SO Magazine May 2109 by One Media

BUSINESS

Star turn

Don’t miss Anton du Beke at the Times Business Awards 2019

LIFE & STYLE

She’s in fashion

GARDENS

Meet the women responsible for making Tunbridge Wells so stylish

Flower power

How to get the Chelsea look in your garden

THE KENTISH HARE’S

JAMES TANNER DISHES UP THE DETAILS ON 20 YEARS AT THE TOP

MAY 2019

Welcome

Editor’s LETTER

elcome to your May issue of SO Magazine. As always we have filled its pages with lots of interesting and engaging reads about local people and places which we hope you’ll enjoy. Our cover star this month is celebrity chef James Tanner who runs The Kentish Hare in Bidborough. He and his brother Chris, who also run The Barbican in Plymouth, are celebrating 20 years in the gastronomic game this year. So we thought it would be great to talk to James about how they plan to celebrate. James also reveals why they’re taking part in Tom Kerridge’s Pub in the Park event again this summer (July 12-14 at Dunorlan Park) and shares details of his new TV show. Turn to page 14 to find out more. Also in this issue we meet two very inspiring and interesting women who have had the courage to go it alone and set up their own businesses in order to pursue their passions in life. The first is Karina Johansen (pg 25), a former Danish diplomat who gave up her life of travelling all over the world in order to establish her jewellery making business. What makes her story all the more fascinating is that her beautiful, simple Scandi designs are all ethically sustainable and she donates 10% of her profits to Women for Women which helps female survivors of war all over the world. The other woman is Charlotte Newman who has run the popular clothing boutique Kitch for the past 16 years. We find out how she has employed her national

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contents

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

May 2019

Floral tribute: How to get your garden ready for Chelsea Flower Show p51

Grilled to perfection: the duo who’ll be serving up a feast at The Black Deer festival this June

Festival fever comes courtesy of Unfest this Bank Holiday weekend

sales experience into her local fashion boutique which is thriving – despite the gloomy retail environment. In addition to all this, we review the food on offer at one of Tunbridge Wells’ most popular places: The Mount Edgcumbe, and discover how Sulston’s Kitchen in Tonbridge is helping to change the culinary landscape. A travel feature on Portugal’s arty Algarve, how to get the latest looks for a stylish home and wardrobe, plus a chat with Strictly’s current champion Kevin Clifton, who’ll be dancing at the Assembly Hall this month, wraps up your May edition of SO rather nicely.

Seventeen throws a party to launch its new restaurant menu

The Kentish Hare’s James Tanner on 20 years at the top

Why chef Ben Sulston feels he is changing the local culinary landscape

Wardrobe icon: Kitch’s Charlotte Newman’s style secrets

Dare to bare this summer with some key beauty products

The Decorative Living Fair comes to Eridge Park this month

Easy updates to create a stylish home for spring

Enjoy the issue,

Editor Eileen Leahy

Education: two leading schools debate the issue of e-learning Gastro appeal: Why The Mount Edgcumbe is the place to go for delicious food p43

Issue 134 SALOMONS ESTATE Tunbridge Wells Kent TN3 0TG

EDITOR Eileen Leahy info@somagazines.co.uk

HEAD OF DESIGN Lee Smith lsmith8@markerstudy.com

SALES DIRECTOR Gemma Hak ghak@markerstudy.com

EDITORIAL Victoria Truman Andy Tong Charlie Bond

EDITORIAL DIRECTOR Richard Moore rmoore@markerstudy.com

DESIGN & PHOTOGRAPHY Jo Turfitt Emily Wood Craig Matthews

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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

Anton du Beke: your celebrity host for this year’s Times Business Awards

Race for life: Chatty Hatter tell us all about the Crazy Jeans Soap Box event SO Magazine | May 2019 | 3

Calendar

CULTURE HUB

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

DID YOU KNOW? EM Forster Theatre has over 1,000 costumes and over 2,000 props including a 1950s pick-up truck suspended from the ceiling backstage – and a rickshaw

ALL THAT JAZZ! It’s the month of May, which means that Jazz on The Pantiles is back for the summer months. Now in its 28th year, this musical event which takes place every Thursday evening attracts hundreds of people to Tunbridge Wells’ historic promenade. Each week a different group takes to the Bandstand to perform live from 7pm while revellers sit and drink or dine to a jazzy sonic backdrop. This staple of the summer calendar, which runs until the end of September and features bands such as The Jive Aces and Project Five, is not to be missed!

FOOD, GLORIOUS FOOD There’ll be a feast for the senses and of course your tastebuds down on The Pantiles over the weekend of May 11 and 12 thanks to the Pantiles Food Fair taking place. Every year this is a hugely popular event with lots of specialist producers selling their artisan gourmet goods and demos going on with local chefs. With plenty to eat and drink and entertainment to keep the kids happy, this is a perfect day out for all the family.

KILLING EVE? One of theatre land’s hottest tickets is the new stage production of All About Eve. Based on the 1950 Oscar-winning film of the same name, it stars Gillian Anderson and Lily James, and has been adapted for the stage by the much respected director Ivo van Hove. Featuring music by PJ Harvey, the piece tells the story of aging acting legend Margo Channing (Anderson), whose life and 4 | May 2019 | SO Magazine

DID YOU KNOW? Bodiam Castle has five species of bats including daubentons, natterers, soprano pipistrells and common pipistrells

relationships are turned into turmoil by the interference of the upcoming and beautiful Eve (James), who just happens to be Margo’s number one fan… See it live at the National Theatre until May 11 or at the EM Forster Theatre at 7pm on Wednesday May 8. Tickets cost £15, www.emftheatre.com

ARTFULLY DONE Pashley Manor in Ticehurst runs its annual Sculpture in Particular event from May 25 to June 1. If you haven’t been before then in brief it showcases around 200 pieces of sculptural work dotted around the beautiful and award-winning gardens and also inside the 16th century manor house. Visitors will

also have the opportunity to purchase certain pieces of work. For more details on admission times and prices visit www.pashleymanorgardens.com

CAPTURE THE CASTLE On Friday May 10, all budding snappers can go along to the majestic Bodiam Castle to enjoy an expert lesson in how to take stunning pictures of the historic castle and its breathtaking surrounding landscape. This inspiring visual workshop includes a light lunch and a chance to chat to Bodiam’s resident photographer. Tickets cost £25 per person and can be booked via www.nationaltrust.org.uk

DO YOUR JURY SERVICE Trinity embarks upon an incredibly exciting and innovative theatrical project towards the end of this month which is not to be missed. Terror by Ferdinand von Schirach is directed by the theatre’s former Artistic Director John Martin and runs from May 28 to June 16. The premise is that a hijacked plane is heading towards a packed football stadium but a fighter pilot shoots it down and kills 164 people – in order to save 70,000. He’s put on trial and his fate is in the

Calendar

audience’s hands… On every evening at a secret location from 7pm (and with matinées on Saturday and Sundays) this promises to be an incredible immersive piece of theatre. More details on how to book tickets at www. trinitytheatre.net

BLUE NOTES

BOOK THIS EVENT… Over the Bank Holiday weekend (May 4-7) you have a chance to visit the Chiddingstone Castle Literary Festival. Now in its third year, the line-up for 2019 includes Chocolat author Joanne Harris and wine guru Oz Clarke speaking at the event. There are interactive theatre performances, literary talks with authors including Anna Pasternak, Hunter Davies and Sir Anthony Seldon, and wine tastings. On the Tuesday there is a variety of literary workshops aimed at children. For tickets and timings visit www.chiddingstonecastle.org.uk

Hole Park in Cranbrook is the perfect place for lovers of flora and fauna at any time of the year thanks to their spectacular horticultural displays. But this time of year it’s the bluebells that are out in all their glory. Enjoy walking through the property’s spectacular wooded areas in order to see the stunning seas of blue flowers. Standard admission fees apply. For more information, go to www.holepark.com

STRUMMING ALONG Over the Bank Holiday weekend there’s a series of special Rye International Jazz and Blues Festival concerts at Hever Castle. Kicking things off on Saturday May 25 is Courtney Pine with his Black Notes from The Deep show. Then on Sunday you can see Milos Karadaglic – dubbed the hottest guitarist in the world – perform with a five-piece string ensemble. Finally on Monday you can catch Mica Paris singing songs from Ella Fitzgerald’s songbook with her immensely talented jazz musicians. For more details and tickets visit www.ryejazz.com

DID YOU KNOW? Paul McCartney visited Trinity Theatre to attend a performance of Arsenic and Old Lace by Trinity Theatre Club in 2016

SO Magazine | May 2019 | 5

arts

THE SUMMER

starts here

Over the final May Bank Holiday weekend the annual Unfest music and culture festival takes place in Tunbridge Wells. Organised by the team at The Forum, it includes a mix of performances by bands and poets and also pieces of theatre. Here co-organiser Carolyn Gray reveals the big plans for 2019

e are so excited about this year’s Unfest. Originally it started as a showcase for the bands on The Forum’s record label Unlabel and was known simply as ‘Three days in May’. But over the past 20 years it has varied in format from year to year, and is now firmly established as Tunbridge Wells’ Fringe Festival – and is so much more than just a music festival.

6 | May 2019 | SO Magazine

Still based in and around The Forum on Tunbridge Wells Common, there are now many additional venues for 2019 including The Sussex Arms, The Ragged Trousers, The George, The Bedford, The Royal Oak and the Javabean café. The idea is for visitors to be able to dip in and out of the numerous host venues as the weekend progresses. All of them are free to enter during the festival, which runs from Thursday May 23 until Monday May 27. And all of this is made possible by our regular team of

We champion the local scene and upcoming national acts throughout the year in our programming, so we’ve tried to reflect that in the Unfest line-up – and it’s all for free!

Eloise Bulman, The Forum’s booker

volunteers, musicians and supporters. Unfest kicks off at 5pm on Thursday afternoon at The Forum, where we will host a free evening of our bi-monthly Under-18s Open Mic Night. This gives young performers the chance to take to the legendary stage in front of friends and family to perform a couple of songs, assisted by our staff. Afterwards the Javabean café takes over with one of its regular events, Voices, a mix of spoken word and music open mic. Doors open at 7.30pm, and there’ll be an acoustic guitar and ukulele available to borrow, but performers are asked to bring their own backing tracks. On Friday we settle into a programme of booked acts

curated by assorted volunteers from The Forum and Friends – from rock and DJs at The Sussex Arms to local bands at The Royal Oak. Check out many of our long-time favourites such as Joeythin, Cyrano, Bombay Monkey, The Naming of Things and The Orange Circus Band, alongside some acts from outside the local area such as Ed The Dog. They supported Circa Waves at The Forum last year, and Forum bookers Eloise Bulmer and Dan Wild thought they would be a great band to headline 2019 Unfest on Friday night – and the band agreed! Acts who have played during the past year at The Stable and Under18s Open Mics will also feature, as we continue to support fresh local and upcoming talent.

arts

MORE THAN JUST MUSIC… There are a variety of spoken-word events at Unfest and contributions from local writers and art groups. Arbor The Tree: This is an activity made possible by Applause Rural Touring. Come along to The Common on Saturday afternoon and discover the 17-foot tall tree, created by puppetry and theatre company Smoking Apples. Sit and listen as Arbor (pictured left) tells you his story, amidst our beautiful green surroundings. Paul Cheese: The Unfest perennial performer might be harder to spot this year, so keep your eyes and ears on our social media sites for his 2019 Unfest special performance – one of many projects that Paul (below) is undertaking over the next few months.

SWEET CHARITY Paul Dunton runs Local & Live, which is also taking part in Unfest, and he explains how the two events will now be strengthened even further after gaining charitable status Unfest and Local & Live, which takes place over the August Bank Holiday, are very much joined at the hip. They are both free to attend and communitystyle events and both concentrate on showcasing emerging original music talent, with Unfest also delving into spoken word and comedy. In recent times Local & Live, which was established in 2006, has joined Unfest by running its own outdoor stage at The Sussex Mews, which has proved to be very popular and has really united the two festivals and cemented the relationship between myself and Jason Dormon of The Forum. I know of very few festivals with this kind of relationship – we just want to help each other and the local music scene as a whole,

8 | May 2019 | SO Magazine

there is no competition. Unfest and Local & Live offer something different – the former festival kicks off the summer while Local & Live brings it to a close. To help secure a brighter future for Local & Live I felt it should become a charity. It has always been free to attend, non-profit making and all about local musicians having their chance to shine and so I am delighted to announce that Jason, along with Peter Taylor and Nigel Bent from The Royal Oak pub – another great local live music venue – have agreed to be trustees for the charity. We all share the same vision and are going to work together to ensure we and other music events continue to thrive, educate and promote the arts for years to come.

Two of his previous Unfest projects, The Big Record and 25 Forums, have developed into a variety of incredible international events, which we feel confirms the amazing level of local creativity. And don’t forget, as always the festival will be full of good food, stunning merchandise, surprises and (hopefully) a beer from Fonthill Brewery. We at The Forum look forward to welcoming regular attendees back, and hope to meet some new faces. Come along and say hi as we celebrate the start of the summer season in Royal Tunbridge Wells.

(L-R) Nigel Bent, Paul Dunton, Jason Dormon and Peter Taylor

Social Scene

IT’S HEAVEN AT SEVENTEEN

A group of VIP guests were invited along to One Warwick Park Hotel in order to sample canapés from the new spring menu of its restaurant, Seventeen. Among the delicacies on offer cooked up by head chef Aleksandrs Bogdanovs and his team were tempura king prawns with red chilli, toasted pineapple, coconut and purple shiso leaves and slivers of hickory infused Kent duck with roasted shallot accompanied by a duo of plums and micro pea shoots, mini versions of Seventeen’s classic rhubarb panna cotta and pistachio, orange mousse and toasted meringue desserts. Guests, who also enjoyed a variety of refreshing cocktails, agreed that the gourmet offerings, which reflect a range of key seasonal ingredients, were delicious! Pictures by Craig Matthews

SO Magazine | May 2019 | 11

profile

Smiley, happy and

Nicole Piesse Turner

CHATTY PEOPLE

Local PR and marketing agency Chatty Hatter is organising one of the town’s biggest summer charity events: Crazy Jeans Soapbox Race. We talk to its founder Nicole Piesse Turner about it and find out if running her own business has been a bumpy ride or not… Can you give us a potted history of Chatty Hatter?

I set it up in 2013 after working in sales and advertising for most of my adult life. I have always enjoyed advising clients on the best way to spend their budgets and getting them the best return on their investments. But after having my two children I thought why not set up on my own? Chatty Hatter initially started out as more of an advertising consultancy service, with myself and one other – managing three main clients but we quickly expanded into double figures. There are now over 12 of us in the team and we are always looking to work with more like-minded ‘Chatty Happy’ people!

What is your USP in the world of marketing and PR?

I would say our unique selling point has to be that we are a fun, high energy team. We see no project as too big or too small and we give 110 per cent on whatever we work on. We are a very tenacious team, a lot of us are busy, working mothers so we are used to juggling. We work closely with clients so they feel like we are an extension of their company. Hopefully this gets them the best results and support they need. We are very fortunate to have kept over 90 per cent of our client base over the past five and a half years.

Can you tell us which clients you work with and are they all local?

We have a wide variety of clients but at the moment Crazy Jeans Soapbox is our biggest local project. We also work with others based around here such as Roundwood of Mayfield, Dagan Services, Leigh Roberts Hairdressers and HR Revolution. Our other client base is largely business-tobusiness (B2B) as a few of us here, myself included, have extensive involvement in that sector over the years. So we run as two halves really working on both local consumer and B2B businesses. We also work closely with a number of local charities. Art Direction: Lee Smith Photography: Craig Matthews

12 | May 2019 | SO Magazine

Tell us a little bit about how Jeans Crazy Soap Race came about

We’d done some PR for Jeans Wine Bar and Kitchen on St John’s Road when it was open and then in June 2017 its owner Garry Jeffery approached me with the idea of doing a charity Soapbox Race for Tunbridge Wells. It was something he had tried to get off the ground some years ago but had not managed. My team thought I was slightly crazy taking it on as we already had a large client base but we did and hit the ground running! The first Tunbridge Wells Soapbox race took place in June 2018 at Dunorlan Park

and was a huge success. We then raised £21,000 last year and hope to double that in 2019.

Do you find being based in Tunbridge Wells is beneficial to your business?

We LOVE being in Tunbridge Wells. I was born here and most of my direct team are also local. We have a lot of business that takes us up and down the country, so Tunbridge Wells works as a good base for us all. Another plus is there are so many lovely places to eat out so we tend to try and get clients to visit us here so we can show them some of the culinary delights in Tunbridge Wells.

What’s happening with it this year and what are your key aims?

This year we are raising money for our two chosen charities, Hospice in the Weald and Taylor-Made Dreams, and we are honoured to be representing them. We are also really lucky to have got the support from our main headline sponsor Childrensalon and the likes of Dagan Services who have really got involved. West Kent College

are also working closely with us on the maintenance and repair of the karts. Markerstudy Group and Times Local News are our media partners and we have also had a huge amount of support from chef Rosemary Shrager, Wicked Production’s Tom Swift and BBC Radio Kent. We are hugely passionate that the Soapbox will take place every year now and become a staple part of the Tunbridge Wells events scene.

Chatty Hatter has a high-energy team who are very tenacious

CRAZY JEANS SOAPBOX RACE TAKES PLACE ON SATURDAY JUNE 8 – HERE’S WHAT ELSE YOU NEED TO KNOW: n So far there are 45 karts racing on the day – all

sponsored and decorated by local businesses – which will race from 11am to 5pm n Only 50 karts in total are able to run so if any other businesses want to get involved they better act fast by messaging hello@ chattyhatter.com n The jumps will be more whacky than ever and there will also be plenty of entertainment, luxury car displays, food and drink villages and special kids’ zones n The two charities benefiting will be Hospice in the Weald and Taylor-Made Dreams n If you want to buy tickets to the event then head over to www.crazyjeansevents.com

Cover Feature

It’s Tanner’s TIME Celebrity chef James Tanner and his brother Chris are celebrating 20 years at the top of their gastronomic game – and five years running The Kentish Hare. Ahead of their appearance at Pub in the Park in July, James tells Eileen Leahy how the siblings have survived the heat of the kitchen…

f you enjoy food – whether that’s cooking it, dining out on it or watching it being prepared on TV – then you’ll be familiar with James Tanner. The Tunbridge Wells-born chef, who trained at West Kent College and had his first head chef position at Right on the Green in Southborough (now The Twenty Six), is a familiar face on the foodie scene. As well as appearing on numerous TV cookery shows, he’s also a published author and before he started his own gastronomic empire 20 years ago alongside his brother Chris, James worked for the likes of the Roux brothers in their upstate New York eaterie Lake Placid Lodge and also for Martin Blunos at the Michelin-starred Lettonie in Bath. In 1999 James and his brother Chris decided to go it alone and so opened their first place, Tanners brasserie in Plymouth, which they sold seven years later after opening The Barbican Kitchen, also in Plymouth, in 2006.

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This industry is a lot of hard work but we could never be able to do any of this without our great crews

Five years ago the brothers, who grew up near East Peckham, opened a place much nearer to home: The Kentish Hare in Bidborough. This smart gastropub stands on the former site of The Hare and Hounds pub and the pair have been enjoying huge success there ever since. As part of their 20th anniversary celebrations James and Chris are holding a number of special tasting menu dinners at both The Kentish Hare and The Barbican Brasserie. And they will also be taking part in the second ‘food and grooves’ Pub in the Park event, which is happening this July in Dunorlan Park. Its organiser, Michelin star chef Tom Kerridge, asked the Tanner brothers back due to the success of their last pop-up. “What a beautiful and fantastic event that was,” smiles James as we sit down to chat in the cosy snug area of The Kentish Hare on a sunny afternoon. “Last year was really great, there was a wonderful festival feeling and the bands were amazing and we

got some really great food producers and chefs from all over Kent turning up to it. There’s no denying it was fast and furious for those of us catering to hundreds of people every day but we were well set up for it all. Our aim was to serve up the highest quality food, quickly and consistently, and happily we achieved that. The feedback we had from customers was amazing!” Like Tom Kerridge, James Tanner has been a regular face on our TV screens for years. He cut his broadcasting teeth nearly two decades ago on shows like BBC2’s Ready Steady Cook and ITV’s Lorraine and This Morning and he’s now due to star in a new Channel 4 show entitled Beat The Chef later this summer. James says that being able to do the additional work on TV, pen recipes and run two different sites is down to having a very tight crew. I guess you could say that the brothers have always looked upon their fellow chefs as family? “Yes, absolutely. This industry

Cover Feature

The Tanners talk…

Pub in the Park James and Chris Tanner

More than anything we’re well aware that nothing lasts for ever and you have to adapt, look at trends and possibly make them too. Be creative as nothing will continue forever…

is a lot of hard work and there will always be problems but we could never be able to do any of this, to this high level, without our great crew.” Even those who have gone on to run their own establishments after training with the Tanners still keep in touch, adds James. “Elly Wentworth, who was a Masterchef Professionals finalist in 2016, started with us when she was just 16. She is now running The Angel at Dartmouth but we still keep in touch. She came up last year to help out at Pub in the Park and we had a great time. So we have brought a lot of people with us along this journey and I always say that we would be nothing without a good crew. There is no hierarchy and at events like Pub in the Park I’m usually the one there sweeping out the van in the car park at the end of service!” In addition to the many strands of his career, which also include running a pop-up restaurant during Royal Ascot and a lot of consultancy work, it’s clear James loves the buzz of being in his

Art Direction: Lee Smith | Photography: Craig Matthews

Tom is a fantastic chef and a really, really nice guy. It was an honour to be asked to do the first Pub in the Park. Our crew is very open and we all loved chatting to the people who came to see us.

It’s an event that’s brilliant to have in our area but it also helps generate awareness of the quality of produce that’s around us here in Kent. We’re a massive county with lots of fantastic fruit, veg and beers. We’re called the Garden of

England and I can’t stress enough how important it is to champion that.

Pub in the Park also helps to shine a spotlight on the area’s brilliant chefs, the establishments and styles of food being created here.

We’re aiming to do five dishes at this year’s event and have been busy practising and perfecting timings. I can tell you there’ll be a courgette tortilla marinated in garlic, rosemary

and thyme as well as amazing crispy monkfish tacos.

Last year we did on average 700-800 plates a day so there’s a lot of work to be done! The prep involved was pretty brutal as we are all about super, super fresh ingredients.

Once the service is over you get to catch the last music act and have a beer as the sun is going down but then it’s back to clean the kitchen!

Pub in the Park is on at Dunorlan from July 12-14 www.pubintheparkuk.com

SO Magazine | May 2019 | 15

Cover Feature

kitchens: “I think there’s a general perception that if you have done lots of telly you live in a mansion and drive around in a Ferrari but that’s not the case with me. I am on the road a lot but it’s mainly driving between our two sites! We sourced the first restaurant down in the South-West as it was cheaper at the time so it’s nice to now have one where we grew up too.” And another bonus of running The Kentish Hare, James says, is the abundance of fantastic local ingredients that can be sourced so easily: “I’ve always been big on local produce and here in Kent, the Garden of England, we really do have the best strawberries, the best soft fruits and hops to make great beer! “It’s so great to have all of this quite literally on our doorstep. I grew up around hop fields, Bramley apple and cherry orchards and when Colin the farmer now delivers our strawberries I just have to smell them and I’m taken back to my childhood of riding my

BMX down to the pick-your-own fruit farm and picking my own strawberries. I love the great relationships we have with our local suppliers – and staff. We’re just a blip in this industry but if we can help make a mark and push it on then we’ve done our job.”

The smell of the hops, the vegetables, Kentish strawberries and fresh fruit. Our local produce here in Kent, the Garden of England, is the best so let’s celebrate it

16 | May 2019 | SO Magazine

Business Awards Special

STRICTLY

confidential

At the end of this month the Times Business Awards ceremony takes place and this year its guest presenter is Anton du Beke. We discover why the Strictly Come Dancing star is the perfect choice as the event’s host …

ver since Strictly Come Dancing business community gather at a glittering gala dinner in order to honour a number sashayed onto our screens in of established and emerging companies 2004 it’s consistently been one and retailers who operate in and around of the UK’s most widely watched television programmes. Tunbridge Wells and Tonbridge. Anton follows in the footsteps of And while many of its professional former MPs Michael Portillo and Edwina dancers and judges have come and gone Currie, and BBC Radio 2 DJ Ken Bruce, over the years, there is one person who in hosting this popular annual event, has remained a solid anchor of the which is now in its fourth year. Law firm popular BBC1 TV show: Anton du Beke. Cripps [incorporating Pemberton Yet although the dance professional, Greenish] is once again its main sponsor. who went to the Wildernesse School in For businesses wanting to celebrate Sevenoaks, has never had the opportunity of holding the show’s famous their success, raise their profile or showcase their latest innovations, the glitter ball aloft with any of the celebrity awards – which include categories such dance partners he’s been paired up with, as Young Entrepreneur of the Year, he’s clearly a winner in so many other Service Excellence and Creative Business ways. Not only has he been a Strictly of the Year – the Times stalwart for the past 15 years, teaching the likes Business Awards are the LOCAL NEWSPAPERS of Lesley Garrett, Judy perfect vehicle to do so. Murray and Ann Last year was the Widdecombe, to salsa biggest and best and jive (or not in the ceremony yet, with more latter’s case), Anton has than 200 guests from gone on to carve out a businesses across the multi-faceted career off region attending the the dance floor. celebratory evening, There’s his work as a which is also an ideal TV presenter hosting platform for networking shows such as Hole in the and building new Wall and Step Up To The business partnerships. Plate and numerous Editorial Director appearances on specials Richard Moore said: “We such as Children in Need are absolutely delighted and Comic Relief. Oh and did you know with the support that these awards have that he can also hold a decent tune? The received from the local business ballroom and foxtrot star released his first community, without whom such events album – From The Top – in 2017 to would obviously not be possible. much critical acclaim. And then late last “Both those who sponsor the evening year Anton published his first novel, One and those who put themselves forward Enchanted Evening, which rocketed to the as entrants have helped create a gala top of the book charts. The father of night that is now recognised as one of two-year-old twins Henrietta and George the leading social and networking events is now rumoured to be penning a followof the year. This is an opportunity to up due its huge success. recognise and celebrate all that’s good Such impressive entrepreneurial about the businesses in and around credentials therefore make Anton du Tunbridge Wells and Tonbridge. And Beke the perfect host for this year’s there’s a lot to celebrate.” Let’s hope Anton can teach us a few Times Business Awards. They take place slick moves on the dance floor on the on May 30 at Salomons Estate and see night too! the great and the good of our local

Times

2019

Times Business Awards sponsored by Cripps SO Magazine | May 2019 | 19

ADVERTISING

20 | MAY 2019 | SO Magazine

ADVERTISING

22 | MAY 2019 | SO Magazine

Life Style &

FOOD & DRINK

FASHION

BEAUTY

From personal style inspiration and interior ideas to luxury travel destinations and where to eat well this month, you’ll find all you need to know and so much more on the following pages… PALATE PLEASERS Discover The Mount Edgcumbe’s delicious dishes p43

TRAVEL

INTERIORS

GARDENING

MOTORS

BY DESIGN Karina Johansen on why she started ethical jewellery brand RAW Copenhagen p25 FLAVOUR SAVIOUR Meet Ben, owner and chef at Sulston’s Kitchen p45

LABELS YOU’LL LOVE Charlotte Newman invites us into her Kitch boutique p19 FOOTLOOSE We meet Strictly’s Kevin Clifton p78

VERY MOORISH Discover the artistic side of the Algarve p67

DRIVE OF YOUR LIFE We road test the new Mercedes-AMG C63 S p72

TOP TABLE How to dress for dinner p49

ADVERTISING

24 | MAY 2019 | SO Magazine

Life & Style

“Jewellery should make you look and feel good, which is what I aim to do with my designs”

CAN YOU TELL US A LITTLE BIT ABOUT YOURSELF?

I am Danish and moved from Copenhagen to Tunbridge Wells about five and a half years ago, after having worked for 15 years as a human rights diplomat for the Danish Foreign Office and United Nations. I was also a humanitarian aid worker and have lived and worked in West Africa, the Balkans, America, Brazil, Russia and Turkey.

HOW DID YOU COME TO LIVE IN TUNBRIDGE WELLS? My partner, with whom I have three children, was born in Tunbridge Wells, which is the reason why we decided to move to the area after quitting the travelling life.

SO HOW DID YOU GO FROM BEING A DIPLOMAT TO DESIGNING YOUR OWN JEWELLERY?

I have always had a passion for design and social and environmental sustainability, so on moving here I decided to marry my passions, and RAW Copenhagen, my jewellery brand, was born in 2015.

HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN MAKING JEWELLERY AND

Karina Johansen runs the sustainable I have always loved being jewellery company RAW creative but I started making jewellery in 2014, initially just Copenhagen. Here she tells for fun as I couldn’t find the type of designs I liked. I am Eileen Leahy why she self-taught, although I have swapped being a diplomat in done some foundation courses. However, on the Denmark for designing whole I am learning through ethical, environmentally trial and error, which is both challenging and rewarding as silver friendly jewellery in can be quite an alive material to Tunbridge Wells work with! WHERE DID YOU TRAIN?

WHAT KEY AIMS DO YOU HAVE?

Jewellery should make you look and feel good, which is what I aim to do with my designs. My pieces are Scandi simple, yet flattering, feminine and elegant. Moreover, by wearing my designs you’re also doing good, as I source ethically and donate 10 per cent of my profit to the charity ‘Women for Women’. It helps women rebuild their lives through vocational training, human rights awareness and ensuring they have a viable and sustainable future of their own choosing.

WHERE DOES YOUR INSPIRATION COME FROM AND HOW EASILY?

I would say nature, tribal art and women. I believe most of us are tactile, so the texture from wood, stones and sand plays a vital part in my designs, as do light and shadows, as well as the sea. I love clean lines, but also a playful element of surprise. The latter you often find in tribal art, which is why I enjoy

Art Direction: Lee Smith | Photography: Craig Matthews

COMMUNITY SPIRIT

There is a very strong sense of community here, not least amongst ‘fempreneurs’ in this area, who are more than happy to help each other. To name a few who have helped boost my business are Lynne Meek from Styling Matters and Laura Swann and Natalie Mcilveen from Mum’s the Word. They have been super supportive of my work from day one, for which I am very grateful. I think you would be very hard pressed to find a similar sense of community and such a helpful and supportive sisterhood in the city.

As small businesses we are often faced with the same opportunities and challenges, so being able to lean on and learn from each other has been key. With a background in politics and human rights, running my own business has been a steep learning curve for me. Most of the creative people I’ve met locally have been trained in something completely different, be it law, retail, finance or human resources. We all have very different strengths and weaknesses and can help each other out in our respective areas of expertise.

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Life & Style

DIGITAL INTELLIGENCE • Social media is a big player for all businesses, but even more so for small brands. Instagram in particular, and to a lesser degree Facebook, has been instrumental for me in developing RAW Copenhagen • Through connecting directly with potential customers, you can show behind-the-scenes shots of how you make your designs, and tell a little bit about your brand story through images • Instagram is a visual, playful and not-too-serious platform, which is what I love about it. People happily send me messages asking questions about designs, sustainable living, tips for travelling to Copenhagen on Instagram • I love the community feel of the platform, creating a link between you as a maker and your followers

Making jewellery is a way for me to stay connected to my Danish roots and to celebrate women. To me jewellery is very personal, as it is an extension of our personalities. Often we buy or are gifted jewellery to treasure and commemorate special moments in our lives. As such, jewellery carries a highly affectionate value, reinforced by its intricacies and delicate beauty

creating slightly asymmetrical designs. Lastly, women inspire me. Women are beautiful and jewellery can easily enhance their best features, like earrings swimming by the jawline or necklaces accentuating the collar bone. Getting inspiration is not a problem, trying to tame it is the challenge.

WHERE DO YOU SELL YOUR PRODUCTS?

I currently sell within all of the EU but my biggest market is the UK. As RAW Copenhagen is an ethical brand Instagram has been great for connecting with the larger global community of people and businesses pushing the sustainability agenda, which has been extremely motivating and inspiring, as well as leading to a number of collaborations including sustainable fashion shoots, ethical pop-up shops in London, and awareness and fundraising campaigns.

26 | May 2019 | SO Magazine

I specialise in making Scandinavian minimalist jewellery, designed with a bit of boho and wanderlust vibe. My designs are mainly made from sustainable and ethically sourced materials, such as recycled sterling silver and ethically sourced gemstones. So I’m basically a tree hugger in heels

There is also a steady flow of RAW Copenhagen designs being sent to Germany, France, Belgium, and of course Denmark. With time, I plan to go global, not least as the market for sustainable jewellery is very big in countries like Australia, New Zealand, America and Canada, from where I often get requests for wholesale and collaboration, although I don’t yet sell to those markets.

AND FINALLY, WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF WORKING IN TUNBRIDGE WELLS?

Starting a small business in Tunbridge Wells has been amazing. After London it is my second largest customer base. I mostly sell online, but four to six times a year I join the Support Local Pop-Ups shops held at One Warwick Park and also at Kingdom in Penshurst. These pop-ups are a great way to get direct customer feedback on designs, discussing custom made orders, and just getting to know customers and other makers and designers. www.rawcopenhagen.co.uk

Dedicated

FOLLOWER OF FASHION

f you love fashion then you can’t have failed to notice the veritable Aladdin’s cave of stylish sartorial finds that is Kitch, an independent fashion boutique located on the upper end of the High Street in Tunbridge Wells. You may think the shop’s name is a spelling mistake – i.e. that it should be ‘Kitsch’ – but actually the shop’s signage is indeed correct as the moniker comes from a rather cute and clever amalgamation of the owner’s name, Charlotte, and that of her husband, Kit.

Mr and Mrs Newman, who have two grown-up children, live in East Sussex with their dog Mildred, an adorable basset hound who features in plenty of Charlotte’s popular Instagram posts. The couple have been running Kitch for the past 16 years after a ‘change in personal circumstances’ led to Charlotte, who had been working in fashion retail in the capital, deciding to do something just a little bit different. “I moved to London aged 18 and worked for the Arcadia group, working my way up to store manager in the

“Kitch is going stateside, so watch this space...” We can’t wait to see this home-grown brand grow even further

Art Direction: Lee Smith | Photography: Craig Matthews

life & style

Charlotte Newman, the owner of Kitch boutique in Tunbridge Wells, reveals to Eileen Leahy the insider secrets of always hitting the right style notes

West End,” she explains. “After having my first child I was offered a job running the wholesale side of the brand Naf Naf. From there I worked for various different labels as a sales and buying director until personal circumstances dictated a lifestyle change – and hence Kitch was born.” She goes on to say that when she first flung open the fashion boutique’s doors she wasn’t daunted by the fact she might have a clutch of competitors on her hands in the fashion focused town of Tunbridge Wells. “I never really thought about the competition as I tried to offer something different. My idea was for Kitch to have an eclectic and unique look.” She obviously had crystal clear vision for her own retail brand as she reveals that ‘all but one’ of the boutiques that were in Tunbridge Wells when she opened have now gone. What does Charlotte think are some of the key factors that have set Kitch apart in the fashion business? “Kitch is a one-stop shopping destination. We try to source new, upcoming brands you won’t see everywhere else so we can offer the customer a unique shopping experience. Kitch is all about colour and print. So

I never really thought about the competition as I tried to offer something different. My idea was for Kitch to have an eclectic and unique look

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life & style

DIGITAL INTELLIGENCE How useful is social media for you? It’s extremely useful. Instagram is a great way of increasing our exposure. It drives traffic into Kitch, be it in store or online. Social media is key to customer service and I love engaging with our followers. I’m very much learning on the job and it’s quite time-consuming but whether I like it or not, it’s the way forward! Which platforms do you use most and why? Twitter, Facebook and Instagram, but the latter is the most effective as it’s so visual and a great way to engage your audience. When did you start posting and what has it taught you? I started posting six years ago knowing nothing about Instagram. I’m slowly learning and still very much a novice! I’ve learnt that although it’s a great marketing platform, it also has its negatives. Do you collaborate with any other local Instagram influencers? Yes, a lot of them are customers already but it’s great having the support of the local bloggers.

Kitch is a one-stop shopping destination. We try to source new, upcoming brands you won’t see everywhere else so we can offer the customer a unique shopping experience

many stores tend not to veer away from neutrals.” Stepping inside the boutique, which has won the Muddy Stilettos ‘Best Boutique in Kent’ award twice, you’ll be greeted by rails and rails of colourful clothing, ranging from chic printed maxi dresses to beautifully boho tassle kaftans, bright logo luxury knitwear and smart separates – in a range of high octane hues. Current labels dangling from hangers include on trend labels such as Onjenu, Citizens of Humanity and Pampelone. Then of course there’s the amazing selection of covetable accessories on display, both in store and online, which include glamorous Tom Ford eyewear, gorgeous Melissa Odabash panama hats and beachwear, as well as plenty of buttery soft leather bags and belts. So now Kitch is sweet 16 what plans does Charlotte have for her next stage of development? “Kitch is going stateside, so watch this space...” We can’t wait to see this home-grown brand grow even further.

CHARLOTTE’S STYLE FILE

1 2

Confidence is the best thing you can wear

Create your own look, don’t be a slave to fashion and embrace the classics from your wardrobe

Not everyone can wear every look so know your personal style

Describe the Kitch experience in one sentence? A one-stop shopping destination

www.kitchclothing.co.uk

WHY I LOVE TUNBRIDGE WELLS Charlotte Newman

Where’s your favourite place to shop – other than Kitch? I try to support all the other boutiques in Tunbridge Wells but owning my own means I don’t often buy clothes from other stores. But I am obsessed with home interiors and love Oka in Hoopers. And to eat out? I much prefer to entertain at home as I don’t live near Tunbridge Wells, but I love Juliets for a takeaway salad and The Ivy for drinks and dinner.

And for cocktails? If I’m out in Tunbridge Wells, I like going to Chapel Place Gin Bar, The Ivy and Tunbridge Wells Bar and Grill – especially in the summer when the roof is open. Finally, where’s the best place to go locally in order to get away from it all? When I really want to escape, for me there is only one place and that’s walking my dog Mildred on Ashdown Forest, followed by a gorgeous lunch in my local, The Griffin in Fletching.

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SPECIAL SPOTLIGHT

Cornering the creative market

Material worth The Drapery Tunbridge Wells - a family business which specialises in designing and making the finest quality soft furnishings. Co-founder Katie Andrews explains more: “I’ve always been passionate about design. After leaving college when I was 17, I was lucky enough to train as a graphic designer in an architectural/ planning/urban design practice in Central London. But after 13 years of my career in London, and then having my second child a little over three years ago, I decided a change was necessary. I wanted to find something I

could do that would work around my children’s routines locally, but also to do something that I was passionate about and enjoyed doing. I have always had such a huge interest in interior design, so taking on one aspect of this made total sense. Starting with soft furnishings, my sister Carly and I researched the relevant training courses and off we went. We thoroughly enjoyed every minute of our training. There was no doubt about it, we were absolutely certain that this was the way forward for us and decided to start up a business. We absolutely love working with different fabrics, how patterns work well together, trims and

borders, different textures, and using all this to design bespoke, handmade, curtains, Roman blinds and other soft furnishings. Our business has taken off hugely from the very first day of starting up. We are so amazed and grateful by the support we’ve had locally. We have even been commissioned by local commercial businesses as well as residential clients and have had opportunities to collaborate with other amazing interior design businesses in and around the area. We love seeing the excitement on our clients’ faces when we present our ideas to them and then see the finished product in their homes.”

Katie Andrews pictured right

The Brilliant Businesses website showcases a number of local entrepreneurs who are making a success of their enterprises without having to locate to London. Here we meet two women who have mastered marketing their artistic vision Emily Brown

Picture perfect Emily Brown Photography - a lifestyle and wedding photography business based in Paddock Wood which specialises in custom portraits using natural light and local surroundings. Emily tells us more “When I was in year 10 my dad got sick - he had oesophageal cancer. He was ill for almost two years and sadly passed away when I started year 12, at the beginning of my A Levels. I had chosen to study history, drama, psychology and English, but near the end things went downhill rather quickly and I missed quite a bit of school. When I went back I struggled to catch up with history, as I had missed too many names and dates, so I decided to change to photography to add some creativity to my week. Having always been a lover of the visual arts, this ended up being my best A Level subject and enabled me to go to my first choice university,

King’s College London, to study film. Originally the plan was to get my degree under my belt and then do something film related, but I really missed the hands-on, creative side of holding the camera, so I started coming home at weekends to photograph friends in the beautiful Kentish countryside. I continued to do this the whole way through my degree, but meanwhile was increasingly asked if I photographed weddings and realised that people really wanted to pay me for the thing I loved doing the most. So on the day I handed in my dissertation I booked my first paying client and the rest is history. It seems that the universe thrust me down a path that I didn’t expect to go down, but I really feel that it’s the path I was meant to be on. Now I get to spend my time capturing life’s special moments, witnessing so much love and happiness, and I couldn’t ask for a more fulfilling job.”

For more information on local business success stories visit www.brilliantbusinesses.biz SO Magazine | May 2019 | 33

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fashion

m u i d e m happy STRIKING A

plains why, Charlie Bond ex to investing in when it comes mer, the dresses for sum est place to be middle is the b

1. MONSOON Oliver spot print midi dress, £70 uk.monsoon.co.uk 2. SUPERDRY Charlotte button down midi dress, £34.99 www.superdry.com 3. MARKS AND SPENCER Linen blend midi shirt dress, £49.50 www.marksandspencer.com

4. PURE COLLECTION Jersey wrap midi dress, £90 www.purecollection.com

T UR E VUL E R

CU L

Anthropologie comes to Tunbridge Wells If you’re a sucker for cool interiors, stylish finds and a whole heap of chic, then make sure you head to Anthropologie in its new home on Tunbridge Wells High Street. A very welcome addition to the Tunbridge Wells shopping scene, it’s a great place to pick up vibrant, quirky pieces – like this stunning Rock the Kasbah silk midi dress, £360. www.anthropologie.com/en-gb/

5. PRIMROSE PARK Paloma dress, £269 www.primrosepark.co.uk. Also available from Kitch, Tunbridge Wells

nless you’ve been avoiding all shops and social media or have been on a very lengthy holiday (in which case I’m officially jealous), you won’t have failed to notice that this summer there’s one breed of dress taking over. Yes, I’m talking about the midi. Not too long so that it‘s a trip hazard, but long enough that no knees are exposed, the midi dress is the summer staple everyone should be investing in and adding to their wardrobes. Typically they graze your calves about halfway down the leg, and are ideal for most heights and shapes. Now, as someone who doesn’t like exposing too much leg, but is also a bit on the short side so therefore struggles with longer dresses, the midi is the perfect length for me. In fact, I love these dresses so much I’ve bought several to see me from barbecues and parties to work meetings and Saturday strolls along The Pantiles. And by several I mean I own over ten of them…whoops! They are just so versatile too and can be paired with trainers or flat sandals for a casual day look, or worn with strappy sandals or cute pixie boots for a smarter outfit. In terms of prints I’d suggest going for ditsy florals, bold stripes, monochrome or bold colours – there really is something to suit everyone’s taste. This is one trend that’s set to stick around, so find some dresses you love and you’ll be set for summer and beyond… Here are some midis available locally right now:

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

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Beauty

Charlie Bond Fashion Contributer Follow Charlie @Girlaboutkent

Good to I

don’t want to jinx it, but…I think summer might be on its way. If you’re anything like me, the sight of the sun sends you into a slight panic because you want to bring out the summer wardrobe, but feel decidedly less bronzed goddess and rather more Caspar the Friendly Ghost. The good news is, help is at hand. We’re very fortunate that Tunbridge Wells is filled with excellent beauty salons where you can get a wax, manicure, pedicure,

eyelash treatment, spray tan… basically any treatment to get you in the holiday mood. From Vanity Fair on Camden Road to Champney’s, Coco Blush or The Spa Hotel, there are so many fantastic businesses on our doorstep waiting to pamper us. But, salons aside, there are also some great at-home products to help get you glowing ready for summer. Here are some of my favourites – all are available to buy locally:

glow Want to prep for summer skin? Charlie Bond’s given these products a glowing review… The Body Shop Honey Bronzing Powder, £14

Tan-Luxe The Body Illuminating Tan Drops, £42 available from Space NK There’s a reason this brand has a cult following – these tan drops are just amazing, and so easy to use.You just add a few drops to your regular moisturiser, apply to your body…and voilà! Glowing skin shall be yours!

La Roche-Posay Anthelios Shaka Ultra-Light Fluid SPF50+, £17 available from Boots

I adore La Roche-Posay products – they’re especially good for sensitive skin and give great results. This new offering from them is an SPF50 face cream, and as well as being tinted to give an extra natural glow, it’s also sweat, water and sand resistant, as well as hypoallergenic.

Being fair-skinned, I’ve tried a lot of bronzers in my time, but it’s hard to find one that doesn’t make you look like you’ve just rubbed gravy granules across your face. This bronzer from The Body Shop is one I always find myself returning to as it gives a gorgeous, natural healthy glow and lasts for ages too. This month they’re also introducing a special edition Honey Bronzing Balm too…I know what I’ll be adding to my basket next time I shop there!

Lush Ocean Salt SelfPreserving Scrub, £18.50 for 250ml

Any self-tanning addict will know that in order to get an even glow, you need to exfoliate A LOT. This is one of my favourite body scrubs around – it smells gorgeous (there’s limes steeped in vodka in there!) and it really does the job of buffing the skin to leave it soft.

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Advertorial

PERFECT SKIN

Last month, local aesthetic skin clinic rtwskin rolled out the red carpet for an exclusive event to showcase their popular non-surgical facelift: Silhouette Soft. The evening included a Silhouette Soft presentation as well as complimentary miniconsultations with both Dr Fatima and Dr Nina. There was also a grand reveal of the clinic’s new skin tightening treatment, HIFU, which received an ‘amazing response’ from the guests present. The fully-booked event was rtwskin’s most successful one in the 13 years they’ve been open and clients present were all entered into a prize draw to win one of a range of exciting prizes including Baby Botox, a Zo Stimulating Peel and hamper of Jane Iredale make-up. Guests also enjoyed exclusive discounts, goody bags and a range of treatment demonstrations led by the clinic’s highly experienced practitioners. To join the rtwskin mailing list in order to attend similar events and receive exclusive offers please visit www.rtwskin.co.uk

38 | May 2019 | SO Magazine

Food & Drink

Advertorial

The Crown, Groombridge

The Trading Post, Tunbridge Wells

uests can expect all of the usual delights from The Trading Post, but in the comfort of our lovely sunny terrace area! Expect to enjoy some of our special summer drinks, such as the new Vina Real Rosada Rioja, which has joined our extensive wine list, along with our famous bar snacks and sharing boards. Despite our brand new menus, we’re still offering the bar snack favourites, such as chicken satay skewers and salt

and pepper squid. Our menu is seasonal, yet not limited to a set style of cuisine; it’s the best of world food! We’re really proud of our terrace area – nothing beats relaxing in the sun, enjoying one of our delicious, healthy summer salads with a glass of my favourite, the crisp and refreshing New Zealand Pinot Noir! Summer is our favourite season, as we love an outdoor party! Being tucked away and known as a local hidden gem, we’re the perfect place to

PUB GARDEN GUIDE

bring friends along to for after-work summer drinks in a relaxed atmosphere. The area is separated from the hustle and bustle of St John’s, and ideal for anyone wanting to have a drink and some bar snacks, or a relaxed summer dinner.

ll of our visitors can expect a familiar and friendly welcome to our family pub. Whatever the occasion, whether you’re joining us for a drink in the sun, or a sit-down meal, you can expect to relax in your choice of our al fresco seating areas, with fantastic views of the countryside. I honestly don’t think that there’s anywhere nicer to be when the sun hits! The tables in our rear beer garden offer amazing views of the countryside, particularly overlooking the church opposite, and the Groombridge Green. We offer a variety of different event nights, and this will certainly be picking up as

we head into summer! As well as our weekly curry nights and steak nights, we also host fantastic murder mystery events – check out our Facebook page to keep posted on those. Our countryside location means that we’re the perfect addition to any summer day! If you’re walking your dog locally, we always welcome dogs here, as well as being the perfect spot for any keen cyclists who may have been on the nearby Forest Way cycle track. Address: Groombridge Hill, Groombridge, Kent TN3 9QH Tel: 01892 864 742 Web: thecrown groombridge.com

Address: 5 Culverden Down, Tunbridge Wells, Kent TN4 9SA Tel: 01892 459 867 Web: thetrading postbar.co.uk

Summer is on its way, and with the weather looking so good what better way to spend an afternoon than at a great pub? We’ve put together a selection of some of our favourite sunny spots to sit and sip

The Bottle House, Penshurst

ith award-winning food, extraordinary wines, a great range of beers and ciders and handsome weather-boarded exterior, there are very few boxes that the Bottle House Inn fails to tick. So whether you’ve taken in the glories of Penshurst, Chiddingstone or Hever, or have been out exploring the gorgeous Kent countryside, make a bee-line for this wonderful gem. You’ll find it nestled along a quiet country lane, surrounded by woods on one side and fields on the other. With its bright and airy dining room and elegant bar area, the pub’s a delight inside, but 40 | May 2019 | SO Magazine

it’s when the weather warms up and customers take to its gorgeous terraced garden that it’s at its very best. Eat or drink al fresco amongst beautiful hanging baskets and welltended borders full of scented flowers and fragrant herbs. The menu includes a great range of traditional favourites plus lots of seasonal specials featuring the finest and freshest local ingredients. Address: Coldharbour Rd, Penshurst, Tonbridge, TN11 8ET Tel: 01892 870 306 Web: thebottlehouseinnpenshurst.co.uk

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The Boat House Bistro, Bewl Water

ewl Water comes alive throughout the warmer months, with many visitors coming by for walks in the sunshine, a day out on the water, or a cycle around the reservoir. Whether you’re wanting to refuel afterwards, or head out for a special meal, The Boat House Bistro caters for all. It’s the perfect al fresco spot to unwind and relax with family and friends. With a market menu, The Boat House Bistro changes its menu on a weekly basis, continuously updating it with the most seasonal of ingredients. The Boat House Bistro has become increasingly popular, and well-known locally for its famous roast lunches with all the trimmings. If you have a sweeter tooth, the ‘Eskimo Bars’ – chocolate-dipped ice cream and chocolate brownie with a warm salted caramel dipping sauce – are an absolute must. The opening hours at The Boat House Bistro are usually until later afternoon (4pm) from Friday to Sunday. However, with the al fresco season upon us, we will be extending opening hours on a Saturday evening until 9pm. We truly believe there’s no better place to unwind than with a glass of wine over the reservoir as the sun sets. Given that Bewl Water is an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, and home to the largest stretch of open water in the South East, it’s unsurprising to see how popular the outside space has become, especially in the summer months. Customers are promised panoramic views across the reservoir and a relaxing experience that’s sure to impress. Address: Bewlbridge Lane, Lamberhurst, Kent TN3 8JH Tel: 01892 890 000 Web: bewlwater.co.uk

The Bell, Ticehurst

n a sunny day, there’s no better place to while away a few hours than in The Bell’s garden. Resplendent with flowers all summer long and with plenty of quirky touches from the Victorian stumpery to a bike on the roof, there are conversation starters aplenty – the perfect spot for a long,

cool drink and maybe a bite to eat. Colombian-born Head Chef Oscar is renowned for blending English cuisine with vibrant influences from his country of birth, so we’re sure you’ll find a dish to tempt you. If you’re a garden enthusiast, The Bell is ideally situated with Pashley Manor in the village and the gardens of Sissinghurst and Great Dixter within half an hour’s drive. Treat

yourself to a stay in one of our gorgeous garden lodges or one of the quirky bedrooms in the main building, starting at £95 for two people for a mid-week stay, including a delicious Bell breakfast. May is a busy month at The Bell. Address: High St, Ticehurst, Wadhurst TN5 7AS Tel: 01580 200300 Web: thebellinticehurst.com

The Mount Edgcumbe, Tunbridge Wells

he Mount Edgcumbe has a beautifully well-kept, spacious garden which is very popular during the warmer months. Overlooking Tunbridge Wells’ Common and located an easy 10-minute walk into the town centre, or from the train station, this is the ideal spot to spend a relaxing summer day. With a diverse menu including their homemade Edgcumbe steak burger and classic Harvey’s beer battered haddock and chips along with gluten free, vegetarian and vegan dishes, they offer a little something for everyone; perfect for the whole family! Their garden is also dog friendly; all they ask is that you keep your four-legged friends on a

lead. With a great selection of local ales, gins and soft drinks on the bar and their six luxury boutique bedrooms above, this really is the place to eat, drink, stay and enjoy! Food service times: Mon-Thurs 12-3, 6-9.30pm / Fri-Sat 12-3, 6-9.30 (mains), 3-6pm (light menu) / Sunday 12-4 (mains), 4-8pm (light menu). Tables in the garden cannot be reserved, they are offered on a first come first served basis. Tel: 01892 618854. Email: hello@themountegcumbe.com Address: The Common, Tunbridge Wells TN4 8BX Tel: 01892 618854 Web: themountedgcumbe.com SO Magazine | May 2019 | 41

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Food & Drink

FOOD & DRINK

MAKING THE gourmet The Mount Edgcumbe is one of the oldest establishments in Tunbridge Wells. Eileen Leahy pays this popular restaurant with rooms a visit to discover why it has such a great foodie reputation

THE LOWDOWN The Mount Edgcumbe occupies a pleasingly tranquil spot on the lower Common in Tunbridge Wells, and is just a short walk from Wellington Rocks and Mount Ephraim. The Grade II listed family-run restaurant, which also boasts six boutique bedrooms, has undergone a very stylish and successful refurbishment since its current owners, Robert and Sally Hogben, took it over in 2012 and it’s now one of the area’s most popular places to dine – or simply sup a pint. THE AMBIENCE Inside, its bijou dining area sports all the hallmarks of rustic chic – think scrubbed wooden tables with mismatched chairs, exposed brick walls, squishy leather sofas and fairy lights festooned about. Its unique sandstone cave, tucked away in the entrance area, is ideal for a cosy date or pre-dinner drinks, while upstairs the private dining space is also intimate, stylish and convivial to good times. Last but not least there’s the really welcoming alfresco terrace, with tables and private huts, which overlooks the Common. It has been extended and upgraded over the years and is now the perfect spot to sit and sip a glass of something chilled when the sun is shining in Tunbridge Wells. A TASTE OF THINGS TO COME The Mount Edgcumbe describes its extensive menu as being ‘BritishEuropean Gastro’ and at first glance there’s certainly a good variety of homegrown and more exotic dishes to delight your taste buds. As well as a variety of Mediterranean inspired offerings such as homemade hummus and pitta bread (£4.25), marinated chicken skewers with

yoghurt dip (£6.50) and halloumi with couscous salad (£13.25), there are also many classics including Harvey’s beer battered haddock and chips with mushy peas (£13.95) and a 10oz ribeye steak (£22.95). There’s also an impressive selection of sharing boards – from seafood options to vegan – so my dinner guest and I feel pleasantly overwhelmed by the culinary choice on offer. UNDER STARTER’S ORDERS When we’re finally ready to order starters I go for the chilli salted squid with sweet chilli dip (£7.75) while my friend opts for the vegan spiced potato balls with homemade ketchup dip (£5.95). They arrive pretty swiftly – despite the main dining area being packed – and they are generous in size. My squid is gorgeously golden and deliciously light with just the right amount of batter. The bitesize portions are pleasingly peppery and further enhanced by the sweet dipping sauce served alongside. My guest seems equally happy with her choice; describing it as ‘flavoursome and incredibly moreish’.

and tingle of chilli.’ And despite the sheer volume served up, the dish itself is surprisingly light. My choice of swordfish with ratatouille and chilli cucumber salsa (£16.75) is also a tasty triumph with the fish perfectly grilled on the outside and its inner meaty flesh smooth and salty. The accompanying rich ratatouille vegetables and piquant salsa gives it additional depth of flavour, and if I close my eyes I could be sitting in some hip beachside café in the south of France enjoying it.

Our two first courses have been so enjoyable we know a little sweet treat will be the perfect way to finish our Mount Edgcumbe meal

SWEET TEMPTATION When our friendly waitress asks if we’d like to see the dessert menu we both immediately respond ‘yes!’ Our two first courses have been so enjoyable we know a little sweet treat will be the perfect way to finish our Mount Edgcumbe meal. Again, there’s a good choice of both English and European

grade

choices for hungry diners to savour including apple tart with vanilla ice cream (£6.75) and vanilla panna cotta with blackberry coulis and shortbread (£6.50). I like the sound of the Speakeasy alcohol infused ice cream with spiced rum but only have room for a single scoop (£1.75). It’s subtly boozy and creamy and accompanied by an espresso it’s a perfect palate pleaser. My friend indulges in the espresso chocolate cake with clotted cream and a decadent chocolate sauce (£6.50) but is soon defeated by the sheer size of it. On the way home we’re already planning another visit to this charming establishment. The upcoming Bank Holiday weekend might just be the ideal time to return – let’s just hope the sun shines so we can sit and soak up the rays on The Mount Edgcumbe’s sublime terrace this time. www.themountedgcumbe.com

THE MAIN EVENT We’ve both ordered a large glass of San Antini Pinot Grigio Blush (£6.75) and the wine’s delicately floral character proves to be a good choice for both our starters and now for our fish mains, too. My dinner date has chosen the Shetland mussels with a tomato and chilli sauce (£13.75), which comes with slices of chargrilled sourdough instead of traditional chips. She describes the plentiful portion as ‘boasting a subtle taste of the sea entwined with fresh, piquant tomato flavours, fragrant basil SO Magazine | May 2019 | 43

food & drink

There’s so much more than music to enjoy at next month’s Black Deer Festival at Eridge Park. The Live Fire area is a celebration of cooking outdoors and the lifestyle that accompanies it. We find out more from chefs Ben Merrington and Jon Finch who’ll be running it from June 21–23

leading chefs. We also have the ooking over fire has Black Deer Cookout BBQ contest always been a running all weekend with six teams celebration. For battling it out over the smoky coals thousands of years it’s to be named grand champion. been a way to bring For years Ben and I travelled the communities together. Live Fire at USA enjoying the best BBQ it had Black Deer continues this tradition to offer but realised bringing friends together to feast and We’re bringing the this was virtually of back here celebrate the age-old very best outdoor unheard in the UK. In 2010 art of cooking over cooking and demos we launched the very the flames. Over the weekend all wrapped around first Grillstock Festival bring together of June 21-23 we’ll be great southern style to like-minded folk for a bringing the very best food, drink and good old fashioned outdoor cooking and deep south style demos all wrapped hospitality cookout. The spark around great southern ignited and the festival grew to be style food, drink and hospitality. the largest of its kind outside the Expect expert masterclasses on US attracting tens of thousands of foraging, butchery and charcoalpeople each year. We bring making from master craftsmen, everything we’ve learned over the through to the very best authentic past decade of embracing the Live low ‘n’ slow American BBQ and Fire to Black Deer. See you in June! live-fire cooking from industry

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All fired up

Pictured opposite Ben Merrington (left) and Jon Finch (right)

Tips for perfecting the best chargrilled meat… Buy good meat: even if it means you buy smaller amounts or buy it less frequently. Great grilled meat starts with great raw meat Always have two cooking zones: one super hot for searing and then a cooler zone to allow thicker cuts to cook though, or for moving the meat over if it starts to get out of control Invest in a really good instant meat thermometer: knowing the exact temperature of the meat can make the difference Don’t sauce your meat until it’s done cooking: most sauces and many marinades include a very high sugar content that burns and goes bitter when grilled well before your meat will be cooked

For more information visit www.blackdeerfestival.com

Food & Drink

kitchen confidential

DID YOU KNOW? Food has to taste great, that is always important, but achieving that without using unhealthy ingredients, or at least not excessive amounts of them, is the key

Sulston’s Kitchen is fast becoming one of the area’s most popular cafés thanks to its super fresh and seasonal foodie offerings. Owner Ben Sulston tells us more about his journey to culinary success...

A FRESH APPROACH TELL US A BIT ABOUT YOURSELF? I have been a chef for over 20 years, cooking and eating all around the world. About 10 years ago I started taking my health more seriously and trained in various martial arts. I also began doing triathlons and just generally becoming more active. With this came a change in my diet. My style of cooking started to focus more on health foods and I began to understand and become more passionate about the natural health benefits from food. WHEN DID YOU OPEN? We officially opened Sulston’s Kitchen in June 2016. Previous to that I had been consulting on the food offering at The Shack in Phuket, Thailand, which was ‘fuelled by Sulston’s kitchen’. We actually started out as a YouTube channel in 2013 to showcase the recipes I was developing and teaching people how to cook them. Some of the most popular videos are ‘how to cook freekeh’ and our infamous ‘protein pancakes’. WHAT DO YOU ENJOY MOST ABOUT SULSTON’S KITCHEN? The interaction with our customers. We have very consciously created a relaxed environment with our open kitchen and this has attracted lots of regular clientele. They make Sulston’s Kitchen what it is and it’s great to see people making connections – whether it is just Friday morning banter before work or people linking up for projects though chatting in here over coffee. The supper club we run here is great for this too, with people coming together for the love of food and making new friends. WHICH DISHES ARE YOUR MOST POPULAR AND WHY? At the moment it’s the miso and

sesame-glazed beef with cashews, kimchi slaw, baby gems, endive, apple and poached eggs on toasted sourdough. This is closely followed by our smoked salmon, avocado, harissa, peas, spinach, roast seeds and poached eggs on toasted sourdough. We do a lot of research to source unique ingredients that provide health benefits but that are also very tasty. We think it’s this, along with the flavour combinations we put together, that makes these dishes so popular. DO YOU SOURCE INGREDIENTS LOCALLY? Yes and this is actually one of our key principles. We use all local suppliers and they source the ingredients locally where possible. Our veg one has great relationships with the Kent farmers so as soon as something is in season he lets us know so we can order it in and change the menus accordingly. Our sourdough is from The Bakehouse and our meat is from Ian Chatfield’s butcher shop, both on the High Street in Tonbridge. Our apple and pear juices are from Biddenden, our eggs come from Woodlands Farm just outside Canterbury and our venison is sourced from Chart Farm. WHAT POSITIVES DOES SULSTON’S KITCHEN BRING TO TONBRIDGE? We offer something no one else does:

relaxed, healthy, delicious food complemented by amazing coffee and tea. We are a food-led café so the food comes first. I develop all the menus and cook everything we serve at Sulston’s Kitchen. We keep the coffee simple, serving a good single-origin Colombian filter (current tasting notes of chocolate and berries) and then we have our guest filter coffee running alongside our house one. This is normally more experimental and one for the coffee lovers. We help bring people together through our supper clubs and the café itself is a real social experience, we really work hard to help bring the community together. WHAT DO YOU THINK OF THE CURRENT FOODIE SCENE IN TONBRIDGE? It is going from strength to strength and as the population of Tonbridge continues to grow, the need for more food offers will increase. We see more and more people travelling to us from Tunbridge Wells, Kings Hill, Sevenoaks and the other surrounding areas, because of our unique offering. I think it’s important to recognise the places like Finch House, which was really the first place in the town to offer something different. Then when people saw that was working, lots more food businesses popped up. Having The Old Fire Station as a platform has enabled businesses like Fuggles and Sankey’s to come to the town as they both did pop-ups there before moving to set up their businesses in Tonbridge. More recently we have seen

the opening of the green kitchen Verdigris and the Ivy House is going to re-open soon under new management, so I think it is just going to continue to grow, which is amazing! DO YOU CATER FOR OUTSIDE EVENTS? Yes. We have catered for numerous outside events including weddings, birthdays, anniversaries and even a ‘zen do’ (a healthy hen do) in various private locations. Further afield we catered for a rugby Sevens tournament at the famous Rugby School and we do as many local festivals as we can fit in. This year has been particularly busy so far with pop-up events. We have also been running a monthly supper club here for two years now. CAN YOU SUM UP THE SULSTON’S KITCHEN EXPERIENCE IN ONE SENTENCE? Delicious, healthy food and drink served in a relaxed, friendly environment. You can check out Ben Sulston’s YouTube videos at www.youtube.com/bensulston SO Magazine | May 2019 | 45

ADVERTORIAL

ALL THE FUN

of the fair

If you love sourcing vintage and reclaimed items for the home then make sure you put the Decorative Living Fair into your diary says the event’s co-founder Caroline Zoob

his month, the Decorative Living Fair returns to Eridge Park for the 14th year. It’s a favourite fixture in the calendars of those who love nothing more than spending a day in beautiful surroundings, browsing through the stalls of an imaginatively curated

For more to information or the r fo ts ke tic book which ir Fa ng Decorative Livi 17 to ay M ay id runs from Fr sit vi Saturday May 18 e iv at or www.dec livingfair.co.uk

Inspired by antique French monograms and textiles, James & Joanna’s craftsmanship and beautiful presentation are key to the work of this husband-andwife creative team

collection of exhibitors and searching out perfect additions to their home and garden. Whatever you might be looking for, there is a huge choice, ranging from statement pieces of furniture to garden tables and chairs, exciting salvage, and key decorative pieces for a room,

including paintings and old signs. Exhibitors are always telling me they save their best stock for Eridge and when everyone has set up, just before we open, I often feel quite emotional looking round at the stands, because everyone goes to such trouble to make the fair live up to its name.

Brocante Living’s signature pared back style features bleached neutrals with touches of black for a more sophisticated version of shabby chic

The event’s fellow co-founder Hetty Purbrick and I have always sought to use the fair as a showcase for new designer-makers working with vintage and antique materials. Here are a few to look out for this year: JAMES & JOANNA DESIGN: This is a husband-and-wife team of such complementary talents that it is always exciting to see their new work. Inspired by the monograms found on antique sheets, they have created a series of lino cuts, which they use to create beautifully finished and immaculately presented products for the home. “We are convinced they are a design name to watch out for,” says Hetty. GZ Bad Boys Antiques: This brand takes its name from the cute chihuahuas you will find curled up in a tiny basket amid the company’s wares! They are coming over from France to exhibit at the fair for the first time. Their huge stand will be piled high with vintage white plates, tureens and jugs alongside sets of monogrammed antique linen napkins hand-dyed in fashionably sludgy pinks and greys. BROCANTE LIVING: Each year we offer a prize for the best-dressed stand and last year’s was won by a young dealer from Shropshire, Amy Jones of Brocante Antiques. A talented photographer, her tiny but immaculately styled stand drew the attention of everyone, thanks to her trademark neutral palette highlighted with black, and an eye for the smallest detail. DB-D LONDON: Although the emphasis is on decorative antiques we are keen to include new homewares, interesting fashion and jewellery. This brand has a collection of pretty summer frocks which are made from vintage fabric. LE GRILLON VOYAGEUR: This is a new dealer from France which designs, dyes and stitches a range of strikingly elegant clothes with a period feel. Their hand-made jewellery combines old buckles, leather, glass beads and water pearls: each piece is unique.

46 | May 2019 | SO Magazine

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48 | MAY 2019 | SO Magazine

interiors

Stylish&simple y

UPDATES FOR EVERY CORNER OF YOUR HOME Image courtesy of marksandspencer.com

Image courtesy of sofa.com

Sometimes taking on a decorating project can seem like a daunting prospect but it’s actually all in the detail says Eileen Leahy

Remember that your bedroom should be a relaxing space so try not to clutter it up too much. Ensuring that your bed is the focal point is key – after all we spend a third of our life sending up the Zzzzs – so make sure you invest in good quality, colour co-ordinating linen and lots of cushions for supreme sleeping. A few accent accessories such as statement lighting, a rug and a little touch of nature such as the very on-trend pampas grass as seen here are perfect finishing touches. DETAILS: Harlow double bed in Denim Chessnea Stripe and Light Oak legs, £1,100; Isaac footstool in Koala Chelsea Linen, £260 and all other accessories from sofa.com

Image courtesy of sainsburyshome.com

THE STUFF OF DREAMS

TALKING TABLES

COOL BLUES

DETAILS: Items pictured are from Sainsbury’s Home Desert Escape dining collection. Available pieces include plates, bowls, platters and glasses. Prices start from £3.75 for a cereal bowl or side plate. Available from all Sainsbury’s Home stores.

DETAILS: Plumpton Extra Large Scatter Back Sofa in Aqua Clean Navy, £1,799; Albany coffee table, £399; abstract leaf carved rug, £219-£289 and all other accessories www.marksandspencer.com

When it comes to dressing for a posh dinner, go all out – and not just in the sartorial sense. Your table should always look the part, too, if you’re inviting guests round for a stylish supper. There’s an abundance of choice when it comes to cool crockery, cutlery and glassware to adorn your kitchen or dining table. Whether you go high end or budget you’ll find something to suit your own style – or even gastronomic theme. We particularly love how these graphic print plates and complementary pastel linen coloured accessories lift things (left).

Sometimes investing in a new sofa or occasional chair can have enough of an impact in terms of making a room feel decidedly different without doing a total overhaul. Going for something in a bolder hue, such as this beautiful indigo shade (above), or perhaps an eyecatching print is the easiest way to add drama to a scheme. Or you can do so courtesy of a patterned rug or perhaps a new painting or series of images. Keeping a predominant colour theme going with just these smaller touches will still make a big difference.

SO Magazine | May 2019 | 49

Gardening

outside edge

How to get your garden IN BLOOM FOR CHELSEA SO’s resident gardening expert Victoria Truman reveals some clever horticultural hacks to ensure your outside space is worthy of a gold medal ahead of the world’s most popular flower show

ay is the month of the globe’s most prestigious gardening event: the Royal Horticultural Society’s Chelsea Flower Show. Attracting visitors from all over the world, it sets the horticultural agenda, not only in terms of innovative planting ideas and shining a spotlight on an exciting selection of flora and fauna species, but it also helps to showcase and kick-start lots of inspiring garden design trends. Ahead of the event, which takes place within the grounds of the Royal Chelsea Hospital in London from Tuesday May 21 until Saturday May 25, I spoke to Simon Sutcliffe from How Green Nursery, a family-run business based in Hever. The nursery specialises in producing outstanding perennials for the horticulture trade – and for 2019’s show they are growing different

Victoria Truman Garden Designer

varieties for the Donkey Sanctuary garden. “The garden we are growing for the Donkey Sanctuary garden is called Donkeys Matter,” says Simon. “It’s a Mediterranean-style garden in which we have included varieties such as Nepeta Purrsian Blue, which is a cracking new catmint. It’s a good, robust variety that doesn’t flop and boasts dark flower stems. “Another flower we are growing for it is Iris Langport Wren, a brooding

LG ECO-CITY GARDEN DESIGNED BY HAY-JOUNG HWANG. IMAGE: RHS/NEIL HEPWORTH

The show sets the horticultural agenda for innovative planting ideas and shines a spotlight on an exciting selection of flora and fauna species

THE DAVID HARBER AND SAVILLS GARDEN DESIGNED BY NIC HOWARD. IMAGE: RHS/NEIL HEPWORTH

SO Magazine | May 2019 | 51

outside edge

deep purple offering, which has been gaining some interest.” He added: “Other top planting tips I’d suggest for achieving a typical Chelsea ‘look’ are a good smattering of tough but reliable and aromatic unbellifers such as Pimpinella Rosea, Chearophyllum Roseum, Cenolophium Denudatum and of course Anthriscus Ravenswing. “Plant these amongst a structured border using topiary shapes and you will have a small piece of Chelsea at home!” THE LEMON TREE TRUST GARDEN DESIGNED BY TOM MASSEY. IMAGE: RHS/NEIL HEPWORTH

MUST DO JOBS FOR MAY:

BORDER CONTROL: Good plants for a predominantly blue border

FEED bare soil between plants with general-purpose fertiliser and dose acidloving rhododendrons and camellias with sequestered iron. Blackberries, loganberries and blackcurrants need a high-nitrogen feed

Plant native bluebells (Hyacinthoides Non-scripta) in the green now or as bulbs in autumn

SOW peas, broad beans, brassicas, leeks, root veg, spinach, chicory, Swiss chard, salad and hardy herbs. Start tender veg and half-hardy annuals – cosmos, nicotiana, snapdragons – under cover

Bulb Grape Hyacinth (Muscari Armeniacum) thrives on neglect in all but soggy conditions. Can be invasive so choose the less rampant ‘Valerie Finnis’ Climber Robust Clematis Alpina ‘Frances Rivis’ copes with windy spots, blooming through May. Its seed heads are charmingly fluffy

52 | May 2019 | SO Magazine

3 4 5

PLANT Jerusalem artichokes and asparagus crowns.

FILL pots with glamorous summerflowering bulbs and pinch-out fuchsia, sweet peas and pelargoniums to encourage bushiness and heavier flowering.

Ground-cover Vinca Minor ‘La Grave’ is covered with larger-than-usual lavender-blue flowers until September. Less invasive than some periwinkles Shade-lover, clump-forming Brunnera Macrophylla tolerates dry soil once established. Silvery-leaved ‘Jack Frost’ really brightens a dark spot

www.victoriatruman.com

To achieve a typical Chelsea “look”, try planting a good smattering of tough but reliable and aromatic unbellifers

DEADHEAD your spring flowering bulbs but do not cut off the green foliage yet! These green leaves continue to grow for a few weeks, and provide the bulb with food for flowering next year

6 7

MOWING and lawn care has started with the warmer weather but be careful not to scalp the lawn by mowing it on a higher setting WATER early and late to get the most out of your water; recycle water when possible

DIVIDE hostas as they come into growth.

Advertorial

Alfresco appeal

Why not consider building a ‘sitootery’ in your garden this summer? Mary Mary explain how

on a hot summer’s afternoon, sausages sizzling on the BBQ! In this day where it seems the world is ruled by the glaring blue light of the ubiquitous screen, having a sanctuary where you can escape outside is essential for mental wellbeing. Spending time together with loved ones is essential for strengthening those ties that bind us to one another. This is what the Mary Mary team do; we create, big or small, a place where you can leave behind the stresses of your modern life and make memories that will mean more than a thousand likes on social media.

ur Scottish client recently asked us to design a garden that included a ‘sitootery’. Having spent hours, nay days, trawling through worthy wordy websites and gargantuan dusty garden tomes we finally asked her what exactly a sitootery is. “It’s somewhere to sit oot,” she replied. Unlike any sitting room within a house, a seating area outside can be so much more versatile. That favourite seat in the sun trap where you enjoy your morning coffee, listen to the birdsong and contemplate the day ahead. That romantic swing chair under the wisteria where you can relax with your beloved and let the cares of the day slip away. Or that enormous family table where chaos reigns

54 | May 2019 | SO Magazine

www.marymarycreatesgardens.co.uk

Advertorial

Leicht With 90 years of our experience in kitchens you can embrace the warmth, blooming colours and freshness of spring with one of our beautiful kitchens. We pride ourselves in providing design expertise, the highest quality materials and exceptional client service, all combined together to make your dream kitchen a reality for your home. To bring spring home, come and visit Iren at Leicht Kitchen Design Centre. Address: 13 High Street, Tunbridge Wells TN1 1UL Telephone: 01892 240116 Web: www.leicht.com

e c n a h n E o t How

E M O H YOUR

ing Whether you’re look me so , for a new kitchen bespoke furniture, or end even an of fice at the n be of your garden, it ca re to he w difficult knowing have start. That’s why we of put together this list es some of the best plac g in ok in town to start lo

Curve Garden Rooms Commuting is unreliable, timeconsuming and expensive, but working from home can blur the separation between work and home. My wife wanted a secluded home-like haven in the garden to work in: a private, separate place to use all year round, a quiet place away from the house to focus on writing uninterrupted and undistracted, not a shed, not a cabin, but a beautiful, cosy room with underfloor heating. So I built her one, and before I’d finished, someone else wanted one, then someone else, then someone else…a den, a gym, an office, a studio. That’s how Curve Garden Rooms began. We are a small, truly bespoke, original and artistic garden room specialist. We are passionate about

what we do: no project is the same, no detail forgotten, no idea dismissed. Our efficiency, rigour and skill ensure the highest specification for the best value. Our rooms are creative and practical, with original details such as skylights, bespoke doors and our signature curved roofs. We only use the best materials, customising features for you, within your budget. We take pride in our professionalism, expertise, and in working closely with every client. A hassle-free, flexible, stylish extra room you can afford. Address: Mayfield Cottage, 44 Lingfield Rd, Edenbridge, Kent TN8 5DX Telephone: 07966 680812 Web: www.curvegardenrooms.com

Silks Bespoke Furniture The beauty of choosing a bespoke kitchen with Silks is the choice we can offer, ranging from wood and stone veneers, pastel lacquers and metal finishes. No two kitchens are alike, so your design will be totally unique to you. Like most great ideas Silks

has grown through hands-on experience and some creative thinking. Roy Hickmott, our former director, began the business some 25 years ago, and the business has over 100 years of combined design and manufacturing knowledge. At Silks we not only offer kitchen design, but we can also provide bespoke

bedrooms, studies, cloakrooms and alcove areas. Our spacious showroom and factory is over 4500 sq ft and offers off-street parking and a warm welcome. Address: 1-4 Chapman Way, Tunbridge Wells, Kent TN2 3EF Telephone: 01892 538133 Web: www.silksfurniture.com SO Magazine | May 2019 | 55

Advertorial

Catchpole and Rye Sleek and refined, the Spine Shower is the perfect fusion of contemporary design and modern functionality. The stark industrial finish delivers huge visual impact within minimal space. Simple controls manage both the large shower rose and eight body jets. With an exposed ‘spine’ feel, the ribs provide hot water jets through perforated holes for an immersive experience. Cast from high-quality solid brass, it

comes with a fully thermostatic valve and a large, 12-inch shower rose. Choose from a range of metal finishes including silver nickel, brushed nickel, chrome plate, brushed chrome, polished brass and brushed brass, aged brass, aged copper and black nickel. Prices from £6,000 + VAT. Address: 70 Calverley Rd, Tunbridge Wells TN1 2UJ Telephone: 01892 526996 Web: www.catchpoleandrye.com

Neptune Decorating inspiration at your fingertips and interior design ideas to feed your imagination sit in wait at Neptune Tonbridge. Knowing where to begin with renovating any room in your home doesn’t always come easily. There’s furniture, there’s lighting and there’s accessories to consider. There’s jostles between carpets and wooden floorboards, curtains and blinds, paint or wallpaper to settle. There’s colour palettes to ponder over and over and over. Decorating is a project full to the brim with excitement and anticipation, yet it’s also a prospect that can feel a touch daunting. But there is a place that makes

Tonbridge Lighting & Furniture We have an extensive range of garden furniture to make the most of your outdoor space. For dining, relaxing or entertaining we have the garden furniture to suit. Our collections include sets in weave, aluminium and wood, from bistro tables for two, to dining tables that seat four, six or eight-plus, modular sets and sun-loungers. We cater for all budgets, gardens and lifestyles. Our experienced and friendly sales team are ready to offer advice and ideas. We offer free delivery on all furniture purchases over £150 within a 20-mile radius of our showrooms. Address: 420-422 Vale Rd, Tonbridge TN9 1SW Telephone: 01732363583 Web: lighting-centres.co.uk Our Belize round corner set has a height adjustable table, perfect for dining or as a coffee table. This set will comfortably sit 10-plus persons, with extra thick, comfortable seats and back cushions, and a smoked oak-look table. Available at £1,999 in our garden furniture event (normally £2,499).

56 | May 2019 | SO Magazine

interior design a more effortless affair. We have created collections that cover your whole home – every room and every surface. Better still, we’ve purposefully edited down their designs to make sure that everything works together and the level of choice is much less overwhelming too. Make yourself at home at Neptune Tonbridge to explore its collections, arrange a free design consultation or start gathering mood board ideas for your next project. Address: 1 Tannery Rd, Tonbridge TN9 1RF Telephone: 01732 351866 Web: www.neptune.com

ADVERTORIAL

All the right ingredients for a successful and stylish transformation for your home Thinking about designing a new kitchen? One local couple tell us why they chose Schmidt

visualisation of space and seeing the walkways and how we would walk around the island.

How has the way you use your kitchen changed?

It has gone from a small galley kitchen to an entire family space. We can prepare food whilst talking to people, watching TV together, or helping prepare food. Everything is accessible and easy to use, which means everyone is now more willing to get involved in the cooking as a family. We also have much more room for things so I now have space for a food processor and cooking books which I didn’t before.

What prompted you to redesign your kitchen?

100 per cent recommend, great experience from the start, which meant we did not end up looking anywhere else for our kitchen

We wanted to renovate our downstairs entirely, transforming a small galley kitchen into a large open plan kitchen-diner space, whilst creating a cosy front room space for the family to enjoy together.

How did you first hear about Schmidt?

We had been in town looking at holidays and saw the lovely Schmidt showroom opposite. We decided to have a look because we loved the display at the front of the store and met James (designer).

What did you think of the showroom?

Amazing, for a large showroom it was bright, friendly and welcoming. It was very well laid out with a lot of different ideas on show for you to choose from. It had all types of style, and different types of units and options for bins, drawers etc. so it was easy to pick bits that we liked from each display and put them into our design.

Did you find you kept to your original idea of a kitchen or was it a journey of change?

How did you choose the appliances from the vast range on offer?

How did you choose your colours?

How did you find the installation of the kitchen?

Throughout the design process was it easy to visualise the finished product?

What do you like best about your new kitchen?

Journey of change for sure, the actual layout of the kitchen was changing all the time, at one point we had a bathroom going in to the same space! However, we found that, apart from choosing between a couple of shades, the colours stayed the same.

We were prompted by the display when we walked in, we always like the wood style and this was the first display you saw as you walked in. We knew we didn’t want a modern look with glossy doors, but we’ve managed to create a modern kitchen that feels homely and warm through the wood.

It was very easy, actually easier that we had thought, from the computer renders and descriptions from James. It helped with our

We were influenced by a great open day that Schmidt held after we had done the initial design stage. They had a Siemens demonstration, which allowed us to see how easy it was to use and the food that came out afterwards.

washing stuff in one cupboard, pull-out larder drawers, spice rack, a tall unit for the iron board which we never had space for. Just so much to choose from but everything is all hidden away.

How was your experience with Schmidt? Would you recommend Schmidt? 100 per cent recommend, great experience from the start with James, which meant we did not end up looking anywhere else for our kitchen. The process to get a design completed was clear from the start and easy to follow. Financially we were able to achieve the budget we had in mind, but James gave us options to upgrade or save money where necessary so it was all our choice. Most importantly James was patient with the changes we made, and took time to understand them and show us our ideas.

The fitter was excellent to have in the house for a long duration, great at getting on with us and other workmen that were working with us. If we had any queries they were answered straight away or found out quickly. If any hiccups occurred, they were quick to be resolved without fuss.

I love the under-sink cupboards that go around the sink, which fits everything relevant to the sink with the bins directly below which are compact. The big pull-out drawer with all the

20 Grosvenor Rd, Tunbridge Wells TN1 2AP | 01892 547132 Tunbridge-Wells.Home-Design.Schmidt

SO Magazine | May 2019 | 57

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58 | MAY 2019 | SO Magazine

Health

Meet the woman who’s banking on people’s generosity to help others Every month we invite a guest expert from Wellness HQ’s specialist directory to talk about their particular field. For May we speak to Lizzie Hall who has set up The Hygiene Bank, a UK-wide initiative which provides essential hygiene items for those in need million people affected in some way. 60% of those living in poverty are working families, and astonishingly, 4.5 million of those are children. Hygiene is about wellbeing, self-confidence and dignity. We believe no one should be left struggling to wash their hair, brush their teeth, change their baby’s nappy as often as needed or not afford sanitary protection because of low Why did you think you could help? wages, high housing costs, benefit cuts, illness or Being a widowed mother-of-two, I knew all too bereavement. The Hygiene Bank gives people in well how personal circumstances can dramatically change and having previously taught yoga in prisons crisis access to these basic hygiene and personal care essentials to give I understood the them back their importance of not Most of us don’t think about hygiene items, dignity. judging others until you they live in our bathrooms and we buy and have walked in their Tell us briefly about shoes. I was galvanised restock as needed. But for the many living in what The Hygiene to do something, so in poverty, they face a stark choice of buying Bank does to help? August 2018 I sent a food or hygiene products. Reports state Our model is simple. plea to friends on that 37% have had to go without hygiene or WhatsApp asking for grooming essentials due to lack of funds. unused and unwanted toiletries that I could take to my local foodbank. Tell us about yourself and how you set up The Hygiene Bank? It all started after I watched the anti-austerity film I Daniel Blake, directed by Ken Loach. The incredibly moving film relays the brutal reality of often unseen and hidden hygiene poverty within our society.

So what happened next? Well the response was overwhelming and my initiative grew rapidly in a few short weeks. Now, nearly nine months on, The Hygiene Bank has already distributed over 17 tonnes of hygiene products, amounting to a conservative retail value in excess of £210,000. It has become a registered national charity with over 160 locations across the UK and gained a growing community of over 6000 supporters on social media. What are the most common issues facing those living in hygiene poverty? Hygiene poverty is a hidden yet very real problem throughout the UK, with over 14

Eight in 10 primary school teachers have seen a rise in the number of children coming to school unwashed or not looking presentable and nearly half of teachers have seen bullying because of hygiene issues. Three out of 10 teachers regularly buy their pupils toiletry essentials and one in 10 girls in the UK can’t afford sanitary products and so either improvise or miss school.

We collect donated products, sort and repackage them and then distribute these everyday essential items to those that can’t afford them via local authorities, charities and voluntary organisations. What’s the #ITSINTHEBAG campaign all about? We launched it as an initiative to make it easy for people to collect and donate. It’s basically a reusable bag that lives in the home (a bit like a recycling bin). You gradually fill it with new and unused hygiene essentials, beauty and personal care products. Then when the bag is full, you take it and empty it out at your local hygiene bank drop off point. All items donated are given out locally, so it’s all about a community helping its own community. The process of collecting and donating then starts again.

We need the support of pledges to help fund the creation of our #ITSINTHEBAG bags and get one in homes all around the UK. With this, we will be able to start changing the nation’s behaviour, putting the fight against hygiene poverty at the forefront of our society and help improve the wellbeing of those who are desperately in need. You can pledge for a bag on our Kickstarter Campaign page here: http://kck. st/2EDxNcR

The Hygiene Bank’s founder Lizzie Hall will be the guest speaker at the next Wellness HQ Meet Up on Thursday May 30. Wellness HQ meets ups are relaxed informal get togethers for like-minded people. You can purchase tickets via the website at www.wellnesshq.co.uk SO Magazine | May 2019 | 59

Property

A PASTORAL PARADISE Sussex House Farm, Cowden, Kent/Sussex borders GUIDE PRICE:

£3,495,000

(includes the house, farm buildings and a total of 63 acres)

If you’re looking for the perfect country pile then look no further as Sussex House Farm has everything you desire when it comes to an idyllic bucolic abode. The main house, which is Grade II* listed and dates back to the 16th century, has five bedrooms, six entertaining areas as well as a large kitchen/diner, all of which has recently been renovated and redecorated to a very high standard. But in addition to this there are a number of outbuildings, a swimming pool, tennis court and an impressive equestrian centre plus over 60 acres of farmland.

THROUGH THE KEYHOLE: After the Second World War, the house was owned by the actor Sir John Mills And then later by Roger Hargreaves, who wrote some of his Mr Men and Little Miss books there in the 1970s and 1980s.

‘Sussex House Farm has everything you desire when it comes to an idyllic bucolic abode’

The house is steeped in history with the original twoand-a-half-storey timber-framed house dating back to 1580

For further information visit www.knightfrank.co.uk 60 | May 2019 | SO Magazine

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64 | MAY 2019 | SO Magazine

Education

EDUCATION ADVERTORIAL

Lessons on classroom connectivity This month we debate the current trend for e-learning and assessment. Is game and video-based education and blended learning right for every child?

ANDREW WEBSTER

HEADMASTER, THE MEAD SCHOOL

In 1901, Wilbur Wright said ‘man will not fly for 50 years’. In 1927, Harry Warner (of Warner Brothers) said ‘Who the hell wants to hear actors talk?’ and in 1977, Ken Olsen, President of Digital Equipment Corp, said ‘There is no reason anyone would want a computer in their home’. History is peppered with examples of mankind’s inability to understand the fundamental shifts that are happening beneath our feet and so we repeatedly appear surprised at a future which, in hindsight, seemed so inevitable. The same can be said of education. Most schools now have high-speed Wi-Fi, a bank of laptops and iPads and an interactive board in every classroom. Homework can be channelled through online platforms and children are regularly encouraged to present their work digitally. Unfortunately, this is all window dressing against a professional culture still dominated by Victorian attitudes to learning. The teacher remains god in the classroom and didactic, teacher-led learning persists.

“Classroom connectivity is not a new type of learning, it is a development in classroom resourcing” What’s worse, the digital age is in danger of masking outdated methods. A passive learning experience which may previously have seen children copying from the board into their book now has them copying into a PowerPoint presentation. Equally ineffective, but the latter suggests an element of independent thought because the child is able to choose their own background colour and transition animation! Indeed, the leading question for this article answers itself within its own phraseology. The suggestion is that ‘classroom creativity’ is something additional or different which has an intrinsic value on its own. This is indicative of the culture which permeates. ‘Classroom connectivity’ is not a new type of learning, it is a development in classroom resourcing. This widely held misconception is responsible for the misuse and misunderstanding of the purpose of technology in the classroom. As was the case 20 years ago (or 2,000 for that matter), a teacher’s first consideration should always be: what do the children need to learn/ understand/be able to do and how do I enable as many of them as possible to achieve this objective to the largest possible extent? Invariably, the subsequent activity in any successful lesson will have high levels of challenge and support where children have to explore and develop their thoughts and solve problems to find an answer. The resourcing for the lesson is then chosen by the teacher on this basis. Resourcing should never be the starting point, i.e. I want them to use the iPads, so what can we do to justify using them? However the digital age plays out, I’m sure in 20 years’ time there will be some fantastically short-sighted commentary to muse over about what will or will not be happening in classrooms by 2039.

DAVID SLATTERY HEAD OF COMPUTING AT CLAREMONT PREP SCHOOL “There is indeed a movement in education towards classroom connectivity. Electronic textbooks are increasingly used, homework can be submitted online, maths can be learnt via engaging websites and the list of skills (academic or vocational) you can learn via YouTube grows daily. Our children are growing up in a digital world, and are enthusiastic about technology so it seems logical to try and harness this positivity by using electronic devices to enhance learning. Video explanations of key concepts can often bring learning to life more than through textual explanation alone. Good software providers are able to offer e-Learning experiences that can be fully differentiated, ensuring children are able to learn at their own pace whilst ensuring the most able remain challenged and motivated to test themselves further. However, as technology embeds itself into every aspect of our lives and children’s education, as teachers we must always ensure the pupils are learning with technology rather than using it merely to present what they have learnt. Overreliance on technology runs the risk of children losing that moment of inspiration when their interest in a subject is piqued by experiencing learning ‘hands on’.

“With technology, it’s all about getting the balance right and making sure that e-Learning experiences play to children’s varying strengths and motivations to learn” At Claremont Prep, some of the children’s most notable learning derives from projects that can’t be completed as effectively electronically. The many and varied exhibits they create for our annual science fair demonstrate their capacity for creativity and what can happen when they are free to indulge in their natural curiosity, direct their own learning and then experience it for real. The effort and care they put into their models of ocean biomes, entries for the Young Art exhibition at the Royal College of Art and cross-curricular maths challenges place pupils at the centre of their own learning in a way that’s hard to replicate using technology alone. Pressure on budgets in schools, a lack of working technology at home and broadband issues in rural areas also impact the efficacy of classroom connectivity. With technology, it’s all about getting the balance right and making sure that e-Learning experiences play to children’s varying strengths and motivations to learn. SO Magazine | May 2019 | 65

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66 | MAY 2019 | SO Magazine

Travel

DREAM DESTINATIONS

A LOOK BEYOND Although synonymous with sun, sea and sand, the Algarve region has much more to offer in late spring, says Liz Ryan

he Algarve has more sunny days each year than California, and in the bone-dry summer months it can seem as if the whole of Europe is catching a tan on the magnificent sandy beaches of Albufeira. In many people’s minds, the region means two things: sunshine and golf. But Algarve tourism bosses are on a mission to make it a year-round cultural destination. And for those who are seeking tranquility, it’s good to visit out of season. In spring, almond blossom creates fragrant snow clouds of white petals and orchards are bright with citrus fruit. It’s easy to hire a car or motorbike and move around unhindered by

Portugal’s beaches

world, you can still see the bases of the August’s intense heat and traffic stone columns which once formed gridlock. Travelling 50km westwards Europe’s oldest slave market, dating from Faro, popular resorts give way to from the 15th century. A small museum crumbling, iron-stained cliffs, and commemorates victims of the trade. expensive private villas constructed on land now protected from further Simple and sophisticated development by strict Local cuisine blends fine planning regulations. This unique dining with culinary A discreet lane through a nature reserve leads to experience will traditions. At Veneza restaurant and wine cellar my hotel, the Suites Alba live far longer (restauranteveneza.com) in Resort & Spa, owned by footballer Luis Figo. The in the memory Mem Moniz, I eat food ‘as grandma made it’ – a crab place is half-deserted and, wandering alone along the than noisy bars laid out nakedly and cobbled paths of the and crowded without pretension on a platter, followed by a bean brightly painted, low-rise beaches soup pungent with chorizo. complex, I feel as if I’m on At Estamine (estamine. a movie set. pt) on the uninhabited Ilha Deserta (Desert Island) in the Ria Formosa A brush with the past lagoon and wetlands at Faro, The place has history in gastronomy combines seamlessly with abundance: the Moors were eco-tourism. An exhilarating speed here for 500 years, and the boat trip ferries me to lunch at a Romans before them. At wooden-decked restaurant powered by Silves Castle, I examine the solar energy. recently excavated ruins of a The seafood-based menu is garnished Sultan’s harem, complete with using island herbs such as marsh eunuch quarters, a tiny herb samphire. Ecologist Thomas Santos garden, a hammam and the offers guided tours, explaining above ladies’ primitive but noise of the crashing waves how the functional toilet. (Lavatories island came into being and how plants of similar design, I’m amazed stabilise the dunes. to hear, were used in Portugal until the 1950s.) Artisan arts and crafts At Lagos, from where the “Culture is more than concerts,” I’m earliest European explorers told by Joao Silvestre Ministro, general set out to map the rest of the

How to get there A two-person suite at the Suites Alba Hotel & Spa starts from 97 euros (£84) per night, with breakfast during the low season. Visit suitesalbaresort.com British Airways, EasyJet, flybe, jet2.com, Ryanair and TUI all fly into Faro – departures from London, Birmingham, Leeds, Newcastle, Nottingham and Dublin. For more information on the destination, visit visitalgarve.pt For details of the 365 Algarve cultural programme, visit 365algarve.pt

director of Proactivetur, a Loule-based responsible and cultural tourism consultancy. It’s a phrase I hear more than once from Algarvians, keen to protect their heritage. In 2010, a project linked artisans with contemporary designers to revive interest in traditional crafts. Wandering the narrow alleyways of Loule, you can admire groups of women weaving palm baskets, or watch a coppersmith bashing the dents from a cataplana – a pot that gives its name to the fish stew which is cooked in it. Practical workshops are also available to visitors (in2south.pt). A far cry from the crowds The region has an impressive live music scene too. This is the third year of 365 Algarve, a generously funded arts programme that runs from October to May. For its haunting strangeness, I will not forget a dance work at Monchique, a mountain settlement of ear-popping altitude run by enthusiastic mayor Rui Andre, who is also an art teacher. After a long walk to an abandoned hamlet, amid stone ruins that smell of woodsmoke, we watch Eva Poro #1, an ambitious piece featuring bare-chested men, dogs and horses. Perched high on a rock behind me, a lonely cellist plays and sings her flamenco-inspired compositions into the deep silence. With the wind whipping at the cork trees, it is a unique experience that will live far longer in my memory than noisy bars and crowded beaches. SO Magazine | May 2019 | 67

Travel

Advertorial

A soothing stay IN SAINT LUCIA

Discover East Winds, St Lucia’s best kept secret…

here are many beautiful sides to the stunning Caribbean island of Saint Lucia. The only country in the world named after a woman, her natural beauty is a sight to behold. Take in the breathtaking view of the majestic Piton Mountains, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Explore the lush rainforests, relax on one of her golden sandy beaches, or sail around her idyllic bays. Saint Lucia is just as beautiful below as above. Teeming with colourful marine life and coral reefs, the island is great for snorkelling and scuba-diving, offering clear turquoise waters and sunken shipwrecks to explore. There are many places to stay on the island, one of which is East Winds, Saint Lucia’s best kept secret. There you can immerse yourself in true Caribbean luxury, the island’s original boutique hotel, located on the North-West coast. Nestled alongside a natural private bay within 12 acres of tropical gardens, East Winds’ appeal lies in its natural surroundings, offering guests a glimpse into a relaxed Lucian way of life. The 30 accommodations have recently been refurbished in a colourful plantation style, in keeping with the surroundings, and are tucked away in the gardens amongst the tropical landscape and colourful bird life. The charming semi-detached superior cottages offer intimate interiors with shaded patios, while the semi-detached deluxe cottages are built in a chattel house style with spacious terraces, enabling a quiet reverie of the gardens. There’s also a fabulous Beach House with rooms and a spacious suite, all with panoramic views across the beach to the ocean. This is an ‘all-inclusive’ hotel with an exclusive

68 | May 2019 | SO Magazine

touch. Produce is sourced locally and East Winds’ Executive Chef creates the most delicious recipes with a choice of dishes for every carefully selected menu, which changes daily. The hotel also prides itself on its own cottage garden where herbs, fruit and vegetables are picked daily to complement the menus. Fine wines are selected to fit perfectly alongside the menus and are chosen by the hotel’s two professionally trained sommeliers, one of whom is the first female sommelier in the Caribbean! Champagne is on tap at any time and the barman mixes traditional ‘Ti’ Ponche’ rum punch that can be served anytime directly to your beachfront cabana.

In tune with the natural element that the hotel inspires, the Garden Spa is set in the tropical gardens where medicinal plants and herbs are nurtured. The treatments focus on natural organic ingredients to encourage relaxation by using age-defying hibiscus, rejuvenation with soothing aloe, and energy-inducing rosewood, geranium and orange. A visit to the Garden Spa just cannot be missed! Continuing with the wellness theme, East Winds has an open-air pavilion specifically for yoga and pilates classes, which are offered four days weekly, tailored to suit a wide range of abilities. If neither of these appeals there is a hiking track that meanders through the forest and an open-air fitness area for a little more energetic exercise. To complement the wellness theme, the Chef and his team are happy to design menus based around any dietary needs, and vegetarian options are available every day with freshly prepared local juices and detox concoctions each morning at breakfast. For the energetic guest the water-sports team are on hand whether it’s learning to sail a hobie cat, a snorkelling session at the offshore reef, or paddleboarding and kayaking around La Brelotte bay. For the inquisitive guest the introduction of Exclusive Experiences designed specifically for East Winds guests are a way of exploring more of this beautiful island, from discovering the upper rainforest in an open-air gondola to making your very own chocolate bar at a nearby Coco Estate. Staying at East Winds is simply the best way to fully indulge in creating a holiday of a lifetime!

Road Test

Motors

How do you improve a package like the C63 S? Well, if you’re MercedesAMG, you leave the key components alone. So for this mid-life facelifted C63, you’ll find the same bellowing 4.0-litre biturbo V8 engine under the bonnet with the same power output and, to the casual eye, the same exterior too. However, they have changed a few key features to make it sharper, more capable and better to live with than before. We went out in the estate version to see what’s what.

HOW DOES IT LOOK?

The C63 is available in four bodystyles: saloon, estate, coupé and convertible. We’d argue that though the coupé will be one of the most popular options, the estate is the one to go for. There’s something effortlessly cool about a car that can out-perform most supercars, while also providing enough room for a family of four and their luggage. It’s a relatively subtle design, but there are a few clear indications of the car’s underlying performance dotted around it. The four exhaust pipes are a pretty big giveaway, complemented by the new vertical slatted grille design, which reflects those used by other AMG models. The C63 has always managed 72 | May 2019 | SO Magazine

Mercedes-AMG has updated its popular C63 S Estate – but what difference have the changes made? Jack Evans finds out

to look purposeful without shouting about it too much – and this latest model achieves that just as well.

WHAT’S NEW?

While key features have been left unchanged, the old seven-speed gearbox has been ditched in favour of a nine-cog option, and an electronic limited-slip differential is now standard across the range, not just on S models like the one we’re testing. A new, more complex traction control system has been included too, along with a refreshed grille and rear diffuser. The 19-inch forged alloy wheels fitted to our test car are also new. But engine outputs remain the same, as do the performance stats and top speed, despite the engine having been tweaked to meet new emissions tests.

WHAT’S UNDER THE BONNET?

Under the C63 S bonnet lies the same sensational 4.0-litre biturbo V8 that you would’ve found in the pre-facelift AMG. S models get the full-fat 503bhp; non-S models have to make do with ‘just’ 469bhp. There’s 700Nm of torque on tap, and it’s all sent to the rear wheels via the aforementioned nine-speed gearbox. Mercedes claims the C63 S will go from 0-60mph in 3.9 seconds, and will top out at an electronically limited 174mph. As you’d expect for a V8

FACTS AT A GLANCE

WHAT IS IT?

MERCEDES-AMG C63 S ESTATE

Model as tested: Mercedes-AMG C63 S Estate Price as tested: £89,213 Engine: 4.0-litre biturbo V8 Power: 503bhp Torque: 700Nm Max speed: 174mph 0-60mph: 3.9 seconds MPG: 28.3 Emissions: 229wg/km

engine, economy figures aren’t the best at 28.3mpg combined – and you’ll do well to achieve anywhere near this if you exploit even a fraction of the car’s performance. Emissions stand at 229wg/km CO2.

WHAT’S IT LIKE TO DRIVE?

Though the updates to the C63 S may be subtle, they make a big impact. The largest of these is made by the new gearbox. The new nine-speed auto is smooth and predictable, and allows you to fully make use of the engine’s performance. Third and fourth gears are sensational, as is the engine’s near unending appetite for revs. The electronic rear differential means that, despite the car’s rear-driven nature, you can drive it neatly and exploit its natural tendency to rotate to sweep it around the bends, before using the huge reservoir of torque to fire you out of the other side. The suspension feels a touch too firm for UK roads, however, even in its softest settings. This issue could likely be alleviated by fitting smaller 18-inch wheels. It is, in truth, a tiny complaint in what is an otherwise sterling package.

WHAT’S IT LIKE INSIDE?

Mercedes has worked hard to lift the quality of its interiors in recent years, which is evident in the cabin of the C63.

Though some harder plastics remain, there’s still plenty of high-quality metal and leather-wrapped sections to be found. A vast swathe of carbon fibre has been used to trim the central dashboard section, and though the cover for the storage area in the middle of the cabin feels a touch flimsy, it is generally a highquality place to be. And, because it’s an estate, there’s bags of space. Backseat passengers aren’t spoilt with legroom, but there’s more than enough for most. When it comes to boot space, there’s 490 litres to play with when the seats are in place, rising to 1,480 litres with them folded down.

WHAT’S THE SPEC LIKE?

Mercedes has now fitted the C63 with its 12.3-inch digital dashboard as standard across the range. It’s a hightech addition to the car, and allows you to tailor the way the dials look with all manner of different combinations. Some are a little too busy and can be tricky to read, but you can change them if you don’t like them, after all. This is fitted alongside a 10.25-inch central infotainment display running Merc’s latest software. It’s a simple system to get along with, and is controlled by a central rotary dial – a welcome change from the current trend of touchscreen versions which can be tricky to use on the move.

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SO Magazine | MAY 2019 | 73

THE LAST WORD

On Friday May 31 Strictly Come Dancing’s current champion Kevin Clifton brings his much acclaimed dance extravaganza Burn the Floor to the Assembly Hall. Ahead of his arrival in Tunbridge Wells Eileen Leahy spoke to the talented dancer

Talk the

town

Burning desire to move you... KEVIN ON HIS INSPIRATION:

It started off with my mum and dad who were both professional dancers but I also grew up watching Fred Astaire and Michael Jackson. I like big performers such as Freddie Mercury and – don’t laugh – Robbie Williams! I like his showy spontaneity. I briefly met him once and I just turned into a little girl!

So before we get into what Burn the Floor is all about, tell us how life is post your Strictly win with Stacey Dooley? It’s been absolutely crazy! I haven’t let go of the Strictly glitter ball: it’s by my bed so I wake up to it every morning. It was totally mental to win as Stacey (Dooley) and I didn’t expect it at all, not for one second did we ever think we would win! If you look back at the final show and see how nervous the other three finalist couples were when Tess was about to announce the winner, we so weren’t! But when Tess said we’d won, it all went nuts! You’re currently touring another series of the hugely successful Burn the Floor. Can you tell us what you love about doing this show so much? I’ve done it a few times over the years so it’s a bit like a family for me. The first Burn the Floor show I appeared in was January 2008 and I’ve done a few since then on Broadway and in the West End. It’s been quite a journey. I think what I enjoy most is that the directors of it give you a tremendous amount of creative freedom on stage. Can you tell us what you mean by that? Well there’s obviously a narrative to the show and there are different characters and relationships but it’s very flexible in terms of how you react in certain scenes and to various dances. The director and choreographers want to get the best performance from you so it’s not just about straight legs and pointed toes, it’s more about having raw energy and passion. You’re dancing flat out and you’re so emotionally involved that it’s like being in a movie. No two shows are danced exactly the same as we improvise a lot. Do you enjoy having that kind of creative freedom in dancing? Yes. I came out of the competition world of dancing, where there is technique and rules that you have to keep to, and then started doing Burn the Floor, which is all about entertainment and being in the moment. In competitions I had to dance a certain way but with Burn the Floor I have learned so much, not just about dance but about narrative and how to tell it and to connect with other dancers. It changed me completely as a dancer and gave me so much freedom.

74 | May 2019 | SO Magazine

Can you tell us a little bit more about the content of Burn the Floor? Well there around 20 dancers in it alongside myself and my co-star Graziano Di Prima. You’ll get to see everything from futuristic foxtrot to passionate tango and amazing rumba routines all of which boast a story. The structure of each show remains the same but there is so much spontaneity within each dance routine, which is great. It sounds like a full-on show, how do you prepare for it? You have to do all the things in order to help you look after yourself physically as well as mentally. In terms of getting into character for the show, as I’m a quite reserved and shy person I have to really rev myself up, get into channelling as a bit of a lunatic! I guess I get into a different zone and become a different person.

When I perform I have to feel confident, almost like a rock star, so I listen to loud music before I go on stage so I feel energised and really present. My biggest problem is coming down afterwards! When the show finishes we’re all full of adrenalin so it takes a while to get to sleep. In real life I’m probably the most boring person you could meet. A cup of tea and Match of the Day on the telly is what I get up to! You did Burn the Floor before you signed up for Strictly so did you bring any of your experience with you? Absolutely. Once I got Strictly Come Dancing (2013) I wanted to bring elements of Burn the Floor into the TV show with me. I suppose I wanted my partner (his first was Good Morning Britain’s Susannah Reid) and I to tell a story: who are you in this samba, and who am I? I wanted to bring a little show within the show.

KEVIN ON THE STRICTLY EFFECT: Dancing is a whole different ball game these days thanks to Strictly Come Dancing. When I was doing competitions, my mates at school were like ‘that’s what my granny does’ but now those same friends and their kids are messaging me when Strictly’s on saying things like: ‘Hey Kev, in that samba was Stacey supposed to straighten her leg?’ Dancing has become so popular and now everyone has an opinion on it. I find that amazing!

How important do you find the audience is when you dance? Very, I love the interaction between us and them as there’s nothing like that moment in Burn or Strictly when everything seems to click and you’re totally in the moment and could do anything. And when the audience is on board there’s nothing like that connection to really feed off that. Tickets to see Kevin Clifton in Burn the Floor at the Assembly Hall on Friday May 31 can be booked via www.assemblyhall.co.uk Prices start from £38.75

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