Bath Life – Issue 506

ISSUE 506 / MID-JANUARY 2024 / £3

MASTER CLASS

A TASTE OF FAME WITH ROBUN CHEF KASAE FRASER

ISSUE 506 / MID-JANUARY 2024 / HEAVENLY BEINGS

VIVID IMAGINATION CHASE THE BLUES AWAY WITH COLOUR AND STYLE

THE STORY OF

59

NEW BATH BUSINESSES

GOOD HARE DAY

REST AND RELAX AT THE BRADLEY HARE

FASHION FORWARD

THE BEST OF THE FASHION MUSEUM BATH ON TOUR

DIVINE INSPIRATION

DOORSTEP CHALLENGE

LUXE AND LOCAL STAYS JUST MINUTES FROM THE CITY

WHY HUSBANDS JAMIE WATKINS AND TOM KENNEDY (AND DOG NEWT) KNEW BATH WAS EXACTLY THE RIGHT PLACE FOR THEIR DESIGN COMPANY +THE NEW BATH ARTS COLLECTIVE +BATH LIVES WITH SCOTT ADAMS +CLIVE FRANCIS TALKS CULTURE CLUB

T

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

EDITOR’S LETTER

PHOTO BY BET T Y BHANDARI; BET T YBHANDARIBR ANDPHOTOGR APHY.COM

here have been 59 new businesses starting up in Bath just last year.

Yup – 59 new businesses, each bringing their energy, their spirit of entrepreneurialism, their services, goods, food, drinks and, in one case, swimming facilities to the people of Bath (page 24). I mean how cool and celebratory a way is that to kick off the first Bath Life issue of 2024? It’s such an accolade for this small but perfectly formed city of ours – and was a joy to compile. For size-ofthe-mag sake, we also had to be a bit brutal with numbers, which means the reopened stores (Burger King) and the expansions (Wolf Wine) didn’t make the cut, for which we are sorry. And I’m sure there’re some businesses we may have accidentally overlooked, and we welcome being put right on those! We’re always happy to get news of even more positivity and growth. Because this is our thing here at Bath Life – beautiful, brilliant Bath-ness on every page. And that’s echoed at our events, especially the prestigious Bath Life Awards, on 29 February at the Bath Pavilion. (Don’t forget: the last date for entries is 15 January.)

And if you want even more proof we are forever punching and forever evolving, over on page 70 we catch up with Robun’s chef, Kasae Fraser. Young, talented, funny, and, oh yes, managed to come second on the latest series of MasterChef: The Professionals.

There’s further TV fame for the city on page 73, where we meet the First Dates team who are facilitating love matches for the tenth series of the dating show in Bath’s very own The Botanist restaurant. Mind you, we can’t blame the producers for picking us as a location – to know Bath is to love Bath.

SARAH MOOLLA Catching up with a true and mighty MasterChef professional, Kasae Fraser (page 70)

Follow us on @BathLifeMag @bathlifemag

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

24

Issue 506 / mid-January 2024 COVER Tom Kennedy, Jamie Watkins, and their dog Newt in their new Divine Savages showroom at Margaret’s Buildings, Bath (page hoto ietr

THE SPIRIT OF SUCCESS

24 NEW BUSINESS Bucking the national trend, an incredible 59 businesses opened up in Bath last year alone – meet them all here

THE ARTS 51 52 54 57

ARTS INTRO The New Bath Arts Collective is formed WHAT’S ON Theatre, music, comedy, art, and more CULTURE CLUB Actor Clive Francis talks arts, TV and movies BOOKS r s ests re s to kick off

HOTELS

60 STAYCATIONS Luxe and local ways to get away from it all 66 EAT, SLEEP, STAY REVIEW Winding down at The Bradley Hare

FOOD & DRINK

70 FOODIE CHAT Kasae Fraser of Robun, the MasterChef star 73 FOOD & DRINK NEWS First Dates comes to The Botanist, Bath

LIFESTYLE

75 SHOP LEAD The belle of The Bell on Walcot Street 76 EDITOR’S CHOICE Chase away the January blues with colour

EDUCATION

79 SCHOOL GUIDE Victoria Bond on starting the term positively

PROPERTY

83 PROPERTY LEAD The new Westmoreland Road development 84 SHOWCASE Explore a North Wraxall schoolhouse

73 66

DEPARTMENTS 12 15 17 19 90

SPOTLIGHT Bath Fashion Museum on tour INSTAS he e ti est o FLATLINE Flats is not going out SCENE Hello, party people!

BATH LIVES Meet the owner of Midford Castle, Scott Adams

Editor Sarah Moolla sarah.moolla@mediaclash.co.uk Managing editor Deri Robins deri.robins@mediaclash.co.uk Senior art editor Andrew Richmond Cover design Trevor Gilham Contributors Victoria Bond, Nic Bottomley, Marianne Cantelo, Elsie Chadwick, David Flatman, Rachel Ifans, and John Mather Commercial director Pat White pat.white@mediaclash. co.uk Business development manager Annabel North annabel.north@mediaclash.co.uk Business development manager Dan Nichols dan.nichols@mediaclash.co.uk Marketing executive Grace Goodall grace.goodall@mediaclash.co.uk Production and distribution manager Kirstie Howe kirstie.howe@mediaclash.co.uk Production designer Matt Gynn matt.gynn@mediaclash.co.uk Chief executive Jane Ingham jane.ingham@mediaclash.co.uk Chief executive Greg Ingham greg.ingham@mediaclash. co.uk Bath Life MediaClash, Carriage Court, 22 Circus Mews, Bath, BA1 2PW. tel: 01225 475800; www.mediaclash.co.uk Instagram @TheMediaClash ©All rights reserved. May not be reproduced without written permission of MediaClash.

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Agency From the design and build of websites to digital marketing and creating company magazines, we can help. Events We create, market, promote and operate a wide variety of events both for MediaClash and our clients Contact: info@mediaclash.co.uk

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SPOTLIGHT

Green leather appliqué Russian boots worn

by Lady Ottoline Morrell c.1900s.

Bring No Clothes: Bloomsbury and Fashion at Charleston in Lewes until 31 March 2024

Heritage

THE CLOTHES SHOW Our beloved Fashion Museum Bath, once found in the basement of the Assembly Rooms, is now closed while its e ost ce ho e i the e i so rter is ei re re ore o this i o r e t issue, due out 2 February).

Much of its 100,000 objects, which date from the s to the rese t re te or ri ho se i storage facility owned by glovemakers Dents, located on the outskirts of Warminster. However, some key ieces h e ee e o i r ctio o er the world, everywhere from Mumbai to Zurich. Here are just a few of the recently travelling togs…

For more: www.fashionmuseum.co.uk Yellow silk moire and chiffon cape, c.1890s, and a selection of coloured silk stockings, c.1860s – 1880s, worn by Mary Chamberlain Carnegie.

Colour Revolution: Victorian Art, Fashion & Design at Ashmolean Museum, Oxford, until 18 February 2024

IMAGES COURTESY OF FASHION MUSEUM BATH

© CRAIG GREEN; W W W.CRAIG-GREEN.COM

Multi-coloured printed silk kimono with peacock design by Bill Gibb, 1977.

Kimono (V&A exhibition) at Museum Rietberg, Zurich, Switzerland, finished 7 January

Blue cotton jacket and trousers by Craig Green (Fashion Museum’s Dress of the Year 2015).

Rebel: 30 Years of London Fashion at the Design Museum, London, until 11 February 2024

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

Red woven wool coat with multicoloured woven stripe throughout

by Bellville Sassoon, worn by Diana, Princess of Wales, 1981.

Given by Marchesa Petschek de Francisci and Mrs Banham Lee. Fashion City: How Jewish Londoners Shaped Global Style at Museum of London Docklands until 14 April 2024

A cardboard pot of black velvet beauty spots (mouches) in three sizes from the 1920s.

The Cult of Beauty at Wellcome Collection, London, until 28 April 2024

© ASHMOLEAN MUSEUM, UNIVERSIT Y OF OXFORD

On tour with the Fashion Museum Bath

SPOTLIGHT

VISIONARY

Just a few of the beautiful Instagram shots featured on this page in 2023. Keep tagging us @bathlifemag and we’ll keep sharing the love

@kaptured_by_cg

@cityofbathscrapbook

@clairethatcher

@travelerduygu

@brilliantbath

@dunkablebath

@ahappybathonian

@sarahjanemillman

@matts_world01

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© BETTY BHANDARI BRAND PHOTOGRAPHY; WWW.BETTYBHANDARIBRANDPHOTOGRAPHY.COM

FLAT LINE DAVID FLATMAN

“I intend to politely say no, more often to mass gatherings”

Social standing

M

This year, Flats resolves to be more antisocial

y wife has taken to not telling me about certain social arrangements until it’s too late for me to pull out. This could be viewed in two ways, as I see it. You might read that and internally generate a combination of both the eye roll giggle emojis. “That’s marriage, lol,” you might think to yourself. Or you might think: “God, his poor wife.” That’s sort of how I view it, actually. What a pain to have to accommodate a bloke who grimaces when you mention that some people from outside your immediate family and absolute best mates might pop in for a drink.

It’s nothing to do with the people. Nothing at all. It’s me, and I know it’s me. I have tried to think about why I feel increasingly like this as life goes on, and one thing I’ve realised is that I do not increasingly feel this way; I’ve always felt this way. I’ve just always been pretty good at doing things I didn’t

particularly want to do so as not to obviously be a weirdo. I’m also good at it. Good with people and can be decent enough company at a party.

The silly truth is that once I arrive at these gatherings I invariably have a good time, and it’s indeed my wife having to drag me away to get back for babysitters or to observe the baby napping schedules, about which I am usually utterly unbending. Yet still the chemicals associated with mild dread attack me from the brain out.

I reason with Mrs F that my working life is so er o t ti es th t cr e off ti e too. It’s natural, I say. She doesn’t disagree, actually. She does rightly observe, though, that I have more time to wander to the gym or r coffee or i ee eet te or sandwich than anyone else she knows who isn’t retired. Hmm, tough to argue with this. he s i t etti e o off e off generally on my own, recognising that while this isn’t something she craves, I need it.

But it’s all too easy to prey on this e erosit to eco e ore se fish the year, justifying it all the while with decreasing levels of self-awareness.

An unusually accurate meme – or whatever it was – popped up on Instagram recently. It was about the emotional process surrounding people coming to dinner at your house.

It began with the excitement of having something fun to look forward to in the diary, then moved on to to actually dreading tti i the effort re ire o ce o r ki s and life had drained you of any noticeable enthusiasm for anything but uninterrupted sleep. Then came the panic over what to cook and how on earth your house wouldn’t rese e rece t r e s t and the, ‘Why on earth have we arranged this anyway?’ Then you have a brilliant time.

Then you both agree, before the lights go out, that you should do this more often.

And repeat.

This gave me hope. Hope that I’m not alone. Or rather, hope that I’m not that odd.

I’m a grown up, which means I know that New Year’s resolutions don’t mean anything.

But – but – I’m going to make a slightly vague one anyway, and I wonder if it might sound like something that some of you can relate to, too (because I’ve got a feeling that loads of people feel like me).

I love people. I love my friends and family.

But, in 2024 I’m going to try to be more selective about what I do with my time.

Work has to be done and can be fun, and the occasional second cousin’s wedding can be attended and enjoyed. I want to spend more time socialising in smaller, more intimate groups. And I intend to politely say no more often to mass gatherings when I feel desperate just to be in my pyjamas on my sofa. I don’t think that’s overly weird, do you?

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

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

SPONSORED BY

SCENE T H E L AT E S T A DV E N T U R E S I N PA R T Y- GO I N G AC ROSS BAT H Katherine Lazare and Alison Garcia Levy

Kate Hall and Nathan Baranowski

Sylvia Hunt and Fliss Childs

Jessica Lawther and Nicholas Fleming Greg Ingham

Gina Birchenough and Jack Hewett

GET CREATIVE

The creatives of Bath got together for the Creative Bath social, held at Toppings on 29 November. Around 100 guests sampled goodies from the Christmas Market, including mulled wine, brownies from the Good Day Café, and marshmallow treats from Sugar Cane Studios.

Joining them were Kate Hall, Kate Abbey, and Jasmine Barker, who spoke about the new arts group they’ve founded, the Bath Arts Collective – go to page 51 for more.

Photos by Betty Bhandari

Tony Farrelly and Dave Aktinson Bob Mytton and Louisa Clark

www.bettybhandaribrandphotography.com

Josh Jackson and Dana O’Neill

Vicki Cheadle and Vicky Brophy

Catherine Lawler and Kirsty Lake

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SPONSORED BY

SOCIETY Richard Hall

Lucia Thompson, Antoinette Downey, Denise Coughlan, and Yasemin Hall

Jason Thornton and Catherine May

John McLay, Julia Underwood, Rob Underwood, and Diana Potter

Morny Hay-Davison, Richard Hall, Monique Bamford, and Leyl Sharanjit

Carly Cooke, Tessa Armstong, and John Armstrong

REAL DIAMONDS

Bath Festivals marked its 75th anniversary at The Bird with a celebratory diamond dinner organised and hosted by the two co-chairs of Bath Festivals, Denise Coughlan and Chris Rogers. The 52 assembled guests enjoyed a three-course menu and live music performed by Sam Evans. There was also an auction, which starred, amongst many goodies up for grabs, a Wylde Flower diamond, donated by Nicolas Wylde and worth £5,000.

Photos by Chris Cook

Nicholas and Lucy Wylde

www.bathfestivals.org.uk

Catherine May, Helen Adams, Chris Born, Valerie Pirlot, and Alison Born

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

Joe Downey, June Keen, Pawel Dzirua, John Bennett, Amanda Bennett, Antoinette Downey, and Neil Templar Sam Evans

Kevin Guy and Alison Born

SPONSORED BY

SOCIETY Bridgette Smart and Matt Bailey

Jack Lawton, Lucas Patterson, and Brad Snow

Robinder Koura, Michael Solomon, and William Wood

Alan Robinson and Stuart Martin

James Gifford, Dan Hale, and Caroline Monk

Jake Mccormick, William Wood, and Samantha Janse van Rensburg

RAFFLE DAZZLE

The business communications technology provider Marlin Communications celebrated 25 years of business at Walcot House, and raised £2,000 for local charity Developing Health and Independence (DHI) with r e he ests e o e Champagne Charpentier, canapés, and bowl food including Otter Valley chicken risotto served ith cett Jack Morley, Bethany Hayes, Alana Denner, and Josh Taylor Paul Oaten and Bob Mytton

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

Photos by Guy Traynor www.guytraynorphoto.com

Kurtis Marsden and Emma Turner

Katie Rawlings, Rosie Phillips, and Martin Buckland Oliver Price, Mark Tildesley, and Richard Hill

THE SPIRIT OF NEW VENTURES The new Bath branch of LEON, which specialises in fresh fast food

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

W

NEW BUSINESSES

hat is it about Bath that makes it so special?

We all cite the architecture, the history, Jane Austen, the Georgians, but there’s also a parallel contemporary world of evolution going on. Commerce, enterprise, entrepreneurialism, growth, and investment th is cit th t s o rishi ith ore than 50 new ventures last year alone elevating our business and retail offeri his is ros erit th t oes i st the tio tre Bath has a remarkable 3 per cent to 4 per cent vacancy rate for retail premises – a stark contrast to the UK’s average high street vacancy rate of 10.2 per cent. As councillor Mark Roper, the cabinet member for economic development, regeneration, and growth, says, “It is very encouraging to see this excellent take-up of our commercial properties and the number of new businesses coming into Bath. We are pleased to be able to support them and ultimately help revitalise our high streets.”

Amongst those bringing their success to the city are huge international chains like Zara and Breitling, as well as new indie gems in the worlds of retail and restaurants, including the wallpaper and fabric designer Divine Savages, as seen on our cover. Even the opening of Cleveland Pools is worth highlighting, as representation of Bath’s determined spirit to succeed and move forward. Here we track down 59 of those brilliant new Bath ventures that began just last year.

Aspiga, 7 Broad Street, Bath; www.aspiga.com

Opened December 2023

he s st i e shio sho o e c c r ho s inspired by the artistry and craftsmanship of beautiful hand-beaded sandals from Kenya, specialises in womenswear and menswear clothing collections, accessories and footwear. 2023 also saw a number of other highlights for the brand, most notably being highly commended as a r o the e r fi ists t the r ers st i e shio r s ei fi ist i the r ers et i ers r s or st i i it s well as being highly commended for Best Ethical Brand at the Marie Claire shio r s The sustainable fashion brand Aspiga is one of Bath’s newest retailers

“Bath is a fantastic location for us to continue our mission”

NEW BUSINESSES

FAR LEFT: Queen Ziggy Still Sane gold edition

by Inc Well is currently up for auction with Auctioneum; LEFT: Astrid & Miyu arrived in Bath in June of last year; MIDDLE: Banana Tree serves up flavours of South-East Asia; BOTTOM: Sarah Bartlett and Rupert Barlow have set up their own financial planning business, Barlow & Bartlett

Astrid & Miyu, 3 Milsom Street, Bath; www.astridandmiyu.com June 2023

The jewellery store Astrid & Miyu was founded in 2012 by Connie Nam. Inspired by her local jeweller back home in Seoul, South Korea, she te to offer ro cts th t ere o se ti e t i o ti e i design, together with an experience that was personal and engaging, and, ost i ort t to cre te r th t is i c si e e o eri Auctioneum, Broadlands Fruit Farm, Box Road, Bathford; www.auctioneum.co.uk February 2023

th c herso the fi e rt ti es ctio eers ho so h e se i risto chose ere ict iece o or their th s ce t it it h s t ee e s ri e t took t o e rs to rch se the site o erco i ti e iss es ith the ro ert e ore e co e e e i the oth t sk o restori it o e er o r te h s orke tire ess to e i er ctio ho se to e ro o or the cit o th e e ie e e c e h e sset to the cit co it th t i i t r e efit o r si ess e h e o ee fi e t t ice or te e isio i c i the s Celebrity Antiques Road Trip, with the shows due to be aired later this year. ece t ctio s h e i c e ks ri t so or io i or co si e i oc Banana Tree, 15 Milsom Street, Bath; www.bananatree.co.uk November 2023

e ser i

osio o o th st si ishes ro o esi iet

o rs rri e o i so si h i

treet ore

Barlow & Bartlett; www.barlowandbartlettwealthmanagement.co.uk April 2023

ert r o r h rt ett set their o fi ci i ter e rs ooki ter c ie ts ithi fi ci ser ices th h s o er co it o s ccess s si esses ro i i t stic opportunity to connect with like-minded business owners, who are all keen to he e ch other s ccee hro h i i orki i ro th or the st e rs e tr reci te h t s eci ce it is the or o o ort ities s ch resti io s ost co e h s to offer

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

“We believe we can be a huge asset to the city and community”

NEW BUSINESSES Baba’s Mezze, Barton Street, Bath; www.babasmezzebath.uk October 2023

Baba’s Mezze specialises in Persian and Mediterranean family recipes

Founded by two Bens. One with Persian roots and the other Greek, both with a huge passion for the culinary scene and wines. “At Baba’s we wanted to create a place that reminded us of our youth,” they say. “The majority of our childhood memories were created around the dinner table, where Persian and Mediterranean family recipes became enduring favourites.”

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September 2023

Following the site’s 40-year closure, the first ic s i i rit i s o est i o took ce o e te er ri i o e e i to offer eo e ch ce to s i o t oors ter the ere o o er e to se the i er o it sh t i the s t th ks to the s ort o tio otter r t the etre oo h s ee restore o ith chi re s s sh re i io ith ree e er o ei se to t r tre t he t the oo o i e r ro s i i

Cleveland Pools reopened in September 2023 after a 40 year closure

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

PHOTO BY SUZ Y SLEMEN PHOTOGR APHY: W W W.SUZ YSLEMEN.COM

Cleveland Pools, Hampton Row, Bath; www.clevelandpools.org.uk

NEW BUSINESSES

TOP: Breitling’s latest boutique is this 51sqm SouthGate store; MIDDLE: Budo Bath serves up Japanese small plates izakaya style; BOTTOM: The Cotswold Company came to Bath in December of last year

Breitling, St Lawrence, SouthGate, www.breitling.com August 2023

Swiss luxury watchmaker Breitling’s latest boutique is a 51sqm SouthGate store that was created in partnership with retail partner Watches of Switzerland and features the brand’s signature industrialinspired interiors, with dedicated details respecting its heritage as horology pioneers for its three universes: air, land and sea.

Budō Bath, 3 Argyle Street, Bathwick, Bath; www.budobath.co.uk May 2023

h t st rte t first s secret s er c ec e th s o est running pop-up above The Grapes on Westgate Street. Having outgrown the space there, the guys brought their izakaya and sake r to r e treet offeri s ites o ith ese hisk cocktails, and shochu.

Cotswold Company, 12 Northgate Street, Bath; www.cotswoldco.com December 2023

The Cotswold Company, which draws inspiration for its furniture and accessories collections from the natural beauty, way of life, architecture, and spirit of the Cotswolds, has opened a Bath outlet spanning over 4,000 square feet. The store comprises three living and dining spaces, e t ri se ect e it o kitche o ce r it re o ith fi e bedrooms showcasing the brand’s best-selling mattresses. There is also the design hub, showcasing upholstery drapes and sofa shapes, with complimentary fabric and paint swatches.

“Having outgrown the space there, d at ro t t eir i a a a and sa e ar to r e treet www.mediaclash.co.uk I BATH LIFE I 29

NEW BUSINESSES

ABOVE: Crosstown specialises in freshly made sourdough doughnuts; RIGHT: Daisy & Bean is Bath’s first queer bakery and café

Crosstown, 15 Cheap Street, Bath; www.crosstown.co.uk April 2023

The scratch bakers from London, who are best known for creating the original sourdough doughnuts, brought their award-winning, freshly made premium sweet treats to the city. Along with their signature doughnuts, such as the Tongan vanilla bean glaze, dark chocolate tr e the oo or e rossto so ser es s eci it coffee handmade cookies, small-batch ice cream, and artisan chocolate.

Daisy & Bean, 35 Gay Street, Bath; www.daisyandbeanbakes.co.uk April 2023

When Molly Ridley and Emily Kitchener set up their Daisy & Bean c o treet it s the first o its ki t the ir ho e ot the st e re th s first eer ker c t e ike to thi k e re e i the i ki th ore eer rie cit “The launch of our brunch menu in September brought so many new faces to our space, which was fantastic to see. We have also held loads of events here, which bring people from all walks of life, including our monthly book club which always sparks meaningful conversation. e ho so eer o ie i hts te o e i ho rs to s ort those who need a friendly face and would like to meet new people. Any rofits ro o r e e ts o to r s e er r i c re

“We like to think we are leading the way in making Bath a more queer-friendly city” 30 I BATH LIFE I www.mediaclash.co.uk

Do you have a watch to sell?

We are actively looking to buy Rolex, Tudor, and Omega watches, up to 8 years old.

Please get in touch if we can help.

Retailers of pre-owned luxury timepieces based in Northgate House, Upper Borough Walls, Bath.

Specialists in Rolex and also other brands such as Omega, Tudor, Breitling and more…

Northgate House, Upper Borough Walls, Bath, BA1 1RG Tel: 01225 536537 www.watchesofbath.com

NEW BUSINESSES deVOL Kitchens, 17 George Street, Bath; www.devolkitchens.co.uk October 2023

Originally founded by Paul O’Leary and Phil de Vries in Leicestershire (deVOL is an tio o their i iti s the fir s new Bath showroom, showcasing deVOL’s English kitchens and home accessories, is part of a 18th century row of apartments on George Street. “We have never been so proud to be opening a showroom in one particular place,” they say. “Bath has completely captivated us. We couldn’t be happier with the welcome and support we have received since opening our doors.”

deVOL was originally established in Leicestershire

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

RECEIVE A COMPLEMENTARY TANITA BODY COMPOSITION ANALYSIS

OUR MISSION Metabolic Movement is a personal training studio located in the gorgeous countryside in Kingsdown ten minutes from Bath and a stone’s throw from Bathford. Whether you’re looking to reduce pain and move with more agility, get lean in the new year, or train for an elite sport, we’re here to support you. We offer individual sessions and small group training in a peaceful and private setting – with free parking, Drop us a line – we’d love to chat with you about your goals and how we can help. Just mention Bath Life and we’ll include a free body composition analysis with our

Just mention Bath Life

Tanita machine when we show you around – It’s a brilliant tool for understanding the baseline state of muscle mass, visceral fat and metabolic age, among other things. From there we’ll start with an initial assessment that involves understanding your current strength, movement and flexibility – and then create a plan to help meet your goals. metabolicmovement@gmail.com www.metabolicmovement.co.uk

NEW BUSINESSES Divine Savages, 5 Margaret’s Buildings, Bath; www.divinesavages.com December 2023

Husbands creative director Tom Kennedy and Jamie Watkins, who is dubbed director-of-everything-else, have been designing and creating exquisitely crafted wallpapers and fabrics since 2017, before opening their showroom late last year. “Jamie is originally from Bath, so it so t r th t e ret r to this e ti cit to o e o r first showroom. It coincided with us selling up in London and buying a beautiful period property in Bath in need of much love and renovation, an ongoing project where we get to work with many local professionals and companies, including our brilliant architect. We work with many i terior esi ers thro h the tr e ser ice e offer so e et to see our products across many exciting Bath-based projects, both residential and within hospitality. A favourite is the Queensberry Hotel in Russell Street, which boasts a number of our wallpapers and fabrics.”

Edesia, High Street, Bath; www.edesiabath.co.uk February 2023

The new restaurant, cocktail bar and lounge overlooks Guildhall and The Abbey, and serves South American-inspired dishes, made with the best of British produce.

Flute Seafood Café & Bar, 9 Edgar Buildings, George Street, Bath; www. ute bath.com October 2023

The all-day dining café and bar specialising in seafood is owned

by Roger Payne, who says, “One of the highlights since opening is managing to become the talk of the town within a week – the word spread, and we’ve already become a popular choice for breakfast. Our super-stylish rear lounge bar, The Octopus, has also proved a hit for late night cocktails.”

TOP: Divine Savages new Margaret’s Buildings showroom; MIDDLE: Edesia serves

PHOTO BY INSTAGR AM @JONCR AIG_ PHOTOS

South American food; BOTTOM: The Flute’s Octopus bar is an evening hit

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

Find Ubiety by Dorothy House Hospice Care, 2 Piccadilly Place, London Road, Bath; www. ndubiety.com September 2023

Adjacent to the existing Dorothy House furniture store on the London Road is Find Ubiety, the hospice care charity’s first i est e store t is c re c r te i o e ei ro cts th t ke the sho e icio s r r t o e ti ho se ts oc e rtis i ts ho e res irk o te i t e roc te c othi e ee it re ects ck the ho istic c re ro ch o oroth o se here e er s ect o i i is ooke t to ri i e to o r s to cre te s eci o e ts e ories

Find Ubiety is the first lifestyle store for the charity Dorothy's House

www.mediaclash.co.uk I BATH LIFE I 35

Hessian Collective, 3 Margaret’s Buildings, Bath; www.hessiancollective.com February 2023

The family-centred collective comprises mother Louise, India, Scarlett and Oliver Hessian. The Margaret’s Buildings retail store sells vintage restored European and Scandinavian furniture, along with lighting, cushions, throws and decorative accessories.

Together, the Hessian Collective team, thanks to a background in architecture and interior design, can also facilitate and design projects, dress homes, source items, and curate spaces.

Cool, quirky and laid-back at Hessian Collective

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

NEW BUSINESSES Gusto Bath, 30 Milsom Street, Bath; www.gustobath.co.uk October 2023

A family run Italian restaurant with house specials that include the Gusto antipasto – a selection of cured meats, prosciutto, dried tomatoes, cheeses, olives, and artichokes – and the Gusto risotto, made with mixed fresh seafood, garlic, white wine, and tomato sauce.

Haus Lifestyle, 3 Abbeygate Street, Bath; www.hauslife.co.uk May 2023

Kate Thomson started her homeware and gift business as a convergence of her love of interiors and travel. She has gone from online to pop up, and now bricks and mortar on Abbeygate Street.

Sourcing artisanally made products from around the world is part of the core philosophy of Haus Lifestyle. “We are also looking forward to hosting workshops upstairs,” Kate says, “alongside having a local artist e t re e ch o th s rt o o r rts offeri Humanity Centred Designs, 5 Broad Street, Bath; www.humanitycentreddesigns.com April 2023

TOP: Gusto Bath on Milsom Street is a family run Italian restaurant; MIDDLE: Humanity Centred Designs champions ethical and sustainable fashion; BOTTOM: Kate Thomson moved her Haus Lifestyle business into Abbeygate Street in May 2023

he shio r teri i o tio h hich h s its shi retail store in London’s Greenwich, was set up by Vishal Tolambia.

“The inspiration behind Humanity Centred Designs stems from a ro o co it e t to re efi i the shio i str s i ct o the planet and its people,” she says. “We’re rooted in the belief that fashion should not just be beautiful, but also ethical and sustainable.

“Being based in Bath not only grants us access to a diverse customer base and opportunities for community engagement, but also inspires our creativity while providing a platform to contribute to the city’s cultural and sustainable ethos.”

“Being based in Bath grants us access to a diverse customer base” www.mediaclash.co.uk I BATH LIFE I 37

NEW BUSINESSES

Jimmy Fairly, 4 Burton Street, Bath; www.jimmyfairly.co.uk November 2023

Opticians Jimmy Fairly opened its first West of England store on Burton Street

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

Optician Jimmy Fairly has 124 shops across France, the UK, Belgium, Spain and Italy, but it was important to the founder, Antonin Chartier, to bring the brand to Bath. “Jimmy Fairly was born from a desire to change the optical industry through innovation and transparency,” he says. “After completing a course in sports studies, and a few years studying psychology, I decided to launch myself into entrepreneurship. At 23 I had the idea of Jimmy Fairly, and turned to the world of optics. My vision was to create a brand for ultra-desirable glasses, at a fair price and with a positive social impact. After trick st rt o i e i i ir o e e the oors to its first shop in the shopping district, rue Vieille-du-Temple, in the Marais. he e sio e i ith o r first store o e i o e e t treet o o fi e e rs ter e h e tot o sho s i the ith th ei the first store to o e i the est o

LEFT: Jitty co-founders James Storer, Graham Paterson, and Daniel Cooper; BELOW: Kettlesmith’s on the London Road has a sister site in Corsham;

PHOTO BY JASON BHANDARI

BOTTOM: Knoops opened its 13th store in September on Old Bond Street

Jitty; www.jitty.com January 2024

The new property portal mobile app was created in, and is being launched in, Bath by Graham Paterson, James Storer, and Daniel oo er e o the rocess o fi i i ho e absolute nightmare, and wanted to create a better way,” they say. “We used our previous experience building household-name mobile apps to design and build a way for people to see everything about every home.

“We chose Bath because it has an incredible choice of homes – ranging from new builds to Grade I listed. The city has so much passion or ro ert it e se se to ke this o r first cit Kettlesmith’s, 13 London Street, Bath; www.kettlesmithbrewing.com June 2023

PHOTO BY CL AIRE THATCHER

The micro-bar and bottleshop owned by Antony and Caroline Field is a result of the success of a similar award-winning venture in Corsham.

“We really wanted to have a presence in Bath. Given Bath’s proximity to the brewery and it being our closest city it’s always been an important market for us both in terms of individuals (we do home deliveries) and for pubs, bars and restaurants. Having an outlet actually in the city really helps connect us to our customers and introduce us to new ones.

“We see the shop as a work in progress, given its young age. Our ears are wide open to suggestions from customers about what they’d like to see us feature on the bar and stock in the shop. Our goal is to grow the t ke offeri o er this e r e re so e ori the i e o t takeovers, brewer talks, music nights, and quiz nights.”

“We really wanted to have a presence in Bath”

PHOTO BY CL AIRE THATCHER

NEW BUSINESSES

FROM ABOVE: Lane7 Bath opened in February; independent barista

specialist Koffee Time is based near Bath Spa Station; Kokoro started out as a small Korean-Japanese restaurant in Kingston-upon-Thames

Knoops, 21 Old Bond Street, Bath; www.knoops.co.uk September 2023

Knoops, a family-run hot chocolate brand which started life in East Sussex, opened its 13th store in Bath – lucky for us. To celebrate the recent release of Wonka hich s rt fi e i th the te came up with the Wonka-inspired winter warmer, made with milk, hot chocolate, whipped cream, chocolate-covered popping candy, and topped with a chocolate plaque. o ee ime, Southgate, Bath; ko eetime

June 2023

gmail.com

he i e e e t rist s eci ists o e e their first e er c t o th te oc te et ee ir ffe i oi er i e o ith s eci it coffee the ser e ho e e c kes stries it is claimed by many, the best almond croissants in town. okoro, 33 Stall Street, Bath; www.kokorouk.com

February 2023

Kokoro started out as a small Korean-Japanese restaurant founded by Rak-Kyu Park in Kingston-upon-Thames just over a decade ago. With only three tables available at the start, Kokoro has expanded into a booming franchise with over 50 locations across the UK, including the Bath store, which opened in February 2023. ane Bath, Saw Close, Bath; www.lane .co.uk

February 2023

e is s re o er three oors o the or er c si o site e r the he tre o o ith o i offers ho e host o cti ities s ch s eer o rts oo c r i sh e o r ri te room karaoke, immersive darts, and retro arcades. The venue can accommodate private group bookings of 14 to 500 guests, with a drinks menu that includes cocktails, hard shakes, and boozy slushies, plus assorted bar snacks.

LEON Bath, 40 Stall Street, Bath; www.leon.co March 2023

LEON was founded by John Vincent, Henry Dimbleby and Allegra McEvedy in 2004, and, since last year, is part of the ASDA Group.

“Due to its rich history, picturesque surroundings and foodie culture, Bath is a fantastic location for us to continue our mission to serve food that tastes good, does you good, and is kind to the planet. It’s an exciting milestone for us in our journey to transforming the landscape of fast food, and is an ideal regional location outside of London,” they say.

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

NEW BUSINESSES Ludo Sports Bar & Kitchen, 9 Brunel Square, Bath; www.ludobath.co.uk May 2023

In a joint venture between St Austell Brewery and Ed Martin of e io er s this is the first o r to o e i the hi e t i i to the s orti sses o is co ti o s e e o i its si ess to ork ith the oc co it is ro to e the ci orts r or th s s his e citi i iti ti e ch io s oc t e t s orts the cit s ho e te hi st so ri i ore oot to the cit ce tre cre ti o to esti tio to tch thri i s ort s rece t o e e est ish e t o is c rre t e e o i e o ort ities rt ershi s ith oc i stit tio s o hich i e ro ht to r itio this e r kicki off ith o s rtici tio i e hs he ch rit co e i ht is i i o i o se s issio to e ho e ess ess cross the o th est Matcha Thing, 9 – 20 The Corridor, Bath November 2023

New to The Corridor, this latest indie addition to the c sce e h s ee recei i r e re ie s or oth its tch its k i terior tch hi ser es se ectio o he th e e et ri r ch ch s cks i c i s iches kes so t ser e eci e tio oes to the r i o s ich cr she oc o o so r o h to st Milk Bun, 72 Lower Bristol Road, Bath, and the Milk Bun Deli, 5 Queen Street, Bath; www.milkbun.co.uk May 2023 and December 2023

eci isi i h e o r et r ers so rci o r ss e e e t ik re h s ccess c i risto he rothers tt o e iche e set their th store o o er risto o i he h e so st o e e ik eio ee treet ith their ssi e s r ies re eco i c ssics i c i the i i occhio e o s i ic te ort e e e t ick e i r i ier The Milsom, 24 Milsom Street, Bath; www.themilsombath.com May 2023

he r e iste eor i i i o i so treet or er the site o och e rest r t rior to th t k reo e e s r rest r t co ete ith i e r hote roo s i he i so is e co i ho e ro ho e here co tr retre t eets cit chic the te s o to e ti er oori sets the sce e or re e t os here hi e cr ck e e thers co te or r rt ork sit o si e the ori i e t res o the i i o to its re io s i e s k there s irrore ti er e i os ic effect oori hi ts o r ss Mint Velvet, 6 New Bond Street, Bath; www.mintvelvet.com May 2023

re io s e sco ce i o s e rt e t store o i so treet the o e s e r o ti e i t e et r che ith store o its o o e o treet setti i r e iste eor i terr ce o e it i t e et s o e i o er c s o resh i t te he ce the e rie s i is e ho te to ck the st shio tre s o the ti e o i ste offer ore rio s effort ess c ssic c othes or o e TOP: Ludo is the Official Sports Bar for Bath Rugby; INSET: Milk Bun;

MIDDLE: The recent The Milsom refurbishment looked to highlight the

building's original features; BOTTOM: Matcha Thing in The Corridor has been receiving high praise

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

BELOW LEFT: Morso Vegan hosts supper clubs; RIGHT: Nowhere is a new music,

drinks, comedy and monster burger joint on the Lower Bristol Road

Morgan Casey; www.morgan-casey.co.uk September 2023

TOP: The distinctive relaxed yet glamorous style of Mint Velvet was launched in 2009; MIDDLE: Patrick Brady and Olly Gerrish set up the property purchase consultancy Morgan Healy in September 2023; BOTTOM: The fashion and homeware brand Oliver Bonas came to St Lawrence Street in June

Having collectively helped domestic and international clients buy and sell residential property in and around Bath for more than 25 years, Patrick Brady and Olly Gerrish have joined forces to set up their own property purchase and consultancy business. “Our business is centred around the Bath residential property market,” they say. “Bath is a unique and desirable city, and we help and support private individuals and companies (both domestic and international) source and purchase property within the city and throughout the surrounding countryside.

“We feel that the way UK property is bought is changing, and that buyers should be represented as standard in the same way that sellers are, irrespective of the value of the property.”

Morso Vegan, 6 Terrace Walk, Bath; www.morsovegan.co.uk August 2023

Cookery classes are the main focus of Morso Vegan, but founders Georgia Barton and Matt Puchowski also host monthly supper clubs.

“We met in 2016 whilst working together in Bristol,” they say, “and have been eating, living, and working together ever since. Food is our passion, and we want to share that passion with the world. We aim to showcase a fresh, contemporary approach to plant-based cooking that is for everyone to enjoy, not just vegans. hi h i ht so r h s to e o r first e er e tisserie eeke – a brand new course that had been a while in the making. We were so thrilled with how it went – and it’s proving popular, as it’s already fully booked until April.”

Nowhere, 44-45 Lower Bristol Road, Bath; www.nowherebath.co.uk July 2023

The new hub for music, drinks, and comedy, and the home of Big Bang Burgers, was founded by Leon Dunett. “The idea is to have a cool spot to go to that incorporates food, music, and entertainment, all in a relaxed atmosphere where everyone feels welcome and equal,” he says. “We’ve teamed up with our good friend Nick Steel from Bath Comedy Club to start hosting some fun comedy and music nights. e e h the cre i fi i One Night in Bath – I made them all burgers. Also, my hand has a guest starring role, when I did a bakery shot or the fi Oliver Bonas, St Lawrence Street, Southgate, Bath; www.oliverbonas.com June 2023

Oliver Tress, founder and managing director of Oliver Bonas, which sells fashion and homeware collections and started out as a single store on Fulham Road in London in 1993, says, “We are delighted to have opened a store in St Lawrence Street in Bath. The open-air nature, historical architecture, and vibe of the city make it a great place for Oliver Bonas.”

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

NEW BUSINESSES Otters Home Search; www.ottershomesearch.com October 2023

Chartered surveyors Abbie Long and Francesca Watson have recently launched Otters Home Search, a new home buying service. It acts for property purchasers sourcing homes or investments, undertaking the search, negotiation and project management of the conveyancing process from first viewing to completion of the purchase.

Pieminister, 24 Westgate Street, Bath; www.pieminister.co.uk February 2023

Brothers-in-law Jon Simon and Tristan Hogg had both travelled around Australia in their 20s and were struck by the very different image pies had over there. “Aussie pie eaters were a young surfer crowd who enjoyed a wide, exciting range of pie flavours made by cool, independent brands,” they say. “Meanwhile, back in England, British pies tended to comprise of a mystery meat filling inside soggy grey pastry. Or a pub ‘pie’ that was actually a stew in a dish with a pastry lid. This inspired us to revive the great British pie on our return to the UK, to create a brand and a range of premium pies that would appeal to a new young audience.

“As a West Country-based business (we began in Bristol, where all of our pies are still made), we were keen to open a restaurant in our neighbouring city of Bath from the get-go – it was just a matter of finding the right location, at the right time.”

Piglet in Bed, Old Bond Street, Bath; www.pigletinbed.com January 2024

Running initially as an ecommerce business when it was founded by Jessica Hanley in 2017, the British bedding and lifestyle brand Piglet in Bed, known for its 100 per cent linen bedding and natural homewares, is opening a store in Bath later this month. “We love the feel of the town.

There are plenty of cool independents that we’re excited to collaborate with, great places to eat and beautiful surroundings,” Jessica says. “The position on Old Bond Street is ideal, being at the centre of the hustle and bustle. We believe Bath will be a place for establishing regular customers, but also raising brand awareness with the many visitors that come here.”

Plant Eat Licious, Chapel Arts Centre basement, St James Memorial Hall, 9 Lower Borough Walls, Bath; www.planteatlicious.com July 2023

Plant Eat Licious, which started out as a festival food stall, is a vegan café and restaurant located in the Chapel Arts Centre basement. Co-founder Cristina Pricopi says, “Creating Plant Eat Licious with my husband, Adrian, was a natural step for us. After four years of cooking for our vegan, vegan-curious, and even meat-eating friends, we realised that our passion for good-quality, tasty, family-friendly food was about to grow.

We started out as a food-stall attending food festivals and private functions up and down the country, and we very quickly created a buzz around our food because it really is for everyone.

“Also, let’s not forget sustainability, which is always at the forefront of our minds. We remain conscious in how we source our ingredients whilst keeping our food prices fair for all budgets – because this food is for enjoying.”

Pomegranate, 88 Walcot Street, Bath; www.pomegranatebath.co.uk July 2023

Pomegranate is located in the heart of Walcot Street in an architecturally stunning former church house. Founded by Serdar, Nedim and Hıdır, the 160-seater space, with a distinctive blue mosaic bar, serves Mediterranean cuisine rooted in Greek and Turkish influences.

TOP TO BOTTOM: Chartered surveyors Abbie Long and Francesca Watson have recently launched Otters Home Search; serving up a Mothership special at Pieminster; Piglet in Bed is about to open on Old Bond Street; Cristina Pricopi in her Plant Eat Licious vegan café, based in the Chapel Arts basement; the Pomegranate restaurant, which serves Mediterranean cuisine, opened on Walcot Street in the summer of 2023

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

SPECIAL OFFER 2 Courses £15.95 3 Courses £18.95 Limited time offer. Prices exclude drinks. Terms and conditions apply.

Our restaurant has opened its doors, and we couldn't be more excited to welcome everyone! After much anticipation, we are thrilled to invite you to experience our delicious cuisine, warm hospitality, and inviting ambiance. Discover the culinary treasures of the Mediterranean at Pomegranate Meze, nestled within the enchanting walls of a beautiful chapel on Walcot Street. Immerse yourself in the essence of Greek and Turkish cuisine, where every dish tells a story of tradition and taste. Our warm ambiance and attentive service promise an unforgettable dining experience.

We can accommodate large parties and private celebrations in our private rooms.

Please get in touch to book your table and we are happy to answer any questions you may have.

Pomegranate Meze | 88 Walcot Street, Bath BA1 5BD 01225 462992 | info@pomegranatebath.co.uk www.pomegranatebath.co.uk

CLOCKWISE FROM LEFT: Rosa's Thai arrived in Bath in March 2023; Roseberry Road Studios opened in May 2023 with the Out of Hand exhibition; The Sepoy Club specialises in authentic Indian food; Soulful Space founder Alice Ford; the prestigious Swiss watch brand TAG Heuer comes to Bath

Rosa’s Thai, 4 Cheap Street; www.rosasthai.com March 2023

One of the many much-anticipated new foodie hotspots in Bath is Rosa’s Thai on Cheap Street, which opened its doors in March. It’s co-founded by the celebrated Thai chef Saiphin Moore, who che the first os s i o o s it fie s i 2008. She says, “Opening a new Rosa’s Thai is always really exciting, but Bath feels particularly special. It’s a beautiful city, with an incredibly vibrant food scene. It’s the er ect fit or os s ost e t ike e sho h e already been here.”

Roseberry Road Studios, 25 – 28 Roseberry Road, Bath; www.roseberryroadstudios.com

May 2023

Roseberry Road Studios, the contemporary art space positioned just off the o er risto o s set th oser cke ie s r rtis cke ie i o e e with the group exhibition Out of Hand, which was part of the Bath Fringe Festival. “Our studios are housed in the last remaining original i i o the ri er ro t i this rt o to the s e re kee to preserve the history of the building, and with that to contribute to the future culture of Bath city.”

The Sepoy Club, York Buildings, 1 George Street, Bath; www.thesepoyclub.co.uk May 2023

The Sepoy Club opened its George Street doors in May, revealing its ike s ce ith e r co ers he the tic ishes are created by chef Badri, who has 25 years’ experience in renowned rest r ts i oth o t the ikes o st the UK, where he has contributed to many much-loved spots, including Birmingham-based Ashas.

Soulful Space; www.soulfulspace.co.uk December 2023

The recently set up interior therapy consultancy and holistic interior design company Soulful Space was founded by Alice Ford, who held a h e he i ho e orksho t e t e th t the e o st e r “I fell in love with Bath when I moved here in the summer of 2022,” she says. “There’s so much incredible inspiration and other similar businesses all around me to connect with.

“It’s a gorgeous therapeutic city, with so much healing history and resources, the perfect place to nurture the new concept of ‘interior therapy’, as the worlds of interior design and health merge deeper and become a more integral part of our daily lives.”

STYL-D, 4 New Bond Street Place, Bath; October 2023

he o r st i ro e o treet o e i i o st offers h ir ke ser ices or i i i ro ooki s th is s eci ce to e so there o e o here e se o h e te to o e first s ce she s s o si e me, doing hair, the team comprises Sophia and Celia, who specialise in ke e o e seei c ie ts co i i o i the s ce e i o co fi e ce TAG Heuer, 1 St Lawrence Street, SouthGate, Bath; www.tagheuer.com August 2023

The prestigious Swiss watch brand TAG Heuer, which was founded in 1860 and is world-renowned for its chro o r hs otor r ci i e ce esi s o e e i st o t re ce treet i o th te

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

NEW BUSINESSES he a , 2

ilsom lace, Bath; www.thega restaurant.co.uk

December 2022

Daniel Saunders and Danielle Phillips named their small plate rest r t he ff ec se the te to i oke the ee i o ei t ho e i the i so treet s ce i ce o e i t the er e th o The Telegraph s i i it e he ff h s ee re ie e ho s i o this seco r ch o o i the er e ori i he ff is serio s to otch st i e he ittle ym Bath, nit , ingsmead eisure Comple , Bath; www.bath.thelittlegym.co.uk November 2023

i

FROM TOP TO BOTTOM: STYL-D

on New Bond Street Place is owned by Abigail Constanza; Le Chameau is just one of the many equestrian inspired brands stocked

by Wadswick; The Gaff on Milsom Street is owned by Daniel Saunders and Danielle Phillips; The Little Gym opened up in Kingsmead Leisure Complex; Warrens Bakery came to Bath Spa station in December

tte e c sses ith her o chi re t other he itt e oc tio io t s i s ire the ro r e eci e to ork ith the he ec e the s es si ess co ch or he itt e et ork o o s the rece t o e e itt e i th he s ce i i s e eis re o e offers chi re s e e o e t stics c sses ho i c s irth rties is rt o the co i e ce e ess esti illius,

October 2023

ulteney Bridge; Bath; www.tillius.co.uk

i i s st rte s s i e t re i istock e o ch io i the i ist cor ook ith ec ectic esi s e e c tchi o ities t ick re i to thri i si ess o e i to store i i chester the ess th e r ter i i s c e to th s i e h e iffere t ssio s ro eco o to te ti es t e sh re o e o ec ectic i ist i terior esi the s e ore ecce tric he i ere s ces o s ite s to s rk the i i tio adswick, 1 ulteney Bridge, Bath; www.wadswick.co.uk

July 2023

ch ffe r o r o oo er i i s ri t ir or re st e o the herit e r s th t c e o t s ick the hi h e store or e estri e r c othi h cr te oots e the rto i the store o e e o te e ri e i r r i i i store e r orsh o e e e r e rs o the s is se o o r i r i ro ro ei re o i t e estri se si ess to o h i r e se ectio o shio ho e re s e s shooti si tor rest r t e e t th t the ti e s ri ht to ook or o r seco store th e t ike the er ect fit he oc tio ec e i e o the ico ic te e ri e e e t the ch ce arrens Bakery, Bath Spa Station, Bath; www.warrensbakery.co.uk December 2023

ker i the or est ece er he e

PHOTO BY STEPH SIMMONS

rre s ker the o est or ish st o e e its test store t th st tio i

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

NEW BUSINESSES CLOCKWISE FROM LEFT: The Old Bond Street café in Bath was WatchHouse’s first store outside of London; Wilks Bath has opened up on Chelsea Road; xplore is a discovery app linking Bath businesses to the consumer; the Bath arrival of Spanish fashion retailer Zara was big news for the city’s shoppers

o e i rks si ific t i esto e or s s rre s ker e t res rther i to the tr e sector th st tio is st i h ri i eo e to ether ro ks o i e e ook or r to eco i rt o eo e s i ro ti es co ters o r e s or s tre t or isitors i the re e ori the e t o th WatchHouse, 8 Old Bond Street, Bath; www.watchhouse.com July 2023

o o coffee r tch o se o e e its first site o tsi e o the c it o o treet th ith e ork e t re o o i short ter r s o or c r ti e ce tio e erie ces ithi its o ses the th s ce h s ee co cei e re o e esi er ei r o so offers se ti or ore th eo e Wilks Bath, 13 Chelsea Road, Bath; www.wilksbath.com June 2023

he o e es isite

iche i st rre i ks rest r t re io s to e o i i risto re oc te to he se o th i e he i ki s s s he se o is o e o e it the first ti e the e o tr ers re er s orti e t co ti e c reer ith tot riorit o it o i it o ro ce thi k the st e o oo cook is s ite to th its c ie te e re si oc or ic ro ers ho h e so e re t ro ce co fi e t th h s e o h e erie ce or ise resi e ts to e e to i e ti it o ro ce e or o e xplore; www.xplorelocal.com August 2023

ore the o o i e t or th t co ects eo e ith oc e e e t si esses che i th i st s o e th se re r e tech e tre re e r or er o ri e ro essio s er ore is isco er th t e es eo e to fi o o e re r e or their o t t their o rite i e e e ts he s s th is re cit e k o or its stro i e e e t co it e te to i t the o er o ore to those si esses first s th k o or s orti s ith th ks to th the ro cti it o the i e e e t si ess o ers th t e re orki ith i th e i e e i i to co ities tio ri i

Zara, 5 SouthGate Place, Bath; www.zara.com November 2023

i there s efi ite i the ir he it s o ce th t ish shio ret i er r s o e i or the first ti e i th he s re eet o th te s ce offers r e o ro cts cross o e s e r e s e r chi re s e r s e e ic te e t e rt e t 48 I BATH LIFE I www.mediaclash.co.uk

s

SPONSORED CONTENT

TIME TO MAKE A LIFE CHANGING NEW YEAR RESOLUTION

By Sarah Clacker of Mogers Drewett

A

ccording to recent research half of the adults in the UK do not have a will. The study, based on a sample of 2,000 adults, also found that a third (33 per cent) of those aged 55 and over have yet to make a will.

So, why are so many people avoiding this important piece of life admin?

• Perceived lack of wealth: Approximately 24 per cent of respondents believed that they didn’t possess enough assets or wealth to warrant making a will. This is often a misconception based on what they believe to be of value and until assessed may prevent them from identifying their true assets.

• Assumption of automatic inheritance: Surprisingly, 17 per cent of respondents believed that their loved ones would automatically inherit their wealth without the need for a will. This misconception can lead to unintended consequences and unfortunate rather painful family disputes.

• Procrastination: 15 per cent admitted to believing they had plenty of time to make a will, often postponing it indefinitely. Getting around to it is also admitting that at some point you will not be around to procrastinate any longer, a thought many of us struggle to come to terms with.

• Lack of knowledge: 14 per cent of respondents cited not knowing how to write a will as a reason for not having one.

Considering these findings, it’s important to understand that making a will is actually far easier than many people think. Regardless of your age or financial status, it’s never too soon to start planning.

Wouldn’t now be a good time to take a positive step and get around to making that will?

You can begin by listing your assets and specifying your wishes regarding their distribution.

Additionally, leaving a charitable legacy in your will can offer significant tax benefits.

Charitable donations are exempt from inheritance tax, reducing the overall value of your estate (subject to taxation). This can also lower the inheritance tax rate on assets passing to non-exempt beneficiaries from 40 per cent to 36 per cent. You can even specify a particular purpose for your charitable legacy, ensuring that your wishes are respected.

If you haven’t made a will yet or would like to review your existing one, consider reaching out to a specialist wills, trusts, and probate team for guidance. They can help you draft a will that aligns with your intentions and supports charitable causes you care about.

Making a will is a crucial step in securing your assets and ensuring your loved ones are taken care of according to your wishes. Don’t let misconceptions or procrastination hold you back. Start the new year by making a resolution to look after the long-term future of your loved ones.

[Survey undertaken by Canada Life April 2023]

For more information: www.mogersdrewett.com

EVENT HIGHLIGHTS

F E B R UA RY 1st February – Sarah Millican – Late Bloomer 2nd February – Sarah Millican – Late Bloomer 5th February – Kaleb Cooper – The World According to Kaleb

The Gilmour Project 9th February

Puccini Madama Butterfly 21st February

Country Roads – One Night of Country Classics 22nd February

Fairport Convention 23rd February

An Audience with Lucy Worsley on Agatha Christie 28th February

Matt Green – That Guy 29th February

6th February – West Wilts Dance Festival 7th February – West Wilts Dance Festival 8th February – West Wilts Dance Festival 9th February – The Gilmour Project – All-Star Pink Floyd & David Gilmour Tribute 10th February – Gareth Gates – The Best of Frankie Valli and The Four Seasons 13th February – ABC – The Lexicon of Love 14th February – Bath Philharmonia and Lara Melda 21st February – Puccini Madama Butterfly 22nd February – Country Roads – One Night of Country Classics 23rd February – Fairport Convention 24th February – Al Murray – Guv Island, Matinee and Evening 26th February – Rob Brydon – A Night of Songs & Laughter 28th February – An Audience with Lucy Worsley on Agatha Christie 29th February – Matt Green – That Guy

www.bathforum.co.uk

Bath Box Office | 01225 463362

THE ARTS S N A P S H O T S O F B AT H ’ S C U LT U R A L L I F E

Polari Salon, the leading live showcase for LGBTQ+ literary talent, will be part of the inaugural Curious Minds festival

FINER ARTS

Three Bath-based women, Kate Hall, Kate Abbey and Jasmine Barker, with an awardi i tr ck recor o tti o o er ook sic fi e e ts h e set up Bath Arts Collective – a community interest company dedicated to assisting and promoting the local cultural scene. he re o t to ch their first i ro ect Curious Minds, happening in March and described as “a festival to ignite ideas”. Kate Abbey explains more: “It will run as ro i ro r e o er se er eeks ith se ectio o h icke t ks fi s performances and workshops aimed to entertain, educate and challenge.” r es co fir e i c e e s e itor ere o e i s eci e e t looking back at his extraordinary 40 year career; author and mental health campaigner Bryony Gordon talking about her new book Mad Woman; and the return to Bath of the Polari Salon, an evening celebrating queer poetry, writing and performance.

Curious Minds kicks off rch ith the i o t re i t o e i hich is a Bath Arts Collective fundraiser open to all for some serious (or not so serious) i i to test ooks fi sic e tert i e t k o e e For more: www.batharts.co.uk www.mediaclash.co.uk I BATH LIFE I 51

WHAT’S ON

The new Hauser & Wirth exhibition, Present Tense, features 23 guest artists, including Ania Hobson

13 January – 10 February

EXHIBITIONS Until 14 April

GWEN JOHN: ART AND LIFE IN LONDON AND PARIS The now extended retrospective explores the paintings of Welsh artist Gwen John (1876-1939).

Known for her self-portraits, quiet domestic interiors, and portraits of other women, this collection explores her remarkable career. www.holburne.org

Until 21 April

CATHERINE DUCKER Using the work of Catherine Ducker, who produces paintings that sing with colour and light, the Emotion in Colour exhibition at Victoria Art Gallery aims to create so t c s ces or eo e to fi solace. www.victoriagal.org.uk

Until 22 June

FROM HONG KONG TO BATH: A LIFE LONG JOURNEY OF COLLECTING Combining a series of rare historical photographs with 30

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

treasures from the Museum of East Asian Art, the collection uncovers hidden stories of its late founder, Brian McElney. www.meaa.org.uk

17 January – 22 June

DRAGONS, DRAGONS, DRAGONS To celebrate Chinese New Year (10 February), this family-focused exhibition at the Museum of East Asian Art showcases over 60 dragon-themed objects from the collection to explore the stories, the legends, and the symbolism of dragons across China, Japan, and Korea. www.meaa.org.uk

19 January – 14 April

THE WONDERFUL WORLD OF THE LADYBIRD BOOK ARTISTS A collection of books and original artwork from the distinctive Ladybird series, curated by Helen Day, goes on display at the Victoria Art Gallery, revealing how the illustrators played an enormous role in the extraordinary success of the company. www.victoriagal.org.uk

27 January – 28 April

PRESENT TENSE This new Hauser & Wirth group exhibition, a collaboration with 12 other galleries, will provide a platform for 23 UK-based guest artists. Includes pieces from Ania Hobson, Sholto Blissett, Emanuel de Carvalho, Shawanda Corbett, Sang Woo Kim, Ebun Sodipo, Paloma Proudfoot, and Gray Wielebinski. www.hauserwirth.com

THEATRE / CINEMA Until 20 January

THE CIRCLE Jane Asher, Clive Francis, and Nicholas Le Prevost star in Somerset Maugham’s humorous story of marital discord. Lady itt ho e her st ff i e with her titled husband to run away with a young adventurer, despairs when her niece does the same thing some 20 years later.

See page 54 for Clive’s Culture Club. www.theatreroyal.org.uk

16 January

EMERGE & FRIENDS A night of scratch theatre at Burdall’s Yard from some of Bath’s most exciting emerging performers, many of whom are residents of Emerge, a Bath Spa University studio that supports creatives. www.burdallsyard.co.uk

28 January

FILMBATH CLUB e e e i e e t ith fi oo s ost fi isc ssio t Widcombe Social Club on the last o e er o th he first screening is Cannes prize winner EO by Jerzy Skolimowski, about the life of a donkey. www m at or

MUSIC 23 January

WET WET WET & GO WEST The Best of Both Worlds tour will see these two legendary bands perform at the Forum, delivering a combined treasure-trove of hits which includes an impressive 36 Top 40 UK singles between them. www.bathforum.co.uk

WHAT’S ON

26 January

ERNEST AINES o or his i tric te fi er st e it r re oc s the str i si er so riter ri s his ee co te ti e e oc ti e rics to the h e rts e tre www.chapelarts.org

COMEDY

Every Saturday

KRATER COMEDY CLUB oth co i est ishe t e t ro i e the eeke hs re io s i c e o esh th o e r h i ic iso h o is ie www.komedia.co.uk

i

Until 31 January

BELLY LAUGHS et r i is the oo eets irth r isi esti he t e es cross th ook o t or st s i s r risi ces s ch s s rc e t io i t oo os e os www.yuup.co

27 January

STEWART LEE he or s re test i i st The Times) ri s his Basic Lee to r to the or ect o er rchi i ter i ke rr ti es th t i o te ri the ho se o www.bathforum.co.uk

PHOTO BY STEVE ULL ATHORNE

31 January, 1 & 2 February

CLOCKWISE: The vibrant work of Catherine Ducker is on display at the Victoria Art Gallery until 21 April; Stewart Lee, the “world’s greatest living stand-up”, comes to Bath Forum on 27 January; the new FilmBath Club kicks off on 28 January with a screening of EO at Widcombe Social Club

SARAH MILLICAN: LATE BLOOMER he r h i ic s ir she o ts oo to oose iet t schoo ot rie s o oo s ti she s o o she is o ith oo rie s cr cki r ck oose ooi o er the sho www.bathforum.co.uk

CHILDREN

17 – 22 January

THE WIND IN THE WILLOWS he hi sic e t res o tt oe er the irre ressi e o co e to i i i e t he o o he tre i t tio o e eth r h e s c ssic ook irecte i orre ith sic re ce r e www.rondotheatre.co.uk

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WHAT’S ON

JACK & THE BEANSTALK A fun family pantomime by St Philip & St James Church Drama ro te i the stor o the ee fi fo-fum giant, a boy called Jack and some magic beans. Tickets available via www.ticketsource.co.uk

OTHER Reopened

BATH MEDICAL MUSEUM After three years of closure, Bath Medical Museum has re-opened in new premises at 1 Hetling Court.

Open for tea, talks and walks, the city’s smallest museum houses a permanent collection of artefacts, including a Cabinet of Curiosities

that tells the compelling story of Bath’s unique medical history. www.bathmedicalmuseum.org

25 January – 18 February

REBALANCE BATH Bath’s Festival of Wellbeing is back with a three-week celebration of feelgood activities, talks, taster sessions, mindfulness and motivation, hotel and spa packages and family fun. www.welcometobath

26 January

THE HOLBURNE RE-FRAMED A free evening at the Holburne, led by the volunteers, with talks, workshops and access to the collections, plus discounted entry to the special exhibitions. www.holburne.org

Clive Francis in The Circle

CULTURE CLUB with Clive Francis Clive Francis is currently playing Clive Champion-Cheney in Somerset Maugham’s classic drama The Circle at the Theatre Royal, running until 20 January. This marks his eleventh production here across five decades, including last November as Sir Humphrey Appleby in I’m Sorry, Prime Minister, I Can’t Quite Remember. Clive is also a successful caricaturist, illustrator and playwright.

Lincoln Highway by Amor Towles.

Both great page turners and both leaving you wanting more.

The last great film I saw Killers of the Flower Moon. The combination of Scorsese, De Niro and DiCaprio, giving one of his best performances to date, makes for a thrilling, memorable three hours of cinema.

Favourite arts place in Bath Without a doubt the Holburne Museum, which houses, among other great pieces of art, several

by Zoffany of David Garrick, an artist and an actor I’m truly passionate about.

A film I could watch over and over again It’s a Wonderful Life. Frank Capra’s film, which came out the year I was born, never fails to make me weep and laugh and weep again.

Desert island disc Tchaikovsky’s first piano concerto. For the simple reason that it was the first piece of classical music I ever heard.

My father was playing it one evening on his Grundig tape recorder, and I was so entranced that I crept from my bed and sat outside his study door listening.

Best TV show ever…

When I was very young it had to be my father’s detective series, No Hiding Place, which he starred in as Raymond Francis for almost 13 years. More recently, I offer up the inventive The Handmaid’s Tale and the phenomenal Succession.

A favourite binge watch I never can binge watch, as, for me, it takes away the added pleasure of waiting in anticipation for the following week. I never watch more than two episodes at any one time.

Australian singer-songwriter Ernest Aines performs at Chapel Arts on 26 January

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

The book I could happily re-read Brighton Rock by Graham Greene and, more recently, The

Last live concert Mahler’s 7th Symphony at the Albert Hall, which was part of this year’s Prom season. It was beyond words and the most exhilarating piece of music I’ve heard live this year. It was performed by the BBC Symphony Orchestra under their Chief Conductor, Sakari Oramo.

My karaoke go-to I regret to say that karaoke has never really been my scene.

That said, though, I did once accompany the great Tony Bennett in a verse of I Left my Heart in San Francisco, but then that’s another story…

My other talent I’m also a caricaturist and have over the years lampooned many unsuspecting colleagues.

You can find me on www. clivefranciscaricaturist.com For more: www.theatreroyal.org.uk

PHOTO BY ELLIE KURT T Z

24 – 27 January

BOOKS NIC BOTTOMLEY

O Whether it’s about indulging your wanderlust and going off-grid or looking for the new year, new you kickstart, Nic has few suggestions to help us escape the January blues

“I’m making sure, whatever your reading church, you start o stron ”

ver many years of writing this column I’ve suggested all kinds of ways to approach the pristine landscape of a fresh reading year. We’ve covered self-help books, books relevant to likely resolutions, tackling the classics and even manufacturing co fi e ce i i st rt to re i t r et st rti off ith so e brilliant short novels.

This year I’m taking a less mission-led approach. I’m concentrating instead on throwing out some suggestions for books i ke o their ei e o fictio titles in paperback this month and being excellent – thus making sure, whatever your re i ch rch o st rt off stro If your year ahead involves some wandering, or some armchair wanderlust, then you could do worse than starting in the company of Paul Richardson, author of Hidden Valley (Little, Brown, £10.99). In a throwback to the 1990s era of travel writing o i te ith t es o efforts to seek etter life by making a home abroad, Richardson describes his move from city to oh-so-rural life as he seeks to become a self-reliant resident of the remote Spanish region of Extremadura.

The mission to seek a simpler life might be reminiscent of Chris Stewart’s Driving Over Lemons, for example, but this is not a book full o i e t efforts t se s cie c ste Richardson is out to inspire and encourage as he tackles looking after animals, baking and brewing from home and everything else that goes into creating and maintaining a functioning Spanish farm.

Along the way we’re taken on a deeper dive i to ich r so s off ri i e ces the philosophies underpinning his wish to remove himself from the hectic rigours of the modern world. It might not have you packing up and moving to the Spanish countryside, but it’ll

certainly give you pause for thought about the e efits o e si or tho ht Unprocessed by Kimberley Wilson (Ebury, £10.99) would be a sobering but incredibly valuable early 2024 read for any of us. I’ve been looking forward to having this to recommend in paperback ever since seeing her speak at last year’s Bath Festival.

It was an event that had the entire audience buzzing with all they’d learned about just how so many aspects of our health is wrapped up with nutrition.

Wilson is a psychologist and the research at the heart of her book reveals just how important a quality diet is to our mental as well as physical health and how the absence o cert i trie ts c e ti e ffect our mood, our performance and our brain’s development. From this starting point Wilson goes onto explore the real iniquities in our society – how those who face daily hunger, those ho c t ffor to e t e re systemically disadvantaged, and how it’s incumbent on government to change this.

Lastly, Parisian Days (Pushkin Press, £10.99) is the second of Banine’s memoirs to have been translated into English following the wonderful Days in the Caucasus which s ishe ck i hi e th t first book focused on her privileged childhood growing up in the unique atmosphere of pre-revolutionary Azerbaijan, Parisian Days fi s o co e o e i e eei her marriage and homeland to take up a bohemian life amongst the fashionistas and cultural players of 1920s Paris. It’s not all plain sailing – the funds of her youth run low, tarnishing the glamour – but with Banine life is always full and frenetic.

You certainly need look no further if you want to trade-in a soggy January for an esc ist i o o er iffere t ti e and place.

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

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FINE ART AUCTIONEERS & VALUERS

HOME ANTIQUES & COLLECTABLES 29TH JANUARY FINE ART & ANTIQUES 23RD FEBRUARY

SPONSORED CONTENT

THRINGS MEETS… BATH ARTS COLLECTIVE

THRINGS Partner Alice Altounyan meets Kate Abbey, Kate Hall and Jasmine Barker, directors of the BATH ARTS COLLECTIVE Alice Altounyan: What is the Bath Arts Collective and how did it come to be?

Kate Hall: We’re a community interest company focused on bringing the people of Bath together to create memorable experiences in brilliant places across the city and the surrounding areas. The three of us have worked in Bath for many years and we have a wealth of experience across programming, producing and marketing; having created, developed and delivered over 2,500 events across the city.

Our ethos is centred around four strands – to create our own live festivals and events; to connect people and give the arts and culture scene in Bath a united voice; to consult by giving people access to our expertise in making their festivals and events a success; and to contribute by giving as many people as possible access to the experiences the arts can offer.

AA: What are you hoping the Collective could achieve?

Kate Abbey: We felt that we’re in a strong position to amplify what else is going on in the city and launched this new initiative to grow Bath’s varied and vibrant art scene and help it appeal to everyone.

An important focus for us is to ensure that we support creatives of all genres and experience, whether they are based locally, nationally or internationally and find ways to constantly broaden the range of events for children, young people and adults to make sure there is representation, innovation and excellence built in to everything we do.

Our hope is that Bath Arts Collective can bring crowd-pleasers, hidden gems, new voices and local talent to the city that we love living and working in.

AA: What makes a good event?

AA: What makes Bath right for this initiative?

Jasmine Barker: Bath is a complex city, but it has such amazing potential for culture outside of its fantastic heritage. It’s more than its Georgian townhouse image, with some fantastic venues that are full of character, places like Komedia, Mr B’s Emporium and The Grapes, and we are just as excited to showcase them as we are to showcase the Roman Baths or the Guildhall.

The level of talent and creativity in the city is also incredible, we have writers, filmmakers, artists, actors and so much more. Our goal is to work with them to something different and create really special experiences for Bath.

JB: A lot of thought and work!

We talk and plan endlessly with each other, other people and organisations to make sure we have created the magic formula.

When you get it right it is really special, there’s no feeling like being in a space where you can feel the whole audience captured in that moment that will stay with them for a long time.

This could be a small talk in a bookshop with a debut author, an immersive film experience in a heritage site, a workshop in a cosy pub with a glass of wine, or working with young people who want to pursue a career in the arts industry. It’s about bringing people together to enjoy something special.

AA: What are the challenges in running an organisation like this?

KH: We have a lot of ambition and our biggest challenges will be having enough hours in the day to achieve everything we want to do and ensuring that we sustain ourselves financially.

We’re lucky that we have the team in place already and have the contacts and knowledge from our time working in Bath but if we want to achieve what we have set out to do, and not be purely commercial, we’ll need the right balance of funding, sponsorship and ticket revenue.

first original project – Curious Minds: A Festival to Ignite Ideas, which runs across 7 – 28 March. You can expect a selection of handpicked talks, films, performances and workshops aimed to entertain, educate and challenge.

There’s so much on so check out the programme online and join us in turning March into a month that celebrates the spirit of curiosity!

To find out more about the Bath Arts Collective, visit www.batharts.co.uk. n

AA: What does the future hold for the Bath Arts Collective?

KA: 2024 is going to start with a bang! We are thrilled to partner with Bath BID on a strand for ReBalance Bath – a festival of wellbeing – for three very special events in January.

We’ll then be launching our

2 Queen Square, Bath BA1 2HQ; tel: 01225 340000; solicitors@thrings.com www.thrings.com

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

ALL IN A WINTER’S STAY XXXXX

Suite dreams are made of this, along with luxury spas, country walks and fine dining

By Elsie Chadwick

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

W

t re k ro the h ss e o too ch tr e he st ri ht here o re ith o r c ose cos o tio s ro ri te ste o s to iche i st r i i ro s ot o ck her i to ste r i e ists these e st s i rech r e those r i e tteries ch se the r es The Newt in Somerset, Hadspen, Castle Cary; www.thenewtinsomerset.com he e t o e e i i e ti restore r e iste eor i or which sits at the heart of a 1,000-acre est te co ete ith s e i r e s i oo ro i e s e orch r s he roo o ti e hote offers ests t o st es o cco o tio irst the ori i s e o se hich s i t i the th ce t r the re o e e i eor i ti es t ri the esse ce o eor i i ho e its restr i e c ssic e t is offset esi he oi i t e r h s ee tr s or e i to so histic te cco o tio ret i i ch r cteristics h rki ck to its e estri st here s so he r r hich is the est te s e est resi e ce ith roo s co erte i to ch r i e roo s GO LUXE the s e o se roo s the s e r e ie oo offers the ost r ith s er ki si e e s t o s throo e t re fire ce e isite ie s o er the or r e s he r r he t s is the r est o offer ith hi h cei i s i e t ri te ste o

STAYCATIONS EXTRA SPECIAL The Newt in Somerset is more than just other co tr ho se st it offers ests ccess to cre orki est te co ete ith s e i r e s i oo ro i e s e orch r s e c tio ci ities ite e tr or i ri there is sc e re o e o ori i o i th t s o o the est te tes ck to t s ro ht ck to i e e ert te o rch eo o ists rchitects e i eers ski e cr ts e o er erio o se e e rs s rece t se s the fi i oc tio or oc r Julius Caesar: The Making of a Dictator. here s so the ee ti hich is kesi e i r or ho e ees the tech o o ic i o ti e Story of Gardening e hi itio FOR REST AND MINDFULNESS he r s he e e ei e ert r isk h s resi e t her o o ist i ee e o ith tre t e ts o t oor h ro oo i oo re tio e s fire it o si e i ressi e i oor o t oor oo ste roo s i o t to et itt e ore cti e re th orksho s so he i rre c sses t re e it tio o co ter i s c e rr e FOOD OPTIONS he est te s three rest r ts e h sise r to ork i i t he ot ic oo s oc te i s e o se ests c re ish se so i i i s ire so rce ro the s rro i re he e i ites ests to s o r e et es ro the est te s itche r e se ect c ts ro the s t roo o t fish ro the orset co st he r r itche offers ests cre ti e ishes i te e or sh ri

LEFT: Getting hygge with it at The Granary at The Newt in Somerset; ABOVE: The impressive spa at The Newt in Somerset

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STAYCATIONS

LEFT: A room fit for royalty at Lucknam Park; ABOVE: Enjoy at cosy cottage stay at Lucknam Park

is housed in an old threshing barn, the centrepiece of a repurposed dairy farm, where head chef Allan Altschul and his team prepare hearty, comforting dishes using ingredients grown, foraged, and raised on the estate.

The third option, The Garden Café, provides a perfect vantage point overlooking the kitchen gardens and orchards below. he e ce tre ro e et es offers breakfast and an all-day selection, including cream teas, served seven days a week.

DELIGHTFUL DINING Choose between the exceptional Michelinstarred Restaurant Hywel Jones and the less formal setting of The Brasserie, tucked within the hotel’s walled garden. Where available, ingredients for both restaurants are sourced from local suppliers and herbs are freshly picked from the extensive kitchen garden.

Restaurant Hywel Jones has held a Michelin st r si ce offers s ect c r seasonal tasting menus.

Lucknam Park Hotel & Spa, Lucknam Park, Colerne, Chippenham; www.lucknampark.co.uk Lucknam Park Hotel & Spa is an elegant country house hotel, now part of the Relais & Châteaux collection, set within 500 acres of listed parkland. Dating back to 1720, this Palladian mansion encompasses 42 individually styled rooms and suites, as well as luxuriously appointed cottages.

“Quite extraordinarily there is a full-scale remodel of an original Roman Villa on the estate ”

A WELCOME FOR ALL With a variety of accommodation types and a plethora of on-site activities, Lucknam Park is suited to all types of guest, from couples to families and solo travellers to groups of friends; it also has facilities for dogs. he cott es offer i ies rie s the chance to escape to the country, enjoying the privacy and space of a luxury home, combined with outstanding hotel service and facilities. Along with the three and four-bed cottages, the one-bed Gate House makes an ideal base for a couple’s night away or the solo traveller looking for a little me-time. Inside e ch cott es there s o r i fire ce soft blankets, and open-plan kitchens and dining areas, whilst the spacious wrap-around private gardens boast an outdoor dining area.

FAMILY TIME Keeping children entertained, even on rainy days, is easy thanks to the games room, which offers t e te is t e oot imaginative room featuring arts and crafts, a role-play room with dressing up clothes, a baby play room complete with sensory light t es iet roo or stor ti e i board games, and a techno space room for video games. No more cries of “I’m bored!” he estri e tre offers h cks thro h the woodland whilst additional outdoor facilities include bicycle trails, tennis courts cro et o the ro t or those ooki to i their toes i to i tesse ti countryside pursuits, archery, falconry and clay pigeon shooting can be arranged. Or, for tr i e e erie ce tr ck her i

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

ME TIME The Spa at Lucknam Park is set within peaceful walled gardens, blending seamlessly with the natural surroundings. The indoor/ o t oor h rother oo offers sere e setting in which guests can unwind, whilst rther ci ities i c e fi e ther c i s experience showers, a relaxation room and a studio for yoga and Pilates. In addition to their partnerships with natural wellness brand Kloris, and famed skincare specialist HydraFacial, the hotel has also partnered with the globally renowned 111SKIN and local, Bath-based brand Natural Spa Factory, to offer e te si e e o tre t e ts UPGRADE The Michelin Spa break is a truly indulgent package which allows guests to relax during an overnight stay, whilst having the opportunity to experience two of the hotel’s most luxurious features, the spa and the Michelin-starred Restaurant Hywel Jones.

The package includes a three-course a la carte dinner, a 60-minute spa treatment of choice, full use of the award-winning spa facilities and a one-night stay in one of the Main House rooms.

Whatley Manor Hotel and Spa, Easton Grey, Malmesbury; www.whatleymanor.com Whatley Manor, which was originally built in the 1920s, reopened its doors as a hotel in July 2003 after closure for major renovation work and refurbishment. It has 23 bedrooms sat in 12 acres and is perhaps best described s r refie eo r i the tr i countryside.” Whatley welcomes children from the age of 12, and dog friendly rooms are available too.

STAYCATIONS

AMAZING MENUS In his role as executive chef, Ricki Weston o ersees oo e er e offeri s t Whatley, including the Michelin-starred The i i oo re s hich offers neighbourhood restaurant experience, as well as room service, afternoon tea, and private dining. Ricki Weston also holds a green Michelin star for sustainable gastronomy. For a luxe treat, go for the prestige wine pairing menu at £265pp.

OUT AND ABOUT If you want to stay on the grounds, there’s the spa, country walks, bicycle rides, gardens to visit, yoga and Pilates classes, plus a cinema. i o t to str itt e rther fie Whatley Manor Hotel is ideally situated for visits to Bowood House & Gardens, Highgrove Gardens, and Westonbirt Arboretum.

FUN FACT The dry stone wall along the driveway took two men a year to build using no fewer than 90,000 handcut stones.

The Royal Crescent Hotel & Spa, 16 The Crescent, Bath; www.royalcrescent.co.uk The literal centrepiece of the celebrated Royal Crescent, No. 16 became a guest house in 1950 and then, in 1971, was combined with No. 15 to become The Royal Crescent Hotel.

It’s now home to 45 beautiful bedrooms and suites, a relaxed restaurant serving light lunches, traditional afternoon teas and dinner menus to suit every occasion, and a wonderful s offeri re e ti e e treatments. All set around an acre of secluded gardens and steeped in history.

ABOVE: There are pooch options at Whatley Manor;

RIGHT: Executive chef Ricki Weston oversees all food and beverage offerings at Whatley

HIGH LIVING Look out for the special packages that take the stay up a notch. These include A Royally Good Night for those seeking relaxation and re e tio or or c i r e ce e ce e o r e ses s e s the er e ite e i ht o e s ri ti e the balloon package is a unique experience offeri hot ir oo ie o the cit FABULOUS FARE As you’d expect from the Royal Crescent, food options are exceptional – but what may be less expected is the relaxed and welcoming vibe of the Montagu’s Mews bar and restaurant.

Along with an extensive cocktail list and choice o fi e i es ch e there are bar snacks, a set lunch menu, decadent afternoon teas, and a la carte and tasting menu dinner choices.

THINGS TO DO o ith the e e tre t e ts there s fit ess roo re tio oo i the th o se or o t o t inspiration, the in-the-know concierge team can advise – and also provide guests with the hotel’s 50 Things To Do ook et estio s i c e ks o the th k i e c c i the canal paths, paddle-boarding and sailing on the River Avon, a visit to the Bath Aqua Glass centre, calling in to the Roman Baths, and a climb up Bath Abbey.

DID YOU KNOW..?

The rooms are named for Bath residents and visitors, including Jane Austen, Lord Nelson, the fictitio s c r et i er e

The Duke of York master suite at the Royal Crescent Hotel & Spa, and very grand it is too

Gidleigh Park, Chagford, Devon; www.gidleigh.co.uk i ht off tch t orth the ri e is Gidleigh Park. The Tudor-style black and white country house hotel was built as a private residence in 1925 for an Australian shipping magnate, Charles Harold Campbell Mcllwraith, and transformed into a hotel in 1955. Located on the northern edge of Dartmoor, down a 1.5-mile single lane track from the pretty town of Chagford, a sign encourages guests to “keep heart, you are still en route”. Once you’ve arrived, views from the hotel look out over the 107-acre estate, with very few lights visible on the horizon, and the only sound, aside from your fellow guests, is

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STAYCATIONS

LEFT: The magnificent grounds of Gidleigh Park; ABOVE: Book a local stay at The Snug via Clean Break Properties

the babbling stream of the River Teign that runs through the grounds.

Features include a unique water garden, bluebell woods and kitchen garden. The hotel so offers rtifici r ss te is co rt croquet is available to all guests. Arrangements can be made for birds of prey displays in the ro s fishi o the ks o the ri er or in the local reservoirs. Alternatively, for a meditative moment, borrow a yoga mat and fi tr i s ot i the r e s SUITE DREAMS Named after local landmark tors, each of the 24 rooms and suites is luxuriously appointed i i i esi e e t ri fi e antiques and artwork. All come with crisp white linen, plumped-up pillows and fantastic Vispring beds.

Nestled in the grounds – just 350 yards from the hotel, overlooking the croquet lawns and reached by a footpath along the river – you’ll fi he i io ch r i se co t i e th tche cott e hich offers ore sec e i ei h rk e erie ce t co rises two-guestroom interconnecting suite, each guestroom with its own bathroom, an open plan panelled sitting room with kitchen diner and a private veranda.

OUTSTANDING CUISINE At the heart of the hotel is the elegant, intimate and award-winning restaurant serving decadent menus crafted by head chef Chris Eden and his team. Chris is famed as the only Cornish-born chef to win a star in their home county (when he headed up Driftwood’s kitchens), and since March 2023 he’s also

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

added a Devon Michelin star to his collection, h i ee r e o e t i ei h rk Matching the high standards in the kitchen, the hotel’s internationally renowned wine cellar accommodates over 1,300 bins and 13,000 bottles from around the world. Home to a selection of European, New World and io ic i es the ce r offers o e o the ost i ressi e i e ists i the ritish s es

“The hotel’s internationally renowned wine cellar o ers one o t e most im ressive wine ists in the British Isles” PAMPERED POOCH For those keen for a walking break with their four-legged friends, there are two dog friendly rooms, Lydford and Bellever, as well as the se co t i e i io offeri sket blanket, towel, water and food bowls, biscuits, balls, torch and poop waste bags. There are also four heated kennels available.

UPGRADE The Morgan Experience package includes the hire o or s s orts c r or the hi e o e ore rt oor tio rk i

style, taking in the panoramic views from the high tors, the dramatic isolation of the moors or the enchanting Dartmoor ponies. There’s also a picnic lunch hamper, Morgan blanket that’s yours to keep, and then a three-course dinner, an overnight stay and breakfast at i ei h rk WALK IT OFF rt oor is ker s r ise offeri huge variety of trails that cater for all abilities, and discovering this magical landscape on foot ffor s the o ort it to o ser e the oc i ie t r e et tio ost ri e and Bellever are both circular walks taking in a varied mix of scenery, riverside trails, moorland, woodland, waterfalls and historical remains while Chagford, the local village, is also a great starting point for walkers. One of the most worthwhile walks is the four and a half miles that take you to the top of Nattadon Hill, a steep climb but worth the exertion when you reach the summit.

Clean Break Properties; www.cleanbreakproperties.com i e re k ro erties s eci ises i Bath city centre stays, and, with a portfolio of 20 properties to choose from, it’s a great alternative option to the hotel for the big family stay or celebration. The homes are beautifully furnished, dressed, presented and managed, and there is a Bath-based person nearby to support guests.

Clean Break also supports the local charity Julian House and works with local businesses i reco e tio s i te rt ershi s and guest incentives.

Escape and unwind at Aquarias Spa in 2024 Relax at the end of the day with a luxurious spa session enjoying all of the facilities Evening Unwind, Spa and Dine This is followed by a leisurely dinner in Grey’s Restaurant.

Available to book on Wednesday, Thursday and Sunday evening and on a Monday & Tuesday evening from 26th February, £125 per person.

Arrive from 4.30pm, use the spa until 7.30pm with dinner booked at 8pm. Option to book a 30min or 60min spa treatment at an additional cost.

To book call Aquarias Spa: 01666 827 070 or email: aquarias@whatleymanor.com Whatley Manor Hotel and Spa, Easton Grey, Malmesbury, SN16 0RB whatleymanor.com

whatleymanor

THE BRADLEY HARE A beautiful stay, just a hop, skip and jump away, has Rachel Ifans back up to speed

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I

STAYCATION

t was a wild and windy night in December and I was exhausted. Christmas shopping in between work deadlines, I’d tweaked my back hoiking the Christmas tree in, and a cough was now my constant companion four weeks in.

The festive frazzlometer was set to high, nerves were jingling, and I needed to recharge. A short burst of power from the mains to keep me twinkling through to January and beyond.

So we headed to The Bradley Hare in Maiden Bradley, formerly a pub called the Somerset Arms, and now a hotel and restaurant which sits on part of the Duke of Somerset’s Estate. It’s less than 20 miles from Bath, but I hoped it would feel a long way from Real Life. se o the efi itio o st c tio o tho e ri the ess th i te c r o r e s e ffete o r to r i ster • It needs to be far enough away to feel like you’re escaping, but no further than an hour. t ee s to e h ss e ree es o t to e sho here the Teasmade is, given a tour of the remote control, pointed in the direction o the r the oc t ee s to ook ee iffere t to e ie es ot ro s hi s ot es re rick ot s sto e • It needs to be luxurious. It’s how you’d decorate if you didn’t have to take your partner’s terrible taste into account: it’s all high thread counts, silk, wool and feathers, and there are no pants on the radiator.

• It has everything you need. Hot water, warm rooms, peace and quiet, a big bath, a bigger bed, beautiful surroundings, and excellent food and drink options. e rke e i thro h the ro t oor e rr ssi maelstrom of weather and stress whirling into the warmth and quiet of the bar area. The ceilings were very high, but there was a welcoming cosi ess o t the o e ro te or ho se es ite its i ressi e size and heritage.

The bar is spacious with a mix of high stools and dining tables and

www.mediaclash.co.uk I BATH LIFE I 67

STAYCATION there’s also a ‘properly grand’ dining room behind. Next to the bar is h s s set e kicke off ith he rt s ice c i o er a snug area and then a sweeping staircase up to the bedrooms. There soup that came with a hunk of tasty but light Landrace sourdough re o these i tot se e o hich re i the i ho se fi e i bread. Then he tucked into a delicious lamb shoulder in a rich jus, the coaching house adjacent. which was perfectly cooked and went very well We loved our room, The Nest, a soothing HOTEL AND DINING DETAILS with the parsnip velouté, roasted Brussels sprouts cocoon of dark walls and rich fabrics with a very and skin-on new potatoes.

The Bradley Hare, Church Street, Maiden Bradley, big freestanding bath. The gorgeous interiors h torche ckere fi et or st rter BA12 7HW; tel: 01985 801018; at The Bradley Hare come courtesy of James which was served on top of a creamy pickled www.thebradleyhare.co.uk Thurstan Waterworth, ex-European design fennel sauce. It was a dreamy combination of director for Soho House; think deep-hued hessian Opening hours Monday and Tuesday 3pm – smoky and sweet, mild and crunchy, and I had 11pm, Wednesday – Saturday 12.30pm – 11pm, and cushions, wooden carver chairs by roaring to bat my eyelashes hard at my husband to claim Sunday 12.30 – 9pm fires rie o er s s r ch irs half of his sourdough to mop up.

Owned by Andrew Kelly But let’s not forget the main attraction in our I went with a meaty main, although there Atmosphere Traditional village pub with a bedroom: the most photogenic and comfy bed was a fresh cod on the menu that was vying for seductive contemporary flair I’ve ever seen and slept in, and surely the inspo attention. The pork loin seemed a warmer and Room prices Midweek from £150 and weekend for the room’s name, because it’s inset into the richer option somehow, and I’m so glad I chose from £175 wall and surrounded by rough-cut planks of it, as it suited the winter’s night perfectly. It came Restaurant prices Starters £8 - £12, Mains £18 wood – like a cosy nest. Now, here’s a place you with a rich anchoiade – like a posh taramasalata can hide from Real Life, I thought, as I curled up £24, Desserts £3.50 - £9 – that went nicely when smeared on a forkful of for a pre-drink doze before the pre-dinner drink. Drinks Local beers along with draught, plenty pork alongside a leaf or two of clean and fresh We dined in the bar area, and ‘joining’ us were of wines and ciders, and a rotation of classic and rainbow chard. I treated myself to cup of French home spun cocktails a couple of women staying at The Bradley Hare fries – again, they were absolutely perfectly Disability access Some of the bedrooms give and visiting Bath’s Christmas Market, a large cooked and gave me a good excuse to dip away in access to disability. Enquire on booking family group from the village, and also some the cre cho i ti s tot st ffe couples from nearby Frome – also in search of We shared my husband’s chocolate delice for a bolthole and decent food. pudding; more luxury, this time in a glass and And the food is gorgeously decent. I chose topped with light cream and a sprinkling of from chef Pascale Vickery’s à la carte menu and fantastic homemade honeycomb. my husband went for the festive three-course he e ro ises ch i ter s o fi e it menu, a great value option that saw him put to local produce, great cooking and a well-judged away three courses of beautiful food for £28. selection for people who are here for comfort.

Pascale started out as a kitchen porter in Rich gravies, tasty meats, winter veg… it was a Somerset pub before joining the team at exactly what we wanted before returning to our Babington House, where she found her true rooms and settling into The Nest, where we slept passion and drive for cooking. Over the years, soundly and deeply until morning. she’s developed her skills in modern British and fusion cooking and at s re o o ers ock here or o eeke s o erse s to rists he r e re so offers e r ro ri e oo e sti use this as a base to explore Stourhead, Frome, Bruton and Bath, but menus for groups of diners who want to eat the best of what the season The Bradley Hare is also perfect for us locals to escape to, with a hop, oc it h s to offer skip and jump, for a most excellent re-charge staycation.

“Think deep-hued hessian and cushions, wooden carver chairs roarin res

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

THE CULINARY CHAMP

The steely determination that made Kasae Fraser a MasterChef: The Professionals runner up Straight to the point with Robun’s executive head chef and MasterChef: The Professionals finalist

Words by Sarah Moolla Portrait by Betty Bhandari

FOOD & DRINK

T

his is like getting a front row seat at a major rock concert.

I’m in Robun, the contemporary Japanese restaurant on George Street chatting to executive head chef Kasae Fraser as she effortlessly makes me some fresh sushi. This is no ordinary sushi (lightly cured hamachi with wasabi cream, fresh cucumber, toasted bonito sauce, orange tobiko, and roasted sesame seeds) as this is no ordinary chef. Kasea is a MasterChef: The Professionals runner-up. Along with five million other real-time viewers (MasterChef: The Professionals is the all-time seventh most popular food and drink T programme , have been following the pots, pans, pop-ups, tears, trials, and tribulations of the BBC One show, and Bath’s Kasae is making a serious impression. It wasn’t only her “quirky and uni ue flavour combinations”, such as eucalyptus-smoked kangaroo tartare, that were winning over the judges, but also her calm and collected demeanour. With a steely gaze to the camera she announced, “ very time go into the kitchen, tell myself it’s now or never.” The one time she cried she seemed more surprised than anyone, and said ui ically, as she tapped at her face, “ seem to be leaking.”

But there was also a big smile warmth to Australian-born Kasae, as her true personality emerged more and more with each survival of the pressure cooker rounds. She was flourishing, and her talent as an experimental, imaginative, and technically skilled chef became increasingly obvious. As judge Monica Galetti exclaimed after trying her confit duck leg wa e, “Get you, asae ” To be a finalist in such a prestigious show is an incredible accolade, but Kasae had little knowledge of the show before applying. “You can’t get MasterChef outside of the , and ’ve only lived here for two years. There isn’t an Australian e uivalent.” She believes her naivety about the show definitely helped.

“I was slightly apprehensive about applying, but more because I had only been a head chef for six months. But my bosses here really encouraged me, and I got my application in on the very last day.” hen she was called for an interview (there is no screen test or cooking audition), Kasae found she really enjoyed it. “I mean, I was talking about food – how could I not be comfortable with that ” n the lead up, asae’s boyfriend ince also a chef, who works around the corner at Bath’s Corkage), helped her prepare for the show’s notoriously challenging skills test. “ eah, he loved that,” she laughs. “ think there were moments he stitched me up a little One time did a frangipan chocolate and pear tart – in 20 minutes – for breakfast ” Once the show started recording, Kasae found her fellow competitors were actually her biggest allies. “It’s weird, you don’t actually feel like you’re competing with each other. There’s this camaraderie, we’re all in it together, doing this really crazy thing. We’re the only people who really know what each of us is going through. Some people you might only know for three days but it felt like a lifetime, so friendships were formed really quickly. We have a giant What’s App group, and we’re planning to meet up soon in ondon.”

Kasae, centre, with fellow runner up Tommy Thorn, left, and winner Tom Hamblet, right

It was a pretty punishing schedule for the contestants: the show is filmed in ondon over eight weeks from ay to July, but the chefs also have to travel back and forth to their full time jobs. In between filming, asae was getting up at am to practice, travel to work in Robun to practice more, and then start service at 11am. “I was running off adrenaline. knew that if didn’t show up, if didn’t do this, then was the only one who was going to suffer for it.” An added pressure was having to keep involvement in the show a secret from nearly everyone, which – of course – got harder for Kasae the more she progressed. “Our cover story was that I was helping out in Robun’s sister restaurant in ondon.”

While the show is evidently exhilarating, the effort needed to succeed is extraordinary. Some of Kasae’s determination, focus, and originality could be put down to her unusual upbringing.

Her mother left when she was three years old; her father then brought her and her brother up, but due to mental health issues struggled, and from the age of 13 she and her brother were raised by their grandparents. It was a home full of love and positivity, but it also meant they didn’t have much growing up. “They were retired, so while we never went without, there was no surplus and it meant that whatever we did have was always really special.”

While her grandparents hoped she might consider university, Kasae admits back then that her plans for the future were vague, and definitely didn’t involve cooking. “ wanted to be a police o cer for a while, and then was thinking about joining the navy.” t was working front of house at a restaurant, and then being asked to help out in the kitchen, that led to a three-year catering apprenticeship. “It was something that just clicked.” And that “click” has led to working all over the world, including Melbourne, Sweden and Cornwall, before coming to Bath in 2022 to work at Robun, and her MasterChef appearance.

While Kasae loved her experience on the show, it wasn’t about seeing herself on T or the pursuit of fame – it all comes back to the cooking.

“This was one of the first times ’ve ever had autonomy over whatever wanted to do – to not be tied to a cuisine. This was a process and the discovery of what my own style is.”

It’s this newly discovered style that Kasae is keen to keep developing. “ e and ince have always talked about opening our own restaurant, doing playful but upmarket sharing plates. We’d love to set up somewhere between Bath and Bristol, but we’re not rushing the process. t’ll be about the right venue, at the right time.” There are also plans for pop-ups and collaborations with some of her new MasterChef friends, and she has recently hosted tasting menu evenings at Robun.

Right now, though, one of Kasae’s priorities is trying to get to back to Australia to see her grandparents. In one of the heats she made a variation of her grandmother’s lemon slice, and revealed just how much she missed them. “They couldn’t see the show in Australia, but they’ve loved hearing all about it, and were thrilled to hear how far got. They keep asking when I’m coming back to see them, so I think that’s top of my list right now.”

For more: www.robun.co.uk

“I was running off adrenaline”

QUICK FIRE ROUND WITH KASAE

Favourite food – lasagne Least favourite food – anchovies Quick recipe – a chicken tikka masala curry Best food memory as a child – the Pizza Hut buffet followed by the unlimited soft serve Dinner party staple – my own bread and my own hummous from scratch, dressed in paprika oil and fried chickpeas. It does actually take a couple of days to make Three larder staples – pasta, tomato passata and cheese TV dinner – pizza Guilty pleasure - sour cream Pringles Favourite dish at Robun – the beef cheek; and yes, I do make it!

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

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FOOD & DRINK

PHOTO BY PAUL GROOM

The First Dates team in their new location of The Botanist in Bath. Left to right: Kofi Yeboah-Mensah, Francesca Martusciello, Merlin Griffiths, Fred Siriex, Cici Coleman, Jamie McCleave, and Aoife Smyth

LOVE IS IN THE AIR The Botanist, once a chapel, is the gorgeous backdrop to the new series of First Dates For ten years, First Dates, fronted by maître d’ Fred Sirieix, with a supporting serving cast o iters r er i ri ths h s ee fi e i o o chester t now love’s young dream (as well as the old, and the middle-aged dreams) are blind dating and dining down the road at The Botanist on Milsom Street.

The location change came about as the production company Twenty Twenty, responsible for the hit Channel 4 series set o ces i nearby Bristol in an ongoing commitment to supporting UK regions. Executive producer Rich Mears explains: “First Dates’ tenth anniversary felt very

“A table for two, and we’ll have the camera to share, please”

special to us, so we really wanted to pull out all the stops to make this a great series for daters and viewers alike. We wanted to keep all the First Dates warmth and heart that we all know and love, but it was also a great time to refresh things. We have a beautiful new restaurant in Bath – one of the most romantic cities in the UK – and that really made an impact on the series.

Not only does everything have a brand-new look, but the gorgeous surroundings are the perfect place for love to blossom.”

The Grade II listed Botanist was originally The Octagon Chapel, built in 1767, with its octagonal motif not just featuring in the overall

shape, but throughout the building, including in the dome, bar, and overlooking gallery. It was created as a private place of worship for the well-to-do and advertised as “the only safe place of worship in Bath as there are no steps to climb and no bodies buried below”.

William Herschel, who discovered the planet Uranus in 1781 whilst living here, was the chapel’s organist, and it’s said that Jane Austen reserved and rented a pew in the chapel for private use whenever she was visiting Bath.

One cannot help but wonder what Jane o ke o the o er s o fi i matrimony – with 42 cameras in the restaurant (on the walls, the ceiling, by the bar and in the toilets), and the results of the matchmaking screened to millions? Maybe her musings in Pride and Prejudice, written in 1813, still ring true today – “We are all fools in love.”

For more: www.channel4.com

Love is never cheesy – except for now, maybe www.mediaclash.co.uk I BATH LIFE I 73

SHOPPING LIVE WELL, BUY BETTER

SAVED BY THE BELL

Two top tips for a fab January? Don’t do it dry, and wear bright colours. And The Bell on Walcot Street is a pretty brilliant boozer in which to combine these activities. Go there and stand out. (Save the greys to help you look more cerebral and interesting in the summer.)

If you’re in the mood for a sartorial pick-me-up but are feeling a teeny, tiny bit brassic post-Christmas, then now’s the time to scour the charity shops. Attics have been cleared, wardrobes pared down, and there may even be even an unwanted, wrong-sized present or t o rki he ifice t e se e e t re h s ee so rce ro th s oroth House charity shops, plus you can always look at its site online.

Looking good, doing good. Win win. Cheers to that!

For more: Dorothy House; www.dorothyhouse.shop Photo: Egle Vasi; www.eglevasi.com Makeup and hair Chantelle Moody Model Fiona McGuire from Salt and Pepper Models; www.saltandpeppermodels.co.uk Styling Jennifer Lovell and Marianne Cantelo Venue The Bell; www.thebellinnbath.co.uk

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FAUX LEATHER BOOTS BY ANGEL ALARCON, £110 The pointed toe and kitten heel in statement silver make for a classic styling option, and the perfect partner to dresses, skirts, trousers, and jeans.

From Anthropologie, 1 – 4 New Bond Street, Bath; www.anthropologie.com

THE SUN NECKLACE, £145 Multi-colour gemstone and turquoise stone embellished sterling silver sun necklace. Also available in rose gold plated sterling silver.

From Icarus Jewellery, 3 Pulteney Bridge, Bath; www.icarusjewellery.com

COLOURING IN Grey days begone – with a splash of red, silver and sunshine

APPLIQUÉ KOBY TROUSERS

BY LF MARKEY, £180 Cut in a mid-weight canvas with bright appliqué patchwork fi ishe ith oo ket stitch details include fatigue pockets, a high button down waist and a wide leg.

From Found, 17 Argyle Street, Bath; www.foundbath.co.uk

LONG ROBIN COAT, £599 This red double-breasted waxed cotton coat with a loose and easy A-line silhouette, plus neat little collar and c ffs es to ce the i or with a smarter edge.

From Cabbages & Roses, 3 West End, Bruton; www.cabbagesandroses.com

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IN-ZU BEVEL BAG, £179 This contemporary bright red mesh fabric shoulder bag is practical, r e e e t iffere t ith the asymmetrical structure lending it a quirky pyramid shape.

From Blue Women & Home at The Loft, 1-2 Bartlett Street, Bath; www.bluewomensclothing.co.uk

EDITOR’S CHOICE SHARON CAPELLA MAXI DRESS, £126 An elegant faux-wrap maxi with a twist of bohemian glamour thanks to its beautiful shape and striking print.

From Spirit Fashion; 3 High Street, Devizes; www.spiritfashion.co.uk

MOULIN WOOL SCARF, £69 Fine pure wool scarf with a deliciously soft and luxury feel in a colourful e cock e e st e tter From Bibico, 9a Bartlett Street, Bath; www.bibico.co.uk

SUEDETTE GLOVES IN CHERRY, £18 Keep winter glam and warm with these o es esi e i so t s e ette fi ish fi ishe ith t o tto et i From Sassy & Boo, 9 Bartlett Street, Bath; www.luellafashion.com

GANNI BRUSHED APLACA SWEATER, £195 Brighten up your winter wardrobe with sunshine orange. Designed or c ose fit o er the sho ers this sweater is made from a brushed alpaca-rich yarn crafted in Italy.

From Square, 12 New Bond Street, Bath; www.squarebath.uk

SHARI SKIRT BY BAUM UND PFERDGARTEN, £229 et ic fi res r e e esi ke this o i o s i e skirt something special.

From Grace & Mabel, 3 George Street, Bath; www.graceandmabel.co.uk

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Look at diet for happy brain function

SCHOOL GUIDE VICTORIA BOND

How to have a happy new (school) year From digital deals to listening more, little ways to raise your children’s spirits

O

try harder’. This doesn’t mean we shouldn’t help them when the sk t there is iffere ce between facilitating and doing it for them. It can be uncomfortable at the start to take a step back, but it will lead to a greater sense of happiness and pride in their work.

ENCOURAGE INDEPENDENCE We are hard-wired as parents to scoop up our children and solve their problems. But this can unintentionally lead to them feeling that they can’t do well without help. Let them fail a little, and normalise getting things wrong as a stepping stone to success. This helps them to take responsibility for their o e r i fi re o t individual areas where they ‘must

AGREE ‘HAPPY’ HABITS You may baulk at the idea of negotiating critical elements of family life like bedtimes, but research shows that a consistent bedtime is more important than the number of hours sleep in terms of impact on ability to feel good the next day. Consider moving bedtime a little later to stop battles and create a greater sense of ownership around their schedule. A balanced diet and good hydration is well documented in terms of its impact on good performance in school, but the link between brain function and gut health is increasingly understood to be a key factor too. Explore if supplements to boost good bacteria could be helpful in reducing anxiety and look at adding in oils for happy brain function too. Of course, regular exercise is also vital, as ‘moving’ endorphins impact on their ability to sit still and study well.

ne of the questions I get asked the most by parents is: how can I help my child be happy at school? As our children embark on a new year in the classroom and we all resolve to do things a little better, I thought it was a good time to cherry-pick some tips I have collected from teachers, education psychologists and education experts.

The good news is that parents can have a direct impact on how much our children love to learn. er chi is iffere t ho e er so think of yourself as a happiness mixologist and play around with the measures until you craft the right combination.

DO A DIGITAL DEAL It’s impossible to ignore the negative impact access to smartphones can have on our children’s ability to enjoy any aspect of their life, but especially school. Experts suggest three ick i s first ke e roo s phone-free zones – if not all the time, then absolutely for a minimum of thirty minutes before bed and overnight. eco i it ho e se first thing in the morning, so they don’t wake up with cravings to check their phones.

Thirdly, install a newsfeed blocker, available on all app stores, which allows social media usage while hugely reducing the endless, mindless scrolling.

on happiness at school, especially in terms of undertaking simple chores or helping younger siblings with reading. Train their spongey brains to look for ways to help and they are much more likely to also ask for help themselves.

SHOW, NOT TELL Experts agree that if you only do one thing to impact on your child’s happiness at school, it’s to lead by example. Be consistent in your actions and in what you say you will do.

Modelling your own happiness is critical too. Discuss the elements of your current role that you enjoy, and explain how we continue to learn all through life. Ultimately, helping them to see that the journey is as important as the destination will help them understand that ups and downs are natural, but that we have all the tools we need to power-up the positive.

“Make bedrooms phone-free”

HELP THEM SEE THE BIGGER PICTURE Talking about bigger ideas about the world doesn’t need to involve challenging discussions around the news, but involving children in chats about household budgeting or mortgages can help the fi re o t th t the h e a place in a wider world. Being more involved in family life is reported to have a strong impact

Victoria Bond is the founder and CEO of School Guide, an easy-to-use website that helps parents explore the best schools in the area, including catchment maps and parent reviews.

For more: www.schoolguide.co.uk www.mediaclash.co.uk I BATH LIFE I 79

SPONSORED CONTENT

TIPS FOR RETIREMENT PLANNING Jacqui Bowden from Bath-based chartered accountants and tax advisers PEARSON MAY with some advice on how to consider your finances for the longer term

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or many savers, retirement can seem like a far-off or even unattainable goal. But to maximise your chances of retiring comfortably, early planning is essential. As the cost-of-living crisis puts pressure on day-to-day finances, it’s a difficult time to think about saving for the future. But these challenges make it all the more important to carefully consider your finances and plan for the long term. Here are some tips on how to plan for retirement.

ASSESS YOUR SAVING GOALS At its most basic, retirement planning from a financial perspective comes down to two key questions: how much do you need to save, and how will you save it? The answers to these can be down to various factors.

To start working out how much money you’ll need in retirement, you’ll need to consider your various expenses and the lifestyle you’d like to achieve. Give careful consideration to factors like holidays and leisure, transport, home maintenance, food and drink, shopping and gifts.

The Pensions and Lifetime Savings Association estimates that a single person would need at least £12,800 a year to afford at least a minimum level across these expenses in retirement. For a ‘moderate’ lifestyle that offers more financial security and flexibility, they estimate that you’d need at least £23,300, while a more comfortable lifestyle with some luxuries would require £37,300 a year.

These estimates could vary significantly for couples and different locations in the UK, and you’ll also need to factor in additional costs like medical and social care. They also assume that you own a home and are no longer renting or paying a mortgage. But with these points in mind, they can provide a useful starting point for your calculations.

HOW LONG WILL YOUR RETIREMENT BE? This is obviously an almost impossible question to answer, but remember that life expectancy has increased drastically in the last 50 years, and according to the Office for National Statistics, it’s expected to increase again in the next 50 years, by approximately 6.6 years for males and 5.5 years for females in England and Wales.

Clearly, the sooner you start saving toward your retirement, the better, plus compounding interest/growth means the money you put in earlier can go further.

UNDERSTAND YOUR PENSION Most people in the UK are entitled to income from the state pension, as well as any workplace or personal pension savings they’ve built up over time.

STATE PENSION The new state pension, which applies to people reaching retirement age (currently 66) on or after 6 April 2016, offers a full amount of £203.85 per week (£10,600 per year). But the amount you receive will depend on your National Insurance record. You can check how much state pension you’re entitled to, when you should get it, and how you might be able to increase it using the government’s ‘Check your state pension forecast’ tool, which can be found at www.gov.uk/check-state-pension.

WORKPLACE PENSION In the last few years, more people have been saving into a workplace pension scheme following the introduction of auto-enrolment laws. These require employers to automatically enrol qualifying employees into a workplace pension scheme and make contributions as a percentage of the employee’s salary.

Currently, the minimum total contribution for auto-enrolment pensions is 8 per cent of pensionable earnings. Employers must pay a minimum of 3 per cent, with employees covering the remaining 5 per cent – although employers can choose to contribute a higher amount.

When the time comes to access your pension savings, it’s important to be aware of the tax implications. From the age of 55, you can usually take up to 25 per cent of your total pension pot as a tax-free lump sum. Withdrawals after this are subject to income tax. You’ll still receive your tax-free personal allowance in retirement, which currently stands at £12,570.

Tax on pension income can be very complicated, and while you have various flexible options for withdrawing your funds, it’s essential to get professional advice to avoid unexpected tax charges.

ASSESS YOUR SAVINGS OPTIONS Many people also choose other methods to save for retirement, such as Individual Savings Accounts (ISAs). You can make contributions to an ISA up to an annual limit without incurring tax on the growth of your savings.

The maximum amount you can pay into an ISA each tax year is currently £20,000 and has been at that threshold for a few years.

You can also make many other investments of course e.g. stocks and shares (whether within an ISA or not), or other assets like land and property. Holding investments over a longer period generally gives you a better chance of returns, but as ever, the value of investments can go down as well as up and specific advice in relation to investments and pension schemes should be obtained from your pension adviser or an independent financial adviser.

The above is for general guidance only and no action should be taken without obtaining specific advice.

PERSONAL PENSION You also have the option to arrange a pension yourself. This can be particularly useful if you’re self-employed and therefore unable to benefit from an employer’s pension scheme.

There are a few different types of pension you could choose from and it is important to take appropriate advice from a suitably qualified independent financial adviser.

WITHDRAWING FROM YOUR PENSION

Jacqui Bowden BSc(Hons) ACA Pearson May Chartered Accountants & Chartered Tax Advisers Bath, Chippenham and Trowbridge 37 Great Pulteney Street, Bath BA2 4DA 01225 460491; mail@pearsonmay.co.uk www.pearsonmay.co.uk

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

MAIN: Exterior of Westmoreland View;

INSET: There is wood throughout; BELOW:

Four of the homes have a roof terrace

Residential

UP TO DATE

The modern interpretation of a classic Bath residence Westmoreland View, a new development o fi e e roo ho ses oc te et ee ree rk o er fie h s st che ri i ith it o co s roo terr ces he ho es hich ere i t oc e e o er r e ro ert co e ith th sto e es i e orche oor s he kitche s e t re rt sto e orkto s ith i ces there s h r e ri oo effect oori thro ho t o r o the ho es h e their o scree e roo terr ces the er ect s tr i the s er o ths

ith

e t o s ce or e tert i i i er rk e i irector t r e ro ert s s his h s ee e citi ro ect or s ith the rch se re r ish e t o e isti ro ert the i o o r e ho ses ce t to it th s e ti rchitect re is re o e e ere c re to e s re th t o r e ho es o re ect th t i their esi rices st rt ro the re ei so thro h i ht r k For more: www.knightfrank.co.uk

PROPERTY

THE OLD SCHOOL HOUSE Exploring a North Wraxall home that’s in a class of its own Photos by Inigo

T

his handsome Grade II-listed former schoolhouse has been carefully converted by the current owners, creating a wonderfully characterful home. Positioned in the middle of the pretty village of Lower North Wraxall, Wiltshire, just 12 miles from Bath, which in turn sits in the Cotswold AONB, the house has bucolic views over nearby rolling hills and woodland.

Unfolding over 1,500 sq ft, including a lofty living space which was once the schoolroom, the house is completed r e ith refi e ti sche e o Cotswold stone walls.

The original late Georgian building was constructed in 1832 as a school for local children, using squared rubble stone with slate roofs and coped gables. The first esi i c e o e schoo roo schoo ho se for the teacher at the southern end. The original

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

“The whole building is punctuated with the original stonemullioned windows”

schoolroom still has its bell turret on its northern gable, and the whole building is punctuated by the original stone-mullioned windows crowned by hood moulds.

The current owners have recently restored the house, bringing the schoolroom back to its former glory, removing a false ceiling and revealing its soaring ceilings and wooden beams. The Cotswold stone has been lovingly repaired and repointed. Elsewhere they have revealed expanses of stonework throughout the house, sensitively updated the kitchen and bathrooms using carefully chosen materials, and extensively landscaped the garden.

The house is set back slightly from the road behind wrought-iron railings. A front door, which would have opened into the original schoolhouse, now opens into a dining room, complete with smart panelled walls and a wood-burning stove. Behind part of the panelling is a cleverly concealed and spacious under-stair cupboard, currently used for storing bicycles. Between the dining

HISTORY LESSON

In 1832, permission was given for the school and house to be erected on what had been some waste ground in the village. ‘The National Society for Promoting the Education of the Poor in the Principles of the Established Church’ contributed a total of £35 towards the school. Its main cost, though, was met by the area’s clergyman, who also became responsible for its upkeep.

Before North Wraxall School had been built, there is evidence from a parliamentary investigation, dating back to 1818, which describes that the education of the village’s children was adopted by the rector, Michael Wayatt. Since he presumed that the parents would not be willing to sacrifice their earnings for the expense, he funded a Sunday school for around 50 children himself. The report stated that “(the) parish being agricultural, and the children employed as soon as they can walk.”

The original school would likely have catered for around 30 children; desks would have been placed along the wall, where the children were taught reading and sewing by a mistress, and writing and swimming by the parish organist. In 1869 the schoolroom was raised and a wooden floor was installed, with an additional schoolroom built at the same time. In 1879 a third extension was added, raising the schoolhouse by a storey.

room and a utility room – complete with additional worktop space and a hidden sink – there is room to h co ts kick off oots est sho er roo sit ce t he kitche ies i h t o h e ee ter e to itio to the ho se o risi hite c i etr oo e orkto s it h s oor hich e s to the r e set o c erestor ritt i o s th t r e ie s o er s rro i co tr si e t is so co ete ith r e cer ic t er si k r e ri tr erti e ti es i e the oor te s e to corri or here ro o hooks th t chi re o h e se to h their co ts e ore the schoo re sti o oor e s to the o i o s sitti roo here three r e i o s the the roo i i ht thro ho t the e se o h ookshe es i e o e hi st seco oo r i sto e r s the s ce i the i ter o ths

HOUSE NUMBERS Guide price Sq ft

£785,000 1,500

Bedrooms

3

Outhouse

1

For more: www.inigo.com

The original schoolhouse is now home to three e roo s o hich h e rett ie s o er the i e r e s co tr si e s e s their ori i oor o r s o e roo s sti h e their ori i sto e fire ce s rro s too he i throo h s ee fitte ith rio s reest i th hi st r e ti es i e the s he o ers te to cre te rett s e r e ith s ce or o t oor i i erch ro hich to sit ri k coffee hi st ooki o er the i e ith its ro tic ie s he i st e s i oc ots o sto e ith ste s hich e to r ise re the er ect s ot to e ch o th ci the r e is re s tr the orther e o the ho se here the seco schoo roo o ce stoo is rki re ith s ce or t o to three c rs here is so ss e hich e s ehi the ho se to o t i i hich is c rre t ei se s orksho

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SPONSORED CONTENT

WINDOW OF OPPORTUNITY

A 2024 update from the KNIGHT FRANK team…

A

s we bid farewell to 2023, we reflect on a year that was not straight forward and full of ups and downs.

In the end it was better than predicted for the property market, with lower than expected falls in asking prices and good levels of demand, particularly towards the end of the year. The focus now shifts towards a promising new year. The resilience displayed by the market in 2023, suggests a positive trajectory for the UK property landscape, where houses are sensibly priced and they are exposed to the widest possible audience.

Bath, nestled in its own microclimate and characterised by limited property supply, continues to defy market norms. However, despite these favourable conditions, it remains crucial to stay attuned to the evolving market dynamics compared to the same period last year. We believe at Knight Frank we are perfectly placed to get that desired result for you. Despite the difficult market conditions in 2023 Knight Frank Bath saw some of the most significant property sales achieved in Bath, including the most expensive house sale ever sold within the city.

When it comes to forecasting house prices for 2024, there are numerous factors we can take into account; the consensus suggests

“DESPITE THE UNCERTAIN MARKET CONDITIONS IN 2023, KNIGHT FRANK BATH ACHIEVED SOME OF THE MOST SIGNIFICANT PROPERTY SALES ACROSS THE CITY, INCLUDING THE MOST EXPENSIVE HOUSE EVER SOLD”

it’s likely to be another muted year for the market. However, the better than anticipated activity in 2023 has shown that many buyers are still proceeding with satisfying their housing needs and there still remains a drastic shortage of stock within the Bath market. There is more and more evidence pointing to a turning point for the UK property market in 2024. Better than expected inflation results dropping under 4 per cent underline the importance of psychological milestones in financial markets, something that has become increasingly apparent for anyone buying or remortgaging. Sub-4 per cent mortgage rates seen for the first time in a while has also had a positive impact. Given the lack of stock and the abundance of buyers looking to move here, not only for lifestyle but also for good schools, countryside, and easy train links to London, we are well placed to attract buyers from all over the globe.

As we enter an election year, the political environment poses as many threats as it does opportunities. We believe, there is a window of opportunity for buyers and sellers as the economy settles and before a general election is called. Our advice would be to speak to us sooner rather than later if you want to get moving in 2024. We have many good buyers on our books who simply cannot find the right property to buy.

The Knight Frank Bath office has a highly experienced and settled team. We are proudly local with a deep understanding of our market and importantly our buyers. As the world’s only global real estate partnership, we maintain the ability to call on the support of our large global network of more than 480 offices. If you would like to know more about how we can help you move, please contact us on 01225 325999.

4 Wood Street, Bath BA1 2JQ tel: 01225 325999 bath@knightfrank.com www.knightfrank.co.uk

RECENT SALES

Sydney Buildings – £3,250,000

Combe Road – £1,650,000

Percy Place – £1,250,000

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NORTON MASONRY LTD Stonework Specialists & General Builders

8 PICKFORD FIELDS, CHILCOMPTON, RADSTOCK BA3 4XU

Tel: 01761 232906 Mobile: 07901 712232

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SPONSORED CONTENT

NORTH RANGE SAVILLS unveils new homes at Walcot Yard that are complete and ready to move into…

A

scheme of nine premium quality apartments at the historic Old Walcot Yard in Bath’s Artisan Quarter has reached completion – with the homes now ready to move into.

North Range, by developer, Sunley, is named after the industrial buildings that once occupied the site. It comprises a mix of two and three bedroom lateral apartments and duplexes, set within a new building.

Individually designed for contemporary living, the apartments offer spacious floor plans of between 651 sq. ft. and 1,205 sq. ft. Six have courtyards or terraces, with the duplexes affording impressive views over the city and beyond. All nine apartments have off-street allocated parking with electric vehicle (EV) charging points.

Completion of the development coincides with the launch of a new show home on 27 January.

The launch will be an opportunity for prospective purchasers to experience the quality

of the scheme first hand, from the luxurious Neptune kitchens and elegant engineered oak flooring, to the sustainable features, which include an efficient community heating system, and EV chargers for each home.

The show home is a spacious 1,100 sq. ft. lateral apartment with its own private entrance, priced at £700,000. It is situated on the ground floor of the three storey building.

Commenting on the launch, Hunter Harling from Savills new homes team in Bath said: “We are thrilled to unveil this beautiful new show apartment at North Range and look forward to welcoming prospective buyers from 27 January.

Its fantastic location and high-quality credentials has generated quite a lot of early interest and we have started taking reservations already. Now that it is complete and open to view, I would advise anyone who is interested to get in touch now.”

Situated in the heart of Bath’s Artisan Quarter, an exciting pocket of the city that is home to an array of independent shops, bars, eateries and

galleries, North Range represents an excellent opportunity to own a beautifully-designed contemporary apartment with allocated parking in a private, central location.

Harling added that: “Residents will be able to immerse themselves within the artisan community that is on their doorstep, with the city centre and everything it has to offer just a short walk away – all this from within an elegant, comfortable and energy-efficient home.”

Guide prices at North Range start at £455,000 for a two bedroom apartment and up to £895,000 for a three bedroom duplex. For further information please contact Hunter Harling on 01225 474 591. www.savills.co.uk

BATH LIVES

“I was shocked to see the bombed buildings” I studied microbiology at Sheffield University and then

tried the army, but it was too rigid for me.

I always thought I’d be unemployable and would need

to run my own business, so 35 years ago I created protein and energy/recovery supplements from my kitchen table and then set up Nutrisport. Almost immediately I was consulting with professional athletes and in first e r h three oot and rugby teams playing in e e c fi s

We moved to Bath in 2009 looking for better schooling

SCOTT ADAMS

The Midford Castle owner on food supplements, Russian snipers, and finding strength through adversity Scott Adams is the CEO of Nutrisport, the UK manufactured sports supplement brand, which he founded 35 years ago. He now runs his business from Midford Castle, made famous by once having Hollywood actor Nicholas Cage as its owner. As well as being a sports nutritionist and calisthenics coach, Scott also farms goats.

At the end of last year, Scott took a 1,700-mile, four day trip to western Ukraine to deliver 600kg of medical aid and clothing to authorities.

He also donated two trucks, a Mitsubishi L200 and a Ford

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Ranger Thunder, he had bought and reconditioned for the journey.

I grew up in foster care on a northern housing estate.

other s er 16 years old when she had me.

My father was in the RAF st tio e i er et he s fi e e rs o I had a mild cerebral palsy at birth but worked hard over the

years to become an okay athlete by boxing and playing rugby for college and town. Adversity can make you try that little bit harder and do better, as long as you know your limitations.

or o r fi e chi re eor e Lucy, Jemima, Harvey and Pene. We then had Arthur and Annabel, born in the RUH. Monkton was the only Bath schoo th t co fit the chi re in at such short notice! When our three Ukrainian children arrived in 2022, I enrolled them in Monkton with a 50:50 bursary from the school.

When we moved to Bath there was no house for a family of our size – but there was a Grade I listed castle. It was

in a terrible state. Without the painstaking restoration which followed conservation principles, the whole castle would have collapsed by now.

We bought the castle from Nicolas Cage but we didn’t get

to meet him. He had started the restoration work by stripping out the fi t res fitti s ike to think that we have some things in common – lateral thinking, taking challenges, and refusing to take ‘no’ or ‘can’t be done’ for an answer.

When Ukraine was invaded in February 2022, I knew there would be a refugee crisis.

I was put in contact with the

Ukrainian expat community and we found Lidiia’s family in Kharkiv just after they’d been bombed out of their home.

Lidiia, her two daughters and three grandchildren have now lived with us for nearly two years.

We eat together, play together, and share the childcare and the school runs.

I bought two trucks and transported 600kg of medical aid to the western city of Lviv

and then gave the trucks to the army. I spent a couple of days in Lviv – although it’s relatively safe, I was shocked to see the bombed buildings and hear an air raid siren. Everyone had a story to tell about the war.

The army badly need more trucks to transport supplies, move drones and evacuate,

and preferably right-hand drive ones. To my horror I found out that Russian snipers expect the driver to be on the left-hand side.

My biggest achievement is starting the Nutrisport Trust – a registered charity

with a £1m donation to help bright, non-privileged young people study STEM subjects at British universities. I believe the brightest people who can be the most productive do not necessarily come from rich parents. It’s a huge waste if educational opportunities are not offere o erit rtic r i science and technology.

I love the tranquillity and privacy of Midford Castle but

it’s also great to be a short drive, walk or bus ride from a vibrant historic city. The castle is not open to the public but we do have conferences, Airbnb guests and, of course, there’s my calisthenics class on Wednesday nights!

For more: www.midfordcastle.com | www.nutrisport.co.uk

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