Absolute Life November/December 2014

ISSUE 116. NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2014

The ChrisTmas

issue Paloma Faith Christmas gift guides Stunning party wear

MatchBags & shoes M a D e I N I ta LY L a D I e s LU X U RY L e at h e R g o o D s

Quantity is what you count Quality is what you count on

01273 719009 www.match-bags.com 13 Duke Street, Brighton, BN1 1AG

ISSUE 116. NOVEMBER/DECEMBER

6 What’S hOt!

32

68

13 StEPhEN GRaNt 15 SOCIEtY PhOtOS 20 GIFt GUIDES

57

29 NEXt hOt MODEL 32 FaShION 44 hEaLth & BEaUtY 52 FOOD & DRINK

Contents

62

57 PEtER JaMES 62 JULIE BURChILL 68 PaLOMa FaIth 71 MUSIC, aRtS & CULtURE 76 tRaVEL 79 GaRDENING 80 EDUCatION

76

71

From the DAVID HALL – SALES MANAGER

david@absolutemagazine.co.uk

Dave does exactly what it says on the tin. He’s a straight up, no-nonsense sales manager, working to make sure clients get the best results.

editor

SAM HARRINGTON-LOWE – MANAGING EDITOR

sam@absolutemagazine.co.uk

As editor Sam is responsible for the content of all the Absolute magazines and works closely with the publisher to develop the brand and support relationships with all partners and clients.

DANIEL WHITE – DEPUTY EDITOR

dan.white@absolutemagazine.co.uk As deputy editor Dan writes feature interviews and articles, edits copy and runs the Absolute website. His strong passions are music, sport and culture.

FRIDA CLEMENTz – SENIOR DESIGNER

frida.clementz@absolutemagazine.co.uk Frida is the creative force behind the magazines. Apart from being our head designer, she also works closely with our clients to ensure they get the look and feel they want from their campaigns.

NOV/DEC CONTRIBUTORS Amanda Horlington, Julie Burchill, Erika Szostak, Bill Murray, Danny Cobbs, Noel Preston, Peter James, Sarah Hitchman, Stephen Grant, Frida Clementz and Dante Peters COVER SHOT Photography: Erika Szostak Photography assistant: Dade Freeman Fashion stylist: Igor Srzic Cartledge

Normally I’d talk about the current issue in my little missive, but we have so many exciting changes coming up with the magazine, I’m going to talk about those instead. You can see all the fabulous stuff in the magazine by looking in the contents!

Absolute Magazine is making changes from next year. With so many other monthly publications coming out all at the same time, we can’t help thinking how boring that must be for readers. Experience tells me that the best way to maintain quality is to adapt and change - there’s little point keeping doing the same thing as our imitators.

So instead of releasing a monthly lifestyle magazine that has the same content as everywhere else, we’re going to take it bimonthly, and in the alternate months release annual special editions, targeting specific areas; such as health, fitness, education, outdoor living and so on. This offers us a chance to really explore certain sectors and also to create and target new distribution locations.

We have our first special annual publication out in January, Absolute Wellbeing, covering health and fitness, wellness, beauty, retreats, holistic health and overseas stays. It’s a timely release, addressing the excesses of the Christmas and New Year season and it will be distributed in spas, hotels, clinics, beauty therapy outlets, gyms, retreats and so on.

February will be our Lifestyle Valentine’s issue, with March being our next special, Absolute Weddings. The rest of the year will unfold but if you want a full run-down, please email me. We’re also extending overseas in 2015, but more about that another time!

Absolute will still appear monthly, but in different formats.

I want to keep our magazines fresh, innovative and original.

I hope you enjoy the changes coming and have a fabulous Christmas and New Year. See you in January for detox!

Makeup Artist: Charlene Howells Hair styling: Jean Yves Aubin, Uber Hairdressing Hove Hair styling: Ioanna Kruizenga, Cove Hairdressing Brighton Model: Lindsay Katherine Hills

Sam

- EDITOR sam@absolutemagazine.co.uk

Absolute Lifestyle Limited, Tower Point MWB, 44 North Road, Brighton BN1 1YR, Tel: 0870 005 2211, Fax: 08700 052 082, info@absolutemagazine.co.uk, www.absolutemagazine.co.uk

Absolute Magazine would like to thank the advertisers that appear in this publication for their support, and wish them every business success. The contents of this publication are believed to be correct at the time of printing; nevertheless, we cannot endorse, and readers should not rely solely upon, the accuracy of any statements or claims contained herein, without prior consultation with the service provider.

What’s

Hot Simon Carter Expands To Brighton Brighton’s menswear is about to step up a level following to the arrival of Simon Carter Clothing and Accessories in the North Laines.

Situated on Kensington Gardens, the British accessory and tailoring label is expanding its retail portfolio, with four stores already in London, one apiece in Buckinghamshire and Yorkshire respectively as well as another in Toronto, Canada.

Carter, who has been a regular visitor to Brighton since his childhood, has been keen to set up by the seaside for some time, as he explains: “It’s been in my mind to set up a store here for three or four years. It was just a question of finding the right location, because it’s vital for me to have elegant premises.”

With its ebullient, quirky English style, it is sure to fit in with Brighton’s contemporary flair and is already a hit with the city’s fashion fans.

For more information visit www.simoncarter.net

Doggie Delights For December Christmas is a time of year for festivities, family and full tummies, and no one appreciates this more than our loyal furry four legged friends.

Therefore, treat your doggie darlings during the festive season with a special Pupbake. Theses doggie treats are gluten free, made with 100 per cent human grade ingredients and feature nothing artificial.

As well as being suitable for all dog sizes, these adorable tasty treats come in a range of three flavours, including a special festive ‘Roast Turkey’ treat. Alongside the Christmas bake, the range includes a peanut butter frosted treat and a cheese flavoured option.

Pupbakes are hand baked in the UK and are available to buy online, from independent pet stores and from the Amazon Pet Store from £2.99 each.

The Right Match Can’t find the right shoes for Friday night? Struggling to find the heels that match that dress? Looking for something new to wear on the big night out?

Brighton’s MatchBags now has it all covered after opening a brand new shoe boutique last month.

Incorporating the new boutique with their handbag shop and nail salon all under one roof now offers shoppers the chance to take part in some high-end shopping and pampering out of the way of the bustling city centre.

To celebrate the launch of their new shoe boutique, MatchBags and MatchNails will be offering Absolute readers 10 per cent off all handbags, shoes and nail treatments.

All you have to do is visit the store, located on Duke Street, and mention Absolute Magazine when purchasing any product or service.

So if you’re looking to get yourself or a loved one a 100% genuine Italian leather handbag this Christmas, a luxurious pampering with professionals or some chic shoes make sure to stop by the shop or visit www.match-bags.com Match Bags (UK) Limited 13 Duke Street, Brighton Tel: 01273 719009 Email: info@match-bags.com

Lido Worth Its Salt

A band of determined volunteers could be set to save the Saltdean Lido after years of work to secure its future achieved a first round of funding.

A £440,000 grant from the Social Investment Bank will fund a new plant room for the pool and some patch-up work on the pool itself so it can open next summer.

However, the Saltdean Lido Community Interest Company still have a long way to go, with the total cost of renovating the Lido and its beautiful modernist building set at some £10 million.

Although further funding applications have already been submitted you can do your bit to help the Saltdean Lido.

All you have to do is watch ITV Meridian West on Monday 24 November at 6.30pm and vote for the lido to win £50,000 from the competition being run.

You can also help out by coming along to the fundraising food market and car boot sale which is taking place on the lido car park on Saturday November 29 from 10am - 2pm.

If you’d like to receive regular updates, email info@saltdeanlido.co.uk and add on Facebook – Saltdean Lido Community Interest Company.

6│

November/December 2014

- News|What’s hot -

What’s

Hot Tranquil Sunset by Louise brooks

THe cITY GeTS cINe

The Brighton and Hove Film Festival is set to return for its 12th year this November (20 Nov - 7 Dec) with a packed programme of events.

The largest international and independent film festival outside of London, CINECITY will feature the very best in international cinema, with an emphasis on the importance of new beginnings and debut features. The festival will kick off with the premiere of Birdman or (The Unexpected Virtue of Ignorance) and continues with many highly anticipated titles brought to Brighton from around the world for one-off screenings.

Presented in partnership with the University of Brighton and Picturehouse Cinemas, the two-week festival will include premieres and previews, artists’ cinema and installations, treasures from the archive as well as free education screenings and special events.

For more information on CINECITY visit the website www.cine-city.co.uk

CHRISTMAS MINIATURES ART5 Gallery are presenting an exciting seasonal exhibition, ‘Yuletide: Christmas Gift Collection’, a celebration showcase of five of the gallery’s favourite artists’ work in perfect miniature, offering ideal gifts for the festive season.

Running from 5th December to Christmas Eve, ‘Yuletide’ is a special collection of ceramics and original paintings in charming smaller sizes by artists Yvonne Coomber, Louise Brooks, David Walker, Tiffany Lynch and Tina Davies, alongside an exciting new range of limited edition prints. This is a fantastic opportunity to invest in affordable works of art!

Yvonne Coomber, the acclaimed Devonbased artist, creates sparkly floral scenes, bringing joy to Christmas. Sought-after artist Louise Brooks’ embellished seascapes of the Sussex coast are reimagined in shimmering shades. Talented artist David Walker’s picturesque wintry landscapes are a perfect snapshot of the festive season, as are established Brighton artist Tiffany Lynch’s fun woodland scenes, alive with animals of the forest. Popular artist Tina Davies, known for her beautiful floral paintings and pottery, unveils an exclusive festive collection of hand-painted ceramics.

Visit the exhibition and treat your loved ones (or yourself!) this winter with a gift that fits perfectly under your Christmas tree and will last a lifetime!

5-24 December 2014 Art5 Gallery, 5 bartholomews, brighton www.art5gallery.com

TH EA TRE

JAZZ AGe FOR THeATRe FAIR WAGES FOR STAFF

Following Living Wage Week 2014 in early November, businesses in the UK are being encouraged to sign up to a campaign committing to pay their employees £7.65 or more per hour, whilst the minimum wage is £6.50 per hour.

Brighton i360 has signed up to the Living Wage Campaign in Brighton & Hove, making it one of the first major tourism attractions in the city to commit to paying its staff well over the minimum wage.

Said i360 CEO Eleanor Harris (pictured): “I’m doing this because to me it makes perfect sense.

If we pay more to our staff, we will be able to attract the very best, against a lot of competition in a city where tourism-related employment accounts for 14% of the workforce. Our team is growing fast already and when we launch the i360 in 2016, we will be running one of the top attractions in the UK. We want to attract and retain great people who are able to deliver outstanding customer service.”

Think staff should get a fair wage? Sign up here at http://livingwagebrighton.co.uk/sign-up - News|What’s hot -

Ever wondered what happened to that nightclub at the bottom of Dyke Road, on that corner behind the arcade? The Rialto Theatre – featuring a beautiful deco-inspired cocktail bar – will be opening there very soon, with a programme of new writing theatre and a home for Brighton’s cult favourite The Treason Show. The proprietor of the new theatre is Roger Kay, producer behind Pretty Villain Theatre Company, which will also be a resident company along with The Treason Show troupe.

The theatre will have Bacall’s cocktail bar, replete with black and white photos of the Hollywood star, and will feature as a signature drink the world famous Bellini. The cocktail popularised by Harry’s Bar in Venice which evokes not only Venice (hence the name of the Rialto Theatre) but also the glamour of the jazz age of 1930s Paris.

For news keep your eyes peeled. rialto Theatre on Facebook and twitter.

November/December 2014

│7

What’s

Hot

WEIGHING IT ALL UP Older residents weighed up the colourful and fun On Balance art installation consisting of hundreds of scales slotted together to cover the entire floor at Brighton’s Fabrica Art Gallery. The show happened earlier this year before sheltered housing tenants started taking part in creative art projects with the gallery as part of a scheme by Brighton & Photo credit eva Kalpadaki Hove City Council to tackle isolation.

The scales have now been distributed to 200 sheltered housing tenants as part of a novel project to boost creative activity and tackle isolation. Distributed with each set of scales was a leaflet from the Brighton & Hove Food Partnership with simple recipes using fresh food and information about healthy eating. Sheltered Scheme managers have been trained by the Food Partnership to promote their ‘Shape Up’ programme which is open to anyone who is struggling with their weight.

The Brighton & Hove Food Partnership is a not-for-profit organisation that delivers a range of community projects around healthy eating which includes cookery classes, community garden advice, tips on reducing waste and weight management. www.bhfood.org.uk

eBOLA – THe BIG GIVe

The Ebola outbreak is the most severe the world has ever seen: it has so far infected 10,000 people and killed nearly 5,000 more, with the World Health Organisation warning of up to 10,000 new cases a week by December if it is not contained.

Disasters Emergency Committee (DEC) member agencies are scaling up their aid efforts in West Africa where they have already helped over 2.5m people affected by the Ebola crisis, however so much more is needed.

The Big Give is launching an Emergency Ebola Crisis Appeal, working with charities who are raising money to stop the spread of Ebola in West Africa. By donating today, you can make a big difference to the lives of thousands, who are being affected by this deadly disease.

To view a full list of all the ebola appeals and make your donation please go to www.thebiggive.org.uk

Bookenders

Support for cancer care

A new Sussex Macmillan Cancer Support Centre has come even closer to completion, with the reaching of a major fundraising milestone. With just £500,000 left to raise, the innovative information and support centre will soon be benefitting thousands of people living with cancer across Sussex.

Since June 2010, the centre appeal has raised over £3m, thanks to the many fundraising events that have taken place across the region. From coffee mornings to sponsored salsa classes and much more besides, the county has been busy showing its support and generosity.

Fundraisers from Macmillan Cancer Support are delighted at the landmark; Sarah Coxhill, Macmillan’s fundraising manager for Sussex, said: “The support of Sussex residents has been vital to this project – we have almost reached our goal, so the region should be really proud of the fantastic sum that has been raised so far. We are now very close to the fundraising finish line, which is really exciting, but we need one last push to get there. Macmillan wants to make sure no one has to face cancer alone, however we can’t reach that final target without the amazing people who fundraise for us.”

To get involved and help raise the final £500,000 to build The Sussex Macmillan Cancer Support Centre please call the Macmillan Sussex fundraising office on 01273 746601 or email eastsussex@macmillan.org.uk. Once the centre is up and running, donations from the people of Sussex will also be welcome to support the centre’s ongoing work.

8│

November/December 2014

- News|What’s hot -

Bored of soaps? Love books? New Brighton & Hove TV show Bookenders offers a literary alternative to your weekly soap fix, delving into much more cerebral and dramatic storylines than you’d ever find in Walford.

The show is the brainchild of Bookish Society founder Laura Lockington, and is filmed at the Naked Eye Gallery in Hove.

It focuses on bringing books and stories to life, where Lockington will invite a fascinating and eclectic mix of interesting authors to join her on the show to talk about their works. She chats to the authors about their influences, inspirations, plots and the joy of bringing a story to life in their own unique and captivating way. It’s an intimate insight into what goes into their writing, which makes engaging viewing and highly entertaining TV. Authors in this series include Julia Crouch, Julie Burchill, Simon Toyne, Hannah Vincent, William Nicholson and Lizzie Enfield.

Showing from November 2014, Latest Tv

BRIGHTON

PRESENTING OUR STUNNING NEW LOOK

Following an extensive refurbishment Genting Casino Brighton has been transformed into the area’s premier gaming destination • Enjoy a refreshing drink or cocktail from our stylish new bar • Relax and enjoy a bite to eat in our comfortable new seating area • Play your favourite casino games on our fabulous gaming floor • Experience first class service from our knowledgeable team

gentingcasinobrighton.com Genting Casino Brighton, 6-8 Preston Street, Brighton BN1 2HN Tel: 01273 725101 /GentingCasinoBrighton

MAX LANGRAN PHOTOGRAPHER VIDEOGRAPHER

FINE ART PRINTS AND BOOKINGS WWW.MAXLANGRANPHOTOGRAPHY.COM 07554426102

SUSSEX BUSINESS AWARDS

SHORTLIST ANNOUNCED

Last year’s winners

V

oting is now closed for the 2014 Sussex Business Awards and the shortlist for the finals has officially been announced.

Entrants had to go through extensive evaluation coupled with phone, face to face and panel interviews in order to book their place in the final, leaving just over 40 companies from across the county vying to win one or more of the sixteen trophies up for grabs at this year’s event.

For the first time in many years the longest established scheme of its kind in Sussex sees no single company make the shortlist more than once, although representatives of their companies have been shortlisted for additional individual awards.

Now in its 26th year, the Sussex Business Awards introduced a new category for 2014, generating a great response to the Young Sussex Businessperson of the Year award.

Sponsored by Sussex Downs College, the award recognises the achievements of youthful entrepreneurs aged between 16 and 25 who have demonstrated a passion and flair for business.

“Sussex is increasingly recognised as a hub for digital media outside of London, with a high start-up business rate, even in challenging economic times and young people are often at the vanguard of this movement,” says Wayne Wright, Vice Principal for Curriculum and

Enterprise at Sussex Downs College. “I am confident that all three of the finalists on our shortlist will be the business leaders of tomorrow.”

The judging was chaired for the first time by Mike Herd, executive director of the Sussex Innovation centre and a previous winner of the Sussex Businessperson of the Year award, who was pleased with the award’s continued popularity and variety.

“We are delighted with the response to this year’s awards from a broad range of fantastic businesses across the breadth of Sussex,” he says. “An excellent and diverse range of applications made the judging particularly difficult and resulted in some very worthy winners.

Congratulations to all the shortlist!”

This year’s ceremony will take place on Wednesday 10th December 2014 at The Grand, Brighton and will be attended by over 500 of the county’s leading business people.

Tickets cost £90 each (plus VAT) or £850 (plus VAT) for a table of ten. This includes champagne reception, a three-course meal and two bottles of wine on each table, as well as entertainment, dancing and more.

For more information or to buy tickets, please contact the Sussex Business Awards on T: 01273 666200 or E: sussex@midnight.co.uk. Or follow them on Twitter @SussexBizAwards

- Business|News -

NOvEmBEr/DEcEmBEr 2014

│11

Christmas at Ghyll Manor!

S TAY O V E R

BED & BREAKFAST

FROM £92* PER ROOM

Party Nights

Festive Dining

FROM 22 NOVEMBER 2014

AVAILABLE THROUGHOUT DECEMBER

Let the celebrations begin!

Catering for up to 120 guests, with sparkling drinks, festive dining and dancing into the early hours.

Ghyll Manor is the perfect place to entertain your friends, family or colleagues. Indulge in delicious festive fayre with the ambience to match the occasion.

Mid-week £29 Friday & Saturday £35

Three course lunch £25 pp# Three course dinner £32 pp#

Excluding 25 and 26 December 2014. *Subject to availability. Valid for new bookings only and not available in conjunction with any other offer. Based on double or single occupancy in a standard room. #

Tempted?

Call 03301 230 371 (8am – 11pm daily) enquiries@ghyllmanor.co.uk ghyllmanor.co.uk Rusper, nr Horsham

Stephen

Grant

TaTs EnTErTainmEnT

I’

Stephen Grant explains how to embrace the younger generation without trying to be one

m a circuit comedian. If you’re not sure what that means, basically my living is made from going to comedy clubs where customers can see three or four acts on the same night. The next step up from that is being a touring comedian, where your fame/notoriety allows you to perform on your own (or with a support act) to ‘fans’ in larger venues doing an hour or more a night.

The jobs are surprisingly similar, but one of the biggest differences between being a circuit and a touring comedian (apart from the wild leap in income) is that in my world, our audiences don’t get older.

Obviously I don’t mean they literally don’t advance in years - I’m a jester, not a magician from Laboratoire Garnier - but that the demographic of those people who fancy a night out of drinks, food, and giggles, tends to be static. We don’t have fans who age alongside us, and that means we have to make sure the jokes are still relevant from when I started (23, excitable, liked partying, dating, being an idiot) to now (41, sarcastic, hates partying, settled, still an idiot).

So for that reason I try to make sure I’m immersed in a culture now an entire generation before mine. I eat Wagamama (and try not to roll my eyes when they can’t bring the plates out simultaneously). I listen to Waze & Odyssey vs R. Kelly and realise it’s the Nightcrawlers with ‘Push The Feeling On’ (and not, as it appears, a lawsuit). And I watch Geordie Shore (and love it).

This, I believe, is acceptable behaviour. It’s about understanding; I’m not trying to be young. The grey area comes in how I dress.

“Body ink is no longer the exclusive territory of prisoners, bikers and sailors; it’s de-rigeur amongst hairdressers, careworkers, chefs and shopkeepers.”

My wardrobe is still a maelstrom of T-shirts, jeans, and trainers, most of it coming from shops like Desigual who are way too brightly coloured for a man of my years. If you’re over 35 and want to know if your clothes are too young for you, there’s a simple test. Pick up the catalogue. Are the models in mid-air, dancing, or smiling like a kids TV presenter?

Yes? Then head to BHS for that emergency cardigan. And slap yourself en route.

But a gap has finally opened up that I can’t bridge; and that is the current fashion for tattoos. Body ink is no longer the exclusive

- Culture|Column -

territory of prisoners, bikers and sailors; it’s de-rigeur amongst hairdressers, careworkers, chefs and shopkeepers. The Daily Mail recently screamed how a schoolteacher was covered in tattoos, asking, “do we want our teachers like this?” I’d argue I want my teachers to be good at teaching. In fact, if she had course notes tattooed to her face, you could almost consider her a study aid.

Here’s my position. I can only enjoy tattoos - on other people. I’d love to embrace this fashion for tattoos myself, but that’s the problem - it’s a fashion. And fashions, by nature, come and go. I cannot think of a single design that I’d tell you all, hand on heart, would still look good on me in 40 years. For the same reason I wouldn’t glue a tie to my neck or rivet a hat to my head, I’d have to say no. Imagine you could never move from a house you could only decorate in such a way that it could never be decorated again (like Artex, but worse). Be honest, you’d go plain. Which is why, if I was forced to have a tattoo, I’d insist on a small sentence at the foot of my back, carrying the words, “This Space Left Intentionally Blank”. @stephencgrant

November/December 2014

│13

ESPA & CARITA TREATMENTS • NAIL BAR • THERMAL SUITE • RELAXATION LOUNGE • SPA CAFE

A CHRISTMAS GIFT

SPA MEMBERSHIP AT THE GRAND BRIGHTON

£60

from

per month

A RANGE OF EXCLUSIVE MEMBERSHIP PACKAGES AVAILABLE INCLUDING: VIP spa experiences

Exclusive hotel discounts

Use of the spa facilities 7 days a week

Luxury stays at The Grand

Call: 01273 224322

membership@grandbrighton.co.uk to book a personal tour with a glass of champagne The Grand Brighton, 97-99 King’s Road, Brighton, East Sussex, BN1 2FW www.grandbrighton.co.uk

Full use of the gym facilities

Up to £170 monthly spend on treatments

& much more

ABSOLUTE NETWORKING 1

What Absolute Magazine held a networking evening to bring local companies together

2

Where The Greene Room at The Cricketers Pub When Thursday 23rd October Who 1. Sam Harrington-Lowe and Amanda Horlington 2. Jeremy Hoye and Grace Smith 3. Kieron Cropper and Laura Bevans

3

4

4. Louise Eaton and Zoe Cunliffe 5. Michael Pay, Leo Day and Barry Carden 6. George and Lindsay Hills 7. Matt Wright, Dave Bridges and David Hall 8. Robert Paine and Robin James 9. Amanda Fearon and Rachel Puzey from Desbruslais Chartered Surveyors 10. Frida Clementz with the raffle winners, Michael Pay and Allison Jeffery 11. Lindsay Hills

5

7

9

6

Photos: Max Langran Photography

8

10

11 - Guest|List -

November/December 2014

│15

5

1

2

3

4

6

7

10 8

11 16│

November/December 2014

9

12

13 - Guest|List -

FASHION EDGE WHAt Ahead of her bid to be Mrs World, Absolute partner Mrs UK World Lindsay Katherine Hills held an evening of fashion, music and dance entitled ‘Fashion Edge’ to raise funds for Tyler’s Trust and Anxiety UK

14

15

WHErE No.32 Duke Street, Brighton

WHy Businesses from Brighton and the surrounding area came together for this exciting and happy event, including The Sun Lounge, Curve Couture, Mojiana, Natalie Courtois Vintage, Mazelino, Walk in Wardrobe, Wobblegate Apple Juice, The Chocolate Factory, Aveda, Simon Webster Hair, Natasha Hewett, band The Trophy Wives, burlesque dancer Coco Deville, Graham Franks Photography, No.32 Duke St, Absolute Magazine (of course!), Juice FM, Hammond & Co by Patrick Grant and Porta.

WHO 1. Barbara Harmes and Editor of Absolute Sam Harrington-Lowe 2. Claire Matthews and Callum Reid 3. DJ’s H Boss and Ali 4. Michelle Dodd, Tyler and Janice Ellis, Leanne Farr and Carla Hornby 5. Simon Kay and Maryam Salehi 6. Karen Meredith with Walk in Wardrobe’s Katherine Wilson 7. Mrs. UK World England finalist Lindsay Katherine Hills with Russell and Perry from Hotel Chocolat.

8. George and Lindsay Katherine Hills 9. Designer Chrissie Nicholson-Wild with Jemma Elizabeth Garrett with Miss Sussex, Stephanie Prior 10. Kerry McCauley and Evie Fletcher-Kilbey 11. Harriet Matthews and Ioanna Kruizenga from Cove Hairdressing 12. Burlesque girl Coco Deville 13. Caraline Brown with Jeremy and Grace Smith 14. Natasha Hewitt 15. Tyler Murphy and Mrs. UK World England Lindsay Katherine Hills

Photographs Graham Franks Tyler’s Trust www.tylerstrust.co.uk Anxiety UK www.anxietyuk.org.uk

- Guest|LiST -

VIP BOOK LAUNCH What Brighton launch of Julie Burchill’s book, Unchosen

1

When 30 September 2014 Where Alfresco, Brighton seafront Who 1. Julie signing copies of her book 2. Caroline Gold, Zoe Kemp, Julie Burchill, Sarah Barlow and Nirpal Dhaliwal 3. Kelly Marie Dutton and Dom Agius 4. Happy guests at the launch

2

3

5. John Mitchison and Garry Mulholland 6. Scott and Sue Kim Steele Green 7. Julie Burchill 8. Rose Collis 9. Kelly Marie Dutton 10. The books!

4

5

Unchosen by Julie Burchill, published by Unbound, from www.unbound.co.uk/books/unchosen or Amazon, price £14.99

6

8 18│

November/December 2014

Photos: Naomi Stanley and Daniel Morgenstern

7

9

10 - Guest|LiSt -

ICE RINK OPENS!

1

What Over four hundred celebrities, journalists and dignitaries gathered for a guest performance

by Dancing on Ice and X-Factor star Ray Quinn

2

Where The Royal Pavilion Ice Rink Why To celebrate the Ice Rink’s fifth birthday and this winter’s launch Who 1. The Ice Rink staff 2. Sue Addis, Amalia Addis, Olivia and Max

3

4

3. Bryony Rushton, Ray Quinn and Rianne West 4. Iain George 5. Charlotte Pearson and Denis Harding 6. Dave and Tia Samuel 7. Kathryn and Sean Edlin, Marcie and Angela Mole 8. Stephanie Slade, Lynn Flower, Sam, Edward, Jess and Roman 9. Lindsay Hills, Mrs UK World 10. The team at Natural PR

5

7

9

6

8

10 - Guest|LIsT -

November/December 2014

│19

gifts for kids

Christmas is all about the children so whether they were naughty or nice this year make sure this festive season is one to remember with our guide to the best presents you can find in Sussex and beyond.

LeapFrog LeapPad3 Learning Tablet Discover exciting experiences and thrilling adventures with the makers of the #1 kids’ learning tablets. £89.99 From www.amazon.co.uk

Lulu Cushion This playful design is on-trend and sits perfectly either on its own or coordinated with others.

40 x 40 cm. £40 From www.aspace.co.uk

The Cloud Chalkboard Table & Stools Featuring a silicon rubber bowl and two matching stools, this table quickly becomes a children’s play station. £169 From www.newmakers.com

Bamboo Stylus and Pad This innovative wireless touchpad lets you navigate with gestures and write or doodle with a digital stylus. £30 From www.wacom.com

Shoe Rack Sloped shelf with grooves on the top to enable stacking. £28 From www.vertbaudet.co.uk

20│

November/December 2014

- Christmas|Gift Guide -

Textastrophe This book explores the relationships and experiences one can have when posting their phone numbers everywhere. £6.99 From Waterstones

Q-PIC The easy way to take the perfect selfie every time. £20 From www.qdossound.com

The Philips pocket speaker – BT2500B The slim design and budget price makes The Phillips BT2500B an appealing mini Bluetooth speaker. £44.99 From www.argos.co.uk

Fujifilm Instax Mini 8 Instant Camera Gift Bundle With this handy camera, attractive and accurate images are printed instantly using the integrated film and developing technology. £77.50 From www.amazon.co.uk

Globe Fairy Lights A string of 10 fairy lights, with two replacement lights included. L 3.3 metres. For indoor use only. £20 From www.aspace.co.uk

Berry Angel Ragdoll Dressed like an angel, Berry could become a festive companion for your little ones for years to come. £13.95 From www.mamasandpapas.com

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Danger of the Ooze A new side-scrolling action-adventure video game featuring New York’s heroes in a half shelf. £29.99 Available from high street and online Chill Factor Slushy Maker Colour Blast Make delicious slushies in second. No ice, no blenders, no mess. £12.99 From www.amazon.co.uk Q-BOPZ Colourful, fun and portable, this is big sound delivered in a cool package. £29.99 From www.qdossound.com

The Little Book of Wisdom These adorably charming new little vintage-style books are crammed full of well chosen, thought-provoking, witty and wise quotes. £13.99 From www.sugarboo.com

- Christmas|Gift Guide -

November/December 2014

│21

gifts for her

Festive shopping can be a nightmare at the best of times. From screaming children to impatient crowds and repetitive music, it is not a time for dallying. So, with that in mind, whether that special lady in your life is looking for a Christmas filled with beauty, fashion, relaxation or indulgence, we have a great selection of our favourite gifts for her this Christmas.

Bronze Duckling Watering Can This sweet duckling is a lovely gift for a green fingered enthusiast. The body carries a litre of water and has been carefully handcrafted, so it is completely unique. £18.99 From www.treatrepublic.co.uk

Knightsbridge Khaki Designer Handbag This beautiful khaki 2 in 1 designer handbag is the chameleon in your wardrobe thanks to its removable inner box. £399.99 From www.makethemostof.co.uk

SpaSeekers Gift Voucher Surprise her with a SpaSeekers gift voucher on Christmas morning! Choose from 500+ resorts nationwide. From £25 From www.spaseekers.com

The Original Personal Filofax This traditional, smart organizer is smoothly made to a high quality for everyday use. £60 From Staples

Kobo Aura H2O This is the world’s first premium waterproof E Ink eReader allowing readers to enjoy ebooks anywhere, including previously risky places like the bath or at the beach. £139.99 From www.kobo.com and WHSmith stores

Intergalactic Statement necklace Stand out from the crowd in this triangular shaped pendant necklace with luxe crystal embellishment, a supersoft nappa leather covered cord and a magnetic clasp. £139 From The Collective Boutique, Hove

22│

November/December 2014

- Christmas|Gift Guide -

Daisy Do Hair Comb Finish off your up do with this leather and Swarovski crystal hair comb. It catches the light beautifully. £35.00 From www.makethemostof.co.uk

Grayshott Health Spa Situated in the serene environs of Surrey, you’ll receive a full day spa, a three-course lunch, full access to Grayshott’s facilities and a Grayshott Gift. £149pp Special prices only from Amazon Local www.local.amazon.co.uk

Prestat Mint Box This collection of mint fondants is perfect for sharing and indulging in with friends. £11.50 From Amazon.co.uk

Hearts Umbrella The striking heart design of this telescopic umbrella is printed on quick drying durable nylon and has an easy to use Velcro closure strap. £24 From www.carolinegardner.co.uk

Katarina Hip Flask For an extra nip on Boxing Day, why not give this stylish hip flask to the lady you have spent your Christmas with? Great as a stocking stuffer and for a stylish tipple when on a country walk. £11.99 From WHSmith

Breville Blend Active Family This individual-sized pack gives you oneperson-portion fruit smoothies, breakfast drinks, sports nutrition drinks and iced juices with a one-touch action. £39.99 From www.amazon.co.uk

Dreampad Pillow The Dreampad delivers music through a gentle vibration which only the user can hear, helping its user to fall asleep more quickly. £112 From www.dreampadsleep.com

- Christmas|Gift Guide -

November/December 2014

│23

gifts for him

Buying Christmas gifts is often hard, but buying gifts for men can be the hardest! So, in an effort to focus your gift ideas, here’s a practical list of gift ideas for men that we recommend you invest in for under the tree this Christmas.

PMF 10.8 LI Ergonomically designed for comfortable handling, its variable speeds ensure it can be applied across a multitude of materials. £99.99 From Robert Dyas

King of the Kitchen Personalised Chopping Board Add a little eco-style to your kitchen with this beautiful bamboo chopping board.

Choose from four great personalisation styles. £30 From www.treatrepublic.co.uk

Monochrome Geometric Travel Card Wallet Made of durable pvc coated cotton, it is the perfect size for bus and oyster cards or train tickets. £8.50 From www.carolinegardner.com

Whisky Gift Set Gift a handcrafted Dartington Crystal whisky set to someone who appreciates a fine malt or two. £55 From www.makethemostof.co.uk

Gentlemen’s Shed Tapers A highly effective way to impart fragrance into any room, diffusers are now a must have for the discerning individual. £22 From www.illumens-candles.co.uk

24│

November/December 2014

- Christmas|Gift Guide -

Innergie PocketCell Duo This handy gadget allows you to charge two smartphones or tablet PCs at the same time. Featuring a rechargeable battery bank with 6,800amH capacity. SRP £79.99 From www.amazon.co.uk Cast Iron Dog Tail Wall Hook A fun and stylish addition to your home, the Dog Tails form the hooks for you to hang your coat and scarves from. Dimensions: 30x7x10cm. £17.95 From www.romanathome.com

Bulldog Cufflinks The purist’s British Bulldog features an antiquated finish with hand set Swarovski crystals. £50 From Simon Carter, Brighton

Henry Westons Mulled Cider Pack Produced only from the finest bittersweet apples, this cider is blended with an infusion of the finest mulling spices to deliver a smooth, rich warming mulled cider. £7.99 From Waitrose

Thug Kitchen Vegan, dairy and gluten-free diets have never been more popular and this book provides over 100 unique, easy-to-prepare healthy recipes. £14.99 From www.amazon.co.uk

The Zwilling Pro Carving Set The 20cm carving knife will slice through any hot or cold meat with ease and precision, leaving fine, even slices whilst the sturdy 18cm meat fork holds the joint firmly in place. £156 From Culinaire, Crawley

GoPro Hero3 White Edition Featuring a wireless connection and a 5-megapixel CMOS sensor, this camcorder records Full HD videos to an SDHC memory card, and captures still photos at a rate of 3 fps. £149.99 From www.amazon.co.uk

ROKU Streaming Stick Connecting via the HDMI port, this stick allows you to access over 750 channels and features built in WiFi. £49.99 From www.amazon.co.uk

Gear VR Change the way you interact with movies, games or browsing the web with the first fully fledged Oculous powered product to be brought to market. £189.99 From www.expansys.com

- ChRiStmaS|Gift Guide -

November/December 2014

│25

Best foot

forward

As the winter weather takes hold, it’s time to tuck those tootsies away…

1 2

4

3 6

5 7 10

11

9

8 12

1. Winter boots www.calzadosvictoria.com £59 2. Dune, Nima £129 3. Office Cahoots £80 4. Dorothy Perkins Green Knee High Boot £85 5. Hobbs Chloe Ankle Boot £229 6. Next Chelsea Boots £85 7. New Look Suede lace up heel £24.99 8. Ravel Louisiana Ankle Boots Brown Suede £85 9. Matalan Grey Heeled Boot £35 10. Primark Slouchy knee high boot, £18 11. John Rocha Biker Boots at Debenhams £79 12. M&S Best of British Chelsea Boot £185

JEREMY HOYE’S JEWELLERY EMPORIUM

HOUSEOFHOYE HOUSEOFHOYE.COM

HOUSEOFHOYE INFO@HOUSEOFHOYE.COM

22A SHIP STREET BRIGHTON |

01273 776097

womens

mens

25 Bond Street Brighton BN1 1RD tel: 01273 325421

26 Bond Street Brighton BN1 1RD tel: 01273 722245

www.badgerclothing.co.uk

STUNNING JEWELLERY FINE DIAMOND, GOLD & SILVER NECKLACE 18ct white gold opal & diamond. ÂŁ2,995

We have a fabulous range of jewellery in stock, or can design, create and repair jewellery in our own workshop. We also specialise in vintage and pre-cherised watches.

CALL 01273 239763 FOR DETAILS 29 Station Road, Portslade BN41 1GB jamesrossjewellers.co.uk

i te Med Absolu

NEXT HOT MODEL Winners of The Next Hot Model UK 2014 were swept away to the Seychelles Islands where they took part in a once-ina-lifetime experience. Having secured exclusive contracts with model agency PRM London, Robert Loydell and Daisy Boote took part in a full schedule of shoots all over the four islands during their seven day stay.

After beating off competition from over two thousand aspiring models from more than eight cities, the pair were able to relax and unwind in the comforts of the exclusive villas. Dining on world-class cuisine and swimming in the beautifully clear ocean, the couple experienced the luxury afforded to professional models.

With the competition designed to discover, nurture and mentor modelling talent, the future is sure to be bright for these aspiring models.

A Chat With Fatosh Gunaydin, Founder of Next Hot Model How did Next Hot Model get started?

Whilst working on model shoots it came to my attention that the want-to-be models were finding it very hard to get into the industry, especially in the south of England. wHat is tHe purpose of tHe coMpetitioN? To take boys and girls off the street that were unaware of the potential they had to make top models for the high fashion industry. wHat Have tHe previous coNtestaNts goNe oN to do? I didn’t realise myself how far they would go in such a short space of time. Matt Doran was a part of the Burberry London fashion week, while Becky Meehan was involved in London fashion week. 20 models got signed to PRM model management and I’m still regularly updated with their progress but there are too many successes to list every one. wHat is tHe future visioN for NHM? To go national. wHat’s tHe Most rewardiNg part of ruNNiNg NHM? It has to be seeing young people’s dreams come true. Changing their lives is a rewarding feeling I can’t explain and I love building their confidence and watching them grow. wHat would you say Has beeN your best busiNess Move? Joining up with John Bruce and Paulo Ribero from PRM model management has been a massive move but also I think going to high fashion. wHat advice would you give to aNy aspiriNg Models? My advice is to believe in themselves, have patience, keep in good health and living and not to see rejection as a negative but only to learn and build from it.

Fatosh Gunaydin Founder, Next Hot Model Owner and Creative Designer, mojo portfolios Proprietor, The Cut Company Tel: 07809 403375

- Next Hot Model -

Location: Seychelles • The hilton Seychelles Labriz Resort & Spa, The Indian Ocean lodge and Berjaya on Beau Vallon Photo Shoot Models: Daisy Boote and Robert Loydell Photography: Darren Black Styling: Fatosh Kalan Hair & Make Up: Fatosh Kalan Clothing: Mottoo Clothing Brighton, RTH London, Cafe Bleu Clothing and Designer Atosa Nikkhah

www.nexthotmodel.co.uk facebook and twitter /nexthotmodeluk 30│

November/December 2014

- Next Hot ModeL -

Available at

10 East Street, The Lanes, Brighton, BN1 1HP 01273 227775 - www.astonbourne.co.uk

Midnight Glitter Christmas is a time for dressing up and it’s not just children who get to indulge in such delight. The excitement of a new dress, the thrill of glittery things, the pleasure of gifts.‌

Photographer: Erika Szostak www.erikaszostak.com Photography assistant: Dade Freeman, www.dadefreeman.com Fashion stylist: Igor Srzic Cartledge, www.dandylionstyle.co.uk Models: Anthonette Angmark from Fresh Agents Ltd, www.freshagents.co.uk Models: Lindsay Katherine Hills, Mrs UK World CLotHIng Curve Couture: www.curvecouture.co.uk get Waisted: www.getwaisted.co.uk Walk in Wardrobe: www.walk-in-wardrobe.co.uk Hair styling: Jean Yves Aubin, Ioanna Kruizenga Assistants: Lili Harrington-Lowe and Morgan Clark Shot on location at the grand Hotel, Brighton

Gold tulle and sequin mermaid gown, buy £350 or hire £120 Walk in Wardrobe Gold crystal knuckle clutch bag, buy £59 or hire £18 Walk in Wardrobe

Bespoke Emerald Green Satin Couture Dress £425 Get Waisted Necklace £35, earrings £22 Get Waisted Red rose hair fascinator by Emma Fielden Milliner, buy £75 or hire £29 Walk in Wardrobe Black satin fingerless evening gloves buy only £20 Walk in Wardrobe

Long red sequin mermaid corset dress, buy ÂŁ495 or hire ÂŁ130 Walk in Wardrobe

Left: Black sequinned off the shoulder dress £155 Get Waisted, bespoke red circle skirt £250 Curve Couture Right: Bespoke red jewelled corset £600, bespoke gold sequin fishtail skirt £150 Curve Couture

Bespoke Union jack silk and leather corset ÂŁ450, bespoke red circle skirt ÂŁ250 Curve Couture

Black velvet dress with French lace insert ÂŁ250 Get Waisted Diamond shoes, buy ÂŁ99.99 Walk in Wardrobe

35 hiGh street steyninG Bn44 3ye teL: 07961 314637 inFo@dandyLionstyLe.co.uk www.dandyLionstyLe.co.uk

Made to Measure and Bespoke suits, shirts and waistcoats For Ladies and Gents Photo: Neil Philip Whitehead

Visit our studio For a Free consuLtation or our taiLor can coMe to you available in all areas of sussex

BEHIND THE

SCENES Photographer Erika shooting from the highest balcony at the Grand Hotel

Ever wondered how fashion photoshoots come together? We take you behind the scenes at this month’s Midnight Glitter shoot…

Y

ou wouldn’t know it looking at the finished photos from the shoot, but our beautiful sparkly Christmassy story was shot on a clear, sunny day; an early autumn stunner when the weather was still extraordinarily warm. Normally we’d have been thrilled with the light, but not when trying to create Christmas when people were actually still mooching about on the beach?!

Something of a challenge for photographer Erika Szostak and her lighting and photography assistant Dade Freeman, working out the best way to use the lighting in the spaces we had at the beautiful Grand Hotel in Brighton. We ended up closing curtains and drapes, even in the bar whilst people were eating the Grand’s famous afternoon tea, but the guests were great sports, all interested in the shoot, asking who it was for and what was going on. Dade even managed to construct something resembling a litup Christmas tree using a standard lamp and a lot of fairy lights.

Stylist Igor Srzic Cartledge had been along to the venue the night before to drop off the clothing and accessories for the day, and they were all laid out on the bed, sparkling and glittering.

As the models arrived and lovely makeup artist Charlene Howells started work transforming their faces, there was much consultation about the looks that would be created; matching items and accessories, choosing hairstyles to suit the looks.

Although the shots have been used in a different order, the first part of the day was spent working with Lindsay Hills to create the first lot of looks, and Fresh Agents model Anthonette Angmark arrived at lunchtime for the second part of the day. Shooting the two models together was fun – there was a lot of laughter on the set.

We had a last minute panic when the hair stylist booked was struck down ill, and it looked like the models might have to put hats on or something, but Jean Yves Aubin from Uber Hairdressing was able to step in first thing and work his magic, until the lovely Yo from Cove took over halfway through the day.

Amazing how many times the models’ hair was restyled – really interesting to see each new look emerge from top to toe each time.

Working through our collective props – bags of Christmas decorations, strings of fairy lights and baubles, as well as lots of boxes for creating Christmas presents – was hilarious in October.

Erika had actually created a Christmas music playlist on her laptop to play during the day. All in all it was a touch surreal, but great fun, and we were thrilled with the results.

A collection of fashion items featured in the shoot

Mrs UK World Lindsay Hills jokes with fashion stylist Igor Srzic

- Fashion|Feature -

NovEMbEr/DEcEMbEr 2014 │41

Model Anthonette getting the Christmas touch Choosing looks

Erika the photographer preparing for the day

Our amazing team

Is she really having her nails painted on a copy of Absolute?!

Photographer: Erika Szostak, www.erikaszostak.com Photography assistant: Dade Freeman, www.dadefreeman.com Fashion stylist: Igor Srzic Cartledge, www.dandylionstyle.co.uk Makeup Artist: Charlene Howells, www.charlenehowells.com Hair styling: Jean Yves Aubin, Uber Hairdressing Hove, 01273 747024 Hair styling: Ioanna Kruizenga, Cove Hairdressing Brighton, www.covehairbrighton.co.uk Models: Anthonette Angmark from Fresh Agents Ltd, www.freshagents.co.uk Models: Lindsay Katherine Hills, Mrs UK World Assistants: Lili Harrington-Lowe and Morgan Clark, Shoreham Academy

Curve Couture corsets

The A Team L-R Mrs UK World Lindsay Hills, hair stylist Yo from Cove, Anthonette from Fresh Agents, fashion stylist Igor Srzic Cartledge and MUA Charlene Howells 42│ November/December 2014

Photography equipment arrives

- FAsHion|Feature -

F ree First Cla ss

Studio classes six days a week – private therapeutic appointments – regular workshops and events.

Offering uniquely thorough guidance into a safe and flowing yoga practice. Give yourself the time to listen to your breath, listen to your body and feel so much more alive. Come and join our yoga community of dedicated practitioners and yoga explorers.

Classes are held in the beautifully renovated studio space at the King Alfred Centre.

Our modern studio offers a bright and spacious practice place to welcome all levels, from beginner to advanced.

www.fionacondie.com

01273 474419

Purdy’s of Brighton Thai Massage / Beauty / Well-being

EXCITING NEW RANGE Range starts at

A visit to Chutima Therapy promises to be a rejuvenating experience.

£400

An ideal place to unwind, shape up and discover a renewed sense of well-being.

or call 01273 682129 Follow us on Facebook / chutimatherapy

9 Meeting House Lane, Brighton, BN1 1HB sp en 20% Va din of lid g £ f w till 30 he 15 o n /0 r m 1/ 15 ore

106 Trafalgar Street, Brighton BN1 4ER Book online www.chutimatherapy.co.uk e-mail : chutima@chutimatherapy.co.uk

01273 748299

purdysofbrighton@icloud.com •www.purdysofbrighton.com @OfBrighton www.facebook.com/pages/Purdys-of-Brighton

Your Smile Says It All ...

General and Cosmetic Dentistry Teeth Whitening Sedation For Nervous Patients Children’s Dental Care Dental Implants Orthodontics

New Patients Welcome Dr P.W. Grobbelaar 39a Salisbury Road

Hove East Sussex BN33AA T: 01273 711507 E: hove@concordiadental.co.uk W: www.concordiadental.co.uk

Freeze that fat Forget the cabbage soup diet; it’s done, it’s dusted, it’s compost! Want to lose inches? Freeze that fat in time for Christmas? Whether it’s your spare tyre, your love handles or man boobs, we all have stubborn parts that we struggle to shift. An exercise-free solution, you say?! Read on…

Celebrities have been visiting Harley Street and paying up to £1000 for this treatment in order to sculpt their bodies. And now Cryosthetics are bringing this revolutionary non-surgical fat freezing treatment, known as cryolipolysis, to the Dental Health Spa in Brighton next year. You won’t have to pay Harley Street prices to get into your LBD or dinner jacket for Christmas though, The Spa is inviting clients to trial these treatments by them at the discounted price of £150 for a 90 minute treatment on their revolutionary Cryo Contura+ machine, until the official launch. This clever machine combines a laser lipo pre-treatment to soften stubborn hardened fat prior to the freezing process, which increases its effectiveness. Laser lipo is currently offered in many clinics as a stand-alone treatment, with varied results due to the need for follow up exercise to burn the fat that is released into the lymphatic drainage system.

The beauty of cryolipolysis is that your fat cells are killed off without the need for exercise. For more information or to book a free consultation call 01273 710831 or email admin@dermalhealthspa.co.uk

For bros and their mos

The eleventh month means one thing – Movember.

Which can often lead into Decembeard, apparently.

Whatever. Here at Absolute we applaud the growth of hair for charity, although the rise in hipster face hair might be blamed on the Mo trend, but what they hey. It’s all in a good cause. Care for your face fuzz; sartorial elegance can be found in a bottle, in the shape of The Refinery at Aromatherapy Associates Shave Oil. This rejuvenating oil easily penetrates through the moustache and into the skin, helping to reduce sensitivity, working to rebalance the skin’s natural oils and replenishing and fortifying dry, damaged skin.

BeautyNotes Crème de la Crème

Always keen to find new beauty treasures, we’re completely in love with new night cream Cult 51. Launching earlier this year to a bit of a media frenzy, there is something a little mystical about this cream and the way it works. You’ve read those quote on products that say stuff like ‘more youthful appearance’, ‘disappearance of fine lines’ or ‘skin looks more radiant’ and probably sniffed disbelievingly. We have anyway. But this cream actually does all that. Skin really Cult 51 Night Cream 50ml, £125 is smoother, pores diminished, appearance www.cult51.com more plumped. It’s magic.

We’ve no idea what’s in this, or whether somehow there’s a deal with the devil in play, but we’re not questioning it. Cult 51 is not the most expensive product on the market, but it’s not cheap at £125 a jar. What’s the price of beauty though, hey?

Face the Winter We love a good facial and Sothy’s do some excellent seasonal treatments. Top of our list as the days get colder is the delicious Orange & Quince facial. Lasting a luxurious 45 minutes, it’s got lots of luscious active ingredients to oxygenate, hydrate, smooth, brighten and protect the skin from the elements, and it’s perfect for all skin types. Treat yourself.

The refinery by aromatherapy associates Shave Oil 30ml, £27 www.the-refinery.com www.uk.movember.com

Sothy’s Orange & Quince Facial £45 Vanessa at Once Bitten, middleton-on-Sea (nr littlehampton) - BEAUTY|NOTES -

NOVemBer/deCemBer 2014

│45

3 day free LA fitness

gym membership LA fitness Brighton The best facilities, best pool, the latest equipment and all for free.

So try us out today! lafitness.co.uk/3daypass • • • • • •

Premium swimming pool Extensive range of free classes Latest Technogym™ equipment In-club & online personalised advice Highly qualified Personal Trainers Relaxing sauna & steam room

LA fitness Brighton Tower Point, North Road, Brighton, BN1 1YR Tel: 0843 170 1035 Visit lafitness.co.uk/brighton

Terms and conditions apply. Subject to availability. Only one 3 day pass per person. 3 days must be taken consecutively. Over 18’s only. Offer excludes any paid for activities eg sunbed.

Offer only available to new customers of LA fitness. Classes must be booked in advance. Offer ends 31st December 2014. For more terms and conditions please visit lafitness.co.uk/terms

*

bobbi bRown waRM eye Palette £37.50 From John Lewis

baReMineRals Main attRaCtion Gift set £49 a glamorous collection with sultry, smoky eyes, shimmering lips and a warm sophisticated glow for cheeks. From Boots, bareMinerals stores

chanEl no5 la crèME corps £60 special release for no 5 fans this christmas From Harrods, John Lewis

Revlon PRofessional style MasteRs CuRly look – CuRly shaMPoo 400Ml and CuRly oRbital 150Ml £19.95 From Revlon outlets

ClaRinsMen ColleCtion GRooMinG essentials £38 Men love grooming too. clarinsMen super Moisture Balm 50ml, Exfoliating cleanser 125ml, smooth shave 50ml and anti-fatigue Eye serum 10mlz From Boots, Clarins counters

craBtrEE & EvElyn Musical Big top tWElvE hand thErapy Musical tin 12x25g £48 From Crabtree & Evelyn

Beautiful gifts Treat your loved one to a bit of special pampering with these gorgeous gifts

origins gingEr plEasurEs gift sEt £45 ginger souffle Whipped body cream 200ml, ginger float bubble bath 150ml, ginger Essence sensuous skin scent 15ml, Warm-up votive candle and body puff. From Origins

carvEn Ma griffE Edp & Body lotion sEt £58 it doesn’t come much more traditional than this. Ma griffe is a classic chypre fragrance that was first launched in 1946. pure class. From Debenhams

thalgo sourcE MarinE coffrEt £45 ideal for all skin types suffering from dehydration. contains hydra Marine 24hr cream (50ml), hydra Marine 24hr serum (30ml) and absolute hydra-Marine concentrate (3 x 1.2ml) for intensive moisturising. From www.thalgo.co.uk darphin idEal rEsourcE gift sEt £52 ideal resource - an anti-ageing line that offers triple action on wrinkles, radiance and skin texture. ideal resource cream 50ml, serum 5ml and night cream 15ml. From www.darphin.co.uk

Jo MalonE liMitEd Edition poMEgranatE noir colognE 100Ml £86 From Jo Malone, Brighton

EllE MacphErson 3 in 1 action foot spa £49.99 From Argos

A new, state-of-the-art clinic offering affordable, expert procedures in two luxury treatment rooms with free easy parking.

Doctors & Nurse Prescribers are present for consultation, prescribing & treatments which complies with current regulations.

Allison Jeffery

– The Queen of Lips

by Frida Clementz

A Exclusive - Designer Lip Shaping Allison Jeffery is one of only a select handful of practitioners in the UK that are trained and qualified to perform the Designer Lip procedure.

©Copyright Allison Jeffery

Before Designer Lip Shaping

t a cocktail-filled Saturday lunch with friends the subject of designer lips came up. One friend told us that a colleague of hers had done a treatment called Designer Lips which resulted in fuller, beautifully shaped and natural looking lips.

She added, “We have designer handbags, why not get designer lips?” I decided to try it myself as I’ve always wanted fuller lips but in the past I’ve been scared that they were going to look fake.

I did some research and found out that the clinic to perform the procedure in Sussex was Allison Jeffery Skin Health Clinic in Westdene. I was assured that Allison is an artist when it comes to lips and that I would be in good hands. So I called the clinic and booked an appointment.

I arrived a week later and was impressed by the clean and modern look of the practice. Allison and her team greeted me with a smile when I came in and I was shown to a treatment room.

I was talked through the procedure before Allison worked her magic on my lips. All in all it took about an hour and I felt very comfortable and taken care of throughout.

Following the procedure my lips began to bruise slightly but after using Arnica cream and tablets the swelling disappeared rapidly and I’m left with a beautiful pout I’m proud to show off.

Overall, I’m extremely pleased with the result and as my friend’s colleague said, Allison Jeffery is an artist, although I prefer to call her The Queen Of Lips.

©Copyright Allison Jeffery

After Designer Lip Shaping

www.allisonjeffery.com Call 01273 262600 or text 07989 355925 out of clinic hours 6 Loyal Parade, Mill Rise, Westdene, Brighton, BN1 5GG

The Allison Jeffery Skin Health Clinic 6 Loyal Parade, Mill Rise Westdene, Brighton BN1 5GG 01273 262600

Sarah

HITCHMAN CHRISTMAS CALORIE COUNT

Before you’ve stuffed the turkey and stockings alike make sure your body is ready for the festive food this Christmas

W

ith the Christmas countdown commencing I thought it fitting to base this article on preparing for the festive season. It’s easy to get caught up in the shopping, wrapping and partying in December so use November to concentrate on you and looking your best when it really counts.

Start with considering the most important subject of exercise; if you can get this right everything else should fall into place.

Exercise in its many methods not only burns calories and re-shapes your body but it also gives you energy and drive to cope with the demand of the festivities.

I always advise partaking in cardiovascular and resistance training three times per week.

CardiovasCular session: Should consist of thirty minutes of moderate exercise like swimming, walking, jogging or cycling. It should leave you exerted but not exhausted as, in order to burn fat, the body must be working aerobically. Research indicates that anymore than thirty minutes could be pointless in terms of minimising fat as after this period the body releases cortisol, which inhibits the process. resistanCe training: I suggest splitting training into body parts and complete two sets of six exercises, for example: i. Alternate leg lunges x 60 each leg - add free weight not bar as your abdominal’s will work harder to support you ii. Squats x 60 - bottom low, chest and head up iii. Bench steps x 30 alternate leg - add a free weight

Sticking to the same muscle group for two sets should achieve exhaustion and therefore quick, noticeable effects. The more lean tissue the body has the more fat it will burn at rest so it’s in your interest to concentrate on resistance training as much as fat burning.

“Exercise in its many methods not only burns calories and re-shapes your body but it also gives you energy and drive to cope with the demand of the festivities.”

Now, November is a good time if ever there was one to start calorie counting. Try to avoid any unnecessary sugar, trans and saturated fats; this will give you some room to play with, literally, when the festivities kick off and the above are in abundance.

It is the perfect opportunity to drop a couple of pounds in preparation right now as four weeks of good behaviour should reward you with four to five pounds of loss, hopefully from your fat stores if you follow my advice.

Yo-yo dieting is something trainers really frown upon, as the weight never stays off once normal service is resumed and especially not paired with overindulgence.

Once December is upon us my best advice is to plan. If you are out in the evening eating and drinking, limit your daily intake of calories to allow for the mishaps; eat protein salad and veg only as alcohol and rich food contains a lot of carbs fat and sugar.

As always try to drink two litres of fluid daily, which will not only keep you hydrated but aid the release of toxins via waist. Up this if you have been consuming alcohol as it causes electrolyte imbalance resulting in dehydration; this accounts for the majority of the hangover itself. Remember I am a fan of mint or lemon tea to cleanse the system every morning and try this shake to help pull it back in times of need: - 1 large Banana - 1/2 glass of milk or coconut water - 2 tps of honey.

Packed full of electrolytes lost to alcohol consumption and potassium needed to maintain your body’s fluid balance, this little pick me up should have you back in the room before you know it.

I deal with all sorts of nutritional, fitness and injury issues in my role so please feel free to contact me for any advice.

Sarah Hitchman is a health and fitness expert and personal trainer. Reach her on 07702 224451 or email s.hitchman@googlemail.com

50│ NovEmbEr/DEcEmbEr 2014

- HealtH|Fitness -

photo • Olivia Grabowski-West

Burlesque • Cabaret • Showgirl Available for Corporate • Club • Private Event

website: cherryshakewell.com • email: cherryshakewell@yahoo.co.uk

YULETIDE: CHRISTMAS GIFT COLLECTION 5th-24th December

ART5 Gallery 5 Bartholomews Brighton BN1 1HG 01273 774 222 info@art5gallery.com art5gallery.com

INDIA AND HOVE ARE ON THE MAP Azaro and Hove are on the map! And on a national scale too. Following mass voting on Twitter and Facebook, Azaro in Hove has been voted as one of the best curry houses in the UK on The Hub Nation’s Favourite Curry Houses.

We are delighted that one of our favourite restaurants in Brighton & Hove is up there, in good company alongside some of the UK’s most famous quality Indian restaurants, including those holding Michelin Awards.

Azaro is a high quality gluten free Indian restaurant. Keeping the menu simple and classy, Azaro doesn’t offer the mind-blowingly vast selection of curries that you often get in your local takeaway, but instead provide a smaller selection of superior dishes. Their ‘feel good food’ includes Indian platters, and there’s an overall feeling of genuine love and ‘Indian-ness’ about the place. www.azaro.co.uk

DRINKS WITH A TWIST If Christmas isn’t a great time for inviting friends round and knocking back a few amazing cocktails, we don’t know when is. This season, why not make life easier on yourself by filling your freezer with these? KOLD readymade frozen cocktails in a pouch – it’s better than sliced bread. We may never go out again.

Choose from a range that includes Frozen Lychee Martini, Frozen Cosmopolitan and Frozen Mojito cocktails. Using only premium spirits and all-natural ingredients, KOLD provides you with a bar-quality cocktail in the comfort of your own home, without the mess and expense that normally occurs. www.koldcocktails.com

FOOD NEWS Got food news?

Email editorial@absolutemagazine.co.uk

MEAT THE PORTER What could be better than the doorbell ringing and a delivery person handing you a beautifully wrapped, cool box of the most beautiful chilled meat cuts, fresh and pink?

Not many things, that’s what. This month we discovered Meat Porter – a new online artisan delivery service that brings you amazing gourmet-quality meat to your own front door.

They go out of their way to source traditional, artisan cuts from producers who have won acclaim supplying top London restaurant kitchens and chefs, including some with Michelin stars. You can choose from ready selected boxes, make up your own, or go for the surprise selection, which is what we tried. In case you were interested, we got venison steaks, partridges, duck breasts and sausages and it was all awesome. www.meatporter.com

COOKING UP A STORM The Sussex Young Chef of the Year Cook Off took place at the end of October at the Amex Stadium in Brighton. Seven young chefs went head to head but only three could go through to become Grand Finalists and be invited to the Sussex Food and Drink Awards Banquet in January 2015 where the overall winner will be announced.

The chefs were asked to create a menu to be served at a special dinner for conference & business media as well as event bookers launching the Amex Stadium’s new seasonal, local menu and showcasing the superb catering on offer at the stadium supporting local farmers and growers.

The budget for the ingredients for all three courses was £15 per person and the chefs had just 90 minutes to produce two plates of each course to present to the judges.

Left to right: Dan Cotton from The Crabtree; Tim Sheed from the South Lodge Hotel; and Ryan Tomkinson from the East Sussex National Hotel. www.sussexfoodawards.biz

- Food|News -

NOvEmbEr/DEcEmbEr 2014

│53

ISSUE 115. Oc tober 2014

Call us for Ch ristmas book ings at 01273 77 3388

BUSINE

01273 773388 www.no32dukestreet.com 32 Duke Street, Brighton, BN1 1AG

SS

Great British Bake Off

Christmas We’re all still baking crazy, right? so turn your attention to the Christmas kitchen and stick the oven on –we’ve been going through previous GBBO winner edd’s book and it’s fab. edd was the first ever winner of the Bake Off four years ago, his triumph leading him to quit his job and take up a position in raymond Blanc’s pastry kitchen in Oxfordshire. since then, edd has published two cookbooks and as well as teaching macaroon making classes in London, he’s a resident baker on the alan titchmarsh show and runs a popup bakery in fortnum & Mason. We asked for a special ‘edd’ recipe for the Christmas kitchen…

Edd’s spicEd chocolatE bundt cakE everyone’s busy at Christmas – but nobody wants to be stressed. One of the best ways to enjoy it calmly is to prepare ahead, and having this beautiful spiced chocolate cake waiting in your freezer is the perfect solution. everyone will want a slice, or two!

Makes 1 large cake YOU WILL NEED: A 25CM DIAMETER, 2 LITRE BUNDT TIN 200g unsalted butter, diced, plus extra for greasing 30g cocoa powder 100ml hot water 200g dark chocolate (60–70% cocoa solids), roughly chopped 300g light muscovado sugar 4 large eggs 175g self-raising flour 1 teaspoon baking powder 3 teaspoons ground ginger 2 teaspoons ground mixed spice 1 & 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon 40g chopped glacé or crystallised ginger For the glaze 300ml double cream 160g dark chocolate (60–70% cocoa solids), finely chopped

Method 1. heat the oven to 180°C/350°f/gas 4 and grease the bundt tin well, making sure to get into all of the crevices, or the cake may stick to the tin.

2. Put the cocoa into a small bowl and pour over the hot water, whisking together until smooth. Put the butter and chocolate in a heatproof bowl set over a pan of simmering water, and melt, stirring occasionally. remove from the heat and allow to cool slightly.

3. Put the sugar and eggs in a large bowl and, using an electric mixer, whisk until thick and pale. With the mixer still running, pour in the chocolate and mix until smooth and fully combined.

4. Whisk together the flour, baking powder and spices in a separate bowl. sift the dry ingredients over the chocolate mixture and fold together until no lumps remain. add the ginger and the cocoa mixture and mix to combine. Pour into the prepared tin, then place on a baking sheet, transfer to the heated oven and bake for 40–45 minutes or until a skewer inserted into the thickest part of the cake comes out clean. Leave to cool in the tin for about 10 minutes before carefully inverting onto a wire rack set over a parchment-lined baking tray to cool completely.

5. to make the glaze, put the cream and chocolate into a medium saucepan and place over a low-medium heat, stirring regularly until the chocolate has melted and you have a smooth mixture. set aside to cool for a few minutes.

6. Pour the glaze over the cooled cake, trying to cover the entire surface. allow the glaze to set before carefully transferring to a plate to serve. thINKING AheAd You can freeze the cake at the end of step 4, before glazing it, on a baking sheet until solid, then wrap well in baking paper and cling film or foil and freeze for up to 3 months. Defrost fully before glazing.

Great British Bake Off: Christmas by Lizzie Kamenetzky (BBC Books, hardback £20) Photographer: Laura Edwards - Food & drink|RECIpE -

NOvEmBEr/DECEmBEr 2014

│55

Peter

James CHARM CENTRAL

Peter James gets extravagant as he dines in style at Le Manoir aux Quat’Saisons

F

ifteen hundred quid can buy you a lot of things. You could have a fortnight’s beach holiday on a Greek island. You could buy a fully-loaded brand new Indian car, a Tata, or, if you didn’t go too bonkers on the wine list, you could have one night’s dinner, bed and breakfast at the twoMichelin-starred Manoir Aux Quat’Saisons.

I’ve driven a Tata. It’ll get you from A to B but it won’t ever put a grin on your face, unless you’re unfortunate enough to crash one of these rather flimsy things, in which case you could end up in a box with a rictus smile. Many of the Greek islands are great, I love them, love the people. You’ll come back chilled, but the accommodation can be spartan, the food lacking in variety and the wines, too. Le Manoir Aux Quat’Saisons will make you – if for one night only – feel like a millionaire – maybe even a billionaire.

The last time I went there was 26 years ago.

I remember it being eye-wateringly expensive then, but at the same time, it was well worth the money – whereas I’ve felt ripped off in other great hotels a quarter of the price. Just off the M40, in rural Oxfordshire, Le Manoir is within easy striking distance of Brighton.

The house itself is stunningly beautiful, the main and outbuildings all in gorgeous, golden-hued, Cotswold stone.

Last time I was there the great man himself, Raymond Blanc, was present throughout, even dining in the main room with his wife and in-laws. Now his empire has grown and he wasn’t around on the night we went, but you can feel his overseeing presence. The sublime hospitality is part of the culture of the Relais Chateaux hotel association, as is the number of staff outnumbering the guests, which remains unchanged. This place is Charm Central.

- Food & drink|review -

Smart, smiling, courteous liveried porters step out of the walls as you drive in, waiters materialise out of the hedgerows as you sit in the heated cigar gazebo – a thoughtful detail, because so many places these days are happy to sell you a thirty-pound Havana and expect you to smoke it outside in the freezing cold and pelting rain. The abundance of staff continues along the corridors to the point where you almost expect to find a bowing valet in your bathroom, waiting to turn on your taps.

The bedrooms are as sumptuous as it gets and with delightful touches, such as a decanter of madeira for you to help yourself from, and dangerously good nibbles. But despite its glorious setting, it is the dining experience that is the beating heart – and true point – of Le Manoir Aux Quat’Saisons.

I stay regularly at the same hotel in Provence where Raymond Blanc goes on holiday, and

November/December 2014

│57

the chef there told me he goes into panic mode whenever he arrives – and to dine at Le Manoir is to understand why. With grand restaurants there’s perfection, there’s over-fussiness, and there’s ridiculous – those establishments I cannot stand, where a flunky interrupts your conversation every three minutes to ask if everything is all right.

They don’t need to ask at Le Manoir, they know. They have it right.

You almost need an extra day to wade through the wine list of over a thousand offerings which include, as you’d expect, much of the good and great from around the world. But there are plenty to choose from in the (relatively!) reasonable £45 - £70 range, and there is a sensible, knowledgeable sommelier who doesn’t try to lever you up in price. I opted instead for a 2002 Gevrey Chambertin, which was on song, and as good as red burgundy gets.

Taking my restaurant critic duties seriously, we had no option but to opt for the signature, seven-course tasting menu, at £154 per head, with cheese an optional £28 extra. I was duty bound, I felt, to report back to you on all the venerable cheeseboard had to offer, but by the time we got to the end of the seven courses, despite being a trencherman, who once beat Spain’s amateur pelota champion to an eating contest in Madrid, I was, as they say in France, complet! Fini. Gloriously

replete. Although I did manage to find room for a digestif, a 1974 bas Armagnac, at £18 a relative bargain.

Normally I avoid tasting menus, as I hate getting one tiny mouthful-sized morsel at a time, having to endure endless elaborate recitals of its constituent parts from a waiter who dreams of being an actor, followed by an interminably delay until the next dish arrives – gobbling down far too much bread in the meantime to soak up the wine. But this was a wholly different experience. Each course was a decent size, and the timing between them perfectly judged to the point of slick.

We had already begun with a stunning selection of canapés with our pre-dinner drinks, which included a lobster ball and a lightly curried fish cake, then our grand menu began with a salad of Devonshire crab, grapefruit and celery – the most perfect accompaniments to the finest, tenderest and most delicately seasoned white crab meat I’ve ever eaten. It was followed by a thick cut of Loch Duart salmon with “orchard apples”. In my view there is no comparison between fresh and farmed salmon and this was superlative.

Next up came a beautifully presented agnolotti of goat’s cheese, honey artichokes and olives – a rich confection and a perfect contrast to the previous two dishes. It was followed by a surprise dish that for both of

us was the star of them all, beetroot with a horseradish sorbet. In the words of the late Michael Winner, historic!

Confit of cod, octopus with heirloom tomatoes and coco beans followed. I liked it but it was my least favourite, and it was disappointing to see many of its constituent parts reappear at the following course for my partner, instead of beef, as she does not eat meat. I had the roasted fillet of Aberdeen Angus, in a red wine essence, with watercress and girolle mushrooms, to which I gave another superlative. Perfectly hung and aged, cooked and presented - and a good sized portion.

Two dessert courses followed, one chocolate based, the other, the highlight for both of us, was a peach and apricot ravioli, with lemon verbena.

Breakfast in the morning was everything you’d expect. I ordered kippers, always a test of a kitchen. Are you going to get a couple of boil-in the bag fillets, or the real thing? I got the real thing, cooked to perfection, but still suffered food envy as I saw my partner’s scrambled eggs.

To take the sting off the bill, you are presented with a very attractive canvas bag containing two bottles of mineral water and a packet of little madeleine cakes. They never survived the journey home…

You can do this place for far less money, with their set lunches a genuine bargain. But hey, Christmas is coming. This is the time for extravagance! Go treat yourselves!

@peterjamesuk InternatIonal best-sellIng author, Peter James, Is our IndePendent restaurant revIewer. the revIews are 100% ImPartIal and free from advertIsIng. In fact, he doesn’t even tell us whIch restaurants he Is goIng to revIew!

belmond le manoir aux Quat’saisons church road great milton oxford oX44 7Pd telephone: 01844 278 881 website: belmond.com/le-manoir-auxquat-saisons-oxfordshire/

58│

november/december 2014

- food & frink|Review -

Book your Christmas party at Donatello Menus from £8.95 including crackers and streamers Please call our office on 01273 771190 mon – fri 9am – 5pm to make a booking/enquiry or look at our website www.donatello.co.uk

Howzat?

The Greene Room at The Cricketers is one of Brighton’s hidden gems, as Sam Harrington-Lowe discovers…

Tell us about it…

The Greene Room is a private space above The Cricketers in the centre of Brighton. On arriving you feel a bit like you’re entering a secret hideaway, tiptoeing up the stairs at the back of the bar. It’s one of those places that always makes me remember why I love Brighton so much.

At the top of the stairs you enter a lovely little private bar area, where they made me a properly spicy Bloody Mary, and as I was early I was able to plot up by the window in the restaurant bit and watch the world go by.

There’s also free WiFi, so I did actually get my laptop out with the intention of doing something constructive. But in all honesty I was much too nosey to work, idly sucking down my excellent drink and watching the good people of Brighton go about their business. It’s a lovely oasis in a busy hub.

What did you eat?

This is a place that does what you’d almost call ‘good old fashioned pub food’, except it’s a bit too well-developed for that. Definitely not in the poncy ‘gastro’ zone though, the meals are hearty and there’s nothing scary on the menu, but there are lovely little twists to everything.

We kicked off with just an appetiser, Salt & Pepper Squid with garlic mayo (£3) which was great – fresh and biteable, no chewy rubber rings here. Crumb on the rings was handmade too, which we liked. And it was a drizzly sort of day, so winter warmers all round for main course – Braised Lamb Shank with roast garlic mash and red cabbage (£14.95) and Beef Casserole with buttered creamy mash (£12) soon saw off any kind of wintry sadness, and as the heavenly warmth of the most meltingly tender comfort food hit us, we sighed with relief and slid a little further down in our seats.

“As the heavenly warmth of the most meltingly tender comfort food hit us, we sighed with relief and slid a little further down in our seats.”

Did you do dessert?

What a question. Of course we did – despite eyeing up the comfy sofas in the bar for a post-lunch snooze we bravely went on and ordered the rather amazing Clementine & Ginger Cheesecake with zesty lemon ice cream, and a Treacle Sponge Pudding with maple & walnut ice cream – both a very reasonable £6. This is where those extra touches really count – both ice creams really made the desserts stand out. Treacle and nuts, what’s not to like? And the zesty citrusy mix with the cheesecake... lovely.

Sum it up The Greene Room is a lovely place to eat in, the food is great and it’s excellent value for money. It’s mostly a private function space, although it’s also open during the weekend, but it’s at private functions that the venue excels. It’s perfect for parties or smallish groups – the capacity upstairs is 65 – and it would be ideal for a Christmas event. Open for normal dining Fri-Sun. - Food & dRink|review -

The Greene Room at The Cricketers 15 Black Lion St, Brighton 01273 329472 www.cricketersbrighton.co.uk/the-greene-room

NovemBeR/DeCemBeR 2014

│61

Julie

Burchill Barfly on the wall Photos: Sanchia Gladwin

This month Julie was enticed into The Chilli Pickle for an actual dinner review

W

hen I was a redneck kiddy growing up in the provincial 1970s, restaurants were Here Be Dragonnes country. Sure, one might nip into a Wimpy after a heavy morning’s shoplifting just to refresh oneself between bouts of stealing tank tops by the ton, but generally I saw eating in places other than home as things Other People did, like A Levels or Abroad. When my family went to Butlins for the first time, and I witnessed the two calls for dinner in the huge canteen (except we called it ‘tea’ back then) I surveyed the wondrous spectacle of dozens of strangers EATING TOGETHER after being SERVED BY STRANGERS with all the wide-eyed wonder of an urchin surveying a Versailles banquet in full swing.

Emboldened by such an example, my mum discovered the Berni Inn Experience, and several times a year we would doll ourselves up in our best BHS finery to fancy ourselves under the mock-Tudor beams of the local branch. Then I became a teenager, legged it to London, made it biggish and before long I was poncing around Langham’s, Quaglino’s and the Ivy as though born with a silver spoon up my nose.

But I’ve never really got used to swanky restaurants, even after three decades of frequenting them. It’s not that I feel unworthy it’s just that my inbred socialism and advanced sense of humour finds something inherently comic about human beings waiting on other human beings. This is probably what makes me such a very good tipper - around the 40 per cent mark. People who work in restaurants just tend to be so much more attractive and civilized than people who eat in restaurants (and I’m including myself here) so lavishing them with cash seems to rebalance an unjust situation somewhat.

62│

November/December 2014

“It’s snug but not smug, welcoming without being smothering, buzzing but not bellowing; with lighting that could make you fall in love with your other half all over again.”

- Review -

►The Chilli Pickle 17 Jubilee St, Brighton BN1 1GE 01273 900383 www.thechillipickle.com

I am now a convivialist who likes nothing better than eating and drinking to excess with my husband or my friends in public places. A male pal of mine once complained: ‘Can’t you ever meet a mate for a cup of coffee without making the whole thing into a twoday drinking spree?’ after I suggested that a quick espresso might be improved by adding alcohol, dinner and eight additional people.

My idea of heaven is a big table in a warm restaurant, the table shimmering with the laughter of friends and the glugging of wine, and me picking up the bill.

But I still have a problem with over-formal restaurants - the Mirabelle in Eastbourne at the Grand, for example, serves exquisite food, but eating there my husband and I became so fascinated by the huge domes that came with each course, appearing to get bigger each time, that we became silently hysterical with amusement and unable to look at each other, let alone speak, lest we burst out laughing. All the youngsters I know love Nando’s and that has to be because you get half the restaurant experience - waiting service, wine list - and half the casualness of a canteen.

So when I saw the fluorescent sign CANTEEN in the window of the Chilli

Pickle, I was well pleased, knowing that they had a Michelin Bib Gourmand and 2 AA Rosettes. Though a big place, it felt very cosy snug but not smug, welcoming without being smothering, buzzing but not bellowing; with lighting that could make you fall in love with your other half all over again. I liked the plain wooden tables and the silvery crockery - a rare combo of utility and beauty. (Beautility?)

The menu practically made my eyes cross with longing; though I love the everyday takeaways which we generally accept as Indian food in Britain, I am always disappointed by their apparent disdain for cheese. Here, my husband had a starter of Cheese Kadak Crispies, little fritter critters made of potato, melted cheese, green chilli and a crushed poppodom crust - like a very high-spirited croquette. I was, unusually, ‘saving myself ’ for the main course, and chose a liquid starter instead; I’d never had Indian wine before, but the bottle of Soul Tree (motto - ‘Character Is Everything’) Sauvignon Blanc was sublime.

And don’t get me started on the cocktail list - or rather, do, and I’ll take two of each.

I thought I’d heard of them all, but who’s for a Chai Chai (Drambuie, Frangelico, chai and cream) or the Chilli Pickle Bloody Mary (the - Review -

usual biz, plus green chilli pickle juice and chaat masala)?

When my food arrived, I nearly spat out my Sauv Blanc in sheer glee. IT WAS A CHEESE KEBAB! To a vegetarian of working-class origin, these words are poetry indeed.

Marinated in cardamom, mace and chilli, it was attended by fragrant handmaidens of tandoori broccoli, spiced vegetable cake and Pasanda gravy. My husband’s Tandoori Chicken Platter (pictured left) was so tasty that a tiny tear appeared to glint in one steely eye when he couldn’t quite finish it.

Imagine our delight when a quartet of shotglass desserts (pictured above) - raspberry and coffee ice creams, mango and coconut sorbets appeared on the table unbidden!

Much though we admired them, we really thought it was past their bedtime and put them away PDQ. Duty done, though frankly I could have stayed there all night - but even on a gloomy Tuesday evening it was filling up and I didn’t want to deny any poor soul a similar pleasure to the one I’d had. But as the nights grow colder, I really can’t imagine any other restaurant in Brighton which will make you feel so warm all over.

November/December 2014

│63

“Being a feisty Scot and therefore a bit brave and a bit mad in equal parts, Graham plunged straight into a steak tartare…”

L’ENTENTE CORDIALE Sam Harrington-Lowe gamely explores the new season’s Hotel du Vin menu

N

ever one to shy away from an edible opportunity, when the team at Hotel du Vin invited me to come and try out their new seasonal menu, I didn’t hesitate for a nanosecond.

And there’s nothing better than having a fat lunch with a good mate, so a wild and windy afternoon found me and actor Julie Graham headed for the arduous task of reviewing a three course menu, with matching wines. It’s a hard life, etc.

Welcoming the change in seasons, Hotel du Vin Brighton have launched this autumn approach to wining and dining with a range of new offerings that pairs the coziness of great British comfort foods with classic French wines and dishes. It’s a very happy marriage, including such wild cards as duck shepherd’s pie or Toulouse sausage and mash.

Many of these heart-warming classic dishes, perfectly paired with a glass of red or white, come in at a very reasonable £14.95 (ex vino), and the sommelier is always on hand to advise on the best wines to go with them.

64│ NoVemBer/DecemBer 2014

We kicked off with a gigantic Sloe Gin spritzer, which is a sloe and champagne bucket of loveliness, before heading into the starters. Being a feisty Scot and therefore a bit brave and a bit mad in equal parts, Graham plunged straight into a steak tartare which was, apparently, utterly stunning. I went for a more sedate whipped goat’s cheese and heirloom beetroots number, which was as beautiful to look at as it was delicious to annihilate.

Duck shepherd’s pie had me from the start, I didn’t even pause for thought, and Julie chose the fish pie, which was just a heavenly mix of mash and seafood. The duck shepherd’s pie (surely it should be duckherd’s pie?) was rich, sumptuous and completely over the top. I loved it.

I’ll tell you about pudding in a sec but I must also tell you about the head sommelier, Zigmar, who appeared, without being at all intrusive or in the way, before each course to suggest a glass of something marvelous.

For those interested – and this is after all a place famous for doing good wine – it - Food & drink|Review -

was a white Rioja from Antea for the goat’s cheese, Verdicchio dei Castelli di Jesi (2013) for the steak tartare, Portuguese Quinta de Lagoalva for the duck pie and Toques & Clocheres Chardonnay 2009 for the fish pie.

We couldn’t fault him on his choices, sterling job all round.

Pudding. Well, having made total pigs of ourselves over the wine and the rest of it, we managed about half of our puds – but felt it our duty to at least try. Ms Graham went for (the most enormous) crème brulee where I valiantly threw myself at treacle tart and clotted cream ice cream. It was all good.

Inability to walk or breathe aside, this was an amazing lunch and I’m already planning a trip back again to explore more of this delicious Anglo-French dalliance. Raise your glasses ladies and gentlemen; vive l’entente cordiale!

Hotel du Vin 2-7 Ship Street, Brighton, Sussex BN1 1AD www.hotelduvin.com/brighton

HO HO HO! Have a Crafty Christmas with your friends, family or work colleagues!

2 Courses ÂŁ17.95 3 Courses ÂŁ21.95 Bespoke Buffets & Drinks only Parties also available Including a menu option of Rotisserie cooked Turkey! see menus at www.craftychooks.co.uk

01273 722846

Second Avenue, Hove

Christmas bookings are now being taken and with spaces running out fast make sure you don’t miss out by booking in advance for this Christmas.

Inspired by modern European cuisine. Breeze serves brasserie styled food plus a good selection of heartier rustic dishes made with local produce throughout the day - breakfast, lunch and dinner - as well as offering a well stocked bar for those lazy evenings enjoying cocktails and good food. A must after a hard day shopping in local boutiques or lazing on the beach.

Breeze is the perfect addition to Brighton’s dining scene.

A bright and chilled restaurant.

Breeze is situated on North Laine’s busy Trafalgar Street. Relaxed and upbeat, Breeze’s atmosphere matches its name with friendly service and an informal vintagestyled look, combining exposed brick with reclaimed clocks, mirrors, café seating and comfy banquettes.

Breeze Brasserie

98 Trafalgar St

2 for 1 Cocktails Sunday - Thursday 4 - 8pm Friday 4pm - 7pm (not available during December)

Brighton & Hove

East Sussex

01273 693377

www.breezebrasserie.co.uk

restoring faith

Paloma Faith has just released a special edition album ahead of her visit to the Brighton Centre in November and Absolute got intimate with the flamboyant singer-songwriter

P

aloma Faith doesn’t abide by the pop star stereotypes. Cloaked in retro attire as she articulates her profound ideas through her East London accent, she appears more comfortable singing with a jazz pianist than in the spotlight of the pop world.

She has spoken before of her shyness as a child and how important acting in school plays was to helping her emerge from the introverted character she once was. Yet, despite the flamboyant style and immense voice, she still finds herself slipping back into old habits.

“The last two weeks I’ve had quite a lot of depression and I didn’t realise why; it took me a while to process it but I feel really vulnerable and I felt like that introverted version of myself was rearing its head,” she admits. “I was becoming a bit agoraphobic and not answering the phone. So I see it’s still there but it’s buried. I have to get dressed up and go out and do this – it becomes me then.”

Faith was brought up by her mother after her parents divorced when she was just two and, while she did know her Spanish father during her childhood, she has not spoken to him for six years. She refuses to go into details but loss and abandonment issue are still certainly prevalent in her music. They are themes that heavily influenced her second

album Fall To Grace, which she admits was recorded during a time of pain.

“I was quite sad and a bit lost,” she explains.

“Sometimes when you write sad songs you write them in a moment when it’s like therapy, but then when you’re singing them 18 months later it’s like picking off a scab.”

However, Faith, whose first two albums both went double platinum selling more than 600,000 copies each in the UK, is now in a much better place and reflects this in her most recent album A Perfect Contradiction.

“Now I’m a bit happier. I made this album while in love and I’m still happy in that relationship. I feel like it really influenced the music. There’s some heartache but it’s got a hopeful vibe to it. And I’ve returned to my soul roots, working with people I’ve admired for a long time,” she reflects.

To celebrate the success of A Perfect Contradiction the former magician’s assistant is now releasing a special deluxe two-disc edition of the album featuring four new tracks along with a live recording of her headline night at the Royal Albert Hall in London.

The special edition release will be available from November 10th under the same title and, she says, its evocative title was formed by a chance meeting.

She says: “I mean ‘perfect contradiction’ in - IntervIew -

“For as long as I can remember I’ve had it drummed into me that presentation is important. My family is full of women who really make an effort.”

NoveMber/DeceMber 2014

│69

terms of the last album, because that was melancholic, but also in everyday life. You can’t have real joy without real sadness. It extends to a conversation I had with Pharrell (Williams). He was asking me about myself and I said I feel an affinity with people who are a perfect mix of contradictions. And he said ‘do you think you are?’ and I said ‘yeah’ and then he told me I should call my album that. I went home and mulled it over; I decided it was a really good title, because it meant a lot of things. It’s to do with accepting difference within ourselves as well as other people and our experiences.”

Faith worked with a host of names on A Perfect Contradiction including the likes of Raphael Saadiq, John Legend and Diane Warren but it is inevitably the collaboration with Pharrell on recent release and the album’s hit single Can’t Rely on You that is of most intrigue.

She says: “He approached me at a party to work with me and we wrote a couple of songs together, and as we got to know each other through that time he said that he had this song that he’d written that he’d been sitting on for ages. He said he thought it would suit me, and did I want to hear it. I was like ‘of course’, and I loved it. It totally had my name on it.

“Pharrell is very nice, humble, and so likeable. He works very hard and throws a lot away because he only wants the best to come out.”

Faith is arguably as well known for her sense of style as she is for her music, and her appearance is a vital component of the entire songstress/fashion icon package.

“For as long as I can remember I’ve had it drummed into me that presentation is important.

My family is full of women who really make an effort. I’ve never been around people who just wear jeans and t-shirt,” she explains.

“In fact, the other day I was walking around Brick Lane with my mum, my aunt and my cousin. This girl came up and said ‘you four look like brilliantly dressed women; can I take a picture for my art project?’ She later wrote to me on Twitter to say ‘sorry, I had no idea it was you!’ It was so funny.”

The former shop girl for Agent Provocateur is currently at the beginning of her worldwide tour to promote A Perfect Contradiction and as part of the tour will be playing at the Brighton Centre on November 21st. So how is she finding it after the emotional strain of touring the previous album?

“If anything, performing more up-tempo songs has exhausted me more,” she confesses.

“It’s a lot more challenging on tour because there are a lot of high notes and jumping about simultaneously, whereas in the last one it was quite a deeper range and had less moving about.

I am less likely to get sick when I tour the old album but I am having a lot more fun and a lot more giggles with this one.”

Paloma Faith will be performing at the Brighton Centre on November 21st and for more information or to book tickets visit www.brightoncentre.co.uk The repackaged version of A Perfect Contradiction (Sony) was released 3 November 2014 70│

NovemBer/DeCemBer 2014

- IntervIew -

Absolute CinemA Guide with Bill Murray The imitation Game (out 14th November 2014 in uK cinemas) Based on a true story, “The Imitation Game” is the thrilling story of Alan Turing, an extraordinary mathematician who worked during WWII to break the elusive German code Enigma. Taking you through Turing’s life, this film welcomes you to delve into the mind of this highly complex and socially-awkward character; sharing experiences of being bullied at school, to working tirelessly alongside cryptographer Joan Clarke, played by Keira Knightley, to break the code nobody thought could be broken.

But despite its already strong plot, with this film comes an even deeper theme of Turing’s struggle with his own sexuality, delivered perfectly by Benedict Cumberbatch (Sherlock Holmes, Star Trek), and his timeless end prosecuted by the very society he worked so hard to serve.

Directed by Morten Tydlum (Headhunters) in his English-language debut and written by first-time feature film screenwriter Graham Moor, this film is fantastic and certainly not one to be missed. With its hidden codes and incredible performances, this film will keep you on the edge of your seat, as you unfold one the greatest mysteries of WWII. It’s 4/5 from me for thIs grIppIng trIumphant tale. DefInItely worth a vIsIt!

The Hunger Games: Mockingjay Part i (Out 20th November in all uK cinemas) The third instalment in “The Hunger Games” franchise, “Mockingjay Part I” is an all-action blockbuster that is sure to be a hit. Following the fall of the games, we join Katniss Everdeen once more as she discovers the secrets of District 13 and becomes a symbol of hope for a nation inspired by revolution. Ready to fight for freedom against the Capitol, Katniss, played by Jennifer Lawrence, faces a tough decision as she struggles to save fellow competitor Peeta from the Capitol’s clutches whilst being reunited with old friend Gale, and beginning the battle to win the war.

This film is absolutely fantastic and has something for all ages. Directed by Francis Lawrence and with a captivating screenplay by Peter Craig and Danny Strong, this science fiction phenomenon brings Suzanne Collins’ novel to life like no other. From big explosions to more intimate storylines, prepare to be amazed and inspired as you fight alongside our heroine and become immersed in the story of the Mockingjay.

Paddington Bear (Out 28th November in all uK cinemas)

a bIg 5/5 ’ a must see for everyone. I can’t waIt for the fInal Instalment alreaDy!

Paddington Bear, the polite bear with his old hat, battered suitcase, duffle coat and love of marmalade is coming to the big screen. Produced by David Heyman, the man behind the Harry Potter films, Paddington Bear is a successful filming of the popular children’s book.

Paddington has grown up in deep dark Peru with his Aunt Lucy and a passion for all things British. When their home gets destroyed, Lucy smuggles her nephew on board a boat bound for England. As he finds himself alone at Paddington Station, he realises the big city life is not all he had imagined – until the Brown family finds him and offer him a temporary place to stay. Finally Paddington seems to be lucky, but then he catches the eye of a sinister, seductive taxidermist…

For everybody who loved the books, Paddington Bear is a must-see and also for families who enjoy spending an entertaining afternoon in the cinema. The film stars big names such as Nicole Kidman, Hugh Bonneville, Peter Capaldi and Julie Walters, Paddington is a great computer animation spoken by Ben Whishaw.

It’s 3/5 from me for thIs wonDerful chIlDren’s fIlm whIch can also be enjoyeD by aDults. ’ DefInItely worth a vIsIt. - Culture|Film -

November/December 2014

│71

R ecom me n d e d r ou n d -up If you have an event you’d like to tell us about please email dan.white@absolutemagazine.co.uk Peter and the Wolf – Sat 1st Nov @ Brighton Dome, Studio Theatre Lola Colt – Sun 2nd Nov @ The Hope– Sun 2nd Nov @ The Hope The Small Hand – Mon 3rd Nov To Sat 8th Nov @ Theatre Royal Brighton The Sun Explodes – Tue 4th Nov @ The Hope Ben Watt Trio – Wed 5th Nov @ Komedia Liz Aggiss is The English Channel – Thu 6th Nov @ The Old Market The Kooks – Fri 7th Nov @ Brighton Dome, Concert Hall A3 Exhibition– Mon 8th Nov To Tue 16th Nov @ Phoenix Brighton Miranda Sings – Sun 9th Nov @ Theatre Royal Brighton

Nick Hornby Photo by Miriam Douglas

Brighton Burlesque Festival – Sat 15th Nov @ Thistle Hotel (Festival) With over 10 top Burlesque acts taking to the stage at this eight-hour event, this festival is set to be an unmissable presentation of this unique art form.

As well as the main stage there is also entertainment from side events such as pole dancing, workshops, fashion stalls and “have a go” sessions.

John Cooper Clarke – Sun 16th Nov @ Theatre Royal Brighton The Specials – Mon 17th Nov @ Brighton Dome, Concert Hall Bahamas – Tue 18th Nov @ Proud Cabaret Brighton James Ellroy – Wed 19th Nov @ Ropetackle Arts Centre Jo Brand – Thu 20th Nov @ Worthing Connaught Theatre Golem – Fri 21st Nov To Sat 22nd Nov @ The Old Market Elliott Frisby – Sat 22nd Nov @ Grosvenor Casino Bolshoi Ballet: The Pharaoh’s Daughter – Sun 23rd Nov @ Worthing Connaught Studio Jim Noir – Mon 24th Nov @ The Hope Vaults – Tue 25th Nov @ The Green Door Store The Grand’s Christmas Lights Switch On – Wed 26th Nov @ The Grand Hotel

Nick Hornby – Mon 10th Nov @ Ropetackle Arts Centre Acclaimed author and writer of best-selling novels such as How To Be Good, High Fidelity and About A Boy comes to Shoreham-by-Sea to talk about his most recent release, Funny Girl. The evening will feature an exclusive book reading, a question and answer sessions, plus the chance to buy signed first edition copies of the new book.

Naomi’s Flight – Tue 11th Nov @ The Old Market Gregory Porter – Wed 12th Nov @ Brighton Dome, Concert Hall UB40 – Thu 13th Nov @ Worthing Assembly Hall Yiri Baa – Fri 14th Nov @ The Brunswick

72│

November/December 2014

- RECOMMENDED|Round-up -

South Coast Jazz Festival Launch Night – Thu 27th Nov @ Ropetackle Arts Centre From January 23rd-25th Shoreham-by-Sea will play host to the inaugural South Coast Jazz Festival and to celebrate the long awaited festival of jazz that West Sussex richly deserves the Ropetackle Art Centre will deliver a taste with top jazz musicians performing informally to fans and newcomers alike.

Studio 106 - Andre Lichtenberg-london with fog Studio 106 Art Exhibition – Sat 29th Nov To Sun 30th Dec @ 106 Coleridge Street An exhibition featuring highly detailed and very large-scale conceptual cityscapes from New York, London and Paris is welcomed as contemporary fine art photographer Andre Lichtenberg takes over Studio 106.

Jon Richardson – Fri 28th Nov @ Brighton Dome, Concert Hall Cue For A Song – Sun 30th Nov @ The Capitol Horsham Miracle on 34th Street – Mon 1st Dec To Wed 3rd Dec @ Theatre Royal Brighton Dracula – Tue 2nd To Thu 4th Dec @ The Old Market JJ – Wed 3rd Dec @ Unitarian Church The Elevators – Thu 4th Dec @ Ropetackle Arts Centre The Snow Queen – Fri 5th Dec To Sat 13th Dec @ New Venture Theatre The Wind in the Willows – Sat 6th Dec To Sat 13th Dec @ Brighton Little Theatre Brighton Philharmonic Orchestra – Sun 7th Dec @ Brighton Dome, Concert Hall The Full Monty – Mon 8th Dec To Sat 13th Dec @ Theatre Royal Brighton JOHN – Tue 9th Dec @ Worthing Connaught Studio Snow Play – Wed 10th Dec @ The Capitol Horsham Dead Whisky – Thu 11th Dec @ The Hope Russell Howard – Fri 12th Dec @ Worthing Assembly Hall FortyTwo Art Exhibition - Sat 13th Dec To Sun 14th Dec @ 42 Hampstead Road

Apollon Musagete Quartet

Apollon Musagete Quartet – Sun 14th Dec @ Brighton Dome, Corn Exchange One of Europe’s most adventurous and dynamic ensembles, Apollon Musagete Quartet are celebrated for their fine interpretations of 20thcentury and contemporary works. This event is free to anyone aged 8-25 along with all other classical music concerts at the Brighton Dome.

Janet Devlin – Mon 15th Dec @ The Haunt One Man, Two Guvnors – Tue 16th Dec To Sun 4th Jan @ Theatre Royal Brighton DIAZ – Wed 17th Dec @ Sticky Mike’s Frog Bar Bella Hardy – Thu 18th Dec @ Ropetackle Arts Centre Beyond the Barricade - Fri 19th Dec @ Worthing Assembly Hall Krafty Kuts - Sat 20th Dec @ Concorde

Photo by Ray Gibson Burning the Clocks – Sun 21st Dec @ Madeira Drive On the shortest day of every year the people of Brighton & Hove gather to make paper and willow lanterns before carrying them through the city to pass into the fire on Brighton beach as a token of the year’s end. Followed by a dazzling fire show, live music and fireworks, it’s a great way to celebrate the festive season regardless of faith or creed. However, it needs funding to survive and you can help ensure this event is still alive come next year by supporting it through www.buzzbnk.org/burningtheclocks2014

Miss Hope Springs – Now It’s Christmas Time – Mon 22nd Dec @ Komedia A Christmas Carol – Sat 27th Dec To Sun 28th Dec @ Brighton Dome, Concert Hall The Boy Who Never Grew Up – 28th Dec To 2nd Jan @ The Old Market New Year’s Eve Gala – Wed 31st Dec @ Connaught Studio

- RECOMMENDED|round-up -

November/December 2014

│73

Tis The Season

He’s behind you! That’s right, the Panto Season is back and with it brings the sing along, cross dressing, slapstick that we all know and love. With much pointing and laughing on the horizon, adults must try to enjoy the cheesy innuendo on offer as the principle boy’s battle to defeat the evil villain and chase his true love is intermittently curtailed by sing alongs for everyone. So if you’re looking to get in the festive spirit this winter with a Dame or need your annul fix of hissing and booing then we have the round up of Sussex’s top pantomimes this season.

John Lee in Aladdin What do you most enjoy about aPPearing in Pantomime? I love performing in Panto, it’s always good fun for the whole family but as it’s obviously heavily aimed at the kids it can really be a magical first theatre experience for them and its great to be a part of that.

Who should be coming along to Watch aladdin? Everyone! It’s a very traditional production of the show, with adventure, magic, heroes and villains. There’s something for everyone to enjoy and it’ll really get you in the mood of Christmas.

What theatre role Would you most love to Play in the future? There are lots of fantastic shows out there at the moment, many of which I still need to go and see for myself. I’d love to be in a brand new musical and create the role from the beginning that would be ideal.

What Plans have you for 2015? It’s going to be another vey busy year, watch this space!

Where and When Will PeoPle be able to see aladdin? Connaught Theatre, Worthing from 5th December to 4th January.

Carol Cleveland in Sleeping Beauty What do you enjoy most about acting in Panto? The comradery, the interaction with the audience and being allowed to go well over the top! hoW is Working in a Pantomime different to Working on a normal shoW? Well, it’s much more demanding actually! We’ll be doing two shows most days and three shows on four of the days…all starting at 11:00a.m. I could be quite worn out by the end! have you Performed in sussex before and What do you enjoy most about it? I have performed quite a lot in Sussex over the years, mainly at Brighton’s Theatre Royal and during the Brighton Festival. More recently, I performed my own show, ‘War Baby’ in Shoreham for the Shoreham Wordfest. It’s always nice to work locally and be able to sleep in one’s own bed.

What can fans exPect from the shoW? I’m sure there’ll be lots of fun, excitement and laughter and, if I have anything to say about it, some glamour too!

Where and When Will PeoPle be able to see sleePing beauty? At The Ropetackle Theatre in Shoreham, from December 21st – 31st.

74│

November/December 2014

- Christmas|PANTOMIMES -

Louise Yeo in Dick Whittington WhAt do you enJoy most About Acting in pAnto? The freedom you have. You don’t have to stick 100% to the script. You can interact with the audience. If they heckle you, you can answer them back! No two shows are the same. It keeps you on your toes, but we all love it.

WhAt do you enJoy most About your role And WhAt mAde you Audition for it? I love the fact that the fairy speaks in rhyme. (It makes line learning easier.) She gets to interact with the audience a lot; something I absolutely love doing.

I just thought she’d be a fun character to portray. And when Ron Common, (the director), asked if I wanted to wear Doc Martins instead of traditional fairy sparkle, I jumped at it. As you can see, I’ve gone punk, rainbow fairy. I love dressing up. hoW is Working in A pAntomime different to Working on A normAl shoW? It’s soooo different. When working on a normal show, you pretty much have to stick to the script, word for word. In panto, that’s not quite the case. You can add things, change things, cut things. It’s a real creative process.

WhAt cAn fAns expect from the shoW? They can expect the usual laughs. The same hammy jokes. Great songs they can sing along with. Great costumes. Amazing choreography. An all-round family fun show. (Except on the adult nights!!) LOL! Where And When Will people be Able to see dick Whittington? At The Barn Theatre, Southwick, from January 3rd – 10th 2015.

Marcus Collins in Jack Frost’s Frozen Christmas Are you excited to stArt performing JAck frost’s frozen christmAs? Of course! It’s such a spectacular production with dancing polar bears, penguins and reindeers and a great story line which is basically good beating evil and includes everyone’s favourite Christmas songs – what’s not to be excited about! I can even predict it’ll snow every day at the Pavilion! tell us About your role As billy… Billy has been at the North Pole with Santa ever since he was a baby. He’s now all grown-up and is Santa’s right hand man: he’s in charge of all the elves in the workshop, making sure toys are made in time for Santa to deliver around the world on Christmas Eve. He doesn’t know who his parents are but Santa’s PA, Hazel Knutt, has been a mother figure for him, he’s also got a crush on Candi Frost who works in Santa’s kitchen.

Who do you enJoy Working With most on set? We all rely on each other, from the technical crew and front of house staff, musicians and wardrobe, to get the show looking and sounding good, so I’d have to say I enjoy the team spirit of everyone coming together to bring the production to life.

WhAt does the immediAte future hold for yourself? I am currently in rehearsals for a production we are taking out to tour in China, working with some amazing people and I’m really excited. Then its back home for a day at the end of November, before starting rehearsals in Worthing. This is only my second time being in a production at Christmas but last year was a blast so bring the family and come along to watch, it’s going to be a brilliant show.

Where And When Will people be Able to see JAck frost’s frozen christmAs? At the Pavilion Theatre, Worthing from 12 December to 1 January - Christmas|PANTOMIMES -

November/December 2014

│75

In the market for

ChrIstmas Why not treat yourself to a magical trip to one of Europe’s amazing Christmas markets and have a nice break at the same time, says Sam Harrington-Lowe

From £266 per person

DresDen’s Christmas market

Visit the world-famous Striezelmarkt this December and discover its stalls, eat Stollen cake and watch theatrical delights. The market stretches for miles from the railway station to the banks of the Elbe, and takes in the city’s most beautiful sights, from the stunning outdoor glass ballroom of the Zwinger to the Bruhlsche Terrace for a birds-eye view over the ‘balcony of Europe’.

Explore the wintery delights of historic Dresden – home to Germany’s oldest Christmas market, and the birthplace of traditional German Stollen, with a stay at Swissôtel Dresden Am Schloss. Set in the very heart of the Old Town, this stylish, five-star hotel is a must for a winter weekend.

Behind the ancient façade, the hotel’s stylish and contemporary interiors are teamed with state-of-the-art technology, and the warmth of Swiss hospitality. The Old Town location offers great shopping, entertainment and all of the city’s notable sites, whilst the hotel’s renowned Pürovel Spa & Sport is the perfect hideaway after a busy day out in the cold. In the hotel’s historic vaults, it’s a fascinating mix of medieval construction and modern design…

Double rooms at Swissotel Dresden Am Shloss are priced from £113 per night on a bed & breakfast basis, based on double occupancy – www.swissotel.com/dresden | +49 351 501 200.

Fly with CityJet from London City Airport to Dresden from £152 return, based on a December 2014 departure – www.cityjet.com. Subject to availability.

76│

November/December 2014

- Culture|travel -

£295 per person

Budapest’s Christmas market

Each year from late November to the end of December, Budapest comes alive with some of Europe’s most colourful Christmas markets.

Located in Vorosmarty Square in the city’s historic city centre, the market boasts over 100 stalls selling a range of festive arts and crafts, traditional Hungarian food and wine along with entertainment. This three-night break, including a Hungarian Parliament tour, allows plenty of time to explore the Christmas market as well as the city’s other sights, including a wealth of neoclassical and baroque architecture, fascinating museums, superb restaurants and bars and the majestic Danube River.

WEXAS Travel (0207 838 5892, www. wexas.com) is offering a three-night stay at the Sofitel Chain Bridge from £295 per person - price based on two people sharing on a bed and breakfast basis and includes return international flights from Gatwick to Budapest and a tour of Budapest Parliament Building. Valid for travel 27 November – 30 December 2014. Book by 31 December 2014.

- Culture|travel -

November/December 2014

│77

a

k

o ud

2S

as h u

!

d e v i rr

A LocAL puzzLe compAny bAsed in the city of brighton And hove hAve reinvented the popuLAr puzzLe sudoku. fun media Ltd have copyright and patents pending in many countries and have chosen Absolute Magazine to be the first publication to introduce players to the game. millions of people daily use their commute to and from work to tackle the brain teasing game of sudoku from their chosen publication.

Will 2sudoku be the latest puzzle phenomenon? inventor glenn mackay believes that he has found a clue. “there have been many variations of sudoku which are very similar which carry the concept but have a different playing pattern and different rules.

2sudoku is the closest i believe to the original. there are two sudoku games in one grid due to the split squares but they are also interactive.”

cleverly, the rules are the same as the well known puzzle except for one additional rule. the regular 9x9 playing matrix contains 81 squares, with numbers 1 to 9 being placed without repetition horizontally, vertically, and within each 9x9 set of squares. fun media have placed a diagonal line through each square to form two triangles. the upper triangles form the playing matrix for one game of sudoku, and the lower triangles form the playing matrix for a second game of sudoku; hence the name 2sudoku. the additional rule is that the same number must not appear twice in any split square. there are four difficulty levels to tease the mind: easy, medium, hard and evil.

Good luck!

Download ‘2Sudoku’ now in the App Store. (Only available on iPad)

Easy level

Medium Level

Hard level

Evil level

Nick

LOVE

I

t is with a certain smug satisfaction that I pay my rent for next year. I have unexpectedly reached the second milestone in my quest to convert my 125 square metres of overgrown, weed infested, badly compacted and nutrientdeficient soil to the cultivation of herb, flower, fruit and vegetable crops.

I have 75% of my plot under cultivation.

No weed notices or cultivation notices for me.

This occurrence has come about through the perfect storm of a surfeit of weeds, a broken contract, the beautiful sunny weather at the end of September/early October and the necessity to make the most of the precious daylight as the clocks go back.

In my first year my target was 50%, which I achieved by a combination of techniques which I will explain to you in due course.

I have amalgamated my old onion bed and my concurbits patch into one large area by forking through them and the dry compacted swathe of previously untouched soil that separated them, pulling out the roots of perennial weeds for burning later.

The thunderstorms and biblical deluges played their part in breaking up the lumps allowing me to rake the surface to a semblance of a tilth but not a fine one (pictured). For once the weather was on my side. This super bed accounts for almost 25% of my plot.

After cropping of cucumbers, courgettes and squash for two years and the onion bed failing to produce more than a handful of broad beans this year, I have decided to improve the quality of the soil by sowing a green manure. This is a cheaper alternative to buying horse manure.

I am sowing a mixture of Italian Ryegrass, Cocksfoot and Red Clover. This mix produces lots of green foliage, suppresses weeds if sewn heavily and is deep rooting if allowed at least 10 months growth. I am going to leave it till March 2016 before digging it in. This will let me crop it several times to use as compost. It should crowd out all but the most tenacious

Allotment Days

“The thunderstorms and biblical deluges played their part…

For once the weather was on my side.”

perennial weeds. And, hopefully break up the clay and flint subsoil whilst introducing loads of organic matter to improve my soil quality. It will give me a low maintenance area which is counted as under cultivation, and this will allow me to shift my efforts to other areas requiring attention.

I have planted my early broad beans, garlic and winter onions under nets to deter the birds. I will plant a few early peas too.

And as the weather gets colder, I will spend November trimming trees, leaving the cut branches in a pile to offer a winter home to hedgehogs, and a number of insect species.

Nick Love has been a co-worker on an allotment for five years.

AdvICe FOR NewbIeS November/december is the month when new tenants are offered or take up plots.

The key things to look for when selecting an allotment are: 1. Orientation – South facing is best.

2. exposure to the winds.

3. evidence of previous cultivation.

4. Identifying any non-weed species that you may want to retain.

Secondary considerations may include: 5. The condition of the adjoining plots.

6. Proximity to a standpipe.

7. existing structures and other artefacts bequeathed by the previous tenant.

8. Other irrational considerations based on individual whim.

- lifestyle|gardening -

November/December 2014

│79

We

Hurst Prep because...

”...I was the Angel; it was scary but exciting!”

NEXT OPEN DAY: 14th March 2015 Hurstpierpoint College College Lane Hurstpierpoint West Sussex BN6 9JS 01273 836936

Hurst www.hppc.co.uk

Hurstpierpoint College

EDUCATION news CHARLOTTE MOVES ON TO MORE

Burgess Hill School for Girls’ student Charlotte Gilmore has been awarded an Undergraduate Scholarship from the Institute of Mechanical Engineering.

Presented to just 16 of the UK’s top engineering students at the institute’s London HQ in October, the award will contribute £2,000 per year towards her Engineering Degree at the University of Bath.

Charlotte said, “I’m absolutely delighted to have been awarded a Scholarship by the IMechE; it feels fantastic to have been recognised by such a prestigious institution and I am very grateful for the support throughout my university studies. I am grateful to Burgess Hill School for the invaluable advice and encouragement they have given me both whilst at school and throughout the application process.”

Charlotte left the school in July after achieving outstanding A Level results including A* grades in Chemistry, Mathematics and Physic.

CHILD’S PLAY Struggling to find plans for the Christmas holidays? Don’t know what to do with your children throughout their two-week break?

Don’t panic as we have the answer.

This year the Artists Open Houses Christmas Festival is the ideal setting to take your children for a festive treat; while many houses will be offering home-made sweets, gingerbread treats and edible Christmas tree decorations, some are also offering specific child-friendly events such as a visit from signing Santa, puppet performances and a winter wonderland window display.

The festival takes place in Brighton, Hove, the South Downs village of Ditchling and beyond during the last week of November and the first fortnight of December. During this time artists all over the city will be opening their doors showcasing a really diverse selection of artworks and Christmas gifts.

For more information or to find the full listings please visit www.aoh.org.uk

STAND-OUT FOOD IN SUSSEX Want healthy food, cooked right?

Well, believe it or not, we’re talking about Farlington School in Horsham.

Farlington’s Headmistress Louise Higson and Catering Manager Mark Bell were presented with an Eat Out Eat Well award at the beginning of the month. The school’s Catering Team were given a silver award by Eat Out Eat Well for their dedication to healthy eating, only narrowly missing out on the gold award.

The Eat Out Eat Well scheme was developed to reward food outlets that provide healthier choices, correct cooking methods as well as their promotion of healthy options.

Farlington’s Headmistress, Louise Higson, says: “We are very pleased that the catering team, led by Mark Bell for Harrison’s, has been recognised in this way. The food at Farlington is produced to a very high standard and there are always plenty of healthy options for the girls to choose from.”

HURST CADETS HUMBLED

Cadets from Hurstpierpoint College CFF took part in the ‘planting’ of ceramic poppies in the dry moat of the Tower of London’s art instillation commemorating the World War I centenary.

Each of the flowers in the instillation, labelled ‘Blood Swept Lands and Seas of Red’, represents a British or colonial soldier killed in the First World War, with exactly 888,246 ceramic poppies circling the tower.

The instillation was a huge success, with an estimated four million people visiting the Tower during its stay, and the college has now arranged the purchase of five of the handmade ceramic poppies from the instillation to be displayed with the College Chapel war memorial.

- Education|news -

November/December 2014

│81