SO Magazine June 2021

CULTURE

Brought to book

Discover who’s on the list at this year’s prestigious Wealden Literary Festival

SCHOOL OF THOUGHT

GARDENING

FOOD & DRINK

Don’t miss Hever Castle’s special In Bloom gardening celebration this month

June is English Wine Week so our drinks expert is making a toast to some top local tipples

Coming up roses

Raise a glass

MAYFIELD’S HEADMISTRESS ANTONIA BEARY ON WHY A GREAT EDUCATION GOES BEYOND THE CLASSROOM June 2021

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WELCOME

Editor’s LETTER

W

e’ve made it to June – and all being well further restrictions will be eased later this month, which means we can all enjoy a bit more freedom and do the things we love best.

With that in mind we’ve put together a gardening special (p29) this month so you can transform your outdoor space with ease and make it your social hub for the summer months. We really love our gardening guru Victoria Truman’s idea of tiling areas of your garden – so cool!

Our cover feature is an interview with the headmistress of Mayfield School Antonia Beary (p8). We met her last month to discuss the educational ethos the esteemed all-girls senior school has practiced since it was founded

by Mother Cornelia Connelly in 1872: to give girls the confidence they need to succeed in life. It’s an inspiring read and one we hope you will very much enjoy.

In this issue we also cover the return of the Wealden Literary Festival (p16) which takes place in Woodchurch at the end of this month. It promises to be a wonderful weekend and will host the likes of former Poet Laureate Carol Ann Duffy and Warhorse author Michael Morpurgo. We also have an exclusive interview with local author Rebecca Schiller about her new novel Earthed which she’ll be talking about at the event.

As our theatres reopen we also chat to the manager of Tonbridge

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contents June 2021

Culture vulture: what’s on where this month

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On song: Paul Dunton chats to musician Steffan James ahead of his Pub In The Park show First class: Mayfield School’s lessons on giving girls the very best education

Working it out: Love where you live.

Why Tunbridge Wells is the perfect place to set up home

School’s EM Forster about their return – and discover that they’re putting on a midsummer panto – turn to page 19 to find out more.

All your favourite food and drink, interiors, travel and general lifestyle features are also included so we hope you enjoy reading this month’s issue – preferably somewhere sunny!

Eileen Leahy Editor So magazine Don’t forget to follow us on Instagram @somagazines

Book this: Who’s on at this year’s Wealden Literary festival

It’s show time!

The curtain goes up at the EM Forster theatre again

29

asparagus

Outside edge: Don’t miss our gardening special which includes a rose special and tips on creating a show stopping garden

Raise a glass: We celebrate English Wine Week and meet the couple behind a local winery

36

Join the green party: Savour the delights of seasonal

Al fresco attitude: all you need to make your outdoor space super stylish this summer

P29

Tel: 01892 779650 www.timeslocalnews.co.uk

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HEAD OF DESIGN Lee Smith

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Look sharp: Bespoke tailors Hardman & Hemming on how to dress your best Ticket to ride: We visit sunny Salcombe in Devon

Dream big: Botanica’s Naomi Murray on how to get a better night’s sleep

Issue 152 SALOMONS ESTATE Tunbridge Wells Kent TN3 0TG

EDITOR Eileen Leahy

39

Navigate your roadmap: our resident hypnotherapist advises how to ensure your journey out of lockdown is bump-free

Go on a mini adventure: We test drive the latest Mini

SALES DIRECTOR Robin Singer

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EDITORIAL DIRECTOR EDITORIAL DESIGN & PHOTOGRAPHY Victoria Truman Richard Moore David Sexton richard.moore@onemediauk.co.uk Rose Bainbridge Karen Martin Naomi Murray PRINTED BY: Mortons Print PUBLISHED BY

All rights reserved. The views expressed in this publication are not necessarily those of the publisher. The publisher cannot accept responsibility for any errors or omissions relating to advertising or editorial. The publisher reserves the right to change or amend any competitions or prizes offered. No part of this publication may be reproduced without prior written consent from the publisher. No responsibility is taken for unsolicited materials or the return of these materials whilst in transit.

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Cover shot photographs by Rose Bainbridge & Art Direction by Lee Smith SO Magazine | June 2021 | 3

Calendar

Our edit of the most entertaining events happening this month

We’ve compiled a calendar of things you can do in Tunbridge Wells and its surrounding areas this June, depending on restrictions. So, as always it’s best to check online first before heading out…

A THEATRE OF DREAMS Staying at Hever Castle the good news is that its popular Theatre Festival summer programme is back up and running. And despite the past year of lockdowns and uncertainty it is actually going to be the largest event of its kind thanks to the wealth of musical acts, operas, films and live comedy and theatre that’s on offer for 2021.

Plays and family shows are also

BY LOTTIE BULMER

COMPELLING CABARET

Photograph © www.thelondoncabaretclub.com

Like many other theatres, The Assembly Hall raised the curtain on its performances last month, after a long year of opening and closing.

Determined to come back with a socially distanced bang, there is a whole host of music and plays to satisfy your cultural cravings on their programme this summer.

The most glamorous perhaps is the London Cabaret Society’s Le Cabaret Fantastique on June 4, where you can enjoy dinner and a show in all your finery – there’s even a prize for best dressed of the night!

Tables start at £120 and include a bottle of red or white wine, or prosecco, snacks, and a two-person sharing platter and all ticket holders will receive a welcome glass of prosecco and a box of warm popcorn.

Visit assemblyhalltheatre.co.uk for booking and more information.

HIGH TEA The Spa Valley Railway’s sophisticated cream tea ride has returned with the appropriate social distancing measures in place.

On June 17, you can enjoy a cream tea with a view of the gorgeous High Weald countryside, all from one of Spa Valley’s heritage trains.

Starting at Tunbridge Wells West, the journey to Eridge and back will take approximately an hour and fifteen minutes, so you have plenty of time to sit back, indulge your taste buds and watch the world go by.

Each ticket includes one large sultana scone, clotted cream portion, jam and cup of tea and costs £18 per adult and £12 per child.

To book tickets and for more information about the Covid measures in place, visit spavalleyrailway.com

ZOOMING IN Got a petrolhead in the family?

Hever Castle is playing host to a whole fleet of supercars on Father’s Day weekend.

On Saturday June 19 you can get up close to all manner of motors including Porsches, Mustangs, Fiat 500, Alfa Romeo, Lancia & Abarth. And on Sunday June 20, there will be displays of the following classic cars: Rolls Royce, Lotus, Mustang, Alfa Romeo, Abarth, Ferrari & McLaren.

Formula One painter, David Johnson is also on hand to give visitors the opportunity to buy his art as well as being able to see him paint live.

If cars aren’t your dad’s thing, why not challenge him to an axe throwing contest at the castle, brought to Hever by Flying Iron Co. The castle is a great day out for all ages, with the opportunity for a leisurely wander around the historic estate to a frantic run around the water maze to avoid getting wet.

For more information and to book tickets, visit hevercastle.co.uk

DID YOU KNOW? The Science Theatre at Salomons Estate houses one of the world's finest Welte player pipe organs in Britain.

In 2003 the organ was fully restored with the help of the Heritage Lottery Fund and is now regularly played.

4 | June 2021 | SO Magazine

planned throughout the season and events will take place in four locations across the estate – the Two Sisters Theatre (the original heart of the festival), the Main Lawn Stage, The Loggia and Anne Boleyn’s Woodland Walk. This month you can see a performance of Shakespeare’s Macbeth and Blue Planet 111 - a family comedy. Next month expect magician Ben Hart, The Jungle Book and The Upbeat Beatles.

Find out more at www. heverfestival.co.uk

BECAUSE HE'S WORTH IT Salomon’s Estate is the backdrop for a very special Father’s Day picnic. Dads can enjoy a free beer while they watch their little ones battle each other at table tennis, go on scavenger hunts, bounce on the bouncy castle and play table football. The picnics are

all prepared by the estate’s chefs and will be ready to collect upon your arrival for you to then choose the perfect picnic spot to view the 36 acres of rolling gardens.

Adult picnics cost £17.50 per person and children’s picnics are £9.50 per person.

To book tickets, visit salomonsestate.com

Calendar

Call Just Shutters today on

01892 575 858

PARTY LIKE IT’S 2019 Voted NME Best Small Venue Award in 2012, The Forum is the centre for the town’s live music.

With lockdown meaning live music performances have been put on hold for over a year, the venue adapted to the times and star ted serving coffee, cour tesy of The Fine Grind.

Therefore setting up shop, instead of playing music.

Its official opening par ty will hopefully still be happening on June 22 from 7:30pm all being well.

Expect plenty of bands and DJs ready to welcome you back - and do what they do best.

Tickets cost £10 per person and you must be 16 or over to attend. To book, visit twforum.co.uk

A LITTLE BIT COUNTRY

DID YOU KNOW? The Black Deer's founders Gill Tee and Deborah Shilling have a long and illustrious career in putting on festivals for the likes of Neil Young and Bob Dylan. The festival, now in its third year, was voted Best Small Festival in 2019 by the Guardian.

Black Deer, Kent’s local Americana festival makes it return to Eridge from June 25 to 27.

The 2021 line-up boasts the Belfast Cowboy himself, Van Morrison and winner of NME’s 2015 Best Solo Artist Jake Bugg.

In 2019, The Guardian newspaper voted Black Deer the best new small festival and it’s easy to see why. Speaking on last year’s line-up which was cancelled due to Covid restrictions, Gill Tee and Debs Shilling said: “We’ve listened closely to the passionate Black Deer audience and are proud to be bringing them not only the artists they already love, but artists they’re going to love.”

To book tickets visit blackdeerfestival.com

s r e tt u h S your home will love

justshutters.co.uk Photograph: Ania Shrimpton T2943 JS APR 2021 SOMag 125x300.indd 1

23/04/2021 10:40

SO Magazine | June 2021 | 5

Music

Paul Dunton Music Editor

Follow Paul @PaulDuntonmusic

Photograph © Nigel Martin – www.facebook.com/nigelmartinphotography

Steffan James Band

6 | June 2021 | SO Magazine

This month SO’s music guru Paul Dunton chats to local musician Steffan James ahead of his appearance at July’s Pub In The Park

Music

OTHER ARTISTS APPEARING AT PUB IN THE PARK… July marks the longawaited return of Tom Kerridge’s 'Pub In The Park' festival to Dunorlan Park.

Boasting an incredible line up of pop and rock superstars and internationally renowned chefs, it runs from July 9-11 and is a real highlight in the social calendar for Tunbridge Wells.

With the Covid pandemic forcing last year’s event to be cancelled this year’s festival is set to return in style! The music line up is quite something with James Blunt headlining the Friday evening along with The Kingdom Choir and The James Martin Band also on the bill. And yes, that is James Martin the chef ’s music group!

Saturday afternoon is headlined by iconic Britpop favourites The Lightning Seeds with Nerina Pallot as the main support. Saturday evening promises to be an epic party with Craig David and Judge Jules topping the bill. To get the party started the deeply talented ENY will be opening proceedings. Sunday will be brought to a climatic finish by the wonderful Beverley Knight, with Toploader and The Craig Charles Funk and Soul Club as main supports.

UPBEAT ACOUSTIC I will be performing with my orchestra on the Saturday afternoon ahead of Nerina Pallot and The Lightning Seeds and I’m really looking

forward to that. Popular local singer-songwriter Steffan James will be opening the Sunday afternoon session with his full band in tow.

Steffan is a very highly respected musician and songwriter and enjoys playing his songs in many local venues including the likes of The Grey Lady Music Lounge, The Forum and Trinity Theatre. Steffan has previously headlined the Local & Live Festival in Calverley Grounds and has shared stages with many renowned musicians including Keane, Joan Armatrading, Newton Falkner and many more.

Commenting on the Steffan James Band’s involvement Steffan said: “Pub In the Park is such a fabulous event and an

James Blunt Other acts on the Pub In The Park bill include (L-R) Kingdom Choir Group, Beverley Knignt & Craig David

Nerina Pallot

I was about 10 when I started singing and penning tunes in some shape or another

incredible opportunity for my band and I to open for such esteemed acts on a professional festival stage in front of thousands of people in our home town.

“As an independent musician myself, I feel very fortunate to have been invited to play, these are the type of gigs you dream about and nothing is more motivating then knowing you have a world class act following your performance. Time to get rehearsing!”

Steffan says that he has been writing and performing since he was very young.

“I was about 10 when I started singing and

penning tunes in some shape or another.”

He describes his sound as ‘upbeat acoustic’ and in terms of his main musical influences he cites artists such as the Dave Matthews Band, John Mayer, James Taylor and Paul Simon as inspirations. “They all write just great songs and that in turn motivates my writing.”

MOTIVATED And as far as career highlights go, so far Steffan says that headlining the Local & Live festival and touring with Josh Doyle in 2019, recording his single People Talk and meeting

fellow performers Katie Tunstall and Joan Armatrading have all been pretty special.

He goes on to say that he was very busy during the last year of lockdowns. “I wrote a lot in the initial stages so I’m going to go start work on a new EP as soon as I can. I just need to try and pick the best tunes out of the new batch!”

And as for how he and his band mates are feeling ahead of their Pub In The Park show, Steffan says they are very excited. “We’re just very happy to be back on stage, playing to some friendly faces hopefully!”

www.steffanjamesmusic.com www.pubintheparkuk.com SO Magazine | June 2021 | 7

Mayfield is one of the area’s oldest and most prestigious all-girls senior schools having been set up by Mother Cornelia Connelly in 1872. Ahead of its 150th anniversary Eileen Leahy meets headmistress Antonia Beary to discover more of its history and why the world needs more Mayfield girls…

8 | June 2021 | SO Magazine

U

sually one would associate a head teacher’s office as being a rather serious and sterile space but on entering Antonia Beary’s at Mayfield School it’s as if you’re visiting an old friend’s sitting room.

Of course the usual hallmarks of an official office are all here: rows of academic books, framed certificates, piles of paperwork and a large desk.

But nestled in amongst these are more familial touches such as students’ ceramic sculptures, framed photos and a comfy sofa festooned with cushions. There’s even a dog – named Tilly – who is stretched out at Miss Beary’s feet panting happily after a run around the school’s glorious grounds. Not your conventional head teacher’s

Photographs: Rose Bainbridge Creative Direction: Lee Smith

Cover feature

HQ scenario – but then Mayfield is no ordinary school…

As I take a seat on the cosy sofa, I’m offered a cup of coffee and a slice of delicious homemade cake. I feel instantly at home and that, as I discover during our chat about the history of Mayfield and its Catholic educational ethos, is very much the way the school wants everyone to feel upon arriving.

Mayfield was established in 1872 by Mother Cornelia Connelly who founded the Society of the Holy Child Jesus order in 1846.

Cornelia was no ordinary nun though having been married and a mother of five children. She founded the Holy Child order as a result of her profound Catholic faith and passion for ensuring young women were

given an enlightening education; seeing and appreciating the creativity in everything they did.

Cornelia was already presiding over the Holy Child school at St Leonardson-Sea when she and a few of her pupils came for a picnic to the Old Palace at Mayfield in May 1863.

Within a very short timeframe an acquaintance of hers, the Duchess of Leeds, had bought the site for Cornelia.

The restoration of the Old Palace began in 1864 and the ruins of the 14th century hall were transformed into a church 14 months later.

Although the nuns educated a small number of orphans on site almost immediately, it was not until 1872 that young girls from St Leonards were brought over to be the

first pupils at the school.

“The first day Cornelia brought those girls on a picnic here there was one French and an Italian so even at the very beginning the school has always had that international element,” explains Miss Beary, who has been headmistress since 2008 and welcomes approximately 20 per cent of overseas students.

“Cornelia herself was American and opened sister schools in America, Africa and Ireland so Mayfield has always promoted that sense of feeling part of something bigger, a wider community.

It’s all about broadening horizons and giving back.”

Currently Mayfield has around 28 different nationalities making up the school’s cohort of 400 pupils

Cover feature

aged 11 and over.

“For me that is really important as it brings different experiences, customs and approaches to education,” states Miss Beary.

She goes on to say that another of Mother Cornelia’s aims was to drive girls to be the very best they can be.

“Cornelia’s original vision for educating girls was to be respectful and responding to the needs of the age,” continues Miss Beary.

“She wanted them to use their talents in order to move society forward, to reach out to those less fortunate than themselves and that is still compelling now. Mother Cornelia was very much ahead of her time.”

Miss Beary says the special nun was also determined to ensure young women who attended her schools knew what they wanted in life – an ethos that still runs through the veins of this historical school, today.

“Cornelia wanted girls to look at maths and science, she wanted to push the boundaries at a time when most people thought young girls should be sitting at home.

“So that whole sense of helping girls discover what they would like to do in life and to also discover what they are not good at, and to always try and get better, is something that we still place

enormous value on today.

Girls need to change the world and we want to give them the confidence to do that.”

Mayfield is an independent senior school which is located on the edge of the picturesque village of Mayfield. It boasts a 50/50 ratio of day and boarding students and is still very much grounded in the teachings of the Catholic faith – despite the majority of girls being non-Catholic.

“A lot of parents choose to send their girls here because of our values and expectations,” says Miss Beary. “That whole sense of wanting the girls to be ambitious and yet support others. It’s not about success at all costs – the pastoral care here is fundamental. You are not successful academically unless your support mechanisms are there underpinning everything.

“Our girls are very good at celebrating others, they know you don’t have to be successful at someone else’s expense. But having said that there is definitely a sense of realism in our education here too. We tell our students there will be challenges along the way and it’s knowing when to speak and when not to. That element of diplomacy is important too. We always say we want to be educating

girls to be ambassadors – not the ambassador’s wife.”

And although the school produces many high achievers, with the majority going onto university, it’s refreshing to hear exams are not a fundamental focus.

“They are just a piece of the jigsaw,” reveals Miss Beary. “I’m not saying exams are not important - they absolutely are but knowing how to answer pre-prepared

questions is not everything in life.

“When you’re just exams focused then it’s a real impoverishment of your outlook – it’s just limiting.

That pressure to feel you have to be good at everything can be absolutely overwhelming.”

Yet despite having said that, the school’s exam results are hugely impressive with around 91% of A Level pupils achieving between A* and B grades.

“We want to give our girls the freedom to celebrate what they’re very good at, but also the knowledge – and confidence – to know that they can make mistakes.

“If you are perfect then here is not the right place for you. We believe you need the space to make mistakes because it’s preparing you for the real world.”

Miss Beary, a Cambridge graduate, says that Mayfield offers a different approach when it comes to learning compared to most educational establishments.

“We do things in a different way here. Being in a beautiful place like Mayfield lifts the spirits but with that comes responsibility to give something back – and to make sure you share it and respond to challenges as positively as you can.”

She says in order to get the best out of someone you also have to let them fail from time to time as it allows them to find their own way.

“Art, Music and Drama – they are the subjects that you

have to make mistakes in.

You can’t be a musician or an artist without making errors.

And I think for girls it’s so important to make mistakes because if you stick within your comfort zone there will be a huge shock when you go out into the world and try new things. Learning how to fail, pick yourself up, do better and ultimately learn from your mistakes is so important.

CONNECTION

“Our girls are more confident in themselves and also in the choices they are making. And that’s very important for me. It’s about knowing your strengths and not falling into stereotypical subject categories or behaviour just because that’s what society thinks you should be doing.”

But according to Miss Beary it’s not just giving girls the confidence they need to succeed. It’s also ensuring they have as broad a variety of academic choices and to see the connection between academia and creativity.

“If you want to be a doctor then it’s important to know how to wield a scalpel in ceramics – it’s beneficial.

Look at physics and the history of art: there are strong links between the two subjects. It’s only recently that we have compartmentalised things and it’s detrimental because you need to make links between the things girls do in and out of the classroom – that’s really important.

SO Magazine | June 2021 | 9

Cover feature

“My colleagues are passionate about their subjects and want the girls to love their lessons which is how it should be. But the things they learn outside of the classroom such as sport or organising shows, those skills - how to get the best of each other and when to step forward, or back - are also essential for life.”

Mayfield is certainly the place to go if you enjoy extracurricular activities. It has an excellent cricket team, which just made it into the Cricketer Schools Guide’s top 20, and will also welcome the MCC later this month for a series of matches. Its equestrian centre has won more titles than any other school in the UK and its renowned art and ceramics department has been voted one of Europe’s best.

When it comes to traditional academia Mayfield’s most popular subjects, at both GCSE and A Level, are Maths and Physics with many going on to read both at Oxbridge and the Russell Group universities.

Two pupils were awarded a prestigious Arkwright Engineering Scholarship earlier this year and last year 71% of its GCSE pupils were awarded grades between 9 and 7.

“The most successful girls a lot of the time aren’t those working 24/7 but those doing lots of other things too,” adds Miss Beary. “Community service, sports, acting or doing their grade 8 music. The more you do the more you can do.

But having said that it’s also very important to know when to say no.”

In addition to instilling Mayfield girls with positive confidence, providing a

Mayfield has always promoted that sense of feeling part of something bigger, a wider community”

History of Mayfield School Founded in 1872 on the site of the Old Palace, originally a residence of the Archibishop of Canterbury in the 14th and 15th Century Cornelia Connelly, a Catholic nun who founded the Society of the Holy Child Jesus, restored the palace and ruins of the 14th Century Hall in order to open a school aimed at educating girls to meet the needs of the age Development continued with a Victorian red-brick school building added in 1897, a Concert Hall by 1930, and a suite of other facilities constructed throughout the second half of the 20th-century

wealth of subject choices and following Cornelia’s original educational and spiritual vision, Miss Beary and her colleagues also place enormous importance on how the girls engage with others.

“Community services are very important to us, not to pass an exam or to tick a box, but so that the girls can engage with others who may not have had the same privilege.”

Their Actions not Words 10 | June 2021 | SO Magazine

Programme provides opportunities to be involved in service both in the local community and further afield, ensuring that faith in action continues to be an important part of Mayfield life.

VALUE

“We want actions to be inspired by a sense of justice and integrity, sustained by faith and respect for others,” explains Miss Beary.

“It’s them learning just as

much as anything. It’s about making links and sharing your gifts. I would hate for the girls to have a sense of entitlement. Yes, most have amazing opportunities and it’s important to really broaden their horizons but it’s that sense of valuing who they are.”

The school also participates in the Duke of Edinburgh Awards scheme and has also established an environmental group called

In 1953 the schools at St Leonards-on-Sea and Mayfield merged to form St Leonards-Mayfield School.

Pupils remained at St Leonards up to the age of 13 and then transferred to Mayfield to continue their education to 18 In 1975 the junior school at St Leonards closed and Mayfield became the school it is today, educating girls from 11 to 18 Until the end of the 20th century the Headmistress of St Leonards-Mayfield School was drawn from the Society of the Holy Child Jesus, at which point the School appointed its first lay Headmistress

A S S E M B LY H A L L T H E AT R E | T U N B R I D G E W E L L S

CURTAIN UP! WE’RE BACK ON STAGE

‘The Orchestra is absolutely thrilled to be making its debut in Tunbridge Wells, welcoming in summer with a matinee concert that is full of warmth and musical sunshine'

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Cover feature

The curriculum Mathematics, sciences, geography and music are among the most popular subjects at both GCSE and A Level Mayfield produces worldrenowned ceramicists, has a dynamic Drama Department and an enviable sporting tradition The key to the school’s success is to encourage and nurture creativity in everything they do, inside and outside the classroom.

This leads to girls choosing an eclectic range of option choices: Chemistry and Ceramics, or Physics and History of Art Mayfield School is renowned for horse riding, with a purpose-built equestrian centre, including stables and an indoor and Olympic-sized outdoor sand school. The equestrian squad competes on the School Equestrian circuit and in 2019 won the National Schools Team Dressage title

MESSy which stands for Mayfield Environmental & Sustainability Society.

Miss Beary says that what they learn throughout their time at Mayfield – and most do stay on until sixth form – is carried through into what they do next.

And this is always evident when former pupils – known as Old Cornelians – return to the school for social occasions.

“When you look at our old girls you see the different things they have chosen to do. It’s nice and diverse and then you discover some have

changed direction and that’s OK too because we are educating them to have their careers but to also have the confidence to alter their direction if their interest changes.

“We have a very strong old girls network who really care about the school and they often come back to do careers things and network.

Being an Old Cornelian is very useful as it curates everlasting and strong friendships. There has always been that continuity and support with our old girls and is something that

“It’s important to see the connection between academia and creativity”

has been historically important. That sense of support you have both in school and when you have left is essential.

“We are preparing our girls for the world stage so they can go and work anywhere and that understanding that you can bring different things to the table is really important.

Essentially it’s about wanting the best for them and giving them space to change, grow and develop.”

Miss Beary finishes by telling me she thinks Mother Cornelia would be

proud of how her original vision is still very much alive and well today. The links with the Holy Child order are still strong with two members of the current Governing body appointed by the Society.

“That sense of being a school but also a community of people and a family is what we are all about. But we want the girls to be challenged, and to push against the boundaries. We need more strong women to be making a difference. I think the world needs more Old Cornelians.”

There are many clubs to join including MESSy (Mayfield Environmental & Sustainability Society). Within the last 12 months MESSy has managed to: reduce food miles, run a Hastings ‘beach clean’, make sustainable beeswax wraps, organise and promote Mayfield Green Day and raise funds for the Mayfield bee colony Most Mayfield girls go on to Russell Group, Oxbridge or, increasingly, American and overseas universities, to study all manner of subjects from Architecture to Zoology, with a regular stream of Engineers, Medics and Vets, Lawyers and Economists

VISIT MAYFIELD SCHOOL The school runs regular open mornings where you can hear from the Headmistress, pupils and staff as well as take a Tour of the School grounds.

They are running in-person open mornings (subject to lockdown measures continuing to be eased) on Saturday June 26 and Saturday September 25. To book your place, go to www. mayfieldgirls.org/admissions/ open-mornings 12 | June 2021 | SO Magazine

Cover feature

We’ve got designs on your garden

Tradi'onal or contemporary, large or small, the team at Gardenproud can help you create a garden you’ll be proud of.

Established in 2007, we design, build and maintain gardens throughout Kent, East Sussex and HerDordshire. See our Show Garden at Corker Outdoor Living, or ask for our e brochure. Call Tim Sykes on 07725 173820

Book online at: www.willowsbirdofpreycentre.co.uk

SO Magazine | June 2021 | 13

Business

DELIGHTED

of Tunbridge Wells…

According to a recent survey, Tunbridge Wells has become even more of a desirable place to live thanks to its mix of period properties, good schools and a thriving independent spirit. Lottie Bulmer looks at the research and talks to some of the town’s movers and shakers to find out what makes our town so special…

14 | May 2021 | SO Magazine

W

e all know it, but now it’s official: Tunbridge Wells is one of the most sought-after locations to live. According to a recent survey by Hamptons Estate Agents the average house value here has risen by a staggering 52% over the past decade. And since the pandemic began price houses have continued to rise, as reported by recent Land Registry analysis documents. Tunbridge Wells property prices are now a third higher than the Kent average.

Hamptons found that average values rose by 4.3 per cent over the past year to hit a new record high of £401,000, and according to the consultancy TwentyCi, there were 2,801 agreed sales in Tunbridge Wells in 2020 - the highest number for five years despite the housing market being closed for seven weeks during England’s first lockdown.

And the good news is the trend for buying up properties in Tunbridge Wells is showing no signs of abating as the number of sales agreed by Hamptons in the first quarter was a whopping 146 per cent higher than in the first three months of last year.

Neill Thomas (above), co-partner at Thomas Mansfield solicitors says the town’s draw is multi-layered.

“Tunbridge Wells makes an ideal

spot for families relocating from London because of a number of factors. They include excellent local private and state schools, a relatively quick journey to London by train, and a good selection of housing to choose from including both new and houses of character with land. The Weald and Ashdown Forest is on the doorstep providing family days out and a high number of independent shops in the old High Street and Pantiles make for a pleasant shopping experience. Then of course there’s the easy access to places such as Gatwick, the M25 and the coast.”

Commerce is experiencing a larger than average bounce too. The business community continues to grow with many national companies such as AXA and designer clothing company Childrensalon choosing to have their HQs here.

Asher S. HarrimanSmith, Co-CEO of Childrensalon, one of the town’s biggest employers, told SO

magazine why they eschewed traditional locations such as London or Manchester to base their business here.

“Tunbridge Wells is a beautiful historic town that’s an important part of our own heritage, being where Childrensalon was founded.

We believe the architecture, friendly community, close links to London, easy transport access, great talent base, beautiful parks as well as quality schools make Tunbridge Wells such an attractive place to buy and live.”

Nick Moore Operations Director at the Elite Leisure Collection group who look after Salomons, One Warwick Park and Bewl Water agrees: “Having been in Tunbridge Wells for over 25 years I’ve seen the area’s popularity grow over the past couple of decades.The town has great road and rail links, you can be in central London in under an hour on a good day, so it’s attractive to commuters looking to swap city living.

Also, the good schools, choice of independent restaurants, architecture, parks and woodlands make it a great place to raise a family,” The town’s independent hospitality scene is another of its cultural calling cards with the majority of cafes, bars and eateries all being independently run.

Julian Leefe Griffiths who runs The Tunbridge Wells Hotel a told our sister publication the Times of Tunbridge Wells when restaurants and pubs were given the green light in April that he couldn’t get wait to get back to doing what he and his colleagues love best: serving the good people of Tunbridge Wells.

“We’re all in agreement that we want to bring the fun back to Tunbridge Wells,” he said.

Deborah Richards (left), Managing Partner at Maddisons Residential, has the last word: “Tunbridge Wells has always been highly sought after. We have fantastic restaurants, good shopping, lovely architecture, as well as fantastic schools.

“Young people will always want to move to the capital for work, and then when they want to start a family, they will look to places such as Tunbridge Wells.”

Business

26— 27 JUNE

A celebration of

nature, creativity , wellbeing &

Book online now

amidst

the Garden

of

England

Photos taken at The Oak Barn, Frame Farm, Benenden | www.the-oak-barn.co.uk |

@Theoakbarnff | 01580 441571

Box Office: wealdenliteraryfestival.co.uk Boldshaves Garden, Kent TN26 3RA

Illustration: Yuval Zommer Design: vincentdesign.co.uk

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SO Magazine | May 2021 | 15

Culture

Inspired by nature T At the end of this month (June 26-27) the fifth Wealden Literary Festival takes place. With a wealth of esteemed writers and poets including Carol Ann Duffy, Michael Morpurgo and Anita Sethi speaking it promises to be a highlight in any literary lover’s calendar.

Eileen Leahy discovers more of its history and who will be attending…

Festival founders: Laura and Andrew Willan

16 | June 2021 | SO Magazine

his area is no stranger to cultural festivals – in fact we’re positively brimming with them in normal non- Covid times. Food & drink, music, puppetry and dance events have long been a staple of the summer calendar here in this corner of Kent with one of the newest being the Wealden Literary Festival.

Established by husband and wife Andrew and Laura Willan in 2016, the festival takes place at Boldshaves Garden in Woodchurch. And according to its organisers provides a way for people to escape the pace of modern life and embrace the simplicity and creativity of the natural world.

Well, given what we have all been through over the past 15 months due to the global health crisis this ethereal ethos sounds like just the soothing tonic.

Taking place over the weekend of June 26-27 the nature-inspired Wealden Literary Festival will welcome the likes of Dame Carol Ann Duffy, who was Poet Laureate from 2009 to 2019, Warhorse author Michael Morpurgo, playwright and poet Joseph Coelho and acclaimed journalist Anita Sethi.

Festival founder, Andrew Willan, says: “After the challenges of the last year we were determined to put on a hopeful and inspiring festival, and I am very proud of the programme we have put together.

People have embraced nature during the pandemic and the festival encourages and celebrates that.”

When last year’s event was cancelled due to the impact of coronavirus, well-wishers began donating to the festival’s crowdfunding campaign. More than £4000 has been received so far with a further £1500 raised from an auction of unique books, art and experiences donated by supporters.

Andrew explains: “Wealden Festival Foundation is a charity and

its income is a mix of ticket sales, sponsorship and charitable funding. With some of the grants that had previously supported our work being diverted to other, more immediately pressing causes, we looked to our community for help.

“We have been overwhelmed by the response and are looking forward to welcoming people back to Boldshaves this month so that we can share everything that has been made possible by the support of our community.”

This year, as well as the worldfamous guest speakers, the natureinspired event will include a ballet production of Tom’s Midnight Garden, a fabulous feast on the Saturday evening and camping under the stars in the ancient woodland at Boldshaves.

The family-friendly festival which describes itself as a ‘celebration of nature, creativity and outdoors’ will also have a number of rising stars and local talent on the bill including writer Rebecca Schiller (pictured above right).

Here the author and co-founder of childbirth charity Birthrights, tells SO magazine all about her new book Earthed which was inspired by her move from Ramsgate to the countryside – not far from Boldshaves - and her dream of taking on a smallholding. However instead of finding herself living the rural dream, Rebecca experienced a breakdown before being diagnosed with ADHD. Earthed, recounts this period of time and how the smallholding became Rebecca’s hope and anchor….

When did you start writing Rebecca?

I’ve been writing since I was a child but started working as a freelance journalist 10 years ago and wrote my first book in 2016.

What was the catalyst for you doing so?

I have always found it relaxing to let my imagination take over and write stories, but I started writing

Culture

uses the people and location to spider outwards to other places and times. Those who have read the September chapter of Earthed will have met one of the real-life historical characters, Mary Turner, as she takes a walk down the very road that the festival site sits on.

I’m lucky to live, and work on the plot I wrote about that’s less than a mile from Boldshaves, where the festival takes place.

Rebecca Schiller

Photograph © Penelope Fewster

professionally through my work campaigning around women’s rights and health. Writing seemed like the perfect way to challenge inequality and to ensure often ignored voices were heard. Since then I’ve rediscovered my love for writing in lots of different genres.

Were there any positives to writing it?

Yes, as I share in the book itself, it was also hugely enriching: researching my land’s wildlife, plants, and trees and learning about its history were very grounding during a difficult time.

You also occasionally write for various publications too. Do you like the diversity of doing both?

Absolutely! I have always struggled by being constrained to a particular career path - which makes sense given the diagnosis I discuss in Earthed. It suits me to have a chance to learn about new subjects and interview the range of people that journalism offers.

Why did you think it was so important to get it out there?

I wanted to challenge the idea that following a dream - like moving to the countryside - will fix your problems. It felt important to offer a more realistic version of the well-known story that nature can help with mental health.

Tell us briefly about Earthed …

It is my personal story of moving to the countryside to start a smallholding - then discovering all kinds of complications instead of the simple life I was hoping for. The idea formed over a couple of years and the original plan to write quite a simple book, set over 12 months, evaporated and turned into something else during that time.

It has become a story about the natural world, about a quest to find and bring back to life some of the hidden historical women who lived and worked my land. It is also about connection - especially during a global crisis like the pandemic.

Was it a difficult book to write?

Yes, partly because I was mainly writing in lockdown with two primary school children unexpectedly at home. The process was made more challenging because many of the events had just happened or unfolded as I wrote. This meant that I had to explore some very raw and painful topics and be flexible and prepared to be away from original ideas as circumstances change.

What key messages have you concentrated on?

In Earthed I’ve tried to show the many challenges and difficulties I faced in my dream life and out in nature, while also finding a way to share the complicated truth that there are many grounding and beautiful things to be found in that deeper connection with the outdoor world.

What are you looking forward to most about being part of this year's event?

I’m thrilled to be spending time with other authors and talking to those who read and love the many genres that nature writing can span. After lockdown it will also just be thrilling to spend time with other adults in the beautiful Boldshaves gardens and to have the chance to visit stalls, drink the local sparkling wine and remember how nice it is to exist in the wider world again.

Who else will you be looking forward to speaking at the Wealden Literary Festival and why?

I’m excited to hear Horatio Claire speak about his book Heavy Light.

I’ve always loved his writing and his exploration of serious mental illness and recovery has many parallels with my own interests. I’m keen to hear Anita Sethi talk about her landmark book I Belong Here.

Wrestling with some of the difficult truths about colonialism and racial justice is an important part of my own writing and I have a lot to learn from listening to Anita. I’m also keen to hear fellow Elliott and Thompson writer Rob Cowan and illustrator Nick Hayes talk about The Heeding - their collection of poetry and illustrations set in lockdown times Earthed by Rebecca Schiller is out now (£14.99, Elliott & Thompson).

Signed copies will be available at the Wealden literary festival.

WHO’S ON THE BILL AT THE WEALDEN LITERARY FESTIVAL: The line-up for the family-friendly festival features some of the finest contemporary writers of landscape and place including: Anita Sethi (I Belong Here) Nick Hayes (The Book of Trespass) Rebecca Schiller (Earthed) Horatio Clare (Heavy Light) Katherine May (Wintering) All the above will talk openly about mental health and the healing power of nature

Michael Morpurgo (War Horse) John Hunter (The Fields that Heal) Both writers will explore the nourishment that can be found for children and families in nature.

Carol Ann Duffy (The World’s Wife) Gillian Clarke (Letter From A Far Country) Will explore the relationship between poetry and place Adam Nicolson (The Sea is not made of Water)

Lara Maiklam (Mudlarking) Both will reveal the secrets of our rivers and shorelines.

And for younger readers: A dedicated programme features acclaimed children’s authors and illustrators such as Joseph Coelho (The Girl who became a Tree) and Lauren St John (The White Giraffe) Festival-goers of all ages can explore their creativity workshops including block printing, writing, willow weaving and foraging.

BROUGHT TO BOOK Wealden Literary Festival welcomes clockwise from top: Michael Morpurgo, Katherine May, Horatio Clare & Carol Ann Duffy

What was your ultimate goal in writing it?

To write a book that was honest and used the challenges that living in my neuro divergent mind can present to the best effect. To explore what it is to be alive right now in a way that readers will connect with and understand and then hopefully feel less alone. I wanted present something that celebrated the inherent duality of life: where almost nothing is ever 100% right or wrong, good or bad - but instead a tangled mixture of the two.

Can you tell us about your personal connection with the location for the Wealden Literary Festival?

Earthed is set in the Weald and

Photo © Jemimah Kuhfeld

Tickets for Wealden Literary Festival are on sale now. Visit www.wealdenliteraryfestival.co.uk for the full line up and booking information.

SO Magazine | June 2021 | 17

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Culture

“IT WILL BE SO GOOD TO WELCOME OUR AUDIENCES BACK” Last month the curtain rose once again on many of our favourite venues including the EM Forster theatre at Tonbridge School. Here its manager Kat Portman Smith tells SO magazine why they are so happy to be back in business

F

or over a year our beloved theatres - big and small all across the UK and locally - stayed firmly shut as a result of the coronavirus.

And although some were able to open briefly at various points during 2020, it was still a pretty precarious time for those running the venues; those hoping to perform at them and of course the audiences.

If you could prove the necessary social distancing was in place and finance the reopening of a theatre then, for a brief few months last year, you could reopen – albeit very differently.

One of those fortunate enough to do so was the EM Forster theatre which is based at Tonbridge School.

Yet although it was able to host a few al fresco productions in the summer of 2020 and put on a streamed version of its traditional – and incredibly

popular – Wicked Productions panto, it’s fair to say it’s not really been until now, with the success of the vaccine rollout, they can really feel like they’re getting back to business.

“It is great to be open again,” declares Kat Portman Smith, EM Forster’s theatre manager.

“There is nothing quite like live performance and the excitement and buzz of that shared experience.”

Kat, who had to furlough her staff during the first wave of the pandemic and help with the setting up of Tonbridge School as one of the area’s first Covid testing centres, is clearly excited about what lies ahead.

“Our summer season includes a mixture of indoor and outdoor shows with something for everyone.”

EM Forster reopened last month with one of their ever-popular comedy nights but they are looking forward to hosting more shows in

the forthcoming months – both inside and outside the venue.

“We are so lucky to have such beautiful grounds at Tonbridge School and are making the most of these this summer with a selection of outdoor shows.

“In our amphitheatre, The Handlebards are returning with their particular brand of chaotic and brilliantly funny outdoor theatre, this time with their version of Macbeth.”

The Handlebards reinterpret Shakespearian classics in a unique way with their particular brand of chaotic and brilliantly funny outdoor theatre.

“I think their version of Macbeth will be more

comedy than the usual tragedy,” laughs Kat before telling us more about their upcoming schedule of shows.

“We also have Britain’s Got Talent contestants The Noise Next Door performing comedy for all the family and we’re delighted to say that Wicked Productions will be back for an open-air panto version of Treasure Island, starring local favourites Tom Swift and Amy Payne, which is sure to be the fun we all need this summer!”

However, her enthusiasm is laced with a note of seriousness given what so many have had to go through this past fifteen months.

“We recognise this has

been a tough year for so many people and whilst we are restricted to 50% capacity, we are committed to ensuring our events remain accessible to the local community and have kept our ticket prices low.

“We have really missed hosting local companies and though not it’s possible to have large casts at the moment, we can’t wait for LAMPS to be back with Tommy the Musical in the autumn.

“We are also looking forward to welcoming back the many schools and dance companies who would usually perform here over the coming year.”

Kat goes on to say the theatre has been ‘See It Safely’ approved by the Society of London and has many safety measures in place including hand sanitising, social distanced seating, temperature checks and mask wearing. Drinks and snacks can be ordered via a web app and delivered to your seats to avoid queues at the bar.

So although things might not seem totally like they were before the pandemic struck, Kat and her team at EM Forster are doing all they can to make the best of the situation.

One of those key things is ensuring the program for summer 2021 is as good as it can possibly be given the circumstances.

“Other highlights from our season include a screening of the classic musical 42nd Street, the graduate company from Ballet Central return for an amazing evening of dance and children’s CBeebies favourite Sarah and Duck are coming to us for the first time in July.

“It will be so good to see our family audience back in our auditorium!”

Full details on all forthcoming shows at EM Forster theatre can be found at www.emftheatre.com or by calling 01732 304241 SO Magazine | May 2021 | 19

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Food

Sesame and Garlic Roasted British Asparagus A simple way to spruce up your asparagus, this tasty dish with as Asian twist is sure to be a crowd pleaser.

Serves: 4 Preparation time: 5 minutes Cooking time: 10 minutes You’ll need 2 bunches of British asparagus, trimmed 2 cloves garlic, sliced very thinly 1 tbsp sesame oil 1 tsp red wine vinegar Large pinch of Maldon salt 1 tbsp sesame seeds What to do Heat the oven to

200C/180C fan, put the asparagus in a wide bowl with the sliced garlic. Drizzle over the oil and vinegar, sprinkle with salt and toss well.

Transfer the asparagus and garlic to an oven tray (keep the bowl with the oil for later) and sprinkle over the sesame seeds. Roast for 10-12 minutes until softened and browning.

Once cooked tip the veg back into the bowl and toss again in the retained dressing, add a little more salt if necessary and serve immediately.

June is the final hurrah of the asparagus season so Eileen Leahy caught up with Stephen Barnes of Birchden Farm in Groombridge to discover why it’s such a special crop – and the best ways to enjoy it

I

n season for approximately eight weeks, asparagus heralds the start of the English summer vegetable season and it certainly enjoys its fair share of the culinary spotlight thanks to its great taste and versatility.

Dubbed the ‘Usain Bolt’ of the vegetable world, spears can grow up to 10 cm in one day. As such the plants need a lot of energy and can’t keep going for any great length of time.

The asparagus season usually begins on St George’s Day, April 23, but this year, according to local farmer Stephen Barnes of Birchden Farm, it has been a little later.

“April 23 is the official start but the weather dictates when it actually happens,” he explains. “This year we started harvesting around two weeks after that date.”

Stephen, who has been running his farm which is situated on Broadwater Forest Lane, Groombridge for the past 27 years, says that whatever the weather

they always stop cutting spears on June 21.

“The season comes to an end on Midsummers’ day and then we leave the roots in the ground until around September, October time to rest and grow into ferns. This allows the leaves to capture and soak up sunlight, boosting the photosynthesis process and putting sugar back into the roots.”

Due to its slower, cooler growing climate Stephen says that native British asparagus has a more intense, earthy taste to that of its foreign rivals.

Birchden’s asparagus is available for sale seven days a week from the farm, open from 9am to 6pm Monday to Saturday and 9am to 4pm on Sundays.

The farm, which supplies to local pubs and restaurants such as Thackeray’s within a 20-mile radius, has 30 acres and produces 30 to 40 tonnes of asparagus a year.

Stephen, who also now grows pumpkins, says that he enjoys the ‘buzz’ around harvest time.

“There really is a special

“Asparagus is the first real vegetable of the new season and tastes great however you cook it”

buzz around the asparagus season. It’s so exciting because it’s short and sweet and there’s a real seasonal feel-good factor surrounding it. We sort our asparagus into five different quality grades and have recently introduced a small variety of purple asparagus – it tastes super sweet.

“Asparagus is the first real vegetable of the new season and tastes great however you choose to cook it.”

On that note, Stephen, who comes from generations of market garden produce farmers, says he is a purist.

“My preferred way of eating it is as natural as possible. Lightly steamed with butter and sprinkled with salt it is absolutely delicious.”

But whether you simply steam, dip it into a soft boiled egg, add it to rice dishes, griddle and scatter it with shavings of mature parmesan or snip its sheers into salads, it always tastes absolutely amazing.

Here are some more recipe ideas for you to enjoy over the short but sweet season…

Seasonal splendour: Asparagus is very climate dependent - the soil temperature must be at least 10ºc before it grows It’s only in season for 8 weeks (23 April: St George’s Day – June 21st June: Midsummer’s Day)

The proper way to eat it is with your fingers according to etiquette guide Debrett’s – even the Queen eats it this way It is part of the lily family and was called “sparrow grass” in the 17th Century

It can help to cure hangovers, protects the liver against toxins and improves digestion Asparagus is known around the world as the “Queen of Vegetables” and during the British season we eat an average of 4.6 million spears a day

SO Magazine | June 2021 | 21

E

TH R I B

STONE

JU

N

GABRIELLA LOVES…

e n o t s n o o m 01892 540216 | gabriellajewellery@outlook.com | www.gabriellajewellery.co.uk 9 Chapel Place, Tunbridge Wells, TN1 1YQ (located between the High Street and the Pantiles)

Food

Quinoa ‘tabbouleh’ with British asparagus, halloumi and kale This warm salad has an added protein boost from the quinoa while the British asparagus and kale keep things fresh.The asparagus is boiled only briefly to make sure it keeps its bite.

Serves: 4 Preparation time: 10-15 minutes Cooking time: 15 minutes You’ll need: For the tabbouleh: 200g quinoa 350ml hot vegetable stock 2 bunches British asparagus, trimmed and sliced into bite size pieces 200g kale, torn into bite sized pieces 1/2 bunch spring onions, finely sliced 1 large bunch flatleaf parsley, chopped a handful of radishes, trimmed and thinly sliced 200g pack pomegranate seeds for the dressing: juice of 1 lemon 1 tbsp runny honey

1 clove garlic, crushed 1 tsp dijon mustard 6 tbsp olive oil salt and freshly ground black pepper to serve (optional): 2 x 250g packs halloumi, cut into 1cm thick slices 1 tbsp olive oil What to do: Add the quinoa to a small saucepan and pour over the hot stock. Bring up to the boil, reduce the heat to low, cover with a lid and cook for 15 minutes until the grains are tender and the stock absorbed.

Meanwhile, make the dressing by adding the lemon juice, honey, garlic and mustard to a mixing bowl and whisking together. Slowly pour in the olive oil whisking until you have a thick creamy dressing.

Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper.

Bring a large pan of lightly salted water up to the boil and tip in the asparagus.

Simmer for 2 minutes until just tender but with plenty of bite. Remove with a slotted spoon to a colander and allow to drain then tip onto a plate and allow to cool.

Add the kale to the boiling water and cook for another 2 minutes then drain and rinse under cold running water to cool quickly. Drain well, ideally spinning dry in a salad spinner.

British Asparagus, Salmon & Squash Rice Bowl This wholesome dish makes for a healthy and colourful lunch or dinner option that’s packed with goodness. Simply prepare the ingredients and pop them in the oven.

Serves: 2 Preparation time: 10 minutes Cooking time: 40 minutes You’ll need 500g butternut squash, peeled and chopped into bite size pieces.

1 tbsp oil 2 tsp cumin seeds Pinch of chilli flakes 2cm ginger grated 1 bunch British asparagus spears, trimmed 2 salmon fillets 2 tsp honey 200g cooked brown rice

1 tbsp peanuts, chopped 4 sprigs coriander Squeeze of lemon What to do Heat the oven to 220C/200C Fan. Toss the squash, oil, cumin, chilli and a pinch of salt in a large oven tray and roast for 25 minutes.

Meanwhile rub the ginger over the salmon and drizzle with honey.

Add the kale to the bowl of dressing, along with the spring onions, parsley, radishes and blanched asparagus. Toss together lightly to mix.

Once the quinoa is cooked, fork through the grains to separate and tip into the salad, lightly mixing through. Spoon onto a serving plate and scatter over the pomegranate seeds before serving.

After 25 minutes add the asparagus and salmon to the pan and cook for a further 10 minutes.

If you are serving with halloumi, heat a griddle pan until really hot. Brush the halloumi slices with a little oil and grill on both sides until lightly charred and crisp.You may need to cook in batches depending how big your pan is.

Once cooked put the squash, asparagus and rice in a bowl, top with a salmon fillet, the chopped peanuts and coriander. Squeeze a little lemon over everything.

Recipes and pictures courtesy of www.britishasparagus.com SO Magazine | June 2021 | 23

Wine

BEST OF BRITISH

CHEERS to English

Here are James Viner’s standouts for you to savour during English Wine Week:

Wine Week

Our resident wine guru James Viner celebrates the return of English Wine Week which runs this month from Saturday 19 to Sunday 27 June and chats to local winemakers Ruth and Charles Simpson who came to Kent after 17 years of making wines in southern France

O

rganised by WineGB, the trade association for English and Welsh wine, English Wine Week (EWW) is a national campaign to support English and Welsh wines and vineyards. It kicks off on Saturday, June 19 this year and with tastings and tours up and down the country, it’s the perfect excuse to crack open a bottle or two of English wine. The same week also celebrates Father’s Day (20), the longest day (21), and Midsummer’s Day (24), making it a memorable time for wine lovers.

Small but dynamic, the UK wine industry has undergone a boom in recent years. WineGB predicts that in just over twenty years, we may be producing 40 million bottles a year (it was 13.2M in 2018, in comparison Champagne produces around 350 million bottles

24 | June 2021 | SO Magazine

per annum). There are now some 700 vineyards in England and Wales, with the majority in the south of England and reaching up to Yorkshire and most of Wales.

Thriving in this cool climate, approximately 70% of all production is sparkling

Retailers are increasingly recognising the growing interest from customers in English wines

wine, with the remaining 30% mainly early-drinking white, red, and rosé still wine.

Retailers are increasingly recognising the growing interest from customers in

Take 4 Must-Try sub-£20 stellar English Wines

English and Welsh wines– last year record sales were shared by high street retailers and independents.

Julia Trustram Eve, Marketing Manager of WineGB told us: “With several key summer events taking place during this period and not least the anticipated mood for celebration as lockdown restrictions come to an end - it’s the perfect time to promote English Wines.

“Over the last year we’ve seen a growing awareness and interest in our industry’s wines and vineyards – buying local, supporting British businesses, and being more sustainable have given rise to more uptake from consumers, both through purchases and visiting vineyards. With English Wine Week we want to continue to build awareness and goodwill for English wine producers, this exciting industry and the wide range of available wines.”

1) Prettily-packaged Provençal pink lookalike from the North Downs, Kent: Simpsons Wine Estate, Railway Hill Pinot Noir Rosé 2020, Kent, England £19.50-£19.99, simpsonswine.com, wineofengland.co.uk, grapebritannia. co.uk & heritagewinesuk.co.uk; 12.5% Everything here is in order. Fresh and scented, stylish and pale, this has lip-smacking acidity and bags of primary fruit (think watermelon, pink grapefruit, cranberry, and peach) flavours, with a whisper of lychee.Transparent, detailed, and delicate, it’s dangerously drinkable.

The finish is scintillating: impressively long, polished, and bristling with an energy that demands another glass.

Perfect for alfresco sipping and also a great partner for a barbecued butterflied leg of lamb or grilled/ seared fish and chicken.

3) Raise a glass of white wine to cool Britannia: Camel Valley Bacchus 2020, Cornwall The Wine Society, £13.95; 12.5% You really couldn’t invent a better name for a wine grape than Bacchus, the Roman equivalent of the Greek god Dionysus, the god of wine and ecstasy. The aromatic German cross first appeared in Britain in 1973 as an earlyripening grape, well-matched to our cooler climate. This tiptop, medium-bodied, Cornish rendition tastes of the English spring and was one of a dozen highlights at The Wine Society’s recent virtual press tasting. Pale in the glass, it brims with hedgerows and fresh notes of elderflower, lime leaf and nettles, finishing pure and crisp. Lovely with fish and chips, oysters and trout. A zingy, light-bodied thirst quencher.

2) Sparkling local vinous hero from Hush Heath Estate: Hush Heath Estate, Balfour 1503 Foxwood Classic Cuvée Brut NV, Kent, England £17, Co-op; 11.5% Kent’s Hush Heath Estate produces glorious, crowdpleasing, seamless, orchard-fruit flecked, floral and citrus-scented traditional method sparkling wines, just like this one, which is exclusive to the Co-op and made from Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. It’s an appetisingly accessible and charming sparkler with fresh-pear-fruit pizzazz and offers great value. Creamy and long, with biscuit and a white peach twist on the finish.

4) Classy Devon red from a stirringly picturesque vineyard on a loop in the River Dart Sharpham Pinot Noir 2019, Ashprington,Totnes, Devon Elizabeth Rose/GrapeBritannia/ Sharpham/TaurusWines, £17.99£19.99; 12% From Sharpham, adjoining Totnes on sheltered slopes overlooking the River Dart, this sleek and tangy Devon Pinot Noir offers a top layer of cherry and wild strawberry, then a subtle spice element, underscored with rosehip, and best of all a gorgeous silky sense of sliding through the palate. One for sushi, tender pink salmon fillets, or duck spring rolls perhaps? Wonderful.

1.

2.

3.

4.

Wine

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Wine

Sensational Simpsons

So Charles and Ruth, what’s next for Simpsons?

Our two main focuses for 2021 are sustainability and exciting new product releases.

We are now part of the WineGB Sustainability Scheme and through our membership of Walpole, have subscribed to their Sustainability Manifesto. At our French Estate we have achieved Haute Valeur Environnmentale accreditation and during 2021 also hope to attain ‘Bee Friendly’ status, so we intend to feed this experience into our activities in England.

We then have three brand new products that will be released during

SIMPSONS’ WINE ESTATE AT A GLANCE: Location: The Barns, Church Lane, Barham, Canterbury, Kent, CT4 6PB, in the Elham Valley Head Winemaker: The winemaking team is led by Australian oenologist, Leigh Sparrow Founded: 2012 Inaugural vintage: 2016

We will be releasing Magnums of a limited edition still Pinot Noir and Chardonnay

Toasting this month’s English Wine Week James Viner spoke to the couple behind Simpsons Wine Estate, a striking local success story, in Barham, Kent, about the English wine scene, their values, projects, plans and superb portfolio of award-winning wines.

Theirs is the easternmost vineyard of the seven-strong Kentish 'Wine Garden of England’ collective, with a very unique maritime climate What led you into English wine production and how big is the team now?

It was a spirit of adventure and a desire to be part of positive change that took us initially to France, with an aspiration to help transform the reputation of the Languedoc from a low quality, high volume wine producer to a high quality, low volume wine producer, a challenge that continues at our stunning property, Domaine de Sainte Rose [now a high-end Languedoc wine estate, which they bought in 2002], to this day.

That same desire to be part of an emerging and evolving area was what also brought us back to the UK. Our aspiration this time to help drive the extraordinary development that has seen England and Wales grow from being a little known and insignificant wine producer, to the most exciting and dynamic wine-producing area in the world.

We are now a team of 12 at Simpsons, covering all the disciplines essential to a wine production business, from viticulture to winemaking and on to logistics, sales and marketing.

26 | June 2021 | SO Magazine

the year. Firstly, at the start of the summer our White Cliffs Blanc de Blancs from the 2017 vintage. This will be our first-ever English Blanc de Blancs, but it will become a permanent feature in our Classic Method range.

And secondly, in November, we will be releasing Magnums of a limited edition still Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, both created from the exceptional 2020 vintage. This special edition mini range is called the Q-Class and we will be providing more information on this via our social media channels as the year progresses!

Why did you choose this area of Kent to grow vines? What is special about the individual ‘terroir’ at your vineyard?

The pristine Elham Valley is a designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, an unspoilt seam in the North Downs of Kent, where the contours of the land, the climate and the soil could scarcely be improved upon for viticulture. Even the subtlest differences in terroir – slope, direction, shelter, altitude, soil – can influence the characteristics of the grapes, and for us there was no more important consideration in our quest to create distinguished English wine, than the quality and suitability of our land.

Our intensely lime-rich chalk soil, forming part of the same chalk ridge that stretches from southern England to the French Champagne region and on to Burgundy, is without doubt the most desirable for the cultivation of the time-honoured trio of grapes that go into the world’s finest still and sparkling wines: Pinot Noir, Pinot Meunier and Chardonnay.

Are there any other grape varieties that you think could work, or you’re trialling, in this part of Kent?

We always wanted to focus on the three well-known Champagne varieties, with which we are having huge success, creating both still and sparkling wines. We are more focussed on clonal selection within these three grape varieties, especially with the Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, to maximise and enhance our successful still wine production.

What do you think are the next steps in getting consumers to back English wine and to try it?

Over the past year, the focus has increased on people shopping local and supporting more sustainable producers. There have been some fantastic virtual celebrations for English and Welsh wines too, which have really helped to boost engagement and enjoyment. This summer should see more people choosing staycations and exploring their local areas further, with vineyard tours becoming of great interest as something different to do!

We have seen an increase in demand for visits to the Estate and look forward to welcoming more guests to Simpsons’ this summer.

Follow James on Twitter @ QuixoticWine & #EnglishWineWeek on social media.

What are your plans for English Wine Week and how do we find out more?

For English Wine Week we are planning to host a set of open afternoons (Monday June 19 – Friday 25) for people to come and visit the Estate and find out more about Simpsons.

We are also working with our Wine Garden of England partners (www. winegardenofengland.co.uk) for a series of events. The first will be a wine dinner hosted at Gusbourne on Friday 25th June. We will also be present as a collective in the Mackande Fine Foods stores (Faversham and Elwick Place) on Saturday June 26 to offer tastings.

Vineyard area & grape mix: 27.07ha in total: Pinot Noir 12.49 ha (46.13%), Chardonnay 9.33ha (34.46%) & Pinot Meunier 5.25ha (19.41%), a total of 129,309 vines Annual Production: 2020 - 120,000 bottles of still wine (including 17,000 bottles of Railway Hill Rosé), plus 60,000 bottles of sparkling wine Viticultural Approach: Seeking WineGB Sustainability scheme accreditation in 2021, minimal intervention Elevation: The Roman Road vineyard (70m); Railway Hill vineyard (50-90m) Soil Type: Chalk Biggest export market: Strong export sales in 2021.

Norway is the largest export market with around 38% of the Simpsons’ products; Sweden & Denmark are also big markets).They estimate that yearend exports will be between 25%- 30% of turnover & volume James recommends: Chalklands Classic Cuvée, Roman Road Chardonnay & Railway Hill Rosé Website: simpsonswine.com

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Gardening Special

Al fresco fiesta All you need to know to make your garden grow and look glorious this summer

SO Magazine | June 2021 | 29

Gardening Special

Heaven scent Ahead of the Hever in Bloom event, which runs from June 21-25, Vikki Rimmer discovers the history of this annual celebration and how to care for your own roses

F

or some in the gardening world there’s only one flower that signifies summer; the English rose.

Neil Miller, head gardener at Hever Castle & Gardens, could be described as the south-east’s premier rose devotee. In his (nearly) 20-year career at Hever Castle he has spread enough compost in their famous Rose Garden to cover Wembley football pitch 10 times over and has deadheaded an estimated 1 million rose blooms!

This summer, visitors to the childhood home of Anne Boleyn, will be able to view a new rose bed full of beautiful nostalgia roses, before walking through the romantic shrub rose garden inspired by American poet Emily Dickinson’s Boston garden.

Over 300 peach-pink double blooms of the Anne Boleyn rose by David Austin will bring a delicate

30 | June 2021 | SO Magazine

scent to Half Moon Lawn and over 4,000 roses will bring peak rose mania to the Rose Garden itself.

The Rose Garden at Hever Castle is a fantastic place to be when roses are at their peak of colour; everywhere you look you see vibrant petals, shiny green leaves and you can smell nature’s very own perfumery.

Neil describes roses as one of the“most rewarding plants you can grow”, but there are a few measures you need to take to ensure peak bloomers!

TOP TIPS FOR YOUR ROSES HEALTH:

We have all experienced a really dry April in the south east this year and if you haven’t watered your roses this will have consequences. Some gardeners believe that rose bushes are bombproof, but actually they really do need water in order to produce their ‘fruit’ throughout the summer. You can often see a plant

Gardening Special

ROSE HIGHLIGHTS AT HEVER CASTLE & GARDENS THIS YEAR INCLUDE:

1.

Anne Boleyn is a classic English Rose by David Austin, it’s exceptionally free-flowing with warm pink rosettes held in large sprays.

2.

Buxom Beauty, with dark pink blooms as big as your hand, this rose produces an amazing scent.

3.

Look out for a wall of white rose blooms as Iceberg produces head upon head around the walled rose garden

4.

Colour combinations - Mama Mia is a great rose and if you’re feeling musical it goes well with the purple of the Moody Blue.

5.

The Hever Rose was bred by the late Colin Horner, this floribunda produces masses of velvety deep-red blooms which fade to cerise, offset by goldenyellow stamens which repeat all summer long.

encourage the fungus to keep going has suffered from lack of water a couple of months down the line rather next season.

Another key to promoting healthy than straight away. roses is to feed them with a granular When it comes to blackfly and slow release food at the start of the greenfly we let the birds and aphids do their work at Hever. One week you season and after the first flush in July.

We take vitamins and echinacea can have totally clean leaves then the ourselves to ward off colds and to next week you can come in and there make them less likely - feeding roses is a mass of fly under the leaves, but helps make sure that if a rose does get we don’t panic we just watch as the attacked it will be less pronounced hover-flies, bees, ladybirds and birds and they will be less likely to get ill. do their work; they are fantastic Take your feed and draw a little gardeners for us. If you’re eager circle with it around the base of to clear your roses of the fly, the plant, make sure the feed then take your thumb and doesn’t scorch the leaves. forefinger and gently brush the Neil and his team will be on leaves and squash the blighters! hand during ‘Hever In Blackspot is a problem Bloom’ 21-25th June to though. This fungus can answer visitors rose really ruin the questions. Former appearance of the Hever Castle roses. We spray gardener turned every two weeks in floristEmma order to keep this Fuller of Emmy at bay. It needs to Lou Floristy will be done either first be running a thing in the floristry morning or last thing experience during in the evening to Hever in Bloom. The prevent the leaves from daily workshop starts at being scorched. You also 2pm each day and costs need to pick a very still start at £20, which includes day. all materials and access to Ensure that the soil the gardens for the day. See around your roses is clean Hever Castle head website for details and clear of debris as gardener Neil Miller www.hevercastle.co.uk mouldy dropped leaves will

6.

The nostalgia roses are new to Hever, be wowed by these beautiful large headed specimens including Pink Martini by Rumwood Nurseries of Maidstone

SO Magazine | June 2021 | 31

Gardening Special

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Gardening Special

LET YOUR IMAGINATION RUN WILD

Tim Sykes, Garden Designer at Gardenproud can help you create a truly unique garden

S

o what sort of garden do you want to create?

A smart courtyard? A Japanese themed space?

A sun lounging deck? A rose garden? A traditional or contemporary garden? The opportunities are endless.

The Gardenproud design team headed by Tim Sykes pride themselves in providing bespoke

external solutions that truly have the wow factor. These tend to combine both hard and soft landscaping characteristics.

Tim founded Gardenproud back in 2007 having enjoyed a successful career in advertising. He retrained as a garden designer at the renowned Hadlow College.

Gardenproud’s Show Garden at Corker Outdoor Living, Paddock

Wood is testimony to his team’s creative capabilities and interest in a complete solution. It features giant pittosporum golf balls and oriental grasses surrounding a shallow pond with porcelain stepping stones, plus a retreat under French oak archways. A sculpture designed by Tim was created specially by local Blacksmith artist Michael Hart.This is surrounded by a variety of flowers including snowdrops, alliums and white lilies.

Last year he was fortunate enough to be invited to design a new contemporary garden in St Albans.

The client was delighted with it and this has led to a substantial design project at their Norfolk residence which includes a number of separate garden areas.

Each one has its own unique theme. “Some areas are driven by the planting, whilst others are greatly influenced by the architecture and structure of the garden,” comments Tim. “One such is the Sunken Courtyard.This is a courtyard leading off a raised private studio, reached via a flight of iron steps. An exit down

through a gate leads to other areas of the garden.The concept we developed for the Courtyard revolves around a Japanese theme. We were incredibly lucky at the time to be introduced to Douglas Knight of Knights Joinery who had recently taken delivery of a CNC machine for timber.This has allowed us to produce products with traditional high quality, with modern techniques to create outstanding work, that lasts the test of time and is environmentally friendly.This remarkable piece of equipment takes a design and recreates it in 3D using CAD and a computerised cutter that cuts panels of Accoya wood.The end solution is only limited by our imagination. It’s incredible.”

Tim goes on to say that this insight got his creative juices going. “I designed the garden, which includes a Japanese entrance gateway, a large feature trellis panel and a bespoke Japanese seat for our client. My designs were then scanned and enhanced in the CAD programme

Back on planet earth, the team at Gardenproud are designing gardens in Tunbridge Wells and one such was created in the new Royal Wells development. This is a courtyard garden that runs straight off the ground floor kitchen/living space of one of the very special town houses in King Charles Square.

“It was a bit of a challenge as the existing space was restricted, had ugly fencing around it and odd levels.

We came up with a scheme that created a nice view from the living area, with a ‘walled courtyard’ look, that incorporated a central seating area, raised beds surrounding this, lighting and a complete rethink of the boundary that created the walled garden effect.

This is where Knights Joinery came back into the picture and with their help we designed a bespoke trellis scheme that extended the colour palette of the client’s living space outdoors. To complete the picture we created a securely locked entrance door into the

by Mariel at Knights Joinery, and the components were made in the CNC machine, and then assembled.

The Accoya wood is a manmade product that performs like hardwood and is incredibly durable.

We then spray paint the work in whatever RAL colour suits the project. So of course the Japanese garden is going to be red!”

The Sunken Courtyard also features a beautiful cobbled stone surface, a lovely curved cedar bench, a Japanese water feature and raised beds. The planting also has the oriental touch with Tree ferns, an Acer Palmatum, bamboo, lilies and oriental grasses.

Tim has also designed the staircase leading down into the courtyard and has taken the cue from the trellis pattern and reflected this in the stair balustrade. Here the blacksmiths use a laser cutter to cut through and create the stair side panels.

courtyard. A planting plan was then developed incorporating acer and liquidambar standard trees and planting plans for each of the raised beds. The garden also features a zinc water fountain, and matching bench.

Integrated lighting in the outer trellis posts helps bring the courtyard to life in the evening.

The Gardenproud design team pride themselves in providing bespoke external solutions that truly have the wow factor

For further information about Gardenproud, or to engage Tim to design your garden please contact him on 07725 173820, email him at reallygardenproud@btinternet.com, see their Show Garden at Corker Outdoor Living, or just Google Gardenproud.

SO Magazine | June 2021 | 33

Gardening Special

Prints perfect T

his month I thought I’d write about using patterned tiles in the garden as I find more and more clients are wanting to use them but are slightly apprehensive.

Some gardens can absolutely hold a pattern and it makes a garden far more exciting and draws people to want to go outside to sit in the space.

I tend to go bold with the amount of pattern I design in gardens as I like the wholeness of the space that a pattern used all over the grounds brings and they’re a fun and

effective way to introduce pattern and texture near the house.

There is a trend in interior design for pattern and layers. It makes total sense to extend it to courtyards and urban gardens in order to reflect and create a link between indoor and outdoor spaces, which is exactly what I did with this urban courtyard in the middle of Tunbridge Wells (pictured).

The interior designers used a palette of blues, creams and whites which I reflected into the garden by using the patterned tiles. As the space was limited I proposed to tile the

34 | June 2021 | SO Magazine

whole floor with the pattern whilst allowing generous planting areas to give the garden a lush and secluded feel.

Now, a jewel box of a garden greets guests as they walk into the kitchen dining area, when the doors are open the flow is seamless between inside and out.

It’s fair to say that exteriors are becoming more influenced by interiors. People are wanting more colour outside and tiles bring a bit of an interior spin.

Other ways to use them is exactly how you would use them indoors, with outdoor kitchens on the rise they can

SO’s resident gardening expert Victoria Truman discusses the merits of using decorative tiles in your outside space

Gardening Special

make a decorative backsplash, used as a feature wall or to clad walls and built-in furniture.

The best inspiration on using patterns outside, I think, comes from Marrakesh in Morrocco where the use of patterned tiles is used extensively with artistry and imagination.

Make sure the tiles you choose are relevant to our weather and look for frost proof, anti-slip if going on areas where there is a lot of footfall.

Frost proof is a must for any tile used outside in the UK. Pick a pattern you love, as you’ll be looking at them every day! Be clever with the planting

The best inspiration on using patterns outside, I think, comes from Marrakesh in Morrocco

around them as you can see in this garden it’s the whole picture that counts, the amount of planting surrounding the tiles in a lush, frame of green invites you into the space.

I see clients turning their attention to the unused areas outside and embracing their gardens and the future of their outdoor space in a completely different way nowadays. It’s as if the house and garden are becoming as one.

And thankfully we now have lots of amazing products to make this happen – with patterned tiles being one of them! www.victoriatruman. com

June’s to do list: 1. Start planning your spring and summer garden by ordering a selection of beautiful bedding plants, including begonias, busy Lizzies and petunias which will give you instant colour.

2. Sow seeds of annual flowers to fill gaps. Mix the seeds into sand or cover seeds with a mix of potting compost and sand so you can easily spot which areas you have sown and don’t enthusiastically hoe or pull up seedlings by mistake. Remember to keep the soil moist until they have germinated and the seedlings have grown into their space.

3. Keep pulling weeds.

Little and often works best. Five minutes here and there aiming to pull them before they flower and set seed.

4. Divide bearded irises a couple of weeks after they have finished flowering. Lift plants, break off the older parts of the rhizome and keep the firm plump pieces.

Trim the leaves to just above the fan as this reduces stress, and replant facing the sun, with the top of the rhizome just visible as they need to soak up the sun.

5. Keep sowing salad leaves and lettuces. If you find them too fiddly try using seed tape – seeds set into paper tape. A very clever way of ensuring you don’t sow too thickly. Plus it ensures straight rows.

They are a bit more expensive but satisfying.

Victoria Truman Garden Designer

SO Magazine | June 2021 | 35

Gardening Special

OUTSIDE

LET’S GO

With a spike in searches for outdoor living upgrades, experts share their tips and trend insights with Sam Wylie-Harris

fter a year of lockdowns, it’s hardly surprising we’ve been looking to enhance our outdoor living and entertaining areas.

According to a survey by home design platform Houzz.co.uk, 36% of renovating homeowners now plan to upgrade their gardens, inspired by the pandemic.

“We’ve seen a spike in interest for outdoor projects, with enquiries rising by 116% in January, compared to the same period of 2020,” explains Houzz editor, Amanda Pollard.

“Our gardens have provided sanctuary throughout the pandemic and as restrictions begin to lift, homeowners are searching for solutions that are beautiful and functional to maximise theirs.”

Here’s what’s piquing our interest…

1. THE FIFTH ROOM Gardens have grown into another room, essentially, with spaces set up for cooking, dining, relaxing and socialising. Recent photos uploaded to Houzz feature cosy garden seating areas with unexpected

36 | June 2021 | SO Magazine

furnishings. These include rugs, floor cushions and 2021’s hottest garden accessory, the hanging chair.

Comfortable garden sofas, layered cushions and heaters are also helping create spaces to enjoy throughout summer, and even into the cooler months.

Suitable for indoor and outdoor use, Ella James (ellajames.co.uk) have a lovely selection of egg chairs available to pre-order, from £395.

“We’re seeing a rise in clients who see their garden as an extension of their home, and want it to reflect their interior style. Luckily, outdoor furniture design has come a long way in recent years, with more stylish options and better weatherproof fabrics available,” says Chris Harrington of Harrington Porter, a garden designer on Houzz. “The technology for outdoor speakers and heaters has also improved, so gardens can be used further into the evening.”

2. PERGOLAS It’s set to be the year of the pergola, with searches on Houzz dramatically increasing in popularity. “If you

want to create an inviting outdoor living space, you’ll likely need shade to do it,” says Pollard. “A pergola is a relatively quick and affordable solution.

These simple shade structures, which can be built and installed by a professional in a day or two, provide adequate shade for dining, lounging and other outdoor activities.”

As landscape designer Patricia Tyrrell, of Living Landscapes, points out: “From framing views to creating welcome shade and supporting climbing and twining plants, pergolas can play many roles in a garden. A vertical structure not only adds another dimension to your garden, it can act as a subtle screen, particularly if you’re overlooked by neighbouring properties.

With simple wire trellis attached to the uprights, or overhead, and some well-placed planting, you can create a private space away from the world.”

3. LIGHTING With a focus on outdoor socialising, households are looking for ways to extend the use of their gardens into the evening too.

“Lighting is key to

Gardening Special

creating a space that works equally as well in the evening, with searches for ‘garden lighting’ spiking in popularity,” says Pollard.

And the options are endless – from strings of solar-powered festoon lanterns, to built-in groundlevel spotlights and everything in-between. For permanent options needing mains powered electricity, make sure you find an electrician.

The pros on Houzz also advise considering the mood you want to achieve, with bright white a good option if you’re after a well-lit space, and warm white a better option if you’re hoping to create a soft glow. “Do consider wildlife when you’re planning your outdoor lighting,” adds Pollard. “Use it sparingly and only when you need it, and switch it all off when you head indoors.”

4. MULTIFUNCTIONAL GARDENS Gardens now have many jobs, from places to work or exercise and spots to eat, relax and socialise with friends. With so many activities now taking place, professionals on Houzz say

their clients are more frequently requesting gardens with clear zoning.

Worried about summer socials becoming a wash out if it rains? Cuckooland (cuckooland.com) has an Alvantor Pop-Up PVC Bubble Tent, from £399.95, with an entrance door that can be rolled up to let the fresh air in but keep raindrops out.

If you’re looking to break it up into different areas, try adding interesting contrasts by using different materials for each section, or varying the planting. Screens are another popular tool to add privacy, creating more secluded spots, perfect for dining.

Purpose-built garden rooms are also becoming more popular. For many, more flexibility in working from home means finding longer-term solutions to carve out dedicated workspaces, so garden rooms are a great option for this. They typically don’t require planning permission, however it’s always advisable to check.

“Make sure you know where you stand in relation to planning permission,” says

5. GREENERY Martin Lawson, of Swift Garden designers say their Garden Rooms. “The clients are moving towards majority of projects are more green planting possible without a full schemes, with big leafy planning application, but plants, ferns, palms and there are many exceptions. grasses popular on recent When you’re making a projects. Along with adding significant investment, you drama, using them in owe it to yourself not to strategic points provides risk a knock on the door much-needed privacy, from a planning especially in enforcement an urban officer.” garden.

An ode to Leaves usually joy, Nick last longer Taylor of than blooms, BOWA, a Our gardens meaning garden planting will rooms have provided look good for specialist on sanctuary months or Houzz, says with the they’re seeing throughout the even, right choices, a lot of pandemic all year. enquiries However, from people you still need wanting to to care for create a them. “These space for plants may enter taining: look low-maintenance but “Some are interested in they’ll need some upkeep,” the idea of BBQ rooms, or says Harrington. “Look for simply places to hang out banana trees, hardy palms and enjoy the garden and grasses, which all work from.” well in the British Isles.”

They’ve also received Elho (elho.com/en) offer a enquiries from people wide selection of vertical needing office space, but forest planters in various often the brief will be to sizes and colours, from accommodate a mixed use, £17.99 for a Corsica Vertical with gyms that feature a Forest 24cm Set of 3. small workstation, or full Planters and pots are a offices with space for an great option for smaller exercise bike and weights. spaces. Try opting for “It feels like we’re only various heights, sizes and starting to wake up to the styles to add interest to potential in our gardens for patio areas – and watch improving our day-to-day your mini garden grow. life,” says Taylor.

SO Magazine | June 2021 | 37

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LOVE IN A COVID CLIMATE

Hypnotherapist Karen Martin examines the role of romance during the ongoing health crisis

T

he pandemic has not been kind to singles. Social distancing rules and lockdown measures have taken the romance and fun out of dating. Despite the fact it’s hard to get jiggy from a distance of two metres with a face mask on, messaging on Tinder increased by 52 per cent during last year’s lockdowns.

Many of the disparate demographic of those without partners have been isolated without support bubbles during lengthy periods without any social contact. It’s no wonder that almost half of Hinge users have been on a video date. And apps have adapted. Daters on Bumble can choose to meet virtually, socially distanced or distanced with a mask.

Now restrictions are easing, it will be interesting to find out what happens on the dating scene as things get back to normal. Meeting in fancy restaurants and trendy bars is

certainly more appealing than the muddy rainswept trudges of recent walking dates.

Research by dating app Bumble shows that singles are taking dating more seriously since suffering the loneliness of lockdowns, with 46 percent of users looking for a long-term relationship.

A lot of singles must have been tempted to break the rules but we have no way of knowing to what degree. Public Health England reports that positive results for gonorrhoea dropped by 58 percent between January and May 2020 suggesting the pandemic was a passion killer for all but the most ardent.

The pitfalls of virtual dating are many. You’re much more likely to be ghosted by someone you’ve never met in person and catfishing scams are easy when there’s every excuse to never meet. Meeting a complete stranger for a walking date in a park or the countryside also has its risks.

A friend of mine reports having several friends who have fallen in love with men they have yet to meet in person. These are not naive or gullible people but mature women travelling hopefully through the minefield of online dating.

Younger singles, who are more likely to treat sex as a leisure pursuit than something requiring the commitment of a relationship, have had to make do with much fewer dates and no physical contact unless they want to break the law. That may also mean visiting relative strangers at home sooner than is safe once chilly walking dates lose their appeal.

Amongst the single clients I’ve seen (online of course) over the last year, some have found love against all the odds. Social distancing has put the brakes on intimacy and given couples the time to properly get to know each other before all the messy physical stuff clouds judgement.

With unrestricted access to potential partners, most people

Research by dating app Bumble shows that singles are taking dating more seriously since suffering the loneliness of lockdowns

jump in and commit to a relationship without fully understanding the person they’re with. I put countless divorces down to the rush to coupledom while still only revealing the edited highlights of character and personality to each other.

The dating world makes love, trust and commitment elusive as so many make promises they have no intention of keeping.

While dating apps are no longer exclusively for casual hook-ups and have evolved into a universal go-to for those seeking relationships, the rules are unclear and expectations often unrealistic.

In history, whenever there’s been a crisis, like plague or war, it’s followed by a period of excess. After the Great War was the Roaring Twenties. More spending, socialising, eating, drinking and maybe a baby boom will signify the end of the pandemic.

Dating has always required hope and optimism. Maybe the singles will lead the way for this century’s own roaring twenties. A decade of decadence and pleasure seeking after the privations of the pandemic.

Karen Martin Hypnotherapist

SO Magazine | June 2021 | 39

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Men's Style

“AFTER BEING IN LOCKDOWN YOU MAY THINK PEOPLE DON’T WANT TO DRESS UP ANYMORE

but it’s quite the opposite...”

Now that we can start attending weddings and other celebrations, Stuart Hardman of Southborough tailors Hardman & Hemming explains the simple art of smart dressing…

SO Magazine | June 2021 | 41

L

ooking sharp during the pandemic hasn’t been at the top of everyone’s list, but for local tailors Hardman & Hemming coming out of lockdown has proved to be just the sartorial tonic people have needed.

“We have seen a real desire for tailoring and style over the last month or so,” explains Stuart Hardman, owner of the successful Southborough-based business.

“It’s not just weddings either although, of course, our grooms are really keen to make sure they are ready for their big day now they can be confident about their plans.”

Stuart goes on to say weddings take a lot of planning and that includes finding the right tailor. “It takes around eight to ten weeks to sort a suit so it’s important for grooms to give themselves plenty of time and not leave it to the last minute.

“We usually suggest the sooner you start the process of having a suit tailor made for a wedding the better. It should

Men's Style

be an enjoyable thing to do and not something that causes worry or stress, panicking if you are going to be ready in time, if you are getting married in August now is the perfect time to get started.”

After being in lockdown for so much of the last year you could be forgiven for thinking that people don’t want to dress up anymore but it’s quite the opposite.

“People seem really keen to make the change to being smarter after wearing more relaxed and casual clothes for so long. Some of that is wanting to feel prepared for heading back into the office but also I think it's just being able to go out and see people; to make an effort for something. It’s refreshing to wear something that isn’t casual clothes or Pjs”.

It looks like our high streets and workplaces could be more like catwalks in the coming months and we can’t wait, so we asked Hardman & Hemming for a few tips to help stay looking sharp over the summer and beyond.

For more information visit www.hardmanandhemming.co.uk

Hardman & Hemming’s TOP SARTORIAL TIPS: 1. Really pay attention to the sleeve length on your jackets. Nothing will make a jacket look too big quicker than sleeves that are too long.

Showing a shirt cuff is a great way to look stylish, but if you don’t feel comfortable doing that just ensure that the jacket sleeves don’t go past the start of your palms when your arms are by your side.

2. Pocket squares are an amazing addition to your wardrobe. A pop of colour in your breast pocket is a great way to bring individual style and personality. Don’t be frightened to make it contrast with your tie or suit colour, in fact make sure it is a contrast.

A pocket square is also a great way of creating a new look with the same jacket and cheaper than a new one too!

3. Pay attention to your shoes!

Spending money on a great suit or outfit will be wasted if you don’t spend a bit of time on your footwear. They don’t have to be expensive but if you look after them and keep them clean and polished it really will complete your look.

4. If you work in an environment where you need to wear a tie then invest a little time on learning a few good tie knots, the Windsor is a classic 42 | June 2021 | SO Magazine

and for good reason. It’s a good, neat knot that holds well all day and can be adjusted to suit your tastes but it is by no means the only one out there. Do a quick search on Youtube for tutorials, there are loads to choose from and before you know it you will have a good variety mastered.

5. How do you make a suit last? This is really a few tips in one and it is easily done:

“We have seen a real desire for tailoring and style over recent months”

A. Firstly, if you can buy two pairs of trousers and rotate wearing them, don’t wear the same pair every time you wear the suit, this will easily double the life of your suit.

B. Don’t overload your pockets, in your trousers or jackets. The more you put in them the more the suit will bag and the lining will wear faster. Keys are the worst so be kind to your pockets.

C. Keep dry cleaning to a minimum.

To help with this make sure you hang your suit up properly at the end of the day and let it air before putting it away.

Spot clean any dirty marks with a clean damp cotton tea towel, just water is fine.

D. When you press your trousers don’t spray them, lay a clean damp linen or cotton tea towel or cover over the top and press on to that, no steam required. This will help take out the creases and also stop the cloth from going shiny through pressing.

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SO Magazine | June 2021 | 43

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Travel

Ocean

colour

scene...

Looking beyond buckets and spades, Emilia Harris finds out what’s new in this popular Devon resort

T

he cold wind whips around my ears and violently shakes the branches overhead. Right now, I’m unsure whether the bead plummeting down my cheek is sweat or rain.

As my feet weigh down on the pedals and my legs start to burn, I activate ‘turbo mode’ and battery power aids my climb to the top of the hill. I’m on an e-bike and that bead slipping down my cheek is most certainly rain – even on the steepest of South Devon hills, I’ve barely broken a sweat.

It’s my second morning in the South Hams region of Devon, located between Torbay and Plymouth and bordering the Dartmoor National Park to the north.

It’s an area with a strong rural and maritime heritage, where sandy beaches rub up against rich coastal grasslands. And it’s so pretty, it’s a designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB).

Naturally beautiful it may be, but

exploring on two wheels has largely lacked appeal to the average South Devon visitor, due to the relentless and often steep hills. Thankfully, e-Xplore Devon (e-xploredevon.co.uk; from £50 per bike per day) have made cycling here more accessible (and a great choice during the summer, when car parks are full and the roads are gridlocked).

Their collection of battery-powered e-bikes (from all-terrain to e-tandems) will have you speeding along with minimal effort – though if you’re feeling energetic, you can drop to a lower setting or turn off the battery completely.

There are suggested cycling routes on the e-Xplore website, and the 21-mile Beach Circuit is a delicious amble along coastal roads and through quaint villages. I dismount in the tiny hamlet of Thurlestone and admire its 17th century thatched roofs and it’s glorious bay (featuring Thurlestone Rock), before continuing to Bolberry Down, a long stretch of rugged coastline.

It’s an area with a strong rural and maritime heritage, where sandy beaches rub up against rich coastal grasslands

The route continues east and I refuel at The Winking Prawn (winkingprawngroup.co.uk/winkingprawn; seafood mains from approx £10), a family-run seafood restaurant on Salcombe North Sands beach. Beer fans should order the aptly named Prawn Juice, which is brewed in partnership with the South Hams Brewery.

I continue on my cycle and initiate ‘turbo mode’, mainly because I’m full of garlic prawns and don’t fancy a stitch.

The route flanks the Salcombe estuary – its vibrant blue waters punctuated with small white sailing boats – before turning back inland. I finish back at the e-Xplore showroom in Kingsdown and space permitting, you can leave your car there whilst you cycle. The crew at e-Xplore can also drop your bike directly to your accommodation.

The rainy weather and long cycle have me craving some home comforts, so I head back to my rustic but extremely cosy shepherds hut. Located at the, the Salcombe Shepherds Huts (salcombeshepherdhuts.co.uk; from £200 for Monday-Friday and weekend visits, and from £325 for a week) are an excellent choice if you want a slightly more luxurious camping experience.

The four huts are handcrafted using local and sustainable wood, and each includes a log burner (perfect for winter trips or chillier nights), and a fully-equipped kitchen.

I’m in the Foxes Den which has an en-suite toilet (new for 2021), a comfy double bed (though it’s up a ladder so book either The Potting Shed or The Shippen if that’s a problem), and a small leather couch. I enjoy my morning coffee at the picnic table with its views of the Kingsbridge Estuary and flocks of sheep merrily grazing in the surrounding fields.

The next morning I’m zipping along country roads to Bigbury-on-Sea, where I’m booked in for a surfing lesson with Discovery Surf School (discoverysurf.com; from £35 for a 1.5-hour lesson). All equipment is provided and I’m thankful for a super thick wetsuit, as the temperature is barely hitting double digits.

We start on the beach as Matt, our instructor, guides us through the basics . We’re soon in the water and Matt’s constant encouragement fills us with enthusiasm and motivation, even after numerous wipeouts. Slowly but surely we start to stand, unsteady but feeling accomplished. There are just three of SO Magazine | June 2021 | 45

Travel

us in my group, but the maximum size is six, so expect lots of useful feedback (the team also offer Surf Courses and 1:1 sessions).

Catching tiny waves makes me hungry and I drive the 30 minutes to Hope Cove, an old fishing village with two sheltered beaches (making them popular with swimmers). I settle in at the Lobster Pod Bistro (lobster-pod.co. uk; seafood mains from £8.50) which you’ll find perched on the hillside above Harbour Beach. I gorge on the Seafood Platter, which includes today’s catch (Gurnard and Mackeral), alongside potted crab, prawns and a selection of salads.

Visitors can sit on outdoor benches or self-contained pods (which seat up to 10 people) and all have views of the ocean and the grassy Bolt Tail headland (a 15-minute amble along the coastal path will take you up to the headland viewpoint). I spend the next hour marvelling over the view. The sun has made an appearance and I’m lapping it up with a pint of Salcombe Pale Ale (brewed just up the road in Kingsbridge).

The small town of Salcombe is one of South Devon’s most popular (its location on the banks of the estuary make it a long-time favourite with the sailing community), and its independent shops, award-winning restaurants and waterside cafes make it

Along the street from the distillery, worth a day or two of exploring. you’ll find the Salcombe Dairy Parking can be hectic, so leave the (salcombedairy.co.uk), which has been car at your Shepherd Hut and jump on churning ice cream for over 40 years. the number 606 ‘Tally Ho!’ bus from Over half a million litres of the stuff is Yarde Gate Nursery (£1.80 per person, pasteurised, churned and packaged each way). Alternatively, you can take each year beneath their shop on Island the scenic, but extremely hilly, Street, and they’ve recently started 40-minute walk into town via the making bean to bar chocolate village of Batson. on the site as well. Must-try Gin fans should visit the ice cream flavours Salcombe Distilling Co. include Honeycomb (salcombegin.com) , (their signature located on Island HOW TO PLAN flavour) and Rum Street. Every bottle of YOUR TRIP and Raisin (my Salcombe Gin is For details of places to stay, personal favourite). distilled on-site using visit or experience in and My final evening is a single copper still around Salcombe, visit spent at waterside (you can spot its salcombeinformation.co.uk restaurant Dick and gingery hue from the Wills (dickandwills.co. street outside). Tasting uk; mains from £15.95).

Sessions include a tour and It’s April and government lots of samples (including the guidelines mean we’re sitting outside limited-edition Voyager Series and the in the freezing wind, but luckily the zero alcohol, New London Light).

The distillery also runs a Gin School, team are on hand with heaters. The salad from my Asian Chilli Beef starter which allows visitors to create their gets blown into the estuary, but luckily own bespoke gin recipe. You’ll take my main course, a Prime Devonshire charge of a miniature copper still Steak Burger topped with Vintage under the watchful eye of an expert Cheddar and a side of chips, proves to distiller, who will guide you through be a sturdier and equally delicious the process of choosing botanicals and option. naming your unique creation. Take The rain arrives, but I’ve learnt to your bottle home or enjoy it at the embrace it this time, because it’s not a waterside Distillery Bar (which is a British trip to the seaside without a destination in its own right and serves healthy serving of wind, rain and well, a delicious selection of gin-based soggy chips. cocktails and Salcombe & Tonics).

46 | June 2021 | SO Magazine

Travel

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SO Magazine | June 2021 | 47

WELL-BEING

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48 | June 2021 | SO Magazine

WELL-BEING

Sweet dreams Naomi Murray is the co-founder of Botanica Health in Rusthall.

This month the herbalist and champion of natural remedies looks at the issue of sleep – and how to ensure you get lots of it

I

n 2020, the word ‘insomnia’ was Googled more than ever before.

Last August a study from the University of Southampton revealed that 1 in 4 people have trouble sleeping compared to 1 in 6 in previous years.

Anxiety, fear, lack of purpose and worry about the future has had a huge impact on the nation’s well-being and in turn how we sleep.

We know that poor sleep is linked to a range of health issues from depression to cancer and in fact just one week of poor sleep disrupts blood sugar levels so profoundly that a doctor might class you as pre-diabetic.

Some health practitioners believe that sleep should be the first pillar of health and it is not hard to understand why. We know how dreadful it feels to toss and turn all night, finally rising exhausted, in a low mood

“Anxiety, fear, lack of purpose and worry about the future has had a huge impact on the nation’s well-being and in turn how we sleep”

Naomi Murray Co-founder of Botanica Health

are made of this

and lacking in energy.

Interestingly sleep is not a passive process but one of great activity. Studies actually suggest that the brain flushes out toxins while we sleep, clearing the brain of damaging molecules associated with neurodegeneration.

A good night’s sleep literally clears the mind. Undisturbed sleep is necessary for cell regeneration, detoxification, balanced hormones, a healthy immune system, cognitive function and energy to cope with the day ahead.

Vitamin and mineral deficiency, not eating enough, hormone imbalances, thyroid dysfunction and an overload of stress can cause sleep issues.

A restless night leaves you running on stress hormones (adrenaline and cortisol), which get you through the day but then prevent you sleeping soundly at night yet again.

Sleep hygiene advice is usually as follows; no caffeine after lunch, reduce evening screen time, sleep in a dark room, perhaps have a relaxing bath and go bed at the same time every night.

And while these tips may work for some people, many still struggle.

If you have tried the usual formula to no avail perhaps the following can pave the way to a better night’s sleep: * Begin at the start of the day when you should take a morning walk as morning sunlight reinforces your natural circadian rhythms. * Have a sweet snack or drink before bed. Ideally a milky drink sweetened with honey.

You can also add collagen as it lowers inflammation and induces sleep. Remember that sweet tea was traditionally given to someone suffering from shock to bring down the stress response. Sometimes the old-fashioned tips are the best. * Consider magnesium to reduce stress and improve sleep quality. Magnesium can also be very beneficial for night cramps and Restless Leg Syndrome. * Try the Ayurvedic herb Ashwagandha (Latin name Withania somnifora hints at its sleep support). Take one capsule morning and evening. * Try L-theanine, an amino acid found naturally in green tea has been shown to lower the excitatory brain chemicals, promote relaxation and help you fall asleep quicker and for longer. During the day it

promotes ‘wakeful relaxation’ without feelings of drowsiness. * Keep blood sugar balanced all day long from your first to your last meal. Remember the type of food consumed during the day has an impact on your sleep at night. Don’t skip meals and make a determined effort to eat regular meals of protein and carbohydrate. Not eating and missing meals creates a stress response, suppressing metabolism. * Avoid evening exercise.

This too raises stress hormones, leaving you unable to switch off and wind down before bed. * Avoid allergenic foods. You may find you are bloated after them, or they may leave you feeling tired or anxious. Listen to your body. * Practice 7/11 breathing (in for 7 and out for 11), preferably through the nose using the diaphram, rather than the higher up chest breathing, for 5 or 10 minutes after retiring to bed. Deep breathing activates the Parasympathetic Nervous System allowing you to rest and relax. The out breath lowers blood pressure and slows heart rate.

“Sleep that knits up the ravell’d sleave of care, The death of each day’s life, sore labour’s bath, Balm of hurt minds, great nature’s second course, Chief nourisher in life’s feast.”

–Macbeth (Act II, Sc. ii), Shakespeare

SO Magazine | June 2021 | 49

Motors

Mini is prolonging the current-generation Hatch with a further facelift, but can it remain competitive? Ted Welford finds out WHAT IS IT?

It’s such a cliché, but the Mini Hatch really is a car that needs little introduction. It’s possibly the most recognisable new car on the roads today, with its small dimensions (even if fans of the original might criticise it for not being so ‘mini’), big round headlights, and wraparound plastic trim making it stand out immediately.

The ‘new’ Mini has now been around for 20 years, and in that time well over 10 million have been produced at BMW Group’s factory in Oxford. But given the current-generation Hatch has been around since 2014, you might expect it’s about time for an all-new version. Alas, no. Instead, Mini is back for a second facelift instead, but is that enough to remain competitive against much newer rivals?

50 | June 2021 | SO Magazine

WHAT’S UNDER THE BONNET?

If you know anything about Minis, you’re probably familiar with the engine structure, which remains identical to the previous car – One, Cooper, Cooper S and John Cooper Works models are available, which range in power from 101bhp to 228bhp.

Our test car is the Cooper S hot hatch, which uses a turbocharged 2.0-litre petrol unit that kicks out 176bhp and 280Nm of torque. Joined to a six-speed manual gearbox (an automatic is also available), it can go from 0-60mph in just 6.5 seconds and head on to a top speed of 146mph. Yet, for a sporty model, running costs should prove fairly affordable, with Mini claiming more than 40mpg, and CO2 emissions of 140g/km.

WHAT’S IT LIKE TO DRIVE?

FACTS AT A GLANCE Model: Mini Hatch Base price: £16,800 Model as tested: Mini Hatch Cooper S Sport Price as tested: £29,910 Engine: 2.0-litre petrol Power: 176bhp Torque: 280Nm Max speed: 146mph 0-60mph: 6.5 seconds MPG: 43.5-45.6mpg Emissions: 140-148g/km

Mini has always prided itself on its ‘go-kart feeling’ behind the wheel, and though this is great marketing, it really lives up to that when you jump in the driver’s seat. In a world of bulbous oversized cars, the Hatch’s dinky dimensions and agility make it a true bundle of joy to drive, feeling sharp, responsible and nimble in all surroundings.

Though the Cooper S might not be the quickest version available, it delivers all the power you’d ever really need – sounding especially fruity higher up the rev range.

Combined with a sweet manual gearbox, it’s nothing short of a delight.

There’s also a new adaptive suspension system available – fitted as standard to our ‘Sport’ trim car – that can adjust the dampers in as little as 50 milliseconds to try and soften the ride. That said, on our test car’s 18-inch alloys, the ride remained pretty firm, though never uncomfortable.

WHAT’S IT LIKE INSIDE?

Gone are the days when that large round display in the centre of the Mini’s dashboard was a speedo, as today you’ll find a large 8.8-inch touchscreen wrapped inside it instead. This system also gets a new interface that aims to

act more like a smartphone, and it’s really rather good. As well as ‘touch’, there’s still a rotary dial just behind the gear knob, which is the easier option to use the screen on the move.

Interior quality remains as great as ever, with a premium feel throughout and perfect ergonomics. But there is a shortfall – and that’s space. Its boot is tiny next to rivals’, and in three-door guise, there’s hardly any room in the back at all. That said, a five-door version is available if you want something marginally more practical.

of glamour with its striking 18-inch alloy wheels, silver detailing and full leather interior.

As for pricing, models kick off from £16,800 for the One, but you’ll need £21,500 for the Sport and Exclusive. Like before, the Mini sits at the pricier end of the supermini sector, but justifies it quite easily with its focus on quality and sportiness. Just don’t be too blasé about choosing options, as you can quite easily have a £30,000 Mini, as was the case with our test car.

WHAT’S THE SPEC LIKE?

It’s a testament to just how good the Mini is that, even at seven years old, it remains as competitive as ever, with a brilliant driving experience and upmarket interior. The more aggressive new design might not appeal to all, but it’s not so divisive that it’s likely to put off the brand’s loyal buyers, while a muchimproved touchscreen and more in the way of standard kit aids the Hatch’s appeal further.

Like before, its main weaknesses are spaciousness and price, but if you rarely carry rear passengers and aren’t too extravagant with option box ticking, the Mini remains one of the most likeable small cars you can buy today.

As with its predecessor, there are three trims to choose – Classic, Sport and Exclusive.

The Classic looks a bit lacking with its 15-inch alloys, though comes well-equipped with full LED lighting, air conditioning, automatic lights and wipers, that large touchscreen system and a new digital dial system – as already seen on the Mini Electric.

Sport unsurprisingly brings racier looks thanks to a John Cooper Works styling kit, 17-inch alloy wheels and part Alcantara sports seats. Cruise control and rear parking sensors are also included. At the top of the range, the Exclusive aims to bring a bit

VERDICT

umme s r at salomons estate at salomons estate Enjoy the great British Summer at Salomons Estate in Tunbridge Wells and relax on our

Enjoy terrace the great Britishout Summer Estate inWith Tunbridge Wells and relaxdistanced on our heated looking across at 36Salomons acres of gardens. free parking, socially heated terrace outstations across our 36 acres of gardens. parking, socially distanced seating andlooking sanitiser customer comfortWith andfree safety is always a priority. seating and sanitiser stations our customer comfort and safety is always a priority.

afternoon tea afternoon tea

sunday lunch sunday lunch

Enjoy a quintessentially English traditional Afternoon Enjoy a quintessentially traditional Afternoon Tea from just £21.50 pp,English including a delicious variety Tea from just £21.50 pp, including a delicious of sandwiches, scones and cakes handmade variety by our ofexperienced sandwiches,and scones and cakes handmade by of our creative chefs. A large choice experienced creative A large choice teas availableand or make it achefs. special occasion withofa teas chilled available or make it a special occasion with a bottle of champagne or prosecco. chilled bottle of champagne or prosecco.

Served Midday – 4pm every Wednesday & Friday.

Served Midday – 4pm every Wednesday & Friday.

Our popular Salomons Sunday lunch is continuing Our popular the Salomons Sunday is continuing throughout summer!

Enjoy lunch a delicious two or throughout the summer!

Enjoy a delicious two or three course feast with choices available for each three course feastingredients with choices available forlocal each course all using sourced from course all using ingredients sourced from local suppliers and producers. suppliers and producers.

From just £24.50pp Sunday Lunch is available From just £24.50pp Sunday Lunch is available Midday – 4pm 16th May and 20th June.

Midday – 4pm 16th May and 20th June.

alfresco alfresco pizza evening evening Unwindpizza at our family pizza evenings with

live Jazz, bbQ live Jazz, bbQ and bottomless bubbles and bottomless bubbles Back by popular demand, live music, bottomless

Unwind at our family evenings with prices from just £7.50pizza per pizza cooked prices from £7.50 per pizza cooked alfresco style just in our wood fired pizza oven. alfresco style in our wood fired pizza Children can amuse themselves with oven. table Children can amuse themselves with table tennis, woodland treasure trail, table football tennis, treasure trail,relax tableinfootball andwoodland lawn games while you the and lawn games you in the sunshine and letwhile us do therelax cooking. sunshineServed and let4pm us do the cooking.

– 8pm Served – 8pm every 4pm Tuesday. every Tuesday.

Back by popular live music, bottomless prosecco and ademand, mouth-watering two course prosecco and up a mouth-watering twouscourse BBQ all served alfresco style. Join on our BBQ all served up alfresco style.

Join us our heated sun terrace as the sun goes downonfor a heated sun terrace as the sun goes down for relaxing evening on Friday 11th June listeninga relaxing evening on Friday 11th June listening to local Jazz fusion band, Café Society. to local Jazz fusion band, Café including, Society.

Tables from 6pm.

Tickets £35pp Tables from 6pm.

Tickets £35pp including, bottomless prosecco or beers (2 hours) bottomless or beers andprosecco two course menu.(2 hours) and two course menu.

fathers day festival fathers dayFathers festival Have an afternoon out with all the family and celebrate Day with a family picnic in our 36 acres of

Have an and afternoon out with all the and celebrate Fathers Day with family our 36to acres of gardens woodlands.

Indulge in family a delicious picnic lovingly prepared by a our chefspicnic readyinfor you collect gardens andalong woodlands.

Indulge in a delicious lovinglyyour prepared by our chefs ready youfor to collect on arrival, with our fully stocked Terracepicnic bar serving favourite tipple and craftfor beers Dad! on arrival, along to with ourthe fully stocked Terraceincluding bar serving your football, favouritebouncy tipple and craft beers for Dad! With plenty keep kids entertained 5-aside castle, table tennis, With plenty totreasure keep the kidstable entertained castle, tennis, woodland trail, football including and lawn5-aside games.football, Sunday bouncy 20th June fromtable midday. woodland trail, table football andchildren. lawn games.

Sunday 20th June Picnicstreasure are £17.50pp adults, £9.50pp Alternatively, guest canfrom bookmidday. our Picnics are £17.50pp adults, £9.50pp children. can book our traditional three course Sunday lunch insteadAlternatively, of the picnic guest for just £29.50pp. traditional three course Sunday lunch instead of the picnic for just £29.50pp.

to book any of our events please go to to bookemail anyreception@salomons-estate.com of our events please goorto www.salomons-estate.com, call 01892 515152 www.salomons-estate.com, email reception@salomons-estate.com or call 01892 515152

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