Bolnore Village
Your retreat in the heart of the Sussex countryside Choose from three stunning developments in Haywards Heath Enjoy a new Crest Nicholson home in popular Haywards Heath – a rural retreat located close to the South Downs National Park, yet with excellent connections to Central London, Gatwick Airport and Brighton. This historic town offers the very best of town and country living and at Crest Nicholson we have a portfolio of properties to suit all needs, from stylish apartments to 5 bedroom family homes.
Help to Buy and Part Exchange available.* To find out more call or visit one of our developments today. www.crestnicholson.com *Terms and conditions apply. Speak to the Sales Advisor for full details. Photography taken at respective developments. Prices correct at time of going to press.
Haywards Heath | RH17 7SF
Haywards Heath | RH16 4QX
Haywards Heath | RH16 4QX
Following the success of St Francis Park, Woodside offers a new collection of 2, 3 & 4 bedroom homes.
Situated close to Haywards Heath Station and ideal for commuters, Bolnore Village offers aspirational homes in a rural setting.
An exclusive collection of just 9 luxurious 5 bedroom homes set in a leafy enclave in Bolnore Village, now 50% sold.
2 bedroom apartments Prices from £204,950
4 bedroom houses Prices from £449,950
5 bedroom executive homes Prices from £964,950
3 & 4 bedroom houses Prices from £384,950 To find out more email woodside@crestnicholson.com or call 01444 221 130
Just 1 home remains
To find out more email bolnorevillage@crestnicholson.com or call 0870 750 8401
Last chance to buy!
To find out more email hartswood@crestnicholson.com or call 0870 750 8401
01932 580 444
ggggggggg style
December 2013 - January 2014
contents
10
4
www.sussexstyle.com
56
38
42
46
54
The Fabric Lady
60
Unique gifts for the home
64
Style File
60 66 at home Special report - care in 72 the home
Sofie Allsop – Christmas
6
Editor’s Letter
8
Gadgets to entertain
66
74 Believe
Arundel – Land of Make
10
Cleo Rocos talks Tequila
14 and men
Party looks for women
20
Heaven scent – for women and men
24
Beauty goes highbrow
26
Opinion – Christmas
30
Sussex Bites – food news
32
Foodie Christmas gifts
36
Sussex Style eats Italian
38 Waller
Profile – photographer JJ
42
Weekend away – Bristol
46 Cottage
D ream home – Starvecrow
54
Design Focus
78
Family Style Section
88
Letter’s Page
90
Last Word – Daniel Raven
74
Contributors Jess Denny
Jess studied Interior Design but spent the first 15 years of her career in the film industry, launching video labels for both Tartan Films and Phaidon Books. She has returned to her love of design by opening a shop in Steyning selling beautifully designed pieces for your home as well as unique gifts.
Laura Jandac
Laura grew up in Brighton and only left to do her textiles degree in Leeds. She is now back in Sussex, running the very successful The Upholsterer in Midhurst and uses her knowledge to advise clients on fabrics and interior decoration. Laura couldn’t live without her son Archie or her KitchenAid.
EDITOR’S style
Welcome to the December issue of
D Sussex Style
W
e have a lot to celebrate this December and are really getting into the Christmas spirit as we raise our glasses to Sussex Style’s first anniversary.
It’s been a fantastic year and to celebrate our success we hope you enjoy our new look magazine and refreshed content. Don’t miss our new family section, which we hope will both amuse and inform. We have great ideas on where to go with the kids over the holidays, as well as discovering where Santa will be appearing in Sussex this Christmas. And we hope you’ll be amused by the trials of Christmas shopping with a toddler in tow, and trying to be a supermum, juggling the work-life balance.
You’ll be sure to find something that suits, with our pick of eveningwear for men and women to see you through the party season in style, as well as gadgets to entertain and inspirational Christmas gift ideas for the whole family – from food to fragrances and lots more. Laura Jandac finds the perfect present to give her husband – decorating what he calls his sanctuary, the downstairs loo – while Sofie Allsop gives us the lowdown on Christmas chez Allsop. Don’t miss Daniel Raven’s views on the latest phenomenon that is the Christmas ‘event’ TV ads and read what he has to say about Joey Essex on the back page. I chat to photographer JJ Waller about his dramatic career and our food and drink writer Sam Bilton spends an evening with Cleo Rocos drinking Tequila – and surprisingly, not a hangover between them. I said in the November issue that I would be brushing up my brows after interviewing Mary-Anne Hunter from Pretty Permanent Make-up, and you can see the results for yourself in this issue.
Summerhill House Hythe Road, Kent TN24 0NE 01273 358850 www.sussexstyle.co.uk Editor-in-Chief Gaynor Wetherall Deputy Editor Katie Wyartt Food & Drink Editor Sam Bilton Fashion Editor Danielle Collier Contributors Cameron Fry, Norman Miller, Jess Denny, Sofie Allsop, Laura Jandac, Emma Piper, Daniel Raven Creative Director Studio 16 Creative Head of Finance Richard Judd Managing Director Seán Kane Published by S and R Publishing Ltd Sussex Style Magazine www.facebook.com/SussexStyleMagazine SussexStyleMag www.twitter.com/SussexStyleMag Sussex Style Copyright 2013-12 ISSN 2049-6036 TM
Cover Photo: Room Divider as seen on Page 60. Supplied by Spotted - Steyning.
Wishing you all a wonderful Christmas and see you in the New Year.
We’d love to hear your comments, views and suggestions for Sussex Style so please email me: editor@sandrpublishing.co.uk
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www.sussexstyle.com | December 2013
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 content may be used in other form or publication without the publishers consent. Every care is taken in the preparation of this magazine, but the contents are only meant as a guide to readers. The proprietors of this publication, our 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 2013 S and R Publishing Ltd – Sussex Style TM.
Gadget style
HighTech Gorgeous gadgets to entertain you, picked by Cameron Fry from Liqui design consultancy Tape Recorder iPhone Speaker, thumbsUp! A retro cassette recorder, which is a speaker for your iPhone, featuring real working buttons and pull-out handle, just like the ones we had at school. Available at www.iwantoneofthose.com £25.99
Hexbug Nano The robotic creature that behaves like a real bug! We have lots of fun at Liqui playing with these. Available at Cyberdog, Brighton £10
Sony HDR-TD30VEBDI 3D Full HD Camcorder This camcorder will allow you to open up a world of 3D-video recording on a personal level. Available at Currys £779.99
T Parrot Drone 2.0, Parrot An advanced ready-to-fly Wi-Fi controlled quadricopter, suitable for indoor or outdoor use. It comes complete with a front-facing 720p camera, which can record HD footage to your iOS or Android device. Think of the fun you could have with one of these. Available at Sussex Model Centre, Worthing £279.99
Zipbuds Earphones, Zipbuds No more tangled wires with these earphones! Simply zip the cable to the length that suits you, and zip completely to store. Available at Urban Outfitters, Brighton £15
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BeoPlay A9, Bang & Olufsen This elegant speaker will not only fill your room with incredible sound, but will look amazing doing it. Available at Bang & Olufsen, Eastbourne £1,699
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Sip
don’t
shoot Cleo Rocos chats to Sam Bilton about why drinking Tequila doesn’t necessarily mean taking a bobsleigh to hell...
T
equila is my nemesis. In the past I have tried to befriend it but my conciliatory efforts have been in vain. Margaritas look harmless enough but they are world-class kickboxers disguised as demure Girl Guides. In my experience they pack one hell of a punch with an aftershock that just keeps on coming. The American stand up comedian George Carlin once said, ‘One Tequila, two Tequila, three Tequila, floor’. With me it’s more like ‘One Tequila, two Tequila, three Tequila, bolt for the loo’. My early encounters with Tequila have neither been auspicious nor happy. So, my initial reaction when I received an invitation to go on a Tequila pub-crawl with Cleo Rocos was ‘No way José!’ But a food writer-friend persuaded me that it would be a laugh. Plus I secretly thought I could get away without drinking any Tequila. I was wrong. Cleo burst onto our televisions screens in The Kenny Everett Television Show on BBC1 in the Eighties. She is still full of the same vivacious energy but has gone on to prove that she is far more than the scantily clad sex object she often depicted in Everett’s show. She has appeared in numerous television shows on both sides of the Atlantic; is a television and theatre producer and is a shrewd business women with her own brand of Tequila called AquaRiva. ‘Do you like Tequila?’ Cleo asks when I first meet her. She has an infectious smile, which impels me to be honest. ‘I’m not really a fan,’ I confess, attempting to be as tactful as possible. ‘I’ve had too many bad experiences with it in the past.’ ‘How fabulous to have someone here who absolutely hates Tequila,’ she laughs. ‘You’ll love it by the end of
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the evening. You haven’t had real Tequila until you’ve had 100% agave Tequila.’ I can feel the fear welling up inside my stomach. There is no backing out of the Tequila-drinking. I just have to grin and bear it. ‘It takes a lot of courage to return to Tequila once you’ve been scarred by the horrible stuff,’ Cleo concedes. The problem, she explains, is not the quantity but the quality of what’s consumed. Most of the Tequila available to buy in supermarkets or in bars in the UK is mixed Tequila, a noxious blend of sugar cane-based industrial alcohol and only 51% agave. The body finds it hard to process this concoction, resulting, as Cleo likes to put it, in ‘taking a bobsleigh to hell’. Like me, Cleo used to hate Tequila, having previously only been acquainted with Tequila shots. In her book The Power of Positive Drinking she describes her first experience of 100% agave Tequila – drinking it straight, at room temperature and sipping it like they do in Mexico. ‘This is why it tasted and felt so different to drink. I sipped it, I loved it and I never, ever looked back.’ she writes. In 2009, Cleo embarked on a mission to bring affordable, 100% agave tequila to the UK market. She spent 10 months working with a master blender in Mexico to perfect her range of Tequilas, made from weber blue agave. She describes herself as a Tequila evangelist and has even received an award from the president of the Tequila industry in Mexico for her dedication to and promotion of the Tequila category. This is no mean feat as 100% agave Tequila is strictly regulated in Mexico. She is officially recognised as the Tequila Queen.
Celebrity style
How fabulous to have someone here who absolutely hates Tequila. You’ll love it by the end of the evening
December 2013 | www.sussexstyle.com
11
Celebrity style
I still had my doubts about the after-effects of drinking Tequila, even 100% agave Tequila. I eyed my margarita with suspicion. Sitting on the edge of my seat (just in case I needed to make a hasty exit), I took my first tentative sip. The liquid was pleasantly spine-shudderingly zesty. Yes, it had an alcoholic kick but my stomach didn’t have the urge to retaliate. The paint stripper aroma I usually associate with Tequila was also missing. Even in its neat form it smelled more citrussy and floral than other brands of Tequila. But I really wouldn’t know until the following morning whether I had avoided the hangover from hell. It’s the dreaded hangover, or rather how to avoid one, which inspired Cleo to write her Positive Drinking book. The book provides 12 chapters on how to get the best from different alcoholic beverages, interlaced with amusing anecdotes which are genuinely laugh-out-loud funny (I’ll never be able to drink a glass of Champagne again without thinking about ‘Hovercraft Hetty’). ‘Drinking can be a fabulous experience,’ Cleo explains. ‘You just need to drink well.’ She points out that most people are aware of the healthy eating messages such as consuming your five-a-day, but not so many people think about what they are drinking. Alcohol is only partly to blame for the hangover. The mixers can be equally culpable. Many drinks, both alcoholic and non-alcoholic, are laced with additives, such as preservatives and sugar, which can cause wild mood swings. This brings us to Cleo’s second golden rule for a hangover free night – only ever mix Tequila (or any spirit for that matter) with pure, natural ingredients. Her perfect margarita recipe only contains three ingredients – 100% agave Tequila, lime juice and organic agave syrup. AquaRiva also produces the latter. Organic agave syrup is 25% sweeter than sugar but with a much lower Glycemic Index (GI), so you don’t need to use as much, thereby reducing calories. Several margaritas later I was even brave enough to try some neat Tequila, sipping rather than shooting it (which is Cleo’s rule number three for a hangover-free morning after). The following morning I felt quite chipper. In fact, I felt great – which has never been the case before when I’ve been drinking spirits all night. I agree with Cleo. Drinking should be a stylish and glamorous affair. And if we follow her lessons on positive drinking it can be that way for us too.
AquaRiva Tequila is available at www.drinkshop.com and at Waitrose and Sainsbury’s stores nationwide. The Power of Positive Drinking by Cleo Rocos is published by Random House, £9.99. We have three copies of Cleo’s book to give away to Sussex Style readers. Just email your name and address to editor@sandrpublishing.co.uk
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ct Cleo’s Perfe ecipe Margarita R Ingredients sado Tequila a Blanco or Repo 35mls AquaRiv lime) e juice (about 1 25mls fresh lim e syrup av ag iva organic 15mls of AquaR cks. served on the ro Lots of ice into a glass. Best ur po d an l el w Shake
Cleo’s Top 5 Tequila Facts 1. Tequila is made from the agave plant, which is part of the lily family even though it looks like a cactus. 2. Never drink anything with a dead animal in the bottle, no matter what the friendly local tells you. 3. You do not drink a good Tequila shot with salt and lime. Leave that to the Gringos. Sip don’t shoot. 4. In Mexico more women than men drink Tequila. 5. Never drink with dreary people.
CELEBRATE YOUR CHRISTMAS MOMENTS
w.bruford - Inspired, Jewellery & Watch Collection.pdf 1 10/12/2012 13:39:20
C
M
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CM
MY
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CMY
K
Arndale Centre Eastbourne, East Sussex BN21 3NW, 01323 410264 www.inspiredbybrufords.com Be inspired at pandora.net
Name: w.bruford
Contact: Karen
Date: 5th December 2012
All Artwork is the property of PKW Sign Studio Ltd. unless otherwise stated.
Scale: NA
Revision Number: 1
t. 01323 639073 e. pkwsignstudio@btconnect.com
www.pkwsignstudio.com
party time It’s that time of year again, giving you the perfect excuse for a new outfit. Here’s our round-up of the best buys, picked by Sussex Stylist Danielle Collier
Right and bottom left: Giambattista Valli Bottom right: Christopher Kane
Dress £160, Topshop, stores throughout Sussex, see website for store information
Dress £30, Dorothy Perkins, stores throughout Sussex, see website for store information
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Fashion
Lipsy dress £120, Next, stores throughout Sussex, see website for store information
Janie print dress £99, Mint Velvet, Chichester
Dress £250, Jaeger, Brighton
Dress £150, East, Brighton, Chichester, Lewes
A key buy for the festive season is a new dress. Whether it’s a classic LBD or something a little more adventurous, the high street has some great styles this season to flatter any body shape....
Dress £175, Whistles, Brighton
style
Ted Baker Izzie dress £139, Bone Clothing, Lewes
Bodyfrock bodycon dress £175, Private Collection, Forest Row
Milly Ostrich feather dress £635, Profile, Brighton
December 2013 | www.sussexstyle.com
15
Christopher Kane
Kensington coat £399, Hobbs, Brighton
Matthew Williamson dress £3,800, Profile, Brighton
The Fifties were prominent on the catwalk for autumn/winter 2013, with both large and small design houses referencing key silhouettes and materials. Elegance and glamour are typical of this era, with flattering cuts and feminine colours.
Feather cape £90, Topshop, stores throughout Sussex, see website for store information
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Invitation Laurence dress £349, Hobbs, Brighton
Emily & Fin Norma dress £67, JoJo Boutique, Haywards Heath
Fashion
style
Dress £125, Jaeger, Brighton
Gucci jacket £2,070, Profile, Brighton
Dolce & Gabbana floral dress £1,565, Profile, Brighton
Louche Paloma dress £49, Joy Boutique, Brighton
Leather skirt £275, Whistles, Brighton
Marc Jacobs
A c c e sso r i e s
Coccinelle Otis Ostrich handbag £335, Vanilla Bags, Worthing
Ruby Shoo Cheer boot £59, Private Collection, Forest Row
Faux fur stole £90, Topshop, stores throughout Sussex, see website for store information
Pink Tartan
December 2013 | www.sussexstyle.com
17
Suits you sir… Sussex Stylist Danielle Collier on menswear trends, available on the high street
Green blazer £79.99, Zara, Brighton
Minimum Sam blazer £170, Badger Clothing, Brighton
Two-piece suit £220, Topman, stores throughout Sussex, see website for store information
A well-fitting suit or blazer should be a staple for any man over the Christmas season. For autumn/winter 2013, designers have experimented with cut, colour and pattern to bring the classic suit into the modern day
Checked suit £99, Next, stores throughout Sussex, see website for store information
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Grey suit £163, Next, stores throughout Sussex, see website for store information
Paul Smith London suit £649, Profile, Brighton
fashion style
Top left: John Varvatos Top middle: Burberry Top right: Bottega Veneta Right: Mr Start
December 2013 | www.sussexstyle.com
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ELLIE SAAB Intense RRP £59, 50ml
Lacoste Touch of Pink RRP £50, 90ml
Heaven It’s the small gift that brings a big smile when found under the Christmas tree. A bottle of perfume or aftershave never disappoints, so treat your loved ones to a special bottle this year
for her
Especially Escada Elixir RRP £48, 50ml
BOSS JOUR Pour Femme RRP £49, 50ml Lanvin ME RRP £49, 50ml
Paul Smith Portrait for Women RRP £45, 40ml
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Fragrance style BOSS BOTTLED Gift Pack RRP £52, 100ml
Scent
James Bond 007 Quantum RRP £25, 50ml
Lacoste L.12.12 Noir RRP £28, 30ml
for him Paul Smith Portrait for Men RRP £39, 40ml Montblanc Legend Intense RRP £42, 50ml
James Bond 007 Gold RRP £34, 75ml
December 2013 | www.sussexstyle.com
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Nail itwith Bruzz
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T
he nailbrush is a bathroom cabinet essential, yet although it comes in many different sizes and materials, its design remains relatively unchanged. That is, until now. Bruzz is a unique, patented design, which cleans the top, underside and tip of the nail in one simple action. It nurtures nails with its multi-directional cleaning while the antibacterial bristles ensure upmost hygiene as well as beautiful, healthy nails. Its gentle action gives a nail massage at the same time and the impregnated vanilla extract keeps it – and your nails – smelling gorgeous too. Grubby nails (and fingers) will be a thing of the past with a simple squeeze of liquid soap into the centre of the Bruzz, making them really sparkle, and it can also be used dry as a dusting brush. The removable soft-touch bristles make it easy to clean – even dishwasher safe – for long-lasting results. Unlike a standard nailbrush, the ergonomic Bruzz prevents excess water and soap spray splattering the bathroom by containing all liquid within the brush, making it mess free and hygienic.
PERFECT STOCKING FILLER: The Bruzz is the ideal gift to give to friends and family this Christmas – as well as being practical, its stylish design is a welcome addition to any bathroom. Available in hot pink, blue or white, it costs just £11.95. For more information and to order, visit www.bruzz.com
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ggggggggg style
December 2013 | www.sussexstyle.com
23
BEAUTY style
Needle Work Always keen to try a new beauty look, Sussex Style editor Gaynor Wetherall goes highbrow for December
H
aving interviewed Mary-Anne Hunter, the founder of Felbridge-based Pretty Permanent Make-up, for our November issue, I thought it was about time to brush up my own brows. Years of plucking, waxing and threading had taken their toll and my eyebrows were definitely out of shape. We all tend to focus on a facial feature when we meet somebody – and whether it’s a man or a woman, the thing I always notice are the eyebrows. Those two things that sit above your eyes can express so many emotions and really shape somebody’s face. I booked an appointment and was a little nervous when I arrived at the salon. You can always change a disastrous hairstyle or make-up, but after having this treatment, I would have to live with these brows for a long time. For somebody who has never been tempted by a tattoo, here I was letting somebody give my face a semi-permanent treatment (lasting between two and five years). Mary-Anne reassured me and we went through the
procedure before deciding on a colour to suit my skin tone. We opted for a dark platinum blonde and then it was time to pencil on the perfect brow. She used a ruler to draw a line from my eyes to make sure she got the correct length and positioning but when I looked in the mirror, they looked a bit too angular and thick. She made a few adjustments and reassured me that the colour would fade after a few days. It was time to lie back while she transformed my stragglers into beautiful brows. I’d had anaesthetic cream on for almost half an hour and so all I could feel throughout the process was a slight scratching sensation. Finally, it was time for the unveiling and as I looked
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in the mirror, all I could see were two enormous brows looking back at me. After years of them taking a back seat, here they were making quite an impact. I felt more Groucho Marx than Nicole Scherzinger and was wondering if I’d done the right thing. They weren’t at all red or sore afterwards but for a week afterwards I had to apply a fine brushing of
Vaseline with a cotton bud, up to six times a day. I may have got a little carried away as I was now looking at what appeared to be two giant slugs crawling above my eyes. It wasn’t a good look… Two weeks later and I’m pleased to say Mary-Anne was completely right. They’ve completely faded and I’m now in love with my brows. The overriding comments I’m getting from everybody is that they’ve really defined my face and with just a single application of mascara, I look groomed and made up. With the news that David Dimbleby has recently had a scorpion tattooed on his shoulder at 75 years old, I find myself agreeing with his sentiment: ‘You’re only old once.’ So, if you’re considering brushing up your brows or whatever else takes your fancy – whatever your age – go for it. I’m so happy that I did… www.prettypermanentmakeup.com
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It’s the commercial side of Christmas – quite literally – that has Daniel Raven lamenting over this year’s festive season
I
f there’s one thing I can’t stand, it’s a predictable curmudgeon. I’d always much rather talk to someone with a sickeningly sunny worldview than a selfstyled full-time cynic who just wants to guff on about Muzak, parking restrictions or overpriced sandwiches as if they were auditioning for a slot on Grumpy Old Men (a programme that has now been cancelled, let’s not forget – and with good reason). These people spoil cynicism for the rest of us, and in some cases actually manage to make misery look less interesting than happiness. Never is this more painfully evident than in the run-up to Christmas. From complaining about the crowds and the carol
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singers to whining about waste and even bitching out the Brussels sprouts, it sometimes seems as if not even God Himself could rest these moaning gentlemen (and ladies). And their biggest gripe is nearly always the same: ‘It’s so much more commercial than it used to be’. The prime motivation for utterances like this tends to be stinginess on an epic scale, a stinginess so severe that those afflicted with it would rather lie to themselves about their own childhoods than shell out for a bit of tinsel. Because, you see, Christmas was every bit as commercial when you were a kid as it is today – the only difference was, you weren’t paying. In any case, I quite like a bit of tinsel, and the lights
opinion style
are always lovely. Why should I care if they go up sometime in November instead of the first of December? It doesn’t bother me in the least to find that everyone is suddenly after my money – if anything, I’m just flattered that they think I’ve got any – and adverts for toys or exotic booze are invariably more fun to watch than ones for payday loan protection insurance or injury lawyer comparison sites. On the subject of advertising, though, it pains me to add that something new has cropped up in recent years – something that threatens to make me a very predictable curmudgeon indeed. I am talking, of course, about the loathsome spectre of the Christmas ‘event’ advert.
It all started a little over ten years ago, when Marks & Spencer first saw fit to mark the festive season with a special ad full of various poncey celebrities poncing around. We somehow loved them for it so they did it again, and before long it had become an annual ‘event’. The budget climbed higher each year as the concepts got ever more elaborate, but the M&S Christmas ads never really managed to be unspeakably infuriating, for the simple reason that they were generally just trying to sell you clothes – and the clothes they were trying to sell you were the very ones they were showing you. Needless to say, that kind of nonsense soon went out of the window once John Lewis got involved. December 2013 | www.sussexstyle.com
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opinion style
John Lewis’s first stab at a Christmas event advert (impatient child counts the days to Christmas while a Smiths song is defiled in the background) was hugely, stupidly successful, but didn’t actually appear to be advertising anything at all. Its only purpose was ‘branding’ – which is to say, they wanted us to start associating John Lewis itself with the sort of warm, fuzzy, nostalgic feelings we’d normally only associate with a really good Christmas. And it seemed they weren’t the only major retail chain to be labouring under the misapprehension that they somehow resembled a public holiday, because before long they were all doing it, every bloody year. This year’s crop has been the sorriest yet. It looks like the nation’s ad-men may already be fresh out of ideas when it comes to the whole representingChristmas-without-using-overtly-religious-imagery thing because, John Lewis’ dismal Watership Down re-write aside, most of them seem to have gone with the ‘real Christmas’ angle. What this means in practice is a bunch of whimsical/heart-warming clips culled from real people’s home movies, and I, for one, find it utterly abhorrent – partly because it’s just plain lazy, but mainly because I don’t much like the idea of people’s real experiences being co-opted for the purpose of tricking
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other people into thinking a certain supermarket is nice. I realise the families concerned gave their permission and were healthily remunerated, but still, it doesn’t sit right with me. Aren’t our experiences - our lives - worth more than that? This year, Google and Sainsbury’s have gone a step further and attempted to co-opt not just our Christmases but our armed forces as well. The Sainsbury’s clip – in which a returning soldier surprises his family while they’re in the middle of recording him a Christmas video message – is genuinely moving, but that only makes the fact that it’s being used to flog cocktail sausages (sorry, the idea of cocktail sausages) all the more offensive. And what about all those army families whose loved ones really won’t be coming home this Christmas – was any thought given to how something like this might make them feel? I doubt it; at the end of the day, the people who come up with this tripe really couldn’t give a stuff about whether the rest of us have a good Christmas or not. So the next time someone with a condescending manner and a wavering demographic reach approaches you with a view to procuring a few of your more precious memories, do the right thing by your immortal soul and tell them to leave us real people alone!
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bites Sussex
Sussex Style’s Bon Viveur Sam Bilton on this month’s tastes and treats We all like to toast the New Year with a glass of something special but why not look a little closer to home this year for your bubbly?
Bloomsbury, Ridgeview
Chardonnay dominates Ridgeview’s signature blend, bringing crisp fruit freshness with hints of honey and melon to each sip. This is an excellent aperitif as well as a perfect accompaniment to seafood and oily fish such as salmon and smoked trout. £24.95 www.ridgeview.co.uk
English Sparkling Rosé, Carr-Taylor
The delicate salmon-pink colour of this wine belies the aroma of ripe summer berries within. Redcurrants and raspberries are at the fore with a touch of fresh cherry on the palate giving the wine a hint of sweetness and a satisfying lasting finish. £24.99 www.carr-taylor.co.uk
Classic Cuvée, Nyetimber
Pale gold, great clarity and tiny bubbles make this wine a wonderful pre-dinner drink. Aromas of lemon, sweet pea flowers and vanilla will remind you of sunnier climes. The wine has all the balance and structure needed to age for many years to come. £29.99 www.winepantry.co.uk
Side dishes: Sussex Food & Drink Awards
The Grand Finalists in the Sussex Food & Drink Awards 2013/14 have been announced. The categories include Best Eating Experience, Best Food and Drink producers and Young Sussex Chef of the Year. The winners will be announced at the awards banquet, hosted by Sally Gunnell OBE, at the Amex Stadium on 30th January. ‘Sussex has really managed to place itself firmly on the food and drink map in the UK over the last decade and we are extremely excited about our Grand Finalist line up, which offers a superb range of first-class diverse businesses from across the county,’ says Paula Seager, co-director of Natural Partnerships CIC. Full details on the finalists and tickets for the event are available at www.sussexfoodawards.biz
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The Nutty Brut, Nutbourne Vineyard
Crisp autumn mornings will spring to mind with this award-winning dry sparkling wine from West Sussex. Yeasty, with a hint of toast and apple and pear fruitiness. Extremely palatable. £31.99 www.winepantry.co.uk
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Mulled Wine Cupcakes
This fabulously festive recipe comes from Martin Hadden, executive head chef for Historic Hotels of Sussex. It can be made as individual cupcakes as a delicious alternative to mince pies or as one large cake for an impressive dessert. With a delicately spiced, moist chocolate sponge topped with cinnamon and mascarpone icing what more could your guests ask for this Christmas? Makes 30 cupcakes or one large 20-portion cake
Coffee Break of the Month: Vélo, Brighton
Bike enthusiasts (the lycra rather than leather-clad ones) must have rejoiced when Vélo opened last month. Situated at the restored The Level in Brighton, it provides a convenient pre or post-cycle stop off for some much needed refreshment – plus you can also get your bike serviced while you drink your coffee. Long tables and benches emblazoned with Vélo’s distinctive logo lend this café a community vibe. The building itself looks like it has stepped out of an episode of Grand Designs
with its turfed roof and solar panels. It’s a light and airy space with plenty of seating outside as well, which will see it mobbed in the summer months. Families visiting Vélo will appreciate the skate park and new playground nearby. Children of all ages can let off steam before settling down to a toasted sandwich or one of their signature Mac & Cheese dishes (perhaps the tartiflette with Reblochon and crispy South Downs bacon). With an emphasis on sourcing local produce you know the food is going to taste as good as it looks. Definitely worth a pit stop. Vélo, Rose Walk, The Level, Brighton, BN1 4ZN, www.velo-cafe.co.uk
And for something a bit different... Or for a modern twist on a classic English drink, raise a glass of Mimi sparkling cider from the Stopham Vineyard. Naturally appley, it also has a hint of molasses and a little sherbet from the escaping bubbles. £8.95 www.stophamvineyard.co.uk Why not try some Kir Royal from the Breaky Bottom vineyard, near Lewes? A delicate rose colour, this combines all the beauty of a sparkling wine with a hint of blackcurrant from home-grown cassis. £24.50 www.breakybottom.co.uk
Ingredients 1 vanilla pod 200g softened unsalted butter
350g dark brown sugar 120g caster sugar 4 large eggs, beaten
320g self-raising flour 100g cocoa powder 430ml mulled wine (at room temperature)
For the icing 350g icing sugar
½ tsp ground cinnamon
500g mascarpone
Method 1. Preheat your oven to 1600c. Line 2–3 muffin tins with paper cases (if you don’t have this many, cook the cupcakes in batches) or grease and line three 20cm cake tins. 2. Split the vanilla pod lengthways and remove the seeds using a round bladed knife. Place the vanilla seeds with the sugars and butter then cream until light and fluffy. 3. Gradually add the eggs beating the mixture well after each addition. 4. Sieve the flour and cocoa together then add this to the mixture a spoonful at a time until all of it has been incorporated. Slowly stir in the mulled wine by hand (rather than in a food mixer). 5. Almost fill each cupcake case with the mixture or divide it between the three tins for the large cake, levelling the mixture off before you place them in the oven. 6. Bake for 20 minutes until cooked (the time should be the same whether you are making cupcakes or one large cake). Remove from the tin and allow to cool on a wire rack. 7. To make the icing, sieve the icing sugar and ground cinnamon in a bowl then carefully beat in the mascarpone. For individual cupcakes, pipe the icing in swirls on top. For the larger cake, divide the mixture between the three layers, placing one cake on top of the other. Finish with festive sprinkles or a sprig of holly. December 2013 | www.sussexstyle.com
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Gourmet
Delights
Spoil the foodie in your life with a gift they’ll savour. Sam Bilton spills the beans on delicious gift ideas, guaranteed to suit all tastes
Fine food-lovers will revel in this hamper packed full of Sussex goodies, from sparkling wine to local cheeses. £100, www.pallantofarundel.co.uk
This year-round collection of 15 packs of vegetable seeds is a great way to start your own vegetable patch. £37.95, www.sarahraven.com
Homemade macaroons are a piece of cake with this All Macaroons gift set which includes a piping bag, silicone baking sheets and a recipe book. £59.99, www.lakeland.co.uk Once you’ve made the macaroons you’ll need something to display them on. How about this stylish Anna Gong folding cake stand by Alessi? £139.95, www.johnlewis.com
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Chocoholics will love Cocoa Loco’s range of gift boxes. From bars and buttons to chocolate-dipped fruit you’ll be spoilt for choice. From £20, www.cocoaloco.co.uk
Sussex designer Nicole Phillips’ aprons are fun, stylish and durable. £35, www.nicolephillips.com Keep your tablet clean when using online recipes with this stand and touch pen. £23.99, www.lakeland.co.uk
Treat yourself to a Winter mini-break and stay in one of our lovely self-catering holiday cottages. Our comfortable and welcoming cottages enjoy fabulous locations, perfect for exploring glorious countryside, historic properties and gardens all year round...
Visit our new website and book online at www.bramleyandteal.co.uk Do you have a holiday cottage to let? If so, we’d love to hear from you Call us now on 01580 860840
taste style
Turn your hand to a new skill in 2014 by learning how to make cheese or bread with some of the county’s top artisan producers. Gift vouchers are also available. Cheese courses £145, www.highwealddairy.co.uk Bread courses £175, www.lighthousebakery.co.uk
Unleash your inner Heston with this molecular gastronomy kit and sous vide machine. The sous vide machine doubles up as a slow cooker, so is excellent value. Molecular gastronomy kit £45, www.johnlewis.com Sous vide machine £149.99, www.lakeland.co.uk
Ensure you have perfect pastry every time, with a marble pastry board and marble and maple rolling pin. Marble boards from £65, marble and maple rolling pin £35.95, www.divertimenti.co.uk
A trilogy of books by René Redzepi is a fascinating look behind the scenes at NOMA in Copenhagen, voted the best restaurant in the world for three consecutive years. The collection includes a journal and a recipe book. £39.95, www.phaidon.com
Create your own barista-style coffees at home with this contemporary Gaggia Gran Manual Espresso coffee machine. £109.95, www.johnlewis.com
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S R E H C U O V T IF BLE G E L AILA B A NT AV I R P 27/10/2013 09:52
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Sussex Style
For Sam Bilton, no Christmas is complete without a Panettone, and for fans of Italian cuisine, she rounds up some of her favourite Italian restaurants in Sussex
La Locanda Del Duca exterior
Eats Italian
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anettones make fabulous presents at this time of the year. They are usually attractively packaged, which means they don’t need wrapping (always a bonus at Christmas time in my opinion). Then there are the amazing aromas of fruit and vanilla that waft from the tin when you open it. With its candied peel and dried fruit it epitomises the flavour of Christmas but is far lighter than the traditional British Christmas cake. It also makes a great bread and butter pudding if you have any left over (which we rarely do). I think if I were to spend Christmas in any other country in the world it would be Italy. But where would I go? As a friend pointed out to me recently, Italy as a unified country is a relative newbie on the international stage. Each region is fiercely protective of its diverse culinary heritage (and so they should be). My brother’s girlfriend is from Le Marche and each year she has stuffed rabbit for Christmas dinner. However, it is the sweet morsels that really whet my appetite. The struffoli (fried dough balls dipped in a syrup of honey, spices and candied peel) from Napoli; or the sweet ravioli from Basilicata, known as panzerotti, filled with chickpea puree, chocolate and cinnamon; and the Tuscan panforte, a rich and gooey cake laden with fruit and nuts (now available to buy in Waitrose).
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Fortunately for my waistline my feet are firmly routed in Sussex and there are many Italian restaurants in the county to satisfy my Italian food cravings. Here are just a few to tempt your tastebuds.
The Tuscan Kitchen, Rye
The Tuscan Kitchen occupies one of Rye’s many quaint buildings and offers a menu of equal character. Being in the home of the Scallop Festival it would seem churlish not to start with an antipasti of these bivalves with lemon, crostini, cherry tomatoes and shallots. To follow, the saffron risotto with crispy Italian
www.sussexstyle.com | December 2013
sausage sounds particularly delectable. Rye is only a stones throw from the Romney salt marshes – renowned for its lamb – so it’s good to see Costoletto D’Agnello (rack of lamb with an almond crust) listed under the Secondi plates. And if you’ve still got room after three courses there are several tempting desserts. 01797 223269 www.tuscankitchenrye.co.uk
La Locanda Del Duca, Eastbourne
La Locanda Del Duca appears to have stepped right out of an artist’s impression of
Taste style
a while when they are busy but they promise your patience will be rewarded with a meal to remember. 01273 328775 www.casalingorestaurant.com
Casa Ciro, Worthing
Casa Ciro
Another seaside restaurant, Casa Ciro offers outstanding value to its customers. At lunchtime you can enjoy a plate of pasta, like Spaghettini Arrabiata, with garlic bread and a glass of wine or a soft drink for £5.99 (there are specials available at this time too). On Mondays to Wednesdays they also do a ‘Room with a View’ special deal, which includes two courses and one bottle of wine per couple for £14.95. As well as pasta there are plenty of fish and meat dishes to choose from such as the Pollo Fiorentina (chicken breast topped with spinach and gorgonzola) and they also have gluten and dairy-free menus. 01903 239090 www.casaciro.co.uk
Pappardelle Ristorante and Osteria, Arundel
The Tuscan Kitchen, Rye
La Locanda Del Duca, Eastbourne
a typical Italian restaurant with its green, white and red awnings, and it gets consistently good reviews. There is an expansive menu offering everything from grilled sardines marinated in olive oil with rosemary, thyme, garlic and lemon to fillet steak alla Rossini (with pâté, truffles, croutons and a Marsala wine sauce) as well as plenty of pasta and risotto dishes to boot. The set menu available at lunch and dinner offers good value at £18.95 for two courses or £20.95 for three with plenty of choice, and the wine is reasonably priced too. 01323 737177 www.pomodoro-e-mozzarella.com/locanda
Panettone, Divertimenti
Casalingo, Brighton
This is a very popular Italian not far from the seafront. As you would expect from a seaside restaurant there is a decent selection of fish available, which could include locally caught Dover sole in lemon and parsley or plainly grilled. The risotto with Dolcelatte, pears, shallots and white wine particularly grabbed my attention when I perused the menu. There are also some unusual items on the menu like lumache (which sounds far more appetising than the translation of snails in garlic butter) for the more adventurous diner. Everything is prepared to order so you may have to wait
This smart looking building at the bottom of Arundel’s High Street offers two dining options. Downstairs there is the informal Osteria, offering Italian-style coffees and lighter bites such as the cacciatore open sandwich (ham, goat’s cheese, rocket and figs) while upstairs there is the more sedate restaurant. The menu includes some familiar favourites like spaghetti bolognese, but there are some more unusual plates on offer such as the wild boar sausages in a coarse-grain mustard, sage, onion and cream sauce or Italian-style confit of duck. Head chef and owner Clive is also a bit of a grappa connoisseur and with 20 varieties to choose from Pappardelle probably has the widest choice of this spirit in Sussex. 01903 882025 www.pappardelle.co.uk
Taormina, Crawley
It’s good to see a new independent restaurant taking on the high street chains. Taormina offers traditional Sicilian fare, which includes a selection of fish dishes such as Italian-style fish soup and salmon with spinach and lobster velouté. There is no dessert menu per se but there is always a large selection of sweet after-dinner treats available. With the exception of the Champagne, the wine list is exclusively Italian but offers plenty of choice at very reasonable prices. 01293 516677 www.taormina-restaurant.com December 2013 | www.sussexstyle.com
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Life behind the lens From street performer to street photographer, Brighton-based JJ Waller talks to Gaynor Wetherall about a career full of drama Pictures BY: JJ Waller
A
fter leaving comprehensive school, JJ Waller trained to be a drama teacher, but just after he qualified, he answered an advert in Stoke Newington – where he grew up – to join the Free Form Arts Group. Pioneering a range of arts within the built environment to place art at the heart of urban regeneration, they did a tour of London’s adventure playgrounds. The group then did a job where they pretended to make a film in Toxteth, Liverpool, and JJ was offered a job there. ‘I stayed for a couple of years, working with kids in the community and it was exciting and challenging work,’ he says. ‘We were given the task of getting acts together
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www.sussexstyle.com | December 2013
for the Queen’s Silver Jubilee and by bringing talented people together I began to learn different skills such as fire eating and escapology.’ He then left Liverpool to perform in Covent Garden and became a leading figure in developing the new wave of street entertainment. This led to bookings at clubs, colleges and international festivals. ‘I then came to Brighton and worked with a comedy busking band, Pookiesnackenburger. We put together a show for the Edinburgh Festival that broke comedy and cabaret boundaries and it won a Perrier Award. It was new, fresh and we’ve all gone on to enjoy successful careers.’ Two of them went on to create Stomp, the percussion group which has enjoyed worldwide success,
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Brighton Pride parade
while another went on to promote Eddie Izzard. They all remain friends and their work often overlaps, with JJ photographing Eddie Izzard as well as the production of Stomp around the world, including their performances in amphitheatres around Italy. JJ then embarked on a career in comedy. ‘I started during the early years of British alternative comedy and was working on the same bills as Harry Enfield, Paul Merton, Arthur Smith and Frank Skinner.’ JJ played all the comedy clubs, and most notably The Tunnel Club in Deptford – started in 1984 by the brilliant Malcolm Hardee – that gave exposure to up-and-coming comedians. Hardee went on to open Up The Creek in Greenwich, before dying tragically in 2005, but he is remembered as being one of the key figures for starting the whole alternative comedy movement. ‘I did this for around 15 years but I was getting bored and felt it had lost its edge. Everything was becoming revamped and recycled and I was getting fed up working on my own. You’d do
a gig, get back on the train and as a solo act, there was nobody to bounce ideas off. It wasn’t stimulating.’ Just as he was thinking about a new direction from the solo performing, a new door swung open as he was invited to tour as front of house manager with the legendary French controversial punk circus, Cirque Archaos, which turned the circus world upside down. ‘I spent almost a year with this mind-blowing outfit. But unfortunately we were in Dublin and we got caught in a hurricane that led to the tent blowing apart which led to the Cirque Archaos eventual bankruptcy.’ Not sure what his next career move would be, JJ decided to do an evening class in photography. The lecturer suggested he do a degree, which was led by the inspirational Mark Power, Magnum photographer and professor of photography at Brighton University. ‘It was a lightbulb moment for me and I put a portfolio together and studied editorial photography. They pretty much let you do what you want and find your own way. December 2013 | www.sussexstyle.com
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The low tide bike ride – clothing optional
In the beginning I was pretty rubbish but they thought I had potential, and by the time I got to my degree show, I think I had developed a competence and style that was interesting.’ He has gone on to photograph a diverse range of subjects and his book, JJ Waller’s Brighton: Volume 01 has become phenomenally successful A day out in Brighton and is one of Waterstones’ bestsellers for a local book. ‘It took about two years to put it together and I produced it with the public in mind and not for other photographers. It’s all about catching Brighton with its pants down – a bit saucy and totally original,’ he laughs. The book features some fantastic quotes from everyone from street cleaners to journalists living in Brighton. ‘They really added to the essence of the book and what
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I wanted to achieve.’ JJ intends to produce another volume in the future but is currently working on a second book, which will reflect the regeneration and the new migrants of St Leonards-on-Sea. ‘St Leonards is a completely different project as it’s smaller and so different. I find the place so interesting and something about it resonates from my childhood growing up in Stoke Newington. There is an atmosphere and spirit where people have time to talk and it’s not pretentious or over-gentrified.’ St Leonards was created as a brand new seaside resort for the wealthy and it soon became popular with the aristocracy. ‘A large aspect of the project is all about migration, which is at the very core of St Leonards,’
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The Brighton Birdy Man
JJ Waller’s Brighton: Volume 01, £11.99
says JJ. Like most British seaside resorts, so much has changed over the years and during the Seventies, hotels and buildings were chopped into bedsits, and the GLC built homes for 7,000 people to help people migrate to this part of the world. JJ certainly enjoys a diverse range of subjects and none more so than his latest commission: documenting the season at Whitehawk FC. ‘It is such an innovative project,’ he says, ‘and getting into the true spirit of what the club is all about in pictorial terms.’ Whitehawk FC will be changing its name to Brighton City next year and the club is going through exciting times. It was a local side but has had five promotions in the last
few years and is now in the Conference South league. ‘Initially I wasn’t sure how I was going to approach this idea but I’m genuinely impressed and have become quite a fan,’ he laughs. I ask him if he misses the performance side of his career. ‘Not at all,’ he insists. ‘As a photographer it’s quite a crossover – you need to respond to events and people around you. Creating a photograph draws on your human experience and you need to condense it into action by getting people to relax. Sometimes I become like a director working on a performance, getting everything and everyone into place, and then it’s lights, camera, action… and I think this is reflected in my work.’ December 2013 | www.sussexstyle.com
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Weekend away:
Bristol
Bristol was described as the Brighton of the West to Emma Piper – but did it live up to her expectations?
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re you lost? asked a cheery local. I was standing, gawping, lost in wonder, having just parked up beside Bristol’s harbourside. This was so much more than I’d expected, with cobbled streets, quirky waterside restaurants and so much to explore in every direction. Yes, I was a little lost geographically, too, but I wanted to find my own way in this lovely, lively, vibrant city.
Waterside
The first draw was the water. Bristol makes the most of its floating harbour, which was created in 1809 by impounding 80 acres of tidal river so ships could stay afloat, allowing Bristol to grow as a busy
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commercial port. Since the port’s closure in 1975, the docks and harbourside have been gradually and imaginatively regenerated and transformed into a centre for leisure, residents and business. Boats have been converted into homes (I’m so envious) and venues. We saw electropop band Fenech-Soler offloading their equipment into the hull of the Thekla, an old shipping vessel reinvented as a nightclub. A Fifties dockside transit shed has become M-Shed, the funkiest take on a social history museum I’ve ever come across. Further along is SS Great Britain, Brunel’s luxury liner ‘floating’ on a glass sea to both protect and reveal the world’s
www.sussexstyle.com | December 2013
oldest iron hull, offering an evocative sounds, smells and sights experience of life on-board in her Victorian heyday. During Easter 2014, for the first time anywhere on an historic museum ship, visitors will be able to re-enact working life at sea and scale the rigging. We watched The Matthew – a replica of the ship that discovered North America in 1497 – sail by, one of a variety of boat trips in addition to a useful waterbus that plies up and down from Temple Meads station to Hotwells, via the city centre’s Cascading Steps. But we simply took a ferry across to the far bank to wander past canteen-style cafés and bars with big windows and outside tables that make the
ggggggggg travelstyle most of their stunning waterside location. We marvelled at the varied public spaces, including waterside amphitheatres, squares with water walls, wide greens and grand Georgian squares. They’re all ideal for hosting Bristol’s full events programme – a by-product of the city’s creative spirit. Bristol feels alive with the possibilities of creativity. It is the home of Aardman (world leader in model animation), credited as the UK capital of street art and birthplace of Banksy, with many of his original artworks around the city as well as murals by other globally important artists. Art galleries include the Arnolfini – one of Europe’s leading centres for the contemporary arts – presenting innovative, experimental work.
Shopping
We browsed Bristol’s shopping quarter, with its wide pedestrianised streets and malls. The latest of these is Cabot Circus, with its space-age, pod-style curving roof and shops from American Apparel to Zara, anchored by House of Fraser at its most glamorous and Harvey Nichols. If it’s quirky alternative independents you’re after, Bristol has plenty of those, too. Try St Nicholas indoor market in Bristol’s old city and boutiquey Clifton ‘village’.
Families
For families there is much to enjoy, such as Bristol Aquarium, @Bristol – an exciting interactive science centre – and Bristol Zoo. While in the evening there are big name performances as well as offbeat finds at venues like Bristol Old Vic, Colston Hall, The Hippodrome and Tobacco Factory.
Eating out
For eating out you’re spoiled for choice. Bristol is a foodie mecca, with regular farmers’ markets and slow-food markets and world food stalls with everything from Caribbean to Portuguese at Source food hall in St Nicholas covered market. There are also plenty of cafés, gastropubs and numerous Good Food Guide recommendations, including Lido in Clifton, The Gallimaufry in Gloucester Road, and Bell’s Diner in Montpelier, described by Marina O’Loughlin in The Guardian as ‘modern Brit with touches of Moro’. We opted for another Good Food Guide suggestion, riverstation, a light-filled timber and glass space converted from the old police riverboat station. Our window seat looked across the water from the first floor restaurant and we
Our verdict
tucked into elegant plates of wellflavoured food such as mackerel fillet with coconut rice and harissa. But we were among the suits (this being a weekday lunchtime), and downstairs the bar was buzzier with a more informal ambience serving imaginative small plates.
So, is Bristol like Brighton? There’s a similar emphasis on creative arts, although Brighton feels a bit more wacky, more free-spirited, while Bristol has the vibe of a European city, somewhere like Barcelona – which is certainly the ambition of Bristol’s mayor. As for eateries, even though the choice of restaurants in Brighton impresses, Bristol wins on sheer numbers. And I’m attracted to the lively festival progamme and its varied locations, too. There’s still so much to see, we’ll have to go back. December 2013 | www.sussexstyle.com
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Where to stay Brooks Guesthouse Individual, boutique accommodation right in the heart of Bristol’s Old City. Next spring, rooftop vintage airstream caravans on its flat roof will offer a unique overnight experience, with each one customised by local artists. www.brooksguesthousebristol.com Hotel du Vin Glamorous-yet-quirky top-notch hotel, converted from a restored sugar house. www.hotelduvin.com/locations/bristol Berkeley Square, Clifton Bristol’s first arts hotel, with exhibition spaces situated on elegant Park Street and featuring in The Guardian’s Top 100 UK Boutique Hotels for under £100. www.cliftonhotels.com/bristolhotels/ berkeley-square January
- Slapstick Festival Vintage comedy with the likes of Victoria Wood, The Goodies and June Whitfield.
February
- International Festival of Performance
2014 events calendar
Extraordinary theatre, live art, dance and opera spilling out onto the streets.
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July
- St Paul’s Carnival - Foodies Festival Food and drink extravaganza in the setting of Bristol’s Harbourside.
- Bristol Pride Quickly becoming the Pride destination, with parade, music festival, creative
March
activities, bar and market stalls.
May
Thai boxing, massage, dancing and more.
- Bristol Jazz & Blues Festival
- Thai Festival
- Eat Drink Bristol Fashion
- Bristol Harbour Festival
A celebration of Bristol’s thriving food culture, with a spectacular tipi village housing
A vibrant mix of live performance, artists, musicians, dancers, circus acts and
a fine dining restaurant, tapas café, bars, performance stage and exhibition space.
market stalls against a backdrop of hundreds of sailing vessels on the water.
- VegFest Bristol
August
Officially the world’s biggest veggie event – cookery demonstrations, stalls and
- Bristol International Balloon Fiesta
entertainment, with headliners the original Happy Mondays.
Europe’s largest annual hot air balloon event with mass ascents at 6am and 6pm, as
- Mayfest
well as nightglows, displays and entertainment.
Unique festival of contemporary theatre presenting a broad range of unusual,
September
- Upfest
- Bristol Kite Festival - Brisfest
Europe’s largest live urban arts festival with 250 artists from across the globe for
Showcase of established and rising international, national and local acts, plus
playful and ambitious work from leading theatre-makers.
a weekend of live painting, illustration battles and music.
funfair, circus, graffiti, stand-up, workshops, street theatre and more.
- Love Saves the Day/Love Saves Sunday
- Open Doors Day
Two one-day greenfield festivals bringing together musical innovators, live acts
Free entry to many of Bristol’s significant contemporary and historic buildings.
and DJs.
- 20th Encounters Short Film and Animation Festival
- Grillstock: Meat Music Mayhem
- 150th anniversary of Clifton Suspension Bridge
June
December
The very best in barbecue cooking and American roots music.
- Bristol’s BIG Green Week A celebration of inspirational green thinking and ideas, with talks, music, comedy, film and art, plus family-friendly events at the weekends.
- Festival of Nature The UK’s largest free celebration of the natural world for wildlife enthusiasts of all ages.
www.sussexstyle.com | December 2013
For more information visit www.visitbristol.co.uk
Your fairytale weekend awaits
Enjoy a festive shopping break for two from only ÂŁ60 per night #merrybristmas
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Living the dream
Welcome to Starvecrow Cottage, a stunning bungalow located in the East Sussex countryside, close to Camber Sands beach and the historic town of Rye
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INTERIOR style
D
esigned in 2007 by London-based HUT Architecture, renowned for creating building and spaces designed to reveal nature, Starvecrow Cottage doesn’t disappoint. Clad in Siberian larch, the property features floor-to-ceiling sliding glass doors that frame the amazing views of the surrounding countryside and the landscaped grounds. Wooden gates and a driveway lead to the house and the impressive grounds feature a swimming pool, hot tub, studio building and an Airstream caravan. A sense of fun and adventure is displayed with the addition of an American paddle tennis court, zip wire through the wood and a sunken trampoline.
Inside Starvecrow Cottage you’ll find polished concrete floors, timber and galvanised steel finishing, which is teamed with modern and eclectic furnishings to create a textured and bespoke interior.
December 2013 | www.sussexstyle.com
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interior style
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www.sussexstyle.com | December 2013
La Source
contemporary living
Taking care of your design in the home & outside
Open on Sunday right up to Christmas Eve Gift Wrapping Service
3 East Street, Horsham | Tel: 01403 218686 | www.lasourcedesign.com Follow us on Twitter
@chrislasource
La Source
interior style
About the owners It’s hardly surprising that the people behind Starvecrow Cottage are as creative as their home. John and Anna Carver are behind Cunning (www.cunning.com), specialists in experiential advertising. They are responsible for bringing many big brands to our attention in innovative ways – such as art installations and festivals – and creating solution-neutral, brand experiences from offices here and in New York. In 2005, they were living in Primrose Hill in London when they started to look for a home to spend weekends. ‘We wanted somewhere in the country but quite near the sea and we looked for ages before finding Starvecrow Cottage. We loved the shape of the house but we wanted to change everything else so brought in Hut Architecture and used local builders to transform the property,’ says John. The renovation began in 2006 and the following year the house was complete. ‘It was then we made the decision to leave London and move to Sussex permanently. We found great schools for the kids and it was an easy decision as we could also work from home,’ he adds. >
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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
Anna has also just launched a brand new company Cache (www.cacheworldwide.com), which works with individuals, families and corporations to curate life experiences. All those old prints, film reels and memories sitting on your computer are collated into a bespoke package. Cache work closely with its clients to produce beautiful books, websites, events, art installations and films – even using crews who work on feature films to produce a unique biography. As their careers flourish they are on the move to the US for a few months and have just recently put Starvecrow Cottage on the market. You can view it on www.themodernhouse.net – the country’s leading estate agency for houses and apartments of outstanding design. Offers are invited over £1.5 million.
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interior style
This fabulous location is available for hire and its unique architecture has featured on television and in print and will soon be listed in the latest version of the Pevsner Architectural Guide, the authoritative voice on Britain’s architecture. The house has also appeared in music videos, the most recent being the Rankin shoot for Mr Hudson’s ‘Fred Astaire’, created by HungerTV earlier this year. December 2013 | www.sussexstyle.com
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Drumstick Pencil, £5, Suck UK
Available at Polkadot Stripes, Bognor Regis You know the type of person – the type that picks up a pair of office pencils and does an impromptu drum solo, like they’re playing to a crowd of thousands, rather than the water cooler and the photocopier.
DES IGN
Edge Clock £35, Liqui
Available at www.hiddenart.co.uk The Edge Clock is made from strong cardboard that has been cut to leave the intricate interior structure exposed while the flat surfaces are covered in a wood veneer, making a great environmentally friendly gift.
FOCUS Cameron Fry picks his favourite design-led products, for some inspirational gift ideas
Tape Dispenser £13.50, j-me
Available at www.hiddenart.co.uk It’s official – tapes are back! This easy-to-use tape dispenser is in the form of the iconic cassette tape.
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Berlin Boom Box Speakers £39.95, Axel Pfaender
Available at www.allthingsbrightonbeautiful.co.uk This iconic-looking stereo for the digital generation is made from industrial-strength recycled cardboard and will deliver powerful sound to your smartphone.
Design
style
Mr P. Lick Mug £10, Propaganda
Available at Urban Outfitters, Brighton Mr Lick is at hand to clear up your drips so you don’t have to!
Thirst Aid £5, Mustard
Available at Cyberdog, Brighton It’s tough being a vampire – unsocial hours, night working, no garlic. It’s exhausting. That’s why Thirst Aid is such a good idea. It looks just like a saline drip pouch, but you can fill it with your favourite energy drink.
The Bites & Pieces Crust Cutter £5.99, Fred & Friends
Available at England At Home, Brighton Want to have some video-game-style fun while eating your sandwich? The Bites & Pieces Crust Cutter lets you totally ignore that childhood rule about not playing with your food.
Striped Petal Fork & Trowel £19.99, Orla Kiely
Available at England At Home, Brighton Get planting with this awesome pair of gardening tools, patterned with a stylish Orla Kiely design. The perfect gift for green-fingered gardeners.
Pigeon Light, £67, Klauser & Carpenter
Available at www.theo-theo.com Colourful and cool, this is the kind of light that is perfect for family homes and will inspire design-savvy teens to be creative.
December 2013 | www.sussexstyle.com
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interior style
The Little Room On a mission to decorate the downstairs loo for her husband, The Fabric Lady Laura Jandac looks at ways to enhance the space he calls his sanctuary
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’m going to decorate the downstairs loo. I’ve been thinking about it for a while and now at this festive time of year and in the spirit of giving, I am doing it for my husband. It is, after all, his favourite room in the house – one that he chooses to spend most of his free time. A sanctuary, he likes to call it – albeit a small sanctuary, but one with a magazine rack, some paper for doodling and, more and more frequently, an iPad. Sadly there isn’t an armchair, due to the size of the room but believe me he’d wedge one in there if he could. I can’t lie, the peace and quiet it gives
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me when he’s in there is not entirely without its benefits but it did get me thinking that the cloakroom is one of the few rooms in the house that most guests will see. Most visitors will at some point use the loo so why not make it a great space – and if I can give it a manly feel then even better. That is where things become a little difficult. There aren’t always the obvious choices for men when it comes to decorating as there are for women. In my experience, men are always very sure of what they don’t want decorationwise – no flowers, no pink, no frills – the list can be endless but the market seems
www.sussexstyle.com | December 2013
to be quite lacking in offering something that they do want. Most men I meet in the shop are not as predictable as you might think (I can’t include my own man here as he is the text book definition of predictable) but its not all Ferraris and Pirelli calendars, they want something that they can feel they have chosen themselves and to feel they have been part of the design process. Wallpaper is such a fantastic way of giving life to the smallest room in the house with minimal expense and effort, and at this time of the year both of these things are quite important. Wallpaper has had a massive comeback in the last few years and the styles on offer are varied and interesting and offer something to suit the man in your life. Linwood Fabrics has recently launched a new collection of papers called Ephemera. It features a host of unusual wall coverings, from boats to vintage matchboxes and even sketches of policemen doing traffic hand signals. The one I have chosen features vintage maps and tax discs. Just perfect for the other half as vintage cars are just his thing. Did you know a tax disc in 1968 was just £17? All I need now is a quick paint of the skirting boards and the room will be transformed, and I can sit back and enjoy a few more early evenings to myself. www.linwoodfabric.com
For a life of inspiration Discover our world of unique & inspiring gifts this Christmas At Spotted you’ll find an array of beautiful and imaginative gifts for all ages. We source unique and interesting designs from across the globe but pay special attention to British design and products that are made in the UK.
SUPPORTING BRITISH DESIGN
For something a little less ordinary this Christmas.
62 High Street, Steyning, West Sussex BN44 3RD Tel: 01903 812377 Website: spotted.uk.com
A huge thank you to the Horseguards Inn in Tillington (thehorseguardsinn.co.uk) for the use of their magical garden. There really are fairies at the bottom of it.
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ADVERTISING FEATURE
IT’S THE SMALL THINGS THAT MAKE THE DIFFERENCE
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hen it comes to finishing off
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N O V E M B E R 2013 | W W W. S U S S E X S T Y L E . CO M | 59
th e
Outside Box
Jess Denny, owner of family-run boutique Spotted in Steyning, tells us about the story behind her shop, and offers some unique Christmas gift ideas, all available at Spotted
T
he inspiration behind Spotted came from a desire to teach our young daughter that it is ok to be unique and different. Peer pressure can be a huge burden when growing up and we wanted her to appreciate design and not just opt for stereotypical branded products. Spotted says what we do. We spot products that offer great design and functionality. We put a lot of time and effort into finding interesting products and we personally travel across Europe visiting fairs and designers in our quest to find new and imaginative items. Our aim is to create an ever-changing collection of beautiful things that do everyday things well. Where possible, we love to support British design and products that are not only designed in the UK but are manufactured here as well. We do, however, cast our net wide and source wonderfully unique things from all over the world. We hope you like what we’ve spotted! Spotted, 62 High Street, Steyning, West Sussex BN44 3RD
Flying Pig magnets These magnets will be real high flyers on your fridge or magnetic noticeboard. Lovingly produced in Britain, Sian Zeng products are known for their narrative-based designs, which are often magical with an eccentric charm.
£2.95
Battersea Power Station This iconic architectural sculpture is handmade in Sussex. Made from strong plaster that has a reassuring weight and smooth, cool feel, it will look great on a desk, shelf or wall.
£135 DIY Make-Your-Own Ukelele kit The perfect gift for all ukulele fans! This unfinished wood kit is easy to assemble (the body arrives in one piece, you attach the neck and strings using only glue and sandpaper), and it’s ready to be decorated with paint or stain.
£34.95 Birdie paper knife A paper knife in the shape of bird. ‘Letter writing is a form of old school “analogue”communication in this digital world,’ says designer Yohei Oki of Japan’s +d. When not in use, Birdie sits on your desk.
£7.95
Room Divider
Enjoy a hot bath and relax with a character of your choice. Each pack contains five characters, each attached to a tea bag.
This beautiful, unique, self-assembly modular wall is made from individual polypropylene pieces in two different sizes and different transparencies. Combine them together to make a screen, then disassemble and reassemble as something completely different such as a bowl or a Christmas decoration.
£6.95
£75 (1m 2) £125 (2m 2)
Rock ‘n’ Roll teabags
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Deer Head earrings These wonderfully festive and highly detailed earrings are made using 3D-printing technology. The array of colours gives you plenty of choice and the design is cute enough to wear all year round.
£21.95
Dreyfuss 500 chrome telephone Budgies Chirpy-looking, perching budgies with brightly coloured feathers and wires on their feet to aid fixing. Made from foamed Styrol, with real feathers, and available in a variety of colours.
£12.50
First introduced in 1949, this ever-popular desk-style set was initially in basic Bell Black. Re-introduced in 1954 in a variety of shades, this classic gained widespread popularity.
£59.95
Pug Dog Christmas decoration A fabulous free-standing Pug, adorned with festive gold antlers, screen-printed by hand, cut in London and made from 100% recycled cardboard. The perfect gift for urban-dwelling animal lovers who want a pet but live in a flat.
£11.95
Spanish Fishermen A perfect stocking filler for young and old, this fisherman – despite the swinging – keeps his balance all the time. Made in Barcelona from wood and tin this little man will keep you entertained for hours.
£6.95
Sunglasses Mirror Make sure you’re always looking good by checking your reflection in this spec -tacular sunglasses mirror. Made in England, it’s the ultimate statement piece for any space.
£195 December 2013 | www.sussexstyle.com
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Advertorial FEATURE
Have yourself a merry Green Christmas...
C
hristmas is often a time of joyous excess, we eat and drink too much and exchange lots of gifts and wrapping paper. Most of us are already good recyclers, but Christmas is a hectic time and it can be easy to forget what we should be putting in our recycling bin. Here are some recycling reminders: Many families will be tucking into mince pies and chocolate gold coins this Christmas, but instead of simply throwing the aluminium foil away, why not pop it in the recycling bin? Don’t forget you can also recycle all your metal food and drink cans. Metal is a scarce resource so the more we can recycle the better for the environment. Last year we recycled 46 tonnes of foil in West Sussex, which is worth £760 per tonne, but we could recycle so much more. That 46 tonnes equates to about 28,500 miles of flattened foil – enough to run from the top to the bottom of Great Britain 47 times. We use a lot of wrapping paper and cards at Christmas time, most of which can be recycled. Did you know that one tonne of recycled paper and card will save 15 trees! Last year the people of West Sussex recycled 45,494 tonnes of paper, which helped save 680,130 trees. A handy tip when recycling wrapping paper is to remove any bows, ribbons and excess cellotape first. Plastic foil wrapping paper can’t be recycled – so think green when you choose your gift-wrap this year. You could even cut up used wrapping paper and make paper chains to decorate your tree. Recycle your Christmas cards and gift tags, just remove the string first or cut up old cards and use them as gift tags next year.
Glass bottles and jars tend to accumulate more rapidly over Christmas period when family and friends are dropping by for a meal or drink. Last year West Sussex recycled a whopping
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20,060 tonnes of glass bottles and jars – this means that if each person in West Sussex contributed to this tonnage, they would have recycled almost 21 kilograms of glass bottles and jars each. Or think of this in terms of energy consumption, recycling just two glass bottles saves enough energy to boil water for five cups of tea. On average every family in the UK consumes 330 glass bottles and jars a year – that’s enough energy to boil 825 cups of tea (wasteonline.org.uk)! After your Christmas party remember to put clean empty wine and beer bottles in your recycling bin at home. Metal
lids/caps can also go in your recycling bin, but place them in there loosely. If you’re making your own mince pies and Christmas puddings, remember that empty clean mincemeat jars can go in your recycling bin, along with the usual jam and pickle jars. And finally don’t forget about the Christmas tree when the festivities are over! This cannot go in your recycling bin, but it can be recycled at your local Household Waste Recycling Site (HWRS). Your Borough or District Council may be able provide a household green waste collection service from your doorstep visit their website to find out about this
www.sussexstyle.com | December 2013
service. Old toys, DVDs, CDs, electrical equipment, batteries and textiles can also be recycled at your HWRS – so why not have a good post-Christmas clear out? It’s important to recycle our Christmas trees, so that we can put back into the earth what we’ve taken out. Make sure you remove all decorations and the tree stand, before taking it to be recycled. Your artificial tree can’t be recycled, so store it somewhere safe to reuse again next year. Top Green Tip: If Christmas is only magical with a real tree to decorate, you can lessen your environmental impact by buying a tree grown in the UK (in the past many have come from far-flung parts of Europe). When you buy your tree this year, look out for suppliers who are a member of the British Christmas Tree Grower Association (BCTGA). Members are asked to comply with a code of practice so that trees are grown to the best environmental and sustainable practice.
To find out more visit www.bctga.co.uk
For more handy recycling tips and to find out where your nearest HWRS is visit www.recycleforwestsussex.org or call 01243 642106.
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December 2013 | www.sussexstyle.com
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design style
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love artists’ boxes and would happily join a religion that worshipped the 20th century doyen of the form, Joseph Cornell. So it’s good to come across someone like Frances Bloomfield, who creates contemporary versions of these 3D miniworlds. Frances calls hers Dreamboxes, using found and recycled objects to explore themes under headings like ‘City’, ‘Other Lives’ and ‘Geometry’. Her latest series – ‘Dialogue Domestique’ – unravels the idea of ‘the perfect home’ with stairs and tumbling chairs providing a repeated motif of things going wrong... www.francesbloomfield.com. Frances’ work is also exhibited at Saffron Gallery, Battle
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ust say the words ‘Swedish Design’ and I go a bit misty-eyed. While I covet the sleek-and-curvy cool of post-war Sweden, lots of folk have a passion for just the sort of more traditional country house style offered by Brighton-based Swedish Interior Design. Rooms are dressed as actual Scandi living spaces to showcase Europe’s largest selection of Swedish Gustavian, Biedermeier, Art Deco and Country furniture (the Mora clocks are top sellers), complemented by top quality modern homages ranging from bespoke furniture to handmade hemp linen. View online first through 360-degree video then book a visiting time. Unit 1170, Crowhurst Road, Brighton. 01273 734371, www.swedishinteriordesign.co.uk
Style File
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f you want to own some really historic interior design, take a trawl through some of the treasures at Heathfield-based Antique Hadden. Specialist items include medieval and Renaissance carvings, early oak furniture, gothic items and so-called ‘primitive’ furniture (whose simplicity often looks surprisingly in tune with modern aesthetics). Those Elizabethan carvedoak doors would certainly add a bit of grandeur to my humble gaff... 01435 863619/07793 742992, www.antiques-atlas.com/antiquehadden
Norman Miller discovers more designers, artists and craftworkers
W
ith that made-up Victorian midwinter festival looming large, some folk – and no, it shouldn’t just be women – will be spending more time than usual in the kitchen readying to feed invading hordes of rellies. So why not treat yourself to something beautiful and vintage from Jane Wicks Kitchenalia to keep you company in there. ‘I have been selling vintage kitchen wares for 15 years,’ says Jane. ‘Items date from the Victorian era up to the early Sixties – with new stock arriving daily!’ A quick browse has already given us ideas about the giant blue-and-white Forties salt jar and a printed ceramic Edwardian blancmange mould. The ideal gift, of course, would be a brigade of kitchen staff seconded from Downton. Do any of those come up? Crock & Cosy, Strand Quay, Rye. 01424 713635/07754 308269
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Deck theHalls If you’re looking for home design inspiration this Christmas then our resident interiors expert Sofie Allsop is here to help
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n the Allsopp family there are a few hard and fast rules at Christmas – the day has to start with scrambled eggs, a glass (or two) of bucks fizz, and stockings. For years, my mother was in charge of decorating the tree with beautifully tied tartan ribbons and gold and silver baubles – a classic and elegant look. A few years back, for some reason my father took over tree decoration duty and the tall and always slightly odd-shaped tree is now exuberant – it looks like a firework has gone off in a tinsel factory; a look that would reduce Kelly Hoppen to tears! Every family does Christmas slightly differently – real tree or artificial, classic or kitsch, turkey or beef, Queen’s speech or David Jason. So I have complied a Christmas interiors and gift guide with hopefully something for everyone; a smorgasbord of yuletide treats. For me, Christmas wouldn’t be the same without a real fir tree – smell is so evocative and the aroma of pine is part and parcel of Christmas. However, for some people the idea of still finding needles in the carpet and crevices of the sofa in March is too depressing, and there are some great artificial trees on the market too. John Lewis’s 7.5ft pre-lit dual light tree (£500) is a bit pricey but it is bushy, beautiful, ultrarealistic and you won’t have to spend hours unravelling lengths of tangled lights. Spark up a Diptyque Pine Bark candle (£45) and your house will smell of fir trees without the hassle
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of needles. Scented candles are also the perfect stocking fillers – everyone loves them and Diptyque makes some of the best; the artwork on the glass alone is reason enough to buy them. I love the kitschness of Christmas, for me it is supposed to be over-the-top, colourful and joyous. A rotund bearded man in a slightly-tootight red suit climbs down your chimney; this is not a time for monochrome. Where is the joy in a beige and black colour theme? However, for anyone who wants to cultivate a look that screams whippet-thin Manhattan socialite I draw your attention to John Lewis’s Iridescent Ombre Rib Drop glass tree decorations in blue/back (£2.50). Team with big black velvet ribbons (hand-tied of course), and Selfridges’ Clear Glass baubles (£3.50) to catch the light and break up all that black… a tree fit for your inner Cruella De Vil. Christmas is all about traditions; my American mother-in-law receives a single snowflake ornament from the Metropolitan Museum of New York every year from her godmother. I collect birds for the Christmas tree – last year I bought a beautiful owl in Charleston, South Carolina, the year before a very majestic peacock from The Conran Shop. My hope one day is to have a tree covered purely in bird ornaments – a Christmas aviary. This year I am buying a set of six, handpainted glass birds from the RSPB (£12.99); they are totally divine, dainty and colourful, and, more importantly, the money is going to a good cause. My go-to shop at Christmas is Paperchase.
HOME style
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home style
It might be a surprising choice, I know, but it has the best selection of decorations. Its tartan baubles (£10) are very Lagerfeld/Chanel 2013, and I love the Scandinavian felt fox decorations (£8) too. You can pick up anything from reindeer to robots, the traditional to the zany, and it is all very purse-friendly. I also love making wreaths and boughs to hang on mantelpieces, along the middle of tables, on windowsills, up banisters, on pictures, or anywhere there is a flat surface. If you go along to a Christmas tree seller you can usually pick up their offcuts for free, then just arrange the fir branches into wreaths or garlands. I weave in holly, ivy, pine cones, candy canes and baubles, tying them onto the branches with green gardener’s wire, then finish them off with ribbon bows, usually in reds and greens. If this all seems a bit like hard work you can always buy them, either real or artificial. The Real Flower Company does the most beautiful floral displays – its 6ft Christmas herbs, rose hip and foliage garland (£160) is a real work of art and the wreaths are just as wonderful – incorporating ivory roses, herbs and other unusual foliage. For artificial boughs, www.xmasdirect.com does a plain spruce 9ft garland (£23.99), which you can then decorate yourself. Now you have your Christmas tree sorted, what are you going to put under it? Coffee-table books are always a fail-safe option, and I love Farrow and Ball: Decorating with Colour by Ros Byam Shaw (£35), a collection of sumptuous interiors and tips on how to create the look in your home. For those who have green fingers I draw your attention to www.davidaustin.com. Hand-tied rose bouquets, shrubs and trees to plant in the garden, beautiful homeware and lovely old-fashioned gardening tools, it really is an Aladdin’s cave. Finally, you could always buy a pair of tickets to next year’s Decorex – the UK’s largest decorating and interiors fair – a mecca for anyone interested in design.
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3
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1. Hessian Fox £28
2. Tartan Stag £12
3. Tartan baubles £10 for 4
4. Robot decorations £12 for 3
All www.paperchase.com
KITCHENSBESPOKE
With 20 years experience in high quality design, service and project management Rachael Workman set up Kitchens Bespoke to provide quality kitchens with thoughtful functional design at great value. Rachael will work with you to create a totally unique design and guide you through the often daunting array of options available, making practical and inspiring suggestions about the best use of space and materials. Most importantly she will listen to what you want, and what you must have, helping you to achieve your prefect kitchen. “Kitchens Bespoke offers a premium service for all our clients without the cost, assuring your investment through attention to detail and turnkey solutions� - Rachael Workman Nov 2012 To find out more call Rachael Workman our resident designer on 01342 313133 or visit our new showroom for a chat Kitchens Bespoke, 88 London Road, East Grinstead, West Sussex RH19 1EP www.kitchensbespoke.co.uk
advertising style
Plantation Louvre Shutters & Blinds Specialist for Southern England
At BellaVista we believe it’s the small things that count
B
ased in Brighton we have many years of experience advising and installing beautiful made to measure shutters & blinds across Sussex. We offer value for money and a personal touch that can only be supplied from a family run business. We have a desirable reputation, due both to the professional, reliable and friendly manner with which we approach our work and to our very competitive prices. Shutters and blinds are an inspired choice for any style of home. Especially when you consider that they’re just as beautiful when viewed from the outside as the inside and very easy to keep clean. So whether you want privacy or light control, functionality or versatility, contemporary or period style we can provide shutters and blinds that will fit your needs perfectly. Shutters aren’t just a beautiful choice; they’re an extremely practical one too. They can be fitted to any style of window or patio door, including French and sliding doors, bays, sash, upvc, as well as unusual shapes. Our range of blinds comes in a wide selection of colours and styles. They’ll compliment just about every kind of interior from modern to classic while helping you control privacy and natural light levels. Open or shut, light or shade; our blinds can go solo or be used to complement shutters within the same property.
We supply & install wood interior shutters & blinds in Brighton/East Sussex/West Sussex/Surrey & the South East
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Experience, trust and attention to detail
For further information, advice or a quote call us for a chat, on Brighton 01273 303842 December 2013 | www.sussexstyle.com
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FAMILY STYLE
Home Help The old adage, ‘be nice to your children, they’ll choose your nursing home’ is no longer the case, thanks to Bluebird Care...
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luebird Care provides a range of services that allows people to continue living at home whatever their circumstances. Growing old may be inevitable but as statistics show we are now living longer it means that many of us don’t want to spend our final years in a residential home. A home is not about being surrounded by four walls but it’s the lifetime of memories people have built up over the years. As we get older many of us simply don’t want to leave our homes and Bluebird Care can offer a helping hand – from half hour visits to full live-in care. Choosing to receive help at home is increasing significantly in this country as it gives people peace of mind and reassurance that somebody is in the house with them. However, the service is extremely flexible and Bluebird Care will provide a bespoke service depending on the person’s wishes and needs. Until recently, many of us didn’t realise we even had the option for full-time live-in care in our own homes. However, as awareness grows, many families who would otherwise have looked after their families in residential care are now realising the benefits and are able
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regular activities out in the community. They may also undertake light domestic housework and cooking if this is something somebody is struggling to cope with along with medication support and personal care. to have their family remain in their own home. Live-in carer’s will need their own room and TV and the service is intended for people to live as independent lifestyle as possible depending on their needs. They can choose a male or female carer and at Bluebird Care, they ensure the carer and client are a good match from sharing hobbies to interests. If the person is able to get out and about, the carer will share day trips, holidays and
WWW.SUSSEXSTYLE.COM | DECEMBER 2013
Bluebird Care The Funding Scheme
We understand that one of the biggest concerns people have when it comes to care services is how to pay for it. The Funding Scheme, provided by Key Retirement Solutions, allows people to use the equity in the property to release the cash locked into the property without the upheaval or expense of moving home. If you are a UK homeowner and aged 55+, then you could qualify for an equity release plan. The money you release can be spent in any way and there are typically no monthly repayments to make. enabling you to stay in your own home for life. For more information on the funding scheme and services visit: www.bluebirdcare.co.uk
LIVE IN CARE Caring for your lifestyle
LIVE-IN CARE 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. For further information please call
01243 839859
www.bluebirdcare.co.uk
of Land Make arundel style
Believe
With its beautiful surroundings, film set looks and quirky independent shops and eateries, is there a downside to Arundel? Emma Piper finds out
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iewed across verdant water meadows, the Sussex town of Arundel looks as lovely as a period drama film set, with its grand Gothic cathedral and impressive Norman castle spectacularly silhouetted against the skyline, presiding over a hotchpotch of rooftops cascading downhill to the banks of the tidal River Arun. It’s a view that at times looks so prettily romantic that it hardly seems real. But Arundel’s good looks continue, in a town full of quaint streets lined with Tudor properties, Georgian townhouses, Victorian coaching inns and rows of traditional flint
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and brick-fronted Sussex cottages, narrating Arundel’s story as a thriving market town and port for the best part of a thousand years, from the 11th century until as recently as the Twenties. Arundel’s history has been preserved mostly because it is protected from development by the South Downs National Park to the north and the strategic gap between Arundel and Littlehampton to the south. There is also the strong presence of local landowners the National Trust as well as the Duke of Norfolk, Britain’s premier peer, whose family home is still Arundel Castle.
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What to shop
As the past permeates the town, it is appropriate that there are antiquey places such as the glamorous Spencer Swaffer Antiques and the charms of Arundel Bridge Antiques, Arundel Antiques Market and Nineveh House – with a range of collectables, upcycled pieces and crafts in an old chapel. There is, however, an unexpected shot of fashionable decorative and urban chic homeware stores, elegantly stylish boutiques and cool art galleries among the traditional tea rooms and antiques markets. And there’s not a national name among them. So for individual – even idiosyncratic – independents, this is the place. Tarrant Street and the High Street are best for browsing, but look out for stores hidden in unexpected places. Just a few favourite finds are the French Loft building (an interior design business selling found objects from industrial factory lights to mid-century modern chairs) in a converted brewery, Zimmer Stewart Gallery for striking contemporary artwork, and Sparks Yard for lovely home stuff – a sort of mini-Heals. Meanwhile Vintage Maison, Lavender House & Garden and Rare Rabbit all look as inviting as they sound. A bevy of nearby boutiques includes newcomer Fanny Adams, Senzani with knitwear, jeans and
Where to live
Peter Robson of Jackson-Stops & Staff in Arundel explains that the town attracts second-home owners from London and people who only need to go up to London to work two or three days a week, as well as downsizers who aren’t your usual retirees, looking to tap into Arundel’s active and arty community. ‘There’s a lot to do here,’ Peter explains. ‘People can move here and not know anyone and quickly become part of the town.’ With no room for development, there are just two prime areas to move into: Old Arundel and Torton Hill, a wedged-shape area of desirable detached family houses built post-Second World War on the other side of the A27. Apparently, young singles buy cottages in town, move over to Torton Hill’s family houses when they marry and move back into town to downsize when they’re older. Outside Arundel, a selection of pretty villages and
blooming necklaces, Classix for easy casuals and Envy for that all-important little black dress. Other one-offs range from Squibbly Biskit for cute kids’ togs, and exquisite Catherine Francis Bridal Boutique, to the quirky delights of Arundel Teddy Bears and a walking stick store, both found in a Victorian-style arcade converted from old printing works.
Where to eat
hamlets includes Burpham and Warningcamp to the east, and Madehurst and Slindon (beautiful houses at high prices) to the north. But with no sites to develop in town (and precious few out of town) there’s a squeeze on property. Put simply: Arundel is not cheap.
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Pallant of Arundel is an upmarket deli that was described to me as being there since the dawn of time. Outside are wicker baskets piled with squashes and apples; inside are displays of fine cheeses, cured meats, pastries, wines and more. Arundel still has a traditional butchers and greengrocers, too. Happy times. Take your pick from a plethora of tea rooms and coffee houses. We stopped for a cappuccino and flapjack
Don’t miss
arundel style
Arundel Lido, an open-air heated pool with views of the Castle, open for festive swims from Christmas Eve to New Year’s Day. There’s also Arundel Wetlands Centre on the banks of the River Arun, which will keep everyone in the family amused, with boardwalks to take you through reed beds and wildlife safari boat tours.
The downside
Is there one? Okay, no secondary school.
The buzz
The busy community is one of the best things about Arundel. Residents can get involved by joining one of the local groups, such as the Arundel Players. Or they can support the Arundel Festival, one of the largest multi-arts festivals in the South East, and Arundel by Candlelight – a local favourite – as well as other events.
break at Berties, with friendly service and (good) local art exhibited on the walls. For pubs, The Swan was suggested. We were impressed by the King’s Arms, too: popular with locals with its open fire for winter and outside tables for summer, and on Saturday mornings mums and dads can enjoy hot chocolate and newspapers while the kids watch a film downstairs. For serious eating, the Town House restaurant is recommended in the Good Food Guide, not only for its modern British seasonal menu but for the 16th century Italian carved-walnut ceiling. I’ve also heard good things about The Bay Tree, Sage, and Arundel House, which is under new ownership. Outside town, The Black Rabbit, with its riverside tables, is popular, while The George at Burpham has recently been bought and refurbished by local residents to save it from closure and is now a comfy posh pub with open fires, tasty food (try the fish pie, which arrives in an enamel dish) and a warm welcome.
School report
Arundel Church of England primary school is rated ‘good’ by Ofsted and considered by local parents to provide an excellent educational foundation. However it’s necessary to travel for secondary schools. The nearest are in Littlehampton with Littlehampton Academy only rated ‘satisfactory’, but Angmering School is rated ‘good’. The nearest independent school is Slindon College, for boys aged 10 to 16 and recognised for its learning support specialisms. Prep schools in the area include Westbourne House outside Chichester, Windlesham House near Washington, and Dorset House near Amberley. All are acclaimed and preparing pupils for various Sussex independents such as Christ’s Hospital, south of Horsham, and Lancing College, east of Worthing, among others.
For sale
In town: Grade II-listed three-bedroom, double-fronted semi-detached cottage with sitting room, with log burner and kitchen/breakfast room, £485,000
Outside town: Country house in Slindon, predominantly Victorian in character comprising a seven-bedroom main house plus substantial self-contained guest or staff accommodation set in three acres of grounds with outbuildings and stables, price on application. Both Jackson-Stops & Staff, Arundel, 01903 885886
The commute
The mainline station is about half a mile south of the town centre, so it is within easy walking distance, but it is a one and a half hour hike into London Victoria. The A27 bypasses the town, heading west to Chichester and east to Worthing, but you’re some way from fast roads. December 2013 | www.sussexstyle.com
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ggggggggg style
Mum on the
run Could I make a fairy cake – with just four hours notice and in the shape of a pirate ship? Of course. When you’re a mum, anything’s possible, says Laura Jandac
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arrived at work after the school run yesterday to find that I had peanut butter smeared all over my cheek. Strange thing was I hadn’t even eaten peanut butter that morning, but my son had – and yet he had arrived at school squeaky clean and I was a mess. No other mother in the playground had thought to point it out to me and it got me thinking as to why. Would I have pointed it out if it were someone else? Honestly? No. Before you brand me cruel and mean let me explain why. My son asked me a while ago how many jobs I had. He said he knew Daddy had one job but I had lots of jobs, so taking the opportunity I listed them off one by one. Well, I said, I look after you and I look after Daddy, I cook the food and clean the house, I wash the clothes and do the ironing and
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tidy up after you (and Daddy). I pay the bills, organise holidays and pack lunches… my son’s eyes started to glaze over… oh, and I also have a full time job. And there is the problem. We girls have far more on our plates than we can realistically cope
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with, but we don’t want anyone to know that we’re struggling. The mothers in the playground neglected to point out that I had breakfast on my face, not because they are mean, but because it made them feel better about themselves – nothing is quite as comforting as knowing that others are struggling as well. We are surrounded, in newspapers and magazines, by women telling us how they can do it all and still have time for gym sessions four times a week, date night with their husbands and full make-up applied for the school run. I’m sorry but I simply don’t believe them and can only assume that their house must be a mess or they are desperately in need of a pedicure because the bottom line is, women simply can’t have it all. The sooner we just accept that the happier we will all be.
Family style
A good friend told me before I got married that the secret to a successful marriage was to be Delia Smith in the kitchen and Pamela Anderson in the bedroom. Sounds easy, but she neglected to tell me that I also needed to be Mary Poppins with the children, Mary Berry with the packed lunches, Kim and Aggie around the house and run the home and business finances like the CEO of Apple, all while being as well turned out as Victoria Beckham. My son thinks I am all of these things –
and doesn’t bat an eyelid when he comes home from school and tells me that he needs fairy cakes for the class tomorrow morning and the theme is Pirates of the Caribbean. He knows they will get done. I didn’t want to have a bath anyway. Something will always have to give, because there are a finite number of hours in the day and a minimum number of hours’ sleep a human being can function on. For a friend recently it was her memory that suffered, as when she was asked her newborn’s
date of birth she had a complete mental block and the nurse had to look it up on the computer. For me it was having a chance to look in the mirror before I left the house and for some it’s the ability to put your jumper on the right way round – but I bet the one thing we all have in common is that we wouldn’t change it for anything. I am a mother of one and owner of my own business, I’m flying by the seat of my pants with no idea where I left my car keys but I’m loving every minute of it… December 2013 | www.sussexstyle.com
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Santa Claus is coming to Sussex
Sam Bilton catches up with the great man himself and discovers where he and his sleigh will be landing this season Santa Cruises on the Wey & Arun Canal
Santa uses many modes of transport to pay the children in Sussex a quick visit before Christmas Day. Over in Loxwood he can be found sailing along the Wey & Arun canal. The 40-minute trip includes mulled wine or juice and mince pies for all passengers and a small present for the children. And if you don’t get a chance to see the jolly man in red before the big day, the Santa Cruises will also be running on Boxing Day and New Year’s Day.
Father Christmas Sleigh Experience in Chichester
Santa may have been delivering presents to children for aeons, but he’s not shy of using social media to let his fans know where he will be. Visit his Facebook page to find out the locations and times for when his magic sleigh will be landing in Chichester. Children will be able to climb aboard Santa’s sleigh and have a short chat with him about their Christmas wish list before receiving a Christmas lolly, reindeer food and a GOOD coin. The sleigh sits underneath a canvas tent blacked out with a night sky for extra atmosphere (and protection from the elements). All monies collected will be donated to charity so you’ll also be helping to spread a bit of Christmas cheer yourself. Santa’s Sleigh will be landing on select dates from 28 November–24 December, from 4pm. Tickets: £3 for up to three children and one adult, for a three minute visit. 01243 774161, www.facebook.com/chichestersfatherchristmas
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Santa Cruises will be running on 8, 14, 15, 21, 22 and 23 December from the Canal Centre in Loxwood at 11am, 12noon and 2pm. Boxing Day and New Year’s Day trips depart at the same times. Tickets: £9 per person before Christmas, £5 for adults and £2.50 for children on Boxing Day and New Year’s Day. Location: Wey & Arun Canal Centre, Loxwood, West Sussex RH14 0RD. 01403 752403, www.weyandarun.co.uk
Family style
Winter Wonderland at Drusillas
Drusillas will be lighting up its Winter Wonderland illuminations from Saturday 30th November until Sunday 5th January. Young revellers can expect to see a host of magical creatures in the ice-capped kingdom in a dazzling light show synchronised to music. There will also be the opportunity to hug a husky and of course a chance to visit Santa in his cosy Christmas Cottage.
Christmas Wonderland Grotto at The Llama Park
Santa’s Cottage Open: Weekends from 30th November and then daily 14th–23rd December inclusive, 10am– 5pm. Tickets: £63.99 for a family of four (includes entry to the zoo). Discounts available if you buy online. Location: Drusillas Park, Alfriston, East Sussex BN26 5QS, 01323 874100, www.drusillas.co.uk
Let’s face it. There would be no presents under the Christmas tree without the efforts of Santa’s trusty reindeer (and a little help from Mum and Dad of course). Santa will be on hand in his grotto to explain the preparations for Christmas Eve, reveal how the reindeer fly and to dole out a pre-Christmas treat. There will also be a chance to play a Christmas game to win a prize or write a letter to Father Christmas and mail it to him in his post box. Santa’s Grotto is open weekends only from 30 November and then daily 14–24 December inclusive, 10am–5pm. Tickets: £12.50 for one adult and one child (additional children £8 each). Location: The Llama Park, Wych Cross, East Sussex, RH18 5JN. 01825 712040, www.llamapark.co.uk
Santa Specials at the Bluebell Railway
Take a trip back to a bygone age on the Bluebell Railway this December. Meet your train at Sheffield Park where Santa will visit every child on board with a gift. After arriving at Horsted Keynes join in with the Victorian street entertainers and have a go at the traditional fairground stalls including hoopla, crazy cottage and the hall of mirrors. There will also be an opportunity to visit Santa at Horsted Keynes and to have your photograph taken with him and your family. Santa Specials will be operating every weekend from 1 December and then daily 21–23 December inclusive. Tickets: From £20 per adult, £13 per child (aged 3-15) and £9 for under 3s travelling third class. First Class and Club Class tickets are also available. Loctaion: Bluebell Railway, Sheffield Park Station, East Sussex, TN22 3QL. 01825 720806, www.bluebell-shop.co.uk (third class tickets only)
The Magic of Christmas at Fishers Farm Adventure Park
Why not combine a visit to see Santa with the fun of a pantomime at Fishers Farm Adventure Park? This year’s panto is Aladdin and promises to be packed with songs, slapstick, silliness and fairytale magic. Before you sit down to an afternoon of family fun you can walk through a sparkling winter wonderland on you way to see Santa next to his cosy log fire in his grotto. Santa’s cheery little elves will be on hand to help each child pick their own present from the toy factory. Pantomime Performances take place on 14 and 15 December and 20–24 December. See website for performance times. Tickets: Pantomime and Father Christmas Grotto Experience – including ‘pick your own’ present in the Elves Toy Factory and all-inclusive Adventure Pass to Fishers is £19.50 per child (Adults £13.50). Tickets for grotto only are £8.50 per person. Location: Fishers Farm Adventure Park, Newpound Lane, Wisborough Green, West Sussex, RH14 0EG. 01403 700063, www.fishersfarmpark.co.uk
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Child’s Katie Wyartt rounds up the best that Sussex has to offer for family days out during the school Christmas holidays
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ou’ve reached your limit with leftover turkey-based meals. The strawberry creams are the only chocolates left in the Roses tin, the kids have played with/destroyed all their presents, and it’s still five long days until they go back to school. Yes, it’s time to leave the house for a much-needed change of scenery, maybe even (gasp), some fresh air. Here are some ideas for places to go – both indoor and outdoor – in that period between Christmas and New Year, when you just need a day out…
Play Knockhatch Adventure Park and Ski Centre Knockhatch Adventure Park and Ski Centre Set in 80 acres of lush Sussex countryside, Knockhatch Adventure Park has plenty of indoor and outdoor-based fun activities. There are birds of prey on display, a small farm, meerkats and an indoor soft play centre. And if that’s not enough, you can also try your hand at panning for gold, racing on mini-quad bikes, bungee trampolines, and the Wave Runner slide. Open throughout Christmas holidays, check website for opening hours. From £3.99 for adults and £6.49 for children. Some activities cost extra. www.knockhatch.com Next door, the Knockhatch Ski and Snowboarding Centre offers a 110m dry ski slope, for skiing and snowboarding lessons and open practice for all the family, see website for opening times and prices. www.knockhatchskicentre.co.uk
Devil’s Dyke
Royal Pavillion Ice Rink, Brighton Temporary ice rinks pop up here, there and everywhere during December and January these days, but few offer such an awe-inspiring backdrop as this one. Located in the stunning grounds of Brighton’s Royal Pavilion, it looks particularly beautiful after dark, surrounded by hundreds of twinkling lights. Being in Brighton, it is also the UK’s first eco-friendly rink, using green energy to freeze the ice and supply its power. Every Saturday morning it’s Penguin Club, where children under 8 can skate for free (accompanied by a fee-paying adult), followed by free arts and crafts sessions in the rink-side Bar & Kitchen. The Bar & Kitchen is open from 9.45am until late, serving a range of warming food and drinks. Open daily 9th November – 19th January, see website for session times and booking information. Sessions are one hour long.Adults from £10, children under 12 from £7, family tickets £34 www.royalpavilionicerink.co.uk
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A legendary beauty spot situated just north of Brighton, on the South Downs, Devil’s Dyke offers a stunning panorama and at almost a mile long, the Dyke valley is the longest, deepest and widest ‘dry valley’ in the UK. Legend has it that the Devil dug this chasm to drown the parishioners of the Weald. On 20th December (10am–1pm) visitors can take a festive walk to collect materials such as holly and ivy and then return to historic Saddlescombe Farm to make a Christmas wreath in front of a roaring fire. Mulled apple juice, mince piece and roasted chestnuts included. Adults £6, children £3. www.nationaltrust.org.uk/devils-dyke
South Downs Planetarium, Chichester Sussex’s very own 100-seat planetarium, which opened in 2001, offers a number of spectacular shows during the Christmas holidays, including The Star of Bethlehem, 22nd-24th December, where you’ll journey back over 2000 years to explore the possible origins of the infamous Christmas star. After Christmas, shows include Magic Jupiter and its Moons on 29th December, and The New Year Night Sky on 31st December, where visitors can take a closer look at the magical night sky, often at its most clear and crisp at this time of year. Booking in advance is recommended. See website for further details. From £6 for adults, £4 for children under 16. www.southdowns.org.uk
Family style
Wakehurst Place The country estate of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, Wakehurst features natural woodland and lakes, formal gardens, an Elizabethan house and the 21st-century architecture of Kew’s Millennium Seed Bank. As well as running wild around the gardens, there’s plenty for children to do, with a series of ‘Adventurous Journeys’ – natural play features – cropping up all over the 500-acre estate. It’s also home to the country’s largest (36m) Christmas tree, which is lit from 3.30pm each day and can be seen for miles around. Open every day except 24th and 25th December, see website for opening times Adults £12.50, children (16 and under) free. www.kew.org/visit-wakehurst/
Little Gems Pottery, Horsham Escape the cold weather and get your creative juices flowing by painting your own pottery – a fun activity at any age. Choose from a wide range of items, from mugs and plates to trinket boxes and Christmas decorations, and use paints, stamps, stencils and stickers to transform them into works of art. There are no studio fees, just pay for the products you paint (from £2-£25 each). Once finished simply leave your finished pieces behind, and they will glaze and fire them, ready for collection in 7 to 10 days. Booking in advance is recommended, and group and evening bookings are available too. www.littlegemspotterypainting.co.uk
Pantomime Somehow pantomimes never go out of fashion, and continue to draw big (and not so big) names from the small screen. Here’s just a selection of shows taking place across Sussex this year… For a traditional pantomime featuring some well-known faces, visit The Hawth in Crawley for Cinderella, featuring Stephen Mulhern and Sid Sloane from CBeebies, from13th December–5th January, tickets from £15.95. In Brighton, the same classic story is given a ‘magical re-telling’ in Cinders, at The Emporium. Full of colourful characters, thrilling theatrical effects and sumptuous costumes, shows run daily at 2pm and 7pm, from 21st November–4th January, tickets from £17 for adults and £14 for under-16s. Eastenders and Extras star Shaun Williamson is starring in Aladdin at the Devonshire Park Theatre, Eastbourne. Shows 13th December–12th January, tickets from £12. At the White Rock Theatre in Hastings, Sheila Reid from Benidorm is amongst the stars in Dick Whittington, from 13th December–4th January, tickets from £14.50. Finally green-fingered Charlie Dimmock plays Fairy Organic in Jack and the Beanstalk, over at the Connaught Theatre in Worthing. Performances from 6th December–4th January, tickets from £15.75.
Bodiam Castle Wannabee princesses and knights can let off some energy at this truly fairytale medieval castle, complete with moat, and set in the heart of 1066 country. The castle is holding ‘Roast & Roam’ Sundays throughout January, where visitors can enjoy a guided walk around the castle followed by a hearty 2-course lunch in the Wharf tearoom, for £25 for adults and £10 for children (under 10). See website for further details. The castle is open weekends only from 21st December and throughout January, 11am – 4pm. Adults £6.70, children £3.35, family tickets £16.75 www.nationaltrust.org.uk/bodiam-castle December 2013 | www.sussexstyle.com
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Toddler Tow
family style
in
Christmas shopping and pushchairs are not a good mix, as Sofie Allsop discovers
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love Christmas… I even love Christmas shopping – wandering through the German market in Edinburgh, with all its twinkling lights and faux snow, drinking hot wine and eating slightly repellentyet-delicious German sausage. It makes up for the long winters north of the border, when it gets dark at 4pm. Now I have a 15-month-old son, Christmas will be even more special, except for one thing: children really hate shopping. Firstly, as any parent knows, you can’t just pop out to the shops with a toddler, you have to be organised – it’s like planning an invasion; you need to be prepared for any eventuality. Snacks, drinks, nappies, wet wipes… and even a change of clothes in case of a catastrophic nappy event. With it being winter and pretty Baltic outside you need to wrap the little darlings in multiple layers. You put a woolly hat on them, they pull it off, you put it back on, they pull it off, you give up, they ask for the hat. By the time you are ready to hit the road you could do with a cup of tea. Once you have left the house you then have to wrestle them into the car seat or buggy – sometimes they are easy, more often they’re not. Toddlers are like ants – they have super strength that belies their small stature. When they go rigid and form an angry plank it’s very difficult to wedge them into their seat. Trying to jam a screaming ball of juvenile rage into a small space as gently as possible can be testing. Shops are not designed for buggies – or maybe buggies are just not designed for shops – either way I always get mine jammed between the clothes rail and the wall, or somehow manage to get the dress I’m trying on caught between the wheels. Then there is the escalator debate. There is a queue for
the one lift in the shop but the escalator clearly says no prams, what do you do? A. Check whether anybody is looking, hop on to the escalator and hope to goodness it’s not like the scene from Final Destination 4, or B. Wait five minutes for the lift. I tell you, it’s a moral maze. Most women don’t like trying clothes on at the best of times, especially in winter, post-baby, when you might not be looking as svelte as you would like. Whenever I am in a Zara changing room I always have to repeat to myself, ‘they are much smaller in Spain, they are much smaller in Spain’, when I am trying to unsuccessfully squeeze into a pair of medium trousers. Add a screaming toddler and it’s enough to make you weep. Last time, in a fit of shopping rage, my son spat his dummy out, and it skimmed across the changing room into an occupied cubicle. I got down on my hands and knees and reached in to try and scoop it out unnoticed. Not successful, the lady probably thought I was deranged – or a pervert. Everyone has seen the advert for Vicks First Defence when a child starts to have a tantrum in the supermarket so the mother does the same. She flings herself on the ground, screams and wails, the child looks horrified and immediately stops, I wonder if anyone has tried this? Does it work? Or would you both be asked to leave your local Tesco? Answers on a postcard please. So back to the Christmas market. As for meandering around slurping mulled wine and eating hot dogs, we all know it is impossible to hold a mug while eating a sausage and pushing a toddler without something very bad happening. So this year folks I will be shopping online, possibly with a glass of something hot and alcoholic on hand. December 2013 | www.sussexstyle.com
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NEW YEAR
New Home
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s the end of the year approaches and the West Sussex property market continues to flourish, there is no better way to start 2014 than with an executive new home. However, while buying off-plan has proved popular this year, award-winning house builder Crest Nicholson understands that sometimes a buyer’s compulsion to move is pressing, and they want to enjoy their dream home without delay. Fortunately, Hart’s Wood at Bolnore Village – an exclusive contemporary development that benefits from one of Haywards Heath’s most sought-after postcodes, offers a limited number of five-bedroom family houses that are ready for immediate occupancy. Furthermore, as a benefit of new build homes, the houses at Hart’s Wood aren’t hampered by long property chains, enabling house purchasers to be confident that their move into the new build development will be hassle-free. One example of a property that is ready for occupancy immediately is the five-bedroom detached Grassmere. Built in a traditional executive style and designed with both growing and established families in mind, the home is arranged over three storeys and extends to almost 3,000sq ft in size. On the ground floor, the open plan kitchen/breakfast room is designed to be the hub of the house, boasting double doors that open onto the garden as well as a utility
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room that can store the paraphernalia needed to run a household. The large kitchen, with space for a dining table, also offers an optimum environment in which to host cosy family suppers or informal dinner parties. The separate sitting room can be used as an alternative formal entertaining area or, with room for three or four sofas, is perfect for relaxed evenings with the family. With a further set of double doors that opens directly onto the garden, the outside space feels like an extension of the internal living accommodation. The dedicated dining room benefits from being adjacent to the kitchen, yet is separate enough to offer a more elegant setting for dinner parties and festive occasions. Not neglecting the practical demands of daily life, the ground floor also benefits from a large study, a cloakroom, and a double garage. For an additional level of luxury, the master bedroom, which is located on the first floor, is not only equipped with a large en suite bathroom, but also a dressing room, keeping the clutter out of the sleeping accommodation and providing a stylish facility for grooming
www.sussexstyle.com | December 2013
in style. Also situated on the first floor are three further generous double bedrooms. The centrally located family bathroom, as well as all of the bathing facilities throughout the homes, benefit from high-end Villeroy & Boch suites. On the second floor there is a further double bedroom – also demarcated as a suite with a private shower room – perfect for guests or teenage children who require privacy from the rest of the household. Hart’s Wood at Bolnore Village doesn’t just offer residents a beautiful home, but the opportunity to realise an aspirational lifestyle too. With excellent retail and leisure facilities just a short drive away, as well as highly regarded independent and state schools catering for children from nursery age to sixth form, Hart’s Wood is designed to support both growing and established families as they try to juggle the demands of everyday life. Christine Tiernan, Sales and Marketing Director, Crest Nicholson South, comments: ‘Hart’s Wood offers a unique proposition in Haywards Heath and arguably offers the ultimate properties in which to start the new year. The limited collection of properties is being snapped up at a rate of knots, so house purchasers who are keen to secure a new build property that is ready for immediate occupancy need to move fast.’
The Grassmere at Hart’s Wood is available from £964,950. Other five bedroom houses are priced from £924,950. For further information, please contact the sales and marketing team on 0870 750 8401
December 2013 | www.sussexstyle.com
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Let’s talk back Readers style
We love to hear from you at Sussex Style. Your views, suggestions or anything that just makes you laugh W W W. S U S S E
X S T Y L E. CO M
N O V E M B E R 2013
BE INSPIRED…
Dear Editor, I really enjoyed reading the feature on kid’s boutiques in the November issue. It made a change to discover different brands and products available that are not found on the high street. Would love to see more kids content in future. S. Reeves via Facebook
Dear Sussex Style, I just wanted to say how much I enjoyed Daniel Raven’s piece on Movember in your last issue. I have been surrounded by far too many friends and colleagues sporting varying degrees of facial hair recently – and although it is of course all for a good cause, the sight of all those bristly top lips has really started to get on my nerves! Thank you, Daniel, for yet another bang-on article! Andy White, via email Really pleased you enjoyed the feature. And we don’t think Daniel disappoints in this issue with his views on Christmas advertising and Joey Essex.
Dear Sussex Style, May I congratulate you on your wonderful magazine. You have some fantastic writers and there is always so much interesting content in every issue, rather than the usual page after page of adverts or promotions. Keep up the good work! Mary Rawlinson, via Facebook We will! Thanks for your kind comments and we’re so pleased you’re enjoying reading Sussex Style.
Dear Editor, I always enjoy reading the food and drink pages in the magazine but was pleasantly surprised to read Valentine Warner’s recipe. I decided to attempt it last weekend for some friends and it went down really well. More please! J. Brissenden, via email We have introduced a recipe of the month in every issue and we’re glad to hear that the dish was a success.
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www.sussexstyle.com | December 2013
ISSUE 8 | NO V E M B E R 2013
Thanks for your comments. Don’t miss our exciting new family section in this issue – hope you enjoy…
ICE
GEMS
COOL WINTER
CHIC
Get in touch editor@sandrpublishing.co.uk Tweet @SussexStyleMag SussexStyleMagazine
November Recipe Book Competition Congratulations to the three lucky readers who have each received a copy of The Good Table by Valentine Warner: Zoe John, Brighton Catherine Leask, Forest Row J. Shepstone, Warwickshire Editor’s note: Great to see we have readers from other counties enjoying Sussex Style
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Mobile Daniel Raven is on hold...
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surprised if our children end up being as in thrall to f you bothered watching I’m A Celebrity... Get Me them as we (well, you) are. Why should they bother Out Of Here! this year, you’ll already be aware that to learn how to read a clock when they’ve got a digital Joey Essex – who has made enough money from his version to hand, or a map when there’s a talking GPS appearances on The Only Way Is Essex to amass a large system in their pocket? In fact, why should they ever collection of ridiculously expensive watches – cannot have to learn anything at all, when they’re already able tell the time. It is almost impossible not to laugh at that, to access the answer to any conceivable question within but perhaps we should try: he seems a nice enough lad, seconds? You could try and give them some spiel about after all, and you wouldn’t laugh at, say, someone who self-reliance and limited battery life, but it probably couldn’t read (I hope!). The news media covered their wouldn’t wash – and there’s every chance they’d be too own hoots of derision with howls of outrage and painted busy playing Candy Crush Saga to even hear you. Joey’s shortcoming as a damning indictment of our education system, but the truth is actually much simpler, and can be glimpsed in Joey’s It seems like the world these days is full of people own comment that ‘it’s so much easier to look at your phone, though, isn’t it?’. who can hardly pick their noses without trying to Isn’t it, though! And don’t we all know involve a mobile phone in some way it – it seems like the world these days is full of people who can hardly pick their noses Eventually, I suppose, we’ll evolve into creatures that without trying to involve a mobile phone in some way, are born with a phone in our hands, or devise some so irresistibly multi-functional have the little buggers monstrous way to stick them directly into our brains. become. I’ve never had one myself (my blood always But at the very moment that this human/phone interface seems to run a little colder just at the ringing of a simple reaches its point of supreme completion, all the power landline), but I have to say that even I’m beginning to will go out, all the phones will go dead and we’ll all see the appeal. A modern mobile can indeed tell you suddenly realise that we’ve reduced ourselves to a state what time it is, as well as how many empty dates there of near-Neanderthal ignorance. And on that day, Joey are in your diary, how sweaty (to the teaspoon) your Essex will be named the Grand High Emperor of the hands are, where your so-called friends have chosen to Entire Human Race. hang out without you and which direction to head in See? I told you not to laugh! if you need urgent medical attention after confronting them. They’re even starting to listen to and understand the things we say, which is so unutterably creepy I’m not even going to try making a joke about it. Daniel Raven’s happy place is at www.danielraven.com My point is, these winking, bleating bits of plastic are pretty damned amazing – so we should not be remotely
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www.sussexstyle.com | December 2013