AT YOUR SERVICE

WE MEET ONE WARWICK PARK HOTEL’S NEW RESTAURANT DIRECTOR LUIS ALVES

EDUCATION Making the grade

Our expert schools special has all the info parents and pupils need to know

BUSINESS Shape of the future

How local independent aesthetic companies are leading a beauty revolution

CULTURE Just for laughs

about

Welcome to your February edition of SO magazine.

This month we have a bumper issue for you to enjoy. Our cover feature is all about the appointment of Luis Alves, the new Restaurant Manager at One Warwick Park Hotel, who has recently taken on the role and is looking forward to taking the establishment’s Brasserie to another epicurean level. He tells us about his culinary vision which will see the restaurant extend its service into the evenings and offer guests a ‘taste of the Mediterranean’ courtesy of the delicious new menu Luis and his team are currently curating (p11). Elsewhere we talk to comedian Zoe Lyons ahead of her appearance at Trinity Theatre later this month (p23) about her new show Bald Ambition and discover how a series of personal traumas including losing her hair during lockdown has shaped her current material.

We also meet Dylan Miles, who has just opened his incredible classic car showroom right in the heart of Tunbridge Wells. Turn to page 24 to find out more about the history

6 of the building, where comedian and actor Steve Coogan cut the ribbon at the recent launch party.

If you’re looking for a prep or senior school for your child, then we have all the information you’ll need about open days, admissions, academia and extra-curricular activities within the pages of our education special, which starts on page 29 with an exclusive interview with Claremont’s new Principal Severine Collins.

And if you’re already thinking about getting beach body ready for summer, you might want to turn to page 46 where we have an interview with local aesthetician Celeste Savage who carries out some truly impressive fat freezing treatments, while on page 53 Charlotte Newman from Kitch reveals her top three fashion trends for spring/ summer ’23.

With all your favourite contributors, plus ideas for Valentine’s gifting, exotic travel ideas and a fascinating chat with the chef from Kumquat restaurant on The Pantiles, you’ll have plenty to see you through this final month of winter…. Enjoy

Culture vulture: What’s on where this month

ISSUE 172

EDITOR

Eileen Leahy eileen.leahy@onemediauk.co.uk

DESIGN

Xela Stirling

EDITORIAL

Karen Martin

Naomi Murray

Tim Sykes

Molly Miller

PHOTOGRAPHY

David Bartholomew

John Knight

Emily Harding

9

Tuning up: Paul Dunton chats to David Midgen & The Twisted Roots ahead of their album launch

February

11

Taste the difference: We meet One Warwick Park Hotel’s new Restaurant Director Luis Alves

15 Sister act: Find out all about the latest Make It Your Business social event

16 Bright idea: Why you should enter your company into the Times Business Awards

19

Good roasting: TN card members and even flow celebrate their joint third birthday

20

Skin deep: Retreat Aesthetics and HiTech Aesthetics host a joint seminar

46 Body confidence: Celeste Savage of 3D Body Contouring reveals the secrets of her unique treatments’ success

53 Seasonal shift: Charlotte Newman, owner of Kitch on the top three trends for spring/summer ‘23

21

Love where you live: Neil Simmons of TN Recruits tells us where he likes to shop, stroll and socialise

49 Love tokens: TAW’s Natalie Piacun on the best beauty buys for Valetine’s Day

55 Me time: Hypnotherapist Karen Martin advises how to banish boredom

23

Comic endeavour: We meet the talented comedian Zoe Lyons ahead of her Trinity show

24 Wheels in motion: We discover the history behind the new Dylan Miles classic car showroom

51 Clinical approach: Gynaecologist Anne Henderson explains all about her new venture The Amara Clinic

56 Comfort zone: Fitness expert Sarah Gorman discusses the importance of posture

59 Natural selection: Naomi Murray from Botanica Health’s on ways to remedy fatigue

60 Magical magenta: Discover the Pantone Colour of the Year

63 Alfresco success: Gardenproud’s Tim Sykes gives his tips on how to create a stunning outdoor space for summer

64 Out of Africa: Escape to the beautiful country of Kenya

66 Drive time: We test drive the new Range Rover Sport

27 Flower power: The TN card’s Jess Gibson meets Mrs Florist

29 Education special: Some of the best schools in the area offer their academic advice

44 Asia express: Kumquat’s Alex Boyd tells us all about his culinary vision for 2023

FUTURE SOUNDS STABLE SHOWCASE 2023 The Forum

FEBRUARY 8, 13 & 20

The Forum is hosting three nights as part of its Stable Showcase spring session 2023. A host of up exciting bands and artists from across the South East will perform at the famous Tunbridge Wells music venue, following the likes of Oasis, Adele and Coldplay who have all played at The Forum over the last 30 years.

On February 8 the alt rock trio, Civil Villains will be headlining, supported by New World Dreams, SOFT and This Elegant Gull. February 15 sees bands Big Reference, The Steelworks, theillusivefish and The Wot Nots on The Forum’s stage, while on February 20 the mic is handed over to solo artists Ned Holland, Sonny Palmer, Dan summer and Charlie J White.

DID YOU KNOW?

NO BUSINESS LIKE SHOW BUSINESS BROADWAY AND BEYOND Trinity Theatre

FEBRUARY 10

If you enjoy musicals, you will love Broadway and Beyond – an entertaining mix of show tunes from classic New York theatre productions such as Kiss Me Kate,The Music Man, Miss Saigon The Producers and Oklahoma! The eight talented performers will reprise classic musical numbers with their own instruments and singing abilities that will be sure to have you humming (or singing) along! Book tickets at: trinitytheatre.net/ events/broadway-beyond

WINTER WALK SNOWDROP WALK Hever Castle

FEBRUARY 8

Why not take a romantic stroll along the Snowdrop Walk at Hever Castle & Gardens with a special loved one? You’ll be treated to the sight of 115,000 stunning snowdrops scattered throughout the castle grounds, including unusual varieties such as the yellow-tipped ‘Wendy’s Gold’ and green-tipped Galanthus ‘Green Bush’.The Snowdrop Walk is open from February 8 and through the winter, welcoming visitors from across Kent to see the seasonal flowers and visit the Moat Café for a warm drink and a selection of snacks.

Hever castle was the childhood home of Anne Boleyn, the second wife of Tudor king, Henry VIII. She was only queen for 1,000 days before the couple separated and she was famously executed. The castle has been featured in a number of film and TV productions including comedydrama The Great and films The Princess Bride and Inkheart.

CLASSICAL CARNIVAL THE ROYAL TUNBRIDGE WELLS SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA Assembly Hall Theatre FEBRUARY

5

The Royal Tunbridge Wells Symphony Orchestra brings a carnival twist on classical notes as Brazilian music expert, Neil Thomson joins the RTWSO as Guest Conductor to perform Pernambucana by Guerra-Peixe. The concert is guaranteed to bring some sunny tunes and vibrant beats from his time at the Goiás Philharmonic in Brazil. Neil will be joined by pianist Isata KannehMason who will be performing with the orchestra for the first time as she leads with her Piano Concerto, Prokofiev 3.

The concert will end with two renditions of Beethoven’s classic Overture to Coriolan and his famed Eighth Symphony. The concert is part of the orchestra’s 2022/2023 season at the Assembly Hall, which returns from its Christmas break on February 5 at 3pm. With two more concerts taking place in March and April, those wanting to attend all three performances can get a half-season ticket with a 20 per cent discount. For more information visit, rtwso.org

LOVE TOKENS CELEBRATE VALENTINE’S AT Salomons Estate

Throughout February

If you’re in the mood for love – and perhaps a mini break – then why not hire a beautiful new Garden Cottage at Salomons Estate during the month of February? If you quote ‘LOVEFEB’ when booking, you’ll also receive a complimentary Prosecco & Strawberries hamper to enjoy during your stay.Take a stroll around the grounds, indulge in afternoon tea or cosy up by the roaring fire. Or you can simply go along on February 12 when the venue’s talented chef and his kitchen brigade will be creating a mouth-watering selection of tasty dishes to enjoy. For more information, visit: www. salomons-estate.com

REACH OUT!

MAGIC OF MOTOWN Assembly Hall Theatre

FEBRUARY 24

A tribute to one of the biggest shows in theatre, Motown comes to the Assembly Hall this month, marking 17 years of touring in the UK. With over a million people having seen the show, you won’t want to miss one of the most successful performances in British theatre history. Be prepared for glitz, glamour and dancing as this phenomenal cast perform a spectacular slice of Motown, including songs by artists such as Marvin Gaye, Diana ross, Stevie Wonder, The Temptations, The Supremes and The Jackson Five. This fantastic show is a must-see for all music fans…

Tickets cost between £34 and £38 and can be purchased at: assemblyhalltheatre.co.uk/whatson/magic-of-motown

ALL THAT JAZZ WINE AND JAZZ NIGHT WITH JOE STILGOE Balfour Winery

FEBRUARY 25

For an indulgent romantic treat, look no further than Balfour Winery as they host internationally acclaimed singer, pianist and songwriter, Joe Stilgoe. Experience a night of delectable wines and jazz performed by a performer who has redefined the genre with his fresh sounds and unique rhythms. Joe is also well-known as the presenter of Radio 2’s Friday Night is Music Night.

While you enjoy Joe’s masterful jazz you will be served a three-course set menu with a glass of sparkling Balfour wine made on site at the winery. Tickets are £95 per person and for more information, visit: balfourwinery.com

DID YOU KNOW?

February 14 was declared ‘St Valentine’s Day’ by the Roman Pope Gelasius in the 5th century, but it wasn’t considered a holiday until the Middle Ages.Valentine’s Day became synonymous with love and romance after a common belief that birds start their mating season on this date.

Starters

Baked Camembert, Truffle Honey, Roast Garlic & Crouton

Pan Seared Pigeon, Lentils, Artichoke, Pancetta

Chargrilled Octopus, Chickpea, Tomato Sauce & Gremolata

Bruschetta, Burnt Leeks, Almonds & Capers

Amuse Bouche

Mains

Pan Fried Seabream, Tartare Velouté, Sea Lettuce

Beef Wellington, Roast Shallots, Fondant Potato, Roast Garlic

Pressed Shoulder of Penshurst Lamb, Potato Pie, Mint

Roast Sweet Potato, White Bean

Hummus, Tahini Dressing, & Dukka

Dessert

Apple & Rhubarb Charlotte, Clotted Cream

Chocolate & Pistachio Torte, Pistachio Ice Cream

Blood Orange tart, Blood Orange Sorbet

British Cheeseboard, Celery, Pickled Fig & House Chutney