Absolute August 2013 Lifestyle by Global Sports Media

ISSUE 102 . AUGUST 2013

PHIL

DAVIS

THE ENDURING APPEAL OF

QUADROPHENIA

FAMILY DAYS OUT

PETER

JAMES

ON A BRIGHTON

DINING INSTITUTION

SHAKEDOWN AT STAMNER

STOOSHE AT PRIDE

Just 40 minutes from Brighton, feels a million miles away

Enjoy champagne and strawberries on the terrace, a beautiful seasonal three course dinner in the restaurant, sumptuous rooms and a full English breakfast to wake up to for only ÂŁ95 per person until the end of August. A country house to call your own 0845 345 3426 ghyllmanor.co.uk Subject to availability. Valid for new bookings only and not available in conjunction with any other offer. Based on two people sharing a standard room.

Issue 102. August 2013 Publisher: Alan Prior

Editor: Ian Trevett ian.trevett@absolutemagazine.co.uk

07584 023635

Fashion & Beauty Editor: Kate Morton kate.morton@absolutemagazine.co.uk

Sales Executive: Luke Thacker luke.thacker@absolutemagazine.co.uk

07568 336402

Commercial Manager: Luke Mould

38 Dan White meets Stooshe, who have been called the urban

luke.mould@absolutemagazine.co.uk

Spice Girls, and there is a chance to find out why at Pride, which has an amazing

07581 354288

female line-up including Mutya Keisha Siobhan (the original Sugababes).

Designer: Sally Wynn

Designer: Dominic Loosemore

Production Manager: Michael Brooks

Food Editor: Nick Mosley

Writer: Daniel White

Editorial Assistant: Iszara Morgan

52 52 A Brighton Institution. It seems that Englishâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s has been in The Lanes forever, quietly serving up the fruits of the sea. But has it maintained its high standards? Our best-selling crime author, Peter James, dropped in to investigate.

Distribution: Matt Sheppard

Absolute Publications Ltd The Pinnacle Group Premier House 11 Marlborough Place BRIGHTON BN1 1UB

GuestList

guestlist

Where? 1

The Grand Spa Why? Absolute hosted an advertisers and friends reception at the new spa Who?

Tel: 08707 707 765 Fax: 08700 052 082 info@absolutemagazine.co.uk www.absolutemagazine.co.uk

1. Kelly Burns, Andrea Penfold and Sharon Suppayo 3

2. Miles Ward, Chloe Hepburn, Luke Mould, Maarten Hoffmann, Sophia Lee-Spencer and Jacqueline Potton 3. Richard Skerritt, Heidi Edwards and Paul Craig 4. Nicky Goldsbrough and Zoe Simmonds 5. Ian Trevett and Verity Craig 6. Peter Jarrette and Kari Barnes-Jarrette 7. Ann Van Damme and Caroline Bates

8. Lucie Brice, Lee Knight and Louise Beard

9. Rachel Hutchinson, Amy Leatham, Genevieve Ainsworth and Will Ogboke 10. Jenny Rogers and Pieter Grobbelaar

All the big events from Absolute Brighton and Pinnacle 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.

At a Glance

What? Absolute Spa Event

11. Georgina and Jason Edge 12. Rosa Lily and Laura Baden Powell 16

If you would like to see your event on these pages email us on guestlist@absolutemagazine.co.uk

across the city.

13 10

Photos: Rosebery Images

whole mag Aug.indd 23

18/07/2013 00:28

Fashion 6

Travel 40

Health / Beauty 12

Food 44

Phil Davis 32

Whatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s On 54

Zoe Lyons 35

Days out 61

Stooshe 38

The best BABYMOONS in the world By Phoebe Oliver

August is Absolute baby month. As parents we are only too aware of holiday kids clubs with activities to wear the little angels out - but where do we go when the tots are not yet of the age to be left but parents are still in need of a well-deserved break…

Caribbean Baby: Slightly further afield Young Island in the Grenadines is an understated, all inclusive resort on a totally private, stress-free island; the perfect barefoot escape for your own ‘Swiss Family Robinson’ Caribbean holiday. At Young Island babysitters are available on request and they offer cots for babies. Whilst the kids are occupied mum and dad can take advantage of the spa or enjoy a couple of relaxing hours drinking cocktails at the Coconuts Bar, the resort’s off-shore, swim-up bar. If the whole family is feeling adventurous they can hike the 4048ft La Soufriere volcano or go hiking along the Vermont Nature Trail or the Dark View Falls. From £2,075 for a family of 4 sharing a Superior Suite for 7 nights All inclusive with the 7 nights for 5 offer. This offer is available all summer when bookings are made with Essential Hotel Collection. www.essentialhotelcollection.co.uk or call 020 8614 0077.

Where to go baby?

welcome from the editor...

Travel

ABSOLUTELY

London Baby: Close to home and fit for a Royal the new luxury royal nursery suite at the Grosvenor House has teamed up with bespoke nursery designers Dragons of Walton Street and transformed one of the hotel’s luxury Premium Park View Suites into a quintessentially British nursery, designed with a royal baby in mind. The hotel offers a new package is aptly named “Suite Dreams” and is the first nursery offering of its kind from a central London luxury hotel and is designed to create a home from home experience for families using the suite. The ‘Suite Dreams’ package has been available from May 2013 and was officially open to the public from June. Visit www.londongrosvenorhouse.co.uk or call +44 (0)207 499 6363.

SUITE DREAMS FACTS 1. Five different artists were commissioned to create the artwork for the furniture in Suite dreams. 2. The cotbed alone took five days to create - it has been brush finished with the artwork painted over the top. 3. The bespoke Grosvenor House dolls house cupboard took two days to brush finish and five days to hand-paint. It was particularly difficult to paint as all the windows had to be exactly the same size as well as leaving space at the bottom for the fun artwork. 4. To buy all the dragons of Walton Street furniture in the Suite dreams nursery would aproximately £26,000

“Whilst the kids are occupied mum and dad can take advantage of the spa.”

41 A_0813_059_shakedown.indd 3

Can we ever get enough of Quadrophenia? The music, the fashion, the sixties Brighton scenes, the alleyway...

17/07/2013 14:18

For more information on both festivals and tickets please visit the websites: www.sd2festival.co.uk for SD2 and www.shakedown.co.uk for Shakedown, please note that Shakedown is strictly an OVER 18 ONLY event. Left: The Saturdays Middle: The Wanted Top: Conor Maynard hit singles such as All Time Low and Glad You Came, they have rapidly South Coast shores include headliners The Wanted, who have released huge homecoming gig in Brighton at SD2”. Other acts heading to our

The festival is being held on 13th - 15th September in Hailsham. It is a fully camping event, with day tickets also available. The camping facilities

Left: Nero Top: Labrinth

Circus has always been a very important part of the festival but this

become one of the most popular and successful boy bands throughout

Lagoons, Flying Swordfish, plus many other great names.

the world. Multi-platinum-selling girl band The Saturdays will also take to

album ‘The Coming Storm’. Other acts include Brighton based Physics House Band, Gypsy Disco, Professor Skank, Carnival Collective, King

the SD2 stage, during their 6 year music career they’ve had 11 Top 10

One of the headline acts this year, are the Freestylers who are performing a full live band act to coincide with the release of their new

singles including Higher and All Fired Up, as well as selling out their UK

us, and always has been. In the past we have managed to run everything that way”, Jim explains.

festival and creating a community out of that”.

SD2 festival is a brand new one day pop festival coming to Brighton this

things you can do in your life to do more for your environment or just to take better care and to be less wasteful, that’s an important thing for off solar power but it’s quite hard as things grow to manage everything

There are a lot of people from different backgrounds be it family or arts or music. All the different kinds of interests that bring people to the

tours. More acts are to be confirmed for 2013’s SD2 festival.

very passionate about. “Eco is a big focus for us and some of the talks are specifically based on how to live in a more sustainable way, little

at the festival as Jim explains, “The main focus of the event in general is bringing the community together and in fact even creating communities.

year taking place on 29th September in Stanmer Park with Brighton

always had elements of Circus, it’s just doing more with it”, says Jim. Sustainability is another focal point of the festival and something Jim is

Creating lasting connections and a sense of community is paramount

boy Conor Maynard set to perform. Conor, often described as the UK

carving, music lessons, theatrics and much more.

kids during the daytime. But it is essentially a new tent for us, so you’ll have circus rigs, a bit of a trapeze and people hanging from hoops. We’ve

Bieber, became a YouTube sensation and was taken under the wing of

different zones.You can expect to see a range of different activities, workshops and talks across the festival including blacksmithing, stone

adults alike, it’s very much a variety of shows, you get a bit of cabaret in the evenings, and storytelling, circus skills and interactive stuff for the

Ne-yo, going on to become a star releasing his debut album Contrast

The festival covers a variety of aspects including art, education and entertainment which can be thoroughly explored throughout the

"They do various different circus skills and shows with children and

which went straight to number 1 in the charts. SD2 Promoter Steve

explore the imagination and delve into the mind.

heart of the event. “We are trying to big up the idea of Circus, the idea of exploring the imagination and see what we can pull out.

Jones said “It’s always great to see local talent become such a huge

artists, musicians, performers and artisans from across the globe to create a unique festival that strives to

success all over the world, and we’re incredibly proud to host Conor’s

ver the Moon festival brings together a community of

Currently running into its second year, Over the Moon festival returns to Sussex this September. Iszara Morgan talks to Jim Mitchell the founder of the festival about this year’s event.

include a hot shower and sauna, as well as disabled access. Sunday 15th is being promoted as a big family day including a children’s parade.

This month, Brighton’s Big Screen on the beach is back, bigger and brighter than ever. Inevitably the film that attracts the fastest VIP ticket sales is Quadrophenia.

For ticket prices and more information on the festival please go to www.overthemoonfestival.com.

Over the Moon Festival are offering Absolute readers a 15% discount on festival tickets please quote ‘Absolute15’ on the website.

year there is a real focus on it, with the Circus of Dreams being at the pop star Labrinth, electro powerhouse DJ Fresh who will be performing Other acts taking to the main stage are local duo Rizzle Kicks, urban international success from their number 1 album ‘Welcome Reality’.

Chandler, Toddla T Sound, MK plus many more.

who will be headlining the Supercharged Arena. The trio have received

takeover. The Audio arena will also see the likes of Annie Mac, Kerri

The impressive line up this year includes Grammy- Award winning Nero

new music legend Zane Lowe. RAM Records are also set for a 4 hour

11 hours of music across three stages.

be dropping beats in the Supercharged Arena together with Radio 1’s

Stanmer Park on 28th September, ending the festival season in style with

live and soul man Maverick Sabre. Bass music superstar Sub Focus will

Brighton’s biggest music festival, Shakedown, is back for 2013 taking over

We take a look at two of Brighton’s music festivals happening this September.

Festival Fever

A_0813_044_OVERTHEMOON.indd 2

17/07/2013 11:02

40 Travel

And Baby came too... Where do you

32 Phil Davis

You may have noticed our cover is a

go on holiday when you have little ones

bit darker and a bit moodier this month.

in tow? Phoebe Oliver chooses some

As we have interviewed Phil Davis, one

tempting baby-friendly vacations.

of Britain’s finest character actors, we wanted Phil on the front. But he always

58 Festival Season

seems to play gritty and, dare we say,

cities, stretching the festival season

he as miserable in real life? Find out on

Brighton parties on longer than most out into September. If you still have the

grumpy parts, hence the darkness. But is

It will be quite an event. Brightonbased actress Carol Harrison will be screening the first previews of her new Mod musical based on the story of the Small Faces. And there will be interviews with Quadrophenia cast members, including Phil Davis (who played Chalky).

page 34.

energy we have the music...

I always have been a great admirer of Phil’s work; his characters are always believable and come across as genuine, perhaps a result of his various collaborations with Mike Leigh. Aside from Quadrophenia, other Big Screen highlights include the other iconic local film, Brighton Rock as well as sporting events including the Ashes. It is free, so come along and give it a try. If you fancy being a bit more active, we preview Shakedown and the new family event SD2 and, of course, there is Pride, which has an excellent line-up this year. It’s going to be a great month. Enjoy your Absolute Magazine.

61 School’s out for summer

Ian Trevett Editor

The teachers have ﬂed and the kids are at home with no-one to entertain them. Across the city, parents are hearing the familiar wail, “I’m bored!” You could impersonate your parents and lecture them with “We made our own entertainment when we were young.” Or you could check out our family days out guide. The choice is yours.

Cover shot courtesy of ITV

Fashion Stars 6

FASHION WEEK HIT BRIGHTON WITH A BANG IN JUNE. WITH THREE INSPIRING AND INNOVATIVE SHOWCASES, HERE ARE SOME OF OUR FAVOURITES FROM THE ZEITGEIST, SUSTAIN AND SHOWREEL SHOWS.

Designer: Nav Bains (Zeitgeist show). Photographer: Tori Clarkson. Opposite page: Designer: Belles Bejewelled (Zeitgeist show). Photographer: Tanay Sharma.

Designer: Dumpster Design (Sustain show). Photographer: Sarah Olivier.

Designer: Jess Eaton (Zeitgeist show). Photographer: Tori Clarkson.

Designer: Louise Oâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Mahony (Showreel show). Photographer: Gareth Gregg.

Designer: Curve Couture (Showreel show). Photographer: Tori Clarkson. 11

£5

per cocktail l* 5pm-7pm every sun-thurs

Big Screen Big Prize Brighton’s Big Screen, Brighton’s FREE beachfront cinema is back for 2013. Situated on Brighton Beach next to the Brighton Pier and the Wheel this year, Brighton’s Big Screen will showcase some of the biggest recent box office hits. The Grand, Brighton is teaming up with Big Screen Sponsor Lifestyle Motor Group to offer a fantastic prize of:

A Pampering Spa Experience for two at The Sp@ The Grand. PLUS A Mazda MX5 for a weekend For cocktails with a view, The Grand is one of the best spots in Brighton. Whether you are looking for a Tom Collins, a magnificent Margarita or a quintessential Cosmo - The Grand’s cocktail list has it all.

Spa Prize includes:

Take advantage of cocktail hour, where you can enjoy quality cocktails for just £5.00 within the sumptuous surroundings of the Victoria Lounge, Bar and Terrace.

Full use of the spa facilities.

To view our current wine and cocktail lists visit: www.devere-hotels/thegrand The-Grand-Advert-A4-Spa (ART).pdf

14/06/2013

14:43

*on selected cocktails

Glass of champagne on arrival Bespoke Brighton Rock treatment per guest

Keep an eye out on the big screens for further details on this fantastic prize. Competition will run from 5th - 26th August 2013. www.brightonsbigscreen.com • www.devere-hotels.co.uk/thegrand

HIDE WITH ME.

SPA WITH ME BY-THE-SEA

CMY

Introducing The Spa at The Grand. An incredible new space for those who long to escape from the big bad world. A simply beautiful retreat set in the iconic Grand, Brighton. You’ll find sumptuous treatment rooms, Espa and Carita skincare ranges, stunning nails by Jessica and sports massage. You’ll find it perfect for weddings, a pampering treat with friends and perfect for the boys too. Finally a place in Brighton to escape, indulge and revive in luxury.

spa@grandbrighton.co.uk | 0871 222 4684 The Grand, 97-99 King’s Road, Brighton, East Sussex, BN1 2FW.

Massage and facials by ESPA from £35 Manicures from £20

Beauty

Bespoke and Luxurious Explore bespoke treatments and alternative therapies exclusive to The Sp@ at The Grand Along with an extensive treatment menu, from this August the luxurious Sp@ The Grand welcomes a new team of experienced and highly regarded therapists and consultants offering an option for all your lifestyle needs. Nutritional Advise, Sports & Remedial Massage and Personal Training Sarah Hitchman Exclusive to The Sp@ The Grand 60 minute session £74 / 90 minute session £99 Sarah has over 10 years of industry experience with a client base which includes high profile individuals from Sports, Media and Music. She was invited by Chelsea Football Club to work within a small team of Personal Trainers & Sports Masseurs to support events and fixtures. She has also attended promotions on behalf of an Olympic athlete to provide Sports therapy, nutritional and motivational advice. Sarah supports Brighton and Hove Albion Centre of Excellence and Ladies 1st team as their Sports Therapist and Nutritional advisor.You couldn’t be in better hands! If you are struggling with back pain, old injuries or new ones, trying to loose weight or simply become a fitter, stronger healthier you this has to be the person to come and see to get you on track for your future.

Bespoke Hydrotherm Massage Experience Therapist: Jean Fleming Exclusive to The Sp@ The Grand Bespoke Aromatherapy Experience Exclusive to The Sp@ The Grand Therapist: William Ogboke

60 minute session £64 / 90 minute session £89 Hydrotherm massage is performed by Jean, who offers over 15 years experience in massage and well-being. This

60 minute session £68 / 90 minute session

treatment is a very relaxing form of massage that differs

£93

from other types of massage. This is carried out with the client lying face up on two cushions that are filled with warm

This massage will be tailored to your needs, using a

water, heated to between 30-40 degrees. This ensures the

combination of advanced deep tissue, classic Swedish,

whole of the client’s back is in contact with the heat and

aromatherapy and holistic techniques.

is ideal for those who find lying face down uncomfortable.

After your lifestyle and health consultation with

The water supports the body and the heat from the water

experienced therapist Will, you will have the chance to

enables tight muscles to begin to relax before the massage

experience some of the key oils that mean something to

even starts. The system is designed to give perfect spinal

you, and by ‘you’ we mean the whole of you; not simply

alignment whilst in this position.

your skin and your massage… but the systems of your

Hydrotherm can be useful in the context of medical

body which help you on this journey we call life. It’s about

conditions such as MS, ME, arthritis and muscle strains, as

your preferences, your personality and what you wish to

well as helping with postural correction.

achieve during your visit.

West End Girl

Whether it’s metallic, monochrome or this season’s colour palette, make sure you stand out in the city with timeless shapes and statement pieces.

1. Monochrome lace dress, £49.50, M&S, 0845 609 0200 2. Silver heeled sandals, £45, www.asos.com 3. Purple foil shirt, £32.50, M&S, 0845 609 0200 4. Envelope clutch, £27, Accessorize, 0844 8110 068 5. Metallic boy cut trousers, £145, Jaeger, 0845 051 0063 6. Jersey playsuit, £149, Ted Baker, 0845 130 4278 7. Broderie skirt, £45, Next, 0844 844 8939 8. Dotty perspex clutch, £29, Accessorize, 0844 8110 068 9. Belted skater dress, £13, Primark, 0118 9606 300 15

EHDXW\VHFUHWV

VDORQ VSD

Unveil your beach body this Summer and discover tropical inspired treatments at award-winning salon and spa Beauty Secrets

Treatment of the Month

DECLEOR’S MADAGASCAR RED ISLAND RITUAL Inspired by the island of Madagascar, this one hour ritual includes an energising fruit seed exfoliation with a full body holistic massage using Decleor essential oils. During August 2013 only, Beauty Secrets are offering ABSOLUTE readers a special 15% off the Madagascar Red Island Ritual, with an extra 10% off Decleor skincare purchases during their visit. Please quote this offer when making your booking. Terms & conditions apply.

65 Western Road, Hove 01273 822476 www.beautysecretsspa.co.uk For all the latest news and offers, follow us on: beautysecretssalonandspa

AB August 2013 - Beauty Secrets.indd 1

@BeauSecret

10/07/2013 15:54:12

| DIGITAL | WEB experts in digitalCREATIVE communication

The markeTing specialisT ThaT geTs resulTs Offering a mObile, custOm fit, pampering, nail & lash service. manicures from pedicures from

£15 artistic colour gloss from £25 £15 lashes from £25

• social media • Web design • email & emarkeTing • branding • graphic design • prinT • direcT mail • sTraTegy

ers ead to r E’. ent UT pply* atm L c a tre SO 13 t& any AB t 20 off ng ‘ f sep

% quoti he end o 20 whevnalid until t

available 7 days a week, morning, afternoon and evening to late evening appointments.

07747 025 515

• business groWTh consulTancy

W: afinis.co.uk T: @afinisuk f: facebook.com/afinis p: 0870 005 2211 m: 07970 425 134 a5 full page portrait.indd 1

23/11/2012 15:44:55

OIL SLICK Give your beauty regime

WITH KATE MORTON

BEAUTY EDITOR

LOVES If your skin’s dry and fragile

and your pins need a bit of TLC, then look no further than ESPA’s Deeply Nourishing Body Cream. Recommended to me by the new spa at The Grand, as being the perfect post-beach moisturiser, this intensely rich, spa in a jar body cream combines Ylang Ylang, jasmine, wild yam and soya bean to nourish, condition and boost the skin’s natural collagen, whilst mulberry and liquorice work to enhance radiance, £48. Available from the Spa at The Grand. Tel: 01273 224313.

a large splash of glamour this summer with Neroli Portofino Body Oil by Tom Ford. Combining the scents of Tunisian neroli, bergamot, Sicilian lemon, mandarin and orange flower, with the signature blends of olive oil, grape and date seed extract, this luxurious body oil glides onto skin evenly and will give you that Mediterranean glow, £47. www.tomford.com

DRAMARAMA

It’s hailed as the ‘number one selling women’s skincare product in the UK’, and now it’s hitting our shelves with a new and improved formula. Clinique’s New Dramatically Different Moisturising Lotion+ has been reformulated to deliver even more results. The iconic cream helps improve skin’s texture, keeping it hydrated 24/7 without any oily residue. A blend of sunflower seed cake, barley and cucumber helps aid the skin’s natural defences, creating a barrier against environmental stresses, from £17. Available from Clinique counters nationwide.

JELLY POP! Get cheeky with Cello Shots Pure Colour Cheek Rush by Estee Lauder. These lightweight transparent jellies provide cheeks with a pop of sheer colour, creating that ‘just pinched’ look. Oil free and water based, these juicy formulas are infused with natural extracts and moisturising ingredients to keep cheeks feeling hydrated and leaving skin fresh-faced. The shade-matched glossy pump bottles are perfect to pop into your bag for use day and night, £24. Available from Boots stores nationwide.

INSTANT AIR-BRUSH When this product was recently launched, there was a bit of a buzz around it and many called it a ‘life-changing product’. Wear it alone or under makeup, Garnier 5sec Perfect Blur is not a moisturiser, it’s not foundation and it’s more than a primer – it is a touch of magic in a tube. Designed to blur the look of lines, the instant air-brush formula will reduce the appearance of imperfections, open pores and shine in just 5 seconds, £12.99. Available from Boots stores nationwide.

B&HLife_March06

8/2/06

3:17 pm

Page 1

Thai Massage / Beauty / Well-being

The only place for pure indulgence Treatments for Men & Women

A visit to Chutima Therapy promises to be a Rejuvenating experience. An ideal place to unwind, shape up and discover a renewed sense of well-being.

THE TREATMENT ROOMS 21 NEW ROAD, BRIGHTON Tel: 01273 818444 info@thetreatmentrooms.com www.thetreatmentrooms.com

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

or call 01273 682129

Beautiful Ink Semi Permanent Makeup The effect can be subtle or dramatic these photos show healed tattoos 100's more photos on website Eyebrow design for missing, sparse, wonky pale or patchy brows a speciality Based in Crown Street, BN1 Available by appointment Call Lisa to arrange yours 0800 987 5457 07530 978856

www.beautifulink.co.uk 20% off any treatments during August to readers when quoting 'ABSOLUTE' * * Not to be used in conjunction with any other offer

Nourish Golden Glow Illuminating Face Shimmer, £14.95. Available from Nourishskinrange.com

Paul and Joe Nail Enamel in Miami, £12. Available from Harrods, Selfridges and Asos.com

NEW

Paul and Joe Eyeliner and Eye Crayon Duo in Fiji, £22. Available from Harrods, Selfridges and Asos.com

Shu Uemura TSUYA Skin Youth Infusing Eye Concentrate, £32. Available from Shu Uemura, Brighton, 01273 735468 (From October 2013)

wn on o d w e lo t Get th th’s hottes on this m and latest s colour ics to hit the et cosm s. shelve Skyn ICELAND Arctic Elixir, £41. Available from M&S Stores nationwide

Colour Wow Root Cover Up compact in blonde, £28.50. Available from Space NK, Brighton, 01273 776774

Clarins Be Long Mascara in Intense Black, £21. Available from Boots, Brighton 01273 207461

OCKENDEN MANOR SPA — exceptional facilities in a unique environment Featuring an indoor swimming pool with a stunning river-stone floor and swim-through to our heated outdoor pool, both are fed by Ockenden’s own natural underground spring. Along with an outdoor hot tub, indoor spa bath and walk-through rain shower, our gym is equipped with the latest cardiovascular and resistance machines, alongside a fitness studio for Pilates and yoga... Perfect for Sussex residents – why not enquire about our limited membership? For your own paradise in pampering, eight superb treatment rooms await. Choose from one of our seven luxurious Spa Day Retreat packages. Ockenden Manor Spa • Ockenden Lane • Cuckfield • West Sussex RH17 5LD 01444 449191 • spa@ockenden-manor.com • www.hshotels.co.uk

Industry leaders in results driven Beauty and Aesthetic treatments for men and women in Brighton and Sussex.

Sophie

Sarah

Beauty

A Real Treat in Brighton Absolute’s stylist and fashion editor Kate Morton meets The Treatment Rooms Clare Rogers. How would you describe The Treatment Rooms?

What product could you not live without?

Brighton’s largest, independently owned beauty salon with ten treatment

If it was just one, it would have to be Crystal Clear Protect and Repair.

rooms. We deliver excellent customer service and the best treatments

It’s a moisturiser with SPF UVA 20 and UVB 40. I use it over my normal

with experienced therapists, using leading skincare and treatment ranges,

moisturiser but it can be used alone. Being outdoors every day, I need to

Aromatherapy Associates, Eve Lom, Caci, Crystal Clear, Jessica, LaStone

know I have protection from burning and ageing. That’s what the A and B

and Lava Shell.

stand for - most sunscreens only have UVB protection.

What made you open up a day spa in Brighton?

What is your recipe for healthy looking skin?

I was a home therapist and got so busy that I knew it was time to find a

It’s not just about treatments and products but they do help and I was

commercial location. Brighton was my home town and it was a natural

lucky to start at 16 when I went to City College to study Beauty Therapy.

decision to open here. I opened my first salon on New Road in 1995 with

If you can’t have a monthly facial, then try at least quarterly and stick to

just two treatment rooms. The growth was rapid and expanded to five

a daily cleanse and moisturise but keep it simple. Sleep is a big factor in

rooms by the time we moved in 2001 to where we are now.

helping the body repair.The hours before midnight are worth double than the hours after. Let food be your medicine and enjoy a balanced diet with

What is your typical day like?

plenty of fluids. I love my food and think it’s important to enjoy what you

I always start my day with a tweet! It’s a great way to hear what other

eat and not feel guilty.You also can’t have healthy skin and toxic thoughts,

businesses are up to and what news there is in the City - I’m very

so be kind to yourself and others.

supportive of other local businesses and I love the freedom technology enjoy brunch out. I try to be in the salon for three days for meetings with

During your years in the beauty industry, who has inspired you the most?

my management team and for a handful of clients that I still treat. When

When I was at college, I would go to The Body Shop in Kensington

I’m not in the salon, I may be visiting schools and colleges, attending

Gardens (the first shop of Anita Roddick DBE). You could return with

charity events or developing new treatments and business ideas. If I’m

your empty bottles for refills. She sourced active ingredients from all over

not spending evenings with friends, I value my solitude to restore some

the world supporting fair trade and prohibited testing on animals. She

balance.

was way ahead of her time. I’ve also got to work closely with Eve Lom

gives you now. I walk my dog every morning for an hour or so and usually

MBE over the years, another amazing woman who developed the first

What is your favourite/signature treatment at the salon?

cleanser with a muslin cloth. She has been very supportive of my business.

This generally depends on how I feel and my needs at the time but I am very pleased with our signature treatments that I have developed.

Who would you love to walk through The Treatment Rooms’ doors?

The Treatment Rooms Ritual, a three hour top to toe treatment using

Everyone!

Aromatherapy Associates products and combining a body massage, wrap and facial is a favourite.An essential is our Skin Clean Facial. I’ve combined the use of the Clarisonic cleansing brush with a hot mask application to

21 New Road, Brighton BN11UF T: 01273 818444 • www.thetreatmentrooms.co.uk

help with extracting blocked pores. The therapists love doing it! 21

My top three exhibitors? That’s a difficult one. If pushed, I’d have to say Am Statik, Jed Phoenix and Angels Carrying Savage Weapons. Am Statik is a renowned Latex fashion designer and she is actually going to design and unveil a Latex wedding dress on the day of the spectacular (www.AmStatik.com). Jed Phoenix is an amazing alternative clothes designer for men, women and those in between. I actually have a girl crush on Jed as she is one of my ‘alternative’ idols! (www.jedphoenix.com). Finally, Angels Carrying Savage Weapons. They hand make stunning corsets and bridal wear (www.acswbespokecorsets.co.uk). Some of our exhibitors are showcasing their wares on stage and every single one of our exhibitors can offer a product or service which is Quaint, Queer or Weird. Some can even offer all three!

Quaint, Queer or Weird?

With the help of my trusty ‘Ring Mistress of Ceremonies’ Dawn Gracie (www.dawnsvintagedo.com) we’ve handpicked the entertainment too.We have the infamous Joe Black appearing throughout the day as well as Burlesque dancing by the Green haired goddess herself, Bruise Violet. We also have friends from Brighton Dungeon (www.brightondungeonhire.co.uk) making an appearance too. You’ll just have to visit the spectacular to find out more! Following us on Twitter @QQWweddings is probably the best way to keep in touch. On the day, we have welcome shots for the first 100 paying guests and you will be welcomed on the door by the appropriately dressed Quaint Queer Weird team and then be transported to the event through a Narnia inspired theme courtesy of our event planning team - Struth. We also have an after party planned at Latest Music Bar. It’s safe to say, I’m very excited about QQW and the buzz surrounding it. This will no doubt be the first of many.”

When we heard the inaugural Quaint Queer Weird Wedding Spectacular was taking place at one of our favourite entertainment venues, Proud Cabaret in The Quaint, Queer or Weird Wedding Spectacular Brighton, we were very intrigued. We decided it best to is 18+ and taking place at Proud Cabaret, meet up with its organiser Lesley Taylor to find out more. Brighton BN2 1EF on Sunday 8th September.

ather surprisingly, Lesley didn’t look in anyway Quaint, Queer or Weird upon first glance. Her passion however, for organising an alternative wedding fair is unfaltering. Lesley explained, “I realised the varied folk of Brighton and surround would really appreciate an alternative wedding fair, so in a creative moment of madness, I decided to set one up. Our strap line is ‘Bygone to Bondage’. We think this gives everyone who’s planning to attend, a pretty good idea of where we sit. My aim is for every visitor to raise their eyebrows at least once!

Doors open at 10:30 until 16:30. Advance tickets are £3 (£5 on the door) and can be purchased via www.quaintqueerweird.com until 31st August. Email: quaintqueerweird@btinternet.com

As a photographer, I occasionally work at Proud Cabaret. I absolutely love the venue, staff and vibe so I knew it would be ideal for the wedding fair, especially as I wanted to provide entertainment. Seriously, have you been? I can’t describe how beautiful Proud Cabaret is and how at home you feel when you walk in. It’s steeped in history and most importantly for me, Proud are very excited to be involved in QQW. We’ve had an amazing response for exhibitors and I have actually had to turn people away as the venue is wonderfully bijou. We’ve now instigated a QQW Supplier List which interested alternative wedding suppliers can join to advertise their services. 22 22

www.misterjoeblack.com • www.brightoncabaret.com

guestlist What? Absolute Spa Event Where? 1

The Grand Spa Why? Absolute hosted an advertisers and friends reception at the new spa Who? 1. Kelly Burns, Andrea Penfold and Sharon Suppayo 3

8. Lucie Brice, Lee Knight and Louise Beard

9. Rachel Hutchinson, Amy Leatham, Genevieve Ainsworth and Will Ogboke 10. Jenny Rogers and Pieter Grobbelaar 11. Georgina and Jason Edge 12. Rosa Lily and Laura Baden Powell 16

If you would like to see your event on these pages email us on guestlist@absolutemagazine.co.uk

13 10

Photos: Rosebery Images

~ Espanol

Latino

Tapas Pintxos Bar Restaurant

latino is unlike any other Tapas restaurant outside of Spain. It’s a Spanish dinning experience packed with flavour, value and a twist of modern day Spanish cuisine, along side the traditional dishes. Every Sunday, all day, freshly made Paella for 2 or more and a starter each (for only 9.90pp) 40% off the food every Tuesday from 5.30pm till 9pm (a la carte Tapas only, cash only) We have a private function room upstairs which can fit up to 35 people for meetings or parties. We offer a party menu for 8 or more people only £13.90 (which includes all the favourite Tapas dishes) We do lunch Tapas Tuesday to Friday till 3pm (4 Tapas for £10.00, 6 Tapas for £14.50 or 8 Tapas for £18.00)

01273 770355

36 Church Road, Hove, BN3 2FN latinos.tapas@gmail.com www.latinotapas.co.uk

@latinotapas Latino Restaurant

VINTAGE & PrE- chErIshEd wATchEs It’s hard to find excellent gilt dial rolex 5513 submariners. They are the most in demand rolex – whether that be early gilt dials or slightly later matte dials. here we have another beauty. A 1.3m serial number dates the watch to 1966(what a year!).

Stunning Rolex 5513 Submariner wristwatch Demand for this iconic classic constantly outweighs supply. Please contact us for price and any further information.

SHOP: 29 StatiOn ROad PORtSlade Bn41 1GB Call: 01273 239763 www.jamesrossjewellers.co.uk

Untitled-2 1

20/06/2013 15:32:06

La Isla Bonita Hove’s award-winning salon Beauty Secrets, take you on a tropical journey with their face and body rituals. Words: Kate Morton.

ocated amongst the Regency landmarks of Palmeira Square is

experience so there’s no getting away from the dressing down side of

Beauty Secrets’ elegant boutique salon. One of three locations,

things, but part of Beauty Secrets’ expertise lies in their attention to

(they have a day spa in both Horsham and Godalming.) Beauty

detail. The lights are subtly dimmed, the shower (used in order to wash

Secrets is a family-run business and with over 30 years experience,

off the fruit seeds), is frosted for the ultimate in privacy and the therapist

has established itself as a firm beauty favourite.

certainly knows how to manoeuvre towels around your body in order to

Their Hove salon is the perfect city hideaway, offering state-of-the-art

protect your modesty!

treatments to specialist facials and body rituals, using skincare brands

My lovely therapist Sarah was very clear in explaining every stage of the

Decleor, Carita, Elemis and Guinot. If you fancy a manicure or makeover,

treatment, from what part the exfoliation plays to the unique uses of

Hove also boasts a nail bar with a full range of manicures and pedicures

the massage tool and the overall benefits, of which there were many.

using nail care brand Jessica as well as a Jane Iredale makeup counter –

Following an all over skin polish, the fruit seeds are then washed away,

the highly acclaimed mineral cosmetic brand.

leaving skin silky soft and highly nourished, ready for an intense full body

With six individually designed treatment rooms, at Beauty Secrets every

massage. This warming massage is designed to stimulate key pressure

part of the experience has been thought out. The friendly smiles behind

points, whilst working with the curves of the body to create the ultimate

reception will instantly put you at ease and the peaceful, private waiting

in relaxation. Cleverly designed to both invigorate and relax, the Red

area located at the back of the salon, will help you on your quest to relax

Island Ritual is an exquisite sensory experience and will have anyone

and unwind. I was booked in with Sarah for the Madagascan Red Island

drifting off to a tropical island with the sweet scents of Decleor’s orange

Ritual - one of Decleor’s signature body treatments. Inspired by the island

and apricot extracts.

of Madagascar (Decleor source many of their essential oils and plant

Of course rituals are not all that’s on offer at Beauty Secrets. Their

extracts from the island), this highly sensory and cocooning body ritual

handbag size treatment menu has an impressive range of skin-defying

consists of a 30 minute exfoliating treatment using powdered fruit seeds,

facials and rejuvenating body treatments, as well as celebrity favourites

followed by a 30 minute full body massage using warm aromatic balms

and those essential pick-me-ups when you’re short on time. Alongside

and a unique acacia wooden massage ball.

this, they are renowned for their expertise in specialist medical and

My treatment took place in one of Beauty Secrets’ candle-filled rooms,

cosmetic treatments including Intense Pulsed Light Skin Rejuvenation and

a calming space with tranquil sounds and a comfortable beauty couch,

Hair Removal, Dermaquest Facial Peels and Endermologie.

complete with oriental linen. The Red Island Ritual is a full body

Beauty Secrets is certainly a secret that’s not for keeps.

65 Western Road, Hove • 01273 822476 • www.beautysecretssalonandspa.co.uk

25 25

Photo credit: River Island

How to find that personal style Men’s Fashion tips from Igor Srzic – Cartledge.

ersonal shopping and style for guys can be a lot of fun and stress

worry about anything or waste time on something you don’t enjoy. You

free. We all know how some guys don’t have any dress sense or

just need to be ready to try on new styles and get out of your comfort

don’t really know what suits them. And it’s no secret that most

zone.

of them really don’t enjoy shopping. But all that can be changed

with a personal shopper and stylist on your side. It’s a great solution, to all those problems, and it’s very easy. You just need to book a styling consultation and take it from there.

The Personal shopper and stylist will find items, carry clothes and be there for you at all times. I think this is the best way to achieve stress free shopping with great results. Shopping with no stress at all. It is usually completed within a few hours and its very fun and a great experience.

A personal shopper will take care of everything you need. The styling

You will have a professional person helping you out with the “new you”

consultation will establish what it is that you want from the personal

to make you feel like an A list celeb. A personal suite will be booked in

shopping experience. Do you need a new wardrobe, new style, or a

a department store and you will also visit some boutiqes and shops -

special suit for work or a wedding? You will talk about your lifestyle, so

all tailored to your budget and needs. While trying on new styles and

the stylist can find out more about what will suit your needs, as well as

colours you will be discovering what suits you, and considering a new

thinking about your style - the look and personality you are trying to

look and wardrobe. When it is all done, the personal shopper and stylist

convey.

will talk you through all the items you both like so you can choose which

You will then set a day to go shopping at a time that is convenient for you. After the styling consultation the personal shopper will do research to find the right things, in the right styles and sizes and at the right budget so the shopping day is really time efficient. Best of all, you don’t need to

to buy. You can buy one or two particular items, or a new wardrobe in just few a hours. I think that is a great idea particularly for guys who hate shopping and the perfect gift to buy someone for that special occasion.

www.personal-style.co.uk

Photo credit: Austin27 Reed 25

Summer Screening What is health screening? Health screening is completed by an expert team of Physiologists and Doctors who complete a wide range of tests to assess risk factors for various lifestyle related diseases. These results are used to motivate lifestyle change to help improve overall health and wellbeing, leading to a longer, healthier life. Whatever your stage of treatment, we have a dedicated team to support you. You’ll get to know them, and they’ll get to know you, which means you won’t have to keep explaining things to new people. All of our consultants also work with the NHS and are experts in their fields. So you always get top quality care at every stage of your treatment, in a relaxing Nuffield Health environment.

Where can I have it done? The main centres which offer Health Screening in the South East of England are: Brighton Nuffield Hospital, Tunbridge Wells Nuffield Hospital and Crawley Fitness and Wellbeing Centre. We have many other hospitals and Fitness and Wellbeing Centres around the country which offer the same service. Please visit www.nuffieldhealth.com to view all our available centres.

28 28

What areas does it cover? We offer four different types of assessment. These are known as a Lifestyle, 360, 360+ or Female health assessment, each of which consists of a combination of different tests. A Lifestyle is a one hour assessment with a Physiologist, a 360 is a two hour assessment with a Physiologist and Doctor, a 360+ is a three hour assessment with a Physiologist and Doctor, and a Female Health assessment is a one hour assessment with a Doctor.

Why should I have one? People come to have a health assessment for a variety of reasons, from having a general assessment of their personal wellbeing, to having a specific medical concern. We offer one of the most comprehensive health assessments on the market and ensure that our clients have every opportunity to learn as much about their health as possible. The majority of your results are available on the day of the assessment and you will be able to discuss these with the Physiologist and Doctor. You will also be able to discuss how to improve your health and wellbeing with the Physiologist and Doctor, and you will receive a personalised written report within two weeks of your assessment.

Type of Assessment Full medical history and lifestyle questionnaire Height and Weight measurement Body mass index Waist to hip ratio Nuffield Body Composition Index Hydration Urine analysis Blood glucose and cholesterol measurement Blood biochemistry and haematology profile Vision test Nutritional analysis Computerised posture assessment Lung Function Blood pressure Physiological resilience to stressors Resting ECG Exercise ECG Cardiovascular risk score Faecal Occult Blood test (aged 45 and over) Extra male tests: - Testicular examination - Prostate Specific Antigen Extra female tests: - Breast examination - Pelvic examination - Cervical smear - Thyroid stimulating hormone (aged 50 and over) - Mammogram (aged 40 and over)

Lifestyle X X X X X X X X

X X X X

Do I need to prepare at all? Yes. You will need to complete a medical history and lifestyle questionnaire prior to attending your assessment, as well as a four day food diary. This information will be sent to you either in paper form or via email before your assessment for you to complete. This helps the clinical team to prepare for your arrival, and also helps them to identify any concerns you may have. You also need to be fasted for at least 4 hours before your assessment, this means that you can only drink water and not eat anything for the preceding four hours (unless you have a medical condition which means you cannot fast). This helps to get accurate blood results, as eating and drinking can affect these results. You should also attend wearing comfortable clothing that can be easily removed, as there are some tests which require clothes to be removed (we do offer gowns if needed).

360 X X X X X X X

360+ X X X X X X X

Female Health X X X

X X X X X X X X

X X

X X X X X X X X X X X

X X

X X X X

Does my age effect what health screening is available to me? Yes. For those aged over 45 we offer Faecal Occult Blood tests which look at detecting microscopic particles of blood in a stool sample, which can be an indicator for further tests to detect bowel cancer. For men over 50 we offer Prostate Specific Antigen blood tests, and for women we complete a thyroid stimulating hormone blood test. Women over 40 years also have the option of having a mammogram added onto their assessment. If you are interested in booking an assessment or would like further information, please contact our Central Bookings team

(08452 30 20 40)

29 29

Fitness

Get fit with a quick HIIT? Do you really only need 12 minutes a week to melt away body fat?

urrent UK guidelines for healthy adult exercise suggests

positive impact on many health indicators suggesting, when it comes

150 minutes a week of moderate intensity, or 75 minutes

to lowering risk of future disease it’s better to do some exercise with

of vigorous intensity. But if that sounds like a lot to you

whatever time you have than do nothing at all.

perhaps the idea of getting fit by exercising for just 12

minutes a week is more appealing?

As for claims you only need 12 minutes a week to melt away body fat and get in amazing shape, short workouts don’t really burn enough

High Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) sounds like a new fitness

energy to result in rapid noticeable changes. And although prolonged

phenomenon but in truth this style of exercise has been known about

raised metabolism could be argued as a potential mechanism this

for many years. It involves exercising hard, almost maximally for just a

would have to be from fairly high intensity exercise, so the risks

few minutes.

of exercising hard and fast may outweigh any potential benefits

A study following over 7000 men for 7 years, and another following

particularly to ‘at-risk’ people.

over 50,000 men and women for 18 years indicated that people who

My advice remains; stop looking for the short-cut quick fix! Get

said they performed less than the recommended amount of exercise

active as often as you can even if only briefly. Incorporating activities

but at an above moderate intensity actually had the same reduced risk

like walking or cycling, taking the stairs, and sports like tennis will

of developing coronary heart disease as people who did more.

mix longer moderate exercise with bouts of brief vigorous exercise,

A recent Norwegian study picked up by the press took a small sample

covering all bases!

of healthy but overweight men and exercised them hard 3 times

Got a question? Ask a question about this article or any fitness

a week for 10 weeks. Even performing only 4 minutes of vigorous

problem you’d like Adam to cover in a future issue, email adam@

exercise per workout had a 10-15% improvement in aerobic fitness,

yourfitnesscoach.co.uk

but none of the results reached statistical significance, meaning it’s not clear if the improvements were real or just chance findings, a fact ignored by the sensational headlines as was the 10-15 minute warm up and cool down making workouts closer to 20mins each (60mins/ week). I doubt this means you can get in better shape running 4 minutes from the car park to the gym than by anything you actually do there,

Brief Bio: Local mobile fitness trainer Adam Lewis holds a degree in sport & exercise science, a masters degree in human & sports nutrition, is a strength & conditioning specialist and has been a certified personal trainer for over 10 years.

adam@yourfitnesscoach.co.uk www.YourFitnessCoach.co.uk

but research is growing that perhaps even a little exercise will have a

31 31

Interview

The Jolly Grump Phil Davis specialises in gritty roles, but it is all a very good act. Words: Ian Trevett

“I

sn’t he the one that always looks

The real reason that his reputation continues

ordinary Joe struggling with adolescence and

grumpy?” This was my wife’s first

to grow is that he consistently brings an

people identified with that.

comment when I told her I was

authenticity to his characters. For this he

“Of course, there was also a great soundtrack.

interviewing the actor Phil Davis.

gives a huge amount of credit to the British

Maybe the reason it has endured is that it

It seemed like a good opening question, albeit

treasure that is Mike Leigh.

hasn’t really dated. The music still sounds as

a risky one. After all, if Phil was a bit on the

“I worked with Mike Leigh when I first started

good as ever. There were great bands like

grumpy side himself, it could end up being a

out and have been in six of his films. I have

The Kinks, Small Faces. The fashion still looks

very short conversation.

learnt so much from him. It is always a very

stylish. The Mods looked cool. It wouldn’t have

Fortunately he laughed at the question. “Well I

stimulating experience and when you have a

worked if it was set in the 1980s as the 80s

can tell you I enjoy what I do. I will keep going

part in his film you make a proper investment

fashion hasn’t passed the test of time.”

until they cart me away in a box. But, yes, I

into the personality of the character you are

Phil played Jimmy’s Mod friend Chalky, with

have played a lot of grumps.

playing. He creates a quasi-reality from the

perhaps his most memorable scene being

“There have been some quite abrasive parts

raw material as everyone in the cast intimately

the one where he lost his mates on route to

- serial killers, nutcases... Maybe I get these

knows the person they are playing. I was a fan

Brighton and found himself surrounded by

parts because of the way I look.”

of his work and I still am.”

rockers, ending up crashing into a ditch.

Having read a few other interviews with Phil I

The reason for our interview is another

“I didn’t do the actual stunt of coming off

was expecting the self-deprecating references

of his early works - Quadrophenia. On the

my bike. I was filmed riding along and then

to his looks. When I asked about his prolific

Bank Holiday Sunday, Phil is taking part in a

afterwards picking up my bike. I could have

appearances in Victorian period dramas, he

live interview at Brighton’s Big Screen, in an

done the stunt because I was very good

replied, “ I think I must have a Dickensian

event which features a preview of a new Mod

at falling of my scooter - and causing a lot

face!” And he is about to play another Dickens

musical and a screening of the film itself.

damage. I had three scooter as I kept breaking

character, hardly known for his looks - Fagin.

It is now 35 years since Quadropheia was

them.

He has said, “Getting older hasn’t been any

released, yet it remains as popular as ever.

“The scooters weren’t that easy to ride

hindrance to my acting. I was never crumpet,

“I’ve been invited down because I was in a

because of all the mirrors - it was hard to

I never got the girl, so getting older wasn’t a

Mod show about a million years ago. It will

balance - though I was terrible at riding them

problem the way it might have been if I’d been

be fun catching up with some old friends,

anyway.”

tremendously good-looking.”

including Mark Wingate and John Altman.

For all his memorable characters, Phil

Perhaps this is why it has taken so long for

“No-one really knows why it has endured so

favourite performance surprised me. “I am

him to get the recognition he deserves - an

well. It actually wasn’t a huge hit when it was

most proud of was something that wasn’t

observation that resonates is that he has

first released though it was well-received. To

actually seen by that many people. It was a

worked all his career to become an overnight

be honest, it didn’t really have a big impact on

monologue called Double Lesson, which I think

success.

the cast - it was just another job at the time.

was one of the best things I have done. “

We all went back to working in the theatres,

I confess I had never heard of this, so I

which is where our work was then.

googled it and planned to watch a few minutes

“But five years later we realised people were

online. I became totally hooked. Phil plays a

still talking about it and watching it on VHS.

teacher who recounts the events leading up

Now it is about 35 years on and people are

a double history lesson when he attacks a

still discovering it.

pupil with a compass. Like all Phil’s work it is

“I think people empathise with the main

understated, believable, human and will stay

character, Jimmy, Actually I auditioned for that

with you for a long time. I can’t recommend

part and was disappointed not to get it, but

it highly enough (www.channel4.com/

Phil Daniels made it his own. Jimmy is just an

programmes/double-lesson).

I must have a Dickensian face! 32

Brighton’s Big Screen

righton’s Big Screen, Brighton’s FREE beachfront cinema is back with a diverse and entertaining line-up, which looks set to take outdoor cinema viewing to a whole new level from 30th July – 26th August 2013. Running for 28 days and situated on Brighton Beach next to the Brighton Pier and the Wheel, Brighton’s Big Screen will showcase some of the biggest recent box office hits including, Life of Pi, Les Miserables, The Hobbit and Oblivion along with movie classics including, Anchorman, Raiders of the Lost Ark, Grease, Brighton Rock and Quadrophenia. The gigantic 40sqm screen will also broadcast a selection of this summer’s top live sporting events including The Ashes, the World Athletics Championships and Formula 1, along with Disney favourites for the little ones including UP, Finding Nemo and Ratatouille. There will be a seated grandstand,VIP area, licensed bar and refreshment area for all to enjoy along with special themed weekends and evenings including: • Duke’s on the Beach with the Duke of York’s Picture House, showing The Adventures of Priscilla Queen of the

Desert, the Stone Roses: Made of Stone, the Imposter and the recently released A Field in England. • Late night showings of The Rocky Horror Picture Show and Zombieland in association with Tulleys Farm Shocktober Fest. • AMI Showcase (Artists Moving Image) will showcase moving image work from talented local filmmakers including students from Brighton University, Homegrown films and The Brighton Youth Film Festival. • Big Screen Kids’ Scene with the Starr Trust and Brighton Sealife Centre weekdays from 10am – 12noon. Entry is FREE but you can also pre book tickets to the exclusive VIP grandstand to ensure seating, high quality audio and receive a free cone of popcorn! Tickets cost £3 for a child, £6 for an adult or £15 for a family ticket. Limited seats are available so head over to the website and get booking: www.brightonbigscreen.com

We are the Mods Summer Bank Holidays in Brighton have always been big occasions for Mods and this is no exception. On the Sunday night, Carol Harrison wil be previewing her big new show - All or Nothing the MOD Musical. Look out for an interview with Carol, best known (until now) for playing Louise Raymond in Eastenders.

For a list of the full programme visit: www. brightonsbigscreen or follow on twitter @brightonsscreen or find it on facebook www.facebook.com/BrightonsBigScreen

Then there is a treat for all Quadrophia fans with guest appearances from cast members and the classic film on the big screen. Dust off the suit, the Ben Sherman shirt and polish the mirrors on your Vespa and get down to Brighton beach.

The monthly column from our windswept Brighton gal

Columnists

Zoe Lyons Please Feed the Lyons

ou will have to excuse me, I am

The best gift that I have ever received was

tempt and tantalise. Come on, who can resist

typing this with my mouth full.

a food hamper. Unpacking a hamper is

a good homemade pie or a peculiarly named

Rude? Perhaps but I just can’t help

undoubtedly the most fun you can have with

cider? Old cloudy Knee Cracker anyone?

myself. At the time of writing this

a wicker basket. It is the gift that keeps giving

I am in Australia taking part in a Comedy

as you dive in and excitedly extract a jar of

Sussex is a stuffed larder of lovelies and it is

Roadshow as part of the Melbourne Comedy

pickled walnuts hidden in the protective straw.

great that Brighton is becoming a seaside City

Festival.

I would rather be given a leg of Jamon than a

where perhaps you will never use your bucket

handbag.You get the picture. Food rings my

and spade but your knife and fork will see

One of my favourite things about being here

bell. Ding Ding. Supper is ready, come and get

plenty of action.

in Oz (other than the fact that their winter is

it!!

moderately better than our summer) is the

Ladies and Gentlemen......do tuck in.

variety of food that is on offer. The street I

When I first moved to Brighton, I’ll be honest,

am staying on is a veritable smorgasbord of

I used to find it a bit of a culinary let down

yummy delights. The problem is I can never

coming home from trips away. There was

decide between the great Sushi, spicy Po or

always the waft of old chip oil and dodgy

grass fed lean Australian beef burgers on

doughnuts hanging in the air but apart from

artisan breads with beetroot. One way I have

a very few local gems it was tricky trying to

learned to counter this gastronomic quandary

find a bit of decent nosh a decade ago. Not

is to get up a bit earlier so I can fit in four

so now. Brighton and Hove has had to add

meals in the one day.

another hole to its belt to accommodate some great new eateries and I for one am

Hey don’t judge me, what can I say, I like my

delighted. Couple that with the numerous

food. I am the sort of girl who does warm

food festivals the city now hosts promoting

up exercises before a buffet and I get a little

local produce, and a new monthly farmers

over competitive around shared tapas plates.

market and we have so much choice on our

When I am travelling I am really keen to try

doorstep. I now have a napkin permanently

everything. Once on a trip to Thailand I was

tucked into my collar.

so over excited about the dinner possibilities that I had dinner in one place finished, paid

If you are prepared to travel just a little bit

and then walked straight into the restaurant

out of town there are some brilliant farm

right next door for a second dinner.

shops and producers within easy reach to

One way I have learned to counter this gastronomic quandary is to get up a bit earlier so I can ﬁt in four meals in the one day. 35

Breakfast at... Bohemia Grand Café ❖ Late Lounge Start your day with a Bohemia breakfast From Eggs Benedict to a traditional Full English hearty breakfast, our head chef will delight you with his superb dishes. Prices from £3.50-£7.50

Or simply enjoy a coffee!

Come and enjoy one of the best breakfasts in town...

Bohemia, 44-45 Meeting House Lane, Brighton. 36

Later, try a memorable AFTERNOON TEA Served between 3.00pm & 6.00pm Minimum 2 persons Traditional Sussex Afternoon Tea £14.00pp Tiered stand of finger sandwiches, homemade fruit scones, Cornish clotted cream and strawberry jam and homemade cakes. Served with a pot of loose tea of your choice Champagne Afternoon Tea £22.00pp Same as the Traditional Afternoon Tea and served with a glass of House Champagne

FRESH DAILY SELECTION OF CAKES

...see you there!

T: (01273) 777770

E: info@bohemiabrighton.co.uk W: www.bohemiabrighton.co.uk 37

The Mighty Stooshe Courtney and Alexandra talk to Daniel White about life in Stooshe, playing Pride and breaking down stereotypes.

hen Alexandra Buggs

called her up in the early hours of New Year’s

reached number eight in the UK featuring a

and Courtney Rumbold

Day and asked her if she wanted to be in the

collection of provocative, punchy wordplay,

stepped into a Bluewater

band. It’s such an unusual story that you do

enforced by catchy choruses and incredible

branch of Topshop in 2011

feel like it’s a lie but that’s how it happened.”

vocals.

they had no idea what awaited them.

Stooshe, a three-piece group from South-East

“We have got so many different sounding

“Jo Perry, our creative director, was looking

London, are doing away with the stereotypical

songs on the album,” said Courtney. “It’s got

to put a girl band together so she spotted

girl band image and, in the process, have been

an old-school style Motown theme but it’s

Courtney and I in Topshop because she liked

turning heads as they rise through the charts.

tough because there are so many different

the way we looked and she asked if I could

While recent releases such as Slip and Black

genres, it’s kind of like an eclectic mix of

sing,” explained Alexandra.

Heart may make you believe this talented

different genres and topics running through

Courtney added: “I went down to the studio

trio have a one-track mind to Motown, they

the album.”

and got put in the band, as did Alex, and then

offer far more. Labelled the urban Spice Girls,

However, the over-the-elbow gloves and

Karis (Anderson) knew Jo from before, so Jo

their debut album, London with the Lights On,

matching ankle-length dresses have been left

38 38

nomination for the Best Newcomer at the 2012 MOBO’s and nomination for the Best Single at the 2013 BRIT awards. “For us to be the new girl band, to put out our first album and for it to go to number eight is crazy,” Alexandra enthused. “It’s overwhelming to know that there is that many people who want to buy our album and like our music, so we’re very happy with the outcome.” As part of their album promotion the band are performing on the main stage at Brighton Pride on August 3rd along with headline acts such as Ms Dynamite, Paloma Faith and Alison Moyet. “I’m so excited,” said Courtney. “I can’t actually wait to perform because I’ve never been to Brighton Pride in the day so it’ll be good fun.” Alexandra added: “Courtney keeps telling

“It’s up-to-date, it’s current, it’s almost like central London with a beach, it’s amazing, I want to live in Brighton.”

us that it’s really good and Karis has never been so we can’t wait to go down and have a little party, perform for you guys and meet everyone, it’s going to be exciting." While the soulful three-piece are looking forward to their first performance at Brighton Pride, they are also eager to enjoy the rest of the city. “It’s up-to-date, it’s current, it’s almost like central London with a beach, it’s amazing, I want to live in Brighton,” said Courtney. While their music is now attracting the attention of a legion of fans, the stylish trio are not going to change for anyone. Delivering charisma that makes their outspoken style as amusing as it is clever, the threesome are in

in the 1970s and today Stooshe represent

In fact, it was their X-rated version of the

control of their own future and have a clear

the women of modern London. With eclectic

song Love Me that caught pop svengali Simon

vision of what they want from it.

clothing, strong personalities and a sense of

Cowell’s attention before he attempted to

humour, these girls aren’t afraid to say what

sign them in 2011. However, the group turned

they’re thinking.

down his approaches in return for creative

When they burst onto the music scene two

control over their output.

and a half years ago they took everyone by

“I love watching those shows,” Alexandra said

surprise with their boisterous yet witty song,

of talent programmes such as X Factor and

F**k Me. With lyrics that included the line

The Voice. “They’re such a family occasion, but

“make me come and I’ll go” the group were

I don’t think we would enter one as they

having fun and turned heads in the process.

probably couldn’t handle us. We like having

“We had no label influence and we weren’t

creative control and making our own decisions

thinking about selling songs, we were literally

and I think you lose a bit of that when you do

just writing what came into our heads, having

those shows, so it wouldn’t work for us.”

fun in the studio and making jokes, so it was

Following delays in releasing their debut

a bit of a different vibe back then because we

album, reportedly due to “label interference,”

had no pressure.”

the trio have now seen London with the Lights On come out to rave reviews, including

“Hopefully a number one album, a world tour and a world number one single,” Alexandra chuckled. “We’re going to have a lot of fun,” added Courtney. “That’s the main key in Stooshe, whatever we do, as long as we’re enjoying it, that’s our main aim.” Stooshe will be performing at Brighton Pride on the 3 August 2013. Other acts include: Ms Dynamite, MKS, Paloma Faith and Alison Moyet. Tickets and information can be found at www.brighton-pride.org www.stooshe.com 3939

ABSOLUTELY The best BABYMOONS in the world By Phoebe Oliver

Where to go baby? London Baby: Close to home and fit for a Royal the new luxury royal nursery suite at the Grosvenor House has teamed up with bespoke nursery designers Dragons of Walton Street and transformed one of the hotel’s luxury Premium Park View Suites into a quintessentially British nursery, designed with a royal baby in mind. The hotel offers a new package is aptly named “Suite Dreams” and is the first nursery offering of its kind from a central London luxury hotel and is designed to create a home from home experience for families using the suite. The ‘Suite Dreams’ package has been available from May 2013 and was officially open to the public from June. Visit www.londongrosvenorhouse.co.uk or call +44 (0)207 499 6363.

SUITE DREAMS FACTS 1. Five different artists were commissioned to create the artwork for the furniture in Suite Dreams. 2. The cotbed alone took five days to create - it has been brush finished with the artwork painted over the top. 3. The bespoke Grosvenor House dolls house cupboard took two days to brush finish and five days to hand-paint. It was particularly difficult to paint as all the windows had to be exactly the same size as well as leaving space at the bottom for the fun artwork. 4. To buy all the dragons of Walton Street furniture in the Suite dreams nursery would approximately £26,000

40 40

Travel

Caribbean Baby: Slightly further afield Young Island in the Grenadines is an understated, all inclusive resort on a totally private, stress-free island; the perfect barefoot escape for your own ‘Swiss Family Robinson’ Caribbean holiday. At Young Island babysitters are available on request and they offer cots for babies. Whilst the kids are occupied, mum and dad can take advantage of the spa or enjoy a couple of relaxing hours drinking cocktails at the Coconuts Bar, the resort’s off-shore, swim-up bar. If the whole family is feeling adventurous they can hike the 4048ft La Soufriere volcano or go hiking along the Vermont Nature Trail or the Dark View Falls. From £2,075 for a family of 4 sharing a Superior Suite for 7 nights All inclusive with the 7 nights for 5 offer. This offer is available all summer when bookings are made with Essential Hotel Collection. www.essentialhotelcollection.co.uk or call 020 8614 0077.

“Whilst the kids are occupied, mum and dad can take advantage of the spa.”

Snow Baby: Baby Club Med is an old player in this category and has provided exceptional baby facilities for years.The programme gets its inspiration from nature – appealing to children’s curiosity and showing them the pleasure of living in harmony with the natural environment. The playground is the powdery, pastel world of chamois, snow flakes and the majestic Mont Blanc as the stunning setting. Baby Club Med is for babies aged 4 – 23 months where guests can leave their babies with Club Med’s team of specialist G.O.s. A personal welcome on arrival for each baby then, after a family breakfast they take part in stimulating activities, meals, rest time and cuddles. The companies gentle approach respects each child’s sleeping patterns and offers educational activities, walks and a nap before playing outdoor games. The baby restaurant is open from 6:30 for babies and parents to have dinner together with sweet and savoury foods available with all the equipment necessary for preparing your own baby meals. And for when parents want to enjoy a moment of total freedom they can take advantage of the baby-sitting service any time – day or evening – giving them some well-deserved time off from the little angels! For further info and prices visit: /www.clubmed.co.uk/cm/resort-chamonix-mont-blanc-france_p-341-l-EN-v-CHAC-ac-vh.html or www.clubmed.co.uk.

Rome Baby: For a truly Roman experience guests are invited to join generations of Roman families each Sunday at Rome Cavalieri, Waldorf Astoria Hotels and Resorts, to catch up over a delicious meal and dine in style at the luxury hotel’s famous Sunday Brunch. Boasting a plethora of children’s activities and a specially designed kids menu, Rome Cavalieri’s Sunday Brunch has a variety of dishes from Italian penne pasta to a gelato bar to make sure even the youngest guests clear their plate. After their main course children can be let loose at the dessert bar where they can feast on a variety of cakes, fresh fruit, custom-made crêpes and home-made ice cream sundaes.When the youngsters have finished their delicious meals, there are dozens of activities that will keep them entertained in the kids playroom, adjacent to where brunch is served outside Rome Cavalieri’s L’Uliveto restaurant. A play haven of bouncy castles, festive face painting, mini pizza making, fun arts and crafts stations, children’s movies, and talented children’s entertainers are all available in the children’s playroom to keep children smiling throughout a fun-filled afternoon. Rome Cavalieri’s carefully selected nannies supervise all activities in the children’s playroom, so parents can enjoy their brunch knowing their youngsters are in good hands. The Rome Cavalieri Sunday Brunch is such a weekly success with the younger crowd, that the biggest challenge is getting children to go home! The Sunday Brunch at Rome Cavalieri is served every Sunday from 12:30pm to 3:00pm and costs €75 per adult and €35 per child. For further information or to make a reservation at Rome Cavalieri, Waldorf Astoria Hotels & Resorts, please call +39 06 3509 1 or visit www.romecavalieri.com. 42 42

Greece Baby: Mark Warner’s Levante Beach Resort in Rhodes where children are extremely well catered for. Its head of childcare at Levante Beach, Amy Whiting, has a number of years experience working with Mark Warner and has been integral in the creation of the well set out and extremely child friendly childcare centre.The building housing the childcare centre is completely air-conditioned, very spacious and light and welcomes children from 4 months up. In addition to the purpose built childcare centre there is a large children’s paddling/swimming pool, a family pool and well equipped outdoor playground. Prices at the resort start from £671pp – depart Heathrow for seven nights half board accommodation at Levante Beach Resort, in Rhodes. This five star resort opened last year and has excellent watersports, top quality tennis and mountain biking as well as plenty of space to relax. Based on two people sharing. For bookings or more information contact Mark Warner on 0844 273 7397 or visit: www.markwarner.co.uk

Luxury Baby: Last offering is a really lovely luxury family-travel specialist that has recently started, aptly named Tots Too www.totstoo.com. The founders of Tots Too have created a bespoke portfolio offering discerning young families travelling with children the very best, tried and tested, hotels and itineraries across the globe. The company features a cherry picked selection of some of the world’s most family friendly hotels all personally tried and tested by the founders - both mums - from Antigua to Finnish Lapland, Oman to the UK, France, Morocco, the Indian Ocean and so many more. Below is just a taster of the companies’ products and collections: • Nanny Too; an exclusive personal Nanny service www.totstoo.com/nanny-too. • Swellbeing; spas for pregnancy www.totstoo.com/pregnancy-spas-for-your-swellbeing - Evian Royal Resort, France is a great one to look at with its Pregancia weekend. • Little Gems; off the beaten track family-friendly portfolio www.totstoo.com/little-gems • Tots Too Ski programme – for further information contact Tots Too www.totstoo.com

Phoebe Oliver runs Oliver Relations PR consultancy www.oliverrelations.co.uk. Mainly specialising in travel and luxury lifestyle brands, the company have some of the best journalist contacts in the industry (both traditional and online), they excel at finding unusual angles and provide memorable events for clients and press. If you would like to discuss raising the profile of your company in the UK using online and social media markets contact Phoebe direct on: phoebe@oliverrelations.co.uk

43 43

County of connoisseurs Eight food and drink businesses from Brighton & Hove are among 68 finalists in the Sussex Food & Drink Awards 2013/14.

ublic voting is now open to find the county’s top farmers, butchers, chefs, market organizers, shop keepers, brewers and vintners in the eighth year of the awards. Finalists from Brighton & Hove include Stanmer House in

Stanmer Park and The Foragers in Hove competing for Best Sussex Eating Experience. Brighton Farmers Market is on the shortlist competing against seven towns in Sussex for Best Sussex Farmers Market, whilst Westdene Butchers in Patcham and Bramptons in Kemptown are contesting for Sussex Butcher of the Year. Infinity Foods is amongst the top ten finalists for Best Sussex Food/Farm Shop, whilst Gran Stead’s Ginger in Portslade is up against vineyards and brewers for Sussex Drink Producer of the Year and The Raw Chocolate Company is competing for Sussex Food Producer of the Year. “I want to congratulate all the finalists in this year’s awards and this event is a great opportunity for finalists to discover how to make the most of this competition which is all about boosting the local food

South Downs and its coastal waters, to the huge number of creative

market,” said Sally Gunnell OBE, patron of the Sussex Food & Drink

and hard-working producers and manufacturers in the county who are

Awards.

creating award-winning food and drink every day.”

Paula Seager, who runs the awards, said, “We are so lucky that Sussex

To see who made it onto the shortlist and to vote for your favourite,

is blessed with a wealth of glorious food and drink, from the beautiful

visit www.sussexfoodanddrinkawards.biz.

~ Espanol

Latino

Tapas Pintxos Bar Restaurant

latino is unlike any other Tapas restaurant outside of Spain. It’s a Spanish dining experience packed full of flavour, offering a twist of modern day Spanish cuisine, all alongside the traditional Tapas dishes you know and love at a great value price. 40% off the food every Tuesday from 5.30pm till 8pm (A la carte Tapas dishes only, cash payments only) We offer lunch Tapas from Tuesday to Friday until 3pm 4 Tapas for £10.00, 6 Tapas for £14.50 and 8 Tapas for only £18.00 All day every Sunday, freshly made Paella for 2 or more and a starter each for only £9.90 per person We offer a party menu for 8 or more people only £13.90 which includes all your favourite Tapas dishes We also have a private function room upstairs which can fit up to 35 people for meetings or parties

01273 770355

36 Church Road, Hove, BN3 2FN latinos.tapas@gmail.com www.latinotapas.co.uk 44 44

@latinotapas Latino Restaurant

Courtyard du Vin Summer flavours at Hotel du Vin

s it true? Is there really only one bank holiday left before

With nothing left but to forget what day of the week it is, we don’t

December? With the temperatures still climbing and this weekend

need a reason. All we need is some more sunshine.

set to be a scorcher, it seems unfair that we are not simply able

For more information, including our full alfresco menu, please visit our

to save these days for the few precious weeks that surmise the

website; www.hotelduvin.com.

British Summer. So with only a small promise that the weather will hold until the next long weekend (26th August), how are we to enjoy

Quote Absolute Mag for a sensational 2 courses plus

this glorious sunshine?

half a bottle of wine for only £25 - or even better - 3

Hotel du Vin is a perfect lunchtime spot for anyone who wishes to

courses for £30!

escape the stuffy confines of the office for an hour or so. Tell the boss you’re working ‘on location’, entertain that oh so important client and set up office in the courtyard. Our free Wi-Fi can ensure your absence is barely noticed. Dine al fresco in our courtyard or upper terrace and you will find the perfect place to enjoy great food, beautiful wines and just let the time run away with itself. Our dishes are tried & true. Who cannot love a simple caprese salad with buffalo mozzarella from Laverstoke Park Farm? Or truel serrano ham with grilled nectarines? Pair it with a glass of La Picoutine and you’re half way to the Amalfi coast. Not bad for just a starter…. Firm favourites take up the Main Course; poached Scottish salmon, Normandy chicken breast with an apple cider sauce, risotto primavera – A Mojito works just as well as wine to cut through those summer flavours. Those with a sweet tooth can indulge in one of their 5 a day with Bruce’s Farm Scottish strawberries & pouring cream. The savoury amongst us can enjoy a selection of British & French cheese completed with breads, chutney and fresh fruit. Great British summer days often drift seamlessly into those great British summer evenings. A cheeky glass of Chablis will chime in wine thirty and welcome the return of those unable to persuade their boss of the benefits of the outdoor office. 45

Brighton Bites

Blackdown Artisan Spirits Exciting news for liquor lovers – Sussex now has its very own gin, vodka and vermouth produced at Lurgashall. Developed over the past couple of years using ingredients sourced from the surrounding area including silver birch sap, you’ll start to see these delicious drinks in Brighton’s premium bars and restaurants very soon. www.blackdowncellar.co.uk

Cocktail Masterclasses The mixologists at Hotel du Vin are hosting a series of monthly cocktail masterclasses aimed at novices and those who want to learn a little more about technique and the history of the drinks. Every first Thursday of the month from 6.30pm you can enjoy themed sessions including English Country cocktails, drinks inspired by Ernest Hemingway, and the Beginners Guide to Brandy cocktails. Advance tickets are £20 from Hotel du Vin • 01273 718 588 www.hotelduvin.com

Sussex Wine Bus Tour All aboard for a whistle stop tour of our local wine industry. The vintage Routemaster bus heads to Wiston Winery for a tour and tasting before a gourmet buffet lunch courtesy of supper club supremo Cantina, and a further tour and tasting at the award-winning Ridgeview Wine Estate. Back in Brighton we head to Drakes hotel and restaurant for Champagne cocktails created by the bar team and truffles from Terre á Terre! Advance tickets for the Sussex Wine Bus Tour are £65 each and include all transport, tours, food and wine on the day. www.brightonfoodfestival.com

Raise a glass to the best of Sussex this September

ake a date for the Brighton Beer & Cider Festival on Friday 13 and Saturday 14 September on Hove Lawns, as part of the epic closing weekend of the food festival’s Autumn Harvest. The festival and Pub du Vin have joined forces to create a showcase for Sussex brewers and cider makers with many familiar names including Hepworth, Hammerpot,WJ King and Kissingate being joined by microbreweries including the Brighton Bier Co. and Franklin’s.The event will also showcase a range of award-winning Sussex wines and there’s an opportunity to sample the new Blackdown range of spirits.

If you’re a real ale virgin then head to see Doctor Beer or Sister Cider for a ‘prescription’ of what to try based on your likes and dislikes.There’ll be live music on both nights – and a Sussex hog roast – plus on Saturday, Brighton Marina’s Chilli Shop will be hosting the Chilli Challenge live on stage where a dozen willing victims will compete to see who can take the heat! Cheers! Advance tickets for the Brighton Beer & Cider Festival are £5 from the festival website. The Brighton & Hove Food and Drink Festival’s ‘Autumn Harvest’ runs citywide from 5-15 September 2013. Advance tickets & complete events at www.brightonfoodfestival.com.

Sussex Food and Drink Awards launch

he finalists of the Sussex Food and Drink Awards 2013/14 were announced at a special breakfast on the first day of this year’s South of England Show at Ardingly.

These annual awards celebrate the best food and drink businesses in Sussex ranging from farmers and chefs to food retailers and butchers.

The awards were launched by Nicholas Soames MP and President of the Agricultural Society, Penelope Keith CBE DL who also shared with the audience her love of poultry! Vote now at www.sussexfoodawards.biz. Photos: Julia Claxton / BHFDF

Nick Mosley suggests three great local dining experiences to try this month...

Interview: Jean Christophe Martin, L’Eglise

Jeremy’s Restaurant Quite possibly Sussex’s greatest chef, Jeremy Ashpool’s restaurant at Borde Hill Gardens is a must for anyone who loves great food. I’d describe it as fine dining without the pretensions. The beautiful restaurant and stunning walled garden are relaxed and informal whilst the food itself effortlessly combines classic cooking with a modern twist. Jeremy’s kitchen team includes chef Jimmy Gray who won Young Chef of the Year in the Sussex Food & Drink Awards 2012/13. Jeremy’s Restaurant, Borde Hill Gardens, Haywards Heath, West Sussex RH16 1XP • 01444 441 102 www.jeremysrestaurant.co.uk

We catch up with Hove’s favourite Frenchman, Jean Christophe Martin of L’Eglise. What inspired you to become a chef?

I come from a family of five children and if you cooked you didn’t have to do the washing up. Also I will always remember the passion in my dad’s eyes when he cooked the cépes mushrooms we found together in the woods. It didn’t take me long to share it. I live to eat not eat to live – probably the reason I’m so skinny!

Tell us a little about the style of cooking at L’Eglise Classic French and French with a modern twist, using what’s in season and also the best possible ingredients available.

What’s your favourite dish on the menu at present? My home smoked slow roasted Middle White from Huntsham Farm. Not only do I love eating it, am also like a kid on Christmas day once a week when I open that box with the whole pig inside!

Your pork dishes are renowned – tell us a little about the pigs! In my opinion the Middle White breed is the best you’ll ever taste. I don’t really like calling it ‘pork’ as, to be honest, I’ve never been a fan until I tasted that breed from Richard Vaughan’s farm. His ways of farming are ethical, and he has a great respect for the animal, which is inspirational and naturally translates in the quality of the meat. It’s great to create such friendship with your suppliers especially when they are at the top of the food chain. I’ve a lot of respect for the man and his beef, lamb and Middle White are all the best I’ve ever tasted and cooked.

“Sounds weird I know, but I find butchering a whole animal kind of therapeutic”

As the pig dish on the menu goes, I cold smoke it for 13 hours then slow roast it for a minimum of six hours, depending on the size. I order a whole pig at least every two weeks, and butcher it myself. That way I have the option to do what I want and just about every time I cut one up I think of another dish I can do with it. Sounds weird I know, but I find butchering a whole animal kind of therapeutic.You really get to respect the product you are using then. I guess it’s like the gardener eating a carrot he just pulled out of the ground. That care taken in preparing food translates into a better taste.

Is the provenance and locality of the produce you use important to you? Absolutely! I think all chefs should use what’s on their doorstep whenever possible. Not only does it makes total sense but also that way you’re contributing to the local economy and you create a strong bond with the producer themselves.

If you weren’t a chef, what would you be? Not a clue! Probably a drunk!

L’Eglise, 196 Church Road, Hove BN3 2DJ • 01273 220 868 • www.legliserestaurant.co.uk

Pelham House Lewes’ finest hotel and restaurant, Pelham House offers an ever-changing menu of seasonal, Sussex inspired dishes. I’d highly recommend a chilled-out Sunday lunch on the garden terrace looking out over the South Downs, whilst the gastronomic tasting menu is a real treat and great value at £35 per person or £60 including accompanying wines. Pelham House, St. Andrews Lane, Lewes, East Sussex BN7 1UW • 01273 488 600 www.pelhamhouse.com

The Ginger Dog Part of the renowned Gingerman group, the Ginger Dog in Kemp Town village offers a traditional pub atmosphere with some of the best food to be found in the city. Alongside rib-eye steak, veal and local fish, you’ll find ever-changing creative tasting plates inspired by world cuisines. There are always a good selection of local beers on tap currently including those from the Long Man Brewery.

The Ginger Dog, 12 College Pl, Brighton BN2 1HN • 01273 620 990 www.thegingerdog.com

3 1 0 2 er m

b .co m l a e v i t ep dfest

s oo OD f AL 5 n V I 1 o O T t F S h 5 brig HTON OD FE G www TER @BRI GHTON FO TWIT BOOK BRI FACE

Sussex Wine Bus Tour, 24.08.13 Make Your Case, Pub du Vin, 05.09.13 Ernest Hemingway Cocktail Masterclass, Hotel du Vin, 05.09.13 Bitter & Twisted, Pub du Vin, 06.09.13 FREE Big Sussex Market, New Road, 07-08.09.13 ‘Pantry, Parlour, Piano Nobile’ Regency food tour, Regency Town House, 07.09.13 A Regency Wine & Cheese Tasting, Regency Town House, 07.09.13 Flavours of Brighton, Boho Gelato, 07-08.09.13 Brighton Champagne & Wine Festival, Hotel du Vin, 08.09.13 Brighton & Hove Restaurant Week, Citywide, 09-13.09.13 The Three Chefs, Blanch House, 09.09.13 Old Ship Wine Tasting, 09.09.13 Harveys Beer & Forager Supper, Pelham House, 10.09.13 Evolution of the Cocktail masterclass, Merkaba at myhotel, 10.09.13 FREE Churchill Square Live Food Kitchen & Farmers Market, 11.09.13 Great Vegan Maki Challenge, Moshimo, 11.09.13 International Chef Exchange dinner, Hotel du Vin, 12.09.13 Brighton Mix Off Cocktail Competition, SEALIFE Centre, 12.09.13 City Reads ‘Guards! Guards!’ night, Hove Lawns, 13.09.13 FREE BNFS Fish Night, South Quay, Portslade, 13.09.13 Time for Tea Cocktails, Metrodeco, 13.09.13 Brighton Beer & Cider Festival, Hove Lawns, 13-14.09.13 Cantina Supper Club, Brunswick Sq, 13-14.09.13 Sussex Gourmet Bus Tour, 14.09.13 FREE Curry Competition Finals, Hove Lawns, 14.09.13 FREE Extreme Food Challenge, Hove Lawns, 14.09.13 Chilli Challenge, Hove Lawns, 14.09.13 Country House Cricketer Dinner, Sussex County Cricket Club, 14.09.13 FREE Sussex & The World Market, Hove Lawns, 14-15.09.13 FREE Children’s Food Festival, Hove Lawns, 14-15.09.13 FREE Live Food Show, Hove Lawns, 14-15.09.13 Brighton Bite Off Growers & Makers Competition, Hove Lawns, 15.09.13 Brighton & Hove Food and Drink Festival Awards 2013 finals, 15.09.13 plus buy local every Wednesday at the Churchill Square Farmers Market & every 3rd Saturday of each month at the Brighton Farmers Market on Old Steine

Thanks to our sponsors

Thanks to our media partners: Latest 7, Latest TV, Brighton & Hove Independent, Juice 107.2, Brighton Visitor, childfriendlybrighton.co.uk and Source Working in partnership with City Reads, The Regency Town House, Brighton Early Music Festival (BREMF) and Brighton & Hove City Council Environmental Health Charity partners: Rockinghorse and FareShare Brighton & Hove

guestlist What? The sounds of Cuba 1

Where?

Rendezvous Casino Why? The launch of the casinoâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s ocean view terrace Who?

1. Greg and Lisa Bradley 3

2. Tony and Janice Saxby, Rita and Terry Ashdown, Ralph Pavey and Norma Jones 3. Carol Cleveland and Ambrose Harcourt 4. Maria and Jasmine Sadeghpour 5. Manoj and Sangeeta Agrawal 6. Robin and Gemma King, Ruth Barber and Alan Nicholas 7. Victoria Gasson, Enka Vanya and Lisa Kelly

8. Lucy Lloyd and Elaine Randall

9. Anita and Chris Ellison with Kirstie Prodger 10. Wendy Carter and Mike Holland 11. Daisy Boyce with Magic Al 12. Nigel Ryan and Kadija George 16

If you would like to see your event on these pages email us on guestlist@absolutemagazine.co.uk

13 10

Photos: Graham Franks

Restaurant Review

Ooh La La!

Fine food and great fun. You can’t fail to enjoy a night at Betty La Las Words: Ian Trevett

t is often patently obvious which market

double entendre. Install a talented chef and

for just how mad it would be. I love it here.”

a restaurant is hoping to reach, and Betty

front it with a glamorous and larger-than-life

So what about the name Betty La La?

La La is surely a fine example of how

blonde. And away you go.

“I named the restaurant after my two nans.

branding and location can make a well-

When I suggest this scenario to Betty La La

One of my nans I used to call La La when I

executed plan come to fruition.

owner (and the aforementioned glamorous

was little.”

So here’s the plan. Find a good spot in St

blond), Sandy McGarrigle, she roars with

The decor?

James Street. Deck out the restaurant with

laughter.

“I have always loved zebras,” she replies.

zebra print and garish pinks and add in a few

For a start Sandy had little knowledge of

It turns out this amazing marketing was

decorative regal thrones (which are great for

Brighton before opening up at the start of

largely a wonderful accident. But wonderful

our King/Queen of Brighton photo shoots).

this year. “I had no idea what St James Street

is the word. By good fortune, personality and

Make the name of the restaurant sound like

would be like,” she says. “I knew there was a

hard work, Betty La Las has been embraced

a Drag Queen, albeit one lacking an obvious

gay community but I wasn’t really prepared

by St James Street.

“I wasn’t really prepared for just how mad St James Street would be. I love it here.” The restaurant may not be named after a Drag Queen, but it is certainly endorsed by the city’s finest cross-dressers. The venue will be packed when the legendary Maisie Trollette holds her after-show dinner party to celebrate her 80th birthday, following a big extravaganza at the Theatre Royal. Maisie is undoubtedly drag royalty, so Sandy’s excquisite thrones will be put to good use. When I visited with my guest, we forsook the thrones for a comfy booth and perused the menu and specials, and difficult choices ensued. Being a stone’s throw from the beach, I chose Calamari in Homemade Beer Batter with sweet chilli, garlic mayo and tartare sauce. The batter was crunchy and the squid soft and tender, which is always better than the other way around. A tasty starter which temporarily transported me to a sunny beach. My companion chose Chicken and Port Liver Pate topped with a drizzle of truffle oil with caramelised onion dip. The intense richness of the pate was tempered by the chewy rustic bread and moistened nicely by the onion dip. Enjoyable and filling, he noted. He selected the Pan Fried Scallops, King Prawns and Chorizo Salad, which he devoured happily. Beautifully presented, this was a seafood lover’s treat. The seafood and tangy chorizo were accompanied by cherry tomatoes, red onion, cucumber, lemon and lime wedges topped with French dressing, peashoots and balsamic glaze. I opted for Line-Caught Cod with Lemon Hollandaise.You may notice that there is a bit of a fish/seafood theme here. Betty La Las isn’t solely (sorry) a fish restaurant, but it does happen to be opposite one of the city’s finest fishmongers, O’Fishly Healthy, and, of course, this is where Betty La Las sources all its fish. O’Fishly is always worth a wander up St James Street, as this is a place that knows its fish, especially those just off our shores. It goes without saying that the fresh, perfect cod was another world from the packaged frozen fish at the supermarket. I can never resist a cheesecake and the tangy key lime shoudn’t be resisted (and wasn’t). My dining partner took the rather unadventurous option of cheese and biscuits, with a selection including all the classics you’d expect at a fine eatery. During the evening there was a pleasant buzz about the place, not just from the accumulated effect of several glasses of the New Zealand Mirror Lake Sauvignon Blanc (delicious). It was nicely busy but not too loud, but then again it a was a Tuesday. I hear that weekends are a bit livelier, especially with the live music from The Pianoman on Saturdays. Sandy was the perfect host, looking after diners, and grabbing the odd conversation; as usual her infectious personality adding a touch of fun. The food was lovely and I would recommend the menu to anyone. But the main reason why I will return is that Betty La Las is such fun. The staff are welcoming and friendly, the decor is lively and the company is excellent. And you don’t even need to be a drag queen to enjoy a great night at Betty La Las. 22 St James Street, BN2 1RF www.bettylalas.com. Tel: 01273 693444 51

Restaurant Review

Very traditional, very English English’s restaurant review by Peter James

righton and Hove mortuary recently

If you are in a fish mood I can strongly

had to install new fridges, with wider

recommend Moonfish on West Sand Lake

doors, to accommodate the increasing

Road – a stunning seafood and fish restaurant,

number of obese deceased too large

in a glorious room. I also ate at the not terribly

to fit into the conventional size ones. A couple

pleasantly named fishbones – which was OK,

of years ago, they had one body brought in

but no cigar compared to moonfish. One thing

who weighed 39 stone. Although, that pales

did irritate me about both restaurants is the

into insignificance compared to a hospital in

habit of not just telling you where the fish is

Seattle, where a friend of mine was the duty

from, but who caught it! Macadamia crusted

A&E doctor at the time, and attended a patient

pacific mahi-mahi caught by Jimmy Harris 1300

who was brought in who weighed a whopping

feet of the Malibu coastal marker…. Crispy

1,000 lbs – 72 stone!

whole yellow tail snapper caught by Bobby

Why, you are probably asking, am I starting this

Johnson of 2nd reef Peace Inlet.

month’s restaurant column on such a morbid

Is this going to set a precedent? In future, is

note? Well, I’m interested in that complex

every steak, or chicken dish or pork sausage

distinction between food as fuel, food as the

we order going to come with name of the

very epicentre of family and social life, and food

slaughter house worker who killed the cow,

as wanton gluttony. There is a cult of “feeders”

or the farmer who wrung the hen’s neck, and

in the US – women who just keep on feeding

complete with compass coordinates?

their husbands until they are bedridden, and then continuing to over-feed them to keep them at home – that way, in their warped mentalities, they know where they are... There seems to be a conspiracy by delis there to make the US nation ever fatter. You order a beef sandwich, and you get a polystyrene box containing half a cow between two loafs of bread and a bag of crisps thrown in for good measure – presumably as a snack in case you get hungry between mouthfuls.

No such nonsense at the Red Lobster where I ate. It is part of a chain, and I’d resisted trying one for years. I’ve never been crazy about the feeling of being processed in a system you get when entering a chain restaurant. But, I was in Orlando for a homicide conference and decided anything would be better than the dreary hotel café for lunch – and went to the Red Lobster across the road. And then went back a second time. It was superb. Top quality lobster, great value, great service. I’ll go again next time I’m

But if you find yourself in Orlando – and if you

in the US. Lobster has long been one of my

have kids, one day you will, to visit Disneyworld,

favourite foods – yet back in the 1800s on Cape

where you see more uber-fat people stuffing

Cod it was so plentiful they fed it to prisoners

their faces than anywhere on the planet, and

as their staple protein!

you feel like totally pigging out, you could do worse than visit Fogo de Chao, on International Drive – it is an all-you-can eat meatiest with a difference – it is a really classy joint, with high quality beef, pork, chicken, lamb that just keeps coming to your table, where it is carved onto your plate from skewers, until you beg them to stop.

No such precious nonsense about who caught what at English’s of Brighton. No precious décor either – it seems to have remained unchanged, inside, since the days my mother took me there when I was in short trousers. I don’t think the menu has changed much, either, and nor have its uneven, sloping floors. English’s does today, what it has always done, which is to serve absolutely top quality seafood and fish,

52 22

in what to me is a totally joyous environment – a venerable Brighton establishment that has not felt the need to tart itself up to move with the times, and with staff who are charming and know their stuff. But what it has added in more recent years is a great outdoors area for eating, drinking and people watching on a warm day. Until The Grand’s glorious GB1 opened up, there was nowhere else in the area I would head for fish and seafood, and they are very different establishments; both really know about service and how to prepare anything edible that comes out of the water. I’m a big oyster fan, and I love both raw and cooked. To some extent a chef is limited with raw oysters beyond opening them, smelling them, and preparing a few accompaniments to enhance their flavour rather than mugging it. But it is cooked oysters that allows the chef’s genius to shine – and shine it does at English’s – the oysters kilpatrick, cooked with bacon and worcester sauce are dangerously good.

For a starter, rich though they are, I find six too

raved about the muscat and summer berries

on their list, and which I had again last week,

few, and twelve still not enough…

trifle. The cheeseboard is good, too, but what

is the Pouilly Fuisse Prestige, 2010, Domaine

stole the show for me last time I was there, a

Ferrand, at a very reasonable £42 You could

week ago, was the totally sinful savoury at the

expect to pay upwards of £65 in many other

end of the meal: English’s oyster rarebit. Save

establishments. And it is true of the entire list

room for it – or eat it even if you are totally

here, how reasonable the prices are.

Nothing on the menu at English’s ever disappoints. Their mussels are exemplary – plump, sweet, and cooked to perfection, the traditional prawn cocktail is beautifully presented and plentiful. Poached loch duart

stuffed – it has to be done.

There are set menu options, from just £12.95

salmon tastes like the poached salmon of my

A good restaurant is nothing, in my view,

for two courses, rising to £29.95 for their most

childhood (definitely noticing a regression

without a quality wine list – and on this

expensive. A la carte, starters are from £6.95

theme here…) with none of that nasty

front, English’s delivers with aplomb. They

to £10.95 and mains from £12.95 - £29.95. But

aftertaste that so much farmed salmon has, and

have a decent selection of wines by the glass,

the opportunity is always there, if you are in the

their dover sole, in my view the absolute king of

in addition, which is very impressive. These

mood to large it, by splurging way higher than

fish, is as good as it gets.

included a delicious Picpoul de Pinet at £6.25

that on oysters, lobsters and Sevruga caviar.

a glass or a very reasonable £21.45 per bottle,

But don’t forget that rarebit, whatever you do.

and the superb M de Minuty Rose – a personal

Gluttony can be good – when it’s this good.

The menu is wide, but not massive, covering shellfish and fish extensively, with a very limited nod to carnivores. The desserts are mostly old fashioned with a subtle modern spin – one of my companions raved about her warm bitter chocolate tart with blueberry compote and honey and lavender ice cream, and another

summer favourite – at £8.95 a glass or £29.95 a bottle.The list of champagnes is comprehensive,

www.englishs.co.uk

containing several grand marques at prices far

DEAD MAN’S TIME - the 9th Roy

from greedy, as is the list of whites and reds –

Grace has just been published in the

and a very helpful chart of what wines would

UK and Commonwealth.

go best with what. My favourite for seafood 53 53

LISTINGS Compiled by Iszara Morgan and Gabriel Wright Theatre Royal, Brighton

Latest Music Bar, Brighton 14 - 17 Manchester St Brighton BN2 1TF

New Road Brighton BN1 1SD

BoxOffice: 08700 606 650 Mon 5th Aug Dolly Parton – 9 To 5 The Musical Start 8.00pm £17.90-£48.90 Fri 16th Aug That’ll Be The Day Start 7.45pm £18.90-£27.40 Sun 18th Aug Maisie’s Birthday Start 7.30pm £18.90-£28.90 Thu 22nd Aug Privates on Parade Start 7.30pm £27.40

Brighton Dome

Church Street Brighton BN1 1UD

www.thelatest.co.uk/musicbar BoxOffice: 01273 687171

www.brightondome.org BoxOffice: 01273 709 709

Thu 1st Aug The Catalyst Club Doors 8.00pm £5

Fri 2nd Aug I Wanna Be Loved By You Start 7.30pm £10.00-£12.00

Tue 6th Aug Action for Happiness Doors 7.30pm Free

Fri 2nd Aug Rockshop’s Big Night Out Start 7.00pm £6

Wed 7th Aug Tango Boot Camp – every Wednesday Doors 8.00pm £3 - £8

Thu 8th Aug The Magical Multi- Coloured Storytelling Skirt Start 10.30am £5 Suitable for ages 4-6 years.

Tue 13th Aug Charity Chuckle Doors 8.00pm £8

Sun 8th Sept Blofeld and Baxter: Memories of Test Match Special Start 7.30pm £21.90

Sun 18th Aug Brighton Twisted Market Doors 12.00pm £5

Tue 10th Sept Go Back for Murder Start 7.45pm £11.90-£35.40

Mon 19th Aug Casitas Doors 7.00pm £4

Sun 15th Sept Ardal O’Hanlon Start 8.00pm £22.90-£24.90

Thu 22nd Aug TigerBiteFever Launch Party Doors 7.30pm £5 -£6 9 to 5 @ Theatre Royal

Sat 17th Aug Hidden Places, Familiar Faces Start 10.30am £20 Sun 15th Sept Nicola Benedetti Start 7.30pm £10 -£35 Thu 19th – Fri 20th Sept Stewart Lee Start 8.00pm £20 Tue 24th Sept Call Mr. Robeson – A life, with songs. Start 2pm/8pm £10 New Ticket releases Fri 11th Oct Alex Horne – Lies Start 7.45pm £12 Sun 10th Nov KT Tunstall Start 7.00pm £17.50-£27.50 Thu 21st Nov Texas Start 7.00pm £37.00-£48.50 Mon 25th Nov Disclosure Start 7.00pm £16.50

Komedia, Brighton

Concorde, Brighton Madeira Drive Brighton BN2 1EN www.concorde2.co.uk BoxOffice: 01273 673311 Fri 2nd Aug Abba Fever- The Official Tribute Doors 7.00pm £12.50 Sat 3rd Aug Brighton Pride Gaydar Girls Doors 10.00pm £5 Over 18s only. Mon 5th Aug Monster Magnet Doors 7.30pm £18 Mon 12th Aug Cult of Luna Doors 7.30pm £13

44 - 47 Gardner St Brighton BN1 1UN www.komedia.co.uk BoxOffice: 0845 293 8480

Thu 1st Aug Krater Comedy Club Award winning comedy every Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Disney Live @ Brighton Centre Sunday. Start 7.00pm /8.00pm/ 10.30pm £10.00-£13.50 Over 18s only.

Tue 13th Aug Black Uhuru Doors 7.30pm £17.50

Sun 4th Aug Bent Double Start 7.30pm £10.50 Over 18s only.

Fri 16th Aug Suspiciously Elvis Doors 7.00pm £14.00 Sat 17th Aug Devotion 10 year anniversary Doors 23.00 £12.50 Over 18s only. Fri 23rd Aug David Bowie Night Doors 7.00pm £13.50 Over only. Sat 24th Aug At The Edge Of The Sea 2013 Doors 3.00pm £20 Mon 26th Aug Alternative Notting Hill All-Dayer Doors 3.00pm Free Fri 30th Aug Masquerade Ball Doors 6.00pm £12 Over 18s only. Sat 31st Aug The Chances and Guests Doors 7.00pm £5 Over 14s only.

The Old Market, Brighton

Fri 9th Aug Ultimate Power Start 11.00pm £5 Over 18s only. Fri 16th Aug BORN BAD Start 11.00pm £6 Over 18s only. Sat 17th Aug Spellbound Start 9.00pm £6 Over 18s only. Thu 22nd Aug MARTHA WAINWRIGHT + SPECIAL GUESTS Start 8.30pm £17.50 Over 14s only. Wed 28th Aug GROUNDATION Start 7.00pm £20 Over 14s only.

11A Upper Market Street, Brighton

www.theoldmarket.com BoxOffice: 01273 201801 Fri 2nd Aug Band of Skulls Doors 7.30pm £15 Tue 20th Aug The Drawing Circus Doors 7.00pm £5 Sun 25th Aug Scratch Sessions: Spun Glass Theatre Doors 3.00pm/5.00pm £1 Thu 19th Sept The Paper Cinema’s Odyssey Doors 7.30pm £12

Brighton Centre, Brighton

Kings Road, Brighton BN1 2GR

BoxOffice: 0844 847 1515 Tue 13th – Wed 14th Aug Disney Live! Mickey’s Rockin Road Show Start 10.30am/1.30pm £18-£30 Wed 28th Aug Leonard Cohen Start 6.30pm £50 -£75 Sat 28th Sept Jon Bonamassa – Live in Concert Start 7.00pm £35 -£55 Fri 4th Oct Lawson Start 7.00pm £19

Coming up Roses Scarlett’s Roses’ Ryan Smith talks to Daniel White about Brighton, trying to get signed and their Pride performance.

s Scarlett’s Roses prepare to bring their summer sound to

Following their performance at the 2012 Manchester Pride the band are

Brighton Pride this August, there is one question even they

geared up for this summer’s event in Brighton and Smith, in particular,

can’t answer, why are they still unsigned?

is fond of the city.

After opening for major artists such as Jessie J and Scouting For Girls

He said: “I always say London is one of the best places in the world but

they have a number of high-profile admirers and, despite the release

Brighton is just perfect. Even when it’s crappy weather it’s still beautiful down

of their debut EP in July, the band are still forced to spread their name

there, the vibe’s really good, there’s always somewhere nice to have a drink,

through self promotion alone.

the shopping’s cool but to be honest, they’re mostly boozy, crazy nights when

“I ask myself the same question every single day, why are we not signed? If

we’re in Brighton.”

this was five or six years ago I think we would have been signed but it’s so

Part of the band’s infectious, energetic style on stage is due to the

much easier to do things yourself nowadays,” Smith, the group’s lead singer,

closeness of the group and Smith is sure that comes across on stage.

explained.

“We literally do all live together and I think ultimately what makes the band

“I don’t think record labels are really putting money into artists. They want

work so well is, not only are the songs good and catchy, but you can really tell

everything done for them, they want you to have the foundation, they want

that we’re mates,” Smith enthused. “When I hear a duet and you can see

you to have the music out and they want your music selling.You’ll have to join

they’re really enjoying it, it makes you like it and I think that is a big reason

the campaign #GetScarlettsRosesSigned.”

why our band works so well.”

While the group are still searching to find a label, they have certainly

While Scarlett’s Roses have received public support from the likes of

found their sound. With their refreshingly truthful tales of life and love,

Lisa Snowden, Jessie J and Leona Lewis, the seven-piece group from

their style comprises finely blended elements of The Specials and Amy

South London remain unsigned, however, Smith never considers

Winehouse with sprinkles of Britney Spears and Dizzee Rascal that is

retirement from the music business.

sure to put a smile on your face.

“Like anybody in any job you get days when you work so hard and you do

“Ultimately we say that we’re a Pop band but it’s more of a Pop-Ska band

question is this even worth perusing, and then you listen to your song or you

like The Specials. There’s a little bit of Calypso, there’s Reggae and a little bit

do a gig and not only is the response amazing but you’ll never find happiness

of Hip-Hop,” said Smith. “The idea is that it’s fun, upbeat, Ska music and

like that anywhere else.”

ultimately it’s good British music.”

www.scarlettsroses.com

56 56

Music

GIG GUIDE Timothy C Holehouse – Thu 1 Aug @ The Green Door Store Band of Skulls – Fri 2 Aug @ The Old Market Mutya Keisha Siobhan – Sat 3 Aug @ Preston Park Generationals – Sun 4 Aug @ The Hope Monster Magnet – Mon 5 Aug @ Concorde 2 Cold Cave – Tue 6 Aug @ The Green Door Store Unconditional – Wed 7 Aug @ The Hope Phil Lee – Thu 8 Aug @ Prince Albert

Martha Wainwright – Thu 22 Aug @ Komedia What The Blood Revealed – Fri 23 Aug @ The Hope George Ezra – Sat 24 Aug @ The Blind Tiger Club The Wedding Present – Sun 25 Aug @ Concorde 2

Leonard Cohen

Scouting for Girls

Scouting for Girls – Fri 9 Aug @ Brighton Racecourse The UK indie-pop band, Scouting for Girls, come to Brighton as part of their tour to promote their Greatest Hits album. The London-based trio will play tracks from their self-titled debut album as well as their 2010 album, Everybody Wants To Be On TV. Owen Pallett – Sat 10 Aug @ The Haunt Cult of Luna – Mon 12 Aug @ Concorde 2 Black Uhuru – Tue 13 Aug @ Concorde 2 Emma Stevens – Wed 14 Aug @ The Font Peacocks – Thu 15 Aug @ Prince Albert U.S. Girls – Fri 16 Aug @ The Hope The Roughneck Riot – Sat 17 Aug @ The Blind Tiger Club Simian Mobile Disco – Sun 18 Aug @ Audio Casitas – Mon 19 Aug @ Latest Music Bar Boy pop band, Casitas, have a habit of making all round feel good music that you can’t help but dance to and this month you have a chance to catch them live. Recently bagging Best Music Video at the South West Music Awards, the group are making an impression with their uplifting music. Moon Duo – Tue 20 Aug @ The Haunt Shotgun Risk – Wed 21 Aug @ The Green Door Store

Leonard Cohen – Wed 28 Aug @ Brighton Centre Poet, novelist and musician, Leonard Cohen, visits the Brighton Centre as part of his UK tour. His songs usually explore themes of religion, isolation and complex interpersonal relationships which have greatly influenced other singer-songwriters.

Mark Mulcahy – Thu 29 Aug @ Latest Music Bar Merciless Terror – Fri 30 Aug @ The Green Door Store Speak – Sat 31 Aug @ Prince Albert Turner Cody – Sun 1 Sep @ The Basement Crocodiles – Mon 2 Sep @ Sticky Mike’s Frog Bar Chrome Sparks – Tue 3 Sep @ The Green Door Store SKATERS – Wed 4 Sep @ The Green Door Store Steve Vai – Thu 5 Sep @ Concorde 2 Jim White – Fri 6 Sep @ The Basement The Watermelons – Sat 7 Sep @ Concorde 2 Daniel And The Scandals – Thu 8 Sep @ Audio Justin Currie – Mon 9 Sep @ Komedia Conquering Animal Sound – Tue 10 Sep @ The Hope Portugal. The Man - Thu 12 Sep @ The Haunt Ras G – Fri 13 Sep @ The Haunt Alasdair Robert – Sat 14 Sep @ The Green Door Store

Nicola Benedetti

Nicola Benedetti – Sun 15 Sep @ Brighton Dome Nicola Benedetti, one of the world’s most sought-after violinists, has captivated audiences and critics alike with her musicality and poise and is coming to the Brighton Dome this autumn to give a highly anticipated recital. Winner of Best Female Artist at the 2012 Classical BRIT Awards, she is right at the top of the classical music world and is a must-see performance. 57 57

Currently running into its second year, Over the Moon festival returns to Sussex this September. Iszara Morgan talks to Jim Mitchell the founder of the festival about this year’s event.

ver the Moon festival brings together a community of artists, musicians, performers and artisans from across the globe to create a unique festival that strives to explore the imagination and delve into the mind.

The festival covers a variety of aspects including art, education and entertainment which can be thoroughly explored throughout the different zones.You can expect to see a range of different activities, workshops and talks across the festival including blacksmithing, stone carving, music lessons, theatrics and much more.

heart of the event. “We are trying to big up the idea of Circus, the idea of exploring the imagination and see what we can pull out. "They do various different circus skills and shows with children and adults alike, it’s very much a variety of shows, you get a bit of cabaret in the evenings, and storytelling, circus skills and interactive stuff for the kids during the daytime. But it is essentially a new tent for us, so you’ll have circus rigs, a bit of a trapeze and people hanging from hoops. We’ve always had elements of Circus, it’s just doing more with it”, says Jim. Sustainability is another focal point of the festival and something Jim is very passionate about. “Eco is a big focus for us and some of the talks are specifically based on how to live in a more sustainable way, little things you can do in your life to do more for your environment or just to take better care and to be less wasteful, that’s an important thing for us, and always has been. In the past we have managed to run everything

Creating lasting connections and a sense of community is paramount

off solar power but it’s quite hard as things grow to manage everything

at the festival as Jim explains, “The main focus of the event in general is

that way”, Jim explains.

bringing the community together and in fact even creating communities. There are a lot of people from different backgrounds be it family or arts or music. All the different kinds of interests that bring people to the festival and creating a community out of that”. One of the headline acts this year, are the Freestylers who are performing a full live band act to coincide with the release of their new album ‘The Coming Storm’. Other acts include Brighton based Physics House Band, Gypsy Disco, Professor Skank, Carnival Collective, King Lagoons, Flying Swordfish, plus many other great names. Circus has always been a very important part of the festival but this year there is a real focus on it, with the Circus of Dreams being at the

The festival is being held on 13th - 15th September in Hailsham. It is a fully camping event, with day tickets also available. The camping facilities include a hot shower and sauna, as well as disabled access. Sunday 15th is being promoted as a big family day including a children’s parade. For ticket prices and more information on the festival please go to www.overthemoonfestival.com.

Over the Moon Festival are offering Absolute readers a 15% discount on festival tickets please quote ‘Absolute15’ on the website.

Festival Fever We take a look at two of Brighton’s music festivals happening this September. 1.

Brighton’s biggest music festival, Shakedown, is back for 2013 taking over

live and soul man Maverick Sabre. Bass music superstar Sub Focus will

Stanmer Park on 28th September, ending the festival season in style with

be dropping beats in the Supercharged Arena together with Radio 1’s

11 hours of music across three stages.

new music legend Zane Lowe. RAM Records are also set for a 4 hour

The impressive line up this year includes Grammy- Award winning Nero

takeover. The Audio arena will also see the likes of Annie Mac, Kerri

who will be headlining the Supercharged Arena. The trio have received

Chandler, Toddla T Sound, MK plus many more.

international success from their number 1 album ‘Welcome Reality’. Other acts taking to the main stage are local duo Rizzle Kicks, urban pop star Labrinth, electro powerhouse DJ Fresh who will be performing

Left: Nero Top: Labrinth

SD2 festival is a brand new one day pop festival coming to Brighton this

huge homecoming gig in Brighton at SD2”. Other acts heading to our

year taking place on 29th September in Stanmer Park with Brighton

South Coast shores include headliners The Wanted, who have released

boy Conor Maynard set to perform. Conor, often described as the UK

hit singles such as All Time Low and Glad You Came, they have rapidly