SO Magazine August 2019

PERSONALITY

Experience a Vine time

Jeremy Vine talks exclusively to SO ahead of his show at Hever Castle

FOOD & DRINK

Celebrating local heroes

Masterchef’s Marcus Wareing on his favourite places to frequent in Tunbridge Wells

TRAVEL

Blue sky thinking

Take a trip to northern Portugal’s pretty coastal resort of Cascais

TWO’S COMPANY WE TALK TO THE COUPLE WHO GAVE UP COMMUTING AND THEIR CAREERS TO CREATE THEIR OWN INTERIORS BUSINESS

August 2019

PROFESSIONAL BUILDING, PLUMBING AND HEATING SERVICES IN EAST SUSSEX

A. MANN BUILDING CONTRACTORS BUILDING • REFURBISHMENT • PLUMBING • HEATING

E: ambuilding@hotmail.co.uk T: 01435 661154 M: 07584 124884 Fb: facebook.com/ambuilding

amannbuildingcontractors.co.uk

Welcome

Editor’s LETTER

I

f you’re reading this on the train then chances are you’ve spent many a journey dreaming about giving up the rat race in order to start your own business. I know I certainly did…

This month we meet an inspiring couple who did have the confidence to give up their careers, and regular income, in order to pursue their dream of starting their own company: Willis Bloom.

Sitting down with Abigail Willis, one half of the fabrics and wallpaper business, based in Horsmonden, what immediately struck me was her determination to make it happen. She told me that when she hit a milestone birthday she thought ‘right that’s it, I’m going to give running my own interiors company a go.’ And sure enough she did but what makes her story even more fascinating is that Abigail had only met her husband Chris a couple of years beforehand and in that time they’ve had a baby together, moved their blended family of five children into a new home and started Willis Bloom!

Turn to page 16 to find out how they did it.

Elsewhere in this edition you’ll find our exclusive interview with Radio 2 DJ Jeremy Vine who will be taking his new show entitled What the Hell is Going On to Hever castle on August 24 (pgs 8 & 9).

We also talk to the talented chef and Masterchef: The Professionals host Marcus Wareing (pg 45) about the favourite foodie haunts he’s discovered in the area since relocating here with his wife and children.

4 6 11 21 25 35

August 2019

Culture vulture: our round-up of where to go and what to see this month

43 45

We dine out at Cinnamon Square and discover their spice for life

The luxuries in life you can’t live without

We also talk to the young actor Jack Holden, who cut his teeth at the EM Forster and Trinity theatres and has since gone on to star in the National Theatre’s War Horse and the film Journey’s End. We catch up with him (pgs 23-25) ahead of his Handlebards production of The Tempest at the EM Forster theatre on August 6.

With the bank holiday towards the end of this month we also have plenty of ideas on where you can go and what you can do with your time off. The third Tunbridge Wells Pride takes place over the weekend of August 16-17 (pg 74) while the annual and enormously popular Local & Live music festival organised by our columnist Paul Dunton - is happening from August 23-26. If you love live music and great food then please do go along and support this great – and completely free – event.

Chef’s larder: TV star Marcus Wareing opens up about where he likes to shop and eat locally

Social scene: who we’ve spotted at the best parties

47

Hidden vineyard gem: Try out a guided wine tasting experience at Hush Heath

Paul Dunton reveals the amazing line up for this year’s Local & Live festival

51

Acting up: Why the star of War Horse, Jack Holden, is returning to his acting roots Jump for joy: Jeremy Vine is bringing his one man show to Hever Castle pg8

What to wear now: Charlie Bond gives her advice for a smooth seasonal switch-up

74

Take Pride: Luna Lestrange tells us about what’s happening at Tunbridge Wells Pride 2019

PS Check out our page @somagazines for all our latest Instagram updates

Oh brothers! We meet the talented trio of hairstylists at MaxOliver pg 40

SALES DIRECTOR Gemma Hak ghak@markerstudy.com

EDITORIAL Victoria Truman Andy Tong Charlie Bond

EDITORIAL DIRECTOR Richard Moore rmoore@markerstudy.com

DESIGN & PHOTOGRAPHY Emily Hammond Emily Wood Craig Matthews

PRINTED BY: Mortons Print 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.

Cover Art Direction: Lee Smith Photography: Craig Matthews

Tel: 01892 779650 www.timeslocalnews.co.uk HEAD OF DESIGN Lee Smith lsmith8@markerstudy.com

60

Victoria Truman on adding a splash of late summer seasonal colour into your garden

63

Editor Eileen Leahy

EDITOR Eileen Leahy info@somagazines.co.uk

What’s cooking? Tips on how you can transform your kitchen, whatever your budget

Footnotes: How reflexology can, quite literally, help you put your best foot forward in life

Issue 137 SALOMONS ESTATE Tunbridge Wells Kent TN3 0TG

PUBLISHED BY

contents

Our money’s on Cascais: Discover this divine Portuguese coastal resort pg 65 Prints charming: Read all about the founders of Willis Bloom homewares pg 16 SO Magazine | August 2019 | 3

AUGUST CALENDAR

CULTURE HUB Our edit of the most entertaining events happening this month...

Frankenstein returns to Tonbridge Castle

MUSIC AT THE MOTE Ightham Mote welcomes a magical evening of classic rock on August 3 courtesy of The Dial. Visitors are encouraged to bring a picnic and boogie the night away. Tickets are priced at £10 and for more information, visit www.nationaltrust.org.uk

FRANKENSTEIN RETURNS Frankenstein has been adapted into an all new musical by Illyria. The production takes place at Tonbridge Castle on August 4 and boasts a

DID YOU KNOW? In 1953 Ightham Mote was bought by an American, Henry Robinson, who had first been attracted to it while on a cycle tour

Ice Cream Festival in Maidstone

wide range of musicians as well as some unique stage effects and puppetry. Suitable for all ages five and over, and tickets will be available shortly at www.illyria.co.uk

BEST IN SHOW On August 10-11 the popular Great Comp gardens near Sevenoaks are hosting their annual summer show event. Now in its 17th year there will be beautiful blooms galore to enjoy as well as specialists on hand to answer all your gardening queries and a musical performance from a local jazz ensemble. Ticket prices for adults start at £8.50 with more details regarding booking available at www.greatcompgarden.co.uk

A CUT ABOVE Trinity Youth Theatre is bringing

the acclaimed music of Stephen Sondheim to Tunbridge Wells on August 9 and 10 in the form of the school edition of Sweeney Todd.

The story of the demon barber of Fleet Street, who returns to London to seek revenge against the judge who ruined his life, will be performed by a talented cast of young people and a live orchestra of professional musicians. Tickets start at £12.50 and more information can be found at www.trinitytheatre.net

WE’RE OFF TO SEE THE WIZARD If you’re a fan of classic musicals go along and see The Wizard of Oz at Groombridge Place.

Young and old visitors alike will love seeing this timeless piece

acted out in the grounds of this beautiful country estate. Dorothy, the Tin Man, Cowardly Lion and Scarecrow will be performing twice daily until August 11. For ticket information go to www. groombridgeplace.com

EXPLORE YOUR ARTISTIC SIDE The Black Pig on Grove Hill Road is offering a specialist artistic experience on August 13. Painters of all abilities are welcome to come along and enjoy adapting a modern masterpiece by Andre Derain.

Tickets start at £40 and include refreshments. For further information visit www.secretartparties.co.uk

IT’S SHOWTIME The Tonbridge Community

Pantomime will be hosting a summer show with a difference this year at Tonbridge Juddians Rugby Club on August 3 at 7pm. Unlike the customary fairy-tale fare, the cast will be staging Speakeasy…A Timeless Bar, a cabaret show which is described as ‘a wretched hive of scum and villainy, a place where the creatures of the underworld and the beautiful elite meet’. Proceeds will go to charity. Tickets cost £12 (or £10 each for a table of ten) and are available from eventbrite.co.uk or by calling 07792 033156.

WILD CHILD Bore Place near Bough Beech will be holding a den building and campfire fun event on August 21 from 9.30am to midday. So why not get your kids away from their screens and into the

DID YOU KNOW? Chocolate syrup was used to create the effect of machine oil when the Tin Man cried in the film of The Wizard of Oz

4 | August 2019 | SO Magazine

AUGUST CALENDAR

great outdoors. Hot chocolate and marshmallows will also be served.

Suitable for children aged 6-11. Go to www.boreplace.org

FRINGE BENEFITS Trinity are hosting their first fringe festival this month. The ArtsBox Festival celebrates local talent, putting emerging artists firmly in the spotlight. With both free and ticketed events there is a chance for everyone to be involved, be creative, and be entertained. For more details see www.trinitytheatre.net

MOVIE MAGIC The UK’s first open-air cinema for children comes to Dunorlan Park from August 7.

Celluloid classics will be screened alongside more contemporary offerings such as Dumbo, Peppa Pig and The Lego Movie 2.

Find out more by visiting www.thelunacinema.com

I SCREAM,YOU SCREAM . . .

DID YOU KNOW? Great Comp gardens has over 30 varieties of magnolias on display

On August 26 Kent Life in Maidstone hosts its popular Ice Cream Festival. Visitors will be able to sample a taste from a total selection of 20 ice cream flavours and there’s also a traditional Punch and Judy show to enjoy. Ticket prices are £9.95 for adults, £8.25 for children aged between three and 15, and for a family of two parents and two children £32.95. For more details go to www.kentlife.org.uk

Den building and campfire fun at Bore Place

SO Magazine | August 2019 | 5

RETAIL THERAPY

LIFE’S LITTLE

Out of this world

A stylish accessory will give any space an instant update.

We love this Christopher Wray Asteroid lamp as not only will it add an aesthetically pleasing focal point in your room, it emits a beautiful soft hue too. Ideal for a stylish snug or cool bedroom it’s both versatile and will last you for years. So why not light up your life by investing in one? Asteroid copper table lamp, £1,275, Christopher Wray, www.christopherwray.com

LUXURIES Carry on looking chic

Seeking an investment handbag that will weather fashion’s fickle storm? Then look no further than this gorgeous Laura saddle bag from Launer.

With its pops of hot orange and sky blue contrasted against a classic cream and gold chain mail it effortlessly merges classic with contemporary. Tell Laura we love her.

Laura Bone patent orange and blue bag, £2,060, Launer, www.launer.com

Here’s our edit of this month’s covetable collectables to enhance your life

Shady lady

These gold and light brown pearl sunglasses from Chanel will give your summer look a touch of class, and provide 100 per cent UVA and UVB protection. The neutral colours place focus on the intricate pearl design, and their circular shape frames the face to give an elegant silhouette.

Round sunglasses, metal and imitation pearls, £550. Available from www.chanel.com

Fully charged

Making scents

Silver is a sophisticated woody scent, with subtle tones of orange blossom, mandarin and plum to add further olfactory interest and dramatic depth.

Aimed at men, this is a very grown-up fragrance with staying power that’ll look super chic on your bathroom shelf. And it’s versatile enough for a woman to wear too.

So feel free to sneak a spritz when he’s not looking, ladies. Amouage Silver Man eau de parfum 50ml spray, £160. Available from www.thefragranceshop.co.uk

6 | August 2019 | SO Magazine

Luxury French brand Berluti has collaborated with Native Union to create a smart, compact option for charging your phone. It’s made from lightweight yet robust aluminium wrapped in the label’s signature leather and embossed with a neat signature on top. Ideal for the man who has everything and wants to upgrade his charging experience. Berluti + Native Union leather charging dock, £590, available from Mr Porter, www.mrporter.com

On the case

As we hit the peak time of the holiday season, this tech case is just what every hip traveller needs. A favourite brand of Meghan Markle’s, this sleek case boasts a variety of clever compartments for travel must-haves, including headphones, credit cards and passports. As well as providing a multitude of storage sections, it also comes with its own phone charger. The First Class Leather Tech Case, £365. Available from www.stowlondon.co.uk

INTERVIEW

Vine’s time IT’S

On August 24 Radio 2 DJ and TV presenter Jeremy Vine brings his one-man show What the Hell is Going On to the Hever Castle Festival theatre. Eileen Leahy caught up with the popular broadcaster to find out more about the show and how he juggles his busy schedule

So Jeremy please can you tell us a bit about your new show What the Hell is Going On? I am trying to answer the question we are all asking! Where did Trump come from, how did Labour go Blair-Corbyn, why Brexit but not Scottish Independence?

We are in the craziest times and it is the most exciting moment for any journalist.

Where did the title come from?

Can I leave you to guess that, Eggheadsstyle? It is from the most memorable soundbite of the century so far – but you have to tell me. Or come to the show and get the answer there . . .

Why did you decide that now was the time to do this type of show?

There is such a hunger for answers. Ever since Thatcher fell, politics has converged on the centre, as if there was only one answer to every question. Suddenly it’s pinged left and right again and we are in the biggest political crisis since World War Two. Can you tell us three interesting things that you’ll be talking about?

Well, there are more than three callers to my radio show I want to mention! I have taken 25,000 phone calls from

Image courtesy of BBC

8 | August 2019 | SO Magazine

I have taken 25,000 phone calls from listeners.

And the thing I now realise is that they know what the news is, and I am the listener

Jeremy danced with Karen Clifton (below) on Strictly

listeners. And the thing I now realise is that they know what the news is, and I am the listener.

What will the audience enjoy most about What the Hell is Going On? Can I turn the question around and tell you what I’ll enjoy most? Actually seeing my listeners! Remember, most days I am locked in a soundproofed, airtight room with a view only of rooftops, I love to see the people I speak to every day.

So far there are just two dates listed for the show; any plans to do more at a later date?

We are booking them one at a time.

I am finding my feet. It’s all a little scary.

On one show I tried to dance onto the stage, then remembered I couldn’t dance.

Ah yes of course! You were on Strictly, but we’ll come to that in a minute . . . in the meantime you’re a prolific broadcaster, presenter and writer, which area of your work do you like best and why?

Ooooh now you are testing me! Radio gives you longevity. But I am having so much fun with my morning TV show on Channel 5.

DID YOU KNOW? Jeremy Vine hosts the BBC’s long-running quiz show Eggheads, taking over from former host and fellow journalist Dermot ­Murnaghan full-time in 2014.

And talking of which, what’s your secret for keeping all the plates spinning vis a vis your commitments?

A sense of humour. Laugh every hour of every day.

Can you tell us any specific stories from your listeners that have stuck in your memory over the years and why?

I’m going to mention a recent one I had.

The story we were discussing was about the death of two railway workers on a train track, and we were asking whether listeners had had experience of similar accidents or near-misses. A caller phoned in to tell me about her husband who was killed while working on a railway in West Wales in 1990. She said: “He was wearing ear defenders.

INTERVIEW

He left two girls aged eight and five. He was thirty years old. To this day I do not know why or how this happened. There is a look-out person that is meant to warn them of oncoming trains. I guess with the noise from the machinery and wearing ear defenders he didn’t hear any warnings. Four lives changed in an instant.” To me it is amazing that people will say this kind of thing. It opens up a whole life of pain so intimately.

Hever Castle will host Jeremy’s show

Taking on Strictly Come Dancing was certainly very different from the current affairs arena you usually work in. What key things did you get out of this experience?

I understood that dancing is like poetry, and even if you can’t write it you can still learn to enjoy the poetry of others.

I was partnered by Karen Clifton and we remain friends. Her movement was like art. I am in awe of her. And I think my awe is a kind of appreciation that she gave me, like a gift. I did not have it before.

Finally, do you get a lot of callers from the Tunbridge Wells area to your shows and do we really live up to our reputation of being ‘disgusted’?!

Funnily enough I was talking to a Kent MP just recently. He said all the constituencies around him were 60 per cent Brexit. And then he paused and said: “Apart from Tunbridge Wells, of course.” And the words, of course, were said with such heavy meaning I found myself nodding and agreeing: “Of course, of course.” Yes, there is something very special about TW.

Jeremy with Channel 5 co-host Storm Huntley

SO Magazine | August 2019 | 9

SOCIAL SCENE

GRAPE EXPECTATIONS Last month Bluebell Vineyard Estates launched its first range of still wines. The Ashdown collection – named in a nod to the winery’s Sussex heritage and the beautiful forest which surrounds the vineyard – comprises three whites and a rosé. The event, which was hosted by Marie Davies and Marielle Way, sales and marketing managers at Bluebell Vineyard, saw the estate’s Head Winemaker, Kevin Sutherland, expertly guide guests through a tasting of each of the new Ashdown wines. In attendance were members of the press and hospitality and retail industries including the teams from Historic Sussex Hotels, The Warren restaurant and The Secret Cellar along with representatives from Wine GB. The perfectly paired canapés invitees enjoyed were courtesy of Strong Flavours.

@Photography by Craig Payne

SO Magazine | August 2019 | 11

SOCIAL Section SCENE

SEVEN COURSE EXTRAVAGANZA RAISES THOUSANDS FOR CHILDREN’S CHARITY Seven of the area’s top chefs recently created a special seven-course menu in support of Tonbridge children’s charity Tree of Hope. The evening at Hush Heath winery in Staplehurst saw guests feasting on a variety of delicious delicacies including crispy hogget and oyster crackers by the Small Holding’s Will Devlin, and pastrami cured halibut by Rob Taylor from The Compasses. Former Kentish Hare chef Bobby Brown and Scott Goss of Tonbridge’s Verdigris also created some culinary masterpieces. Gill Gibb, CEO of Tree of Hope, said: “We were overwhelmed by the generosity of all involved with such well renowned chefs giving their time as well as donating money-can’t-buy prizes, Hush Heath for giving us their beautiful venue and West Kent College for providing waiting staff.” The evening raised more than £16,000.

12 | August 2019 | SO Magazine

Advertorial

BEDE’S CELEBRATES UPPER SIXTH LEAVERS WITH ENCHANTING SUMMER BALL

Bede’s School at Upper Dicker, East Sussex, hosted an enchanting summer ball to celebrate the end of the Upper Sixth pupils’ time at Bede’s.

Over 250 pupils, parents and staff enjoyed a sumptuous threecourse meal, with speeches from Headmaster Peter Goodyer, Heads of School Imogen Lock and Gabriel Neumann, Deputy Heads of School Leilanni Nesbeth and Tom McGovern, and Deputy Head of Sixth Form Barry Jackson.

Following a lively awards ceremony, the evening entertainment continued including a vintage carousel and live band, finishing with champagne whilst watching a spectacular firework display over the lake at Bede’s.

SO Magazine | August 2019 | 15

COVER FEATURE

A DESIGN FOR LIFE Inspired by a passion for interiors and a huge desire to work for themselves, Abigail and Chris Willis decided to launch their Willis Bloom fabric and wallpaper business earlier this year – two years after meeting, getting married and having a baby. Abigail tells us all about their whirlwind, life-changing journey

M

y husband Chris and I first tiptoed around the idea of creating our fabric and wallpaper design in 2016.

Chris’s background was in engineering and mine in marketing but I’d always been a creative person, happy to be drawing and painting when I had the time.

Then I had a milestone birthday – and an epiphany. I realised I wanted to give up my job in marketing, working long hours and trying to juggle childcare (we have five children aged two to 20 between us) and build a creative business of my own.

Designing fabric and wallpaper patterns seemed like an obvious route to go down given my ability to draw and natural love for interiors. In the early days a supplier we once had a meeting with said to me: “You’re a bit long in the tooth to be getting into interiors.” I sat there in front of him eight months pregnant having just quit my old job and gave him a steely glare: you’re wrong, I thought to myself.

Some life experience under one’s belt actually gives you confidence, key business skills and the maturity to make things happen. So his rather rude comment actually turned out to be the catalyst which spurred Chris and I on to pursue our dream.

Art Direction: Lee Smith | Photography: Craig Matthews

During 2017-18 we completed our first collection and also moved house, got married, had a baby and built a website in preparation for our launch of Willis Bloom. So quite a busy time for us!

We also had to learn how to develop our designs into something tangible. Firstly we learned how to transform them into pattern repeats after some Illustrator and Photoshop training. We also visited specialised printers to understand the manufacturing process and did a lot of

SO Magazine | August 2019 | 16

COVER FEATURE

We’re currently working on a beautiful floral collection, an Art Deco geometric design and some really lovely striped fabric that’s perfect to co-ordinate across the collections

online research. We weren’t afraid to ask lots and lots of questions to find out everything we needed to know. The bottom line was that we knew we had a lot to learn.

We tested our designs on different fabrics and wallpapers, asked more questions, did more research and once we were happy with the results and fabric selections, we set about getting some really beautiful photography commissioned to show our designs in a room setting and to fuel our website and social media.

Having the photography done and our website going live made it all become very real. We never compromised on our original vision of using high quality materials in order to showcase our designs and the desire to have our environmental impact at the forefront of all our decision making.

We digitally print all of our fabric, which uses much less water than traditional 18 | August 2019 | SO Magazine

printing, so we are being kinder on the planet too.

We went live with our website at the end of December 2018 and quickly discovered it was a terrible time to launch an interiors business! We were aiming for September but a delay with the initial printing meant that everything, including the photography, got set back. The reality was this gave us time over Christmas to test the website live, get feedback and be really ready for relaunching in early 2019.

So much of this is new to us and takes far more brain power and energy than our previous jobs ever did! Financially too, it’s a massive shock losing decent salaries; and so holding your nerve until sales come in is incredibly difficult. People often talk about launching a new business being a ‘roller-coaster’ experience and there really is no better way to describe it.

Sometimes it feels amazing, and at other

Our daily commute is literally climbing two flights of stairs.We love that.

Sometimes it’s just a step into the garden

times you’re dusting off your old CV just in case . . .

What you need more than anything is unfailing confidence in yourself and your products. Because we are a husband and wife team that helps too, as when one of us has a confidence wobble the other one is always there to bolster and cajole back into ‘we can do this’ mode. Working alone when you first become selfemployed can feel really isolating if you’re used to working in a big team as in our previous careers so having someone to work closely with is brilliant.

Like so many people we’re now on our second careers and the more we talk to people the more we find others just like us. People who have worked crazily hard all through their twenties and thirties on a frantic career that takes everything and then they think ‘whoah! That’s enough’.

We wanted to claim our lives back and put us and our family as the top priority.

COVER FEATURE

HOW TO BE SOCIAL MEDIA SAVVY: How useful is social media for you?

Essential. As a start-up without any significant marketing budgets for advertising this is our primary tool for increasing awareness both with direct customers and our trade audience.

It’s a brilliant way of us testing different messages and strategies to see what works and what doesn’t.

Which platforms do you use most and why?

Instagram helps us share our images frequently and reach new people and raise awareness. Facebook offers us the ability to say more, link to our blog, highlight particular products and share to trade and consumer groups that we are part of.

So we ditched the life-sapping careers (and proper salaries) and did just that.

And you know what, it’s worth it. You need less ‘stuff’ than you think if you have a great family around you.

All our designs start off hand drawn by me and then we use a computer to create the pattern repeats and to develop additional colour ways. Drawing by hand is one of our core design principles. We like the charm and gentleness of something that is created by a person and not a pixel.

We design and print all our collections here in the UK, so you also get the benefit of knowing that you are supporting local.

The fabric we use is gorgeous; we have selected high quality luxury linens, velvet and cotton fabrics designed to last so people know that their choices can be enjoyed in their homes for years to come.

We don’t want to fuel design fads, we want to help people create real homes with timeless prints which stand the test of time.

We now have nine fabric designs and four wallpaper collections in a number of colour ways. We print to order so everything can be carefully managed and checked. We can also colour-match a design to a customer’s existing colour scheme (think sofa, walls etc).

We aim to bring six more collections out every year and to gradually introduce cushions, lampshades and homewares, ceramics and affordable artwork too.

We have the flexibility to offer bespoke solutions, including three different wallpaper widths, alternative base fabric options and customised designs to match clients’ existing colour themes to make them fit in their home perfectly.

Given we are still a very new company people will know that if they buy our collections then they are choosing something that not many people have, and that’s a nice feeling too.

In the pipeline we will be announcing the launch of our own ceramics ranges, home wares including readymade cushions, lampshades and gifts featuring our designs too. Willis Bloom is blooming!

When did you start posting and what has it taught you?

We started posting on day one and we’re still learning. Some things that we think will really be popular aren’t at all and others really surprise us. Our most liked image is just the two of us, no product in sight, just smiley faces from our wedding day. It just goes to show that people like people. We probably average three to five posts a week on both platforms and that can also include a blog post or two.

WHAT’S IN A NAME?

We wanted to create a brand that would be able to grow beyond just fabric and wallpaper. We also wanted a tie into our family and so Willis was a good start, with Bloom being a link to the blossoming future ahead of us and our shared love of flowers.

DESIGN INSPIRATION

It comes to me when I am walking, running, pottering in the garden, at a gallery, show, on the school run or in bed. I visualise every detail in my head and commit it to paper once it’s ready.

I also think about what I would like to have in my own home and if I like it I hope other people will do too.

“Given we are still a very new company people will know that if they buy our collections then they are choosing something that not many people have, and that’s a nice feeling”

WHY WE LOVE TUNBRIDGE WELLS Abigail and Chris Willis

Where’s your favourite place to shop? For a gentle browse you can’t go far wrong with Chapel Place, the old High Street and The Pantiles.Trevor Mottram is my go-to favourite for any kitchen ware paraphernalia. It’s an Aladdin’s cave of household temptation.

Do you collaborate with any other influencers?

This is the next stage for us but it won’t be just with interiors bloggers, we’d also like to collaborate with other local businesses that make beautiful, well-crafted and original products. Supporting other small businesses and helping them to succeed in tandem with us is something we feel really passionately about.

Castle Fine Art gallery (just off the High Street) has some wonderful art and is always worth a browse.

Oh and Le Petit Jardin in Chapel Place is my favourite place for buying unique gifts.

And to eat out? Gosh this is a bit like choosing your favourite child! We love a Thai meal and a cosy atmosphere, and Sucheera in Calverley Road does both.We may have a cheeky drink beforehand in The Town House.

In the summer we just love The Vineyard at Lamberhurst for a glass of something cool and sparkling sitting in a deck chair while the children have a play.

Or for tapas Sopranos is a must as the food never disappoints.

And for coffee or cocktails?

We’re not coffee drinkers but happy to indulge in a cocktail or three. Our most regular cocktail haunt is probably our sofa or garden nowadays to be honest. It’s remarkably good value for money and the measures are generous! Chris is a gin fan and I simply adore a good old Martini; retro and proud.

Finally, where’s the best place to go locally in order to get away from it all? With the children Bedgebury Pinetum takes some beating for us. It’s our go-to local place for letting off steam and it’s brilliant all year round. The little ones can run wild, the bikes get an airing and the cakes in the café are delicious!

SO Magazine | August 2019 | 19

MUSIC

local & live!

LET’S GO

Paul Dunton Music Editor

Follow Paul @PaulDuntonmusic

T

he Local & Live Music Festival Organiser and takes place every year SO columnist over the Bank Holiday Paul Dunton weekend in August. This reveals what music year it runs from August 23 to 26 and will have its lovers will enjoy main stage in Calverley Grounds with additional this year gigs held at The Spa Hotel and The Forum as well as other venues around Tunbridge Wells.

This free music festival, now in its 14th year, is a regular annual fixture in the town’s cultural calendar and for 2019 I WHAT THE can reveal the line-up will feature the ROCK STARS cream of the region’s original musical SAY ABOUT LOCAL & LIVE: artists including Infrared, The Steffan James Band, David Migden & The Twisted Iconic rock Roots, Son of Kirk, Mike Wilton, Mark legend Roger Morriss and Suncharmer.

Daltrey CBE of As Local & Live has grown in both The Who is a reputation and size, it draws visitors from long-term all over the UK and Europe. The festival supporter of the now brings together a collective audience festival and says: somewhere in the region of 15,000 to 20,000 people, which is amazing.

For 2019 there has been an exciting Local & new development to the structure of Live is a Local & Live in that I have joined forces my fellow local musicians Jason fantastic with Dormon of The Forum and Nigel Bent platform for and Peter Taylor who run The Royal Oak in order to create an official charity: independent, Pub Local & Live Music. original The aim of the charity is to promote public appreciation of and education in the music in arts, and in particular the art of music, by Kent and delivering a free-to-attend community festival which includes the performance of

Sussex, long may it continue!

live original music and spoken word and other music-related educational events and opportunities.

Jason is fully behind this venture, saying: “As a charity Local & Live will continue to thrive and extend its positive effect through high quality events in the South East to nurture and encourage exceptional artists and unite them with new audiences. It will create a legacy for the area for many years to come.”

Nigel adds: “Local & Live is an amazing event and it’s a privilege to be involved.

The new charity will provide Paul with the support and fundraising structure to sustain and build on what he has achieved for the local community over the last decade.”

So why is funding for the festival so vital? As a free event, Local & Live’s intention is solely to cover its costs. I personally give my time to organise and run the event for free. For me personally it is a labour of love. There are substantial costs, though, which we cannot avoid and just some of the major costs include the festival’s main stage, complete with all the necessary technical equipment, which amounts to around £25,000.

Then there is the security bill, which is close to £8,000, as well as other essential costs including insurance, medical staff, marquee hire and everything else in between. In other words, a lot of money is needed to fund Local & Live. So if you’re a music fan and love what this festival brings to the town then we’d really appreciate your help in supporting it financially whether that’s through donations or sponsorship. We’d love to hear from you.

To find out more visit www.localandlive.org or to pledge your support visit the crowdfund page searching Local & Live at www.gofundme.com

WHAT THE ROCK STARS SAY ABOUT LOCAL & LIVE: Local resident and front man of The Bluetones, Mark Morriss, recently gave his official take on the festival:

Local & Live has established itself as an essential hub for uniting musicians and fans of all generations and genres in the area of Tunbridge Wells. We are so lucky to have it

WHO’S ON THIS YEAR’S BILL:

David Migden & The Twisted Roots

THE STEFFAN JAMES BAND, THE ACKERLEYS, DAVID MIGDEN & THE TWISTED ROOTS, PLANET 3, SON OF KIRK, THE GALLERYS, THE VARLIES, CYRANO, SEAN DE BURCA, MIKE WILTON, MARK MORRISS, SUNCHARMER, ISABELLA COULSTOCK, TOP CAT COLLLECTIVE, DAVID MUMFORD Gigs kick off on the Friday evening in Calverley Grounds, and the music continues in the park through Saturday (12pm to 10pm) and Sunday (12pm to 9pm) and at nearby satellite venues including The Forum on the Common,The Bedford pub and Cassidy’s Bar. Alongside the music in Calverley Grounds, there will be two main bars run by Fuggles and The George pub and there will also be a selection of local food traders present, including Sankeys, the Raj Pavillion, Food Comes First, Alice’s Ices and Mother Bhumi.The Forum will host Local & Live bands on all four days.

On the final day, Bank Holiday Monday, the action moves to the gardens of The Spa Hotel for a chilledout, wind-down acoustic day.

SO Magazine | August 2019 | 21

ARTS & CULTURE

ACTING

e s l u p m i on

Local actor Jack Holden has appeared in the National Theatre’s War Horse and the 2018 film Journey’s End. This month he brings his popular Shakespeare collective the Handlebards to the EM Forster theatre to perform their version of The Tempest. He tells us all about his passion for performing

I was born in Pembury and then attended Stocks Green Primary in Hildenborough before going to The Judd School in Tonbridge. When I was 18 I was awarded a place at Bristol Old Vic Theatre School so I relocated to Bristol between 2008-11. After that I landed the dream first job in the National Theatre’s production of War Horse. Since then, I’ve been living in London, acting, writing and producing but as I love West Kent I try to come back whenever I can. I feel very lucky to come from such a beautiful part of the world and I count Judd as the starting block of a very happy and fruitful career.

I remember wanting to be a stuntman when I was a boy but that soon developed into wanting to act. I acted as much as I could while I was at Judd, and I got involved with productions at Trinity and at the E M Forster theatre. I learned that drama schools existed in my final year of school, and so decided to apply to a handful. I was very lucky to be one of only 14 people accepted into Bristol Old Vic Theatre School, where I got to act, sing and dance every day for three years. It was such fun and – more importantly – a brilliant vocational training.

Everyone knows how precarious it can be to work in the arts and I’ve certainly found that to be true at times, but I’ve also been lucky enough

to build a career and a life in the industry I love. The reality of an actor’s life is that it swings from great excitement to deep monotony. The thrill of live performance, the opportunity to travel all over the world, working alongside some living legends; all this is counterbalanced by the uncertainty of where the next job will come from, and the repetition of a long run of a show. The lows can be very low; but the highs are unspeakably exciting.

These highs have so far included: playing the lead in War Horse in the West End for a year, taking part in the National Theatre’s 50th birthday celebrations with Dame Judi Dench, Dame Maggie Smith, Dame Helen Mirren and Ralph Fiennes, and being commissioned to write my first play.

The lows have been the (mercifully brief) stretches of unemployment, and touring to some questionable locations...

Getting to play soldiers in Journey’s End was very fun.

At the end of the film, there is a huge German attack on the trenches for which the special effects department acquired real dynamite.

For days, they blew up swathes of a field, sending mud and debris over all the actors – and it was truly terrifying. No acting required. I also got to act alongside Toby Jones, one of my all-time acting heroes.

I loved both series of Killing Eve – I’d love to be involved in something as cool as that. Lots of action, lots of incredible international locations and a stellar cast On stage, I’m dying to do some more Shakespeare

SO Magazine | August 2019 | 23

ARTS & CULTURE

“My all-time acting hero was Philip Seymour Hoffman. He had a way with characters which was at once surprising and completely obvious, very subtle and very muscular.

In the UK I love Phil Davis, Toby Jones, Simon Russel Beale, Fiona Shaw, Lesley Manville and Monica Dolan”

In War Horse, getting to work with the puppets was a complete joy too. Though it didn’t come without its mishaps. When I was rehearsing War Horse, I had to practise a running jump onto the back of the six-and-ahalf-foot high horse puppet over and over again. On my first attempt at the running jump I made it onto the horse, but couldn’t slow myself down, and fell headfirst onto the other side of the stage. You do pick up some scrapes and scars in this profession!

I think my true passion has moved from theatre to film. I started with stage acting, and always thought I’d be happy on stages for the rest of my life but, as soon as I acted in my first feature film, I was hooked. The army of people and the immense amounts of work which go into creating beautiful and precise moments of film, absolutely blows my mind. It’s why I’ve started producing short films myself. But there is more television content being made than ever before, so I think that’s the world to move into now.

DID YOU KNOW?

Jack’s father runs Mr Books in Tonbridge. “I couldn’t let this interview pass without mentioning Mr Books, the Tonbridge bookshop run by my dad! It’s such a little gem in the High Street, Phil has done such great work to make it a welcoming, cosy place to be and I think it’s a real asset to Tonbridge. High streets across the country are homogenising at an alarming rate but in spite of this Tonbridge manages to retain its identity. But it only lasts if people go out and visit their high streets. Every time I’m back I buy an armful of books – there are some really interesting finds in there, plus Phil will always order books in new when you ask. Much better than Amazon.”

HOLDEN ON THE HANDLEBARDS

I started as assistant producer for The HandleBards last summer, so I’m into my second season with them now. I look after the logistics of their two national tours: the all-male troupe’s Much Ado About Nothing and the all-female troupe’s The Tempest.

They’re both fantastic shows, and the actors cycle from venue to venue, clocking up about 1,500 miles across the summer. I joined The HandleBards because I wanted to turn my hand to producing, and I truly believe in their mission to bring sustainable, accessible and affordable Shakespeare to people all over the country. I’m thrilled The

HandleBards are coming to the EM Forster theatre on August 6.

There’s something pleasingly full circle about bringing some theatre back to the place that gave me my passion.

The HandleBards interpret Shakespeare like no one else. Our shows are high energy, hilarious, original and, most importantly, understandable. If you’ve never seen Shakespeare before, it’s a great introduction; if you’re a Bard aficionado, you’ll love our irreverent and intelligent shows. Be warned, however: The HandleBards will probably help themselves to your picnics! They work up quite an appetite on their bikes.

WHY I LOVE TONBRIDGE Jack Holden

What do you enjoy about coming home to Tonbridge?

I love the old town: the Castle, the river, the cafés, walking out through the parks and into the countryside to find a nice pub.

Any particular favourite scenic places you like to visit?

I love getting out to the nearby National Trust properties in the area: my favourites are Chartwell House, Ightham Mote and Knole House.

Best place for a coffee or a cuppa?

I always swing by the Old Fire Station for a lovely coffee.

And a beer?

Nothing beats the Chaser Inn in Shipbourne on a warm summer’s evening.

SO Magazine | August 2019 | 25

LIFE & STYLE

Transformations

After

This month we interviewed Lee Pacey about his business and what he thinks makes it stand out Could you start by telling us a little about yourself?

I was born and bred in Royal Tunbridge Wells, a pupil at both Sherwood park and then Tunbridge Wells boys grammar school.

I have always had great enthusiasm for everything I’ve done, be it restoration of classic Italian scooters, music collecting. I also have a passion for Dj-ing, playing mainly Motown northern soul and disco.

When did you start Chests and Drawers?

I started up-cycling furniture at 102 London Road, Southborough , Kent, in 2011.

What would you say are the challenges of running your business in the difficult retail climate, do you feel the pressure to trade online?

The business has grown from strength to strength from since we opened. I don’t think we feel the pressure because we offer something you cannot get online. In 2013 I added a joinery to make high quality bespoke furniture for my clients and to offer brand new stock in a choice of colours. Then came the on- site preparation room and spray booth, an association with Farrow and Ball and the start of kitchen unit painting.

Before

What would you say makes Chests and Drawers a unique and successful company?

Chests and Drawers now, as well as offering a fully stocked shop, offers a bespoke painting service for any furniture and kitchen units in a colour of choice to the highest possible standard. Our expertise and pride in what we do makes us different.

Finally, what are your aims for 2019?

I’m looking forward to the exciting new range of Homeware we will be introducing into the shop in the coming months.

Chests and Drawers, 102 London Road, Southborough, Kent TN4 0PW 01892 458021 www.chestsanddrawers.co.uk

Before

After

Furniture and kitchen refurbishment, painted a colour of your choice!

Collection & delivery available.

Over 70 painted items available in store....

102 London Road Southborough, Kent TN4 0PW 01892 458021 www.chestsanddrawers.co.uk

SO Magazine | August 2019 | 27

ADVERTISING

28 | august 2019 | SO Magazine

ADVERTORIAL

Ones to watch in local business This month we speak to some of the many young and inspirational people doing business in the local area. They work in everything from finance to the food industry and here they reveal what drives them and their key goals for the future…

Warners Solicitors

Name: Aneesha Dhami Job Title: Solicitor for Private Clients Tell us about the business and your role within it...

I am a solicitor in the Private Client team at Warners Solicitors with expertise in Wills, Lasting Powers of Attorney, Deputyship applications and Probate law.

Warners is a modern and innovative law firm with a strong heritage having been around since 1785. We offer a range of legal services to both businesses and individuals. We are regularly recognised by the leading legal directories Chambers & Partners, and Legal 500, as offering some of the best legal advice in the region.

What gives you the biggest buzz at work?

Working in a supportive and collaborative environment, enabling me to solve tricky and technical issues and allowing me to do the best I possibly can for our clients to meet their objectives. It is particularly satisfying when a client has an issue that is causing them a great deal of stress and anxiety and I can assist them with some practical advice and really set their mind at ease.

Burfields House Wealth Management Name: Owain Bluckett-Evans Job Title: Retirement Advisor

Tell us about the business and your role within it...

We are a Wealth Management consultancy; covering all aspects of financial planning including investments and tax planning, retirement planning, inheritance tax planning and everything in between.

My primary role is Retirement Adviser. I assist clients in creating robust, sustainable and tax-efficient incomes going into retirement. A large percentage of my time is spent structuring investment strategies and managing individual and corporate tax positions for local business owners.

What has been the biggest challenge you have faced over the past 12 months?

My house burning down! I have a renewed interest in Buildings and Contents insurance – that’s for sure!

What gives you the biggest buzz at work?

The biggest buzz you can get as a Wealth Manager is seeing a clients’ hard-earned money working as intended. The most rewarding feeling is for clients to say that you’ve been instrumental in them buying their dream house, sending their children to private school or helping their business grow and flourish. The best feeling of all is getting a clients’ income tax bill down to that magic number: £0.00. Boring or what?

What attracted you to the industry you work in?

My dad. He was a merchant banker in his day; it was the stories of his exciting, varied and interesting life (prechildren, of course!) that sparked an interest in Financial Services. Clearly it runs in the family!

What attracted you to the industry you work in?

The opportunity to combine intellectual challenge and problem solving with helping people, particularly those who may be vulnerable.

Where do you see yourself in five years’ time?

I would love to still be at Warners. We have such a good working environment and the partners are so supportive. I hope to progress within the firm and I would really like to gain an additional qualification, such as becoming a member of the Society for Trust and Estate Practitioners (STEP).

Describe yourself in four words...

Reliable, personable, diligent and compassionate.

Parfitt Creswell and Connectionsb2b Name: Ashley Burgess-Payne Job Title: Leadership Team and Business Mentor

Tell us about the business and your role within it...

At Connectionsb2b, proudly sponsored by Parfitt Cresswell, we have created a vibrant community of like-minded, growthorientated business owners who are intentional about their growth and adding value.

What has been the biggest challenge you have faced over the past 12 months?

Understanding that not all things carry the same weight and ensuring time is spent working on the business, not just in it.

What gives you the biggest buzz at work?

Recently, I shared the stage in London with world renowned entrepreneur and President of the John Maxwell Team, Mr Paul Martinelli. Throughout the day I had the opportunity to share my knowledge and experience with others. Seeing when it ‘clicked’ for those in attendance gave me a real buzz.

What attracted you to the industry you work in?

My days can range from interviewing Nigel Farage or Metro Bank founder Vernon Hill for Connections Radio, to speaking from the stage with leading key note speakers such as Roddy Galbraith. The opportunity to add value and be around likeminded people is also a bonus.

What attributes do you think are most important to be successful in business?

Tenacity, patience and, most importantly, a passion for the industry you work within. We cannot be an expert in everything, and nor should we try.

What attributes do you think are most important to be successful in business?

The ability and willingness to learn, adapt and adjust whilst holding on to your vision. I always say, ‘every day is a school day’ because the moment you think you know it all is the moment growth and innovation ceases.

Describe yourself in four words…

Meticulous, personable and naturally contrarian!

Describe yourself in four words...

Passionate, open, empathetic and fun.

SO Magazine | AUGUST 2019 | 29

ADVERTORIAL

Zorba Meze Grill

Name: Onur Sahin Job Title: Restaurant Manager Tell us about the business and your role within it...

Our business is the number one Turkish restaurant in Kent.

The idea started when Sedat Zorba wanted a change from selling bacon sandwiches and cups of tea in his Café. We started the business together and after doubling the size of the restaurant, I can say that I am very proud to be a part of it. As a Partner and the Restaurant Manager I run the place on a day to day basis.

What has been the biggest challenge you have faced over the past 12 months?

Our biggest challenge recently has been competition from other restaurants serving Turkish food. We have to work very hard to maintain our high standard of service and the quality of our ingredients and cooking.

What gives you the biggest buzz at work?

I love being constantly busy and meeting lots of new people, because it gives me the chance to show them Turkish hospitality and Turkish cuisine.

What attracted you to the industry you work in?

I love meeting new people and helping them, especially when I get to show them new things they might have never tried before.

Where do you see yourself in five years’ time Everyday I learn new things about the food industry in the UK. I would like to do more travelling to experience cuisine from other countries.

One day, I would love to have my own restaurant, where everything I have learnt and experienced would be used to make a fantastic experience.

One Warwick Park Hotel Name: Harry Spencer Job Title: Hotel Manager

Tell us about the business and your role within it...

I am part of the management team within Markerstudy Leisure, specifically managing One Warwick Park Hotel.

What has been the biggest challenge you have faced over the past 12 months?

For me personally, I think it’s the ongoing challenge of leisure in general - a fast-paced, ever-changing industry. You are certainly kept on your toes at all times. In this industry hard work can really take you places, especially in a business like ours.

What gives you the biggest buzz at work?

When a year of planning comes down to one special moment and we get to be part of that, it’s a lovely position to be in. So many happy faces!

What attracted you to the industry you work in?

I was never the brightest at school and did not really enjoy that style of learning so, at a very young age, I decided to get my first job as an apprentice in the kitchen. After five years of working hard, I am now managing a large operation.

Where do you see yourself in five years’ time?

I would like to keep growing and increasing my knowledge in the business, maybe eventually have a luxurious leisure business around the country… who knows what can happen!

Do you have any business regrets?

I have no regrets. I could plan more, but being master of your own destiny is worth it if you can handle the stress.

What attributes do you think are most important to be successful in business?

If you are the smartest person in the room, you’re in the wrong room and I stand by that. Life is one big lesson and you should consistently educate yourself (and that’s from a school dropout).

Describe yourself in four words...

Driven, passionate, motivated, controversial!

30 | AUGUST 2019 | SO Magazine

What attributes do you think are most important to be successful in business?

Work hard, be disciplined, work with sincerity, enjoy what you do and give it your best.

Describe yourself in four words...

I am a motivated, ambitious, creative, honest leader.

rtwskin

Name: Emily Ruse Job Title: Practice Manager Tell us about the business and your role within it... rtwskin is an independent private clinic located in the centre of Tunbridge Wells, which specialises in Medical and Aesthetic procedures. As Practice Manager, I like to refer to myself as the “glue” within the clinic.

What has been the biggest challenge you have faced over the past 12 months?

Our CQC Inspection in November last year was the biggest challenge and proudest accomplishment of my career so far.

Months of hard work, late nights and dedication from the whole team ensured we were ready, and I was very proud to tell my team that they had rated us as “Outstanding”.

What gives you the biggest buzz at work?

Success. This fuels me to perform harder and produce even better results. With the new treatments we are offering, the standard of care we are delivering and constant attention to how we can do things better, we will stay ahead of the competition.

What attracted you to the industry you work in?

I found I wasn’t getting any satisfaction from my previous job and truthfully, I felt a little lost. When I was offered a role at rtwskin I loved the fact that there were so many different areas of the business to get involved in. I have learned alot in just eighteen months which I am so thankful for - I finally found a job and a career and it excites me every single day!

Where do you see yourself in five years’ time?

In the far future, I would love to set up my own business, in Marketing or PR. I found my passion for these areas in my current role and they really bring out my creative side. I am about to start studying towards my Undergraduate Degree in Business and Marketing part-time from home, which is something I now feel I am ready to do.

What attributes do you think are most important to be successful in business?

Persistence, self-discipline and the ability to think bigger and adapt to change.

Describe yourself in four words...

Ambitious, honest, creative and confident.

ADVERTORIAL

Hilden Park Accountants Name: Bruno Serra di Migni Job Title: Director

Tell us about the business and your role within it...

We care a lot about our clients, focussing heavily on being proactive with our advice rather than waiting for clients to ask.

I feel this gives us the edge over some competitors who simply ensure accounts and tax returns meet the filing deadline. One of my main areas of expertise is the accounting software Xero.

What has been the biggest challenge you have faced over the past 12 months?

Becoming a director has meant being entirely responsible for my clients. Although this has been challenging it has also been extremely rewarding, especially when receiving good feedback and referrals.

What gives you the biggest buzz at work?

The gratitude that clients show when you have provided them with that great bit of tax advice or the perfect suggestion on how to improve their business. That is when they know we are providing the extra level of service they need.

What attracted you to the industry you work in?

I have always been interested in Maths and numbers. I still remember a conversation with my dad as a child when he told me about a job called an accountant, “where people pay you to do their Maths for them”. Although not my sole reason, having an interest in Maths all through my life undoubtedly had a significant impact.

Where do you see yourself in five years’ time?

I hope that the company continues to grow rapidly, as we have done in the previous five years, and that my role within the business grows with it.

The Vittle and Swig

Name: Alex Blaber Job Title: Co-Owner and Head Chef Tell us about the business and your role within it...

I am the co-owner and head chef of The Vittle and Swig in Tunbridge Wells. We have been open nearly three years and describe our food as modern British cooking in a fun and relaxed environment.

What has been the biggest challenge you have faced over the past 12 months?

The changing face of Tunbridge Wells. The departure of businesses in Calverly house and the scrapped renovation at Royal Victoria Place. It was hoped this would bring in new shops, cinemas and therefore people but without any plans to see the project through, it is concerning seeing footfall reduced. Rising food, drink and utility costs have also had an impact.

What gives you the biggest buzz at work?

Seeing our restaurant busy and full of people enjoying themselves. I’m very creative and I love seeing an idea transform from a white board drawing into a plate of food, you have to be inventive to stand out I think.

What attracted you to the industry you work in?

Bad GCSE’s helped! It was more falling into it than a burning desire, but now I can’t imagine doing anything else.

Where do you see yourself in five years’ time?

Ideally, running a string of beach restaurants in Mexico.

What attributes do you think are most important to be successful in business?

Tenacity, grit and sheer bloody hard work.

Describe yourself in four words...

Well those around me who know me the best would describe me as creative, grumpy, loyal and hardworking.

What attributes do you think are most important to be successful in business?

The times when you can really shine are when you are the person providing solutions to a problem, when you are the one suggesting new ways of doing things or new processes to adopt in order to improve.

Describe yourself in four words…

Doing other people’s maths.

The Raj Pavilion

Name: Asjad Chowdhury Job Title: Restaurant Manager Tell us about the business and your role within it...

I’m the manager of one of our towns favourite places, the Raj Pavilion. We are an award-winning restaurant, serving food cooked to the highest standards and only using the best quality ingredients.

What has been the biggest challenge you have faced over the past 12 months?

I imagine it’s the same challenge faced by restaurants and food outlets everywhere, rising costs make it hard to keep afloat, you can see even big chains are struggling.

What gives you the biggest buzz at work?

A busy evening with both familiar faces and first-timers gives me a great feeling. Just being part of a great night out in Tunbridge Wells.

What attracted you to the industry you work in?

Bengalis love to host, entertain and make people happy with food. It’s who we are.

Where do you see yourself in five years’ time?

Still in Tunbridge Wells, but with another restaurant I hope.

Maybe for Bengali street-food. It’s something so crucial to our culture, and delicious and fun, it would be great to share it in the UK. What attributes do you think are most important to be successful in business?

A strong work ethic, being good at listenening to customers and the ability to motivate your staff so that they want to come to work. Look to change what needs to change, but keep what people love about you.

Describe yourself in four words...

Good evening, Raj Pavilion!

SO Magazine | AUGUST 2019 | 31

ADVERTORIAL

The Weald of Kent Country Craft Show

T

he Weald of Kent Country Craft Show will be making a return on August 30 till September 1. The three-day show will pitch its marquees in the beautiful grounds of Penshurst Place, Tunbridge Wells, creating a relaxed family day out.

Offering visitors a festival vibe but without the mud, the fun-packed family day is one of the most prestigious craft

32 | August 2019 | SO Magazine

shows in the country. With over 120 exhibitors showcasing a range of exquisite items for the home and garden from beautifully crafted furniture to handmade clothing.

Visitors to the show will be able to enjoy workshops, heritage craft demonstrations, traditional fairground rides for the children and food and drink in the gorgeous surroundings.

There will also be a range of new

activities and entertainment, including laser clay pigeon shooting, a pop-up petting zoo, an adventure playground and a street food market. Live music throughout the weekend will also provide a summer soundtrack to the Show. Entry is free for visitors with a valid RHS/ English Heritage membership card. Open 10am – 5pm.

For more information, please visit www.thecraftshows.co.uk

Ticket prices: Adult £10.00 (Advance £8.00) Senior £9.00 (Advance £7.00) Children under 16 free if accompanied by an adult, otherwise £4 Buy tickets at www.ichfevents.co.uk or phone Ticket Hotline 01425 277988

e g n a ch FASHION

SEASONAL

Charlie Bond looks at the ways we can transition our summer style to make it new-season chic

R

MIDI SKIRTS

They’ve been one of the biggest summer trends around, but the great news is you can continue wearing your favourite midi skirt long into autumn. Swap sandals for white trainers or boots, add nude tights underneath on cooler days and pair the skirt with oversized jumpers and skinnyrib turtlenecks for an extra touch of stylish warmth. On the hunt for a new midi skirt? Choose one with a darker print – it’ll work harder for you during autumn as it’ll go with more of your black, grey and neutral items, but it’ll still look great for summer teamed with a cami top or white tee.

ight now as the remainder of the summer stretches before you, it might be hard to imagine a time when you won’t be sipping rosé al fresco and slathering on sun cream… but autumn is on its way. You’ve probably already seen the new collections arriving in shops – and while it’s not quite time to ditch the flip-flops, there are a few key pieces you can buy now – and actually wear! That’s right, we’re now officially coming into ‘transitional season’. This is the period of time when it’s technically still summer, but the shops say autumn…and as for the weather, that’s anyone’s guess.

But, fear not, you don’t need to ditch your summer wardrobe and wrap up warm just yet.

Here are some easy ways to give your favourite summer pieces a little extra life…

COATIGANS

A coatigan is still one of the best items of clothing I’ve ever invested in, and there’s a reason they come back year after year. They’re lightweight enough to wear in between seasons, add an instant update to outfits and are easily the perfect transitional piece to take you from summer to autumn. Wear with everything from your summer shorts and dresses to jeans and watch the magic happen! They can also be a great way to smarten up an outfit instantly too.

New Look black floral midi skirt, £22.99 www.newlook.com

ANKLE BOOTS Miss Selfridge Camel checked pocket pinafore jumpsuit, £45 www.missselfridge.com

JUMPSUITS

White Stuff duo reversible longline coatigan, £79.95 www.whitestuff.com

I actually wear ankle boots all year round, and believe it or not, they can work really well with summer dresses. Opt for a light coloured pair, such as stone or tan – they’ll look great with your summer wardrobe colours and will help you bring those items with you into autumn.

Plus, they’re so versatile you can team them with everything from jeans to jumpsuits. Definitely a transitional item you’ll want to invest in.

A jumpsuit can be a great all-year-rounder, you just need to find ways to switch it up. Adding layers underneath is a quick, easy way to update your look and add warmth as the weather starts to cool down. A white t-shirt, long-sleeved plain top or thin jumper can all work well, as can smarter shirts and blouses. Depending on the style, you can also add layers over the top, so that just the bottom half is showing – giving the illusion of trousers or culottes.

Hush Otley boots, £219 www.hush-uk.com

Oliver Bonas lightweight scarf in block orange animal print, £28 www.oliverbonas.com

SCARVES

It seems obvious to say ‘add a scarf when the weather gets cooler’, but a stylish scarf can add loads of impact to an outfit. Choose something long and drape over simple outfits like jeans or maxi dresses to give an instant update – or even use the scarf in your hair.

A lightweight scarf can also be a great alternative to a jacket or cardigan – just drape over you’re your shoulders, and voilà!

(Anybody who works in an air conditioned office will be especially clued up in all the ways that adding a scarf to a summer outfit can keep you warm!)

Charlie Bond Fashion Contributer Follow Charlie @Girlaboutkent SO Magazine | August 2019 | 35

ADVERTISING

36 | AUGUST 2019 | SO Magazine

Beauty

Skin deep N

owadays it seems no skincare routine is complete without the addition of an acid.

But with so many on the market and different acids for different skin types it can be hard to know where to begin. Plus, with the complex names and abbreviations, you could be forgiven for feeling like you’re back in GCSE science rather than shopping for beauty buys.

But never fear as help is here!

We’ve put together this handy guide to help take the guesswork out of acids. Glowing skin shall be yours – and you don’t need an A* in chemistry to achieve it. So first, let’s start with Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHAs)...

“AHAs have a number of benefits to the skin, including balancing overall skin tone and moisturising,” explains Dr Howard Murad, founder of Murad Skincare.

“However, their largest benefit is as a topical exfoliating agent. AHAs slough away the dead, dry and unhealthy skin cells at the surface of your skin. This increases cell turnover and ultimately causes newer, fresher, healthier skin to appear more rapidly.”

Glycolic acid Best for: Anti-ageing You’ve probably seen glycolic acid mentioned a lot in skincare products, and that’s because as well as helping with wrinkles and ageing skin, it’s also good for acne-prone and uneven skin.

Acting as an exfoliant it penetrates deeply into the skin so is very effective. It comes in all kinds of forms from cleansers and toners to peels, and is an all-round cult favourite when it comes to acids. Beware though, glycolic acid increases sun sensitivity even when it’s not on the skin, so if you’re using it in your routine you’ll need to introduce an SPF too to avoid sun damage.

Lactic Acid Best for: Dry Skin Unlike glycolic acid, where the small molecules penetrate deeply to encourage peeling, lactic acid targets the outer layers of the skin, drawing in moisture while exfoliating. It’s great for those with sensitive and dry skin, but is suitable for all skin types, and is a great acid to start with if you’re just beginning to dabble with acids in your skincare routine.

Charlie Bond Lifestyle Contributer

This summer it’s time to ace your skincare routine by investing in high performing moisturisers, serums and cleansers that will make you stand out from the crowd…

Salicylic Acid Best for: Blemishes Unlike AHAs, which are water soluble, Salicylic acid is a betahydroxy acid (BHA) and is oil-soluble, so it can cut through excess oil and get rid of dirt and dead skin cells which clog up pores. It can be used to treat acne, and also has antiinflammatory properties.

Hyalurounic Acid Best for: Moisturising and hydration Neither an AHA or BHA, hyalurounic acid is suitable for all skin types and is hailed as a bit of a hydration hero, due to its ability to hold over 1,000 times its own weight in water within skin cells. It hydrates the skin by binding water to collagen, so plumps and draws moisture from deeper layers of the skin, bringing it to the surface. It’s especially good for ageing skin where the collagen naturally depletes and dehydrates more easily.

Ascorbic Acid (Vitamin C) Best for: Brightening and evening skintone Not just found in your morning orange juice, Vitamin C is also a powerful skincare ingredient, and when applied to the skin acts as an antioxidant as well as defending against environmental and sun damage. It also has a whole host of other benefits, such as reducing wrinkles, evening skintone and increasing collagen production.

Follow Charlie @Girlaboutkent SO Magazine | August 2019 | 37

Beauty

THESE PASS THE ACID TEST Murad AHA/BHA Exfoliating Cleanser (£34, www.murad.co.uk) An award-winning multitasking cleanser, containing a trio of glycolic, lactic and salicylic acids to exfoliate, smooth and polish. This cleanser leaves skin clear, smooth and bright.

IMAGE Skincare Ageless Total Pure Hyaluronic Filler (£80, www.imageskincare.co.uk) A concentrated topical filler, containing six forms of lower and higher molecular weight hyaluronic acids to rapidly smooth away the appearance of wrinkles.

It delivers an immediate, noticeable boost of hydration.

38 | August 2019 | SO Magazine

ALGENIST Alive Prebiotic Balancing Mask (£38, www.johnlewis.com) Try this mask formulated with a prebiotic from algae, a good-bacteria probotic and patented Alguronic Acid. It balances, detoxifies and boosts radiance for a healthy, glowing complexion – and it promises results in just 10 days, too.

Worked out which acid is best for you? Give these products a go Dr David Jack Good Morning! Antioxidant Super Serum (£89, www.spacenk.com) This advanced Vitamin C serum is fortified with 10% l-ascorbic acid that provides day-to-day protection from environmental aggressors such as UV rays. It also works to help repair damaged skin due to previous sun exposure.

Time Bomb Throwback Thursday Overnight Peel and Reveal (£48, www.timebombco.com) This two-step at-home peel system combines chemical and mechanical exfoliation to slough away the surface layer of dead, dull skin cells to reveal the fresh, radiant and dewy skin underneath.

Lifestyle

WHY THESE BROTHERS ARE

We meet Max, Oliver and Josh who run the successful MaxOliver hair salons and discover why they are head and shoulders above the competition

a cut above I the rest

f you’re a stylish man about town then chances are you’ll have heard of the cutting edge MaxOliver salons located at No 1 Nevill Street in Tunbridge Wells and Croft Road in Crowborough.

Run by three brothers, Max, 29, Oliver, 26 and Josh, 22, the trendy salons offer so much more than just a quick short back and sides. In fact they’re fast becoming the go-to places for style-conscious men who want to ensure their crowning glory looks head and shoulders above the rest.

“We’re so much more than just a barbers or hairdressers,” says Max. “We like to offer our clients an initial consultation in order to achieve a perfectly tailored and bespoke hairstyle that complements them and their lifestyle.”

It’s clearly a formula that works as the brothers, who only set up their business six years ago, have plans to extend the brand even further, opening more salons when the time is right and even hoping to create their own line of products.

MORE THAN JUST A HAIRCUT Max originally trained as a classic barber but quickly spotted a gap in the market for a barbershop that could offer great customer service and also spend quality time on advising customers on their haircuts as well as being able to deliver the best possible cuts boasting all the latest techniques.

While Max was conjuring up his ideas for his own salon, middle brother

“We’re so much more than just a barbers or hairdressers,” says Max. “We like to offer our clients an initial consultation in order to achieve a perfectly tailored and bespoke hairstyle that complements them and their lifestyle.”

Oliver was working for the Toni and Guy hairdressing chain. After serving seven years with them and qualifying with a double distinction, Max asked Oliver if he would be willing to join him in going into a business that was all about creating a new concept in men’s hairdressing.

Oliver agreed, but on one condition: that the brothers take their business to its ‘highest possible potential and never stand still’. They opened their first salon in Crowborough in 2013.

Youngest brother Josh was also keen to get into the hairdressing

Pictured left to right: Oliver, Max and Josh Art Direction: Lee Smith | Photography: Craig Matthews

40 | August 2019 | SO Magazine

Lifestyle

We’re very lucky having The Pantiles on our doorstep – the area is undeniably the best condensed place to socialise in Tunbridge Wells!

WE’D DESCRIBE THE MAXOLIVER EXPERIENCE IN THREE WORDS AS BEING

“welcoming, tailored service”

WHY MAXOLIVER IS CUTTING EDGE What’s the secret of a good haircut?

Having a haircut is a very personal thing. If you love it, then that haircut is perfect for you.

profession and so Max and Oliver didn’t hesitate to snap him up. “It was a perfect opportunity for us to make Josh our first prodigy and funnily enough he now teaches us a thing or two,” laughs Max. “Initially we were all going in separate directions in our careers but then it dawned on us that we all had different skills we could teach one another and so the idea of coming together in business slowly started.”

In terms of how the dynamic works, Max says that’s simple: “The respect, honesty and commitment are instantly there and being able to communicate with complete transparency and understanding is crucial. All three of us get on so well – and we all know our brotherly ranks!”

The move to the prestigious location near The Pantiles in Tunbridge Wells

came in 2017. “We were looking to expand for a while and when the premises in Tunbridge Wells became available it felt right straight away.

Business there is fantastic and we really couldn’t have asked for a warmer, more welcoming place to be.

It’s a great location and the positive feedback we get from our clientele is great. Chapel Place and The Pantiles are a beautiful spot, and we’re so happy to be part of that area.”

LOOK AT THE BIG PICTURE The brothers are also keen to develop the educational side of their business in terms of taking on apprentices and training them up to their exacting standards. Max says: “We have taken on members of staff we have seen potential in, and created our own programme to help them become the

amazing stylists they are today. We want to continue to do this in the future and develop MaxOliver as a nationwide brand.”

The brothers, who currently boast a staff of nine across the two salons, say that no two MaxOliver customers are the same. “When it comes to hair, you get very different people,” says Max. “Some would like to come in and tell us exactly what they would like, while others would like our professional, experienced input and guidance to achieve something that suits their lifestyle.

“We very rarely get a difficult customer, because when it comes to men’s hair, we understand every client.

Unless you quite simply don’t know yourself, then that’s when we will listen, talk and educate until we do understand.”

Which products do you use in the salon?

We currently use the world’s greatest hair range, label.M. Their products are well respected in the industry and in our opinion are perfectly manufactured as they cover every hair type.

Any plans to create your own brand?

Yes, of course, but it’s a very complex, expensive process. So it’s the challenge of deciding where to invest our money first – expanding our locations or developing products. But yes, we definitely will in good time!

What’s MaxOliver’s USP over other local salons?

We are not barbers or hairdressers, but highly trained male-focused hair stylists. Having experienced training and working in both barbering and hairdressing environments, we understand all hair types. As men we’re all secretly in touch with our feminine side these days and don’t mind a bit more time, care and attention spent on our appearance.

SO Magazine | August 2019 | 41

ADVERTISING

42 | AUGUST 2019 | SO Magazine

Food & Drink

DINING OUT

THE CURRY GURUS WHO HAVE

spiced up our lives Andy Tong visits Cinnamon Square and discovers an Indian restaurant with a distinctive difference

J

ust as curry has seduced its way into the nation’s hearts and is now Britain’s No 1 food choice, so Cinnamon Square has become a firm favourite across a wide swathe of West Kent.

The aromatic spices and complex flavours of Indian cuisine are now part of the British consciousness. So the restaurateurs and chefs have been refining their art to take the curry house experience to a whole new level.

Nowhere in the region exemplifies this sublime process better than Cinnamon Square in Hildenborough.

Ideally situated next door to the village’s bustling railway station, it has developed a captive audience who take advantage of its proximity to their commute time and time again.

And Habib Siddiq points out that it is ideal in terms of ‘hop on, hop off’ trade, meaning diners don’t have to worry about how much they are drinking.

It was where the Sankey empire began, as The Gate, but after that there was a variety of unsuccessful successors until the Cinnamon came along and changed all that.

It has been a resounding success – Habib and his wife Waheda bought the premises in 2016 – and such a geographical asset has not been taken lightly. Habib and his team have made sure that word has spread far and wide thanks to their excellence.

There is a feeling of quality as soon as you walk into the spacious entrance and a generous casual seating area that matches the layout of the restaurant itself, where there is plenty of room between the tables.

And there is a bright lightness about the pristine ambience, contrasting with the decor and illumination in some Indian

restaurants which can be oppressive.

The Cinnamon has become such a firm fixture on the local landscape that there is a real ‘family feel’ to the place.

Habib tells us that 90 per cent of their custom is ‘repeat’ and the staff, while unfailingly polite and discreet, will treat you like valued friends. You are guaranteed a warm welcome if its your first time or your 50th.

This fits in with the local popularity, and also with the close-knit feel of the Cinnamon – the family have been in the restaurant business for four decades years now.

The reason customers keep coming back is, of course, the delicious food.

Sublime surprises are waiting Make sure you don’t miss out on the starters, they are a must. The chilli fish is a stunner, unusual and full of texture as well as flavour. Pan-fried in a chilli and onion sauce, it’s very moreish, so make sure you leave enough room for the other delights.

The Hyderabadi shish kebab, marinated in ginger and coriander, is dark and rich; the prawn puri sweet and alluring, the samosas crisp and chunky.

There’s a pleasant revelation with a skewered salmon fillet that would not have been an obvious choice but turns out to be sharp and lively across the palette.

After such a sublime start, I can’t resist trying a Cinnamon Special. It’s an odd combination of succulent, melting lamb and a drier, chargrilled chicken.

The blend works a treat, offering a happy contrast amid the rich, sumptuous sauce of garlic and onion.

“Our chefs come mainly from Bangladesh but they have visited various parts of India and have gained excellent knowledge of spices and how to mix and blend them,” says Habib.

“Our family have been in the curry business for over 40 years, and the industry has come a long way since the 1960s. Many restaurants like ourselves are mixing dishes from all over India and Bangladesh.”

He says the real secrets of their success are that ‘all our produce is sourced from carefully selected suppliers, and our food is cooked to order fresh.’

He adds: “We have grown from strength to strength from day one. And we have collected a few awards [from the Bangladesh Caterers Association] along the way, for best Indian restaurant in the South-

FAMILY VALUES The staff make you feel like old friends while the Cinnamon prides itself on its freshness

east region and also for hospitality.”

One testament to the success of the Cinnamon is that you might think, coming off the train, customers would simply pop in for a takeaway.

But far from it being a case of tired commuters just wanting to bolt for home, the clientele are happy to stay and

relax - and be rewarded with the feelgood factor that washes away the stresses of everyday life.

Now the reputation of this magical location has spread far and wide, and the place next to the station is very much a destination in itself on the culinary landscape.

SO Magazine | August 2019 | 43

INTERVIEW

Marcus serves up his favourite foodie finds in Tunbridge Wells Marcus Wareing, one of the country’s most respected and talented chefs, has relocated to Tunbridge Wells with his family.

Eileen Leahy finds out some of the places the Masterchef presenter frequents and gets his thoughts on the local foodie scene Marcus, you’re originally from Southport so what brought you to Tunbridge Wells?

Well although I’m a northerner, I have lived in the south since my professional career began. I moved to London when I was 18 and started work at The Savoy. Around the age of 23 I worked at Gravetye Manor in East Grinstead for a year as second chef under Head Chef Steven Morey. I really enjoyed living in Sussex and actually met my wife Jane at Gravetye so the area has meaning for us both. Now by chance, our three children all attend school in Kent so it made sense for us to have a base in the area.

and The West House [in Biddenden] which is a bit further out but has a Michelin star.

Additionally, we like to visit the Gravetye, where Jane and I used to work, at least once a year. The garden is beautiful and the new restaurant is well worth a visit. George Bloggs is cooking some great food and it’s only about 40 minutes from where we live. And The Bell at Ticehurst serves a very nice fish and chips!

And what attracts you to these various places?

The menu offering is important as you need some choice but not too much. A smaller menu is easier for a chef to get right than a very long one. Other essential elements include decent décor, attentive service and How long have you been based in simple food that’s cooked and Tunbridge Wells and what seasoned well. And nothing more do you enjoy most about than that really. Oh and a living here?

I’d like to try a reasonably priced wine list We have been here for 18 helps too! months now and love the area local tapas and and the nearby countryside. It’s a an Indian We have the twice-monthly fantastic alternative to the hustle restaurant. They farmers market and also the and bustle of our London life foodie one in The Pantiles; but still only an hour door-tomay well exist do you go along and if so, door. And we never tire of the but I’ve not why is it essential to views over the Weald . . . found them yet. support them?

Also, it would be I would love to go along but so Do you find it relatively far we have spent every Saturday easy to commute great to see a school watching sport! We’re elsewhere for all your chef local restaurant, at aiming to visit them more during and TV commitments? rather than a the summer months when we We are based in London during don’t have school. It’s so the week, so commuting isn’t an pub, offering important to support the local issue. However, I also have a great quality community. motorbike which makes a big basic food The high street needs our difference if I need to travel custom during these difficult during rush hour or to East times and the flavour of freshly London where Masterchef: The grown produce is just so much better. Also, Professionals is filmed. it’s essential that we use less plastic!

What do you think about the local What do you think events like foodie scene here in Tunbridge Wells Tom Kerridge’s Pub in the Park and the surrounding area?

Well as we are relatively new to the area we’re bring to the area?

Well it brings people here to Tunbridge still getting to know it! In terms of restaurants Wells, which is great. Personally I have not we are on the hunt for the best steak! There is been to Pub in the Park but events like this plenty of local produce available in a variety of are a great way to encourage people places which I love as we do a lot of cooking at to try different foods and perhaps home. We also just bought a new wood fired introduce good local pizza oven so we’re currently testing out our restaurants they may not favourite toppings! know about.

Any favourite local haunts you like And finally, do you to frequent? have any plans to In terms of eating out we are regulars at The Ivy. open up your own We have been to lunch at the Abergavenny restaurant in Arms a few times as it is close to home and Tunbridge Wells always friendly. We have also been to Pizza any time soon?

Express a few times – it is one of our No, not at the children’s favourites! There are a few places moment... we still have to try such as Seventeen, Juliet’s

WHERE MARCUS WAREING LIKES TO SHOP LOCALLY: We like to support a few of the garden centres in the area as we enjoy gardening and they also stock some great local produce.

Additionally, TN2 Deli in Tunbridge Wells has some great wines.

I am a big fan of Fuller’s Farm Shop on Bunny Lane and like to buy meat from the counter and the English cheeses are great as well. The Weald Smokery at Flimwell looks good and there are some great little shops on The Pantiles. Ringden Farm in Flimwell has great jam and they juice our apples. I have heard of the Secret Cellar but not managed to get there yet. We really enjoy living in the area!

www.marcusrestaurant.com

SO Magazine | August 2019 | 45

Pictures by Lee Smith

Food and Drink

A TASTE OF

success

Hush Heath is one of the UK’s most respected wineries and happily it’s right on our doorstep. SO magazine takes a trip out to its stunning vineyard in Staplehurst to sample a few of its vinous delights...

E

stablished in 2002, Hush Heath winery was founded by entrepreneur Richard Balfour-Lynne after his wife Leslie suggested they buy the 400 acres of land that surrounded their family home of Hush Heath, a 16th century manor in Staplehurst, when it went up for auction in 2001.

The couple initially began by planting the classic trio of Champagne grapes: Chardonnay, Pinot Meunier and Pinot Noir, which resulted in their first vinous offering: a pink sparkler called Balfour Brut Rosé.

“We just wanted to produce a really high quality pink sparkling wine that we hoped would compare with Laurent Perrier and Billecart Salmon Rosé. That was our strategy,” Richard explains.

Well it’s certainly one that worked, as Balfour Brut Rosé is now stocked in some of the world’s most prestigious establishments, including Fortnum & Mason, and is also on sale at selected branches of Waitrose. It’s also served in First Class on British Airways and on the Orient Express.

In the past fifteen years Hush Heath has greatly expanded, enlarging the size of its vineyards and creating a state-of-the-art winery in order to produce its portfolio of wines – now an impressive 15 in total – as well as producing a range of ciders and beers. Over the next year the estate will increase its planted vineyards to 130 acres and over the next five, wine production will increase to 500,000 bottles per year.

Last year the vineyard opened its new tasting room and eatery The View, which showcases all the business’s award winning drinks and provides the perfect spot to sit and sample a glass of something chilled, a gourmet bite to eat and take in the beautiful views of the Kent countryside. The ambitious project has seen the size of the previous facilities at the estate double and the development now includes a new shop and an upstairs terrace bar.

As well as spending time enjoying the new facilities and walking around the estate’s beautiful grounds, which also include apple orchards and

conservation areas, you can also participate in a number of tasting tours too. These include a self-guided tour which is free and boasts a tasting of either wine, cider or beer.

You can also do a private group tour for a minimum of 10 which runs for two to three hours and can be specifically tailored for each group’s needs.

Then there’s the full estate tour and tasting which lasts three hours and costs £25 per person. This is the one we decided to do in order to get a complete picture of the winery’s stunning location, extensive vineyards and gastronomic offering, as the tour ends with a tasting of six wines, ciders and beers in The View. You can also indulge in one of their many sharing platters of cold meats and cheese for an additional fee starting from £20.

On arrival at Hush Heath one sunny Sunday we were greeted by Emma Broom, who manages the Cellar Door area where the tastings take place. She expertly led us through a very enjoyable and informative experience which commenced with the winery’s most famous offering: SO Magazine | August 2019 | 47

ADVERTISING

48 | AUGUST 2019 | SO Magazine

Food and Drink

Balfour Brut Rosé 2015 (£40 or £34 to Hush Heath members).

A mix of Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier grapes this sophisticated pale pink fizz boasts delightfully fruity notes – think rhubarb, strawberry and blackberry – but with a strong, lingering finish thanks to its additional hits of peppery spice and sloe berries.

Chilled to perfection it makes a perfect aperitif or accompaniment to a seafood starter.

Balfour Skye’s Blanc de Blancs 2014 (£45 / £38.25 for members) This was next on our tasting list.

Made only during a good vintage and exclusively from Chardonnay grapes it’s a special little treat for the tastebuds. And if you like your sparkling wine bone dry, with a good citrus kick and little hints of apple, then this is for you. A flute of it to accompany a dish of seafood linguine or perhaps a fresh crab salad would be utter perfection.

Balfour Leslie’s Reserve NV (£30 / £25.50 members) Like the previous sparklers we sampled, this boasts an alcohol content of 12% and is a mix of the traditional Champagne grape varieties of Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier. Golden in colour, it has a beautiful blend of citrus and sharp redcurrant notes to offset the sweet brioche and red apple found on the nose. Out of all the sparkling wines we tasted this was our favourite and one we went on to purchase as it’s a good allrounder for lots of types of dishes

and definitely a palate pleaser for even the most fussiest of connoisseurs. It would be perfect served with a celebration cake or decadent dessert.

Balfour Skye’s Blend 2018 (£18 / £15.30 members) A mix of Bacchus, Chardonnay, Pinot Blanc grapes, this young wine can be savoured now or left to age a little more. With subtle notes of gooseberry and hawthorn blossom it’s like drinking in a taste of summer. Beautifully pale gold in colour and superbly aromatic, it’s also got a clean finish and therefore makes a great partner to lighter dishes such as seasonal salads and seafood platters.

Balfour Nannette’s English Rosé 2017 (£17 / £14.45 members) This delicate rosé is made in the same way as the Balfour Brut Rosé sparkling wine i.e. with a blend of Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier grapes. Refreshing and fragrantly fruity, it has an intoxicating blend of fresh pear, rich redcurrant and piquant herbs on its bouquet with a drop of sweet strawberry and stone fruit on the palate. This is as good as any quality French provençal rosé we’ve tasted, so it’s great to know you don’t have to travel all the way to the south of France to enjoy it.

Balfour Luke’s Pinot Noir 2018 (£25 / £21.25 members) A Pinot Noir makes a great summer drinking red wine thanks to its lighter, more fragrant

Nannette’s Rosé is as good as any quality French provençal rosé we’ve tasted, it’s great to know you don’t have to travel all the way to the south of France to enjoy it

character. And as it’s quite rare to discover a good quality British offering, this Hush Heath offering is a delight. Bursting with vibrant red berry, cherry and raspberry fruits, there’s also a hint of spicy vanilla and oak, thanks to the fact that it’s been aged in French and American barrels. Seasonal lamb or a selection of slivers of hard, nutty cheese would make an ideal gourmet pairing with this red.

Balfour Liberty’s Bacchus 2018 (£20 / £17 members) This single vineyard Bacchus has been picked and pressed by Hush

Heath’s Wine Club members making it rather unique in terms of its production! Dubbed by the vineyard as ‘England’s answer to Sauvignon Blanc’ it’s a lively mix of acidic, citrusy notes tempered by fragrant rose petals, making it a pleasantly complex wine with good staying power. Keep a bottle in the fridge so you can crack it open when you want an enjoyable post work glass or something to accompany an Asian feast.

also very impressed with, and the Winterdale cheese platter (an additional fee of £20) was sublime.

We also had the opportunity to sample a number of Hush Heath’s beers and ciders, which we were

For more information on Hush Heath Estate or to book a formal tasting visit www.hushheath.com

Hush Heath is a charming destination – whether you’re after a quick walk or a full guided wine tasting tour and given the fact it is open seven days a week it makes it very accessible. If you want to find out what English wine is all about then this is a perfect place to start.

Cheers!

SO Magazine | August 2019 | 49

interiors

The Real Shaker Kitchen by deVOL, prices start from £12,000

FOOD FOR Thinking about an overhaul of your kitchen? Eileen Leahy reveals how to do it whatever your budget

W

hether you’re thinking about selling your house or simply want to create a warm and welcoming feel to your existing dwelling then forget about fancy fixtures and finishing touches in a sitting room or a state-of-the-art bathroom. The one space that will sell your house for you quicker than you can say ‘estate agent’, or will instantly impress visitors and set the tone for the rest of your home, is your kitchen.

But before you start checking out paints, pots and pans the first thing you need to do is dispel the myth from your mind of kitchens being shiny havens full of glistening chrome and gadgets in order to look good.

The other thing to remember is you

THOUGHT

needn’t shell out a fortune on buying a totally fitted design. In fact, by mixing in different elements – an antique armoire to house all your crockery for example – you are in fact creating a unique look that will immediately give your kitchen personality instead of a bland identikit feel.

At the top end of the market there are companies such as deVOL (www. devolkitchens.co.uk) who will create a stylish yet informal kitchen for you, working in hand-crafted cabinets, wooden worktops, enamel butler’s sinks and elegantly painted Shaker style furniture. Plain English (www. plainenglishdesign.co.uk) is another specialist who will create beautiful bespoke pieces for your dream kitchen.

If you’re sold on a more unified, fitted

look then have a look at the websites for Howden’s Joinery (www.howdens.com) and John Lewis of Hungerford (www. john-lewis.co.uk).

If your budget is tight you can still achieve a fabulous fitted kitchen courtesy of Ikea’s excellent economic selection or create one that’s filled with charm and comfort by being a little eagle-eyed and cannily creative. A kitchen table and chairs are obvious essentials if you have the room but if you’re squeezed for space then opt for foldaway versions. HomeSense (www. homesense.co.uk) and Habitat both sell a good variety.

There’s a huge choice of dining delights on the high street, too, but if you’re handy with a sander and paintbrush then you can always

Your kitchen is the one space that will sell your house for you quicker than you can say ‘estate agent’

transform second-hand buys. If your style errs on the more conservative side of things then buy off the shelf. If gutting your kitchen isn’t an option then repaint existing cupboards to instantly give them a new lease of life. International Paints (www.international-paints.co.uk) has a good selection.

Refreshing paintwork on walls and sugar soaping any grubby areas such as splash-backs will also help to invigorate your look. Some new crockery, cutlery, glassware and table linen will complete your kitchen’s new and improved feel.

Try Dunelm Mill (www.dunelm-mill. com) and Marks & Spencer for a brilliant collection of treats that will suit all tastes but still leave you enough change to conjure up a celebratory meal in the hub of your home.

SO Magazine | August 2019 | 51

CATCHPOLE & RYE KENT ENGLAND

EXCLUSIVE

LUXURY

BATHROOMS

L O N D O N • T U N B R I D G E W ELL S • A S H F O R D

T. 01892 526 996

www.catchpoleandrye.com

The Nickel Bateau - Charcoal Exterior

interiors

confidential

KITCHEN

To make a kitchen perfect, it needs to be balanced with pleasing allusions to symmetry wherever possible, and cabinetry of the right scale for the extension

We spoke to the talented team at Tom Howley Tunbridge Wells to find out their advice when it comes to starting a kitchen project with a designer

W

hen you meet your kitchen designer, go prepared with some answers to the following questions. How much do you enjoy cooking? Do you do much entertaining?

Do you like to face out into the space when you are cooking or do you prefer the messy areas or prep areas facing the wall so they are out of sight?

Other points for consideration include: will you be dining in the space?

Do you want to incorporate living room furniture into the space? Would you prefer everything to be hidden away or do you like to have items on display?

And then there’s the issue of the design of the actual kitchen. Do you want seating on the island? Do you like curved or linear shapes? What is the most important thing in the kitchen, as far as you are concerned?

Finally, have a think about what the worst thing about your existing kitchen is. Answers to these questions will help your kitchen designer formulate a specific plan for you.

“The bottom line is that the kitchen needs to feel right in the space,” says Sophie Hartley, one of the design team here at Tom Howley. “This is, in part, to do with the overall functionality of the space – how it is used by the family etc.

However, to make a kitchen perfect, it needs to be balanced with pleasing allusions to symmetry wherever possible, and cabinetry of the right scale for the extension.” www.tomhowley.co.uk

YOUR ESSENTIAL KITCHEN KIT: Fuji salt and pepper mills, white ash and matt black, £10, Habitat, www.habitat.co.uk Factory glass triple shade pendant light, brass with clear glass, £79, Cult Furniture, www.cultfurniture.com

Kitchen and wash cloth, £7, National Trust shop, www.nationaltrust.co.uk

Dot bowl, £55, Kelly Hoppen, www.kellyhoppen.com

Typhoon metal canisters priced from £8 each, dunelm, www.dunelm.com

Scandi Chair, Beech, £299, John Lewis & Partners

SO Magazine | August 2019 | 55

ADVERTORIAL

Small can be beautiful

The brief:

It really is possible to use even the smallest or most awkward of spaces in order to create a great outdoors

A

re there parts of your garden that you just ignore? Even in the smallest of gardens, there are often awkward or overgrown areas, or spaces not visible from the house that are given little thought or attention.

But with a bit of creativity, ingenuity and a hefty dose of bravery, even the cranniest of nooks can become a special feature of your garden. No space has to be dead space.

A number of years ago, one of Mary

58 | August 2019 | SO Magazine

Mary’s then newest design clients had an inkling of an idea. It involved a couple of sticks and a blanket in a dark narrow corner of the garden. She had never had a reason to go into that space, so over the years it had been ignored and neglected. Our client, however, was determined to develop and utilise every square inch of what she had always been told was a ‘horrible plot’.

With less than a metre width of level space, a steep slope to one side and a

boundary fence to the other, she stated, quite rightly, ‘once you build up you will have more space’. The Witchery, as it was named, began to evolve…

Steep levels and a narrow workspace made this project a very daunting prospect. Not only our team, but our client, had to be able to safely access and sensibly purpose the space. Above all else, once the project was complete, our client had to want to go there.

A tough brief, but we were determined to create something special.

The Witchery is framed from the other side of the garden by the steep slope and boundary planting. The detail comes into focus as you move through a narrow path towards it.

An elevated wooden walkway runs through plant beds of uncommon specimens of Corokia and Euphorbia.

Selected for their unusual forms, with blue-flowered hardy Geranium water-falling down the slope, the plants frame you into a tiny and totally unique space. Crucially, this space is furnished for comfort, so our client sits and enjoys her coffee every morning there. Concealed from the rest of the garden, but able to see through the boundary and across the slopes, the planting exuding scent and colour, framing an enchanting view,

she is entertained by the world she observes from her private perch.

From the glittering purple paint to the living sedum roof, to the old Buddleia branches forming the spindles of the porch and fascias of the roof, every detail is gloriously unique.

The first step to developing your cranny or nook is to take a chair and sit in it. See what you can see, and let your imagination go.

If you would like some creative ideas for your nooks and crannies, please do contact the Mary team on 01732 362982 or marymarycreates@gmail.com

Gardening

OUTSIDE EDGE

ADOPT A COLOURFUL APPROACH TO

late summer gardening

Our gardening guru Victoria Truman suggests some seasonal planting ideas that will ensure your garden stays looking beautifully bold and colourful during the last weeks of summertime

I

Victoria Truman Garden Designer

60 | August 2019 | SO Magazine

movement into a planting scheme since t’s important to remember that the fluffy flower heads and foliage billow the gardening season is not all in the slightest breeze. I mix it with a over by August. It continues pink, ground cover rose and salvia well into autumn – as long as you guaranitica ‘Blue Enigma’ for colour that plan a tapestry of rich tones into will continue into autumn. beds, borders and pots in order to Hakonechloa macra ‘Aureola’ is an bring your garden to a late colourful eye-catching small ornamental grass, crescendo. which forms cascading hummocks of Grasses are a favourite of mine as vividly striped bright yellow and they bring a lightness to most green foliage in late summer planting schemes and the seed and autumn; pale green, heads last long into autumn.

Top Tip: slender flower spikes Pennisetum appear, giving a billowing alopecuroides ’Hameln’ Many heleniums lightness to planted is a soft, pretty flower from July to drifts. It is useful as a perennial grass that September, but some, simple enhancement to forms a compact, low such as ‘Riverton light shrubs and as a mound and produces soft edging to paths or long-lasting, soft, pinkish, Beauty’, last until steps. The clean, brush-like flowers in late October minimalist style of this grass summer that resemble makes it a good choice for squirrel tails. Its bright green formal courtyards and leaves turn yellow in autumn and contemporary containers. then brown throughout winter and I Agapanthus africanus ‘Albus’ is a would advise to plant en masse for the striking white form of African lily, which greatest impact. produces globes of trumpet-shaped Another variety to try is stipa flowers from July to September. This tenuissima, a wispy grass with pale bold perennial provides a perfect focal yellow and green leaves topped with point for a sunny, well-drained border fluffy plumes of silver-green flowers, or in a patio container; it makes a maturing to blonde-buff. This versatile strong, simple planting combination deciduous grass is ideal for introducing

OUTSIDE EDGE

Top Tip:

Grasses bring a lightness to most planting schemes and the seed heads last long into autumn

when it’s mixed with hakonechloa.

Late summer perennials keep the season going. Many heleniums flower from July to September but some, such as ‘Riverton Beauty’, stay the course until late October. ‘Sahin’s EarlyFlowerer’ is shorter, robust and free flowering and at one-metre tall with orange flowers streaked in yellow until November, it makes a wonderful companion for ornamental grasses and yellow, white or earth toned flowers. Oh and bees and butterflies love it!

Other exceptional performers are aster x frikartii ‘Mönch’ (80cm) and thomsonii (120cm) which produce pale mauve daisies with yellow eyes non-stop from late July to October.

The perennial rudbeckias and

Plan a tapestry of rich tones into beds, borders and pots in order to bring your garden to a late colourful crescendo

helianthus with their yellow daisy heads will also brighten the garden. Mixed with white Japanese anemones and stipa tenuissima this makes a bold border going into the late summer.

The real riches of this season lie in half-hardy annuals and tender perennials.

Dahlias are the most vibrant, bold and showy in rich reds, oranges and pinks.

‘Bishop of Llandaff’, 150cm tall, is an earthy red on almost black leaves. It looks striking with rich, deep blue salvia ‘Indigo Spires’, Both sit next to rosa ‘Florence Mary Morse’, another deep red and hardly out of flower from late spring until autumn. For me ‘Witteman’s Superba’ is the most striking of all, its small, scarlet, semi-cactus flowers held rigidly above green leaves at 120cm.

Among others I like include dahlia ‘Nuit d’été’, a semi-cactus dahlia mixed with ‘Jescot Julie’, a double-flowered dahlia which has a burnt orange upper surface and a rich plum base, creating an interesting and colourful mix.

Two trees that make a bold colour statement from June onwards are the yellow-leaved catalpa bignonioides ‘Aurea’, and the dark plum cercis canadensis ‘Forest Pansy’, both of which I adore.

The cercis has heart-shaped leaves on a spreading, often multi-stemmed, tree which turn to gorgeously bright shades of orange, red and yellow in autumn, bringing a lovely burst of colour before the new season wends its way to the garden.

www.victoriatruman.com

SO Magazine | August 2019 | 61

ADVERTISING

62 | AUGUST 2019 | SO Magazine

WELL-BEING

“Reflexology is great for helping to release stress and tension both physically and emotionally” Every month we invite a guest expert from Wellness HQ’s specialist directory to talk about their particular field. For August we speak to reflexologist Kathryn Allen about how to put your best foot forward – quite literally - to ensure optimum health

THE STRESS FACTOR We all deal with stress differently. If you’ve been suffering for a short period of time you may notice some physical symptoms including: headaches, difficulty sleeping, lack of concentration, loss of appetite, irritability or fatigue. Over a longer period stress can cause: high blood pressure, depression, heart problems, digestive issues, skin problems, weight loss and gain, and it can also affect fertility.

Stress can have huge repercussions on how our bodies react. How we’re feeling, what we’re doing and how we’re reacting to certain situations can all have an effect on our main organs and overall well-being.

Whatever the stress or whatever your threshold, the important thing is that you don’t make yourself ill. Although you may be fit with a healthy diet and lifestyle, if you’re stressed problems can still arise. Can you identify what is causing you the stress and address it head on? Taking control is empowering. Talk to friends and family; don’t bottle it all up inside.

In traditional Chinese medicine parts of our body represent a feeling or emotion.

For example: n

he liver represents anger T and frustration. If the liver is out of balance we may feel more angry, frustrated or even guilty. Alternatively, if we feel incredibly angry about something, then the liver itself could become affected.

n

he spine represents our support T network. Upper back pain can be caused if you’re feeling unsupported or that someone is literally ‘always on your back.’ Mid-back pain is often related to unaddressed feelings from the past. Lower back pain can be caused by a fear for your own survival.

because they love it and want to keep From a career in recruitment having it. They feel as though it to reflexology . . . recharges their inner batteries, My name is Kathryn and I’m a reflexologist improves their well-being and based in Tunbridge Wells. My husband releases any stress or tension and I moved here about five years Reflexology is a that may have built up since ago, while I was heavily pregnant wonderfully relaxing, their last session. with our daughter Isabelle. She is holistic therapy that treats now at primary school and we Others come for the whole body from top also have a one year old boy something specific such as to toe. It’s non-invasive, named Benji. stress, migraines, back pain, you keep your clothes on digestive issues or pregnancy I trained to be a but I will need you to take related concerns. Reflexology reflexologist back in 2002. I’ve your socks off! can be a great healer. By reducing always had a fascination with tension, helping us to sleep, aiding reflexology as it helped me with relaxation and lifting our mood it can my hay fever when I was a teenager. help improve well-being and our own innate worrying about money or working long hours I realised it was something I wanted to healing abilities. can still cause the ‘flight or fight’ response to be pursue as a career and found a really intensive Each reflexology session is personalised for triggered. This causes us to experience strong, course. But when I finished all my exams and each client and I feel we work as a team. physical symptoms as our brain activates a rapid case studies I realised that aged just 25 I didn’t Sometimes clients don’t want to tell me response to what we’re feeling or experiencing. have enough life experience to work as a anything and sometimes it’s everything. The complementary therapist.

These initial symptoms could be sweating, an hour we spend together can be fun and lightincreased pulse rate or blood pressure and a I decided to temporarily leave the world of change to our digestive system. Today the reflexology and therefore embarked on a career hearted but it can also be heart-breaking. Each responses our brain is continuing to activate in recruitment, knowing one day the time would treatment is different. are causing us more harm be right to pick reflexology up again. Fast than good, as our lives are forward to 2015 and after eight years in How reflexology can There is evidence reflexology was no longer consistently on recruitment and performing reflexology on help with common being used as far back as 4,000 the line. friends and family, plus getting married and ailments . . .

BC in Egypt, China and India. It’s having a baby, I finally felt I had a greater The most common understanding of what life was about and problem faced by clients What are the key based on energy channels running knew I was ready to help others is finding the time to benefits? through our bodies. These lines professionally. look after themselves.

You’d never let your car end at our feet, our hands and our We very rarely put battery run down or drive on head, which is why reflexology can ourselves first and a flat tyre so why do it to Reflexology in a nutshell . . . be practised on all these areas. prioritise our own needs yourself? A balanced lifestyle Energy lines flow through our body just and well-being. Work, of eating healthily, exercising like a river. If sediment built up across a children and life always regularly and thinking river, the water would stop flowing and become seem to get in the way. I find this especially stagnant. If our own energy flows develop a positively are all ways to improve your general hard when I’m a treating mothers-to-be in the blockage from stress, physical ailments or negative well-being and they are great ways to help lead-up to labour. After an hour of relaxing emotions, our energy will also falter and stagnate. decrease your stress levels. reflexology they always say how wonderful and We won’t feel right but reflexologists are able to Reflexology is great for helping a good night’s relaxed they feel. But with a new-born entering sleep and helping to release stress and tension feel these blockages.

These energy lines end at our feet, our hands their lives, they very rarely make it back when both physically and emotionally. It helps keep they need it the most. Life stresses always put and our head, which is why reflexology can be your body in balance. Eunice Ingham, an end to available time. practised on all these areas. I practise on the affectionately known as the mother of reflexology feet and by feeling any blockages I am able to said: “If you’re feeling out of kilter, don’t Our body is on constant standby release them using different massage know why or what about, let your feet for certain stress signals to activate techniques in order to balance the body’s reveal the answer, find the sore spot, our ‘flight or fight’ response. Anxiety, energy flows and help it to heal itself. work it out.” anger, grief, guilt or low self-esteem can all activate the primitive part of My clients and their needs . . . our brain if our survival is deemed To find out more about Kathryn I meet men, women, adults and children for a under threat. Feeling anxious about and her practice of reflexology wide range of reasons. Some come just an exam, looking after a new-born, visit www.thebigtoe.co.uk SO Magazine | August 2019 | 63

Travel

DREAM DESTINATION

Cascais:

THE DREAMY PORTUGUESE SEASIDE TOWN YOU REALLY NEED TO KNOW Close to Lisbon but far less crowded, this pleasant town is the ideal base for rest and relaxation, says Liz Ryan

I

t’s dark inside the cluttered boathouse, where salt-spattered windows make it impossible to peer inside. This, at least, gives me some relief as I struggle to cram my reluctant middle-aged body into a wetsuit.

Unfamiliar with the garment, I’m not even sure I’m putting it on the right way round. By the time I emerge – hot and bothered – I’m already convinced my decision to try stand-up paddle boarding is destined for disaster. Why on earth am I risking humiliation in a place as chic and stylish as Cascais?

This Atlantic resort town west of Lisbon has long been seen as a must-do day trip from the Portuguese capital.

As well as outdoor adventure, it has many

attractions including beaches to suit all tastes, a higgledy-piggledy old town and the Paula Rego Modern Art Museum dedicated to the venerable Portuguese painter.

But you can just as well use the pristine suburb as a base for exploring Lisbon and its surrounding area, including the beautiful English gardens and palace of Monserrate at Unesco World Heritage site Sintra.

When it comes to watery pursuits, I should have had more faith – not just in my own abilities, but in Nick and Wolfi from SurfnPaddle Cascais (surfnpaddle.com).

At sheltered Duquesa Beach, their individual attention helps get me afloat.

The first stage is an onshore briefing from Nick, a surf-mad Merseysider who married a Brazilian girl and set up a surfing school with her in Cascais.

Then I launch my board across

breakers that are all of two feet high to meet Wolfi, my tutor and a competitive paddle-boarder, who was born in Austria but now makes and markets paddleboard wetsuits internationally from his Cascais base.

Once I overcome my collywobbles, I discover that my punting skills, acquired decades ago on rivers Cherwell and Cam, have a direct application to paddle boarding. There is an unexpected serenity from propelling myself rhythmically across the bay under my own steam and a huge sense of accomplishment from taking on a new challenge at a time of life when it’s easy to fall into a rut.

I’m staying at the five-star Grande Real Villa Italia Hotel & Spa, previously the home of Umberto II, the exiled last King of Italy. A sense of decadence still clings to the residence, and while piling my plate at breakfast I’m amused to note SO Magazine | August 2019 | 65

DREAM DESTINATION

that vodka, tomato juice, Tabasco and rough skin and ill humours are sloughed Worcester Sauce – all the makings of a away. The therapist uses a cabaca, or perfect Bloody Mary – are laid out in a bottle gourd, as well as her skilled hands, discreet corner. to unknot my aching post-paddle The Villa Italia’s basement muscles.

This is houses a spa and If the weather is fine, then hydrotherapy complex, sunrise yoga is available on Europe’s most inspired by the underground the beach. My class is forced shrines of the ancient world. westerly point, indoors by threatening skies, To enter, one descends a still does a great job of and in places but flight of marble stairs, with boosting my physical the coastline awareness and calming my tiny aquaducts tinkling on either side. Beyond the Sonia from Salty has the wild mind. mysterious portal, the Pelican Surf & Yoga Retreats hydrotherapy pool and grandeur of (saltypelican-cascais.com) relaxation areas have an airy, has me tying myself in the west of soon sky-lit brightness. knots on the mat during a A 50-minute body scrub session of rebalancing yin Ireland and massage turn me into an yoga. acolyte of whatever goddess And at sunset, Cabo Da is being worshipped here. With liberal Roca is the place to view the Green Flash, use of sunflower oil (no, not the sort you a meteorological optical illusion where a buy in the supermarket; think wafting green dot appears to hover above the aromas of health-giving fresh seeds) my setting sun.

This is Europe’s most westerly point, and in places the coastline has the wild grandeur of the west of Ireland. The headland has long since surrendered to coach parks and selfie-sticks, but the surrounding National Park of SintraCascais is great for walking and mountain biking. In the company of a guide, Francisco, from Walk Hike Portugal (portugalwalkhike.com), I tramp crumbling cliffs held together by cactus plants. The boulder-strewn cedar forest of Sintra Mountain is another tranquil hiking-and-biking option.

On a coast renowned for its seafood, choosing my favourite ocean-side restaurant becomes a dilemma.

Accompanied by a spectacular view of waves crashing on rocks, fine dining is served at the Farol Hotel.

But the modest Da Adraga Beach Cafe (restaurantedaadraga.com), where multi-generational Portuguese families dine together after knocking the sand

How to get there TAP (flytap.com) flies from London to Lisbon from £92 return.

Doubles at the Grande Real Villa Italia Hotel & Spa (granderealvillaitalia. realhotelsgroup. com) cost from £126 per night including breakfast.

For more information on the destination, go to visitcascais.com

out of their shoes, sets the bar high by serving goose barnacles. These fearsome objects are prised from the inter-tidal zones of rocky shores, a dangerous and time-consuming business. For main course, a freshly caught sea bass is paraded in front of the table. Expertly cooked and filleted, it is served simply with lemon on a giant platter.

At Maria Pia Seafood Lounge (restaurantemariapia.pt), overlooking Cascais Harbour, I eat a spicy fish and potato stew made with fresh finds from that morning’s market. Outside, yachts form a riveting spectacle as they negotiate the lively wind and tides to enter the marina.

Wherever you go in Cascais, there’s a celebration of the sea, whether you choose to get in the water or enjoy its bounties on dry land. Both, I’ve discovered, are fun, although it’s safe to say that getting dressed for dinner is far less of an ordeal.

SO Magazine | August 2019 | 67

Travel

ADVERTORIAL

#HOLIDAYINSPIRATIONS

Where do you get yours?

O

ur 2019 Baldwins Travel beach. Whatever lengths they go to, it will surely be #HolidayInspirations Show has something you talk about for some time to come. moved to a new home; the East Maybe you are in need of some level of reassurance Sussex National Hotel near Uckfield. before you travel; even the most experienced travellers We have crossed borders into East will have questions before embarking on another Sussex but there’s no passports required for you to journey. We are available to answer all of these and will join us at this beautiful new venue. The show is bigger take the time to allay any fears you may have. Perhaps than ever and we have pretty much got the whole you are looking to travel on your own for the first time world covered. From distant lands to the seven seas, – many of our suppliers are experts at catering for the we even have the polar ice caps included. solo traveller; likewise we also can help larger groups Our esteemed colleagues from over 50 different tailor a tour to suit – especially if you have a combined cruise, tour and travel special interest. All of our team will companies will be on site to be easy to spot at the show and we offer you the most authentic will also have a pop-up travel agency We hope that there and detailed travel advice you can make your next will be something new to where alongside a team of dedicated booking or leave us with your and knowledgeable travel enquiries. catch your eye at the consultants from each of our We hope that there will be #HolidayInspirations something new to catch your eye at eight branches across Kent and Sussex. the #HolidayInspirations Show.

Show You can really trust the There are innovative travel recommendations and ideas you experiences being unveiled all the will gather at the show – Baldwins Travel are an time, particularly in the world of cruising. Over the years independent award-winning company who have, this we have seen ships with rock climbing walls and iceyear, won – for the 12th consecutive year – Travel skating rinks and spectacular theatre shows. They are Agency of the Year for London and the South East, now being challenged by robotic bartenders, escape not to mention taking home the National award for rooms, interactive onboard technology, underwater the fourth time in five years. This is testament to a viewing windows and two-deck racing tracks! There are highly qualified team of individuals who have a expedition ships breaking ice, sailing ships complete passion for travel and it shows in their enthusiasm with mast and sails, river cruise vessels that take you to when talking about the places they have been. the heart of a destination and all singing, all dancing Travelling is fun. It can also be relaxing, inspirational, cruise liners for all generations to enjoy together. educational and experiential but as long as it makes you smile and leaves you with limitless memories, it most certainly is something we should all try to do again and again – so you will need plenty of ideas on what to do next. Each of the travel companies at the show have their own unique ways of sharing with you a destination. It could be by taking the roads less travelled, taking you to a local person’s home for supper, spending overnight in port on a cruise to make the most of the nightlife, gaining early access into the ‘must see’ bucket list sites – or it may be that they wake you up at the perfect time to see the Northern lights or a turtle laying her eggs on the

68 | August 2019 | SO Magazine

Whilst cruising is an exciting and forward-thinking concept there are many other ways to explore, learn, relax and indulge on a holiday. Guided tours by car, coach or rail may suit seasoned cruisers who want to explore further inland, or beautifully tailored city breaks may suit tourers who have found a special city they want to discover in more detail. City explorers may need their next trip to be a more relaxing and rejuvenating experience so we can transfer their ideals to a restorative beach stay, and beach dwellers may feel the need on their next journey to see and do more so may suit a cruise. There are lots of ways in which your holiday ideals can be blended and as an independent agent we are very well placed to tailor your perfect holiday, from making sure the dates fit your schedule, to drawing up an itinerary to fit your budget. We have the resource to make the most of your precious holiday time.

We invite you to join us at the 2019 Baldwins Trav el #HolidayInspirations Show We will be open betw een 10am-3pm on Su nday September 22 at the Ea st Sussex National Ho tel.

If you need any advice on travelling, this really is the place to find it. If yo u register online in advance for Free Fast Track Entry you will be entered into our Prize Draw to win a five-nigh t hotel stay for two in Me xico courtesy of Kuon i.

Visit www.baldwinstra vel.co.uk/events for more details

ADVERTISING

SO Magazine | august 2019 | 71

The big Bentayga has gone hybrid. Jack Evans heads to San Francisco to find out what an electrified Bentley is like to drive

FIRST DRIVE: BENTLEY BENTAYGA HYBRID

WHAT IS IT?

Though large, luxurious SUVs are proving ever-popular across manufacturers, they aren’t often seen as the most efficient of vehicles. It’s why many are turning to electrification, and Bentley is no different.

The Crewe-based car-maker has recently introduced the Bentayga Hybrid, electrifying its big, opulent four-wheeldrive machine. It’s designed for those who tend to spend a lot of time driving through towns and cities where more stringent emissions controls are making it harder for traditional SUVs to exist.

We’ve headed to sunny California to find out what it’s like.

can be charged via a wallbox, high-speed charger or conventional three-pin to keep the batteries topped up. In fact, Bentley says that the batteries can be charged from zero to100 per cent in three hours via a fast charger.

Running on electric power alone, the Bentayga Hybrid can travel 16 miles while a combined fuel economy of 50mpg and CO2 emissions of 124g/km show that this SUV is greener than most.

WHAT’S IT LIKE TO DRIVE?

Obviously the biggest change here is the powertrain, based around a turbocharged V6 engine (which we’ll look at in a little more detail further on).

Elsewhere, it’s business as usual. Highquality materials meet a spacious cabin, while the looks remain in-your-face to say the least.

How to distinguish a hybrid against other Bentaygas? Look to the flanks for Hybrid-specific badges, as well as on the boot. Inside, it now gets specific readouts surrounding the electrified powertrain, displaying charge rates and battery levels.

In fact, one of the best things about the Hybrid is that it looks, pretty much, like any other Bentayga.

Set off and the Bentayga Hybrid moves away with the serene yet slightly eerie quietness that you get with all hybrids. It makes around-town driving, where Bentley expects most Hybrid drivers to be travelling, extremely relaxing, while a lack of any noise helps to keep the cabin near-silent.

The ride is a touch firm (Bentley took the decision to remove its Dynamic Ride active anti-roll bar instead of reduce boot size after the installation of the batteries) but we’d likely attribute this more to the 22-inch alloys our car was riding on.

Press on and the V6 quietly chirps into life. There’s performance there, for sure; the Bentayga is brisk enough to dispatch almost all traffic, and the eight-speed gearbox serenely sifts through the cogs.

There’s the option to take control via the steering wheel-mounted paddles, but we found it best left to its own devices.

WHAT’S UNDER THE BONNET?

HOW DOES IT LOOK?

WHAT’S NEW?

Under the bonnet is where things get really interesting. The Bentayga features a V6 petrol engine with a single turbocharger, and this is linked to a 94kW electric motor. Combined, the powertrain pushes out an impressive 443bhp and 700Nm of torque. It means that the Bentayga will go from 0-60mph in a respectable 5.2 seconds, before pushing on to a 158mph top speed.

Being a plug-in, the Bentayga Hybrid 72 | August 2019 | SO Magazine

There’s little to distinguish the Hybrid Bentayga against the rest of the line-up, with just a few badges helping to differentiate it from its conventionally powered stablemates. One thing is for sure, there are few cars with quite as much presence as this SUV. Is it pretty? That’s for you to decide.

But in our eyes the Bentayga isn’t the most delicately-styled, though cars finished in Windsor Blue look quite

FACTS AT A GLANCE

Road Test

MOTORS

Model: Bentley Bentayga Hybrid Price as tested: £130,500 Engine: 3.0-litre V6 linked to electric motor Power (bhp): 443 Torque (Nm): 700 Max speed (mph): 158 0-60mph: 5.2 seconds MPG: 50

classy. The huge wheels are part and parcel of the modern SUV too, and they look the part on the Bentayga.

WHAT’S IT LIKE INSIDE?

The Bentayga’s cabin is a sumptuously made place to be, with plenty of high-end materials used throughout. The metal air vents dominate the forward area of the interior, and the whole front end feels spacious and airy. There are storage areas aplenty (Bentley, thankfully, hasn’t forgotten that practicality is key when it comes to the SUV) with big door pockets and a large central cubby helping to keep the place tidy.

Bentley has managed to keep the boot space the same, despite the inclusion of the batteries. It means there’s still 431 litres to play with, extendable by folding down the back seats.

WHAT’S THE SPEC LIKE?

The main infotainment offering is centred around an eight-inch colour touchscreen, which is the key access point for features such as satellite navigation and media functions. It’s not a bad system to operate, but against other screens in the segment it lags behind a touch.

We had driven the all-new Continental GT prior to the Bentayga, and the widescreen setup in that car looks sensational; we just wish that you could get it in the Bentayga.

As mentioned, there is also a variety of screen displays unique to the Hybrid.

They show information such as charge levels, as well as the amount of energy being regenerated by the brakes.

The standard-fit audio system in the Bentayga comprises a six-speaker system; however, the upgraded Naim for Bentley set-up in our test car features 18 speakers and a huge 1800W of power – it’s properly impressive.

VERDICT

The Bentayga Hybrid is a good move for Bentley. It shows that the firm is acknowledging the need for electrification in its cars, while giving those who want to keep around-town emissions and fuel consumption down an option. The all-electric range could be better, but we’re certain that this tech will continue to be refined. It also takes the place as the cheapest car in Bentley’s range, and as an entry into the line-up, it’s no bad thing whatsoever.

THE LAST WORD

This month over the weekend of August 16-17 Pride Tunbridge Wells hosts its third annual celebration.

Eileen Leahy talks to one its committee members Luna Lestrange about what’s in store for 2019

Pictures by Rose Bainbridge www.rosebainbridgephotography.com

Luna Lestrange (pictured top middle)

of

the

town

“It’s amazing to have people coming together to celebrate love and acceptance” So Luna, please can you tell us a little bit about the history of Pride Tunbridge Wells?

Pride Tunbridge Wells was originally founded by Jazz Alexander and her friend Ben in 2017. They got some friends involved as well as Jason Dormon from The Forum in order to help with the planning and hoped a few hundred people would join them for a Pride parade. Word soon got around and they ended up with around 1,000 people attending the inaugural event!

How did you become involved?

I started on the Tunbridge Wells Pride committee in 2018. I’d hosted a fundraiser with the mad idea of replicating a full P!nk concert as part of Pride Late at The Forum. It sold out and I naturally became involved with helping to organise this year’s events. We’re now in year three and have seen what people really love so we’re trying to fine-tune things to make an event that has a little something for everyone.

Smaller community Prides are a massively different atmosphere and experience to the larger Prides of the country

Talk

from the area. We’d said on the day that we must get her involved for 2019, to which she agreed.

Then she had huge success on The X Factor, but thankfully she was still willing to take part! It’s important to highlight and celebrate homegrown LGBTQ+ superstars as it lets local younger people have hope for all their dreams and shows them that even if you are from a reasonably small town, you can still go on to have massive success.

Who else can people see?

As well as Bella performing at Pride Late you can see local band Bombay Monkey opening the show and getting everyone warmed up, We’ve got two fabulous drag performers from London, Crayola, AKA London’s version of America’s Sweetheart, and the Frog Prince, Dan Phibian. We’ve got Jazz’s younger sister, Zeelah, performing too. We’ll also have a mystery guest who will be the winner of our Talent Show the night before at the Assembly Hall. I’ll be the ringmaster of this crazy bunch, hosting the night as well as throwing in a couple of routines of my own!

Can you tell us a bit about your plans Why is it important for this year?

Sum up the spirit of for the town to Pride 2019 officially starts celebrate Pride? on Friday August 16 when Pride in three words: It’s amazing to have the star of RuPaul’s Drag Community, love, everyone. communities of people Race, Charlie Hides, will be from every walk of life hosting a talent show at the coming together and Assembly Hall Theatre. The celebrating love and acceptance. There’s X Factor’s Bella Penfold will be our head also the protest aspect to everything, judge, alongside myself as P!nk, and an which is extremely important as there’s array of others. Our participants will be still not complete equality and showing off their talents trying to acceptance around the world – or even impress us enough to win themselves a in our local communities. It’s also a slot at Pride Late the following night. chance for people to march through The next day we’ll take to the green by their town with allies and LGBTQ+ The Forum for music, dancing, fun, glitter, folk alike and feel liberated, loved, and entertainment and stalls. The entire show everyone that they’re not daytime event is extremely family afraid. It’s a fab sight to see all orientated and completely free of the dancing and colours, and charge. important to the people attending to feel How did you get Bella completely safe for Penfold on board? the day, no matter I met Bella at Pride last year, she who they are. was a friend of a friend and is

74 | August 2019 | SO Magazine

What’s the Tunbridge Wells Pride’s USP? If you would like to experience a volunteer run, nonprofit Pride based hugely on community, don’t hesitate to come along. Smaller community Prides are a massively different atmosphere and experience to the larger Prides of the country.

TAKE PART IN PRIDE If you’d like to get involved in Tunbridge Wells Pride 2019 simply get in contact by emailing pridetunbridgewells@ gmail.com No tickets are needed for the daytime event but you must book for the Pride Late event at The Forum. Visit www.twforum.co.uk Pride Late runs from 7pm to 1am and the event is strictly 18+ – ID will be required.

THE NEW BMW Z4.

THE NEW BMW Z4.

UNFOLD THE ROAD AHEAD. UNFOLD THE ROAD AHEAD.

£419 MONTHY RENTALS. £419 MONTHY RENTALS. (PLUS INITIAL RENTAL.) (PLUS INITIAL RENTAL.)

To find out more and to book a test drive, please call 01892 548877.

To find out more and to book a test drive, please call 01892 548877.

Cooper BMW Tunbridge Wells Cooper BMW WellsWells Longfield Road, Tunbridge Royal Tunbridge Longfield Road, Royal Tunbridge Wells Kent TN2 3UE Kent TN2 3UE www.coopertunbridgewellsbmw.co.uk www.coopertunbridgewellsbmw.co.uk Fuel economy and CO2 results for the BMW Z4 range. Mpg (l/100km): Combined 33.2 (8.5) to 39.8 (7.1). CO2 emissions: 165–139g/km.

Figures for comparison purposes and 2 may not reflect for real-life driving results, which on aMpg number of factors including Combined the accessories fitted (post-registration), weather, driving and vehicle load.165–139g/km.

All figures were determined according to a new test Fuelareeconomy and CO results the BMW Z4 depend range. (l/100km): 33.2 (8.5) tovariations 39.8in(7.1).

CO2styles emissions:

(WLTP). The CO2 figures were translated back to the outgoing test (NEDC) and will be used to calculate vehicle tax on first registration. Only compare fuel consumption and CO2 figures with other cars tested to the same technical procedure.

Figures are for comparison purposes and may not reflect real-life driving results, which depend on a number of factors including the accessories fitted (post-registration), variations in weather, driving styles and vehicle load. All figures were determined according to a new test (WLTP).

TheGroup CO2 figures translated backBMW to theis outgoing test (NEDC) and by willthe be Financial used to calculate tax as onafirst registration.

Only compare fuelrepresentative consumption of and CO2 figures otherWe carsmay tested to the you same procedure.

The Cooper Limitedwere trading as Cooper authorised and regulated Conductvehicle Authority credit broker and is an appointed Inchcape Retailwith Limited. introduce totechnical a selected panel of lenders for your funding needs and

they may pay us commission for that introduction.

The Cooper Group Limited trading as Cooper BMW is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority as a credit broker and is an appointed representative of Inchcape Retail Limited. We may introduce you to a selected panel of lenders for your funding needs and they may pay us commission for that introduction.

Initial rental £3,999.00. Price shown is for a 48-month Personal Contract Hire agreement for a BMW Z4 sDrive20i Sport, with a contract mileage of 32,000 miles and excess mileage charge of 10.66p per mile. Applies to new vehicles ordered between 01/07/2019 and 30/09/2019, registered by 31/12/2019 (subject to availability) at participating Retailers and provided that we can source the vehicle on the basis of the current On the road cash price. Retail customers only. At the end of your agreement you must return the vehicle. Excess mileage, vehicle Initial rental £3,999.00. Price shown is for a 48-month Personal Contract Hire agreement for a BMW Z4 sDrive20i Sport, with a contract mileage of 32,000 miles and excess mileage charge of 10.66p per mile. Applies to new vehicles ordered between 01/07/2019 and 30/09/2019, condition and other charges may be payable. Hire available subject to status to UK residents aged 18 or over. Guarantees and indemnities may be required. Terms and conditions apply. Offer may be varied, withdrawn or extended at any time. This quotation is not a binding offer registered by 31/12/2019 (subject to availability) at participating Retailers and provided that we can source the vehicle on the basis of the current On the road cash price. Retail customers only. At the end of your agreement you must return the vehicle. Excess mileage, vehicle to enter into a finance agreement. Hire provided by BMW Financial Services (GB) Limited, Summit ONE, Summit Avenue, Farnborough, Hampshire, GU14 0FB. Your Retailer commonly introduces customers to a selected panel of lenders including BMW Financial Services who condition and other charges may be payable. Hire available subject to status to UK residents aged 18 or over. Guarantees and indemnities may be required. Terms and conditions apply. Offer may be varied, withdrawn or extended at any time. This quotation is not a binding offer may receive commission or other benefits for introducing you to such lenders. This introduction does not amount to independent financial advice. Limited stock levels apply. Images for illustrative purposes only. to enter into a finance agreement. Hire provided by BMW Financial Services (GB) Limited, Summit ONE, Summit Avenue, Farnborough, Hampshire, GU14 0FB. Your Retailer commonly introduces customers to a selected panel of lenders including BMW Financial Services who may receive commission or other benefits for introducing you to such lenders. This introduction does not amount to independent financial advice. Limited stock levels apply. Images for illustrative purposes only.

The Cooper Group Limited, part of Inchcape Retail, which is a company registered in England and Wales with company number 821770 and has its Registered Office at First Floor, Unit 3140 Park Square, Solihull Parkway, Birmingham B37 7YN. The Cooper Group Limited, part of Inchcape Retail, which is a company registered in England and Wales with company number 821770 and has its Registered Office at First Floor, Unit 3140 Park Square, Solihull Parkway, Birmingham B37 7YN.