Sussex Style April 2014 by Sussex Style

S U S S EStyleX NORMAN COOK IN THE KITCHEN

JULIA DONALDSON STEYNING FESTIVAL

THE FOOD SPECIAL

Feed your senses…

News, Reviews, Recipes & Brighton Food Festival

JULIE BURCHILL HOTEL CRITIC

Be Inspired / April 2014

01342 325033 87-89 London Road, East Grinstead, RH19 1EJ Rusdens.co.uk

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S U S S EStyleX April 2014

CONTENTS

REGULARS 08 Editor’s Letter 11 News 62 Mum on the Run 89 Comment 90 Last Word FEATURES 14 Dan Raven 38 Rye area feature 64 Julia Donaldson interview 68 Burgess Hill area feature FOOD SPECIAL 17 Food Special 18 Food News 20 Brighton Food Festival 21 Recipes 24 Kitchen Gadgets 28 Norman Cook on food – the interview FASHION 44 Spring fashions 46 Men’s fashion 66 Get Waisted! 6 | W WW. S U S SE X ST Y L E.CO M | A P RI L 2014

FAMILY 54 Sex education 56 Kids and food BEAUTY 48 Beauty facial feature 51 Nails unveiled

HOTEL & TRAVEL 36 Julie Burchill Hotel Critic BUSINESS & MOTORS 84 Adam Stafford 85 Jeremy Taylor 86 Martin Webb’s motor review HOMES & PROPERTY 72 Sofie Allsopp on high street names 78 The Fabric Lady 76 Interiors

TIMELESS BEAUTY Handmade bespoke jewellery Made with love in Sussex

2 More House Business Centre, Wivelsf ield, East Sussex RH17 7RE 0 1 4 4 4 4 7 1 3 8 0 | i n f o @ r t f j . c o . u k | w w w. r t f j . c o . u k

EDITOR’S STYLE

Editor Sam Harrington-Lowe Deputy Editor Katie Wyartt

Get in touch

Food & Drink Editor Sam Bilton

We’d love to hear your comments, views and suggestions for Sussex Style so please email me: samhl@ sandrpublishing.co.uk

Contributors Sofie Allsopp, Julie Burchill, Danielle Collier, Jess Denny, Victoria Emerson, Laura Jandac, Daniel Raven, Adam Stafford, Jeremy Taylor, Martin Webb Creative Director Lucy Newton Head of Finance Richard Judd Managing Director Seán Kane Published by S and R Publishing Ltd

Welcome to the April issue of

S U S S EStyleX Spring is sprung, the

offer a round-up of stuff that’s caught

grass is riz! Good grief,

our eye this month and the infamous and

could it be true? Is

rather wonderful Julie Burchill tackles her

monsoon season finally

first hotel inspection. We’ve also got new

over?! Maybe I’d better

business pages with Gatwick Diamond

not jinx it. I’m currently

business guru Jeremy Taylor pondering

working at a desk overlooking the seafront

the reality of economic recovery, and

and it’s stunning. But just writing this

SEO advice from digital marketing expert

could anger the rain gods and before you

Adam Stafford. And in our new motoring

know it, storms and floods will be upon us.

section we put TV presenter and business

So I’m going to make the most of it.

leader Martin Webb behind the wheel to

Talking about making the most of it, I think we’ve managed to squeeze a With spring comes the promise of fresh

fashion news, education, interiors and

and exciting food, and we’re celebrating

columnists, and also an interview with

this. Kicking off on page 17, we’ve got the

Gruffalo creator Julia Donaldson.

Brighton & Hove Food and Drink Festival

So curl up quietly in the sun with your

covered, Norman Cook talking about his

April copy of Sussex Style, and make the

restaurants and cooking, kitchen gadgets,

most of it. I certainly am!

food news, recipes, reviews, and more…

we’re excited to announce. Our news pages 8 | W WW. S U S SE X ST Y L E.CO M | A P RI L 2014

Sussex Style Magazine www.facebook.com/ SussexStyleMagazine SussexStyleMag www.twitter.com/SussexStyleMag Cover image: Pink jacquard printed shift dress £150 by Linea, White shirt £59 by Mary Portas, Coral bag £225 by Vivienne Westwood all at House of Fraser

Aside from all the new stuff, we’ve got the best of the regulars too. Beauty, spring

We also have some new sections that

Summerhill House Hythe Road, Kent TN24 0NE 01273 358850 www.sussexstyle.co.uk

test the new Range Rover Sport.

fantastic volume of content into this issue.

it’s a foodie’s heaven, so get stuck in.

Sam Editor, Sussex Style samhl@sandrpublishing.co.uk

ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. EXCEPT FOR NORMAL REVIEW PURPOSES, NO PART OF THIS MAGAZINE MAY BE REPRODUCED WITHOUT WRITTEN PERMISSION OF THE PUBLISHERS. NO ARTWORK OR EDITORIAL CONNTENT MAY BE USED IN ANY OTHER FORM OR PUBLICATION WITHOUT THE PUBLISHER’S CONSENT. EVERY CARE IS TAKEN IN THE PREPARATION OF THIS MAGAZINE, BUT THE CONTENTS ARE ONLY MEANT AS A GUIDE TO THE READERS. THE PROPRIETORS OF THIS PUBLICATION ARE PUBLISHERS , NOT AGENTS OR SUB AGENTS OF THOSE WHO ADVERTISE THEREIN. THEY CANNOT BE HELD LIABLE FOR ANY LOSS SUFFERED AS A RESULT OF INFORMATION GAINED FROM THE PUBLICATION. COPYRIGHT 2014 S AND R PUBLISHING LTD - SUSSEX STYLE TM

Conservatory Blinds

Shutters

Wood Venetians

Curtains and Roman Blinds

Manufacturers, suppliers suppliers and installers of quality Manufacturers, qualityblinds. blinds.From Frominterior interiorblinds, blinds,featuring featuringour ourhassle hasslefree free innovative to Venetian, Venetian, vertical, vertical,roller, roller,wooden woodenand andpleated pleatedblinds, blinds,Awnings Awningsand andPlantation Plantation innovative‘no ‘no drill drill ﬁt’ system, to Shutters. Come our superb superb range range of of quality qualitywindow windowdressings. dressings. Come and visit our Eastbourne Showroom to view our

Open Mornings 25th & 26th April starting at 10am To book your visit at Great Walstead School call 01444 483528 or email registrar@greatwalstead.co.uk www.greatwalstead.co.uk

NEWS STYLE

IF YOU’VE GOT NEWS FROM AROUND SUSSEX, LET US KNOW!

News WIN WIN WIN

If life coaching is something you’d like to explore, Dieter Hachenberg is offering one lucky reader a free coaching session. For a chance to win, please email your full name and address to samhl@sandrpublishing.co.uk with the subject line I WANT MY LIFE BACK

SAMHL@SANDRPUBLISHING.CO.UK

Take control of your life You’ve heard the expression ‘all work

Why would anybody want a life coach?

and no play’? Does that sound familiar?

Simply to help you get from where

Your career might be soaring – sure

you are now to where you want to be,

there are times when it’s a bit stressful

whatever that may mean. Your coach

and longer hours than you planned – but

should challenge you, question you, and

it’s ‘going well’. Then comes promotion,

make you think. If you feel as if you need

and more responsibility. Then more

to restore balance in your life, then look

travelling. Then spending less time with

no further. We’ve teamed up with life

your family… Suddenly life is out of

coach Dieter Hachenberg, who offers

balance, with no time to do the things

the experience of outdoor coaching –

you love. You’re spending more time and

working in some of the most inspiring

money on the Southern Rail network

places in the South Downs National Park

than you are with your own family!

area. www.dieterhachenberg.com

Frack free food Worried about the effect

fracking will have on Sussex food? Our most precious

Show time

You know it’s spring when stuff starts

happening at the South of England Showground, and horticultural heaven kicks off with the Spring

resources – pure water, clean

Garden & Leisure Show on 4th–5th May. A Victorian-style ‘Stumpery’ will be

air and uncontaminated soil

the horticultural centrepiece of the show, made from uprooted tree trunks

– are undeniably at risk from

planted with flowers. There will also be expert advice on all aspects of trees

unconventional oil and gas

and forestry, from the Arboricultural Association, and gardening expert Jean

(UO&G) industrialisation.

Griffin will lead an exciting programme of Q&A sessions. Younger visitors

Frack Free Sussex is creating

can work up an appetite by following a special trail created to take them

an alliance, drawing Sussex food-related

on a journey around the show. Dog lovers can visit the South of England

businesses, farmers, foragers, growers and relevant

Open Dog Show and watch over 700 dogs compete for Best in Show at

local organisations together. The plan is to defend

this year’s Crufts-qualifying event. There’s also an ‘Access the Countryside’

our water, air, soil, eco-systems and our local food

exhibition, with cattle, sheep and pig workshops, and dozens of alpacas

economy. If you are in support then get in touch.

will compete for the coveted first prize in the South East Regional Alpaca

You can download a ‘frack free food’ poster to

Show. Over in the rabbit marquee, hundreds of breeds will vie for the Best

display on your premises, send in photos and link

in Show crown. Adults £10, children £5, senior citizens and students £8.

to other businesses. www.frackfreesussex.co.uk

Family tickets and discounts available. www.seas.org.uk; 01444 892700 APR IL 2014 | WWW.SUSSEXSTY LE .C O M | 1 1

NEWS STYLE

WALKING IN THE BLUEBELLS The Arlington Bluebell Walk, which takes in three working farms, has been delighting countryside lovers and raising hundreds of thousands of pounds for Sussex charities since it first opened in 1972. There are seven different walks to try, including the gravelled Blue Walk, which gives access to mobility scooters, wheelchairs and pushchairs. Seventeen charities will take part in 2014, fundraising for their different causes by providing food and drink to walkers. The Bluebell Farm Shop will be open every day from 11am. It is a foodies’ paradise, stocked with a tantalising selection of local ingredients, including beef, lamb, chicken and turkeys raised on the farm. Farmer’s wife Philippa Vine is a professional cook and food writer and has a passion for locally sourced quality ingredients.

10th April to 18th May 2014; www.bluebellwalk.co.uk

Location, Location, Location

D Brighton? Or that The Monuments Men, the id you know that The Fear was filmed in

dramatic thriller directed by and starring George Clooney, was filmed in Rye? Television and film producers are constantly looking for new and interesting properties to use as film locations Creative England, a not-for-profit organisation dedicated to the growth of the creative industries in England, has a production services team that connects the global film and TV industries to the best facilities, crew and locations. Its database is full of locations throughout the UK, which location managers scout when looking for the best place to set their film or production. They are continually looking to update their database with a variety of interesting properties, so, whatever type of property you own – be it a pub, warehouse, cinema, cottage or church – you may be able to make some money out of it.

If you think you have a desirable location, visit www. creativeengland.co.uk/locations 12 | W W W. SU SS E X ST Y L E.CO M | AP RI L 2014

FANCY SPONSORING AN AWARD? The search is on for sponsors of the 2014 Brighton and Hove Business Awards, the ninth year of this annual scheme that honours local business talent and success. ‘It’s a fact that awardwinning companies attract more business,’ says Awards organiser, Caraline Brown. ‘I would urge all businesses who are looking for a way of raising their profile regionally to support the awards. We can promise you lots of publicity, loads of new contacts and a great deal of fun along the way!’ Last year’s winners included Martin Perry, who was named ‘Outstanding Brightonian’ for his work at the helm of Brighton and Hove Albion FC, fighting tooth and nail for the construction of the £23m American Express Community Stadium. The Awards were presented at the end of Brighton Pier, attended by some of the leading business representatives in the city including Peter Field, Lord Lieutenant of East Sussex and Caroline Lucas MP. If you’d like to get involved, email caraline@midnight.co.uk

PHOTOGRAPHY: PETER GOLDSMITH; ARUNDEL CASTLE

– and they might pay to use yours!

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FOOD F R THOUGHT

It seems that almost everything we eat has at some point been dubbed bad for our health, so do we really need to take notice of the latest food scare, asks Daniel Raven

Daily Myth April 2014

Newspaper of the minute

55p

FREE TODAY Mass hysteria double sided poster - 9 to collect Hunt continues for mutant genetically modified fruit

had... difficulty with food as a child. Unduly traumatised at the

age of around five or six by the revelation that eating the wrong things could hurt and even kill you, I was inspired to become something of a junior nutritionist and ad hoc food hygiene

PLUMS: YOU’RE RIGHT TO WORRY! PLUMS! A plum is a drupe fruit of the subgenus Prunus of the genus Prunus. The subgenus is distinguished from other subgenera (peaches, cherries, bird cherries, etc.) in the shoots having a terminal bud and solitary side buds (not clustered), the flowers in groups of one to five together on short stems,

and the fruit having a groove running down one side and a smooth stone (or pit). Mature plum fruit may have a dusty-white coating that gives them a glaucous appearance. This is an epicuticular wax coating and is known as “wax bloom”. Dried plum fruits are called dried plums or prunes,

although prunes are a distinct type of plum, and may have antedated the fruits now commonly known as plums.[citation needed] Plums belong to the Prunus genus of plants and are relatives of the peach, nectarine and almond. They are all considered “drupes,” fruits that have a hard

inspector. I would linger over cereal packets, wondering where the other 67% of my RDA for zinc was going to come from. I would study the diagram of the five main food groups (I know, right? That’s all we had back then!) with a curious intensity I’d previously reserved for maps of Disneyland and insist that my poor mother recited the best before date of every packet she opened before I’d allow her to serve its contents. In short, I was – as Louis Walsh would no doubt have said, had he been there at the time, which I’m glad he wasn’t because it would just have been weird – ‘like a little Daily Mail’. It’s no secret that the Daily Mail (typical headline: ‘Too

14 | W W W. SU SS E X ST Y L E.CO M | AP RI L 2014

much protein in middle age is as bad for you as smoking!’) likes to think that almost everything gives you cancer, and of course there’s a special place reserved for foodstuffs right at the very top of that list. But because you can’t have baddies without goodies (well, you can – but it tends to just bum people out), this famously even-

handed journal is as likely to hail any given food as a surefire cancer cure as it is to damn it as cancer-bait. Unfortunately, it has been following this strategy for so long now that it’s already ascribed kill-or-cure status to pretty much every edible substance on the face of the earth more than a dozen times over, with the inevitable result that many foods have ended up being branded as both (was I alone in being startled recently to learn that ‘fats are getting a new lease of life as a superfood’!?). Daily Mail readers who wish to keep a firm grip on what remains of their sanity would do well to ignore any sentence that

OPINION STYLE

❝

Fears about food speak directly to the oldest and antsiest regions of the human psyche, reducing even the most refined minds to a state of primal panic

Dobbin’s involved, you are a hypocrite. Cows and horses are roughly the same size, they both have unnervingly soulful eyes and they’ve always seemed more or less equally happy to let us push them around – so what, exactly, have you got against cows that you don’t have against horses? Is it the mooing? The implied insolence of that constant chewing? The resemblance to Katie Hopkins? Actually, it probably has more to do with how you feel about horses than your feelings (or lack thereof) for cows. We tend to think of cows as little more than walking milk bars or steaks on legs, whereas we see horses as allies, companions, friends... even soul mates. And why is this? Because they let us sit on them. (Yep, I’m afraid that’s just the way it goes with the human race – if you want to be our pal, you’d better be

starts with the words ‘Research indicates...’. But however easy it is to laugh at that particular newspaper (hint: it is gloriously, life-affirmingly easy), we have to accept that Mail editor Paul Dacre doesn’t just bang on about this stuff for the good of his health (let alone ours); git though he is, he’s shrewd enough to realise that the vast majority of people can be relied upon to go just a little bit nuts if you call the safety or provenance of what they eat into question. Fears about food speak directly to the oldest and antsiest regions of the human psyche, reducing even the most refined of minds to a state of primal panic – and panicky people are always happy to pay for something if they think it will tell them how to make everything OK again. Which means, of course, that as far as the Daily Mail and its ilk are concerned, it is never OK for very long. From salmonella-infested eggs in the Eighties and mad cow burgers in the Nineties right through to the current nonsense about sugar, it actually seems like there’s always some sort of food scare on nowadays. And although, yes, many of them have a genuine basis in truth, the level of threat they pose is almost always grossly exaggerated by the media. Figures released in 2009 put the total number of deaths caused by mad cow disease in the UK at 166. That’s awful, clearly – but if you could go back in time to the peak of the mad cow panic and tell yourself that figure, wouldn’t the other you be a bit taken aback? We’ve even started to panic about things that we know are safe to eat... like horses. Now don’t get me wrong, I can totally understand why someone would be repelled by the idea of eating a horse. Eating meat of any kind is, fundamentally, a pretty distasteful thing to do. But if you’re happy to eat a lasagne when you think there’s only cow in it but not when

ready to make like an ottoman.) Apparently it’s considered bad manners to eat something you’ve just sat on, and of course there would probably be hygiene issues to think about too. But who’s to say a cow wouldn’t let you sit on it, eh? Has anyone even given that a go lately? I jest, of course, but the consequences of all this trumped-up hysteria could potentially be very serious indeed. The law of averages dictates that, sooner or later, there will be a genuine problem with one of our staple foodstuffs that presents a genuine hazard to our health, but after all these years of the Daily Mail playing the boy who cried horse (and people like me pouring scorn on it), there’s every chance we’ll just blithely carry on eating that foodstuff until it’s way too late. Pepper, probably – I bet it’ll be pepper. All that sneezing can’t be natural, can it?

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APR IL 2014 | WWW.SUSSEXSTYLE .C O M | 1 5

t s e v r a H ng

W E D NES DAY 1 6 - S UN DAY 2 7 A P R I L 2014 O TW IVE F S S O MA ENDS EK WE D FOO Y R K ENT DRIN S! & NT EVE

i r Sp FRE

www.brightonfoodfestival.com

brightonfoodfestival

brightonfood

TASTE STYLE

16-PAGE FOOD SPECIAL

It’s all about food this month. As spring finally arrives, so does the season of fresh and exciting produce, and we’re celebrating it here in true Sussex style. The Brighton Food Festival, food news, recipes, reviews, kitchen gadgets and even Norman Cook on food fill the following pages. Feed your senses…

is proud to be a Brighton Food Festival media partner FOOD NEWS, IN ASSOCIATION WITH:

AQUA RIVA TEQUILA

Food news Sussex Style’s bon viveur Sam Bilton on this month’s tastes and treats

ROOM WITH A VIEW Wickwoods Country Club in Albourne opened the doors to its new

SLINDON FORGE CAFÉ REYNOLDS LANE, SLINDON, BN18 0QT; 01243 814324

restaurant, The Glass House, last month. The largely modern British

ike so many villages, Slindon has lost its post office, shop and a pub

menu offers classic

but the sense of community is still strong,

dishes such as pan-seared

thanks to The Forge Café. The sympathetic

scallops or twice-baked

conversion of a 19th-century farrier’s

goats’ cheese soufflé to

workshop allows villagers and visitors to

start and slow-braised

benefit from a well-stocked grocery store

pig’s cheeks with crispy

and a simple-yet-charming café. There’s a fanfare for affordable local

belly and roasted fillet of pork for a main. In keeping with the

Coffee Break of the Month

produce at The Forge, too, with fresh bread sourced from the Slindon Bakery

contemporary feel to the

and milk from Sussex Farmer of the Year,

food, the appropriately

Charlie Hughes’ Southview Farm Dairy.

by Coffee Compass in Littlehampton. Let’s

named Glass House is

This is very much a community affair run

hope more Sussex villages follow suit and

situated in a sleekly

by friendly volunteers – even the cakes

set up similar outfits.

finished orangery.

were made by the villagers until demand

www.slindonforge.co.uk

The restaurant is also open to non-members,

outstripped supply (they are now made by a nearby business). And as if championing Sussex fare

subject to booking.

www.wickwoods.co.uk/

wasn’t enough they also happen to serve

glasshouse; 01273 857567

superb coffee, blended especially for them

18 | W W W. SU SS E X ST Y L E .CO M | A P RI L 2014

WHERE’S YOUR FAVOURITE CAFE IN SUSSEX? LET ME KNOW VIA TWITTER @SJFBILTON

TASTE STYLE

HOME GROWN D of the Year’ by Countryfile’s ubbed ‘Country Character

Matt Baker, you would be hard pushed to find someone more passionate about Sussex produce than Rosemary Moon. A fervent supporter of local community groups such as Transition Chichester she firmly believes good food should be readily available to everyone. When she’s not on her allotment at the Tangmere Community Garden (where local residents tend hens, pigs and vegetables together) she can be found running cookery courses at West Dean Gardens. A Feast of

Dancing WITH DEATH If you fancy a walk on the risqué side then reserve a table at Proud Cabaret in Brighton. On any given Thursday you can witness The Silencing of Miss Scarlet. The murder mystery is played out during a three-course dinner with a dash of burlesque to ratchet up the fun quota. Reminiscent of a Twenties speakeasy, expect scandal and high jinks as you wine and dine. www.brightoncabaret.com; 01273 605789

West Sussex is Rosemary’s 19th cookbook to be published in a food writing career spanning more than 25 years. It’s packed with delectable

IN SEASON:

JERSEY ROYAL POTATOES

Eat, Drink, Read If you like reading and love eating then you’ll

Considering how commonplace

definitely enjoy an evening at the Book Lovers’

of the county’s produce. Recipes

potatoes are in the British diet it’s

Supper Club in Ditchling. The featured books

include slow-roast shoulder of

funny to think they were treated

this month (2nd April, 6.45–9.30pm) are Mrs

Southdown lamb with honeyed

with suspicion when they first

Hemingway by Naomi Wood and Antonia Hodgson’s

root vegetables and the classic

arrived on our shores. King of

debut novel, The Devil in the Marshalsea. A great

West Sussex Pond Pudding.

these tubers is the Jersey Royal,

Middle Eastern spread is provided by Brighton’s

www.moonbites.info

and its sweet, faintly golden flesh

Sultans Delights. Tickets cost £20 from Brighton

is a taste that heralds the coming

Dome Ticket Office (www.

of summer. Boil them in lightly

brightonticketshop.com; 01273

salted water with a sprig of mint

709709) or The Post Office,

and serve with melted butter and

Ditchling, and The Mint House,

snipped chives. For more recipes

Hurstpierpoint. www.facebook.

visit www.comfortablyhungry.com

com/BookLoversSupperClub

recipes showcasing the cream

We have two copies of Rosemary’s book to give away! Just email your name and address to samhl@sandrpublishing.co.uk to be in with a chance of winning!

APR IL 2014 | WWW.SUSSEXSTYL E .C O M | 1 9

FESTIVAL CHEER

Sam Bilton looks at the protected origin of some of our favourite food and drink products, and reveals some of the treats on offer during the Brighton & Hove Food & Drink Festival’s Spring Harvest

THE NAME GAME name?’ but some food and drink products are

SOMETHING FOR ALL THE FAMILY

extremely protective of their name. Protected

One of the best things about the Brighton &

Designation of Origin (PDO) status promotes

Hove Food and Drink Festival is the number

product authenticity, origin and heritage.

of free events it runs over the 12 days. One

To carry this stamp of approval products

particular highlight is the Sussex & The World

must be produced, processed and prepared

Market, which features around 100 stalls

exclusively within a specified region.

as well as the Live Food Show, where you

Shakespeare famously wrote ‘What’s in a

Discover the Origin is a UK-based campaign designed to enhance

can attend complimentary tutored tastings

knowledge of PDO status. ‘There are lots of imitation foods and

presented by Discover the Origin (see box, left).

drinks out there,’ explains campaign coordinator Nathalie Hordonneau.

For young foodies, the Children’s Food

‘It’s important for consumers to know what to look for when they’re

Festival has plenty to keep hungry little ones

shopping so they don’t end up with inferior products.’ Discover the

busy! Choose from a host of workshops such as

Origin will be running free tutored tastings of PDO products including

The Little Cook Club’s ‘educational chocolatey

Parma ham and Parmigiano Reggiano cheese on 18th and 19th April

tour of the globe!’ plus crafts and face painting,

as part of the Brighton & Hove Food and Drink Festival, and will also

all in aid of Rockinghorse.

be hosting a sumptuous five-course supper at Hotel Du Vin on 16th

New this year is the Rum Shack, where you

April (tickets £55) showcasing each of these food and wine gems.

can kick back and enjoy a chilled Caribbean

www.discovertheorigin.co.uk.

vibe. Discover how to recreate this magic at home in one of the Mixology Group’s cocktail

WINE CLASSICS

masterclasses, which run every hour on the

If you want to find out more about

16th to 27th April. For more information and

Bourgogne, Port and the Douro wines,

tickets, visit www.brightonfoodfestival.com

wine expert Olly Smith will be doing a special tasting presentation on Saturday 19th April at 2pm. ‘Wine regions can be as iconic and memorable as James Bond theme tunes,’ says Olly. ‘Everyone remembers classics like Goldfinger and Diamonds Are Forever – in the same way Bourgogne, Port and the Douro are all highly memorable wineproducing regions that have stood the test of time, producing classics, year in, year out.’ Tweet Olly for wine tips at @JollyOlly

20 | W W W. SU SS E X ST Y L E.CO M | A P RI L 2014

hour (tickets £5). The festival takes place from

TASTE STYLE

Roasted Lamb Rump with Potatoes, Asparagus Mint Dressing

hen buying steaks consider your choice of butcher. Look for a

Quality Standard Mark butcher, as the QSM is a scheme that provides you with high levels of assurance about the meat you buy. The QSM for lamb is the only scheme in the UK to cover eating quality and all the lamb carrying the mark is chosen according to

a strict selection process to ensure it is succulent and tender. For further information go to www.simplybeefandlamb.co.uk Ingredients (Serves 2)

• 1 lean lamb rump portion (weighing 225-375g/8-12oz)

• S alt and freshly milled black

What to drink with lamb

pepper

• 5ml/1tsp dried oregano • 4 00g/10oz baby new potatoes, thinly sliced

• 45ml/3tbsp rapeseed or olive oil •½ bunch fresh asparagus, trimmed & halved lengthways For the Mint Dressing:

• • 60ml/4tbsp good balsamic 1 large handful fresh mint vinegar

shake well and cook in the oven for 20 minutes. 4) Remove the tray from the oven, scatter over the asparagus, position the lamb on top of the

1) Preheat the oven to 200°C/400°F/Gas 6 2) Season the steaks and dust with the oregano on both sides. 3) Put the potatoes in a shallow baking tray and coat in the oil,

Altano Quinta do Ataide Reserva 2009 Made from the heroic Touriga Nacional grape, this is full of rich herby rosemary and mint aromas. It’s crammed full of dark fruit, spice and a tiny hint of mocha too. You’ll struggle to find a better match for roast lamb. £14.99 Hennings, www.henningswine.co.uk

Magpie Estate The Wit and Shanker’ Cabernet Sauvignon 2010 A delicious silky smooth Cabernet Sauvignon. It is wonderfully fresh and uplifting, which makes you reach for a second bottle. £13.75 Butlers Wine Cellar, www.butlers-winecellar.co.uk

Cent’Anni Baccolo Appassimento 2012 Not the classic Cabernet Sauvignon match for lamb but a cracking Merlot and Corvina blend. The grapes have been partially air-dried so it’s full of intense ripe fruit. £8.99 Hennings, www.henningswine.co.uk

potatoes and cook for 15-20 minutes, turning once.

Method

Château Hauterive 2009 Red Bordeaux is the classic match with salt marsh lamb, and this one doesn’t disappoint. 2009 was a great vintage for wines that are fruit driven and accessible when young; this is full of layers of dark berry fruit with a dry and very long finish. £10.99 Butlers Wine Cellar, www.butlers-winecellar.co.uk

5) To prepare the dressing, mix the ingredients together in a small bowl. 6) Arrange the lamb, potatoes and asparagus on a serving board, drizzle over the dressing and serve immediately.

APR IL 2014 | WWW.SUSSEXSTYL E .C O M | 2 1

TASTE STYLE

FINE DINING AT HOME Feeling foodie but don’t want to spend too long in the kitchen? Hotel du Vin Brighton has some simple but gourmet-tasting recipes for you to try Hotel du Vin, 2 Ship Street, Brighton. www. hotelduvin.com; 01273 718588

Roquefort, Pear & Walnut Salad Serves 4

Lemon Sole Meunière With a Lemon and Watercress Salad & Beurre Noisette

Ingredients (Makes 10)

• 1 00g Roquefort (diced into 2cm

Ingredients

For the pot au chocolat:

Serves 4

• 6 25g chocolate • 1 25g butter • 1 0 eggs, separated • 1 2ml double cream

Ingredients

pieces) 1 pear (cored and thinly sliced)

• • 1 00g walnuts (toasted and roughly chopped)

• 1 red Belgian endive, washed and prepped

• 1 white Belgian endive, washed

•

4 lemon sole (skin and head removed)

• 4 lemons (segmented) • 5 0g parsley (cut into thin strips) • 2 00g butter • 1 00g Lilliput capers

and prepped

• 5 0g dandelion leaves • 5 0g frisée • 1 2 chervil leaves • 4 slices brioche (crusts cut off,

Baked Valrhona Pot au Chocolat With Crème Chantilly

For the crème Chantilly:

• 1 00ml double cream • 1 3g sugar •½ vanilla pod

Method For the salad, segment the lemons

Method

(reserve the heart of the lemon to

Gently melt the chocolate and

season your beurre noisette) and

butter over a bain-marie until

cut into 2cm cubes and fried in

prepare your watercress. Flour

melted, add yolks and combine.

butter until golden brown)

the fish and pan-fry on both

Lightly whip the cream to ribbon

sides until golden brown. Add

stage and beat the egg whites

Method

the butter and, when foaming,

to soft peaks. Fold cream and

Mix all ingredients together

remove the fish and add to the

egg whites into the chocolate

in a mixing bowl, assemble

centre of the plate. Finish the

mixture and transfer to individual

in a clay bowl and garnish

sauce by squeezing in your lemon

ovenproof dishes. Bake at 180°c

with the chervil.

heart, add the parsley and capers

for 9 mins, then allow to stand for

and spoon over the fish. Garnish

20 minutes before chilling and

with your lemon segments and

refrigerating. To make the crème

watercress and serve.

Chantilly, whip the cream to soft

❝

Inspired by French home-style cooking, Bistro du Vin’s Gallic-influenced food has an undeniably British flavour

22 | W W W. SU SS E X ST Y L E.CO M | A P RI L 2014

peak stage, add the sugar and vanilla pod and beat to stiff peaks. Spoon on top of the chocolate pots and dust with coco powder.

likE drinking your firsT day of Holiday Tequila evangelist Cleo Rocos created AquaRiva® Premium Tequila and Organic Agave Syrup in 2011 after working with a Master Blender in Mexico for 10 months. Being featured in the Virgin Atlantic inaugural flight to Mexico in 2012 with Richard Branson, we are proud that AquaRiva® is now available in Virgin Clubhouses. AquaRiva® Tequila is a double gold medal winner in the UK and voted ‘Best of the Best’ in the USA. Available in Waitrose, Sainsbury’s, on-line; DrinkUpNY, thedrinkshop.com, Amazon and in clubs and bars nationwide.

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25 mls fresh squeezed lime juice (juice of one lime)

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DESIGN STYLE

KITCHEN

KIT

Jess Denny, owner of family-run boutique Spotted in Steyning, picks her favourite foodie design finds for April

Knife & Spoon cooks storage Store knives and utensils safely and hygienically. No prescriptive slots, no restriction on use and you can see the knife blades, making selection a cinch. It features numerous bamboo rods that both clean and gently look after your knives. Spoons, spatulas and ladles go in the adjoining pot. £46, www.naken.co.uk

Cargo wallpaper A classic wallpaper featuring hand-painted ceramic plates in four colour combinations. £69.90 per roll, Angela Cheung, Hurstpierpoint

Sauria cake stand The new Sauria cake stand collection from Seletti is the perfect blend of practicality and humour, featuring three dinosaur designs: T-Rex, Bronto and Trice. From £57, Spotted, Steyning 24 | W W W. SU SS E X ST Y L E.CO M | AP RI L 2014

Mon Oncle barbecue This original barbecue by RS Barcelona is a reinterpretation of the classic concept of a barbecue. It looks like an elegant vintage briefcase, but opens up to reveal an innovative, hard-wearing, portable tabletop barbecue. £220, www.gift-library.com

Craftsmanship comes home

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DESIGN STYLE

Chapeau vase A unique vase design by Marcantonio Raimondi Malerba that adds a playful touch to your plants, or whatever you decide to put in it! £120, Spotted, Steyning

Atomizer bottles This collection of ‘atomizer’ oil and condiment bottles is designed to provide a new gestural expressiveness towards food. From £45, Heal’s, Brighton

Oblique fruit bowl Abstract, asymmetrical and angled, the Oblique fruit bowl is a combination of inter-dissecting frames, constructed to provide a dramatic platform for presenting fruit. Its linear complexity is integral to its visual intrigue. £43, Steamer Trading Cookshop, stores throughout Sussex

Bugatti Denim collection A contemporary range, all housed in blue denim. From top, Vera kettle £249; Diva espresso coffee machine £610; Vita juicer £199; Uma scales £169; Volo toaster £230, Steamer Trading Cookshop, stores throughout Sussex 26 | W W W. SU SS E X ST Y L E.CO M | AP RI L 2014

A COLLECTION OF 8 EXCLUSIVE APARTMENTS AND A UNIQUE FEATURE HOUSE IN HOVE

Tucked away on a leafy avenue in the heart of Hove, Verano is a boutique development of eight elegant spacious apartments and one remarkable detached house. Verano has been created with an uncompromising agenda for impeccable design - stylishly contemporary with an unsurpassed luxurious specification. A landmark address for Hove in the making.

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Price correct at time of press. Computer generated image of Verano.

Sales agent:

Home Cooked Norman Cook is a global musical star, with a career spanning some 30-odd years. But he’s also cautiously emerging as a real foodie. Sam Harrington-Lowe caught up with him to see what’s on the menu…

PHOTOGRAPHY IVAN JONES

orman Cook, aka Fatboy Slim, lives in a big house right on the beach, and we couldn’t have picked a more beautiful day to visit. His home is light and airy, and we set up the photo shoot quickly.

He doesn’t seem comfortable being photographed and shuffles about a bit, although he seems to like the spot we’ve chosen. ‘Most people just bung me in front of one of the groynes, or the smileys,’ he says. While our photographer snaps away, I chat to him throughout the shoot, gossiping about old Brighton names and faces. He is clearly relieved when it ends, and I can’t help thinking it seems odd that he still struggles with being photographed. Maybe it just never stops feeling awkward. Outside, at the back of the house, on the decking by the sea, we settle down with cups of tea in the glorious sun, and life gets more comfortable. I’m here to talk to him about his love of food, something he’s been allowed to ‘come out’ about a bit more. His management team in the past have kept it quiet, judging it to be ‘not really very rock and roll’, but he’s properly out of the foodie closet now. Cook loves food. There has been much conjecture locally about just what he’s involved in so, for the record, his interests are as follows: ›› 28 | W W W. SU SS E X ST Y L E.CO M | AP RI L 2014

PROFILE STYLE

❝

Food has become my treat when I’m touring. It’s got to the point now where we book certain gigs, just so we can go to certain restaurants

APR IL 2014 | WWW.SUSSEXSTYLE .C O M | 2 9

â??

Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s exciting when your first foray into being a restaurateur becomes Michelin-starred, the toast of New York and the place where all your mates want to go

30 | W W W. SU SS E X ST Y L E.CO M | AP RI L 2014

The Spotted Pig in New York, Oki-Nami in Brighton and Big Beach Café at Hove Lagoon. New York was his first venture into the world of food, though. ‘A friend of mine, Ken

Clockwise from left: Norman Cook in his beachfront house; his private view of the beach; one of his Michelin stars

Friedman, just said one day that he was going to get out of the music business. And he’d always been really interested in restaurants and food, and he was looking for backers. It was a really exciting time. I was just getting into cooking and just getting into food – because I was more of a drinker than an eater in those days – and

and I’ve got DJs to mix Brazilian

to see Kenny building The Spotted Pig in

tunes – not the really obvious ones,

New York was so exciting. Watching the whole thing grow, I got engrossed in it.’ The Spotted Pig has been a real success story; not just a fairy-tale whim between two friends, it’s a well-reputed eaterie with a Michelin star – one of

though. I feel as if we’re going to be bombarded with so many Brazilian clichés this summer. I mean, the official World Cup theme is by J-Lo and Pitbull! I wanted to get something proper out there.’

which just happens to be kicking about on the side in

It’s not just Brazilian music that Cook is passionate about;

Cook’s kitchen. ‘The restaurant has had five stars over

Brazilian cuisine has also caught his attention. ‘There’s

the years. It’s exciting when your first foray into being

a lot of Portuguese influence [in Brazilian cooking]. It’s quite

a restaurateur becomes Michelin-starred, the toast of New

peasant-based; a lot of fish stews, coconut and cheese and

York and the place where all your mates want to go – and

ingredients such as manioc. We had some mash the other

is an actual proper business model, not just something

night called purê de mandioquinha, but it was described

where you’re helping your mates out.’

in English as ‘potato family yellow tuber’.

Famously cleaning up his act around five years ago, Cook

He’s clearly enjoying the challenge of a new food venue,

no longer drinks at all and I ask him if food had become an

and he and his partner Danny have been tweaking things

alternative in the pursuit of hedonistic pleasure. He nods.

at Big Beach Cafe after their first year in business. ‘We’d seen

‘Food has become my treat when I’m touring. One of the

the varying stages of the café and it seems the perfect thing

perks of touring all over the world is that in any city you can

to do,’ he says. ‘It had got to the stage where everyone was

try out the best restaurant. It’s got to the point now where

moaning about the vegan food, and it not being open

we book certain gigs, just so we can go to certain restaurants.

at certain times, so when we took it over we remembered

It started when I wanted to go to elBulli, and someone said,

all those conversations.’

you’ll never get a table there, and at the same time I kept getting requests to play in Barcelona.

It’s not all about being a restaurateur though. Cook loves to get in the kitchen, something another friend has inspired

‘So I said to my manager, look, if they can get me a table at

him to do. ‘Jamie Oliver was the one who got me cooking.

elBulli I’ll do the gig. And we did. And it was fantastic. It was

We became friends, just when he first became big and he

a real ritual – there’s a lot of theatre and a lot of pizzazz; it

was the one who said to me, come on, you can do this, you

felt like a food pilgrimage. And after that we started targeting

can do that. He’s very persuasive, and he makes it feel fun,

places like Noma. But yes, in the absence of the after-party,

and doable. In our generation, with most couples I know, it’s

now what we tend to do is get an early night, then get up the

the man who is the cook. In our house, Zoe doesn’t cook.

next day and go somewhere really nice for lunch. But there

‘My favourite dish to cook is risotto. I just really love the

are nights where my crew will have a drink rather than eat

process, because it’s something that you just keep adding

with me.’ He laughs, ruefully.

to and you can go in infinite directions with. I make my

Cook has just returned from Brazil where he’s curating an

own stock, which I love to do. It’s like DJing, you know

album of authentic Brazilian music with his own inimitable

– you’re reading your audience and putting different

mash-up for the World Cup. ‘I’ve always loved Brazilian

ingredients into it, and there’s that moment when you

music so it was just suggested that I oversee the compilation,

think, “yeah, that’s right. That’s perfect”.’

and I’ve got Brazilian artists working with European DJs,

www.bigbeachcafe.com; www.okinami.com APR IL 2014 | WWW.SUSSEXSTYLE .C O M | 3 1

TASTE STYLE

Sussex Style pays a visit to The Sergison Arms in Hayward’s Heath, to try its famous range of pies

NICE AS PIE chicken in a paprika crumb,

part of the Vintage

pork belly fritters, beer battered

Inns group, which has

mushrooms, lamb meatballs and

The Sergison Arms Butlers Green Road, Haywards Heath, RH16 4AH Tel: 01444 413768

be, and the pie was that dish of stuff with a circle of puff pastry plonked on top. But the filling

almost 200 pubs and restaurants

crusty bread with mango and

dotted throughout the British

pineapple salsa and caramelised

countryside. Each Wednesday

garlic and parsley mayonnaise.

not seasoned – plus the whipped

they have Vintage Pie night,

Weird mix? We thought so.

cream on the chocolate pot was

with a range of pies on offer,

for both pies was great. The chips were underdone though – and

actually crème fraiche.

including three created by

What did you eat?

celebrity chef James Martin.

From the special Wednesday pie

Good stuff

menu, steak & kidney pudding

It’s very reasonably priced – the

What’s it like there?

(£9.99) and James Martin’s beef

whole meal, including a glass of

It’s got a warm and welcoming

& merlot pie (£10.95). Both pies

wine each, was just under £20

feel. The décor is just smart

come with a choice of veg and

a head, and there was plenty of

enough to tell you you’re not

potatoes – we chose seasoned

it. And we like that you can have

in a basic pub, but it’s not

chips and mash, and both had

some of the puddings as a mini-

overwhelming, and the staff that

winter greens. For pudding

pot alongside a hot drink.

seated us and served our drinks

we had the chocolate pot with

were friendly and professional.

whipped cream and the salted

Not so good?

The menu – apart from pie

caramel sundae.

Our waitress was impatient and

night – is a good mixture of

just this side of rude – asking for

Mediterranean and traditional.

How was it?

There are even some game dishes.

Not bad. Nothing really shouted

We couldn’t fit in the sharing

excellence, but it was hot and

platter starter, but if you’re

filling, so no real complaints.

interested, for £11.95 you can have

The suet pudding wasn’t as

brie and onion marmalade brûlée,

light as I’d hoped it would

32 | W W W. SU SS E X ST Y L E.CO M | AP RI L 2014

anything off-piste made you feel

Think you can stand up to a review by Sussex Style? Please email samhl@sandrpublishing.co.uk and maybe we’ll pay you a visit…

like you were being a nuisance, which is a shame because the first two staff members we dealt with were lovely. And not all of the puddings come as mini-pots.

PHOTOGRAPHY: MITCHELLS & BUTLERS

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WEDDING STYLE

Love is in the Air Now that spring has sprung, our thoughts turn to love! And what better way to celebrate true love than with marriage? Sussex Style is delighted to announce that we will be devoting part of our May issue to weddings, covering everything from venues and jewellers to fashion and lingerie. Our middle section will give you the low-down on preparing for your wedding, whether itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s getting into your perfect dress with our healthy guide to looking your best on the big day, or planning the best music, entertainment and themes, whatever your taste and budget. Add a bit of know-how to your special day, with Sussex Style.

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34 | W W W. SU SS E X ST Y L E.CO M | AP RI L 2014

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HOTEL STYLE

THE GEORGE IN RYE

Julie Burchill is Sussex Style’s new hotel critic. This month she experiences some old-fashioned glamour with more than a touch of modern-day luxury y friend’s mum

mini-bars are part of a modern

once considered

plague of mercantile commerce,

going to live in the

taking the magic out of staying in

Medieval Sussex

a hotel. But at the end of the day

village of Rye, but having viewed

you’re still a paying guest – and it

it, concluded ‘It’s very pretty, but

would be nice to have a brandy in

where would you buy a bucket?’

your room without winding your

The all-top-hat-and-no-trousers

way back down to the bar again.

theme remarked on by this

Above: The Grill restaurant offers fresh and seasonal food Right: One of the 34 individually designed bedrooms

There wasn’t even a plastic

Dad’s Army where Pike repeatedly wakes up his ‘Uncle Frank’ Wilson with cries of ‘I want a glass of water! NOT BATHROOM WATER, KITCHEN WATER!’ There’s just something WRONG about gaining sustenance from a room housing a toilet. But the bed was a gorgeous cloud of Frette and

wise woman carried through to

bottle of water in the room. And

the bathroom stocked with REN

our room at The George. Quite

yes, I KNOW it’s a real First World

products, while a Roberts Radio

lovely, with a huge roll-top,

Problem but whenever I have

– the Corby Trouser Press of the

free-standing metal tub and

to drink from a bathroom tap I

upmarket boutique hotel – was

Art Nouveau mirrors, it lacked

recall the old bit of business from

pre-tuned to Radio 4; a pleasing

a mini-bar, something of an obsession of mine. One of the reasons I’ve come to favour sleek 5-star chain hotels over the discreet charm of boutique brands is the habit the latter have of implying that

nod to People Like Us.

❝

The bed was a gorgeous cloud of Frette and the bathroom stocked with REN products, while a Roberts Radio was pre-tuned to Radio 4; a pleasing nod to People Like Us

36 | W W W. SU SS E X ST Y L E.CO M | AP RI L 2014

Downstairs in the Grill restaurant we drank Sancerre and ate a lunch and dinner composed of such fresh and lively ingredients that I halffeared that passing cod, squid

and chickens might put their

apologies. In the narrow cobbled

heads around the door and

streets we marvelled at the nerve

enquire as to the whereabouts

of the shop calling itself GLASS

of their respective cousins.

ETC: ANTIQUES AND HIGH-

The George in Rye 98 High St, Rye, East Sussex TN31 7JT, 01797 222114 www.thegeorge inrye.com

atmosphere of Fifties Britain with a 21st-century level of luxury, the George in Rye’s your guy. We were only there long enough to get

In the Tap bar, we nursed

CLASS JUNK and admired the

drunk, eat, argue like hellcats and

bourbons and listened to the

clock on the tower of St Mary

pleasant clientele discussing

the Virgin – which strikes not on

much looking forward to going

dogs. ‘I’ve got a miniature

the hour but on the quarter – and

back for a more leisurely time

pinscher!’ exclaimed one lady

drank at the Cinque Ports Arms.

this summer – Rye looks like

and I didn’t know whether to

If you’d like to know what it

a lovely place to get lost in, if

congratulate her or offer my

feels like to go back in time to an

not in which to buy a bucket.

kiss and make up. But I’m very

APR IL 2014 | WWW.SUSSEXSTYLE .C O M | 3 7

GOLDEN OLDIE With its traditionally English, genteel vibe, as well as its miles of golden sand, Rye is a charming combination of village and beach life, says Sam Harrington-Lowe

Tell us about it…. Rye is a simply delightful town – different from other ‘seaside’ towns, inasmuch as it’s not actually on the sea. The biggest and busiest chunk is inland, about a mile and a half along the river, which is a busy waterway sparkling with fishing boats and houseboats. One needs to meander along to Rye Bay itself to hit the sea, but the reward for this sortie is miles of golden sand. Camber Sands is a thriving and busy seaside beach spot, complete with Haven Holiday Park and absolutely rammed in the summer – but it’s the actual village part that is truly lovely. Rye was a fortified hilltop town offering a key defence point for the south coast of England, and Shopping heaven?

stands as a crumbling citadel,

old French towns, despite it being

with hilly cobbled streets, castle

so characteristically English.

ruins and timbered houses. St

They cannot say what makes it

Mary’s church tower offers the

so unusual and it is left to artists

best viewpoint for this ancient

and photographers to capture its

market town, and secret passages,

physical charm. Over the years

once the haunt of smugglers and

this charm has worked on people,

highwaymen, attract film crews

who after only one or two days

streets and you’ll find some

as much as tourists.

here, have found themselves

real treasures. Rye Deli is a

with an overwhelming desire to

combination of local and artisan

acquire “a house in or near Rye”.’

products and food that is home-

It’s a creative place, popular with writers, musicians and

Clockwise, from above: One of Rye’s hilly cobbled streets; The Ambrette Indian restaurant; Webbe’s at the Fish Café

Rye has an absolute wealth of independent shops, including antiques, art galleries, butchers, delis and clothes shops. Explore the town by wandering through its higgledy-piggledy cobbled

In 1573 the title ‘Rye Royale’ was

cooked on the premises, and the

Rye their home. Martyn Stubbs

bequeathed to the town by Queen

town even has a proper milliner

from Phillips and Stubbs estate

Elizabeth I after she stayed there.

and bespoke hat shop, Herald and

agency, agrees: ‘Visitors to Rye

It’s extraordinarily genteel, and

Hart. But it’s actually the farmers,

often remark on its similarity to

very traditionally English.

country, community and antique

artists, many of which have made

38 | W W W. SU SS E X ST Y L E.CO M | AP RI L 2014

RYE STYLE

On the market

❝

Visitors often remark on its similarity to old French towns, despite it being so characteristically English The Bay Tree, a fine Grade II-listed property of early-mid 16th-century origin. £750,000

An unusual property in the citadel area of the town. £465,000

A mid-terrace period property, markets that make Rye a haven

Thomas Peacocke Community

ideal as a holiday home or

for the shopper. I’ve never seen

College, is a co-educational

investment. £139,950

a place like it for markets!

secondary school and sixth form with academy status.

Are there any good schools? Buckswood School, just outside

All Phillips & Stubbs, www.phillipsandstubbs.co.uk;

Gastro delights

the town itself, has a junior and

You’re really spoilt for choice

senior school and an exceptional

here. We love The Ambrette at

reputation, and Frewen College

Rye, which offers a beautiful

(graded outstanding by Ofsted),

contemporary twist on

which supports 7–18 year-olds

traditional Indian cuisine, but

whose education has been

if you’re going to do fish – and

adversely affected by dyslexia,

there are plenty of fish eateries

dyspraxia, dyscalculia, or speech

in Rye – Webbe’s at the Fish Café

and language difficulties. Rye

is really something. Fresh local

College, formerly known as

fish and seafood cooked in front ››

01797 227338

APR IL 2014 | WWW.SUSSEXSTYLE .C O M | 3 9

❝

Explore the town by wandering through its higgledy-piggledy cobbled streets and you’ll find some real treasures

of you, from bouillabaisse to

in September. As well as the

fruits de mer, and of course the

Rye Scallops Festival (which has

famous Rye Bay scallops. The

already been and gone this year,

Apothecary is a coffee shop with

sadly) there is Wild Boar Week

a traditional 17th-century coffee

in October, and the Rye Bonfire

house atmosphere and wonderful

& Torchlight Procession in

pastries. And if you’re looking for

November (this year on 8th Nov).

something a bit quirky, Edith’s

Reserve is a great outdoor place – and runs a very busy programme of events all year round, but it’s hard to beat Camber Sands at any time of year for pure sandy, beachy pleasure.

? You wouldn’t know this but… Upstairs in the Rye Heritage

with amazing cakes and

The George is the key hotel for

Centre (where you’ll also find

a resident pug called Roux!

this area (see Julie Burchill’s

the Rye town model) you’ll

review) but for something easier

discover an amazing collection

Put your gladrags on for…

on the pocket The Old Vicarage

of the old-fashioned slot

Live events are what it’s all

at Rye Harbour is a lovely place

machines that used to be found

about here. Look out for the

to stay. And for somewhere that

on the piers – operated by old

Rye International Jazz Festival

really knows how to put the purr

one-penny pieces that you can

– held over the August Bank

into pamper, try The Rye Retreat.

buy from the Heritage Centre.

Holiday weekend – and the Rye

For more information on Rye

Maritime Festival, also in August,

Anything for little ones?

followed by the Rye Arts Festival

For children Rye Harbour Nature

40 | W W W. SU SS E X ST Y L E.CO M | AP RI L 2014

and the surrounding area, visit www.visit1066country.com

RYE HARBOUR PHOTOGRAHY: CLIVE SAWYER

Sleeping and pampering

House is a dog-friendly tea shop

Above: Rye’s busy waterway, full of fishing boats and houseboats

Our self-catering holiday cottages enjoy fabulous coastal or rural locations across Kent and Sussex, perfect for exploring beautiful countryside, coastal resorts and historic properties and gardens.

Visit our new website and book online at www.bramleyandteal.co.uk or call us now on 01580 860840

HOME STYLE

Your Care Questions Answered carers, and with surprising speed. Many customers receiving care will actively enjoy the company of someone new to support them in the house. Care services understand how important it is for both the customers and care worker to feel comfortable with each other. This is particularly important in the case of live-in care, so they work hard to create the right match. Q: I often see care workers in uniform. If a care worker lived in my house would they wear uniform? A: I would sincerely hope not. Care Q: I know I am getting older and I am

workers who visit customer homes

The right balance is usually to have

finding everyday tasks increasingly

wear uniforms – this is to present a

a main care worker who may work

difficult – but when do I need care?

professional service. A live-in care

for three weeks, and then to have a

A: This is a very personal matter, and

worker however is professionally care

member of the team for one week,

different people will decide this at

trained, but is also there as a personal

before your main support starts again.

different times. A good indication is

assistant – and may well join you

This is a tried and tested model and

to ask yourself what things you are no

out shopping, or to the hairdressers

works very well.

longer doing that you’d like to be. This

etc. Most customers would not want

may be going to the shops, standing in

to stand out in crowd and for it to be

Q: Who else would I generally see and

a shower or cooking. If you thinking

obvious they were accompanied by care

speak to beyond the live-in care worker?

about care, then it would be best to

support, so live-in care staff will wear

A: A leading agency would have weekly

speak to someone about it – call a care

normal relaxed clothing.

contact with both the customer and

company for a chat, they won’t charge

care worker, and would be doing

anything and you will learn a lot during

Q: If I were to consider live-in care

this in person around once a month.

the discussion.

could I get the same care worker

Having someone live in the house

all the time?

can create occasional tensions – and

Q: I am not used to having strangers in

A: It is important to all customers that

having someone else to speak to each

my house and I may find that difficult.

they get, consistently, the same live-in

week means this these matters are

How can you help with this?

care worker. This is not only important

never more than niggles, and dealt

A: Firstly it’s important to know that

to the customer, but also to the live-in

with quickly. At Bluebird Care we

it’s fine to raise this point – many

care worker. No live-in care worker

have positive customer and live-in care

people feel the same. The second point

would be assigned permanently – this

worker relationships lasting many year

is that the vast majority of people

would mean no time off and would

– testament to developing a form of

develop good relationships with their

ultimately be detrimental to all parties.

service that works.

42 | W W W. SU SS E X ST Y L E.CO M | AP RI L 2014

LIVE IN CARE Caring for your lifestyle

LIVE-IN CARE

TO FIND OUT MORE CALL

Live-in care with Bluebird Care provides our customers with full-time live-in support. This provides a realistic alternative to residential care when full-time support is needed, and is completely flexible so that you, or your loved ones, can continue to enjoy an independent lifestyle in the comfort of your own home.

Chichester Eastbourne Haywards Heath Lewes

01243 839859 01323 727 903 01444 891135 01273 616494

www.bluebirdcare.co.uk APR IL 2014 | WWW.SUSSEXSTYLE .C O M | 4 3

CATWALK REPORT Stylist Danielle Collier’s high street picks are full of the joys of spring

Achtland

Coat £70, River Island, stores throughout Sussex

Dolce & Gabbana dress £865, Profile, Brighton

Emilia Wickstead

Prabal Gurung

Cardigan £41, East, Lewes

Dress £45, Topshop, stores throughout Sussex 44 | W W W. SU SS E X ST Y L E.CO M | AP RI L 2014

MELLOW YELLOW

Let the sunshine in by introducing a little yellow to your spring wardrobe. A dominant colour on the catwalk for spring/summer 2014, yellow was used by many designers as both a block colour and as a more subtle, complementary hue.

Top £85, Whistles, Brighton

Saltwater sandals £49.50, Nola Boutique, Brighton

FASHION STYLE

Christopher Kane

Dress £169, Hobbs, Brighton, Chichester Dress £68, Next, stores throughout Sussex Burberry Burberry

Louche Cayne dress £45, Joy Boutique, Brighton

LIGHT TOUCH

Top £59, Mint Velvet, Chichester

Alongside vibrant spring colours, sheer and floaty fabrics made an impact on the catwalk this season. Reveal as much or as little as you like, with everything from cut-out panels to chiffon and lace.

Skirt £35, Topshop, stores throughout Sussex

Dress £99, Kaliko, Brighton (plus concessions throughout Sussex) Jumper £18, Warehouse, stores throughout Sussex

APR IL 2014 | WWW.SUSSEXSTYL E .C O M | 4 5

CATWALK REPORT Danielle Collier on the key looks for men this spring, and where to find them on the high street

Calvin Klein

Jacket £57.95, Jack & Jones, Crawley

Left Field jacket £330, Peggs & Son, Brighton

Christopher Raeburn

Rag & Bone

Criminal Damage bomber £85, Topman, stores throughout Sussex

TEAM SPIRIT

With trends from the Nineties coming back into fashion it is no surprise that one of the key items on catwalks for spring/ summer was the bomber, or varsity jacket, and high street and independent stores have leapt onto this trend.

Crooks & Castles Cobra bomber £159, Route One, Brighton 46 | W W W. SU SS E X ST Y L E.CO M | AP RI L 2014

Bomber jacket £79.99, Zara, Brighton

FASHION STYLE

Lee Roach

Carhartt shirt £75, Badger Clothing, Brighton Tommy Hilfiger Calder jacket £230, Broadleys, East Grinstead

Junya Watanabe

Valentino

Criminal Damage T-shirt £20, Arena, Worthing

GO WILD

Get ready to unleash your inner explorer, with a range of earthy tones and simple cuts, as seen on the catwalk for spring/ summer 14. You’ll find everything from animal prints to camouflage and map prints, coming to a high street near you.

Duck and Cover shirt £40, Apache, Horsham

Crooks & Castles Killstreak T-shirt £59.95, Urban Industry, Eastbourne

Simon Carter Rye satchel £75, Bone Clothing, Lewes APR IL 2014 | WWW.SUSSEXSTYL E .C O M | 4 7

BEAUTY STYLE

FACE VALUE As winter slowly passes and the sun reveals our pale and washed out skin, it’s time to feed our faces. Sam Harrington-Lowe checks out some facial first aid

The Treatment

Sothys Limited Edition Spring/Summer Oxygenating Facial £45 This is a real spring clean facial – an intensive vitamin boost to revitalise your tired skin and add a touch of radiance for summer. It really is feeding your face too, with raspberry and lychee extracts, full of detoxifying and oxygenating properties. And the products are enriched with vitamins, helping winter skin to regain its luminosity. Goodbye winter pallour. Available from: Once Bitten, 16 Lane End Road, Middleton-on-Sea, PO22 6LL

The Products

Aromatherapy Associates Polishing Essential Enzyme Peel £39 Fruit acids of pineapple, passion flower and grape work together to break down dead skin cells, while carrot oil – rich in Vitamin E and antioxidants – helps to diminish the signs of ageing. Smooth! Available at Estetica, Midhurst and John & Ginger, Shoreham-by-Sea

Bee Venom Mask £25.30 Nature’s alternative to Botox! Made from Manuka honey, renowned for its soothing and healing properties, it also contains the magic ingredient, bee venom, which works to control the facial muscles for immediate lifting, tightening and firming, while getting to work on frown lines and wrinkles! Available from www.heavenskincare.com

Weleda Skin Food £9.95 This is one of our true hero products, with ingredients so natural you could eat it! Use as mask as well as a moisturiser. Love it. Available at Dolphin House Clinic, Brighton or Boots stores throughout Sussex

48 | W W W. SU SS E X ST Y L E.CO M | A P RI L 2014

Filorga Hydra Filler £45 Technical stuff, this moisturiser. Apparently it reprograms internal processes linked to hydration by stimulating the synthesis of epidermal lipids and building a reservoir in which the skin can draw from, creating a plump, healthy look. Says ‘hyaluronic acid’ on it too, which we do understand. Available at Marks & Spencer stores throughout Sussex

Elemis Fruit Active Rejuvenating Mask £28 A fabulous quick-acting facial mask that will have your skin party-ready in ten minutes! Rich in active extracts of strawberry and kiwi fruit. Available at Elemis counters at Debenhams and John Lewis

Spring Fundraiser Fashion Show and an afternoon of Champagne Cream Tea At Hove Kitchen Restaurant Wednesday 2nd April 5pm Tickets £20.00 Supporting Local Charities Contact 01273 775 583

Live-in care & companionship in the comfort of your own home.

SUPPORTED BY:

Launching New Day Wear Labels from Walk in Wardrobe www.walk-in-wardrobe.co.uk

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ADVERTISING FEATURE

LET’S NAIL THIS! Confused about the different nail treatments available these days? Luckily nail expert Emma Myers is on hand to sort fact from fiction

s it just me or has the nail industry gone completely

for years. Gels are not as strong as acrylics and if you use

mad over the last five years? 3D nail art, gel polish,

your hands a lot, you’d would be better off with acrylic. The

acrylics, even duck-feet nails! You name it, there’s

same goes for anyone who has their hands in water a lot.

something for everyone out there.

As a nail technician this is great news for me but I realise

‘Gel polish doesn’t last’

there are many ladies out there who don’t understand the

Not true. This is the biggest thing to hit the nail industry

differences between the various nail services, so allow me to

in years and my goodness, it really has taken it by storm.

take you through a few of the more common misconceptions.

There are so many different nail companies offering their own brands of gel polish, including CND Shellac, Gelish,

‘Acrylics are terrible for your nails’

Gellux and OPI Gel polish, and there are now some new

Not true. Acrylic doesn’t damage your nail, it’s the technique

products available for a DIY gel manicure at home. It is

that some of the non-standard salons use that’s the problem. The electric filing or manual over-filing of the nail plate is actually what damages your natural nail, but the products do not damage them at all. The amazing looks that can be achieved with acrylic are amazing and it is by far my favourite nail treatment. Always use a professional salon

only designed to stay on the nails for up to 14 days, but toenails can last literally months! Gel polish is only designed for the colour, not to give strength or length. To get the nail extended you will still need to have either acrylics or gels underneath, but you can still have gel polish on top. The nail industry is constantly

and check all qualifications and insurance

innovating and changing, with new

– professional salons will be more

products being released all the time,

than happy to provide you with this.

such as CND’s Vinylux (seven-day polish)

Unfortunately once your natural nails are damaged they take years to repair.

and the BruzZ nailbrush. I’m always looking out for exciting products that allow people to show off their nails as a piece of art.

‘Gels are much better for my nails’ Not true. Gels are absolutely no better for your nails than acrylics and this has been a rumour that has circulated

If you’d like to know more about nails, get in touch with Emma Myers at emmamyers@bruzz.com APR IL 2014 | WWW.SUSSEXSTYLE .C O M | 5 1

Nail

TECHNOLOGY Bruzz is creating a buzz within the beauty world…

he nailbrush is a

the impregnated vanilla extract

bathroom essential,

keeps it – and your nails

yet although it

– smelling gorgeous too.

comes in many

Grubby nails (and fingers)

by containing all liquid within Above and opposite: Bruzz is available in hot pink, blue and white and retails at £11.95

the brush. It can be used on natural nails as well as acrylics, gels, gel polish, fiberglass and all

different sizes and materials,

will be a thing of the past with a

its design remains relatively

simple squeeze of liquid soap into

unchanged. That is, until now.

the centre of the Bruzz, making

Bruzz is a unique design, which

them really sparkle, and it can

The woman behind the brand

is registered and patented, and

also be used dry as a dusting

Bruzz was born when Emma

cleans the top, underside and tip

brush. The removable soft-touch

Myers, a nail and beauty

of the nail in one simple action.

bristles make it easy to clean –

therapist, couldn’t find anything

It nurtures nails with its multi-directional cleaning while the antibacterial bristles ensure

even dishwasher safe – for long lasting results. Unlike a standard

upmost hygiene as well as

nailbrush, the ergonomic

maintaining beautiful, healthy

Bruzz prevents excess

nails. Its gentle action gives a nail

water and soap spray

massage at the same time and

splashing the bathroom

52 | W W W. SU SS E X ST Y L E.CO M | AP RI L 2014

kinds of nail art (including 3D) and even on toes.

better than a standard nailbrush. She worked with a design team, applied for the patent, design protection and trademark and after months of intensive testing, Bruzz is

ADVERTISING FEATURE

creating a buzz. She says: ‘Many nail technicians won’t use a standard nailbrush on a client as they cannot be sanitised properly and are hard on the nails. Bruzz is so easy to use – as a nail cleaning brush, a finger cleaner and a dusting brush. Clients will love them because

❝

Bruzz prevents excess water and soap spray splashing the bathroom by containing all liquid within the brush

there’s nothing more frustrating than your nails being dirty only a couple of days after having your nails done, and the only way to get the dirt out is to use the end of a cuticle pusher. It still amazes me that I have invented this product that actually works and does the job brilliantly.’

CONTACT US www.bruzz.com www.bruzz.com t: t: 0208 0208 677 677 7777 7777 e: Hello@bruzz.com e: Hello@bruzz.com APR IL 2014 | WWW.SUSSEXSTYLE .C O M | 5 3

LET’S TALK ABOUT SEX How much do our children need to know about sex and when do they need to be educated about it in school? Sam Bilton investigates

hen I was at

in science lessons, but everything

school sex

else falls under the heading of

education was

PSHE (personal, social, health

little more than

and economic) education.

a perfunctory talk on puberty,

Whereas lessons on the biological

conception and birth. These

bit are compulsory under the

were the days when we relied

national curriculum, PSHE

on books, teachers and parents

is non-statutory so schools

for our learning, as well as

merely have to have a policy

misinformation from our peers.

on teaching SRE (which could

A time before the Pandora’s

be to not teach it at all).

Box of the internet, which has

Although there is guidance on

made an infinite amount of data

what SRE should cover, schools

available at the click of a mouse.

can choose to follow as much or

Children today are undoubtedly

as little of this guidance as they

exposed to far more sexually

see fit. This has left some parents

explicit information and imagery

and children feeling they have

and this has prompted a heated

insufficient information, while

debate about how and when sex

others feel that children are

of their children receiving SRE.

and relationship education (SRE)

being bombarded with sexually

The problem appears to be how

should be taught in schools.

explicit information when they

and when it is delivered. Clearly

are far too young.

children need to be informed

What exactly is SRE?

Above Children today can access sexually explicit information and imagery all too easily

Several reports, including one from the Department for Children, Schools and Families in 2009, have found that parents are overwhelmingly in favour

about puberty and know how

SRE goes beyond the facts

Too much, too soon

babies are made. But do they

about sex and conception and

Although some initial concepts

really need to know how to put on

encompasses the social, physical

about relationships and the

a condom at the age of 11 or 12?

and emotional aspects of growing

life cycle may be introduced as

up, relationships, sexual health

part of PSHE lessons at primary

compulsory, although every

and human sexuality. The

school the real SRE nitty-gritty

school is required to give the

biological aspect is dealt with

doesn’t start until Year 7.

parents a chance to opt out

54 | W W W. SU SS E X ST Y L E.CO M | AP RI L 2014

At the moment SRE is not

FAMILY STYLE

Susan’s Experience My 12-year-old daughter was shown a film of someone applying a condom to a real penis. But the thing that really disturbed her was the dark warning from a teacher that she should watch out for having her drink spiked at a party. Not just for the obvious dangers, such as the side effects of drugs or being raped, but just in case someone stole her kidneys. This type of scaremongering is unnecessary and only serves to put children off SRE.

Why is SRE important? Children and young people… want to learn about issues such as body confidence, love and sexual attraction, how to respond to peer pressure, and how to behave in a relationship. They have a right to feel safe and healthy, and a right to education that helps them learn. They want parents and carers to talk to them about growing up and sex, and to learn about other people’s views and opinions in school, and they need help to understand the way their bodies and feelings change as they grow and develop, and to develop skills and confidence.

Sex and Relationship Education for the 21st Century

of SRE on their child’s behalf.

for Education is outdated. ‘The

feel well-equipped for, and

You can exercise this right at any

guidance was published before

provide them with links to good

point until your child reaches the

smartphones and broadband

quality information to support

age of 19 (which seems ludicrous,

became ubiquitous,’ explains

them,’ says Blake.

given that a person can legally

Simon Blake OBE, chief

have sex from the age of 16).

executive of Brook. Together

recently revealed that teenage

with the PSHE Association

pregnancies have fallen to an

Too little, too late

and the Sex Education Forum,

all-time low in England and Wales

However, organisations such

Brook has recently produced

since 1969. This could lead people

as the Brook Advisory

advice for teachers on SRE. It

to conclude that SRE in schools

covers issues currently missing

is fine as it is and that no further

from the government’s advice

advice is needed. However, there

such as sexting, pornography,

are many other issues beyond

sexual consent, violence and

unwanted pregnancies and to

exploitation. ‘We hope this will

ignore them could jeopardise

help teachers to teach some of the

how our children view sex and

subjects they did not previously

relationships in the future.

Service argue that the SRE programme available in most schools does not go far enough and that

What do you think of the SRE at your child’s school? Email your thoughts to

the current guidance

samhl@sandrpublishing.

from the Department

co.uk

The Office of National Statistics

APR IL 2014 | WWW.SUSSEXSTYLE .C O M | 5 5

FAMILY STYLE

Putting down

ROOTS

Do children know where their food comes from? Sam Bilton discovers how one big supermarket is trying to fill in some of the holes in our children’s knowledge

veryone knows that

one in five schoolchildren

cheese is made from

have never visited a farm.’

milk, which comes from cows, right? And

As consumers we all too often lay the blame for our

Above: Children need to visit farms in order to understand more about where their food comes from

deal. In collaboration with the supermarkets and major food manufacturers the government has introduced a traffic light

the clue for the food source of the

nutritional woes at the feet of

humble fish finger is surely in the

the supermarkets. They are the

it easier for consumers to

name? Apparently not. Last year,

evil overlords to our enslaved

understand the nutritional

the British Nutrition Foundation

consumers, doomed to wander

soundness of a product.

(BNF) published some alarming

endless aisles of mass-produced

research on children’s knowledge

junk food. But I’m going to go

the supermarkets to educate and

of where their food comes from.

out on a limb here and suggest

inform consumers on how to

that not everything our UK

make healthier food choices. To

children across the UK they

supermarkets do is supremely

help children connect with food,

found that nearly a third of

evil (and I know that in saying

Tesco is planning to devote £15m

primary school pupils think

this I do run the risk of being

to its Eat Happy Project, which

that cheese comes from plants

pelted with rotten tomatoes).

has won the support of Diabetes

From a survey of 27,500

and almost one fifth think that fish fingers come from chicken. ‘There is a lack of

In 2011, the major supermarket chains signed pledges to reduce the amount of saturated fat, salt

food labelling system to make

Another part of this deal is for

UK, the Children’s Food Trust and the NFU. ‘We know that parents are

understanding of food origins,’

and calories in food and drinks

concerned that kids don’t always

says Ayela Spiro, a nutrition

as part of the government’s

understand how food is made

scientist for the BNF. ‘Around

public health responsibility

and where it comes from, which

56 | W W W. SU SS E X ST Y L E.CO M | AP RI L 2014

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FAMILY STYLE

is important to developing a strong, positive life-long relationship with food,’ explains Tesco UK managing director, Chris Bush. ‘Working closely with teachers, our suppliers and a number of partners, including the Children’s Food Trust, we want to help improve the relationship primary school kids have with food, and that’s the aim of the Eat Happy Project.’ The first initiative of the Eat Happy Project is the Farm to Fork trail, launched in more than 700 Tesco stores across the UK at the end of February. The ambition is to take one million of the five million primary schoolchildren in the UK on the Farm to Fork trails in the project’s first year. ‘The key to reconnecting kids’ knowledge of food to what they eat is getting them excited, at a young age, about where their favourite food comes from and

❝

The key to reconnecting kids’ knowledge of food to what they eat is getting them excited about where their favourite food comes from and how it gets to their plate

Pete Mountstephen, Chair of

Connected Classrooms, which

National Primary Headteachers.

will offer ‘virtual field trips’ for primary schools to talk to

definitely have the appetite to

producers and Tesco colleagues

learn, engage and understand

from all over the world.

more about the provenance of

understanding of where food comes from,’ adds Ayela. ‘Being better informed about food, how it is produced and processed, and how to apply healthy eating principles when choosing and

how it gets to their plate,’ says

‘Schoolchildren across the UK

to help support children’s further

‘A trip like this is invaluable

Above: Schoolchildren on one of Tesco’s Farm to Fork store visits

cooking food are important skills and knowledge that children and young people should have. In addition, we need to encourage an active, healthy lifestyle.’ The BNF will be conducting a

as it adds to the experience of

similar survey in 2014 for Healthy

the learning and it brings the

Eating Week (2nd–6th June). The

store visit the children will learn

subject alive,’ says Debbie Baty,

aim of the week is to promote

how bread is made in the bakery,

Head of Learning for Life at Great

healthy diets and being more

discover where different fruit and

Walstead School. Walstead’s Year

active, as well as improve their

vegetables come from, and will

4 pupils visited the Burgess Hill

understanding of where food

be encouraged to taste some new

branch of Tesco for their Farm

comes from and enhance their

varieties. They will also find out

to Fork trail last month. ‘Our

cooking skills. To date, over 2,000

more about the various types of

lessons are very practical and

schools have registered. Here’s

fish and cheese available.

hands-on, but you can’t beat

hoping it will show that some of

experiencing something first-

children’s misconceptions about

hand,’ she says.

food have been dispelled.

their favourite meals.’ During a typical Farm to Fork

In addition to the store visits, Tesco has developed a dedicated website for the project and will be working closely with Google’s

‘We welcome initiatives, such as Tesco’s Farm to Fork trail,

58 | W W W. SU SS E X ST Y L E.CO M | AP RI L 2014

www.eathappyproject.com www.healthyeatingweek.org.uk

WINDLESHAM An outstanding independent school for boys and girls aged 4 - 13 years

CHILDREN, PARENTS AND STAFF LOVE WINDLESHAM, COME AND SEE WHY

Limited Places Available in Reception September 2014 To arrange a personal visit call Admissions 01903 874700 or email whsadmissions@windlesham.com ~ windlesham.com Ofsted & ISI Outstanding Windlesham House School, Washington, Pulborough, West Sussex RH20 4AY

ADVERTISING FEATURE

Work

Play

Pennthorpe is a co-educational day school for children aged 2-13, which boasts outstanding results as well as a happy and lively environment

t Pennthorpe we have a simple aim: to put

be nominated to be a Pennthorpe Citizen by their peers.

children in an environment where they want

“The warm, caring environment ensures that children have a

to learn and can discover their passions. We

happy, secure start to their education.” ISI inspection report 2012

are proud of our well-deserved reputation for

Prospective parents always comment on our cheerful,

academic excellence and we have an enviable record of

confident pupils as well as our small class sizes. One visit

excellent pass rates and scholarships to senior schools – last

is certainly not enough to see how much we do! Just this

year our pupils won a staggering 23 scholarships! The reason

week… Kindergarten have enjoyed a Wild West themed day;

for this is simple: our teachers pride themselves on finding

Reception have been modelling recycled dinosaurs; Year

the spark in each child; whether that is lit in the classroom,

2 have been on a Science expedition to Winchester; Year 4

on the sports field or in the fabulous woodlands that provide

have spent a morning creating Roman newspapers; Year 6

the setting for our Forest Schools’ programme.

have been out on a Geography field trip; Year 7 have been

‘Pupils experience a broad stimulating curriculum

rehearsing for their performance of Joseph; Year 8 have been

enriched by an excellent, challenging activity programme.’

planning menus for this Friday’s ‘Come Dine with Me’ night;

ISI inspection report 2012

the choir have competed at a festival in Dorking and our

A visit to Pennthorpe soon reveals what a happy place this is. Our recent inspection praised our ‘outstanding pastoral care’ and we have a strong sense of community. Teamwork and respect for others are core values here and it’s no coincidence that the highest honour a pupil can receive is to 60 | W W W. SU SS E X ST Y L E.CO M | AP RI L 2014

sports teams have played 12 fixtures… phew! ‘We only wish we’d found Pennthorpe sooner,’ one family told us recently. Why not come and discover us for yourself? To book your tour, please contact our admissions secretary, Fiona Long on 01403 822391 ext: 201 or email admissions@pennthorpe.com

Excellent teachers are just the beginning Come and find out how we ensure our pupils are happy, confident learners who excel in all areas.

pen morning Tuesday 6th and Saturday 10th May

Entry at Reception, 7+ and 11+. Spaces may be available in other year groups.

Innovative. Creative. Excellent. For girls and boys aged 2-13

www.pennthorpe.com

APR IL 2014 | WWW.SUSSEXSTYLE .C O M | 6 1

MUM ON THE RUN Faced with so many options of what to eat and how to eat it, it’s not surprising that our children are getting so particular about their food, says Laura Jandac

ave you seen the bit in When Harry Met Sally where Meg Ryan takes forever to order her food because she is so particular about how she would like it served? Well in my house at

the moment I feel like that scene is on repeat. My four-year-old son has gone all Jamie Oliver on me.

Historically I’ve never had a problem getting food down him. Always breathing a sigh of relief watching friends with difficult eaters, mine was never fussy and generally anything that was put in front of him was gratefully appreciated, but recently he seems to have an opinion on everything culinary. I asked him yesterday what he wanted for tea and was duly told that he wanted pasta, spaghetti not twirls, red sauce not green sauce (that’s pesto, not anything too sinister) and he would like cheese, but not on top of the pasta; he wanted it

eat bananas anywhere but at home. He wouldn’t touch them

in a bowl on the side. Oh, and some juice – but with a white

at nursery or with friends and not even for Granny. It turns

straw not a red one. Wow.

out that my friend cut them in a particular way and her son

because her daughter will only eat from certain coloured

was convinced that they tasted different and he didn’t like them if they were cut in any other shape.

plates. She also has to choose her own knife and fork or she

But is it our fault? Do we pander to our darlings so much

goes into complete meltdown. I recently decided it was time

that they simply do not compute that they can’t have exactly

to replace all of our babyish plastic plates with some more

what they want? Am I going wrong by even asking my son

grown-up ones and decided on a selection in lots of bright

what he wants? Maybe I should just plonk it in front of

colours. Big Mistake. I had three screaming children on

him with a like-it-or-lump-it attitude and see if he plays

my hands as they all wanted the green one!

ball. When he was younger I would slave over recipes,

Another friend couldn’t understand why her son wouldn’t 62 | W W W. SU SS E X ST Y L E.CO M | AP RI L 2014

creating meals worthy of a Michelin star. I once lost an

ICONOGRAPHY: LUIS PRADO

Where did it all come from? A friend of mine struggles

FAMILY STYLE

❝

I once lost an entire afternoon peeling grapes for one particular Annabel Karmel creation

entire afternoon peeling grapes for one particular Annabel

We are lucky to have, just a 10-minute drive away, a pick-

Karmel creation. I have even been known to take a photo of

your-own farm. I can take my son and his friends to dig up

a breakfast that I was so proud of and duly award myself ten

and pick their own fruit and vegetables and help them to

out of ten for presentation and appearance. So maybe I have

recognise a carrot from a tomato and start to learn about

to take some responsibility for my son’s perfectionist streak.

seasons and availability. I do have a bit of a way to go though

Even during the day we are inundated with food programmes, and Jamie Oliver and two beards (the hairy bikers) are very popular in our house. After one episode of

because my son still gets frustrated that he can’t pick his own bananas in West Sussex! Monsters or not, I was the proudest mother in Sainsbury’s

Nigella a friend’s daughter asked if the chocolate she was

last week when my son shouted out loudly, for the whole

having as an afternoon treat was organic! Have we created

aisle to hear, that he wanted smoked salmon and scrambled

a herd of monsters or should we be proud that they are taking

eggs for breakfast – but they had to be happy eggs! I’m clearly

an interest in what they are eating and what it looks like?

doing something right after all. APR IL 2014 | WWW.SUSSEXSTYLE .C O M | 6 3

FESTIVAL STYLE

Literary Highlights at the Steyning Festival

❝

I love Steyning, and it’s got probably one of the best bookshops I’ve ever visited, with a really lovely, knowledgeable owner

(24th May–8th June)

Sussex Style is the official magazine media partner associated with the Steyning Festival

24th May arvings, Corridors and C Timbres is a Steyning Festival-commissioned theatrical journey by Alex Packer celebrating Steyning Grammar School’s 400-year history. 2.30pm, 4.30pm and 6pm, Steyning Grammar

25th May illian McClure, author of G the award-winning Selkie presents her new book for children, We’re Going to

28th May Literary Lunch for writers and readers to celebrate the Steyning Festival Short Story Awards in the beautiful surroundings of Wilton Park. 11.15 am (lunch at 1.00pm), Wiston House. Ticket price to be confirmed, and includes a two-course lunch.

31st May

7th June

For more information on

Build a Dam, using puppets.

Bethan Roberts, a Festival

An Hour with Julia Donaldson,

tickets and venues, visit

2.30pm, Bookshop Marquee.

favourite who won the

who will be acting out her

www.steyningfestival.co.uk

Jerwood Young Writers’ Prize

stories with her talented

Priority booking for the

in 2007, introduces her new

supporting cast. The

Friends of Steyning Festival

Natalie Haynes,

book, Mother Island. 2.30pm,

Gruffalo will make a guest

will begin at a special event

a newspaper

Bookshop Marquee.

appearance. Ages 5+

on 17th April. Priority booking

11.00am, Steyning Centre.

continues on 18th-19th April.

27th May

columnist (The

Independent/ The Guardian),

4th June

Public booking starts on 22nd

Brighton crime writer Julia

1st and 8th June

documentaries), one-time

Crouch introduces her new

The famous Ann Poupard

or from Steyning Bookshop.

stand-up comedienne and

psychological thriller, The

Theatre Trail takes place in

To become a Friend of the

Man Booker Prize 2013

Long Fall.

different locations around

Festival (£10 per year for

judge, discusses her

2.30pm,

Steyning, with three new

an individual or £15 for

eagerly-awaited first novel,

Steyning

plays and lunch by Chez Joel

a family),contact Jenny

The Amber Fury. 7.30pm,

Library,

in the Bookshop Marquee.

Toomey: jenny.toomey@

venue to be announced.

Church St.

Tickets £30 including lunch.

hotmail.co.uk; 01903 814167

broadcaster (Radio 4

64 | W W W. SU SS E X ST Y L E.CO M | AP RI L 2014

April. Tickets available online

NATALIE HAYNES PHOTOGRAPHY BY DAN MERSH

School, Church Street.

Beyond

PROFILE STYLE

THE GRUFFALO Her unique, charming tales with their catchy rhymes have made Julia Donaldson a household name. Sam Harrington-Lowe meets the celebrated children’s author

ulia Donaldson has

a delight, offering not just a sense

always been something

of childlike wonder, but some

of a star in our house.

inspiring messages. A Squash and

Although my daughter

a Squeeze and Room on the Broom

is a teenager now, she grew up

clearly highlight the benefits

loving Julia’s tales such as

of sharing, for example. In The

A Squash and a Squeeze, Room

Gruffalo, it takes a tiny mouse to

on the Broom and, of course,

face up to a huge monster, only to

The Gruffalo. Julia is now bringing

find that the monster really isn’t

her characters to life in a series

so scary. The sequel, The Gruffalo’s

of live shows around the UK

Child, has an unusual angle in

which includes an appearance

that the story is about a father

at the Steyning Festival.

and child, rather than mother.

‘I love Steyning,’ she says, ‘and

‘Lots of my stories are based on

it’s got probably one of the best

fables, and it’s quite nice to have

bookshops I’ve ever visited, with

a story,’ says Donaldson. ‘but I

a really lovely, knowledgeable

don’t like these things to have a

owner. What we do is an hour-

preachy message. I don’t start by

long show for families, in which

on a farm, and for that we get

we act out about four stories,

children up on the stage making

and about four songs, with

animal noises. There’s a story

lots of audience participation.

called Highway Rat, and then my

And when I say “we”, I’ve got

very first story, A Squash and a

my husband, my sister and a

Squeeze, which is actually a song.

professional actor call Scott

And of course we can’t get away

Hoatson who plays one of the

with not doing The Gruffalo…’

Above: Julia Donaldson is appearing at the Steyning Festival Below: Her new book Sugarlump and the Unicorn

thinking “I wish children would share more”, for example. But there’s some sort of sense of that in most of the stories. ‘When I’m asked where the child’s mother is in The Gruffalo’s Child – mostly by my German readers, strangely enough – I

characters. And possibly a couple

I ask about this, wondering if

never know what to say. I used to

of volunteers from Steyning who

The Gruffalo has become one of

say I don’t know, now I tell them

will be in costume! And then

those things that creators end

that she’s gone on a cruise.’

we get children and adults to

up ruing. ‘It is a bit like being in

Julia Donaldson will be appearing

actually play some of the parts.

a rock band where the audience

at the Steyning Centre on 7th

always want you to do the

June at 11.00, as part of the

‘We start off with a story called Tyrannosaurus Drip, which is

golden oldies,’ she laughs,

Steyning Festival. Tickets will

about a put-upon vegetarian

‘but of course we do it.’

be available from Steyning

dinosaur. Then there’s What the Ladybird Heard, about crime

For me, Julia’s animal characters have always been

Bookshop, £6 for adults and children. Booking details overleaf APR IL 2014 | WWW.SUSSEXSTYLE .C O M | 6 5

GET WAISTED MOVES TO NEW LARGER STUDIO COUTURE HAS ARRIVED IN STEYNING

It has been just over six months since Toni and Get Waisted moved into the beautiful little boutique on Steyning High Street in West Sussex. Everything has gone so well that now they have decided to take on larger premises! But don’t panic (as one famous Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy once observed) – Get Waisted hasn’t gone far - three doors up in fact to number 94. They have taken new, larger space above the lovely people at Vintage & Home. This allows for separate spaces for a studio/workroom, retail and a rather plush consulting room - where clients can look over fabrics and designs in comfort. It’s all very exciting. There is a Genuine Vintage section (at the time of writing there were outfits from Biba, Giorgio Armani and Moschino) as well as selected accessories. There’s always a variety of stylish bags – Get Waisted quickly seems to have established a reputation for the best of these – as well as the great value ex-catwalk lines and photo-shoot items, select ‘ready-to-wear’ designs and of course more space to work on the growing made-to-measure business. Also, don’t be shy – if you’ve got an old favourite, or something that doesn’t quite fit, Toni is always there to help with ‘re-styling’ or alterations to favourite pieces that need a refresh too. We recommend a trip to Get Waisted right now! Whether you are after made-to-measure, ready-to-wear, vintage or a prom dress Toni is just dying to show off her new surroundings. The shop number stays 01903 812992 or you can email her at Toni@getwaisted.co.uk 66 | W W W. SU SS E X ST Y L E.CO M | AP RI L 2014

ADVERTISING FEATURE

APR IL 2014 | WWW.SUSSEXSTYLE .C O M | 6 7

BEST OF

BOTH WORLDS With a town centre on the brink of regeneration and the countryside on its doorstep, Victoria Emerson finds the Mid Sussex rural town of Burgess Hill an attractive prospect

Tell us about it…. Before I visited the previously

it’s easy to see what; Burgess

unchartered territory of Burgess

Hill has everything covered

Hill, I had already done my

for the whole family.

homework by chatting with the

❝

What I find most exciting are the pockets of community spirit that you find around every corner, buzzing with creativity and enterprise

Situated just 10 miles north

locals about where, what and

of Brighton, 16 miles from

why. The thing that struck me

Gatwick Airport and with

was that its inhabitants are all

excellent rail links to London

kinds of passionate about their

(55 minutes to Victoria), Burgess

town. Whether it is the majesty

Hill is a commuter’s paradise.

of the surrounding countryside, the wonders of the area’s recent

68 | W W W. SU SS E X ST Y L E.CO M | AP RI L 2014

something right, and on arrival,

Shopping heaven?

micro-industrial revolution or

I would imagine that living in

the suspense and intrigue of the

Burgess Hill would mean you

proposed new Neighbourhood

get the very best of both worlds;

Regeneration Plan, everyone has

a compact town centre that

something to shout about.

keeps you equipped with all your

I’m also intrigued as to what

standards (Boots, Waitrose etc.)

has caused the town’s population

plus countryside living, seeing

to increase from just 8,000 in

as it’s right on the doorstep

1951, to around a whopping

of the South Downs. There is

30,000 today. They must be doing

no doubt that the town centre

BURGESS HILL STYLE

On the market

main performance space in the Martlets shopping centre and local pubs are the real hub of the social scene. Are there any good schools? Schools-wise you really are spoilt for choice. The rather prestigious Burgess Hill School for Girls is your main contender, with families traveling from far and

Handsome 4-bedroom

wide to send their little ladies

detached Victorian house, built

there for independent schooling

in 1900 on a generous-sized

from the age of 2½–18 years.

half-acre plot. £1.1million

Past pupils of note include the lovely Holly Willoughby and tennis ace Andy Murray’s gorgeous girlfriend Kim Sears. Then there is the very successful St Paul’s Catholic College, about

needs jazzing up as far as shops and aesthetics go, but with a planned regeneration scheme in the pipeline, the promise of larger shops, an arts centre and a facelift for the railway station is soon to become a much-

Clockwise, from left: The Oak Barn restaurant; the Woolpack pub; one of the stalls at Miss Mabel’s Emporium

which I have heard rumours

An attractive 4-bedroom

that parents have even changed

detached house within a

their religion just to send their

5-minute walk of Burgess Hill

children there! Classed in the

School for Girls and mainline

top 100 non-selective secondary

station. £475,000

schools nationally, St Pauls has been top of the class in the eyes of Ofsted for a number of years. What about the property market? Perhaps one of the biggest pulling

2-bedroom end of terrace

factors Burgess Hill has is the

built by Crest Homes, within

are the pockets of community

smorgasbord of property options

a 5-minute walk of St Paul’s

spirit that you find around every

it offers. A visit to a few local

School and the Triangle

corner, buzzing with creativity

estate agents revealed that, given

Leisure Centre. £224,950

and enterprise. Independent

its location in expensive Mid

cafes fill the High Street, local

Sussex, the town probably offers

theatre groups take charge of the

the lowest property prices by ››

welcomed reality. What I find most exciting

All Mansell McTaggart, www.mansellmctaggart.co.uk; 01444 235665

APR IL 2014 | WWW.SUSSEXSTYLE .C O M | 6 9

BURGESS HILL STYLE

a long shot. As a young family, I would be well catered for, with two-bedroom houses starting at around £170,000. Or if you fancy dipping your hand further into your pocket, the outskirts of Burgess Hill is littered with huge, idyllic farmhouses, taking your budget firmly into the millions. Gastro delights I visited on a balmy spring Saturday that saw everyone flocking to the countryside pubs for sunshine drinks and some traditional pub grub. Talk to anyone about the best pub in the area and they point you in the direction of the ‘best kept secret in Burgess Hill’, The Woolpack. Not that much of a secret really,

scone with tea, served on dainty

but wow, what a perfect little

vintage china, as I sat on my

family-run pub. They grow their

cutesy mismatched chair at a

own produce in their allotment

Farrow and Ball upcycled table.

and offer traditional and freshly Sleeping and pampering

prepared English dishes.

Above: Homemade scone on dainty vintage china at Miss Mabel’s Emporium Tea Room

Anything for little ones? The Triangle leisure centre is every parent’s dream. My sister (and mother of twin boys) swears by it. There are more activities for kids available here than

For an overnight stay somewhere

you can shake a Sophie Giraffe

an extensive wine collection,

that’s a bit more original than

at. It boasts not only the best

a roaring fire in the winter and

a Premier Inn, then it’s worth

swimming facilities in Sussex

a beer garden for those long

a short drive to The Hickstead

(including a wave machine, slides

summer days, and I have pretty

Hotel for stylish contemporary

and even a pirate ship), it also

much found my perfect pub.

accommodation within a

has soft play for the wee ones, ice-

breathtaking countryside setting.

skating and bowling to keep the

tickles your fancy every now and

It’s the perfect base if you are

teenagers occupied and (perhaps

then, the locals assure me that

partial to a good Sussex Downs

best of all) loads of extra classes

Flavour by Burgess Hill Station

jaunt or a spot of showjumping.

during the school holidays.

is your best bet for consistently

You don’t have to go far to get

Add to that guest and cask ales,

If, like me, it’s an Indian that

excellent contemporary curries.

pampered in Burgess Hill. Based

? You wouldn’t know this but…

right in the main pedestrian area

The Victoria Industrial Park,

dining experience then look no

of Church Road, the Head To

which is the largest in the town,

further than The Oak Barn up

Toe Therapy Health and Beauty

was formally The Victoria

on Cuckfield Road for mouth-

Studio is your oasis of calm in

Pleasure Gardens, opened in

wateringly good British cuisine.

the bustling town centre. This

1897 to celebrate Queen Victoria’s

For something lighter, afternoon

award-winning salon offers nail

Diamond Jubilee. It included

tea at Miss Mabel’s Emporium

treatments, waxing, massage,

a large lake covering three acres,

Tea Room is a must. I enjoyed

beauty, pampering and more

used for boating in the summer

a generously sized home-made

practical alternative therapies.

and skating in the winter.

For a slightly more upmarket

70 | W W W. SU SS E X ST Y L E.CO M | AP RI L 2014

THE KITCHEN SPECIALISTS THAT YOU CAN TRUST

The Kitchen People 61 The High Street, Lindfield West Sussex RH16 2HN Tel: 01444 484 868 Email: paul@kitchenpeople.co.uk

www.facebook.com/kitchenpeople @kitchenPsarah

Close to home Look no further than these high street stalwarts for contemporary home furnishings with an attractive price tag to match, says Sofie Allsopp

here has been a bit

but it has, and I think it has

of a mini revolution

knocked it out of the park. If you

on the high street of

live in East London, dream of

late, as some of our

owning a converted factory in

best-loved fashion brands have

Berlin or love exposed brickwork,

diversified into homewear and

FCUK’s ‘soft industrial’ style

interiors – yes, you can now buy

will be right up your strasse.

your underwear and your soft

Its furniture, lighting and

furnishings under one roof.

accessories are contemporary,

It might seem unlikely that the

with a pared-back palate of

same people who sell your trusty

greys, whites and pale grey-blues.

six-pack of high-waisted briefs

The use of zinc, brass, copper

are going to make attractive and

and leather lends the creations

stylish sofas, but you may be

a factory feel that would

surprised. Zara, Marks & Spencer,

perfectly suit loft-style living

Next and French Connection all

or appear equally at home in a

have interior design lines – some

contemporary barn conversion.

may be better than others, but

On my wish list is the Wooden

the high street does offer some

Workhouse table (£365) with

genuinely chic and good-value

zinc top and wooden trestle legs.

pieces for the home.

I would team it with some metal

French Connection, with its

and wood school stacking chairs

cheeky FCUK logo and vaguely

from eBay and hang FCUK’s brass

rock ‘n’ roll air, seems an unlikely

prism ceiling lamps (£135) over

brand to venture into interiors,

the centre of the table. For the

72 | W W W. SU SS E X ST Y L E.CO M | AP RI L 2014

INTERIOR STYLE

❝

The high street does offer some genuinely chic and good-value pieces for the home

sitting room I would opt for the leather sling back chair (£350) and the driftwood side table (£145) with silver metal frame and, to finish, the gun-metal fisheye mirror (£125). This is Industrial chic direct from the high street. Zara is my ‘go-to’ for everyday clothes; a good 40% of my wardrobe is courtesy of the Spanish giant, as it does elegant and affordable better than anyone else. Now you can dress your home in Zara as well and I particularly like its kids’ homeware department. My mother was an interior designer and property developer and she believed that children’s rooms should look attractive – Pepto-Bismol pink walls and Disney sheets and curtains were a no-no. Zara strikes the perfect balance with Above: Sherlock armchair in fern £450; Green woven check curtains from £55; Large recycled bottle vase £28; Cushions from £8; Harrogate footstool in fern £299, all Next

its interiors that will appeal to children as well as adults – perfect A P R I L 2 0 1 4 | W W W. S U S S E X ST Y L E . C O M | 7 3

››

INTERIOR STYLE

3 1 2

if your little one’s lair sometimes

red cedar Kensington range.

doubles up as your guest room.

Next also does a fantastic paint

Zara’s children’s linen, bed

range, which is similar in feel to

spreads and fabrics are seriously

Farrow & Ball but considerably

cool. I love the Kids striped

cheaper. It also has an impressive

bedspread (£69.99), which is

selection of over 80 fabrics by the

funky and bright – a riot of neon

metre, allowing you to customise

blue, orange and greens – and

its furnishings and made-to-

I would happily have it on my

measure curtains.

bed. Banish Buzz Lightyear and

For example you can opt for

his ilk and instead opt for Indian

the Sherlock armchair (£399)

Curtain (£39.99), a pretty fabric

covered in Smart Check in

with a Native American motif.

Chatham Green (£25 per metre)

If your house is anything like

and pair with the Harrogate

mine there is a constant battle

buttoned storage footstool (£275)

going on to prevent toys and

in the same material. Next has

children’s clutter from taking

created an interior design service

over, but a couple of multi-

of years – it lost its way for a

coloured cube-shaped baskets

while and strayed into the dowdy

(£39.99) will allow you to keep

camp but is now on trend and

ugly toys hidden away. Woven

includes a surprisingly strong

from sea grass, these beautiful

home and interiors department.

baskets have lids and handles and

It is not as contemporary and

make an elegant alternative to

cool as FCUK, but it has a much

plastic storage boxes.

more extensive range.

Coats and bags can be hung

The custom-made shutter

Above: 1: Owl hook, Zara 2: Conran Bellany dining chair, M&S 3: Gun-metal fisheye mirror, French Connection 4: Sea grass basket, Zara

that covers all bases – from paint to porcelain and curtains to carpets – with styles to suit the majority of budgets and tastes. Finally there is the Queen Mother of the high street, Marks & Spencer. Its home department could be improved upon and it is not a patch on Next’s but it still

up on Zara’s owl hooks (£8.99)

service is a prime example.

boasts some good pieces. I love

and there is a fantastic selection

A Next shutter expert will come

the Conran Bellany Dining Table

of rag and woven rugs to jazz up

to your home and measure your

(£749), and matching dining

the floor and keep your carpets

windows and you can choose

chairs (£429 for two). The name

protected from the dreaded

from over 30 different styles and

is a nod to the doyen of British

Play-Doh and felt-tip pens.

finishes – from the incredibly

style, although I’m not sure Sir

I think Next has had a bit of

well-priced Esher shutter to

Terence would entirely approve

a resurgence over the past couple

the more expensive western

of the association.

74 | W W W. SU SS E X ST Y L E.CO M | A P RI L 2014

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Stunning metal floor lamp in the shape of a narrow tree stem with a vine delicately wrapped around. £240

These merino lambswool throws in three fantastic colour schemes are ideal for keeping the chill away while celebrating being British into the night. £136

Leather-bound reclining chair from Stressless, renowned for their ergonomic designs, comfort and functionality. This model starts from £1663, other models available from £999 76 | W W W. SU SS E X ST Y L E.CO M | AP RI L 2014

A fantastic large ‘Rococo’ mirror , featuring elaborate 3D leaf detail surrounding the ovalshaped mirror. £285

Christy Supreme towels are made from 100% Supima combed cotton, making them soft, fluffy and super absorbent. From £3.50 for face cloths to £30 for bath sheets.

ADVERTISING FEATURE

Fill your home with the scent of a bracing walk on the clifftops with this reed diffuser in Seashore fragrance. £32

Vi-Spring mattresses and divans offer the ultimate in comfort and support. From £1,280

The intricately hand-carved Cristal collection from Willis and Gambier is beautifully crafted from solid wood and finished with silver leaf. Bedside table £409 Add a bit of fun and flair to your room with a multi-coloured striped fabric covered bedside cabinet. £187.50

This luxuriously soft handmade Latte faux fur throw features dual-coloured fibre and a coordinated faux suede lining and reverse. £187.50

These fun, colourful throws are made in the UK using the softest lambswool. £130

This bright yellow knitted cushion features the signature Mr Fox motif from Scion, and coordinates with the Lace Stripe bedlinen. £35

87-89 London Road East Grinstead West Sussex RH19 1EJ T: 01342 325033 www.rusdens.co.uk

APR IL 2014 | WWW.SUSSEXSTYLE .C O M | 7 7

INTERIOR STYLE

COASTAL CHIC

Bring some seaside magic into your home to brighten up your day, whatever the weather, says the Fabric Lady, Laura Jandac

am sick of all the rain. I am obviously not the only one

of home furnishings using her beautiful watercolour

who feels like this but I really am totally fed up. What

seaside paintings. Realising her paintings would transfer

I need is a holiday, I announce to my husband. ‘I don’t

fantastically well onto fabric, Nicole launched Nicole Phillips

care where I go, I just don’t want to be here!’ I yell.

England in 2012. Her range includes tea towels, tablecloths

He will, however, be the first to tell you that that is a big fat

and cushions. There are seafood themes and coastal themes,

lie. I very much do care where I go; I devote weeks – if not

which all make you want to head for the seaside, to suck up

months – of my life to TripAdvisor before I so much as try

some sea air and tuck into fish and chips. The crab cushion

a new restaurant, let alone a hotel, and really the only

will remind you of childhood rock-pooling and the fish on

holiday that I want is two weeks all-inclusive in the Maldives sans children. But this is not going to happen anytime soon. Fine, I think to myself. If I can’t go to the sunshine then I will bring the sunshine and a little holiday spirit to me. I start by buying a bright yellow shower curtain (yes, really),

❝

a line design takes me back to sitting on the

Ther are seafood themes and coastal themes, which all make you want to suck up some sea air and tuck into fish and chips

marina wall with friends, trying to catch anything that would take the bait, which was generally nothing, but the memories are good ones. For the romantics there are kissing mackerel and for the foodies, a beautifully painted lobster. Her products

in the hope that each morning it will brighten up my day

would make wonderful gifts and the fabrics can also be

and make me smile. Nope. Going to have to try much harder.

purchased by the metre, should you have your own ideas.

I grew up on the coast in Brighton and I am always happy

I will get to the Maldives one day, even if it is to celebrate

and relaxed when I’m by the sea. Even now, with all the wind

my golden wedding anniversary, but for the time being

and the rain, it is a fabulous place for a walk; a place to clear

I am more than happy to be at home, relaxing after a long,

the head and get rid of old cobwebs.

exhilerating walk and sharing the sofa with a pair of

Nicole Phillips is a fine artist based not too far from me in West Sussex and she has recently launched a range 78 | W W W. SU SS E X ST Y L E.CO M | AP RI L 2014

kissing lobsters and a glass of wine. www.nicolephillips.com; 01243 684036

Open Good Friday, Easter Saturday & Bank Holiday Monday

La Source Contemporary Living English Made to Measure Sofas and Chairs Unique Selection of Contemporary European Furniture & Accessories Italian Leather Sofas Outdoor Furniture Mirrors & Lighting Full Interior Design Service Full Landscape Design Service FREE Home Design Consultancy Service

La Source 3 East Street, Horsham Tel: 01403 218686 | Email: chris@lasourcedesign.com | www.lasourcedesign.com Follow us on

Twitter - @chrislasource and

Facebook - La Source

Personal

SERVICE The Upholsterer prides itself on its friendly, quality-focused service, which is why it has become a haven for those looking for furnishings with a personal touch

he success of The Upholsterer would, according to Mary Portas, appear to

go against the commonly held perception of what is happening on Britain’s high streets. This personalised, qualityfocused, and independent supplier of upholstery services, individually tailored curtains, fabrics and bespoke furniture,

abilities enable her to help clients

as well as interior design services

find exciting solutions to their

has not only survived the

design and fabric needs.

recession but has moved from

Above: Upholsterer Milos Jandac at work

A full upholstery service is

consultancy service, which includes design advice, measurement, finish and trimmings guidance so as to

offered, including advice and

match the customer’s budget

consultancy on a range of

and style requirements. Similarly

in October 2009 by the husband

options such as piping finish,

with blinds, where the sheer

and wife team of Laura and Milos

deep buttoning, padding, and

volume of blind types and

Jandac. Milos is the upholsterer

replacement springs. A choice

operating mechanisms can

and brings more than 20 years’

of more than 2,500 fabrics is

be difficult to fathom, tailored

experience to the craft he cares so

designed to meet the needs of

consultancy and guidance is

much about. Laura is a graduate

most clients and their varied

offered with The Upholsterer’s

of Leeds University having

demands and budgets from

compliments.

studied Textile Design, which she

conservative to more eclectic

supplemented with a diploma

or contemporary tastes.

strength to strength. The Upholsterer was opened

in Interior Design at the world-

In line with The Upholsterer’s

renowned KLC School of Design

philosophy of tailoring their

in Chelsea Harbour. Fabrics are

services to meet customer’s

Laura’s passion, which when

specific needs, all curtains

combined with her creative

are handmade locally. A free

80 | W W W. SU SS E X ST Y L E.CO M | AP RI L 2014

The space in which we live has a vital influence on our state

❝

of being. The Upholsterer is

The Upholsterer has become a haven for anyone wishing to steer away from commercially produced furnishings

ADVERTISING FEATURE

happy to offer decoration advice

that is based totally around

on transforming a blank canvas

the customer and their needs.

into a finished living area. Its

Their shop is run with a relaxed

samples service ensures that you

ambience and style that enables

are able to colour match and

the best choice for the customer

compliment existing features,

to come to the fore.

shades and fabrics.

The Upholsterer has become

For those who cannot find

a haven for anyone wishing to

the exact design or shape they

steer away from commercially

really want Milos has years of

produced standard furnishings

experience in designing and

so as to create their own personal

creating bespoke furniture

touch. The workshop is on

that meets a customer’s exact

site and potential and existing

requirements. From sofas

customers are encouraged to

and chairs to upscale

view the high quality of

children’s furniture, Milos offers

workmanship for which the

a personalised approach to

business has become known.

meeting a customer’s needs. At The Upholsterer, Laura and Milos have created an approach

Above and right: furniture restoration and re-upholstery can have a stunning impact on your interior space

The Upholsterer, 15 North

FOR GUIDANCE OR A FREE CONSULTATION

Call Laura on 01730 810284 or email her at laura@theupholsterermidhurst.co.uk. Alternatively pop in to the shop anytime between Tuesday and Saturday.

Street, Midhurst, GU29 9DH APR IL 2014 | WWW.SUSSEXSTYLE .C O M | 8 1

ENGINE DRIVER Our new digital columnist Adam Stafford is here to demystify the world of digital marketing. Here, he looks at the world of search engine optimisation

here has been a great deal of change in digital

In forthcoming articles, I will explain the meaning behind

marketing over the past 18 months and you can

some of the algorithm updates that Google has introduced

guarantee there will be plenty still to come.

over the past 18 months. The other area that I will be focusing

Over the next few months I will provide website

on is how vital it is that YOU understand how your website

owners with an up-to-date summary of some key areas that,

functions. Plus I will be covering conversion optimisation;

I believe, deserve investment of their time. I will look at

ensuring that you maximise the efficiency of the traffic to

recent changes in the digital space, how these changes have

your website and convert more visitors into customers.

affected the way people market their websites and the direction we should all be taking as a result.

Investing in getting visitors to your website is only the first stage of a successful digital marketing campaign. The next

Unless digital marketing is your full-time career, you

stage is to ensure that your website is finely tuned, to make

cannot be expected to keep up to date with every advance.

sure that visitors are guided through an easy and efficient

For now, the good news is that things don’t have to be complicated. You don’t need to be technically minded to achieve online success but if your business depends on your web presence to survive or

❝

journey, towards their ‘call to action’;

You don’t need to be technically minded but if your business depends on your web presence to survive or grow you do need to invest the time

whether that is to make a purchase or to make an enquiry. If you do just one thing to your website this month, I suggest you take a good look at your homepage

grow, you do need to invest the time; not just hand over

and put yourself in the shoes (and minds) of your target

a few hundred pounds to an ‘SEO agency’ each month.

audience. Think about the key information they would want

To gain favour in search engines such as Google your first

to see there. Is it obvious what the website offers? Is there

prerogative is to ensure that you consider your audience.

a clear call to action? Is the content rich, engaging and

Why should your website appear in Google when someone

relevant to their needs? If you begin to think and work in

is searching for your business? You need to make sure that

this way, search engine reward will follow!

you have considered the intent behind your visitors’ search requests and then align your website accordingly. To gain the required visibility in Google, the content on

For further help, visit the Fresh Egg website and take a look at the Page Performance Metrics Widget in the resource section, or read the blog post, ‘How to Track and Measure

your website must be rich, unique and relevant. Ensure

Page Performance in the New World Order of SEO’.

that your website contains content that addresses the needs

Adam Stafford is the MD and co-founder of integrated digital

of the visitor in the context of their search, fulfilling their

marketing agency Fresh Egg, a fast-growing and dynamic

needs at different stages of the buying cycle.

agency based in Worthing. www.freshegg.co.uk

84 | W W W. SU SS E X ST Y L E.CO M | AP RI L 2014

BUSINESS STYLE

HAS SPRING SPRUNG?

Many businesses are feeling enthusiastic about their prospects in 2014, says Jeremy Taylor, CEO of Gatwick Diamond Business

n times of difficulty it is natural for the business owner

just listen to those who agree with you, because we all need

to start to withdraw, and many adopt a defensive mind-

to be challenged from time to time. You might think that

set. A lot of businesses that have survived the downturn

‘if it ain’t broke, why fix it?’ but it’s important to get a check

have done so because they’ve focussed on their core

on existing practices before they start to creak.

skills and abilities. However that mind-set is less relevant

Understand and influence what is happening in your

as we start to see recovery developing. And I do believe it is

region. This is vital, and far too few businesses really

developing. I doubt we’ll see explosive growth as we’ve seen

understand how to communicate with their local authorities,

in the past, but this was always going to be difficult to sustain.

the economic partnership or their LEP. These organisations

It’s time to start stretching your aspirations, but always keep

have great sway over what happens in your business so

in mind your core skills and reflect on why you got into

make sure they know what you need.

this business in the first place. And whatever the economic

Network, network, network. Because you never know who

conditions, it makes sense to continue to:

you might meet! It could mean new customers, suppliers,

Listen to your customers. After all, they are the people who

business partners and those you might like to influence too.

are paying you money to do what you do.

Jeremy Taylor is CEO of Gatwick Diamond Business, the business

Seek advice. And do remember that sometimes the best

association for the Gatwick Diamond region, and he has over 30

advice is that which makes you feel uncomfortable. Don’t

years’ experience in business. www.gatwickdiamondbusiness.com

Regain the use of this valuable space and start enjoy your conservatory again by contacting us today for a free, no obligation quotation

APR IL 2014 | WWW.SUSSEXSTYLE .C O M | 8 5

BIG DEAL BEHIND THE WHEEL

MARTIN WE

SUCCESSF UL ENTREP RENEUR FATHER OF 50 TWO KNOWLEDG 65 E OF PUB BU SINESS DAD DANCI 100 NG 5

Each month we pick a Sussex star to drive a new car. This month, Martin Webb opts for a Range Rover Sport 3.0

artin Webb is a

yourself into a very luxurious

serial business

and leathery space shuttle. As

entrepreneur

you open the door, electric steps

and presenter on

whir out to meet your expectant

Channel 4’s Risking It All. He first

feet, leaving you under the

set up his business, C-Side, in the

impression that you’re entering

Nineties, operating 30 bars and

a very potent piece of technology.

nightclubs in Brighton and Hove,

But for all the macho exterior

before selling it in 2001 for £15m.

styling, with its big black alloy

He’s currently expanding a chain of family pubs and restaurants, starting with The

wheels and go-faster bulges, it’s a different story inside. With its clean lines, digital read-

Stoneham and The Connaught

outs and everything just to hand,

in Hove, and The Dyke in

it’s a nice place to sit and look

Brighton. He also writes for

down on your fellow road users.

The Daily Telegraph and has

And the looking down part is why

written a book called Make Your

most people would buy a car like

First Million: Ditch the 9-5 and

this – no one’s ever going to drive

Start the Business of Your Dreams.

it off-road, but they do want a quick, safe, stylish ride that’s got

Describe getting into the car.

a commanding view of the traffic

How does it feel?

and feels like it’s indestructible.

Just walking up to this car is a bit of an event. It’s big, muscular

Is it what you expected?

and shouts ‘look at me’. Getting

I had mixed views about the old

in feels like you’re strapping

Range Rover Sport. It’s always

❝

It’s big, muscular and shouts ‘look at me’. But for all the macho exterior styling, with its big black alloy wheels and go-faster bulges, it’s a different story inside. 86 | W W W. SU SS E X ST Y L E.CO M | AP RI L 2014

been either a footballer’s car or something safe to do the prepschool run in. As the model aged it went downmarket in my opinion, becoming the favoured ride of ne’er-do-wells and dodgy chaps who have lots of cash but no real job. The people at Range Rover have clearly taken this on board and the new model simply

MOTORING STYLE

THE CAR: RANGE ROVER SPORT 3.0 SDV6 HSE 5D List price (on the road) £59,995 Engine

6cyl 2993cc

Driven wheels

4WD

Power (bhp)

292

0-62 (mph)

6.80

Top Speed (mph)

130

MPG (combined)

What are your favourite things about this motor? I loved the pace, response and handling of the car. I loved the solidity of the construction and the brilliant use of technology. Was there anything you hated? The car I tested was blue. Who wants to drive a blue car? Other than that, this model had a hydraulic boot lid. If you feel you need to opt for this, then you’re just plain lazy. What would you change? Apart from the colour, I’d also lose the electric side steps. They quick it is. While not for a second exceeding the speed limit, I soon realised that this car is a street rocket. Despite its size, the Range Rover Sport can move, stick to

Above: The Range Rover Sport 3.0 is safe, stylish and indestructible

kept trying to trip me up and were a hindrance rather than a help. I also found all the leather beautiful, but having two young urchins to taxi around, I’m sure

the road and go round corners at

I’d end up spending a lot of time

remarkably fast speeds. In fact,

trying to keep the pristine acres

feels classier. It’s got cleaner

the performance reminded me

of cowhide clean.

looks and a better quality interior

of the various German sports

and is less likely to appeal to the

cars I’ve owned over the years,

If this car were an outfit, what

criminal fraternity.

and this of course is the key.

would it be?

This is a car for people who’d

A serious bit of British tailoring,

Who would drive this car?

rather have a sports car but

with knuckle-dusters and

This is still going to be a

now have to carry babies,

sprinting shoes to match.

footballer’s ride, but there’s more

toddlers, pets and all the other

to this car that just that. The first

inconvenient paraphernalia that

Hit or miss?

thing that stuck me was just how

clutter up life once you’re over 30.

Absolute hit. I want one now. APR IL 2014 | WWW.SUSSEXSTYLE .C O M | 8 7

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We offer a bespoke advertising service through our in-house design services, tailored to your individual requirements. Whether youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re interested in advertising, advertorials, promotions, competitions, sponsorship, front covers or something else, we can find a solution for you. Sussex Style guarantees that we will showcase your brand across East, West and Mid-Sussex, through our distribution in selected branches of Waitrose, Sainsburyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s, Tesco and Budgens throughout the region. Email info@sandrpublishing.co.uk to talk to us about what we can do for your brand

READERS STYLE

Get in touch

samhl@sandrpublishing.co.uk twitter: @SussexStyleMag facebook: www.facebook.com/ SussexStyleMagazine

COMMENT NEWS, VIEWS AND WORDS FROM SUSSEX

Dear Sussex Style I picked up a copy of Sussex Style in my local Sainsbury’s

Highdown Gardens, Worthing By Don Filliston The Gardens are a sight to see, With views across the Downs and Sea.

recently, and I

Set in a chalk pit, shallow soil,

was expecting

Then over years, improved with toil.

the typical free-sheet mix

Rare and lovely plants from China;

of blatant advertorials and

Specimen trees, you’ll see no finer.

wincingly bad articles – but

Deemed a ‘National Collection’,

I was very pleasantly surprised indeed. It’s great to see a local

Yours to explore with much affection. Herb Garden, then Birch Bark Cherries,

magazine providing informative

Lilacs, Junipers, shrubs and berries.

and entertaining pieces,

Musk Rose tumbling down cliff face

professionally and attractively

And covering the chalk apace.

put together. Congratulations.

At its best with spring bulbs showing,

Tanya A, Sussex

Then Peonies and Bearded Iris glowing. Peace and tranquillity all around, Soft plants and grasses thrive, abound. With water features, glistening there And Damselflies hover in still air. Geraniums brightening the scene, Their themes are of white, blue and green. Meandering paths, well tended beds

Dear Sussex Style

And Hellebores with lowered heads.

I loved the article about getting

Paper Bark Maple, shapely, poses,

scholarships in the March issue.

Leads to beds of old fashioned Roses.

It’s something we’ve been looking

Now the Beech Wood, majestic towers,

into for our son but didn’t really

All carpeted, in Spring, with flowers.

know where to start, so Sam

More island beds, a Judas Tree;

Bilton’s feature on bursaries and

Wide range of plants, murmuring bee.

scholarships was really useful.

Now through the Pittosporum Hedge,

At least we know a bit more

To enter Lower Garden’s edge.

about it now, and what kind of

Long Rose Pergola, Ilex Oaks;

options there are available. Not

Fig Trees whose fruits are hard to coax.

entirely sure how pleased our son would be to wear some of those

See Indian Horse Chestnuts in line. The Strawberry Tree’s now doing fine.

uniforms we saw though!

How beautiful this visit’s been.

Mrs Sadler, Crowborough

Will you come and help? – I’m quite keen!

Dear Sussex Style It’s always hard for me to read features about domestic violence because it’s something I’ve been through recently myself. I lived in fear for years, protecting our children and not knowing where to turn and Rise (the domestic violence charity in Brighton) were amazing in helping us. We didn’t know where to turn and they were able to give us advice and support, and make the unthinkable happen – to actually get free. I was touched to read Julie Graham’s experience and really thrilled about the End Of event that is happening in April. Thanks for bringing this to more people’s attention. Name and address supplied

CHOCOLATE FESTIVAL WINNERS Congratulations to these five lucky readers, who each won a pair of tickets to Brighton’s Chocolate Festival last month. We hope you had a fabulous time! - Julia Turner from Burgess Hill - Kathi Blackford from Heathfield - Rob Spriggs from Brighton - Alison Womersley from Burgess Hill - Caryl Stamp from Worthing

APR IL 2014 | WWW.SUSSEXSTYLE .C O M | 8 9

LAST WORD

A T LL ORDER DANIEL RAVEN IS NO LONGER ENJOYING THE VIEW...

he first time I saw an artist’s impression of

– no Labour) once as in thrall to The Jetsons as I? I can think

Brighton’s proposed i360 tower, waaaaaay back

of no other reason why anyone old enough to remember

in the mists of time (the internet is telling me

the Millennium Dome would be so insanely reckless. Of

2006 but, the way I remember it, we were all

course, the idea is that we’ll eventually get all that money

still wearing hats), I’m sorry to say that it made quite an

back and more besides, because the £36 million will actually

impression on me. I was part of the very last generation

be borrowed from the government and then lent to the

of children for whom mainstream TV, films and comics

developers by the council, which will then (theoretically) be

would routinely represent the world of tomorrow as

able to make money off the interest payments. But that won’t

a pristine paradise of smooth, shiny,

happen unless the attraction is

improbable curves, so my initial

a huge success, so it still boils

reaction was very much to think,

down to gambling with public

‘Cor, look at that – the future’s

money. And let’s not forget what

coming to Brighton!’

happened in America with the

And I’d probably be thinking the

sub-prime mortgage crisis – that

same thing now, if the i360 was

whole ‘carousel of debt’ shtick is

still just something that some rich

SO not a good look these days...

lunatic (I’m thinking half-Willy Wonka, half-Paul Robinson off Neighbours) might one day build, ‘just because he could’. But after eight years of awkward meetings and unreturned phone calls failed

❝

More to the point, it won’t be a

Were council leader Jason Kitcat and the other council members who voted in favour of the tower once as in thrall to The Jetsons as I?

huge success. Not everyone’s into the world of tomorrow; some people even get a bit creeped out by it. A lot of other people are afraid of heights. And there

to yield a single credible backer for their giant-doughnut-on-

really isn’t that much to see from that part of the prom, when

a-pole concept, developers Marks Barfield turned to Brighton

you think about it – ironically, in fact, some of the streets

and Hove Council and asked them to fund the whole thing

around that area are in such a state that the council has

– all £36 million’s worth. And the council – a Green-controlled

pledged to use part of its incipient interest-based windfall

council whose every previous action has suggested more

to fund improvements! After that you’re just left with the

of an affinity for grime and sustainable herbs than shiny,

greying spines of the Kingswest, the Seventies logic puzzle

improbable curves – said yes.

blockorama of the Brighton Centre and the ruined hulk of the

Were council leader Jason Kitcat and the other council

West Pier... All, coincidentally, edifices that, in their day, were

members who voted in favour of the tower (tellingly, the day

widely considered to be the last word in futuristic, statement-

was won by a coalition between the Greens and the Tories

making landmark design. Can I get a plus ça change...?

90 | W W W. SU SS E X ST Y L E.CO M | AP RI L 2014

A l e x i s D ov e FI N E

J E W E L L E R Y

Collections | Commissions | Unique and Unusual Engagement Rings The Needlemakers, Lewes, East Sussex, BN7 2NZ 01273 945786 www.alexisdove.com