Bath Life – Issue 479

Ilove writing interior features – finding out about the latest trends, the autumnal must-haves, the seasonal no-nos. Gathering all the insights, inspiration, and insider knowledge from our local experts gets me buzzed. They are a stylish and finger on the pulse bunch in Bath – from ombre walls to Alice in Wonderland vibes – their advice is as solid as a gold counter top. But do I actually pay heed to the valuable advice shared? Admittedly I’m not ripping out the kitchen every three months to install baulthaup B3 wall panelling veneer like the amazing design from Hobson’s Choice as seen on our cover, but there’s always some nugget that gets absorbed and repurposed into our home refresh. I’m actually Googling ‘Slim Aarons prints’ as I write this – turn to page 22 to find out why.

In this bumper issue, we also have a fascinating interview with Matthew Cook, an artist who actually paints on the frontline of war zones (page 66); on page 70 we meet some of the creatives who belong to Bath’s biggest art community, the Bath Artists’ Studios, which is celebrating 25 years; there’s our regular, and always beautiful, fashion pages which in this issue, on page 92, pays homage to denim; and our Bath Lives (page 122) is an American musician who loves Bath so much, he performs under the name of Larkhall. Elsewhere Flats is talking Christmas party plans on page 13, and as if by magic we can help out with that over on page 86 with our round-up of some great local venues to help us celebrate the Yuletide.

Enjoy, and see you in two weeks!

Follow us on

SARAH

ABOVE: Amazing new interior looks for autumn (page 22);

BELOW: Dare you do the double denim look? (page 92)

COVER ust one of many amazing kitchen options at Hobson’s Choice; www.hobsonschoice.uk.com (p22)

THE ARTS ARTS INTRO How di erent is your reality? Try the Holburne WHAT’S ON Theatre, music, comedy, art and more FILM From aris to Leicester, the movies can take you anywhere BOOKS Tales from the Elizabethan II era MATTHEW COOK’S WAR PAINTINGS here we run away from danger, he runs towards it BATH ARTS STUDIO 25 years of our largest art community

SHOPPING

22 INTERIORS All the hottest autumn winter trends SHOPPING INTRO hat’s the moon made of? Cheese? Buttons? o, ceramic EDITOR’S CHOICE Top picks from Bathampton Arts Trail FASHION enim’s never out of style, but it’s rarely been as on trend as it is right now

FOOD&DRINK

77 FOOD & DRINK NEWS A rare cheese, and a taste of Africa TAKE 5 Meet osa Scott top chef, better attitude RESTAURANT REVIEW The Bear Inn is back CHRISTMAS PARTY PLANNING Let’s dance!

EDUCATION

99 THIS YEAR’S EXAM RESULTS And what they mean

BUSINESS

101 BATHWORKS Local business news, views, and interviews BIZ Q&A For furniture inspired by owers, ru es and the female body, meet Georgia Metcalfe of French Bedroom BATH LIFE AWARDS Q&A Two-time winners Mentoring lus

PROPERTY

115 PROPERTY LEAD yrham ark’s revamped play area and caf 116 PROPERTY NEWS ew developments, and the beauty of trees SHOWCASE Modern design meets classic Bath terrace; magic ensues on Henrietta Street

DEPARTMENTS

9 SPOTLIGHT Bath pays tribute to the ueen INSTAS the beaten track FLATLINE Flats loves his o ce Christmas parties to be TT SOCIETY All the fun of omad, alleyFest and the Creative Bath Awards BATH LIVES Larkhall it’s not just a place, it’s a person too

BATH MOURNS THE

It doesn’t seem like yesterday when we were writing about the Platinum Jubilee, and Queen Elizabeth II’s 1973 visit to Bath to celebrate the then 1,000 years since ing Edgar, first king of all England, was actually crowned in our very own Abbey. ow, of course, Her Majesty is in all of our minds again, and for much more sombre reasons.

Alongside the country and the world, Bath has spent recent weeks in mourning. The nion Flag has been ying at half mast at the Guildhall and across the region, and there are books of condolence to be signed, if you so wish, not just there, but at eynsham Memorial Gardens and Midsomer orton Library and Information Service too. Floral tributes, meanwhile, have been gathering at arade Gardens, eynsham Memorial Gardens, Haycombe Cemetery and the Hollies Garden, Midsomer orton. In the wake of her death, it wasn’t just sporting events that were temporarily cancelled, but other occasions too, not least the reopening of Cleveland ools, the country’s oldest lido, after a 9m refurb.

As well as her celebrated 1973 visit, the Queen was also in Bath in 1956, and enjoyed the oyal Bath and est Show on numerous occasions, most recently in 1985. And in 2002 she visited the niversity of Bath as part of her Golden ubilee tour. But 1973 is the one everyone remembers, so – through the picture at the top of the page – let’s enjoy it once again now the shops are di erent, the fashions too, and the Abbey looks in need of a jolly good clean, but one face, none-more-familiar, is as radiant as ever. Thank you Ma’am.

HRH Queen Elizabeth II

Explore Milsom Place to discover characterful corridors courtyards tempting

Milsom Place, Milsom Street & Broad Street, Bath BA1 1BZ

“If you’re planning a Christmas party, go big or go home”

the bar, then go next door for a metric ton of beef and some more drinks, then downstairs for – you guessed it – a dance. Done. Everybody will love it because the booze and the food will be outstanding, the service will be chilled, nobody has to pack a bloody suitcase for a work do and, mostly, because it’s free (for them).

Isaw a friend in town last week who owns his own business. He calls it a small business as an admirable attempt at humility, but his modesty is undermined by his hundred-grand car and forty-grand watch: an observation I rarely fail to make.

There he was, regarding me from a definite distance, visibly appalled by my having gone out in public in sweaty gym gear, all smart in his suede desert boots and monogrammed shirt, bemoaning, of all things, the stresses involved in arranging a Christmas party for his little team (there are loads of them).

“It’s got to be big, mate,” he said, “and it’s got to wow them.” My immediate thought was why, if employees are treated well year-

round, would a boss need to go OTT in December? He ignored this question when it came, instead preferring to verbalise –perhaps unconsciously – his mental list of Big-Do must-haves: “Overnighter… hotel… unlimited booze mega food day o after… Christmas presents to unwrap…” hoa! I shouted, for the first time since my semi-professional rodeo days back in Arizona. It all just seemed so unnecessary. I mean, if my company arranged a two-day trip close to Christmas to which I felt obliged to go, I’d be gutted. They might be nice people, but they’re not family and it’s Christmas! No, my advice (again ignored. In fact not even acknowledged, as he lost himself in what looked to be an agonising vortex of anxiety and self-doubt) was very simple indeed: go to Walcot House for a few drinks in

It may be the case that I am alone in my antisocial leanings, but I doubt it. Anyway, I stand by my proposed plan, so much so that I’m planning to do exactly that for myself. It’s true that I don’t have a company, nor do I have any employees, nor do I even have a boss; it’s just me. But I’m looking at dates this afternoon on my phone and I’m booking myself in. I’ll take one or two others along for the ride, and in reality we’ll probably skip the dancey bit, but I’ll bet it’s the best Christmas party any of us go to this year. Actual conversation, no vomiting, no inappropriate liaisons (though I readily acknowledge that these do produce the best stories which, in turn, boost o ce morale), and home to our own Bath beds.

The fact that I’ve just said yes to a work skiing trip in Morzine with a company for whom I do a bit here and there is by the by, and categorically does not serve to undermine the last four paragraphs. That’s di erent. It’s a great opportunity to network (with people I already know very well). It’s good for fitness. It’s actually work. And also it’s skiing. No, this trip undermines nothing. What it says is that, if you’re planning a Christmas party, go big or go home. Do the job in Walcot House or go international; there is no in-between.

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 ho? No no no! advises bosses not to go OTT with the office Christmas party. Unless it’s really, really OTT. Then he’s there with bells on

LIFE BEGINS AT

0,000 delighted festival-goers filled the grounds of Charlton ark for the 0th anniversary of MA , and the first festival since 2019. The four-day extravaganza of music, culture, art and food saw Fatoumata iawara, Angeli ue idjo, ae Tempest, The Flaming Lips, Cimafunk, Fantastic egrito, Gilberto Gil Family and Lianne La Havas take to the stages, among many other fantastic performers from around the world.

Photos Casper Farrell;

Abass Dodoo and the One Drum Team, purveyors of traditional Ghanaian rhythms

Osibisa perform on the Open Air Stage

Fatoumata Diawara lights up the Open Air Stage

Joji Hirota and the London Taiko Drummers perform on the Open Stage at

John? John?

Guitarist Yacouba Kone performing onstage with Fatoumata Diawara

ValleyFest returned to Chew Valley Lake in August with a fresh, family friendly, and exciting musical line-up that included Travis, Faithless (DJ set), and Kosheen. New for this year for the festival was the Afterburner stage, created by performance art collective Arcadia. The impressive rocket-shaped stage was encircled by metal trees and wowed audiences with a light, laser and fire show.

Old school sun worship, new school eyewear

Where did I put my

Photos by Casper Farrell;

and Community Farm owner Luke Hasell with Dr Angela Raffle

River Cottage’s John Wright

Bristol basedMaxsingerRad

Paul Leahdaughter,Weller’ssingerWeller

Swing when you’re winning

ART AND SOUL

The Creative Bath Awards returned in July to celebrate some of the city’s great innovators. The event, hosted in Queen Square ahead of the Bath Boules weekend, was a chance to spotlight the creative and tech businesses and individuals making waves and inspiring change locally, with awards handed out for arts organisations, agencies, designers, entrepreneurs, app developers, writers and so many more besides.

Greg Ingham hosted the proceedings, Richard Clayden designed this year’s unique award, and the entire night was caught on camera by Soul Media. For a full run down of this year’s winners, head to the website www.creativebathawards.org

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

Harry Hartley and Lucy Saunders

Elizabeth andDowling-NashMikeButt

Mason Pollock and Emma Ingledew

Jonathan Willis and Chris Harris

Lucy Earing and Ben Long

Nathan Baranowski, Ben Veal and David Kelly

Alice Hill, Tom Shenton, Jordan Finch and Claudia May

Rebecca Garcia Levy, Mason Pollack, Alison Garcia Levy and Reuben Collings

Richard

Ben Veal and Grace Farrimond

Pete Helme Phillip Dauncey and Hannah Sime

Tony Smith, Brian Johnson and Hetty Dupays

Mike Butt, Becky Toogood, Elizabeth Dowing-Nash and Lotta Greene

Kirsty Hall, Natalie Robinson, Olivia Evans-McCafferty, Stephanie Brown, Meg Palmer and Emma Oliver

Sylvia Hunt, Mason Pollock, Emma Ingledew, Tom Fraser and Miguel Angelo Giestas

Aaron Buckley, Simon Homes and Jason Thornton

Autumn is on its way, bringing with it new gorgeous looks for our interiors

By Sarah Moolla

Painting and restoring old pieces will transform your home, says Vanessa Sayce of The Marmalade House

As the season moves from long hot sunny days and outdoor living, to crisp early evenings and the curtains drawn, it’s all eyes on home décor again. Here

we ask local home design experts to share with us their ‘if you had to do one thing this autumn’ interiors advice, and the trends are clear – you can go your own way and embrace it all this fall.

Go bold or go home, says Georgia Metcalfe of French Bedroom

“The very heartof maximalismis more”

TAKE IT TO THE MAX

“The show stopping credentials of maximalism and pattern play continue to enchant, and the movement is very much in vogue right now,” says Georgia Metcalfe, founder and creative director of French Bedroom. “Maximalist rooms are a pure masterclass, mixing dramatic, strong patterns in deep colours with wide stripes, painterly abstracts, wallpaper murals and full-length curtains. Combined with oversized artwork in contrasting size and coloured frames, large French mirrors and an upholstered bed, the style and e ect has an almost Alice in Wonderland quality, providing visual splendour and the starting point for many a conversation. Choosing to use maximalist style is a ‘go bold or go home’ decision, and it’s not for the faint-hearted! If you think it’s for you, start with a large piece of oversized art, then bring in the pattern (walls, furniture, curtains, cushions) and dd accessories that accentuate the tones or, if you’re feeling brave, you can colour-clash.”

Going for maximim impact is Kathryn Bristow, sales administrator for Homefront Interiors. “If there’s one trend that is dominating 2022 without showing signs of waning, it’s maximalist interior design. For many, buying a property (either a first, or an upgrade) is out of the question right now. So, many of us are staying put, and we’re doing it in style. Maximalist interiors draw together many smaller trends and in that way you can pick elements of maximalism which work for you, and ditch the others. Whether it’s dark paint colours, exuberant wallpaper, a gallery wall, or a whole host of house plants…choose your pick and don’t hold back! The very heart of maximalism is more.”

WHAT? THIS OLD THING?

“Minimalizing and thrifting is not only popular but essential,” advises Vanessa Sayce, owner of The Marmalade House. “Our business ethos is built on restoring beautiful old pieces with clever paint finishes and bringing to life those items in the home that either have sentimental value, functional use but are a bit dated, or just can’t bear to be thrown away. We give them a wonderous new lease of life.

“An aged and beautifully painted piece of furniture, whether it is an old armoire in the kitchen, a well-worn sideboard or an elegant

Gustavian wardrobe, has a sense of history and will transform any space. Even if you live in a modern home, a piece of restored vintage alongside will accentuate what you love. It will show o the clean lines of contemporary living, just by the opposition. It is definitely worth blowing the budget on one or two exceptional items. Mix expensive with cleverly chosen budget items and you won’t go wrong.”

AS NATURE INTENDED

“Bringing natural elements of the outside world into our kitchen spaces is likely to continue as a popular design characteristic,” says Charlotte Wright, senior design consultant for Hobson’s Choice. “There is something intrinsically beautiful about displaying a natural pattern upon an incredibly accurate and high-engineered piece of bulthaup kitchen furniture. The swirls and forms of the veneer woodgrain can be extenuated even further by book-matching the panels, creating a pattern that extends across an entire island or bank of tall units.Our clients often enjoy incorporating their love of plants and gardening into their kitchen space, achieved through the design of open shelving and function rail storage systems.”

“Transforming spaces with texture and interior design that connects with nature are both trends that began in lockdown when we all needed help to feel grounded, but which show no signs of slowing down as we move into autumn,” says Vanessa Garrett of Broadleaf Timber ood ooring is a simple and easy way to do both of these things, as well as to add a luxurious feel to a room and lasting value to your home. The timelessness of a wood oor is also a great way to balance the bold brave colours and clashing patterns that are currently so in vogue, especially if you choose a warmer tone like Broadleaf Rich Oak or Terra Fired Oak, which feel naturally indulgent and almost beg you to curl up on the sofa surrounded by cushions to appreciate them.” e st e and e e t as an a mostAlice in Wonderland quality”

Lara Willmore of Axford Interiors is loving the florals in this Sanderson wallpaper and fabric

Kathryn Bristow suggests a gallery wall of art work you love

CAN YOU FEEL IT?

Dani Taylor, the product and creative director of Cox & Cox, says, “You can easily transform a space and make it feel cosy for autumn by considering texture. A room is most inviting when it comes with generous furniture and tactile accessories. This sounds tricky, but it need not be with the right ingredients for a cosy home – autumn updates that won’t weigh on your style or clutter your space (because it’s much more than just adding a few blankets and cushions).

“A big part of feeling good indoors is to design spaces that will allow you to make more of the simple things, because that’s how you’ll invite hygge into your everyday living. If we remind ourselves of the hyggelig time we’re having doing something, we get more pleasure from it. Consider your morning co ee – don’t perch in the kitchen, have a side table to hand in the living room to encourage you into a cosier, boucle textured chair with plenty of wool blankets and velvet cushions for a real luxurious feel. Add seasonal scent, a small yet intricate ower display in a beautiful vase, and sit back to prolong the cosy moment.

“There’s no better place to combine calm and cosy than in the bedroom. For that retreat-hotel look, consider upgrading the bed; opt for an upholstered headboard to establish at-home-snug vibes, and add lots of tactile layers with velvet quilts and knitted throws to enjoy the best in home cocooning when the nights draw in. Plump up your cushions and dig out your comfy clothes – you won’t want to leave.”

For Dani Taylor of Cox & Cox, it’s all about texture this autumn

FADE TO GREIGE

“I have seen a move away from greys and more towards warm ‘greige’ colours, a combination of grey and beige,” says Louise Home, designer with Bathrooms at No5. “Not only is it warmer and creates a more soothing environment, it works wells with natural materials like wood, stone and copper to help create a spa-like ‘zen’ environment. And accessorising with houseplants and up-cycled furniture and mirrors is a cost e ective way of achieving the look for instant impact.”

IT’S A THREE-WAY THING

“Taking up to three colours from your artwork or wall mural, and using these for furniture fabrics or paints, will make the room feel cohesive,” says interior designer Louise Nichole. “This can also be an inexpensive and temporary way to introduce vibrant on-trend colours such as purple, yellow, and red into your scheme through accessories such as candles, cushions, and throws, giving an instant impact which can easily be changed. If this is a look that you want to embrace and decide to keep, then introduce large investment pieces of artwork or wall murals.”

INTERIORSwww.mediaclash.co.uk

ABOVE: Louise Home of Bathrooms at No5 is seeing a rise in the colour ‘greige’; BELOW: Louise Nichole Interior Design suggests a three-way colour scheme can be a magic number

“Expect to see some ofthe 70s classic colours with a modern twist”

PETAL GURUS

Working with the maximalist style and making it bloom is, of course, that hardy perennial orals, as Lara Willmore, design consultant for Axford Interiors, explains. “Fabric companies such as Sanderson have seen a revival of many of their older archive designs – with an increasing trend to compliment oral curtains and cushions with a di erent oral design in the wallpaper, and another pattern in the cushions. Layering textures in upholstery and soft furnishings, throws and cushions, is combined with colour: tone on tone, embracing the palette, and taking it that one step further than before.”

Florals aren’t just confined to the soft furnishings anymore, as Leroy McKenzie of Schmidt Bath explains: “Our collaboration with Christian Lacroix Maison means orals can be an intrinsic part of the design. These cabinets are boldly styled in Algae Bloom, co-created by Schmidt and Christian Lacroix Maison. The kitchen’s matt white is seamlessly enhanced by the ceramic counter tops in Marquina for a sleek yet subtle contrast. Enhancing this look in a number of our kitchen designs is the idea that you can now incorporate space in the islands and worktops to accommodate plants and herbs.”

I LOVE SCANDI

Woolf Interior Design and Interior Architecture’s founder, Verity Woolf, visited the Masterpiece Art Fair this summer, which is considered the creme-de-la-creme of annual design shows in fine art, furniture and jewellery. Verity says, “For the design team this is a chance to review the couture runway of design, introduce clients to the suppliers and find inspiration.

“One of our fabulous new suppliers, Jackson Stockholm, specialises in the best of Scandinavian and international vintage design from 1900 to 2000. Established in 1981, Jacksons have built one of the most extensive collections of Scandinavian classics, consistently o ering rare and museum-quality examples.”

ABOVE: The gorgeous French kiss of Schmidt and Christian Lacrois Maison; RIGHT: Jackson Stockholm, which specialises in the best of Scandinavian and international vintage design, is one of Woolf Interior Design and Interior Architecture’s new suppliers

“Add lots of tactile layerswith velvet quilts andknitted throws”

PICTURE THIS

“In rooms that lack focal points, incorporating large scale art such as photography in very simple white frames on a dark wall or a large abstract canvas are ways of creating a visual interest,” says interior designer Sean Symington. “We love incorporating colourful photography such as classic 1950s Slim Aarons prints, particularly above a sofa.”

Jane Cudworth, manager at Nick Cudworth Gallery, recommends her late father’s art as a way of celebrating the 70s in uence. ith the current state of the environment and the cost of living, there has been a welcome resurgence of all things thrifty and pre-loved within the home. Nick loved searching out antiques to use in his paintings to create a real sense and atmosphere of a particular time and place in history.”

Large scale art such as photography can create an interesting focal point in a room, says Sean Symington

The Lovers by Nick Cudworth demonstrates the late artist’s love for antique pieces

THE NEW BLACK

Black is back, says Jordan Fellows, sales and marketing executive with Kutchenhaus Bath. “Colours like black and white are used often to create a bold statement and to create light and shade within a room, with dark colours in kitchens becoming increasingly popular in recent years.

As well as looking aesthetically stunning – a matt black finish is really beautiful and a classic shade – it is also a practical choice. Black doesn’t show up as many marks or potential scu s, it’s often a cost e ective option, and it works well with most other colour combinations, but is especially statement-making when paired with chrome, gold and other lighter colours.”

James Horsfall of the Bath Kitchen Company agrees: “We have been creating a lot of darker kitchens lately, with black and deep charcoals becoming a raging trend. When combined with brass hardwear or lighter worktops, it has a punchy and classy e ect. A lot of our homes are Georgian properties, places with high ceilings and big windows that can easily be transformed with a dark kitchen. We’re also seeing more natural marbles and quartzites, which are practically a work of art, and often our splash backs are so beautifully bold, they can act like a statement wall or mural.”

VELVET UNDERGROUND

“As autumn approaches, we drift slowly towards the desire to feel enveloped, to bring comfort and warmth into our homes, says interior designer Lola Swift. Introducing wool, boucl and velvet in inexpensive accessories such as throws and cushions is a simple, e ective addition.

“A great way to break up and soften the harsh angles in a room is to add curved furniture and wooden panelling, adding texture in a visual form and bringing in natural earthy tones that connect the outside to the inside. Expect to see some of the 70s classic colours with a modern twist, such as a rust coloured velvet curved sofa. This is a sophisticated nod to our determined drive for sustainability – repurposing and creating furniture that denotes longevity and a timeless style.

ABOVE: Natural marbles and quartzites are works of art in themselves, says James Horsfall of Bath Kitchen Company;

RIGHT: Introducing wool, bouclé and velvet into decor is perfect for autumn, says Lola Swift

MITCHELLTOBY©

“Black and deep charcoalsare becoming a raging trend”

STAY FOCUSSED

Painting an accent wall is one of the quickest and easiest ways to totally transform a room. As interior designer Clair Strong explains, “It creates a focal point which provides visual interest to the space, and can create a dramatic backdrop for a gallery wall or plant collection. You can get creative with paint circles, stripes, geometric patterns, or ombré walls. The art of ombré is in blending two or more colours together to create a graduated e ect. Try using a bold colour – such as a pink, yellow or blue – and fading to white as the wall meets the oor.

INTERIORSwww.mediaclash.co.uk

“If you’ve got some skill with a paintbrush, consider creating your

own large scale wall art. You could design a statement wall feature using stencils, or paint something freehand.

“Mixing wallpaper and paint is a great way to create contrast and interest in a room. I like to paper one wall in a really gorgeous expensive designer wallpaper and paint the rest of the room in its background colour, so it blends in perfectly. Use wallpaper in panels or as a headboard, and don’t be afraid to use more than one wallpaper design in a room; one wall in a amboyant botanical and another in striped wallpaper can look really striking.”

Interior designer Clair Strong advises the quickest way to transform a room is by creating a statement wall

BACK TO THE FUTURE

e’re noticing a definite move away from sleek, minimalist designs in favour of those that o er to introduce luxury in a more relaxed, comfortable form, says John Law, creative director with Woodhouse and Law. This trend has an undeniably nostalgic nod to the free-spirited d cor of the 70s. It’s an eclectic melting pot; think open-plan spaces, velvet furnishings, soft curved edges, artisanal ceramics and natural materials such as cork and rattan.

The colours that are synonymous with the 70s are those same rich, earthy tones which we associate with autumn itself burnt oranges, terracotta and warm browns. It is those finer details that help evoke that sense of optimism of the 1970s, celebrating texture, geometric shapes and the very modesty of the materials used. The result sees a stripped back and relaxed mix of orals, patterned tiles on walls and worktops, wood panelling and low-slung soft furniture. This resurgence has a comfortable, playful and familiar feel that is likely to continue to appeal in a time of ongoing uncertainty.

John Law notes low sling sofas, rattan, and the travertine coffee table are all part of the 70s luxe revival

THE LIST

Our local businesses are poised and ready to help with all your home décor needs this autumn

SERVICESANDCONSTRUCTIONBUILDERS,ARCHITECTS,PROPERTY

Artistic Plastercraft 4 Lyndhurst Mews, Bath; 01225 315404; www.artisticplastercraft.co.uk

Ashley Collins Decorating 01761 431354; www.ashleycollinspainting.co.uk

Nexus of Bath Unit 9, Ashmead Business Park, Ashmead Rd, Keynsham; 01225 300414; www.nexusofbath.co.uk

Plushh Restoration 01225 767148; www.plushhrestoration.co.uk

SBS Design and Build 439 Bath Rd, Saltford; 01225 874676; www.saltfordbuildingservices.com

Sydenhams Hawthorn Grove, Bath; 01225 833585; www.sydenhams.co.uk

Timber Windows of Clifton 29 The Mall, Bristol; 0845 652 7300; www.timberwindows.com

Youngs Roofing 01225 421499; www o n sroo n at o

BATHROOMS

Bathrooms at No5 5 The Bradford-on-Avon;Shambles,

01225 309110; www.bathbathrooms.com

Formosa BedroomsKitchens,andBathrooms

Ham Green, Holt, Wiltshire; 01225 308541; www.formosakbb.co.uk

Hobsons Choice London Road, Bath: 01225 433511; www.hobsonschoice.uk.com

BLINDS SHUTTERSAND

Aspect Window Styling 1 Saracen Street, Bath; 01225 469559; www.aspectwindowstyling.co.uk

COURSES WORKSHOPSAND

Lola Swift 07971 106546; www.lolaswift.co.uk

The Marmalade House Roundhill Farmhouse, Bath; 01225 445855; www.themarmaladehouse.co.uk

CURTAINS, UPHOLSTERYFURNISHINGSSOFTAND

The Curtain Exchange 11 Widcombe Parade, Bath; 01225 422078; www.thecurtainexchange.co.uk

Perfect Rooms & Interiors and Upholstery Silver St, Gastard, Corsham, Wiltshire; 01249 716445; www.perfectrooms.co.uk

EXTERIORS

Garden Requisites 286 High Street,

Batheaston, Bath; 01225 851577; www.garden-requisites.co.uk

FIREPLACES WOODBURNERSAND

Mendip Fireplaces (Bath) The Old Mill, Mill Lane, Monkton Combe, Bath; 01225 722706; www mendi re a es at o

FLOORING, CARPETS AND TILES

Bath Carpets and Flooring 4 Kingsmead Square, Bath; 01225 471888; www ar etsandfloorin at o

Boniti Dunsdon Road, West Littleton, Chippenham; 01225 89200; www.boniti.com

Broadleaf Timber 134-136 Walcot Street, Bath; 01225 463464; www.broadleaftimber.com

Capitol Carpets of Bath 120-122 Walcot Street, Bath; 01225 333341; www.thecarpet.co.uk

Radstock Carpet & Bed Centre

The Old Cinema, Coomb End, Radstock; 01761 432808; www.radstockcarpetandbeds.co.uk

Simon Davis Flooring

Unit 1 Old Mills Industrial Estate, Old Mills, Paulton, Somerset; 01761 410779; www simondavisfloorin o

Virtuoso Flooring

10 Moorland Road Bath; 01225 972715; www virt osofloorin o

Tel:

Charlotte Wright of Hobson’s Choice is seeing a move to celebrating more natural elements in kitchen design and decor

The Wooden Flooring Studio 43, 44 Vallis Way, Frome; 01373 228388; www t ewoodenfloorin st dio om

HOMEWAREGALLERIESINTERIORS,FURNITURE,ARTANDSHOPS

Bed-E-Buys

26 27, Victoria Buildings, Lower Bristol Road, Bath; 01225 313421; www ede s td o

Edinburgh Wardrobes 0131 466 0258; www edin r wardro es om

Etons of Bath

108 Walcot Street, Bath; 01225 639002; www etonso at om

The Framing Workshop 80 Walcot Street, Bath; 01225 482748; www t e ramin wor s o om

French Bedroom 01444 415430; www ren edroom om an o

Holloways of Ludlow 37 Milsom Street, Bath; 01225 258874; www o owa sofl d ow om

Homefront Interiors 10 Margaret’s Buildings, Bath; 01225 571711; www ome rontinteriors o

The Modern Artbuyer 01225 839834; www modernart er om

The Nick Cudworth Gallery 5 London Street, Bath; 01225 445221; www ni dwort o

Perfect Rooms & Interiors and Upholstery Silver Street, Gastard, 01249Corsham;716455; www er e trooms o

HOME APPLIANCES

Coopers Stores 13-15 Walcot St, Bath; 01225 311811; www oo ers stores om

INTERIOR STYLING

Catriona Archer 07823 884945; www atrionaar er om

INTERIOR DESIGN

Bettina Archer Interior Design 07842 626 162 www ettinaar er om

Clair Strong Interior Design Ltd Walcot Studio, Old Orchard, 5 Argyle St, Bath; 01225 426905/07855 797311; www airstron o

Etons of Bath

108 Walcot Street, Bath; 01225 639002; www etonso at om

Lola Swift 07971 106546; www o aswi t o

Louise Nichole Interior Design 07894 342063; www o iseni o e o

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LIGHTING

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WINDOWS

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ith a fierce commitment to pushing boundaries, and experimenting and exploring the possibilities of the moving image, alini Malani has created a deep black exhibition space in the Holburne Museum with one monumental artwork, ea it is i erent Encompassing over 0 metres of wall, the 25 striking new animations immerse the viewer in a panorama of nine large video projections, played in a continuous loop. ictures by Caravaggio and Bronzino in the ational Gallery’s collection, and by an van der enne and ohann o any in the Holburne collection, have inspired the exhibition’s animations, which opens on 7 ctober 2022, and moves to the ational Gallery next year.

r Chris Stephens, director of the Holburne, says, It is a great honour for the Holburne to have been selected as the inaugural partner in the ational Gallery’s Contemporary Fellowship programme, and to be working with an artist of alini Malani’s stature. I cannot think of a more appropriate artist to engage with the Holburne’s eclectic collection that is replete with transnational stories and conversations.

e are all deeply grateful to the ational Gallery, Art Fund and, of course, to alini for this wonderful opportunity.

My Reality is Different a ini a ani t e rst ever ationa a er ontem orar e ows i e i ition wi o en at t e o rne se m on to erand r ns nti an ar ARTS

AM Thomas is just one of the artists exhibiting with BCAF on 9 October HAT’S

EXHIBITIONS

Until 1 October

SIMON ALLEN

On display at Beaux Arts gallery are new gorgeous works from the sculptor Simon Allen who trained as a gilder and now creates unique gilded wall sculptures. Also exhibiting is the Cardi -based ceramicist Jaejun Lee, originally from Korea, and the painter Mark Johnston. www.beauxartsbath.co.uk

Until 8 October

LINE AND TEXTURE: THE PHOTOGRAPHY OF NANCY SHEUNG

ancy Sheung’s (191 -1979)

photographic work is often focused on the female, with a strong emphasis on patterns and lines, and still remains relevant and contemporary to viewers today.

On 5 October, Nancy’s granddaughter Ti any ai-Ying Beres talks about the significance of her work. The Museum of East Asian Art; www.meaa.org.uk

Until 16 October

Fedden (1915-2012), by including her easel in the installation, as well some of the still life objects she found inspirational. Victoria Art Gallery; www.victoriagal.org.uk

Until 30 October YOU CHOOSE

This is a community-led exhibition with the pieces selected by seven local residents, Bath Spa University fashion design students, and children from ldfield ark unior School. The 11 displays each tell the stories of their personal appreciation and interpretation of the fashion works, and include a 1750s man’s worsted wool banyan and an 1881 beetle wing embroidered day dress. Fashion Museum www.fashionmuseum.co.uk

Until 31 December

HATCHING THE PAST: AMERICAN EXPLORERSDINOSAUR

To commemorate the bicentenary of the death of Bath-based astronomer illiam Herschel (1738-1822), this major exhibition at his former home on New King Street highlights the hugely important contributions both he and his sister Caroline made to the world’s understanding of space, including the discovery of Uranus. www.herschelmuseum.org.uk

Until 8 January 2023

ELISABETH FRINK: STRENGTH & SENSUALITY

and Edgar egas (183 –1917), the Holburne Museum’s brand new exhibition focuses on the artists’ equally radical representations of the human body. www.holburne.org

2 – 3 October

BATHEASTON ART TRAIL

Artists and designers in Batheaston have collaborated to launch the community’s first-ever art trail which will consist of a walking route with stops at some 16 artist studios and St John the Baptist Church, plus a further 12 exhibition spaces. More on page 73. www.growbatheaston.co.uk

9 October BATH ARTISTSCONTEMPORARY

MARY

SIMPLEFEDDEN:PLEASURES

The exhibition of 110 paintings and works on paper sheds new light on the working practices of Mary

This remarkable hands-on exhibition at the American Museum o ers an astounding array of dinosaur eggs and nests collected from all over the globe, with focus on the importance of American fossil sites in our understanding of dinosaurs. www.americanmuseum.org

Until 31 December HERSCHEL 200 EXHIBITION

Featuring themes such as storytelling, animals, humour and violence, this Holburne exhibition displays a selection of Dame Elisabeth Frink’s bronzes and works on paper. The 11 works included depict her unique take on some of the most loved and well-known tales from Chaucer’s The Canterbury Tales and classical Greek mythology, in her Children of the Gods series of etchings. www.holburne.org

24 September –8 January 2023

RODIN –IMPRESSIONISTDEGAS:SCULPTURE

Bringing together two towering figures of modern European art Auguste odin (18 0–1917)

Since its creation in 2020, BCAF has exhibited more than 600 artists across 13 fairs, bringing the best of contemporary art including fine art, photography, sculpture, textiles and much more. Artists at this month’s fair at Green ark Station include painter AM Thomas and ceramicist Kate Marshall. www.bcaf.co.uk

THEATRE / CINEMA

Until 1 October NOISES OFF Michael Frayn’s celebrated play-

BELOW: As part of the Children’s Literature Festival, catch an Elmer story time with Mama G at the Bath Guildhall

within-a-play hurtles along at breakneck speed, following the on and o -stage antics of a touring theatre company as they stumble their way through the fictional farce, Nothing On. Stars Theatre Royal fave Felicity Kendal and is directed by Lindsay Posner. Theatre Royal Bath; www.theatreroyal.org.uk

28 September OCEAN FILM FESTIVAL

From big wave surfing to tiger shark conservation, the Ocean Film Festival is a far-reaching cinematic celebration of the planet’s oceans. Highlights include Circumnavigate about a father of three, Brendon Prince, who attempts to become the first ever to stand-up paddleboard around mainland Britain. Komedia Bath; www.komedia.co.uk

4 – 8 October GIRL FROM THE NORTH COUNTRY

Celebrated playwright Conor McPherson (The Weir, The Seafarer) boldly reimagines the legendary songs of Bob Dylan in the multi award winning musical that tells the heartbreaking story of 1934 America and the meeting of lost souls in a back of beyond guesthouse. Theatre Royal Bath; www.theatreroyal.org.uk

CHILDREN

Until 2 October BATH LITERATURECHILDREN’SFESTIVAL

Europe’s largest stand-alone book festival for children and young people returns with a vibrant array of talks and activities at venues all over the city and to suit all ages. These include Alice Oseman, the creator of the #1 bestselling Heartstopper graphic novel series, as the guest curator; how to draw Manga comics and how to make Aardman animation workshops; plus numerous talks and reading with children’s, teen, and YA authors. www.bathfestivals.org.uk

27 September – 1 October

WE’RE GOING ON A BEAR HUNT

A family go on an expedition of a lifetime in this adaptation of the Michael osen classic. they go looking for a bear and end up running down the grassy bank, wading through the cold river, squelching over the oozy mud, stumbling into the dark forest, and finally peering into a cave. Suitable for ages 3 – 8 years old. the egg; www.theatreroyal.org.uk

8 – 9 October

ATOM AND LUNA

Atom and Luna, left home alone by their mother, are saved from starvation by the arrival of their magical child minder, I y Sney. But I y falls terribly ill and only the twins can save him. Created by BBC 6 Music regular and children’s author Murray Lachlan Young. the egg; www.theatreroyal.org.uk

MUSIC

30 September

MADELEINE PEYROUX

Renowned jazz performer Madeleine Peyroux, often referred to as ‘the Billie Holiday of the 90s’ will perform her multi award-winning 2004 Careless Love album front-to-back in concert, which includes astounding cover versions of Leonard Cohen and Bob Dylan tracks. Bath Forum; www.bathforum.co.uk

6 October DALLAHAN

Forged in Scotland and Ireland’s traditional music community, but drawing on the traditional music styles of the Balkans and North America, Dallahan create an original and seamless musical montage, blending their contemporary in uences from jazz, funk, and pop music, delivered with stunning virtuosity Chapel Arts; www.chapelarts.org

7 October

JENEBA KANNEH-MASON

Finalist in the BBC Young Musician Keyboard Category in 2018, 19-yearold Jeneba Kanneh-Mason has cemented herself as one to watch following her exceptional BBC Proms performance with Chineke! last year. Making her Wiltshire Music Centre debut, Jeneba will perform a dramatic selection of masterworks for solo piano, from Debussy’s Estampes to Liszt’s virtuosic Hungarian Rhapsody At the heart of this programme are a selection of works by Samuel Coleridge-Taylor, the British Black composer, conductor and political activist. www.wiltshiremusic.org.uk

COMEDY

29 September MAISIE ADAM

Relative newcomer yet already a multiaward winner, Maisie’s anecdotal material and witty charm have won her nationwide praise. As she brings her Buzzed tour (a reference to her new haircut) to the Forum, take note of the Scottish Herald’s wise words, “Go see her now, and have bragging rights for years to come.” www.bathforum.co.uk

TOP: The children’senchantingtale Atom and Luna comes to the egg on 8 and 9 October;

MIDDLE: The unique gilded wall sculptures of Simon Allen can be viewed at Beaux Arts gallery until 1 October;

Every Sunday DRAG KARAOKE AT MANDALYNS

Most days of the week the welcoming and upbeat LGBTQIA+ Mandalyns bar has always got something upbeat, fun, and groovy happening, and Sunday nights are no exception. Their drag karaoke nights are in fact so darn good, they’ve made Sunday 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 best and most innovative magicians take to the stage. The intimate 35-seat venue run by resident magician Billy Kidd promises award-winning performers who have also featured on the stages of Hollywood’s Magic Castle, including Penn & Teller’s Fool Us and Wizard Wars, among many others. www.krowdkeepers.com

Every Saturday

BATH FARMERS’ MARKET

Between 9am and 1.30pm a whole array of foodie traders from Bath and surrounds gather together under the Green Park roof, including Bath Soft Cheese, Janifa’s Kitchen, Seven Hills Chocolate, Botanica Studios, Pullins Bakery, and the Thoroughly Wild Meat Co. www.bathfarmersmarket.co.uk

30 September

BATH VINTAGE & ANTIQUES MARKET

On the last Sunday of every month the Bath VA visits Green Park Station, with its wide array of vintage and anti ues o erings, which include decorative antiques, collectables, retro, furniture, fashion, jewellery, sculpture, curiosities, gardenalia, salvage, carpentry, art, and vinyl. www.vintageandantiques.co.uk

CULTURE CLUB

…with Sir Bryn Terfel

Welsh bass-baritone Sir Bryn Terfel has established an extraordinary career, performing regularly on the prestigious concert stages and opera houses of the world. Sir Bryn is a Grammy, Classical Brit, and Gramophone Award winner with a discography encompassing the operas of Mozart, Wagner and Strauss, and more than 15 solo discs including Lieder, American musical theatre, Welsh songs and sacred repertory. On 22 October he’s bringing his Songs & Arias tour to the Bath Forum.

The last great series I saw I really binged on Vikings on Amazon Prime when I was away, as I had the time. The show has connections with the Wagnerian world I sometimes inhabit.

The film I could watch over and over again Dances With Wolves. I sang in Aspen recently, where Kevin Costner has a farm.

A painting that means something to me I’m huge collector of the late Welsh landscape artist Kyffin Williams; I was once very lucky to walk into an auction on a very rainy afternoon and pick up a couple of his works.

Best TV show ever I’ve got to say Breaking Bad. It’s a very brutal world that the show brought to life, but I’m all about characters.

The book I’d recommend I love to read about pianists and Wondrous Strange by Kevin Bazzana, about the life of Glenn Gould, helped me realise how important it is to be happy in your own skin.

The book I’ll re-read Angela’s Ashes. I was lucky enough to meet the author Frank McCourt on a US talk show.

Last live music gig I went to It was actually Sting’s 60th birthday party in New York, and I also performed there too.

My plans whilst in Bath Bath is a beautiful place and just a short hop from where I am in South Wales. I was due to see The Tempest, directed by Deborah Warner at the Ustinov, but sadly couldn’t make it at the last moment. I always do my Christmas shopping in Bath.

My desert island disc Pink Floyd’s The Wall. I was lucky enough to see Roger doing it live, having been invited along by the great man himself.

The first album I bought The album Jazz by Queen, because it had the track Bicycle Race on it.

My karaoke go-to Tom Jones’s Green Green Grass of Home. As ever I have a story with this – I got to sing it live with him on a Tom Jones & Friends show. What a moment!

What artistically inspires me

Choosing the repertoire is simultaneously a joy and a headache. So, if anyone reading this has a song or an aria they’d like to hear at the Forum, please reach out to me on social media – Twitter: @Bryn_Terfel and Facebook: brynterfel – and you never know!

For more: www.bathforum.co.uk

Sir Bryn Terfel is performing at the Bath Forum on 22 October

Go explore the deep with the Ocean Film Festival, coming to Komedia on 28 September

THE INGLEDEWEMMATHINGREEL

As September ends and October begins, now is the time to get cosy with a film. The Little has a great selection of films and events this month to draw you in and transport you to Paris, the Yankee Stadium, a mysterious town named Victory, and a car park in Leicester

Billy Joel Live at Yankee Stadium Screening 9 October

Having sold more than 150 million records, Billy Joel ranks as one of the world’s most popular recording artists, as well as a hugely respected entertainer. His legendary 1990 concert at Yankee Stadium in The Bronx is considered one of the greatest concert films of all time.

Now, in celebration of 50 years of his career, the concert has been re-edited in 4K. It features classic Joel hits including Piano Man, Uptown Girl, and We Didn’t Start The Fire, along with never seen before performance and behind the scenes footage.

Mrs Harris Goes to Paris Release date 30 September

This year brings the third film adaptation of the 1958 novel Mrs. ’Arris Goes to Paris by Paul Gallico, with Lesley Manville taking on the role of Mrs Harris, which was previously played by Angela Lansbury in 1992.

Set in 1957 London, Mrs. Harris is a widowed cleaning lady with a modest existence. She becomes obsessed with a haute couture Dior dress owned by one of her clients, and when she suddenly receives a delayed war-widow’s pension she has the means to buy the dress for herself. She sets

o to aris to try and convince ior that she is suitable to be a new face of the brand.

This charming comedy is Phantom Thread meets The Duke and the cast shine in their roles, especially Isabelle Hupert as the snooty Dior director Claudine Colbert. A heartwarming and winning tale about fashion, friendship, and finding out what you really want.

Don’t Worry Darling Release date 30 September

The thriller that everybody has been anticipating is finally here. Don’t Worry Darling is Olivia Wilde’s sophomore directorial outing, following her hit teen comedy Booksmart. This film is a change of pace from the teenage hedonism of Booksmart and instead Wilde directs a mature and stylish thriller where you question everything.

Florence Pugh stars as Alice, a happy housewife in the seemingly perfect desert town of Victory. However she soon suspects things aren’t quite as they seem. Harry Styles, who took a break from selling out worldwide tours and writing Grammy award winning albums, delivers a performance as her husband Jack that is both riveting and unsettling. As the tension builds, Alice realises the idyllic utopia is actually a terrifying dystopia, and she is left struggling to survive.

The Lost King Release date 7 October

In 2012, the remains of King Richard III were discovered beneath a carpark in Leicester. The search was not orchestrated by a team of seasoned professionals, but rather an amateur historian, Phillipa Langley. Now a new comedy drama, The Lost King, brings her story to the big screen.

This life-a rming film shows how she persevered despite incomprehension from her friends and family, and scepticism from experts and academics, to find King Richard III’s body in what was considered the most unlikely of locations.

Sally Hawkins stars as Phillipa, and Steve Coogan (who also co-wrote the film along with e ope) plays her ex-husband ohn. This is a historical detective story told with elegance, warmth and tenderness. by director Stephen Frears.

Emma Ingledew is manager at The Little Theatre Cinema, 1–2 St Michael’s www.picturehouses.co.ukPlace;

CLOCKWISEFROMTOP: Florence Pugh and Harry Styles star in Don’t Worry Darling; The Lost King with Sally Hawkins and Harry Lloyd tells the story of the discovery of King Richard III in a Leicester car park; Lesley Maville in the new adaptation of Mrs Harris Goes to Paris; Billy Joel Live at Yankee Stadium from 1990 has been re-edited

BOTTOMLEYNICBOOKS

Earlier this year, in honour of the Platinum Jubilee, the BBC and the Reading Agency put together a panel to curate a selection of 70 books by authors from the UK and all around the Commonwealth – ten books from each of the decades of the Queen’s reign.

Like so much of the footage and memories that have been shared since we heard the news of the Queen’s death, reviewing this book list is a striking reminder of just how long the Queen was on the throne. Books like Jean Rhys’ Wide Sargasso Sea, VS Naipaul’s A House for Mr Biswas and A Clockwork Orange by Anthony Burgess, have long reached classic status and yet they were all published in the Elizabethan era.

Choosing my favourites from this list was a depressingly easier job than I had imagined. As with any list that dilutes decades of literary achievement into a smattering of titles, I found I’d read a pitifully small proportion. Owning a bookshop and reading a lot of books doesn’t make you immune from reading ’great novel’ lists with the constant refrain, ‘well, I’ve read something by her, but not that one’.

Here are three more recent novels that are my top picks from those of the o cial ubilee reads that I have read.

A Golden Age by Tahmima Anam (Canongate, 9.99) is a novel I first reviewed in Bath Life back in 2007. I was part of a judging panel for the Costa First Novel Award and we selected this atmospheric novel for our shortlist. The story follows two siblings navigating the divisive events that became the Bangladeshi liberation war. As Sohail and his sister Maya become increasingly involved in the fight for freedom for East akistan (the future Bangladesh), the nerves of their widowed mother Rehana become ever more shredded.

Her story is the most fascinating thread in

the narrative. Born in Calcutta, she doesn’t share her children’s fervent nationalism. Her complex feelings about the upheaval, and the danger it represents to her family, become even more disordered when she begins a secret a air with an injured Major.

A Golden Age is a beautifully written and absorbing story of a woman’s e orts to protect her family through revolutionary times, at the same time as navigating her own passions and divided loyalties.

Kate Grenville’s A Secret River (Canongate, £9.99) begins in 19th century London where illiam Thornhill finds himself transported to New South Wales in Australia following an uncharacteristic criminal lapse. His one stroke of fortune is that he is permitted to take his wife Sal and their young child with him. They endure an arduous journey by sea to the other side of the world and ultimately to freedom and new land, adventure and tensions, in Aboriginal territory on the Hawkesbury River.

This epic-feeling novel has Grenville’s brilliant characterisation but also so many insights to o er about the territorial history of Australia, and the impact of sending British criminals to colonise the country.

Lastly, a few words in favour of Eleanor Catton’s The Luminaries (Granta, £9.99). Though a few words is not enough to do justice to this epic New Zealand gold-rush novel with all its ingenious literary devices (for example, each of its 12 parts is exactly half the length of its predecessor), skulduggerous characters and red herring filled mystery plots. You just have to read it to appreciate all of its nuances, and now’s the perfect time as Catton’s next long-awaited book, Birnam Wood, has been announced for March 2023.

In memory of Queen Elizabeth II –1926-2022.

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

The passing of time“The book list is a striking reminder ofjust how long the Queenwas on the throne”

Nic looks at three books that tell worldwide stories from the Elizabethan era

Matt in Kuwait. On the ‘road of death’ from the Gulf War

“All the wayhome I was thinking ‘whathave I done?’”

PICTURES FROM THE FRONTLINE

The story behind, and the dangers of, drawing a war zone

Words by Joe Houlihan Drawings by Matthew Cook

atthew Cook was worried. The Bath-based war artist was pinned down in a poppy field in Afghanistan with a platoon of British soldiers while the Taliban fired on them from four directions. But it was not especially the gunfire that worried Matthew. The bullets were hitting a couple of metres away, he recalls. e jumped into a ditch and I ripped the brown jumper I was wearing. It was a Christmas present from my wife and my first thought was ‘she’s going to kill me.’

If that reaction displays a degree of sangfroid beyond the comprehension of most of us it is entirely in keeping with the exploits of a man who is as much an adventurer as an artist and whose instinct is to run towards danger. As an art student in London, hearing reports of the otting Hill Carnival riots and the pitched battles between police and trade unionists at apping, he would grab his sketchpad and head to the thick of the action.

Later, his career would see him working as the o cial war artist for The Times newspaper during the Ira ar of 2003 and numerous subsequent visits to the front line in documentingAfghanistan,theconict

Mvia ink drawings in a distinctive style that combines reportage with an evocative sense of place and emotion.

Matthew, who will be talking about his work at the Bath oyal Literary Scientific Institution on ednesday 28 September, remembers jumping with joy the day he received a telephone call from The Times asking him to cover the Ira war. The Times has a long history of commissioning art from war zones and an amazing archive of past works. Although there would be photographers in Ira they wanted me to bring a di erent perspective.

ithin 2 hours he was at the newspaper’s o ces being presented with a large kitbag containing body armour, helmet, water filters, an atropine injection for nerve agents and a BC (nuclear, biological, chemical) suit. All the way home I was thinking ‘what have I done?’

He ew to uwait and rented a four-wheel drive from Hertz, assuring them he had no intention of going to Ira . He promptly drove into Ira and navigated his way to Basra using a map ripped from The Times and whatever landmarks he could spot along the way (usually rail tracks or the smoke from burning forcesBritishAlthoughoilfields).American,andotheralliedweremuchin

evidence, Matthew –travelling alone – felt vulnerable. In addition to the risk of Ira i military attacks, IE s (improvised explosive devices) and ‘friendly’ fire, he was worried about simply being robbed.

Eventually he found his way to Basra and the friendly faces of the oyal Horse Artillery who (unknown to Matthew)

Babylon, Iraq. US troops outside the Ishtar Gates

had been hoping he would show up to document their endeavours. Later he took his sketchpad to Baghdad, finding a room in a bombedout hotel overlooking Firdos Square, where the giant toppled statue of Saddam Hussein became a symbol of the con ict.

Throughout, Matthew had an advantage that some other journalists and photographers lacked, having spent several years as an army reservist (further testimony to the adrenalin-junkie side of his character). Art also played an important part in Matthew’s life from an early age. His father Geo , who died in 2015, worked as an advertising art director and was a keen drawer. Father and son would regularly go o together seeking obscure, abandoned and derelict parts of town to sketch. The through-line to Matthew’s war work seems clear At one point in Iraq I came across an armoured squadron of Saddam’s Republican Guard that had been attacked and destroyed by the Americans. There were rusted, distorted tanks, some still smouldering. I left the car and started drawing. I could have happily spent a year there, drawing that scene,” he says.

ow 58, Matthew moved to idcombe in 201 (his parents had relocated to Great ulteney Street 25 years earlier). He is a full-time artist in constant demand from publications and advertising agencies in Europe and North America. He and his wife Agnieszka have two children, Mia, 15, and Hugo,11. Agnieszka, a jewellery designer and cosmetics maker, has always supported Matthew’s work despite the inevitable anxiety when it takes him into danger. Matthew admits he can be agitated and frustrated immediately after returning from assignments in war zones, needing time to decompress.

It has been a while since Matthew was on the frontline. How would he react now if, say, The Times called and asked him to cover the kraine con ict? ould he go?

In a heartbeat.

Sketches From Iraq and Afghanistan, Matthew Cook’s illustrated talk for the at o a iterar and ienti Instit tion is on e tem er at m or more www r si or

Camp Bastion, Afghanistan.

Cpl Danny Nield being repatriated

Camp Bastion, Afghanistan. Initial assessment of a gunshot wound

“Matthew is as much an adventurer as an artist, whose instinct is to run towards danger”

Sangin, Afghanistan. Orange smoke marking the helicopter landing site

Kabul, Afghanistan. British infantry patrol

“The layout of BAS means I have the choice to work alone solo or to collaborate, learn from and engage with others.”

Mixed media and textile artist Beverley Ferguson

HOUSEART

Celebrating 25 years of the city’s largest community of artists at Bath Artists’ Studios

Words by Victoria Green Photographs by Simon Taylor

This year marks the 25th anniversary of the Bath Artists’ Studios which it is celebrating with an open studios weekend 23 – 25 September. Based in Comfortable lace, o the pper Bristol oad, the space is a combination of private and communal spaces with 55 individual studios, the oper Gallery and a teaching room and is home to 54 artists, makers, and educators.

It’s Bath’s largest community of artists, and could well be one of the most diverse: there are sculptors, ceramicists, painters, and photographers among them, as well as the avant-garde and experimental. The courses and workshops, which are open to all, highlight this eclecticism: as well as classes in life drawing, sculpture and oil painting, there are therapeutic clay workshops demonstrating the ‘healing properties of clay’ and stained glass courses for beginners. Multimedia artist Lauren Cattle who takes the stained glass classes says, “BAS gives a sense of community and togetherness in a world where artists often work alone. It provides a space for privacy, peace and productivity, with friends, discussion, opportunities and collaboration within arm’s

Thereach.”listof projects the BAS artists have been involved in is wide-ranging and far reaching – and include Men and War, a series of images raising money for Combat Stress; the Fifty Bees initiative which is designed to highlight endangered bees; and Impact, a community arts project at Norton Hill rimary School that encourages five- and six-year-olds to explore colours through collage.

Here we meet just a few of the artists who call BAS their working home.

Bath Artists’ Studios Open Studios to mark its 25th anniversary runs 23 – 25 September. For more: www.bathartistsstudios.co.uk

“The studios provide me with collaboration and connection within a diverse creative community, helping make my therapeutic workshops accessible to people in and around the city.”

Samantha Hickman whose hand sewing group, Thursday Threads, has been running at BAS for a year

“BAS is accommodating for the whole spectrum of media, from sculpture and ceramics through painting to digital art and photography.”

Photographic artist Ian Harris

“It is Bath’s largestcommunity of artists”

“The pandemic, with its lockdowns and isolation periods, has only reinforced the value of a dedicated space for “Havingcreativity.acommunity of artists around me contributes in so many ways. It improves my professionalism, seeing how other people go about promoting themselves. It can add confidence, offering opportunities to share work in progress with people around me.”

Artist and printmaker Felicity Bowers who has been a studio holder from the beginning

“It’s a valuable support system and community vital to my career as an artist, while also a space and environment that allows me to express, explore and nurture my creative practice.”

Photographer and designer Tristan Buckland

SHOPPINGBETTER

Clare Day is just one of the 40 artists taking part in the Batheaston Art Trail happening the weekend of 1 – 2 October. Clare, who works mainly with clay, says, “Clay and found objects are at the heart of my practice, alongside a focus on touch and holding. I make imprints in the clay as a way to record a time, a place, a feeling.”

Her glazed ceramic wall piece seen here, Orange Moon, can be purchased directly from the artist at her studio at 6 Warleigh Drive, Batheaston during the trail.

The weekend will also feature a Su ragette exhibition in the village hall to celebrate the crucial role that Batheaston played in modern democracy, with a display of archived photographs and artefacts, along with a Su ragette Caf at Garden illa Eagle House.

Orange Moon by Clare Day priced £65 is available to purchase during the Batheaston Arts Trail, 1 – 2 October; www.growbatheaston.co.uk / www.claredayceramics.com

WHITE HORSE BY BUDD,LORRAINEPOA

Lorraine Budd creates fine art pet and pencils,usesThehyperportraitsanimalthatarerealistic.mediumsheispolychromethe finished result is vivid, with quality.photographica

Venue: InstagramBatheaston;Lane,VillageBatheastonHall,SchoolNorthend, @ ne art anima s

TRAIL AWAY

The Batheaston Art Trail takes place 1 – 2 October with more than 40 local artists. Here are just a few of the impressive highlights to view and shop

TURQUOISE STONEWARE CERAMIC CANDLEHOLDERS FUSED WITH GLASS BY PIU BOSE, £30

Piu is a ceramic and cyanotype artist who works mainly with stoneware clay but enjoys combining mediums to create an interesting fusion in her work.

Venue: 73 Northend, Batheaston; Instagram @ reative da er

SPRING AT LACOCK BY JANE VERRELL, £60

Painted in vibrant acrylics, the scene depicts Lacock Abbey with the ground covered with crocus and da odils, and the sky coeruleum blue with wispy clouds.

Venue: 29 Morris Lane, Batheaston; Instagram @jmvlandscapes

SEEDS OF LOVE BY STUDIO SCRASE,

PRICES RANGE FROM £3 – £65

Studio Scrase’s original gouache paintings and digital media are made into greetings cards, stationery and homeware print, such as these cards inspired by vintage seed packets. en e wi t s otta e vonda e a e at easton www st dios rase om

MASK CORBETT, £500

MASKMINDFUL BY CORBETT,MIKE£500

Carved from tulip wood and inspired by classic African masks, the subject’s eyes are ofthoughtfulinwardsuggestingclosed,anlooking,framemind.

Venue: Brow Hill Lodge, @mikejcorbettInstagramOrchard,CroxhamBatheaston;

DROPLETS BY APOORVA RAGHAV, £300

This acrylic on canvas was inspired by the artist “viewing the rain across the glass pane of my window. It seemed like these rain drops wanted to keep busy with little yellow owers all day long.

Venue: Batheaston Village Hall, School Lane, Northend, Batheaston; www.rungrays.com

PAINTED SILK PERU TUNIC BY CAROLE WALLER, £350

Carole, whose work can be found in the V&A and Harvey Nichols, creates unique clothes and scarves using a combination of painting by hand with dyes and elements of hand screen printing, which introduce more graphic images to the pieces.

Venue: Waller and Wood, One Two Five Box Road, Bath; www.carolewaller.co.uk

ENGLISH HARVEST MOUSE BY ELIZABETH THOMAS, £30

Elizabeth explains why she chose this subject for her Chinese brush painting (A3, framed): “As I get older I worry more and more about the loss of diversity amongst animals and insects. The English harvest mouse, which is under severe threat due to changes in farming methods and pesticides, is our smallest mouse, just the length of the ears of wheat on a single stem.

Venue: Batheaston Village Hall, School Lane Northend, Batheaston

DUET BY MICHELLE DASH, £325

Michelle uses a range of media, including ceramics, to make figurative work evoking mystery, the uncanny, and dark humour.

Venue: 9 Lower Northend, www.michelledash.artweb.comBatheaston;

STONEWARE MUGS BY TOM DEMERANVILLE CERAMICS, £38 EACH

A pair of reduction fired stoneware mugs with Korean Celadon and copper purple glazes.

Venue: 86 Catherine Way, www.demeranville.comBatheaston;

FOOD & DRINK

ACROSS AFRICA

Food writer, presenter and leading voice in African cuisine Lerato UmahShaylor is coming to Topping and Company Booksellers on 4 October. Lerato will share her new book Africana, a celebration of modern African cookery that combines recipes passed down the generations with her own

TAKE IT OUTSIDE

For more: www.toppingbooks.co.uk to South Africa.

Island coconut fish curry, harissa leg of lamb with hibiscus, Senegalese Tunisian along with Lerato’s own tales of Lagos, London and beyond.

Bishopstrow Hotel & Spa has opened a new terrace and Garden Bar in its serene countryside surrounds. The luxurious 19th century manor, nestled in the Wiltshire countryside, will serve up a selection of cocktails, slushies and snacks in the new bar, located on the lawns beside the pool. It’s a thoughtfully created new addition to Bishopstrow’s o ering – the Garden Bar is made of reusable and recyclable materials, and aims to create conversations about the lifecycle of plastics by demonstrating the future potential of reuse. The Garden Bar is open every weekend, 11am-8pm. For more: www.bishopstrowhotel.com

TOBIRTHDAYHAPPYEWE

axton hitfield is celebrating its 225th birthday this year. The UK’s oldest cheesemonger is marking the occasion with the launch of a new, exclusive hard ewes’ milk cheese, Cullum, named after Stephen Cullum, the founder of the 1742 market stall that launched the business.

axton hitfield worked with long-term partner, award-winning cheesemaker Martin Gott of St James, Cumbria, on Cullum, which was inspired by a comment Martin made at the foundation of Paxton’s new maturation rooms. After the summer, British cheesemakers had a surplus of ewes’ and goats’ milk, and limited means to store it. Paxton’s maturation rooms o ered a solution – and so Cullum was created.

“We have been in constant contact with the Martin during the maturation of this first batch to refine the recipe and process, says azz eeves, axton’s uality manager.

e assess the cheese organoleptically every week – meaning they taste, smell, feel and assess it visually – and are delighted to release this first batch for sale, and to continue the maturation of future batches ready for Christmas. The avour of this first batch is bright and juicy. There is a fruitiness which is well balanced by savoury notes, with a subtle sweetness coming from the ewes’ milk. The texture is butter smooth in the mouth, and very moreish.

or more www a tonandw it e d o

Make sure you’ve got plenty of cool, mismatched dishes before attempting any of these recipes

ROSA SCOTT

Classic dishes, top-notch local ingredients and a real love of food

Rosa Scott is the head chef at Flourish Foodhall & Kitchen at Glenavon Farm near Saltford. Flourish operates with an environmentally social and conscious ethos that allows the local environment and local people who work there to both, well, flourish. Rosa heads up the kitchen, where she produces a delicious menu of options filled with the freshest produce, thoughtfully sourced, seasonally inspired and often hand-picked from the Flourish Foodhall next door.

What made you want to become a chef?

It’s quite simple, really; I just love food. Growing up my family always involved me with cooking and baking, so it just seemed right for me to work in hospitality.

Where else have you worked, pre-Flourish?

My first proper job in a kitchen was when I was 16. It was a little café near my parents’ house, and I used to help make the cakes and light lunches. It was a small team, but I’ll always be grateful to the women that I worked with then, they took the time to teach me everything they knew about cooking. After finishing my degree, I worked for several family-run restaurants and farm shops, working my way up the management ladder before starting at Flourish last May.

What attracted you to joining the team at Flourish?

Flourish gave me the opportunity to lead and coach a team in a way that I really believed in and felt that I’d never had the chance to

do at previous establishments. Flourish is creating an environment that breaks the stigma that the hospitality industry has created, and I feel lucky to be a part of its journey in giving employees better pay, a better work/life balance, and to generally make them feel valued as part of a team.

How would you describe your cooking style?

I guess I’m quite traditional when it comes to my cooking style. I love making food that people know and love, but doing it in a way that leaves them thinking ‘that was the best meal ever!’

The fresher the ingredients, the better; that way, something so simple can also be extremely tasty and unique.

Is that what you think makes a great dish?

Yes, using seasonal produce, for me, is the key.

Do you have a process for creating new dishes?

It’s all about including my team. I love asking for their input, as they’re the ones that have to cook it 90 per cent of the time, so they should love what they’re making. It also helps challenge them and develop them as chefs, as I’ll always ask for it to be relevant to the season and for them to think about costings and the logistics of short order service.

What’s your approach to team leadership, more broadly?

I always knew that if I ever got the chance to lead a chef team, I wasn’t going to lead by fear or anger. Too many chefs have horror stories of their terrifying head chefs, and I knew for sure that I didn’t want to be perceived in this way. I like to think that I’ve created a supportive and caring environment for my team to own their strengths and feel comfortable enough to talk to me about how they’re feeling.

How does that support and care work in practice?

I do my best to recognise everyone’s individual ambition and create opportunities to help them feel confident enough to take ownership of their ideas and

have a voice when decisions are being made. I’m not ashamed to admit that I’m not the strongest in my team at certain things, and that’s why I’ve surrounded myself with chefs who are stronger than me. We all support each other and lift each other up when it’s needed, creating a safe and honest environment that allows everyone to shine.

The assumption is cheffing, especially further up the ranks, is a pretty male dominated business. Is that true, and if so does that impact you at all?

Interestingly, I’ve predominantly had female head chefs, but I agree, there is always an image of chefs, particularly head chefs, being male. It’s amazing how many people assume that I’ll be a man and are surprised when they meet me. It’s not just men that assume that, either; women do it too. So many suppliers come into the kitchen and refer to the male chefs in the team as ‘chef’, yet they refer to me as ‘darling’ or ‘love’. It’s not something that I let bother me, or let interfere with how I lead my team.

You get one recommendation. What’s your favourite thing on the menu right now?

It’s got to be the Flourish burger. An absolute classic, but it’s made from high quality ingredients. The burgers are made in-house by the butchers using Stillman’s Farm beef, bu alo mozzarella from Laverstoke Park and salami from Trealy Farm. It’s the perfect example of a dish that uses good local produce.

For more: Flourish Foodhall & Kitchen, Glenavon Farm, Bath Road, Saltford; www flo ris at enavon o

I a wa s newt at i I ever otthe chance to lead a team, I wasn t ointo lead by fear”

BATH SPA HOTEL

Embrace the unbridled spirit of Yuletide with those that matter most. Hold your own exclusive party night for groups of 8 – 120 in one of our many private rooms.

The festivities don’t have to end with Christmas… Join us for true Boxing Day brilliance and indulge in a sumptuous three course meal, giving you the time to relax with those who mean the most after the biggest day of the year.

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

Did your parents ever tell you, ‘if you can’t say something nice – don’t say anything at all’? This kind of happened with The Bear Inn. I had been invited to review the very recently refurbished and finally reopened pub on Bear Flat. I was super excited as this is my near-ish local, so I visited before the upcoming review date. And promptly had one of the worst restaurant experiences ever. We were ignored for an age, finally given a wonky table, could hear sta being shouted at by other sta . Any en uiries were met with irritated shrugs, and the food was shocking (consider this: two rounds of packet sliced brown bread instead of artisanal crackers with a very meagre and limited charcuterie served with so-soft-they-mushed pickled onions, and a side order of dusty-dry mozzarella sticks). My ‘say something nice’ would’ve been the extensive refurbishment is gorgeous – old-school leather and plush velvet fixed seating, illiam Morris style wallpaper, and thoughtfully eclectic art pieces at every turn. But the food and service, not a word.

The next day I cancelled the review.“Probably teething troubles,” I whimpered politely, and suggested a visit when the new look Bear had grown some gnashers. In fairness anecdotal feedback from the Bear Flat massive was a mixed bag – some enjoyed the visit, some less so, everyone was pleased the pub had been reopened, but everyone moaned about how expensive it was.

Was it going to be second time lucky? This time I play

safe and go for a Sunday roast – we have heard good things. Seated safely in a sturdy, non-wonky booth of a ban uette, huge plates of piled high dishes start to mount up in front of us – and it turns out the things we have heard about the roast are all good and true.

The hefty slabs of braised and tender beef have that pink blush centre that tells you the cook got it right; the roughed-up golden-crusted roast potatoes are a soft-onthe-inside thrill (am I the only one who wants to cry when roasties arrive smooth like marbles?); we simply can’t get enough of the oily discs of peppery, onion-y and herby sausage stu ng; same goes for the pigs in blankets – little porky bundles of crispy streaky rashers each cuddling succulent mini-chipolatas. The cauli ower cheese is a bubbling, Cheddar-packed, pi uant hit of a dish and the roasted carrots are sweet and tender. Two things I would uestion the massive uarter of charred hispi cabbage – generous, yes, but to a fault to be honest. And yet they made the cardinal sin of being stingy with the gravy. Not acceptable, people. But all in all, this is a Sunday roast that is a Sunday best – plentiful, avoursome and satisfying. However this is still ‘just’ a roast.

What really did convince me on this second visit that chef Liam Smith knows his stu (and I firmly believe if he’d set eyes on that shambles of a charcuterie board, he’d have set fire to it rather than allowed it to leave his kitchen) was my companion’s starter. It is a mountain of salt cod whipped into a creamy, garlicky firm mousse, so u y it looks like meringue, and so white it puts Snowy

THE BEAR INN Moolla finds sometimes it’s love at second sight when she revisits the revamped Bear Flat boozer

the famous polar bear atop the pub’s entrance to shame. It’s accompanied by bubbled shards of nori crackers (no Sunblest ready sliced for this triumph), the smallest medallions of garden-fresh leeks, sleek strands of crunchy, salty samphire, and glossy alternating globules of malt vinegar jam and aioli. It’s absolutely divine – up there with one of the best things I have ever eaten. It comes as no great surprise to later discover the chef Liam learned his trade at Loch Fyne and knows the dishes of the deep like the back of his hand. I’m gutted (it’s a fish pun – forgive me – but it’s also true) not to have ordered this myself and have snuck back several times since to order it for my greedy self. Each time it’s either been o the menu or they’ve sold out. But that’s okay – I’ll keep checking, and grab a cheeky glass of red while I do so.

I’ve realised doing a review so close to home is a little tougher than the usual jaunts because you’re willing it, with every bone in your body, to be a success. You want to be able to boast to friends and family about this great little boozer just down the road and then take them there for sociable noisy drinks and fab foodie nights out when you can’t be bothered to cook. I’m not convinced The Bear Inn is quite that pub just yet, but it certainly has the potential to be. A few price drops, or a few more small meal options at least, and I’m optimistic the Bear will find its bearings and evolve into a much-loved local.

DINING DETAILS

The Bear Inn, 8 Wellsway, Bath, BA2 4RR; tel: 01225 432100; www.bearinnbath.com

Opening hours Mon - Thurs: 9am -11pm Fri - Sat: 9am -12am Sun: 9am -10pm

Owned by Metropolitan Pub Company (Metro Pub Co)

When established Dates back to 1770; however, was rebuilt in its current form in 1942 after the original building was badly damaged, and subsequently demolished, during World War Two

Notable features It is famous for a polar bear called Snowy above its entrance  Outdoor space A revamped beer garden

Namesof chef Liam Smith Covers 66 in the restaurant

Prices Starters cost between: £6.20 - £10.20

Mains: £13.50 - £23 Desserts cost: £7

Recommendations For starters, try burratina, broad beans, kale pesto, charcoal cracker; for main, the chicken katsu curry, warm sticky rice, soybeans, ginger, sesame dressing; for dessert, the peanut butter, cherry, chocolate tart, with vanilla ice cream

Drinks choice Selection of local craft beers as well as a well-stocked bar with a great selection of gins and whiskeys. Look out for the strawberry infused house Negroni Vegetarian options Lots, including spinach, pea and barley risotto, and the watermelon, coconut, ,and feta salad is a big hit Disability access Yes

In a nutshell A solid four stars with room to be a five star local, once it finds its bearings

“The salt cod mousse is up Iofwiththereonethebestthingshaveevereaten”

SUGAR CANE STUDIO

A cafe serving tasty anpatisseriefrenchwithAsiantwist!

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

“The season to sort out your annualoffice Christmasbash is upon us”

INN?ATROOMTHE

Want to be sure you can Yuletide party with your pals and colleagues? Well, now’s the time to get it booked

By Lydia Tewkesbury

It may y seem a little earlier, but trust us, the season to sort out your annual o ce Christmas bash is upon us. hether you want to eat until you burst, dance until you can dance no longer, or enjoy a taste of the finer things, Bath has many fabulous options for you. Here, we outline just a few of the Christmas party venues available for booking right now

Komedia Bath, 22-23 Westgate Street, Bath, BA1 1EP; tel: 01225 489 070; www.komedia.co.uk

The team at the Grade II listed theatre go the extra mile with metres of twinkling lights draped about, and trees dripping with sparkling decorations. A Christmas do here ends with a show, but starts with a traditional meal – roast breast of turkey or topside of beef with trimmings, or a veggie ellington or Hasselback roasted s uash for plant fans.

The main event: The show. Enjoy omedia’s agship festive show, The rater Comedy Club Christmas Special, featuring a line-up of two leading comics and one of the top compères in the business; or if you’re in the mood for something a bit more risqué, try a witty, wild and wonderful night of Ministry of Burles ue Christmas Cabaret. hen that’s done the after-show disco with cheesy hits and oor filler favourites. The small print: A three-course Christmas meal, show, and after party package is priced at 7 per person. For just a main course, show and afterparty ticket, it’s £37 per person, and there are options without dining ranging from 17.50 – 22 per person.

Flow Bar Frome, 8 The Bridge, Frome, R tel ars

o Christmas the cool way at this spectacular cocktail lounge in Frome. The private lounge bar has a sexy, wall-to-ceiling gold and jungle inspired aesthetic – great for the party and the Instagram shares. A Flow Bar Christmas party can look like an intimate gathering, a cocktail-making masterclass or a large scale bash, for which the entire

Like the Upper Sixth at Hogwarts, we’re all lined up for a feast at Komedia; INSET: A sparkly Christmas cocktail at Green Park Brasserie

two oors can be hired. Flow works with local partners to bring s, small plates or bu et-style platters; best of all, they’ve got a late licence, so there’s plenty of time to make up for last year’s missed celebrations –and more than enough festive drinks to see you through. Special touches: Flow can create a bespoke celebratory drink just for you. Get your thinking caps on!

The small print: Flow o ers a totally individual experience, accommodating groups from 10 – 100 of all budgets, tastes, and party styles. There’s a minimum spend with prices on application, and a low deposit exible payment scheme.

The Circus, 34 Brock Street, Bath, BA1 2LN; tel: 01225 466020; www.thecircusrestaurant.co.uk

It might be small, but The Circus has long been one of Bath’s bestloved (and most admired) restaurants, with a fine location – between The Circus and the oyal Crescent – and a clientele that includes a number of household names. Appealing all year-round, it’s also a Christmas treat, with a special menu and a salubrious atmosphere guaranteed.

A little something special: The Circus Christmas menu features the likes of treacle-cured salmon with pickled beetroot, turkey saltimbocca with prosciutto and sage leaves, and mince pie bread and butter pudding.

The small print: The Circus can hold up to 26 as one party, lunch or dinner, Mondayto-Saturday. The Christmas set menu is 29 for two courses or 3 for three, both including canap s.

CHRISTMASwww.mediaclash.co.ukPARTIES

Robun, 4 Princes Buildings, George Street, Bath, BA1 2ED; tel: 01225 614 424; www.robun.co.uk

The apanese-inspired restaurant oozes a feel of refined, but casual, cool. A Christmas party with a di erence, guests are hosted in the tastefully festive rivate ining oom for a menu of beautifully vibrant dishes rooted in the apanese culinary tradition. The cocktail menu is something else, with must-tries mulled sake (Futsushu sake, Metic red wine, plum Briottet, festive spices and freshly s ueezed orange juice), marason martini (Mozart chocolate li ueur, Teichenne butterscotch li ueur, frangelico and single cream), ikebana (umeshu, Ffir kum uat, okug gin, cacao white, and egg white) and takishido ( iplomatico, Briottet plum and Antica Formula).

A little something special: obun’s menu is a modern take on Yakiniku, the art of grilling meat, seafood and veggies over a traditional charcoal fire, combined with sushi and sashimi, tempura and gyoza. The small print: obun can handle 0 seated and 50 standing. They’re o ering three packages apanese sharing plates, bu et style ( 5pp), three-course set menu ( 5pp), and A Taste of obun menu ( 80pp).

Green Park Brasserie and Bath Pizza Co, Green Park Station, Bath, BA1 1JB; tel: 01225 338565; www.greenparkbrasserie.com; www.bathpizzaco.com

There truly isn’t a bad time to hang out in the beautiful surrounds of the 1800s former railway booking hall that houses Green ark Brasserie and Bath izza Co – but Christmas is particularly special. The buzz that permeates the place takes on an anticipatory air – helped along by the Christmas cocktails, mulled wine and mulled cider that accompany the seasonal menu. The Braz will still be serving the core menu, with festive specials thrown in like bacon and brie arancini, rosemary stu ed camembert with sourdough, fig and carrot stu ed kabocha s uash and pigs in blankets with honey mustard dip. Meanwhile, at Bath izza

ABOVE: Unforgettably good festive food and drink at Robun; INSET: The cosy looking Circus; BELOWLEFT: A Flow Yuletide cocktail looking pretty in pink

Co, they’re planning a bacon, brie and cranberry festive special for December to wash down with mulled cider.

The special something: At Green Park Brasserie, it’s the music. Wednesdays – Saturdays every week the heated terraces are packed to the rafters with punters enjoying jazz, funk, soul, and swing.

The small print: Green ark Brasserie can fit 90 inside, or 150 including the heated terraces and Bath izza Co. Mains from 15 (Green ark Brasserie) and 7 (Bath izza Co). Two for 12 cocktail happy hour will run 12-5pm every day, and a bottomless brunch (with festive twist) from 11am.

Le Vignoble, Milsom Place, Bath, BA1 1BZ; tel: 01225 465907; www.levignoble.co.uk

One for the wine lovers, Le Vignoble isn’t your typical Christmas night out. It’s o ering something that little bit more refined a festive-themed wine tasting. It’s a fun evening and a chance to pick up some know-how to impress the family around the dinner table afterwards. Food-wise, here you skip the standard turkey and nut roast and instead have a light and delicious menu of continental tapas.

Look forward to: Wines matched to the dinner for that Yuletide glow. The small print: Le ignoble can accommodate groups of 6 – 50, with prices from 15 per head.

Cosy Club Bath, Unit R4, SouthGate Place, Bath, BA1 1AP; tel: 01225 464161; www.cosyclub.co.uk

Cosy Club brings a touch of timeless glamour to the festive season. The eclectic décor takes on a festive sparkle, giving it a feel of seasonal elegance only outdone by the spectacular menu that’s filled with oldschool favourites presented with a contemporary air. There’s pigs in blankets with mulled cider and wholegrain mustard glaze, slow-roasted pork belly, dauphinoise potatoes, spiced red cabbage, caramelised

www.mediaclash.co.uk

ABOVE: Enjoy Cosy Club sausages with chips and cocktails; BELOW: Green Park Brasserie awash with light; INSET: Baubles and booze at Le Vignoble

“The buzz that permeates the place takeson an anticipatory air”

apple and red wine gravy for the meat-eaters, and, for the vegetarians, vegan beetroot and squash tarte tatin, roasted new potatoes, carrot, parsnip and sprouts, and red wine gravy, finished with a delicious baked cheesecake with raspberries and raspberry pur e.

Fun extras: eCrackers. This modern take on a Christmas classic reduces the waste of regular crackers – and, let’s face it, no one wants that fortune-telling fish. As well as the usual hat, jokes, and cracker ‘pull’, these eCrackers also o er prizes, including Cosy Club freebies.

The small print: Two-course Christmas dining menus start from 25.95 (available at lunchtime only) or three courses from 33.95 (lunch or dinner). r pop in for a bottomless Festive Brunch (delicious brunch dishes paired with unlimited drinks, 35pp). Email bathbookings cosyclub.co.uk to discuss re uirements and party size.

The Bird, Bath, 18-19 Pulteney Road, Bath, BA2 4EZ; tel: 01225 580438; www.thebirdbath.co.uk

The Bird is known for amboyant fun, and Christmas is no di erent. The pop-up Alpine Lodge behind the ictorian hotel brings a little apr s ski to Bath city – glam, but laid back. r escape to the winter

CHRISTMASwww.mediaclash.co.ukPARTIES

terrace, wrapped up snug and warm in a provided blanket and cosied up beneath the heaters – or inside a glowing dining dome – to enjoy the view of the Abbey, all lit up for Christmas across the way.

The snacks situation: Canadian head chef Rhys is bringing a taste of home with festive topped poutine available seven days a week.

The small print: 0 in the lodge or eight in the domes, from 15pp.

Orchardleigh Estate, Frome, Somerset, BA11 2PB; tel: 01373 472550; www.orchardleigh.net

Is rchardleigh a fairy tale house, or one straight out of a romantic novel? Actually, it’s both. There’s perhaps no grander way to enjoy your celebrations than stepping out of a taxi and into its surrounds, sprinkled with Christmas magic. Sit for a traditional three-course Yuletide meal with homegrown winter veg, the perfect crispy roast potatoes or a delicious cumin and roasted butternut s uash ellington. Festive je ne sais quoi: It’s everywhere you look, but we’re especially fond of the glow of the Italian Gardens, lit up in true seasonal style. There’ll also be a in the house for an after-dinner boogie. The small print: Sits up to 200 at 9 per person. There is accommodation available on site if required, and exclusive Christmas parties can be booked for groups of 50 or more.

The Weaving Shed, 3 Bridge Yard, Bradford on Avon, BA15 1EJ; tel: 01225 866519; www.weaving-shed.co.uk

It doesn’t get much more Cameron- iaz-in-The-Holiday than a night out in Bradford on Avon. The cute little town festooned in sparkling lights, the famous arches of its bridge lit by the gentle glow. And after a wander, get cosy in The eaving Shed. ith a range of four options for starters, mains and desserts, diners are spoiled for choice. Mainswise, it’s a hard call between the free-range turkey with traditional garnish and trimmings; braised ownlands lamb shoulder with red cabbage, rosemary and garlic new potatoes; pan-roasted Cornish hake with sweet potato and clam chowder; or sweet potato and lentil pie with Chantenay carrots and honey-roast parsnip.

Special vibes: We love the open-plan layout, where diners can glimpse the chefs in action, and even chat to them and ask uestions.

The small print: Sits up to 80. Two courses for 30, three for 35, and the meal includes mince pies and crackers.

ABOVE: Fun at The Bird; BELOW: The Weaving Shed in the snow; INSET: Orchardleigh, lush at any time of year

“The Bird is known or flam o ant n

JEAN GENIE

A look back at the rise of denim and how to wear it now

By Jennifer Lovell

Each and every one of us own at least one item of denim, right? In fact, who doesn’t own multiple pairs of jeans? Thanks to Levi Strauss, our wardrobe favourite – which has just seen a Levi’s store open in Bath – the blue denim jean has been around for nearly 150 years. However, they weren’t seen as anything other than basic work wear (never to be seen out and about) until the 1950s. Rebellious teens, and pop culture bad boys like James Dean and Elvis, popularised jeans and made them mainstream.

DECADES OF DENIM

By the 60s, low slung, hip hugging bellbottoms represented freedom and self-expression. During this time, patches and embroidery became popular ways to customise the basic jean. Then came the ‘Decade of

Denim’. The 1970s and denim go hand in hand, where jeans became the height of fashion, worn for any occasion. Denim was no longer just for workers in the yard. From ares and mini skirts to double denim, the 70s brought these looks alive.

The denim skirt came about in the 70s as a way to recycle damaged denim, a sustainable and environmentally way of thinking totally relevant in this eco-aware decade. Lengths varied from mini to boho with raw edges and patchworks. Flares began as a DIY trend, cutting side seams and inserting a panel to create a bellbottom. Soon enough, manufacturers cottoned on and ares were making headlines.

The 80s brought us acid washes and distressed ripped jeans and high waisted statement styles. While the 90s saw baggy, skater jeans popularised with the younger generation as we saw the rise of the grunge and hip-hop scenes. Of course, the notorious ‘bumster’ was also brought to the fashion elite by Alexander McQueen – but who wants to see that kind of ‘cleavage’ again?

CHOOSE YOUR STYLE

With so much denim on the high street and vintage pieces in charity shops and thrift stores, it’s easy to find a pair of jeans or a denim jacket or skirt to suit your taste and style.

Nowadays, it’s a fact that blue jeans are always in fashion; however, it’s vital to pay attention to di erent cuts and styles. And with all that choice out there, which styles should you be lusting after in 2022? Slouchy silhouettes are here to stay. The baggier the better, wide leg, oor length. Think mom jeans, relaxed and loose on the legs. Baggy jeans played a huge part in the 90s, an era driven by music-led movements; most notably, loose fitting jeans were seen in the hip-hop sub-culture. This trend resonates with a younger generation looking for a modern take on the 90s trend which many of us will have experienced first time around. If you want to lengthen your legs, opt for a highwaisted pair and get the best of the 70s and 90s together.

FEELING BLUE

Faded, light wash jeans have been popular for quite some time but we can expect to see dark indigo making a comeback. Saint Laurent and Dior’s runway shows have proved that dark washes give you an instant, easy polished outfit. The late 70s were a popular time for the indigo jean, as jeans became darker and tighter – deep turn ups are also making a comeback, spotted on many a fashionista in fashion weeks.

DRESS UP, DRESS DOWN

White tops look fantastic when paired with all denim. If you’ve chosen slim jeans, then billowy and loose on top works well for balance, and a crisp white tucked in t-shirt (not cropped, unless you’re under the age of 20) for the slouchier jean. If you go for trainers, turn up the bottom of the jeans a smidge to show them o , and if you want the long and lean look, then boots under boot cut jeans will do the job. And to add panache and polish to your look, a tailored jacket is always a cut above, while for that rock’n’roll vibe, a leather jacket is a timeless classic.

Jennifer Lovell is the virtual shop manager for Dorothy House Hospice Care. The charity, which provides end of life care, has 25 high street shops across the region selling fantastic pre-loved items which provides a large part of their income, plus they also have an online shop.

Photography by Egle Vasi; www.eglevasi.com

Styling by Anna Power

Venue is Rondo Theatre Model is Olivia Hope Anthony

LIST

1940s Dungaree Dolls, £87.50, from Deadly is the Female, 59 Catherine Street, Frome; www.deadlyisthefemale.com 70s midi skirt, £80, from Levi’s, Unit 6, St Lawrence Street, www.levi.com

Thistle And Bird denim scarf, £10, from Flock Bath, 12 - 13 The Corridor, Bath; www.flockbath.co.uk

2. 19 Bath; 3. 4.

Embroidered floral blue denim jacket, size large, £19.99, from www.dorothyhouse.shop

5. ISCHIKO® Pullover Sanmonica, £ 169, from Bath Oska, 30 Upper Borough Walls, Bath; www.oska.com

6. Metallic elastic belt in black/ gold, £22, from Sassy & Boo, 9 Bartlett Street, Bath; www.luellafashion.com

7. BA&SH Tanguy jeans, £185, from Square, 12 New Bond Street, Bath; www.squarebath.uk

8. Zipp iridescent ankle boots, £245, from Chanii B, 9 Milsom Place, Bath; www.chaniibshoes.com

9. Jewel leather jacket by Culture, £349.99, from Spirit Fashion; 3 High Street, Devizes; www.spiritfashion.co.uk

10. Selected Femme Ally shirt in denim blue, £65, from Maze, 19 Green Street, Bath; www.mazeclothing.co.uk

GLOW UP FORCHRISTMAS

WHATLEY MANOR HOTEL & SPA Easton Grey, Malmesbury, Wiltshire, SN16 0RB; 01666 822 888; www.whatleymanor.com

Whatley Manor is a grown-up getaway in the heart of the Cotswolds. Come on in and discover a whole new relaxed and enjoyable experience. Try the innovative tasting menu with specially selected wines in The Dining Room, the Michelin-starred restaurant headed up by Executive Chef Ricki Weston. Or enjoy a relaxing evening in Grey’s Restaurant. Immerse yourself in tranquillity at Aquarias Spa, with luxurious treatments, and the soothing ambience of the Thermal Suite. Take a dip in the hydrotherapy pool, or explore the 26 individual garden rooms, where you can escape to the Bird Hide or find a quiet spot on the river bank.

VANESSA MEYERS

2 Upper Lambridge Street, Bath, BA1 6RY; 01225 462108; www.vanessameyers.co.uk

Vanessa Meyers salon sits on Upper Lambridge Street in the heart of Larkhall, a thriving and busy community of Bath. Established for 30 years, Vanessa has a great team of highly trained staff who have created a very friendly salon. They support the local schools and festivals, and provide a family focussed environment. You can enjoy Nespresso coffee during your visit, wifi and there’s a toybox for the kids. They offer a complimentary treatment with every colour, as well as a relaxing scalp massage. You’ll find top leading brands such as L’Oreal and Joico. Your hair, your mind and your soul are important to them. Visit their social media pages for images of their work, and many testimonials from happy clients.

LITTLE LAB 20 Broad Street, Bath, BA1 5LN; 01225 www.littlelab.co.uk310849;

As well as 42 enchanting bedrooms, Lucknam Park Hotel & Spa also offers six luxury self-catering cottages, ideal for any staycation. These cottages are perfect for couples or families and are each uniquely designed and dressed in a classic British country style. Guests have access to all Lucknam Park’s facilities, including the award-

winning spa, equestrian centre,

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-fiveminute daily routine for over 12 years in their shop in Bath, and have taught 6,000 people their bespoke routine. Think of it as ‘shy of makeup’ mentoring, aimed to give confidence. Book Live for your beauty appointments.

This season, look after your body and mind with these feel-good treatments and escapes

CHILDREN WITH CANCER ASK THE TOUGHEST QUESTIONS

Parents and children have difficult conversations all the time, from where babies come from to why they’re not allowed to do certain things.

When your child has cancer, conversations go from being difficult to unbearable: How do you tell your child they have cancer? What do you say when they ask why they’re in hospital all the time, or why they can’t play with their friends? And how do you tell a child with cancer, or their siblings, they won’t get better?

Our Childhood Cancer Awareness Month campaign highlights the tough conversations children and young people with cancer have every day, and how Young Lives vs Cancer social workers help. They listen to their worries, anxieties and fears. They help them understand what’s being said about their cancer and what’s planned. They support them to find the words to express how they feel. They make sure the people closest to them can be by their side and help them find the strength and resilience to face the trauma of cancer.

BONDVICTORIAGUIDESCHOOL

Making the grade

his summer saw the release of the first set of GCSE and A level determinedresults by external exams since 2019. Column inches speculating the scale of grade de ation had been as numerous as chipped mugs in a school sta room. verall, however, the results did exactly what it has said on the exam regulator’s tin grades were pulled back from the generous teacher assessed marks of 2021 but had some way to go before they were back to pre-pandemic normal.

At A level, the number of A and A s were reduced by 8. percentage points but would have to drop a further 10 points to match 2019’s ‘full fat’ exams. However, pupils were right to be nervous about whether university o ers, which are based on grade predictions by nice teachers – would they match up with the letters in their results’ day envelopes? ver 20,000 pupils missed their first choice o er and were thrown into clearing; up 6 per cent on the year before.

It was a similar dip-not-plunge

Tpicture at GCSE. The proportion of pupils achieving top grades dropped by 9 per cent but this was only a third of a way back to 2019’s scores. rivate schools saw the biggest fall in top grades, the north-south divide widened, and girls continued to outperform boys with 8 per cent more grade 7s, 8s andrior9s. to this exam series, the plan was to see a full return to prepandemic grading in 2023. But less than 2 hours after the results were published, f ual announced that there would be a full review of how to assess the Class of 2023 fairly. It’s widely expected there will continue to be some adaptations to exams and grading to re ect learning disruption – for next year at the very least. hat about beyond the next 12 months? ith multiple exam board errors – including incorrect uestions and missing papers

– and public confidence in the value of grades at an all-time low, calls for an overhaul of the whole analogue system are growing. The pandemic highlighted an urgent need to modernise the way exams are set and marked, and also widened the cracks in the ‘rigorous’ GCSEs that force schools to teach to tests and only reward children with good recall.short-termMorethan a third of state school students failed to get a standard (grade ) pass in GCSE in English and maths this seriouslySomethingsummer.iswrong.

hat’s more, with the majority of pupils now staying in some form of education until they are 18, a major once-size-fits-all exam series at age 16 is outdated. Better to opt for a testing system, as per many European countries, that allows pupils to actually enjoy their learning until 16 without the threat of high-stakes tests.

Then, they can spend their final two years following a broad curriculum of modern vocational and academic subjects and get grades decided via a hybrid mix of teacher-assessed coursework and regular written tests.

As I write ‘written’ tests, I am of course typing, and even if a better system for examining our children is still only being talked about in the , exams on computers are set to become a reality. f ual has confirmed it’s planning to move all GCSEs and A levels online by 2025, and exams could even start to include adaptive testing, which varies the di culty of the uestions as a student progresses depending on how well they are performing. It’s one small step for our children, even if a giant leap is needed.

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

For more: www.schoolguide.co.uk

highlightedpandemic“Theanurgentneedtomodernisethewayexamsaresetandmarked”

What have this year’s A level and GCSE results shown us about the education system?

This is the first year since the pandemic that A level and GCSE results are exam based again

It’s the city’s business

BATH WORKS

THIS

Bath Spa has become the first university in the South West to receive the Social Enterprise Gold Mark Stay golden

Bath Spa University has been awarded the Social Enterprise Gold Mark in recognition of its outstanding work as, yes, a social enterprise. It’s the first university in the South est, and only the fifth in the whole of the UK, to achieve the award for its commitment to putting people, communities and environment at the heart of what it does.

“We are really proud to achieve the Social Enterprise Gold Mark in recognition of the creative and professional approach to social value, justice and sustainability that we are becoming known for with regional, national and international partners,” says Professor Sue Rigby, vice-chancellor of Bath Spa. “As a university wedded to practical outcomes and applying our research and teaching to ‘real world’ challenges, the Gold Mark is part of how we build a nurtured and thriving future with our

students, business and cultural collaborators.”

The university received particular praise for its emphasis on employability opportunities and its various partnerships that link students to the needs in the local area. These opportunities don’t stop at full time students, and Bath Spa was also commended for its fully funded short courses for local residents and incubator for start-ups, both of which have a positive social and economic impact on the city.

“A big and well-earned congratulations to Bath Spa University,” says Lucy Findlay, managing director of Social Enterprise Mark CIC. It is fitting that in the process of reaching this prestigious status we helped highlight the amazing work that the university carries out to make sure that their students combine gaining excellent employment opportunities with supporting the local community and economy. A characteristic of a great social enterprise and pioneering university truly rooted in its locality.”

For more: www.bathspa.ac.uk

Bath Spa university received particular praise for its emphasis on employability opportunities

Airbnb alternative host a fan is a new initiative from Bath-based Masters Business Administration graduate Louis Bollard; it allows rugby fans to attend away games without facing the spiked accommodation prices that often accompany them. Described as ‘rugby’s free Airbnb’, host a fan is a growing community of rugby fans who put each other up during away trips.

“I used a very similar community, but for cyclists, in a cycle tour across Europe, and stayed with a number of fellow cyclists along the way,” says Louis. “It not only saved me hundreds of

pounds on accommodation costs, but I also had incredibly amazing experiences with the hosts as I went. They wouldn’t just host me but also fed me, helped me wash my clothes and shared stories around a passion – for cycling. I was so humbled and inspired by the experience that I wanted to replicate it in other areas.”

Living in a big rugby city, there was no better place to start than right here. Rugby fans can sign up to become hosts, and to be hosted, now.

For www.hostafan.comore:

HOSTBollard WITH THE MOST

STRAIGHT TO THE POINT

Transdermal Diagnostics, a University of Bath spinout company, has received £1.1 million funding to create the world’s first needle-free continuous glucose monitor. r Adelina Ilie, Dr Luca Lipani and Professor Richard Guy from the Departments of Physics and Life Sciences at the university are the lead researchers behind the wearable patch, which allows people with diabetes to painlessly monitor their blood glucose levels. The grant money raised, via seed investment and a grant from Innovate , will allow them to take the cutting-edge technology commercial.

ur wearable, a ordable patch will appeal particularly to people living with Type-2 diabetes and those considered to be pre-diabetic. It has great market potential because no such technology currently exists on the market,” says Dr Ilie. “Developing the patch needed a truly interdisciplinary approach, and was only made possible by the latest advances across multiple fields, such as advanced nanomaterials, nanoand bio-technology, and machine learning-driven data analysis. Scalable methods able to deliver a device like ours on a exible platform were also essential.”

For more: www.transdermal-diagnostics.com

FOCAL POINT

ellow-based artist Emma ose has seen a very special commission take pride of place in Chesil Cli House in evon. The lighthouse-inspired waterfront property owned by Edward Short featured on a 2019 episode of Grand Designs and is currently on the market with night Frank for 10m.

I was commissioned by Edward Short, the owner, over a year ago to create a dramatic sunset painting for the atrium, says Emma. He and I had met by sheer chance in a Bath co ee shop ueue, got chatting, and realised we’d both been staring at the same North Devon sunset for years – once or twice a year, for 58 years, in my case. e hit it o instantly. The house is virtually unfurnished for the new owner to put their stamp on the place, so the painting had to be an absolute showstopper, which undulates with colour, tone and texture in all di erent lights.

Most recently, Chesil Cli House – and Emma’s painting – featured in an episode of BBC Breakfast during an interview with TV presenter Kevin McCloud, who will be revisiting the house in the current series of Grand Designs For more: www.emmaroseartworks.com

Emma Rose painting in situ at Chesil Cliff House

Martina Piano, senior scientist for Transdermal Diagnostics; Dominic Davies CEO of Immetric; and research leads Dr Luca Lipani, Dr Adelina Ilie and Prof Richard Guy

host a fan founder Louis

THESHAKERSANDETCEXTRAMILE

This year’s Stone King Award was recently presented to all Bath ugby’s support sta at the Bath Rugby Supporters Club (BRSC) 25th anniversary event.

“Last season the pandemic presented a whole set of di erent demands, hurdles and other issues that has brought the best and hardest e ort out of everyone, says BRSC secretary David Harrington. “We all know about the team we support and cheer, but there is another team that is just as important, as without them, no rugby could be played. During the 2021/22 season the Covid pandemic was continuing to throw curve balls. Games suddenly cancelled, new procedures that players and spectators had to follow, and constantly changing rules for home and, especially, away travel.

“This special group of people had to take all this in their stride. They had to make sure that all players and spectators were safe and the facilities were available for the games to be played. www.stoneking.co.uk

ON A ROLL

Zen internet has launched gigabit speed broadband in Bath following its CityFibre rollout across the city and £24m infrastructure investment in the area.

“Being named the only Which? recommended provider for broadband for two consecutive years, and topping the table for seven, is a testament to our commitment to providing our customers with a highuality service, says aul Stobart, CE of Zen Internet. “We want to inspire the residents of Bath to choose the right path when it comes to their internet connectivity, which will in turn unlock the power of sharing, learning, and communication. www.zen.co.uk

WERK IT

Applications are now open for erkhouse, a weekend studio experience hosted in Bristol and aimed at early-career creatives. Founded in 2017 by a small group of design professionals from Bath and Bristol, it looks to help young creatives succeed in the industry with studio-led design training with a fast-paced, real-time client brief and team-orientated tasks that give a taste of the studio environment. This year’s Bathbased participating agencies include Sunhouse Creative, sborne ike and alker ansseune, alongside a range of Bristol companies.

“Having employed many graduates and young designers over the past 25 years, from many di erent backgrounds, I often felt, like many agency owners I spoke to, that the

young designers could be more prepared for starting work, says Bob Mytton, co-founder of erkhouse and director of Mytton illiams. “We wanted to give them an insight into working in a creative agency – how to debate and think through a design brief, how to work as part of a team and how to generate and share ideas. And as a bunch of volunteers, we do our best to be inclusive and support diversity, to try and help those who maybe don’t have the connections to get a work placement.

Werkhouse actively welcomes applications from anyone over 18 looking to pursue a career in the design industry, regardless of whether they are self-taught or have any formal design training. For more: www.werkhouse.co.uk

Bright, autumnal colours: the perfect seasonal look from Monsoon

INDIANWerkhouseSUMMERisaweekendstudio experience aimed at early career creatives

r autumn, at least. Top-notch womenswear specialist Monsoon, with its Indian in uences and bohemian feel, has returned to Bath after an eight years absence with a new bouti ue concept store on ld Bond Street, not far from The Body Shop and Gieves & Hawkes. Sustainability and an ethical approach will be front and central, with 10 per cent of the store’s first month’s profits donated to the brand’s charitable arm, The MonsoonAccessorize Trust, which supportsdisadvantaged communities across Asia. Combining a gorgeous Grade II listing building with new heritage- avoured decor, artisan wood-blocking and weaving heavy in the mix, the new store showcases a curated collection of the womenswear, childrenswear and homeware collections, alongside aguest capsule from women’s brand EAST. Thisis a bold newexpression of Monsoon, says marketing director amie Coomber-Blunden, taking us back to our roots and celebrating the joy andcolour that is so rich in our heritage.

For more: www.monsoon.co.uk

David Harrington, secretary of the BRSC, with award-winner Sam Kelly, Luke Watson of Stone King and award-winners Emily Daulby, Sarah Penman and Cam Desai

BIZ Q&A

You were recently a finalist for in the NatWest Woman of the Year Awards. What was that like?

The awards are a great opportunity for women in business to be recognised for the achievements they make, born out of passion, hard work, swimming against the current and carving out new paths. It meant a huge amount to me personally, but I’m most grateful that I can help the girls, ladies, and women who follow. I will always support women in the workplace; they have thoughtful and passionate minds. The energy in a meeting room filled with women is captivating and infectious.

bedsappetiteknewbedbeautifultofromMetcalfeGeorgiareturnedabirthdaytripFrancewithanewFrenchandanidea.ShetherewasanforFrenchintheUK,but

In 2006

with elements of French and quality at the core. Everything inspires us, from artwork, to owers in bloom, ru es on lingerie, even the female body. Our designs blend classic with a fresh contemporary twist.

modern life, children, dogs, and daily use. Modern interiors with beautifully appointed bedrooms are fresh, light and bright, in pale tones and natural textures that don’t overstimulate but are still smart and elegant.

You also been an official UK Cool Brand for half a decade – what about your brand has earned this accolade over and over again?

no supply – the market was only small, antique beds. So she launched her brand, French Bedroom, where customers could browse and buy pieces from home, on their own time. Georgia, who grew up around Bath, had a clear sense of the brand right from the beginning, and it’s one that still rings true today: beautiful pieces and a trust-based relationship with a predominantly female audience. Since 2006, French Bedroom has grown from a kitchen table operation to a company with a blossoming international reputation.

How would you describe the French Bedroom look?

It is as much a story about a furniture company as it is about exhibiting a passion for design, craftsmanship and a perfect pairing of classic shapes and on-trend colour palettes. Our designs are rooted in femininity,

What are some of the hallmarks of French design we’ll see in the collections?

Cabriole legs, acanthus leaf and oral hand carvings, leaf handles, uted columns, and curved upholstered headboards are all quintessential French design elements that appear throughout our collections. Colours are muted and gentle (think sage green, petal pink, antique white and French stone), and fabrics are silk, velvet and linen.

How have you adapted the look for day-to-day life?

We know that the elegance of French design appeals to many customers, but the layout and aesthetic of modern homes doesn’t always accommodate a full set of antique gold matching French furniture adorned with the traditional maroon velvet or silk upholstery. Our customers want furniture that will go with them through the decades whilst tolerating

What are some of the ways would you say Bath has inspired your aesthetic?

The Georgian architecture of Bath has always appealed to me. It’s the symmetry, the panelling, the columns and especially the acorns that adorn the top of The Circus buildings (paying homage to the pigs who apparently found the first hot spring as they dug for food). Georgian art and design takes its roots from French as well as Roman design, and the neatness and symmetry are emulated in our French-inspired designs today.

When I design beds, I often think about the homes we had in Bath (both on Camden Crescent then Bathwick Hill). I think how the beds would sit in the bedrooms of those homes, and the colour palettes coordinating with the tones of the skies and rolling hills that surround the city.

We have a reputation built on providing authentically-designed, feminine and high-quality French furniture. Our brand strength is built on the foundations of our authentic love for the products we design and manufacture, combined with our industry-leading customer service (our sta are interiors experts) and our after-sales care.

What makes a ‘cool brand’?

In order to really succeed as a brand and as a company, you have to start with your customers. Designing pieces that answer problems for their day-to-day life, knowing how your customers live, what they want from their home and the furniture they use within it. Then you have to sell to them in a way that suits their timings and needs (online, phone, day or evening). You also have to be able to inspire and delight with visually aspirational imagery.

Finally, you need to be as excited as your customer is as they purchase their items, o ering first-class customer service, delivery and postpurchase support.

For more: www.frenchbedroomcompany.co.uk

The founder of French Bedroom shares how her roots in Bath inspired her design aesthetic Georgia Metcalfe

“WE HAVE FURNITURE”FRENCHHIGH-QUALITYBUILTREPUTATIONAON

BATH LIFE AWARDS 2022

Ruth Keily and Jenny Perez on picking up a second Bath Life Award for Mentoring Plus

CHARITY WINNER

behind doing a celebratory dance and high fiving guests in the Ballroom – it may have been caught on camera!

Was it still as exciting?

Mentoring lus is a community youth charity supporting children and young people who struggle at school, with family di culties or with mental well-being. These are tough times for young people anyway, and Mentoring lus helps them feel safer, more confident, able to engage with school and hopeful for the future. This year they picked up their second Bath Life Award.

Was there anything different this time, picking up your second Bath Life Award?

hen we won in 2018, the photographers were circling our table so we had an inkling. This year they were more subtle, so we convinced ourselves it wasn’t to be – how wrong we were! As one of us made a bee line for the stage, the other was

Yes definitely, and it was surprising, among such amazing local finalists. Also it was so pleasing that judges recognised the fantastic contribution of our sta , volunteers and supporters. ur Awards sit a windowsill next to our vision, mission and values statement – and alongside a dodgy mug from Abu habi.

What would you say are the winning qualities of Mentoring Plus and its team?

I like to think the judges recognised our exibility to keep transforming our work and maintaining delivery. In a challenging year, we also rebuilt our website, creating an online shop to fundraise. It was at out getting both live in the full-on preChristmas period.

To attract volunteers, raise funds and give young people great opportunities, we need to be an integral part of our community. artnerships across the region are a real strength of ours, from other charities to Cleveland ools, Holburne Museum and both universities.

What is it you really love about working for Mentoring Plus?

Meeting nice, ordinary adult volunteers from our community who decide to train as a mentor, meeting them again when they bring their young mentee to iverside Youth Hub for some games or cookery – and hearing that mentee laughing as they thrash their mentor at air hockey in our caf area.

Can you share a high point?

Young people give us some humbling feedback. ecently a young person facing tough challenges told us, I give Mentoring lus a 10 10. It has really helped me in the way I need it. Hasn’t been like that with other services.

What are some of the difficulties you’re facing at the moment?

In the last two years we’ve been unable to raise as much money as we did from community events and hiring out iverside. e’re hoping that our community will be able go back to running, cycling, having cake sales and so on to support us.

What’s the best part about working in Bath’s business community?

e’ve had some great support from local businesses, from the caf s and venues who give discounts to our mentors and young people to businesses like Brewin olphin and oodle, who have chosen us as their charity of the year. A special shout to fellow Award winners igital onderlab, who created our website and worked tirelessly to meet our deadlines.

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

After a Bath Life Business Surgery webinar, we connected with athan at igital onderlab. His advice was to ‘just ask’ – to reach out to our business community and make the ask. eople can only help you if they know what you want.

Finally, tell us something surprising. iverside really is on the river! The landing stage is overgrown and home to a lively badger set, but maybe one day we’ll have the funds so the community can make the most of it again! (The badgers can stay.)

For more: Mentoring Plus, Riverside Youth Hub, York Place, London Road, Bath; www.mentoringplus.net

Ruth and Jenny celebrate after being presented with their Award by Tom Annear

SPONSORED BY

BATH

NO MORE BLAME GAME

THE NEW RULES

There are certain words in the English language that become inextricably coupled together; two such words are ‘acrimonious’ and ‘divorce’. These two words are so entwined it seemed as though you couldn’t have one without the other. However, on 6 April 2022, the first major change to the divorce law in 50 years took significant steps towards decoupling these two wordsThisaltogether.isaconsequence of the Divorce, Dissolution and Separation Act 2020, which introduced the concept of No-Fault Divorce, a welcomed reform that has dispensed with the outdated fault-based process. Break-ups can be painful enough without a climate of accusation and guilt, and the new system now allows couples to legally separate without the damaging process of pointing the finger.

Under the new law, a statement that the marriage has irretrievably broken down is all that is required. No-Fault Divorce aims to not only reduce conflict between parting spouses, but also sets about dispensing with the damaging victim mentality it at times created.

THE IMPORTANT ISSUES

Ultimately, the reasons for the breakdown of the marriage are not as important as resolving the important issues at hand, such as children,

property and finances. So, one of the greatest benefits of No-Fault Divorce is that it enables former couples to concentrate their energies on finding the best solutions for the future, rather than squabbling about the past.

NEW TIMESCALES

It’s the aim that obtaining a divorce will become more straightforward, as the rules will now allow the application for divorce to be ‘served’ on the other party by email.

The new timescales are also relatively straightforward, and it is estimated proceedings should take a minimum of 26 weeks to finalise. The old terminology of ‘Decree Nisi’ and ‘Decree Absolute’ will be replaced with the new terms ‘Conditional Order’ and ‘Final Order’. So, after an application is made a period of 20 weeks will elapse before a Conditional Order is granted and then a requirement to wait a further six weeks before applying for the Final Order.

It is during the initial period before a Conditional Order is granted that it is advised that couples look to settle any outstanding issues. Timings can also be important, especially if there are tax considerations.

For more information about divorce please contact our family team on 01225 750 000

What are the benefits of the new No-Fault Divorce law?

Training that gets you there faster and leaves you there

MEET THE SOLICITOR

Many moments in life call for a legal expert, whether it’s buying a home, getting a divorce, or starting a business. Here’s who to call…

REBECCA ISAAC

AMD SOLICITORS

0117 9744100; amdsolicitors.com

Why should readers use your services?

We have a highly experienced property team who have worked together here at AMD for many years, some for over 20 years. As a full-service law firm we are also able to draw on support from our other departments when needed, for example, commercial property or corporate where a property portfolio is held by a limited company.

Our model places client relationships at the heart of our service, rather than volume. We enjoy advising clients with a first-time buy right through to developing and managing a sophisticated property portfolio.

How has the pandemic changed how you work? We were already in a good position to utilise remote working so our working practices aren’t materially different. That being said, while some clients like to work remotely, a lot of our clients like the flexibility of being able to call into one of our offices to drop off documents or ask a question if passing. It is great to have this option return and to see our clients, in person, in the office again, something our solicitors have really missed over the last few years.

What do you find most rewarding about your role?

It is impossible to eliminate all stress for clients when moving home but it is our job to make our experience count for our clients when leading the conveyancing process.

What’s your role at Mogers Drewett?

I’m a senior associate in our Private Client team specialising in Wills, Trusts and Succession Planning, with a particular emphasis on inheritance tax planning. I also advise on Powers of Attorney and Court of Protection matters.

What was your very first job?

I was a gymnastics coach to children between the ages of 5-10. A different career stemming from my childhood gymnast days, but one which was incredibly rewarding, particularly seeing the children’s personalities and skills develop.

What sets you apart from others in your sector?

Apart from being STEP qualified (which is a worldwide recognised body of experts in Private Client work), I’d like to think it’s my approach with clients. There are often complex areas of law and tax that need exploring.  I’m not here to ‘bamboozle’ my clients; my role is to explain these issues in a clear and non-technical way to ensure they understand. Private Client law is also emotive, especially nowadays where family dynamics are often very diverse. It’s important to me that my clients feel at ease, are happy to openly discuss issues and see the value of my advice.

HELEN STARKIE HELEN STARKIE SOLICITOR 01225 442353; www.helenstarkie.co.uk

What area do you specialise in?

We specialise in non- litigious work for individuals, families and entrepreneurs — Tax Planning, bespoke Wills, Probate, Powers of Attorney, Court of Protection work, Care Home contracts, Care Funding and Property transactions of various types.

When was the firm founded and by whom?

I founded the firm twelve years ago. After training and qualifying at a London firm I had for over twenty years run very large private client departments in two sizeable regional firms; but I became disillusioned by the way that they had become more ‘corporate’ in their approach to private individuals and the loss, as a result, of a personal service to clients. To me that is the essence of being a private client lawyer and the time seemed right to set up a practice based on the premise of ‘service’ as opposed, purely, to profit. What sets you apart from others in your sector?

Our ethos and our size, which facilitates us getting to know clients’ needs in depth. Many clients have moved to us from larger firms because they value the fact that we know and understand them (and ideally their families, too) and their particular needs. Many complain that in larger firms they never got to speak with the same person twice. Here, they feel they can always get hold of the person they need, and that, if they cannot come to us, we will go to them at no additional cost.

HOLLIE PLUMB 01249 475881;

What do you specialise in?

I specialise in corporate law and have a particular interest in advising on the sale and purchase of businesses. I also enjoy advising on corporate restructuring; this involves being creative and finding a structure that works for a client’s particular business which can be very satisfying. What is your firm’s ethos and philosophy?

For me, Goughs is about collaboration and unity. It is knowing that you have the right people around you who bring out the best in you, which it turn enables the provision of high-quality advice for all our clients. Throughout our careers we are given the opportunity to thrive and be ambitious. What advice would you give to anyone considering law as a career?

Try and get some experience; studying the law and practising the law can be quite different! I volunteered at a law centre whilst studying and that gave me an insight into the role of an advisor. The legal profession is competitive so I would say try and put yourself out there and gain as much experience as possible to enable you to stand out.

Rebecca Isaac

Helen Starkie

Sarah Clacker

Hollie Plumb

BRIAN LEVINE

BATTENS SOLICITORS

01225 562581; www.battens.co.uk

What area of law do you work in?

Media and entertainment law and intellectual property (including trademarks). I also advise on corporate and commercial work across all industry sectors, from M&A to disposals to shareholder agreements and handle all commercial contracts, including IT.

If you weren’t working in the legal world, what would you be doing?

Working creatively in the film, TV or music industries and hiring Battens to do my legal work for me.

What is the biggest mistake you see your clients making?

Coming to us after signing something: it is always better (and cheaper in the long run) to seek advice before entering into a transaction.

What sets you apart from others in your sector?

Proactivity and our own experience as creators, producers and writers, which helps us to identify with our clients and to see things from their perspective.

How have the last 12 months been for you?

We have seen some substantial changes in family law recently with the introduction of ‘no fault’ divorce, which also gives couples the opportunity to jointly apply for divorce. In my view, the benefit of this for our clients is a better chance of reaching an agreement more swiftly as it encourages a focus on resolution and outcomes, rather than on deciding who is to blame for the breakdown of a marriage at the very start of a case. On a personal note, after working in family law as a paralegal in Bath for a number of years, I qualified this year as a solicitor. I also got married in the last few months so have much to celebrate.

CAROLINE FELL

STONE KING LLP

01225 337599; www.stoneking.co.uk

What’s your speciality area of the law?

I help those who are going through separation and divorce and resolve issues which arise as a result, primarily financial matters. This can often involve complex issues, including businesses, property portfolios and pensions. I also deal with family cases with an international element; this could be foreign nationals based in England, or British nationals with assets abroad.

What professional accomplishment has made you most proud?

Becoming a qualified mediator for both adults and children. The latter means I am able to meet with children of divorcing couples and listen to their wishes and concerns, then relay these back to their parents (subject to the child’s agreement) to enable them to make informed decisions together regarding their children’s future. Divorce can be traumatic and it is so important for children of separating parents that they feel that their voice has been heard.

Are there any recent changes clients should know about?

There are indeed! Many will know that no-fault divorce has become law and this will hopefully lead to a reduction in costs and animosity within the divorce process. However, whilst the divorce process itself has become much more straightforward, the difficulties in untangling complex financial circumstances remain, and my aim is to assist people in doing this in the least contentious manner, whether through mediation or through constructive legal advice.

At Sharp Family Law, we believe in supporting and caring about our clients to empower them to move forward and rebuild their lives. We do so by embracing the vulnerability and humanity of our clients and their circumstances. We collaborate with them, their spouses and other professionals such as divorce coaches, therapists and financial advisers to reach a sustainable solution that puts the needs of the family as a whole at the centre of any decision making. As a team we are keen to minimise unnecessary acrimony and distress for all parties. What makes working in Bath special? Working in Bath as a family lawyer is special because of the community of like-minded professionals. We have a strong network of experienced and collaborative family lawyers who make working in Bath a real pleasure, who promote professionalism, respect, and resolution within the field of family law. I also feel incredibly lucky to work in such a beautiful city! WILLOWS

What is your firm’s ethos and philosophy?

What do you specialise in?

I deal with all aspects of new build property matters, including plot and unit purchases, assisting those using the Government backed Help to Buy Scheme, and providing advice on issues affecting residential new build estates. How are you doing things differently?

I provide a bespoke service for my clients, who often comment on my diligent yet efficient approach to transactions. I come recommended by local, regional and national developers and agents with whom I have an excellent working relationship. This relationship benefits my clients and alleviates some pressure they may otherwise face. I regularly update clients and developers which ensures clarity and avoids confusion. What makes working in Bath special?

I know many dislike the morning commute, however you look forward to it when you work in such a beautiful city!

Aside from Bath’s architectural uniqueness, the city is perfectly located for lawyers dealing with development work.

RWK Goodman’s Queen Square office is perfectly located for clients buying in the South West and Cotswolds. It is always a pleasure to welcome clients to Bath, many of whom combine a meeting with an excuse to take in all the city has to offer!

Brian Levine

Caroline Fell

Laura Wood WOOD

PROPERTYPLACESTOLIVE,WORKANDPLAY

Dyrham Park CHILD’S PLAY

Revamped play area and café open in Dyrham Park

The Old Lodge play area at Dyrham Park near Bath, set in the middle of 270 acres of National Trust parkland, has been reopened since its closure in March 2020. Now revamped, the area has brand new play equipment, a café, an ice cream kiosk, and toilets.

Youngsters can now explore stepping logs, play kitchens, balance beams, a log tunnel and a hoopla board, as well as garden games. The old favourite full-sized tractors are still there for climbing on and there is a second phase of play equipment due soon.

The work at the Old Lodge was funded by a £172,000 grant from the Rural Development Programme for England (RDPE), as well as a loan that will be paid back through additional income generated by the new facilities. It’s part of a site-wide project to revitalise Dyrham Park, known as Dyrham Park Rework’d. As part of the project, parkland paths have been put in to provide all-weather walking routes for visitors, and the majority of these are now open. Garden gates have been restored, and work

will soon start on the creation of a historicstyle garden parterre.

Some of the rooms in the house are complete, including the Great Hall with its wood grained walls made to look like the original oak. Conservation and decorative works are progressing in other parts of the house to bring back a more authentic taste of the late 1600s. More of the newly decorated and conserved rooms will reopen over the coming months as work is completed.

For more: www.nationaltrust.org.uk

The work at Old Lodge was funded by a £172,000 grant from the Rural Development Programme for England

Award winning housebuilder Crest Nicholsonhas launched a limited number of five bedroom homes, available from £660,000, as part of a new phase at its Hygge Park development in Keynsham.

The new homes on offer include the two storey, five bedroom ‘Buckingham’ and the three storey, five bedroom ‘Windsor’ house types. Each property features a large open plan kitchen-dining-living area that spans the full width of the house, with double French doors leading out to the garden.

Clare Brimble, sales and marketing director at Crest Nicholson South West, says, “The home design and Hygge Park’s accessibility to Bath and Bristol has resulted in lots of interest at Hygge Park from professionals looking for an executive-style family home.”

For more: www.crestnicholson.com

Carbon neutral GET INTO THE GROVE

More trees could be planted in streets across Bath and North East Somerset to improve the local area and help tackle the climate and ecological emergencies.

Residents are being asked to have their say on where individual trees should be planted in Bath, Keynsham, Saltford, Peasedown St John, Paulton and Camerton in a consultation that ends 3 October.

BANES council leader Kevin Guy says, “Trees benefit nature and our communities in so many ways, including slowing the impacts of climate change by absorbing carbon dioxide and regulating air temperature with water vapour and shade.

“They also enhance local biodiversity, promote mental and physical wellbeing for everyone and improve the streetscape.

“We are ambitious in our plans for tree planting in BANES, as trees are crucial to our goal to become carbon neutral by 2030.”

In October 2019 the council agreed to develop a strategy for planting trees across BANES, with a target to plant 100,000 trees by May 2023 in collaboration with partners and communities. For more: www.bathnes.gov.uk

Bath Property Awards TABLES

The finalists for this year’s Bath Property Awards may have been revealed on 20 September (look out for the complete list in our next issue, due out 7 October), but there are still lots of productive and beneficial ways for companies to get involved and be a part of the celebrations.

Along with a few category and feature sponsorships still available, partner tables can be purchased for groups of ten colleagues to attend and be able to benefit from the full BPA networking experience happening on 4 November at Apex City of Bath Hotel.

To find out more information, please email pat.white@mediaclash.co.uk or annie.kelly@mediaclash.co.uk. For more: www.bathpropertyawards.co.uk

Five bed homes have been launched at the Hygge

view towards Claverton Down demonstrates the beauty of trees in and around Bath

A partner table at the Bath Property Awards can be both fun and beneficial for the team

Bath is famous for its Georgian terraces, of course, but you rarely find one with uite the appeal of 34 Henrietta Street, just across ulteney Bridge at the start of the Bathwick Estate. A gorgeous Grade I listed six-storey townhouse with a garden, parking, and even a separate self-contained apartment, its beautifully appointed throughout – proof positive, if any such was needed, that it’s perfectly possible to pull elegant early 1800s living into the current century, with all the convenience and luxury that re uires, while maintaining that sexy, gracious Bridgerton feel.

Henrietta Street is built on an almost crescent-like curve, giving the six oors here a subtle lozenge-like footprint that adds uirky interest to every aspect of the house. Entering on the ground oor, you encounter two reception rooms – currently used as a dining room and a library, but the choice is yours – plus a bedroom with en suite, but then you have a di cult choice up or down? pstairs you’ll find a first oor of two more reception rooms – a drawing room and a withdrawing room (a more private version of the same) plus a laundry room and balcony, then an entire second oor dedicated to the principle bedroom and bathroom. eep going, and up another ight of stairs there are two more bedrooms (one with en suite) and a bathroom. r, if you were to go down, you’d find more bedrooms (with en suites) on the lower ground oor, plus a sitting room, a courtyard and a self-contained ground oor apartment. (This is accessed either internally on the lower ground oor, or via steps from the street, so could be incorporated into the greater the way touches with

house, used by guests or relatives, simply rented out, or given as a long term loan to any moustachioed, Hawaiian-shirt wearing, Ferrari-driving private eye you might happen to owe a favour to.)

Down again, at the garden level, there’s a large kitchen/dining room, a breakfast room, a utility room and loo, and a large cinema room too. All very impressive, and good for the calves, if you should decide to trot up and down all those stairs regularly.

But what’s even better is the stylish, striking, yet sympathetic approach to interior design throughout, all of immaculate quality and bold enough to make the copious period features sing. There’s tiled ooring and an ornate ceiling arch in the airy hallway; shuttered windows and period fireplaces galore; and versatile accommodation throughout, with wedding doors on both the ground and first oors allowing you to present either reception space as one large room or two smaller ones. Floor-to-ceiling wardrobes, marble tiling, twin hand basins and a freestanding bath all make the principle bedroom oor one you’ll be slow to vacate each morning, while even the lower ground oor, with its vast family-friendly cinema or gaming room, is surprisingly light-filled, thanks to a lantern skylight and bi-fold glass doors to the garden from the kitchen/ dining

Imaginatively,room.

but in a way that very much suits the house (and the use most modern families might put it to), the upper oors have a more traditionally Georgian feel, with rich greys and blues, wooden oors and velvet everywhere, while things get more contemporary below-

ground, with plenty of glass, spotlighting, and light painted walls. But even down here you’ll find the old and the new mixed with easy glee, such classic items as an Aga, traditional column radiators, painted wooden units and a bespoke dining table sitting easily alongside bright orange chairs.

Outside, a walled, stone-paved garden features three outdoor ‘rooms’: a dining area next to the house, a central courtyard with water feature, and a raised terrace for chilling; it’s all surprisingly private too, thanks to wall-height trellising. At the very back, steps to a gate lead to two private (though rented) parking spaces. In brief then, an amazing home, and just a short, at walk from the city centre, as well.

HOUSE NUMBERS

Main House 3,401 sq ft

Apartment 732 sq ft

Bedrooms 5

Reception rooms 6

For more: Knight Frank, 4 Wood Street, Bath BA1 2JQ; www.knightfrank.co.uk

FOR THE HOME

ASPECT WINDOW STYLING

Inspiration for windows. Based in the heart of Bath, Aspect Window Styling are suppliers of top quality shutters, blinds of all types, curtains, poles, and awnings. Visit their showroom for inspiration and advice from expert sta on how to transform your windows into something gorgeous. Full design, measuring and fitting service. Tel: 01225 469559 www.aspectwindowstyling.co.uk

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

MENDIP FIREPLACES BATH

Bath’s leading fireplace, wood burner, gas fire, chimney and ue 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 etmaster. Get in touch or visit the showroom. Mendip Fireplaces, Monkton Combe, at in o@mendi re a es at o Tel: 01225 722706; www.mendipfireplacesbath.co.uk

VIRTUOSO FLOORING

ering stylish, innovative ooring 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 oor into a reality. Call now for a free consultation or visit their new show room on Moorland Road. To en ire emai in o@virt osofloorin o or a 01225 972715; www.virtuosoflooring.co.uk

NEXUS OF BATH 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

JENNIFER MOSSE DESIGN STUDIO

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, ennifer’s uni ue style blends seamlessly between period and contemporary homes. The aim is simple – to create spaces that bring joy, re ecting her clients’ lifestyles and personalities. Tel: 07738289189; www.jennifermosse.com

CLAIR STRONG INTERIOR DESIGN

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, o ces and other commercial venues. Contact Clair on 07855 797311 or 01225 426905; www.clairstrong.co.uk

BATH KITCHEN COMPANY

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. ort arade i din s at Tel: 01225 312003 www.bathkitchencompany.co.uk

SCHMIDT BATH

Providing bespoke kitchens and made-to-measure interiors across the Bath area for more than 35 years, Schmidt Bath o ers luxury solutions for the home at a ordable prices. ith 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 o er. 1 Park Road, Bath BA1 3EE; Tel: 01225 337276; www.schmidt-bath.com

Our local businesses are poised and ready to help with all your home needs for Autumn

LARKHALL

Charlie Williams is a creative coder, pianist, and composer, originally from Minnesota in the US, who now lives in Bath and performs under the nameAfterLarkhall.moving to the UK, he studied for a Master of Philosophy at the University of Cambridge Centre for Music and Science, after which he helped develop the app Shazam, which was later acquired by Apple. He lives with his partner, the musician and novelist Emma Hooper, and they have two children, Aubrey, six, and Kit, four.

One of my earliest memories was listening to classical radio and wanting to capture all the sounds. I had a little kids’ tape recorder and when something

came on that I loved, I’d run and grab it, hold it up to the speaker so I could record the music.

I started out as a music freelancer, taking whatever jobs I could get: teaching piano, playing weddings. Because I’ve always been technical, I also did recording work. And through this, I was writing my own music, and music for films and plays.

Whilst touring in Brussels I met a Canadian violist named Emma. e hit it o , and promised to keep in touch but never to email. After five years of letter-writing I came to Bath for a visit where she was living and we got together. I spent the rest of that year winding down my life in Chicago so I could move here.

“Larkhall is a beautiful word, and if Portishead can do it, then so can I”

It’s really great having a partner who is also a performing musician, because we understand and support the other one’s need to get out there and do things career-wise. She is probably my biggest inspiration as well. She’s forged her own way creatively, combining the strands of music and writing into a career that doesn’t follow anyone’s path but her own.

While I don’t miss American cheese or the portion sizes, I do miss brunch and Mexican food. In the US, Mexican food is like curry is here – easy to find, cheap, delicious at any time of day or night. And brunch, we eat it at any time between 10am and 3pm, and are allowed pancakes stu ed with strawberry ricotta, followed by eggs.

I once got a job at a tiny software company in Bristol run by a sort of mini Donald Trump. He had faux-animal heads on the wall, each of which represented a former employee –I think he actually revelled in how impossible to work with he was. I got out of there as fast as I could! I think he still owes me a few days’ pay, but chasing it down it wouldn’t be worth it to interact with him again.

I chose the name Larkhall because I needed a name that wasn’t my given name — there are way, way too many Charlie Williams out there. I wouldn’t stand a chance on Google. Plus ‘Charlie Williams’ sounds

vaguely like I play jazz, which I don’t. Larkhall is a beautiful word, and if Portishead can do it, then so can I.

I always felt a calling to my own creative practice, and after spending some time in the concert-pianist world and then the software-development world, I finally had the tools needed to combine them into what I’m doing now: live reactive visuals that unfold in response to the nuances of a specific performance. Each performance is di erent and so the visuals never repeat.

One of the best feelings is walking out on stage when the crowd is really excited to see you – I just get filled up to bursting with the excitement of what’s about to happen. And similarly, in the middle of a performance you sometimes feel a moment that just connects with the crowd and that’s extremely gratifying – it’s like all the time you spent writing the piece, practicing it, loading kit into the boot of your car at 2am – it’s all worth it when you get those moments.

I have a Finnish cultural knighthood— the Ritari Hyvämielksi. There was a ceremony in a cave, but I’m forbidden to say more about that.

Larkhall is performing at the Pound Arts Centre in Corsham on 8 October

For more: www.larkhall.org / www.poundarts.org.uk

The US-born creative talks brunch, Shazam, and why he changed his name