TUNBRIDGE WELLS
edition
goingout FEBRUARY 2011
WE ASK THE QUESTIONS...
Ed Byrne
STAYGO EXCLUSIVE!
T
op comedian Ed Byrne is holding the opening night of his brand-new show Crowd Pleaser at The Assembly Hall in March. Tickets are bound to be hot for one of TV’s best comedians of the moment, who stars regularly in Mock the Week and Have I Got News for You. To start the show rolling, here’s an exclusive interview for Staying In & Going Out magazine! Our very own Lisa Miles spoke to Ed about his comedy and his new show…
LISA: Thanks for talking to us, Ed. You’re coming to Tunbridge Wells in March. Have you been here before?
ED: Yes, I have played there before. I once wrote a joke about Kent – if Kent is the Garden of England, then Maidstone must be the patio! LISA: Like it! :D How did you start doing stand-up? ED: When I was at university, I used to make speeches to the student union. I started putting in a few jokes to help me and it worked well. I had a go at stand-up and eventually hosted a comedy club in Glasgow and went on from there… LISA: Now you perform to audiences all over the world. For instance, you’ve appeared in Canada, America and Australia. How does humour translate across the pond and further afield? ED: The main problem is America. You never know how things are going to go down there, and you have to change stuff for them and adapt as you go along. If something doesn’t work, you rewrite it for the next gig. You also learn things about places by performing there. For instance, Australians love having a go at the government, so that kind of material goes down well there. LISA: You’ve also appeared in theatre and a few films. Is acting something you enjoy? Continued on page 5...
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Sunday 27th February Chine Collé, Paul Dunton & Crew, Annaca, Barney Jameson & The Hollow Men
THE PAUL DUNTON
Gig guide
W
ith spring not too far around the corner, February offers plenty of opportunities to get out and about and experience an evening of quality live entertainment at your favourite Tunbridge Wells venues, including some fantastic home-grown, original talent...
PAUL DUNTON & GUESTS AT THE GREY LADY MUSIC LOUNGE
ffer! O t a e r 1G Make this
Valentine’s Night one to remember with... La Casa Vecchia and The Grey Lady Music Lounge
TRINITY Friday 18th February Noel & Cole £12 (£10) A tribute to the talents of Noel Coward and Cole Porter Sunday 20th February Sound&Light £10 (£8) Two musical artists and two film makers collaborate Thursday 24th February Rainer Hersch's Victor Borge £14 (£12) Victor Borge's classic routines are re-imagined for the 21st century by his acclaimed successor, Rainer Hersch
THE ASSEMBLY HALL
Friday 11th February Van Morrison’s Songbook £19.50 Wednesday 2nd February Saturday 12th February Phoebe Katis, Ant & Fie, Romanian In The Flesh: The Pink Floyd Show Stray Dogs, Coca Jem £18.50/£16.50 Sunday 6th February Tuesday 15th February Steve McCormack, Lucy Baxter, Rollermania: An Evening with Les Mair Neeves, Jo Hook McKeown (of the Bay City Rollers) Wednesday Wednesday 9th February 16th February Paul Dunton & Crew, Kirsti & Also don't forget The Fairport Josey, Dan Clews Band to check-out some Convention Sunday 13th February great live acts at... The Good Ship Band, Bea The Forum! Everett, The Standard Lamps www.twforum.co.uk 0870 264 3333 Wednesday 16th February Frances Yonge, Paul Dunton & Crew, Son Of Kirk Sunday 20th February James Lattimer, Dorey The Wise, Zoe Nicol, The Breretons Wednesday 23rd February The Ackerleys, Laveer, The Charlie Rivers Band TUNBRIDGE WELLS edition
nues
t Ve 2 Grea
music lounge Showcasing the talented pianist Lianna Jeffery
Please add £5 entry per person to the offer below.
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.50b*ottlene** 4 3 £ REE ag + Fchamopurse of h your 3 cmeal **
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What can be more romantic than the finest in Mediterranean dining this Valentine’s? 70 - 72 The Pantiles, Tunbridge Wells, Kent TN2 5TW
01892 544700
www.thegreylady.co.uk *£34.50 per person based on 2 persons dining. **One complimentary bottle of house champagne per couple. Offer valid Monday 14th February in La Casa Vecchia or upstairs in The Grey Lady.
February 2011 / going out
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CALLING ALL COWBOYS AND COWGIRLS! Celebrate Valentine's Day with a difference in good ole' Wild West style! Get romancin' with our special Valentine's offer of a FREE bottle of house wine with every 2 main meals purchased. With Country & Western music playing in the background to pull those heartstrings, you can't fail to fall head over those cowboy heels! Quote this reference number when making your booking – SGSW 0111
VALENTINES PACKAGE - Why not make a night of it and stay over in one of our 9
themed ranch rooms, which also includes a bottle of house champagne, a box of chocolates and not forgetting a hearty cowboy breakfast the following morning. Stay for one night at £99 per room or book a 2 night stay for £149 available from 11th – 14th February. Call the Sheriff now to make your booking and be sure to tell him it’s the Valentine’s package you wanna book!
www.smith-western.co.uk
★
01892 550750
★ Linden Park Road, Royal Tunbridge Wells, Kent TN2 5QL
LISA: You sometimes need a sense of humour when bringing up kids! So are you a funny guy at home?
... continued from cover
ED: With comedy, you often do a year on tour and then a year off, so it’s nice to be able to do something different as well. Acting’s a lot of fun but it’s more competitive. You have to be able to create the right opportunity for yourself.
ED: I like to think so! LISA: Can you tell us something about your new show, Crowd Pleaser?
d
ED: Well, I did a warm-up tour to the islands and highlands of Scotland, and that seemed to go down very well. And I chose the title Crowd Pleaser in the hope of reclaiming the phrase and making it a positive one – in the sense that you can please a crowd by being original and clever in a satisfying manner, which is what I hope the show is going to be…
LISA: You recently appeared on TV as a judge for FHM’s Stand-up Hero competition, which was won by Josh Widdicombe. What was it like critiquing young comics? ED: Actually, it was a hard thing to do. I would have hated it if someone had scrutinized my performance like that when I was starting out. LISA: You’ve been described as being on top of your game at the moment. Does it take a long time to become ‘yourself ’ on stage and perfect your act? ED: Yes, it does take a long time. To be honest, you develop all the time and always try to improve. When I started out, I used to just say things that I thought would make people laugh. Now, I say what I actually think, but I try to make it funny.
Win!
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Enter our competition to win 12 gorgeous cupcakes baked especially for you from Array of Cakes. You choose the flavour and the topping, and they can be designed for a special occasion, too! To win this delicious prize, answer the question opposite.
TUNBRIDGE WELLS edition
Ed Byrne... bringing his new show to town
LISA: You’re best known for your observational humour. What’s your favourite topic at the moment? ED: Being a nerd – and talking about my cat! And my wife is expecting a baby shortly, so being a dad is going to give me a lot of new material! [Good news: Ed’s wife Claire gave birth to a baby boy shortly after this interview took place – the editor.]
LISA: And finally, have you got any favourite put downs for hecklers? ED: The best ones have to be really specific to what people call out when they heckle you. So rather than take the lazy route and use a regular put down, it’s good to be sharp. Just keep slamming them back! Catch Ed Byrne at The Assembly Hall on Wednesday 2nd March at 8pm. Supported by Karl Spain Tickets £20 / Suitable for ages 16+
What is whoopie pie? A) A BIG CAKE SANDWICH FROM AMERICA B) A MEDIEVAL PLUM PUDDING C) A SAVOURY PARTY CAKE MADE WITH CHEESE
Email your answer to editor@ staygo.co.uk.. The first correct entry picked out of the bag after the closing date of 6th March wins! To place an order for bespoke cupcakes and cookies from Array of Cakes,, see advert on page 7.
February 2011 / going out
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OUT OF TOWN DINING
The Curlew
V
alentine's Night – the one night of the year when you might feel a little romance (and perhaps a little expenditure) is in order. If fine dining is what you're seeking, then search no further. The Curlew restaurant at Bodiam, East Sussex, has joined 142 top UK and Ireland restaurants after earning its first Michelin star in the 2011 Guide. After receiving the news, The Curlew owners Mark and Sara Colley enthused: "The Curlew's Michelin star has come a very, very welcome surprise. The star represents the hard work of so many people, most notably our very talented head chef, Neil McCue, a raft of incredible local suppliers and a staff team committed to good service."
A NEW MICHELIN STAR... Neil McCue added: "This star is all about sourcing excellent ingredients and letting them speak for themselves and trusting produce. It's about not hiding anything or piling more and more on the plate, it's for stripping ingredients right back to their core." The Curlew is located at Junction Road, Bodiam in a structurally restored Grade II listed timber-framed 17th century coaching inn. The Colley’s
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February 2011
vision for The Curlew was to deliver a national standard restaurant on the doorstep of a local community passionate about food and dining; a restaurant that bridged the gap between gastro pub and fine dining, a modern, British bistro. The Curlew is about seriously good food, presented with finesse, imagination and flair in an atmosphere that is both welcoming and casual.
VALENTINE'S MENU The Curlew’s Valentine’s menu, entitled ‘His & Hers’ has been specifically designed by Neil McCue for sharing. The menu, which features three courses and four dishes per course, will appear for just two evenings: Saturday February 12th and Monday February 14th. Included in the choice of starters is 'Arnold Bennett', a double-baked smoked haddock soufflé. Then among the main courses are delights such as goose leg with Yorkshire rhubarb and chicory salad accompanied by goose fat chips, or Sussex beef & beer (for two) with dripping pastry, braised red cabbage and mash potato. For dessert, diners can
Comfortable and welcoming
plump for apple tart (for two) with Kentish apple brandy custard or perhaps a dark chocolate hot pot with stem ginger ice cream.
ABOUT THE MICHELIN GUIDE In 2011, the Michelin Guide, which this year celebrates 100 years since its first publication, awarded 12 restaurants in England with their first stars. The results bring the total of Michelin-starred restaurants in Great Britain and Ireland to 143. The Michelin Guide awards one to three stars to a small number of restaurants of outstanding quality. One star, as earned by The Curlew, indicates a very good cuisine in its category. The Curlew, Junction Road, Bodiam, East Sussex, TN32 5UY 01580 861 394 www.thecurlewrestaurant.co.uk The Curlew occupies an old coaching inn
TUNBRIDGE WELLS edition
LOVE IS IN THE AIR...
Around town...
Lianna Jeffrey
THE FOOD OF LOVE... The Grey Lady Music Lounge, based on the historic Pantiles, is the perfect place for a romantic evening. In partnership with La Casa Vecchia restaurant, it specialises in Mediterranean cuisine and has an excellent wine list. On Valentine's Night, you can enjoy a three course meal at the music lounge with a bottle of house champagne at £79.00 per couple (or £59.00 per couple without champagne). The evening is completed with live music from celebrated cocktail pianist Lianna Jeffrey. Alternatively, you can dine downstairs in the restaurant at a discount of £10 per couple. If you're looking for a sophisticated and relaxed Valentine's evening, this is the place for you... The Grey Lady, 70 - 72 The Pantiles, Tunbridge Wells, TN2 5TW 01892 544700 www.thegreylady.co.uk
TUNBRIDGE WELLS edition
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Book a table for Valentine's Night at this traditional pub in Southborough and you'll be guaranteed a warm and cosy atmosphere. There's a special menu on the night, plus you can enjoy a bottle of Moët & Chandon for just £25 by printing off a voucher on the pub's website. Hand & Sceptre, London Road, Southborough, TN4 0QB
01892 529 292 www.thehandandsceptre.co.uk
Smith & Western
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NUMBER
NUMBER
1
The Grey Hand & Lady Sceptre
If you want a fun alternative to the quieter Valentine's venues, pop in to Smith & Western! The voucher below gives a free bottle of house wine when you order two main meals on the 14th of Feburary – a date not to be missed! Smith & Western, Linden Park Road, Tunbridge Wells, TN2 5QL 01892 550750 www.smith-western.co.uk
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FREE
BOTTLE OF HOUSE WINE
with every 2 main meals purchased available only on Monday 14th February StayGo | S and W | 14/02/11
.uk s.co 2 e k a fc 07 rayo 68 098 .uk r a . 077 kes.co www ofca rray a @ info
February 2011 / going out
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THE SCIENCE OF
Keeping kids busy
T
he Febraury school holidays will soon be upon us and we’ll be looking for things to keep the kids amused – and perhaps looking for something a little different? So Staying In & Going Out magazine spoke to Dr Gareth Francis about his company Working Science, which is holding workshops for children during the break.
DR GARETH... Gareth is a scientist who is passionate about inspiring children to enjoy science. Having worked in industry for 12 years and now having his own small children,
CATCH A HOLIDAY SCIENCE WORKSHOP HERE!
Tuesday 22nd February at
The Friends Meeting House, Tunbridge Wells
Friday 25th February at Toc
H Hall, Little Mount Sion, Tunbridge Wells Session times 9.00am – 12.00pm Contact Dr Gareth Francis to book at: gareth@workingscience.co.uk 07504 691138 or 01892 512225
School’s out! DAILY DURING SCHOOL HOLIDAYS
Bodiam Castle, National Trust • Sir Edward’s Quest (children’s trail) £2 plus normal admission prices • Meet the Castle Characters (listen to stories of the castle’s inhabitants) Free event plus normal admission prices, 01580 830196
TUESDAY 22ND TO FRIDAY 25TH Tunbridge Wells Museum & Art Gallery Super Shoes! Drop-in art and craft activities for all ages. Free event, 01892 554171
activities) at Reculver Country Park Visitor Centre. Suggested donation £2 01622 662012
TUESDAY 22ND
Chartwell, National Trust, Marvellous Minibeasts Free event plus normal admission prices, 01732 868381 Groombridge Place & Enchanted Forest Reopens on February 19th 01892 861444
Kent Wildlife Trust, Marvellous Marine Life (a day of marine
February 2011
PARTY TIME! Similar activities are available for children’s parties, which are suitable for up to 20 children, depending on the venue, and the parties can be tailored to your child’s interests.
EVENTS ROUND-UP: THE FEBRUARY BREAK
Sussex Wildlife Trust, Love a Slug (garden activities) at Seven Sister’s Country Park Booking essential, non-members £5 adult/£6 child, 01273 497561
8 going out /
he runs innovative science events and clubs in primary schools, plus science parties for kids and also holiday workshops. The holiday workshops are suitable for children aged 6-11 years. They cover the topics that children learn in school, such as electronics, light and materials, but Gareth is keen to point out that he focuses on the ‘wow’ factor of the science and makes sure that he makes the activities a lot of fun. For instance, the children might get involved in powering boats, launching a rocket or making perfume! The picture on the left shows children racing cars powered by solar cells – and learning about solar power into the bargain!
THURSDAY 24TH Sussex Wildlife Trust, Hunt for the Missing Purse (hunt along the shore for egg cases of sharks, rays and skates) at Rye Harbour 01797 227784
WEDNESDAY 23RD Please phone to check availablity, times and prices for all events!
TUNBRIDGE WELLS edition
Working Science AD
..something free* Cut out and keep this Basil loyalty card - there's one stamp already to start you off! 56 St Johns Road, Tunbridge Wells, Kent, TN4 9NY 01892 526422 • www.basil-online.co.uk
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maintaining the
timeless
values of good design, materials, manners, service and food.
Art for art's sake...
audiences with many of the extraordinary characters that our BY... eponymous heroine ZAC THRAVES encounters during her wanderings in t's been a busy few months Wonderland. Presented by the Cat’s for the Trinity as events Grin Theatre Company, this comes to for the gallery, cinema and the Trinity on 13th February at 3pm. theatre go into full swing...
I
STAND-UP FOR COMEDY The Comedy Café makes a return on 17th February, bringing together three more stand-up acts and promising as much controversy as there will be laughs. The acts are yet to be confirmed so keep an eye on the website.
actresses to legally appear onstage - strutting their stuff in an old converted bear pit. But all that has changed is the shape and breed of the animals on view.
PLAYHOUSE CREATURES
LOVE IT OR HATE IT? The gallery is hosting a series of works by the artist Georgina Luck, under the title Love It or Hate It. This solo exhibition merges her vibrant illustration skills and artistic vision to create quirky paintings, inspired by everything that this wonderful artist sees. On display from 8th February until 20th February.
On the 11th, Playhouse Creatures is a play that delves into the history of the first actresses to appear on stage. Presented by Black Ram Theatre Company, Playhouse Creatures examines the plight of the first
LIGHTS, CAMERA... The Trinity Cinema continues to offer audiences the chance to see more ‘arty’ fair as well as catch up on blockbusters. Notable films worth catching during February include The American, a slow-burning thriller starring George Clooney, and Chico and Rita, a very moving grown-up animation film that wowed critics. www.trinity theatre. net
WONDERFUL SHOW... Ideally suited to the 4-11 age group (though adults have fallen under its spell, despite their best efforts to look grown up!), Alice In Wonderland introduces - or re-acquaints -
Contact Zac at arts@staygo. co.uk
SOUND&LIGHT Trinity Theatre is hosting the première of a collaboration of film and music featuring Dustin O'Halloran, a pianist and composer, and Christina Vantzou, a visual artist. This unique fusion of music and moving image on stage aims to inspire! Sunday 20th February Curated by Darren Smallman TUNBRIDGE WELLS edition
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S ROMANS HORRIBLE HISTORIES – THE AWFUL EGYPTIANS & THE RUTHLES Hall… from Tuesday 1st until Saturday 5th February at The Assembly www.assemblyhalltheatre.co.uk
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beacon LET ME IN
showing at the Trinity Theatre www.trinitytheatre.net
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EXPLOSIVE SCIENCE WORKSHOPS!
at The Assembly Hall www.assemblyhalltheatre.co.uk
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Happy 64th Birthday Stephanie Beacham!
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Tickets £10 www.the-beacon.co.uk
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20 A COLLABORATION OF FILM & MUSIC at Trinity Theatre www.trinitytheatre.net
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22nd & 25th February, see page 8 for more info www.workingscience.co.uk / 07504 691138
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LIVE MUSIC FROM EDWINA HAYES!
Happy 28th Birthday Agyness Deyn!
ST. VALENTINE'S
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VAN MORRISON SONGBOOK
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25% OFF LUNCH AT THE BLACK HORSE
offer ends 28th Feb, pop in for details www.blackhorsepembury.co.uk
FEBRUARY 2011 GET ROMANTIC! February brings Valentine's Day, so why not send a card to that person you’ve been thinking about...
Shoes for kids, mums and school 48 St. Johns Road, Tunbridge Wells, Kent, TN4 9NY • 01892 511651
PUL AND L OUT KEE P! Cale n d ADD ar YOU DAT R OWN ES!
MONDAY
TUESDAY
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25% OFF HAIR STRAIGHTENINNG!
at The Assembly Hall www.assemblyhalltheatre.co.uk
6th Feb - 6th March, see page 2 01892 543 484
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PEMBURY AUTO CENTRE
10% OFF ALL SERVICING AND AIR CON
pop in or give us a call to book your discounted service www.pemburyautocentre.co.uk
SHROVE TUESDAY
o.uk
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FRIDAY
ED BYRNE – CROWD PLEASER!
OM !
TION SIC
THURSDAY
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RICHARD III
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Wednesdays & Sundays at The Grey Lady www.paulduntonandguests.com / www.thegreylady.co.uk
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Ben Kidd’s production is a tidy package all round, featuring a moody electro soundscape www.trinitytheatre.net
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THE BIG BLUE
Happy 31st Birthday Russell Howard!
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SUPERB CANDLELIT SHOWCASES
Happy 78th Birthday Michael Caine!
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Live music at Red Rooster Blues Club - The Chequers Inn www.thechequersinnlamberhurst.co.uk
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MARCH 2011 A SPRING IN YOUR STEP... It's getting warmer and lighter – and spring is just around the corner! We can't wait...
www.staygo.co.uk
see you on the flipside Wooosh! That is the sound you flipping over. If it wasn’t a digital version, of course.
tunbridge wells
edition
stayingin out!o Look r StayG
for oeus around
box now in town, locations 0 over 3 growing! d n a .co.uk taygo www.s
Big thanks...
Lots of our readers responded to last month’s reader survey, so we’d just like to say thank you for taking the time to let us know your thoughts on the magazine and living in Tunbridge Wells. We’re getting lots of requests for information on local businesses and places to go, plus activities to do with children. And one reader pointed out that there’s a lack of good vegetarian eateries in town, so budding veggie restauranteurs... please take note!
Contact Lisa: editor@staygo.co.uk
february 2011
W
elcome to Staying In & Going Out magazine. It’s February and lots of us are thinking about Valentine’s Day and what to do for that special evening. Look inside for a few ideas...
staying in
Valentine’s recipe for a cosy evening in
Charity corner: local causes request your support
Bathroom make-over advice from top bathroom specialists
locally sourced meats & wild game
going out
Romantic Valentine’s Night venues for dining out
February school break: where to go and what to do
Arts round-up at the Trinity Theatre for this month
don’t forget tHe VoucHers! In this issue, we have some great reader offers. Enter our regular competitions on pages 7 and 8 to win gift vouchers and look out for moneyoff vouchers too! For great Staying In ideas, read on from here and for Going Out, just flip over and read from the other side. Enjoy the issue …
Lisa Miles editor
rusthall
15 Chapel Place, Tunbridge Wells, Kent TN1 1YQ tel:
01892 616668
tunbridge wells Paddock wood brenchley & Matfield Pembury
Monday - Thursday 11:30am - 2pm & 4:30pm - 10pm Friday - Saturday 11:30am - 2:30pm & 4:30pm - 10pm Closed Sunday
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BRENCHLEY SPORTS BAR , excellent for that children’s birthday party, afternoon supper or just bring some friends and enjoy our freshly cooked meals.
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High Street Pembury Kent • OCEAN a Traditional Fish & Chips Bar
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£4.95 Y SPORTS BAR ay Sund
Taste of Kent menu
BRENCHLEY SPORTS BAR
PORK & BEALE’S
6oz Loin of Pork served with Beale’s Apple Juice Sauce & Plaxtol Shards | £5.50
STEAK & SCOTNEY
Beef marinated & braised in Scotney Farm bitter served with Horseradish Dumplings| £5.00
LAMB & BIDDENDEN
BRENCHLEY SPORTS BAR
PORK & KENT HOP SAUSAGES
Brenchley made Sausages served with a Caramelised Onion & Red Wine Gravy | £4.00
located between brenchley & Matfield on the brenchley road TN12 7NX • 01892 723303
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6oz Rump of Lamb pan fried & served in a Biddenden Red Wine & Wild Thyme Jus & Plaxtol Shards| £6.00
&
E
M
a few of our...
favourite things
recoMMended reciPe
Châteaubriand
I
SERVES 2
f you’re having a special someone round to dinner on Valentine’s Night, then you could serve this classic French dish. As Peter Speaight in Chapel Place recommends, it’s a perfect dish for Valentine’s because it is normally served for two people anyway. Here’s how to cook a wonderfully traditional Châteaubriand.
you will need • A cut from the centre-cut beef tenderloin, suitable for cooking Châteaubriand for two! Ask your butcher... • 150g plus 2 tablespoons butter • 75g watercress • 2 tablespoons minced parsley • 1 tablespoon lemon juice • salt and pepper
And to drink... For those of you who want to push the boat out, you could sip champagne with your Châteaubriand. Michelle at Peter Speaight recommends Veuve Cliquot if you want a little luxury. A great-tasting alternative is Sainsbury’s rosé champagne or Waitrose cava. But bubbles of one kind or another are a must… happy Valentine’s Day! tunbridge wells edition
now do tHis... 1. Ask your butcher to trim the beef tenderloin of unnecessary fat or sinew. The tenderloin should be about 2.5cm thick. You can pound it to flatten it if necessary, but make sure you keep the thickness even. 2. Melt 2 tablespoons of butter and coat over the surface of the meat. Season it with black pepper. Preheat the grill. 3. Meanwhile melt the remaining butter in a saucepan. Add parsley, lemon juice and season with salt and pepper. Pour into a small container and refrigerate. 4. Place the tenderloin under the hot grill and sear on each side for about 4 minutes. Reduce heat and continue grilling until it is done just the way you like it. Medium or medium-rare is suggested: the outside should be brown, it should be warm through the middle, and it should be pink in the centre. 5. Remove from grill and slice into 1.5cm thick slices. Garnish with the butter mixture and the watercress.
…and serVe! Serve with sauté potatoes, béarnaise sauce (you can buy ready-made) and vegetables of your choice… and don’t forget the fizz!
the distinctively appealing Veuve cliquot!
Quiet night in...
staygo’s
Mood Music... tHe flaVour of Paris Want some romantic music but not sure what your partner likes? It very much depends on personal taste, but French café music provides the perfect background. There are lots of CDs to choose from – timeless, romantic and atmospheric – just like a walk along the Seine. (And if that’s not enough, you could always turn up the heat with a bit of Serge Gainsbourgh!)
after dinner MoVie: soMe like it Hot How about a movie? A film that’s sure to appeal to your date’s GSOH is Some Like It Hot. This may not seem an obvious choice for Valentine’s Night but the action begins on February 14th and a quirky romantic comedy starring Marilyn Monroe, Tony Curtis and Jack Lemmon then enfolds… you’ll love it!
February 2011 / stayingin
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e
or y ew st r N e in- rua b ng e Ra -F id M Don’t miss out on our new ranges on all the latest brands coming in store this February! Loyalty Scheme continues for 2011 – ask for details in-store & get your half price shoes
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GUYS! GET IN SHAPE...
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WITH KEEP-FIT EXPERT JUSTIN JONES
DUMBBELL ROW PRESS-UPS
B.A., NCES, CHEK HLC 2
This variation of an old school gym exercise is a great workout for your chest, arms, shoulders and core. Doing press-ups between the dumbbells increases the amount of muscle activation in your chest. Start with arms wider than chest, your feet should be shoulder-width apart. Draw in the belly button and lift the bottom of your rib cage to engage your core. Lower your chest between the dumbbells until your upper arms are parallel with the floor. Push quickly to return to start position and add a one-arm row. Maintain good alignment – if your head or hips drop, go to press-ups from your knees. Push up strongly through heel of your front foot to return to start.
T
his month I’m presenting two great exercises for FAST fat-loss for guys. These will help you burn a massive amount of calories with an extra ‘after-burn’ effect of increasing your metabolic rate for hours afterwards. I chose them based on the following criteria: 1. They must target a large number of muscles at one time including the core; 2. They must be relatively straightforward to perform; 3. They require minimal equipment (dumbbells or bodyweight).
DUMBBELL FRONT SQUAT This exercise targets the legs, glutes, and abs – especially if you use heavy dumbbells as extra weight. Here’s what to do: Hold the dumbbells at the front of your shoulders Draw in your stomach to engage your core. Sit as deep as you can while holding weights, maintaining a neutral spine. From the lowest point push through your heels to stand up again.
ABOUT JUSTIN... Justin has been a personal trainer and nutrition coach for over a decade. His main passion is in helping clients with weight loss. Justin currently consults with clients in New Zealand, Australia and the UK on a regular basis. He can be reached at justenergise@gmail.com
QUICK TIP... Eat a good source of high quality protein, such as lean red meat or chicken, within 40 minutes of your workout to improve recovery and muscle growth. Remember muscle growth means faster fat burning through a higher base metabolism.
Remem ber.
2. Dumbell row press-ups
Putting it all together
.. if you are unsure whether a type of ex ercise is OK fo r you, ch eck with you r doctor!
Beginners:: Perform 10-15 reps of each exercise then rest for 1 minute. Repeat this 1-2 times. Intermediate: If you are already conditioned to exercise, increase the resistance so you can only perform 8-10 reps of each exercise (with good technique!). If you can perform more than 10 reps the resistance is too light. 1. Dumbell front squat
TUNBRIDGE WELLS edition
February 2011 / stayingin
5
welcoMe to...
Charity corner
T
here are always demands on one’s time and money, but if you have either of these to spare, then here are two ways spend them – and benefit others at the same time.
buy a book… for MacMillan cancer suPPort Tunbridge Wells resident, Annie Morgan, is the inspiration behind a beautiful anthology of poetry, featuring works by many wellknown poets. Recently published in aid of the charity Macmillan Cancer Support, there are 280 pages of poetry featuring the best of poets writing today and classic poets from the past, plus new writers who wish to support this worthy cause. The book has been compiled to reach all members of the buying public, from those who are familiar with contemporary poetry to those millions of people who support the work of Macmillan and want to read accessible poetry that they can relate
to. Annie tells us about her involvement in the book, Soul Feathers.
annie says... “Macmillan Cancer Support has always been a charity close to my heart and after my father’s own courageous battle with cancer, I was inspired to publish a poetry anthology to support the invaluable work they do. I named the collection Soul Feathers after the Emily Dickinson poem ‘hope is the thing with feathers... that perches in the soul’. This seemed fitting as the theme of the anthology is ‘hope’. “The book features a ‘chocolate box’ selection of high profile poets including Carol Ann Duffy, Seamus Heaney and Benjamin Zephaniah, who have collaborated with many other talented poets (some first time published) from across the UK and internationally.
facebook grouP “The project started about 18 months ago when I set up a Facebook group, emailed everybody I knew and contacted a number of poets. The response was fantastic and after emailing several publishers, I knew I had found the man for the job when Ronnie Goodyer from Indigo Dreams got in touch! Ronnie helped bring more poets on board, designed the cover and selected the poems (with a little help from me!). “Although I instigated the book, it is a group effort so I would like to thank everybody who has contributed and finally, a special thank you to Ronnie Goodyer at Indigo Dreams – he has certainly made my dream come true!”
get togetHer... witH tHe rnli The Tunbridge Wells branch of the RNLI is holding its annual Get Together and AGM on Tuesday February 8th at 7.30pm. There will be a member of the RNLI team to present a short talk and film about this amazing charity in action. Refreshments and a raffle complete the evening, and there will also be an opportunity to buy RNLI souvenirs. If anyone would like to attend and help support the RNLI, please email the Tunbridge Wells volunteers at cjay13@ hotmail.com. Everyone is welcome, whether you are a new supporter or whether you are already involved with the RNLI.
Soul Feathers £11.00 From Central Books 0845 458 9910 or order at: www.indigodreamsbookshop.com
6 stayingin
/ February 2011
tunbridge wells edition
PuZZled KIDS?!
win!
word list
£10 toys r us VoucHer
Boy
Find the Valentine’s Day words in the grid. You can look up, down, across, backwards AND diagonally.
Card
Get an adult to help you cut out your answer and send it to the address below with your name, address and age. The first correct entry pulled out of the bag after the closing date of 6th March wins a £10 Toys R Us voucher!
Girl
Chocolate Flowers Heart Love Present Red Valentine
StayGo Kids Stuff, Suite 504A, 26-28 Hammersmith Grove, London, W6 7BA. The first correct entry out of the bag wins! You must be 12 or under to enter. See page 9 for terms and conditions
bug Hunt…
V A L R E K C A R G naMe:
C A R D V H U T I E
O R T E L A L H U A
N E L H N R S G N L
D D C O R T T I O O
I L W L P T I E C C
Y F P R E S E N T O
A F L O W E R S E H
Y O B A C S L I B C
...............................................................................................................................
telePHone:
.................................................................................................................
..............................................................................................................................................
address:
........................................................................................................................
..............................................................................................................................................
Postcode: eMail:
.....................................................................................................................
..............................................................................................................................
It can’ t
Tom went on a bug hunt. Work out how many he spotted.
, but It’s more than 3 fewer than 20 It’s not 10
T N L S O E P R S T
be divi ded by 4 It’s not an odd number It can’t be divided by 3
Write the numbers 1–20 and cross them off as you work out the clues! Write your answer here: ............
Which one? Which Valentine heart is the odd one out? a.
b.
c.
d.
it’s a Joke... Q: Which giant bug has five eyes, ten legs and purple stripes? A: It’s the one crawling up your back!
February 2011 / stayingin
7
, ve r ro e h to : ith G c u rd to m o in ers s! vo r w it m in tte nd am S w & -le se H r ag ns M g 9 o -28 0 sin .uk , 26 A e b it io £1 mis o.co 4A 6 7B f th ond 0 g 5 he y ,W t o dc l t ta ite n ou s an ai @s Su ndo , Em or n Lo try erm it tio en r t ed eti p ct 9 fo re ge om or pa oC G t c ee ay rs S St Fi
n! wi
PUZZLED?! Word wizard…
Turn these numbers into letters and find the missing 9-letter word.
Each number represents a letter. Use the clues to work out what they are.
a.
9
2
3
4
2
3
6
5
7
8
3
4
9
2
1
5
6
5
b.
5
6
– payment received if you’re not happy
c.
1 name:
2
3
– capital city dweller
– brought down
4
4
5
Closing date: 6th march 2011
6
address:
8
9
..........................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................
............................................................................................................................................................................................
Email:
7
. .................................................................................................................. Telephone:...................................................................................................................
Postcode:
...........................................................
. ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................
2 Quick Jokes… I’ve just bought a dog from a blacksmith. As soon as I got him home, he made a bolt for the door! Three guys are stuck on a desert island. They find a magic lantern containing a genie, who grants each one a wish. The first guy wishes he was off the island and back home. The second guy wishes the same. The third guy says “I’m lonely. I wish my friends were back here.”
tunbridge & wells are disgusted! Stepping out with a lucky lady this Valentine’s Tunbridge?
Yes old boy, beating them off with a stick!
8 stayingin
/ February 2011
quoteunquote “I refuse to join any club that would have me as a member.” Groucho Marx “I think of life as a good book. The further you get into it, the more it begins to make sense.” Harold Kushner “Don’t talk to me about Valentine’s Day. At my age, an affair of the heart is a bypass!” Joan Rivers
as a matter of fact... The Italian city of Verona, where Shakespeare’s lovers Romeo and Juliet lived, receives about 1,000 letters addressed to Juliet every Valentine’s Day.
Actor Rudolph Valentino was often credited in his movies as Rudolph Valentine. For his first credited film role in the 1917 “Alimony”, he was paid $5.00 per day during shooting.
Join in the exploits of our curmudgeonly residents to find out what they’re ‘disgusted’ about this month!
I guess it’s along to the Grey Lady for you?
Indeed my dear Wells, love is in the air!
by mark smith
Shame your date couldn’t make it, Tunbridge!
Just shut up and pass the tiramisu. tunbridge wells edition
www.staygo.co.uk
directory
e,
arts & tHeatre
food & drink
THE ASSEMBLY HALL
ARRAY OF CAKES
Theatre and entertainment, including traditional panto, for all the family address: Crescent Road, Tunbridge Wells, TN1 2LU telephone: 01892 530 613 website: www.assemblyhalltheatre.co.uk
Scrumptious cupcakes and cookies delivered to your door. Order online or by phone telephone: 07768 098072 website: www.arrayofcakes.co.uk
TRINITY THEATRE
Locally sourced meats and wild game at friendly local butchers address: 15 Chapel Place, Tunbridge Wells, TN1 1YQ telephone: 01892 616668
Theatre and arts centre with a wide range of events and great café address: Church Road, Tunbridge Wells, TN1 1JP telephone: 01892 678 678 website: www.trinitytheatre.net
eating out BASIL Wholefood café with a delightful selection of home-made cakes address: 56 St Johns Road, Tunbridge Wells, TN4 9NY. telephone: 01892 526422 website: www.basil-online.co.uk
BRENCHLEY SPORTS BAR Sky Sports, bar snacks and a warm welcome with a local Kent menu address: Brenchley Road, TN12 7NX telephone: 01892 723 303 website: www.brenchleybar.com
FRANCOMBS
Friendly and efficient café, which focuses on good service and great food address: 11 Monson Road, Tunbridge Wells, TN1 1LS telephone: 01892 535005
THE GREY LADY
Music lounge with Mediterranean style menu for lunch and dinner address: 70-72 The Pantiles, Tunbridge Wells, TN2 5TW telephone: 01892 544 700 website: www.thegreylady.co.uk
SMITH & WESTERN Wild West themed bar, diner and grill, serving American favourites for all the family address: Linden Park Road, Tunbridge Wells, TN2 5QL telephone: 01892 550 750 website: www.smith-western.co.uk
PETER SPEAIGHT
OCEAN FISH & CHIPS 24-seater restaurant, ideal for kids’ parties, family get-togethers or just a great take-away address: 8 High Street, Pembury, Kent TN2 4NY telephone: 01892 823 561
Hair stylists ECO Long-established hair studio conveniently situated on the High Street address: 52a High Street, Tunbridge Wells, TN1 2DE telephone: 01892 511 422
kids’ stuff STAMPEDE Specialist children’s shoe shop, stocking a wide range of modern styles address: 48 St Johns Road, Tunbridge Wells, TN4 9NY telephone: 01892 511 651
WORKING SCIENCE Children’s science parties, holiday workshops and private tuition telephone: 01892 512225 or 07504 691138 website: www.workingscience.co.uk
Motoring PEMBURY AUTO CENTRE Repairs and servicing for all makes and models, with professional, friendly staff address: Woodsgate Corner, Pembury, Kent TN2 4NG telephone: 01892 824646 website: www.pemburyautocentre.co.uk
© 2011 The Exclusive Edge Ltd. All rights reserved. The views expressed in this magazine are not necessarily the views of the publisher. The publisher cannot accept responsibility for any errors or omissions relating to advertising or editorial. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying or otherwise without the prior permission of the publisher. PHOTO CREDITS: STAYING IN, p1 Chris Braham; p3 Shutterstock; p6 RNLI. COMPETITION TERMS AND CONDITIONS: 1. no purchase necessary; 2. no responsibility can be accepted for entries that are not received for any reason; 3. the publisher’s decision is final and no correspondence will be entered into; 4. by entering the competitions, you agree to have your name published on the StayGo website in the winner’s list; 5. the prize is not transferrable and neither is it exchangeable for a cash or another prize; 6. the publisher reserves the right to change the prize at any time.
tunbridge wells edition
g tHinkin inside ! tHe boX
e’s find us! Her It’s easy to ding list an xp -e er ev our ed around tions situat : of box loca ea ar dge Wells the Tunbri ells Library Tunbridge W all H y bl em ss The A Theatre The Trinity é Divinity Caf & Chips Ocean Fish orse The Black H Sports Bar ey hl nc re B The st Office Brenchley Po d oo H in The Rob chers A. Fuller But a nc ia B e rt A dy The Grey La café Francombs uto Centre Pembury A n The Beaco st Office Brenchley Po chocolate parties r pe m Te r pe Tem oes Stampede Sh Tiffin Café is Club Matfield Tenn Brenchley & nchley re B The Bull at arbers Silverdale B rn te es W & Smith at copy holder tre Plus a 1,000 orts Cen Sp ls el W e Tunbridg
e for Mor : it is V o inf
.stay www uk o go.c .
contact us
to list your company… reaching over 13,000 homes in Tunbridge Wells!
sales@staygo.co.uk or call 01892 509 273
February 2011 / stayingin
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Local independent motoring centre Saab and Honda specialists
ff B ta A s A d S ne i a tr
■
FRE E 24 poin ! vis t ual hea lth che ck
All makes and models catered for MOTs, repairs and servicing Friendly service at affordable prices
WOODSGATE CORNER, PEMBURY, TUNBRIDGE WELLS, KENT TN2 4NG EMAIL: info@pemburyautocentre.co.uk PHONE: 01892 824646
Join tHe riPPles
Celebration! fiVe toP tiPs
1
Freestanding baths are a great to base a design around, as they lend themselves to be positioned at different angles or in the centre of a room.
2
nuMber
Don’t feel restricted by keeping the room squared up at right angles. Introduce interest and separate areas in the bathroom by creating different angles with stud-work.
Create a stong feature in the room, for instance recessed mirrored cabinets. These have the dual function of hidden storage and light-reflecting qualities.
3
nuMber
4
If you have space, consider double basins complete with a large mirrored area – a wonderful luxury! tunbridge wells edition
5
Wet room showers work well, especially if you are restricted by space. The wet room floor also gives the illusion of a greater area. nuMber
Be creative! No matter what the size of your bathroom, a little design can go a long way towards a more luxurious bathroom experience. nuMber
marks the 23rd anniversary of the year when Ripples first opened its doors in the city of Bath. Since then, it is staggering what this bathroom company has achieved. Now with 18 showrooms nationwide, the company has become renowned for designing and creating bespoke, luxury bathroom spaces. Today Ripples employs over 30 specialist designers and between them they have won over 49 industry awards for design and marketing, leading to their current position as a premium bathroom retailer. So to celebrate, on Saturday February 19th every Ripples showroom, including our very own Tunbridge Wells branch, will be holding a special One Day Sale with attractively adjusted prices to celebrate the last 23 years of Ripples, with various in-store promotions throughout the day, including refreshments and birthday cake. And if you are planning your next bathroom, here are five top tips from Ripples, just for you!
nuMber
2011
batHrooM sound and Vision Listen to music and watch TV as you bathe! A new range of LCD TVs from Ripples are waterproof rated and they come with a waterproof remote control. They can be recessed or wall mounted and connected to a DVD player, cable or Sky TV. Prices start from £432.00 inc. VAT for a 7” model, availble in three different finishes. Now there’s no excuse for missing that favourite programme...
12 Union Square, Eridge Road, The Pantiles, Tunbridge Wells TN4 8HE 01892 617462 www.ripples. ltd.co.uk
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February 2011 / stayingin
www.staygo.co.uk
contact us... sales@staygo.co.uk or call 01892 509 273