Absolute Life May 2014

ISSUE 111. May 2014

Fringe Festival Exclusive interview with director Julian Caddy

Ladyboys Red Hot Kisses!

THe gReaT escape

Live music at its best

New Season Fashion

THe spRing / summeR TRends

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Issue 111. May 2014

For all enquiries please contact: Lynne Edwards - Sales & Marketing Director lynne@absolutehomesmagazine.com 07931 537588 Anya Zervudachi - Sales Manager Food & Drink anya@absolutemagazine.co.uk 07596 337828 Luke Thacker - Sales Manager Fashion & Beauty luke.thacker@absolutemagazine.co.uk 07568 336402

Ian Trevett – Managing Editor ian.trevett@absolutemagazine.co.uk 07584 023635

Daniel White – Deputy Editor dan.white@absolutemagazine.co.uk

Frida Clementz - Senior Designer frida.clementz@absolutemagazine.co.uk

Hannah Goudman-Peachey - Designer

Alan Prior MD / Publisher

Absolute Lifestyle Limited Premier House 11 Marlborough Place BRIGHTON BN1 1UB Tel: 08707 707 765 Fax: 08700 052 082 info@absolutemagazine.co.uk www.absolutemagazine.co.uk

16 16. Stephen Perry How do you take the perfect photograph?

We ask renowned photographer Stephen Perry exactly that as well as much more in our exclusive interview.

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Absolute Magazine 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.

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At A Glance 6 Fashion 16 Stephen Perry 25 Health & Fitness 33 Stephen Grant 38 Food & Drink

55 Cinema 56 Festivals 57 Zoe Lyons’ 63 ART 66 Travel

43

welcome .

The biggest month of the year is with us again. There is no place I’d rather be than in Brighton in May. It’s fair to say that we live in a lively city but May is the month it reaches another level.

In just one month we have the Brighton Festival, the Fringe Festival, The Great Escape and the Art Open Houses.

43. DRINKS AND FUN IN THE SUN What better way to enjoy a sunny weekend than sitting in a beer garden soaking up the rays? We have visited a number of our favourite pubs across Brighton and Hove in order to bring you some of the top beer gardens across our sunny city.

The Brighton Festival is a carefully planned cultural feast, with productions sourced, and sometimes commissioned, from around the globe. The guest director is renowned choreographer Hofesh Shechter, so the dance events will be particularly strong.

The Fringe Festival takes an entirely different approach, throwing out allinclusive invitations to come along and put on a show. It is the Russian Roulette of live entertainment, which is why it is so enjoyable. Some of my favourite nights out in Brighton have been in the fringe - and some I’d rather forget! In this issue we talk to director, Julian Caddy, about our carnival of creativity. Take the plunge and book some events. Life shouldn’t always be predictable!

Add to this the full-on weekend of live music that is The Great Escape and the explosion of visual art within the Art Open Houses, there is no excuse to not have a good time.

Living in a vibrant city, you can sometimes take it for granted.

Don’t make that mistake. I urge you to try at least one of these great festivals.

56

56. FESTIVAL SEASON The largest arts festival in England and Europe’s leading festival for new music arrive in Brighton in May and we have previews, interviews and much more as we look ahead to the city’s explosion of arts, music and creativity during the festival season.

brightonfestival.org brightonfringe.org greatescapefestival.com aoh.org.uk Enjoy the festival month,

Ian Ian Trevett – Managing Editor

Paul Smith Suit - £699.00 Gucci Shirt - £245.00 Gucci Loafer - £325.00 Dolce & Gabbana Dress - £865.00 Charlotte Olympia Shoe - £645.00

Photography by Paul Cox Photographic Clothing by Profile Fashion http://profilefashion.com, Styling and Make-up by Fatosh Kalan at NHM O7809 403375, Hair by Sam Stockton 07765 311931, Models from NEXT HOT MODEL UK; Ryan 2012 male winner & Sian 2013 female runner up.

Shot on location at The Grand Hotel.

Dolce & Gabbana Dress - £1160.00 Charlotte Olympia Shoe - £645.00

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Profile Fashion Jacket - £349.00 Lanvin Shirt - £249.00 Paul Smith Chino - £239.00 Alexander McQueen Jacket - £1125.00 Alexander McQueen Trouser - £495.00 Jimmy Choo Clutch Bag - £695.00

Fashionista Directory Julian Stephens Goldsmith

Julian Stephens Goldsmith is a contemporary retail jewellery shop, showcasing Julian’s own exquisite collection of silverware, gold, platinum and palladium jewellery set with stunning precious gem stones. All our pieces are handcrafted in our workshop, and we love to work with our customers to bring their ideas to life and create unique bespoke items.

37 Gloucester Road, Brighton, BN1 4AQ Tel: 01273 692110 email: info@julianstephens.com www.julianstephens.com

Tramp Vintage Boutique

Nestled in the heart of Brighton’s famous North Laine, Tramp Vintage Boutique was founded in 2010 by Michelle Terras as a treasure box of unique items from the golden ages of fashion, targeting women of elegance with character in their style. We specialise in couture and accessories from the art deco 30s to the avant-garde 80s. Opening Hours: Monday and Tuesday – CLOSED Wednesday to Saturday – 11am-5pm Sunday 12pm-4pm 22 Trafalgar Street, North Laine, Brighton, 01273 687968

Exclusive Jewellery

At Exclusive Jewellery we believe in celebrating love. As an independent business we provide a personal service in a relaxed environment, taking the time to really understand our customer’s desires and provide them with an unparalleled experience. Using the latest in design software, we work with you to create the perfect piece to serve as a symbol of your everlasting love. 01273 777198 10 Union Street, Brighton, BN1 1HA

Woodies Brighton

www.trampvintageclothing.com

Woodies, Est in 1980, is located in Duke Street Brighton. Our aim is to bring the best brands from around the world to our customers and create a relaxed, informal, friendly shopping atmosphere. From suiting and leisure wear to contemporary fashion our aim is to have something of interest for everyone. Our global brands are Corneliani, Moschino, Richard James, Hugo Boss, J.Lindberg, Eton Shirts, Gant, Hackett, Paul & Shark with shoes from Oliver Sweeney, Loake & Jeffrey West completing our collection.

01273 776 777

Design Lab

Cloak

Design Lab is one of the largest Independent fashion clothing stores in the South. Located in the heart of Brighton town centre in Duke Street and known to many as “Brighton’s Best Brands” for casual-wear it offers a comprehensive, in depth collection from Denim Industry Giant Diesel. Other collections to complement these are Franklin & Marshall, Henry Lloyd, Gibson London, Boss Orange & Sweeney London shoes. Pay a visit to the coolest shop in Brighton and you would be chilled out! 01273 776 777

Located in the heart of the famous North Laine, Cloak is the freshest fashion retailer in the city! An urban style sanctuary covering 600 square meters, Cloak is a male and female contemporary retail space stocking some of the best labels in the world including Comme des Garcons, Mark Jacobs and Griffin, and with imports and limited runs you’ll be sure to make a statement. 01273 684469 shop@cloakstore.co.uk www.cloakstore.co.uk 1A Jubilee Steet, Brighton, BN1 1GE Mon - Sat: 10:00 - 18:00 Sun: 11:00 - 05:00

Pretty Eccentric

Milla Grace

Take a walk on the wild side with PRETTY ECCENTRIC. Exquisite collections inspired by the 1920s-1950s are created by Michelle Scott and curated in her jewel like boutiques to transform you into a beguiling seductress. Bows, frills and lashings of lace bring a shot of old-fashioned glamour, perfect for that special occasion. Finds: Exquisite lace dresses, dreamy silk kimonos, jewellery made ofVictorian artefacts, gin and Rosewater L’eau de parfum. Pretty Eccentric is a celebration of all things individual but above all beautiful. www.prettyeccentric.co.uk, info @prettyeccentric.co.uk, 10 Bond Street and Meeting House Lane, Brighton.

Milla Grace is an independent Womanswear boutique located on Dukes Lane. Offering well designed high quality and individual clothing.

Milla Grace stocks everything from the perfect shaped dress to amazing scented candles which are locally-sourced from right here in Sussex.

Visit us at the boutique or shop online, quote “ABSOLUTE” to receive a 15% Discount – www.millagrace.co.uk – 24 Dukes Lane, Brighton, BN1 1BG - 01273220409

Griffin Denim

Aston Bourne

Thread is a new menswear Mecca, inspired by global travel, The UK’s most established denim specialist! years of experience as clothing connoisseurs and challenging Opened in 1969, Griffin Denim are proud the “plain vanilla” offerings in stores and the web.

All products are ethically sourced and respect highstockists standardsofofsome of the finest denim and streetwear fabrication and finish. With seasonal and perennial offeringsbrands around including Edwin, Levi’s, Nudie available at our flagship store in Brighton’s South Lanes, and Jeans, Lee, Carhartt, Diamond Supply Co and Cheap Monday. Footwear web-store offerings www.thread-brighton.com, 9 Dukes Lane, Brighton, BN1 include the newest releases from Nike and deluxe sneaker brand NFN 1BQ, 01273 746746 Gourmet. 41 Warwick Street, Worthing, BN11 3DQ, 01903 206227 www.facebook.com/griffindenim

Aston Bourne is part of C & H Weston who have been established in Brighton, East Sussex since 1819. C & H Weston have been the main Barbour Clothing and Authorised Hunter Boots Retail Stockists in Brighton and throughout East Sussex for over 25 yrs. New Barbour concept store opening next door this Spring 2014.

Mon - Sat: 09:30 - 17:30 Sun: 10:30 16:30, 01273 227775, info@astonbourne. co.uk, www.astonbourne.co.uk

To be featured in the fashionista directory please email Luke Thacker at: luke.thacker@absolutemagazine.co.uk 12│

MAY 2014

- Fashion|Directory -

Gentlemen’s Mens Fashion by Igor Srzic Cartledge Fashion stylist www.personal-style.co.uk igor@personal-style.co.uk

wardrobe A well fitted shirt is a must have in every gentlemen’s wardrobe

We should have at least five shirts - one for each working day and in a variety of colours and styles. Shirts should be good quality and if that means you need to pay a bit more it’s worth it. A good quality cotton shirt with a great fit is essential.

So what do you need to look for when buying a shirt?

Make sure that you buy the right neck size so you can wear it with a tie or open if you want to have a more casual look.

The shirt needs to fit you well. Not too big or too small, it needs to be just right – which can be difficult to achieve with off the peg shirts.

If you have broad shoulders, buy a size bigger so it will fit you around shoulders and the waist can be taken in.The same applies to sleeve length. Get the sleeves a bit longer and then they can be taken up if needed.The best thing would be to get a shirt madeto-measure for your body shape, if your budget allows. It is a great experience to design a shirt specifically for your needs.

Made-to-measure shirts are really good quality and they will fit you perfectly. You can often pay a huge amount for a well known designer brand but it won’t fit you as well as one made to your body measurements. When you do have one made for yourself with a great it can be difficult to go back and buy offthe-peg shirts.

Wearing shirts with different ties will give you a fresh and new look even if you do wear the same shirt. You can’t go wrong with a classic white shirt, but It is always good to have a few different colours in your wardrobe. You should check that they suit your complexion – so make sure you try shirts on before you buy them – not only for the fit, but to make sure they don’t wash you out.

I always go for shirts made of Egyptian cotton - it’s very good quality and the cotton feels nice against the body. They don’t crease as much and are easy to iron.

If you do need any help to get the right shirts for work or a casual outfit you know where to find me. www.personal-style.co.uk

Photos: Neil Whitehead www.neilphilipwhitehead.co.uk Model: Ivan Silva is wearing Dandylion Style shirt-www.dandylionstyle.co.uk

- Fashion|Blog -

MAy 2014

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summer dreaming

SpringThai summer is finally upon us and with it comes the fresh Massage / Beauty / Well-being Thai Massage / Beauty / Well-being new arrival of new season fashions and a new feeling of optimism. As always the catwalks gave us so much inspiration, and many different themes of which to explore.

Natalie Courtois is a Brighton based personal stylist, fashion journalist, designer and retailer. She has shown collections at Brighton Fashion week and is a regular face on the Sussex fashion scene. Her work has appeared in OK! Magazine and she won the 2013 “Woman in Fashion” Body Shop awards.

Follow her on Instagram @nataliecourtois

Fashion By Natalie Wileman One of these is ‘art inspired’, as History was another theme designers quite literally played shown within the house of with the idea of fashion as art, Valentino, who always have from subtle influences such as luxury at the heart of their Karl Lagerfeld’s colourful, palette brand, and this season took perfected, silk chiffon dresses for ancient inspiration culminating in heavy embroidery, right through toTherapy Celine’s A visit to Chutima Therapy promises to be a adeep colour AChanel visit to Chutima promises to be palettes and plenty of gold that primary coloured bold brush Rejuvenating experience.

Rejuvenating experience. strokes. At Prada it was also a somehow still managed to look An ideal place to unwind, shape up and discover An ideal place shape up enough and discover fresh for the season. literal take on to theunwind, art theme a renewed sense of well-being. a renewed sense of well-being. with primary coloured portrait decorated pieces from artists Of course, Marc Jacobs final 106106 Trafalgar Street Trafalgar Street and illustrators such as Jeanne collection for Louis Vuitton Brighton BN1BN1 4ER4ER Brighton Detallante & Pierre Mornet. would be a bitter-sweet affair.

Book online www.chutimatherapy.co.uk Book online www.chutimatherapy.co.uk He chose to leave in a dark, e-mail : chutima@chutimatherapy.co.uk e-mail : chutima@chutimatherapy.co.uk Versatility played a major role too, sober yet stunning all black and Christopher Kane,for example, was couture denim collection, which oneFollow ofusmany who made/ chutimatherapy the/ chutimatherapy celebrated the end of his 16 year Follow on us Facebook on Facebook sweatshirt, (the new IT item) a stint at the design house in pure key piece within his collection, luxury and as a statement against Absolute Quarter Page made summer appropriate in the expected. 22/01/2014 14:01 06 January 2014 12:35:37 pastel shades emblazoned with the words “Petal” and “Flower” in However, fun was not far from delicate lace. the catwalks. Ironic statements

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Sea Arches, Folkestone

DON’T LOOK, SEE THINGS Stephen Perry has photographed every celebrity imaginable from Patrick Stewart to Helen Mirren to Gordon Ramsey yet he is still looking to learn Interview by Daniel White

What was your first step into the business of photography?

I went to the Association of Photographers to try and get a job and there was a book at the time which had pieces of paper that photographers filled out when they wanted an assistant. I saw one and I phoned him and I got a job with a still-life photographer in London. He taught me a lot of technical stuff about shooting with lighting and developing images in dark rooms so that was my start. I worked with him for about six months and then I had to move onto another photographer who was a bit crazy and eventually I started working with Terrence Donovan who was one of the biggest photographers around at that time. He could be difficult to work with sometimes but it was the best experience I could have had.

Bradley Walsh

How did you first get interested in photography? When I was doing art at school I was always wanting to do something creative but my art teacher put me off because he was such a psycho. To demonstrate perspective he threw a tin of nails at my head. I was sitting at the back of the classroom and he was sitting at the front and I saw this thing coming towards me and I ducked and he said ‘could you see how that tin of nails got bigger as it got towards your head?’ so I gave it up and I kind of regretted giving it up.

So I went travelling for a year and I took pictures while I was travelling; I took travel pictures, I took landscapes, I did all this kind of stuff and I loved it so much I thought ‘I have to do this for a job otherwise I’m never going to be happy’.

Tessa Kuragi

Do you have a favourite photo?

I have got a favourite photo actually. I went to India just after the earthquake of 2000 in Gujarat where an area the size of the UK had been flattened, literally flattened. I saw these three kids and they were running around as if there was nothing wrong and I just thought it was amazing. So I was asking them to look into the camera and the two older sisters pushed this girl forward and I did the one picture, the one frame and then they ran off, so literally it was one second. You couldn’t have posed that!

Children, Gugarat

What creates a good photograph? If a

picture can be created that moves someone a little bit then I think that’s what makes a great photograph, not just something that’s been looked at but something that’s been really seen. When someone asks me ‘how do you become a good photographer?’ I say ‘don’t just look at things, see things’ and that’s such a simple thing really; see things that other people don’t see, that’s all we do really.

Who are your photography influences?

My first influence was as a kid actually, before I even took up photography, when I saw pictures by Helmut Newton. They had so much character and humour and personality in the pictures, that was the strongest influence, seeing the personality in his pictures, they weren’t just portraits. He was unique then and the way photography has changed he’s unique now so I love him, I think he’s amazing.

How would you describe your style? The

pictures I tend to do for myself do have a sense of humour. So if it’s a picture of a half

Brothers, St Mary’s Bay

18│

MAY 2014

naked girl I’ll try to do something which gives a little bit more interest to it than just a picture of a half naked girl. I’m not one of these black and white purists, I like colour but it depends on the image and the lighting and all of that.

Are you a purist or do you like to edit images? I like enhancing a picture because

you’re not finished until you’re finished and if you can make a picture better, why not?

I’m not really into digital manipulation, I’m not into totally doing something that doesn’t exist, I like to see what’s there and make it the best that it can be.

Do you have any exciting stories from your career? There was a guy who wanted to take

his clothes off and he wanted me to take my clothes off as well while I shot him. Then he stole my keys so I couldn’t get home and he told me I could stay the night. I said no.

Do you have any advice for aspiring photographers? I would say that if you’re not

and do it as a job. If you don’t feel as though you have to take a camera out everyday and look for things to photograph, if you haven’t got that right from the very beginning, when you need it the most, that unbelievable passion that will absolutely drive you through all the hell and heartache and all the other things then I would say don’t do it as a job.

And don’t get mugged like I did and have your camera stolen in India!

How do you rate your career and what does the future hold? It has been a very

interesting and enjoyable career. I like to question myself because I like to keep learning. I like to keep my interest, I like to keep being inspired so I always want to keep an open mind but with a fairly strong idea of what I want.

T: 07770504089 E: stephen@stephenperry.com w: www.stephenperry.com

absolutely 100% passionate about it, don’t try

Chloe-Jasmine Whichello - Interview -

Next Hot Model UK Final 2014 The beauty of the South of England has been explored and no stone has been left unturned in the search to find The Next Hot Model UK 2014.

Bruce of C4’s “The Model Agency,” Alex Proud of C4’S “Four Rooms,” Electric Hair founder Mark Wooley and Next Hot Model UK founder Fatosh Kalan.

Throughout February and April the annual Next Hot Model UK Competition 2014 has held heats across eight of the major towns and cities of the South; from Portsmouth right over to Brighton and up to Crawley, in a bid to find aspiring and unsigned models who dream of ditching the high street for the cat walk and enter the glossy world of high-fashion. Run in partnership with the London-based and internationally-acclaimed boutique model management company PRM London and multiple influential media partners, the project aims to discover and mentor potential male and female models, offering them a platform to showcase their talent and launch their careers.

If all that isn’t enough, the winning ‘Hot Girl’ and ‘Hot Boy’ will strut away with an incredible once in a lifetime prize; a luxurious trip and professional photo shoot in the paradise destination of the Seychelles Islands, compliments of the NHM hotel partners.

Teams of talent scouts have been travelling through town centres, supermarkets, malls and events casting their professional eye over the South’s beautiful people, signing up over 2000 entrees to the competition which will see the top 15 males and 15 females enter the Grand Final Catwalk Show.

Held at the prestigious Hilton Brighton Metropole Hotel on 6th June, the Grand Final Catwalk offers the lucky 30 the exciting opportunity of strutting their stuff in front of the UK’s media and fashion experts, including Paulo Ribero, Founder of PRM London, John

The exclusive Grand Final 2014 event itself promises to be a night of VIP glamour and excitement as Next Hot Model and PRM Model Agency London present ‘The Twisted Funfair.’ Featuring not only a stunning fashion show from the 2014 finalists, parading clothing collections from Café Bleu USA, Profile Fashion, and RTH London with hair and makeup by Electric Hair and Shu Eumura, guests will be entertained by incredible live performances throughout the evening.

Headlining will be the hotly-tipped Brightonbased rock ‘n’ roll modernists ‘The Last Carnival’ with support from songstress ‘Miss Kyla White’ and ‘The Loose Cannons’. Add to the mix daring and dazzling performances from the colourful performers from sponsors Proud Cabaret Brighton, street dance displays from UK champion dance crew Marina Studio and many more secrets to be revealed soon, and you have all the ingredients for one of the biggest VIP fashion events on the South Coast.

- Fashion -

VIP table bookings for the Grand Final 2014 are available at £690 per table, seating 10 guests and include a 3-course gourmet meal from the chefs at the Hilton Brighton Metropole.

VIP seats are available at £70 each plus booking fee.

Both VIP tickets also include free VIP entry to SHOOSHH nightclub for the exclusive after party, hosted by the fabulous Miss Stephanie Starlet, and are available on request from NHM EVENTS LTD by emailing bnhm2014@gmail.com, or call 07809 403375.

Gallery seat tickets to the event are £25.00 per person, plus booking fee and are available to purchase at http://1976design.fatsoma.com/

MAY 2014

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THE TALE OF TWO GRIFFINS Two shops in Worthing have been discreetly influencing the South Coast’s street style, and importing fashion brands from across the globe into the area. Fashion journalist Zoey Goto paid The Griffin and Griffin Denim a visit to see what all the commotion is about.

The Griffin – 39 Warwick Street

Stepping into The Griffin boutique feels a little like entering an exclusive members club.

Antlers are hung on the dark oak walls, soft lighting is provided by vintage floor lamps, while leather armchairs and a Union Jack sofa are on hand for weary shoppers to recuperate.

Since opening 19 years ago, The Griffin has established itself as an emporium for British heritage brands. The store stocks a substantial collection of Fred Perry clothing, a label long associated with the local youth culture of the South Coast, having been favoured by the original Mods in the early 60s. This ModernDay-Mod theme continues with the collection from Pretty Green, a menswear label owned by the musician Liam Gallagher and known for its Quadrophenia style clothing.

In keeping with the menswear revival for all things preppy (witnessed recently on the catwalks at London Collections: Men) is the Farah Vintage collection, known for their Oxford shirts and classic chinos. The Griffin also stocks Lyle & Scott’s Vintage and Contemporary collections. The 140 year-old 20│

MAY 2014

brand is instantly recognizable by the golden eagle logo, often associated with British musicians and indie music.

display. The use of plants used to create the installation cleverly referenced the historical use of plants within the denim making process.

No stylish menswear shop would be complete without a grooming section, and The Griffin offers various lotions and potions with chic, retro packaging from Baxter of California.

There is also a range of Björn Borg underwear and an impressive selection of iconic Ray-Ban sunglasses, including the Clubmaster, Aviator and Wayfarer styles. Sought-after shoe collections available through The Griffin include the luxury menswear designer John Varvatos’ collaboration with Converse, and The California Collection from Vans, a range of shoes that reference vintage surf and skate styles.

The creative displays, relaxed ambiance and intelligent choice of menswear heritage brands have all succeeded in making The

Recently, both The Griffin, and their neighboring shop Griffin Denim, have been teaming up with local artists and designers to create show-stopping window displays.

The Christmas window for The Griffin was chosen as the winner of Worthing’s visual merchandising competition, while next-door, Griffin Denim received substantial media attention for its vertical garden window - Fashion|Worthing -

Griffin a very British success story.

Griffin Denim – 41 Warwick Street, Worthing

The Griffin Denim has carved out a reputation as the authority on denim. It started back in 1969 and was the first shop to directly import Levi’s jeans from America to the South of England. They have since become the area’s principle street wear boutique and a mecca for denim devotees. The design of the shop is very East London cool, with exposed brickwork, an installation of naked light bulbs hanging from the ceiling and an illuminated display of trainers in a rainbow of colours.

Alongside denim heavyweight brands such as Levi’s and Wrangler, The Griffin Denim does a thriving line in fashion-forward, niche labels.

Names to become acquainted with include Nudie Jeans. The Swedish brand specialise in premium denim and are known for their stylish designs, created using organic denim and responsible production. The Griffin also stock the Japanese brand Edwin, a label that originally produced jeans for the American G.I.s stationed in Japan. Edwin jeans are recognisable for their distinctive red or yellow selvage and are much prized by the denim cognoscente.

An extensive range of street wear is also stocked at The Griffin Denim, including the cult label Billionaire Boys Club. Musician and all-round-style-guru Pharrell Williams started the label over a decade ago, with the designer Nigo, founder of the label A Bathing Ape. It has since becoming hugely influential and is credited with injecting skate-wear into the world of high fashion. Nestled on The Griffin Denim rails you will also find plenty of Carhartt clothing, an American brand that originally made clothing for railroad workers, but is now one of the big names in street wear, known for their imaginative collaborations.

The selection of trainers at The Griffin Denim has proved so popular that the business is now expanding with a third boutique, dedicated solely to trainers. Sneaker is due to open on Warwick Street this summer and will be stocking brands such as Adidas, Reebok, Nike and Asics.

Luke Dancy, owner of Griffin Denim, says that he feels their success has been due to ‘being one of the very few remaining denim specialists. All of our staff are trained in service and product knowledge, specialising in denim fit’. Luke stresses the importance of this knowledge, as unlike buying a pair of shoes, buying the right jeans is a more complex task, as everyone is a different shape. ‘We like to be able to cater for each individual customer finding them the perfect fit’. As I left Griffin Denim, I felt refreshed to discover that fashion boutiques with such an expert knowledge still exist. Both Warwick Street shops are definitely worth a visit.

THE GRIFFIN - 39 WARWICK STREET, WORTHING, BN11 3DQ TEL: 01903 232335 Facebook.com/thegriffinworthing GRIFFIN DENIM - 41 WARWICK STREET, WORTHING, BN11 3DQ TEL: 01903 206227 Facebook.com/griffindenim

Instagram - @griffinworthing - Fashion|Worthing -

MAY 2014

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Prestige Watches & Exquisite Jewellery Rolex Bi- Metal Submariner - 16613 Dated 1991- ÂŁ4,995 The Rolex Submariner is without doubt one of the most recognised watches in the world. The case is stainless steel with an 18ct solid gold bezel and crown. The dial is in excellent original condition as is the steel and gold Rolex Oyster bracelet. This Sub comes with box and original papers and our two year warranty. For only ÂŁ4,995, this is a once in a lifetime opportunity to own a watch like this for this price.

Specialists in Vintage & Pre-Cherished Watches service, repair, & restoration. gold, silver & prestige watches purchased

29 Station Road, Portslade, East Sussex BN41 1GB Tel: 01273 239763 www.jamesrossjewellers.co.uk

guestlist What?

Start of Works Celebration Where?

Amex Stadium Why? Work has begun on the new Sussex Macmillan Cancer Support Centre

- Guest|List -

MAY 2014

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NEXT HOT MODEL UK GRAND FINAL 2014 in assoc with

PRM MODEL AGENCY LONDON Present

"the twisted funfair"

Friday June 6th 7pm-midnight / midnight to 4am THE HILTON BRIGHTON METROPOLE / SHOOSHH HOSTED BY

MISS STEPHANIE STARLET KALEE HEWLETT (clothes show live)

VIP TABLES

VIP table bookings are available at £690 per table - seating 10 guests includes a 3 course a gourmet meal from the chefs at the Hilton Brighton Metropole available on request at

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(also includes free VIP entry to SHOOSHH nightclub for the exclusive after party)

SHOW SEATS

Show seat tickets to the event are £25.00 per person + BF

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PERFORMANCES ON THE NIGHT

A stunning fashion show from the 2014 UK finalists featuring clothing collections from CAFE BLEU USA / PROFILE FASHION / RTH LONDON - with hair by ELECTRIC HAIR and make up by SHU EUMURA,

LIVE MUSIC & DANCE

THE LAST CARNIVAL / MISS KYLA WHITE / THE LOOSE CANNONS / THE PROUD CABARET performers / STREET DANCE from UK champions MARINA STUDIOS

THE JUDGES

FATOSH KALAN next hot model uk founder Mr. ALAIN ST. ANGE minister for tourism & culture seychelles ALEX PROUD c4 four rooms / proud bars & clubs PAULO RIBERO founder PRM model agency London JOHN BRUCE ITV the model agency MARK WOOLEY this morning itv1 & electric hair founder LIZZY BISHOP founder of Brighton Fashion Week

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More information available at www.nexthotmodel.co.uk facebook & twitter @nexthotmodeluk

SPRING – LEGS, BUMS & TUMS With spring coming into full bloom, it’s time to get into the gym and start work on those legs, bums and tums so you are ready to hit the beach when summer arrives.

Therefore, we caught up with LA Fitness General Manager, Scott Defty, to find out what you need to do to be in shape for the summer sun.

How do people start to get fit for summer?

People should start by consciously making a commitment to get fitter, whether that’s a change of lifestyle, diet or exercise regime it all has to start somewhere. You won’t get fit just doing one though, you need to make changes to all three to really see a difference in time for summer.

What are the top three workout exercises for your legs, bums and tums? Squats and lunges are great to tone up your legs and bums! Follow this up with a 20 minute high intensity cardiovascular workout on our wave machines or a spin class and you’ll be ready for the beach in no time.

What should people eat before a workout?

I wouldn’t advise eating much up to an hour before your workout, however, an energy bar, a sweet drink such as Lucozade or a piece of fruit like a banana will give you plenty of energy to perform at your best.

What should they avoid eating after a workout?

There is not much point in eating a high calorie nutrient defficient meal such as fast food following all the hardwork at the gym.

Protein is crucial for muscle building and recovery so it’s a good idea to have some lean meat, like chicken, steak or fish with salad or if time is short a protein shake or a protein bar will tick all the right boxes.

What are your top three legs, bums and tums tips for dieting? To keep your metabolism high avoid large, infrequent meals and try to eat smaller portions 5-6 times a day. Cut down on coffee and reduce stress as these contribute to storing extra fat around your tummy. Eat more fruit and veg to increase your fibre intake, which will speed up your digestion.

ALL INLY N FOR O

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What is the best workout clothing? Anything that you’re comfortable in will work, you don’t need the most expensive, fashionable gear to have a good workout. Some people feel too much pressure to come to the gym in the best high tech kit available, when all you need is something that doesn’t restrict movement and you’re happy to wear.

How often should people go to the gym? That can depend on a number of factors. Commitment, time, cost and motivation. However, it’s important not to make too many excuses!

After 12 days of exercise you’ll start to feel better in yourself, have better nights sleep and feel more energetic. After 12 weeks you will see the difference in the mirror. We encourage people to come to the gym 3 – 4 times a week, here at LA fitness Brighton we also have 20 min fast classes designed for busy people. All are high intensity and really good at addressing the common excuses listed above!

Get your FREE 3-day trial membership for LA fitness Brighton!

Get fit and start today at LA fitness Brighton, the all inclusive gym that gives you everything!

Whether you want to row, run or spin, jump, dance or swim, we've got all the kit and classes you're looking for; all for one great price!* Plus, we’re offering you the chance to try us FREE for 3-days! Simply visit laftness.co.uk/fitness and download your FREE 3-day trial membership for LA fitness Brighton.

To find out more about our membership offers visit us in club or call us on 01273 685868!

LA fitness Brighton, Tower Point, North Road, Brighton, BN1 1YR

*For terms and conditions please visit lafitness.co.uk/terms.

THINKING OF COSMETIC SURGERY?

IT’S A QUESTION

OF QUALITY. At Nuffield Health Brighton Hospital we passionately believe in quality care for all our patients.

We have over 50 years of experience in providing independent health care which means that you can make decisions with confidence.

It is not just our facilities that make the difference but our dedicated medical and nursing teams.

Call our team for more information on 01273 761997 or visit www.nuffieldhealth.com/brightonhospital

Brighton Hospital

ONLY THE BEST From Catherine Anderson, Matron at Nuffield Health Brighton Hospital Nuffield Health is proud to have championed the

are very proud to be able to say that all our

your treatment journey from the initial

use of matrons throughout its 52-year history. We

profits are re-invested into the organisation,

consultation right trough to surgery itself and

believe their professionalism and pride in their

which means that we have the most up-to-date

the recovery period.

work are central components to the workings of

facilities and equipment. Our passion is caring

a hospital. In fact, they’re the glue that holds our

for our patients, we have a easy access and

excellent team together. Whilst all our hospitals

first class treatments and services for all of our

are very much forward thinking and innovative

patients.

institutions when it comes to technological advancements in medicine, we are still passionate about the role of matrons.

Tell us a little about yourself and your role at Nuffield Health Brighton Hospital

What are the main concerns of patients when deciding on cosmetic surgery?

That they want to make the right decision! Our

Tell us about your Cosmetic Consultant Surgeons

patients can take as much time as they want to make a decision and in fact we advise that they think long and hard about all aspects of

All our expert Consultant surgeons are highly

the procedure before agreeing to proceed. We

experienced in their field and are here to listen

appreciate that there is a lot to think about and

to the patients needs. They all work locally in

we will not pressure you in any way.

My name is Catherine Anderson and my

both the Private and NHS sectors with a great

role is Matron at Nuffield Health hospital in

number of year’s experience, thus giving you the

Brighton. I have 33 years of experience working

piece of mind that you are choosing the right

No, not at all! Again, I think that there is a stigma

in nursing, 10 of which have been for Nuffield

consultant.

attached to this, people assume that Cosmetic

Health starting on the ‘shop floor’ so to speak and ending as Matron. My role as Matron is ultimately to keep the hospital ‘clinically’ safe,

How important is it that your expertise and staff are local?

Does cosmetic surgery really cost the earth?

Surgery does cost the earth, however, it is more affordable that you may think. Our staff are always on hand to offer advice and assistance

ensuring we have the right staff with the right

We employ only the best medical staff in order

regarding payment options. They will help work

qualifications in the right place.

to provide the best quality medical care possible.

out the best options, such as discounts for

All our staff are highly trained in their specialist

combined procedures and different techniques

area. Our specialist nurses are professional and

for certain procedures that can affect prices also.

I could not do this job without the help of an experienced team of Heads of Departments, who constantly monitor their areas of work, ensuring patients are looked after with the highest standards of nursing care which patients have come to expect from Nuffield Health Brighton.

Who are your patients?

highly skilled members of our team and all live in the Sussex region, we feel that this is a very important aspect of us being able to provide

Nuffield offer a fixed price package for your

communicate with our patients who are mostly

procedure with no hidden extras, the package

from the Brighton region.

price includes the cost of your procedure, your

Tell us something about the range of Cosmetic Surgery procedures at Nuffield Health

attached to it that it was only film and TV stars

Brighton Hospital

was an element of truth in that statement, however, we are now very much in the 21st century. People want to look good and feel great and to be honest they deserve it!

and follow up consultation. As we are a leading health charity, we offer piece of mind should anything be required within 30 days of your original procedure. Our passion is looking after

to look and feel good long before the term

you and ensuring you receive the first class

‘Cosmetic Surgery’ was invented. More that 50

treatment that you deserve.

years later we have a wide network of expert professionals and specialists. Here in Brighton we offer most types of cosmetic surgery, from

different?

breast augmentation and tummy tucks to

means we don’t have any shareholders, we

hospital stay, surgeons and anaesthetists fees

Nuffield Health have been helping people

What makes Nuffield Health Brighton Hospital

Nuffield Health is a Registered Charity, which

Nuffield offer?

the best care because it enables us to relate and

Cosmetic Surgery used to have a stigma that ever had cosmetic surgery. Years ago there

What kind of follow up care and advice do

face lifts and nose surgery. You will receive the individual attention that you need and deserve.

You will see the same consultant throughout

- Health -

Nuffield Health Brighton Hospital Warren Road, Brighton, BN2 6DX www.nuffieldhealth.com/brightonhospital E: brightonenquiries@nuffieldhealth.com T: 01273 761997

MAY 2014

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A CHANGE FOR GOOD

History was made when Andrew Wale and Neil Allard were married in March and they hope it will spark a change in society’s attitude Interview by Daniel White

“I now pronounce you legally married” As the words left the lips of registrar Trevor Love, the Royal Pavilion’s Music Room erupted into a joyous celebration of relief.

After years of abuse, discrimination and suffering directed towards same-sex couples, while not forgotten, this day saw the start of a new, brighter, chapter.

“It was much more than merely congratulating us,” begins Andrew Wale.

“There was a general sense of relief and joy from the whole room, it was a little overwhelming, but something good had happened and now we could move on.”

Andrew and his husband, Neil Allard, became the first same-sex couple to be wed in Brighton in the early hours of March 29th, a marriage that sent a statement across the country and beyond.

“There has been, and continues to be, so much pain, violence and anguish associated with LGBT history and rights,” explains

Andrew. “I think everyone was extremely happy that this change for the better had taken place.”

Following their wedding, a celebration began to take place in the Pavilion Gardens, with a jubilant sense of equality rampant throughout.

“When we came out of the Pavilion, we were greeted by the cheers of hundreds of people who had gathered outside,” smiles Andrew. “They were so happy and excited that this day had finally come. So many people, many of them young and very emotional, thanked us for doing it so publicly.

They said it would make a positive difference to their lives; we couldn’t hope for more.”

The campaign to change marriage laws had been a long running one, which built a distinction between society that made many same-sex couples feel like second-class citizens and, following their wedding, Andrew and Neil felt a change.

“Waking up the next morning, we actually agreed that we felt different,” Andrew - Weddings|Interview -

reflects. “We felt stronger, safer; slightly less like outsiders. Of course, we always have and always will rely on each other, but it was a good feeling to feel more a part of society, even though, for people of our age, that feeling can never be complete.”

While it was the first same-sex wedding to ever take place in Brighton, it was also the first wedding to take place in the Royal Pavilion’s Music Room and the couple couldn’t be happier to have held their wedding in the city of Brighton.

“We are, of course, very proud to have had the opportunity to be representative of a change for good,” Andrew says. “To have done that in our home town, with the support and good wishes of so many people around us was fantastic.

“Brighton and Hove, though not perfect, is a wonderful, vibrant and inclusive city to live in. We hope to be here for many years to come and to enjoy everything our community has to offer.”

MAY 2014

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Your Smile Says It All ...

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

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

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

Stephen Grant Compassion Fatigue I am currently battling a tsunami of compassion fatigue. Not mine - yours.

If you’re unsure what compassion fatigue is, it’s the illness accompanying the lack of empathy arising from the constant tugging of our heartstrings by work, friends, newspapers, television and strangers who are leaning on us to ‘do the right thing’. It’s not a modern phenomenon. It was first diagnosed in 1950’s nurses who started to experience depression-like symptoms as a result of their constant need to care. In my experience, all nurses suffer from this a bit. Show me an experienced nurse who is constantly happy and ebullient and I’ll show you a nurse who is probably crap at her job.

In fact, I used to date a nurse and made that rookie mistake of thinking she would be sympathetic when I became unwell. My manflu was laughed off immediately and when I complained about this, she simply chucked me out of her bed. Again, another skill nurses have completely nailed.

We’ve all had a bit of this. When we see the standard shopping-centre chugger - the ‘charity mugger’ who grabs his clipboard nearly as tightly as your eye-contact, our hearts sink. Good people wonder what genuinely worthy cause they are attempting to help. And those good people will feel miserable if they don’t cough up. It’s effectively a tax on being kind.

However, let me tell you, things are no easier when you cross over to the other side.

My achingly sweet nephew was recently diagnosed with Tetrasomy-18, a chromosomal disorder that will leave him with a variety of challenging life-long disabilities, and spurred by this, I decided to go that step beyond simple donation (the super-quick-fix route to altruism) and organise an event to help raise money for Scope. I felt this would apply my skills and also help maximise the money I could raise. Go me.

So, using my contacts both in the world of promotion and comedy, I have organised a large, really high quality night of comedy at Hurstpierpoint Village Hall on Sunday May 4th - the night before a bank holiday, so hopefully a great way of packing the numbers in. Everyone, including all the comedians, are giving their time for free - and for a £10 ticket (a great price for a commercial, non charity night), I thought, “this will be a sinch”.

Silly, silly me. I have never worked so hard in trying my hardest to drum up interest and push tickets. Friends have been fantastic - buying tickets immediately - but beyond that, the general public are almost suspicious.

I’ve learnt quickly to omit “It’s for a good cause” from my sales pitch. Think about it - it’s a lot easier to ask people to come out for a terrible cause. “Fancy a meal out full of saturated fat and MSG”? Lovely. “Up for a night of solid drinking followed by

popular charity website ‘Just Giving’ “is The probably called that so people are reassured they won’t be more involved.”

- Culture|Columnist -

illness, possible arrest and even poor quality intercourse?” Cannot wait.

And those people who are positively swayed by a worthy charity politely point out that their dollar is being courted by other equally worthy charities. You forget the fact that charities have to compete with each other.

Maybe in dark alleyways, away from the gaze of the public, the NSPCC and RSPCA throw angry punches between gnarled insults.

“Children!” “Puppies!”. It’s a horrid thought but barbed analogies aside, it’s not enough to be worthy. You have to be most worthy.

Donating isn’t a cop-out, it’s the stressfree choice in every scenario. The popular charity website ‘Just Giving’ is probably called that so people are reassured they won’t be more involved. I imagine the website was originally called “Justgivingandnothingelseisexpectedofyou. com”. I worry that the man hours I’ve spent so far organising and pushing this event, if redirected into my normal job and donating the money I earnt to charity instead, would probably exceed any monies raised through our charity comedy night. Please prove me wrong and come along; it’ll be fun, even if that won’t be evident on my compassion-fatigueaddled face. www.facebook.com/hurstcomedynight

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3

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4

guestlist What?

Absolute Cheese and Wine Evening Where?

La Cave a Fromage, Hove Why? A celebration of fine food and wine, sponsored by Design Interiors

6

5

Who? 1. Amanda Edgar and Alice Negri 2. Richard Zinzan, Nik Askaroff and Nicola Thomas

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8

3. Deborah Smith, Maunie Catchpole, Nicola Gunstone and Ian Trevett.

9

4. Claudia Gurr, Cheril Dowell, Chris Mansfield and Sophia Lee-Spencer 5. Pieter Grobelaar, Alan Prior and Mike Rogers 6. Becky Sharp, Hemantha Trevelyan and Claire Cook 7. Rheanna Davidge-Huxley and guest 8. Maarten Hoffmann and Troy Belliere 9. Jessica Beales and Lexy Hall 10. Natalie Page and Lynne Edwards 10

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11. Sarah Hopwood, Darren Crabb and Barry Carden 12. Billy Mauseth, Adrian Pickard and Steve Mac, 13. Pieter Grobelaar, Tommie Handley and Natasha Askaroff.

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

Photos: Sophie Burns - PHOTOGRAPHY www.sophieburnsphotography.zenfolio.com

- Guest|List -

May 2014

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MORE THAN A FANTASY Ashdown Park Hotel is renowned for its excellent service and wonderful surroundings.

Absolute’s Alan Prior visited the large country mansion to see for himself You would be forgiven for thinking you had stumbled into an Edwardian fantasy as you enter Ashdown Park Hotel.

My partner and I certainly did as we approached the spectacular country mansion that dates back to 1867. With spring bursting into full bloom, at first we were greeted by a sunny morning and the impressive floral colours on offer across the beautiful grounds as we pulled up to the entrance.

We were then welcomed by the valet who parked my car as we made our way inside to the foyer where the infectious scent of timber fires eases you in. Before we even had time for introductions, we were addressed by the friendly receptionist who knew already who we were and where we were booked in.

I am lucky enough to say that I have had the pleasure of enjoying the comfort of a number of luxurious hotels throughout my life but, after being shown to the room, I must admit it is the most enormous hotel room I have ever encountered.

Filled with retro G Plan styled furniture, it transported me back to my mum and dad’s living room, providing an inner sense of 36│

MAY 2014

homeliness, which was willingly embraced. The lakeside room provided stunning views as well as plenty of treats, from the large Jacuzzi bath to the cosy three-piece suite to the expertly crafted dark chocolates awaiting us.

If first impressions were anything to go by we were well and truly mesmerised by what we had seen up until now.

We had arrived at mid-afternoon and so by now we were ready for a glass of champagne as we took the opportunity to test the comfort of our king-sized bed.

My partner and I then decided to indulge ourselves further as we took a stroll around the beautiful grounds, which I’m sure are a spectacular sight at any time of the year.

Deep in the heart of Ashdown Forest, the inspiration behind A. A. Milne’s Winnie The Pooh stories, you are secluded from the hustle and bustle of city life, with little to distract you from the ground’s beauty other than the chirps of birds in the trees above and the odd squawk from the Canadian Geese resting by the lakeside.

- Food & Drink|Review -

At around six we made our way to the bar area, although, not before I had been kindly reminded by the receptionist that I would need my jacket to enter the restaurant when we moved on. A few gin and tonics later and we were more than ready to make our way into the restaurant.

Walls adorned with constable-styled landscape paintings, we settled down into the laid back atmosphere that was topped off by the resident pianist and began to browse the menu.

To kick things off we both had the Muse Bouche of Carrot and Coriander Soup before moving onto our starters. I chose the delicious Foie Gras and Duck Confit with Salsify Caramelized Baby Onion Terrine, which was cooked to perfection, while my partner chose the Asparagus, Quail Egg Mazuna Salad with Parmesan Crisp that she praised highly.

After a break to savour the cuisine’s delights, we had a passionfruit sorbet to cleanse the palate before moving onto our main course.

My partner chose the Roast Fillet of Wild Sea Bass with Tomato Regout, Carrot and Panache of Green Vegetables and I selected the Traditional Beef Wellington with Pomme

Cocotte, French Bean and Chantenay Carrot with Madeira Jas. I can easily say it was the best Beef Wellington I have ever tried.

To finish off, we decided to share the White Chocolate and Pistachio Mousse wrapped in Dark Chocolate, which was rich but far from overpowering, as it was finished off in next to no time.

While the food was absolutely delectable, the service of the staff was equal to the cuisine’s delight and made the whole experience a pleasure that will not be forgotten.

The next morning we decided to make the most of the extensive facilities by taking a dip in the hotel’s swimming pool. As you enter, you are greeted with a smile and handed a gown before hitting the lanes for a few lengths.

While we enjoyed the luxurious pool and spa, there is plenty more to keep you occupied; from the 18 hole golf course to the two all-weather tennis courts alongside some of the best mountain bike trails you can find anywhere in Sussex.

Rather frustratingly we soon realise it is time to pack up and check out of this paradise and, after saying our farewells to the everfriendly staff, we set off back down the flowing drive, already excited to return to this fantasy.

To find out more information about Ashdown Park Hotel and Country Club, visit the website www.ashdownpark.com or call 01342 824988.

- Food & Drink|Review -

MAY 2014

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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.

ith e s w Th er h, rg nis Bu pa ! et e S re rm Th mo ou m G ro r & ef e f ge be hos Bur 0% C se 10 .90! hee e rv £8 i C se ly ill w on r Ch no s o hip n o tin c lia La nky Ita u ch

Come check out Latinos new Gastro Tapas Menu!

With all the favourites plus many more!

(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 Latino offer private hire of their fabulous function room for wedding receptions, meetings or parties with seating for up to 35 guests, with menus including all your favourite Tapas dishes for only £13.90 per guest.

For more information about holding your wedding reception or special occasion at Latino, please contact the restaurant on 01273 77035

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

Latino Restaurant

Book a party for 10 or more people and the party planner gets a £30 voucher to spend *Ts&Cs Voucher not valid during happy hour Voucher must be redeemed within six months and holds no cash value.

www.beatone.co.uk | Email: bookings@beatone.co.uk Phone: 01273 777200 | 5 Castle Square, Brighton, BN1 1EG

Food & Drink Directory Boho Gelato

The Marwood

The Foragers

Hove Place

Drury

Topolino Duo

Plough Inn

Be At One

Lovely traditional village pub situated on the pond in Rottingdean. Highly regarded for very well kept local real ales, excellent gastro style pub food and hosting a good variety of quality live music acts from time to time. Typically rammed for Sunday Roast so booking early is essential!

Vicarage Lane, Rottingdean, BN2 7HD – 01273 390635 – www. theploughinnrottingdean.co.uk

Be At One is a cocktail institution with bars based in Brighton, London & Reading. Excellent service, great atmosphere and delicious cocktails served from the 147-strong menu, makes it the ultimate party bar. The daily happy hours offer great value and their highly-trained professional bartenders will ensure a great time, any night of the week.

The Coffee Counter

Mucho Burrito

Brighton’s Original Home Of Gelato! 24 changing flavours (taken from a list of over 450!) made fresh on site daily using Sussex produced milk and cream and top quality ingredients. At least 5 non diary vegan flavours are also available.

6 Pool Valley (near Brighton Pier) 01273727205. Also stocked in businesses across Sussex.

“While many pubs are trying to serve up local grub with a seasonal twist, the foragers have gone a step further. Several steps in fact “ The Observer.

Recent winners of the Brighton and Hove Food & Drink Awards 2013 & the Sussex Food and Drink Awards 2012 also awarded an AA Rosette for the past 4 years. The foragers are trailblazers in both sustainability and fine pub grub and are therefore a must for all foodies. Now serving an all day bar menu alongside their other menus and also now open on Sunday evenings for food. 3 Stirling Place, Hove 01273 733 134, www.theforagerspub.co.uk

Brighton has enjoyed Drury tea & coffee from the mid 1960’s. Now located in Richardson Road in Hove, it is a joy to all who know it. A real hidden gem and just a step away from the hurly burly of town centre life. You can sit and enjoy an expertly made coffee, or a pot of tea whist your coffee is ground to take home with you. 12-18 Richardson Rd, Hove, East Sussex BN3 5RB 01273 888600

The Coffee Counter was started by two friends with a love of Coffee and a passion for Micro-Business and Independents. Their simple aim: To serve great Coffee with a smile. Discover this hidden gem and their wonderful 5 bean blend Coffee on Vine Street, North Laines. Or check out our new counter at 1a North Road BN1 1YA SSSSSHHHHH it’s a Secret!!!!

13 - 16 Vine Street, BN1 4AG Brighton 07760 917716

The Kitchen at Marwood is serving a brunch style menu with daily lunch specials from 8.30am Monday - Friday and early weekends too. As always, serving kickarse coffee, life changing cake and booze a plenty. Open 8-late 7 days a week.

52 Ship St, Brighton - 01273 382063 Check out our new kitchen Facebook page. www.facebook.com/ TheKitchenAtMarwood

Basement level at the top of First Avenue, just off Church Road. Renowned for a relaxed atmosphere, Hove Place has earned a fantastic reputation for its excellent food and great service. The intriguing Bistro menu in particular is extremely popular! 35/37 First Avenue, Hove, BN3 2FH – 01273 738266 – www.hoveplace.co.uk

Topolino Duo is a fabulous family run Italian Ristorante/Pizzeria situated in the heart of Hove. They have been established for over 25 years, are known in Brighton and Hove for having a fantastic long standing reputation and a huge choice of mouth watering dishes.

Open 7 days a week. Topolino Duo 65 – 67 Church Road Hove BN3 2BD 01273 725726 See our website for special offers www.topolinoduo.co.uk

Mucho Burrito, No1 for Mexican flavour now open in North St, Brighton. A range of 5 homemade salsas from zero heat to fiery hot to suit all palates accompany the varied menu of Tacos, Salads, Quesadillas, Soups, and of course Burritos all washed down with a beer. Eat in or take away made in front of your eyes all from £4.95.

01273757095 FB – Mucho Burrito Brighton Twitter @MuchoBurritoUK

To be featured in the food & drink directory please email Anya Zervudachi at: anya@absolutemagazine.co.uk - Food & Drink|Directory -

May 2014

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Friendly with Food Peter James dines at The Crabtree in Lower Beeding

We were distracted as we “ waited to order by a steady stream of people jumping past our window.

”

Anyone who ever ate at the top of the Post Office Tower in London, when it first opened, might have agreed with that old adage about restaurants, the better the view, the worse the food.

And yes, I think this might have been true thirty years ago, but I’m not sure I agree any more. I’ve eaten in plenty of fine restaurants with glorious views, including this month again in Brighton’s fabulous GB1 at The Grand, with its stunning seafront view. I took Ellen, widow of wonderful journalist broadcaster Derek Jameson, who is as sophisticated and well travelled as it gets and she loved it.

Back in November I was at Sky 57 in Singapore, one of the best restaurants I’ve ever eaten in, with the best waiter ever and a view to die for. And just last week I sat at the Top Of The World on the 107th floor of the Stratosphere in Las Vegas – not a restaurant I had high hopes for, other than the fact that it was very high indeed, and that we were distracted as we waited to order by a steady stream of people jumping past our window. Was it after getting the bill, I wondered? Then the waiter told me they were bungee jumping, which made it all a bit less exciting… That was until the sommelier arrived - simply one of the best, most charming, most urbane, knowledgeable and least pushy members of his elite profession

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- Food & Drink|review -

you’d be missing a treat. Inside, despite a warren of smallish rooms, there is a light, airy, modern feeling, helped by uncluttered décor, and a relaxed atmosphere fostered by the extremely charming, young, professional staff.

One look around on a recent Sunday visit – I’ve been a few times now – confirmed what I was sure was going to happen under its inspired new team – this is not a place where people stop for fuel en route to somewhere, it is a proper destination itself.

ever. The food was seriously good too, but I remember it only in a distance haze of fine wine as we steadily revolved around the horizon. Or was it the other way around?

The French Riviera has its share of great restaurants with magnificent views, and few finer that the terrace of the Eden Roc perched above the Mediterranean at the Hotel du Cap in Antibes – one of the world’s most beautiful hotels – it is elegance personified, although for me always tinged with the dark shadow that it served, allegedly, as an HQ to the SS during the war.

This month’s restaurant, The Crabtree, has a rather different kind of view – It faces, across a busy main road, the grounds of South Lodge, one of Sussex’s most glorious country house hotels, and which contains two very fine restaurants. Yet far from being outshone by its grand neighbour, the Crabtree has a fine pedigree of its own. It is where, apparently, French bard Hilaire Belloc, who rightly fell in love with Sussex, liked to drink.

Formerly owned in more recent years

by Jeremy Ashpool, in my view the finest chef in Sussex, who now runs the superb, eponymous, Jeremy’s at Borde Hill, its more recent management, after a long period in the wilderness, includes family of Simon Adamson Hope, founder of Food For Friends, Brighton’s first truly inventive and pioneering vegetarian restaurant and food emporium. But although there are good vegetarian dishes on the menu, fish, fowl and red-blooded carnivores are extremely well served.

Externally, the Crabtree is what it has always been, a rather nondescript looking country pub, that would be easy to pass by. But then

Inventive starters include braised chicken wings with crispy quail egg, scallop ceviche, cured salmon, a glorious spin on the current beetroot and goat’s cheese fad – a perfectly judged leek, beetroot, goat’s cheese and celeriac terrine, and oysters – deliciously sweet Carlingford’s. These bivalves are back in fashion with a vengeance in restaurants around the world now, and as a fan, I’m delighted. High protein, low sugar and fat, for far too long they have been shunned by people terrified of shellfish poisoning, or revolted by the very idea of them slipping them down. Yet, in the middle ages, because they were so cheap and plentiful, they were a staple diet of monks, and in Victorian times they would used to bulk out the protein in Steak and Kidney puddings. The best way to avoid poisoning is to sniff each one – and savour the amazing scents. If it smells nasty it is off – and I’ve been served one like that in one of Toronto’s finest hotels a year ago – luckily I spotted it, resulting in a very chastised chef. (Cooked oysters is a safe way – and I defy anyone who loves food not to love Oysters Rockefeller, made with béchamel sauce and spinach, or Kilpatrick, with bacon, done masterfully at English’s) Among the stellar mains is a giant couscous filled grilled pepper and pomegranate parcel, a superbly moreish shitake mushroom and root vegetable suet pudding, smoked haddock, blackened South Coast cod (nice to know its provenance, but I’m not convinced it tastes any difference to North Sea cod or Icelandic cod, or the cod I ate in Las Vegas last week that had been line caught out in the Atlantic by a fisherman called Dan) corn fed chicken, slow cooked lamb loin and dry aged rib steak served with proper hand-cut chips.

It is where, “apparently, French bard Hilaire Belloc, who rightly fell in love with Sussex, liked to drink.

”

There are set lunch deals and a set Sunday, and on a la carte, starters range from a very reasonable £6-£8.00, mains equally from £12.50-£20.

It was Hilaire Belloc who wrote those immortal words that I love to read out at special birthday gatherings: From quiet homes and first beginnings, out to the undiscovered ends, Nothing’s worth the wear of winning, save laughter and the love of friends.

You’ll hear a lot of laughter in the Crabtree and you’ll feel a lot of love of friends. www.crabtreesussex.co.uk International best-selling author, Peter James, is our independent restaurant reviewer.The reviews are 100% impartial and free from advertising. In fact, he doesn’t even tell us which restaurants he is going to review!

Desserts are equally up to muster, and the wine list is quite superb both in its choices and very reasonable mark-ups. I especially liked to see such a wide range of wines by the glass – and different glass sizes.

- Food & Drink|review -

May 2014

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Special 2-course menu ÂŁ9.75 3-course menu ÂŁ11.75 (not available Saturday)

May Festival Special - 10% discount if you show your Brighton Festival or Fringe ticket

DRINKS AND FUN IN THE SUN It’s almost that time of year again when the festivals arrive in Brighton, the streets are filled with a buzz of anticipation and daytime drinking becomes the norm.

It’s almost Summer Time.

As the sun becomes a regular fixture in our diary, it’s that magical time of year when we find ourselves spending more time drinking alcohol with friends than we do sitting in front of the television.

Although the festival goings on are bound to spill over into many of our city’s biggest and best pubs, fortunately, in Brighton we are blessed with an almost unlimited source of drinking spaces, from quaint terraces to sprawling gardens.

As a famous proverb says: “A garden is a friend you can visit anytime” yet, for most of the year, British weather hardly allows us to leave a window open for a few seconds without fear of the dreaded cold sneaking in uninvited.

With forecasts predicting little in the way of rain and cloud, we are able to make the most of the sunny weather with a pint or two and, while we may be famous for our picturesque seafront, there is also a great demand for pub drinking al fresco style.

Therefore, here at Absolute Magazine we decided to take to the sun-soaked streets of Brighton and Hove to make sure you enjoy those uninterrupted weekends by visiting some of these top beer gardens across our sunny city.

Garden, Sun and Beer, Hove Place is here What makes your beer garden so unique?

Its size and layout means it is ideal for small and large gathering, dining and just sitting around having drinks.

Do you have outdoor heating or music?

A mixture of wall mounted and patio style heaters. Music is played through our huge outdoor TV.

What are your top 3 drinks to enjoy on a sunny day?

Ice cold bottle of Sol, a crisp Sauvignon Blanc and the old favourite Pimms & Lemonade with all the trimmings.

Do you have any outdoor events in your garden?

We have BBQs, occasional live music and show most major sporting events such as Wimbledon, Royal Ascot and this year The FIFA World Cup.

What is the best time of day to enjoy the sunshine in your garden?

After some recent ‘pruning’ the sun hits most of the garden pretty much all day!

Will you have any special food and drink promotions on over the summer?

The deli board menu comes into its own in the summer and there are ‘bucket’ deals available on bottled beers & ciders.

What’s on the menu at Hove Place?

Our Pub menu has all the usual favourites, with fish & chips and the burger the real popular choices. The Bistro menu changes every 3-6 weeks and pushes the boundaries of exceptional restaurant food in a relaxed pub environment.

- Food & Drink -

37 First Ave, Hove, East Sussex BN3 2FH 01273 738266 www.hoveplace.co.uk MAY 2014

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A HOUSE IN ORDER Firmly established as one of West Hove’s favourite neighbourhood pubs, Noble House exudes friendliness and Anya Zervudachi caught up with General Manager, Gary Grant, to discuss the gastro pub’s outdoor attractions.

What makes the Noble house Pub GardeN uNique?

Our garden is unique because we have a capacity of up to 250 people in our west facing walled garden. This includes a charcoal BBQ and mini huts so it is available for all kinds of functions and events including wedding receptions. We also have a children’s play area with its own apple tree.

What’s the best time of day to eNjoy Noble house?

The sun shines all day so the best time to enjoy our garden is anytime after 12pm!

What sPecial food aNd driNk PromotioNs caN We exPect?

We have a fresh food BBQ, which can include lamb chops and chicken skewers as well as a newly built bar serving up a variety of summer drinks at a price to suit everyone.

do you have outdoor heatiNG or music?

We do have built in heaters in our huts as well as IPod docking stations, which allows a great ability to personalize any event, as well as

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featuring live music on our terrace at weekends – a pleasure for any and all music lovers.

do you host aNy outdoor eveNts? We will be hosting live music sessions throughout the summer at Noble House, which will be free to attend as well as our local beer festivals. Check out our sister site in Kemptown, Brighton Rocks Bar, for special events coming up.

What’s oN your food meNu? We source our food locally from neighbouring farms and grocers to support local farming and ensure the freshest ingredients. Our menu changes regularly and our dishes include the lamb two ways, red wine jus, crushed potatoes and spinach for £13.95. The Noble House burger and hand cut chips for £10.95 and the Pan-fried Sea Bream with tomato and onion salsa for £11.95.

We also have smaller portions of our tasty food for the children, while our chef is happy to discuss any requirements for that special dinner or party should you require it.

- Food & Drink|Interview -

For more information or to book an event at Noble House, please call 01273 419 657 or visit our website www.noblehousehove.com

- Food & Drink|Interview -

MAY 2014

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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.

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

Summer SeaSon nailS at The Grand BriGhTon with Jessica nails For the entire month of May, The Sp@ at The Grand is celebrating summer with two special offers for Absolute readers.

v FREE file and paint (worth £20) for fingernails with every Jessica Deluxe Pedicure. v FREE file and paint (worth £20) for toenails with every Jessica GELeration Manicure.

The luxury spa setting includes cushioned pedicure thrones for complete comfort. The expert beauty therapists will carry out a full nail analysis and treatment base coat to suit your nail type.

The spa uses world leading brand and celebrity favourite, Jessica Cosmetics for all nail treatments. Jessica has a huge advantage over other products because it contains silicone, which means the product bends with your nail and therefore lasts longer. The gel nail option which uses the Jessica GELeration range, also works to strengthen your nails, so even once you have them professionally removed your nails will feel the benefit.

You may also like to indulge in some bubbles on your visit or enjoy beautifully prepared light snacks and treats that the Spa Café menu has on offer.

For more information and bookings call 01273 224313 or email spa@grandbrighton.co.uk.

Opening hours for treatments: Monday – Sunday 9am to 8pm. www.grandbrighton.co.uk

The Sp@ aT The Grand BriGhTon Voucher name....................................................................................................................................... email..........................................................................................................................................

This voucher entitles you to a free file and paint when purchasing a Jessica deluxe pedicure or Jessica GeLeration manicure.

Terms and conditions: Not to be used in conjunction with any other offer. Subject to availability. Must be used by 31/05/14. Other terms and conditions may apply.

guestlist

What?

Launch of Brighton & Hove Food and Drink Festival Where?

Hotel du Vin Why? 1

It is the largest festival of its kind in the south of England

2

Who? 1. Henry Butler [Butlers Wines], Helen Box and Adam Style both of Style Accountants, and Olivia Reed of Terre a Terre

3

2. Lynne Thackeray [City College], Alex Hankinson [Midnight Communications] and Nikki Binney [Brighton&HoveJobs.com]

4

3. Sue Popper [Joogleberry Acts], Neil Blackmore [Brighton Pier] and Tina Horvath [Cantina] 4. Jenny Rowlands [Chief Exec Lewes DC], Kate Alleston [Graze], and Olivia Reed [Terre a Terre] 5. Chris and Anita Ellison with Gina and Bryan from Sabai Thai 6. Mary Mears, BHFDF’s Nick Mosley and Max Levinston of SEALIFE Brighton

5

7. Mayor of Brighton & Hove Cllr Denise Cobb, BHFDF’s Andrew Kay, Caroline Lucas, MP and Ryan Heal of Rockinghorse with the cheque for donations raised by Brighton & Hove Food and Drink Festival for Rockinghorse

6

8. Edward Heydorn of Magic Mouse, Denise and Anne Charlotte of Brighton Rocks

7

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

8

Photos: Julia Claxton

- Guest|List -

MAy 2014

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THE MASTER SOMMELIER Ziggy Grinbergs is a lover of all things wine and it is a trait that Brighton’s Hotel du Vin is benefiting from Interview by Daniel White Hotel du Vin is renowned for its vast selection of fine wines.

It is the very lifeblood of the bar and bistro.

With over 30 Sommeliers throughout the company, there is a wealth of skill that any hotel in the world would envy and no one knows this better than Brighton’s Hotel du Vin Head Sommelier, Ziggy Grinbergs.

“People come in and the name Hotel du Vin is there, this is what we do, so the expectation is usually very high,” explains Ziggy, the highest ranked Sommelier throughout HDV. “Hotel du Vin is the restaurant and hotel but it’s also very much an educational establishment. So I would ideally like to think that people would come here for advice or maybe just to learn something new about wine.”

Ziggy has a vast knowledge of wines, with many years experience as a Sommelier as well as working in the hospitality business; a place where he developed his passion into more than just a hobby.

“I started to work in hospitality back home when I was 17, first as a waiter working in the restaurant, but the interest in wine was always there,” he reflects.

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MAY 2014

“There’s a difference in drinking wine and thinking there is some sort of fruity flavour to drinking the wine and thinking what you are actually smelling or tasting. Suddenly these flavours start to talk to you and that was very interesting for me, that one moment when I suddenly thought that I would like to know more about this.”

The Latvian-born Sommelier moved to England ten years ago where he quickly gained qualifications through the Wine and Spirit Education Trust. Hotel du Vin contains up to 30 Sommeliers currently embarking on different stages of the WSET, however, Ziggy has moved beyond the rest by passing the Cour t of Master Sommelier and he is not finished yet.

“It is just like an addiction,” he laughs.

“Once you star t there’s no turning back because that little bit of knowledge makes you understand a little bit more and makes you enjoy the wine a bit more but you know that there is so much more to learn which is slightly irritating but also an incredibly exciting thing!”

His role as the Head Sommelier involves updating the wine list, changing the vintages, stock rotation and wine tasting

- Wine|Interview -

classes, however, his favourite job is the interaction with guests.

“My favourite par t is what’s happening in the front of the house, when the evening comes we are almost on show,” confesses Ziggy. “To see people coming in for a special meal with not much of an idea of what they want and at the end of the meal if they can say that the food was amazing but it was actually lifted another level because of the wine I suggested, then that’s pretty much my job done.”

After many years as a Sommelier, Ziggy admits he is very fortunate to have found a job where he has no regrets.

He says: “I think that it’s a very good way not just to work but to live your life.

I’ve never looked back really, I think that it was probably the best decision I have made so far.”

Hotel du Vin Brighton hosts Wine Tastings on the first Wednesday of every month for £25 per person exploring different parts of the world, so to book a session or for more information please call 0844 736 4251.

Hotel du Vin BrigHton Unveils Renovated oUtdooR teRRace

Hotel du Vin, Brighton’s award winning luxury hotel has unveiled its newly renovated outdoor terrace.

Located in the heart of the Brighton’s lanes, Ship Street, the hotel and Bistro have been welcoming guests from across the globe since 2003 and has three times been named one of the best places to entertain at the Brighton and Hove Business Awards.

A seasonally timed renovation schedule will allow the guests to enjoy the outdoors, whilst indulging in some of the finest champagne, exotic cocktails and a new al fresco menu.

General Manager, Simon Maguire, commented: “There’s been a real buzz amongst the staff all week.

“At Hotel du Vin, our aim is to constantly innovate to keep things fresh and exciting. Our new heated outdoor terrace is just another example and we look forward to welcoming locals and visitors to come and enjoy it with us”.

To make a reservation, please call 0844 736 4251.

Opening hours Mon to Sat 11am to 11pm Sun 11am to 10pm

Opening sOOn frOm 9 am with the new muchO breakfast menu!

Mucho Burrito Brighton @Mucho Burrito UK

Brighton & Hove

Barfly

Brought to you by Jose Cuervo Tequila and Kraken Black Spiced Rum

Giant Kraken Swallows up the World’s End pub in Brighton A Kraken mural of giant proportions has been unveiled at The World’s End pub.

The entire front of The World’s End has been transformed into a giant inky black scene, which took local artists just one week to complete is now on full display at The World’s End Pub on London Road, Brighton. Make sure you check it out and sample the Kraken Ink Bombs whilst you’re there!

Also keep a beady eye out for more giant Kraken murals popping up across the city this summer including The Western Front and the soon to open Tempest Bar. @thekrakenrum_uk

Jose Cuervo Film Club Presents Pulp Fiction Jose Cuervo Tequila have teamed up with Brighton’s Open House to host an unmissable screening of the cult classic film, Pulp Fiction on Thursday 22nd May 2014.

Jose Cuervo, the worlds oldest and biggest selling tequila brand are excited to host their second Film Club at Brighton’s Open House with “Pulp Fiction”, a Quentin Tarantino masterpiece. Widely regarded as one of the greatest films of all times it follows the lives of two mob hit men, a boxer, a gangster’s wife, and a pair of diner bandits, intertwined in four tales of violence and redemption.

Where: The Open House, 146 Springfield Road, Brighton, BN1 6BZ When: 7:30pm on Thursday 22nd May 2014 Tickets: £3 on the door, includes a complimentary Cuervo Paloma cocktail For more info go to: www.drinkinbrighton.co.uk/open-house, or contact Murray Media on Tel: 01273 204200 Jose Cuervo Twitter: @JoseCuervoUK • Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JoseCuervo.uk • Instagram: @josecuervouk

- Food & Drink|BARFLY -

MAY 2014

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BRIGHTON’S BIG SCREEN IS BACK Brighton’s Big Screen will return for 2014 with a great line-up of blockbuster and classic movies plus the live coverage of the World Cup football in Brazil.

From the 12th June – 13th July 2014, the free outdoor beach Cinema will showcase a mixture of movie classics and recent box office hits on the gigantic 40sqm screen; including The Hunger Games - Catching Fire, The Lego Movie, Dirty Dancing and Jaws, plus top live sporting events including the football in Rio, Wimbledon and the British Grand Prix.

Situated on the seafront next to the Wheel and the Volks Railway, The Big Screen will bring a taste of Latin to Brighton Beach this summer.

There will be a fully licenced cantina style bar as well as frozen margarita machines, a seated grandstand, VIP area and a selection of great food courtesy of MEAT Liquor and the award winning Santo Remedio Mexicana.

You will also be able to pre-book tickets to the exclusive Big Screen VIP area to ensure seating, high quality audio, usherette service and free popcorn. There will also be special themed weekends and evenings, including the BHAFC inter-company Foosball Tournament on 12th June.

This year Brighton’s Big Screen will also feature local filmmakers, working closely with The University of Brighton and The Film Hub South East in a series of screenings under the auspices of ‘The Showcase’.

For any further information or to book a ticket please contact Jo Brown at Brighton’s Big Screen on 01273 204200 or email: jo@ brightonsbigscreen.com Keep posted for upcoming news and programme announcements by following us on twitter @brightonsscreen or visit www.brightonsbigscreen.com

- Culture|Film -

MAY 2014

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THE GREATEST GATHERING OF UNEARTHED TALENT With over 18,000 music lovers set to descend upon our city, we preview the mecca for emerging talent that is The Great Escape Festival Words by Daniel White The most exciting month in the Brighton arts calendar is finally back and with it returns Europe’s leading festival for new music, The Great Escape Festival.

Throughout the weekend of May 8th-10th, most venues across the city will play host to a performance within TGE and, with an almost unlimited amount of new material ready to take to the stage, the sensation of curiosity across Brighton is electric and infectious.

To see them all would not only be impossible but somewhat dangerous.

With over 400 up and coming bands playing in over 35 venues across three days, the stage is set for the next big thing to make its breakthrough.

As a city we embrace almost anything that is diverse and, therefore, when the promise of new and exhilarating music comes to our seaside city there is nowhere else we would rather be.

Headlining this year’s Great Escape Festival will be stadium rapper Example, BRIT Award winner Kelis and indie rock band Wild Beasts.

Other performers at the live music extravaganza include 2013 Mercury prize nominee Jon Hopkins, singer-songwriter George Ezra, Strokes guitarist Albert Hammond and psychedelic Anglo-Welsh band Telegram.

Dubbed “the best place in Europe to discover new bands,” TGE is acclaimed nationwide for its confidence in unearthed talent rather than being reliant upon stadium filling headline acts and festival director, Kat Morris, explains the festival’s intention since the start.

“We are so excited to complete this year’s line-up,” Morris says. “Since its inception nine years ago, we have always maintained that the foremost objective of the festival is to produce an internationally-reaching programme that is genuinely representative of the full spectrum of emerging talent in music.

Wild Beasts 56│

MAY 2014

- Festival -

“I think we have achieved that. There is so much incredible talent out there, we are honoured to showcase as much of it as we can at The Great Escape. We can’t wait to welcome everyone to the festival!”

The taste making festival is renowned internationally for its incredible community atmosphere, impromptu street gigs and showcase of innovative new sounds, however, it is far from being just about live performances.

Running in tandem with the festival will be The Great Escape Convention, bringing together thousands of music industry practitioners for a variety of panel debates, networking sessions, keynote interviews and insightful industry talks.

To purchase tickets or for more information on The Great Escape Festival visit www.greatescapefestival.com or email tge_info@mamaco.com

Zoe Lyons Why I love the Brighton Fringe “All the world’s a stage and all the men and women merely players”. That is cer tainly true of Brighton during the month of May when the cur tains are raised on the Brighton Fringe once more.

In a city that is always performing, always showing off, it is easy to forget that we also play host to the biggest annual ar ts festival in England. Hundreds of performers will sell their wares in Brighton for four weeks, turning every nook and cranny into temporary theatres to delight an ever growing audience. The sheer variety of shows on offer is amazing, from big top circus to a play performed in a toilet, hats off to any actor prepared to strut the boards in a bog!

Being a stand up comedian and therefore a needy show off who has to be looked at, at all times to feel like I am existing, I am fascinated by what makes people take to the stage. Ever since the first cavemen discovered that they could make far ty noises with a cupped hand under an armpit, we have had a desire to either perform or be enter tained. It is a vital par t of what makes us human. To make someone laugh or even cry by telling stories or creating shapes with our bodies.

It is such an impor tant primal method of communicating ideas and emotions.

At a time when we spend more and more of our day to day lives in a “virtual” online existence I think we have so much to gain from going out and enjoying some kind of live performance. With out wanting to sound like a proper crystal swinging hippy I really believe that being engaged in a piece of theatre, music even a guided walk helps us to reconnect with each other and our selves.

The Fringe is the perfect time to go and experience something completely different, something you might not ordinarily take time out to see. With so many different shows on offer you might even discover a new passion. Many moons ago a good friend of mine bought me a ticket to go and see a show at the Edinburgh Fringe. When she told me she was taking me to see a 90 minute piece about Dante’s inferno performed by a Russian physical theatre and dance group I visibly shuddered. Not wanting to seem ungrateful for the ticket I went with her but she could tell I wasn’t looking forward to it.

I was pretty sure it was going to be the longest one and half hours of my existence.

“Don’t be so negative Zoe” my pal said “you might actually like it”. She was wrong, I LOVED IT. It was then and still remains the most astonishing piece of theatre I have ever seen. It blew my tiny mind and I even shed a tear when it finished.

“Ever since the first cavemen

discovered that they could make farty noises with a cupped hand under an armpit we have had a desire to either perform or be entertained.

”

- Culture|Columnist -

So go, grab the Brighton Fringe with both hands and tuck into a smorgasbord of theatrical delights. There are loads of free shows as well so you don’t even have to make a risky investment. Go see something different, take a punt on a show but more impor tantly take a pal. You never know, you might just change their lives. ( I know, a very dramatic ending..... and drop cur tain.)

Zoe Lyons hosts Bent Double at the Komedia on the first Sunday of the month.

Follow Zoe @zoelyons

MUSIC NEWS Dark Horses set to release album The Brighton-based outfit Dark Horses are set to release their second album Hail Lucid State in May. With praise coming from the likes of Noel Gallagher, the band have also announced their first European tour, hitting all the major European cities, to coincide with their album release.

Phantom Runners release single The rising four-piece hailing from Brighton released their new single Chasing the Feeling on April 23rd. Singer, guitarist and writer of the tracks Adam Al-Hilali explains the song’s inspiration: “We were by the Stone Circle at Glastonbury one year and it got to about eight in the morning after a heavy night and my brother was still in search of something to keep the party going and I just called out to him to give it a rest… You’re chasing the feeling.”

Spit Shake Sisters single release Brighton band Spit Shake Sisters have released a new single titled Jesus is a Homewrecker through Teen Creeps. The garage/psych rock

trio’s four minute track is thrilling throughout and will be played at Camden Crawl in June following the announcement they will be performing for the Teen Creeps Stage.

Becky Becky set album release date While it seemed like it may never arrive, Becky Becky are set to release their first album Good Morning, Midnight on May 26th through FEINT Records. The Brighton-based electro-synth-pop duo’s album will follow the release of their recent single Fire & Wings, which narrates the end of an alcohol-fuelled evening in Europe.

Great Escape Festival

Great Escape Festival confirm final 100 acts The new music festival that takes place in Brighton from 8th-10th May has announced the final 100 acts to perform at this year’s TGE. Some of the latest performers include stadium rapper Example as well as The Subways, Blizzard, Annie Eve, Jungle Doctors, God Damn, Luke Howard and Looks.

PRYZM Nightclub to replace Oceana The Luminar Group are investing £1million in developing Oceana nightclub into its fourth PRYZM club. The modern club will feature three distinctly styled dance arenas and VIP areas when it opens on May 9th, following the opening of PRYZM clubs in Leeds, Bristol and Kingston upon Thames.

such as Pulp, released their fourth studio album Present Tense in February and will be performing a collection of songs from the new album as well as their back catalogue.

Mark Chadwick – Fri 23rd May @ The Prince Albert The frontman for The Levellers for the past 25 years, Mark Chadwick is undoubtedly one of the UK’s most successful songwriters having cowritten 20 chart singles and six Top 40 albums.

He will be performing tracks from his new solo album Moment, which is set for release in June, following Red Sky; the first 7” single to come off his album that was released in April.

GIG GUIDE Dr Feelgood – Thu 1st May @ Concorde Fragile Creatures – Fri 2nd May @ Seven Stars Bob Log III – Sat 3rd May @ The Green Door Store ReVerbed – Sun 4th May @ The Hope The Sonics – Mon 5th May @ Concorde After retiring in 1966, The Sonics reform in 2007 sparked a frenzy among the media and fans alike, eager to embrace their return. Their aggressive garage rock sound has famously influenced the likes of Nirvana and Bruce Springsteen and you can expect to hear all the classics when they visit Concorde this month.

Klumzy Tung – Tue 6th May @ The Haunt Panic Brothers – Wed 7th May @ The Greys Rue Royal – Thu 8th May @ The Brunswick Wild Beasts – Fri 9th May @ Brighton Dome The critically acclaimed Wild Beasts visit the Dome this month as part of The Great Escape Festival. The four-piece from Kendal, who have been compared with bands 58│ May 2014

Rolo Tomassi – Sat 10th May @ Pavilion Tavern Zara McFarlane – Sun 11th May @ The Old Market Terry Reid – Mon 12th May @ Komedia Fish – Tue 13th May @ Concorde Wreckless Eric – Wed 14th May @ The Prince Albert Lucky Jim – Thu 15th May @ The Warren The Rockingbirds – Fri 16th May @ Palmeira Charlie Simpson – Sat 17th May @ Concorde Benjamin Booker – Sun 18th May @ The Green Door Store Chris Wood – Mon 19th May @ The Greys MC Lars – Tue 20th May @ Sticky Mike’s Frog Bar Charlotte OC – Wed 21st May @ The Hope Ezra Furman – Thu 22nd May @ The Haunt

- Music News|GIG GUIDE -

McBusted – Sat 24th May @ Brighton Centre The Cajun Dawgs – Sun 25th May @ The Brunswick

By Definition – Mon 26th May @ Sticky Mike’s Frog Bar White Denim – Tue 27th May @ Concorde Cosmonauts – Wed 28th May @ The Prince Albert Alunah – Thu 29th May @ The Green Door Store The Hoosiers – Fri 30th May @ Bermuda Triangle Paolo Nutini – Sat 31st May @ Brighton Centre

MASTER OF THE MOUSTACHE The instantly identifiable Mike Wzoniak heads to Brighton this month for the Fringe Festival and Daniel White spoke to him about his moustache, Brighton and being skint A large, well-groomed moustache, a bow tie and a self-deprecating persona hardly camouflage Mike Wozniak.

“I’ll try and blend in to whatever scenario I’m chucked in,” begins Wozniak. “And I’ll usual fail because I’ve got a very large bushy moustache, so I’m immediately recognizable.”

The stand-up comedian will be performing towards the back end of this month’s Fringe Festival at The Warren coming off the back of a number of personal highlights, including nomination for the Best Comedy Show at Edinburgh Fringe 2013.

After working with close friend Greg Davies and Rik Mayall on TV show Man Down, the actor, comedian and writer is excited to be making the trip to Brighton.

“I can’t wait!” Wozniak confesses. “Brighton’s bloody lovely, it’s always a very nice place to gig. It’s a place where people are quiet open minded and I get the sense when I’m in

Brighton that half the people there are just generally experimenting in life in general. So if you’re trying to do a new show, people generally give you the benefit of doubt; there are not many places like that.”

While his show ‘Master of Disguise’ is still a work-in-progress, it has earned rave reviews and is sure to unveil some hidden truths.

He says: “The intention is meant to be fairly honest and fire truth arrows into the eyes of the audience. It’s supposed to be me exposing my ugly side and shameful thoughts.”

Wozniak has spent many years working on his stand-up and signed off from the interview by offered up a friendly piece of advice for anyone looking to try their hand in the business.

“Stick at it and be prepared to be skint for a long time,” he reflects. “Also not to worry about being skint because if you’re doing it, then you’ll know lots of other people that are skint, who are excellent human beings.

You will find a way of having fun together in a way that’s possible if you’re skint… white spirit is cheap!”

Mike will be performing at The Burrow at The Warren on May 24th, 25th and 26th at 3.30pm so to book tickets or for more information visit www.warrenvenue.com

A GOOD EGG

George Ward has become fed up with the poor food on offer during his travels but now he has an answer It may look like it’s all glitz and glamour, yet, life on the road touring has its down sides.

Expensive restaurants, crappy takeaways and poor room service are just some of the issues that led George Ward, or George Egg as he is better known, to be The Anarchist Cook.

“It is me cooking on stage and it’s going to be a three-course meal over an hour, all cooked on hotel equipment,” he begins. “At the end of it everyone can come up to the stage and there will be three plates of really good looking food that’s all been made without using kitchen equipment.”

From kettle-cooked Sea Bass to Ricotta Quenelles made using UHT milks, Ward has perfected the ar t of cooking with limited utensils.

“I’m really looking forward to it as I’ve just been doing the comedy circuit and this is a

bit more theatrical, a bit more of a show,” he smiles. “It’s me being very honest, talking about the things I’ve done.”

So what has he done?

“My history is that I started doing street art years ago as a teenager in London and then I drifted indoors and started doing stand-up clubs and it’s just gone from there; I did my first paid gig when I was 19 and I’m 41 now,” Ward reflects.

Despite more than two decades in the comedy industry, this will be Ward’s first solo show in the Brighton Fringe Festival and he offered some advice to those thinking about beginning a career in stand-up.

He says: “Perform as much as you can and be as creative as you can. Don’t do what you think people will find funny, do what you find funny because there will always be - Fringe|Festival -

an audience out there who have got the same sor t of humour as you and you’ll be a more satisfied performer if you’re doing what you think is funny.”

George Ward will perform his show George Egg: Anarchist Cook at Upstairs at Three at Ten on 12th, 14th, 15th May.

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“WE ARE SHOOTING OURSELVES IN THE FOOT” As the city prepares for an explosion of arts, music, comedy and creativity, Daniel White caught up with Brighton Fringe Director Julian Caddy to talk about the festival’s impact on the city and the tricky question of funding

Julian Caddy argue that that’s a total nonsense because if you’re creating this environment for things to flourish then inevitably you will be creating quality.

“The other thing about a Fringe is that because a lot of the things are new, you don’t know yet whether they’re going to be good or not, so I would argue that it is especially that that needs the funding because it is the grass roots, it is the future of the arts world and so I do think it’s terribly under-funded and it should get more.”

With over 700 events across 200 venues during this month’s Brighton Fringe Festival, there are bound to be plenty of highlights and Julian Caddy, the Festival Director, can feel the excitement coursing through him.

“It is something that gets into your blood, going to a Fringe,” he begins. “It’s very intangible as a force because it’s so brief, it’s a bit like a drug, there’s no other time of the year where you might see three, four, five, six shows a day. I suppose it’s the transient nature of a Fringe Festival, I don’t think that excitement ever quite leaves you.”

Caddy has been part of Fringe Festivals since 1996 when he visited the Edinburgh Fringe and, as he explains, caught “the bug”. Time spent as a performer, producer, workshop leader and director all took place before he took on the role with the Brighton Fringe in 2011.

During his time in Edinburgh, he saw a number of changes to the structure of the Fringe, chiefly an upsurge in the festival’s commercialisation and, with spectators and participants expressing their concern at the continued inflation of ticket prices and venue hire, he is determined not to let the same happen in Brighton.

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“It’s the commercial nature of the Fringe that’s changed an awful lot,” Caddy reflects.“Edinburgh City Council and a lot of the residents make a good deal of money out of Edinburgh Fringe and that means that ultimately that trickles down; the people who pay more are the participants and the audiences.

“So that’s what’s happened up in Edinburgh and the difference in Brighton is that we have a very supportive council and a much more locally based venue structure. I want it to be something which is nurtured locally as much as possible, something which is by Brighton, for Brighton but also welcoming others. So 60-70 per cent of the audiences are local, a quarter of the shows are home-grown and you hopefully have an environment which is more welcoming, more open.”

However, the issue of commercialisation is not the only dispute surrounding the city festivals.

While the Brighton Festival receives large sums of funding, the Fringe, Great Escape and others continue to struggle to come to terms with why it is they are so under-appreciated.

“There’s a plethora of reasons,” Caddy explains. “One reason is that with Brighton Fringe the charity doesn’t decide on the quality of the events, it’s open access, and the ar ts council is all about quality. I would - Fringe|Festival -

Although Caddy made sure he was not insinuating that all funding should be removed from the Brighton Festival, he feels that the whole time the two battle each other for dominance, they are doing themselves an injustice.

He says: “Both festivals jostle for position in the city, one with lots of funding and lots of advertising capacity, one which is a lot bigger, which is a bit more haphazard, a bit rough around the edges. It’s like having two sofa shops in the same street, it brings more people to come and buy sofas and so I think the more activity that takes place within the city is going to attract more people.”

There is a solution, though, according to Caddy, which would be simple to implement.

“I think that the budget should be taken away from Brighton Festival and given to Visit Brighton. Then they could brand the city and celebrate the diversity of what’s happening in the city during May, rather than championing one event.

“I think that if we work together, we will see greater benefits globally from it. Brighton does deserve better audiences and I think that if we’re not working together then we are shooting ourselves in the foot.”

To see the Brighton Fringe line-up or for more information on the festival, visit www.brightonfringe.org

A blazing hot “ performance from the Ladyboys of Bangkok.

”

Life is a Cabaret The sights, the sounds, the 'girls'; it’s hard

chair donned in a shyly cocked bowler hat,

Throughout the 20th century cabaret

not to get wrapped up in the infectious

red lipstick and a lavish helping of mascara,

continued to grow in popularity in Europe,

atmosphere of a blazing hot performance

but its origins were a much more sombre

it began to develop into its own particular

from the Ladyboys of Bangkok, the place

affair. It all started in 19th century Paris with

style of performance associated with intimate

where audience and show meet in the

the opening of Le Chat Noir in 1881, noted

venues, varied entertainers and an emcee

middle to create an intimate, one of a kind

as being the first modern cabaret club and a

who led the show. The intimate nature of

experience. Cabaret shows may give off an

name popularized in present culture by the

these shows was something that had never

air of contemporary culture, such risqué and

famous Art Nouveau style black cat poster.

really been seen before. Audience members

seductive performances couldn’t have been

Located in the bohemian Montmartre district,

would sit comfortably and have their fill of

popular in the past, when lips were stiffly

it was more of an amalgamation of artist’s

food and drink whilst the performers worked

locked in an upright position. Well cabaret is

salon and lively music hall, as opposed to

around them; this ultimately led to audiences

in fact an art form steeped in history, evolving

heart pumping shows we are accustomed

becoming part of the show. Spontaneity

and changing throughout the last century to

to today. Artists and intellectuals such as

and versatility flourished in these shows as

culminate in the Lady Boys of Bangkok show

Claude Debussy and Erik Satie frequented

every audience is unique, leading to much

you know and love. Etymologically speaking

the club to share ideas, and ultimately test

more honest and dynamic performances. This

the word cabaret’s first recorded use was in

new ventures on the patrons, who would

is why you may see some of the audience

1655, likely derived from the Middle Dutch

indulge in food and drink throughout the

dancing in aisles, or up on stage with the

word for tavern ‘cambret’, this is because

performances. This new type of informal,

Lady Boys, the audience are as much a part

cabaret actually refers to the performance

more relaxed entertainment proved a huge

of the show as the Lady Boys of Bangkok

venue such as a restaurant, night club….

success, leading to many other establishments

themselves.

or the one and only Sabai Pavilion, which is

following suit. By the 1900’s world famous

currently on Victoria Gardens in Brighton

places such as the Moulin Rouge and

The word in modern times resonates with connotations of Liza Minnelli straddling a

the Folies-Bergère started springing up throughout Paris.

- CULTURE|ENTERTAINMENT -

The Ladyboys of Bangkok, Sabai Pavilion, Victoria Gardens, BN11UB, 2nd - 31st May, Information, times and tickets www.ladyboysofbangkok.co.uk

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NEW production from the world’s most famous circus

Let the memories begin TICKETS FROM

£7

Macmillan Cancer Support is building an information and support centre for cancer patients and their family, friends and carers across Sussex. Can you help us raise £1.27m to build the Sussex Macmillan Cancer Support Centre? Please call 0300 1000 200 or visit www.macmillan.org.uk/sussexsupportcentre.

The Sussex Macmillan Cancer Support Centre is a partnership between Macmillan, Sussex Cancer Fund and Brighton and Sussex University Hospitals NHS Trust.

Designed by experts with people affected by cancer, the centre will be a relaxing, friendly place to find the support and information you need.

presents

Shoreham Taxis

A place where dreams become reality

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THRS 8 to SUN 18 MAY THU 8th/FRI 9th/TUE 13th TO FRI 16th: 5pm & 7.45pm SAT 10th: 3pm & 7.45pm SATURDAY 17th: 3pm & 6pm SUNDAYS 2pm & 5pm

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0844 856 5555 ticketmaster.co.uk Fringe Box Office: 01273 91 72 72 brightonfringe.org BOX OFFICE OPEN ON SITE 9am to 9pm DAILY FROM TUE 6 MAY

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Airport Transfers (Each Way) Gatwick – From £43 Heathrow – From £93 Wheelchair Accessible Bookings taken for up to 8 Passengers Contract Work Welcome 24hr Service Available

01273 441010 www.shoreham-taxis.com

Spellbound ART5 Gallery is pleased to present ‘Spellbound’, an exciting new exhibition showcasing the work of three exceptional artists: Antonio Russo, Claire Wiltsher, and Natalie Rymer.

As part of the Brighton Festival, the exhibition runs from 10th-20th May, and reflects upon the spectrum of inspiration in art and the emotive response it evokes in the viewer. From wild, impressionistic woodlands, bright landscapes of popping colours and expressive, dynamic abstracts, this show explores the artist’s vision and interpretation of our environment.

Antonio Russo, an exciting recent addition to the gallery, has a flair for colour and movement influenced by his Italian upbringing, rich in culture. An award-winning and internationally acclaimed artist, Antonio paints to music, which he feels is intrinsically linked to art, letting the bold colours and flowing movement of the paint express his interpretation of the sound. Fluidity and energy are key in his vibrant abstract paintings, with spirited hues and captivating shapes becoming the echoes of music on canvas.

Claire Wiltsher’s love of the outdoors directly inspires her work, creating her awardwinning semi-abstract woodland scenes and seascapes. ART5 Gallery’s favourite landscape artist, Claire deliberately uses square canvases as she aims to instil a sense of harmonious balance to her dreamlike compositions, whilst remaining ambiguous in their elements.

Layering oil paints and fragments of collage allows the artist to chip away at the surface, unveiling the poetry of colours hidden underneath.

Natalie Rymer is showing her stunningly vibrant landscapes at ART5 Gallery for the first time as part of ‘Spellbound’. This talented young artist’s unique artistic vision utterly transforms the traditional notion of the English countryside, with trees and rolling hills becoming blocks of colour, patterns and shapes. Her highly sought-after work is alive with energy and her process is highly spontaneous, creating layers of texture in a warm, rich palette.

‘Spellbound’ is a free exhibition running from 10 – 20th May at ART5 Gallery.

- Art|Exhibition -

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The CeramiC house Words by Jenni Davidson

When Kay Aplin shows me her bathroom – not normally on show to the public – one wall is covered in plain white tiles, the kind you get in DIY stores. That is quite a surprise for a ceramic artist known for decorating every surface in a riot of colour and texture.

It’s like spotting a famous food critic eating in McDonalds. How can she resist such a blank canvas?

It seems that she can’t, because the room is in the process of being changed, with one wall being set with Portuguese blue and white tiles - a mixture of imports and her own versions and the white tiling soon to be replaced with a new artwork.

There is a serious commitment involved for any artist running an open house, but Aplin has gone further than most, transforming her entire living space into a permanent display.

She specialises in public art, with the house and garden covered in leftovers from various commissions. Outside, the walls are decked with pink and orange tiles from her Llanbradrach Follies, while the kitchen is tiled in Tudor-themed leftovers from another project at Hampton Court Palace. In the upstairs en-suite more Llanbradrach chevrons

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May 2014

and spirals, this time in shades of blue and green, combine with textured glass reworked from an old college project.

“It’s a living artwork,” she says. “I love living here.”

The artist first opened The Ceramic House to the public during the Artists Open Houses in 2011 and last year it won the Best House award. This year though, she is taking things to another level with a themed exhibition of Danish ceramics.

The exhibition, called Fantastic Tales, with reference to Hans Christian Andersen’s fairy tales, will feature 15 of the foremost contemporary Danish ceramicists. From the fragile sweep of Mette Maya Gregersen’s waves to the wood-fired fantastical creatures of Sten Lykke Madsen, it will showcase the diversity of current Danish ceramic art.

“The Danish ar tists are so excited about this,” she says. “They normally exhibit in white cubes.”

Aplin fell into curating through running The Ceramic House and has discovered that selecting artwork is something she really loves.

- Culture|Art -

“The curating has become a really impor tant par t of it. That’s a real buzz,” she explains.

Among the artists she has chosen for the exhibition are Copenhagen Artists Association’s Artist of the Year 2013 Pia Lund Hansen, British Ceramics Biennial 2013 prize nominee Malene Hartmann Rasmussen and Karen Harsbo, who lectures at the Royal Danish Academy of Fine Art. Harsbo along with ceramic and performance artist Christin Johansson have also been asked to give lectures at the University of Brighton while they are here.

Johansson has put together a brand new work which she will perform in the basement of The Ceramic House. The piece will be videoed and shown as an installation in situ along with the set.

Harsbo’s work, some of which was exhibited at last year’s British Ceramics Biennial, explores the transfer of ideas and materials between cultures and her fascination with the history of porcelain.

Fantastic Tales came out of a residency Aplin spent at Guldagergaard International Ceramic Research Center in Denmark last year. It was

Art Listings May 2014 7 May Yinka Shonibare in conversation with Hofesh Shechter HOUSE 2014 invited artist Yinka Shonibare talks to Brighton Festival guest director Hofesh Shechter about his new commission, The British Library, and the significance of HOUSE Festival’s theme of migration, territory and refuge to each of them.

Sallis Benney Theatre, University of Brighton, 58-67 Grand Parade, Brighton housefestival.org

Descend into Powis Road Studio, and enter the Vault of Metamorphosis; a complex visual examination of the physical and psychological expression of the human form.

New visual works by international, award winning photographers Justyna Neryng and Tobias SlaterHunt will be on display alongside the latest pieces from internationally published photographer Chris Bulezuik, costumier Chrissie Nicholson-Wild, stylist Zoedellarocca.com and film maker Zoë Van Spyk.

3 to 25 May Artists Open Houses All over Brighton and Hove and beyond artists open up their homes for four weekends in May to sell their wares in a domestic setting. Pick up a brochure and map and blaze a trail of tea, cake and creativity across the city. www.aoh.org.uk 3 to 25 May Nowhere and Everywhere at the Same Time No. 2 Hundreds of pendulums suspended from the ceiling move in time to any movement in an installation by choreographer William Forsythe that references the building’s future use as a dance space for the city.

The Old Municipal Market, Circus Street, Brighton www.brightonfestival.org 3 to 25 May The British Library The shelves of the Old Reference Library are colourful books bound in Yinko Shonibare’s signature wax cloth, on whose spines read the names of immigrants such as Henry James, TS Eliot, Hans Holbein and Zaha Hadid who have made special contributions to British culture.

her first artist’s residency and marked a departure for her, which she hopes will lead to a new way of working and more exhibiting.

Normally she under takes public ar t commissions and the residency provided the rare freedom to work on a project of her own choosing. The resulting large-scale work will be shown in The Ceramic House and at European Ceramic Context 2014 on the Danish island of Bornholm.

With so much to cram into The Ceramic House, what will happen when there is no more space? Aplin admits she likes the idea of buying another house to decorate and perhaps turning it into a B&B. The Ceramic Street? Maybe next year.

Brighton Museum and Art Gallery, Royal Pavilion Gardens, Brighton www.brighton-hove-rpml.org.uk 31 May Brighton Fringe Urban Artfest Some of the biggest names in street art, including RYCA, Cassette Lord, Zeus, Pure Evil, Jo Peel and Hutch will create paint and stencil work live on location in the warehouse space of Brighton’s old market.

The Old Municipal Market, Circus Street, Brighton www.brightonfringe.org

The Ceramic House will be open weekends from 3 to 25 May. www.theceramichouse.co.uk - Culture|Art -

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ABSOLUTE VOLUNTEERING Travel by Phoebe Oliver Projects Abroad – India

There has been peace in the ranks for the last thirty minutes but I can hear rumblings from the sitting room and predictably this is shortly followed by a murmur, then a squeak, then a cry and then an explosion into my office by the youngest member of the family only to inform me (through uncontrollable sobs) that her sister has taken her favourite place on the sofa.

You would think the world had ended.

I am then greeted by the middle member who calmly (she knows calmly usually gets a better response) tries to explain to me the importance of her place as she has to be near the plug for her laptop to charge. The eldest is hidden away in a darkened room downloading music at a furious rate, oblivious to the first day of spring outside her window it seems.

Whichever way we look at it and however much we remind our kids of how lucky they are to have food on their plate and a warm pillow on which to lay their heads (and the rest) I have come to the conclusion that it will never sink in until they experience first-hand the way poorer countries struggle. Daily.

With this in mind I have for a while been looking for a company which offers families the chance to make a millimetre of a difference, have a huge heap of fun, make new friends, remember that we do actually quite like each other and learn some good life skills along the way.

If you also would like to mix up the family holiday this year then read on.

Absolute May is travel with a conscience.

www.projects-abroad.co.uk

Teaching in India

Eco-development in India

MAY 2014

To read more on family projects visit: www.projects-abroad.co.uk/ volunteer-projects/volunteeringabroad-for-families/ or call 01903 708300 info@projects-abroad.co.uk

Hands Up Holidays www.handsupholidays.com Hands up Holidays specialises in luxury family trips that blend sightseeing with volunteering which again is perfect for families. The company offer luxury trips in 40 countries, and tailor-make each trip to get them perfect for each family.

For families with younger children (12 and under) the company offer Costa Rica: family Volenteering a package to Costa Rica for 14 days, with 4 days helping at a wildlife rescue trying to reintroduce to the wild. centre for injured, orphaned or illegally Everyone including younger children can traded animals. Help provides these animals enjoy getting close to the animals, including with a better existence and at the same time sloths, kinkajous, raccoons, owls, peccaries, discover the importance of preserving the monkeys (spider, squirrel and howler natural biodiversity of this stunning country monkeys), macaws and parrots and even for future generations. help feed them.

The project was set up by a Veterinarian and his son who are passionate about animals and the environment. In the future they hope to acquire more land to serve as a transition space for animals they are

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This rather special company tailor each family placement for the family involved depending on their wishes and of course the destination and project they choose. What I really like about them is that you can use your skills to benefit others directly – whether it be teaching in a Mexican school, working on a veterinary placement in India, medical project in Ghana or helping small communities start businesses to support themselves – you have the opportunity to make a real difference wherever you go and whichever community you join.

- Culture|travel -

Package price: £5,100 per person (£3,900 per child under 12) including Economy Class flights from London (Business and First Class fares are available of course).

Volunteer with Sea Turtles in Costa Rica www.responsibletravel.com/holiday/6641/ volunteer-in-costa-rica

Bush Lodge Deck & Pool

Egg poaching, industrial fishing and the seemingly ever-growing demand for shell products are all factors leading to the decline of turtle numbers. This non-profit marine research organisation is working hard to protect populations and needs volunteers to help with the vital work. With this project families will become an important member of the team by protecting turtles during the crucial nesting and hatching stages and even ensuring the baby turtles successfully reach the sea. Highlights include: • • • •

Patrolling the beaches in search of nesting turtles.

Monitoring turtle nests.

Protecting new hatchlings.

Recording observations for the charity’s research project that will be used to help form campaigns to change regulations that endanger the species in Costa Rica.

This volunteer’s scheme includes a voluntary work programme, food and accommodation, transfer from airport and local support.

Prices start from £677 (7 days)

School

excluding flights.

Volunteer In Africa And Learn Lessons For Life www.rainbowtours.co.uk This last offering takes us to Africa where the Lessons for Life Foundation have teamed up with Rainbow Tours (the specialist African Tour Operator) to offer visitors to South Africa the opportunity to give something back in a very practical and meaningful way during their holiday. As part of a new nine day ‘Give Back to Africa’ itinerary, visitors will spend three full days mentoring children at the Kusasa Project near to Franschhoek, a charity supported by the Lessons for Life Foundation. The time will be spent participating in a wide range of activities including; art and play, sports, breakfast and lunch clubs, reading with the children and assisting with homework. South Africa has a shortage of 25,000 teachers and a literacy rate below 25%, so involvement and support of the programme really makes a difference.

The ‘Give Back To Africa’ holiday begins with a three night stay at the elegant Cape Grace Hotel in Cape Town, followed by three nights in Le Quartier Francais, an intimate country auberge located in Franschhoek, from where guests will experience their three days as a volunteer.

The final three days are spent at the world renowned Sabi Sabi Private Game Reserve with the chance to enjoy the natural beauty of the wild African Bushveld with game drives and bush walks.

This nine day Give Back To Africa holiday costs from £3150 per person sharing twin/double room including three nights at The Mount Nelson Hotel, Cape Town, three nights at Le Quartier Francais, Franschhoek (including three days volunteering at The Kusasa Project with the Lessons for Life Foundation) and three nights at Sabi Sabi Bush Lodge including twice daily game drives, meals and selected wines and spirits. Domestic flights are included, as well as airport taxis and transfers.Visit www.rainbowtours.co.uk or call 020 7666 1250.

Oliver Relations is a Brighton-based PR agency specialising in the travel and tourism sectors. For more information on how we can help your business receive the exposure it deserves, call us on 01273 818112 or visit www.oliverrelations.co.uk

- Culture|travel -

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