So Tunbridge Wells August 2010 by Magazine people

TUNBRIDGE WELLS

SO T W

HAV LUN E ON UCH DET S AILS INSI ! DE

LEONARDO DICAPRIO ON BECOMING A DREAM MAN

ONE OF LIFE’S LITTLE LUXURIES

THE GREAT R8 AUDI GOES TOPLESS IN SUPERB STYLE

FASHION FRILLS

THE ART OF ACCESSORISING

COUNTRY LIFE

INSIDE A TRULY IDYLLIC EAST SUSSEX FARMHOUSE

DISCOVER THE BEST VILLAGE PUBS AROUND

AUGUST 2010 £1.50

ISSU E 29

WWW.SOTUNBRIDGEWELLS.CO.UK

TUNBRIDGE WELLS

Hello... It’s that time of year again when we focus on getting out and about, enjoying food alfresco and looking good. Happily, we’ve got plenty of suggestions for you on all of those fronts. Balmy evenings and sunny weekends provide us with great excuses to make our way to one of the many glorious country inns that surround Tunbridge Wells. But which one? Well, we’ve done the hard work, toured the pubs and come up with 16 of the best places to visit for a friendly welcome, fine fare and a garden in which to enjoy it all. An essential ingredient, particularly if you have young ones. Still on the food front, we’d like you to have an á la carte lunch at a leading TW hotel on us. Yes, we really do mean it’s a free lunch! See Page 58 for all the details. And if you’re looking for a fun place to take the kids to eat then saddle up and follow us, or if you want to try something different at home there’s a few foodie tips from our man at Hever Castle. We’ve also got some thoughts on how to look great with a choice of 26 accessories to add that vital finishing touch to your outfit and we have the inside track on which fake-tan products really work. Our cover celebrity Leonardo Dicaprio always manages to look the part even though his recent films have apparently taken a lot out of him, which is probably why he tells us: “It’s like a therapy to be a complete idiot with my friends.” If you’re also in need of therapy, retail that is, there’s a chance to buy an amazing country hideaway that “fuses modern and contemporary with olde English.” It comes with two helipads, a hanger and an asking price of £3.5million. On top of that there’s news of the latest Audi supercar, reports of a restaurant rumpus involving a local millionaire and the strange tale of our very own Captain Mainwaring. All-in-all, another captivating package.

SoTW

AUGUST 2010

August InsIde your

RegulARs

sOCIAls

FAsHION

ALL THAT JAZZ

INSIDER WOMEN

AFTERNOON TEASE

INSIDER MEN

THIS MONTH … What to buy, where to go and how to enjoy August in Tunbridge Wells.

THE LETTERS one man’s attempt to prick the conscience of an opportunistic thief.

THE NEWS

THE GOSSIP

122

THE SECRET

shock, horror as a railway tunnel is discovered near the town’s station.

AuGusT 2010

Burlesque and scones were the order of the day at the old school House.

FeATuRes 26

A millionaire is involved in a restaurant ruckus over his old flame.

revealed – our very own Captain Mainwaring, defender of the land.

It was music to the ears of those at the Lovat Insurance garden party in TW.

DREAM JOB NIGHTMARE Leonardo diCaprio tells us about trying to get his head round this summer’s biggest release, Inception. What on earth is it all about?

suiting inspired by Mad Men, festival-chic T-shirts and a must have wallet.

A-Z OF ACCESSORIES

TANNING TIPS

CUTTING REMARKS

CHILD’S PLAY

YOUR VILLAGE PUB GUIDE The best of the country inns, where they are and why you should visit.

Bags for commuters, natureinspired jewellery and TW Fashion Week.

Those essential little touches that make your summer outfit complete.

How to get that sun-kissed look without damaging your skin.

our favourite salons highlight the hairdressing trends for Autumn.

It’s retro month for kids with 80s film classics and 50s accessories.

Cover image: Leonardo DiCaprio, courtesy of Tom Munro/JBG/headpressphoto.com

Issue…

114

26 38

HOMES & GARDEN 74

HELI-PAD HIDEAWAY The amazing 254 acre country home with a £3.5 million price tag.

THE GOOD LIFE

THE DESIGNERS

Renovating a country retreat for an entertaining couple.

We talk to the creative minds behind some of the best local design companies.

ART S & THEATRE 92

THE GALLERY It’s the Darren Baker exhibition this month at the Artique gallery.

STAGE 113 ON Our guide to live shows including the Blues Brothers Musical.

MOTORS

114 SOME SPYDER

The new Audi R8 takes centre stage as the perfect Summer drop top.

BULLS 119 RAGING We talk to Lamborghini’s CEO Stephan Winklemann on a rare UK visit.

FOOD & DRINK

107 THE RESTAURANT

The ideal fun-place to take the kids when eating out during the holidays.

SEASONED 111 AAPPROACH Hever Castle’s Head Chef on how to make the most of fresh produce.

AUGUST 2010

TUNBRIDGE WELLS

Studio Six, Sussex Mews The Pantiles, Tunbridge Wells, Kent TN2 5QJ Tel: 01892 616103 sotunbridgewells.co.uk info@magazinepeople.co.uk Publishing Director Nick Moore nick@magazinepeople.co.uk Sales Director Sharon Lacey sharon@magazinepeople.co.uk Editorial Director Richard Moore FRSA richard@magazinepeople.co.uk Head of Design Jodie Arundell jodie@magazinepeople.co.uk Designer Erica Price erica@magazinepeople.co.uk Senior Writer Melissa Woodland melissa@magazinepeople.co.uk Writer Dan Smith dan@magazinepeople.co.uk Sales Team Leader Amy Lawson amy@magazinepeople.co.uk Account Manager Vikki Hyder vikki@magazinepeople.co.uk Classified Sales Executive Jordanne Reville jordanne@magazinepeople.co.uk Production Assistant Phil Glover phil@magazinepeople.co.uk Contributors Valerie Thacker Mirror Image Chris Marshall Damian Cotton Nick Woodroof Claire Kidman Matt Joy Published and designed by The Magazine People Ltd. Printed by Headley Brothers Ltd.

Follow us on Twitter at twitter.com/SoTWMag Find us on Facebook: SO Tunbridge Wells magazine All rights reserved. The views expressed in this publication are not necessarily those of the publisher. The publisher cannot accept responsibility for any errors or omissions relating to advertising or editorial. The publisher reserves the right to change or amend any competitions or prizes offered. No part of this publication may be reproduced without prior written consent from the publisher. No responsibility is taken for unsolicited materials or the return of these materials whilst in transit.

AUGUST 2010

magazinepeople.co.uk

TUNBRIDGE WELLS

Ride…

Need the biggest and baddest bike on TW High Street? Well, here it is - the Confederate P120 Fighter. Designed and built in the good ol’ US of A, it’s a stripped-down, bare-chested beast of a bike with enough grunt to see you reach speeds in excess of 155mph (when you take it to the Bonneville Salt Flats of course). To embarrass Harley Davidson riders everywhere you’ll need to part with nigh on £100,000 to buy the thing and then import it. Worth every penny though… confederate.com

This month Read…

Watch…

Famed opera A Rake’s Progress is being performed at Glyndebourne, near Lewes, throughout August. The story follows the decline and eventual fall of Tom Rakewell, who deserts his fiancée Anne Trulove for the delights of London. Here, his sleazy servant Nick Shadow turns out to be the Devil and, after a series of misadventures, Rakewell is committed to the Bedlam psychiatric hospital. This performance stars Finnish tenor Topi Lehtipuu as Tom and Swedish soprano Miah Persson as Anne, alongside the London Philharmonic Orchestra. See glyndebourne.com for schedule or call 01273 815 000.

Loosely based on the discovery of Pluto, the story of The Unfixed Stars follows a number of characters forging their own futures in the gin-soaked years of the flapper era. While Clyde Tombaugh grinds the lens for his own telescope under the immense Kansas sky, a thousand miles away in Arizona, the staff of Lowell Observatory prepare to resume the long-interrupted search for Planet X. Elsewhere, the heir to a chemical fortune decides to go west in search of dinosaurs and God. Slow-paced and introspective, this is a novel that’s essentially about people; immerse yourself in their stories. Hardback £16.99 from Waterstones TW, 01892 535 446.

Dance…

A great way to keep fit, meet people and have a fun time, dance classes have risen in popularity in recent years. You’ve heard of salsa, you know about jive, but are you familiar with Ceroc? An amalgamation of the two, but without the difficult footwork, Ceroc is a brilliant introduction to dance if you’ve never done it before and another style to master if you’re already a smooth mover. Classes run in TW every Tuesday at High Rocks and Wednesday evenings at Salomons, in Southborough. Just turn up at 8pm for beginner lessons, or visit cerockent.com for details.

AUGUST 2010

THIS MONTH

Wear…

Fingers crossed that the sun’s out. And that’s enough of an excuse for us to get some new shades. These frames from Miu Miu ooze elegance and sophistication in their black and tortoiseshell guises. To add a little Summer fun and colour, try the green and lilac finish opposite. Converts to Prada’s sister label already include Misha Barton, Kirsten Dunst and Katie Holmes, so it’s not a bad bandwagon to get on. £109 from Sunglasses Hut, Royal Victoria Place, 01892 618 611.

you should… Choose…

Gone are the days when your choice of speaker finishes was limited to just black or beech. Meridian Audio, widely recognised as a world-leader in high quality audio and video reproduction, is now offering the ultimate bespoke colour service - Meridian Select. Choose from almost 200 different colour finishes to the products which are hand-built to order at their headquarters in Cambridgeshire. Expect to pay around £7,700 for the DSP 7200 speakers shown here. To see and hear a Meridian Digital System locally, visit Progressive AV in Speldhurst, or check out progressive-av.com for details.

Rent… The story of how the 1995 Rugby World Cup truly marked the birth of the ‘Rainbow Nation’ of South Africa is told in an epic and dignified manner in Clint Eastwood’s Invictus. Available now to rent on DVD and fronted by acting heavy-weights Matt Damon and Morgan Freeman, the film shows how Nelson Mandela (tactfully played by Freeman) managed to rally the country behind the Springboks rugby team that went on to win the tournament. Available from £3.50 a night from The Foyer, 01892 548 700.

Listen…

Tomorrow Morning is the third in a trilogy of concept albums from Eels, completing the set started with Hombre Lobo and End Times. As ever, the band offer a surreal insight into the world of their front man Mark Oliver Everett, who seems to have mellowed on this, their brightest and most overtly uplifting work. He says of the new record: “I wanted to make a warm album that was a celebration using electronic instruments to reflect joy in the times I live in.” Around £10 from Ape, TW, 01892 535 732. AUGUST 2010

TuNBRIDgE WELLS

Chill… It’s that time of year again. Throughout August The Pantiles bandstand is hosting regular jazz nights and you can be sure there’ll be some high quality music to serenade you on a balmy eve. Performances are from 7-10pm every Thursday, including the Alan Barnes Quartet and Sax Appeal; an award-winning jazz/fusion group with four CDs behind them. Catch them on August 19 and August 26 respectively. If jazz isn’t your thing, there’s also soul, blues and gospel music to get your feet tapping. For more information, call 01892 515 675.

Sit… If ever there were an iconic phrase to rely on in difficult times it’s ‘Keep Calm and Carry On’. Now you can take the Blitz-time spirit with you to the beach or park with these deck chairs emblazoned with the famous mantra. Hand made in Blighty, the chunky wooden frames are sure to last for years to come and, just like the originals from beaches across the nation, they fold flat for storage and transport. £75 from keepcalmandcarryon.com

Enjoy... Every weekend in August, Hever Castle will be wowing the public with action-packed displays of medieval warfare. On alternate weekends throughout the month you’ll be able to catch either full-speed jousting matches between the Blue Order and the Red Banner or displays of the startling effectiveness of medieval archery at the Castle’s Longbow Warfare demonstrations. Both on foot and horseback, an army clad in full plates of armour will display the tactics of 15th Century warfare. Adults £13, Children £7, Family ticket £33. Call 01732 865 224 or visit hevercastle.co.uk

AuguST 2010

Indulge... Feeling like you need a treat this Summer? Then spoil yourself with the beautiful aromas of crushed berries, chocolate and spices that will leave your palate with a spicy refined after-taste. Chateau L’Evangile, part of the Lafite Rothschild family wine estate, is acknowledged to be one of the finest Pomerols from Bordeaux. So go on, gratify your taste buds. Available at BWI wine merchant for a cool £1,150 per case. Call 01732 779 343 or visit bwiltd.co.uk

RELAX...

MEET...

SLEEP...

DINE...

Dale Hill more than just a golf club Dale Hill Hotel and Golf Club, Ticehurst, Wadhurst, East Sussex, TN5 7DQ Tel: 01580 200 112 | Fax: 01580 201 249 email: Kelly.louw@dalehill.co.uk

www.dalehill.co.uk

T U N B R I D G LE EW T TE EL R LS

SO tell us...

If your letter is chosen by the Editor as the Letter of the Month, you’ll win a Bespoke Aromatherapy Massage at THE CHAPEL worth £75

YOUR LETTERS PAGE

LETTER OF THE MONTH: Sir, As someone who frequently visits Tunbridge Wells and The Pantiles I was really saddened to see a notice tied to a railing at the back of a restaurant and have enclosed a picture of it. If you can publish it maybe the thief will have enough of a conscience to return the bag of tools. Peter Martin, Via email

Ed: Nice thought but we won’t be holding our breath.

Sir, With all this talk of budget cuts and police numbers being reduced I wanted to tell you how impressed I have been with the way the local police have dealt with the theft of tools and other items from my garage. They came round as soon as I phoned and have been very polite and efficient. If cuts are made then calls like mine will probably not be dealt with in such a reassuring way. Catherine Simmonds Crowborough

Ed: There’s a pattern emerging here. Lock up your tools. Sir, It almost beggars belief. We’re now told there are problems selling the old cinema site in the town centre because someone’s suddenly discovered there’s a railway tunnel running underneath it to the nearby station. The tunnel has been there almost since time began. Why not carefully demolish the building to ground level, cover it with earth and create a nice park on the site with rolling lawns, trees and flower beds. Jeremy Parkinson Tunbridge Wells

Ed: What a great idea. Which means it will never happen.

Sir, Wanted to say a massive thank you. We had an amazing time at the Wakehurst Place concert (Katherine Jenkins) and the hotel (Ashdown Park). It was such a lovely prize (May issue). Mum loved it too. Thanks again. Sue Parker

Eridge

Ed: Delighted the pair of you had a great time. That’s what it’s all about.

Sir, In your magazine (July) Stephen Mason (the man who saved Trinity Theatre) said three things made up his quality of life. Fine wine, the company of a decent woman and a Porsche 911. He should have added a fourth, the tens of millions of pounds in his bank account. Rachael Saunders Langton Green

Sir, I really, really appreciate the review you did of our restaurant (Suchitra’s) in your magazine (July) especially as we have just reopened with a whole new look but, of course, the same “lovely” staff. Suchi

Tunbridge Wells

Ed: Are you seriously suggesting that huge amounts of money can really improve your quality of life? We accept Letters to the Editor by e-mail (info@magazinepeople.co.uk) or post to SoTW, Studio Six, Sussex Mews, The Pantiles, Tunbridge Wells, Kent TN2 5QJ. Letters must carry full names and contact details. Letters may be edited for publication. O CATUOGBUESRT 220001 0 9

12 Union Square Eridge Road The Pantiles Tunbridge Wells TN4 8HE Tel 01892 617462

NEWS

And now for

the news… OUR MONTHLY LOOK AT SOME OF THE STORIES MAKING THE HEADLINES BIN LADEN

VILLAGE VICTORY

Pembury residents have won their fight to have the nearby new hospital include the name of their village. The £225million complex will be called either The Royal Tunbridge Wells Hospital at Pembury or simply The Tunbridge Wells Hospital at Pembury. An application has been made to the Ministry of Justice for permission to use the “Royal” prefix for the 512 bed hospital that will eventually replace the Kent and Sussex in the nearby town itself. Villagers were enraged when it appeared the name “Pembury” might not be associated with the new hospital which is in the grounds of the existing Pembury hospital.

CRYING ALOUD

Tunbridge Wells Town Crier John Scholey has added his considerable voice to the protests over plans by the Borough Council to close the tourist information centre in The Pantiles for the Winter. Few believe it will ever reopen. The council is introducing a pilot scheme providing tourist information through The Gateway building more than a mile away, and also via electronic kiosks. John Scholey, who normally remains neutral, says tourists come looking for the town’s heritage and attractions and as a result focus on The Pantiles. “They are usually in search of information and our tourist centre is not only important in its own right but financially beneficial to Tunbridge Wells,” he adds.

The Borough Council is considering putting microchips in refuse bins in an effort to encourage greater recycling. Households would replace their current recycling boxes with one large wheelie bin housing the chip which would record how much is being recycled. Individual homes would be awarded points which could be used to make charitable donations or to buy goods from shops including Marks and Spencer. The council says that recycling for reward is one of a number of options being considered. The scheme, which involves specialist weighing equipment being installed in refuse trucks, was piloted in 6,000 homes in Windsor and Maidenhead last year and proved popular.

SANTA RETURNS

Father Christmas and all his helpers will be back at Bewl Water this December. There was some doubt after the Company behind the annual extravaganza – Lapland UK – went into administration earlier this year. Lapland owners Mike and Alison Battle tell us that after restructuring and attracting new investment they’ll stage the event with cheaper tickets and for a shorter period of just three weeks. “We have listened to the public and want to reflect the economic climate,” says Mike Battle who saw visitor numbers drop by 20,000 in the 2009 season. People still awaiting refunds from last year, when ironically it closed because of heavy snow, will be given free tickets.

TUNNEL VISION

Plans for a quick sale of the town’s most infamous eyesore – the derelict cinema site – might be derailed. The fact that a railway tunnel runs directly below the building into the nearby Mount Pleasant Road station could add millions to the cost of developing the land which currently has a price tag of £8million. Council Leader Roy Bullock says: “The tunnel is there and cannot be avoided. It carries services to and from London and cannot be moved so an engineering solution needs to be proposed and agreed with Network Rail.” Businessman Simon Hume-Kendall, who announced his interest in the corner site, says the discovery of the tunnel is “terrible news.”

FEATHERED FIENDS

A pair of ring-necked parakeets have been spotted in Pembury, raising fears that significant numbers will eventually arrive in the area. The birds, which hunt in large flocks and present a real threat to flora and fauna, appear to have drifted down from London where it’s estimated there are 30,000 of them. Pembury Eco Group spokesman Rick Bayles says the parrots compete with native birds such as robins and woodpeckers for nesting space and food. Their main diet is fruit and berries. Originally from the tropics the birds manage to weather British Winters quite well finding food in suburban parks, orchards and gardens. AUGUST 2010

CONFIDENTIAL

NOTHING OUR ATTEESCAPES NTION

CONFIDENTIA L

Why are there lots o

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Which

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Who is the self-loving

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unseemly scuf shionable r new beau at a fa old flame and he man on the penthouse? Our eaterie near his lm) reports: hind a potted pa be s wa e (h e sid in s thrown ged, a punch wa an ch ex e er w ds “Wor Classy! people piled in.” and then lots of

ng business Which high-ﬂyi ng a Summer woman is planni fference? She’s holiday with a di into a discrete booked herself f a surgical clinic for a bit o d elsewhere, makeover, face an intends putting and on her return ks down to a her younger loo .” “relaxing holiday

lawyer turning up late at social events and announcing to fellow legal eagles that he’s been too busy dealing with important clients to arrive on time? Colleagues have now started a sweepstake on who will be first to run out of put him in his place. patience with his irksome antics and

seen scrambling Who was the journalistcup s the other weekend

around picking up plastic in Paddock Wood? at the Hop Farm music festival there was a £2 He leapt into action when told people couldn’t ny ma deposit on the cups which . bar be bothered to take back to the ns been mowed Why have the law & Gun pub in

at the Nevill Crest be that we’re Eridge Green? Could it g of the about to see a reopenin t was Grade II listed building tha ice then bought by Brunning & Pr aul? It should closed for a major overh but word is it has run have launched in June . And the real question into planning problems stirring the pot with should be: Who has been ? those planning problems AUGUST 2010

All that

jazz SOCIAL

DOUBLE BASSIST LEN SKEAT, WHO HAS PLAYED FOR THE LIKES OF JAZZ LEGENDS PEGGY LEE AND TED HEATH, HELPED SET THE MOOD AT A SUMMER GARDEN PARTY ORGANISED BY LOVAT INSURANCE BROKERS IN THE COURTYARD OF THEIR NEW OFFICES AT CALVERLEY HOUSE, TUNBRIDGE WELLS. SOME 80 CLIENTS AND LOCAL BUSINESS PEOPLE ENJOYED THE MUSIC (ROBERT REID DUO), THE DRINKS AND CANAPÉS DURING A DELIGHTFUL EVENING ORGANISED BY ANDREW SALTER EVENTS. Photography: Mirror Image

AUGUST 2010

TUNBRIDGE WELLS

Afternoon tease FOR ONE DAY ONLY THE OLD SCHOOL HOUSE IN TUNBRIDGE WELLS WAS TRANSFORMED INTO A PARLOUR COMPLETE WITH MUSICAL PERFORMANCES AND AFTERNOON TEAS. GUESTS AGED 18-70 ENJOYED BURLESQUE DANCES AND HUMOUR WHILE THEY SUPPED THEIR BREW OF CHOICE. ORGANISER JULIE BANNISTER-GREEN SAYS: “IT WAS FABULOUS TO SEE SUCH A GREAT TURNOUT OF LADIES AND GENTLEMEN AT TUNBRIDGE WELL’S FIRST BURLESQUE AFTERNOON TEA. BURLESQUE TODAY IS ABOUT VARIETY AND HUMOUR COMBINED WITH TRADITIONAL GLAMOUR!” IF YOU FANCY GIVING BURLESQUE A TRY YOURSELF, A TWO HOUR WORKSHOP IS BEING HELD ON SUNDAY 19TH SEPTEMBER. FOR MORE DETAILS VISIT BOOBOOBURLESQUE.COM Photography: Mirror Image

AUGUST 2010

TUNBRIDGE WELLS

Do you have cash ISA’s? Many people have accrued a substantial cash ISA holding over the years, especially if they started with their predecessor, TESSA. Unfortunately the return on these holdings has fallen in line with interest rates and, to add insult to injury, even these old holdings can fall into the category of earning a derisory rate – often as low as 0.1% pa! In an effort to improve their returns, many savers have looked to transfer their cash ISA holdings to a better cash rate or to an investment ISA – particularly bearing in mind current market lows. But transfers into an investment ISA have been known to take up to 3 months, which is extremely frustrating, especially when markets are so volatile. However legislation has at last been introduced which should shorten transfer times considerably – so now is the time to review your ISA holdings. ISA’s remain an extremely efficient investment with the ability to produce an income in retirement that is not liable to income tax, and does not impact upon any entitlement to Age Allowance.

Contact Richard Randall on 01892 612554 or richard.randall@avtrinity.com AV Trinity Ltd, 77 Mount Ephraim Tunbridge Wells, Kent TN4 BS www.avtrinity.com

UK Private Investigators offer many services to our private and commercial clients including: Tracing Debtors Tracing Missing Persons Matrimonial and Partner Investigations Discreet and effective Surveillance Background Checks Due Diligence Process Serving Vehicle Tracking Insurance Claim Investigations

Be sure who you are dealing with! Contact us on 0800 043 1754 for a free, no obligation consultation or visit our website at www.ukprivateinvestigators.com

Local, National and International

AUGUST 2010

tunbridge wells

A UGUS T 2 0 1 0

L E O N A R D O dicaprio

LEONARDO DICAPRIO’S BEEN IN SOME HARD-GOING FILMS RECENTLY. EARLIER IN THE YEAR THE CHILLING THRILLER SHUTTER ISLAND KEPT US ON THE EDGE OF OUR SEATS AND HIS MOST RECENT OFFERING, INCEPTION, IS SUCH A MIND-BENDER THAT EVEN HE DOESN’T FULLY UNDERSTAND IT

Dream

words John Hiscock

job nightmare “I don’t know where to begin,” he says helplessly. “It’s really hard.”

The movie that stumps this highly personable 35-year-old is Inception, a contemporary science-fiction thriller about a technology that can enter dreams and extract information from the human mind. Released in July Inception has to be one of the most highly anticipated films of the year. After thinking carefully, DiCaprio tells us: “I don’t know what I’m supposed to say about it, but it’s Chris Nolan [the British director of The Dark Knight] delving into dream psychoanalysis and also making a high octane, actionfilled, surreal film that is all spawned from his mind. He wrote the entire thing, and it all made sense to him.”

Then he adds with humourous honesty: “It didn’t make much sense to us when we were doing it, and we had to do a ton of detective work to try to figure out what the movie was and what we were doing from day to day, but, thank God, we had somebody who knew what he was doing.”

Earlier in the year came the only slightly more describable Shutter Island, directed by Martin Scorsese, which, as someone remarked, could aptly be described in Winston Churchill’s words as ‘a riddle wrapped in a mystery inside an enigma’. Adapted from the novel by Dennis Lehane (Mystic River, Gone Baby Gone) and set in the 1950s, Shutter Island follows DiCaprio’s US Marshal Teddy Daniels when he arrives on a remote island to investigate the disappearance of a murderess from a hospital for the criminally insane. DiCaprio reveals previously unseen depths of emotion to AUGUST 2010

▼

or once, Leonardo DiCaprio is at a loss for words. Normally, only his personal life is out of bounds, but the complexity of one of his new films is baffling him.

TUNBRIDGE WELLS

Wanted: Kent’s domestic saviours Do you know a brilliant builder, a fantastic fitness instructor or the perfect plumber? Is there a business which regularly comes to your rescue or you’d recommend to a friend? If so, you can reward their hardwork by nominating them for a Brolley Award! ‘Umbrella’ home service business Brolley (www.brolley.co.uk) is calling for Kent residents to nominate their ‘lifesavers’ in the following categories in order to find the unsung heroes of the county. Domestic homecare - general housekeeping, i.e. cooks and laundry ironers Pet care - animal walkers, groomers, sitters etc. Childcare Vehicle maintenance - mechanics, washers etc. Landscaping Home trading and construction - builders, plumbers, joiners, interiors etc. To enter or nominate a business for a Brolley Award, simply visit www.brolley.co.uk or call 0113 398 4019.

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t: 01892 510 202 f: 01892 519 834 www.sitsmart.co.uk sales@sitsmart.co.uk

AUGUST 2010

LEONARDO DICAPRIO

Robert De Niro, Martin Scorsese with Leonardo DiCaprio

It is the fourth time DiCaprio has worked with Scorsese (their previous films were The Departed, Gangs of New York and The Aviator) and this time the director took him to places he had never been before as an actor. “The movie is ultimately about trauma and the dark side of humanity and it was shocking how deep and dark we had to go emotionally with this character,” he says. “When I first read the screenplay, I didn’t quite realise what we needed to put up on the screen, and it became a sort of giant emotional jigsaw puzzle with Marty and me realising we had to push it further and further for people to identify with the trauma. “Usually when I’m on a movie set, I’m able to detach myself from the process at the end of the day and go home and learn my lines for the next day, but this situation was a whole lot different. There were a couple of weeks when I was in a hole and it was the deepest I’ve ever gone with a character emotionally.” Clearly warming to the subject, he is now talking freely. “This movie is an interesting one to publicise because it’s being advertised as a Hitchcockian-type psychological thriller, but, at the end of the day, what Martin Scorsese does best is depict something about humanity and who we are as people. “He focuses on the emotions of the characters. So, as much as style plays a part of this, and as much as people will be attracted to the scares and the thrills of it, it’s a story about who we are as people.”

Looking relaxed and at ease in a sports jacket and casual trousers, DiCaprio is talking to us in a New York hotel just minutes away from Scorsese’s Manhattan office. Photographers are clustered outside on the pavement hoping for a glimpse of the star, who fiercely guards his private life and finds it irksome being the focus of attention whenever he ventures out. Unlike his peers Brad Pitt and Tom Cruise, he does, however, manage to maintain a semblance of a normal life, often going out unnoticed with his friend to clubs and restaurants, something he deems essential for his sanity. “I go out and have a drink every once in a while,” he says with a grin. “Ooh, I know that’s controversial, isn’t it? I sometimes go on a vacation, too. “I take what I do very seriously, and when I’m on the set that’s all I focus on, so my vice is to hang out with my friends and talk about absolutely nothing of importance whatsoever and act like a complete idiot because I’ve got to filter out a lot of the serious stuff I’m dealing with all the time. It’s like therapy to just be a complete idiot with my friends and it’s fantastic.” The boyish good looks that made him the idol of millions of girls, who went to see Titanic several times because of him, have matured and he has developed into a seemingly well-adjusted, self-assured man with a strong social conscience that has led him to become an ardent campaigner for the environment. He owns one car, the suddenly controversial Toyota Prius, and when he travels he flies on commercial airlines rather than in private jets. He was born and grew up in Hollywood although his parents, to both of whom he is still very close, separated when he

▼

portray a man trapped in a world imbued with paranoia about Communism and brainwashing, where everything is not as it seems.

AUGUST 2010

TuNBRIDGE WELLS

was one year old. Rejected by a casting agent when he was 11, he tried again at 14 and landed an agent and a toy commercial. Supporting roles in television series followed, but his first film role in Critters 3 gave little hint of his potential. Robert De Niro, however, spotted it and chose him for This Boy’s Life and he was on the way. His next film, What’s Eating Gilbert Grape?, won him a Best Supporting Actor Oscar nomination, and he used his new-found recognition to take on a variety of roles - as a young gunslinger in The Quick and the Dead, a heroinaddicted youth in The Basketball Diaries, Arthur Rimbaud in Total Eclipse and Romeo in Baz Luhrmann’s version of Romeo+Juliet.

Shutter Island

Then came Titanic and the media deluge, followed by The Beach, The Man in the Iron Mask, Steven Spielberg’s Catch Me If You Can and his partnerships with Scorsese. As ever, rumours of DiCaprio’s involvement in a number of forthcoming projects continue to circulate in the mass media. Right now, however, the man himself is being as secretive as usual. “These last couple of films have taken a lot out of me so I don’t know what I’m going to do next,” he says. “I have no idea and it’s kind of a cool place to be. “This year is going to be the year of really taking care of myself because I’ve reached 35 and I’ve taken a lot of things seriously, maybe too seriously at times, so I’m going to make sure that whatever I do next and whatever choices I make are really right for me. And we’ll see where that takes me.” One of the more solid rumours is that he’s set to play J. Edgar Hoover in the up-coming biopic of the late FBI founder and director. Directed by Clint Eastwood, the angle of the script is, as yet, unknown but there’s no shortage of meaty material to delve into. Hoover has been celebrated as a proponent of justice and was key in developing the FBI as a modern crimeprevention force, however his methods were not always above board. There’s also the case of Hoover’s now notorious closet homosexuality and penchant for crossdressing, so it’ll be interesting to see how Eastwood and DiCaprio depict the man. Not content with having acted for directorial giants Martin Scorsese, James Cameron, Robert De Niro and Baz Luhrmann, it’s also thought that a project with Passion of Christ and Apocalypto director Mel Gibson is on the horizon. Never one to shy away from a historical epic, this Gibson project is said to be based around the Northern European Viking culture. Horned helmets at the ready.

The Aviator

When DiCaprio first hit the movie scene, opinion of the fresh-faced pin-up was divided. Now, some two decades later, he’s certainly made his mark and is one of the most respected acting names in Hollywood... and on his current form is destined to go down as one of the greats. SO

AuGuST 2010

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Occasion and evening dresses, holiday and casual wear, designer clothes, shoes and accessories NOW STOCKING

40 Mount Pleasant Road, Tunbridge Wells, Kent TN1 1RB Tel: 01892 519519 1 High Street, Tunbridge Wells, Kent TN1 1UL Tel: 01892 513613 www.kitchclothing.co.uk

AUGUST 2010

W NO

N O I H S FA IDER INSOMEN

FA S H I O N

FASHION EDITOR MELISSA WOODLAND ON WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW THIS MONTH

Nature-watch

The trend for ethereal, nature-inspired jewellery shows no sign of waning and leading the way is designer Alex Monroe. Famed for his perfectly proportioned insect necklaces fashioned in gold, his latest collection includes a modern take on the traditional locket. We love this posy-style pendant that opens up to reveal a tiny bird. 22ct gold plate locket £180, Alex Monroe @ SWAG, Bluewater

Sale Season

With the weathermen promising us an Indian Summer, now is the perfect time to augment your holiday wardrobe with a few sale bargains. All the major retailers are offering discounts on this season’s collections, so if you’ve been lusting after a particular item, go and get it! I’ve already picked up a gorgeous mac in the Hobbs sale… Joy sandals were £120, now £60, Piedaterre.com

New collection

We’re prepared to invest in the latest ‘it’ bag to add a little wow to an outfit, yet we use the same old bag to carry round our laptop, regardless of what it looks like. The new range from Penelope and Parker is set to change all that. Their collection of covetable totes in soft leather is available in a spectrum of colours, so treat yourself to a couple to coordinate with every outfit. Around £300 from Kitch, High Street, Tunbridge Wells. fromKitch,

Beach Style

If you’re hunting around for the ideal beach cover-up, look no further. This adorable drawstring dress by Gucci is perfectly summery in yellow and white and its easy-to-wear shape will suit most ladies. Floral print dress £1,135, Gucci @ cruisefashion.co.uk

TW Fashion Week Returns

Following the success of the inaugural show, Tunbridge Wells Fashion Week returns at the end of September to showcase our town’s finest Autumn/Winter collections. Catwalk events highlighting the latest looks will take place at The Old School House on September 29 and 30 and the week will culminate in a Gala Dinner in aid of the NSPCC. Gently Worn Vintage, Mini Maya, Any Occasion and Kitch are among those exhibiting their AW10/11 collections. Tickets for the catwalk events are £20 and available from The Brew House Hotel reception and the boutiques taking part. Gala Dinner tickets, also available from the hotel, cost £50 a head. Tunbridgewellsfashionweek.co.uk 01892 520 587 AUGUST 2010

N O I H S FA R E D I S IN MEN 60s Style

With the UK premiere of the latest Mad Men season just around the corner, it seems appropriate that Jaeger has unveiled a range of beautifully cut suits in luxurious fabrics that even Don Draper himself would approve of. Closely tailored, with optional waistcoats, these suits are more forgiving than the 60s originals, but no less suave. From £400, Jaeger @ Fenwick, Tunbridge Wells

FA S H I O N

WHAT YOU SHOULD BE WEARING THIS MONTH AT WORK, REST AND PLAY

Watch Word

If you’re in the market for an everyday watch that’s a little bit special, the new Gear collection from Breil should be your first stop. Modern Italian design perfectly marries square lines with a seamless bracelet. Each oversized watch is chunky yet sleek, classic yet contemporary and features a quartz chronograph, tachymeter and aluminium bezel. Plus for all those divers among you, the Gear range is water resistant to 10atm. Gear watch, £215, Toulson Jones, Ely Court, Tunbridge Wells

Attention!

If you can’t bear to face the sale crowds, a few minutes online could yield a few gems. The military trend is set to continue into Autumn/Winter, so keep your eye out for anything with an army twist. This military jacket is ideal to take you through September and October. Guthrie jacket, was £175, now £105, Reiss.co.uk

Pocket Change

If, when you reach for your wallet, you pull out a battered fold of leather that’s stuffed with receipts, it’s probably time you invested in a new one. This antiqued leather number from Marc Mamel is available in a decadent burgundy tone and its crackled finish makes it a little bit different to the usual. If only they did a ladies version…Wallet £166, Marc Mamel @ Matchesfashion.co.uk

Rock On

Festival season might be drawing to a close, but French Connection’s Rock Legends T-shirts might help you prolong the experience. Featuring classic shots of musical heroes like Mick Jagger and Ian Brown, they’re ideal for throwing on with a pair of shorts and flip flops. Rock Legends T-shirts £25, French Connection, Tunbridge Wells AUGUST 2010

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AUGUST 2010

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Wessex

Fine Jewellery and Watches Handmade Jewellery

Made in our work shop in Tunbridge Wells and the West End our jewellery is hand made to the highest standards by craftsmen with 40 years experience. Ruby and diamond pendant in 18carat gold. Consisting of .81 carat pidgeon blood red ruby and .18 carat pear diamond on 18 carat white gold trace chain.* Handmade in our Tunbridge Wells workshop. £1,595

Tip of the month

Cleaning your jewellery at home.

The ﬁrst thing is to make sure your jewellery is safe to be cleaned - delicate items should be left to professional jewellers to clean. Make up a solution of clean warm water and washing up liquid and carefully clean around the mount with an old toothbrush. Then leave the item to soak for a few minutes before drying on a paper towel in sunlight and bufﬁng with a dry cloth. Beware, If the stones are loose, take the item to a jeweller to repair. Also, opals, pearls, emeralds and rubies should be treated with care as they can loosen from their mounts once cleaned. If you need your jewellery cleaned or repaired contact Wessex Jewellers on 01892 518 904

Tunbridge Wells Branch 40 Grosvenor Rd, Tunbridge Wells, Kent, TN1 2AS Tel: 01892 518 904

www.wessexjap.co.uk

Tonbridge Branch 38 High Street, Tonbridge Kent TN9 1EJ Tel: 01732 368956

Tunbridge wells

They are The liTTle Touches ThaT Transform an ouTfiT from ‘so-whaT’ To ‘wow’. yeT many of us sTruggle To know which accessories To wear wiTh whaT. iT’s really noT as complicaTed as you mighT Think, Though, and This summer There are a few Trends ThaT you won’T wanT To live wiThouT, which is why we’ve creaTed This a To Z of The season’s besT accessories. so, be inspired by The ideas and sTyles over The following five pages. you’re sure To find aT leasT one Trend you’ll wanT To Try for yourself

Atozof

words MELIssA woodLANd

summer essentials

Alice in Wonderland

since the spring release of Tim burton’s live-action remake of disney’s alice in wonderland, the accessories world has gone tea-party crazy. use it to add a little fun to an otherwise sedate look. Drink Me necklace, £28, Hoolala.co.uk

augusT 2010

Belts

use a belt to give an outfit something extra. a low-slung wide leather one around the hips is a great casual style you can wear with a simple shirt dress. waist belts (narrow and wide) remain a favourite for creating an hourglass figure and jazzing up a pencil skirt/top combo for work. and a chain-style belt looks great with a floaty kaftan or linen trousers. Kirby Gold belt £45, Reiss @ Fenwick, Tunbridge Wells

ACCESSORIES

Charms

Customisable bracelets and necklaces are de rigueur these days. From Pandora to Trollbeads to Links of London Sweeties. Check out the quirky enamelled charms from Thomas Sabo. Pick and choose from silver and full colour charms that are designed to go on necklaces, earrings, mobile phones as well as traditional bracelets. Choose something fruity or opt for one of their holiday-inspired pieces. Thomas Sabo charms from £25, Glitterati, Tunbridge Wells

Detailing Not yet sure that you can pull off accessorising on the beach? Then opt for swimwear with some serious detailing instead. Buttons and studs, sequins and gems; find a swimsuit that’s embellished with a little sparkle and you’ll be ready for even the most glam of destinations. Sequin detail swimsuit £28, Oli.co.uk

Elegance If you’re going to invest in some serious - as opposed to costume - jewellery, you can’t go wrong with some pearls. There’s a timelessness to pearl accessories that instantly adds class to your outfit. 18ct white gold with golden cultured pearl pendant and round brilliant cut 0.14ct diamond £1,650, G Collins and Sons, High Street, Tunbridge Wells

Flowers One of Summer’s prettiest styles, florals are in full bloom. Delicate corsage-style blossoms are as on trend as blousy statement necklaces. Bib necklace £60, Freedom at Topshop, Tunbridge Wells

Gladiators Flat sandals remain a fashion staple. To keep your look modern, opt for a pair in an unusual print. Zebra print sandals £110, Pied a Terre @ House of Fraser, Bluewater AUGUST 2010

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ACCESSORIES

iPod

Almost everyone has one, but if you fancy an upgrade, choose an unusual iPod case to make you stand out from the crowd. As well as an array of colour coordinating covers, you can pick up an MP3 in a wooden or Swarovski crystal finish. 18ct Gold and diamond case, around £15,000, Case-mate.com

Headgear

From hats to hair bands, fascinators to feathers, what you wear on your head is key. If you’re not usually a ‘hat person’, try on a few statement hair bands for size. Dragonfly hair band £69, Notonthehighstreet.com

Jellies You might remember wearing these on childhood holidays, but that doesn’t mean jelly shoes are just for kids. This Summer they’re back and they’re chic. Jelly sandals £45, Michael Kors @ Asos.com

K. Knots

From nautical - inspired rope bracelets to delicate gold twist earrings, knots are in. Wear a long scarf knotted instead of a belt with jeans or go for a chunky bracelet. Knot bracelet £110, Miquella @ House of Fraser, Bluewater

Luggage Not strictly an accessory, more of an essential. If you’re headed for sunnier climes, you’ll need to pack your wardrobe in some suitably stylish luggage. Choose from vibrant pink, seductive purple in a mock croc finish or a sophisticated black damask in Jasper Conran’s new range for Tripp. Hand luggage in Rose £69.99, Jasper Conran for Tripp.co.uk

N. m. N – Nails

Metals

Inject a little shimmer with a metallic finish if you’re looking for accessories to take you from day to night. This season’s necklaces are a great place to start. Metal necklace £26, CC, High Street, Tunbridge Wells

If you don’t want to be adorned from head to toe with jewels, but like to look smart, painted nails can complete your look. From a classic French manicure to pillar box red, pick a shade that complements your look. You’ll be well polished in every sense. Nail polish £6.75 each, Boots, Tunbridge Wells

AUGUST 2010

TUNBRIdGe WeLLS

Oversized

Not sure about co-ordinating several accessories in one outfit? Pick one knock-out oversized piece. By going large with one accessory, you can keep the rest of your look simple and let your statement piece shine. Black cluster corsage £46, Martinewester.com

Quilting

Prints, Pashmina Usually found wearing black? Inject a little colour with a scarf or pashmina. Choose one that suits your style – traditional florals, block colour and animal print are all wearable, instantly updating any outfit. And the pashmina is an indispensable travel accessory -perfect for warming up on an air-conditioned plane. Remember, a silk shawl can also serve as an evening jacket. Pashmina from £25, Riomoda.co.uk

Since the classic Chanel 2.55 bag was created, quilted accessories have been coveted. Lady-like chic at its finest, a diminutive quilted bag with a chain strap is a timeless wardrobe staple. Vintage bag £1,920, Chanel @ Matchesfashion.co.uk

R. Rings

Safari This trend isn’t just limited to shirt dresses. Choose from obvious animal prints or more subtle earth tones and textures. Wear a statement animal shaped pair of earrings or cocktail ring for a more obvious look. Leopard earrings £8, Accessorize, Tunbridge Wells

AUGUST 2010

From cocktail rings to solitaire diamonds, sometimes a knock-out ring is all you need to complete an outfit. A stack of narrow bands is currently on trend, so pick and mix a few designs that represent your personality and wear them together. Stack rings from £22, Glitterati, Tunbridge Wells

Tribal

If you wear earthy tones, during the (think beige, khaki and chocolate brown), tribal accessories are a must. As simple as a necklace strung with chunky wooden beads, this trend is a great way to inject colour and texture. Tribal bangle £12.50, White Stuff, Tunbridge Wells

tunbridge wells

August 2010

TUnBrIdGe WeLLS

Umbrella/parasol With the British weather being as unpredictable as usual, you’ll need either a parasol to keep the hot sun at bay or an umbrella to provide shelter from unseasonable rain. Find one that will suit either eventuality. Birdcage umbrella £32, Luluguinness.com

Vintage It’s time to go rummaging. In the quest to stand out from the crowd, those with style are investing time rather than money and sourcing pre-loved pieces on ebay, at flea markets and via specialist websites. You’re sure to find a vintage piece to suit your modern style and you won’t have to worry about anyone else wearing the same as you. Feather brooch £12, Beyond Retro, Great Marlborough Street, London

w.Y.

Wedges

x. X-tra ordinary By now you should be feeling a little bit more confident about accessorising. So, with your new-found enthusiasm for those little extras, look out for a real wow accessory. It’s the piece of costume jewellery that people talk about, or that truly unusual bag that all your friends want. Find one thing that you love, regardless of whether or not it’s in this season, and use it. If it works for Lady Gaga, why can’t it work for you? Hair Bow £9.50, Lunacy.com

Comfortable and cool. You don’t often get to say both about one fashion trend, but mercifully, wedges are truly wearable. The solid sole makes them easy to walk in, while the shape is one that’s red hot this Summer. A great alternative to your usual work heels. Gold wedges £218, Castaner @ Matchesfashion.co.uk

Yellow

It’s Summer. What better time of year to check out accessories in the sunniest of shades. With so many nude colours on the fashion rails, yellow trimmings are a great way to add a little zing. Try a vibrant scarf, nail polish or bangles. Yellow bangles from £12 each, Wallis, Tunbridge Wells

Zips Zips shouldn’t be limited to just ‘serving a purpose’. This season they are the perfect option for adding a little rock star energy to your style. Look out for shoes with zip rosettes or pick up a necklace fashioned from fabric and metal. Zip necklace £18, Bagsofsparkle.co.uk

Hopefully our accessory alpHabet Has inspired you to cHeck out a different trend. Give sometHinG new a try - you’ll be lookinG fabulous in no time.

AUGUST 2010

TUNBRIDGE WELLS

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AUGUST 2010

TUNBRIDGE WELLS

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AUGUST 2010

BEAUTY

THE HEAT OF THE SUMMER IS UPON US, AND WE’RE ALL LOOKING FOR THAT PERFECT TAN. BUT WITH THE RISK OF SKIN CANCER (40,000 NEW CASES REPORTED EVERY YEAR ACCORDING TO THE BRITISH SKIN FOUNDATION) AND THE AGEING EFFECT OF SUN EXPOSURE WELL DOCUMENTED, SUN SAFETY IS MORE IMPORTANT THAN EVER. SO WHY NOT TRY ONE OF THE SELF-TANNING PRODUCTS? WE THOUGHT WE’D HELP YOU FAKE IT AND ROAD TEST SOME TOP BRANDS TO SEE HOW THEY PERFORM. HERE’S HOW TO GET A GLOWING, NATURAL LOOKING TAN IN MINUTES

Faking it

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OUR ‘FAKE IT’ DO’S & DON’TS DO: • Use a glove to apply fake tan. (Fake Bake and St Tropez both make good ones) • Exfoliate before application for an even looking result • Apply evenly in uniform circles avoiding heavy or light areas • Take care when applying to tricky areas like elbows, knees and feet • Wash hands well after application • Build up your tan gradually. The more you apply, the darker tone you will achieve DON’T: • Apply near furniture or carpets, as the product may stain • Dress before your skin is dry to the touch • Rush! A little extra time now will ensure a better result later • Apply fake tan to sunburnt or damaged skin • Swim or bathe within six hours of application

AUGUST 2 0 1 0

THE

GALLERY HAIR & BEAUTY

I n d i v i d u a l C r e at i v e Cutting and Colouring F u l l R a n g e o f B e a u t y T r e at m e n t s For Women and Men

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HAIR

THE RIGHT CUT AND COLOUR CAN TRANSFORM YOUR LOOK, SO IT’S VITAL THAT YOU CHOOSE A SALON THAT’S THE PERFECT FIT FOR YOUR STYLE. WE CAUGHT UP WITH A FEW OF OUR FAVOURITE SALON OWNERS TO DISCOVER WHAT MAKES THEM STAND OUT FROM THE CROWD, PLUS THEY GIVE US THEIR TREND TIPS FOR AUTUMN

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Kent Adult Education is pleased to be sponsoring this guide to hair and beauty salons.

Kent Adult Education offers a wide variety of beauty and complementary therapy courses for all levels. Whether you’re a beginner or looking to gain a recognised, practitioner’s qualification, they have an option to suit, based at centres all over Kent. Courses new this year include eyebrow threading, hair care for the whole family and the Beauty Specialist Certificate. Visit kentadulteducation.co.uk or call 0845 606 5606 to find out more.

AUGUST 2010

One... Two... Three...

We are proud to announce the launch of two new prestigious lifestyle magazines, So Brighton & Hove and So Guildford. These inspiring new monthly magazines join our award winning first title So Tunbridge Wells to offer an unrivalled and targeted advertising platform reaching over 150,000 affluent readers every month in the South East of England.

To find out more please call 01892 616103

THE MAGAZINE PEOPLE â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Passionate about publishingâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;

H A I R

Salon: The Chapel Owners: Toby and Amanda Dicker Address: Chapel Place, Tunbridge Wells Contact: thechapel.co.uk 01892 549 900 What do you offer? We offer a wide range of hairdressing and beauty treatments and our in house Nurse has a clinic offering the latest facial aesthetic treatments, including Botox and Dermal Fillers. What makes you different to the competition? Being crowned the “Best UK Local Salon” by HAIR magazine in 2009 was a fantastic achievement. The team stands out by offering a unique one to one service with every customer. Unlike conventional salons our stylists will look after you from start to finish which allows them much more time to understand your needs. What do you specialise in? Mostly we aim to give our customers an experience like no other. We create beautiful natural-looking colours with a multi-tonal finish and statement cuts and finishes. What’s your hair trend prediction for Autumn 2010? Under-cover colour. It’s a new highlighting technique that merges colours to create subtle tonal differences for an understated, autumnal look.

Cosmetic Surgery for the Hair

No more bad hair days

We offer a revolutionary treatment to smooth away unwanted frizz and curls that is also good for your hair

‘The keratin-based treatment is literally giving women with unmanageable hair a permanent blow dry. Keratin Complex Hair Therapy infuses keratin deep into the hair cuticle eliminating frizz and curl by up to 95% – leaving hair soft, shiny and luxurious. With amazing shine, it’s like skin care for hair, making it almost maintenance free.’

Salon: Owner: Address: Contact:

SW1 Hair and Beauty Sandra Wood 17 High Street, Tunbridge Wells sw1hb.co.uk 01892 618 388

What do you offer? The whole hairdressing package you’d expect from a premium salon, plus a wide range of beauty treatments, Keratin Complex Smoothing therapy, bridal hair, extensions, wig making and solutions for those suffering hair loss. What makes you different to the competition? We pride ourselves on being one of the friendliest and most approachable salons this side of Kent. We offer a welcoming, sociable atmosphere in a convenient location. What do you specialise in? We offer clients their Dream Hair. Hair extensions can be used to add length or thickness. Hair extensions give you the confidence of knowing you look sensational. We offer a free consultation to assess your needs and colour match your hair perfectly for an amazing natural look. We offer Great Lengths – Natural human hair, Microrings and Monofibre extensions.

17 High Street, Tunbridge Wells, Kent TN1 1UT 01892 618388 www.sw1hb.co.uk FREE consultations available

What’s your hair trend prediction for Autumn 2010? It’s going to be all about showing off soft, glossy hair which has been perfectly blow dried and textured slightly. Tones are sepia soft blondes and light brunettes.

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CHIC AND LUXURIOUS CONTEMPORARY AND COOL E N J O Y A B R E A K I N R O YA L T U N B R I D G E W E L L S A T T H E B R E W H O U S E H O T E L R O O M S A V A I L A B L E F R O M £109 M I D - W E E K

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1 WA R W I C K PA R K R O YA L T U N B R I D G E W E L L S K E N T T N 2 5 TA Te l e p h o n e : 0 1 8 9 2 5 2 0 5 8 7 e-mail: info@brewhousehotel.com w w w. b r e w h o u s e h o t e l . c o m

HAIR

Salon: Owner: Address: Contact:

Pembury Beauty Salon Laura & Gill Content 25-29 High St, Pembury pemburybeauty@aol.com 01892 822 879

What do you offer? Since taking over the salon four years ago we have worked hard to create a delightful environment where you can not only find a great service for your hair but also indulge in pampering and beauty treatments. We have extended our services to include a fast tan booth and spray tanning to give you a gentle colour, a full range of nail and hair extension services and holistic treatments such as Hopi ear candling, massage and reflexology to name but a few. We are very excited about our latest Hair service, The Brazilian Blow dry. A keratin based treatment that transforms frizzy, unruly curls to a long term sleek, glossy finish. It restores the hair’s resiliency, so that rain, humidity and sweat are no longer a problem. A fantastic treatment that can last up to five months. What makes you different to the competition? Our company is based on the belief that our customers’ needs are of the utmost importance. Our entire team is committed to meeting those needs. As a result, a high percentage of our business is from repeat customers and referrals. We are constantly introducing new treatments and products at the request of clients. What do you specialise in? We specialise in all aspects of colouring and have a great selection of Matrix hair colours. (No.1 in American Salons). We also offer Balmain hair extensions, made from 100 percent human hair for that natural look. What’s your hair trend prediction for Autumn 2010? Shades of chocolate brown and red will be the trend this Autumn.

PEMBURY BEAUTY SALON Hair, Beauty & Holistic Therapies Gift Vouchers & Pamper packages available •Facials •Body Massage •Aromatherapy •Reﬂexology •Manicure •Pedicure •Waxing •Lash & Brow • Body Wraps •Sunbeds •Nail Extensions

Brazilian Blow Dry treatment now available

ONLY £120 & includes aftercare products - normal price £150 see website for full details

25 - 29 High Street, Pembury, Kent, TN2 4PH

01892 822 879

See our website for beauty offers www.hairandbeautypembury.co.uk Terms and Conditions Apply

AUGUST 2010

HAIR

Salon : Real hair and beauty Owners: Stuart Kirby and Jo Minihane Address: 48 Grosvenor Road, Tunbridge Wells Contact: realhairandbeauty.com 01892 517 297 What do you offer? Real hair and beauty reflects our passion for the environment, so all hair care and treatment products used in salon are environmentally friendly and fair trade, as well as the coffee we serve guests and the paper our brochures are printed on! As well as hair and colour services with our experienced stylists, we also offer a range of treatments for both men and women, from facials, massages, hand and nail care, body scrubs and wraps, make-up and beaubronz airbrush tanning. What makes you different to the competition? By working with Aveda, our salon allows you to look your best without compromising your responsibility to the planet, and this is what sets us apart from our competitors, as well as the hair care and treatment products we use containing all organic or naturally sourced ingredients. We also believe in one-on-one service, so that means the same member of the Real team who greets you at the door will stay with you through the whole process of your treatment. What do you specialise in? I think the Elemental Nature Facial best sums up what the Real experience is all about. This facial will be designed specifically for you, using the results from your elemental nature questionnaire that you will fill in on entering the salon, as well as taking into account your lifestyle. You choose aromas so we can personalise the products during your treatment, and massage techniques will also be customised to balance the skin. Whatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s your hair trend prediction for Autumn 2010? We believe Autumn trends will be golden blondes and warm browns, leaning towards the more natural looking colours that enhance the skin tones and compliment the eyes. Autumn haircuts will be long but with strong outlines, or alternatively short, soft and textured.

01892 517297 www.realhairandbeauty.com

AUGUST 2010

F R E E

Open/Enrolment evening on Sunday 5th September Short class sessions & demonstrations of all styles of dance mentioned below 6.30-8.30pm BALLROOM & LATIN - PARTY MIX - SOLO SALSA - ZUMBA 8.15-9.30pm SALSA (Couples & Solo Salsa) - ADULT STREET/BREAk - BOOGIE BOX - ZUMBA

BOOKING NOW OPEN - Courses full quickly - Donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t be disappointed!

New courses starting in September

Zumba

Great way to keep fit Salsa and Latin music. New courses starting in September

No partner needed as all danced solo. Great fun - exercise or just for those who love to dance! Wednesday 22nd September Commencing 7.30-8.30pm and Friday 24th September 6.30-7.30pm

Latin Mix couples Basics in Salsa/Samba/Merengue commencing Friday 24th September 7.30-8.30pm

Party mix Another excellent fun way to keep fit! Sessions for beginners Mondays & Tuesdays. Also Teen classes - starting September

Salsa/Rock Jive/Waltz A unique blend of dances to make your Xmas parties go with a swing. Commencing Sunday 26th September 7.30-8.30pm

C h I l d ’ s p l ay

Ideas for keepIng your lIttle ones entertaIned thIs month Earning your stripes British brand no added sugar’s hubble Bubble dress proved so popular that they’ve designed an adorable summer version. In a light sweatshirt fabric, the cotton dress features a racer back vest top and layered skirt for maximum twirlability. Navy stripe dress £55 Ubertogs, Cranbrook

Words: Melissa Woodland

Tied up take some of the tears out of hair brushing with this deliciously retro pigtail tin. starting with a classically styled comb and mirror, the set contains twelve vintage hair accessories, from little bow clips to hand-made, real wool pom pom hairbands. It’s perfect for little girls. Pigtail tin £15, The Children Salon, Tunbridge Wells

80s Revisited

there comes a time when you need to introduce your kids to the classic movies from your childhood. ghostbusters is one of those films. once you’ve rented the film, treat your offspring to this 80s style t-shirt. sadly they don’t come in adult sizes. Ghostbusters T-shirt £18, Littlehorn @ Asos.com

Gone Camping If you’ve had enough of bed sheets being used as make-shift tents, this adorable teepee might be a good alternative. made from unbleached cotton, the indoor tent can be left plain for your children to decorate, or it can be appliquéd with birds, flowers or a name. there’s plenty of room inside for a teddy bear’s picnic or to have an indoor camping trip. each tent is made to order, so no two teepees are the same. Teepee £198, Notonthehighstreet.com

Building Blocks

these have to be the cutest storage boxes I’ve seen. moulded to look just like lego bricks (or a lego man’s head), the plastic boxes come in a range of colours and sizes. I can’t promise your children will fight over who gets to tidy up, but it might make putting the toys away that bit more fun. Lego Storage blocks from £17, Lego head £20, Aplaceforeverything.co.uk august 2010

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Subscribe to 12 issues of So Tunbridge Wells magazine at just £18 and receive a free meal for two at The Brew House Hotel worth £22*. Not only will you get your favourite local magazine delivered direct to your door every month, you and a guest can enjoy a free two course á la carte lunch in the stylish One Restaurant at The Brew House Hotel in Warwick Park, Tunbridge Wells. Simply complete the details below or call 01892 616 103 Bon appetite! I wish to subscribe to 12 issues of So Tunbridge Wells magazine and enclose a cheque made payable to The Magazine People for just £18 Name: Address: Phone: Email:

Please return with payment to: The Magazine People Ltd, Studio Six, Sussex Mews, Tunbridge Wells, Kent, TN2 5QJ

*Terms and conditions apply: Redeemable Monday – Friday lunchtimes only. Drinks, side dishes and additional courses will be charged as extra. Courses to be chosen from a limited á la carte menu.

tunbridge wells

August 2010

tunbridge wells

August 2010

AN EXQUISITE COLLECTION OF HOMES AND INTERIORS

Portfolio

AUGUST 2010

F r an t o FF i ce 018 9 2 7 50999 G oud hurs t o FF i ce 015 8 0 211888 h o r smo n d en o FF i ce 018 9 2 7 24488 mat F i el d o FF i ce 018 9 2 7 24949 NO

MATFIELD VILLAGE PRICE GUIDELINE: £325,000 FREEHOLD

Located within the heart of the sought after Village of Matfield, in easy walking distance of the beautiful Village Green featuring a Duck Pond, friendly Country Inns and local Shops, is this immaculately presented attached period Cottage. The beautifully decorated accommodation comprises: Entrance Hall, Sitting Room and Dining Room both with Fireplaces, newly fitted Kitchen, well proportioned Garden Room, Utility Room, Cloakroom, Two Double Bedrooms and a stunning Bathroom with a Freestanding Bath and a Shower. There is a pretty Garden to the front of the Cottage and a Lawned Garden to the rear with a wonderful raised Decked Terrace Area. Nearby Royal Tunbridge Wells and Paddock Wood offer a wider variety of Shops and Services including Mainline Rail Services into London.

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ICKLESHAM VILLAGE PRICE GUIDELINE: £345,000 FREEHOLD

This quaint Grade II Listed Detached Cottage with far reaching views over to the Coast is conveniently situated in this picturesque Village. The enchanting Cottage is in our opinion presented in immaculate condition throughout and offers a wealth of character and exposed beams. The delightful accommodation comprises: Entrance Hall with panelling, Sitting Room, Dining Room, Fitted Oak Kitchen, Utility/Shower Room, Master Bedroom, Two further Bedrooms and Family Bathroom. Outside is a Gardener’s paradise. The Garden to the rear is mainly laid to lawn with a large Terrace under an attractive Pergola offering an excellent alfresco Dining Area and a Vegetable Garden. To the side of the Cottage there is a Detached Garage as well as ample Off Road Parking.

OUTSKIRTS OF HAWKHURST PRICE GUIDELINE: £395,000 FREEHOLD

Tucked away, through an impressive Gated Entrance is this extremely well presented, Grade II Listed former Coach House. High Ceilings and large Windows creating a pleasing ambiance of light and spacious rooms. Dating back to Circa 1750 and cleverly fusing both period features with today’s must have comforts. Perfect for entertaining ‘Al Fresco’ on the privately screened Terrace to the rear and the enchanting Garden is planted with plenty of mature Shrubs and an array of colourful perennials. Comprising: Entrance Hall, Open Plan Sitting and Dining Rooms, Kitchen, Cloakroom, Three Bedrooms all with Built-In Wardrobes - one with an En-Suite Shower Room, and a Family Bathroom. Outside Storage. Parking & Double Garage. Cranbrook School Catchment Area.

KILNDOWN VILLAGE PRICE GUIDELINE: £525,000 FREEHOLD

Quietly situated in the heart of this pretty little Hamlet, is this delightful Detached Country House enjoying the most stunning far-reaching rural views to the rear, over nearby Bedgebury Forest which provides manyFamily Attractions. Recently completely refurbished to the most pleasing standard. Comprising: Entrance Hall with space for a Study, Inner Hall, Sitting Room, Conservatory/Dining Room, Utility Room, Cloakroom, Integrated Garage, a Master Bedroom with an EnSuite Shower Room, Three Further Double Bedrooms with fitted Storage, and a Family Bathroom. A Brick Herringbone Driveway provides ample Parking. The Garden to the rear has Terraces and a Lawned area. Conveniently located for access to the A21, London and the South Coast. Within the Cranbrook School Catchment Area.

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MEREWORTH VILLAGE PRICE GUIDELINE: £575,000 FREEHOLD

Tucked away, entered through a Five Bar Gate is this beautiful Detached Grade II Listed Oast House sat within approximately 0.9 Acres. With two Roundels, this Oast offers Period Charm and Character from the moment you step inside. The Internal accommodation comprises: Entrance Hall, Cloakroom, Open Plan Sitting and Dining Area with Glazed Doors leading to the Pretty Wrap Round Terrace, a Roundel Kitchen, a Utility Room, the Master Roundel Bedroom with En-Suite Bathroom, Two further Double Bedrooms and a Family Bathroom. Externally, the Oast offers a pretty Garden scattered with Flowers, which looks onto a Yard, where there is a Detached Double Garage, currently housing a large Stable and two Paddocks laced with Cob Nut Trees, perfect for Hide and Seek!

OUTSKIRTS OF HAWKHURST PRICE GUIDELINE OF: £615,000 FREEHOLD

Five Bar Gates open onto a Tree Lined Gravel Drive which meanders up to this Quiet, Statuesque attached Family House. Pretty Gardens accentuated with Stone Terraces, Mature Shrub and Flower Beds, a Vegetable Garden and an Alfresco Dining Terrace create the ideal ambiance in which to relax. Inside the flexible accommodation comprises: Entrance Hall, Cloakroom, Kitchen/Dining Room, Utility Room, Playroom, an Elegant Drawing Room, Master Bedroom with En-Suite Shower Room, 3 further Bedrooms and a Family Bathroom. From the Kitchen a Paved Court Yard leads to Guest Accommodation offering a Bedroom and Shower Room. Etchingham and Staplehurst provide Mainline Rail Services to Central London. Within the CRANBROOK SCHOOL CATCHMENT AREA.

oPen 7 days a week monday-Friday 9.00am - 5.30pm saturday, sunday & Bank holidays 9.30am - 5.30pm

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CRIPPS CORNER PRICE GUIDELINE: £595,000 FREEHOLD

This charming and deceptively spacious Detached Period Cottage offers some 10 Acres for your Equine companions and or a Children’s Adventure Camp. With stunning views over beautiful open countryside, and your very own Paddocks and Woodland awaits one within this welcoming Village. Comprising: Entrance Porch, Dining Room with Inglenook Fireplace, Sitting Room, Garden Room, Farmhouse Kitchen/Breakfast Room, Utility Room, Master Bedroom with EnSuite Bathroom, Family Bathroom and two further Double Bedrooms all with built-in Cupboards. Externally this fabulous Cottage enjoys a spacious Formal Garden with a Pond for relaxing and entertaining. 2 Bay Garage, Log Store, Barn with 2 Stables, Hay and Tack Sheds, Three Bay Pole Barn and a Kitchen Garden for keen Green Fingers.

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HORSMONDEN VILLAGE PRICE GUIDELINE OF: £645,000 FREEHOLD

This beautifully presented Detached House occupies a prime position within this prestigious ‘Charles Church Development’ which is situated in the much sought after vibrant Village of Horsmonden. The capacious Accommodation comprises: Entrance Lobby, Reception Hall, Sitting Room, Study, Dining Room, Drawing Room, Kitchen/Breakfast Room, Utility Room, Cloakroom, Principal Bedroom with Dressing Room Area and En-Suite Bathroom, Guest Bedroom with En-Suite Shower Room, 3 Further Double Bedrooms and a Family Bathroom. Externally, the enclosed rear Garden with mature planting enjoys wonderful views across Woods. Plus Detached Tandem Garage. Paddock Wood Station (with adjacent Waitrose) has trains to London under One Hour. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.

LITTLE CHART HAMLET PRICE GUIDELINE OF £675,000 FREEHOLD

Rurally located on the outskirts of the Village of Pluckley and built in 2000 this Four Bedroomed Detached Country Cottage benefits from the features of a Period Property and is set within Grounds of approximately 1.74 Acres. The accommodation comprises: Kitchen/Breakfast Room, Dining Room, Sitting Room, Utility Room, Cloakroom, Master Bedroom with En-Suite Shower Room, Three further Bedrooms and a Family Bathroom. Outside the Grounds are predominantly laid to Lawn interspersed with Mature Trees. There is a Post and Rail Fenced Paddock and a Gravel Drive from the Gate to the Turning Area at the Front of the Cottage and External Office. Pluckley provides Local Shopping, Country Inns and a Station offering Main Line Rail Links into Central London.

OUTSKIRTS OF SEDDLESCOMBE VILLAGE PRICE GUIDELINE: £675,000 FREEHOLD

This capacious, handsome, individually designed Country House would be ideal for running a Luxury Bed and Breakfast from, as it is on the A21 opposite Seddlescombe Golf Course. The Gardens extend to some 1.8 Acres and internally, the light and bright accommodation comprises: Entrance Hall, Triple Aspect Drawing Room with an Open Fireplace, Formal Dining Room, a Triple Aspect Shaker Style Kitchen and Breakfast Room, Utility/Study, Cloak Room, Triple Aspect Principal Bedroom with a Terrace and an En-Suite Bathroom, Guest Bedroom with an En-Suite Bathroom, Third Bedroom with an En-Suite Shower Room, 4 further Bedrooms and a Family Bathroom. Beautiful distant country views to the rear and the Golf Course to the front. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED

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RURAL PLUCKLEY OFFERS IN EXCESS OF £725,000 FREEHOLD

Wrought Iron Gates, set within a Grade II Listed Elizabethan Red Brick Wall which encloses the enchanting Grounds to this Cottage, open onto the Driveway leading up to the Front Door. The Air is fragrant with the perfume of the many scented Flowers planted lovingly throughout the lovely Gardens. From Lawns to Woodland Pathways, Terraces to Fishponds there is inspiration around every corner. With it’s Red Brick and Tile façade, sitting in 1.94 Acres, it is ripe for a little T.L.C. Comprising: Reception Hall, Kitchen, Cloakroom, Dining Room, Sitting Room,Three Bedrooms, a Bathroom and a WC, together with an Integral Garage. Nearby Pluckley benefits from a General Stores, Post Office, Butchers, Country Inns and a Station providing Main Line Rail Links into Central London.

RURAL WHESTED PRICE GUIDELINE: £775,000 FREEHOLD

This imposing UNLISTED Detached Country Farmhouse believed to date back to late 19th/ early 20th Century. Sympathetically enlarged and finished to a high standard creating a spacious Family Home which benefits from rural views over Orchards and its own Land and comprises: Entrance Hall, Sitting Room, beautiful Kitchen/Breakfast Room with Rayburn and Larder, Utility Room, Cloakroom, Drawing Room, Summer Room/Office and Dining Room. The triple aspect Master Bedroom has a vaulted ceiling and an En-Suite Bathroom. There are 3 further Double Bedrooms and a Family Bathroom. The House sits in approx. 3.1 Acres including a Paddock (2.2 Acres) and a Barn with Equestrian possibilities. Lawned Gardens with a pretty Pond, Water Feature and Terraces. More Land is available.

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RURAL BROAD OAK, BREED OFFERS IN EXCESS OF: £1,100,000 FREEHOLD

The ultimate in peace and tranquillity! This exquisite Unlisted Detached period property is located at the end of a long private driveway and benefits from exceptional views over its own Gardens and Grounds of approximately 14.6 Acres. The beamy, sizeable accommodation comprises: Side Entrance Hall/Utility Room, Kitchen/Breakfast Room with AGA, Sitting Room with Inglenook, Study, Drawing Room with Inglenook, Dining Room, Family Room, Cloakroom, Principal Suite, Guest Suite, Four further Double Bedrooms, a Family Bathroom and Laundry Room. The Grounds are divided into post-and-railed Paddocks and Gardens featuring a decked Terrace, Hot Tub, Dog Run, Kitchen Garden, Stable Block and a Three Bay Garage Complex with a Room above and a Shower Room.

RURAL MARDEN PRICE GUIDELINE: £1,100,000 FREEHOLD

An enchanting Grade II Listed Country House in approximately One Acre of delightful Gardens. Located in a tranquil setting in Rural Marden along a private Country Lane. Woodburners, Fireplaces and Beams abound in this property where old meets new to provide the comforts of modern living whilst retaining the elegance of a bygone period. Five Double Bedrooms, Two Family Bathrooms and an Attic with huge potential are complimented by a spacious Drawing Room with Inglenook Fireplace, Sitting Room, Music Room, Dining Room, Kitchen with Aga and contemporary Service Island, Utility Room, Cloakroom, Shower Room and Formal and Informal Entrance Halls to provide attractive versatile Family Accommodation. Marden provides a Mainline Rail Service into Central London.

ST MICHAELS , TENTERDEN PRICE GUIDELINE: £1,250,000 FREEHOLD

This stunning, capacious, Georgian inspired Country House is set in some 3.55 Acres with glorious views and a natural Pond. Well proportioned and presented throughout in excellent decorative order and comprising: a fine Reception Hall, a magnificent Drawing Room, a bespoke, hand-painted Kitchen/Breakfast Room, Study/Playroom, Conservatory, Utility Room, Cloakroom, the Principal Bedroom with a Dressing Room and an En-Suite Bathroom, Four further Bedrooms and a Family Bathroom. The attached Cottage has a Hall, Sitting Room/Dining Room, Kitchen, Cloakroom, Bedroom, Dressing Room, Bathroom and Veranda. Triple Garaging. Tenterden has a wide variety of excellent Shops including a Waitrose. The Station at Headcorn provides Trains to London and or Ashford International .

SELLINDGE VILLAGE OFFERS IN EXCESS: £1,250,000 FREEHOLD

In the heart of the most sought after Village of Sellindge, this sympathetically Converted Granary Barn is set within 12.75 Acres of prime Countryside. Tucked away down a long Drive, through a Five Bar Wooden Gate is this ‘idyllic Country Retreat’ comprising; a Reception Hall, Kitchen with an AGA, Utility Room, Dining Room, Drawing Room, Garden Room, Cloakroom, Master Suite with En-Suite Bathroom, 3 further Bedrooms and a Family Bathroom. Plus a really special Cottage with Sitting Room, Kitchen/Breakfast Room, 2 Bedrooms and Bathroom. All in the most fabulous Gardens with a Gazebo, Summerhouse, Greenhouse and pretty Stream. The Grounds then divide into 7 Post and Railed Paddocks with 6 Stables, Feed and Tack Room, 40 x 20m Ménage, Atcost Barn, Double Open Barn.

OUTSKIRTS OF HAWKHURST PRICE GUIDELINE: £1,375,000 FREEHOLD

Within the CRANBROOK SCHOOL CATCHMENT AREA with fine views over Hawkhurst Golf Club next door, this handsome Country House sits behind Electric Gates, within some 1.5 Acres. Beautiful Grounds and Formal Gardens include a multitude of mature Trees, pretty Plants, Shrubs and a Tennis Court. Light and Well-Proportioned comprising: Reception Hall, Dining Room, Study, Triple Aspect Drawing Room with Wood Burning Stove and Sliding Doors to front Garden and rear Terrace, Garden Room, Sitting Room, Kitchen/ Breakfast Room with access to the Terrace on either side, Utility Room, Shower Room, Principle Suite including a Dressing area and En-Suite Bathroom, Five further Bedrooms, Shower Room and Bathroom. Etchingham offers a Station to London.

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RURAL BIDDENDEN PRICE GUIDELINE: £1,600,000 FREEHOLD

One of Kent’s Rare Hidden Gems beautifully cocooned within its own picturesque Gardens and undulating countryside. This substantial Grade II Listed Family Abode offers a Haven of Country Living and inspiring period charm. The Three Storey accommodation offers: Reception Hall, Kitchen/Breakfast Room, a Dining Room with Inglenook Fireplace, Sitting Room, Drawing Room with Inglenook Fireplace, Utility, Cellar, Garden Room, Master Bedroom with EnSuite and Balcony, a further 3/4 Bedrooms. Plus a separate Guest Suite and Parking. This wonderfully situated Country House with a Swimming Pool enjoys stunning views over some 10.55 Acres of Pasture, Woodland and Lakes which are home to a herd of Five Families of Deer, who would love to remain in-situ. Cranbrook School Catchment.

All Viewings ConduCted www.countrypropertygroup.com

Tunbridge Wells £1,600 pcm Available Now

A 3/4 bed family home located in the heart of the Village in central T.Wells.

Frant £2,650 pcm Available End August

A fantastic five bedroom, three reception room attached family house with double garage.

Tunbridge Wells Similar Urgently Required

Langton Green Similar Urgently Required

Tunbridge Wells Similar Urgently Required

Tunbridge Wells £2,250 pcm Available 25th August

Hamptons have a number of disappointed tenants looking for similar property in the area.

Bidborough Similar Urgently Required

Hamptons have a number of disappointed tenants looking for similar property in the area.

The Hamptons International team always go further to meet your personal property needs, whatever they may be. Over 97% of our clients say they would use us again or recommend us to others. Let us show you why.

Bidborough £1,500 pcm Available Now

A newly renovated three bedroom bungalow set in a peaceful cul-de-sac in the heart of Bidborough.

Hurtis Hill, Crowborough Similar Urgently Required

A unique five bedroom, five reception room character family home near Crowborough Beacon golf course.

The house is set close to the entrance of Shernfold park, an exclusive private park.

Hamptons have a number of disappointed tenants looking for similar property in the area.

Hamptons have a number of disappointed tenants looking for similar property in the area. Tunbridge Wells Office

Lettings 01892 516611 tunbridgewells@hamptons-int.com Beyond your expectations

www.hamptons.co.uk

Stonegate £795 pcm Available Now

A recently refurbished two bedroom cottage set in rural location.

Groombridge – Freehold – Guide Price of £750,000

A wonderful opportunity to acquire a detached house, built in the late 1920’s, in this much sought-after village - being marketed for the first time in 34 years and with the benefit of planning permission to extend significantly from its current layout. Additionally, it will be sold with the benefit of a further one and a half acres of land adjoining the existing half an acre of gardens.

Brunswick Terrace,Tunbridge Wells – Freehold - £415,000

An attractive, well refurbished Victorian terraced house in the“village”area of town. Double reception room, kitchen/dining room, utility room, cloakroom, 3 bedrooms, bathroom & courtyard garden.

Catherine Place,Tunbridge Wells – Freehold - £235,000

A charming mid terrace house set over three floors and just a short walk from the town centre and mainline train station.The house has been refurbished to a high standard and comprises sitting room, kitchen/dining room, two double bedrooms and bathroom. The patio garden provides for outdoor entertainment.

Old Heathfield – Freehold - £495,000

A charming grade II listed cottage situated in the village of Old Heathfield. Entrance porch, 2 receptions, kitchen/breakfast room, cloakroom/WC, utility area, 5 bedrooms, shower room, en suite bathroom, attic room, garden, garage and off road parking.

Calverley Street,Tunbridge Wells – Freehold - £299,950

A delightful semi-detached Victorian house set in an attractive terrace of similar properties in a quiet and very central location in the town. The accommodation is extremely well presented and provides good entertaining and living space over three floors with, in particular, two reception rooms, practical fitted kitchen, three bedrooms and bathroom. The house benefits from a private garden.

Warwick Road,Tunbridge Wells – To Let - £1,200 pcm

A delightful and well presentedVictorian end-of-terrace house in a quiet road within the‘village’ area of town - just off the High Street and within only a few minutes walk of the station. Arranged over three floors,it offers 2/3 bedrooms,bathroom,sitting room and practical kitchen dining room which opens onto a secluded south-facing,rear garden.There is a separate cloakroom on the ground floor and utility area. Available from early August for a long let,unfurnished.

Waldron

Charming Lions Green cottage extended in grounds of about an acre. On high ground commanding views over lawns and own woodland. Spacious 4 bedroom/3 reception room accommodation and planning permission for further extension. Fine views over lawns and own woodland towards Possingworth Park. Visit our website for many images new instructions, sole agents Offers £795,000

HUrstmonceUx Herstmonceux charming Victorian barn conversion, recently extend, in grounds approaching 3 acres. Backing onto village scene, walking distance of local inn, shops etc., enjoying approximately 3 acres of garden, paddock and magnificent views. 4 bedroom, 2 bathroom accommodation, stable yard and barn. A great family home. Visit our website for further images. Sole agents £635,000

VInescross

HellInGlY

etcHInGHam

Vines Cross Charming period cottage undergoing renovation by a building company. Centre of the village close to garage, pub and duck pond and 2 mins from open countryside. 2 double bedrooms, large first floor bathroom, lounge with inglenook, new Shaker kitchen, large 2nd reception room with open fire, new ch. Wiring etc. Own drive and garage. Pretty cottage gardens sole agents Offers £325,000

Grand period home in the heart of this village close to open countryside, next to the parish church. Renovated to a very high standard with the benefit of 3/4 bedrooms plus attic rooms. Lounge with inglenook, sep dining room, large kitchen/breakfast room, walled gardens, parking & cart lodge. A piece of English history dating back to 1375. Sole agents £666,950

Etchingham fine 5 bedroom, 2 bathroom family home in quiet cul de sac backing onto woodland. , walking distance of open countryside, general stores, parish church and main line station. Double garage, large lounge, study, dining room, conservatory etc. Visit our website for further images. A large family house in a quiet safe location. Sole agents. offers £545,000

PUnnetts toWn

HeatHFIeld

PUnnetts toWn

Punnetts Town probably the oldest property in the locality, believed to have been built by French settlers. Character property with inglenook, beams etc. Courtyard garden with steps to higher area of lawn. Off street parking. 3 bedrooms, first floor bathroom, 4th bedroom & bathroom to ground floor. Large lounge, kitchen/ breakfast room, sep dining. Parking for several vehicles Priced to sell £309,950 sole agents

Walking distance of open countryside, woodland & high Street shops and amenities. Very spacious 5 bedroom bungalow on corner site in need of improvement. Master bedroom with dressing room & en suite, further large bathroom, ,kitchen/diner, lounge, dining room, conservatory, double garage & studio. Many other features. Visit our website for many other images. Quick sale poss. Sole agnets Offers £415,000

Punnetts Town on the site of an old chapel and within sight of ancient windmill in a quiet location backing onto fields. New cottage-style residence. Visit our website for many images. Key available for viewing. Small gardens with views and parking for 2 vehicles. Ideal retirement/ holiday etc. 2 bedrooms, first floor bathroom, lounge, large kitchen/breakfast room, cloakroom, study etc. full C.H. offers £249,950

17 High street, Heathfield, e.sussex, 01435 865 471 email: info@foresterxl.com

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TUNBRIDGE WELLS

THE GALLERY

on this page: Darren Baker - Interlude – signed limited edition on paper - 12 x 8 inches - £215 Darren Baker - Prelude - signed limited edition on paper - 12 x 8 inches - £215 Darren Baker - Study for Canary Wharf – original painting – 4 x 6 inches - £3,795 Darren Baker - Study for Tango Passion I – original painting – 6 x 8 inches - £4,495

AUGUST 2010

THE GALLERY

on this page: Darren Baker - Femme Provocateur I – signed limited edition on canvas - 10 x 15 inches – £280 Darren Baker - Femme Provocateur II – signed limited edition on canvas - 10 x 15 inches – £280 Lucien Vin - Watching Bronze Sculpture - 22.5 inches - £795 All works featured can be viewed at the Artique Gallery, 43 High Street, Royal Tunbridge Wells TN1 1XL 01892 520 571 artiquegalleries.com

AUGUST 2010

TUNBRIDGE WELLS

WE’VE PROFILED NUMEROUS STUNNING HOUSES ON THESE PAGES BUT PERHAPS NONE THAT QUITE MATCH THE SCALE OF THE IRONICALLY-NAMED LITTLE POUNDSFORD FARM AND ITS 254 ACRES OF LAND WORDS:

Photography: Phil Glover

HARRIET LOUVELLE

Heli-pad

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AUGUST 2010

PROPERTY

f you’re after seclusion and exclusivity, then look no further than Little Poundsford Farm, just outside Heathfield. It’s half a mile away from any other dwelling, so you will be far from the madding crowd.

It also stands in 254 acres of land made up of manicured gardens, rolling countryside and thick woodland - more than enough to get lost in. Oh, and if you need one more fact to convince you of this property’s esteem, it has its own heli-pad. Two of them actually, plus a hangar. The whole complex is incredibly impressive and large scale is a theme that runs throughout the estate. Oddly enough, however, the hub of the main house is built on a late 15th Century cottage, so that part is surprisingly quaint inside.

In 2000 the Estate was bought by a Danish businessman, who flew to Battersea in less than 20 minutes as his daily

AUGUST 2010

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The original tudor-style cottage has since been expanded and extended, with the addition of two ‘wings’, and is today a suitably impressive and spacious building that dominates the centre of the land. The house now contains six bedrooms, four bathrooms, the windows are all triple-glazed and it’s floored with quality oak and rustic tiles throughout – heated underfoot.

TUNBRIDGE WELLS

commute. He’s since returned to Switzerland taking his family and furniture with him and left the property in the hands of Mary Stanley of The Country Property Group. It’s now up to Mary Stanley and her team to find a suitable owner for this most luxurious of dwellings. All of which means that Little Poundsford Farm has been given the full Country Property treatment and is filled with tasteful touches that really make the place a joy to behold. The ‘home staging’, as it’s known, took three weeks and is the biggest project of its kind The Country Property Group has undertaken. Everything, from the light fittings to the gardens have been revamped to create a wonderful and luxurious homely ambiance. The house now represents the epitome of opulent country living, with large Ribchester leather sofas from Hoopers, soft furnishings by Woodcock’s and thick, luxurious towels from Harrods (a Mary Stanley favourite as regular readers will know). The house’s amenities are simply too much to go into the detail of, but the fact that on top of the six bedrooms, there’s a conservatory, a study, a wine cellar, four reception rooms and the most stunning kitchen/breakfast room should give you an idea of the type of property we’re talking about. Views from the upper-level rooms are impressive to say the least and once out in the grounds it’s no less spectacular. The massive woodland currently holds a full hunting license for those game-lovers and Little Poundsford Farm’s well-stocked carp lake is simply vast and ripe for fishing. The twin helicopter pads are reminiscent of Tracy Island or a James Bond film set and, though the hanger is currently full of farm equipment, it could easily be converted into an indoor tennis court, a riding school, skatepark… or whatever else you’d like, planning permission permitting. A cute detached cottage currently housing the gymnasium and an impressive detached garage block is fitted with under floor heating to ensure that your treasured classics remain in peak condition. While upstairs is fitted with a chic and modern apartment for guests. Well, you wouldn’t want them cluttering up your actual house would you? Out on the estate (which in some directions stretches as far as the eye can see, with no other houses in sight) you’ll find the winding River Dudwell, favoured and written about by Rudyard Kipling. You might also bump into one or two of the inhabitants of the area, such as deer, foxes and badgers.

Price: £3.5million Land: 254 acres Bedrooms: 6 plus 2 in Cottage/ apartment

Helipads: 2 Extras: Hanger Woods Carp lake

AUGUST 2010

River frontage Contact: The Country Property Group 01580 211 888

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If tending to all of the land sounds a little too much, worry not. Little Poundsford Farm is looked after by Gary, an employed Estate Manager who’s been at the site for 10 years. When you add it all up, this property is a bit of a bargain - and it’s not often you say that when something’s got a price tag of £3.5million. SO

properTY

good life

The words Harriet LouveLLe

The villages around Tunbridge Wells are rich in boTh imposing residences and bijou Weekend reTreaTs. This monTh, Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re renovaTing a rural house To help one couple achieve The elusive Work-life balance

y clients have purchased a beautiful stone house on the edge of a local hamlet. They both commute for most of the week, so want a real sanctuary to come home to. Top of their list of requirements is entertainment space. friends and family are regular visitors, so they

want to be able to play host all year round. They also want the downstairs to remain in keeping with the style of the dwelling, but would like a little luxury in the master bedroom and ensuite. plus they both occasionally work from home. all that means weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re going to be making some extensive changes and additions to accommodate their needs. augusT 2010

TUnbRIdGe WeLLS

The Loft Space Our first task is to create useable space in the loft. The house currently has two good-sized bedrooms, but my clients want a master suite too, so a loft conversion is the solution. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a big project, so we draw on the expertise of local specialists Lofts. They take a look at the dusty, empty attic and see space for a bedroom with ensuite (below) and a separate, cosy TV room or fourth bedroom. Lofts, the Company, maximise head height across the space and set recessed spotlights in the ceiling to keep the lines clean. They put in dormer windows on the back of the property to take in the views of the garden and rolling hills beyond and add another window in the apex at the end of the master bedroom, which floods the space with light. The conversion almost doubles the bedroom space the house originally offered, meaning overnight guests will be easily catered for.

The Master Ensuite With the new space in the loft so light and airy, we decide to create an open ensuite to maintain the feel. A half-height wall separates the area from the bedroom, without losing the sense of space. Ripples design us some beautiful fittings: an imposing double-ended bath that they set into a tiled surround, a his and hers pair of ceramic sinks perched on a stunning, richly toned wooded cupboard and a contemporary heated towel rail with plenty of space for bath towels. They also incorporate a wet room-style area with a sleek shower and clear glass screen. The overall finish is luxurious and decadent, yet still in keeping with the property.

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PROPERTY

The Kitchen The heart of the home it may be, but the original kitchen needed some serious life breathed into it. We call in bespoke kitchen experts Roundel Design to create a light, functional space with plenty of period charm. The kitchen has a multitude of nonstructural dark oak beams which made the room dark and dated. The beams were removed and the ceiling plastered, incorporating recessed down lighters. The floor was re-laid using limestone tiles. After the preparation works, Roundel Design undertook the installation of the painted, character-oak cabinetry. They commissioned cast iron butt hinges and door knobs from their own design to finish the look of the cupboards. A Britannia range cooker provides a lovely focal point set in the old inglenook.

The Conservatory Though the property offers a good sized drawing room and a snug, we talk to Lifestyle Conservatories about adding another room on one side of the house to make the most of the beautiful views. The client wants somewhere they can sit and enjoy the countryside and also host dinner parties and family celebrations. Lifestyle make sure that the conservatory can be used all year round by incorporating high specification solar controlled glass within the roof and side frames, which will keep the room cool in the summer and well insulated in the winter. The resulting conservatory is full of light and offers spectacular views.

AUGUST 2010

TUNBRIDGE WELLS

Advert_advert 11/03/2010 12:23 Page 1

Advert_advert 11/03/2010 12:23 Page 1 Advert_advert 11/03/2010 12:23 Page 1

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Call: 01892 890033 Unit 1 Bayham Farm Buildings, Little Bayham, Lamberhurst TN3 8BD

LOFTS

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Please contact us on: Loft Design Service, PO BOX, 523 Tonbridge TN9 9HT. We also welcome any enquiries via email, contact us at: info@loftdesignservice.com

www.loftdesignservice.com 82

AUGUST 2010

PROPERTY

The Veranda

My entertaining clients throw some serious garden parties, so they’ve asked me to source something a little more substantial than a gazebo for those occasions when the weather is not so good. I call in SBI Ltd to see if they can build a glass-roofed veranda that complements the exterior of the property. They design and install a stunning veranda in a delicate powder-grey finish that runs half the width of the house. It looks as though it’s been there for years and will provide shelter from the elements if there’s an unexpected shower mid-party.

Preferred Suppliers The Home Office Company 01233 712 710 thehomeofficecompany.co.uk Lifestyle Conservatories 01323 844 944 lifestyleconservatories.com Loft Design Service 0845 6011 729 l oftdesignservice.com Ripples 01892 617 462 ripples.ltd.uk

The Office

Roundel Design 01580 712 666 roundeldesign.co.uk

Though both my clients commute, they would like the facility to work from home to reduce the time they spend on the train.

SBI Ltd 0800 0742 721 sbiproducts.co.uk

However, we don’t want to lose any precious living space downstairs. A conversation with The Home Office Company offers a solution. They design and build us a beautiful garden room to our specifications and tuck it away in the corner of the plot. The new office is fully insulated and has all the necessary power, phone and broadband lines installed. The clients choose a soft green finish that enables the office to blend in with surrounding foliage.

AUGUST 2010

tunbridge wells

August 2010

SPONSORED BY:

DESIGNERS

THERE’S A PLETHORA OF DESIGN TALENT IN AND AROUND TUNBRIDGE WELLS READY TO TURN YOUR DREAMS INTO A REALITY. FROM INTERIOR DESIGN TO HOME STAGING, WE’RE MORE THAN CATERED FOR.

Meet the

Designers Who are you? Denny Gaskell - Metamorphosis Interior Style Consultancy On the web? metamorphosisstyle.co.uk On the phone? 01342 850 818 Area of expertise: My aim is to help my clients maximise the full potential of their property, whether they are hoping to sell or rent, or whether they just want to restyle their home. The key to my kind of interior styling is minimum outlay. I work with belongings that my clients already have, perhaps adding inexpensive accessories (and often a coat of paint), to create a harmonious colour scheme throughout the home.

creasing the cushions; you have to be comfortable and relaxed in a home. Tell us about one of your successes: I was asked to advise on a property that had been on the market for 14 months. The house itself is stunning and in the most beautiful location. But, as I entered the sitting room, the first thing that I noticed was a brown leather sofa with its back to one of the most astounding inglenook fireplaces I have ever seen. This set the scene for the rest of the house - it was not being shown to its best advantage. I wrote a very detailed report that would enable the owners to implement my suggestions themselves. It has just gone back on the market with a new agent and I am certain that it will be snapped up immediately.

What makes you different to the competition? I was personally trained by TV’s ‘House Doctor’, Ann Maurice, and so my focus is on interior style rather than design. Interior design is more like full-on cosmetic surgery for a house, but the only nipping and tucking I do is when I’m creating inexpensive accessories, in order to bring a colour scheme together. No invasive surgery required and recovery time is a lot quicker because it is less expensive! What inspires your work? Quite honestly, it is my clients themselves that inspire my work. Every client is individual, and this has to be reflected in their home. Yes, I keep an eye on current and up-coming trends, but it is what my clients would like that motivates me the most. I hate the look where you are terrified to sit down for fear of AUGUST 2 0 1 0

tunbridge wells

August 2010

SPONSORED BY:

DESIGNERS

Who are you? Giselle Mannering - De Hasse Interior Design On the web? dehasse.co.uk On the phone? 01732 457 008 What’s your area of expertise? Trained as a textile designer, I worked with Tricia Guild at interiors retailer Designers Guild before establishing my interior design consultancy. My enthusiasm for beautiful design prompted the beginning of de hasse, an interior design consultancy specialising in bespoke design for prestigious projects and discerning clients. What makes you different to the competition? An intrinsic passion for our work, unsurpassed attention to detail and intelligent empathy to clients’ aspirations is fundamental to the quality of each project. Interior spaces and architectural details are planned incorporating products sourced from suppliers and crafts people. Combining a carefully appraised brief and the aspirations and objectives of the client, we design practical, beautiful spaces for family homes, commercial projects, contemporary spaces and listed buildings. What inspires your work? Tricia Guild was my initial inspiration. Her use of magical colour and her tireless energy and drive. Motivation for my work now has to be the accomplishment of the best, beautiful design for my clients, pushing the brief as far as is possible for people with busy lives and the incorporation of design working for children as well.

Original concept Spacial planning

Tell us about one of your successes: A new barn in Gloucestershire. The brief - to create a contemporary, practical space for a large busy family. To incorporate both entertaining space with practical family living. Working with an acclaimed architect, the requirement to design the interior in harmony with the architecture was a challenge. The success of the interior design relied on simplicity, a carefully appraised brief and use of subtle colour.

Plans elevations and 3D visuals Interior ﬁnishes speciﬁcation Lighting design Kitchen design Bathroom design Soft furnishings, fabric and colour schemes Children’s rooms Bespoke furniture design

dehasse

interior design

by appointment 01732 457008 email giselle@dehasse.co.uk www.dehasse.co.uk member BIID

AUGUST 2 0 1 0

SPONSORED BY:

DESIGNERS

Who are you? Tricia PetriClark - Your Home Organiser On the web? yourhomeorganiser.co.uk On the phone? 01435 883 111 Area of expertise? Your Home Organiser is a de-cluttering and project management service for busy people. Helping to claim back people’s time and energy, my work includes assisting clients to deal with belongings after bereavement, divorce or downsizing, along with those overwhelmed by lack of space. Part of my work is preparing homes for sale. You have one chance to make buyers fall in love with your home and the key to success is the first impression. Even if your house looks perfect from the outside, people will find it hard to see through cluttered rooms. By helping to re-arrange belongings and furniture, I can ensure vendors show off the best features of their homes and achieve a great first impression for prospective buyers. What makes you different to the competition? I have a creative approach to my work, rather than encouraging clients to invest in new furnishings and decoration, I utilise what people have - making the best use of their possessions. De-cluttering can be a very painful process so I also need to be sensitive to people’s feelings. It is important not to judge my clients taste but to bring out the best in them by helping to create a de-cluttered home and their own ‘style’ from the things that they love. What inspires your work? My greatest inspiration is when clients feel happier about themselves and their home or have been motivated to continue working on their own initiative. Tell us about one of your successes: Tamara is moving abroad for work but keeping her UK home. I helped her prioritise what needed doing, breaking the job into manageable tasks, and sorted out her children’s room. She now has the project under control and her comment, “Tricia made me feel like we could handle everything”, proves that!

AUGUST 2 0 1 0

SPONSORED BY:

DESIGNERS

Who are you? Dyfed Price and Luke Williams - Morph Interior Ltd On the web? morphinterior.com On the phone? 020 7928 2599 Area of expertise: We are an interior design consultancy with over 10 years of experience. Morph has a well-established reputation for providing creative solutions for residential interiors and architectural projects. We excel in working the interior space to maximise functionality with clear purpose for the areas in question through careful consideration of the clientsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; needs. We are, however, always mindful of depreciation of property values by ill advised conversions and alterations. Balancing the form versus function with aspiration versus depreciation is an area we thrive in. What makes you different to the competition? We class ourselves as an interior architectural practice and we get involved in obtaining planning permission, project managing builds as well as the cushions and curtains. Furthermore, we directly source kitchen and bathroom products that can usually only be found in high end retail outlets, from exclusive Italian, German and other European suppliers. What inspires your work? We have a very wide variety of influences starting with everything from street art to street fashion. Our influences are diverse and at times unusual but work their way into practical but beautiful items or concepts that apply to our clientsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; individual projects. One of your successes: Our client had purchased a four storey town house and asked us to update the interior for her. We started the transformation in the living room by replacing the cast iron spiral staircase with a modern steel and glass structure. Next we removed some of the internal walls and opened up the kitchen and living room into one large space. We supplied and installed a glass fronted Valcucine kitchen. We reconfigured the master bedroom, by reducing the over sized en-suite to create a larger, more practical bedroom with extra wardrobe space.

AUGUST 2 0 1 0

TUNBRIDGE WELLS

SPONSORED BY:

Who are you? Louise Tipping - Recreate Interiors On the web? recreateinteriors.co.uk On the phone? 07719 460 408 Area of expertise? Having set up Recreate Interiors last year I am now primarily using the experience and the design principles gained from my commercial work in helping home owners renovate their properties. From restyling a single room to a full house renovation, including re-designing kitchens and bathrooms, I can design and manage the whole process.

Interior design and project management for all interiors from home projects to commercial offices.

What makes you different to the competition? I am a qualified member of The Chartered Society of Designers with a BA (Hons) degree in Interior Design and 13 years experience working with some of the UK’s leading architectural design practises. During this time I specialised in commercial design, including executive office and conference suites, hospitality and dining rooms, reception spaces and cafes. In addition to designing space, drawing up scaled plans and detailed layouts and the sourcing of fixtures, fittings and finishes, I also produce detailed schedules of works for gaining quotations on a like for like basis. I am also able to project manage the building team, keeping track of the budget and timeframe as well as being the interface between the client and builder where communications can sometimes become strained. What inspires your work? Attending the London design shows provides me with heaps of inspiration and ensures that my ideas are fresh. However, my inspiration for a project doesn’t always come from the new. I like to build a design around the way people live and their favourite possessions and I believe that can give a project real depth and personality. Tell us about one of your successes: Two years working on site designing the RBS Headquarters gave me a vast amount of knowledge and experience that I have been able to apply to projects since. However, the most memorable was designing the hospitality areas for the All England Lawn Tennis & Croquet Club in the new Wimbledon No 1 Court.

AUGUST 2010

Interior design Planning, sourcing and managing kitchen and bathroom installations Refurbishments, renovations and project rescue Project managing building works and third parties Styling or furnishing homes for rental or sale

“Interior spaces should reﬂect the needs and personalities of the people who use them”

t: 01892 519821 m: 07719 460408 e: louise@recreateinteriors.co.uk www.recreateinteriors.co.uk

SPONSORED BY:

DESIGNERS

Who are you? GingerMonkeys On the web? gingermonkeys.com On the phone? 01892 559 370 Area of expertise: Gingermonkeys is a small but perfectly formed design studio nestling in the heart of Tunbridge Wells. Despite our size (we are only six in total) we are certainly punching above our weight in the design world. Our projects are very diverse ranging from viral animation for fashion shows to print and multimedia advertising campaigns for international insurance giants. We have to have a very flexible approach to our work and a wide skills set if we are to satisfy everyone. What makes you different to the competition? With the range of projects that we take on we have to be very adaptable in order to get the mood and aesthetic of the project. When you take on a brief you really have to try to get into the head of the client and what they need. Our ability to empathise with these needs and combine it with our creativity enables us to produce a really exciting mixture of work. Secondly I think what sets us apart is our attention to detail. Little errors can be disastrous in design and it is important to remember form follows function. No matter how beautiful the artwork or stunning the animation if the message is unclear then it has failed. What inspires your work? Inspiration can literally come from anywhere and it pays to cast your net wide. For example a crumbling wall can become a great canvas for typography. An animal and the characteristics that we associate with it can be the basis of an award-winning concept! Tell us about one of your successes: Groupama Insurances won best large exhibition stand at BIBA 2009 (British Insurance Brokers Association) thanks to the development of the insurants – big enough to deliver, small enough to care – advertising campaign, created by Gingermonkeys. Gingermonkeys pitched for the new Groupama advertising campaign in 2008 and were successful. The ‘ant’ creative shows the correlation between size and strength perfectly, and is now used throughout Groupama’s advertising channels.

AUGUST 2 0 1 0

TUNBRIDGE WELLS

TIME TO GET OUT INTO THE COUNTRYSIDE, RELAX AND ENJOY DRINKS AND FINE FARE AT ONE OF THE SUPERB VILLAGE PUBS SURROUNDING TUNBRIDGE WELLS. BUT WHICH ONE? HERE’S A FEW WE VISITED AND ALL WITHIN A 15 MINUTE DRIVE

WORDS: DAN SMITH

YourVillage Pictures: Chris Marshall

pub guide The George and Dragon Village: Speldhurst, TN3 0NN Landlord: Julian Leefe-Griffiths Reason to visit: Fantastic top-quality food and drink, best enjoyed on the stylish outside decking area. Summary: The George and Dragon is founded on the belief of ‘food from a farm, not a factory’ and it shows. In as many cases as possible the kitchen uses locally sourced produce to create excellent British food (think venison, rabbit, duck). Behind the bar, as well as the usual Kent and Sussex favourites (Harveys and Larkins) The George and Dragon also offers Belgium’s Leffe and George’s Marvellous Medicine from Westerham. The village of Speldhurst is the epitome of the Kentish idyll and having the perfect country pub is just another feather in its cap. Contact: 01892 863 125 Web: speldhurst.com

AUGUST 2010

PUBS

The Red Lion Village: Rusthall, TN4 8TW Landlord: James Ireland Reason to visit: Summer barbecues on Wednesday nights and Saturday afternoons with a chef who was part of a Michelin star winning team. Summary: Under the relatively new ownership of former Chapter One chef, James Ireland, The Red Lion is enjoying something of a return to form. The oldest licensed premises in Kent had slipped a little in recent years, but with plenty of local produce on the menu and Shepherd Neame Kentish ales on pump, plus a spacious garden, it’s now a pleasant watering hole. Oh, and look around the bar and you’ll find a dart board – not many places have one of those any more and it’s nice to see that it’s often in use. Contact: 01892 520 513 Web: redlionrusthall.co.uk

The Middlehouse Village: Mayfield, TN20 6AB Manager: Darren Blundell Reason to visit: Owned by the same family for 25 years, this archetypal Tudor-beamed pub has all the right ingredients. Summary: Having been in the Blundell family for a quarter of a century, there’s been plenty of time to get the pub into shape and they’ve certainly succeeded. Out back is a very pleasant and wellmaintained two-tier garden catering equally well for adults and kids. The menu is well thought-out, with local produce ‘sign-posted’ with its area of origin. We’re told the butcher brings the meat from just along the high street in the village, while the kitchen staff have a key to the green grocers across the road – just in case they run out of anything. The ladies menu is a nice idea too; bigger than starters, but smaller than mains (however, it’s still OK to order from it if you’re a bloke).

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Contact: 01435 872 146 Web: middlehousemayfield.co.uk

AUGUST 2010

tunbridge wells

summers at

the beacon

Beacon Wine Festival Saturday 11th and Sunday 12th September 2010 Tasting old world versus new world wines – approximately 30 wines available Live Music and Barbecue available on both days Free Entry For more details call John Cullen 01892 Tea Garden Lane, Tunbridge Wells

Welcome to our beautifully refurbished and restored gourmet restaurant, pub & guest house once frequented by Jane Austen herself. • Friendly welcoming hosts • Chef owner

• Period features meet contemporary dining • Private function room • Cask conditioned Kentish ales • Riverside garden

524252

Members of ‘Produced in Kent’ sourcing 70% of our menu from local farmers & growers. THE CHEQUERS ■ TRADITIONALLY DIFFERENT 01892 890 260 thechequersinnlamberhurst.com

www.the-beacon.co.uk

The Chequers Inn, The Broadway, Lamberhurst, Tunbridge Wells TN3 8DB

The Red Lion Rusthall, Tunbridge Wells

The Red Lion is a beautiful pub steeped in character with a large garden and BBQ. With a young and ambitious team our philosophy is to deliver high quality food complemented by efﬁcient yet informal service at real value for money. We strive to provide all our guests with a real home from home atmosphere.

The bar hosts a selection of real ales, New World and European wines by the glass. Families, ramblers and dogs are all welcome, quiz nights are held Monday evenings fortnightly, BBQs every Saturday lunch time and Wednesday evening. Buffets, private parties and business functions are catered for.

Wine & Dine offer

Any 2 Courses per person plus a bottle of house wine to share for £10.00 per head (based on 2 people sharing)

Available Monday to Thursday evenings, Monday to Friday lunch time, throughout July and August, to take advantage pre-book, bookings taken by telephone.

01892 520 513 96

August 2010

82 Lower Green Road, Rusthall, Tunbridge Wells, Kent, TN4 8TW

PUBS

The Mark Cross Inn Village: Mark Cross, TN6 3NP Manager: Lisa Mordon Reason to visit: If you’ve driven past this pub numerous times and not gone in, now’s the time. A very smooth operation with stunning views of Sussex. Summary: One of five Whiting and Hammond pubs in Kent and Sussex, with plenty of awards and nominations to its name. Having been owned by the small pub chain for four years, it’s good to see The Mark Cross now run so well after years of unsuccessful management. The service is attentive and bar staff welcoming and well-presented, while the ambience is relaxed and the décor very tidy. With an annual beer festival, sadly passed this year, and a pretty garden, this is much more than just a fork in the road. Again, it caters for drinkers, diners and kids to boot. Contact: 01892 852 423 Web: themarkcross.co.uk

The Beacon Village: Outskirts of TW, TN3 9JH Landlord: John Cullen Reason to visit: Enjoy an epic panoramic view of the Weald on the outside decking, or go for a wander in the garden full of nooks and crannies. Summary: Part of The Beacon’s appeal is its situation on Tea Garden Lane, sitting high on top of the hill, looking over the rolling Wealden countryside. However, there’s more to the place than just the view. Inside feels very regal, with leather armchairs and a giant fireplace, while the food menu is everchanging and the wine list extensive. The Beacon is also an AA highly commended hotel and so has plenty of room to host regular events such as Summer beer festivals, murder mystery evenings and a forthcoming wine festival on September 11. Those behind the bar always wear a smile and enjoy a bit of friendly banter with newcomers and locals alike. Contact: 01892 524 252 Web: the-beacon.co.uk AUGUST 2010

tunbridge wells

Relax at The George Great food, great beer.

36 High Street, Frant, Tunbridge Wells TN3 9DU 01892 750350 www.thegeorgefrant.co.uk

August 2010

Abergavenny Arms at Frant 15th Century Coaching Inn Modern European cuisine prepared by our Award Winning Chef, seasonal specialities – moules marinières and fresh Cornish lobster

Our kitchens are open throughout the day, every day. Enjoy a bite to eat on our new terraced garden or inside by the log ﬁre. www.abergavennyarms.co.uk - 01892 750233

PUBS

The Little Brown Jug Village: Chiddingstone Causeway, TN11 8JJ Manager: Tyson Marshall Reason to visit: A varied and constantly evolving food menu matched with efficient and friendly service. Summary: A lovely pub, with charismatic and friendly staff plus loads of room inside and out. Another establishment operating under the Whiting and Hammond umbrella, the Little Brown Jug shares many attributes with The Mark Cross; it’s well presented, neat and has plenty to offer. Stocked with Green King IPA all year round, the guest ale often changes weekly and the food menu is updated online daily so you can check before you pop in, which is a nice touch. The large garden with play area is perfect for kids to run around in, as well as the ideal location for a laid-back drink. It’s truly a pub for all walks of life. Contact: 01892 870 318 Web: thelittlebrownjug.co.uk

The Spotted Dog Village: Penshurst, TN11 8EP Manager: Jackie Colton Reason to visit: With new management and a recently appointed chef, The Spotted Dog is a hidden gem tucked away in rural Kent. Summary: One of The Spotted Dog’s best attributes is its lovely sun trap garden at the front of the building. Here you can enjoy some of the local cask ales (Harveys and Larkins, of course) or a glass of wine and choose from the specials of the day, or the traditional pub menu. The back garden drops away steeply and is a perfect spot to watch the sun set. Inside is a typically cosy bar area that can’t have changed a great deal in hundreds of years. The ’Dog is a great venue to rest your tired feet after a stroll around Penshurst Place or Hever Castle. Contact: 01892 870 253 Web: spotteddogpub.co.uk

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The Bottle House Inn Village: Penshurst, TN11 8ET Landlord: Paul Hammond Reason to visit: Behind the bar are some of the friendliest staff around, serving excellent English and Mediterranean dishes. Summary: Like The Spotted Dog, The Bottle House Inn is in close proximity to Hever Castle and Penshurst Place and itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s an absolutely picturesque pub, nestled deep in the countryside. The warm and welcoming staff are on hand at all times and, though efficient, are far from imposing. The copper-topped bar is a nice touch and the interior does well to marry the old-fashioned wooden structure with a clean and tidy over-all appearance. The front patio is large enough to cater for loads of people, even on a very busy Summerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s day. And despite its proximity to the road, the outside area is a pleasant enclave lined with rose bushes and foxgloves. Contact: 01892 870 306 Web: thebottlehouseinnpenshurst.co.uk

The Chequers Village: Lamberhurst, TN3 8BD Landlords: Nigel and Zorny Hilton Reason to visit: Enjoy the new menu that incorporates dishes from around the world, in a pretty riverside garden. Summary: Nigel and Zorny have been at The Chequers for just over a year now and in that time have made a reputation as purveyors of good food. Nigel, with 25 years experience working as a chef, mans the kitchen while Zorny and her frontof-house staff look after the customers. A quaint and pretty English country garden looks over the River Tiese at the back of the building, while inside a smart restaurant is separated from the drinking area by the central bar. All ingredients are sourced locally (the rhubarb is even from their own garden!) and the lamb and pork is from Lamberhurst itself. Keep an eye out for a Rioja and tapas night in mid-August and gourmet Italian wine tasting in September. Contact: 01892 890 260 Web: thechequersinnlamberhurst.co.uk

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PUBS

The Brown Trout Village: Lamberhurst, TN3 8EE Landlord: Julian Smith Reason to visit: Smart and simple décor matched with a good kitchen team and an extensive menu. Summary: The Brown Trout is in fine shape having enjoyed a complete re-fit at the tail end of last Winter. Nestled on a small hill in Lamberhurst, the pub has the same feel as a number of the other stylish establishments in our guide; lots of traditional beams and wood, though finished in a crisp and modern way. It’s an attractive interior that, according to the barmaid, will be housing a lobster tank in the near future – such is their commitment to fresh food. The menu covers a large range of dishes, from ploughmans and fajitas to the usual traditional dishes and a few surprises. In the back garden there’s a new decking area from which you can see the tops of the adjacent oast houses, which is a nice touch when sipping a pint. Contact: 01892 890 755 Web: thebrowntroutinn.co.uk

The Old Vine Village: Lamberhurst, TN5 6ER Manager: Sean Holland Reason to visit: Live bands every other Friday evening and attentive staff looking after a small, but very pleasant restaurant. Summary: Like many of the pubs featured, The Old Vine has undergone a recent transformation from a local watering hole to a specialist place for food. Last Summer’s re-fit helped make it look the part and now, under the relatively new management of Sean Holland, the menu has expanded and offers much more choice than previously available. Described as ‘traditional with a twist’ the food is all home-made and is mostly locally sourced. Look out for live music and merriment around Bank Holiday weekends.

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Contact: 01892 782 271 Web: oldvine.co.uk

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Come and try our regularly changing menu with fresh locally sourced seasonal produce. Choose from light snacks or sharing platters alfresco style on the terrace or a sumptuous three course meal. Book now on 01892 870306

The Bottle House Inn, 15th Century Free House, Coldharbour Road, Penshurst, Kent TN11 8ET

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PUBS

The George Inn Village: Frant, TN3 9DU Landlords: Gregory and Catherine Elliot Reason to visit: One of the most picturesque pubs, especially when married with Frant’s nearby church, green and narrow country lanes. Summary: The George in Frant is Gregory and Catherine’s first pub, yet they seem far from rookie publicans. They’ve now been at the establishment for four years and have built up a loyal local following as well as good lunch and evening trade. This is partly due to Catherine’s bright and breezy personality behind the bar and the large garden that’s bathed in sun throughout the afternoon and into the evening. Sussex Harveys and Cornish Doombar tick the real ales box, while low ceilings and various nooks and crannies mean the pub is an intriguing place to wander around. Make sure you compliment Catherine on her strawberry plant, of which she is apparently very fond… Contact: 01892 750 350 Web: thegeorgefrant.co.uk

The Abergavenny Arms Village: Frant, TN3 9DB Landlord: Penny Mullis Reason to visit: Great decking and patio outside and big, comfy sofas inside cater well for bustling lunchtime trade. Summary: The Abergavenny Arms is a 15th Century coaching inn and, to this day, still caters for those looking for B&B – which explains the building’s scale. Inside, the comfortable and welcoming pub is a maze, with lots of thoughtful touches like fresh flowers on every table and big leather sofas in which to relax. The newly decorated patio and decking is awash with colour, thanks to some tastefully placed potted plants and simple floral arrangements, plus it’s a great sun trap at lunchtime. The old original fireplace and time-honoured wooden beams help set the scene in what is a well-finished traditional pub and restaurant. Contact: 01892 750 233 Web: abergavennyarms.co.uk

AUGUST 2010

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The Swan at The Vineyard Village: Lamberhurst, TN3 8EU Landlords: Martin and Tracey Potter Reason to visit: Plenty of land for the kids to tear around in, bargain senior menu and some interesting décor. Summary: The Swan has been run by Martin and Tracey for around 18 months and they’ve certainly made their mark on the place. Inside is an interesting mix of traditional pub features and slightly bizarre boudoir touches, while the patio at the back enjoys views of the vineyards; the pub’s namesake. A £6.50 senior two course menu ensures busy lunchtime trade and some different choices behind the bar, such as Visor (a newly imported premium Belgian lager) keep things interesting. As ever, local produce features on the menu, a nice example being trout from Bewl Water. Contact: 01892 890 170

The Huntsman Village: Eridge Green, TN3 9LE Landlords: Simon and Nikki Wood Reason to visit: Very well-kept beers and a focus on good British cuisine. Summary: In recent years The Huntsman has garnered a great local reputation for food and their emphasis on ales has also been celebrated. The pub holds beers by Hall and Woodhouse, the brewers of Badger, Tanglefoot and Fursty Ferret, as well as German lager, Hofbrau. In addition there is plenty of organic and locally sourced food on the ever-changing menu and much of their game comes from a local ‘huntsman’ – funnily enough. Throughout the Summer months you can find various motorcycle and car meetings on the weekends as well as BBQs in the pleasant garden when the weather is right. All in all a good package for those looking for a fine feed and water. Contact: 01892 864 258

The Crown Inn Village: Groombridge, TN3 9QH Landlords: Peter and Pauline Kilshaw Reason to visit: A truly traditional pub. The Crown is today much as it would have been in the 16th Century, when it first came into being. Summary: Peter and Pauline at The Crown Inn have taken the decision not to modernise and go all ‘gastro’ on their customers. Instead the pub has stayed true to itself and offers now what it always has; a good pint (of Larkins or Harveys), a warm welcome and a lovely little B&B service. The crooked frontage, across from the village church, is a picturesque place to enjoy food and drinks, while log fires make this smuggler’s retreat a cosy and warm option come Winter. The perfect location to stop off at after a country walk or a mosey around Groombridge Place. Check opening times on week days. Contact: 01892 864 742 Web: thecrowngroombridge.co.uk

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Now the summer is with us you can enjoy your fresh fish outside on our sheltered patio

Wanted! FOOD

WHEN A CHUCK WAGON WITH A DIFFERENCE ROLLS INTO TOWN WE CALL IN OUR FOODIE HOT- SHOT DAMIAN COTTON TO GIVE IT THE ONCE OVER

n any job, there are times when you know that a task is just too big for one man. This is one of those times. So I call in the big guns – The Three Amigos – Luke, Zak and Josh (assisted by Mum Justine and Dad Jon). We buckle on our Colt 45s, saddle up and mosey on down to Smith & Western in Tunbridge Wells.

The latest in a small group of Wild West themed restaurants is set in the old TW West station, and provides a quality version of familiar American style food, with a bit of theatre in a comfortable environment. Clad in sparkly Stetsons (Pictured right, Josh in blue, Zak yellow and Luke brown), we set to work. We’re looked after by the very capable Adam, who makes some well-judged recommendations. It’s good to hear the meat is entirely UK sourced and that the vegetables are fresh from New Covent Garden – most “Diner” places rely totally on frozen, pre-prepped dishes, but not here.

The posse and I stick to a fistful of tortilla chips, as we want to leave room for dessert, although I think I saw Zak and Luke sneak a prawn each. The boys are happily occupied with the excellent kid’s menu booklets – more than just a colouring in sheet – and fascinated by the roulette wheel behind our banquettes. We’re in the casino room. Other rooms have lighting made from storm lamps suspended from wagon wheels; there is a railroad carriage room, a jail section, a stable room and a well appointed bar plus more tables on the veranda.

Pictures: Phil Glover

Mum and Dad start off sharing loaded potato skins (£5.60) with caramelised onions and mushrooms – good quality spuds and toppings; and the Ballyhoo prawns (£5.95) which are lightly battered tiger prawns deep fried and served with a sweet chilli dip. They’re crisp and grease free.

For mains, Dad goes veggie with a Texan Three Bean Chilli (£9.75) served inside a deep-fried flour tortilla. It’s packed with vegetables and rice, and generously garnished with sour-cream, olives pickled jalapeno peppers and a big side order of curly fries. It is judged to be a sound and pleasant lunch. Mum has a Smith’s Fillet Steak (£15.95) with more curly fries and fresh coleslaw – she says it’s good and we’ll have to take her word for it as it is soon all gone. For myself, the Ribs and Wings Combo (£14.25) with some very good grilled chicken wings that have thankfully not been smothered in barbecue sauce, and hickory smoked ribs that are fine. Adam suggests I try the mash potato which is made on site from fresh spuds, and comes AUGUST 2 0 1 0

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with a jug of Southern Comfort gravy. And he’s right – absolutely superb! The good, the bad and the over-excitable are having the kids menu (or the £6.95 Buckaroo Menu, I should say) – the mains come diner style in a red plastic basket lined with paper and topped with what proved to be eminently collectible US flags. They share, like good lads, and all get a taste of cheeseburger and giant hotdog, with a combination between them of ranch beans, corn on the cob, and curly fries. Comments range from “nom” to “Yee-haw”, and all three are delighted with the copious draughts of ketchup available – in Luke’s case, so much so that he ends up wearing some. Josh also demonstrates a keen affinity for the lemon in the jug of drinking water. Pity he had to fish it out by hand. All three desperadoes are grateful for the large pack size wet-wipes that come with the meal. So is Mum. As a special treat, we’ve arranged the Birthday Buster (£11.95) and I am just starting to give warning when a chuck-wagon triangle is clanged and a hollerin’ waiter brings in a sort of bucket sized goblet filled with a huge sundae and topped with what is closer to a ship’s distress flare than a firework. Quite a challenging dessert, with brownies, M&M’s, ice cream of several kinds and a butte of whipped cream on top.

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Mum tries a different pudding of pancakes and maple syrup with toasted pecans and cream (£4.95), and pretty much clears the plate. Coffees are respectfully declined, and the three heroes retire from the fray to work off a few calories shooting imaginary bandits in Calverley Park. So, Smith & Western did a good job for us. Old favourite dishes made with good ingredients and served with enough panache to be fun, but not so stagy as to be irritating. It is definitely a cut above any other such restaurant I’ve ever visited. And one last thing – it’s a hotel, too. You can eat your fill and then dream the night away upstairs (Calamity Jane not included) and the breakfast menu reads very well indeed. As The Three Amigos say: “Yee-haw”. smith-western.co.uk

TUNBRIDGE WELLS

MONTROSE The award-winning Boutique Restaurant

Southborough Common, Tunbridge Wells, Kent TN4 ORX

With awards ranging from AA Rosette to Top Table – Top Diner Rated and Kent Restaurant Awards Winner, Montrose is the ideal venue for that social or business lunch or dinner. Now also open on Mondays. Book now

01892 513161 or on our website Set lunch menu: One course £9.95 Two courses £15.95 Three courses £18.95 Kent Restaurant Awards .co.uk 2009

Winner

Best Wine Cellar Kent Restaurant Awards .co.uk 2009

2009 Finalist Best Gourmet Restaurant Open: Mon-Sat for lunch and dinner. Sun: Special Sunday lunches all day from 12.00 to 17.30 (last orders).

www.montroserestaurant.co.uk e-mail: bookings@montroserestaurant.co.uk

HEVER HOST TO THE EUROPRO TOUR IN AUGUST INVITES YOU TO PLAY… ONLINE

JULY OFFER FROM

£20 TEE TIMES MUST BE BOOKED IN ADVANCE AT WWW.HEVER.CO.UK AND ENTER PROMO CODE ‘EUROPRO’ OFFER VALID ON THE CHAMPIONSHIP COURSE MON-THURS AT £20 AND FRI-SUN AT £30 Come and experience Hever which offers some of the best benefits to club golfers. Our Full Membership includes: Member’s Priority Times 7-days a week

Showcase voucher for 3 complimentary guests

Unlimited free use of the Driving Range and

Annual Pass to Hever Castle & Gardens

Practice Facilities

Member’s discounts in the Clubhouse Bar

2 Complimentary Junior Memberships for Children

& Professional Shop

under 18 years old For further information please contact the club on

GOLF CLUB

01732 700771 or e-mail mail@hevercastlegolfclub.co.uk

AUGUST 2010

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d e n o s A seaapproach CHEF

THERE’S NO BETTER WAY OF ENJOYING FOOD THAN TAKING ADVANTAGE OF THE SEASONS – AS THEY CHANGE SO DOES OUR CHOICE OF PRODUCE

ach month we hear from top local chefs on how best to utlilise what’s on offer at market stalls and in shops. This time round we talk to Les Woolven, Head Chef at Hever Castle’s Guthrie Pavilion Restaurant. He’s pictured with one of the world’s best loved chefs Albert Roux who officially reopened the Guthrie Pavilion after an £800,000 makeover. What should we be looking out for this month? There’s an abundance of fresh fruit and vegetables around as Summer reaches its height; globe artichoke, aubergine, broad, French and runner beans, carrots, cabbages and courgettes. There’s also radish, rocket, lettuce and salad vegetables, fennel, garlic plus shallots, samphire and sorrel. Crab apples, damsons, sloes, redcurrants and all the berries are flourishing so it’s a good time to start thinking about making jams and chutneys. British apple varieties should begin to hit the shops later in the month and wild mushrooms will start appearing in the woods. Lobsters are at their prime; look out for ones caught in colder waters, as they tend to have a better flavour. Sweet, meaty Cornish lobsters are considered some of the finest in the world. Haddock, mackerel, sardines and scallops are also in season. And how will you be using those here at your restaurant? We make a really refreshing summer garden salad with various varieties of beans, baby carrots, fennel and radish, finished with fresh chervil and a balsamic dressing. Or, for something more substantial, we also offer a Kentish ale battered haddock with homemade tartar sauce.

What do you suggest we try at home? Lobster ravioli (pictured) always seems to get a great reception and it’s not difficult to make, particularly if you use pre-rolled sheets of fresh pasta. It tastes delicious with a creamy lobster sauce. To make a real impression, top with a couple of pan roasted shrimp and a generous dollop of tomato and basil relish. And how do we make all that happen? To make the lobster filling, blend 400g lobster flesh into a paste in a food processor. Add an egg yolk and blend again, then slowly add 100ml double cream followed by 100ml of fish stock. Add a pinch of cayenne pepper, some finely chopped tarragon and a squeeze of lemon juice. When the mixture is smooth and well-combined, spoon it out in small mounds onto a sheet of pasta, spacing the mounds evenly and leaving a couple of centimetres gap between them. Using a pastry brush, moisten the gaps with water and lay a second sheet of pasta over the top. Carefully press down around each mound to ensure there’s no air trapped between the layers of pasta. Cut around each mound with a pastry cutter to form the individual ravioli, dropping them into boiling water for 3-5 minutes to cook. For the sauce, heat a little butter and olive oil in a large pan until foaming and then add the leftover lobster shells. Cook for a couple of minutes and then add a chopped onion and two whole garlic cloves. Pour 400ml of chicken stock over the top and simmer, stirring well until the volume has reduced by half. Strain the liquid through a sieve and bring it to the boil again before stirring in 150ml double cream to form a smooth, rich sauce. Ladle the sauce over the cooked ravioli for a delicious meal for four. Garnish with a sprinkle of cayenne pepper and some chopped flat leaf parsley. What about the wine? Biddenden Vineyard’s 2008 Ortega is a great local white wine that has been an award-winner for several years. It’s well balanced with good acidity and a distinctive fragrance that goes beautifully with pasta. See Guthrie Pavilion pages at hevercastle.co.uk

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Exquisite Pan-Asian Cuisine and Lounge Bar

High Street, Nutley, East Sussex TN22 3NG 01825 713287 info@dineasia.co.uk www.dineasia.co.uk

Stage

T H E AT R E S

OUR ROUND UP OF SOME OF THE BEST STAGE AND THEATRE SHOWS TAKING PLACE IN KENT AND THE CAPITAL THIS MONTH

Great Expectations What? The Quantum Theatre group presents their own interpretation of Charles Dickens’ tale of Pip the orphan and his life-changing encounter. The company are known for performing the classics, so there are great expectations about this Summer production. Where? Bedgebury Pinetum When? Tuesday August 17 Web? http://tinyurl.com/3x32v3z

Prisoner of Second Avenue

The Gondoliers

What? Set in the 1970s, a black comedy depicting a New York couple, Mel (Jeff Goldblum) and Edna Edison (Mercedes Ruehl), enduring the trials of city life. Mel is made redundant and the stress of an economic crisis and urban life pushes him into having a nervous breakdown. Where? Old Vic Theatre, London When? Now until Saturday September 11 Web? oldvictheatre.com

What? The production that led to the 1980 cult musical comedy film, The Blues Brothers, is back in the UK and ready to emulate the stunning success of its previous tour. This soul and blues show is sure to bring back some great memories of nights long forgotten. Where? Assembly Hall Theatre, Tunbridge Wells When? Tuesday August 24 to Thursday August 28 Web? assemblyhalltheatre.co.uk

The M Veniceerchant of W

hat? The re nowned Theatre Set -Up compan y is bringing S hak The Merchan espeare’s t of Venice to Kent. The cl assic play w ill be staged in minimalist, but stunning fa shion in the fitting surrounding s of Penshu rst. Where? Th e Baron’s H all at Penshurs t Place and Gardens. When? Sun day August 22 Web? pensh urstplace.co m

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The Blues Brothers Musical

What? A classic work of W.S. Gilbert & Arthur Sullivan and one well worth seeing, The Gondoliers is viewed as the pair’s last great work. Unsurprisingly, perhaps, this 19th Century opera is set in the romantic location of Venice, with love and satire as the core themes. Where? Hever Castle When? Sunday August 1 Web? heverfestival.co.uk

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MO T OR s

The interior is first class for the quality of construction and the clarity of design while the accuracy and response of the steering and gearbox builds immense e confidence in th driver. All of which means the Audi R8 Spyder has the motive power of a true supercar words MATT JOY

But its greatest trick is doing that for someone spending £15,000 just as well as for someone spending nearly ten times that amount. The R8 broke the rule that supercars have to be made by tiny, specialised manufacturers to be taken seriously. And then they went and made it even better by adding a spunkier ten cylinder engine.

And now there’s even more. Say hello to the R8 Spyder, which adds fresh air fun to the V10’s thrills. Turning the R8 Coupe into

the Spyder hasn’t sacrificed its good looks either. Arguably better looking than the original, the Spyder does without the prominent side blades and instead flows neatly into the curvaceous rear. It’s hard not to be a little flash in a low-slung two seater with this much presence, but the Spyder avoids being over the top. You’re more likely to meet respect and enthusiasm than outright jealousy - it’s a thing of genuine beauty after all. Unlike the Coupe, the Spyder comes only in full-blooded V10 form. The 5.2-litre unit is similar to that found in the Lamborghini Gallardo and produces a spectacular 518bhp and 391lb.ft of torque. There’s a choice of transmissions too, with a six-speed manual or six-speed automated manual dubbed R-tronic. Either way, the Spyder has the motive power of a true supercar AUGUS T 2 0 1 0

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f Audi was an old school friend, it would be one that you catch up with on Facebook after 20 years only to find that they’ve done annoyingly well for themselves. Slick, successful, desirable and as a result impossible to hate, even though you want to. The truth is that the German firm knows how to push the buttons of potential car buyers.

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and the performance figures to back it up: roof up or down, it will hit a hair-straining 194mph and blast from 0-62mph in only 4.1 seconds. Don’t mistake this docility for dullness though. You can cover hundreds of miles in a single, easy-going stint, and then a slam-dunk of the accelerator will punch you down the road in an instant. Civility takes a back seat to thrills as the V10 engine struts its stuff, bellowing a delicious wail as it tears around to a spectacular 8,700rpm. Flip the right paddle, the R-tronic transmission seamlessly slots in the next gear and the physical assault happens all over again. Punch the Sport button and the Spyder responds even more urgently, sharpening the actions of the gearbox and steering. This is an Audi of course, and such monstrous power can only be distributed through the legendary Quattro four-wheel drive system. That means superb traction whatever the weather, allowing the Spyder to use more of its performance more of the time. The power is also distributed with a heavy bias towards the rear, giving it a feel closer to that of a classic reardrive car but with much greater reassurance. Its surefootedness, plus the accuracy and response of the steering, builds immense confidence in the driver whatever their level of skill; like all the best cars, the Spyder flatters the person behind the wheel. You get plenty more of the standard Audi brand values too. The interior is first class for the quality of construction and the clarity of the design, while the specification isn’t lacking either. The standard Bang & Olufsen audio system will keep you amused should you ever tire of the V10’s music, while features like sat-nav, Nappa leather and heated seats boost the luxury feel. It actually has microphones mounted in the seat belts to allow you to chat on your Bluetooth-connected phone even with the roof down. They really have thought of everything. So, what of the big question then; how much? Well, you might want to be sitting down for this. The six-speed manual version is £111,955 and you can add a further £5,000 for the R-tronic gearbox. But that gets you a largely hand-built, aluminium and carbonfibre supercar that’s stunning to look at, a sensational drive and also easier to live with than some far more humble machinery. The bad news is that the R8 Spyder will be rarer than hen’s teeth, as the allocation for 2010 is already sold out which just goes to show that whatever the cost, quality never goes out of fashion. SO

the facts... Model: Audi R8 Spyder 5.2 FSI R-tronic, £116,995 Engine: 5.2-litre petrol delivering 518bhp and 391lb.ft of torque. Transmission: Six-speed automated manual driving all four wheels. Performance: Top speed 194mph, 0-62mph 4.1 seconds. Economy: 20.3mpg. Emissions: 338g/km.

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Call now 01892 517385

Opening times: Mon-Fri 9.00-4.30pm, Sat 9.00-4.00pm Unit 5, Tunbridge Wells Trade Park, Longfield Road, (next to Build Centre), Tunbridge Wells, Kent TN2 3QF www.granitetransformations.co.uk/tunwells

TUNBRIDGE WELLS

YOUR LOCAL AUDIO & VISUAL SPECIALISTS

• HOME CINEMA • HOME AUTOMATION • INTELLIGENT LIGHTING • SECURITY & ACCESS • PRIVATE DEMO ROOM • SERVING LONDON & THE SOUTH EAST CONTACT US TODAY FOR A DEMONSTRATION AND FREE SITE-VISIT:

01892 860801 www.progressive-av.com

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Raging

INTERVIEW

WORDS DAN SMITH

For sure, it’s a dream job but one that must have been easier before all the economic drama. “We lost sales all over the place,” Mr Winkelmann admits frankly. “It is important not to push cars into the market. We had to adjust production and that is one of the key things in the luxury sector. It’s tough, but at the end of the day to invest in the future you need money from sales. It is picking up and we believe pre-crisis level total sales will be reached again in 2012.”

On show, among others, are both the Gallardo LP 550-2 Valentino Balboni and the awesome LP 570-4 Superleggera, which have each been whittled down to just over 1,300kg in a bid to keep performance and handling as impressive as possible. “We are more and more into the power to weight ratio,” says Stephan Winkelmann. “It is important to use the weight more than to increase the power these days.” Whether this ethos is also born from economic and

Bulls

LAMBORGHINI ESSENTIALLY DEFINES THE TERM SUPERCAR AND FEW MARQUES CONJOUR SUCH IMAGERY OF POWER, STYLE AND SPEED. SO WHEN CEO OF LAMBORGHINI, STEPHAN WINKELMANN, PAID A RARE VISIT TO THE UK WE WENT ALONG TO SEVENOAKS FOR A CHAT

number of pristine supercars are dotted around the inside of the new Lamborghini showroom in Sevenoaks when we meet Stephan Winkelmann on his fleeting trip to the UK. The air-conditioned hub, where the cars sit silently, is incredibly still - a stark contrast to these powerful machines’ driving personas. In the corner of the room on a sofa, sits the President and CEO of Automobil Lamborghini S.p.A.

This search for sales may have been one of the reasons Jardine Motors (who also look after dealerships for McLaren, Bentley and Ferrari) decided to open this showroom, which will serve the majority of prospective Lambo owners in the South. Judging by the range currently available the expected 20-25 buyers a year will have a tough time choosing the right model for them.

environmental pressures is uncertain, but when prompted on green issues, and what other companies are doing, the CEO gives what sounds like a well-rehearsed response: “Hybrid cars are on the agenda, as well as reducing friction and better combustion… we have a road map to reduce [carbon emissions] 35 per cent by 2015. “But Lamborghini has only built 24,000 cars since 1963. Maybe half are on the road and never on a daily basis. The average mileage is below 5,000 a year.” The argument is that in the grand scheme of things Lamborghini hasn’t left an enormous carbon footprint. However, surely the time will come when Stephan Winkelmann and Lamborghini will have to face up to the idea that highperformance, combustion based cars have a limited shelf-life. “Nobody knows if cars are going to have the same engines,” he says. “We will look into our road map and what’s happening and adapt strategy. But in 10-15 years, no major changes on these types of cars.” For the time being then, those looking to join the exclusive few able to own such cars will have to ‘make do’ with the various incarnations of the Gallardo and its bigger brother, the Murciélago available at the Sevenoaks dealership. If they’re good enough for Stephan Winkelmann, they’re good enough for us… and he drives a Gallardo Superleggera. SO

AT A GLANCE:

Model: Gallardo LP 570-4 Superleggera Price: £178,651 0-62mph: 3.4 seconds Top Speed: 202mph Combined Fuel Consumption: 16mpg AUGUST 2010

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