Bath Life - Issue 473

SUN WORSHIP

ISSUE 473 / 1 – 14 JULY 2022 / £3

A LAUGHING MATTER

MEET THE EDINBURGH FESTIVAL COMICS VISITING THE CITY

WRITTEN IN THE SPAS

WEIRD AND WONDERFUL WELLNESS TREATMENTS

ISSUE 473 / 1 – 14 JULY 2022 / LOUNGE LIZARDS

SPIRE TO GREATER THINGS

IN PRAISE OF BEAUTIFUL SALISBURY

WAYS TO KICK BACK, RELAX, AND ENJOY THE SUNSHINE HIP & HAPPENING

GORGEOUS FESTIVAL FASHION

SECRET GARDENS

EXPLORE THE GROUNDS AT THE ROYAL CRESCENT

GETTING GIDDY

EQUINING AND FINE DINING AT LUCKNAM PLUS SOUTHGATE BUTTERFLIES / BARBECUE TREATS / SUMMERTIME TOMATOES

EDITOR’S LETTER

@BLOOMINGBALM _ AROMA

BELOW: SouthGate butterflies (page 9)

A

nybody else feeling a little bit lazy right now? I am. Not sure if it’s post the celebrations for our 20th anniversary birthday last issue; the proper sit in the sunshine that keeps making tantalising guest appearances; or all that ‘I went to Glastonbury and my step count was over 30,000 a day’ talk (I couldn’t even summon up the energy to press the red button and catch it live from my sofa. I preferred instead to take my book The Frequency of Us by local author Keith Stewart and my sloth-like self out to the garden. Highly recommend this one not only because of its fascinating two time-line stories but also because it is set in war time and now-time Bath.)

So this issue is a chilled one in honour of those of who want to take a little time out. There’s our spa feature on page 12; an indie edit of accessories to help you sit back and relax in the garden starting on page 45; two of the easiest but tastiest barbecue recipes ever on page 54; on page 50 there’s a visit to Lucknam for a spot of horse-bonding (and not a gallop in sight); and a slow wander around the beautiful gardens of Royal Crescent & Spa Hotel over on page 60. We do slightly take it up a gear to stroll around the beautiful city of Salisbury (page 64) – one of our favourite places in the whole wide world and always worth that little bit of extra effort.

So kick back, relax, and enjoy!

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

ABOVE: In praise of Bath’s spas (page 12);

SARAH MOOLLA

Follow us on Twitter @BathLifeMag Instagram @bathlifemag

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

Issue 473 / 1–14 July 2022

21

COVER Bambed by Tine K Home, stockists Woodhouse & Law; www.woodhouseandlaw.co.uk (page 45)

SPA TREATMENT

12 SPAS & WELLNESS From sound baths to flotation pools, these

treatments offer more than the standard spa experience

THE ARTS

29 ARTS INTRO Spectacular Shakespeare at the Ustinov 30 WHAT’S ON Theatre, music, comedy, and art in the city 37 BOOKS Scandinavian imports 38 EDINBURGH FRINGE PREVIEWS The funny people coming

to Komedia

SHOPPING

42 FASHION Festival season style 45 SHOPPING INTRO Sunbathe in style 46 EDITOR’S CHOICE Make the most of the summer months with

these outdoor seating options

EXPERIENCE

48 REVIEW Therapeutic connection with horses at Lucknam Park

Hotel & Spa

FOOD&DRINK

64

51 FOOD & DRINK NEWS Celebrating tomato season 52 RECIPE Take your barbecue up a notch

LIFESTYLE

60 GARDENS Touring the hidden gardens of the Royal Crescent

Hotel & Spa

64 DAY TRIP Exploring Salisbury’s history

BUSINESS

69 BATHWORKS Local business news, views, and interviews 72 BIZ Q&A Dan Daly’s Airbnb success 74 BATH LIFE AWARDS Q&A How The Curfew got its soul back

PROPERTY

77 PROPERTY LEAD Properties fit for royalty 78 PROPERTY NEWS Updates from the market 80 SHOWCASE A home with a history in Frome 82 RESIDENCE Explore The Curated Collection

DEPARTMENTS

6 SPOTLIGHT Davina McCall is coming to Bath 9 INSTAS Social butterflies in SouthGate 11 FLATLINE Spas? Flats doesn’t get what all the fuss is about 21 SOCIETY Highlights from Shindig 90 BATH LIVES Charles Minty shares the benefits of plein air

51

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, Elsie Chadwick, David Flatman, Verity Genco, John Mather, Matilda Walton and Nick Woodhouse 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

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

SPOTLIGHT

Bath Festivals

PAUSE FOR THOUGHT Davina McCall will appear at The Forum in Bath this September in an event from Bath Festivals. The former Big Brother host and more recently campaigner for women’s health, will give a talk just two days after the release of her highlyanticipated book, Menopausing, a no holds barred guide to navigating the menopause.

“I never saw myself becoming this woman – the woman with a megaphone in Parliament Square. But the misinformation and misconception around the menopause make me want to roar,” Davina says of her campaigning. Davina, who has been candid about her own experiences with the menopause, will host a myth-busting event diving into issues surrounding perimenopause and menopause that aims to empower and inform, with the chance for the audience to ask questions at the end.

For more: www.bathfestivals.org.uk

SouthGate

left: Heather Fell was the fastest individual athlete in the Man V Horse Race; right: The race pits horses and humans against each other

Davina McCall will visit Bath to celebrate the release of her new book

Man V Horse

HORSING AROUND Bath-based Team GB Olympian and pentathlon silver medallist Heather Fell recently claimed the title of fastest individual runner in the Whole Earth Man V Horse race – a competition pitting horses and humans against one another to see whether two legs or four can make the quickest work of a 22-mile track. This year the competition was won by man – Ricky Lightfoot – for the first time in 15 years.

“I had zero expectations of making it on the podium, which made my result and experience even more special,” says fastest individual runner Heather. “What an historic year to take part when the man finally beats the horse after 15 years! It was an incredible experience with such a great community feel. It was just so unusual and unique to run against horses – unlike anything I’ve ever done before.”

The Whole Earth Man V Horse race was born from a bet taken in the back room of the Neaudd Arms in Llanwrtyd Wells in 1980, where the race still kicks off today.

For more: www.wholeearthfoods.com

190 butterflies have taken over SouthGate

St Lawrence Street and The Place in SouthGate have been transformed by the arrival of 190 butterflies. The summer installation of brightly coloured winged creatures hanging above the streets also features a living selfie wall with giant butterfly wings, two large floral butterfly planters, along with the return of the popular rainbow bunting.

As part of its ongoing community work, this year’s design has been chosen in support of one of SouthGate’s charity partners, Trauma Breakthrough, which helps adult survivors of trauma and abuse by providing specialist therapy and support, well-being services and mental health courses for the public.

Butterflies are a symbol of freedom, and the large floral planters will be fitted with QR codes where visitors can make a small donation to the charity to help support the crucial work it does in the local community. For more butterflies, turn to page 9.

For more: www.southgatebath.com

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

© ROY NEWPORT

THE BUTTERFLY EFFECT

SPOTLIGHT

SOCIAL BUTTERFLIES Instagram has been loving the new butterfly installation in SouthGate. The 190 vibrant butterflies will decorate Bath until September, and visitors are encouraged to take photos and share them using the hashtag #SummerAtSouthGate

@instajack_b17

@bathcityphoto

@the_natureartti

@bloomingbalm_aroma

@steph_the_wiltshire_wanderer

@photosofplacesihavebeen

@beth.bartholomew

@richmorrisinsta

@wandering_wildbergs

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

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

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

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

But can your accountant help you make more money?

4 Free advice sheets and newsletters to help your business grow

Does your accountant have experience working in your specialist field?

4 Advice from experienced qualified professionals

Does your accountant give you answers or just more questions?

4 In house mortgages, life, pensions and investment advice.

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

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

4 We speak to you in plain English 4 Full range of legal and probate services through our sister company 4 A unique one stop advice service for all businesses and individuals from cradle to grave and beyond!

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

www.pgtax.co.uk

FLAT LINE DAVID FLATMAN © BET T Y BHANDARI BR AND PHOTOGR APHY; W W W.BET T YBHANDARIBR ANDPHOTOGR APHY.COM

“Let’s get a helicopter to Glastonbury to beat the traffic”

Being a mega spa Flats on the art of blagging, and why spas aren’t high on his wish list

W

hen I first started writing this column – some time around 1908 – my rugby pals and I thought it fun to see what we could blag off the back of it. This is where I should apologise to the lovely people in charge of this magazine, but let’s just say I never felt discouraged, so presumed they didn’t mind terribly.

We thick-necked part-timers would sit in cafés and sandwich shops in town and shoot ideas at one another: ‘Get a chef to cook us all dinner at home.’ ‘Get a chauffeur to take us to Soho, wait for us to get pissed all night, then

drive us home.’ ‘Get us all bespoke suits.’ ‘Get us free dinners at that Chinese that does the all-you-can-eat buffet (my friend Woody was banned from this place – it was in the Podium – due to his mutually ruinous appetite).

There was a time when this shooting for humorous freebies felt cool, and we piled in. I had my dogs groomed, I had a dented panel on my car fixed and repainted, we had many drinks on a Wednesday night at a new bar in town, and roughly a third of all of our meals out were gratis. In fairness I was always up front about the gig and I did document these experiences in these pages. I hope the businesses in question benefited in some way.

After a while, though, it all started to make me feel a bit grabby. Not the lads – they loved it. I still remember one request in particular:

‘Let’s get a helicopter to Glastonbury to beat the traffic,’ suggested one mate. As it happens, we sorted that. Mad, looking back.

The actual experience that lead directly to the cessation of my well-honed and holistically helpful modus operandi was an all over body massage at The Royal Crescent Hotel. I didn’t enjoy it, but then felt it too horrid to tell all of you that truth in black and white. The massage itself was absolutely superb, by the way. The setting, the masseuse, the music, their being in no rush whatsoever to get me rubbed and removed. To anybody else this would have been a heavenly hour or two (I had coffees and cakes too, from memory), but all I wanted to do was continue my high-end snacking and leave the rub for someone else.

Professional rugby players effectively have very high quality sports massage on tap. If you want a rub (sorry if this word makes anyone uncomfortable – it’s just what we called massage) every day, you can have one. I reckon I had about 15 in 15 years. I would have them willingly if whatever injury was in play that week might benefit from it – and Helen, our iron-clawed guru was top notch – but I otherwise passed and went home instead.

So as wonderful as many of the spas in this magazine may be, they’re just not for me.

I can’t relax without falling asleep, at which point it feels like a waste of money, frankly. If I’m knackered and/or stressed, I’ll book a night at THE PIG Near Bath. If my muscles hurt I’ll have a day off the gym, then go the next day and do, well, less. I just do not ever feel a craving to be physically pampered.

That’s it really. This was just a roundabout way of telling you that I’m not into spas. Lots of people are; just not me. Of course, if some incredibly posh spa wanted to do their very best to change my mind, then I’d have to consider it. Have I mentioned that I write for Bath Life?

David Flatman is an ex-Bath and England rugby star turned TV pundit and rent-o-mic. Follow him on Twitter @davidflatman and Insta @dflatman

www.mediaclash.co.uk I BATH LIFE I 11

SPA GAZING John Mather discovers there’s more to spas than manicures, massages, and, the odd smoothie or two

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

© TOBYMITCHELL

T

SPAS

hink of spa treatments and wellness centres, and our minds flies to massages, manicures and maybe a smoothie or two. Nothing wrong with this – three of our favourite things in fact – but further exploration of the treatments on offer and you can find a whole world of wonderfulness and different experiences many designed to nurture, heal, soothe, and challenge us even. From sound baths to flotation pods, we find out more about just a few of these out-of-the-ordinary treatments.

THE COPPER ROOM RITUAL at The Spa At No.15 By Guesthouse, 15 Great Pulteney Street, Bathwick, Bath; www.guesthousehotels.co.uk Recently refurbished and hidden below one of the grandest streets in Bath, The Spa at No.15 compromises of six treatment rooms including one rather special double room with exclusive use of a copper bath in the historic vaults of the hotel. This extra-special shared ritual, which costs £285, is made possible by the opulent copper tub for two in a treatment room dedicated to those who like to enjoy spa time together.

The whole experience is designed to leave guests feeling restored, relaxed, and profoundly connected.

The ritual starts with bathing in privacy and peace with the option of a self-applied body scrub and face mask as well as two glasses of fizz (or non-alcoholic substitutes). The organic, magnesium-rich salts in the water will detoxify muscles, drawing out any tension-causing aches and pains. Then, side-by-side, it’s time for a back, neck, and shoulder massage. After that the choice is between a eucalyptus-infused foot treatment or a deeply relaxing bespoke facial, both of which finish with a dreamy scalp massage.

Benefits

Bathing and hydrotherapy have a rich history throughout the world, and relaxing in warm water reduces inflammation, boosts the circulation and calms the nervous system. The magnesium-rich salts added to the bath combine with the heat of the water to help prepare the muscles for the massage resulting in a deeper level of relaxation, along with lowered levels of physical tension and stress. Both the bath and treatment boost the production of hormones associated with happiness and wellbeing.

The opulent copper tub in the vaults of The Spa at No.15

THE WOMB MASSAGE by Bradford On Avon Massage, 17 Market Street, Bradford on Avon; www.bradfordonavonmassage.co.uk Lead therapist and business owner Lindsay Furness, believes in guiding clients and helping them love, connect, and invest in themselves via the power of massage.

She also offers specialist treatments including pregnancy, post-natal massage, and the Womb Massage, which costs £60 for 60mins and £90 for 90mins.

It is a non-invasive, gentle and yet deep massage covering the upper and lower abdomens and digestive system, from the diaphragm to the pubic bone and the upper and lower backs and glutes. It focuses on improving circulation to the abdominal organs, with the aim of improving blood, nerve and lymph flow. There are a number of techniques that can be used, each with their own effects, for example the Rebozo massage technique uses the Mexican shawl Rebozo to rock Lindsay Furness of Bradford On the body in order to release tensions. To complete Avon Massage each session, the shawl is used to wrap the woman’s body to help her feel safe and held.

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

SPAS

above: The Soul Spa will even help you find a tarot card reader;

right: Madeline Blackburn specialises in using sound to promote wellness

Benefits

This treatment is for all women at any point in their lives, supporting the female journey from menarche to menopause and beyond. From fertility to baby loss, painful periods to endometriosis, constipation to IBS, and so much more. Energetically the client will feel nurtured and the massage encourages a release of deep-seated emotions and allows them to flow freely. The treatment is designed to re-awaken and reconnect women to their bodies and their womb space, and leave them feeling whole, centred, grounded and balanced.

THE SOUND BATH at The Soul Spa, 2 Hetling Court, Bath; www.thesoulspa.co.uk Founded by Madeline Blackburn, the Soul Spa is about using sound and vibration to place people into a deep state of relaxation. They also specialise in pulsed electromagnetic therapy, and if the spiritual mood takes you, will even help source a tarot card reader.

For the sound bath, the client reclines whilst LED light washed walls, gentle music and projected images soothe and lull. A facilitator will then guide their breathing and play crystal bowls. During the hour-long journey which cost £25 for a 60 minutes, the client is literally bathed in sound.

Benefits

During the hour-long session individuals have the opportunity to relax, let go of the stresses of life and it is hoped, create space for something more spiritual as a guided inner journey can allow new discoveries about themselves and their inner world. Sound baths are also reported to cause long-term stress relief and better sleep.

“A guided inner journey can allow new discoveries” 14 I BATH LIFE I www.mediaclash.co.uk

THE METABOLIC RESET PROGRAMME at the Combe Grove Centre for Health and Wellbeing, Combe Grove, Brassknocker Hill, Bath; www.combegrove.com The Combe Grove Centre for Health and Wellbeing offers the UK’s first Metabolic Reset Retreat for clients with a desire to improve their metabolic health with a specific focus on pre-diabetes. Having gathered clinically reviewed scientific evidence and worked with leading medical and nutritional experts including Dr Campbell Murdoch, a renowned GP with a special interest in metabolic health, the team have created a programme of nourishing food, personalised movement, and a full timetable of motivational, therapeutic, and mindful activities. Prices from £2,600 including a year of online support and a one week stay at the 70-acre wooded estate. The programme includes a myriad of treatments and holistic practices such as massage, reflexology, kinesiology, acupuncture, and reiki, offered by in-house therapists and experienced independent practitioners.

Benefits

Combined with the 51 weeks of structured online support, the Combe Grove Programme is designed to empower clients with pre-diabetes or those with a desire to improve their metabolic health and make sustainable lifestyle choices. Good metabolic health underpins our wellbeing and longevity and balancing blood sugar levels is proven to lower inflammation, which is the main contributor to many of today’s medical conditions.

Reiki is just one of the many components of the Combe Grove Metabolic Reset Retreat; inset: Combe Grove is set on a 70-acre wooded estate

Dr Lucy provides a wide range of Non-surgical Medical Aesthetic Treatments to help create the best version of you.

Over 20 years experience as a dentist with a keen eye for what looks right, she uses her skills and her extensive knowledge not to change but to subtly enhance, helping to turn back the clock or correct those little imperfections that have always worried you.

Dr Lucy Facial Aesthetics 10 Rossiter Rd, Bath, BA2 4JP info@doctorlucy.co.uk www.doctorlucy.co.uk

f

Dr Lucy Facial Aesthetics

SPAS

above: Vitality Day Spa’s Wanderlust Collection is designed to invoke that holiday feeling ; left: The Flotation Pod at Aquarias Spa helps quieten the mind

THE WANDERLUST COLLECTION by Vitality Day Spa, 8 Market Street, Bradford on Avon; www.vitalitydayspa.co.uk The concept of a treatment reflecting an exotic country came about during lockdown when no one could travel. Each component of the Wanderlust Collection – the sight, smell, sound, touch and taste – is designed to conjure up a feeling of travel and escape. The Ocean Pearl for example is based on a luxury 5-star Bahamas beach resort holiday and involves a full body exfoliation, a peel off body wrap, specialised massage techniques, and a full facial using products that contain ingredients such as cucumber, eucalyptus, coconut and gold.

To accompany the treatment, which costs £93 for 80 minutes, Vitality Day Spa have collaborated with a local chocolatier who creates handcrafted plant-based chocolates to fit in with each of the themes, and for the Bahamas experience the client is gifted a pearl-shaped chocolate with a silver dusting, containing white chocolate and mango.

Benefits

Ocean Pearl is an intensely detoxifying treatment which stimulates blood flow and boosts lymphatic drainage whilst expelling toxins from the skin. The body is left feeling purified and skin feeling ultra-smooth and looking radiant, while the mind feels energised, refreshed and invigorated. The world at large also benefits from the experience as for every Wanderlust treatment, £1 is donated to the Sheldrick Wildlife Trust.

“Without the pull of gravity all the muscles relax and release tension”

THE FLOTATION POD at Aquarias Spa, Whatley Manor, Spa Easton Grey, Malmesbury; www.whatleymanor.com The floatation pod at the spa has its own purpose-built suite, and the tank is filled with 500kg of Epsom salts mixed with 1,000 litres of water which is warmed to body temperature to create the buoyant environment that allows effortless floating. Without the pull of gravity, all the muscles relax and release tension. The lights then go down and gentle music plays for a short time to help quieten the mind and

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

SPAS

The La Rue Verte Massage at The Spa at voco St. David’s Cardiff utilises CBD oil

TAKING THIS OUT THERE

Why not combine wellness and spa treatments with a mini break for double the benefits. Here we select three of our favourite places to visit – Cardiff, Cornwall, and Bristol

above: Thai Qi Flow Massage integrates acupressure techniques; inset: The Spa & Bath House pool at the Royal Crescent Hotel

eventually completely switch off. Towards the end of the session music is played again to help the client gently drift back to consciousness.

Benefits

The treatment, which costs £56 per one hour session, offers relaxation without any distractions. It releases endorphins, and there are reports of a sense of euphoria, feelings of being more connected to the natural world, and even creativity is enhanced. It rejuvenates the mind and body, alleviates mental and physical stress, improves sleep and insomnia, and helps with fatigue and jet lag.

THE THAI QI FLOW MASSAGE at The Spa & Bath House at the Royal Crescent Hotel and Spa, 16 Royal Crescent, Bath; www.royalcrescent.co.uk The Spa and Bath House, with its tranquil indoor pool framed by chapel-esque windows, has partnered with sustainable luxury skincare brand Elemental Herbology. The brand’s ethos ties in perfectly with their own and is based around the five element theory from traditional Chinese medicine – wood, fire, earth, metal and water. The therapists are trained to consider not only skin type but also lifestyle, environment and the season, to help achieve optimal results. Thai Qi Flow Massage integrates Thai, herbal compresses along with hands-on massage, stretches and acupressure techniques to help balance the body and mind.

Benefits

Thai Qi Flow Massage, with prices starting at £120 for an hour, is an intuitive therapy that utilises the internal energy (‘chi’) skills of the practitioner which in turn helps to energise the body’s flow of energy, aids in the release of tight muscles and promotes wellbeing. n

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

LA RUE VERTE MASSAGE at The Spa at voco St. David’s Cardiff, Havannah Street, Cardiff; www.ihg.com The La Rue Verte Massage, which uses trademarked La Rue Verte technology CBD oil and costs from £80 for 50 minutes, is a lymphatic drainage massage to get rid of toxin build up.

At The Spa at St David’s, they’ve also incorporated reflexology body mapping, where CBD balm is applied during the massage to the significant targeted area. By incorporating the reflexology body mapping aspect, the massage promotes homeostasis and works on key concerns for the mind and body – the epitome of holistic therapy.

AYURVEDIC ECO SPA at Scarlet Spa at Scarlet Hotel, Tredragon Road, Mawgan Porth, Cornwall; The cocoon www.scarlethotel.co.uk pods at the Built to the highest eco-standards and Scarlet Hotel spa settled within the rugged Cornish clifftops in Cornwall is the Scarlet Hotel; a wellbeing sanctuary with far-reaching views of the North Atlantic coastline. Scarlet is home to one the most renowned Ayurvedic eco spas in the UK featuring a brominefiltered indoor pool, outdoor natural reed pool, cliff top wooden sauna, and restorative steam room.

The Ayurvedic principles encourage guests to find total natural balance through restorative treatments which ease aches, release tension, and quieten the mind. Treatments take place in tented, lantern-lit rooms and include stillness afterwards in the deep relaxation room’s suspended cocoon pods. In addition, there are daily yoga and wellbeing classes for guests to join.

The pièce de resistance are the two log-fired hot tubs perched on the cliff side overlooking the golden sands of Mawgan Porth.

THE CAUDALIE FLEUR DE VIGNE CANDLE MASSAGE at the Aztec Hotel & Spa, Aztec West, Almondsbury, Bristol; www.aztechotelbristol.co.uk This unique massage treatment indulges all your senses.

The massage candle, the Fleur de Vigne (grape blossom) by Caudalie, melts into a luxurious warm, delicately scented oil, designed to soothe aching muscles and leave the skin softly scented and richly hydrated. The ultimate tension-reducing treatment, costs £72 for 90-minutes, includes a relaxing face and scalp massage.

Relaxation with no distractions Imagine floating away into a world of your own, being totally weightless, relaxed and totally at ease...

Immerse yourself in minerals and salts for optimal physical recovery.

Stress gives way to tranquillity. Your senses dissolved, floating weightless in complete peace.

Slip into your silence and a deep meditative state for mental regeneration, to emerge totally replenished.

Sixty-minute session £56 | Course of five sessions £250 To book call 01666 827 070 or email aquarias@whatleymanor.com Whatley Manor Hotel and Spa, Easton Grey, Malmesbury, SN16 0RB whatleymanor.com

f   whatleymanor

Wellness lives at Whatley

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

Ari Robertshaw

Lara Bone and Ella Bone

Thomas Dobbin and Maggie McGeady Nadja Gormley

FRINGE BENEFITS

Samantha Barber and Harriet Barber Zoazy Augustus

B Hairdressing in Widcombe recently held a fundraising event with proceeds split between Sarcoma UK, Ukraine support and funds for gender affirming surgery for Ari of Lesser Arts, a client at B. The day included live music, a One Five Tattoo flash sale, market stalls from Bullfrog Bottles and Selva Plants among others, and a giant raffle featuring a range of prizes from local businesses. The event raised £2,500.

Photos by Ollie Hulland; www.lovetocapture.co.uk

Sam Thomas

Emily Herridge and Chris Latchem

Simon Foster

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

SOCIETY

Paul Rankin, David Nicholson and Sarah Rankin

Sarah Freeman, Neil Hindley, Briar Paccalin, and on the phone, Michel Paccalin, tuning in from France!

Simon Crowe

Mark Blackmore and Dave De Lemos

PICTURE PERFECT

The Bath Photographic Society recently celebrated its annual exhibition of works at St Michael’s Without – the group’s first in-person annual exhibition since 2019. The Society’s current president Pamela Jones gave an introductory speech in which she thanked the photographers and London Camera Exchange, the event’s sponsor. Councillor June Player, who was still mayor at the time, also attended.

Around 40 attended the event, which featured a diverse range of photographic works and gave attendees the chance to vote for their favourites.

Photos by Liz Bugg and Pat Meakins;

Jane Rees, Philip Dean and Valerie Simmonds Jane Haworth, Peter Haworth and Gregg Haynes

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

www.bathphotographicsociety.org.uk

Pamela Jones, Councillor June Player and Reverend Roger Driver

Linda Muller and Jon Muller

SOCIETY

Love Boat

Ellie Dixon We heart Shindig

My Bad Sister

DIGGING IT

Symphonica featuring Mr Switch

Shindig Festival saw 10,000 people descend on Dillington Estate for four days of camping, dancing and chilling in the beautiful late May sunshine.

Headliners included De La Soul, Roy Ayers, Odyssey, Goldie, and Terry Hall with a high energy procession lead by the beat Brazilian-inspired drummers from Bath Jamma de Samba.

Photos Nathan Roach; www.coalpoetmedia.com

Along with delicious food stalls there were eight bars Mista Tricks

XX II BATH 24 BATHLIFE LIFE II www.mediaclash.co.uk www.mediaclash.co.uk

Feeling positive vibes

Roy Ayers

SPONSORED CONTENT

THRINGS MEETS…

RICE (Research Institute for the Care of Older People) Penelope Munro, partner at THRINGS meets Melissa Hillier, CEO of RICE Penelope Munro: RICE is an internationally-renowned organisation and is here in Bath and yet there will be some people who don’t know about it and what it does. Can you explain RICE for us?

Melissa Hillier: RICE (The Research Institute for the Care of Older People) is an independent charity originally set up to investigate problems associated with dementia. Our aim has broadened and is now to improve the lives of older people through research, diagnosis, treatment and support.

PM: So, RICE is actually two things in one then? Both research and treatment?

MH: Yes, exactly. And that brings all sorts of advantages; the clinical and research teams can experience both areas, building long-term relationships with patients while also being part of the important research to improve our understanding of the ageing process.

PM: If you suspect you or a loved one is experiencing memory problems, how would you go about accessing RICE? MH: A referral is usually made through a GP. So, you would start there and would be referred to RICE for initial tests. Our memory clinic, run by doctors, nurses and psychologists give an in-depth assessment of a person’s memory function.

It’s then possible to make a diagnosis and offer treatment, whether that is drug or non-drug therapy or both.

PM: What do you think are the biggest challenges for someone facing dementia?

MH: It is a really heart-breaking disease; the person will often know the overall outcome but it moves in drawn-out stages.

They may find it difficult to hold conversations, or to recognise people or places. And, over time, they will lose the ability to participate in activities, including personal care and daily life.

PM: That must prove difficult and upsetting for whoever is caring for them.

MH: Absolutely. Dementia is sometimes called the ‘long goodbye’ as it slowly strips away the person you have always known. Often it leaves the carer feeling emotionally and socially isolated, which is why RICE provides Carers’ Courses to help carers understand dementia,

and what it means to look after someone with the disease.

PM: What are the biggest challenges facing RICE at the moment?

MH: Definitely funding. People believe we are NHS-funded because our site is here at the RUH. But we are actually a charity and the only funding we get is for our memory clinics and for some of our drug trials.

We are dependent for the rest on charitable funding such as donations, fundraising initiatives and legacies.

PM: Do you have any campaigns planned to raise the profile of RICE and bring in more funds?

MH: Yes, we are launching our Delivering Healthy Ageing campaign in July. This campaign will showcase the important work

done here at RICE and how it is focused on improving the ability to live well with dementia and similar age-related illnesses.

PM: And how can we get involved with or find out more about RICE? MH: You can visit our website – www.rice.org.uk, or you can contact me directly on info@rice.org.uk. We have an internationally-recognised resource here in Bath supporting anyone facing age-related challenges. We want more people to know about us, support us and help us to deal with these issues together. n

2 Queen Square, Bath BA1 2HQ 01225 340000; solicitors@thrings.com www.thrings.com www.mediaclash.co.uk I BATH LIFE I 27

THE FINEST I N LI NG E RI E , BEACH & NIGHTW E A R

7 Quiet Street Bath BA1 2JU | T: 01225 330563 E: info@dressingroombath.com

www.dressingroombath.com |

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

10 Margaret’s Buildings, Bath BA1 2LP T: 01225 571711 E: info@homefrontinteriors.co.uk www.homefrontinteriors.co.uk Ethical, Sustainable & Handmade Homewares and Gifts

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

© HUGO GLENDENNING

STORMING IN

Deborah Warner, billed to be one of the greatest Shakespearean directors of her generation, opens her inaugural season as artistic director of the Ustinov Studio with an epic new production of The Tempest. Nicholas Woodeson as Prospero and Dickie Beau as Ariel, seen here, lead a stellar company of actors to tell the powerful story of revenge, redemption and renewal set on an enchanted island.

Deborah Warner’s previous Shakespeare productions include Julius Caesar at the Barbican and across Europe, starring Simon Russell Beale and Ralph Fiennes; productions of King Lear starring Glenda Jackson and Brian Cox in the title role; and a ground breaking production of Richard II starring Fiona Shaw in the title role.

The Tempest is performing at the Ustinov, Theatre Royal Bath until 6 August; www.theatreroyal.org.uk

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

WHAT’S ON

Holburne Museum (Behind Closed Doors) by Jason Dorley-Brown and Emma Taylor can be seen at the RUH until 17 July

2 – 31 July

EXHIBITIONS Until 9 July

PAUL JACKSON The Pencil Tree gallery on Cleveland Terrace is having a studio sale of the work of Paul Jackson including his limited edition prints and canvasses. www.penciltree.co.uk

Until 15 July

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

Until 4 September

PHOTO|FROME This brand new festival will showcase all types of photography from local, national, and international photographers at five exhibition venues, featuring talks, workshops, a book fair, and all with free entry. www.photofrome.org

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 17 July

Until 18 September

THREE VIEWS OF BATH A group exhibition of Bath and its surroundings by local artists Nigel Gardner, Josephine Tsegaye and the Behind Closed Doors team Jason Dorley-Brown and Emma Taylor, is on display in the Central Gallery of the RUH. www.artatruh.org

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

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

9 July – 16 October

MARY FEDDEN: SIMPLE PLEASURES Over 110 paintings and works on paper, covering the career of Mary Fedden’s (1915-2012), have been drawn from private and public collections, including Tate and the Government Art Collection.

The exhibition will shed new light on the artist’s working practices by including her easel in the installation, as well some of the ‘simple pleasure’ still life objects she found inspirational. Victoria Art Gallery; www.victoriagal.org.uk

10 July

BATH CONTEMPORARY ARTISTS FAIR Since its creation last year, the Bath Life Award-winning BCAF has exhibited over 400 artists across a range of fine art, photography, sculpture, and textiles. Just some

of the artists taking part in the eclectic exhibition in Green Park Station include Georgia Cox, Kate Marshall, Emma Rose, Emma Lacon, Kat Parkin and the plein air painter Charles Minty who we chat to over on page 90. www.bcaf.co.uk

5 – 10 July

BATH ARTISTS SCULPTURE GROUP ANNUAL EXHIBITION Sixteen experienced sculptors who explore figurative sculpture all under the mentorship of Royal College of Art sculptor Sue Larner will be exhibiting at Walcot Chapel. www.bathartistsstudios.co.uk

THEATRE / CINEMA Until 23 July

BUGSY MALONE In this modern musical classic, our hero – the penniless one-time boxer and all-round nice guy – is thrust not-so-willingly into the gangster limelight when he becomes the

© BET T Y BHANDARI

WHAT’S ON

last resort for Fat Sam’s hapless hoodlums. However all Bugsy really wants to do is spend time with his new love, Blousey. Theatre Royal Bath; www.theatreroyal.org.uk

fans, live music will be performed

by The Wanted’s Max George, who competed in the 2020 series of the BBC One show. Bath Forum; www.bathforum.co.uk

Until 6 August

CHILDREN

THE TEMPEST Deborah Warner opens her inaugural season as artistic director of the Ustinov Studio with an epic new production of The Tempest.

Turn to page 29 for more.

Ustinov; www.theatreroyal.org.uk

4 – 9 July

TWELFTH NIGHT Shakespeare Live’s 33rd annual outdoor production is the romantic, witty and farcical Twelfth Night in the gardens of Cleeve House, in Seend. The audience is under cover in reserved seats and are welcome to picnic on the lawns before the show begins. www.shakespearelive.com

© LUCY BAKER PHOTOGR APHY

6 – 9 July

top:

Join Billy Kidd and fellow magicians at Krowd Keepers every Friday and Saturday; above: Get ready for the upbeat and fun Bath Carnival on 9 July; top right: Bugsy Malone is coming to the Theatre Royal Bath until 23 July

MACBETH Presented by Rondo Theatre Company, three witches, from their opium den of inequity, predict a future for Macbeth that sets him on a path for greatness, and ultimately, destruction. www.rondotheatre.co.uk

8 July

STRICTLY PRESENTS: KEEEP DANCING This spectacular new touring show features Strictly 2020 finalist and EastEnders star Maisie Smith, together with Strictly 2021 semifinalist and CBBC presenter Rhys Stephenson. They will be joined

by Strictly professional dancers Neil Jones, Gorka Marquez, Jowita Przystal and Nancy Xu. And, as an extra special treat for Strictly

Until 3 July

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

The Egg; www.theatreroyal.org.uk

19 July

BRILLIANT BEASTIES The American Museum & Gardens is hosting brand-new monthly sessions for pre-schoolers and their parents/carers – with songs, stories, sharing rhymes and creative activities – all celebrating the world of the wonderful animal kingdom. www.americanmuseum.org

22 July

AWFUL AUNTIE Awful Auntie by David Walliams, adapted for the outdoor stage by Heartbreak Productions, is a truly thrilling tale of owls, ghosts, chases, motorcycle rides, and tiddlywinks as plucky Stella evades her menacing Aunt and tries to save the family home. The American Museum & Gardens; www.americanmuseum.org

MUSIC 15 & 16 July

MICHAEL BUBLÉ Grammy-award winning global megastar Michael Bublé heralds the return of live music for the

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

WHAT’S ON first time in 19 years in front of the Royal Crescent, as he performs two spectacular summer open-air concerts, kicking off his An Evening with Michael Bublé UK tour.

Tickets are available via Bath Forum; www.bathforum.co.uk

FESTIVALS Until 10 July

FROME FESTIVAL This year’s festival is the biggest to date, with over 260 fabulous events.

Big 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

28 – 31 July

WOMAD This legendary weekend of embracing the joys of community, friendship, diversity and tolerance is celebrating its 40th this year.

Highlights include Fatoumata Diawara’s distinctive and powerful performance to kick things off; Angelique Kidjo will be performing her show-stopping reimagining of Talking Heads’ Remain in Light; and award-winning wordsmith Kae Tempest. www.womad.co.uk

29 July – 13 August

ABOVE: Wagon of Dreams will be providing the kids’ entertainment at Frome Festival; RIGHT: Spring in Bath 1981 (Richard Green Fine Paintings) BELOW: Visit The Pencil Tree Gallery and enjoy the work of Paul Jackson

with thrilling and emotional productions of La Rondine, Rita & Il segreto di Susanna, interactive family show The Man in the Moon, Dido and Aaneas with guest conductor Christian Curnyn and the Bristol Ensemble, and Tales from Chez Bullier, featuring music by Puccini, Verdi and Lehar. www.ifopera.com

COMEDY

GARDEN THEATRE FESTIVAL The Three Inch Fools, The Handlebards, Peoples String Foundation and Calf2Cow are back at the Holburne Museum for another season of outdoor theatre with a programme that includes The Importance of Being Earnest, Wind in the Willows, Twelfth Night and the intriguing Much Ado About Murder. www.gardentheatrefest.co.uk

3 – 31 July

4 – 7 August

Every Sunday

VALLEY FEST The family-friendly festival has joined up with performance art collective Arcadia this year, who will bring their spectacular Afterburner stage to Chew Valley Lake. It is built from a Rolls Royce jet engine, surrounded by a circle of metal trees and flames. It’s a stage that’s toured the world, popping up at Burning Man, and at events in New Zealand, Croatia, and Miami to name just a few. www.valleyfest.co.uk

August and September

IF OPERA 2022 SEASON IF OPERA is back with a new brand and a new season. Kicking off with Picnic Prom with The Clare Teal Seven, the season continues

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

EDINBURGH FRINGE PREVIEWS SEASON A season of new stand-up material at Komedia in a month-long preview season ahead of the world’s largest comedy festival, the Edinburgh Fringe. Turn to page 40 for our chats with a few of the visiting comic talent. Komedia Bath. www.komedia.co.uk 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

OTHER

Every Friday and Saturday KROWD KEEPERS Upstairs at The Ale House on York Street every Friday and Saturday night, some of the world’s top and most innovative magicians take

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

WHAT’S ON

© LLOYD EVANS PHOTOGR APHY

CULTURE CLUB …with Luke De-Sciscio

© TREVOR LEIGHTON

above: Join in the très jolly summer fun when Bath Boules comes to Queen Square 22-24 July; left: Cameron Lombard, Jowita Pryzstal, Max George, Maisie Smith, Rhys Stephenson, Nancy Xu and Neil Jones are the Strictly dancers coming to Bath Forum

the stage. The intimate 35-seat venue run by resident magician Billy Kidd promises award-winning performers who have featured on the stages of Hollywood’s Magic Castle, Pen & Tellers Fool Us and Wizard Wars among others. www.krowdkeepers.com

9 July

BATH CARNIVAL Artists, community groups and schools will join a procession through the streets alongside hundreds of drummers and dancers all celebrating this year’s carnival theme of Mother Earth: Natural Habitats. In addition to the street show the annual party will return

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

to Sydney Gardens with a range of free themed activities, and the main stage will host live bands including Afro Cluster, Mellowmatic, Deyu, Echo Den, The Goddess Collective, The Scribes and Bloco B. In the evening the grown-ups can head to Komedia to revel into the early hours. www.bathcarnival.co.uk

22 – 24 July

BATH BOULES The much-loved three-day Bath Boules tournament is back in Queen Square raising money and raising ‘ooh la la’ spirits. See page 70 for more. www.bathboules.com n

Luke is a Bath-based songwriter, singer and musician who, before lockdown, supported Cat Stevens at the Montreux Jazz Festival. During the pandemic he recorded a series of albums that became The Folk Boy Trilogy and since then signed a record deal, toured the UK and is currently releasing a new album The Banquet that has been three years in the making. He describes it as, “a 38 minute epic that sinks into the depths of love, flirts with betrayal and suicide, breaks bread with demons and harnesses their light.” A regular at Komedia, you can catch Luke there next on 14 August.

The last great film I saw American Beauty, which is my stock answer for all movie-based questions.

A film I could watch over and over again…

American Beauty is good.

A painting that means something to me The Banquet album cover.

Best TV show ever…

I googled this, and the answer is Seinfeld.

The book that changed my life Conversations with God by Neale Donald Walsch. It’s autobiographical, and about a man who begins writing letters to God to vent his frustrations, and then unexpectedly receives answers to his questions.

The book I could happily re-read The Unbearable Lightness of Being by Milan Kundera.

Last live music gig I went to My friend Garri Nash’s gig at Komedia.

My favourite arts place in Bath The Bell for a long time, though the Drawing Rooms is picking up – they’re championing a lot of exciting things, and I love playing Komedia, a great bastion of local music.

My desert island disc Astral Weeks by Van Morrison.

My karaoke classic Wuthering Heights by Kate Bush.

And the song that’ll get me on the dance floor is Daft Punk’s Lose Yourself to Dance.

For more: www.komedia.co.uk

Luke De-Sciscio is a Komedia regular

BOOKS NIC BOTTOMLEY

I love Scandi

Nic has Northern lights in his eyes after attending the Norwegian Literature Festival

“We drifted around the streets of greylit Lillehammer, being spoon-fed Norwegian culture”

S

uddenly and unexpectedly, Norwegian literature is on my mind. I’ve just returned from a trip to Norway’s incredible Lillehammer Literature Festival, as a guest of NORLA – an organisation that promotes Norwegian authors to publishers, booksellers, and the world at large.

Over an other-worldly few days that already feel like they may not have happened, we drifted around the streets of grey-lit Lillehammer, being spoon-fed Norwegian culture. One moment we’d be admiring the peerless ability of Norway’s 19th century artists such as Frits Thaulow to capture ice and flowing water. The next we’d be ushered into some low-key but effortlessly stylish café to eat seafood salads with Victoria Kielland, fresh from being announced as the winner of the prestigious Doublog prize. Her book, an incredible sounding novel about female serial killer Belle Gunness is in the process of being translated into English for publication here in the UK. On another lunch date we chatted to Norwegian writers whose works have already been published in English. Women in Battle (Hot Key, £9.99) is an illustrated non-fiction title in a graphic novel style by Marta Breen and Jenny Jordahl. Geared primarily towards middle grade and teen readers, it’s actually a vibrant and important education for anyone, as it skips through the history of feminism and protest from abolitionist activist Harriet Tubman to modern-day inspirations like Malala Yousafzai.

Also at the table was Anne SverdrupThygeson, author of Tapestries of Life (Harper Collins, £9.99). This follow-up to the equally illuminating Extraordinary Insects (also Harper Collins, £9.99) looks at how different elements of the natural world interact to form a cohesive support system that makes our remarkable planet tick (at least until

humans interfere). We explore the miraculous skills of water-cleansing trees and pollinating bees, and we are taken on a guided tour of nature’s power to inspire human innovation – how, for example, the humble kingfisher inspired the creation of the bullet train.

The festival takes place in a city of just 25,000 inhabitants – set above a stunning lake and below wooded hills scarred by the twin Olympic ski-jumps leftover from the city’s hosting duties in 1994 – and it seems to inspire the whole community. Events take place in libraries, parks, museums, theatres, and even the town square.

There we watched a Nobel Peace Prize winner Maria Ressa and the latest Nobel Literature Prize winner Abdulrazak Gurnah discuss freedom of expression, and yet be upstaged by four young Norwegian activists who were so impassioned that the fact that the Englishspeakers amongst us couldn’t understand a word, didn’t matter at all.

In what would have been the twilight anywhere further south, we were taken on a tour of Sigrid Undset’s house. Undset’s name was familiar to me before the trip, but only from efforts to shelve her epic novel Kristin Lavransdatter (Penguin, £22). The tour revealed the home in which she lived and wrote in the early 20th century, as her reputation soared and she became a Nobel laureate. It brought to life an incredible character who ended up having to abandon her home to the Nazis, only for her staff to slowly secrete her belongings and colossal book collection so that they could be preserved for us all.

Over 1,100 pages, her masterpiece tracks the entire life of one woman living a life of drama, misfortune and upheaval in 14th century Norway. It might be daunting in scale but having seen the regard she’s held in, it’s top of my Norwegian to-read list now.

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 37

THE JOKE’S ON THEM It’s a month of laughs at Komedia’s Edinburgh Fringe Previews season

By Elsie Chadwick

E

dinburgh is coming to Bath this month when Komedia hosts the Edinburgh Fringe Previews season. A grand total of 34 comics, including Rosie Holt, John Hastings, Dani Johns, Andy Field, Sunil Patel, Hal Cruttenden, Olga Koch and Sarah Keyworth, will perform work in progress shows at The Electric Bar between 3 – 31 July. Here we quiz ten of them to talk comedy inspiration and demand a freebie joke or two

JESSICA FOSTEKEW

Who has been your comic inspiration? Erm. God. There’s too many. Sorry.

I think Dawn French, Rick Mayall and Chris Morris were the funniest boned people I was inspired by growing up.

How might you describe your material? Regrettably honest stories full of jokes.

And who gets your sense of humour? Everyone except your Dad, I find, usually.

First gig A little 20 seat space underneath the London Palladium, which had nothing to do with the London Palladium. It was probably a strip club at the weekends. It’s probably a really excellent windowless flat now.

Worst gig I once followed Micky Flanagan’s whole tour show with my own, terrible, fledgling, work-in-progress, extremely niche hour of feminist comedy, specifically all about etymology. The audience had just watched their hero do two hours of solid gold and I had to try and follow it with that. It went so badly that afterwards someone from the audience emailed me through my website to see if I’d killed myself.

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

© MAT T STRONGE

COMEDY

DANI JOHNS

Comedy inspiration Not a stand up, but my comedy idol is the hilarious and extremely talented Kathy Burke.

What’s your comedy style?

Sassy, silly, oversharer.

And who might best appreciate it? People who like laughing at the embarrassing and daft moments in life.

Worst gig A pub in Gloucester where we shared the room with a five-year-old’s birthday party… rowdiest crowd ever.

Sample joke please “A sample joke?! If you want a sample, go to Morrisons mate! I think they’re handing out tiny crumbs of a new cheese.”

MORGAN REES

Who has inspired your love of comedy? Les Dawson, for his love

of language, and Joan Rivers for her rapid gag rate, like a machine-fun.

What’s your comic style? Silly and cheeky.

And who might appreciate your sense of humour? Anyone that doesn’t

mind not hearing an opinion for an hour.

First gig At the student’s union bar at Uni of Bath.

It was a fundraiser for those with mental health struggles. The money went to the audience I just performed what I thought was comedy.

Worst gig Surprisingly, not the one above.

A joke please “I met my boyfriend on the gay app. Pinterest.”

ROSIE HOLT

Comic inspiration? Growing up I adored Harry Enfield and Fawlty Towers. As an adult Tim Key made me realise how inventive you can be with live comedy and it is a broad church, and Armando Iannucci’s film Death of Stalin is a masterclass in being very funny about political machinations with grave consequences.

Describe your comedy style Satirical, sharp, silly.

First gig In a small room above a pub in London full of drunk and angry people. Before I got on stage the crowd were chanting: “No more comedy! No more comedy!” It turned out alright partly because the chief heckler passed out before I got on stage.

Worst gig Died in front of 200 people. Not one laugh, an extremely long 15 minutes. Oh the pain, I can still see their stony faces now.

AARON SIMMONDS

© STEVE ULL ATHORNE

What made you become a comedian? Stuart Goldsmith’s podcast The Comedian’s Comedian was the reason why I started comedy. I just wanted to be able to do five minutes where people laugh, eight years later it’s my job. It’s very weird.

Describe your comedy style Anecdotal story-telling stand-up whilst sitting down.

Who might enjoy the show? Anyone who isn’t mentioned, so everyone except my parents, brother, girlfriend, and my GP. First gig July 2014, at the Lion’s Den in Piccadilly Circus. The thing that I remember clearly is that after I did my set I was absolutely buzzing but wanted to play it cool whilst in the club. Same was true when I was on the tube on the way home. It was only when I got out of the station I went downhill full pelt (I’m one of those wheelchair guys you hear so much about) screaming my head off.

Worst gig I was asked to do a gig in a tiny village in Cambridgeshire (it was so small that the barbers’ name was The Barbers because they only had one). I got there and it was a packed long thin room, not ideal, but not the end of the world. During the interval two women notice that I’m sat in front of their table and ask if I get nervous before gigs. I said ‘not anymore, I’m really good now’. I then proceeded to die horrifically for 20 minutes. After my set it was revealed they had just built a disabled toilet and they wanted me to unveil it. I thought they wanted me to perform comedy – they actually just wanted me to use their toilet.

Tell us a joke “Obviously bullying is hard if you’re in a wheelchair. But I had to, because he was ginger.”

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

COMEDY

RAJIV KARIA

How long have you been doing comedy? I started doing sketch comedy ten years ago, got into a bad crowd at university. Could have been worse though, I once dabbled in a cappella singing.

Who inspires you? Tina Fey’s work on 30 Rock constantly wows me.

Who might appreciate your sense of humour? My target audience is millennials called Rajiv with curly hair. Failing that, I’ll take anybody.

First gig I did stand up at my friends show as a favour. I did a joke about a sign I once saw about how you’re not allowed to eat hot food on a bus. It was awful. I might bring it back.

Worst gig I drove two hours in my dad’s car to do a student gig which I was sure I was going to do well at. I died. The MC explained to me after the show that my S Club 7 joke didn’t work because the it was ‘before their time’, which made me feel worse. I didn’t just die on stage that night, my youth died too.

Sample joke please “I’m very vain. To put it in context, you know that song You’re So Vain? Well I think if I’d written it, it would have been better.”

JOZ NORRIS

© MAT T STRONGE

Where do you live? I live in sunny London, just down the road from the gibbon enclosure. You know the gibbon enclosure?

How long have you been in comedy? Shhhhh, that’s top secret.

I’m really trying to cash in on being an exciting new rising star at the moment, so it’s absolutely crucial nobody finds out about the ten years I was toiling away in obscurity, it’s our little secret.

Comedy inspiration? The Muppets is everything comedy should be. Everything before it was just people warming up. Everything since has had people shaking their heads and muttering “Yeah, but it’s not The Muppets, is it?” We might as well all quit, because The Muppets already exists.

Describe your comedy style I once did a show where I burst out of a box and played a clarinet solo. Then I did a show where I tied myself up in a giant web. Then I did a show where I teleported across the stage and transformed into an imaginary cartoon character.

This year I’m trying to perform an impossible magic trick that will control the audience’s thoughts. I dunno what the common stylistic themes are. I guess ‘stupid’?

First gig Laugh Out Loud Student Comedy Club in Norwich. Think I talked about my socks, and then drank a bottle of Lilt pretending it was Smirnoff Ice. Objectively not great material, but the crowd lost their damn minds. They were all friends of mine, to be fair.

Anything else we should know? I would love to see you at my show.

I think you’re a wonderful person leading a good, enviable life and I love you very much. Cheers, all the best.

TOM WARD

OLGA KOCH

Where do you live? In a house-share in London like every other

millennial scum bag.

Where do you get your comedic inspiration?

Dogs.

Who might appreciate your sense of humour?

The girls and the gays.

Worst gig Any gig outside of Bath.

Sample joke “Can’t wait to turn 30 and finally get to audition for high school roles.”

How long have you been in comedy? 4,075 days.

What’s your comedy style like? Like a low budget horror film.

Who might appreciate your show? People who didn’t vote Tory.

Worst gig Christmas 2019. Got confronted on stage by

angry Essex boys who didn’t like the way I was asking their boss who had been sacked that year at their company. Turns out their mate had and they missed him. Someone took the microphone off me and said: “I think that’s enough”.

I was very relieved to hear that.

Sample joke “You think your mum knows you, but then you see what she gets you for your birthday”. Not a joke really more of a sadness. ■ Edinburgh Fringe Previews Season at Komedia Bath runs 3 – 31 July. Tickets are priced at £10 per show, or take advantage of Komedia’s multi-buy offer and watch three shows for £20; For more: www.komedia.co.uk

Comic inspiration Jimeoin, Maria Bamford, Sarah Pasco, Smack the Pony.

Describe your material Erudite, dynamic and cheeky – like a drunk girl you befriend in a pub bathroom.

First gig Smoke and Mirrors in Bristol city centre nearly five years ago. I now co-run the place.

Joke please “Luckily due to rising fuel prices my boyfriend will no longer be able to gaslight me.”

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

© MAT T STRONGE

JESSIE NIXON

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.

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

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

NORTON MASONRY LTD Stonework Specialists & General Builders

8 PICKFORD FIELDS, CHILCOMPTON, RADSTOCK BA3 4XU

Tel: 01761 232906 Mobile: 07901 712232

Email: nortonmasonryltd@hotmail.co.uk

www.nortonmasonryltd.co.uk Over 30 Years Experience

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

www.ashleycollinspainting.co.uk

FASHION

LOOKS IN-TENTS How to perfect that festival vibe and still stay dry

R

Words by Marianne Cantelo

ecently, the insidious algorithms on Instagram have been baiting me with various incarnations of that most quintessentially British item, the wellington boot. They know me so well. I bloody love a welly – they remind me of the Duke of Wellington himself, (classic Georgian poster boy), also splashing in puddles as a child and, most importantly, festival season.

GIVE IT SOME WELLY Forget Coachella, it’s just too predictable in the desert. The excitement of dressing for a British festival is weather roulette. You’ll have no idea whether or not it will be ‘backbacon’ crispy hot, or if you’ll be stuck in the mud like ‘tide out’ at Weston Super Mare. This is a true sartorial challenge – if you dress well at a festival outside of this country, it’s just cheating.

Photo by Egle Vasi; www.eglevasi.com Model: Alana Thomas Make up: Louise Mead Styling: Eleanor Tasker and Marianne Cantelo

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

The welly is then, your ‘belt and braces’ of any British festival outfit. If you put anything else on your feet, you are just an amateur (and clearly haven’t visited a festival porta-loo).

Since I started going to festivals in the late 90s, there is a lot more choice as well. You don’t have to go knee high, you can take your pick from mock Chelsea boot and thigh high. I love tall green Le Chameau but you can’t go wrong with a Hunter as well, classic, practical, and always outfit elevating.

BAG LADIES The next essential item is a bag you can put all your valuables in and which won’t fall off or get lost if you over-indulge in well, whatever you like to over-indulge in. Don’t be tempted by a back pack – pick pockets love them. This is where the ‘bum bag’ or cross-body is super useful – you can still keep your hands free for holding up your phone in the middle of an anthem (does anyone else find this depressing?

Just keep a lighter on you, even if you don’t smoke). Choose something you don’t mind getting craft beer or cider spilt on (suede is a no-no here as is clearly, wicker).

BEACHWEAR Sticking to the practical, I recommend you wear two-piece swimwear as a base for your outfit and bring a few sets. You may or may not choose to shower at a festival but sometimes the ones on offer don’t have much privacy.

You can jump through the shower with your swimwear on and feel a bit fresher but not too exposed and then dry in the sun (or stay wet in the rain). The great thing about swimwear fabric is that it is designed to dry quickly. The real beauty of wearing swimwear is the array of colour on offer which means you can build your look with a view to let it peek out when it’s cooler, and you are ready to strip off when it’s boiling.

DRY CLEAN Our final practical item is something ‘waterproof ’. Yes, ‘waterproof ’. Do not allow yourself to be tricked into misery by buying a pretty but ‘showerproof ’ jacket. They are the ‘chocolate tea pot’ of the jacket world and are completely pointless in Britain. Invest in a cape, kagul, or anorak that is properly waterproof because it has taped seams. Lots of gorgeous brands now combine beautiful with practical. Local designer and makers Frahm makes incredible jackets for men which look great as an over-sized option for women.

Perhaps if we lobby them enough, they’ll create the perfect ‘forever’ festival parka for women too. Pretty please?

Right, that’s the practical dealt with. What should you wear between your swimwear, wellies and waterproof apart from the obligatory sunglasses and statement hat?

Actually I wouldn’t dare to be prescriptive here – festivals are your greatest opportunity to express yourself in whatever clothes you like, without judgement! Whether you are a boho soul, rock goddess or disco diva, everything goes and you can be as outrageous as you fancy! My only advice is avoid the jumpsuit at all costs and choose an ankle grazer over a floor skimming trouser – you’ll thank me for it later.

Marianne Cantelo is the business development project manager for Dorothy House Hospice Care.

The charity has 25 high street shops across the region selling fantastic pre-loved items which provides a large part of the charity’s income, plus it now has an online shop.

For more: www.dorothyhouse.org.uk

3

1

2

4

6 7 5

SHOPPING LIST 8

9

10

1. Tall Hunter Disney wellingtons, £95, from Jollys House of Fraser, 13 Milsom Street Bath; www.houseoffraser.co.uk 2. Isabel Marant Boy G earrings, £285, from Square, 12 New Bond Street. Bath; www.squarebath.uk 3. Redwood t-shirt by Garcia, £25, from Spirit Fashion; 3 High Street, Devizes; www.spiritfashion.co.uk 4. Mint tassel scarf, £15, from Sassy & Boo, 9 Bartlett Street, Bath; www.luellafashion.com 5. Moss Trippy checker bucket hat by Baggu, £38, from Found, 17 Argyle Street, Bath; www.foundbath.co.uk 6. Hollister frayed hem blue denim shorts in size 6, £9.99, from Dorothy House; www.dorothyhouse.shop 7. Japanese Blossom rain poncho by Rain Kissed, £69, from Grace & Mabel, 3 George Street, Bath; www.graceandmabel.co.uk 8. Italian leather pink bum bag, £49.50, from Portman, 28 Milsom Street, Bath; www.nickieportman.co.uk 9. Square sunglasses in butterscotch, £305, from Cutler and Gross, 9 Bridge Street, Bath; www.cutlerandgross.com 10. Cancun orange bikini by Melissa Odabash, top £108 and bottoms £108, from The Dressing Room, 7 Quiet Street, Bath; www.dressingroombath.com

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

HA

L

GS O U R ND N R EE DE TH MO TIL L N AL E U C RI P F

U FJ

LY

CLOSING DOWN SALE Our lease is at an end, so it is with great sadness that after more than 30 years in Bath we have decided to close our doors for the last time.

We will continue to trade in antique rugs online.

Open Saturdays or by appointment only 9 8 Wa l c o t S t r e e t , B a t h B A 1 5 B G Te l 0 1 2 2 5 4 6 9 2 4 0 E m a i l c o n t a c t @ h a l i d e n . c o m w w w. h a l i d e n . c o m

SHOPPING LIVE WELL, BUY BETTER

...AND RELAX...

It’s all very well that these bamboo sunbeds by Tine K Home are crafted in a beautifully elegant and simple Scandinavian design, but we can also rest easy knowing they tick the sustainability boxes. All Tine K’s bamboo furniture is handmade in family-owned workshops from the Saigon region of Vietnam, who the company have worked with for years. And every piece is then treated with a water-based natural wood oil, which makes the furniture more resistant to wind and weather.

Bambed by Tine K Home, €800 (approx. £683), stockists Woodhouse & Law, 4 George’s Place, Bathwick Hill; www.woodhouseandlaw.co.uk

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

HANGING BELL TENT, £1,125 For the ultimate outdoor lounging experience try a hanging bell tent. Can hold two chilling, book-reading, snoozing adults, has a removable canopy and is UV-protected, mould and water-resistant.

From Cox & Cox; www.coxandcox.co.uk

CHELTENHAM SUNLOUNGER, £1,780 Details like the wheels, tilting backrest, head rest cushion and the sweeping arms make this dark grey metal framed sunlounger both sculpturally beautiful and delightfully comfortable.

From Neptune, One Tram Yard, Walcot Street, Bath; www.neptune.com

SITTING PRETTY Summer’s here, so take it outside, and then get comfy

CRUISE CHAIR BY INDIAN OCEAN, £2,845 Deep, comfortable contemporary outdoor seating, designed from A-grade premium plantation teak and electro-polished steel frames, that will make a sensational design statement on your terrace or yacht.

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

MIGHTY B QUILTED BEAN BAG, £109.99 Created by Extreme Lounging, this strong and durable Mighty B Bean Bag is perfect for outdoor use – easy to clean, water resistant, UV resistant, flexible and comes in range of gorgeous, vibrant hues.

From TR Hayes, 15-18 London Street, Walcot, Bath; www.trhayes.co.uk

SUPREMO TURIN MOVING DAYBED, WAS £1,499 NOW £995.00 This weave edge detailed daybed will enhance your relaxation in the garden or by the pool. With adjustable sun hoods, soft fabric cushions and made from lightweight, weather-resistant aluminium.

From Whitehall Garden Centre, Corsham Road, Lacock; www.whitehallgardencentre.co.uk

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

EDITOR’S CHOICE DD SUPERLIGHT HAMMOCK IN SUNSET ORANGE, £57 Ready-to-use and pre-fitted with the lightest possible suspension system, this hammock can be folded to fit into your jacket pocket. Use as a holiday essential, for extreme camping, or for those moments you just feel like hanging around.

From Bath Outdoors, Unit 8, Broadway Court, Miles Street, Bath; www.bathoutdoors.co.uk

WEEK-END SOFA, £755 Made of aluminium, this sofa is easily manoeuvrable, with matt epoxy paint to make it UV and water resistant. Available in eight beautiful colours, the Week-end collection is practical, stackable, and durable.

From Holloways of Ludlow, 37 Milsom Street, Bath. www.hollowaysofludlow.com

RETRO MATCHBOX SEAT PADS, £35 These quirky pinched seat pads feature colourful designs inspired by retro matchboxes. Place on kitchen chairs, armchairs and benches to add a layer of sumptuous comfort with a vibrant retro flair.

From Graham and Green, 92 Walcot Street, Bath; www.grahamandgreen.co.uk

CUPRINOL GARDEN SHADES PAINT, PRICES START FROM £22 Look to pep up your existing garden seating with pops of colour. Cuprinol Garden Shades has been specially developed to protect outdoor wood all year round, with special pigments to ensure a rich colour that allow the natural texture of the woodgrain to shine through.

From Francis DIY, 39 Moorland Road, Oldfield Park; www.francisdiy.com

ORSENO DINING SET, £3,995 The Orseno, which is made from all-weather polyurethane in the style of woven rattan, has three cleverly curved benches designed to fit beautifully around the circular table, which also benefits from a central lazy Susan.

From OKA, 26-27 Milsom Street, Bath; www.oka.com

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

ON THE HOOF

How horse therapy at Lucknam Park Hotel & Spa made Lydia Tewkesbury’s heart go giddy up 48 I BATH LIFE I www.mediaclash.co.uk

Roberta provided a dramatic demonstration with stallion Moses

EXPERIENCE

I

Equine Connect is a therapeutic experience using horses

The stables are on Lucknam’s 500 acre site

am not a horse girl. There was always a part of me that wanted to be – I had the plastic ponies with matted synthetic manes dotted about the floor of my childhood bedroom, but I never progressed to the real thing. In time my affinity for horses has dwindled even further, and it’s been years since I’ve been near them – even plastic – so I was quite nervous about Equine Connect, the holistic, experiential therapeutic horse experience at Lucknam Park Hotel & Spa. But, with an exceptional meal in The Brasserie behind me – the hand rolled linguine with wild garlic pesto, juicy spring vegetables and earthy shavings of Spendwood cheese is exquisite; a massage in the spa followed by a dip in the hot tub in the sunshine; and a luxurious night in one of Lucknam’s elegant grand master suites, complete with open fireplace, sitting area and four poster bed – I was as relaxed as I could be.

A form of therapy, Equine connect isn’t horse riding – a relief for me – but a bond-building exercise between horse and human that is soothing for the horse (they’re prey animals, so they like to know who their friends are) and builds a sense of confidence in its human participants by throwing them completely outside of their comfort zone.

We gathered at the stables ensconced in Lucknam Park’s idyllic 500acre grounds to meet equestrian team, Dawn Cameron, Stacey King, Lucy Fox and Roberta Cameron. From the sides of a circular pen we watched Roberta march from the stables followed by maybe the biggest horse I have ever seen, stallion Moses – and let him loose, swinging a rope to get him cantering circles around her as she urged him on. She kept him moving, pushed him to change directions (which she did by running, at a safe distance, into his path) as he bucked and protested, not letting up for a moment or betraying a hint of stress until the (really, very big) horse relented and trotted up to her like a small dog, ready and waiting for its next command. It was like magic.

Then Stacey turned to the group and asked who wanted to try it first.

This trick was what we were now going to perform.

I approached my horse, aptly named Tricky – Moses, thankfully, is not for beginners – as he was led into the pen, my heart hammering.

Unfortunate, because it turns out Equine Connect is all about being assertive; using your body language, taking a broad stance, swinging your arms, your rope, taking big, deliberate steps – the name of the game is to convey a sense of strength and control. Horses, Stacey explained, are empathetic, and they pick up on the emotional cues of the person. So depending on the horse, if you’re not confident, they won’t be either – or

they’ll use your timidity to walk all over you.

I was scared. But, faced with Tricky the horse and my fellow equine connectors watching, there was nothing for it but to take a deep breath and dive in.

Pretty quickly I shook off the initial embarrassment of the strangeness of the situation and the audience witnessing it, and something clicked into place: there was no way I would be leaving the ring without Tricky as my own personal shadow.

During the Equine Connect experience there are various cues you have to look out for that the horse is responding to what you’re putting down – small physical changes like an ear quirked in your direction – ‘that means you’ve got their attention!’ Stacey said – the dip of their head, tense jaws giving way to a relaxed gait and submissive signals.

And once you get that submissive signal, you have to stop everything you’re doing, turn your back, and leave them to come to you. After pushing hard (running in front of a horse to make it change direction every couple minutes is no joke), searching for signs that it was working – what I wanted was almost mine, now I had to surrender and trust it to come to me.

After a moment, I felt Tricky’s hot breath on the back of my neck. I walked in a little circle and he followed, nose at my shoulder.

I was completely, and unexpectedly, exhilarated and emotional. After stepping into the unknown, in front of the group whose eyes I could still feel on me, the moment I felt Tricky’s hot nose snuffling into my hair gave me a feeling of achievement so powerful, it took me by surprise.

My stay at Lucknam was full of gorgeous comforts – the massage, the luxurious hotel room, the bubbling hot tub, and oh my, the most excellent flourless chocolate cake. However it is the thing that took me out of comfort zone that will stay with me the most. Discovering that such an achievement with Tricky was a result of both trusting others and of pushing myself – this was something even more valuable to leave with. n

“Equine Connect isn’t horse riding but a bond-building exercise between horse and human”

DETAILS Lucknam Park Hotel & Spa, Colerne, Chippenham, Wiltshire, SN12 8AZ; Tel: 01225 742777; www.lucknampark.co.uk Price Equine Connect, £195 per person per session with a twoperson minimum Experience required None! I hadn’t been near a horse in years and if you’re feeling especially nervous one of the equestrian team will step inside the school with you

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

SUG A R CA N E STUD I O A cafe serving tasty french patisserie with an Asian twist!

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

All of our patisserie is made on site, we brew tea from Taiwan, matcha and hojicha from Japan, and have a selection of art and homeware, bringing what we love to Bath!

1 Grove Street, Bath, BA2 6PJ www.sugarcanestudio.co.uk

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

SAIL OF GOODS

When it comes to quirky al fresco eats it doesn’t get much better than Wolf Pizza, served up from Laura Darling’s boat on the Kennet and Avon Canal, where she has lived for the last eight years.

The vegetarian and vegan Neapolitan stone-baked pizzas are all handmade on board the pizza boat using pre-fermented dough.

You can find the latest location for Wolf Pizza via their social media, or see them at the Kennet and Avon Floating Fayre at Darlington Wharf on 30 and 31 July.

For more: Instagram @wolf.pizza.boat

BEST IN SEASON VERITY GENCO is embracing all shapes and colours of tomatoes this summer Something sweet and tangy for this month’s seasonal produce pick: a fruit with thousands of varieties, in all shapes and sizes, and glorious, quirky hues from sunshine yellow to orange, burgundy and black cherry, bottle green, ruby red, white, pink, indigo, scarlet and stripes.

Yes – it’s tomato season.

Raw, boiled, baked and preserved, there are a myriad of ways to enjoy a tomato. The beefsteak is one of the largest, and its meaty texture and subtle flavour makes it perfect for stuffing with grains and other seasonal veggies, or grilling with cheese. The cherry tomato is a popular variety because of its intense pop of flavour with each bite.

Small and sweet-tasting, it’s perfect in salads, but utterly delicious chopped in half and roasted with a sprinkle of salt, oil and herbs until the juices caramelise. Spread over buttery bread and you have yourself a summer vegan tomato appetiser. Oval-shaped plum tomatoes are sweet, and slightly acid.

This meaty tomato has fewer seeds, and a lower water content making it ideal for homemade, rich sauces – the San

Wolf Pizzas are handmade using pre-fermented dough

Marzano is a popular variety.

You will find two kinds of green tomato. One is just unripe, and very sharp in flavour. If they didn’t taste so good in chutneys, I would say just leave them to ripen. The other stays green when ripe and has a tangy flavour, which is pleasing in salads – but my go-to dish is to fry it with an egg. The Cherokee purple tomato is one of the most popular heirlooms grown and sold today. It’s not the prettiest, with ungainly bulges and tones of brown, green and purple, but its flavour will knock your socks off – the perfect balance of sweet and savoury, with an acidic kick and a hint of smoke.

My ultimate tomato comfort dish?

It has to be a quick and easy tomato galette wrapped in pastry. Simply buy some shop-bought short crust, fold over whatever tomatoes you have to hand, and bake until golden brown.

I’ll be posting more tomato inspiration throughout the month over on Instagram, @fortheflavour Verity Genco is a food stylist, cook, baker and caterer behind Instagram @fortheflavour, where she creates recipes inspired by the seasons Make the most of every variety of tomato while they’re in peak season

FANTASTIC FOODIES

Fantastic Food Festivals are coming to Bath, with a gastronomic weekend of interactive masterclasses, fabulous foodie stalls and family-friendly activities set to take over Victoria Park at the end of the month. Features include The Great British Bake Off’s Karen Wright hosting a baking masterclass; Dean Edwards, resident chef on ITV’s Lorraine whipping up a feast in the Festival Kitchen, nutritionist Eva Humphries creating indulgent and healthy treats, and the owner of Bathbased Pasta Uliana hosting a pasta making experience including a special appearance from legendary Italian chef Gennaro Contaldo.

Famed Italian chef Gennaro For more: www.

Contaldo will join Bath-based fantasticfoodfestivals.co.uk Pasta Uliana for a workshop

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

BARBECUE DELIGHTS

A

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

BOURBON AND BACON CORN-ON-THE-COB Serves 4

Aaron and Susannah say, “Buttery corn on the cob is a delicious side for any summer meal, and it’s made even better by the addition of bourbon and smoky caramelised bacon. The warm, spicy notes of bourbon pair perfectly with sweet summer corn, and in part that must be because bourbon is distilled from corn!

“We cook these corn cobs in foil parcels, either in the oven or on the barbecue. This makes them easy to prepare ahead of time for a delicious salty-sweet side dish, as well as being very low-maintenance to cook. For a vegetarian version, substitute the bacon for a finely diced onion.”

Ingredients

25ml bourbon 25g butter, plus extra to serve 150g smoked bacon – finely chopped 1 tbsp golden syrup or light soft brown sugar ½ tsp smoked paprika 4 corn cobs – husks and fibres removed Salt and freshly ground black pepper

Method

1. Light the barbecue, or preheat your oven to 200ºC / Gas Mark 6 / 400ºF 2. Prepare 4 pieces of foil each large enough to wrap a corn cob.

3. Melt 25g butter in the frying pan then fry the bacon over a high heat, stirring occasionally, for 5-10 minutes until brown and crisp.

4. Turn the heat down low and stir the bourbon and golden syrup or brown sugar into the bacon, and allow to bubble for a minute. Remove the pan from the heat and stir in the paprika and some black pepper.

5. Place each corn cob onto a foil piece, then scoop a spoonful of bacon onto each one. Drizzle them with the buttery bourbon from the pan, then seal the foil pouches by scrunching them around the edges to form a parcel.

6. Place the foil parcel into a tray in the oven or on the cooler side of your barbecue. Cook for 20-30 minutes or until the corn is steaming hot and juicy.

7. Unwrap the parcels carefully and enjoy with an extra knob of butter and a sprinkle of salt on top of the corn.

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

RECIPES SPICED RUM BARBECUE PINEAPPLE Serves 6

“Cooking fruit on a barbecue allows the natural sugars to caramelise, creating deep and deliciously sticky flavour.

With the addition of a little brown sugar and spiced rum, it’s a taste of tropical heaven,” say Aaron and Susannah. “You can prepare this dish up to six hours ahead of time – just mix everything together and pop it in the fridge until you’re ready to cook. Serve as a side dish with spiced kebabs or barbecued chicken, or with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a mouth-watering dessert.

“Pineapple is excellent when cooked until flame-kissed, and has a firm texture so that it won’t fall apart as it cooks.

You can use tinned pineapple, just be careful when turning the thin slices. We also love to use this marinade on ripe peaches and nectarines.”

Ingredients 75ml dark spiced rum 1 ripe pineapple – peeled, cored and cut into rings 1-2 cm thick 3 tbsp light or dark soft brown sugar 1 lime – juiced (approx. 2 tbsp lime juice) Method 1. Combine all the ingredients in a bowl or large container and allow to sit and marinate for at least 30 minutes, stirring or shaking occasionally to mix the liquid and dissolve the sugar.

occasionally and drizzling with the sugary rum liquid when you turn them. The pineapple is ready when it’s golden, sticky and caramelised all over.

4. Remove from the heat and allow to cool for a minute before tucking in – be careful as the caramelised sugars get very hot.

2. When ready to cook, preheat the barbecue or grill to a medium heat.

Cooking with Alcohol

by Aaron & Susannah Rickard (RRP £20, Lendal Press) is available to order from all Bath indie bookshops.

3. Use tongs or a fork to transfer the slices of pineapple to a barbecue or grill tray. Cook on a medium heat for 8-10 minutes, turning

For more: Instagram: @rickardkitchen

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

Bikano's takes pride in serving authentic Indian cuisine.

Our chefs have deep roots with Indian (especially Rajasthan) and its culinary heritage. This is our humble attempt to bring flavours from different parts of India to Bath. Indian food served at Bikano’s is honest inspiration from recipes and flavours experienced in several parts of India.

We also support local suppliers for all our meat and vegetable supplies, so every bit at Bikano’s you enjoy feels more fresh and promising to satisfy all your gastronomical senses.

25 Claverton Buildings, Bath BA2 4LD 01225 533591 | info@bikanos.co.uk

www.bikanos.co.uk

SPONSORED CONTENT

SPONSORED CONTENT

SECRET GARDENS Hedgehogs feeding stations, no-mow May, sustainability and sculptures – there’s more to Royal Crescent Hotel and Spa gardens than just sweeping lavender paths Words by Nick Woodhouse; Pictures by Jason Ingram

T

he Royal Crescent Hotel and Spa is to open its gardens this month as part of the long-running National Garden Scheme.

This year’s event will be the second time the hotel has done so, following its introduction to the scheme in 2021 by former head gardener, John Bennett. A hugely knowledgeable plantsman, John was keen to encourage new visitors that might not otherwise get to see and enjoy these romantic and secluded gardens so close to the city centre.

The hotel’s grounds run to an acre and sit behind the city’s iconic Crescent, built between 1767 and 1775 and designed by John Wood The Younger. The gardens we see today were

growing following of the hotel’s resident rescue hedgehogs; Beatrix, Jane and Daphne.

Following their arrival at the gardens in the summer of 2020, at least one of the hotel’s new guests has had a litter of hoglets. The gardeners work carefully to protect the growing population – which also provides a natural form of pest control in the gardens – by operating strimmers with care and preserving known hibernation areas. Guests and staff occasionally get to see the hedgehogs too, generally in the evenings and at any of the garden’s three feeding stations.

Such is the extent of the hotel’s sustainability efforts that they have recently achieved the Green Key Accreditation, through their ongoing commitment to mitigating their impact on the environment, and to keeping viable materials in use for as long as possible.

Very sadly, the hotel recently discovered that two of the garden’s old trees, a 180-year-old oak and a 100-year-old holm oak, had succumbed to honey fungus.

Their stability had been greatly compromised, and they had to be removed in the interests of safety.

Keen to apply the principles of a circular economy, the hotel decided to recycle the wood, extending its usage at the hotel for years to come. Four large chunks of disease-free wood were saved; the hotel plans to dry these out and then repurpose them into chopping boards for the kitchen.

To replace the lost trees, a number of new replacements are also being planted within the gardens, one day to provide dappled shade for a new generation of hotel guests. These new plantings can be seen on the open days, alongside more mature specimens such as an old espalier tree, pleached hornbeam and a large, gnarled olive tree, surrounded by drifts of verbena and Russian sage.

The gardens will be open to the public as part of the national scheme from 11.30am to 3pm on both 11 and 12 July. Visitors will be able to wander the grounds, with gardener Richard on hand to answer any questions about the planting schemes; from the winding

“Visitors will be able to wander the grounds, with gardener Richard on hand to answer any questions” originally landscaped by Rupert and Mickey Lourde in the 1980s, with further updates over the years. The garden is informally divided into a series of individual spaces, each with their own intricacies and unique style; the croquet lawn; the afternoon tea gardens; the spa garden; and the wedding garden.

Today, the gardens are maintained by Richard Cartwright and his team of local gardeners. Keen to support biodiversity in the garden, a policy of using organic and non-toxic plant fertilisers and pesticides has been put in place, alongside a sustainable watering method; one that involves handtesting soil to avoid unnecessary water wastage.

Earlier this year the team also embraced ‘No Mow May’, leaving rarely used sections of the lawn un-mowed, helping pollinators and maintaining wildlife habitats alike.

Richard and his team are also part of a

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

lavender paths, to the bay trees underplanted with Mexican fleabane, to the clouds of ethereal Nigella close to the Dower House entrance. The central bed itself offers a wide range of wildlife-friendly planting such as echinacea, scabious, salvia, yarrow and veronicastrum. But the garden’s interest is not confined solely to its flora and fauna; it is also complemented by a series of sculptures throughout the grounds, by renowned artists such as Mick Morgan, Anna Gillespie, Ben France and Margaret Lovell.

Such open days are not only a huge insight into garden styles and techniques that we might not otherwise get to see first-hand; they also provide a vital source of income to a range of nursing and health charities across the country. Last year, the National Garden Scheme was able to donate over £3 million to charities such as Macmillan Cancer Support, Marie Curie, Hospice UK and The Queen’s Nursing Institute.

Light refreshments will also be available to purchase from a stand in the gardens on both open days at The Royal Crescent, run by a team of volunteers from local charity for the homeless, Julian House. As well as donating all proceeds to the charity from the stand, the hotel is also proud to support the cause with fundraising and raffle prizes throughout the year, in addition to the donation of unused bedding and other items for their shelters.

Here’s hoping the open days continue to be an annual fixture on the Crescent for years to come.

Visitors can explore the Royal Crescent Hotel and Spa gardens as part of the NGS Open Gardens scheme on 11 and 12 July For more: www.royalcrescent.co.uk Nick Woodhouse is the co-director of interior and garden design company Woodhouse & Law on 4 George’s Place, Bathwick Hill, Bath; 01225 428072; www.woodhouseandlaw.co.uk

GARDENS

clockwise from above: The Royal Crescent Hotel and Spa is to open its gardens as part of the National Garden Scheme; the hotel’s grounds run to an acre; the gardens were originally landscaped in the 1980s; the team have a policy of using organic and non-toxic plant fertilisers; the garden is informally divided into a series of individual spaces

Nigel Dando WE BUY Gold, Silver & Platinum in any form or condition.

Nigel Dando

11 Pulteney Bridge, Bath BA2 4AY Tel/Fax: 01225 464013 www.nigeldando.co.uk

Luxury & local

The most sophisticated audience is just a call away

BathLife Team 01225 475800

Multi-award-winning family-run spa offering affordable luxury treatments including massage, facials, scrubs, pregnancy treatments and natural beauty experiences.

01225 309 356 | book@vitalitydayspa.co.uk www.vitalitydayspa.co.uk

SPONSORED CONTENT

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

THE TEAM BATH GYM & FITNESS CENTRE. Even modest physical activity is known to

REBECCA O’REILLY is a certified holistic

energise our mental as well as physical health, boosting our well-being and helping us get more from every day.

Team Bath are ready to help you start or restart activity - often the hardest step. Our expert and welcoming staff and trainers will be there to support you. Everyone welcome. 01225 383597; teambath-memberships@bath.ac.uk; www.teambath.com/fitness

nutritionist and naturopath specialising in helping people overcome chronic and mystery illness, using food as medicine. With food and nature at the core of her practice, Rebecca is passionate about supporting those who have struggled to find answers to their health issues.

She works with clients both locally and internationally through her online and in-person practice in Bath. info@rebecca-oreilly.com; www.rebecca-oreilly.com

APPLETON NUTRITION is founded by

DR LUCY FACIAL AESTHETICS

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

REVITALISE SKIN CARE is an exclusive medical clinic with an ability to deliver great aesthetic results, whilst maintaining the highest standards of patient care, based on the team’s exacting levels of knowledge, professionalism and training. Prior to every treatment full consultations with patients are offered to discuss options. Key treatments include: wrinkle reduction injections, dermal fillers, nonsurgical face lifts and advanced laser hair removal.

01225 760556; www.revitaliseskincareclinic.co.uk

is a medical Aesthetics clinic situated in Widcombe, Bath offering a bespoke service for all your aesthetic needs.

With an emphasis on ‘natural’, Dr Lucy uses Wrinkle relaxing, Dermal Fillers, Profhilo and Mesotherapy’s to deliver outstanding natural results from anti-ageing to tweaks which enhance or disguise certain features.

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

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

LIVELIFE HEALTH & FITNESS

brings health and fitness to your front door. Personalised, habit forming long lasting changes, in the comfort and security of your home and garden. LiveLife takes the stress from busy professionals looking to make meaningful changes, in order to live a more balanced, confident and healthy lifestyle for themselves and their family.

07858 022228; www.golivelife.co.uk/bathlife

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 unique art pieces, underfloor-heated, and offers a walk-in rainforest shower experience. What better way to connect body and mind than a private countryside retreat? Boreham Rd, Warminster BA12 9HH; 01985 804680; www.bishopstrowhotel.com

HOMEWOOD BATH

The all-new CBD spa treatment collection at Homewood is one of the first of its kind in the area.

Including a CBD body treatment and facial, these deeply soothing experiences, combined with the natural healing properties of CBD, will increase your energy and spiritual enlightenment. Abbey Lane, Freshford, Somerset, BA2 7TB; 01225 580439; spa@homewoodbath.co.uk; www.homewoodbath.co.uk

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

TAKE ME TO CHURCH

OUT OF TOWN

From the cathedral close to the thriving indie high street, Salisbury is a must-visit day out this summer

T

By Lydia Tewkesbury

here’s something special about Salisbury. It’s less than an hour on the train and – we’re betting – you don’t visit often enough. The medieval cathedral city offers a slice of history and beauty that looks different than that we’re used to. It’s a place filled with culture, from the breath-taking cathedral and cathedral close at its centre, to the museums, theatres and art galleries beyond. When you’ve had your fill, then head on to the independent shops, restaurants and cafés that populate the city’s winding streets. Make the most of your visit with a few of our favourite stops...

Salisbury Cathedral; www.salisburycathedral.org.uk

The majestic Grade I listed Salisbury Museum houses archaeological collections including prehistoric material from South Wiltshire (think Stonehenge!); the Amesbury Archer, whose 4,000-year-old grave represents one of the most important archaeological discoveries in Europe; and the Drainage Collection, a quirky exhibition of objects that were disposed of by the people of Salisbury in the medieval open sewers – a mix of curios like toys, rings, shoe buckles and lost keys.

This summer, look out for exhibitions including Hardy’s Wessex, which explore the author’s views on religion and feminism, as well as his links with the city – his sisters attended teacher training college in the building in the 19th century; Insect Odyssey, a collection of 27 artworks inspired by the scientific study of insects; and the annual Festival of Archaeology.

“There’s something special about Salisbury”

Explore 800 years of the city’s history in the serenity of Salisbury Cathedral. Set back from the bustling streets of town, the Cathedral is surrounded by the tranquil close dotted with fairy tale cottages, luscious greenery and bold contemporary artworks.

Inside, explore the spire – the tallest in the country – spot the world’s oldest working mechanical clock, and view the Magna Carta – one of only four surviving original 1215 documents, and the only copy on permanent display.

This summer make sure to visit for The Vanity of Small Differences, an exhibition of six huge tapestries by Grayson Perry. The enormous works inspired by William Hogarth’s The Rake’s Progress chart the ‘class journey’, incorporating many characters, incidents and objects Perry encountered on journeys through Sunderland, Tunbridge Wells and The Cotswolds when filming a series for Channel 4. The exhibition runs until 25 September.

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

The Salisbury Museum, The King’s House, 65 The Close, Salisbury; www.salisburymuseum.org.uk

Arundells, 59 Cathedral Close, Salisbury; www.arundells.org

Visit the spectacular home and gardens of former Prime Minister Sir Edward Heath. The 13th century medieval canonry is packed with a collection of artworks, trophies, music and curios collected during his time in public life.

Don’t miss the must-see for summer open air production of Immersion Theatre’s interpretation of The Importance of Being Earnest in the beautiful grounds on 26 July – with a chance to wander the meticulously managed gardens before the performance.

inset: The 4,000-year-old Amesbury Archer can be seen at The Salisbury Museum clockwise opposite from top: Salisbury Cathedral has one of only four surviving

original Magna Carta documents; Sarah Helliwell, head of wine for Wilding; explore beautiful arts and crafts in Fisherton Mill

© GEMMA BRUNTON

© ASH MILLS

© ASH MILLS

OUT OF TOWN

© ASH MILLS

“Explore 800 years of the city’s history”

above: This summer the Salisbury Museum will host an exhibition about Thomas Hardy; right: The Locomotive Signature Cocktail at Caboose is a must

PIT STOPS Fuel up

Caboose, 115 South Western Road, Salisbury; www.caboosesalisbury.com A 1920s-inspired parlour bar and boutique B&B just two minutes from the train station, this is a perfect homebase for your trip. Think luxurious Hypnos beds, rainfall showers, and a high-end social experience with eccentric, high quality drinks – we suggest you try The Locomotive Signature Cocktail to start you off.

Tinga, 2-4 Salt Lane, Salisbury; www.tingasalisbury.com This bright and bold spot offers a little slice of Mexico in Salisbury.

Its authentic fare is made from a mix of locally-sourced and imported ingredients for a true-to-life, immersive experience.

Lah Koh, 17-19 Fisherton Street, Salisbury; www.lahkoh.co.uk If you’re after a healthy, filling lunch, it’s got to be Lah Koh. The contemporary Asian-inspired spot serves up sumptuous curry bowls, bibimbap bowls, salads, soups, wraps and healthy sweet treats.

Café Diwali, Crane House, 90 Crane Street, Salisbury; www.cafediwali.com Award-winning Indian street food and craft beer from chef Muhammed Rasheed – the palak paneer is an absolute must.

Naked Bagel, 12 Minster Street, Salisbury; Instagram @nakedbagel Delicious and freshly prepared bagels, salads and poke bowls. Best enjoyed on an outside table in the sun people-watching at the market and enjoying the view.

Wilding, 19-21 High Street, Salisbury; www.wilding.wine Dining is elegant and sophisticated at Wilding, where the delicious, Mediterranean-influenced menu is complemented by the café-bar’s extensive wine library.

The Rifles Berkshire and Wiltshire Museum; The Wardrobe, 58 The Close, Salisbury; www.thewardrobe.org.uk

These galleries host pieces of the fascinating history of the Berkshire and Wiltshire Regiments with themes like The Peninsular War, Crimean War, Boer War, First and Second World Wars and events since 1945 including the conflicts in Afghanistan.

Fisherton Mill, 108 Fisherton Street, Salisbury; www.fishertonmill.co.uk

This award-winning café, gallery, shop and exhibition space set in a converted grain mill has been a leading Salisbury attraction for 27 years. Start your visit with a delicious coffee and a cake before exploring the eclectic shop, filled with beautiful works from over 200 artists and craftspeople. Fisherton Mill’s 14 studios are filled with artists and small creative businesses including a calligraphy studio, a knitting shop and a book bindery among others. Many of the businesses on site host workshops, with the chance to learn everything from Tunisian crochet to innovative upcyling.

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

OUT OF TOWN

“This bright and bold spot offers a little slice of Mexico in Salisbury” above: Tinga is a bright and bold authentic Mexican restaurant; left: Grayson Perry’s

The Vanity of Small Differences can be seen at Salisbury Cathedral until September

PIT STOPS

Shop Salisbury

The Rocketship Bookshop, Beckett House, 5 Bridge Street, Salisbury; www.rocketshipbookshop.co.uk This indie bookshop is a magical haven for children and young people filled with an impressive, diverse and inclusive selection of titles – though there is a specially curated section for grown-ups too.

Salisbury Playhouse, Malthouse Lane, Salisbury; www.wiltshirecreative.co.uk

One third of Wiltshire Creative, a joint art offer that includes Salisbury Arts Centre and Salisbury International Arts Festival, Salisbury Playhouse comprises the 517-seat main auditorium and 149-seat Salberg. This autumn’s programme features everything from thriller to comedy, including the international première of the latest from the makers of The Play That Goes Wrong – Good Luck, Studio, which tells the hilarious tale of the final night of recording Wibble the Dragon, a show that is both over budget and under-written, and really doesn’t need a failed actor with a sinister vendetta and his own dragon costume hurled into the mix. And yet…

Salisbury Arts Centre, Bedwin Street, Salisbury; www.wiltshirecreative.co.uk

The deconsecrated church of Salisbury Arts Centre is the home of comedy and fringe theatre. Expect a packed autumn programme of stand up from the likes of cop-turned-comic Alfie Moore, Guilty Feminist regular Jen Brister and singing funny man Mitch Benn, along with unique shows like the interactive Solve-Along-a-Murder-She-Wrote, and a programme of live music. n

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

Salisbury Charter Market, Market Place, Salisbury Every Tuesday and Saturday from 8am, this market is jam-packed with delicious local produce, haberdashery, jewellery, clothing and homewares with buskers providing the entertainment.

Botanic Folk, 100 Fisherton Street, Salisbury; www.botanicfolk.co.uk Step over the threshold of this house plant and botanic studio and emerge into an interior jungle of hard-to-find varieties sourced from specialist growers in Europe.

Casa Fina, 62 High Street, Salisbury; www.casafinasalisbury.co.uk This interiors shop in the city centre is filled with beautiful pieces from perennial favourite brands like Emma Bridgewater, Gisela Graham and St. Eval.

Foxtrot Vintage, 45-47 Fisherton Street, Salisbury; www.foxtrotvintageclothing.com The award-winning vintage shop specialises in hand-picked vintage and designer unisex clothing and accessories. The shop is a regular supplier for film, TV and theatre productions, providing costumes for shows including Downtown Abbey, Mr Selfridge, Call The Midwife and Doctor Who.

SPONSORED BY:

It’s the city’s business

BATHWORKS THIS ISSUE >>BATH BOULES ARE BACK (70) >>BIZ Q&A DAN DALY (72) >>BATH LIFE AWARDS THE CURFEW (74)

© JAMES ALLEN

Carole Banwell, general manager Bath City FC; Tara Taylor, platform support engineer at Novia Financial and ambassador for Bath City Women’s Football Club; and Jane Jones, women’s team lead for Bath City FC

It’s all kicking off

B

Bath’s new women’s football club at Twerton Park

ath City Football Club is setting up a new women’s team.

Supported by founding sponsor Novia Financial, the aim is to have Bath City Women play the Somerset County League in the forthcoming season, where they will wear the famous black and white striped kit and play their home games at Twerton Park.

“As a community-owned club with a commitment to inclusion, we’ve wanted to get a women’s side up and running for a number of seasons,” says Nick Blofeld, chair of the club.

“Thanks to Novia, we now have the resources in

place to launch our women’s team in a sustainable and hopefully successful way. We are ambitious for our women’s team and want to provide the best support for them both on and off the pitch.

Playing home games at Twerton Park is a clear demonstration of our one club, two teams approach, whereby our women’s team is treated equally with our men’s.”

This will not be the first women’s team to play at the club. In 1921, Bath Ladies FC played in front of a 31,000-strong crowd at Old Trafford.

“Bath City have a long and proud history of women’s football and now with it on the rise, including the women’s Euros in England this

summer, it’s a perfect time to revive that tradition and launch our new women’s team,” says Jane Jones, women’s team lead. “The club is fully behind us and, in addition to all the performance support the team will get, we will make sure that they are fully promoted too, with dedicated social media channels and on our website. We hope that playing for Bath City Women will be appealing to local players and we hope that our club can help grow the women’s game in our local area.”

There is a recruitment day on 10 July for anyone interested in playing for Bath City Women.

For more: www.bathcityfc.com/bathcitywomen

MEDIACLASH.CO.UK 115 www.mediaclash.co.uk I BATH LIFE I 69

BATHWORKS

PLACE OF REFUGE Bath Spa University has launched a new annual scholarship for students from refugee and asylum-seeking communities. The Sanctuary Scholarship is open to applicants seeking asylum in the UK, refugees, and those in the UK under the Homes for Ukraine and Ukraine Family Schemes, and includes a full tuition fee waver for the duration of undergraduate study, and an annual bursary for £2,000 towards the costs of studying.

“We are committed to providing an environment which respects

and celebrates all members of our community, and we are pleased to be able to offer the chance of a brighter future to those displaced from their home countries with this new scholarship,” says Professor Sue Rigby, Bath Spa’s vice chancellor.

“At Bath Spa we recognise that equality, diversity and inclusion are essential to building the creative, innovative and nurturing ethos that we pride ourselves on, and we will continue to do what we can to support others as the world around us evolves.”

For more: www.bathspa.ac.uk

There are still team tickets for the Bath Boules weekend

ON A ROLL

Bath Spa University has a new scholarship for refugees

The Bath Boules are back this month. From 22-24 July the charity games will take over Queen Square for a full weekend of French-style silliness, competition and live entertainment – think marquee, music, street food, face painting, bouncy castle and a très chic Pimms and Champagne garden, plus the odd game of boules, of course. Best of all, the entire weekend is in aid of a good cause, with every ticket purchased, drink sipped, street food street-munched, raffle entered and face painted contributing to vital causes in the local area via the Bath Boules Trust. There are still team tickets left for the weekend – there is no skill required, but you will need a minimum of three players per game.

For more: www.bathboules.com

SHELF LIFE

A £40,000 investment has enabled public access to 20,000 books and reference materials at Bath Central Library. Bath and North East Somerset Council’s purchase of the new rolling stack shelving system means that books that need extra care, or are less frequently borrowed can now come out of storage for the first time since 2017.

“I’m delighted that this new shelving will mean residents can easily view and enjoy all our older books and reference materials, which have had to be out of circulation for several years,” says Councillor Dine Romero, cabinet member for Children and Young People, and Communities. “It’s a huge task to move the 20,000 items back out of storage but they will all be accessible for residents as soon as possible. The rolling stack is the first step in the council’s refurbishment of Bath Central Library and is a significant investment in our library provision.”

The stack took a week in install and has 1,188 metres of shelving with a capacity of around 27,000 books. It houses fiction for all ages from the library’s classic collection, which can be reserved from the Libraries West catalogue, or by asking a member of staff.

For more: www.bathnes.gov.uk

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

20,000 books and reference materials are available again thanks to Bath Central Library’s new rolling stack

SPONSORED BY:

Asha Francis is the new head coach of Team Bath Netball

Ruth Paget and Ali Hashemian of e-cargo bike users Pulteney and Bathampton Pharmacy, Philip Thompson of WEGO and Harry Jones, transport officer for BANES

SADDLE UP!

MOVERS AND SHAKERS ETC

Bath-based businesses, retailers and voluntary organisations can now take part in a trial to access use of electric cargo (e-cargo) bikes for local deliveries. The E-cargo Bike scheme is part of a plan to reduce the number of journeys made by fossil-fuelled vehicles in Bath, and allows two free weeks of use with operators Three Bags Full or WEGO Couriers, funded by Bath and North East Somerset Council.

“This is a good opportunity for businesses to try out a green, low-impact delivery method for free,” says Councillor Sarah Warren, deputy leader and cabinet member for Climate and Sustainable Travel. “E-cargo bikes have zero

NET GAIN

Asha Francis has been appointed the new head coach of Team Bath Netball. Asha has three Superleague titles under her belt as a former Team Bath player, including one as captain, and served as technical coach this past season.

“I’ve been involved with Team Bath for a long time, as a player and a coach, and now I’m looking forward to this new chapter,” says Asha. “It’s not just 2023 that I’m planning towards, it’s shaping how the whole programme – Superleague, University, Athlete Development Centres, the recruitment pathway – will look over the coming years.”

Asha will take over from department head coach Anna Stembridge at the end of the 2022 campaign. www.teambath.com

THE OPENING ACT aged 16-25 years, who wish to develop a career in theatre.

The bursary has been made possible with the support of The Orseis Trust.

“Our graduates often stay in contact with us, and we have always strived to provide continued mentorship and support as our alumni begin to build upon the foundations of their training with us,” says Sophie Jacobs-Wyburn, head of community theatre at Theatre Royal. “Now, with the generous support of The Orseis Trust, we will be able for the first time to provide a financial helping hand to emerging artists. We are very hopeful that this is the beginning of transformative possibilities for young and emerging theatre makers in the South West.”

For more: www.theeggassembly.com

Theatre Royal Bath is investing in young creatives with a new bursary scheme

© CHELSEY CLIFF

AWARD WINNING

Bex Walsh, lead bereavement midwife at the RUH has been recognised for her dedication with a National Award. Bex, who specialises in supporting families through pregnancy and baby loss, was presented with the Chief Midwifery Officer Silver Award

by Professor Jacqueline Dunkley-Bent OBE, chief midwifery officer for England. She was nominated by her colleagues.

“Bex has been the driving force behind the development and improvement of bereavement care for families who have experienced a pregnancy or baby loss,” says Sarah Merrit, deputy chief nurse and director of midwifery at the RUH. “She has worked tirelessly to embed new national standards for bereavement care and to train other colleagues to improve the quality and consistency of care.” www.ruh.nhs.uk

tailpipe and extremely low carbon emissions, so they don’t incur CAZ (Clean Air Zone) charges or contribute to air pollution. Using e-cargo bikes instead of cars and vans is a way of providing fast, affordable deliveries in Bath, including areas where access for vehicles is restricted. It’s also a way to tackle the climate emergency and helps towards our aim of carbon neutrality by 2030.”

The trial includes a feasibility review to check sustainability of e-cargo bike use for every business, followed by further subsidies for an agreed period of up to six months if the trial goes well.

For more: www.bathnes.gov.uk

Theatre Royal Bath has launched a new Egg Young Creatives Bursary Scheme. The £4,000 funding opportunity is open to current and former students of the Theatre Royal Bath’s Theatre School and Bath Theatre Academy,

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

SPONSORED BY:

BATHWORKS

© BET T Y BHANDARI

“WE LEARNT FIRST-HAND WHAT WAS NEEDED TO MAKE A SHORTLET SUCCESSFUL”

BIZ Q&A

Dan Daly Part Airbnb host, part property manager, part teacher, the owner of Host My Property on his many roles

D

an Daly is the owner of Host My Property, which lists and manages a portfolio of properties for short-term letting through websites like Airbnb. Host My Property offers a complete property management service and 24-hour point of contact for guests.

When Dan isn’t working on Host My Property, he also lectures part time at the University of Bath.

What inspired you to start Host My Property?

We have always had an interest in property, and seven years ago we were renovating and converting a shop on Lansdown into a small upside-down little house. At that time Airbnb and short-letting was a relatively new concept, but the style and nature of the property offered something quite unique and it seemed like the perfect opportunity to try something new.

When did you realise you could turn it into a business?

The listing was a success and we learnt first-hand what was needed to make a short-let successful. After that

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

a few people locally asked us to start managing their properties for them.

ensuring that properties are finished and furnished to a high standard.

So this was a career pivot for you.

Tell us more about that….

Since leaving university I have always been self-employed in some capacity, starting with a smoothie bar in the centre of Bath in my early twenties, but around the time of the financial crisis in 2008, I recognised that to achieve my own ambitions that I needed to do something different.

What makes Host My Property different from other services?

The focus was always upon our customers – building relationships with them and maintaining high levels of service, whether that relationship was business-to-business or business-to-consumer. This is something that I believe is at the heart of what makes us unique when delivering our services for Host My Property, because as a business we are both client (property owners) and consumer (property guests) facing, and we need to ensure that high standards and levels of service are kept in equal measure for both.

What happened next?

For the next ten years, I ran an import business where we designed and manufactured our own brands and sold them to a range of clients from small independents to larger corporations including Easyjet, Toys R Us, and WH Smith.

Then this property management venture. What kinds of properties do you look after?

A range – from small studio properties to three-storey townhouses. When looking for new properties there isn’t a particular criteria or magic formula, but we do try and work with clients that are interested in both generating a good return on investment but also

What have been some of your best experiences managing your various Airbnbs?

We have had several guests that have emailed to tell us that they have got engaged whilst staying in one of our properties, or used them to stay in before and after their weddings in the city. It’s always nice to get this sort of positive feedback and to know that we can play a small part in someone else’s journey.

You also have a side gig at the University of Bath. What do you do there?

I currently lecture for the School of Management at the University of Bath in Business Management on the fantastic MSc in Sport Management programme. I take a great deal of pride from being able to give something back in a different way to both the local community and to some of the young business people of the future.

What attracted you to teaching?

Being honest, less than four years ago I would not have believed I would ever be in an academic role – never mind one at the University of Bath.

However, I was at a point where I knew that I needed to invest in myself.

Sometimes in life you need to be in the right place at the right time and at that time Bristol City Football Club were looking for someone to join their Team Entrepreneurship (part-time) programme in conjunction with the Bristol UWE – I went for it.

What was it like, diving into such a new and different challenge?

At that point the programme was relatively new, and they wanted somebody project-focused with experience of entrepreneurship to help develop what they were already doing. I had no experience of academic life at that point, and it required a considerable amount of postgraduate study in my spare time. Looking back now, in some ways lockdown gave me the time I needed to complete my studies, and thankfully I have a supporting and understanding family!

Has the experience changed how you think about your day job?

It’s made me realise the value of education within my own role as a business owner, which has not only enabled me to go on and teach at the University of Bath but has also made me a better business person. I have quite a ‘flipped’ approach to my teaching, where it is more practicallybased in its approach and both roles add value to the other.

For more: www.hostmyproperty.co.uk

SMARTY DRY CLEANING

COLLECTION & DELIVERY SERVICE AVAILABLE* *Subject to terms and conditions

Smarty, Bath 11 River Street Place, Julian Road, Bath, BA1 2RS

Smarty, Bradford on Avon Elms Cross Shopping Centre (next door to Sainsbury’s), BA15 2AZ

01225 444666

01225 862964

www.smartydrycleaning.co.uk

www.smartydrycleaning.co.uk

SPONSORED BY:

BATHWORKS

© SOUL MEDIA

The Curfew’s owner Rhianne Wilkins, left, with assistant manager Caitlin O’Shea

BATH LIFE AWARDS 2022 Rhianne Wilkins, owner of The Curfew on winning a Bath Life Award with heart and soul BAR WINNER

What are some of the frustrations in your industry?

Hospitality really has had an incredibly difficult time. We all had restrictions and rule changes that dealt endless blows to us all.

SPONSORED BY

T

he Curfew is a small, friendly pub just outside the city centre that always offers a warm welcome with a large selection of real ale, wine and spirits. Owner Rhianne and her team pride themselves on being a pub that always lends a listening ear when people want to chat over a pint if they are feeling a little lonely.

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

Overwhelmed! We honestly were not expecting to win. It felt as if all the hard work we have put in had finally been recognised. The night was really fun and being in such a beautiful building really made it special. After winning, the night became a little bit of a blur…

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

Where do you keep the Award?

We jokingly said we would use it as the best doorstop in Bath, but we have it in pride of place on our bar where everyone can see it.

Why do you think the judges chose The Curfew this year?

I think we just did what we do best, offering a friendly and welcoming environment that involves the community and local charities. We feel we have brought life back to a pub that lost its soul along the way.

What do you really love about running The Curfew?

Everything! We have amazing locals that make us laugh and keep us entertained, we have amazing staff that go out of their way to help make the business a success – and all boxed up in a beautiful city.

What’s the best part about working in Bath?

Bath welcomed us with open arms when we opened The Curfew, and made us immediately feel at home.

We are firm believers in supporting local, and we have been as much as possible since we opened our doors. We have been supporting local people, charities and shops all around Bath and we have seen them do the same for us.

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

Don’t expect someone to do something that you would not do yourself has always been a motto that I have run my business by.

What at work are you excited about right now?

We have just taken on a second

“BATH WELCOMED US WITH OPEN ARMS WHEN WE OPENED THE CURFEW” pub, The Rose and Crown, not too far away in Pucklechurch. This was a huge step for us but I see it benefiting both pubs, as our reach has further expanded. We are super excited to see what the future holds for both pubs.

Can you tell us about some of the big moments you’ve experienced for the business?

I think we realised we were on the right path on the day we took our very first employee on. We started with just myself and my husband working seven days a week to make The Curfew work, and the day we took on Caitlin, our amazing assistant manager, we knew we would make it through.

Tell us something surprising…

Funnily enough, the most surprising thing people tell us is that they have been coming to or walking past our little pub for years without ever realising we have a beer garden out the back.

For more: The Curfew, 11 Cleveland Place West, Bath; www.thecurfewbath.co.uk

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

No 27/28 Royal Crescent is a three bedroom penthouse for sale via Savills with a guide price of £1.2million

Originally known as The Crescent, the ‘Royal’ was added after a stay by the Duke of York and Albany, Prince Frederick (BELOW LEFT), at the end of the 18th century

Market prices

ADDRESSING A ROYAL How a Bath royal street name can command a higher value Regal addresses command considerably more than the average house price, according to new research by property firm Savills, with Bath featuring three times in the top 10 most expensive streets with royal connections in the South West.

Top of the list is Queen Square in Bath – where homes command an average sale price of £871,660. This is 182 per cent more than the £309,358 average house price for the local authority area. The Royal Crescent is the third most expensive address on the list, with an average sale price of £638,363 – more than double (106 per cent) higher than the local average. Attracting an average sale price of £418,500, Queens Parade features at number eight – representing a price premium of 35 per cent.

Alistair Heather, head of Savills Bath, says, “As a spa city, Bath enjoys a longstanding

relationship with royalty, with a number of members of the royal family having lived or spent time here over the centuries. For example, we are currently selling a property on Sydney Place that was formerly the ballroom of Queen Charlotte, the wife of George III. “Bath’s royal connections are also reflected in the great many regal place names across the city, including Royal Victoria Park, which was opened by Princess Victoria in 1830, seven years before her ascension to the throne and was the first park in the UK to bear her name. Several of the city’s most prestigious residential addresses are regally named. In the case of Royal Crescent, the ‘Royal’ was only added at the end of the 18th century after Prince Frederick, Duke of York and Albany, visited and later lived there.”

For more: www.savills.co.uk

sbsdesignandbuild.com 01225 874676 info@sbsdesignandbuild.com

PROPERTY NEWS Bath Property Awards

A VALUABLE ASSET Bath’s dynamic property sector will be returning once more en masse to the Apex City of Bath Hotel on 4 November this year for the highly prestigious Bath Property Awards.

Awards’ entries will cover the business period from between July 2021 – June 2022, and nominations are now open on the website. It is free to enter and categories include interior design, commercial development, and sustainability.

Look out in an upcoming issue for pictures of the recent Bath Property Awards Launch reception held at Rengen House.

For more: www.bathpropertyawards.co.uk Secure your seat at the prestigious Bath Property Awards

CGIs of the exterior and interiors of the new Kinlet Collection at Holburne Park

New homes

TRADITIONALLY SPEAKING The new homes for sale at Holburne Park, The Kinlet Collection, have been designed to reflect the city’s Georgian architecture and all feature Bath stone façades locally sourced from Corsham’s Hartham Park Stone Quarry.

Inside the three/four bedroom homes, all of which have allocated parking for two cars, modern luxury abounds with double glazed hardwood timber frame windows, a freestanding island with induction hob, integrated appliances, herringbone LVT flooring in the ground floor living areas, and underfloor heating. The gardens combine lawned and paved areas, with outside taps and power points.

There will be 15 homes available, priced between £865,000 and £925,000.

For more: www.savills.co.uk

Mulberry Park

LIVE & LEARN The Hub at Mulberry Park, the community space comprising one form-entry primary school, 70-place nursery, and a threestorey community building, is to now also be a centre for new learning opportunities.

The initiative, The Lifelong Learning project, which is being funded by BANES and is anticipated to run for a minimum of three years, will encourage people of all ages to engage in lifelong learning through a range of activities co-ordinated by a member of The Hub team, and will include IT support workshops, a book swap scheme, homework clubs and book clubs.

Jane Hill, chairperson of the Hub User Group, says, “I am delighted that after three years in the planning, this initiative is finally a reality. It is an exciting and innovative project, particularly as it has been community led and represents the result of consulting with and realising the provisions identified by local residents from across Foxhill, Combe Down, and Mulberry Park.

“The further development and success of the scheme now depends on volunteer assistance. I would urge anyone, who feels that they can offer support to get in touch with The Hub.” For more: www.mphub.co.uk

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

The Hub is a community space at Mulberry Park

THE OLD VICARAGE Matilda Walton visits an enchanting property in the heart of Frome

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

T

he Old Vicarage in Frome looks like something out of a storybook. A location for momentous occasions, life-changing catalysts, epic romances, and perhaps even the odd mythical witch – the fun kind, a Mildred Hubble, rather than a child-eating monster.

It makes sense, at one time or another it’s likely the property housed a bit of everything (even, perhaps, the witches).

Built in 1744, originally for Reverend Lionel Seaman, the house is one of the most historically significant in the market town. The beautiful, symmetrical ashlar stone frontage and intricate hipped stone roof have born witness to many a story over the years, and adapted to fit them with later additions, transforming from a onetime two-storey house with a basement and attic to an expansive, eight-bedroom luxury property that utilises all four floors of the accommodation. There’s a spell of intrigue cast about The Old Vicarage, central to Frome but tucked back from the road and accessed via carriage driveway (complete with two gated entrances), the house

PROPERTY

seems to emerge from a cloud of winding wisteria.

Inside, The Old Vicarage is every bit as spectacular as you might hope. Laid out in tune with the property’s existing symmetry, its lower floors are arranged around the entrance hall and landing to pleasing effect – the house really flows. This is especially impactful in the huge drawing and dining rooms – with the latter moving seamlessly into one of the most beautiful parts of the house, the converted chapel with original stainedglass windows. It’s a peaceful space with an ethereal glow to it, and the tranquillity of its former purpose remains in the air.

The upper floors are dedicated to the bedrooms, with an additional games room at the top of the house perfect for banishing teens looking for a little independence within the family home – just picture it: downstairs the adults can sit down for a dinner party, while the young people have their pizza and bad Netflix. Out of sight out of mind, after all.

The lower ground level currently functions as a guest bedroom – you might keep that or tear out the bones of the arrangement for something entirely new. We all work from home now anyway – perhaps your commute could be as short as a quick trip down the stairs to your

in-house office. This level has direct access to the back gardens, central to which is an appealing and well kempt lawn – perfect for sun bathing – surrounded by brightly coloured flower beds. The small formal garden to the rear complete with atmospheric pond and pergola give a romantic spot for an evening, whether that’s with a significant other or simply a glass of wine and a book.

A storybook life in flexible accommodation with a history – all that’s left is to start writing.

HOUSE NUMBERS Guide price

£2.25m

Square foot

7,084

Bedrooms

8

Bathrooms

5

For more: Savills, Edgar House, 17 George Street, Bath; www.savills.co.uk

www.mediaclash.co.uk I BATH LIFE I 81

THE CURATOR Themed luxury lets for a holiday with style

By Lydia Tewkesbury

T

ina Liu is the design mind behind The Curated Collection, a group of holiday lets in Bath with exquisite thematic designs: The Curator’s Apartment, The Fairytale Writer and The Aspiring Cook. A keen traveller, Tina was always the type to choose a hotel based on its look rather than its location, and found herself frustrated by the often bland, chain furniture store look of the rentals she experienced. When, during a trip to Edinburgh she decided she wanted to launch her own luxury holiday let, Bath was the logical choice. She knew the city well, having studied here from 2005-2009 – and always told herself that when she built a successful career she would return. She purchased her first property, what would become The Curator’s Apartment, in 2019, and the collection grew from there.

The Curator’s Apartment features bespoke and carefully chosen artworks and accessories

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

RESIDENCE How did you approach the renovations?

My style is to carry out a sensitive renovation, being authentic to the fabric of the building, so often I take my interior concept inspirations from the building or the street itself – usually a piece of history or a feature.

Each property has its own feel and theme – how did those emerge?

My first renovate-to-holiday-let project was an apartment on London Street, at the top of Walcot Street. Being in the midst of the Artisan Quarter, an area popular with artists and antique shops since the 60s, I invented a persona for my imagined owner of the apartment, a curator that lives with beautiful objects, installations and art in their home – hence this apartment was named as The Curator’s Apartment.

I filled it with bespoke art commissions as well as vintage furniture to add a sense of a cosy home rather than commercial designer hotel. I hope to have created interesting spaces with lots of details that are on theme, so guests have an authentic experience yet feel comfortable and cosy, their eyes drawn to the different details while they sit or lie down to rest.

And the other properties?

From then on I’ve renovated two more places in Bath, they differ in interior as the identity comes from the building, but the process to the interior concept is the same, they are very much curated by me. Since day one of finding the first apartment I knew I wanted to create a small collection.

The name The Curated Collection was simple but straight to the point.

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

RESIDENCE What attracted you to renovating properties?

I think the seed was planted when I was a teenager and used to watch Grand Designs on TV. I was also drawn to design, having done A level graphic design, but eventually opted for a science-based undergraduate degree for stability. I knew I wanted to come back to working with design, however retraining as a designer wasn’t ideal for me as I wanted more freedom in this new career and was keen to get going. Doing the interiors for my own properties was a great balance and I’ve learned lots on the job, much faster than I would have if I went into the interior design industry I think.

What was your vision for the décor?

I’m absolutely a planner, and I think the fact that approaching it with a theme, making up a persona inspired by the building or street has made it somewhat easy. When I view properties on Rightmove, I often think, oh I have a great theme for this. Ideas come to me while I’m trying to sleep!

The Fairytale Writer mews house was built in the late 1980s, but had these really lovely arches, Queen Anne-style scallop detailing and bow-shaped cornices – all very whimsical. I thought it’d look lovely with a more vintage-inspired look, soft pastel colours and with a fairytale theme.

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

The Aspiring Cook was inspired by the fact that the flat had part of the original cast iron fire surround still in place, which is about 200 years old. It’s on the lower ground floor, which was where the kitchen was back in Georgian times, when staff in the kitchen often slept in the back rooms. We have retained pretty much the same layout. The theme was also inspired

by Hannah Glasse, an English cookery writer of the 18th century. Her first cookery book published in 1747, The Art of Cookery Made Plain and Easy, became the best-selling recipe book that century.

She purposely used plain language to target the book to the masses, unlike most cookbooks published until that point, that were written in French.

Did you have any moments of doubt or worry that the design wouldn’t come together?

Yes – more so with The Fairytale Writer, as the pastel colour palette differs quite a bit from the neutrals that I used throughout The Curator’s Apartment. I worried that if I didn’t get the balance right, the vintage, whimsical theme could be seen as dated. But mixing vintage/upcycled furnishing and modern pieces have worked well, and I think the finished result is perhaps a little on the whimsical side (the intended effect) but still elegant. It has a more grown-up feel than the other two apartments.

The bedroom in The Fairytale Writer is painted Cinderella blue

clockwise from top left: Every room in The Fairytale Writer pays tribute to a classic story; Tina Liu is the designer and founder of The Curated Collection; warm latte-coloured walls complement individually sourced accessories in The Curator’s Apartment; brass pots and pans on the stairs decorate The Aspiring Cook

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

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

I do love the way a vintage piece of furnishing adds to a newly decorated room – it gives warmth and looks classy. It won’t surprise anyone to learn I adore the work of interior designer Rose Uniacke, but usually my inspirations come from Pinterest. With so many lovely rooms and designers out there, Instagram is another easy source of inspiration.

What local shops did you use to source décor items, homeware, and accessories from?

We picked up most of the paints from Davies of Bath – they stock a wide range of Farrow & Ball, and mix Little Greene paints in-house. Floors we often repair and paint the original wooden floor, but have also sourced from Interior Harmony. A lot of the furniture is vintage, which we source via Vinterior from local antique dealers nearby in Somerset. The lovely aged bench in the bedroom of The Curator’s Apartment and The Aspiring Cook is from Cart House, based in Bristol.

What are your favourite independent homeware shops in Bath?

Graham & Green on Walcot Street is a lovely place to pick up more eccentric pieces of furniture, and Nam on New Bond Street is a particular favourite of mine to source decorations and homeware.

Would you say one of your properties is a particular favourite?

The Curator’s Apartment, being the first project, will always have a special place – many a times I have spent in the living room unpacking furniture and decorations, with sun light glowing through the two-metre-tall windows onto the restored fireplace in late afternoon.

I adore everything in that living room, the warm lattecoloured walls complement the individually sourced dining chairs and arm chairs perfectly, while the art piece on the wall and the vintage travertine plinth and vintage vase adds the icing on the cake, making the room truly special.

“I invented a persona for my imagined owner of the apartment” 86 I BATH LIFE I www.mediaclash.co.uk

What is your favourite piece in all the properties?

My favourite item is actually a simple bronze wall vase. It has a clean outline, being just a pipe shape, but it’s handmade, and its beauty lies in the craftsmanship and texture. It doesn’t look much, but once you add some dried grass or flowers into it and hang it on a clean wall, its elegance becomes apparent. This has become a bit of a trademark for me, for every property I have renovated so far (three holiday lets and my own short-term home) I have hung it, usually in the hallway, as I think it looks beautiful against a long thin wall, but also works well in the living room.

What is the most challenging part to designing, and why?

It’s always the part of the house that is in a good condition at point of purchase, which means it would be a waste to rip it all out to redo. We try to reuse and upcycle as much as we can, so in the design process we have to think about how we can update only parts but still achieve a good design. For example kitchens – the kitchen cabinets that we have inherited were in a good condition, so we usually just update the taps, sockets around the kitchen, the sink and maybe the worktop and appliances to give it a lift that would visually upgrade the look, but without putting in a brand new kitchen.

What did you learn from designing this project?

In all these holiday let projects, although design is very important for me, it is also a business that needs to generate a profit. Hence I’ve been very careful to stick with a reasonable budget. To achieve the highquality finish that I aim for, I use a mixture of high-end fixtures and fittings with lower but still good quality for money fittings. For example, we don’t buy the

Tina sourced furniture from local vintage shops

RESIDENCE The original cast iron fire surround inspired the design of The Aspiring Cook

most expensive bathroom sinks or even cabinets, but we will put in relatively expensive taps. We also often save on tiles, but I will change all the sockets and switches in the house and not use the standard white plastic ones.

staircase (which now leads to nowhere), the plant prints were pages from vintage books, and dried herbs are tied and hung upside down over one side of the hallway. We also found some interesting books that talk about period cooking and food.

Whose house, (famous, not famous, dead or alive – your choice!) would you like to have a snoop around?

Would love to have a tour of Rose Uniacke’s Pimlico home. I also adore the simple and understated, graceful style of co-founder of Cereal magazine, and owner of Francis Gallery, Rosa Park’s homes.

Beautiful design and interiors aside, in what other ways do you make the holiday experience extra special for your guests?

Beyond the key comfort and cleanliness standard (which is the first priority for any holiday let), we send bespoke direction and local food guides to our guests prior to their arrival, and have a small welcome gift.

The real differentiating factor is that we hope our detailed decorating approach can transport our guests to a magical land of calm and zen. All the little details have been individually chosen according to the theme of each holiday let.

How do the interiors reflect the different names?

The Curator’s Apartment is like a part-gallery partresidence, the walls and rooms have been decorated with bespoke art commissions, as well as sculpture pieces like the vintage travertine plinth with large vase in the living room, and the dried floral installation above a vintage table in the large landing space on the second floor. In the bespoke art pieces, we have contacted the artists and shared with them the interior vision, asking them to create something that is complementary to the room.

In The Fairytale Writer, each room pays subtle tribute to a classic fairy tale story. The bedroom is painted in Cinderella blue with bow shapes in the cornices, and a vintage Cinderella print for a grown up, yet the blue brings back feelings of nostalgia like our childhood bedrooms. The second bedroom is the Snow White room, with apple decorations and the Gubi Randaccio mirror that has a crown-like detailing.

The living room has whimsical features like the Faye Toogood roly poly chair, rose print, alphabet coasters and a book, all referencing Alice in Wonderland.

For the The Aspiring Cook, we sourced individual vintage copper pots to decorate the original stone

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

We often get lovely feedback from our guests, many have said they have been inspired to decorate their homes. One that stayed with me was the first review we got at The Fairytale Writer said the house “oozes elegant charm, is super comfortable and utterly enchanting”. I was so happy as it ticked all three boxes that we aim for in all our holiday lets. We decorate them to a high standard, but comfort is a key factor for any holiday let and we ultimately hope to transport the guests to somewhere enchanting – they are on holiday after all.

For more: www.thecuratedcollection.co.uk

Got an amazing local home?

Want it to feature in Residence?

Contact lydia.tewkesbury@mediaclash.co.uk

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

NEVER MISS AN ISSUE

26 ISSUES FOR

£40

SUBSCRIBE TODAY

Never miss an issue of Bath Life – get your own copy posted to you on the Friday the magazine comes out Get yours for £40 for UK subscriptions (26 issues)

www.mediaclash.co.uk/subscribe

SPONSORED CONTENT

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

VIRTUOSO FLOORING

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

MENDIP FIREPLACES BATH

Offering stylish, innovative flooring solutions to meet the needs of the savvy Bath homeowner. Virtuoso employ the largest team of experienced fitters in Bath.

Their dedicated team are ready to turn your dream floor into a reality. Call now for a free consultation or visit their new show room on Moorland Road.

To enquire, email info@virtuosoflooring.co.uk or call 01225 972715; www.virtuosoflooring.co.uk

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

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

JENNIFER MOSSE DESIGN STUDIO

NEXUS OF BATH

A bespoke, tailor-made, client-focused interior design consultancy service based in Bath. Specialising in residential interior design and providing a truly personal service adapted to each client’s needs, Jennifer’s unique style blends seamlessly between period and contemporary homes. The aim is simple – to create spaces that bring joy, reflecting her clients’ lifestyles and personalities.

Tel: 07738289189; www.jennifermosse.com

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

CLAIR STRONG INTERIOR DESIGN

BATH KITCHEN COMPANY

SCHMIDT BATH

COOPERS HOME APPLIANCES

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

Providing bespoke kitchens and made-to-measure interiors across the Bath area for more than 35 years, Schmidt Bath offers luxury solutions for the home at affordable prices. With a dedicated in-house fitting team, your project will be completed to the highest standards.

Visit their showroom to see the latest ranges and more of what they can offer. 1 Park Road, Bath BA1 3EE; Tel: 01225 337276; www.schmidt-bath.com

Clair Strong Interior Design is a boutique, creative company based in Bath, providing a wide range of services for both residential and commercial clients. Her portfolio of projects includes the design, project coordination and sourcing for some of Bath’s most beautiful residences, as well as hotels, sports clubs, offices and other commercial venues. Contact Clair on 07855 797311 or 01225 426905; www.clairstrong.co.uk

Coopers Home Appliances is an independent retailer trading continuously since 1947 and specialises in kitchen appliances. We have built an enviable reputation, delivering great products with an eye for the unusual.

Value driven and customer focused. Striving to make shopping a pleasurable and human experience – a real antidote to the soulless online shopping ‘trip’.

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

BATH LIVES

“Plein air painting taps into our subconscious, into our thoughts, memories, and feelings” CHARLES MINTY On the magic of ballroom dancing, and giving up the day job to become a Bath plein air painter Charles, known as Charlie, had always loved art as a child but it was only a year ago he decided to quit his job with an engineering firm and take up painting professionally.

He specialises in plein air paintings of Bath and is exhibiting with the Bath Contemporary Artists Fair on 10 July at Green Park Station.

I lived in the centre of Bath for several years before moving to Wiltshire. I remember the

buildings still being covered in soot and visiting my auntie Angela who worked on the perfume counter in Jolly’s department store. Even as a child I was in awe of this beautiful city, rich in architecture and resplendent with its Abbey, old shops, and magnificent crescents and parks.

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

I was brought up on a mixed arable and dairy farm in the small village of Yatton Keynell in a large close-knit

family. I enjoyed drawing and painting the buildings and scenery on the farm. I looked out of my bedroom window one day when I was about eight years old and decided to sketch an old tractor. I can still recall so clearly, my astonishment of seeing that tractor come to life on the paper in front of me.

I got into ballroom dancing when I was a boy. Two of my

aunts asked me to go dancing with them as ‘there aren’t enough men’ and from the first moment I was hooked. I think of dance as another form of art, which is why I love it, as well as the social nature of it, and the health benefits.

I now compete in national league ballroom dancing competitions with my partner Rebecca. My idea of perfect

happiness is dancing a waltz with Rebecca on the hallowed boards in Blackpool. I also teach dance and an exercise class called Fitsteps.

I launched my website during the pandemic and

almost immediately received a commission from a woman living on the Isle of Man who asked me to paint three views in watercolour of an old tractor.

I used the money to buy myself new paints and equipment. I had been using the same paints and brushes that I had as a child and I realised if I was going to turn professional, it was time for a serious upgrade.

The benefits of painting outside are incredible. It

connects me in the purest and most direct way possible with my surroundings, and the painting.

Plein air painting taps into our subconscious, into our thoughts, memories, and feelings.

I find it easy to immerse myself in my work – putting

in eight hours, or more, of painting outside – often without even a glance at my watch. This is without doubt an advantage, especially when I have an important commission or deadlines to meet.

I like to put real people in my paintings as they are part of the story. In my latest

work of the Theatre Royal and the square in front of it, there is a girl dressed in blue sat on a bench. I’d spoken to her and knew she was waiting for a friend she hadn’t seen for a while. Now her story is part of that painting.

I love the rooftops of Bath.

I think a lot of people forget to (really) look up as they walk through the city. Perhaps due to my 6ft 4in height, I am closer to them than most people. It is fascinating to notice the dilapidated woodwork of attic windows and how, in the late evening, the colours of the tiles change from silvery blue to magenta to deep blues. n For more: www.cmintyart.com