TAKING A (CAKE) STAND A GUIDE TO THE BEST LOCAL AFTERNOON TEAS
THE TWILIGHT ZONE
BEWITCHING HOUR AT THE THERMAE SPA GOING FOR GOLD
THE TEAM BATH ATHLETES HEADING TO PARIS
What’s over there?” I asked, pointing in the direction of Queen Square where I could see some sort of fete-like activity. I’d come a-courting from that there London to visit my then beau, now husband, who happened to live in beautiful Bath.
“Bath Boules.”
“Oh, so something you have to be a member of?”
“No. Well, you can sign up to a team beforehand to take part – anyone can. It’s an event that raises money for charity. But anybody can go watch.”
“But we’d have to pay to get in?”
“No, not at all. We can get some food, wander in, and go watch now if you’d like?”
Wait, what?! No entance fee, no guards, no barriers! My tiny mind was blown. My head then almost fell o when he listed a group of his very reprobate, and not at all posh, friends who entered a team every year.
And that was my introduction to the phenomenon that is Bath Boules. For many years we’d join aforementioned reprobate friends and watch them sink more pints than they hit jacks and I’d marvel at what a lovely, fun, friendly and inclusive event it was.
Then, a decade or so later, I found myself part of the company that organises it and now I marvel at the blood, sweat, tears, energy, dedication and determination that goes on behind the scenes at MediaClash to make Bath Boules happen every year. Drains are jumped down, tra c is stopped, there s the early starts, the late finishes, the new ideas, the endless planning. What really makes Bath Boules such a success, though, from backstage to front of house to on the pitch, is the teamwork. And you can see how it all comes together over on page 15.
SARAH MOOLLA
Umpire Chris plays fetch with Maurice the French bulldog
PHOTO BY ANDREW DODD
Issue 515 / August 2024
COVER Stacking vessels by Utopia and Utility are Woodhouse & Law’s bestselling item. Find out more over on page 30
INDIES
30 BESTSELLERS Retailers share their most frequently bought items
THE ARTS
47 ARTS INTRO Visit Bath’s round-up of summer things to do
48 WHAT’S ON People to see, places to go
50 CULTURE CLUB Wendie Peters on her arty picks
53 FILMS What’s big at The Little
FOOD & DRINK
56 RESTAURANT REVIEW Dining at Bybrook, The Manor House
59 FOOD & DRINK NEWS Nuggets from the foodie scene
64 AFTERNOON TEA Take a break in style!
LIFESTYLE
77 SHOP LEAD The importance of being sunshine ready
78 EDITOR’S CHOICE A few outside favourites
83 BEAUTY Feeling on top of the world at Thermae Bath Spa
NETWORK
87 NETWORK LEAD EntreConf returns!
88 NETWORK FEATURE Coverage of two days of EntreConf
92 NETWORK NEWS Business news, views, and interviews
95 CAREER PATH Tine Stapelfeldt and Jamillah Booty, the co-founders of Cordiality
PROPERTY
97 PROPERTY LEAD The local RIBA winners
98 PROPERTY NEWS Latest from the market
100 SHOWCASE Explore the thoroughly modern York’s Lane
of regional magazines celebrates the best of local living: Bath and Bristol.
Paris 2024 Olympic Games GOOD SPORTS
Our city will once again be well represented at the Olympic Games, as Paris 2024 will see a host of athletes who train at the University of Bath take to the biggest sporting stage of all.
Swimmers Freya Anderson and Tom Dean are heading on the Eurostar as reigning Olympic champions, as are modern pentathletes Choong and Kate French, while the quartet who famously struck gold for Team GB at the delayed Tokyo Games in 2021 are determined to bring more silverware back to Bath from the games, which start 26 July and end 11 August.
Sporting scholar Kate Shortman is also going to her second games with podium ambitions, after a history-making year on the artistic swimming circuit with partner Izzy Thorpe, the duo winning multiple World and European medals, plus gold at the Olympic Test Event in Paris.
For many of the athletes, including marathon swimmer Leah Crisp, rower 7s winger Grace Crompton, it will be a first experience of the Games and a chance to make lifelong ambitions come true. “If someone had told me when I started at the University of Bath in 2019 that one day I’d be going to the Olympics, I would not have believed them,” says Grace, “but it just shows that no dream is ever too big.”
www.teambath.com
Becky Wilde
Kerenza Bryson
Joe Choong
Freya Anderson
Grace Crompton
Leah Crisp
Izzy Short and Kate Shortman
TEAM GB
TEAM GB
BENEDICT TUFFNELL FOR BRITISH ROWING
50% OFF UNTIL THE 17TH AUGUSTApplies to breakfast/brunch food only
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PLAYING IT BOULE!
There was beacoup de boules, beer, cheer and bon chance at the très magnifique Bath Boules at Queen Square at the beginning of July. If you were there, see if you can spot yourself in our eight-page special. And if not, why not? Make it a date next year!
KEEP YOUR EYE ON THE BOULES!
An incredible 188 teams gathered at Queen Square for an extended four-day tournament 4 – 7 July to help raise money for local charities by giving it their best shot. This was the 33rd year in the Bath Boules illustrious history, which is now organised by Bath Life’s publisher MediaClash, and the much-loved event saw sunshine, downpours, DJs, the brand new band stage called, er, Le Stage, a raffle, delicious food trucks, and of course boules, boules, and more boules!
This year’s winning teams were Enhesa In Bath on Thursday, The Harington Club on the Friday, on Saturday it was Bish Bash Bosh and on Sunday Bubbly Boules took home the trophy.
The amount raised is still being counted but the Bath Boules Foundation has so far brought in more than £750,000 for local charities. Roll on 2025 when we can boule vous once again!
For more: www.bathboules.com
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FLAT LINE DAVID FLATMAN
Book club
Flats loves reading; so much so, he currently has three books on the go
Igently pity those for whom books are not close friends’ is a quote said by me, ust now, and actually don t think it s very good. ut do think this way, because one book or another makes up a part of every day of my life. e it the hardback ve ust put down next to me in bed (after whispering sharply “oh shit” as my ridiculously porous brain remembered – thank goodness – that this column was due three days ago and that I’d promised to file it by morning , the slightly less fun one currently being neglected on my beloved Kindle, or the audiobook that plays automatically as soon as I get in the car. Yes, taking in three books at any one time sounds confusing, and it is! I can barely keep up, but am not su ciently rich or flamboyant to buy a book in three formats simply for convenience. o utterly flummoxed it is. At least I’m reading. oming to reading relatively late,
“One book or another makes up a part of every day of my life”
series, get a little silly by the third. Anything by John Le Carré wins. Always did. Charles Cumming, too.
ome books you might like are: Perfume by atrick uskind, Pure by Andrew Miller, A Little Life by Hanya Yanagihara, Demon Copperhead by arbara Kingsolver. ny non fiction by atrick adden Keefe or ohann ari or on onson ve loved and admired. ut m ust listing books now, which is both not actually writing a column, and something I promised myself I wouldn’t do here.
I can’t help wishing I’d known sooner how something so simple would exercise my imagination, how it would inform me, how it would benefit my vocabulary, how it would quieten my mind. In body I can be lazy, in mind I am hurried, almost itchy. Lying in this bed, my wife whom ve never seen read a book but who somehow has the same vocabulary as tephen Fry purring in sleep beside me, all four daughters either asleep or at least in their bedrooms, my book will see me achieve actual stillness for the first time since our day began, this time around hours ago with a udocrem based dirty protest in Daughter 3’s room.
It rarely matters to me what I’m reading. prefer fiction almost every time, and can be somewhat unoriginal in my tastes. Also, I can read my first an ankin, en oy it, and buy others by him on e ay for a tenner. love Mick Herron, and am sad to see ‘his’ Slow Horses show on pple T , after a strong first
What I want to do is to explain how much love and rely on reading, but not to do so in a way that makes me sound like I think m clever. There are days when read one page. There are books I read that I think might actually have been written for children, and others that simply find too hard to understand, with language too advanced for me. give up on some books life s too short, mate , and never go back to anything ve already read.
ve read a handful of classics, and even some epics Crime and Punishment by ostoevsky , but these only really read to impress my mum. he was chu ed to bits when told her, so the significant e ort was worth it. Oh, and the book was sensational.
Almost regardless of what I’m reading, doing so gives me what need. t gives me a few minutes. These minutes are some of my most precious, and it takes an awful lot to force me not to take and savour them. n that note, ve ust started a new ankin, so I’m going to tuck back into that.
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
IN THE BEST SELLING SHOW
From Danish cups to unique diamonds, local indies reveal their top retail hits
By John Mather
In the world of retail, the pulse of success often beats strongest in a single product that captures the hearts, imagination, and spending of consumers. Whether it be the free range local eggs of the newly opened Gaia or the Swedish design classic that is the Carl Malmsten Samsas sofa found at the Hessian Collective, these bestsellers can often indicate the brand’s identity, ethos and scope. Here we speak to 11 local retailers to discover what’s top of their clients’ shopping lists.
SEAT OF POWER
Louise Hessian is director of Hessian Collective, a store specialising in sourcing vintage items from Sweden and Denmark, as well as other parts of Europe. The furniture is then restored or upholstered before being displayed in her Margarets Place store.
Her number one item is the Carl Malmsten Samsas sofa.“When I opened my shop 18 months ago, I didn’t anticipate this sofa would have such interest. But these sofas are the best example of what I originally set out to achieve in my shop.
“Designed in 1960, this sofa has a timeless appeal that seamlessly fits into contemporary interiors, as well as a more traditional interior setting. The Samsas sofa graces historic buildings and palaces throughout Sweden and has hosted numerous Nobel Prize Laureates for interviews at the Stockholm Concert Hall, and they’re renowned for their exceptional craftsmanship. They feature solid pine frames and solid oak legs, and seats constructed with nozag springs. Many of the older sofas boast horsehair padding, which has remained in pristine condition.
“There is immense satisfaction in transforming a neglected piece of furniture into a fully restored gem, and restoring a sofa of this calibre is far more cost effective than buying new, as they are built to last a lifetime. My talented upholsterer shares this passion, even purchasing one of the Samsas sofas for his own home.
“Since opening the shop, I have sold 11 Samsas sofas, both restored and unrestored. Customers appreciate that they are purchasing a high-quality, essentially recycled piece of furniture, as are all antiques.”
CUP WINNERS
Previous Homewares, based on Corsham’s High Street, describes itself as a ‘design-led mini-department store full of fascinating and gorgeous things’ and also with an emphasis on local, sustainable and Fairtrade.
Owner Nicola White reveals the store’s best sellers are the Danish alphabet melamine cups by ice. hey fly out says Nicola. e sell hundreds of them. Each letter is available in
two different colour ways, they have a great price point of £6.25 each, and are perfect for picnics, al fresco and kids in general.
“The Danish design is arresting, the quality is good, the colours pop, you can drop them without fear, and they make great, unusual lowcost gifts. You can also buy several and spell out whole names. These sell well to parents and grandparents, but we also have children buy them for their parents.”
DRESS FOR SUCCESS
Nickie Portman is such a believer in the top seller at her boutique fashion and accessories store Portman on Milsom Street that she can often be found wearing it herself. “I love my
Nicola White of Previous Homeware, pictured with her bestselling alphabet cups
“These sofas are the best example of what I set out to achieve”
Louise Hessian seated on a Carl Malmsten Samsas sofa
ABSOLUTELY CRACKING
Gaia is a brand-new urban farm shop on helsea oad o ering a wide variety of local fruits, vegetables, and products. t s founder, nn erry, is on a mission to support local businesses, promote sustainable practices, and provide customers with the freshest and most delicious produce and goods possible. ere nn reveals her most egg cellent bestseller.
“They are free range eggs from the local outhview farm, which is a thriving free range hen farm with over , hens that en oy foraging amongst young willow trees. The hens are fed a responsibly sourced, high quality, sustainable diet and provided with fresh pasture in their natural habitat. The guys here planted cricket bat willow trees to create a woodland environment that encourages the hens outdoor activities.
“The hens are fed a responsibly sourced,sustainablehigh-quality, diet ”
“ t outhview, they believe a happy hen lays a happy egg, which is why the care and welfare of the hens are their top priority. They collect, grade, and pack thousands of eggs daily, o ering them for sale at the farm gate or delivering them to local retailers like myself. decent free range egg is now a modern day superfood, and these cost ust . for half a do en.
The humble egg takes pride of place at Gaia
Continued from page 30
beautiful broderie Anglaise Sarena dress which costs £69 and is made of high quality cotton. The elasticated high waist feature is both comfortable to wear and flattering. It comes in eight colours and three different lengths, and is also reversible with the soft scoop and V back option. It’s no wonder it has been the bestselling item this summer!”
LIGHTING THE WAY
For the Scandinavian and British homewares specialists The Salcombe Trading Company, whose headquarters are based in Norton St Philip, setting alight their top sellers list is candles. Director Michelle Sames explains more: “Our non-drip pyramid candles are made for us by a family in Denmark and have been a bestseller since we opened our first shop in 2000, with an approximate 2,500 sold every year.
“We select the colours seasonally – reds and greens for Christmas, spring colours over Easter and Salcombe blues during the summer. Their shape is unique and they burn very slowly and without any drip, and with a price point starting at just £6, they make excellent small gifts.”
RIGHT: Nicky wearing her own bestseller; BELOW: The broderie dress comes in three different lengths
ABOVE: Michelle Sames, director of the Salcombe Trading Company; LEFT: Approximately 2,500 of these Danish candles are sold every year
“When something has been so popular for so long, there’s a reason”
INDEPENDENT SHOPS
JEWEL IN THE CROWN
Jody Cory Goldsmiths, located at Bath’s Abbey Churchyard, has found its very location has helped facilitate its bestseller’s popularity and longevity. Managing director Jody Cory explains: “Our bestseller is our Memories of Bath collection. We make the angels that climb the ladders on the Abbey, bath tubs, Bath-style colonnades, Bath Abbey charms and a range of Roman coins jewellery.
“Not only is the collection popular with tourists, but it’s also appreciated by students who, after finishing their degrees, want to take home a memory of their time here.
“I think one reason for its popularity is because this is a unique collection that not only captures the history and fundamentals of our town, but every piece is made on site in our independent workshop, and so provides a more personal and true Bath touch.
“Prices for Memories of Bath pieces start at £65, and the range has been our bestseller since we started it more than ten years ago.”
HOT STUFF
For Mendip Fireplaces Bath, who have a showroom in Monkton Combe, its hot bestseller has been the same for a number of years, as managing director Russel Atkins explains: “Chesney’s Salisbury 5 wood burning stove is our bestselling item, which with the standard anthracite finish retails at , .
“As part of the Chesneys Heritage collection, it is also available in silver, sage green, Atlantic blue, autumn leaf and parchment, which can give it a point of di erence to enhance any interior design scheme.
“This wood burner is a timeless design classic for both period or contemporary interiors. The new Mark 3 version far exceeds the current DEFRA exempt requirements, producing minimal emissions and boasting e ciency ratings of . per cent , making it perfect for use in and around Bath’s smoke control zone.”
ABOVE: Jody Cory; RIGHT: Mendip Fireplaces
INDEPENDENT SHOPS
CUP HOLDER!
“One of our best sellers is a lingerie range by Marie Jo called Jane,” says Tessa Brand, owner of lingerie, beach and nightwear specialists The Dressing Room on Quiet Street.
“There are a number of di erent bra and brief options, and there’s a suspender and body. It comes in three basic colours and most seasons there is a limited edition new colour. The prices range from £107 to £123 for the bras and £57 to £79 for the briefs.
“I would say this has been our best seller for 15 to 18 years now, and when something has been so popular for so long there’s a reason. These pieces are made by hand and take roughly three weeks to make. There are an average of 47 pieces that go into each bra and there are four di erent thread types and di erent stitching movements used.
“We sell this to everyone from teenage girls right up to ladies in their s, and the fit is superb 99 per cent of the time.”
STACKING HIGH
“One of the most popular pieces in our showroom over the years has been the stacking vessel by Utopia and Utility,” says John Law, creative director of the interior and garden design company Woodhouse & Law, based in Georges Place, Bathwick. “A sculpture piece in its own right, each stacking vessel is built from layers of natural materials, shaped into containers that stack together. Each piece is unique in detail, and only natural, traditional materials are used in their innovative manufacture process.
“Every piece created connects a number of independent makers and encapsulates a longlasting heritage of traditional skills from across Europe: wood from Finland, glass from the Czech Republic, ceramics from Italy and brass from the UK.
“Founder Pia Wüstenberg, graduate of London’s Royal College of Art, now lives and works between her studios in north Germany
LEFT: The Dressing Room’s most popular lingerie range by Marie Jo; RIGHT: Artist Pia Wüstenberg’s stacking vessels are Woodhouse & Law’s bestsellers; BOTTOM: The Wylde Flower Diamond is the store’s biggest seller
INDEPENDENT SHOPS
and eastern-most Finland. Our clients are drawn to the unique nature of her designs; timeless pieces that will often pick up colours, finishes and textures elsewhere within the scheme in which they sit.”
ACE OF DIAMONDS
“Since its inception in 2012, for Wylde’s 25th anniversary, the Wylde Flower Diamond has been a firm favourite with our clients around the world,” says Nicholas Wylde, founder of Wylde, the jewellers found in Northumberland Place. “Once they see the diamond with their own eyes, they fall in love with the flower, brilliance and fire in the stone.
“Our unique, patented Wylde Flower Diamond is cut with 24 more facets than a traditional brilliant-cut diamond, and is designed to display a stunning flower at the base of the stone; these diamonds demonstrate exceptional sparkle. Every single Wylde Flower Diamond is hand-picked from hundreds of rough crystals before being handed to a world-class diamond cutter for its spectacular transformation. Each is numbered too, and we are quickly approaching the 1,000th stone! This has already been reserved by an existing client, and is likely to be the first ever coloured Wylde Flower Diamond.”
COLOUR VISION
“We specialise in coloured gemstones which are consistently popular,” says Michael Parsons, owner of the Gold & Platinum Studio located in Northumberland Place in the city centre. “We are currently working with some very pretty bi-colour (often referred to as watermelon) tourmalines. It’s fantastic to see two or more colours naturally occurring in a single gemstone. So far designs have been clean and modern, and have been popular because each gem is unique.”
PEARL’S A WINNER
Based on Pulteney Bridge, the independent jeweller Icarus Jewellery has found its bestelling item, since opening in 2015, to be its spiderweb earrings. Founder Dilek Koroglu explains more: “They are hand knitted, gold plated, sterling silver spiderweb earrings with fresh water pearls around them. They are very lightweight, exquisite to look at and unusually ‘soft’ to the touch.
“They cost £165 and I’d say we sell at least a pair a week to both visitors from all over the world and local clients.” n
BY
LEFT: A watermelon tourmaline grey ring from the Gold and Platinum Studio; RIGHT: Dilek Koroglu in her Icarus store; BOTTOM: Her bestselling earrings
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THRINGS MEETS… AVON NEEDS TREES
THRINGS PR manager Aaron Sims meets Susan Barker, conservation and heritage coordinator at Bristol and Bath-based woodland charity AVON NEEDS TREES
Aaron Sims: What is Avon Needs Trees and how did it start?
Susan Barker: Avon Needs Trees is a charity focused on creating new permanent woodlands across the Bristol-Avon River catchment area to tackle the climate and nature crises, and help restore nature to the region for generations to come.
We were founded in 2019 by five volunteers who were concerned by how much woodland had been lost across the West of England region in recent decades.
While there was tree planting taking place, it wasn’t enough, and they felt the best way to ensure the permanence of new woodland was to own the land, and for the creation and maintenance of the sites to be supported by likeminded volunteers. Since its creation, the charity has bought a piece of land each year, looking to increase its impact each time, with its first sites in Wiltshire – Hazeland and Pudding Brook Wood – being relatively small at 34 and 14 acres in size respectively. This was then followed about 18 months ago by acquiring 113acres of land in Somerset for the site Great Avon Wood, for which the first round of planting completed earlier this year.
AS: What are you currently working on?
SB: We have just completed the purchase of land for our most ambitious project to date, Lower Chew Forest, which will be based at Wick Farm in Compton Dando, south of Bristol. Once planted, the 422-acre site will be
home to up to 100,000 new trees as well as brand-new habitats and hedgerows to really help nature and biodiversity flourish. Our aim is to have Lower Chew Forest planted over the course of the next two winters.
AS: Why is this kind of work so important?
SB: As our founders knew when they first set up the charity, the tree cover in our region is really quite low by UK standards and something needed to be done. By creating and maintaining woodland, you are creating the space for nature to recover and for species to return and thrive, not to mention the additional benefits for the likes of natural flood management and carbon capture.
Then there are the benefits for people. By bringing the community together, giving them the skills and experience around tree planting and tree maintenance, not only are you giving them the know-how but also the understanding as to why this is important which will encourage them to want to look after these sites in the long term.
It is a huge people-powered effort to create and maintain these woodlands, and seeing people become so enthused by our work is really heartening. In our last season, we have had more than a thousand people volunteer, many of whom get inspired on one of our planting days and decide to take on higher-level volunteering. We have even had people who go on to seek a job in the green economy, working for nature charities and continuing to share that passion and knowledge.
AS: How can people get involved?
SB: There are three main ways we encourage people to support us – through volunteering for our planting and maintenance days, through donations that help us plant our woodlands, and through landowners bringing forward sites for us to plant on. Each is just as important as the next, and whether you can spare some time, some change or some acres, you’ll be doing something tremendous to support our work.
AS: What’s next for Avon Needs Trees?
SB: We will continue to look for new sites for the future, but our main focus over the coming months is to progress our work at Great Avon Wood, maintaining the first batch of planted trees while preparing for the coming planting season. This is coupled with our efforts to get everything ready at Lower Chew Farm to start the monumental challenge of planting thousands of new trees. Each woodland is an exciting new opportunity that, while being a long-term project that could take decades to fully come to fruition, will really start to show progress from a few months in, and we are excited to share that with our volunteers and supporters as we go on this journey together.
To find out more about Avon Needs Trees, and how you can get involved, visit avonneedstrees.org.uk n
www.thrings.com
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THE ARTS
SNAPSHOTS OF BATH’S CULTURAL LIFE
IT’S A COOL, COOL SUMMER!
Sometimes, with the humdrum of normal life around us, it’s easy to forget that if we need a little oomph, some entertainment, a way to escape, it’s all right here on our very beautiful doorstep. Visit Bath recently unveiled a round-up of events, festivals and activities happening all over the city this summer, and we’re lucky enough that, as we’re not just visiting, we can choose to go to as many of them as we fancy. And we fancy a fair few, to be honest. Just some of the highlights include: the ultimate beer garden Bath on the Beach, which is back in Victoria Park until 11 August; there’s the Wylde Creatures of Bath Trail, with 24 hand-painted animals on benches to follow and find; Roman Baths is staying open late until 31 August with an outdoor pop up bar; there are jazz sessions and outdoor theatre at American Museum & Gardens; a recently renovated Beckford Tower has reopened; Mary Shelley’s House of Frankenstein has created a brand new Summer Experience; and not forgetting every parent’s favourite, Avon Valley Adventure & Wildlife Park , with its summer long Summertopia! programme. For more: www.visitbath.co.uk
PHOTO BY
W T’S ON
20 July –17 August
EXHIBITIONS
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
The first ever K museum exhibition by internationally renowned artist and internet sensation Mr Doodle continues. ka am ox, the former WE student has been let loose to doodle all over the walls, halls and floors There are also standalone pieces to be found in the permanent collection. Plus, look out for his work all over the city including Milsom Street. www.holburne.org
Until 7 September UNDER THIS ROOF
New, fantastical and unsettling work at o ee and Workman from Laura Ford, whose fairground upbringing is a constant source of inspiration for her. Darkly comic and curious, the artist s work her pieces can also be found at the Tate and the encompasses
drawing, sculpture and painting. www.boleeworkman.com
Until 8 September HENRY MOORE IN MINIATURE
Features more than 60 of Henry oore s works that can fit in the hand. The collection has pieces from every decade of his career, and includes stone and wood carving, lasticine models, clay and plaster, lead and bronze. It’s the first exhibition of its kind, and includes works from every decade of Moore’s career, from the 1920s to the 1980s. www.holburne.org
Until 12 October
THE WORLD REVEALED
Celebrating 200 years of the Bath oyal iterary and cientific Institution, this fascinating exhibition explores how items were collected and have been donated to the BRLSI since 1824. t also reveals of the shifts in our scientific, cultural and moral understanding, and looks at who were the travellers and explorers who brought back objects from other cultures in distant parts of the world. www.brlsi.org
Until 14 December
KIMONO: THE MAKING OF A CULTURAL ICON
There are two sections to this useum of East sian rt
exhibition. One is a collection of 25 Japanese woodblock prints that follow the changing styles of the kimono. The second half celebrates the accessories associated with kimono wearing that are hung from the belt the small, exquisitely detailed carvings called netsuke, and lavishly decorated boxes called inro. www.meaa.org.ukg
Until 5 January 2025
PHYLLIDA BARLOW
The work of the pioneering hyllida arlow takes over auser Wirth Somerset, both inside and out, in a celebration of her transformative approach to sculpture. In a career that spanned six decades, she took inspiration from her surroundings to create imposing installations that can be at once menacing and playful. www.hauserwirth.com
11 August / 8 September
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, running April until December. It has also recently launched the BCAF Online. www.bcaf.co.uk
THEATRE / CINEMA
30 July – 3 August
HEATHERS THE MUSICAL
Following smash hit recordbreaking runs in the West End and two national tours, Heathers The Musical is back with the murderous story of Westerberg igh s eronica Sawyer. www.theatreroyal.org.uk
23 – 27 July
SWEENEY TODD: A VICTORIAN MELODRAMA
Opera della Luna recreate the original melodramatic production that first appeared on the stage in 1847, restoring the musical element to its sensational storytelling with an orchestra of eleven musicians, and music penned by British opera composers of the Victorian age. www.theatreroyal.org.uk
FESTIVALS
25 – 28 July
WOMAD
Founded by Peter Gabriel in 1982, W , held in nearby harlton Park, famously curates the best music from around the world. ook out for progressive hip hop trio Young Fathers, bluesy duo Amadou & Mariam, electronic trailblazer Alison Goldfrapp and Palestinian hip hop crew DAM. www.womad.co.uk
The work of Phyllida Barlow (1944 – 2023) takes over Hauser & Wirth Somerset until 5 January
1– 4 August
VALLEY FEST
This year Valley Fest is ten years old, and founder Luke Hasell is encouraging us to ‘Get on his land!’, just over ten miles from Bath, to help celebrate. Along with an dance-tastic line-up led by Sister Sledge – and featuring Kathy Sledge, Sophie Ellis Bextor, Tinie Tempah – are those foodie feasts that are the jewel in the Valley Fest crown. Expect sumptuous seasonal plates from Pegs Quinn, Thomasina Miers MBE and Jack Briggs-Horan. www.valleyfest.co.uk
15 – 18 August
WE OUT HERE
Curated by BBC Radio 6’s Gilles Peterson and happening near Salisbury, this relative baby on the festival circuit, having been founded in 2019, is fast gaining a reputation as the do-not-miss event of the summer, thanks to the slightly ‘out-there’ line-up which this year includes Sampha, Kae Tempest, Dee Dee Bridgewater, Ebo Taylor & the Family Band, and André 3000. www.weoutherefestival.com
23 – 31 August
IF OPERA
Donizetti’s Lucia di Lammermoor and Strauss’s Die Fledermaus, together with the popular picnic prom featuring The James Taylor Quartet (JTQ) and the children’s concert Little Red Riding Hood, will be played out on the beautiful grounds of Belcombe Court in Bradford on Avon. www.ifopera.com
MUSIC
18 July
WHAT’S LOVE GOT TO DO WITH IT?
Expect a night of high energy feelgood rock ’n’ roll, paying homage to Tina Turner’s greatest hits including Private Dancer and Simply The Best www.bathforum.co.uk
1 August
THE ELO EXPERIENCE
The world’s foremost multi award winning tribute to the Electric Light Orchestra, with a sensational string section plus a stunning light show. www.bathforum.co.uk
8 August
A DIFFERENT THREAD
An Americana duo fronted by Alicia Best and Robert Jackson, who met whilst busking in Ireland – and who have been touring, performing and composing together ever since. www.chapelarts.org
COMEDY
Until 25 July
BATH COMEDY EDINBURGH PREVIEWS FESTIVAL
A mini-Edinburgh Fringe meets Bath, with a packed programme of established and upcoming talent held at Nowhere on Lower Bristol Road and Upstairs @ Bath Pizza Co. www.bathcomedy.com
Until 30 July
EDINBURGH PREVIEWS
All of the laughs, none of the travel or huge expense, as the comedy double bill nights at Komedia Bath continue. www.komediabath.co.uk
25 July
DRAG QUEEN BINGO
Expect an extra celebratory night for the third year anniversary of this monthly event at The Cork, hosted by legends Spank and Cynthia Road. www.thecork.co.uk
TOP: Expect fun, food and families at Valley Fest 1 – 4 August; RIGHT: Toys from China made from rice flour paste can be seen as part of the Bath Royal Literary and Scientific Institution’s The World Revealed exhibition; BOTTOM: Under This Roof is the new collection of work by Laura Ford, currently being shown at Bo Lee and Workman
PHOTO BY ANIA SHRIMPTON
CHILDREN
Until February 2025 THE GRUFFALO PARTY TRAIL
Take a stroll through the deep dark woods of Westonbirt Arboretum and help celebrate the 25th anniversary of the award-winning picture book T e r a o with an activity trail. www orestr en and
20 July – 3 September SUMMER OF PLAY AT DYRHAM PARK
A wide range of active and creative activities for all the family in the gardens and 270-acre deer park, including a ‘Dyrham decathlon’ challenge. www nationa tr st or
24 July – 1 September BATH PRESERVATION TRUST ACTIVITIES
No.1 Royal Crescent, Beckford’s Tower, the Museum of Bath Architecture and the Herschel Museum of Astronomy have a whole range of activities for all ages this summer holiday. www at reservation tr st or Summer and beyond THE NEWT IN SOMERSET
The Newt in Somerset, where the gorgeous grounds make the perfect playground all year round, have created a summer programme o ering a world of fun with bespoke tours, workshops and family-friendly activities. www t enewtinsomerset om
OTHER
30 July
FREE HEALTH WEBINARS
As part of its commitment as a charitable trust to helping provide the tools for free health guidance, both mentally and physically, ombe rove o ers regular webinars. See website for more details. www om e rove om
26 – 27 July
BATH BOOK FAIR
Organised by The Provincial Booksellers Fairs Association, this is a chance for bibliophiles, collectors and enthusiasts to peruse books from di erent professional booksellers, bringing their wares from all over the country to Bath Pavilion. Entry £2. or more in o onta t at d oo s te
Wendi Peters is heading to Theatre Royal Bath 6 – 17 August to star as Mother Superior in the joyous musical Sister Act. She is well known for having played Cilla Battersby in more than 200 episodes of Coronation Street, and is also a favourite with younger viewers as Cook Jenkins in CBBC’s Hetty Feather.
A film I could watch over and over again
It has to be On The Town, starring Gene Kelly and Frank Sinatra. It has everything – big dance numbers and fabulous characters. I was brought up watching the 50s and 60s classic musicals, and I adore them. It’s what made me fall in love with the business.
A painting that means something to me
My actor friend Paul Hawkyard, who is also a brilliant artist, painted a picture of my dog, Dorothy. It’s the most beautiful painting and I look at it every day. She has her paws up on the kitchen top trying to get the remnants of a Sunday brunch. She’s the greediest dog ever!
Best TV show ever
I loved Frasier – I would watch that over and over again. My British choice would be Keeping Up Appearances with my comedy hero Patricia Routledge.
My TV guilty pleasure
First Dates. It’s so wonderful, especially when it works – we all love a bit of romance.
The book that changed my life
As a child, the book that made me want to read more was The Magic Faraway Tree by Enid Blyton. I got absolutely engrossed by the characters in this make-believe world.
Last live music gig
I went to Radio 2 Live in the Park last year in Leicester. The atmosphere was just fabulous.
My desert island disc
I’ll Stand By You by The Pretenders. Beautiful song, wonderful lyrics and, of course, Chrissie Hynde’s distinctively gorgeous voice.
Where I’ll be visiting in Bath
The last time I was in Bath was during panto at Christmas. It was cold, with two or three shows a day, which meant I didn’t have much time to see things. So this time round I plan to see a bit more, especially while I’m walking around with Dorothy the dog. I love buildings, so the Museum of Architecture and The Royal Crescent are on my list.
For more: www.theatreroyal.org.uk
CULTURE CLUB with Wendi Peters
The class of ’24 is coming to Theatre Royal Bath 30 July – 3 August with Heathers The Musical
PHOTO BY PAMELA RAITH
Wendi Peters as Mother Superior in Sister Act, coming to Theatre Royal Bath
PHOTO BY MARK SENIOR.
Outstanding Designers of Domestic and Commercial Gardens
Based in Bradford on Avon and serving Bath, Bristol and surrounding areas 07920 051549 | o ce@compassgardendesign.co.uk | www.compassgardendesign.co.uk
THE REEL THING ELLIE HENDRICKS
The Little is turning up the temperature with a whole host of hot releases this summer
Crossing
Release date 19 July
“Are you sure she wants to be found?” That’s the question that hangs over Levan Akin’s new release Crossing. It’s the haunting and hopeful story of stoic school teacher Ms. Lia (Mzia Arabuli), as she travels to Turkey searching for her trans niece, Tekla.
Ms. Lia is joined by aimless Achi (Lucas Kankava), who serves as a not-so-helpful translator, desperate to escape Batumi. Together they traverse the streets of Istanbul, as the film delicately weaves together their stories with those of et nyamin e er , Gülpembe (Sema Sultan Elekci) and Evrim (Deniz Dumanl), while Tekla’s absence is felt clearly throughout Crossing
Mzia Arabuli, as Ms. Lia, perfectly portrays the regret and longing of a woman whose last family member is lost to the vast city of stanbul. Throughout the film we see s. ia reckon with her thoughts on the new world Tekla inhabits, where sex work is prevalent and gender is undefined. While s. ia searches for Tekla, as the audience we desperately hope she finds her and, perhaps more importantly, we hope that Tekla wants to be found.
About Dry Grasses
Release date 26 July
In the stunning setting of Anatolia, teacher Samet (Deniz Celiloglu) is confronted over an inappropriate relationship with 14 year old Sevim (Ece Bagci).
A bond that begins as friendship becomes an
unwanted schoolgirl crush that Samet refuses to act upon. Hurt and embarrassed by rejection, Sevim levels sexual abuse charges at two teachers, causing chaos in the secluded school. Samet, who is already resentful that he’s been posted to Anatolia and dreams of heading to his beloved Istanbul, is instead forced to carry out his time in a community that thinks the worst of him.
About Dry Grasses is the latest release from filmmaker uri ilge eylan, who previously won the Palme d’Or for Winter Sleep. This quiet three hour epic adds to Ceylan’s impressive filmography and clearly positions him as a true auteur of Turkish cinema.
Didi
Release date 2 August
irector ean Wang s semi autobiographical feature Dìdi is a coming of age film for nostalgic millennials, shining a light on adolescence during 2008.
Following year old hris aac Wang and his Taiwanese merican family, the film explores what it is to grow up in the early 21st century. Throughout the film the topic of race is ever present, and Chris is constantly reminded of his Taiwanese heritage, with misguided okes laughed o and insults ignored even his nickname, Dìdi, makes him stand out.
Beyond this, Chris is a typical teenager born into one of the first generations to have the World Wide Web at his fingertips. hris, like most teenagers, exclusively uses it for Facebook, MySpace and the early days of YouTube.
CLOCKWISEFROMTOP: Janet Planet explores the relationship between a very different mother and daughter; About Dry Grasses is a three-hour epic from the Palme d’Or winning filmmaker Nuri
as Chris, who hits adolescence just as social media starts to soar in Didi; Crossing follows the story of a teacher and her aimless young neighbour as they search for her missing trans niece
It’s through these platforms that he really expresses himself, and throughout the film we re thrown into the world of online adolescence. Equal parts charming, uncomfortable, endearing and nail bitingly awkward, Dìdi is teenage life wrapped up in a 90 minute run time.
Janet Planet
Release date 9 August
A24 are back at it with the heartwarming indie films, and this time they bring Janet Planet to the big screen. It’s set in 1991, where 11-yearold Lacy (Zoe Ziegler) is struggling to make friends and find her place in the world. n stark contrast, Lacy’s mother Janet (Julianne Nicholson) is a magnet for relationships and friendships – people walking past fall into her orbit and stay there for a few rotations. What is it that makes connecting so easy for her?
Split into three chapters, Janet Planet explores these passing relationships and how strangers fit into the lives of both mother and daughter.
This is director nnie aker s debut film, though she’s previously written for the stage and won a Pulitzer for The Flick (2013). Known for sensitive realism, Baker’s voice transfers well to screen, resulting in a beautiful, funny and entirely bittersweet coming of age tale.
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
Bilge Ceylan; Izaac Wang stars
BYBROOK AT THE MANOR HOUSE
Things ain’t what they used to be at fine-dining country house hotels. Fortunately.
Words by Deri Robins
Not so many years ago, the prospect of visiting a restaurant within a country house hotel would have filled us with muted enthusiasm. We knew we d have to brace ourselves for a lot of ceremonious fussing about, trying to keep a straight face while the waiter solemnly shook out our napkins and placed them with a flourish on our laps. f we decided to pop to the loo, somebody would sprint over to pull our chairs out, then in again, in case we were too feeble to shift them ourselves. Whenever a miniature pan and brush materialised between courses to sweep o ensive crumbs o the table we d a feel guilty for causing a mess and b be tempted to say, honestly, guys, it s fine you should see how we eat at home, we let the cat sit on the table and feed her scraps and everything.
t s a lot less stu y and more fun now, though. ost hotel sta have embraced the zeitgeist, replacing old-school servility with a relaxed friendliness, and one place which has e ortlessly made this transition is the th century anor ouse in astle ombe.
n the wrong hands, tasting menus can be tedious can think of several which had me longing for chips after twenty minutes of miniscule portions which took far longer to describe than they did to eat. ut ob otter s is a delight, full of unexpected treats, fresh ideas and global influences, all explained succinctly by sta who are willing and able to go into more far detail if and when, but only if and when, you ask.
There are no predictable thimblefuls of savoury froth for the amuse bouche instead, we re served balls of sweet and salty olston asset, a less pungent cheese than some of its fellow blues. t s so prettily encased in ruby red beetroot gel, with a aunty topping of candied walnut, that can t decide whether want to eat it or wear it as a brooch.
ext comes a bread course not any old bread, either, but a lighter than air laminated brioche, served with butter not any old butter, but a cultivated butter from the dairy of former oma chef rant arrington.
DINING DETAILS
Bybrook, The Manor House, Castle Combe 01249 782206; www.exclusive.co.uk
As you motor up the drive, the mellow stone facade presents a box checking array of architectural delights: mullions, balustrades and gables, all curtained by wisteria. The parklike grounds are dotted with ga ebos, and there s an Alice in Wonderland-style chess board with pieces the size of a toddler. nside, the panelled rooms still have that country house smell, all polish and log fires, but there s a smiley welcome at reception and dog treats on the bar. ear the front door a regimented rack of wellies stands to attention for guests staying over in the elegant main-house suites, or the cottage style accommodation in the nearby mews the hotel appears to own half the village, including the astle nn pub.
Opening hours Wed-Sun: 6-8.30pm
Prices Tasting menu £145 pp
Drinks Optional wine flight £90
Veggie? Yes, there’s an alternative menu
Service Friendly yet supremely professional Atmsophere Smart but relaxed
ut the clearest sign that The anor ouse has got down with the groove is found in its ichelin starred restaurant, ybrook. The d cor is simple, the ambience relaxed, and the ma tre d won t turn you away if you re not wearing a tie. There are no linen tablecloths, ust simple wooden tables, pretty botanical wallpaper and some deeply comfy velvet chairs. h, and some truly exceptional contemporary cooking, courtsey of head chef ob otter.
ob previously worked for ywel ones at ucknam he must have been an attentive sous, because he earned ybrook a ichelin star in and has kept it ever since. Keeping everything seasonal and local is a doddle, with endless pickings from The anor ouse s kitchen garden and the livestock in the grounds. From this bounty ob s created a menu which celebrates the best in modern English European cooking, which was beautifully showcased in the tasting menu we d turned up to sample.
“Keep some bread back, if you can, for the fish, suggests our waiter, advice my lus ne signally fails to heed he sco s his down in a trice, meaning that when the fish course comes around am obliged to give him half of mine. nwillingly.
ther highlights include a rich crab bisque with the hidden surprise of kohl rabi discs, topped with flakes of delicate white crabmeat. n a meal full of interest, we re enchanted by the finger limes tiny, tangy little pearl like flavour pops resembling caviar. Even more memorable is a sushi like halk tream trout with oyster mayo, wasabi and roe, wrapped in a crisp nori squid croustade. The ornish turbot in creamy dulse sauce is indeed crying out for bread for the mopping, so it s ust as well one of us listened to the waiter. Tender yons ill pork is served three ways, while umami rich exter beef comes in a consomm that s been simmered for two days.
There s a fabulous inter course, if you ll pardon my French, of creamy eauvale cheese, served with an apple tarte tatin caramelised to to ee like perfection. ll three desserts are wonderful, from a canal so very, very to something dense and chocolatey, but the standout is a fresh, airy yet custardy, confection of mango, passion fruit and coconut.
ervice at every point is unimpeachable. ou d struggle to find anyone more passionate about their chosen field than a sommelier, and ndre from taly does nothing to buck this trend, choosing us a crisp Tramari ros from an ar ano which tastes like summer in a glass. tell ndre can t see the bottle on the wine list he shrugs. e has a few new ones in, he says, which have yet to make it onto the menu, but which he s keen to share with us.
nd that, in , is how you make guests feel special and cosseted at a fine dining restaurant absolutely no napkin origami required.
BEING HOSPITABLE
Bailbrook House Hotel is hosting a special evening in support of hospitality workers. The fundraising dinner for Hospitality Action on 10 October includes a curated three-course dinner menu from Carl Cleghorn, executive chef at Thyme Restaurant near Cirencester; Chris Cleghorn, head chef of the Michelin-starred Olive Tree Restaurant at The Queensberry Hotel in Bath; and The Bath Priory’s executive head chef, Jauca Catalin. ospitality ction was established in and has since o ered vital assistance to all who work, or have worked, within hospitality in the UK. Tickets, which need to be booked in advance, cost £95 per person. For more: www.handpickedhotels.co.uk
A PICK ME UP
Bath Spa Hotel, as part of Macdonald Hotels & Resorts, has helped fund 15,000 school meals for children in assorted countries, including Kenya, as part of an innovative new partnership with direct trade co ee producer Paddy & Scott’s.
The Lunch Box programme by Paddy & Scott’s, which has now been fully rolled out across Macdonald Hotels & Resorts venues, is a pioneering project designed to fund meals for children living in co ee growing regions around the world. As part of the partnership, Lunch Box co ee is served in all of acdonald otels esorts properties throughout the UK.
The oint venture between a Kenyan co ee farm and Ipswich-based Paddy & Scott’s, the Muchomba Project helps fund life-changing initiatives in the Kenyan farming community, and is currently financing improvement works at the local school, ranging from the installation of windows and toilets, to running clean drinking water.
For more: www.macdonaldhotels.co.uk
BY GEORGE!
The George Inn in Norton St. Philip has won the National Pub & Bar Awards. The George, which dates back to the 14th century and has accommodation, has recently been refurbished and is part of Liberation Group’s Butcombe Boutique Inns division.
The judges said they were impressed with the immaculate venue, as well as the quality food and drink o er across all of its menus. Despite being such a historical site, the judges also noted how industryleading the food and drink side of the business is. General manager Linda Johnson says,“I’m so proud and so emotional. I’m just so passionate about my team, the company that supports us, and, obviously, The George Inn and what we’re all about.”
For more: www.butcombe.com
The chefs cooking for a great cause, from top right, are Jauca Catalin, Chris Cleghorn, and Carl Cleghorn
The George Inn team with Tristan O’Hana, editor of Pub & Bar magazine, far left
The George Inn won The National Pub & Bar of the Year
Bath Spa Hotel is part of an initiative working with coffee producers in Kenya to help fund free school meals
A REAL TASTE OF JAPAN
The epic ROBUN has been delighting diners since 2021 and now a menu revamp means its authentic dishes can be enjoyed most times of the day…
Opposite page: Just a snapshot of the many aspects of Robun
Since bursting onto the scene in 2021, Robun has become Bath’s hotspot for authentic Japanese food and drink with a contemporary feel. As you step inside, you’re instantly hit with a vibe that’s both classy and cosy. Start at the chic Art Deco bar, then head to the lively open kitchen where you can watch the chefs work their magic on the robata grill, crafting signature Yakiniku delights right before your eyes.
Sure, Robun is known for epic weekend dinners and special nights out, but their new everyday menu is a game-changer, perfect for any day of the week, with some seriously good value lunch options.
The Teishoku set menu is a must-try. Presented in a cute bento tray, this pick and mix menu starts with hosomaki sushi rolls, a crisp mini garden salad, and miso soup. For mains, choose from tempura chicken, tempura prawn, or vegetarian gyoza – each one bursting with flavour.
Craving something to share? The set sharing menu is all the rage. Kick off with citrus edamame with yuzu salt, then dive into seared wagyu beef with yuzu ponzu truffle dressing, and an omakase sashimi and sushi set with the freshest fish around.
Don’t miss the fried octopus with bonito fish flakes – it’s a showstopper. The main courses feature black cod with den miso marinade and wagyu beef ribeye, grilled to smoky perfection on the robata.
Paired with vegetable kakiage and kimchee fried rice with truffle and Burford Brown egg, this feast ends on a high note with a black truffle dark Belgian chocolate torte. Plus, there’s a Japanese whisky flight option for those wanting to slot in some late afternoon ‘meetings’.
The full a la carte menu is packed with goodies like crispy tempura, savoury gyoza, flavourful skewers, and soft bao buns. Highlights? The lamb cutlets with Korean glaze and crispy onions, grilled and smoked to perfection, and the 20-piece sashimi and nigiri Set, a seafood lover’s dream.
And let’s not forget the cocktails! Perfect for a summer’s day, Robun’s drinks menu features creations like Sonic Panda, Daiyame Negroni, and Suntory Old Fashioned, with house cocktails starting at just £6.
Whether you’re popping in for lunch, taking a break from shopping, or enjoying a midweek date night, Robun’s got you covered every day from 12pm onwards. n
Teishoku Set Menu £21.50
50% Off Food Bill Sunday – Thursday in August (Ts and Cs Apply)
“ ROBUN IS KNOWN FOR EPIC WEEKEND DINNERS AND SPECIAL NIGHTS OUT, BUT THEIR NEW EVERYDAY MENU IS A GAMECHANGER ”
Celebrating the refined pleasure of a Bath afternoon tea
By Elsie Chadwick
Choux Box Patisserie is holding new afternoon tea events outdoors
Petite ornate cakes, little finger sandwiches without the crust, pop in your mouth quiches, billowy soft scones, thick buttery clotted cream, dinky ceramic pots of rich strawberry is there anything more dainty, delectable and aesthetically pleasing than an afternoon tea Well, there isn t when it s served in our beautiful city. eally, there is nowhere better suited to indulging in this 1840 invention than ath, with its backdrops of honey stone and elegant eorgian crescents framing the cake stand. We were born to this. ere are ust a few options to savour
The Choux Box Patisserie, based at Entry Hill Café, weekends at Alexandra Park, and Unit 5, Stable Yard, Windsor Bridge Road; www.thechouxboxpatisserie.com
Questions answered by Orlanda Partner, aka Mr Choux
So, you’re going to offer outdoor afternoon tea sessions? es We are super excited to announce that on unday uly we will be hosting an exclusive afternoon tea in a secret location in rural central ath, with another ugust date due to be announced. t will be held somewhere only a minute walk from ath pa train station, where you will find breathtaking views, birdsong, and a sit down afternoon tea of houx ox delicious surprises.
Talk us through the elements of your afternoon tea ur menu is unique to each event and changes every time. The sweet part of our afternoon tea includes a seasonal layer cake, choux buns, macarons and incredible fresh seasonal tarts. The savoury includes the most ama ing finger sandwiches all filled with fresh local produce, a houx ox sausage roll, a savoury choux and, to finish it all o , buttermilk scones.
“Think along the lines of a tirami o and a ano ee brownie choux”
And to wash down our afternoon tea?
When it comes to our drinks we keep it simple, a proper cup of English tea and ama ing co ee from our local roastery in ristol. We also provide a seasonal cocktail or mocktail on arrival for example, the uly option is a strawberry, basil and lime mo ito.
Is there a signature item on the menu?
t would have to be our special choux. Every week we do a brand new flavour think along the lines of a tiramichoux, bano ee brownie choux, and nickers mille feuille choux. We also do savoury choux, and our caramelised onion and Westcombe ricotta choux is pretty special.
Any special requests catered for?
es, we do a completely vegetarian o ering and also a mini menu for the little houx people.
The Gainsborough Bath Spa Hotel, Beau Street, Bath; www.thegainsboroughbathspa.co.uk
Questions answered by general manager Marc Mac Closkey
Talk us through your afternoon tea
We have delicate finger sandwiches, hot savoury treats, perfectly crafted miniature pastries and warm scones served with clotted cream and homemade ams.
What about tea and the coffee options?
The menu o ers a wide selection of speciality blended teas and co ees sourced from around the world, including our own signature ainsborough blend.
Any suggested alternatives to afternoon tea?
We are excited to announce our new dinner menu in the Gainsborough rasserie. With a kaleidoscope of globally inspired gourmet experiences, combining the flavours of the East with ritish classics, we guarantee the freshest and choicest ingredients will make up its diverse spread of gastronomic creations.
ABOVE: Orlando Partner of Choux Box Patisserie shows how tea should be drunk; LEFT: Going classic and classy at The Gainsborough
FOOD AND DRINK
Why should we have afternoon tea at The Gainsborough?
The Gainsborough, with its impressive architecture and imposing Georgian façade, is the perfect setting for an unforgettable and indulgent afternoon tea. This fully immersive experience pays homage to the rich history and heritage of Georgian Bath, combining all the traditions of this favourite British pastime with entertaining stories and tales that reveal an intriguing insight into the city.
Macdonald Bath Spa Hotel, Sydney Road, Bath; www.macdonaldhotels.co.uk
Questions answered by Nilesh Singh, food and beverage manager
So, Nilesh, what will we find served in a Bath Spa Hotel afternoon tea at the moment?
Elegant and dainty finger sandwiches that include cheese and tomato with chutney, ham and mustard, egg mayonnaise, and smoked salmon served with crème fraiche. There are also home-made plain and fruit scones with strawberry jam and clotted cream, and home-made pastries, sweet treats, and cakes.
What are the most popular choices?
We particularly love our delicious home-made macarons, accompanied by glass of Taittinger rosé champagne – they make the ideal combination for summer!
“The surroundings exude elegance and tranquillity”
How do you select the afternoon tea drinks?
Sustainability and our partnerships are at the heart of everything we do. We proudly serve Birchall Tea, who are committed to providing positive social and environmental impacts through their projects in frica and beyond. ur co ee partnership with addy cott s has helped to fund 15,000 school meals for children in countries including Kenya. Their co ee also tastes delicious
How about dietary restrictions?
We can cater for all dietary requirements and preferences, when notified in advance.
And – controversially, maybe – if someone isn’t a fan of cream teas, what would be your recommended alternative?
Our cheese scones with paprika butter (a Macdonald family recipe) are a perfect choice, and we have a delicious snack menu served daily, ensuring there s always something for everyone.
What is the atmosphere like at Bath Spa?
The hotel is a serene oasis of calm, and in the summer months there is no better place in Bath to sit outdoors than on our elegant terrace in the sunshine. If the weather is less great, then afternoon tea in our drawing room is both cosy and elegant.
Ooh, don’t mind if we do! Loving life at the Macdonald Bath Spa Hotel
Montagu’s Mews at The Royal Crescent Hotel & Spa, 16 Royal Crescent, Bath; wwwroyalcrescent.co.uk, info@royalcrescent.co.uk
Questions answered by pastry chef Peter Turnpenny
As the pastry chef at the world famous hotel, we imagine you’re best placed to talk us through what a Royal Crescent afternoon tea consists of…
Our afternoon tea, which consists of sandwiches, homemade cakes, and, of course, freshly baked scones served with jam and cream, always changes seasonally to highlight the best produce available at any time, along with a few classic flavours.
What is currently on the summertime menu?
Cherry and tonka bean milk chocolate macaroon, a strawberry, elderflower and white chocolate gateaux, lemon meringue choux bun, and bano ee tart. We also have both plain buttermilk scones as well as Bath buns because, why wouldn’t you put them on your menu when you’re based in Bath?
And the sandwiches?
Finger sandwiches include coronation chicken, ham and mustard, salmon and cream cheese and egg mayonnaise.
What’s your personal favourite from the entire selection?
The strawberry and elderflower gateaux. t s very summery and light, and packs a punch of flavour of the outh West. We actually use elderflower foraged from the local woods behind my house, and then preserve them to ensure they can be used throughout the summer. The Cheddar Valley strawberries used are some of the best strawberries ve ever tasted too.
To wash it all down with?
We o er a great selection of oogly teas, renowned for their quality hand blended whole leaf teas using only the finest natural ingredients. All are ethically sourced and Fairtrade, vegan and gluten free with no added sugar or preservatives. We also serve popular co ees that our guests love, and, of course, there’s the option of adding some sparkle to the occasion with a flute or flight of Taittinger hampagne.
Can you share any upcoming recipes you might be working on?
We are currently developing our new summer afternoon tea with a gooseberry and custard tart, raspberry and vanilla cheesecake, and a bano ee and confit lime choux bun.
How do you cater to dietary restrictions or preferences?
We o er a vegetarian selection of sandwiches, and we also have a full vegan afternoon tea menu, which allows us to accommodate numerous allergies as well as dairy free. We also try to make as many items as we can gluten free, with that being the most popular request.
And talk us through the surrounds in which visitors will be enjoying their afternoon tea ining at the oyal rescent otel is always a memorable experience whether in the stylishly snug restaurant, the glamorous bar, or on the terrace or in the garden, you ll en oy exceptional service and meticulous attention to detail. The surroundings exude elegance and tranquillity, providing the perfect backdrop for en oying an afternoon tea.
Peter Turnpenny is working on new pastries to add to The Royal Crescent Hotel’s afternoon tea selection
Whatley Manor Hotel & Spa, Easton Grey, Malmesbury; www.whatleymanor.com
Questions answered by sales and marketing manager
Eloise Gordon
Talk us through your afternoon tea selection…
The traditional menu includes a selection of delicious savouries such as the signature sausage roll, classic finger sandwiches including Wiltshire ham and mustard, and hapel and wan smoked salmon and cream cheese, home baked scones, and a selection of cakes and sweet treats.
Is there a signature item on the menu?
The sausage roll is a favourite of many guests it has a delicious light and flaky pu pastry with an indulgent pork filling. ngredients are sourced from farms locally.
How do you select the teas, coffees, and drinks that are featured in your afternoon tea menu?
Whatley o ers traditional breakfast tea, co ee, hot cocoa, and a selection of herbal teas such as fresh mint and lemon balm, all made using herbs and plants from Whatley s gardens. uests can also elevate their afternoon tea by adding a glass of usbourne English sparkling wine.
Any dietary requirements adaptations?
The o ering of entirely gluten free, and vegetarian and vegan menus are a unique selling point, not found at many other locations nearby.
We o er homemade scones with coconut cream and strawberry am, and hummus and cucumber sandwiches whilst the vegetarian menu has local herston egg mayonnaise and mustard cress sandwiches.
Any plans to introduce new themes or variations to your afternoon tea menu?
We will be o ering a festive afternoon tea during the winter season. This will incorporate seasonal flavours such as confit turkey leg and cranberry sauce finger sandwiches, and sweet treats such as the spiced date and roaster apple mousse and mincemeat, and brandy butter pie.
What are the surroundings for a Whatley Manor afternoon tea?
The garden room is extremely bright and open, o ering views out onto the property s acres of gardens and direct access onto the south facing fountain terrace for pre dinner drinks, whilst the drawing room is a warm space with oak wood panelling and cosy seating perfect for an autumn or winter s afternoon. f the sun is shining, then outside on the terraces overlooking the beautiful English country gardens is, of course, perfect
“Homemade scones with coconut cream and strawberry jam”
Whatley Manor’s secret weapon is its signature sausage roll
The Forge and Fern, 76 Broad Street, Staple Hill, Bristol; www.theforges.co.uk
Questions answered by marketing assistant Tereza Junkova
Talk us through your afternoon tea offerings, which we hear are slightly different…
Our Bee High Tea is a delicious afternoon tea experience that celebrates our rooftop honey. t o ers a delightful mix of sweet and savoury delights such as pastries, local cheeses, and honey tasting jars.
Honey is an unusual offering for afternoon tea... ur signature item is undoubtedly the honey tasting ars. They showcase the unique flavour of our own honey. This honey is special because it s locally sourced from our bees, which ensures freshness and a unique taste.
What are some of the clever options you offer that guests might not find elsewhere?
ur beautifully hand crafted bee shaped treats are unique and also taste delicious. dditionally, we serve local cheeses which pair perfectly with the honey.
How do you select the drinks on offer?
We curate our tea and co ee selection with a focus on quality and local sourcing. ur ritish teas are selected from renowned local tea suppliers, ensuring a fresh and rich flavour. imilarly, our barista co ees are chosen from local roasters who prioritise ethical sourcing and high quality beans.
In a nutshell, why should we call in at The Forge and Fern for a honey-centric afternoon tea?
The ee igh Tea is a perfect choice for those looking for a high end, yet di erent afternoon tea experience it really goes beyond the traditional cream tea o erings. n
WE’RE IN A JAM!
Cream or jam first – it’s an argument that’s as old as the Mendip Hills. So we asked our afternoon tea experts to wade in with their professional advice, and threw in a curve ball – what about butter...?
Orlando Partner of The Choux Box Patisserie
My personal opinion is jam and then cream with no butter, but let’s be honest, you can’t go wrong either way when clotted cream and jam are involved. JAM FIRST
It’s all about the local honey at The Forge and Fern
Jam first on this beauty, but turn it upside down and have you messed up the experiment?
Peter Turnpenny of Montagu’s Mews at The Royal Crescent Hotel
Personally, I prefer cream first and then a huge dollop of jam because I like the fruit flavour more, but I really think it’s entirely down to personal preference – there is no right or wrong way. As for butter – I just don’t think it’s needed. CREAM FIRST
Tereza Junkova of The Forge and Fern
If we are asked we suggest cream first, followed by jam, to allow the cream to act as a smooth base. Butter can provide an additional layer of richness for those who are looking for that. CREAM FIRST
Eloise Gordon of Whatley Manor Hotel & Spa
In line with the traditional Malmesbury way, we suggest the cream before the jam and no butter. CREAM FIRST
Marc Mac Closkey of the Gainsborough Bath Spa Hotel
Personally, I am a definite cream first then jam individual – but it is an individual choice, so have it your way! CREAM FIRST
Nilesh Singh of Bath Spa Hotel
That’s a tricky one, and I certainly don’t want to offend – but personally I’m jam first, with cream on top. And no butter. JAM FIRST
RESULTS: Cream first wins, and hold the butter!
Gold metal mirrored 2-tier caddy by Gisela Graham, £29.99, from Rossiters of Bath, 38-41 Broad Street, Bath; www.rossitersofbath.com
Gold serving spoons, £35, from Cox & Cox; www.coxandcox.co.uk
Loren Dessert Plate in blue motif, £14, from Anthropologie, 1 – 4 New Bond Street, Bath; www.anthropologie.com
Bone china reef jam pot, £19, from Cream of Cornwall, 29 Milsom Street, Bath; www.creamcornwall.co.uk
Bowsley cake stand, £36, from Neptune, One Tram Yard, Walcot Street, Bath; www.neptune.com
giant charger plate in indigo,
was £70, now £24, from OKA, 26-27 Milsom Street, Bath; www.oka.com
Uji cast iron teapot, was £34, now £25.99, from Teahouse Emporium, 22 New Bond Street, Bath; www.teahouseemporium.co.uk
HOME IN TIME FOR TEA
A few accessories to make your self-made afternoon tea an elegant a air
Fika champagne flutes, £19 for two, from Salcombe Trading; www.salcombetrading.co.uk
Serendipity tea tidy, £3, from Whittard of Chelsea Bath, 10 Stall Street, Bath; www.whittard.co.uk
Indigo Drop Ceramic Teapot by Nkuku, £45, from Homefront Interiors, 10 Margaret’s Building, Bath; www.homefrontinteriors.co.uk
Hand printed linen napkins, £20 per pair, from Clare Walsh Design; www.clarewalshdesign.co.uk
Cloud cup & saucer set, from £49, from Kara Leigh Ford Ceramics, Bath; www.karaleighfordceramics.com
Kintaro
THE PUMP ROOM
Sarah Moolla finds the very essence of Bath in this afternoon tea
It’s our monthly Bath Life catch-up meeting and normally it’s a case of scraps of paper, notes on the phone, a few broken biscuits and whatever instant coffee we can find in the staff kitchen. But this time we’re swanning into The Pump Room, just like true egency s.
Just walking up to, and then into, The Pump Room is an experience – the majesty of Bath Abbey as a backdrop, the heavy revolving door with hat-tipping doorman, the huge expanse of high ceilings, towering Corinthian columns, velvet draped floor to-ceiling paned Georgian windows, the tremendous drop crystal chandelier. nd just
when you can’t think things could get any more Bath, you’re reminded – thanks to the water fountain (where you can sample the naturally warm spa water, containing 43 minerals) that’s adjacent to a bird’s eye views of the Baths below – that when this was built in the 1790s, it was positioned above the remains of the Roman Baths, which were constructed around 0 .
Immediately we’re enchanted, and swept away with the extraordinary elegance of our midday mini adventure – forward planning talk and quills are quickly abandoned as we settle back to savour every minute. nd dear reader, how we savoured! We opt for starters, and my poached Cornish salmon and
“We’re enchanted with the extraordinary elegance of our midday mini adventure”
crème fraiche tart lingers on in my memory long after every last sweet, buttery pastry crumb is located, dabbed at, and relished.
Our afternoon tea arrives in two sections, the sandwiches on their own china platter and a traditional three tiered cake stand. irst, the trio of sandwiches – a zesty crab and lemon mayonnaise soft brioche finger roll sweet peppery ham with cream cheese and a velvety tru ed egg mayonnaise. The thin metal cake stand is studded with pretty little treats and gorgeous looking goodies. n the bottom layer is smoked salmon mousse blini topped with caviar and dill, and a tangy Cheddar rarebit with spiced tomato chutney in the middle sits freshly baked, light as air scones with individual pots of thick Cornish clotted cream and strawberry jam and on the top tier is a milk chocolate marshmallow tea cake, a cherry sponge and a luxurious chocolate cheesecake scattered with crunchy pistachios.
All the time, the welcoming, courteous, and knowledgeable staff quietly keep an eye on our drink needs tea and coffee is free refills and the water is swiftly replenished – whilst patiently
answering all our questions on everything from the building’s history to “how does the chef give his sponge that bubbled yet firm texture?” The music from the resident pianist wafts through the hall as we admit defeat to doing any work and instead surrender to the very Georgian pastime of people watching – playing the guessing game of holiday makers, day trippers, birthday celebration, or regulars? No wonder Jane Austen and Charles Dickens have reputedly been customers here.
As the grindstone beckons, we have one last important question: Where does The Pump Room stand on the jam or cream first debate? “We recommend the Cornish method of jam first, we are told with a solemn nod of the head. e strongly feel this allows the rich cream to sit beautifully on top of the sweet jam, creating a visually chic and delicious bite.
Well, if these masters of the afternoon tea feel strongly about jam first, then with apologies to evon readers jam first it is. n
The Pump Room by Searcys Afternoon Tea - from £42.50 per guest
For more: www.thepumproombath.co.uk
FROMLEFTTORIGHT: You can sample the Roman Baths spa water, along with your afternoon tea; The Pump Room’s resident pianist adds to the ambiance; the Bath Life team living the high tea
CREAM OF THE CROP
CThere’s a big cheese arrived on the scene – the newly opened Creamery by The Newt in Somerset
By John Mather
astle Cary’s restored Edwardian railway station buildings have become a destination special, with a new dairy and restaurant having just opened up within. The Creamery is the work of The Newt in Somerset in what is its first commercial venture o site from its large working Bruton estate.
Maybe it was always due to return to its origins, as the space also originally housed a milk factory, built by brothers G&C Prideaux in 1912; local farmers would deliver churns of milk to be made into cheese at the factory to be sold at the newly accessible London markets via the railway line, before falling to disrepair.
But now, the place has been transformed. The design combines the building’s Edwardian style with ultra modern touches. floor to ceiling glass wall gives diners a front row seat to the cheesemaking process, with curved windows, inspired by the original architecture, allowing visitors to ‘step’ into the dairy and see the cheesemongers at work. Historic imperfections have been celebrated and careful attention to detail combined with The Newt’s playful flair.
E Ed Workman tells us more: “ chandelier of milk bottles hangs above the open kitchen, and a water station made from wooden pails is suspended from a traditional pulley system. Architects Stonewood Design
translated the ‘invisible’ brief to ensure a seamless transition between old and new.
A glass entrance frames a historic central chimney – reconstructed brick by brick – which is a key feature of the building. Wherever visitors stand, be it on the glass walkway, in the shop or restaurant, they’re a orded views of the cheesemaking process. We’re proud that the building is now fully accessible too, with a modern take on the iconic birdcage lift serving every floor.
“A chandelier of milk bottles hangs above the open kitchen”
So far, so gorgeously Newt-esque. But what about the cheesemakers? we hear you cry. Heading up cheese production is The Newt’s master cheesemaker, Margaretha Van Dam, who learned the art from her grandmother as a child. Along with an assistant and apprentice, she will be showcasing her passion for artisanal cheesemaking. “Most dairies are dark places, so it’s lovely to be in a space full of light and air, says argaretha. “We are starting with a small range of traditional bu alo cheeses:
our own mozzarella, feta, a version of halloumi and some delicious yoghurts, because the milk is so pure. A particular favourite is a lovely yoghurt-style cheese called hangop.
Our small team of three are excited to develop di erent cheeses alongside our traditional mozzarella. Because The Creamery allows people to see cheesemaking in action, from hand-stretching to brining, with the whole process of making mozzarella taking seven hours by hand, it’s a great educational tool for people to see how liquid milk transforms into something delicious for the plate.
All dining options have also been covered, and it’s not just about the cheese, as Alan Stewart, head of food at The Newt in Somerset, explains. “Grab and go breakfast and lunch are available onday to unday, he says, “featuring pastries, yoghurt, sandwiches, quiche and salads,with dinein breakfast available at weekends, lunch served Monday to Sunday, and dinner served Wednesday to Saturday. For breakfast, diners can tuck into the likes of eggy bread with whipped vanilla hangop and Somerset strawberries, a classic Somerset breakfast, or a breakfast burger. At lunch and dinner there’s a simple menu of elevated classics, from the fish of the day with new potatoes and caper butter sauce to our signature smashburgers. For more: www.thenewtinsomerset.com
OPPOSITE: The Creamery in Castle Cary is part of The Newt in Somerset’s portfolio; CLOCKWISEFROMABOVE: The Creamery design incorporates elements from its railway past; the menu isn’t just about the cheese!; the original milk factory of 1912; The Creamery allows people to see cheesemaking in action; The Newt’s master cheesemaker, Margaretha Van Dam; dining options include a ‘grab and go’ selection
Celebrate 21 Years of Whatley Manor! Join us for a series of special events to mark this milestone anniversary:
Bee Mural by Matt Willey
From August 5th through August 24th, world-renowned artist Matt Willey is creating a stunning bee mural as part of his 'Good of the Hive' project. Witness this beautiful symbol of our commitment to nature and meet Matt in person.
Yoga Retreat with Parvati Perkkio
From September 6th to 8th, experience a rejuvenating Yoga Shaking and Meditation Retreat with international yoga expert Parvati Perkkio. Enjoy shamanic trance dance, heart meditation, and access to Aquarias Spa.
Exclusive Chef’s Table
From September 12th to 15th, indulge in a special 21st anniversary menu by Executive Chef Ricki Weston. Dine in the Green Room for £195 per person, including aperitif and canapés.
Anniversary Party with DJ Besford
On November 8th and 9th, acclaimed DJ Besford will play in the lounge before and a er dinner. Enjoy his unique sound paired with a special anniversary cocktail.
Join us for an unforgettable celebration at Whatley Manor! Scan the code to nd out more about the fun events at Whatley or call 01666 822 888
UP THE GARDEN PATH
Given the unpredictability of the not so great British summertime, what we all need to be is sunshine ready at the drop of a hat. Invest in decent hand-crafted wrought iron garden furniture, like this from Susie Watson Designs – throw the throws, plump the cushions, pop the champagne, and voila! You’re styling al fresco as if Bath was just this side of the Mediterranean.
The wrought iron and marble top table, £1,950, and wrought iron garden chair, £465, are from Susie Watson Designs, as are the accessories. For more: www.susiewatsondesigns.co.uk
PORTABLE RECHARGEABLE LAMP, WAS £139, NOW £118.15
Made by Humble, and perfect for outdoor use, this eco-friendly lamp o ers up to hours of wireless use without the hassle of cords or outlets.
From Holloways of Ludlow, 37 Milsom treet at www o owa sofl d ow om
VELVET BORDER SEAT PADS, FROM £40
Soften up benches and chairs with these square linen seat pads, padded for comfort with a contrasting striped linen border.
GARDEN PARTY
Just a few outside favourites to make your event a clear winner
From Graham and Green, 92 Walcot Street, Bath; www.grahamandgreen.co.uk
FLORAL FRINGED PARASOL, £125
This durable polyester shade is water repellent, o ers protection up to Factor , and aesthetically adds a cute retro touch to the garden.
From Cox & Cox; www.coxandcox.co.uk
BETHNAL CHAMPAGNE COUPE, SET OF 2, £40
Taking inspiration from vintage glasses, Bethnal’s unique scalloped design is crafted from lead-free crystal, with each glass is traditionally mouthblown by skilled artisans.
From Neptune, One Tram Yard, Walcot Street, Bath; www.neptune.com
THE BRIDGERTON CUSHION, FROM £28
Designed by the Bathbased artist Emma Rose these cushion covers, with insert, are made from a sumptuous and velvety vegan-suede. For each order placed, a tree will be planted through the nonprofit organisation Trees for the Future.
From Emma Rose Artworks; www.emmaroseartworks.com
FISHBONE
NAVY THROW, £47
HORNSEA PEACOCK CORK TRAY, £30
Made by Liga, this handy tray is sustainable, practical and all natural. The cork, which absorbs , is harvested once every nine years in ortugal without harming the tree.
From Homefront Interiors, 10 Margaret’s Building, Bath; www.homefrontinteriors.co.uk
This pure new wool throw will add style to any room with its beautiful fishbone. Keep draped over the back of a sofa and then use outside when the evening draws in.
From The Cotswold Company Bath, 12 Northgate Street, Bath; www.cotswoldco.com
LOUIS ROEDERER CRISTAL 2012 VINTAGE CHAMPAGNE MAGNUM 150CL, £1,200
Aged for an unusually long period of ten years, the Cristal 2012 is deep, intense and masterful. t o ers the quintessential reflection of its chalk soils which lend it its velvety texture and delicate tension. From Amathus Drinks Bath, 6 Green Street, Bath; www.amathusdrinks.com
OLIVIA ROSE AUSTIN ROSE SHRUB 6L, £32.99
Named after David Austin’s granddaughter, this fragrant, pink shrub commences flowering exceptionally early in the season and continues to bloom well into the autumn. deal for borders but also works well in pots.
From Whitehall Garden Centre, Corsham Road, Lacock; www.whitehallgardencentre.co.uk
CUT GLASS VASE, £56
Striking, sharp and playful, this crystal vase o ers a stacked silhouette of geometric blocks for an eye-catching centrepiece.
From Anthropologie, 1 – 4 New Bond Street, Bath; www.anthropologie.com
MEET THE WEDDING EXPERT
From photography to flowers and from venues to vows, we talk to those who make big days, extraspecial
RUPERT & VICTORIA LEGGE HAMSWELL HOUSE
07710 727773; www.hamswellhouse.co.uk
Talk us through just what makes Hamswell House so lovely for weddings
Hamswell is a private estate with the backdrop of an historic house, fabulous gardens and mind-blowing views. We only hold one marquee wedding per weekend, so the place is exclusively yours and you have the day before to set-up. You can make your wedding truly bespoke.
What’s on trend at the moment?
Couples love outdoor ceremonies and for good reason. At Hamswell House, we have two fantastic locations to host them: outside our beautiful 18th century orangery or under the boughs of a magnificent 400-year-old lime tree. Both are amazing places to tie the knot.
How have weddings changed in the last few years?
Modern marquees offer the most wonderful indooroutdoor space perfect for a wedding. No one wants to be cooped up in a function room for ten hours.
What’s the best bit of advice you could give a couple? Get on and book the venue. After that, the rest will fall into place. Also check the charges for drink. The average consumption at a wedding is two bottles a head. At Hamswell, we do not charge corkage so you are free to bring your own champagne and drink without any charge saving you a small fortune.
JENNIFER MAXTED & CASSIE STEWART
THE MANOR HOUSE 01249 782206; www.exclusive.co.uk/the-manor-house
What is it that makes The Manor House a lovely choice? Who doesn’t want to get married in England’s prettiest village!? We’re in the stunning village of Castle Combe, with a fairytale-like 14th century manor house complete with babbling Bybrook river running through the grounds. Offering stunning indoor and outdoor weddings with a pavilion, Italian gardens, mews cottages and the option to take the whole place over with exclusive use.
What’s the best bit of advice you could give to a couple? It sounds obvious, but remember the day is about the two of you and your love! Do exactly what you want.
What’s on trend at the moment?
White and green florals, from rustic beautiful urns with flowers trailing down the sides to little bud vases with a sprinkling of wild flowers. We’re loving seeing this colour combination as it complements the Manor House in so many ways – the urns provide a fabulous photo opportunity framing the grand wooden entrance and the vases add a sophisticated pop against the original stonework inside our lounges.
What is it that you love about working on weddings? The journey we go on with our couples, meeting them, hearing all about their big day and getting to know their families. We always feel like an honorary family member by the time their wedding comes.
Rupert & Victoria Legge
Jennifer Maxted & Cassie Stewart
What is it that you love about working on weddings?
I love working on weddings because of the strong sense of emotion and joy that pervades every minute of the day. A wedding is an intensely special day – for the bride, the groom, their immediate families and friends. It’s always an honour to be asked to record such a momentous occasion in someone’s life. Capturing these wonderful days as creatively as possible gives me immense pleasure.
What’s on trend at the moment?
Documentary-style candids are my ‘thing’ – capturing genuine unposed moments throughout the wedding. I’m also really into drone photography – aerial shots of the venue and large group photos to deliver an unusual perspective. Also popular is the film-inspired editing, where I create warm, soft tones reminiscent of analogue photography. I love the ‘golden hour’ as the sun sets –and night photography, too. Each of these allows me to make the most of dramatic lighting techniques.
What motivates and inspires you?
That’s easy! I’m motivated by the opportunity to use my creative skills to deliver images that inspire awe in my clients – even reducing them to tears of joy! It’s a privilege that, through my art, I’m able to evoke such strong and meaningful emotion. To take their breath away - means that I’ve been successful in capturing the essence of their special day.
SIMON TAYLOR-RICHARDS BUFFALO
01225 585586; www.buffalotipi.com
What do Buffalo specialise in?
We deliver exceptional outdoor weddings in our Nordic tipis and Sailcloth marquees. Along with hiring our tents and furnishings, we specialise in providing a comprehensive planning service that brings in other amazing suppliers and a lot of experience.
What is it that you love about working on weddings?
The best part about creating weddings is experiencing the rollercoaster of emotions with our clients. We’re often the first to arrive and the last to leave, sharing in the anticipation, excitement, and joy of the big day. On a more practical note, we love weddings because they are usually meticulously planned…and we love meticulous plans!
NICOLE DIAS
BARN TO BOUQUET 07969 254667; www.barntobouquet.co.uk
What are the elements that you love about working on weddings?
Being part of a couple’s love story and translating their vision into beautiful floral arrangements that complement their love story. Weddings allow me to be creative and design arrangements that are unique to each couple. From classic and elegant to playful and whimsical.
How would you describe your signature style?
My floral arrangements are known for their romantic and timeless feel. I love using soft colour palettes and delicate textures to create a sense of effortless beauty. Sustainability and celebrating the changing seasons are at the heart of my floral philosophy. I use locally-sourced blooms whenever possible, working with the natural textures and colours of each season to create unique and ecofriendly arrangements.
What motivates and inspires you?
Witnessing a couple’s floral vision transform into breathtaking reality is incredibly inspiring. Turning their dreams and emotions into tangible beauty, and seeing their faces light up with joy, is the ultimate reward. Knowing my work plays a part in creating their dream wedding experience fuels my passion.
MATTHEW MIDDLER
BATH AND NORTH EAST SOMERSET REGISTRATION SERVICE 01225 477234; www.beta.bathnes.gov.uk/ marriages-and-civil-partnerships
What is it that you love about working on weddings? I love being able to create a special ceremony for each couple. The fact that each wedding is different, and each couple choose to celebrate in unique and wonderful ways makes my job a joy every day. Bath & North East Somerset Registration Service encourages our couples to personalise their ceremony, including how they met, personal vows and inviting family and friends to be part of the celebration.
If someone announced they were getting married,
To find a venue. f your garden isn’t big enough, we know some excellent marquee venues in and around Bath that we can recommend. The second thing would be to get in touch with us! We can arrange to meet you at your chosen venue, do some practical checks and begin drawing up some initial quotes
The only real challenge we face is the weather. If planned properly, everything else is controllable.
Matthew Middler
How and why did you get involved in the wedding industry? Coming from a background in customer service, working in luxury hotels and cruise ships, I knew I enjoyed working with the public, so becoming a celebrant registrar was the perfect fit for me. To be able to celebrate one of life’s biggest occasions with couples has become a true passion of mine.
What is it you do that makes you different to your competitors?
As a celebrant registrar, I have the honour of being able to legally marry couples in personal and meaningful ceremonies. At the heart of everything we do is our couples and what they want for their day. During the year, as a service we proudly hold over 1,500 ceremonies at stunning wedding venues across the county and Bath Guildhall working with a highly trained team, who all have the same passion as me.
Darius Jéan
Nicole Dias
Simon Taylor-Richards
Situated in the Cotswold Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty near Bath
The romantic orangery and gardens of award-winning Hamswell House make the ultimate setting for your wedding.
You will be surrounded by 50 acres of gardens and private land with breath-taking panoramic views over the Hamswell valley.
Yours will be the only marquee wedding held that weekend, so it is truly, exclusively yours. And you will have access to the marquee the day before for set-up and styling. No corkage charge.
Lydia Tewkesbury experiences a summer evening at the Thermae Spa and is utterly enchanted
As luck would have it – we’re at the Thermae Spa to try out the Twilight package, a two hour session followed by a light supper in the café, on one of those gloriously sunny end of June days. So of course we’re racing up to the rooftop pool first. his is the spa’s crowning glory, which sits atop its classic Georgian exterior in a shining glass and metal cube. Even though I knew the water at the aptly named ‘Thermae’ Spa famously emerges from the spring naturally at 45 degrees, I have jumped into enough freezing outdoor pools that I reflexively braced for the chill. here is none. The water is like stepping into a warm embrace. We doggy paddled around the sunlight-dappled pool and stuck lazily to its edges, chins propped on palms, catching up and taking in the awesome views across the city, brought into full honey coloured effect by golden hour. Lounging at perfect bathing temperature, you can’t help but imagine the mineral-packed water doing its work, healing whatever ails you. Magical Roman lore aside, even if all it can really do is alleviate stress, it’s enough.
The Thermae Spa certainly is living up to its reputation, and the £55-a-head Twilight package is a great opportunity to explore the luxuries on offer. e reluctantly
CLOCKWISEFROMFARLEFT: The beautiful rooftop views of the Thermae Spa; food is part of the Twilight Package; the warm waters of the lower pool inside the building; the waters are reputed to have healing qualities
remove ourselves from gazing out over Bath’s sparkling skyline, and make our way down the twisting staircase to the lower pool – also deliciously warm – which boasts a jacuzzi surrounded by a whirlpool, so when you’ve finished soothing aching bones amongst the bubbles you can lie back and drift around like a fallen leaf in a river.
If I have one complaint it’s only that I got greedy and two hours didn’t feel like enough. Time quickly started to run short, so we made our way to the Wellness Suite, which is where the spa really sings. We dived straight into the Roman-inspired steam room, which features hand-crafted stone seating (just like the Romans used) and a dramatic mosaic of Sulis Minerva, the Roman Goddess of health, wisdom and, in modern parlance, ‘treat yourself’ vibes. Stepping inside, you’re enveloped by a scent somewhere between rainforest and field of daisies, another relic of the Roman era, when herbs and botanicals –prized for their antiseptic and healing powers – were also used to disguise the scent of all those sweaty bodies.
“In modern parlance, it’s ‘treatvibes”yourself’
Relaxation Room, inspired by the legacy of Bath’s favourite astronomer siblings, William and Caroline Herschel. It was pretty much full for the duration of our visit, but lying back on the heated loungers is meant to be like lying beneath the stars, which probably accounts for the room’s popularity. Instead we made for the sauna, where we sweat it out for as long as we could before venturing into the ice room to finish. glowing white space with a large basin of ice at its centre, what sets the ice room apart is the fog inside of it. You can hardly see your hand in front of your face – or other spa-goers, for that matter –in the thick mist of it. We didn’t luxuriate so much as stumble through the fog, but it brought on a fit of giggles and, once we found our way to the sink of ice and pressed hungry handfuls of it to our red cheeks, it was worth it. fter that, we showered off to head to the Springs Cafe for our light supper. The fresh, clean sharing platter of cheese and crackers, followed by a dessert, was the perfect accompaniment to the evening. We sipped on our (included) glasses of wine and agreed: we should really do this more often. n
We took a peek inside the Celestial
For more: www.thermaebathspa.com
PHOTO BY ANDY SHORT
PHOTO
ENTRECONF 2024
BIGGER, BETTER, MORE
A popular virtual conference during Covid, then a smash-hit real-life favourite for 2023, EntreConf – the groundbreaking entrepreneur’s forum – returned this summer at twice the length, with twice the speakers and twice the inspiration
Words by Ben Dawkins
Photos by Jon Craig
Over two rare sunny days during our wettest summer in a hundred years – at least, that’s how it’s currently shaping up, dammit –MediaClash hosted only its second ever ‘real life’ EntreConf at Bristol institution The Watershed. Businesses of all shapes and sizes, and at a myriad di erent stages in their development, descended on the arts and creative tech centre’s cinema and surrounding spaces for a selfproclaimed ‘mind spa’, which mixed academic rigour with entrepreneurial tenacity, hand-on experience with technological insights, and slathered over the top plenty of good oldfashioned inspiration.
Compered by MediaClash’s own Greg Ingham and Steph Dodd, the event hosted, well, a host of worldleading innovators, out-of-the box thinkers, and business leaders from across the southwest, highlighting just what a hotbed of entrepreneurial talent this region really is.
DAY ONE: PROTEINS, PITTAS AND PUFFERFISH
In the cool air-conditioned Cinema , ay ne was kicked o by ick Spicer of Your Eco, who explored a topic relevant to all entrepreneurs – transition. Giving us on honest appraisal of his personal highs and lows, from his career as a military o cer to a few years “acting like a pu erfish with “spray and pray business tactics , ick was most entertaining, while clearly knowing all about overcoming obstacles. His crucial parting advice “ e more bu alo and “run into the storm . Keeping on the theme of transition, next up was Asel Sartbaev of Ensilitech, who has developed ground-breaking vaccine technology with the power to save millions of lives. Delivering her talk with humility and simplicity, thus ensuring every audience member understood the basics of such challenging topics as ‘protein denaturation’, Asel convinced all in attendance that transitions are nothing to be afraid of. Indeed, they force “growth and evolution , and we’d all do well to remember – even
MediaClash CEO Greg Ingham sets the tone and gets things moving
when things are going terribly wrong –that everything’s “just a phase”.
efore the first of many fruitful networking breaks, Steph then announced the EntreConf Awards nominee shortlist, bigging up an event which will foreground and champion entrepreneurial excellence across the region this September.
Full steaming ahead through the rest of EntreConf Day One, we saw two incredibly insightful sessions on funding. Lauren Crawley-Moore of the London Stock Exchange championed the region as being full of nation-leading businesses and exciting prospects, whilst highlighting the range of options available for those wanting to access cash. To further encourage attending entrepreneurs to get out there and source funding was a panel on many of the di erent possible routes, featuring representatives from Link tone dvisory, lake organ, Corporate Finance and FW Capital.
The first key note of the conference came from Harvard alumni Evelyn Welch, now of The University of Bristol. Evelyn is currently overseeing the new landmark Temple Quarter Enterprise Campus, nicknamed ‘Silicon Gorge’, about to spring up near the river and Temple Meads
“YOU HAVE TO HAVE TREMENDOUS SELFBELIEF, BUT AT THE SAME TIME YOU HAVE TO KNOW WHAT YOU’RE NOT GOOD AT”
train station, where the goal is to connect academic excellence with commercial knowledge on a much grander scale than hitherto, helping “students realise the commercial potential of academic ideas”.
The next entry in an ongoing series of Entrepreneur’s Tales came from Gemma McGrattan of Synergy Creative, who focussed on the selling process and the importance of sticking to your strengths – Gemma has never been shy to admit her weaknesses, and encourages all to reflect on where they themselves might most need help.
Lunch time! An opportunity to refuel with a selection of Mediterranean goodies from Bristol’s own Eat a Pitta, providing much needed brain food in prep for the afternoon’s programme.
This wouldn’t have been a business conference in 2024 without discussion of the hot topic du jour – we mean, of course, artificial intelligence or and a triple bill of sessions on Wednesday afternoon got many in the audience thinking critically about when (and if) to employ tools themselves.
And that was day one! The conference broke for dinner at The Harbour Hotel, with EntreConf Awards candidates The Social Shepherd providing further massaging of our minds well into the night.
DAY TWO: SONY, SUSTAINABILITY AND SPACECRAFT
Miracle of miracles, the sun escaped the clouds again for Day Two, and the insights just kept coming.
Another day, another worldchanging entrepreneur – and this time an actual rocket scientist! Evangelos Zympeloudi – whose work with iCOMAT, makers of “the world’s
CLOCKWISE: Joyann Boyce of Inclued AI; Gemma McGrattan of Synergy; Elly Rowley with David Kelly of Storm; Paul V Kelly; Stuart Smith and Emma Millington
aircraft and spacecraft slighter, more e cient, and more sustainable spoke eloquently about the challenges he’s faced, from the precipice of going bust to receiving his first ever T investment. And, all along the route, he credited the mentors who’ve been key to his journey. “I’m learning all the time, and the reality is you have to balance two character traits,” he said. “You have to have tremendous selfbelief, but at the same time you have to know what you’re not good at.”
Next, a hotly anticipated talk from gaming industry titan Phil Harrison, of Google, Microsoft and Sony PlayStation fame, on the tribulations of pitching. A man who’s been pitched to himself thousands of times, Phil ran through the how-tos and mustknows of putting yourself and your ideas forward, which he describes as a “compelling short story backed with excellent data”. Just remember, don’t sing to him!
Keynote time! Andy Salmon of The University of Bath hit us with some thought-provoking facts on the need for a change in how we learn. He implores that there must be places to provide connective tissue, where we can learn flexibly as careers develop.
for micro-businesses, aims to do just that. Joined by his two friends, Jessica and Mathilde, both residents at The Studio, we got to understand just how important this ‘tissue’ can be in connecting emerging talent with the right people and knowledge they need for great ideas to flourish.
After another round of delicious falafel bowls, Cinema 1 began to fill to the brim for none other than Charlie Bigham, of the eponymous posh ready meals business, an idea which had its origins in – of all places – a camper van somewhere between Iran and Pakistan. Enlightening all in attendance with his tips on both scaling a business whilst maintaining ethical values, and on pairing wine
“I’M LEARNING ALL THE TIME, AND THE REALITY IS YOU HAVE TO BALANCE TWO CHARACTER TRAITS”
with paella, Charlie shared with us his eco-elevator pitch on making sustainable choices – when asked why he avoids plastic packaging or uses renewable energy, he answered simply, “because we can”.
For those that hadn’t yet caught the incredible 3D model on display in the networking areas, it was now time to hear all about The Arc, a phenomenal feat of architecture which will provide city wide benefit for Bristol. Led by Nick Stubbs, and an idea over a decade in the making, The rc is a city first observation attraction – basically a peoplecarrying pod suspended between two super tall carbon fibre masts, which lies flat against the ground when not in use set for take o in February 2027. Now with planning permission, and bringing real thrills to the Harbourside, The Arc will not only get people gasping, but help residents and visitors alike learn more about the city.
Alongside more Rocky Road, courtesy of Edgie Eats, two excellent panels provided nourishment throughout Thursday afternoon, covering “bounce-backability” and scaling up, respectively – a range of perspectives gave actionable advice to
Allowing Steph and Greg some time away from the spotlight, Elly Rowley of NatWest returned, alongside renowned business coach and self-professed ‘wall-hugger’ Olly Reid and his mentee Fran Lucraft of Grace and Green, specialists in ethical period products. Their honest and amusing reflections on the anxiety of networking got the crowd laughing and gave su cient lubrication for further connections to be made.
ounding things o with a triumphant finale, we had ick ounsfield of ristol s The Wave on his plans to revitalise the way we live in the UK. After overcoming such adversities as su ering two strokes in his thirties, Nick has become inspired by the globe’s many ‘blue zones’, where people live longer, happier, healthier lives. He now wants to bring the benefits of proximity to the water to our homes, streets, and neighbourhoods. Despite laughs from the crowd, Nick is steadfast in his vision that this isn’t a crazy idea.
nd that s a wrap sharp finish as the clock struck 5pm for an after party to watch England vs Denmark in the hay-bale laden Undershed. A disappointing England performance – certainly belying what was to later to come – wasn’t enough to put a damper on the stimulating two-day extravaganza that was EntreConf 2024. New connections were built, experiences shared and ideas incubated – and we’re sure to see a fair few more success stories born out of the many ‘entre-conversations’ we witnessed during the event.
For more on all things EntreConf, go to: www.entreconf.com
WANT MORE? Of course you do!
EntreConf Awards 2024
The South West’s hottest business awards; 26 September, Aerospace Bristol
EntreConf GO
A new series of conferences for young entrepreneurs (16-25 year olds enter free)
13 November, Engine Shed, Bristol from 1:30pm
19 November, Komedia, Bath from 1:30pm avoid burnout, keep true to purpose, and make working with family members – not something everyone relishes – a pleasure, not a chore.
CLOCKWISE: David Goodall of FW Capital with the funding panel; Zoë Stephenson; Dr Margaret Heffernan; Martin Cook
NEW OUTFIT
Albaray, the womenswear fashion brand, recently opened a retail store on New Bond Street; this is its second outlet, the first being in hichester. The 1200 sq. ft store, which stocks the entire Albaray collection, demonstrated its continued commitment to operating more sustainably when setting up by working with the Jungle Fit collective, an award-winning commercial store fitout company that prioritises people and the planet, including a carbon-neutral approach and using eco friendly materials such as oat paint.
Kirstie Di Stazio, co-founder & chief commercial o cer, says, “ lbaray celebrated its 3rd anniversary in March, and being able to open our second store highlights the significant progress the brand is making. Growing our store portfolio is a key ambition, and we are thrilled to have opened in such a popular and historic city.”
For more: www.albaray.co.uk
BETTER HAUL, SAUL!
Dreweatts has been appointed to sell the private archive of Roger Saul, the creator of handbag specialist Mulberry. The collection will include early and never before seen design samples, personal memorabilia, as well as classics from across the Mulberry range.
Just a few highlights of the sale happening on 7 August include a Mulberry chestnut girthgrain leather holdall designed by Roger in 1975, which then went on to become known as the original ‘IT bag’ in 2001, thanks to the model Gisele Bundchen taking a shine to it at a fashion show and declaring, “This is mine!” There are also accessories, luggage, interiors, clothing, antiques, and many oneo s that never made the cut, usually because they were just too expensive to make to bring to market commercially.
Roger, who founded Mulberry back in 1971 at his kitchen table in Somerset and is now owner of the organic farm Sharpham Park, says, “As we sorted through, it was sobering and magical to reflect that we have been lucky enough to live through 50 years of the most exciting and rapidly changing eras of time.”
For more: www.dreweatts.com
ON THE UP
SCOTT EANES AND JAMIE MILLER, OF THE BATH-BASED HOLIDAY LET COMPANY CLEAN BREAK, have allocated a portion of their business to the conservation outfit The Hawksbill Project. They founded the project in 2022, as hawksbill sea turtles are one of seven global species of sea turtle listed as endangered by the IUCN. Their commitment recently saw Scott win the CHAMPIONS AWARD, given annually by the International Sea Turtle Society for “carrying out outstanding work towards the research and conservation of sea turtles”. www.cleanbreakproperties.com
ASSOCIATE ZARA JORDAN HAS JOINED STONE KING’S FAMILY and mediation team in Bath, bringing with her a wealth of experience from both her legal and banking careers. Zara advises on a broad range of private family law matters, including divorce, division of financial assets upon separation and children arrangements. www.stoneking.co.uk
RUTH HOOPER, WHO HAS WORKED FOR DESIGNABILITY (formerly the Bath Institute of Medical Engineering) since 1973, recently received the prestigious Mayor’s Long Service Medal, presented by The Mayor of Bath, Councillor Dine Romero. As the charity’s Trust and Foundations fundraiser, Ruth helps to secure income for Designability to fund its various projects, including the flagship Wizzybug Loan Scheme and its research into making Electric Vehicle (EV) charging facilities more accessible. www.designability.org.uk
DEREK SWIFT, A DIRECTOR AND FOUNDER OF RICHARDSON SWIFT, has announced his retirement after four decades of advising businesses and families. He will be locking away his calculator at the end of July and moving to Ireland for a change of pace. His retirement will coincide with the 15th anniversary of the company, which he originally co-founded with Mike Richardson. www.richardsonswift.co.uk
Zara Jordan
Derek Swift
Ruth Hooper, second from left, has worked for Designability since 1973
Scott Eanes
Albaray is committed to sustainability
Roger Saul is auctioning off some of his private Mulberry pieces
The original IT bag
The collection includes Mulberry one-offs
2024
CHARITY WINNER
SPONSORED
BY
We Get It is a local support charity for anyone a ected by cancer; any age, any gender, any cancer. Here, founder and chair of trustees Laura Phillips shares what winning a Bath Life Award means for the mostly volunteer team.
Have you entered the Awards before? es, we were finalists for the harity of the ear award in 2020, 2021 and 2022 – so it was fourth time lucky!
What did you enjoy about the evening at the Bath Pavilion?
The Bath Life Awards are always glamorous; the venue looked spectacular, and Lizzie and I made the most of the atmosphere from the moment we walked in, and we were handed a glass of
fi . The food, the drink, and the company were all excellent. But what was so special was hearing about the amazing businesses and charities all operating in or around Bath. It made us realise what an incredibly creative, innovative and caring community we live in.
What does the win mean for your team?
The We Get It team is made up largely from passionate volunteers who give up their time generously – so this award is massive encouragement and motivation, and a reminder that the work we are doing is needed and appreciated. t also helps raise our profile to enable us to support more and more people a ected by cancer. We want to make sure no one is alone during or after cancer treatment.
Might we see you again next year? es, definitely. We ll be holding the trength in Style Fashion Show again this September, so we’re likely to enter the ‘Event of the Year’ award again next year.
For more: www.bathlifeawards.co.uk | www.wegetit.org.uk
Bath Life Network Lunch with Laurence Beere, The Queensberry Hotel; www.mediaclash.co.uk
26 SEPTEMBER EntreConf Awards; www.entreconf.com
8 NOVEMBER Bath Property Awards; www.bathpropertyawards.co.uk
12 NOVEMBER
Bath Life Network Lunch with Tom Ross, The Pig Hotel; www.mediaclash.co.uk
19 NOVEMBER EntreConf GO; www.entreconf.com
BETTER SELF(IE)
One of the UK’s oldest charities, St John’s Foundation, has been named as SouthGate Bath’s summer charity partner. The centre is supporting St John’s via an interactive selfie station located at outh ate Place, where visitors will be able to snap a picture sat on a bench in the shape of t ohn s logo beneath a floral arch, with the option to make a donation to the charity.
Founded in 1174, the charity has played a vital role across Bath and North East Somerset and, on average, helps more than 3,500 individuals every year by providing housing, activities, and outreach services.
David Hobdey, CEO at St John’s Foundation says, “We are thrilled to partner with SouthGate Bath as their charity partner, especially in our 850th year. This collaboration is a wonderful opportunity to engage the community and raise vital funds to support our mission.”
For more: www.southgatebath.com | www.stjohnsbath.org.uk
We Get It founder Laura Phillips, with director of marketing and business development Lizzie Heffer
Entries are open now for the Bath Property Awards
Take a selfie and donate at SouthGate
TINE STAPELFELDT AND JAMILLAH BOOTY CAREER PATH
The creators of the low-alcohol Cordiality on friendship, being fierce, and on founding a new way of drinking
Tine tapelfeldt and amillah ooty are two friends from ath who got together to create an exceptional new drink, ordiality. t s an alcoholic low calorie cordial made in the West ountry with all natural botanicals, that can be en oyed as a sprit er, a hard selt er, or on the rocks.
Tine, who is originally from enmark, has worked in the fashion industry for years and is also an actor. amillah is a creative director at the international agency irabelle and had previously worked as a travel ournalist when living in the aribbean. ere they tell us a little more about themselves and the inspiration behind ordiality
How and when did you meet and then become friends? everal years ago at a eorge haw exhibition at the olburne. We soon realised that the same things made us
laugh we are both easy going but we are also both very driven.
How did the friendship grow?
We have groups of friends who cross orbits, children of similar ages, so it was ust a matter of time for a group of us girls to find each other.
Tine then came to am s ad s wake. amillah is partly rish and her dad expected her to hold him a very celebratory wake: karaoke in the basement and toasting to family and life. o, our friendship was solidified in grief and in happiness. n friendship and support.
When did you get the idea to go into business together?
ust after lockdown. n many ways we were at a transition in our lives. ur children were getting older, we were rediscovering ourselves, our choices, likes, dislikes. amillah was going into perimenopause and felt the desire to live healthier to help cope with the physical and mental pressures and changes you go through. We decided
we wanted a healthier, lower alcohol way to drink that wasn t sugar filled and used quality natural produce, and that was how ordiality began.
How did it evolve from idea to actually being?
We did our research. ard selt ers were low calorie and low alcohol but generally came in a can with no way to ad ust the taste if you wanted it stronger or weaker. o, we turned the idea on its head and started with what flavours we wanted to try ourselves and to have that as the main show .
What were the early days like? They were the best days t was so exciting to take a completely fresh concept and begin to mould it into how we d envisioned it in our mind s eye. To create the flavours, to develop the designs and definitely to laugh a lot along the way
What have been particular high moments?
pening the stock in the warehouse for the first time was a ma or high. Every order is still a delight. Every person who says, This is what was looking for everyone who tries it and goes, Wow That is really, really good getting out first online sale those are all the highs.
Has it been tough at times?
There are three of us who work on ordiality, and we are all working mums with other full time obs. We put everything we have into this our time, our money and still need to deliver in our daily lives and obs. ometimes that can be a lot.
Tell us a little about Cordiality’s third team member
We couldn t have done any of this without our other partner, our head of operations and design, armen ophia ong. he is, in a word, brilliant, and she s a genius creative.
How have you developed professionally and personally over the years?
think we have learned to embrace our age, the wisdom and confidence
“IT’S QUITE SPECIAL, ALWAYS HAVING SOMEONE WHO HAS YOUR BACK”
that comes with it. Fierce women getting fiercer We ve learnt to be kinder to ourselves and to treasure what we have right now.
How has been in business together affected your friendship?
We ve upped the kindness, patience and trust levels. o, we are far closer. t s quite special, actually, always having someone who has your back.
How might you describe your key clientele?
nitially we would have said our key clientele are women, like us, illennials and en ers. Women who are looking to achieve a healthier lifestyle but who still want the fun that is their right to have. owever, we have realised that ordiality is for any person looking for a fresh, healthier way to en oy alcohol.
How does being Bath-based help your business?
ur first range of flavours has been inspired by the kitchen gardens, the orchards and the wild brambles of the West ountry all the delicious and quality produce on our doorstep. lso, the fact that ath is filled with creative and innovative people that have helped us along this path.
Any developments in the pipeline for Cordiality?
We are launching in arbados and the West ndies soon. lus, we have new flavours dropping in early .
For more: www.yourcordiality.com
PROPERTY
PLACES TO LIVE, WORK AND PLAY
GRAND DESIGNS
Four local projects were among the ten winners at the RIBA South West Awards 2024. The awards, which have run since 1966, celebrate restoration and environmental design, looking in particular at historic buildings that have been meticulously preserved and enhanced.
The four winning schemes from our area are:
1 Bath Abbey Footprint Project by Feilden Clegg Bradley Studios – repair, conservation work and the creation of assorted much-needed new facilities.
2 Claremont Road by James Grayley Architects – a compact new house set around two courtyards.
3 Matter Studios by Stonewood Design an open, welcoming, flexible studio that supports, frames, and shapes how the company actually works.
4 Wraxall Yard by Clementine Blakemore Architects – a sensitively restored dairy farm o ering holiday accommodation, a community
space, and an educational smallholding.
RIBA President Muyiwa Oki says, “This year’s RIBA Award winning schemes showcase the true value of quality architecture, and the positive impact it has on people’s lives. While carefully considering the needs of the environment, these truly remarkable places and spaces deliver for communities, for residents, for visitors, and people of all ages up and down the country. They are pinnacles of design excellence, and show ust what can be achieved when architects and their clients collaborate successfully.”
RIBA South West Award 2024 winners, which also included House for a Violinist by Klas Hyllén Architecture and Jubilee Pool Lido by Scott Whitby Studio, Webb Yates Engineers and PT Projects, are now being considered for a highly coveted RIBA National Award in recognition of their architectural excellence, which will be announced shortly. For more: www.architecture.com
RIBA
Matter Studios
Claremont Road
Wraxall Yard
Bath Abbey Footprint Project
Holiday rental UP ON THE ROOF
It has been a mobile phone shop, an estate agents, a skate shop and student digs, but now St Paul’s House in the heart of the city is a high end let, complete with roof terrace. Over two years of meticulous restoration and renovation have transformed this property into afive bedroom, three bathroom haven with a hot tub on the roof.
wner amie arrow says, “Eco conscious travellers and visitors will appreciate the sustainable features, includingan air source heat pump powered by renewable energy, eliminating the need forgas. Renovations prioritisedrecycled materials and eco friendly alternativeslike imecrete, lime plaster, and recycled wood fibre insulation. atural orrecycled flooring enhances the property s green appeal.
For more: www.stpaulshousebath.com
Promotion CAREER BUILDING
Knight Frank’s Bath residential sales team has promoted sales associate Sam Daniels to the role of partner.Sam started out in the property business in 2013 and joined Knight Frank in 2018 as a senior sales negotiator.Now as partner, am will continue to head up city sales in the ath o ce, remaining focussed on delivering for his clients alongside o ce head harlie Taylor.
am says, “This achievement signifies not only personal success but is also a testament to the collaborative ethos and guidance received. This is something I am extremely proud of; it is a big personal move for me, and a goal that would have never been achievable without the mentorship from my friends, family and colleagues within the firm.
For more: www.knightfrank.co.uk
Bath Property Awards THIS WAY TO ENTER
Rengen House recently hosted the launch of the Bath Property Awards 2024, which is headline sponsored by oofing.
The ath roperty Awards will return to pex ity of ath on 8 November with nominations now open. There are five new categories in addition to the existing ones, which include Agency Independent, Agency Scale, Kitchens, Partnerships and Property Agent Individual.
For more: www. bathpropertyawards.co.uk
Sam Daniels is now a partner at Knight Frank
The building took two years to renovate
The spectacular views from the roof of St Paul’s House
Steph Dodd of MediaClash with Finn Miles from S&J Roofing
PHOTO BY PETE HELME PHOTOGRAPHY
PHOTO BY PETE HELME PHOTOGRAPHY
YORK’S LANE
It’s a modern love in the wilds of the Mendip Hills
By Elsie Chadwick
This incredible modernist home, set in Somerset’s idyllic Mendip Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, was originally designed by the acclaimed architect Ray Moxley in the 1960s, and later extended by Robert and Tim Organ. In recent years, the house has been subject to a major renovation by the current owners, including a sympathetic restoration of the house’s architectural features; the interior remains a showcase of mid-century features and period detailing.
Comprising the main single-storey house and a twobedroom stone cottage, the total living space extends to over 3,200 sq ft and could be utilised as either one or two houses. Beautifully landscaped internal courtyards and surrounding gardens of around half an acre create a harmonious equilibrium between the architecture and its rural surroundings. While the location is incredibly private and secluded, the house lies just two miles from the attractive village of Chewton Mendip and four miles from Wells, with Bath, Bruton, Frome and Mells also reachable in around 30 minutes by car.
The location feels incredibly quiet and secluded, tucked away along a quiet country lane opposite woodland on the Waldegrave Estate. A winding private driveway leads to the primary entrance, which is set discreetly on the westerly side.
The main house, constructed of timber frame, concrete block and stone, consists largely of a
“Glass doors provide natural light, as well as calming views plants,oftrees, and water”
rectangular structure with floor to ceiling gla ing.
A beautifully light entrance hall leads through to a distinct tetradecagon-shaped garden room to the immediate right. This is a wonderfully warm pocket of the house: a naturally inviting space to sit and read, enjoy music, or simply contemplate the light and space. trategically placed ribbons of gla ing frame key views of the woodland, and a wonderful quality of light filters in from di erent angles at various points of the day.
To the left of the entrance hall is a quiet sleeping area with a private en suite bathroom, ideally reconfigured to provide a private resting space for guests, set independently from the rest of the house. Glass doors provide natural light, as well as calming views of plants, trees and water, and open up the space, allowing an easy flow onto the courtyard gardens.
The dining room connects the westerly wing of the house to the spectacular central living areas, the open plan living space elegantly cantilevering over the hillside. Glass walls invite striking natural light into the space while framing breathtaking snapshots of layerupon-layer of woodland.
Designed to be versatile in its layout and adaptable to season, mood, and occasion, the room is defined by free standing furniture pieces which a ord more appropriate, flexible divisions of space than the permanence of walls or corridors. In winter months, the room is reconfigured towards a large wood burning stove set upon a cast concrete plinth, which
transforms the room into a comforting, cosy retreat.
he new kitchen feels perfectly in keeping with the mid century interior aesthetic while retaining a generous provision of space for cooking and food preparation. he clean lines of bespoke cabinetry create plenty of storage and neatly conceal the various appliances.
ucked into the north easterly corner, the main bedroom is an incredibly quiet and peaceful room, with an en suite bathroom and generous walk in wardrobe. he third bedroom lies adjacent, with leafy views across the gardens and over treetops.
he original cottage is connected by an adjoining internal staircase, which can be closed for privacy via a doorway on both sides. uilt of stone and concrete block, the house dates to the 00s and the interior has been sensitively updated while retaining many of the charming original features such as flagstone floors and stone fireplaces. wood burner is positioned in the central living space, forming a natural division from the dining room, where timber framed glass doors lead out to the private terrace and gardens. he kitchen is also positioned at ground level. scending the original staircase, two bedrooms and a
bathroom extend the first floor and have lovely views. he cottage is heated by an independent air source heat pump, and has a private garden primarily laid to lawn. It currently offers a good annual income as a holiday let.
he south east facing house is surrounded by gardens, some of which are sloped and some of which are level. estored to impressive effect, the terrace and internal courtyard design, and the choice of plantings, reflect the features of modernist architecture and are oriented in part around a rectilinear pond, which refracts the sunlight and moonlight. Seating areas have been thoughtfully placed to enjoy the sensory joys of the natural surroundings, while the sound of flowing water adds to the naturally peaceful environment. ndulating lawns to the front of the house attract a great diversity of local wildlife. double garage at the entrance to the main house, and another double garage beside the cottage, offer plenty of private parking, and there is also a useful store for wood and gardening tools.
For more: www.themodernhouse.com
• Sash Window Restoration & draught proofing
• Premium painting & decorating, wallpapering
• Wet rooms & bathrooms full refurbishment
• Bespoke hand painted kitchens
• Plastering, carpentry, tiling
SPONSORS AND TABLES
• Connect with leading Bath property businesses, across all sectors
• Bene t from a multiple channel marketing campaign, reaching thousands
• Stand out amongst your peers at this prestigious, unique event For details: bathlife@mediaclash.co.uk CURRENT SPONSORS:
WINNER OF WINNERS SPONSOR:
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 products. fferings include natural stone and timber flooring, verhot ange Cookers, as well as porcelain and decorative tiles. Providing exceptional installation and restoration services, oniti pride 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 50 years, ile loor has been synonymous with the supply of a range of top tier design led materials and professional installation services. ur commitment to quality has forged enduring relationships with discerning homeowners overseeing their personal projects, as well as with design and construction professionals serving the property industry. xciting news e are now also conveniently located at Chippenham . Tel: 01225 310561; www.tileandfloor.co.uk
CLAIR STRONG INTERIOR DESIGN
Clair Strong Interior esign is a boutique, creative company based in ath, providing a wide range of services for both residential and commercial clients. er portfolio of projects includes the design, project coordination and sourcing for some of ath’s most beautiful residences, as well as hotels, sports clubs, o ces and other commercial venues. Contact Clair on 07855 797311 or 01225 426905; www.clairstrong.co.uk
BATH KITCHEN COMPANY
ased in the heart of ath and specialising in bespoke, handmade kitchens, ath itchen Company become personally invested in every kitchen they design and build. It’s about attention to detail at every stage – creating a beautiful space that enhances the way you live. 7-9 North Parade Buildings, Bath BA1 1NS; Tel: 01225 312003 www.bathkitchencompany.co.uk
WOOLF INTERIOR ARCHITECTURE &
DESIGN create unique, client-focused contemporary and traditional interiors, valued for their individual, beautifully tailored characterful design. ith 25 years of expertise delivering space planning, detailed design, procurement, art curation and project management. n award winning practice with studios in ath ondon, are accredited designers of historic, period, listed houses and hotels. Tel 01225 445670; woolfinterior.com
NEXUS OF BATH is a Bath based family business specialising in painting and decorating, plastering, tiling, sash window restoration and other property restoration. Nexus have built a reputation for the highest standards of workmanship with experience across a range of projects from listed buildings through to new builds, with a complete commitment to customer service and health and safety Tel: 01225 300414; www.nexusofbath.co.uk
MENDIP FIREPLACES BATH
ath’s leading fireplace, wood burner, gas fire, chimney and flue specialist. rom classic to contemporary, concept to completion, their team of experts can work with you to achieve your perfect interior. rands include Chesney’s, arbas elfires, wam, Stuv and etmaster. et in touch or visit the showroom. Mendip Fireplaces, Monkton Combe, Bath BA2 7HD; info@mendipfireplacesbath.co.uk; Tel: 01225 722706; www.mendipfireplacesbath.co.uk
BROADLEAF
roadleaf are the ’s leading manufacturer and retailer of beautiful wood flooring, with a unique and unrivalled range of solid and engineered plank and parquet. pen since 2022 their extensive ath showroom showcases the complete collection. Visit their expert, friendly team to find inspiration, discuss your project and pick up samples. 134 – 136 Walcot St; 01225 463464; www.broadleaftimber.com
PERFECT ROOMS
riginally from Perth in Scotland, Perfect ooms owner, Sue, is a creative interior designer by heart with an enviable eye for detail. Passionate about creating new schemes that are designed to impress, she has a portfolio of clients up and down the country that cannot speak highly enough of her incredible work. o arrange a consultation for interior design services, do not hesitate to get in touch.
Tel: 01249 716445; www.perfectrooms.co.uk
PAULA JASMINE JAMES
The singer songwriter on her love of teaching, touring, and horses
Paula Jasmine James is a singer, songwriter, musician and educator who also runs a company called Learn Music with MEE Music Education and Entertainment, delivering vocal coaching, piano lessons and songwriting workshops to those age 6 – 21. She also acts as a vocal coach to smaller artists around the world, with clients scattered from Melbourne to Nashville. Her current release, Who Do You Wanna Be, can be listened to on all the streaming platforms, as well as YouTube.
The first thing I remember composing was a song that I sang and played at my grandfather’s funeral when I was about eight or nine years old.
For my A levels I took science subjects, as the plan was to become a vet. Life had a di erent plan and ended up studying jazz as a singer. At the age of 19 I found myself touring Europe with a jazz quartet. We
played in Germany, Slovakia, Belgium, Netherlands and France, and I was their singer.
I have played the flute and the piano from the ages of eight until I was 16. I also played accordion, and these days I am learning the bass guitar.
I adore horses. As a teenager I wanted to be an equestrian show jumper, but a nasty car crash in my s meant that definitely wouldn’t ever be able to do that.
I had to be a good student to be allowed riding horses, and all I cared about back then was the horses and my music lessons. Actually, it’s all I care about now!
I used to teach horse riding on Hayling Island, near Portsmouth, and a friend who worked there with me was from around here and her parents had a house in Wiltshire. We came to visit them a few times, then I saw Bath. That was it. I loved it immediately.
I finished my Masters in Songwriting at Bath Spa University, and then did a PGCE. Both courses have given me a fantastic perspective and tools to continue my music endeavour as a performer, writer and as an educator. I am also lucky to be teaching some extremely talented and dedicated young people.
The worst job I had was when I was a supervisor in a place where they were producing contact lenses. It was horrid night shifts in a bad light – after a while everyone needed the lenses!
I feel very proud and accountable for producing young musicians and singers. Many of them went on to have fantastic results, but results are not the main driver for me.
I always say to my students that, if in a moment of sadness, grief, confusion or when you’re feeling lost or heartbroken, you turn towards music to find your peace, then I am the most successful music educator in the world.
The older I get the more I care about my health – it is our most prized possession. My body goes
“When people talk to me I harmonise in my head to the melody of their speech”
through unbelievable amounts of stress and strain so I am always trying to help it when I can.
Being a musician is a lonely path. Hundreds of hours in solitude, writing, composing, arranging, recording, and it often means you are away. I don’t have any family of my own as I have never had time for it and I have always been honest with myself about that.
When people talk to me
I harmonise in my head to the melody of their speech. There is always so much noise in my head that I try to release it.
My plans are to get back to touring properly and to play some festivals. I am also planning to expand my vocal workshops.
I have at least five albums that are spinning in my head. They all need to be put down on paper then recorded and published.
I don’t really have regrets. But maybe, very rarely, when my bank account is low I think I should have been a vet!
