allowance of up to £6 per week for the year ended 5 April 2022.

The broadband connection mentioned above would need to be in the employer’s name to qualify for the exemption since if the employee is reimbursed for a personal contract, these payments are usually classed as earnings, as mentioned above. Furthermore, any private use of the broadband and equipment etc. referred to above has to be ‘insignificant’ (which is not defined) to allow the provision of these items to be tax free. * The above is for general guidance only and no action should be taken without obtaining specific advice.

Matthew Rutter BSc(Hons) FCA CTA Pearson May Chartered Accountants & Chartered Tax Advisers Bath, Chippenham and Trowbridge 37 Great Pulteney Street, Bath BA2 4DA 01225 460491; mail@pearsonmay.co.uk www.pearsonmay.co.uk www.mediaclash.co.uk I BATH LIFE I 73

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

Innovative design

THE HOME OFFICE The new home workspace pod manufactured in Bath and inspired by a home-school ‘classroom’ The Bath-based Ultimate Space Company is going into full production with an innovative outdoor o ce and chill s ace designed to fit into the smallest of gardens. The business, which was co-founded by Chris Eke, is made up of a team who have all experienced, not just the impact of the pandemic, but also remote working over the years, and it was this expertise that helped engineer the module.

Chris explains, “At the start of the pandemic in 2020 I built what we call ‘The Classroom’ – a place for my children to do their GCSEs and A levels. My wife and I then realised we needed something similar whilst we were all at home trying to work.

“During this same period, me and my

The modules start at £15,000; LEFT: Lockdown homeschooling helped inspire the Ultimate Space work pod

childhood friend, and now business partner, Jamie Colonna, were approached to create an individual space for small and large gardens. Setting the bar very high, we knew we wanted a product which two people could carry through a midEdwardian terrace house front door, shimmy past the stairs, through the kitchen and into the back garden, plug in, and it would be ready to work – all in under four hours.

“It also had to be capable of being dismantled and reassembled if you moved home. In essence we saw it as a briefcase that goes with you. It needed to be 100 per cent

reusable, and heated and cooled for no more than £2 per day. This was all a huge ask, but thanks to brilliant design and amazing manufacturing partners in the Bath area, we have bought the ‘module’ garden pod together within two years.”

The modules start at £15,000 and come with acoustic panels for noise reduction, insulation, a circular roof light, and can be adjusted to sit on most surfaces including grass thanks to its ‘big foot’ design.

For more: www.ultimatespacecompany.co.uk

sbsdesignandbuild.com 01225 874676 info@sbsdesignandbuild.com

PROPERTY NEWS The Queen’s Green Canopy

SPRUCING UP BATH ath has een declared a ham ion ity or tree lanting in the ueen s u ilee year. The council o ered every school in a tree to lant in their grounds as art o the wide initiative to lant a Tree or the u ilee and in e ruary trees were delivered to e lanted y arch.

These included wainswick hurch chool in ath which lanted a silver irch tree. ouncil leader evin Guy says m owering our youngest citizens in making a di erence to wildli e and the environment y lanting a tree on their school grounds is an im ortant contri ution to tackling the climate emergency in .

Trees are incredi ly valua le or the environment society and enhancing our landsca e when the right tree is lanted in the right lace or the right reason. lying this rinci le is undamental in ensuring we lant trees that will ca ture car on and enhance the ecology o our area.

For more: www.bathnes.gov.uk

This four-bed home in Weston is on the market with Knight Frank for £875,000 and is located near to Weston All Saints CofE Primary School

REAL ESTATE

SAM DANIELS, associate and head of Bath city at Knight Frank on buying a home near a school “Can you put a price on a good education? Looking at our books and the land registry, it seems to be the case that property near Ofsted rated ‘Outstanding’ primary schools cost 11 per cent more on average.

Like elsewhere in the country, competition for places at the best and most popular schools in Bath is intense and would-be pupils must live in the catchment area to stand any chance of being accepted. Buying a home in this area means not only is there the benefit of ensuring a good education for your child, but also being able to walk to school in these climate-conscious times is of huge value. Plus it means more extra-curricular activities can be enjoyed without the worry of arranging lifts or catching buses.

Houses that are close to consistently well-rated schools often not just retain their value but are more likely to increase in market price and, because of their desirability, will sell quickly.”

For more: www.knightfrank.co.uk

Children at Swainswick Church School with, from left to right, councillor Kevin Guy, David Medlock, and Edward Bayntun-Coward

Rental

HOLDING COURT ine lu ury flats situated on the Lansdown slo es have ust come onto the market to let with arter onas. Granville ourt is a egency ins ired modern uilding that lends in with its Georgian surrounds with each high energy e ciency rated a artment enefiting rom oth a rivate rear alcony and an o street arking s ace. nside the light o en lan lateral living s ace there is zoned underfloor heating throughout connectivity or tele hone and road and. rices start at cm. For more: www.carterjonas.co.uk

ABOVE:

RIGHT:

The interiors are an airy open-plan design; Granville Court is being let via Carter Jonas

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

We happily take on domestic, commercial and industrial contracts; from a simple home redecoration through to a large scale business renovation.

It is our company policy to ensure that every project is dealt with in a high quality professional manner and we are happy to make recommendations regarding materials to suit your needs and budget.

We use all varieties of paint and wallpaper from all of the major brands, including; Farrow & Ball | Dulux Trade | Crown Trade | Neptune | Little Greene

T: 01761 431354 E: enquiries@ashleycollinspainting.co.uk

www.ashleycollinspainting.co.uk

Jaine Whitfield

BESPOKE ESTATE AGENT

 Personal & one-to-one at every step  Professional, informative buyers reports  Choice of virtual tour options  Free photography and Floor Plans  Honest expert advice  Bespoke collaborative Marketing

WINNER

 30+ years local experience

Contact Jaine Whitfield personally on 01225 www.jainewhitfield.co.uk

2021

705650

@jainewhitfieldbespoke

18 RUSSELL STREET Matilda Walton explores a city centre townhouse filled with eriod charm and character

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

PROPERTY

A

t 18 Russell Street, a rare property in the heart of Georgian Bath has come up for sale. A creation of famed Bath architect John Wood the Younger, it lies moments from his other works, The Royal Crescent and The Assembly Rooms, which is so close it can be spotted from number 18’s windows.

The reality of living in a period home is often distinctly less glamorous than our imaginations conjure – bringing them up to modern standards can be gruelling work – but 18 Russell Street meets the hype and exceeds it.

The current owners have decorated with precision and curated elegance, resulting in a property with all the charm and character with minimal requirements on the new owners – o ering the envious o ortunity to renovate at your leisure, if at all.

The original features in this home are exquisite, and include rare structural details like a whistle pipe system rom the u er to lower levels o the five storey townhouse, a Georgian rainwater collecting tank for an u er floor and a Georgian asin. erha s its most remarkable feature lies in the original kitchen – a rare sauce stove, similar to the one found in Hampton Court, that rings the ro erty s centuries long story to vivid life. Details like working shutters, elegant cornicing and

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

PROPERTY

plaster ceiling roses give the place a sort of character and charm that even the most talented of designers can’t replicate in modern spaces. In property if nowhere else – we have embraced the rewards that can only come with age. t is a oy to see how many o its original fire laces number 18 has retained, each a unique, intricate piece that punctuates the space like an exclamation point, a characterful focal point of the room – not to mention the numerous o ortunities they o er to accessorise the mantel with books, artworks and cascading greenery.

The accommodation is wonderfully spacious and light filled – another erk o Georgian architecture.

The heart o the house lies on the second floor where the generous living room – complete with a remarkably crafted ceiling – and stylish kitchen/breakfast room lie behind their own sets of wedding doors. It’s the perfect set up for entertaining – and with the Assembly Rooms visible through the south-facing windows, it feels as if gathering society forms part of the house’s heritage. The five edrooms meanwhile lie on the u er two floors. The principal bedroom enjoys sweeping, golden-hued views across to Bath Abbey, has its own bathroom of course, and a dressing room across the hall. n the house s current configuration the lower ground floor rovides o tional additional accommodation. t can be accessed internally via the entrance hall, but

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

as it enjoys its own private entrance from number 18’s paved courtyard, might also provide a self-contained apartment. In the age of Airbnbs, ageing parents and boomeranging young adults, such additional space is a boon indeed.

Singular original features, a faultlessly modern and purposeful decoration, and a location nothing short of breath-taking make 18 Russell Street an enviable city centre gem.

HOUSE NUMBERS Bedrooms

6

Reception rooms

4-5

Sq ft

5,581

Guide price

£2.5m

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

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MEET THE PROPERTY EXPERT

Whether you’re buying, selling, developing or letting, there’s a resource in the city to help

JAMIE WILLIAMS

BATH OFFICE COMPANY, 01225 632777; www.bathoffice.co.uk What area do you specialise in?

Bath Office Company provides serviced office spaces for businesses of all shapes and sizes to call their own – a place to call work – providing a working environment that is much less restrictive than a traditional leased office. Our offices are fully furnished and fully equipped, enabling businesses to move straight into the space and start working.

What new plans do you have for next year?

We plan to take on more buildings, repurposing what were dormant and empty Georgian buildings, into prosperous serviced offices.

Tell us something about yourselves and why people should contact you...

Bath born and bred, but having spent time in the North, London, Hong Kong and Sydney, working for advertising agencies across all sorts of brands and sectors, means we have strong local knowledge combined with an insight to lots of different types of business and what they need from their office space.

ALISTAIR HEATHER

people and see a wide variety of property in some of the UK’s most beautiful countryside.

01225 474500; www.savills.co.uk

What makes you different from others in your profession?

I was always taught to treat my clients as though they were a close friend or family member, which has had a huge influence on my career as an estate agent and has meant that many of my clients come back to work with me time after time.

HEAD OF OFFICE, SAVILLS BATH RESIDENTIAL What do you think the long-term impact of the last couple of years on the property sector will be?

We have already noticed that homeowners are now able to untie themselves from commuter belts, particularly those who still work in London, who now tend to work more flexible hours and are not beholden to a five day working pattern. This shift has energised the market enormously in areas like Bath, which historically have been too far from London for a weekday commute, but are now top of people’s wish list of where to live.

What do you love most about working in property?

The variety of the work that I do means no two days are ever the same. I’m also fortunate to meet many 84 I BATH LIFE I www.mediaclash.co.uk

We are also looking to introduce a front desk, which will enable us to offer a wider range of clerical services, and a friendly face to welcome visitors. Key to our vision is also bringing local businesses together, collaborating to benefit the wider community and future of Bath’s city centre, supporting our area’s economic and social growth.

What’s your favourite Bath property that you have sold/worked on?

I don’t have a favourite, but I am currently looking after the sale of a large orchard near Glastonbury with a beautiful family house and outbuildings attached, which has been a fascinating experience.

The demand for property such as this one has been incredibly high as so many people are looking for their little piece of the countryside.

SPONSORED CONTENT ROSIE MARLOW

ROSIE MARLOW EXP ESTATE AGENT 01225 941008; rosie.marlow@exp.uk.com; www.rosiemarlow.co.uk Why should people choose you when they are looking to buy and sell property?

I am an independent personal estate agent. I have been successfully selling property in and around the city for 21 years. I have a great passion for delivering outstanding customer service and pride myself on how I look after my clients. This is shown in my five-star Google reviews, which I am very proud of. I even have old clients tracking me down to sell properties.

What makes you different from others in your profession?

I offer a personal estate agency service because estate agency is never a one size fits all. I am an independent estate agent and not tied to office hours, so I can arrange valuations, viewings and open house days whenever it is convenient for my clients. I get to know your property as well as you know it, as it will always be myself doing the viewings.

What’s your favourite Bath property that you have sold/worked on?

That is a hard question as I have sold numerous houses in my career. However, there was one that was particularly satisfying to work on. Aqua Sulis consisted of two large Victorian houses, an ex-B&B, where the clients had moved abroad. To get this property back to two self-contained houses, I liaised with the planning department, arranged certificates for change of use, the water board, electricity board and house clearance to clear both houses so both buyers were able to complete.

TESSA ALLIKER

SAM DANIELS

UK | SOTHEBY’S INTERNATIONAL REALTY SALES BROKER, BATH AND SOUTH COUNTRY RESIDENTIAL

KNIGHT FRANK

01225 325999; www.knightfrank.co.uk sam.daniels@knightfrank.com

0741 384 5221; tessa.alliker@sothebysrealty.co.uk; www.sothebysrealty.co.uk/team/47

Why should you put your house on the market now?

The market is still hot; although a lack of stock drives the prices, the lack of new properties is causing a very frustrated and messy market. If everyone who wants to sell puts their property on the market, it would release some of that pressure and create a more free-flowing and less frustrating market.

What key bit of advice would you give to a client?

If you are thinking of selling, what do you do first? My advice is to get everything ready, such as the brochure and photos, and pass compliance checks so we can be ready to launch as soon as possible. Don’t wait to see something before getting your house on the market.

What kind of property buyers are you currently seeing coming into Bath?

We see a continuous flow of buyers coming to Bath within Knight Frank, typically around 50 per cent from London.

More so now the train links and working from home situation have only improved.

ALISON TREBLE

RESIDENTIAL PROPERTY PARTNER

PATRICK BRADY

RESIDENTIAL DEPARTMENT AND BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT MANAGER, MOGERS DREWETT 01225 750000; www.mogersdrewett.com Why is now a good time to sell?

Increased supply to the market provides buyers greater choice, diminishing competitive bidding. Many experts predict a price decline later this year (they said this in 2020 during initial lockdown) – sooner or later the market must plateau and may well soften to a degree.

What makes your offering different?

At Mogers Drewett we offer the broadest range of

Tell us something about yourself...

I once lived on a remote island with my two very young children for six months. There was no internet or TV, and only intermittent power… it was magical!

Why should customers choose you?

I have owned property in several countries and have gained an understanding of the common denominator that is consistent worldwide: good value for money. With our extensive network, I work hard for the seller or buyer, to meet deadlines and achieve their goals.

What makes your service different?

Having recently relocated from The Bahamas for schooling, I feel I can empathise with people moving to a new area. I can help guide them through the process of finding the perfect location, considering all the different factors that go into this decision.

Do you offer virtual viewings?

Yes, absolutely. This is the perfect way for the buyer to enjoy a walk through of a potential property and ask questions in real time. If they like the initial virtual tour, they can arrange a visit in person to the property the very next day.

property advice in the sector. We work closely with agents in the city, making sure our mutual clients are getting the best service and enabling our legal experts to focus on and deliver our clients’ wishes.

What are the particular challenges of moving house in Bath?

Regardless of market trends, Bath will always be popular and there will be insufficient stock in the city. Contact us at the outset, and we will explain how our range of services can assist you throughout the entire process, from property search to completion.

What key bit of advice would you give to a client?

Prepare! Moving home is an exciting prospect, the more preparation and information that can be provided at the outset the slicker the process will be.

www.mediaclash.co.uk I BATH LIFE I 85

SPONSORED CONTENT LAURA LARKIN HF LETTINGS LTD

Bath 01225 444488; Corsham 01249 716333; Tetbury 01666 817860; lauralarkin@hflettings.co.uk; www.hflettings.co.uk What’s your best piece of advice to potential landlords?

Property remains a sound investment. New builds should offer a good yield as well as lower maintenance, and attractive to tenants because of their energy efficiency. We continue to see a high demand for rentals from young families in the area.

However, hands down the most important thing for landlords is to be aware of the complexity and volume of legislation. From taxation to EPC ratings and legionella, compliance is critical.

Why Bath, Corsham and the Cotswolds?

Having grown up, lived and worked in the area, we are experts in these locations and are proud to work in such a

MARK VINCENT

MARK VINCENT SURVEYING 01225 581591; www.mvsurveying.co.uk What do you love most about working in property?

The wide variety of fascinating properties I get to work in, meeting the most interesting people from all sorts of backgrounds and professions. Bath seems to draw in exceptionally talented people.

What key bit of advice would you give to a client?

Seek out independent estate agents and professionals who have lived and worked locally for a long time, and can give you honest and pragmatic advice about the area you wish to move to. A survey can provide a rational balance to what otherwise might be a costly emotional purchase.

How has the Bath property market changed in the last few years?

There has been a large influx of people moving here from London and the home counties, which has had an impact on prices. The fall in the value of the pound has also led to an increase in expats buying property in the city, helping Bath to remain a buoyant market compared to many.

What part of the work do you particularly enjoy?

Receiving genuine thanks from clients who are grateful for the impartial advice on the property, enabling them to make a reasoned decision on their purchase.

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

wonderful part of the country. From the buzz and history of Bath to the community feel of the surrounding towns and villages, there is so much to offer landlords and tenants alike.

Which professional accomplishment has made you the proudest?

With all the challenges the pandemic and the upheaval of the past two years have thrown at us, I’ve been incredibly proud of how quickly and successfully we’ve adapted as a business.

Every single member of our team stepped up to ensure our tenants and landlords continued to receive the expert advice and support we’re known for, helping clients navigate difficult situations with greater ease and peace of mind. Going above and beyond is second nature for us and enjoying recognition with Gold Awards from the British Property Awards in 2019/ 2020 and 2021/2022, as well as the many thank you emails, phone calls and gifts the team received, is proof that being professional, reliable and friendly is a winning formula for us.

DARREN DANCEY

MANAGING DIRECTOR, COUNTRYSIDE PARTNERSHIPS SOUTH WEST 0117 457 8918; darren.dancey@cpplc.com www.countrysidepartnerships.com What are the key values of your business?

Behind everything we do at Countryside is our unifying purpose to create places where people love to live, with sustainable communities built to last. Our approach to placemaking enables us to not only build high-quality homes but to deliver vibrant, connected and healthy communities for generations to come.

What new plans do you have for next year?

We recently launched Sulis Down in Bath, our flagship scheme in the South West, marking an exciting milestone in our wider plans for the region. Over the next year, we look forward to commencing on site with our schemes in Cheltenham, Bridgwater, Highbridge, Bristol and Swindon.

What kind of property buyers are you currently seeing coming into Bath?

Bath appeals to a range of buyers, from young professionals and families to older couples looking for a peaceful yet vibrant city to retire in. Flexible working means Bath is now a viable option for workers in London and we are receiving particular interest in Sulis Down from people looking to move out of the capital, as well as overseas buyers.

NADINE STEVENSON GOUGHS SOLICITORS

01249 717884; www.goughs.co.uk What do you love most about working in property?

I love how fast-paced and interesting this area of law is. Each property is unique and with that comes different aspects of property law. I enjoy working with a variety of clients, from first time buyers to families looking to upsize, or property investors looking for their next project. There is nothing more rewarding than helping clients with their property journey.

Tell us why people should contact you...

I pride myself on the level of service I give my clients – I work proactively, ensuring that I understand my clients’ needs from the outset.

My extensive local knowledge helps me provide clear and pragmatic advice and assists in simplifying the property experience, so clients do not feel overwhelmed. I focus on all aspects of residential property law but as part of our firm’s Private Wealth Sector, I specialise in highvalue transactions involving complex property tax affairs.

What key advice would you give to a client?

Engage with a solicitor early on. Be honest and open, making them aware of any issues surrounding the property or the transaction.

Communication is key and helps to avoid delays and issues later in the transaction.

SPONSORED CONTENT DAN SMITH

MANAGING DIRECTOR, SOUTH WEST BUSINESS FINANCE 01225 800849; www.swbf.co.uk What do you love most about working in property?

Our role is to support our clients in sourcing the best possible finance for their projects, whether that be investing in or developing property. We love that no two transactions are the same. One day we can support someone with their first Buy to Let mortgage and the next work on multi-million-pound property development projects. It’s great to see our clients’ development projects come to life from the initial planning stage to seeing the finished article. There have been some amazing projects it has been a privilege to be involved with in Bath.

How is your service different from going to the bank for a mortgage?

As a commercial finance broker, we have access to over 200 lenders in the marketplace and there are a great deal of alternative non-high street lenders with some fantastic products.

There may be lenders that you haven’t heard of, but our role is to have that in-depth understanding of the marketplace to show you finance options you might not have previously considered.

What are the key values of your business?

Family, integrity, experience and relationships.

LIBBY CARTER

LOUIS MULLANE

LIBBY CARTER & CO 07743 393022; www.libbycarterandco.com What do you specialise in?

Creating beautiful spaces for you to live in, love and enjoy. We provide everything from the overall design concept and creation, to all the details that take your room to a new level of luxury. Our in-house makers carefully hand-finish all your soft furnishings to exacting standards, so they can be cherished for years to come.

How do you balance style with functionality?

It all comes down to the visual flow when I am designing a space, with every element of the brief working in harmony. Each piece of artwork, texture and soft furnishing adds depth whilst layering, ensuring we maximise the vertical and horizontal space for its intended use. Take window treatments, as an example. Functional and decorative, the made-to-measure curtains, blinds, and pelmets we create are designed to blend with all the other details in the room.

ELLIOT COTTERELL

MY MORTGAGE MAKER LTD 01225 962 532; www.mymortgagemaker.co.uk What advice would you give to someone searching for a home right now?

The property market is moving very fast and often if a decent property comes on the market, you can be assured it won’t stay there very long. This means you need to have everything in order and ready to proceed as soon as you see that dream property. I would always advise someone searching for a home to speak with an advisor before even looking for a home. This way you can work out what is affordable, what to expect in monthly payments, get an idea of how much deposit you’ll need to put down and also have the peace of mind that what you are looking for is obtainable.

Estate Agents will need proof that you can afford to purchase a home to consider you for an offer and if you don’t have a Decision In Principle then sadly that property could well be sold subject to contract

SENIOR ASSOCIATE, GREGORYS ESTATE AGENTS 01225 969269; louis@gregorys.click www.gregorys.click How can your services add value to a property?

You don’t get a second chance to make a first impression, therefore the marketing must be spot on. We invest heavily in the marketing of each and every home to ensure it looks its best. This, alongside a strategic launch across our social channels and property portals creates a high level of initial interest, which in turn delivers far better results. Go check out our socials to see for yourself.

What advice would you give right now to someone searching for a home?

Keep going! It’s a tough buying market out there, so if you’re looking to move make sure you get yourself in the best possible position you can. If you’re reliant on a sale, ensure you’ve got the best quality buyer behind you – they’re worth their weight in gold when it comes to onward negotiation. If you’re not on the market, then I’d recommend concentrating on finding your buyer first, and then move onto the exciting bit.

to someone else before you get one. I’d also advise providing all your documents as quickly as possible once you get your offer accepted as currently lenders are pulling rates practically daily so your Advisor will need the best chance possible in securing the product best for you. It’s best to start the process with your ducks in a row and your eyes open this way you’ll avoid disappointment.

What’s the best project you’ve worked on?

On a Monday morning at 9:15 two new clients, who were relocating to Cardiff from Bath, called in asking for advice as they were about to exchange on their purchase and they wanted advice as they couldn’t get in touch with their previous advisor. I’d noticed that the interest rate was much higher than it should have been in the scenario, so the team got to work quickly, and we managed to acquire a new mortgage offer from a different lender within 48 hours with an interest rate 1.38 per cent lower than their current offer they were about to exchange on. The case went to offer on Wednesday and exchanged and completed by Friday, and the clients saved quite literally thousands of pounds as a result.

www.mediaclash.co.uk I BATH LIFE I 87

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01225 311811; www.coopershomeappliances.com www.mediaclash.co.uk I BATH LIFE I 89

BATH LIVES Gareth Thomas, centre, pictured with Matt Owens, left, curator of the music for Americana Fest, and country singer Robert Vincent, right, who is headlining the festival on the Saturday night

“My weirdest job was helping clear up after bomb explosions” GARETH THOMAS The executive chair of the American Museum & Gardens on speaking Swahili and growing up in Belfast Belfast-born Gareth became a trustee of the American Museum & Gardens in 2014 and executive chair in January this year. Previously he was the retail director for John Lewis where he worked for 30 years. After retiring in 2010 Gareth’s aim was to ‘give back’ and use some of what he had learnt at John Lewis for the benefit of a number of causes he was passionate about. He was a trustee and deputy chair of Save the Children for nine years, and a trustee of Tate for eight years.

Gareth lives in Bath with his wife Jessica. He has three adult children, along with two younger ones, aged five and six.

I wasn’t sure what I wanted to be when I was growing up but I knew I wanted to get

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

out of Belfast. The Troubles

were raging, and every aspect of life was impacted. Windows at my school were blown in regularly by explosions in the city and we were all e ected y the violence. Kenneth Branagh’s semi auto iogra hical film Belfast really resonated with me.

I still have a basic sprinkling of Swahili having een fluent

as a child. y first years were spent living in Uganda and Kenya where my father worked as a teacher.

My weirdest and most unusual job was helping clear up after bomb explosions. We

worked as a group of teenagers who were employed on an occasional basis to salvage stock and help clear up the bomb debris in the centre of Belfast.

Looking back, I can’t believe that we were ever allowed to do that!

I have lived on and off in Bath since 1988. first visited ath

in 1982 on a day trip from London. I couldn’t believe how beautiful and peaceful the city was, and what a contrast from Belfast! I was standing in Laura Place and thought, “what a wonderful place to bring up children, if I ever have any”.

I have always loved art and culture, probably because my

Northern Irish grandfather was a professional artist, and we were always surrounded by paintings and literature as children.

What interests me most about American culture and history is its incredible richness and diversity. It is a country of such

huge extremes, both socially and geographically and I have always loved exploring it through countless holidays and business trips there.

I have met the Queen on three separate occasions.

Most recently, I spent over an hour with her and Prince Philip showing them round Tate St Ives. It’s incredible to think about the level of commitment she has demonstrated over the decades and the number of people she must have met.

The American Museum & Gardens is literally the only American museum outside of the United States. It was

founded by an American heir to the Standard Oil Company fortune and his partner, who was an English antiques dealer.

Americana Fest is the first time we have tried to do anything like this. We have

around 40 artists and three comedians lined up on 1 – 3 July for what should be an amazing weekend. I am particularly looking forward to seeing Reginald D Hunter on the Friday night as I’ve been a huge fan of his for years. On Saturday, I am excited to hear Robert Vincent again as his music is so beautiful and profound. My wife really wants to see Katy Hurt as she has seen her perform before.

The Museum is expanding its exhibitions and events programme. We want to be

a museum of the 21st century for all, where we are relevant and connected, both to Bath and urther afield and laying an important role in crosscultural exchange.

For more: www.americanmuseum.org