Bath Life – Issue 513

Do you do it? Do you do it in the dead of night when you think no-one can see? Or maybe you’re blatant – have no shame – and you’re an anywhere, anytime type of person. Perhaps you promise yourself never again, but then there you are, succumbing to it all over again? I am talking, of course, about property porn. An addiction that used to be contained by only being able to indulge when strolling nonchalantly past estate agent windows. You pretend to be vaguely interested in what house prices are doing, but then you’re glued playing a game of make-believe. “Oooh, six acres – perfect for the orchard I’ll never plant. See that enormous orangery? I can host the 12-plus guests that I’ll invite to my imaginary summer dinner parties there. A tennis court? Well, of course – why not? It’s never too late to learn…”

Now it’s a game, thanks to mobile phones, we can play anywhere, letting our scrolling imaginations run riot for the ultimate lifestyle in the sexiest of homes. And it’s an indulgence we allow ourselves on these here gorgeous Bath Life pages – not only do we have the on-another-level St Catherine’s Court on the cover (with more on page 108), there’s also an absolutely charming ten-bedroomed farmhouse near Box for sale on page 105, plus a gorgeously contemporary family home with a fascinating ‘hoppy’ past over on page 104. Admittedly, I’m staying put for the foreseeable, but a girl can dream, can’t she?

SARAH MOOLLA

Corner of Bennett Street looking down Saville Row, painted by Tom Davey, who is part of the Bath Contemporary Arts Fair (page 44); Instagram @tomdaveyart

Issue 513 / Mid-June 2024

COVER St Catherine’s Court is a fairytale home, with a story to tell. Find out more over on page 108

EXPLORE THE CITY

26 MARGARETS BUILDINGS Catching up with the pretty enclave’s traders – and , no, there shouldn’t be a possessive apostrophe

THE ARTS

43 ARTS INTRO The new work of Anna Gillespie at Beaux Arts

44 WHAT’S ON People to see, places to go

46 CULTURE CLUB Matthew Cottle on his arty picks

50 THEATRE How Ann Ellison took her company to the next level

52 FILMS Ellie Hendricks on what’s big at The Little

LIFESTYLE

55 SHOP LEAD The Widcombe art trail returns and...

56 EDITOR’S CHOICE ...here’s a sneak peek of what’s on offer

FOOD & DRINK

62 RESTAURANT REVIEW Malay dining at the Gainsborough

65 FOOD & DRINK NEWS Nuggets from the foodie scene

70 AL FRESCO We’re taking this outside

BEAUTY

79 THE SPA AT NO 15 Sarah Baker on a Hot Sandstone Facial

NETWORK

83 NETWORK LEAD Behind the scenes of the Holburne Museum with Dr Chris Stephens at the Bath Life Network Lunch

86 NETWORK NEWS Local business news, views and interviews

91 CAREER PATH ...with The Body Camp’s Kate Whale

92 BIZ Q&A ...with Mike Hill of Broad Street Studio

GARDENS

98 HEAL SOMERSET Nick Woodhouse visits a rewilding site

PROPERTY

101 PROPERTY LEAD The new paint range from Atelier Ellis

104 PROPERTY NEWS Latest from the market

108 SHOWCASE Exploring St Catherine’s Court

DEPARTMENTS

15 SPOTLIGHT The Fashion Museum’s mannequins go walkabout

17 INSTAS Light up the sky

19 SCENE Hello, party people!

25 FLATLINE Flats on his come-rain-or-shine al fresco manifesto

114 BATH LIVES Meet the artist Dru Marland

Editor Sarah Moolla sarah.moolla@mediaclash.co.uk Managing editor Deri Robinsderi.robins@mediaclash.co.uk Senior art editor Andrew Richmond Cover design Trevor Gilham

Contributors Sarah Baker, Elsie Chadwick, David Flatman, Grace Goodall, Ellie Hendricks, Rachel Ifans, John Mather, Jasmine Thomas and Nick Woodhouse 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 Business development manager Dan Nichols Business development manager Ruby Coburn 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 Production designer Gemma Bourne 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.

a

agency and event organiser

Our portfolio of regional magazines celebrates the best of local living: Bath and Bristol.

NEW CHAPTER

The Bookshop Band, who formed in Bath in 2010, are embarking on a 70-gig tour, which includes Mr B’s Emporium on 3 July, to promote their new album, Emerge, Return

The duo, Beth Porter and Ben Please, who have been Ivor Novello nominated for their work on Aardman Animation’s Robin Robin and now live in Scotland, were produced by Pete Townshend. The Who songwriter and guitarist discovered them after being given a CD of theirs: “I was blown away, completely blown away. I got into the whole Bookshop Band technique, which is just two people making this sound like a symphony orchestra. It’s quite extraordinary. Each song was special in its own way. So, I reached out.”

“Pete brought his great musicality and experience to the recording process, doing things we’d never have thought of ourselves, offering a different perspective on the songs,” says Ben. “And the fact that he ended up playing on every track added an extra dimension – I think that fans will hear his influence woven right the way through the album.” For more: www.thebookshopband.co.uk

Fashion MODEL BEINGS

The Fashion Museum Bath is loaning several pieces to Blenheim Palace for its Icons of British Fashion exhibition, on until 30 June. As well as Dress of the Year winners by Jean Muir (1979), John Galliano (1987 and 1994) and Vivienne Westwood (2010), other on loan items include 29 Rootstein mannequins. Rootstein, which began in the 1950s, was at the forefront of mannequin design and became renowned as reflective of the era. The collections included mannequins based on Twiggy and Joan Collins. Kate Ballenger, Keeper of Palace & Collections at Blenheim Palace, says, “We’re already so privileged to collaborate with some of the world’s biggest and best names in fashion, so to be able to also partner with the Fashion Museum Bath on what’s been years in the making is honestly a dream.”

For more: www.fashionmuseum.co.uk | www.blenheimpalace.com

Lily Allen is to star in a new version of Hedda Gabler by Norwegian playwright Henrik Ibsen, which is coming to the Ustinov next summer.

Matthew Dunster, who directed the singer in her West End debut 2:22: A Ghost Story and who will write and direct the show, says, “Lily and I were talking about women we knew that were trapped in relationships where men had all the

BATH

power, and how these 21st-century women were still being controlled and destroyed. The conversation turned to plays where we could explore those ideas. We thought of Hedda Gabler and the connections were obvious, exciting and devastating.”

He says this version of the tragedy, which runs 25 July to 23 August 2025, would be, “absolutely for now”. For more: www.theatreroyal.org.uk

The 1994 winning dress: a black silk bias-cut strapless evening dress with starburst decoration, again by John Galliano

John Galliano’s checked cotton ensemble and ‘tilt’ hat won in 1987

This pale green ribbed watered silk dress by Vivienne Westwood was Dress of the Year in 2010

Theatre

HEDDA HEADING TO

Lily Allen is starring as Hedda Gabler in Bath next summer

Pete Townshend (centre) with Beth Porter and Ben Please of The Bookshop Band

@lydiathisisamazing

NORTH STAR

The time the Northern Lights lit up our Bath skies

@cgormley_photography

@richmorrisinsta

Bath is celebrated worldwide for its exquisite architecture, rich history and dynamic food scene. These features come together seamlessly when dining alfresco at Milsom Place. Situated in the heart of historic Bath, Milsom Place is the perfect venue for an unforgettable outdoor dining experience. With its charming courtyards and sunlit terraces, alongside a diverse range of culinary options, Milsom Place has something for everyone.

Inspired by the best pizzerias in Naples and New York City, Bosco Pizzeria offers some of the finest pizza in Bath. From the pizza dough to the house-made porchetta, Bosco’s quality is consistently impressive. The outdoor courtyard, adorned with twinkling lights and Mediterranean charm, sets the stage for a relaxed evening with friends and family.

For those craving a bit more spice, Bandook Indian Kitchen presents an enticing array of Indian street food dishes. Created by the team behind Bath’s award-winning The Mint Room, Bandook was voted Bath Life Magazine’s ‘Restaurant of the Year’ and provides a relaxed and authentic dining experience, taking Indian cuisine to new heights. The dishes are bursting with flavour and the vibrant courtyard is an excellent spot to soak in the ambiance.

If you’re in the mood for traditional fare, head to Côte Brasserie for classic and elegant French cuisine. The restaurant’s outdoor seating area is ideal for enjoying a glass of wine and savouring a plate of steak frites under the summer sun.

For those who enjoy cocktails, The Botanist offers a range of inventive and classic drinks in a lush, botanical-themed bar and terrace. The beverages are as visually stunning

as they are delicious, featuring edible flowers, fresh herbs, and exotic fruits.

But it’s not just the food and drink that make Milsom Place an exceptional destination for alfresco dining. The courtyards themselves are a visual delight, boasting historic architecture, award-winning landscaping, and ample seating options. We are also running our extremely popular ‘Music in the Courtyards’ every Tuesday and Wednesday 6.30pm – 8pm, which transport our guests to the Mediterranean with classical violin and Spanish Guitar. So whether you’re planning a romantic evening or a fun outing with family and friends, Milsom Place provides the perfect setting for any occasion.

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

Courtyard Dining

Bosco Pizzeria

Music in the Courtyards

The Botanist

Bandook Indian Kitchen

Milsom Street Entrance

SCENE

THE LATEST ADVENTURES IN PARTY-GOING ACROSS

BATH

FEELING LUCKY

Lucknam Park Hotel & Spa recently launched its new Walled Garden Restaurant, with an exclusive guestlist of 45 lucky attendees.

First it was Nailberry manicures in The Spa by Lucknam Park, then a cocktail reception, followed by a dinner party to sample the new menu devised by Alex Greene and executive chef Hywel Jones.

Dishes included wood roast scallop, radishes with smoked butter bean hummus, Wye Valley asparagus, and coffee and walnut chou.

by David Christopher www.lucknampark.co.uk

Alex Greene and Hywel Jones

Emily Williams

The Walled Garden team

Photos

Jordan Carter and Lucy Jessica Carter

Samantha Coles

Rosalyn Wikeley

Gilly Hopper and Jessica Grant Sloyan

Sakis Dinas and Eamonn Crowe

Jen Black and Morag Turner

Eliza Barrett-Holman, Sarah Richards, Georgia Wilkinson and Claudia Woosnam

Beatrice Savoretti and Kelly Eastwood

Francesca Mannone

CHANGING LIVES

DoubleTree by Hilton Bath recently hosted a fundraising dinner for Bath Rugby Foundation hosted by David Trick and Halena Coury. More than 160 guests enjoyed a three course meal along with panel interviews, a silent auction and live music from a Freddie Mercury impersonator, with the evening raising over £50,000 which will go towards changing young lives across the region.

by Derryn Vranch; www.vranchvisuals.co.uk www.bathrugbyfoundation.com

Photos

Chris Haynes, Jim Grant and Duncan McKillop

Halena Coury Mogers Drewett say hello!

Luke Brady, Emma Taylor, Belinda Bradley and Lynne Fernquest

Anthony Gaudio, Justine and Richard Bertinet

The RWK Goodman team

Freddie Mercury impersonator, Alice Beere and Alex Randall

Selfies with Savills

SPONSORED

Simon Spillsbury

Bath Rugby Foundation staff and volunteers with the chair of trustees, David Scotland, far right

Alistair Heather and Jo Lloyd

David Bush, Rara Tintor, James and Lois Mercer

GET CREATIVE

The Creative Bath Awards Finalists and Sponsors Reception at The Sepoy Club on 9 May was a chance for the 50 or so invited guests to network and catch up ahead of the main Awards night at Komedia on 22 May. Look out for coverage in our next issue, out on 28 June.

www.creativebath.org SPONSORED

RAINFOREST CONCERN

A drinks reception was hosted by Royal Geographical Society and Rainforest Concern for its 30th anniversary at the Holburne Museum. This was followed by an illustrated talk in the Andrew Brownsword Gallery by Rainforest Concern trustee, and Honorary Researcher at Royal Botanical Gardens Kew, Oliver Whaley.

www.rainforestconcern.org

Tom Kennedy, John Law, Nick Woodhouse and Jamie Watkins

Stuart Hobbs and Felix Letheren

Alex Pryde and Richard Higgs

Betty Bhandari and Heidi Roxton Nikki Heal and guest

The view down Great Pulteney Street

Lottie King, right, and guest

Founder of Rainforest Concern Peter Bennett welcomes guests

It was a chance to catch up at the 30th anniversary reception

Make the most of outdoor living this summer by investing in a Markilux awning for your home. With an innovative smooth design and excellent technical performance, a Markilux awning provides superb UV protection to let you enjoy the sunny weather in style.

We o er a complete design to installation experience, including measuring and fitting services. Contact us to learn more.

01225 469 559

info@aspectwindowstyling.co.uk www.aspectwindowstyling.co.uk 1 Saracen Street, Bath, BA1 5BR

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Does your accountant give you answers or just more questions?

are more than just your accountants;

FLAT LINE DAVID FLATMAN

Go outdoors

Come rain or shine, or freezing fog, Flats has an al fresco manifesto

You don’t have to ask me twice to eat al fresco; it’s like twisting a rubber arm.

As I type these words, I think I’m about to eat in an environment as far from being al fresco as it really could be: a too-narrow easyJet seat. The snack cart is approaching and, despite knowing very well that nothing good has ever come from a budget airline snack cart, I also know myself well enough to know that I’ll never resist the smell of that slab of grease they call a ham and cheese toastie. Self-loathing won’t take long to manifest, followed shortly by unconditional forgiveness.

Anyway, this all feels rather grim as we’re flying bac from a addy and bigger daughters mini-break to a gorgeous little town on the banks of the outrageously beautiful Lake Maggiore. Breakfasts, admittedly, were taken inside in our hotel but

“Yes, there are women who do not feel the cold, but they weren’t at my winter barbecue”

ho e, about to offend anyone, but the women I know tend to feel the cold a bit more than the blokes I know. Yes, there are women who do not feel the cold, but they weren’t at my winter barbecue.

Everyone was told to wrap up warm, and they did, but it wasn t enough. he re pit was hit with so many logs that my back garden felt like the set of Game of Thrones. The lads loved it; we felt like cowboys, just sittin’ around, chewin’ the fat, beers in hand. Unfortunately it was so smoky (the spitting rain didn’t help on that front) that one mate’s asthma was triggered and he had to go inside. His wife followed to, y’know, take care of him. This broke the seal, and soon it was just me and my mate Dan who, as far as we can tell, is part yeti anyway. His wife could make him sleep outside like a farm dog and he’d adapt within the hour, his coat taking on a waxy sheen, hunting for food while his humans sleep tight.

there was no choice, and the view of said lake through the fully-opened folding doors was fantastico, so we got over that. Otherwise, every meal and every espresso stop was taken outside. Even on the day it rained: “that’s what umbrellas are for, girls,” became my Monday mantra.

Certain foods taste better outdoors. These foods mainly come from a barbecue grill of some sort, and they’re usually prepared without anybody rushing about, with a cold drink to hand, and ideally with some music playing (my girls choose Bob Marley every time, which is wonderful, but a bit of Neil Young or Luke Combs does the job just as well . iven the choice, d even light a re and eat outside through the winter.

In fact, I once invited a load of mates over for a winter barbecue. I’d love to tell you it went well, but mustn t b in these sacred pages. It was late November, it was Baltic, and half the guests were female. I am not,

The event was a hard failure, and is still weaponised against me by some of my more venomous acquaintances. In order to appease the vocal majority, then, I’ll do most of my barbecue inviting this summer. It’s what the people want, so give it to them. I have in mind, though, an elite crew of operators who are as keen as I am to eat al fresco all year round. My wife and children are not included on this list, a list seemingly comprised of my most densely boned, fleece wearing buddies.

So the next time – and it won’t be long – you’re dining outdoors in the sunshine, ask yourselves: how committed are you to this lifestyle? How much do you really want it? Our crew is currently very male indeed, so any women who think they might fancy togging up and joining us by the pit, feel free to get in touch. It’s a way of life, so let’s get serious.

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

WORKS LIKE A CHARM

The mighty magic of Margarets Buildings

Words

by Sarah Moolla

Photos by Jessie Myers-Hudson; www.soul-media.co.uk

You’ve got the majesty of the Royal Crescent one side and the nobility of the Circus on the other, so it’s no wonder a little of that illustriousness has r e off on the pe estr an en a e that s Margarets Buildings. It’s chic, it’s elegant and t’s oh so prett . askets r o er w th rant owers p n t at n th s s a t thr n reat e and cultured corridor. Galleries, home interior spe a sts an h h eater es s t sho er to sho er w th a ro p the ost rk of es ner othes shops an a propert a ent. t’s a so ho e to a a n rette a har t shop a ha r ressers an the te re arka e apothe ar eets e por eets offee an w ne shop that is Berdoulat.

t s s re one of the est ook n streets n ath. t what no one s s re of s whether ts na e sho ha e an apostrophe t has s ppe nto o ern sa e t the or na aps sa no as oes the street s n so we’re sta n tr e to ts non possess e roots here as we at h p w th a few of the local businesses…

Tanya Haughton-Allen, director of Uber Clothing; www.uberview.co.uk

“I was always taught that if you move to an undeveloped area, others will follow. This was the attraction of Margarets Buildings for Uber seventeen and a half years ago. Even though it was a stunning area n a reat o at on there were har an shops a k then.

Having been here for nearly two decades, I would say this area has ha an won erf wa s of s pport n o r rowth an e e op ent thro h o at on other reat e n epen ent reta ers an e n set away from the main city and large chains. This allows Margarets n s to e e op ts own hara ter rather than e n restr te to a orporate fa e h h street.

The community on Margarets Buildings is like family; we often hat on the street an we to ether to pa for owers for o r han n askets an a so for o r hr st as hts. e ten to a s pport ea h other’s s nesses too t ht e ett n a offee at reen r or ha n o r ha r one at o’s. ere s ke a se on ho e for e. rea appre ate the ea t f o at on happ peop e reat af s and fun times.”

The intriguing view down Margarets Buildings

Tanya Haughton-Allen of Uber Clothing has been in the area for almost 20 years

Catherine Manford co-owns Wyrd with husband Mark; www.wyrd.ltd

“This has been a shop since 1773. As far as we know, it started out as a hairdresser and perfumers and has since been a range of things. Around the early 20th century, it was a milliners, and owner Marie Gott is still celebrated in a brass plate under our front window.

We moved to Bath because it is a vibrant environment for artisans, and developing this shop was a change of lifestyle for us. We have enjoyed the exciting challenge, and it has been made even better because of the local community, both the businesses and residents. This was particularly important as we started out just before Covid and, w tho t that s pport t o ha e een er fferent. r han a e crafted items are nearly all made in house, including stained glass, resin, leather, embroidery, and we also do personalised iris photography.

Margarets Buildings is a diverse community of creative enterprises which complement each other. We all feel it is a hidden e an work to ether to he p pro ote t. r approa hes work we to ether an e the street a st n t art st fee fferent fro the rest of ath. r w sh s that we were s nposte ore fro the entre of Bath, to encourage visitors who might not otherwise take the short walk to discover the street.”

Claire and Henry Hunton, owners of The Green Bird Café; www.greenbirdcafe.co.uk

“We have a small section of Margarets Chapel, which was almost completely destroyed during World War II. We have also heard

many stories from our customers of wild nights spent drinking here when it used to be wine bar in the 80s and, in more recent years, it’s been home to independent restaurants.

Not only do we have a steady stream of tourists coming to see the splendour of the surrounding architecture, but we are also fortunate to e n the e of a res ent a o n t . e n offee an ake means we get to see a lot of the guys who work in the area for their orn n wh h s a reat wa to sta n to h w th what’s o n on. We are very fortunate to have such a wonderful and diverse local community who, from day one, have supported our business.

We loved the idea of being slightly tucked away from the hustle and bustle of the city centre. We felt that by being set back from the crowds, on a pedestrianised street surrounded by other small, n epen ent s nesses we o offer a ore persona e per en e. t really helps us to create the relaxed and friendly feel that we’re always aiming to foster.”

“Margarets Buildings is like a second home for me”

Catherine Manford appreciates the support her trader neighbours have given Wyrd

Claire and Henry Hunton, owners of The Green Bird Café, love the slightly secluded feel to the area

Jamie Watkins, with husband Tom Kennedy, founder of Divine Savages; www.divinesavages.com

“I actually grew up in Bath, but we’ve only recently relocated both our home and our business here. Walking from our home near Widcombe, up through town to Margaret’s Buildings, feels like being in a beautiful lm set, and it sure beats our revious ondon commute e also have a dog, ewt, who often comes to wor with us and we love that Victoria Park is so close at hand for lunchtime walks, especially in the sunshine.

This is our first ever showroom and working studio space away from our home. reviously we ran our e uisite wall a ers and lu urious fabrics business urely online, so having a showroom that allows customers to come inside the world of ivine avages to see what we’re really about has hugely helped our business. You can’t really beat face to face contact with customers, and it’s been really interesting to meet them, both old and new.

Margarets Building has earned a reputation as ‘the unofficial design quarter of Bath’ and its location, tucked in between Royal Crescent and The Circus, couldn’t be better – it makes us proud to be art of an area full of such history and heritage. e love that it’s pedestrianised and that it’s super pretty. Plus, we’re amongst a lovely grou of businesses it s very creative here, and somewhat of a destination for art and interiors lovers, which means we are often recommending our neighbours to clients.”

“A diverse community of creative enterprises”

Louise Hessian, owner of Hessian Collective; www.hessiancollective.com

“I have always loved this little street, and felt that for the products that would be offering, vintage furniture from candinavia and uro e, along with decorative items for the home, this would be the right space for me to be. The shop had been empty for a while, and it was very tem ting with a lot of natural light. he fact that the s ace could be divided, which would allow for my son s architecture and design ractice to have its own s ace, was an added bonus.

I may be biased, but this is this most beautiful area of Bath. It is hard not to be influenced by this location. eo le who love beautiful architecture and surroundings generally want to have beautiful items in their homes. It is my hope to attract people with an appreciation for well made items of furniture from the past with a history of craftsmanshi , along with good uality accessories.

It is invaluable to have a sounding board from other shop owners in the area to hear how business is for them. We all bring something similar in our offerings, but we are uni uely different. or me to be able to walk to work each day in this beautiful city and meet lovely, interesting eo le whilst sourcing and buying items that interest me is a joy. I wish I just hadn’t waited so long to do it.”

BY HESSIAN COLLECTIVE

ABOVE: Jamie Watkins, left, with husband Tom Kennedy, moved back to Bath to give Divine Savages its first showroom; RIGHT: Louise Hessian knew her vintage and Scandi furniture store would fit perfectly in this pretty enclave

PHOTO

Vanessa Clark, owner of Homefront Interiors; www.homefrontinteriors.co.uk

“When I first discovered Margarets Buildings it was love at first sight. It is a really special place and I knew that I wanted to open a shop here. I was aware of the challenges with taking a shop away from the centre, but I always wanted to create a destination store so I was prepared to put in the work. We are a small independent gift and homewares store that follows a simple ethos to source ethically made and sustainable products, where possible. Work by local artists and makers is displayed alongside handmade Fairtrade products from around the world.

I am lucky that I have lots of regular customers from the local community and I really enjoy the interaction and seeing familiar faces in the shop. I would have to say that without their support the shop would not be able survive. I also often get useful feedback about the products I sell, and lots of ideas as to what customers are looking for and what might make a nice addition to the shop – which is helpful when planning new stock. The fellow traders are also so friendly and, when there is a problem, I know we would all be happy to lend a hand or offer a e.

It lifts my heart when I round the corner in the morning and see the street before me. an’t wa t to o nto reen r for a offee and then start my day. I don’t think I will never get tired of coming to Margarets Buildings.”

Alexei Westcott, shop manager of GROG; Instagram @grogshopbath

“Originally the business was set up by Brixham Gin, who wanted to use the shop as a way to bring their gin to Somerset; it just so happened that they were given a chance to do a pop-up shop on ar arets n s. hort after that n she a o t e ears a o they decided to open GROG, which sells beers, wine and spirits, and also has an events space for hire.

We have a small but loyal following of people that range from our guests to musicians and poets. These people have helped us keep going during the quiet times, and have helped us to create an identity for the shop. There is a wonderful array of businesses here which help to create a street that bursts with creativity and talent, and also embodies the feeling of old Bath.

It is such a beautiful and peaceful part of town. I feel a lot of people come up here to escape the hustle and bustle of the city centre, and it makes me happy to be able to help create a relaxing and interesting experience for people.”

“This is this most beautiful area of Bath”

ABOVE: Homefront Interiors sources ethically made and sustainable gifts and homewares; BELOW: Alexei Westcott, shop manager of the street’s mini-pub, GROG

Emily Moore, gallery manager of Eight Holland Street; www.8hollandstreet.com

“The building has an interesting architectural history going right back to 1770, and starting with the architect John Wood the Younger. Our predecessor at no 23 was an accessories and jewellery shop called Alexandra May. The historical buildings and green space of the Crescent complement the gallery, while the Georgian proportions within our space are a wonderful backdrop to our artworks and furniture. We also have a townhouse for overnight guests.

All the Margarets Buildings businesses have something to offer and there is a crossover with clients, who often come to see one space, then n the rest of the street p es the r nterest as we . e opene up in Bath [Eight Holland Street also has a store in London] because our founder, Tobias, spent some of his youth in Somerset and has deep connections to the West Country.

The city is full of creative young people, from both universities, with a passion for art, design and independent businesses, so this is a good place for people embarking on their careers.”

Sarah Dedakis managing director of Bath Leasehold Management; www.bathleaseholdmanagement.co.uk

“I purchased the shop in 2014, initially as I love the community feel and friendliness of Margarets Buildings – and it is so central and convenient. I wanted to retain the Georgian feel of the shop given it is an original building, one of the few left after the bombing. I think we have achieved this with a contemporary twist on a Georgian origin.

The Margarets Buildings location provides my Residential Block and state ana e ent s ness w th oth a profess ona a t as we as a personable, non-corporate feel.

It is such a lovely place to come and work and is close to all the amenities of the city. I love it here, and would not want to work and run my business anywhere else!”

BY

ABOVE: Eight Holland Street’s gallery assistant Emily Fearne Taylor, left, with gallery manager Emily Moore; BELOW: Sarah Dedakis, managing director of Bath Leasehold Management, loves the community feel here

PHOTO

SARAH DEDAKIS

Bath Leasehold Management is the only TPI (The Property Institute – formerly ARMA) in Bath who strive to offer a comprehensive outsourced management solution for leaseholders and owners of new build or traditional apartment blocks. Structured to take care of both long-term planning responsibilities and day-to-day administration, our aim is to minimise the burden on our clients and to provide a centralised management hub through which properties are managed to the highest possible standards. We are equally adept at managing new developments and older properties including those which are subject to Listed Buildings status. We take our professional responsibilities very seriously and take inspiration from the companies long-lasting client relationships.

If you would like to discuss our ARMA Regulated Professional Estate & Block Management Services please contact Sarah Dedakis sarah@bathleasehold.co.uk

Richard Selby of Bath Old Books, which is run as a cooperative with equal partners Nigel Cozens and Matthew Garbett; batholdbooks20@gmail.com

“Bath Old Books was originally established in the early 90s – a shop with nearly 35 years history. In those days there were two other second hand book shops in Margarets Buildings, so it made sense to join the street of books. In the 70s the shop had actually formed part of a very small car showroom, which extended into the area where the ats are now.

Now it is the only surviving bookshop in the street, and one of only two such bookshops in Bath. As has always been the case, the shop is run as a cooperative with equal partners; currently there are three t at t es we ha e ha e.

There is a real community feel to the area, and the setting close by Bath’s best Georgian buildings enhances the area. This is an ideal setting for our shop, complementing the galleries and other intriguing outlets, and we have a close supportive relationships with other shops, particularly our neighbours in Gallery Nine.”

Richard Selby of Bath Old Books, which is run as a cooperative

Ellie Thompson, assistant manager of Hidden Gallery; www.hiddengallery.co.uk

“Since our beginnings in Bristol in 2016, we have opened galleries in London and then in Bath in 2021. Margarets Buildings was the perfect location for Hidden Gallery Bath. It has always had close ties with arts and culture, dating back to Bath’s Georgian heyday when the street was at the heart of the city’s most fashionable area. As it’s now host to several boutique and creative businesses, the area’s artistic legacy continues.

We love that it is a bustling hub for independent businesses, a bijou, characterful and distinctly artistic area with a unique charm that contrasts with a typical high street. This is a great space for catching up with our regular visitors and we enjoy hosting a range of exciting events for the community, such as breakfast clubs and exhibition parties.”

Bo Collier, owner of Gallery Nine; www.galleryninebath.com

“The gallery is frequented by collectors, tourists and local customers alike. We support established artists and emerging artists, and along with original paintings we have studio ceramics, jewellery and textiles. Our curated space works well in this charming Georgian street, along the other lovely independent shops.”

“We are often recommending our neighbours to clients”

ABOVE: Ellie Thompson, assistant manager of Hidden Gallery, which came to Bath in 2021; BELOW: Gallery Nine looks to support both established and upcoming artists

We

INTRODUCING ALBARAY

Thoughtfully designed, responsibly made. ALBARAY is a contemporary, womenswear brand on a mission to make stylish dressing more sustainable

Launched in 2021, Albaray was founded by three friends and fashion industry experts, Paula, Karen, and Kirstie. They combined their extensive knowledge and experience together with a desire to approach building a brand in a new and responsible way and created Albaray, a reflection of how women want to dress today – versatile and effortless, made sustainably and with care.

The brand offers thoughtfully designed everyday dresses, perfect jeans, easy to wear separates and basics that will elevate your look all designed to complement your existing wardrobe.

Albaray has just opened a store in Bath, located on the prestigious New Bond Street which stocks the full Albaray collection.

For the new summer season, the range seamlessly combines seasonal fabrics, a natural and sophisticated colour palette as well as bold prints and sunshine ready hues.

Albaray is committed to minimising their environmental impact, using responsibly sourced fabrics like eco viscose, recycled materials and organic cotton, fabrics that support Albaray’s conscious approach.

The founders

Charlie Cook’s Favourite

Bath-based artist Anna Gillespie is renowned for beautiful meditative works that capture a feeling of immersion in nature, often employing natural found objects such beech nuts, acorn cups, twigs, galls – and then casting them into bronze. The act of gathering her art materials each autumn she describes as “a meditation…humbling, viscerally realising the way in which we humans are just another mass product of nature – all fundamentally the same and yet no two alike.”

Anna Gillespie’s new works, including Beyond the Trees, seen here, are currently on display at Beaux Arts on York Street until 22 June.

For more: www.beauxartsbath.co.uk

WHAT’S ON

8 June –13 July

EXHIBITIONS

Until 22 June

ANNA GILLESPIE

The innovative, imaginative and talented local artist has a new show at Beaux Arts. Turn to page 43 for more. www.beauxartsbath.co.uk

Until 30 June

WILL CRUICKSHANK

Bo Lee and Workman’s current exhibition, Way Station, is a collection of tactile, often textilebased sculptures that are visually harmonious in form, pattern and colour, with many made using repurposed equipment such as cement mixers, bicycles and potter’s wheels. www.boleeworkman.com

Until 29 September

TOULOUSE-LAUTREC AND THE MASTERS OF MONTMARTRE

The latest Victoria Art Gallery exhibition celebrates the bohemian side of Paris with more than 100 artworks, including ToulouseLautrec’s poster work for the Moulin Rouge. www.victoriagal.org.uk

Until 1 September MR DOODLE!

MUSEUM MAYHEM

he rst ever museum exhibition of internationally renowned artist and internet sensation Mr Doodle, aka Sam Cox, who has been let loose to doodle

all over the walls, halls and floors

There are also beautiful standalone pieces to be found in and amongst the permanent collection. Meet museum director Dr Chris Stephens over on page 83. www.holburne.org

Until 8 September

HENRY MOORE IN MINIATURE

Features more than 60 of Henry oore s wor s that can t in the hand. The collection has pieces from every decade of his career, and includes stone and wood carving, Plasticine models, clay and plaster, lead and bronze. www.holburne.org

9 June / 14 July

BATH CONTEMPORARY ARTISTS FAIR

Since 2020, the BCAF has showcased more than 600 artists, many of them local, bringing the best of contemporary art to Green Park Station once a month, starting in April until December. This month also sees the launch of BCAF Online. www.bcaf.co.uk

THEATRE / CINEMA

25 – 29 June

THE 39 STEPS

Alfred Hitchcock’s classic spy thriller, brilliantly adapted for the stage by Patrick Barlow, is a smash hit Olivier and Tony Award

winning comedy, with four actors playing 130 characters in 100 minutes. www.theatreroyal.org.uk

30 June CROSSING

Now in the gorgeously glam setting of the Everyman Cinema (formerly the Tivoli), Film Bath’s une rogramme nishes with a thoughtful and compassionate movie about generational change and identities, when a teacher travels to Turkey with her young neighbour to nd her estranged niece. www m at or

2 – 6 July ACCOLADE

Ayden Callaghan, Honeysuckle Weeks and Sara Crowe star in this 1950s play at the Theatre Royal about a celebrated writer whose dark desires and web of deception start to unravel, exposing his carefully constructed life to be a lie. www.theatreroyal.org.uk

FESTIVALS

15 – 16 June

FESTIVAL OF MOTORING

Walcot Rugby Club grounds is hosting a display of 500 classic and vintage cars and motorbikes. There will be live music throughout the weekend on two stages, a great selection of local food and drink, activities for children, and the chance to have a mini-road trip in

one of the many supercars on display, which will include Ferraris and Lamborghinis. For tickets, search for Bath Festival of Motoring on www.eventbrite.co.uk

20 – 23 June 2024

IFORD MANOR

JAZZ FESTIVAL

Iford Manor Gardens is the setting for a rogramme lled with acclaimed artists from around the world, including Elaine Delmar, Ian Shaw with The Martin Sjostedt Trio, and a Blue Note special from QCBA. On weekend evenings DJ Mike Vitti of Saturday night’s un y ation stairs onnies turns the lawn into a dancefloor. Turn to page 70 for more on Iford. www.ifordmanor.co.uk

26 – 30 June

GLASTONBURY

Yes, of course you should have tried for tickets and at least stood a chance of being one of the lucky 200,000 to descend on Worthy Farm. But even if you haven’t got a ticket, you’ve probably got a telly. Tune in to see Dua Lipa, Coldplay and the Sunday teatime legend that is the impressive Shania Twain. www.glastonburyfestivals.co.uk

4 – 12 July

FOREST LIVE

The magical setting of Westonbirt Arboretum is the backdrop for evening performances by Gregory

Mr Doodle’s Mayhem continues at the Holburne until 1 September

Porter, Anne-Marie, The Corrs, Van Morrison and Nile Rodgers & CHIC, with funds raised for the Forestry England’s conservation work. www.forestryengland.uk

5 –14 July

FROME FESTIVAL

Willard White and Jenny Éclair, are just a few of the big names coming together for the community arts festival, with 250 events happening across 50 venues in the town over ten days. The festival’s food feast, Yum!, is on the Saturday along with many outdoor food and drink stalls, plus live music. Vallis Farm will be hosting a delicious ‘30 Mile Feast’, with all the ingredients sourced locally. www.fromefestival.co.uk

MUSIC

27 June

THE MANFREDS

Featuring both former lead singers of Manfred Mann, Paul Jones and Mike d’Abo, their fabulous Maximum Rhythm ‘N’ Blues 2023 show will be recreated at The Forum for one night only. www.bathforum.co.uk

4 July

THE WEEPING WILLOWS

The Weeping Willows, made up of duo Laura Coates and Andrew Wrigglesworth, are a couple of old souls, steeped in Bluegrass tradition and draped in Gothic Americana imagery. www.chapelarts.org

6 July

BRENDA MCDERMOTT

The renowned pianist will grace

the stage one last time in a special farewell concert atSt Luke’s Church with Bath Concertina, marking the culmination of a distinguished international career spanning over six decades. www.stlukesbath.com

COMEDY

Every Saturday

KRATER COMEDY CLUB

Both up-and-coming and established talents provide the weekend laughs. Previous alumni have included Romesh Ranganathan, Tom Allen, Sarah Millican, Daliso Chaponda and Luisa Omielan. www.komedia.co.uk

9 June

RACHEL PARRIS

The BAFTA-nominated Rachel Parris is back with her biggest tour yet, Poise, presenting a dazzling new hour at Komedia of her signature blend of personal stand-up and catchy songs. www.komedia.co.uk

CHILDREN

Until February 2025

THE GRUFFALO PARTY TRAIL

The deep dark woods of Westonbirt are hosting a year-long celebratory trail to mark the 25th anniversary of the award-winning picture book, T e r a o www.forestryengland.uk

29 – 30 June

BRLSI‘S BRILLIANT DISCOVERY WEEKEND

For their 200th birthday, celebrations are taking over Queen Square for a free family-friendly

TOP: Bo Lee and Workman’s current exhibition is the textile-based work of Will Cruickshank; RIGHT: Sophie Ellis Bextor is calling in at Westonbirt Arboretum on 4 July as part of its Forest Live programme; BOTTOM: BAFTA-nominated comedian Rachel Parris comes to the Komedia on 9 June

PHOTO BY KARLA GOWLETT

weekend with fun science shows, music workshops and the Orchestra of Everything, craft activities and a whole host of fun things to do. The event also marks the launch of BRLSI’s new summer exhibition, The World Revealed www.brlsi.org

OTHER

14 – 15 June

PRIDE AT THE HOLBURNE

In collaboration with its young adult volunteers, the Holburne Future Collective and the Bath Arts Collective host this two-day celebratory LGBTQIA+ community-led programme dedicated to queer arts and culture, with tal s, creative wor sho s, lms and cabaret. www.holburne.org

26 June

PATRICK GRANT

The fashion designer, founder of

Community Clothing and beloved Great British Sewing Bee judge comes to St Swithin’s Church to talk about his passionate and informed book Less: Stop Buying So Much Rubbish, which explores the dilemma of loving clothes but despairing of a broken system. www.batharts.co.uk

1 July

JOANNE HARRIS

The Chocolat bestselling author is at Topping to talk about her latest novel The Moonlight Market, a spellbinding modern fairytale where magical worlds collide beneath London. www.toppingbooks.co.uk

6 – 7 July

NEPTUNE SUMMER MARKET

A whole host of local host businesses, makers and producers are setting up their wares in the One Tram Yard Neptune showroom. www.neptune.com

Party Games! with Matthew Cottle and Natalie Dunne

From 18 – 22 June Matthew Cottle will be in Bath, starring in the world première of Party Games!, playing Prime Minister John Waggner in what will be his tenth production at Theatre Royal since 2001.

His TV roles have included Game On, The Windsors and Citizen Khan, and on the big screen he appeared as Stan Laurel in the film Chaplin, and played Albany in The Dresser, alongside Anthony Hopkins and Ian McKellen.

A film I could watch over and over again

One Flew Over The Cuckoo’s Nest. The acting has never been bettered and every scene is memorable.

Best TV show ever

The Sopranos. I didn’t even have to think about this.

Favourite binge watch

The USversion of The Office. I thought the UK one couldn’t be topped but this is just hilarious.

The book that changed my life  Fever Pitch by Nick Hornby. As an Arsenal season ticket holder, I was relieved to read someone else was as obsessed by my club as I am.

Best live music gig

This is going back a while, but I used to be obsessed with U2 and went to quite a few of their gigs.

Desert island disc Rat Trap by The Boomtown Rats.

The first song I remember hearing

As a child we had the single Sugar Sugar by The Archies. I remember watching it going around on our record player.

My podcast recommendations I read Arseblog every day, a blog for Arsenal fans. I also listen to Desert Island Discs on my morning dog walks.

For more: www.theatreroyal.org.uk

CULTURE CLUB with Matthew Cottle

PHOTO BY CRAIG FULLER

Tom Davey is just one local artist who exhibits at the Bath Contemporary Art Fair, coming to Green Park Station 9 June and 17 July

ART AT THE CHAPEL

From the 8 July, local artist JOANNE COPE will be commandeering Walcot Chapel for a week-long exhibition

Slightly off the beaten track, in the more bohemian part of Bath, you will find the idyllic little Walcot Chapel.

From the 8 July, local artist Joanne Cope will be commandeering the space for a week-long exhibition which will include a menagerie of striking cattle and equine paintings.

Joanne is a New Zealand born modern realist painter, best known for her paintings of cattle and more recently her equine subjects.

Cope’s choice of subject matter is rooted in an upbringing in rural New Zealand. Her extended family included an aunt with a dry stock farm and an uncle working for the Department of Conservation. She grew up surrounded by livestock and would spend most of her summer holidays working on the farm: milking cows, feeding pigs, helping in the sheep-shearing shed and riding horses.

In her practice she experiments with the art form of traditional portraiture, which is typically used to capture the essence of a person. Joanne, however, substitutes cattle and horses for the ‘sitter’.

Using oil paint on canvas, she endeavours to idealise her subjects’ physical appearance, so as to make them more visually compelling. Her cattle and horses are placed in traditional portrait-like poses, some looking directly at the observer. “My hope is to draw the viewers’ attention to the extraordinary physical attributes and inherent beauty of these animals, so that they have more appreciation for them.”

Cope has been painting cattle and other animals for nearly two decades. Well established as a cattle painter, Joanne received her first equestrian commission more than ten years ago. In the last two years her equine commissions have steadily increased, and as a result has joined the Society of Equestrian Artists. Last year she also had work accepted by the Royal Society of Oil Painters and became a member of the Royal West of England Academy’s artist network.

Using depth of field and dramatic lighting, she aims to create striking paintings which draw the viewer in and evoke an emotional response. Working in oils with a muted palette,

she carefully renders texture, form, detail and light. She had a ready eye for the distinct character of each of her subjects. There is a sense of stillness and quietude in her work.

Joanne has established herself as an international artist. Her paintings are in collections in America, Asia, Australasia, Switzerland, Jersey, Germany and Canada.

Walcot Chapel, sometimes referred to as Walcot Village Hall, is off Walcot Street. The exhibition will be open 10am – 6pm daily. If you would like preview images of the work, please contact Joanne directly.

8 – 14 July, Open from 10 – 6pm

Walcot Chapel, Walcot Chapel Street, Walcot Gate, Bath BA1 5UG; tel: 07958 703 438; studio@joannecope.com www.joannecope.com

ON A MISSION

The Next Stage Theatre Company celebrates 30 years of bringing arts to the city

More than 30 years ago, Ann Ellison borrowed £300 with the aim of creating her own theatre company. This saw her found Next Stage, and go on to direct celebrated two-hander Educating Rita for the Rondo.

Now, some 240 shows later, Next Stage has its own dedicated theatre space, The Mission Theatre; the playwright Alan Ayckbourn is a patron; and Ann has a British Empire Medal to her name.

She says, “We are so proud of creating two attractive, intimate and versatile venues for the arts in Bath, and of having met so many inspirational people while visiting theatres and arts venues around the world. We’ve also taken our work into schools, mentored start up groups and set up a bursary for our young actors.

“Next Stage has raised thousands of pounds for various local charities, as well as invested over £200,000 in the fabric of our lovely 250 year old chapel to enhance and preserve it for posterity.”

world. We’ve also taken our work into schools, mentored start up groups s

It’s quite an achievement, especially considering the company is still largely run by volunteers. s nn e lains t has flourished, than s in no small part to the generous support of local patrons and the unstinting work of our brilliant volunteers.” Here she provides images of some of the key moments in Next Stage Theatre Company’s colourful history. For more: www.next-stage.co.uk | www.missiontheatre.co.uk

FROMTOPLEFT: In 2004, Next Stage Theatre Company acquired the lease of a derelict Grade II listed chapel in Corn Street, Bath and created The Mission Theatre, which opened 24 January 2005; founder Ann with husband Andrew Ellison; Next Stage’s first ever production, Educating Rita, opened at The Rondo Theatre on 18 May 1994; Sir Alan Ayckbourn on the set of Garden at The Mission Theatre. He become patron in 1999 and invited Next Stage to the Stephen Joseph Theatre to perform David Hare’s Skylight

CLOCKWISEFROMRIGHT: Having been spotted by a scout in New York, in 2009 Next Stage was invited to tour to the Jermyn Street Theatre in London’s West End with Torch Song Trilogy; more than 240 shows have been produced by Ann’s company, including Jerusalem in 2012 with Tim Evans; the company also performs regularly at the Minack Theatre in Cornwall, this one being Great Expectations in 2019; Jonathan Taft and Perrine Maillot recently starred in the company’s 30th anniversary play, The Girl Next Door; Oh! Brave New World was Next Stage Youth’s first production in 1994 – it has since gone on to train thousands of young people

THE REEL THING ELLIE HENDRICKS

From a bearded woman to full throttle bikers, all the action from the Little’s big screen this June

Rosalie

Release date 7 June

Rosalie has a secret that she’s been guarding from her village, something that can’t stay hidden forever – she is a real-life bearded lady.

A tale of self acceptance, Rosalie is loosely based on the true story of Clémentine Delait, and details the unconventional life of a hirsute woman in 1870 France. Upon marrying local indebted bar owner Abel (Benoît Magimel), she is forced to reveal a part of herself that she’d long kept hidden.

fantastic cast bring the lm to life, with central character Rosalie played by a striking Nadia Tereszkiewicz (Forever Young, Only the Animals) alongside an icon of French cinema, Benoît Magimel (The Piano Teacher, The Taste of Things). Sensitively told and stunningly depicted by director Stéphanie Di Giusto (The Dancer), the lm has an otherworldly uality. ull of life and beauty, Rosalie is a French tale for the ages.

Ama Gloria

Release date 14 June

Vibrant and bittersweet, Ama Gloria is the touching story of six-year-old Cléo (Louise Mauroy-Panzani). Without a mother and with a father who’s constantly busy, it’s nanny Gloria (Ilça Moreno Zego) who Cléo plays with, con des in, and loves above all others. hat is, until Gloria has to return to Cape Verde to be with her own family and, in doing this, turns

little Cléo’s world upside down.

Mauroy-Panzani gives an incredible performance as a child forced into the realisation that our worlds are bigger than the ones we love. She beautifully portrays the startling and devastating realisation that Gloria’s life is more than Cléo.

This is the solo-directorial debut of Marie Amachoukeli and is a feat of compassionate lmma ing. l o s struggles are universal and Amachoukeli shines a light on one of childhood’s toughest lessons.

The Bikeriders

Release date 21 June

Tracing the rise and fall of a Midwestern motorcycle club, eff ichols The Bikeriders is a leather-clad, full throttle dive into the encompassing world of The Vandals, a Marlon Brando inspired crew led by tough guy Johnny (Tom Hardy).

The Vandals are loud, scrappy and spend most of their time in the bar, but they are united in their dedication to Johnny and the club. Most dedicated of all is the handsome and reckless Benny (Austin Butler), whose enigmatic ways attract Kathy (Jodie Comer) and inspire younger bikeriders to take up the handlebars.

It’s Comer’s Kathy that provides an outsider’s perspective on the club. She watches as The Vandals evolve, new clubs spring up, and the line between club members and criminals

begins to blur. Through Kathy’s interviews with photographer Danny (Mike Faist), we see the heyday of American motorcycling groups growing into a movement, before dissolving into a violent free for all.

Kinds of Kindness

Release date 28 June ot off the bu of scar nominated Poor Things, Yorgos Lanthimos is back with another sure-to-be hit. A triptych fable, Kinds of Kindness tells the tale of a wife who’s returned from the sea, a woman searching for a spiritual leader, and a man on a mission to change his fate. Bringing together a star studded line-up, including Emma Stone, Margaret Qualley, Jesse lemons and illem afoe, the lm romises the uir s and ui s that anthimos is nown for, along with his darkly comic characters. Stepping away from his recent ventures into period dramas, Kinds of Kindness heads into the modern setting of ew rleans, with fast cars, cheap hotels and a killer soundtrack.

ith anthimos trac record of scar nominations, we’ll be sure to watch this as soon as possible; it’s kind of a big deal…

Ellie Hendricks is the Little Theatre Cinema’s marketing manager. The Little Theatre Cinema, 1–2 St Michael’s Place, Bath; www.picturehouses.co.uk

CLOCKWISEFROMTOP: Emma Stone is reunited with director Yorgos Lanthimos for Kinds of Kindness; Rosalie, played by Nadia Tereszkiewicz, is based on the true story of Clémentine Delait; the heyday of the American motorcycling scene is explored in The Bikeriders; Ilça Moreno Zego and Louise Mauroy-Panzani star in the touching story of the relationship between a child and her nanny, Ama Gloria

z

LIVE WELL, BUY BETTER

ARTISTIC FREEDOM

Widcombe Art Trail is back on the weekend of 22 – 23 June, covering seven venues including The Natural Theatre Company and Widcombe Baptist Church, and in private homes with 28 multi-media artists to visit.

The art spaces are all within easy walking range of each other and will be open from 10.30am until 5pm on both days, with free entry.

Look out for the Freedom Exhibition at the Baptist Church, with paintings, images and photographs exploring the theme of freedom.

Bar by Iasonas Bakas is a geometric abstract oil painting, inspired by vibrant interiors encountered in buildings and cafés of the 1930s –it costs £400, and can be seen as part of the Widcombe Art Trail; www.widcombearttrail.com

WONDERING BY JUNE

WAGSTAFF, £35

“My print is a drypoint etching with stencil surround. These are made by scoring an acrylic plate. I especially like them for line drawings because they have a simplicity and clarity of line.”

KLIMT SERIES

EARRINGS BY NICOLA HYMAN, £10

“My jewellery is made from upcycling materials cor s, coffee ods, guitar strings, etc. It is mainly upcycling materials which would otherwise go to waste. I also use decoupage with some pieces – in particular, my Klimt earrings.”

TRAIL MIX

A few highlights from the Widcombe Art Trail, 22 – 23 June

IN BETWEEN TIME BY USHA PEARCE, £400

art of a new series of abstract work, mostly in oil, exploring time, memory and the liminal space between endings and beginnings.”

WILD HILLS BY CAROL BAINES, £225 y ld eld ar based rintma er arol aines, the wor res onds to the beautiful urassic oast and its dramatic geology. It is drypoint intaglio print, with hand-printed colour elements integrated using a techni ue called hine oll .

WORTHY BY SEB WALKER, £2,000

In this oil painting on canvas, sized 1.2m x 1m, “the lion, noble, powerful and determined, stands above an innocent sacri cial lamb they share the same scars because they represent the same erson, the historical gure of esus.”

AUTUMN HEDGEROW BY JUDY MEATS, £100 his icture is a brief glance into a eld near my home. he ins iration being the sideways sunlight bouncing off the glorious autumn foliage.”

ITALIAN LANDSCAPE BY KATIE RHYS JONES, £225 ollaged after a recent tri to aormina, icily, and featuring Mount Etna in the bac ground. fter close observation, sim li cation is achieved through the medium of collage – focusing on shapes in a landsca e and bloc s of colour seen through changing light and different seasons.”

KENT COASTAL SCENE BY ANTHONY SHEERAN, £350 was travelling along the ent coast and was ta en by the warm colours in the s y, so made the ainting concentrate mainly on the s y.”

STORM DAWN BY JESSICA PALMER, £725 n essica almer s wor , a er collage and cutting, watercolour and in , all combine in aintings of real and imaginary viewswhich draw you into a discovery of nature in une ected laces.

GOLDEN TEASEL BY VIKKI YEATES, £200 ere used a gra to techni ue, scraping the ink away to reveal the colours below. ainted this to accom any a oem wrote to celebrate the teasel and both will feature in my new boo which will be ublished later this year.”

Rachel Ifans discovers gorgeous Asian influences taking root in this Bath favourite

THE GAINSBOROUGH BRASSERIE

“The ocean of flavours are sublime, with an undercurrent of buttery smokiness”

The Gainsborough is a mainstay of the Bath tourist circuit for many reasons. Firstly, there’s the history of The Gainsborough. It was built as the Royal Albert Hospital and stayed that way for 100 years until the 1930s, when it became Bath university’s art department.

In the 80s it moved to a new facility and the old college fell to ruin until an Asian company called YTL bought it nine years ago and transformed the bones of the building into one of Bath’s most chic city-centre hotels.

Secondly, the Gainsborough is the only hotel in the UK with thermal waters; it has a spa in the atrium for guests and, in three rooms, the thermal water s a t a on tap to the ro top aths.

Thirdly, there’s the brasserie. It’s a quiet and friendly place to eat. Having had a more formal, ne n n resta rant here efore t sh t for o the hotel sensed a desire for something more social, affor a e an re a e when th n s reopene an it’s been a brasserie ever since.

Fourthly, and this is a reason why us locals are s tt n p an tak n note the foo re e ts the Malaysian roots of the Gainsborough’s owners with three Asian chefs who trained in Kuala Lumpur, and a new menu that combines Malay and western foo . t as enera ana er ar a oske points out, “It’s not fusion cooking because we’re not fusing East and West on the same plate. Instead, we’re combining Asian and Western plates on the same menu.”

is juicy, tender and bursting with meaty depth. The subtle, sticky and sweetly nutty satay sauce comes in a side dish, with a mound of crunchy fragrant salad.

DINING DETAILS

The Gainsborough Brasserie, Beau Street, Bath BA1 1QY. tel: 01225 355336; www.thegainsboroughbathspa.co.uk

The skewers were coming in at a strong 8/10. In fairness, they may have scored a 10 if the dancing prawns hasn’t stolen the show. Now there is actually a dancing prawn Thai dish where live shrimps wriggle around your plate attempting to avoid the prong of your fork. But fear not, there’s no such culinary sport here. The Gainsborough Brasserie’s dancing prawns are huge, earthy, and juicy – and very much sat still in a se ret’ ho se a e est an p n ent tr s a o emulsion. And they really won’t tell you ‘the secret’, because I begged to know, wanting to replicate it at home – having made the dish a banging 10/10.

Opening hours Tuesday – Thursday dinner is 6pm – 9pm and on Fridays and Saturdays 6pm – 9.30pm

Established While the brasserie became part of the hotel in 2015, this new dining concept was launched spring this year

Type of food East meets West

Covers 50

Prices Starters £10 – £15, mains £20 – £55, desserts £10 – £15

Veggie special We hear marvellous things about the roti cani with lentil curry, a light and fluffy grilled flatbread served with a spiced lentil curry

Disability access Yes

If a measure of a restaurant is how enthusiastic the staff an tea are a o t the foo then t ooks like this recent incarnation of the Gainsborough is getting it right. Our server, the keen as mustard Khushii, talks us thro h the new nner en that n es aesar sa a h ken ren an arket sh ent rr an eef r s. e ha e a ess to e e ent s an hefs an for the a o rs we’ e tea e p w th a local Asian grocery store. This means we have easy access to authentic fresh leaves and spices. and the chefs can achieve a taste that’s as close to the original as possible.”

Atmosphere Gorgeous Georgian meets marvellous Malay

For the mains we’re looking at the house specials again – after all, what better way is there to test a k t hen’s nar a r an a t on he so o ster n ne s h nks of r r n sweet o ster ser e n a rea pasta w th h akes en n a e o s k k an p n h. e t p s Yukibana’s creamy chilled sashimi pasta wisps. We’re told: “This dish is the only one on the menu that is Asian but not Malay. This kind of cold pasta dish is trendy in Japan at the moment and this one was invented by a chef at one of our hotels in apan the on fferen e e n that the onta ne fresh sea urchin. Because it’s sashimi pasta, the sh nee s to e e ept ona fresh so we an’t have sea urchin here. Instead, we’ve combined salmon, scallops, spotted shrimps, salmon roe and crab sticks in a wonderful garlicky creamy sauce.” t a so n ke a sh o er oa t the o ean of a o rs are s e w th an n er rrent of buttery smokiness from the garlic.

afe n the know e e h sh knows her st ff an knows the en we opt for her recommendations – char-grilled satay skewers and the brasserie’s speciality, dancing prawns, to share. The satay starter comes w th a of skewere pork a h ken an eef ea h of wh h

Even the puddings have had a Malay makeover and we watch fascinated as the team turn a crème brulée on its head by making it from pandan leaf. Once I’ve broken through the caramelised crunchy top, the bright green tapioca pudding is light and subtly sweet an e p o es nto fe when o ne w th s e ser n s of e on honeycomb and tart berries. Then there’s the Tropicana: a slice of fresh sweet pineapple, with cinnamon on the bottom, is layered with mango, coconut and vanilla-y Jivara chocolate mousse on top. If this is the taste of things to come at the Gainsborough Brasserie, then it’s Malay all the way for me from now on.

Combe Grove is opening up its nutritional advice to non-members online; INSET: Eating for great metabolic health is just one of the free webinar topics covered

THE META VERSE

Combe Grove, which is one of the UK’s leading metabolic retreats, offering fully comprehensive holistic treatments along with its gym membershi , is also offering com letely free online health-based webinars to non members.

osted by medics and e erts in their eld, sub ects covered include mastering weight and wellbeing with prediabetes, eating for metabolic health, and strategies for con ueringfood addiction.

he team say e now have a regular schedule of com limentary webinars and events listed on our website. hese hel ful l one of our charitable aims of offering com limentary health care advice to our local community. tabilising metabolic health is fundamental to living more healthily for longer.”

For more: www.combegrove.com

FOOD & DRINK

bbey otel ath is collaborating with ritish tea brand o e and loryto raise the tea drin ing scene in the city with the brand new bbey ea ar. uests will have the o ortunity to sam le a curated selection of remium teas and tisanes herbal teas , sourced from the nest tea estates around the world.

ea is an integral art of ritish culture and we wanted to offer our guests a truly e ce tional tea e erience that reflects the heritage and so histication of our hotel,” says general manager amal a endra. For more: www.abbeyteabar.com

LIFE OF PIE TEA’S MADE

ieminister s on estgate treet is ma ing its ies bottomless. n aturdays from m you can have two hours of bottomless roseccos, ints, s rit es, soft drin s, and even artinis, but best of all it s accom anied by a ieminister ie with bottomless gravy.

long with the classics, such as the oo lue beef and stilton and the reeranger chic en and lee , lighter summer o tions include the lo astry editerranean ins ired ight as a eta with s inach, ale and feta cheese, and the aroc tar, with chic ea and carrot. ut remember, to get bottomless boo ing is essential. For more: www.pieminister.co.uk

A brand new Abbey Tea Bar is opening up in the hotel; INSET: Hope & Glory will be supplying a vast array of teas

Pieminister on Westgate Street is going bottomless; RIGHT: It’s all gravy!

WE’RE GOING OUT OUT

SUMMERTIME, AND THE DINING IS EASY

By Elsie Chadwick

The sun’s out and so are we. Slapping on the shades and looking for the best seat in the house. We don’t mind if it overlooks a oo e ar en takes n the h rr n row s fro a pa e ent ta e or that o r view is a rooftop vista stretching out across the t as on as we an fee the s n on o r starters the a n o rse o es w th a s e ser n of ta n an the p n arr es a e r e fra he and fresh air. Here are just a few of our sunlight highlights of the best al fresco spots around

A PIZZA THE ACTION

Bath Pizza Co and Green Park Brasserie; www.greenparkbrasserie.com | www.bathpizzaco.com

ase n the f nk o reen ark tat on w th two a fres o terra es an e s fo r n hts a week th s s a h t w th we everybody fro st ents oa n p pre n to fa es ook n for a a n a n h. e aske re tor e eters for a tt e ore nfo...

Talk us through those terrace spaces r front terra e the pero erra e s set a k fro reen ark oa n t on reat for peop e wat h n an ask n n the s n. r se on terra e n er the h stor reen ark stat on roof s a n o ere se a fres o spa e ho e to o r wor ass p a k t hen ath a o an e w th woo en en hes perfe t for ro p to et to ethers w th s r nks an foo . t’s a so a han p a e to et the little ones run riot!

What if the temperature drops? (Unusual for a British summer, we know...) e’ e ankets heaters an sh ons for the oo er e en n s an poss ore prose o than orthern ta for when we et those perfe t e ree e s s weeks of sunshine. Our stationside terrace is also perfect ear ro n as t’s a o ere os spa e to re a n.

Will we be fighting for an outdoor seat?

e take ook n s on the stat ons e terra e the ath a o s e an the front terra e s a wa k ps on k n of e. e an a o o ate aro n ests a ross the two an a f rther ests ns e.

Dare we mention the dreaded ‘S’ word…seagulls?

s e fro n staff water p sto s we’ll be working hard to clear tables and ensure no food is left unattended. t’s not a pro e for s enera .

Any summertime menu changes? so te we’re a n h n new sharing plates for ‘terrace season’ th nk o es fr tes aran n har ter e oar s r sp a a ar h ken ten ers . perfe t to wash down with some of our wines and craft beer on tap. Our favourites are all st e n ser e n n ath a o k t hen’s week spe a s an o r h e pop ar . p a an p nt or prose o ea . ro the ra k t hen o r ho se h k steak r er an seafoo n ne ha e een h tters re ent .

Soaking up the city ambience at Green Park Brasserie; INSET: Serving up a slice at Bath Pizza Co

AL FRESCO

And what do you recommend we wash it down with?

Summer sees the return of our dedicated spritz menu, wh h n es o r e er ower spr t p nk rapefr t spritz, Campari spritz and, of course, the classic Aperol spr t . ook o t for o r se en a s a week two for o kta happ ho r p .

A LITTLE BIT OF SANCTUARY

Whatley Manor Hotel & Spa; www.whatleymanor.com

r anor ho se hote set n the or eo s otswo s o ntr s e w th a res of ar ens spa an he n tar s ne th s takes n n o t to another e e . et’s n o t ore fro sa es an arket n ana er o se or on.

So, Eloise, what can we expect from Whatley’s al fresco manifesto?

he t hen ar en erra e of re ’s rasser e s a spa o s an p t res e o t oor seat n area s rro n e or ers of fra rant her s an the of nat re. at a on st the ar ens ners an often spot hefs p k n her s sa a n re ents an e eta es for se n ook n .

Talk us through the style and décor of the spaces he t hen ar en wh h has o ers s tte w th wro ht ron ta es an ha rs an has a e terranean at osphere w th an o e tree trees a en er an ar o s her s row n aro n the sett n . he onke o rt ar seats has st sh rattan f rn t re w th ass ta es o er ook n a an re awn a ra e e an

“The main course comes with a side serving VitaminofD”

o e wa kwa an onke s pt res otte aro n . he erra es ha e st sh rattan f rn t re an ass ta es s t ate on otswo s pa n o er ook n the her a eo s ar en an the hot ar en wh e the other terra e o er ooks the water feat re an ran awn.

What are the summertime specials? he hter an fresher shes ten to e ore pop ar th s t e of ear s h as the starter of sp e arrot pa re w th o rt pana otta th e rano a an or an er an the at h of the a ser e w th new potatoes r e fra he sa ph re oran e an toaste a on s. easona en te s so r e o a an s sta na n e hts tes fro the as a n n en s h as ra aran n ser e w th ett e sa a h an e a onna se an the refresh n s oke sa on p atter pa re w th h e rea heese r sp lilliput capers and fresh brown bread.

And to wash it all down? o an’t o wron pa r n ost of the shes w th a ass of s o rne n sh park n os w ne.

Go al fresco at Whatley Manor; INSET: The light-bite menu changes seasonally

Too hot, too chilly – any suggestions? he o t oor n n spa es are e ppe w th ar e paraso s to protect from direct sun an heat a on w th sts of wind and rain. There are a so re p ts wh h an e t to keep ests war n the e en n s.

LOCAL & LUXE

Montagu’s Mews at The Royal Crescent Hotel & Spa; www.royalcrescent.co.uk

We need to reclaim the Royal Crescent Hotel & Spa as a local spot for all day dining. Why should visitors and hotel guests be the only ones to indulge in the delicious beauty and all round Bath-centric elegance of this heart-of-thecity spot? Below, we are persuaded further by head chef Martin Blake…

What would you say the Montagu’s Mews outdoor setting is like?

Throughout the summer months, Montagu’s Mews extends into our acre of gardens, and becomes the most idyllic setting for an al fresco dinner or evening cocktail. The atmosphere is buzzy with the chatter of our diners, but feels secluded and private at the same time. There are 36 seats on the terrace and another 50 in the garden, and we have parasols, outdoor heaters, blankets, sheepskins, and table lanterns for maximum cosiness after dark. We have recently installed a beautiful copper swing from Kubuku and look out for a stunning sculpture called Solace by local artist Beth Carter, whose work was previously in Picasso’s Garden in Mougins.

What are the sunshine season best-sellers?

Guests tend to opt for lighter, fresher options in warmer weather, so dishes like our citrus cured Loch Duart salmon with mango, cardamom and basil are likely to prove popular. Our classics, including the ribeye steak and Cornish sea bream, also do very well.

Any summer menu changes planned?

We’re working on a new seasonal summer menu, with

In

summer, Montagu’s Mews extends into the Royal Crescent’s garden; INSET: Lemon Amalfi tart is perfection at this time of year

dishes designed for maximum enjoyment on the terrace. The menu includes small plates such as Longhorn beef carpaccio and a roasted tomato velouté.

Pour me something cool and refreshing, please

We’ve recently partnered with Penhaligon’s and launched a menu of cocktails inspired by some of the perfumier’s signature scents. The Liquid Love cocktail, with its straw err an rose a o rs e o s re e ts the setting of our gardens.

We’d like to stay on after our meal. Is that possible?

Throughout the summer, we host a monthly DJ night in the ar ens on the rst r a of ea h onth an ests drink and dine from our bar and terrace menus. They are e o n er pop ar so now we offer a an e t kets for £15, which includes a glass of Champagne.

BOULED OVER

The Bath Priory; www.thebathpriory.co.uk

“Diners can often spot pickingchefs herbs”

Dining here, looking out over four acres of beautiful gardens, this luxe and welcoming hotel could easily lull you into thinking you’re far from the madding crowd in a countryside bolthole – and yet it is located in the middle of eston st a e n te wa k fro tor a ark. Regional general manager Gurval Durand tells us more.

Describe the outside dining area for us

Backed in early summer by the scented wisteria-clad walls of the hotel, and overlooking four acres of beautiful gardens, our al fresco area seats 30 and is open 8am until late. It is the perfect spot, whether to eat or simply enjoy a drink, and if the temperature drops we do have blankets to keep guests warm.

Does summer season influence the dishes?

Executive chef Jauca ata n reates en s re e t n the best of the season and the produce rown n the ath r or ’s k t hen ar en. ests an en o the freshest a o rs on the terra e w th n re ents p ke fro the k t hen ar en st a short stro awa .

What would sir recommend?

a p ates are a a a e to en o on the terra e an we re o en two or three per person. ake o r p k fro shes s h as r e a kere w th es a he an saffron a o e sp e ro e pork e w th h sp a a e or open asa ne w th w shroo s sp na h an ho an a se sa e. r ost pop ar s es n e the e o s fresh tr e an par esan fr es.

And from the drinks list?

ook o t for o r s nat re o kta s n n Aquae Sulis a e w th rh ar an rasp err n ha or o ntrea ran err e an Tropical Bubbles asso e r oran e e o on t k trop a s r p

ha pa ne or art n reat ons n n Drink Me

Sloe s oe n re er o th herr s r p .

Any special activities going on?

hea of the ath o es to rna ent an thro ho t the onth of ne o an hone o r o es sk s w th a three o rse set n h fro he antr p s o r r nk of choice and one and half hours private use of our o es p t h for per person.

A DAY IN PROVENCE

Iford Manor Kitchen; www.ifordmanor.co.uk h nk ro en e t w tho t the hass e of o erseas tra e . for anor t hen s a re a e ha en spe a s n n ne n n of the e to fork ar et an offers e er th n fro a n hes to s o rse s pper s n ts terra otta wa e oak ea e h en e of a sett n . ar anne artwr ht nett owner ana er of the for anor state te s s ore

Talk us through this Provence vibe?

e ha e a s n soake so th fa n terra e n a war e terranean st e o rt ar w th ews o er the s rro n n o ntr s e of the w er for anor state. he at osphere s re a e w th the e phas s on sa o r n ea h o ent an tak n o r t e. for s a o t s ow n own an appre at n the who eso eness an ea t of o r s rro n n s.

Does the menu reflect this?

es o r foo s a fresh a e fro s rat h n the k t hen we ake o r own pasta heese har ter e an the en re ar han es to show ase the est of the rrent season.

LEFT: The wondrous wisteria of Bath Priory; LEFTINSET: The menu of executive chef Jauca Catalin takes inspiration from the garden; BELOW: Dine Mediterranean style at Iford Manor Kitchen; BELOWINSET: All the food is freshly made from scratch

PHOTO BY ED SCHOFIELD

PHOTO BY ED SCHOFIELD

AL FRESCO

Any current food faves?

The Wye Valley asparagus, new potato and pea salad is spring on a small plate. We also have a Bertha oven, which is run on local charcoal and wood gathered from the estate, with many of our dishes now cooked directly or n she o er re. onest o an rea taste the fferen e when ooke on a e.

What else can we do when we come to visit?

A trip to Iford is never complete without calling in to see the romantic, award-winning Grade I listed gardens p o er to pa e to earn ore a o t for ’s s ow’ ar en . separate entr fee app es t ook on ne for an advance entry discount and to guarantee entry during s per o s.

We also have our jazz festival coming up, and on 21 and 22 June head chef Matthew Briddon is running an asado, wh h s a o th er an wa of ar e n eat. e also have DJ Mike Vitti, and top international jazz acts visiting here to perform.

A RIVER RUNS THROUGH IT

Timbrell’s Yard; www.timbrellsyard.com

t’s ne er a har sh p a n n at ra for on on for a wan er shop an so eth n to eat. re ’s ar w th ts awar w nn n o t e hote resta rant ar an large riverside setting, is the perfect summertime pit stop. enera ana er te e son s s n.

What’s the ambiance like at Timbrell’s? e n on the anks of the er on t’s an o at on w th an o t oor terra e o p ete w th stro style pews and pretty galvanised planters, with lovely views across the water to the famous medieval arched r e an the o r n t h r h. t has a oo onte porar r st ook an the tran waters e location keeps the atmosphere mellow and relaxed.

Any recommendations for our al fresco mealtime?

Our small plates, such as salami ventricina with honey an p k e h es a kene arrot a a hano sh an

kkah an r sp wh te a t w th her a onna se are perfe t to n e on wh e you enjoy a sundowner. e’ a wa s re o en seasona shes rst n w th s er a o rs s h as ra an s oke mackerel fritters; plump rrata w th sa sa er e or whole roasted Lyme Bay plaice with wild garlic and crispy polenta, which are some of the most popular dishes en o e o ts e. or p n t’s a tough call to make on either the e an rh ar ton ess or the wh te ho o ate an rasp err heese ake. a e oth

Drinks, please!

Go classic with a Negroni or an Aperol Spritz or try one of our new summer cocktails such as a Rhubarb and Almond Sour or a Chipotle Margarita. e’ e ot reat a ers from Lost and Grounded and local ciders from Iford and Kicking Goat.

ABOVE: Relaxed and riverside at Timbrell’s Yard; INSET: If you can’t decide between the puddings, have them all!

Any seasonal extras?

We often have live music and DJs on warm evenings an ank ho a weeken s an on r a we’re host n an r ent n an n ht wh h sho e f n.

UNDER ONE ROOF, BUT OUTSIDE!

To be sure of a seat when the days are long, the lunches lazy and al fresco is much in demand, we suggest Milsom Place, where restaurants include Bandook, The Gaff, Bosco Pizzeria, The Botanist, and Côte Brasserie; www.milsomplace.co.uk

The beauty about heading somewhere like Milsom Place is, if the outdoor space of one place is full, then simply head next door – and with more than 200 covers combined, you’ll be worshipping the sun and dining in style in no time.

Slap bang in the centre of town, in a pretty little corridor peppered with courtyards, terraces and walled gardens, the options include award-winning Indian street food, inventive fine dining, another level pizzas, French classics and creative cocktails. If you’ve got the time, why not call in for a course at each place?

Milsom Place has it all

info@neuroconnectrehab.co.uk

www.neuroconnectrehab.co.uk

THE SPA AT NO.15 BY GUESTHOUSE

Sarah Baker discovers a facial that’s big on both style and substance

Asensory experience designed to lift, tone and brighten your skin’?

Sounds just like the ticket to see me stepping into the more summery months after the grey and general blech of our soggy spring. This is the 60 minute Hot Sandstone Facial at The Spa at No.15 by GuestHouse and a new addition to its treatment menu. Even just strolling down the gorgeously grand Great Pulteney Street is a tonic in itself, and inside, the eclectic and arty hotel houses one of the prettiest and most welcoming s as you can nd in the city centre. Situated in the basement, it’s a tranquil, calming space that feels a million miles from the bustle of the city.

The Spa treatment rooms add to the soothing vibe – muted hues, soft tunes and the kind of fresh, invigorating aromas that engulf you, hel ing you to switch off even before you take your place on the treatment bed.

The Hot Sandstone Facial (£115) uses heated ceramic pods with bespoke facial

LEFT: The calming space of The Spa at No 15; BELOW: The Hot Sandstone Facial uses heated ceramic pods; INSET: The Spa uses sustainable and vegan products such as Tea & Tonic

techni ues, resulting in a continuous flow of sleep-inducing skin-plumping warmth’ –phwoar… What a joy! The pods are smooth and soft and navigate the face, neck, and shoulders smoothly and deftly with the heat permeating the skin like a hot water bottle hug to the face. How clever, how mesmeric, how exquisite; a combination of massagetherapy for the face using organic skincare products such as Tea & Tonic, Proverb and Pinks Boutique – all organic, all vegan and all sustainable.

products to do their magic.

This is a clever massage that is layer upon layer of highly thoughtful and creatively put together techniques. But that’s not all. The Spa treatment extends beyond the visit itself, because you don’t leave empty handed. To continue my blissed-out state, I’m gifted a vial of massage oil and a QR code so that I can scan and replay the playlist any time I feel I need a little mind-spa.

“This is a full on heavenly 60 minutes resulting in a rested mind”

This treatment includes a double cleanse, exfoliation and facial massage (all with the ceramic heated pods), followed by a s in mas and scal massage, nishing with skin serums and a neck and shoulder massage.

This is a full on heavenly 60 minutes resulting in a rested mind, polished and plump skin and a blissful state. The warmth of the pods activates the skin’s circulation, boosting the complexion and enabling the nutrient-rich

The plumping, glowing results are immediate, which means no down time and you can be event ready that day, but they are also long lasting. My skin felt smoother and more polished for weeks after. It’s also a brilliant gift idea to have in your back pocket for a special birthdays. Mine’s 15 December, seeing as you’re asking...!

For more: The Spa at No.15 by GuestHouse, Bath, 15 Great Pulteney Street, Bath, tel: 01225 807015; www.guesthousehotels.co.uk

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

HOMESTAY HOSTS IN BATH

to host both short-term and long-term students.

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

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

LIFE AT THE MUSEUM

FROM BRIDGERTON TO FINE ART AND FROM DOODLES TO HENRY MOORE, DR CHRIS STEPHENS ON THE ECLECTIC OFFERINGS OF THE HOLBURNE MUSEUM

THE CHAMPIONS!

CaliUnity on winning the Bath Life Award for Wellbeing

NETWORK SCENE

Catching up and getting social at Walcot House CAN SHE KICK IT? Yes, she can! Meet The Body Camp’s Kate Whale

GETTING TO THE POINT

Mike Hill, piercing specialist at Broad Street Studio

DESIGN MATTERS

We meet Bob Mytton, co-founder of brand and design agency MYTTON WILLIAMS, to discuss why branding matters

In a nutshell, what does Mytton Williams do?

We help organisations stand out, tell their story, communicate what they offer – and why it matters. We do this through creating, developing and managing brands and brand communications.

What is it that’s significant about branding?

We think design matters. It can help make the world a better place. More efficient, engaging and beautiful. It also makes a real difference to the businesses we work with – it has the power to shift perceptions and change behaviours, to help society and transform organisations. Through design we can make a real impact.

Any moments you’re particularly proud of? We were proud to become a B-Corp a few years back – a formal recognition of the values

“ DESIGN HAS THE POWER TO SHIFT PERCEPTIONS AND CHANGE BEHAVIOURS, TO HELP SOCIETY AND TRANSFORM ORGANISATIONS”

we’ve always considered important. We started in 1996, so can draw on years of experience, delivering successful and effective projects for a broad range of businesses and organisations. And we support the local community, through close ties to education, placement schemes, mentoring and helping to run events such as TEDx Bath.

Who else does Mytton Williams work with?

We work locally, nationally and internationally. Local clients have included Bath Spa University, Thermae Bath Spa, and Millfield. Nationally, we’ve worked on campaigns for Waitrose, reinvigorated the Clarks brand and designed projects for English Heritage and National Trust. And recently we’ve been involved with NGO’s in California, architects in Australia and a law firm in Cyprus. Ultimately, we enjoy working with ambitious clients who appreciate the power of good design.

What would you say to businesses considering a branding project?

We are bombarded with messages and brands every day. These days, those brands often have seconds to make an impact. Communicating your message clearly and succinctly can be crucial to attracting the right audience and building your business. The three key aims for any brand is: Clarity – so everyone is clear about who you are and what you do. Consistency –

ensuring the brand identity is recognisable across any application. And Character – capturing the brand’s personality, values, purpose and tone of voice in an engaging way. It’s important to get all those branding elements working together to build your reputation. And that’s not always easy – it takes time, experience and a little magic.

How does Bath influence your work?

We’re proud to be part of a city that has so many ambitious people doing exciting things around the world. We recently completed the rebrand for Creative Bath. We are also involved with local initiatives, like Bath Unlimited, that helps to raise the profiles of Bath businesses.

The city also inspired our Made in Bath project and Meet the Maker podcast series. Through these projects, we’ve championed the dynamic spirit of makers around the city, sharing the stories of modern-day creatives, craftspeople, engineers and innovators – from one-person studios to large corporates.

For advice on your branding and marketing challenges, get in touch –bob@myttonwilliams.co.uk tel: 01225 476476 www.myttonwilliams.co.uk

BY

WORK IN PROGRESS

DR CHRIS STEPHENS on the continued development of the Holburne Museum

By Jasmine Thomas

For those at the Bath Life Network Lunch who’d met Dr Chris Stephens before, they knew they were in for a treat of a talk from the director of the Holburne Museum. Knowledgeable and quietly entertaining, his perspective and experiences about the museum’s evolving role, both in its duty to the arts and to the city, was a fascinating and informative one.

Prior to his tenure at the Holburne beginning in 2017, Chris worked at the Tate in London for 21 years, serving for much of that time as head of displays at Tate Britain and lead curator of Modern British Art. Taking on the Holburne Museum, which necessitates both respecting its historical signi cance to the city and whilst also ensuring the museum establish its own identity, was no straightforward task. He has worked to “shift the perspective from the traditional function of museums merely preserving art from the past

to a more dynamic and modern institution” and says, “The Holburne is a different ind of lace, it s not just about the past”. He hopes that, under his directorship, the museum can embrace modernity and contemporary relevance, aiming to ‘talk to the present moment’ while respecting the history within the 18th century collections and the building itself.

Highlighting this duality in a very real way is, of course, the building itself. The famous front façade remains a Grade I listed structure, contrasting starkly with the modern 2011 renovation at the rear of the building. Chris comments that, “courage was required to embrace new modern architectural designs and depart from the imitation of Georgian styles,” and notes that Bath has plenty of historical buildings, but what it lacked was a “really great high uality artistic offer, bringing art from around the world.” The renovation physically represented this vision, and

has transformed the museum into something more.

This could go some way towards explaining how the museum’s two current exhibitions are poles apart yet sit comfortably under the same roof – the very modern Mr Doodle: Museum Mayhem and the classic sculptures of Henry Moore in Miniature Having these two collections alongside each other allows for an interplay between past and present, enlivening older collections by the addition of contemporary work. Chris says that he hopes “people will come to see Mr Doodle, and they

“THE HOLBURNE IS A DIFFERENT KIND OF PLACE, IT’S NOT JUST ABOUT THE PAST”

will also discover great Henry Moore sculptures.” Indeed, he was thrilled to see that hundreds of people who turned out for the opening night, including passerbys lining up Great Pulteney Street, to watch illuminated animations of Mr. Doodle’s work projected onto the front of the museum. Chris notes that such an event, of which he hopes to hold more, “creates a sense of community – it reinforces that the Holburne museum is all about the people and adding value to their lives.”

The museum itself, regardless of its collections and exhibitions, has become even better known thanks to its role in etfli s Bridgerton, playing Lady Danbury’s house. Was he concerned at all that this contradicted his plan to look to the future? “Not really. While Bridgerton portrays the Regency period, it is viewed through a contemporary lens. This actually aligns with the Holburne’s own aim to revitalise the past with the contemporary.”

Chris also touched on the controversial subject of the Holburne family’s wealth having been made through the slave trade, and the importance of addressing this aspect of the museum’s history. For example, by putting on display the slave ledger that was found in 2020, and by continuing to showcase a diverse range of artists and narratives.

One of his disappointments in the Holburne’s recent past is its loss of what he considers one of the greatest collections of 20th century British art. Until the 1990s, the museum was home to the Crafts Study Centre, which was originally founded in Bath in the 1970s. However, it left the Holburne following a commissioned report and was subsequently relocated out of Bath. “This was a signi cant loss for the museum and the city as a whole. Today that would not have ha ened. fforts would have been made to retain such valuable establishments within Bath, recognising the cultural and historical signi cance they bring to the community.” Fortunately, it is clear that, thanks to the committed guidance of Dr Chris Stephens, such a mistake would be unlikely to happen again, and the Holburne space will continue to develop, surprise, innovate, face forwards, and add contemporary value to Bath’s cultural scene.

For more: www.holburne.org | www.mediaclash.co.uk

MediaClash chief exec Greg Ingham hosts Dr Chris Stephens at the Bath Life Network Lunch at Walcot House

Accountancy and tax advice shouldn’t stand still. That’s why our clients rate us an “excellent” 9.4 out of 10 when it comes to recommending us. Financial advice for businesses and individuals to help you thrive.

Tom Hogarth and Louise Ball

Dave Dixon and Annabel Jackson

Paul Fisher and Lesley Bowman

Jasmine Barker

Hannah Whiting, Polly Rathbone Ward and Maria Isaeva

Shaz Sarfraz and Bryn Holt

Katie Calvert-Jones

Ben Aydin, Sarah Loveless and Joe Stas

Iain Griffin and Brendan Tate

Matt Rusling

Dominic England and Ed Graves

James Hughes and Sue Bush

GIDDY UP!

Ludo Sports Bar & Kitchen has teamed up w th ath a e o rse to e o e ts o a sports bar. The new partnership aims to create an environment where racegoers and members can come together to celebrate their day at the races, with Bath Racecourse e ers re e n per ent off foo an drinks at Ludo throughout the year, and racegoers getting 20 per cent on race days. Executive director of Bath Racecourse Simon Tonge says, “We very much recognise

that ra e oers’ e per en es on’t n sh when they leave the racecourse, and it’s great that we have a partnership in place whereby our racegoers can further their enjoyment at the city centre venue on race days and beyond. The Racing Corner at Ludo is an essential visit for the racing fans of Bath, and we’re delighted to have a presence there.”

For more: www.bath-racecourse.co.uk | www.ludobath.co.uk

Dr Asel Sartbaeva, co-founder of EnsiliTech, is one of the speakers at this year’s EntreConf

BUSINESS THINKING

EntreConf, the region’s leading event for entrepreneurs, is happening on 19 – 20 June with a distinguished cast of speakers. The conference, held at Watershed, Bristol, has more than doubled in size since its success last year, with extra activities including Entrepreneurs’ Tales and The Next Big Thing.

There will also be a special EntreConf dinner on 19 June featuring the duo behind the award-winning brand agency Social Shepherd, Zoe Stephenson and Jack Shepherd. Conference speakers include business leader an a a e ar aret effernan fro the University of Bath’s School of Management

on AI and the future of work; Charlie Bigham, the founder and owner of foodie business Bigham’s; a former EVP of PlayStation, Xbox and Google Phil Harrison on pitching ideas; and entrepreneurs such as Nick Spicer of Your Eco, Nick Stubbs of Arc Developments, and k o ns e of he a e.

Talking about the world of vaccines is Dr Asel Sartbaeva, who lectures and researches at the University of Bath and founded the biotechnology start-up EnsiliTech. “It’s set to be a mindspa for business thinkers,” says EntreConf’s founder, Greg Ingham. For more: www.entreconf.com

Bath Life Network Lunch; www.mediaclash.co.uk

Bath-based Kate Sbuttoni has recently founded The Ginger Jar Lamp Co, sourcing originally handmade and hand painted vintage lamp bases from China.

“‘My ‘light bulb’ moment was during a trip to China in 2016,” says Kate. “I discovered piles of dusty ginger jars which were once used to export spices at an antiques market, and decided to make one into a lamp. I’ve always been an interiors enthusiast, and I’m passionate about unique, authentic, hand-made ceramics and fabrics.”

The company’s signature shades are made by skilled Chinese artisans using a range of vibrant fabrics sourced from across Asia, including block-print cotton and silk ikat. For more: www.gingerjarlampco.com

Andy Killeen, head of operations with Regional Taverns (left), with Simon Tonge, executive director with Bath Racecourse

Kate Sbuttoni had a lightbulb moment during a trip to China

PHOTO BY LLOYD

CALIUNITY

Health & Wellbeing Award sponsored by Bath Audi

HEALTH & WELLBEING WINNER

Ollie Chick, co-founder of CaliUnity, a gym that specialises in strength training, nutrition, and habit coaching, on life since winning a Bath Life Award.

What prompted you to enter the Bath Life Awards 2024?

After narrowly missing out in 2023, we realised that we had helped the community even more in the months since. We’d also set up incredibly successful business relationships in Bath, and –w th o r e pan n nto a new o at on too we thought we’d give it another shot.

What have you been up to since winning?

We have a new gym launching on Walcot Street on 17 June – it’s actually in the Abbey Furniture Kitchens building, opposite Walcot House.

“RAPID GROWTH FROM SCRATCH TO RANK AS A TOP THREE RATED GYM IN THE CITY”

ON A GROW SLOW

Iford Manor near Bath has won Best Garden/ Arboretum in the Cotswolds Slow Travel awards. The awards, sponsored by Bradt Guides, coincide with the publication of their Slow Travel Guide to the Cotswolds.

The prize recognises the unique beauty, tranquillity and design of Iford Manor’s Grade I registered ar ens ar e reate n ent a ar h te t an landscape designer Harold Peto, whose home Iford Manor was from 1899 – 1933.

Co-owner William Cartwright-Hignett says, “We’re er pro that the efforts of o r e ept ona ar en n team have been recognised by this prestigious award. We’re about halfway through a ten year restoration plan, and I cannot think of a better encouragement to press on with the second half of the programme.”

William, along with Marianne Cartwright-Hignett, took over the garden in 2018 with a long term plan in mind to reinvigorate the historic garden. Working closely with head gardener Steve Lannin and the gardening team, more than 3,000 plants were planted in 2023, with more added this year.

For more: www.ifordmanor.co.uk

Are you doing anything special to mark the opening?

We’re hosting a Week of Wellness – seven days for our charity partners of Bath, each with their own day to raise awareness and funds for amazing causes.

Sounds great! What can visitors expect?

There’s a 24 hour indoor bike ride for Eddie Street Cuts, a Weekend of Fitness from ath t a for ff he e or an atasha Lewis Foundation, and workshops and talks. For more: www.bathlifeawards.co.uk | www.caliunity.com

A WORD FROM OUR JUDGES

Ollie with Kiera, co-founder and partner

The Iford Manor gardening team (and Aslan the cat) with their award

HEADLINE SPONSOR

WELCOME TO THE MINDSPA

19-20 June 2024. Watershed, Bristol

CHARLIE BIGHAM

KEYNOTES

Bigham’s: £120m sales foodie business. How?

EVELYN WELCH VC, University of Bristol. Reveal of transformative, ambitious Temple Quarter strategy

PHIL HARRISON Former EVP PlayStation, Google & Xbox on pitching

CURRENT SPEAKERS

ANDY SALMON Bath Spa Uni: Next gen thinking –all change

DAVID GOODALL Fund Manager at FW Capital

ASEL SARTBAEVA Next Big Thing: Ensilitech

EMMA BROOKS Marketing Manager, e2eassure

GEMMA MCGRATTAN Co-founder of Synergy Creative

JOEL DUNNING Director of GS Verde

KATE DIMBLEBY Co-founder & CEO of Stornaway.io

MARIA DICKSON Marketing director, AMBITIOUS

NICK SPICER Founder & CEO of Your Eco

RUPERT LOMAN Founder & CEO, Just About

LAURA AIKEN Founder & management consultant, Thrive Leadership

NATASHA MCKENZIE Chief Executive of Talisman Sparro

NICKY COTTER Co-founder & Head of FinTech of ICON Corporate Finance

STUART SMITH Owner & managing director, Mostly Media

CHERIE-ANNE BAXTER-BLYTH Marketing director, Unividual EMMA MILLINGTON CEO and Co-owner, Modular Digital

JOYANN BOYCE Founder and CEO of Inclued AI

LAUREN CRAWLEYMOORE Regional lead for London Stock Exchange

NICHOLAS STUBBS Director, Arc Global

PAUL DUGGAN Partner at Blake Morgan

TASHIA CAMERON Head of communications & campaigns at BOXPARK

DAN GHADIMI Co-founder of Bowimi

EVANGELOS ZYMPELOUDIS Next Big Thing: iCOMAT

JUDITH COGHLAN Director of Script IP

MARGARET HEFFERNAN Professor in Practice, University of Bath School of Management

NICK HOUNSFIELD What next for The Wave’s Founder?

RICHARD SPILSBURY Founder, Link Stone Advisory

YASIN ROFCANIN Director of the Future of Work Research Centre, University of Bath School of Management

CAREER PATH

KATE WHALE

How a boot camp visit kickstarted a whole new way of life and a whole new business

With a background in hospitality, Kate set up her rst ho st transformation retreat he o a p n n Mallorca, as well going on to host events in Ibiza and Bali. The holistic tness an we ness e per en es are es ne to he p ents n the r stren th nner on en e an open mindset and a fresh outlook with the help of immersive programmes that include healthy plant-based food, team games, swimming, tennis, gym sessions, hikes and workshops. Last year The Body Camp popped up in Marrakesh, and next year it is heading for Thailand. Here we learn how Kate began her wellbeing career.

What was your first job?

I was working behind the bar, aged just 13, at my parents’ pub, the Apple Tree in Shoscombe, near Bath. That p was e n te where nher te my passion for hospitality.

When did you start working in the hospitality industry?

At the age of 18, when I began travelling the world. I worked in VIP chalets in France, I waitressed in big open air restaurants in Greece, then worked at Michelin-starred restaurant events in Australia. At a e a k to the an took on a management role at a private member’s club in Bath called the Blue Rooms, where VIP guests re ar n e ar n Stella McCartney, Kate Moss and Joan Collins.

How did entering the world of fitness come about?

During my time working as launch manager for Bath’s Komedia, I went on a brutal military-style boot camp in Norfolk, where I exercised for seven hours a day. At the camp I realised I needed to change my life. The experience woke me up to something, and afterwards I gave up smoking, didn’t drink for three years, went on a rea tness n e then took a per ent pa t to ons t for a British military boot camp brand. I went on to consult for the top three

European boot camp companies where o er e ears earne a ke lesson – that people live a really small life until they know they’re capable of more.

When did you decide to create your own fitness retreat, The Body Camp?

was ons t n he n and managing a boot camp in Ibiza. I also had my own cookbook out. I thought, ‘There’s got to be a way to make money and not work so har ’ knew fro see n parents’ run a pub that operating your own business is like having a child. Once you’re in, you’re committed and fully responsible for lifting everyone within t p. or e ears he off then n t the et an e an p ans to launch The Body Camp.

What was it like planning the concept?

fter work n ho r a s at the boot camp, I’d brainstorm logo ideas and thrash out how my retreat wo e fferent an etter than others. On top of physical training I wanted a key pillar to include mindset training to empower guests emotionally, which I knew would involve non-intrusive encouragement to share feelings. The third focus had to be educating people about good food. To make it happen, I teamed p w th rother en ha e who’s The Body Camp nutritional head

chef, plus Rick Parcell, an ex-Navy military trainer who I worked with previously and whose expertise is mindset training. Once I found the right investor and a rockstar villa, we were off

How did you ensure you had enough clients to launch?

I was determined not to poach clients from the bootcamps I’d worked at, because I wanted to launch with a clear head and heart and with nte r t . e h re a k k ass p st who was very well-connected in the celebrity industry, and in year one Caroline Flack visited twice an e a e a t of an no a ambassador. Then other big hitters followed – a really cool celebrity crowd including Millie Mackintosh, Lisa Snowdon, Jodie Kidd and a k nness. th n s onths of launch, The Body Camp was a complete sellout. After one year we’d a e a pro t

What are the highs you’ve experienced in continuing the business?

The biggest high was opening sites in a a an a or a w th n e years, then making plans to open a fourth in the UK.

…and any lows?

hen the pan e h t wh h triggered the biggest low because we had just invested all our money into

“I TOOK A 70 PER CENT PAY CUT TO CONSULT FOR A MILITARY BOOT CAMP BRAND”

a period of major growth. Suddenly we had to close everything for two years, and the stress of being in hospitality and travel – the two worsth t n str es was horr . e ost a lot of money. It’s taken up until this ear to re o er nan a .

And now you’re opening your first-ever UK site... e’ e stene to what ests want and need, and their time restrictions. Our main Mallorca camp is a oneweek transformational programme, so these UK-based taster weekends are great for people who don’t have seven days spare, especially parents. Last summer, I found the perfect house just outside Frome and this summer we’re r nn n eeken s.

Was it a conscious decision to launch the first ever UK Body Camp close to your Bath roots? Absolutely. I thought it would be nice to bring the business back here because, even though I’ve been awa on an off for ears a really good friends and my family live locally. It just felt right. Also, the peop e of o erset an o th est are quite open-minded and there’s quite a holistic vibe around a lot of villages. It’s a cool place to be.

What can people expect from a Big Weekend?

Guests will enjoy ice baths, pool time, hikes, meditation, yoga, a packed tness s he e an a or eo s nutrient-dense menu of plant-based foo so the ’ ea e fee n tter happier, healthier and more positive. It is genuinely lots of fun, with fullimmersion activities, relaxation and the opport n t to e per ent to the experience to break through physical and mental blockages. The estate we’re hosting from is absolutely gorgeous. Anyone who comes will feel alive and incredible by the end of their stay.

The Body Camp’s Big Weekends in Somerset begin on 5 July 2024. For more: www.thebodycamp.com

MIKE HILL

Getting straight to the point with the piercing and jewellery specialist of Broad Street Studio

Mike, who was originally born in the North East of England and raised in the Midlands, tells us about founding his specialist piercing business, Broad Street Studio in Bath, on a whim – and when he was just 21 years old…

Piercing isn’t the most obvious of businesses. So how and when did you realise this was the job for you?

I fell in love with piercings in my early teens. Piercings were just becoming popular on the a ternat e s ene’ an ot rst p er n n eyebrow at 14 years old. It was all I wanted to do from that moment on.

Tell us a little about the background to setting up Broad Street Studio… We opened in November 2006, somewhat impulsively. After moving to Bath I was looking for a space to continue piercing professionally. I enquired about renting a room within a barber’s shop in order to see if Bath would be receptive to a piercing studio. On meeting the owner, he mentioned they were actually giving up the property and moving –an the offere e the ease. as an pet o s year old, decided it was worth the risk and signed a ten year lease. More than 17 years later, I’m still in the same building and the business is thriving.

What were the early days like, especially as such a young person founding a business? Opening a business with no business experience at 21 certainly wasn’t easy. I worked 12 hour days, six days a week for a long time. I spent days in the studio and worked evenings as a cleaner in order to make ends meet. I lived on mattresses in lofts an w th fr en s st so o affor to r n the business and eat. It was hard, it was slow, it was shearten n at t es t t pa off an wo n’t change a thing. Those tough times helped me create a business and a work ethic which I’m extremely proud of.

What would you say is the ethos that helps drive your business?

o e a e to offer peop e the safest p er n e per en e poss e a on s e the nest ewe er . We specialise in solid gold and genuine stone luxury jewellery, whilst never letting this overtake the importance of safety.

Are there negative perceptions about the work you do?

Absolutely. There are still a lot of antiquated ideas about piercings. However, these have changed a lot in the time I’ve been piercing and continue to do so. I like to believe studios like mine have helped change these views and ushered in a new way of thinking about piercings.

“IT WAS HARD, IT WAS SLOW, IT WAS DISHEARTENING AT TIMES, BUT IT PAID OFF”

How did you adapt during the pandemic?

Whilst many people could work remotely, ‘closecontact’ industries were unable to operate, so I decided to teach myself some basic jewellery making to pass the time. As lockdown dragged on, it was something I became increasingly passionate about and now my own hand-made jewellery range is a huge part of what I do.

Any moment you have been particularly proud of?

Introducing my own jewellery line over the last few ears has een a pro o ent. e n a e to offer ents ea t f espoke ne ewe er a e in house for their piercings is something very few st os n the wor an offer an sets s apart n the UK, not just in Bath.

How would you describe your key clientele? Everyone and anyone! The joy of this job is that we offer so eth n for e er one fro e er wa k of fe. o atter who o are o w n so eth n for you in our studio. We work with everyone from h ren ett n the r rst ear o e p er n s to year olds looking for a little change!

If you were doing this all over again, anything you might approach differently? All of my choices have been the right decisions at the time, even the bad ones, as they’ve made the business what it is today.

Does being Bath-based help your business?

Bath has a diverse population, ranging from young students to the rich and famous, as well as a high volume of tourists. It’s a hugely desirable city to visit, with a large number of luxury businesses, which we feel part of. We’re proud to be many people’s ‘regular’ spot, as well as a destination venue for clients travelling for bespoke pieces.

Any immediate plans in the pipeline?

There will be more of our own jewellery introduced, as well as the option to pick custom gemstones for your piece on the day of your appointment.

Where do you see the business in five years? There’s potential for us to open a second studio n the ne t e ears t e ate fo s s on expanding our own jewellery range to give our clients here in Bath something that is exclusive to this city.

For more: Broad Street Studio, 26 Broad Street, Bath; www.broadstreetstudio.co.uk

MEET THE RISING STAR

The young talent from Bath’s leading firms talk about why they love their work

MIA WHITBOURN-VAUGHAN SAVILLS

01225 474502

www.savills.co.uk/estate-agents/ savills-bath.aspx

How did you choose your current career path?

For as long as I can remember, I’ve always been interested in property, along with meeting and speaking to a range of different people. After graduating school, this led me to successfully applying to become Savills Bath’s first Residential Sales Apprentice.

What do you most enjoy about your work?

That every day is different; meeting new people, visiting amazing properties, and responding to the changing needs of clients and buyers. I am fortunate to work in one of our firms’ flagship offices in its new premises on Milsom Street, a really lovely contemporary, open plan space for our team to welcome clients and offer advice.

satisfying looking after our buyers and sellers when they are navigating what can sometimes be an unsettling process of moving home.

How does your employer attract young people?

Savills makes a concerted effort to attract young and enthusiastic people who want to forge a career in property through our graduate and apprenticeship schemes along with placement opportunities (from one week to a whole year) and paid internships for school and college students from diverse backgrounds for paid internships. As a young woman at Savills, it’s so encouraging to see young people with enthusiasm, energy and fresh perspectives entering the property world.

What are you most proud of professionally?

Being promoted to Sales Negotiator following the end of my apprenticeship, together with receiving an award for being the ‘Best New Talent’ at Savills in 2023, were both career highlights. However the most important thing to me is ensuring I provide our clients with the best customer experience I can. It is incredibly

JEANIE WHELAN

AWDRY LAW

01793 853200; www.awdry.law

What advice would you give to young people when choosing a career?

A career in law is always going to require hard work, but it is important to find the practice area that suits you. Each area of law has different challenges and demands, so it is important that you find an area which works with your personality. Some people enjoy attending court, while others prefer a client facing role where you get to meet most of your clients, knowing which suits you will lead to a more enjoyable, and hopefully very successful, career.

What advice would you give your 18 year old self?

That it does not have to take as long as you think to achieve your goals and succeed. It often felt daunting the prospect of doing a law degree, the LPA, completing a training contract before even being able to call myself a solicitor. The idea of then becoming an associate, senior associate and one day eventually partner all felt like achievements I would never reach until much later in life and that almost put me of when I was 18. However, with the right firm and finding a practice area of law you enjoy, it has been far more achievable than I thought. It takes a lot of dedication and perseverance, but it is possible, and I wish I could have known that at 18.

What voluntary and charity work do you do?

We have recently launched our Sustainable Development Goals, in line with the UN’s initiative to transform our world. I have felt very passionate about this project and getting the firm involved in achieving some of these goals. We have selected five goals to focus on for now and will be implementing and / or adapting our work life to achieve targets, while also focusing on our local communities and supporting or fundraising for causes that align with our goals. We are very keen to work with other local businesses who share this commitment and will be posting regular updates on our social media for those who would like to get involved.

What do you like about your role and working for Awdry Law?

As a Private Client Lawyer, I thoroughly enjoy building lasting relationships with clients and assisting them and their families to plan for the future. Awdry Law have always provided me with opportunities to push myself, advance my career and do meaningful work. I work with brilliant people, and I am enjoying continuing to grow our department.

EMMA TANDY GOUGHS SOLICITORS

01249 812086; www.goughs.co.uk

What areas do you specialise in?

I specialise in wills, lasting powers of attorney and estate administration. The ever-changing updates in the law, technology and modern family life present us with new challenges to contemplate and means that every matter requires careful consideration on a case-by-case basis.

What do you most enjoy about your work?

Meeting my clients, discussing their personal circumstances and figuring out what I can do to help. Being able to suggest a small tweak in someone’s will or providing estate planning advice, that could save a hefty inheritance tax bill, is incredibly satisfying.

Do you do any voluntary or charity work?

I am proud to be part of the Goughs Charity & Social Committee and as such get heavily involved in firm initiative’s to raise money for our Charity of the Year which is currently Scotty’s Little Soldiers. I even took part in the recent Corsham 10k on behalf of the charity too.

HELEN DRAPER PEARSON MAY 01225 460491; www.pearsonmay.co.uk

Talk us through what you do I work in the Private Client Department, which means I deal with tax compliance and tax planning for individuals. Each day varies depending on the correspondence or telephone calls received. Inheritance tax planning and capital gains tax planning feature frequently, and the preparation of tax returns is a key focus.

What do you most enjoy about your work?

Helping others. I enjoy putting client’s minds at ease by helping them understand and meet their tax reporting obligations, alongside planning for the future. For our students, I like to share my knowledge. There is a lot to learn when you enter a professional world, if I can pass on any strategies with how to approach a task in a logical and organised manner then everyone benefits. We are office based which feels essential to support and train the team.

Do you do any voluntary or charity work?

I have been treasurer of the PTA at my children’s school for six and half years. Being able to use my accountancy skills and business brain for the benefit of our local community has been really rewarding.

Emma Tandy

Helen Draper

SAM LONGMORE THRINGS SOLICITORS

01225 340000; www.thrings.com

Where did you begin your career?

I began my time in law at Thrings in our Hampshire office as a paralegal, before moving to Bath to begin my postgraduate studies and then as a trainee. I was delighted to have the chance to stay with the team once I qualified as a solicitor.

What do you specialise in now?

I work in the firm’s succession and tax team – based in our Bath office – specialising in many areas of the law that impact people at a personal level. Whether it is administering complex estates, advising on tax or preparing wills, my role is to help clients futureproof their personal affairs.

What aspects do you enjoy most about your work?

My job allows me to meet and connect with such a wide variety of people and gives me the opportunity to help them navigate difficult times in their lives, break down the complicated processes and ensure succession plans run smoothly.

The area of law I work in is often subject to change, which some might see as a challenge to keep on top of, but I very much enjoy keeping on the forefront of law as it continues to evolve.

TOM

ALLEN ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR, RICHARDSON

SWIFT

01225 325580; www.richardsonswift.co.uk

How did you choose your current career path?

I had no idea what I wanted to do after finishing my maths degree! I knew I wanted a challenge, and needed to fund my football and cricket matches on the weekend. The graduate role at Richardson Swift came up and the rest is history. The incentive to train towards being a chartered accountant, and in Bath, was too good an opportunity to miss.

What do you think is the biggest career challenge for young people currently?

To realise that you have to continue working on

DAN BARFOOT

CMD RECRUITMENT

01225 800000; www.cmdrecruitment.com

Tell us a little about the company... CMD Recruitment: Connecting Talent, Empowering Communities. Established in 2004, CMD Recruitment has been a trusted partner in the Bath community for nearly two decades. Strategically located in Bath, Calne, Devizes, Swindon, and Melksham, our offices enable us to understand local economies and talent pools, while actively engaging in community initiatives to make a positive impact beyond recruitment.

What challenges are your clients facing?

Despite a surge in global applications, our clients struggle with the local candidate shortage. A gap remains between job seekers’ preferences and employers’ offerings, notably regarding flexible work and pay. Candidates prioritise compensation, hybrid work, and personal development. However, remote and hybrid job openings declined by 25% in late 2023. This where having a good recruitment partner can really help. They know the job market and can consult on how to best attracttop talent.

yourself in order to reach your goals. To improve you have to push yourself and allow yourself to fail, even though it is uncomfortable a lot of the time. It takes time to get the results you want, so determination, consistency and patience is a must.

What are you most proud of professionally?

To be part of the Richardson Swift team since 2013 and progress through the firm, recently being promoted to associate director. I’m proud to have played a part in the firm going from strength to strength in Bath, from 13 employees to 42, and building great relationships with clients in the local area.

Describe your typical day…

Wake up at 6.30am to be greeted by my very hungry Bengal cat Ralph. Commute into Bath with the wife for 8.30am. A day of helping clients at work until around 5.30pm, including meetings in person or on Teams. I’ll usually be at the gym in the evening and then cook dinner. I am a stickler for routine!

MICHAEL COOMER, ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR,

RICHARDSON SWIFT

01225 325580; www.richardsonswift.co.uk

What do you most enjoy about your work?

I can honestly say I love all aspects of my work. My team are fantastic, professional and committed, and a pleasure to work alongside. My clients are both varied and interesting and

I enjoy getting to know them on a personal level, their aims and aspirations so that I can better help them meet their full potential.

What challenges come with the role?

It’s all about solving complex problems by analysing intricate financial data and lifestyle information so you can provide accurate recommendations, while balancing diverse client needs. And all this needs to be done while keeping up with constantly evolving regulatory compliance, which means being on top of changing laws and accounting standards. Then there are technological advancements, which mean adapting to new tools, such as AI and blockchain, and addressing cybersecurity risks. It’s a challenging job but that’s why I love it.

What are you most proud of professionally?

My relationship with my clients. To become a trusted adviser is a difficult task. I’ve been fortunate to deal with some amazing clients over the years from one-man bands up to large corporate groups, and there’s no better satisfaction than helping any client achieve their goals and potential.

How do you find working in Bath?

I’ve both lived and worked in Bath now for the past decade, and I couldn’t imagine being in a better place. It’s an architecturally stunning city, steeped in history and culture, plus I rarely miss a weekend walk along the canal, stopping for lunch and a pint in one of Bath’s many cosy pubs.

Sam Longmore

Dan Barfoot

Tom Allen (left) and Michael Coomer (right)

2024 Winners

Ace Award

Sponsored by: Digital Wonderlab

The ACE Award is given to the most outstanding category Winner on the night as chosen by our Judges.

Winner 2024: The Baton of Hope, Clearly PR

Agency

Sponsored by: Entreconf

Winner 2024: Bind Media

Content Creator

Winner 2024: Good Journeys and Wrestling Life

Creative Arts

Sponsored by: Aardman Animations

Winner 2024: 44AD

Creative Student

Sponsored by: Aardman Academy

Winner 2024: Gigi Cooke

Creativity for Good

Sponsored by: Mytton Williams

Winner 2024: Art at the Heart of the RUH

Designer

Sponsored by: Minuteman Press

Winner 2024: Votion

Digital Technology

Winner 2024: Digital Wonderlab

Film & Photography

Winner 2024: Unique Media

Founder/Entrepreneur

Sponsored by: MATTER

Winner 2024: Zoe Stephenson, The Social Shepherd

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FIELDS

The beavers are back at work on the Heal Somerset rewilding site after 400 years

By Nick Woodhouse

Last month, the team at Heal Somerset were delighted to announce that, after a probable four-century absence, beavers had nally returned to a s ot just a few hundred metres from their farmyard. Willows had been chewed to stumps, bark stripped from nearby trees; the rst, romising signs that a young beaver is exploring, perhaps with the aim to set up home.

t s di cult to tell when a beaver last built a lodge there, but it is likely to have been in the 16th century, when the ancient Forest of Selwood was starting to disappear. Once stretching from north of Frome to Shaftesbury

site was acquired; intersected by miles of hedgerows and dotted with ancient oaks, the land had huge potential for regeneration. The three tributaries of the River Frome that run across the land had been largely left untouched over the years; these winding waterways are key to the site’s nature-led recovery, one where man has been taken out of the equation and nature allowed to nd its own ath.

It is, of course, in the early days of its recovery from its ecologically depleted form of early 2023, but the signs are promising. Despite their plummeting numbers over the last 50 years, red-listed tree pipits have recently been spotted here; rising up, singing, and dropping down to land amongst the treetops. Such sightings have been accompanied by those of otters and great crested newts.

“Red-listed tree pipits have been spotted here rising up, singing, and dropping down to land”

and from ruton to arminster, elwood was one of the country’s great hunting forests. ich in legend and lore, it once offered refuge to ing lfred and his men for two nights before defeating the anes in the attle of Ethandune. In 1630 the land became privately owned, however, prompting gradual agricultural and forestry intensi cation over the ensuing centuries.

Today, one part of the once sprawling forest is beginning to see that process reversed. Heal omerset runs to acres and is eal s rst rewilding site in England. When the charity launched in March 2020, it set itself a target of ac uiring their rst rewilding site by the end of 2022. The search was a comprehensive one, with potential sites across eight counties. Just two days before the deadline, the Somerset

There are many ways to get involved, whether by sponsoring your own square of land or by becoming a friend of the charity. Keen to share how nature is already beginning to bounce back, Heal Somerset has also opened a number of public access spaces in their southern and eastern elds. s well as o tions to cam , they also offer a range of tours, including a family wildlife walk next month. ed by conservationist ic atel, this offers an opportunity to see birds such as larks, warblers, buntings and nches, all in the ea of their breeding season and revealing their fledglings. utterflies, day flying moths, bees and hoverflies in search of food within the astures, hedgerows and wildflowers might also be spotted, alongside common lizards and slow worms.

The Heal team are keen that any rewilding should start from the ground u , by rst healing the soil, then attracting the insects, which in time will attract larger species. Whilst woodland plantations have gained much o ularity in our ght against the current climate crisis, they do offer little in tac ling the equally concerning biodiversity crisis.

We live in one of the world’s most naturedepleted countries, where one in ten species are threatened with extinction. Tree planting can often emit carbon, produce plastic waste and, in some circumstances, require herbicides. t eal, the team instead lans to leave the soil to restore itself, and for trees to naturally regenerate, allowing carbon to be captured naturally once again.

This mission is led by CEO Jan Stannard. Nature, she says, is what makes her heart sing. She remembers the precise moment she became a campaigner for wildlife, when in 2014, she intervened to stop dozens of swifts being killed whilst their nesting site was being demolished. She soon founded a swift group, one that now holds the world record for the most swift boxes installed in less than a year.

y , an and her team ho e to create a rewilding site in each English county, collectively covering almost 25,000 acres. With Heal Somerset now open, and the land starting its journey of recovery, the charity is now beginning to think about its second ac uisition, a acre site in the northern nglish counties. eal is s eci cally looking to rewild degraded, wildlife-poor land in the English lowlands; at present, rewilding tends to be mostly in the highlands, away from where most of us live.

Heal’s mission is to help nature recover everywhere, and to be within reach of people living in towns and cities. “Our sites will be places where wildlife can return and thrive, but they will also become sanctuaries for people,” Jan says. “Our vision is to heal the land, heal nature and heal ourselves.’’

For more: www.healrewilding.org.uk

Nick Woodhouse is the co-director of interior and garden design company Woodhouse and Law at 4 George’s Place, Bathwick Hill, Bath; tel: 01225 428072; www.woodhouseandlaw.co.uk

Jan Stannard CEO of Heal Rewilding says nature makes her heart sing

CLOCKWISEFROMTOPLEFT: Public access spaces are now open on the 500 acre site near Frome; There are now signs that beavers are back exploring the land; Heal’s mission is to help nature recover everywhere; The plan is to leave the soil to restore itself

BY

PHOTO BY TOM FRANCOME

PHOTO

ALEX SAMS

PROPERTY

PLACES TO LIVE, WORK AND PLAY

GLOSSY GOOD LOOKS

Atelier Ellis, which formulates, produces and sells high-quality paint from its Bath factory and townhouse store, has launched a new bio-based emulsion formulation.

Created from bio-based materials, including vegetable oil produced from waste, sugar and bio ethanol, the new binder improves both the materiality and the performance of exceptional quality paint. With a unique colour palette created by Atelier Ellis founder Cassandra Ellis, the emulsion is exceptionally matt, virtually

VOC-free and clean smelling. It is suitable for lime and gypsum plaster and is fully breathable, washable and safe for all rooms, including children’s spaces. Two coats are required for perfect coverage and no primer is needed.

ow we consume affects not only an individual’s life but also our society and the environment,’ says Cassandra. “When I started Atelier Ellis Paint, I only wanted to make the best quality paint in beautiful, unique colours with the least impact

possible. I purposely avoid using words like sustainable and eco-friendly – they have lost their power and value.

“I believe in true stewardship – taking care, being in service, producing what we need, and communicating the bene ts clearly and simply. The ultimate stewardship is to make the best quality paint in unique colours. As an independent business, we are free to choose best practice and materials, while manufacturing in a fair, equal way.”

For more: www.atelierellis.co.uk

Atelier Ellis’s new range can be seen at its Walcot Street townhouse INSET: The colour charts show the new and unique shades

• Connect with leading Bath property businesses, across all sectors

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There are regular country homes and then there are truly fascinating properties like this historically charming Oast House in Hanham Abbots, less than ten miles from Bath.

Oast houses are traditionally found in hop growing areas of England, like this home which dates from 1600 and was once used for drying hops in the beer-making process.

Now it’s a meticulously renovated, beautifully structured fa ho se w th e e roo s fo r athroo s two re ept on rooms, a 120-year-old duck pond, French oak beams, an orangery, children’s playhouse, loft conversion, and, perfect for the summer months, a 12-foot heated swimming pool along with a hand-made outdoor kitchen. It is currently on the market with Allen & Harris, Bath for £1.25million. For more: www.allenandharris.co.uk

BUILDING SKILLS

Beckford’s Tower has launched a new bursary scheme, designed to help tradespeople, artisans and apprentices in Bath to develop practical building conservation skills. The bursary scheme is part of the Beckford’s Tower redevelopment project, funded by the National Lottery Heritage Fund.

The new funding will cover course fees e ere th r part es offer n s ta e training courses, plus a contribution towards travel and subsistence costs. Each applicant can secure funding for one course of their choosing, with training to be undertaken in summer/autumn 2024.

GRAND OLD DUKE OF BATH

Kaleidoscope Hotels has acquired Dukes Hotel, the landmark hotel on Great Pulteney Street. he e roo hote o p es two a n ent townhouses overlooking Bath Rugby’s home at The Rec, and is now owned by Ian and Christa Taylor whose portfolio includes Bishopstrow in Wiltshire, Homewood in Somerset and The Bird in Bath.

“As Dukes integrates into the Kaleidoscope portfolio,” says Ian, “the focus will be on continuing to bring our playful spirit into the hospitality world, whilst fostering a sense of community among the brilliant team, and bringing them into the family with a smooth transition.”

The sale of the Dukes Hotel was conducted on an off arket as s a s ote ap ta arkets an ath aw r o ers rewett a se on the p r hase an asso ate nan n arran e ents. With a legacy dating back to the 18th century, kes was or na known as t on a’s an underwent various transformations before assuming its current identity as Dukes in 1985, paying homage to the Duke of Clevedon.

For more: www.kaleidoscopehotels.co.uk

Patrizia Ribul, director of museums at Bath Preservation Trust, says: “We are now n a pos t on to offer he p to o a tradespeople and apprentices who are seek n to pro e the r sk s n the e of building conservation. Bath Preservation Trust is committed to promoting the conservation, sustainable enhancement and celebration of this unique historic city and green surrounds, and bursaries like these enable us to shape the future of Bath, by giving means and agency to the people who live and work here.” Those interested should contact: emailtower@bptrust.org.uk For more: www.beckfordstower.org.uk

The Oast House name refers to its beer making past

Kaleidoscope Hotels has acquired Dukes Hotel on Great Pulteney Street

PHOTO BY WILLIAM BECK

Beckford’s Tower has introduced a building conservation skills bursary scheme

Estate agent GOOD LORD

Simon Lord has launched his personal independent estate agency, supported by eXp, the fast-growing network operator which provides a comprehensive marketing, compliance and data management platform for each of the connected owner managed businesses.

Explaining his decision to set up on his own, Simon, who lives in Bath, says, “There has been a raised level of intensity in the challenges and pressures that buyers and sellers have been exposed to in the moving process in recent years.

“Consequently, they have been increasingly reliant on the estate agent providing the guiding hand of experience and expertise at critical times. The need for agents to provide that ‘close comfort’ has never been greater than now. In light of this, I decided that this is the right time to join an increasing number of professional estate agents who have opted to set up and manage their own independent business.”

For more: www.simonlord.exp.uk.com

THE GREEN GREEN GRASS OF HOME

Here’s a rare opportunity to live in a 10-bedroomed home with land situated in the beautiful area of Bybrook Valley near Box, as Lower Rudloe Farm has come onto the market with Carter Jonas for £2.6million.

Lower Rudloe Farm is a 17th century Grade II listed farmhouse with an exceptional range of outbuildings, each offer n the han e to earn a s n ant se on ar n o e. hese n e e se f contained en suite rooms with their own kitchenettes, a studio-style apartment, storage barns, a stable block, garages, and two large agricultural barns.

The charming, rustic and welcoming main home is packed with original features, arran e o er three oors an oasts sq ft of space, comprising four spacious double bedrooms, two bathrooms, a utility room with shower, a large kitchen/breakfast room, two reception rooms, a dining room,

and its own entertaining space.

As you might expect of a home this remarkable, the surrounding land is out of the ordinary too. Amidst the formal gardens, paddocks, woodlands (teeming with wild tr es an w fe s an a fres o n n area and pizza oven, plus your own mini-pub in a stone t arn es rea a k t hen an vegetable garden, a sauna and hot tubs… o ’ a so n an or har .

But deserving special mention are the ancient limestone grasslands – the current owners ha e ana e th s e aref sheep grazing and worked to diversify the other e s s n reen ha . t eans the e w th ts w e ran e of nat e p ant species, provides much better nutrition for esto k s pports tter es an nse t po nators as we as stores s n ant amounts of carbon deep within its soils.

For more: www.carterjonas.co.uk

Ham Green, Holt, Wiltshire, BA14 6PX

Tel: 01225 308541 • info@formosakbb.co.uk formosakbb.co.uk

Simon Lord has launched his own independent estate agency

The splendid grounds and interiors of Lower Rudloe Farm

Why choose Simon Davis?

• Local family business with 20+ years experience

• Highest standards of quality and customer care

• Extensive customer base of domestic and commercial clients

• Exceptional reviews

We offer all flooring specialities, from luxury vinyl tile, design floors, wood, carpet, vinyl, safety flooring and artificial grass

We also offer beds and mattresses

Opening Hours Monday to Friday 9.30am - 5pm Saturday 10.00am - 3.00pm

ST CATHERINE’S COURT

A fairytale Batheaston manor house with a fascinating story

By John Mather

Every so often a ‘once upon a time’ home comes onto the market, and right now it is St Catherine’s Court –a manor house with a fascinating story to tell. The architecturally imposing and impressive 11-bedroom property, set in 14 acres of gardens and paddocks, is situated on the edge of the Cotswolds with a tributary of the River Avon meandering gently along the a e oor e ow. t n the th ent r as a pr or grange for the monks of Bath Abbey (read more about St Catherine Court’s past overleaf), it sits high above the folds of a ‘hidden’ valley, commanding spectacular views o er ts p t re ook ar ens w ower ea ows ense woodland glades and, yes, bijoux forests.

Inside, the timeline and history are evident. The rich tapestry of its history is woven through the labyrinth of ornate staircases and panelled corridors, where you’ll n aro e st e p asterwork e n s w th ntr ate carvings, splendid wainscotted rooms, stone mullioned ea e ht w n ows w th sta ne ass eta offere e n s st r oak oors an h e ant e rep a es.

CREATIVE HUB

n sh a tress an for er on r ane e o r rst saw St. Catherine’s Court while making the television Jamaica Inn in the 1980s and says, “it was love at rst s ht. he an her h s an a nn o ht the manor house in 1981 and undertook the careful renovation of both the house and the garden. Over the ears t has een rente o t as a set re or n st o as a wedding venue, and through successive ownerships has undergone continued restoration work.

Amongst those who have sprinkled some of their stardust creativity here, thanks to the size and acoustics of the ballroom, are New Order, Robbie Williams and The Cure. It is also where Radiohead recorded their seminal album, OK Computer

ORIGINAL FEATURES

On entering through the pillared porch of the old chapel, the front oor opens to w e stone steps r s n to the rst oor. nstre ’s a er w th ts or e w n ow ooks o er a eneath an ntr ate ar e e n . ro the top of the steps, a corridor runs through the heart of the house, w th a a n re ept on roo s ea n re t off. he s tt n roo has a stone rep a e w th two w n ow seats o er ook n the rear ar ens an terra es. he raw n roo an the n n roo nter onne t a a pa r of hea woo en oors reat n a e e a aspe t enterta n n spa e wh h s present se as a ne a roo . a ent the or na por h wh h was the a n ha to the ho se s ar h te t ra fas nat n . here’s a two store str t re w th a a stra e at roof a o e a e s e a w n ow present the st an an open o ne por h at ro n e e . he a est an on e s a roote a roo has two spe ta ar a w n ows to the so th an wester aspe ts a ow n open ews of the ar ens e ow. n ntr ate ar e e n pa nte pane e wa s an theatr a o ns a to the at osphere. ppos te the rar e n s a op of one at e n o se near affron a en known as one of the nest a o ean ho ses n n an .

GLORIOUS GARDENS

ertr e ek w tho t o t one of the ost respe te hort t r sts an ar en es ners of the th ent r wrote of t. ather ne’s o rt’s a a n ar ens an are the ea t f ho ses t there s har one within its own borders, or, indeed, within the length and rea th of n an whose har of an ent ea t an of o e restf p eas re ro n an r a that of th s e htf p a e. he a re the on roa terra es s p e et ra at sta rwa s onne t n the ar o s e e s an the o s se of e er reens an fo a e.

ONCE UPON A TIME…

The origin story of St Catherine’s Court

Originally built as a 16th century priory grange for the monks of Bath Abbey, the manor took its name from the 12th century Church of St Catherine, situated beside the house. The manor of St Catherine belonged to Prior Cantlow, and was leased when not occupied by the monks.

In 1536 it was leased to Thomas Llewellyn, who remained tenant until after the Dissolution of the Monasteries. In 1546 Henry VIII granted the manor to his tailor, John Malte – it is thought that the condition of the gift was that he adopt the king’s illegitimate daughter, Ethelreda Malte. Ethelreda inherited the house and married the poet and writer John Harington. After her death, Harington married again, and his son from this marriage, another John Harington, became courtier to Elizabeth I and invented the first flush toilet.

In 1591 he sold the house to John Blanchard, whose son, William, remodelled the property. His initials appear in the plasterwork frieze of one of the bedrooms. The Blanchard family remained at St Catherine’s Court for several generations.

It then passed, by marriage, to the Parry family, but was not maintained and fell into disrepair thanks to one Captain Alexander Hamilton Erle who was married to the last Parry heiress and who had run through his wife’s fortune.

In 1841 the house was purchased by Colonel Joseph Holden Strutt, who renovated the house and the neighbouring church. The house remained in the Strutt family until 1976, when John and Catherine Christophers purchased it.

Fortunately, the layers of history have merged gracefully for St Catherine’s Court, which has been looked after ever since with love and care.

So notable and of enduring interest are the home’s outdoor spaces that they are even listed on the Register of Historic Parks and Gardens.

HOUSE NUMBERS

A meander around the acres reveals the land’s beauty – the Jacobean steps lead up to a long bowling green, bordered by stone balustrades and an arching avenue of ancient yews. Myriad lawns and terraces are connected via ancient ‘secret’ stairways and the long pergola gravelled walkways are festooned with overhanging, o r sh n w ster a an fra rant o se roses. n ent sentinel and topiaried yews border deep and abundant her a eo s ower e s. here’s an app e or har s t ate es e an a en e of ower n herr trees. he more formal gardens on the lawns below house a large a e antern roofe or aner w th w ower an past re ea ows or er n on three s es. here’s a so a tennis court and two stables at the top boundary.

HAPPILY EVER AFTER

What else? Three-bed lowerground floor apartment Gardens 14 acres

Call my agent: Savills Bath, 21 Milsom St, Bath; www.savills.co.uk

n to t ather ne o rt’s a n ent appea s a Grade II* tithe barn, thought to date from 15th century; the e e roo eren t o e an on the per eter of the land, the Old School House, a three-bedroom cottage with its own private gardens. t ather ne’s o rt a e a ho e w th a s n ant past but, for one lucky owner, its future looks to be a forever evolving story.

FOR THE HOME

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

BONITI Situated on the outskirts of Bath, Boniti presents an extensive array of top-notch interior and exterior roducts. fferings include natural stone and timber flooring, verhot ange oo ers, as well as orcelain and decorative tiles. roviding e ce tional installation and restoration services, oniti ride themselves on delivering a friendly and personalised experience, with customer satisfaction at the heart of it all. Dunsdon Barn, West Littleton,Wiltshire SN14 8JA; Tel: 01225 892 200; www.boniti.com

TILE & FLOOR or over years, ile loor has been synonymous with the su ly of a range of to tier design led materials and rofessional installation services. ur commitment to uality has forged enduring relationshi s with discerning homeowners overseeing their ersonal ro ects, as well as with design and construction rofessionals serving the ro erty industry. citing news e are now also conveniently located at hi enham . Tel: 01225 310561; www.tileandfloor.co.uk

CLAIR STRONG INTERIOR DESIGN

lair trong nterior esign is a bouti ue, creative com any based in ath, roviding a wide range of services for both residential and commercial clients. er ortfolio of ro ects includes the design, ro ect coordination and sourcing for some of ath s most beautiful residences, as well as hotels, s orts clubs, o ces and other commercial venues. Contact Clair on 07855 797311 or 01225 426905; www.clairstrong.co.uk

BATH KITCHEN COMPANY

ased in the heart of ath and s ecialising in bes o e, handmade itchens, ath itchen om any become personally invested in every kitchen they design and build. t s about attention to detail at every stage – creating a beautiful s ace that enhances the way you live. 7-9 North Parade Buildings, Bath BA1 1NS; Tel: 01225 312003 www.bathkitchencompany.co.uk

WOOLF INTERIOR ARCHITECTURE &

DESIGN create unique, client-focused contemporary and traditional interiors, valued for their individual, beautifully tailored characterful design. ith years of e ertise delivering s ace lanning, detailed design, rocurement, art curation and ro ect management. n award winning ractice with studios in ath ondon, are accredited designers of historic, eriod, listed houses and hotels. Tel 01225 445670; woolfinterior.com

NEXUS OF BATH is a Bath based family business s ecialising in ainting and decorating, lastering, tiling, sash window restoration and other property restoration. Nexus have built a reputation for the highest standards of wor manshi with e erience across a range of ro ects from listed buildings through to new builds, with a complete commitment to customer service and health and safety Tel: 01225 300414; www.nexusofbath.co.uk

MENDIP FIREPLACES BATH

ath s leading re lace, wood burner, gas re, chimney and flue s ecialist. rom classic to contem orary, conce t to completion, their team of experts can work with you to achieve your erfect interior. rands include hesney s, arbas el res, wam, tuv and etmaster. et in touch or visit the showroom. Mendip Fireplaces, Monkton Combe, at in o@mendi re a es at o Tel: 01225 722706; www.mendipfireplacesbath.co.uk

BROADLEAF

roadleaf are the s leading manufacturer and retailer of beautiful wood flooring, with a uni ue and unrivalled range of solid and engineered lan and ar uet. en since their e tensive ath showroom showcases the complete collection. Visit their e ert, friendly team to nd ins iration, discuss your project and pick up samples. 134 – 136 Walcot St; 01225 463464; www.broadleaftimber.com

PERFECT ROOMS

riginally from erth in cotland, erfect ooms owner, ue, is a creative interior designer by heart with an enviable eye for detail. assionate about creating new schemes that are designed to im ress, she has a ortfolio of clients u and down the country that cannot s ea highly enough of her incredible wor . o arrange a consultation for interior design services, do not hesitate to get in touch. Tel: 01249 716445; www.perfectrooms.co.uk

DRU MARLAND

The illustrator and occasional mechanic on hurricanes, bird watching and trans rights

Dru Marland was brought up in rural Lancashire and then a South Wales mining village (“You’d hear the colliery hooters in the night”), before moving to Bristol and then on to Bath to live on the canal. She draws and publishes mostly wildlife subjects and maps, and has also published poetry collections.

In 2009, Dru’s good friend, the author Richard Beard, wrote Becoming Drusilla: One Life, Two Friends, Three Genders, a memoir from his perspective on Dru’s transitioning and the impact it had on their friendship.

I was very unconscientious and easily distracted at school. My A levels were a disaster. Other than that, school was tolerable and I had free rein in the art room.

Growing up I wanted to be an artist but I didn’t really know how you got a job as those things.

I ended up running away to sea, working on survey ships and ferries, and years passed.

I worked for a while in a drawing office, which was rather dull; then got a job on a seismic survey ship, looking for oil in the North Sea and around Europe. My role was to make the explosions, and I discovered that I was quite good at mechanical things.

I’ve sailed through two hurricanes, which didn’t feel scary at the time because I was young and daft. And I once fell off a cliff. had time to thin , as I was falling, “If I survive this I promise never to go climbing again”. And I haven’t.

My earliest Bath memory was being caught in the rain when hitching to Stonehenge in the 70s, taking shelter in the Brillig Arts Centre on new Bond Street.

I had a lively time that carried on at The Hat and Feather and then a squat. I was favourably impressed. These days, it’s a place that I have come to know from the canal side of things

I’ve a 60ft narrowboat called Eve. There’s a stove, a chainsaw, solar panels and a fridge, so I’m ready for anything. I’ve been on

“I’m okay with being described as woke”

understanding about trans issues, so it succeeded in its purpose.

There are others who are far better lobbyists than me. I’m happy to just be open about myself, making the personal olitical, flying the flag so other folk know they’re not alone, refuting lies and nonsense when I encounter them.

the Kennet and Avon now for ten years. can t afford a house, renting is obscenely expensive, and I am at home on boats!

There’s a good community living canal side, and folk help each other out. The canal’s actually a very long thin village – wherever you go, you’ll usually be among friends.

The canal is decidedly a wildlife corridor. And I’m generally up with the dawn, when it’s at its liveliest. There’re foxes, otters, grass snakes, loads of glow worms. Warblers of all sorts. I’ve been watching the Cetti’s warblers spreading westward over the last few years; there’s one calling here in Bathampton this morning.

My biggest achievement is probably representing myself in an employment tribunal against P&O Ferries, and winning. But I regret that it was necessary in the rst lace.

My most prized possession is my father’s watercolour palette. It’s all I inherited from him and I use it every day

Becoming Drusilla was very much a collaborative work, and I’m happy with it. And I think it contributed to the increase in awareness of and

Some people may say I am a trans rights activist, which is intended to mean something bad. I’m happy with that label, just as I’m okay with being described as woke or Antifa. There are worse things to be.

I’d prefer it if I were just known as a woman who draws pictures, is quite handy with practical things, and is hopefully a useful member of the community. But there’s a culture war being fomented, and trans people are a target, as are wider bodily autonomy and reproductive rights.

My ambitions are modest. At least today is a sunny day, and that’ll do for now.

My daughter, Katie Marland, is a brilliant artist and illustrator, and an all round good type. She makes me happy.

My Bath is quite Walcotcentric. The Bell, Harvest, the Women’s Refuge charity shop, Minerva Art. And I like mooring at the top of the Widcombe Flight and sitting watching the peregrines, ravens and buzzards over the city. For more: Search for Dru Marland on www.etsy.com

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