Sussex Style Feb 2014

S U S S EStyleX Healthy Eating

RISE OF THE SUPERFOODS

Family Life

Parties, days out & how to choose a school

LET’S MOVE TO…

Worthing &Ditchling

Be Inspired / February 2014

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S U S S EStyleX February 2014

CONTENTS

18 REGULARS 06 Editor’s letter 89 Letters page 90 Last word – Daniel Raven

62 All you need to know…

Worthing

FASHION 08 Catwalk report for women and men 20 Stylish family fashion

FOOD & DRINK 44 Food news 46 Serious slimming 48 The rise of the superfoods 50 Juice it up 52 Restaurants for romance

FAMILY 12 Choosing the right school 18 Mum on the run 22 Great days out

HOTEL & TRAVEL 54 The Felbridge Hotel & Spa 56 Family skiing 60 Jutland, Denmark

FEATURES 28 Life in the home of…

Sarah Kowitz 34 All you need to know...

Ditchling 40 Growing down the pan 42 Diary of a divorcee

HOMES & PROPERTY 66 Interior trends for 2014 70 Cool kitchens 72 Stylish bathrooms 74 The Fabric Lady 77 Top 12 design finds 82 Regency living

4 | W WW. S U S SE X ST Y L E.CO M | F EBRUA RY 2014

74

82

56 08

EDITOR’S STYLE Editor-in-Chief Gaynor Wetherall Deputy Editor Katie Wyartt

Get in touch

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

Food & Drink Editor Sam Bilton Fashion Editor Danielle Collier Contributors Cameron Fry, Jess Denny, Laura Jandac, Julian Norridge, Emma Piper, Daniel Raven Creative Director Lucy Newton Head of Finance Richard Judd Managing Director Seán Kane Published by S and R Publishing Ltd

Welcome to the February issue of

S U S S EStyleX

C

hristmas seems like a distant

predictions on interior trends for the year

memory, as the team and I are

ahead and we’re glad to see the future’s

busy trying to get into shape

bright as colours start to hot up.

for spring. If you’re looking

We get a guided tour around Fairlight

to lose a few pounds, we hope you’ll find

Hall in East Sussex, courtesy of owner

inspiration from our food and drink pages

Sarah Kowitz, and read how they’ve

this month. We certainly did and are busy

renovated and restored it back to its

juicing and stocking up on superfoods.

original splendour.

Our family section is bursting with

Daniel Raven ponders the question of

features to both inform and amuse. We

over-expansion in business and wonders

have advice and tips on how to deal with

why people insist on trying to run before

the minefield that is the school selection

they can walk and I have to agree with his

process, ideas on where to take the kids

sentiments on the back page on pointless

at half term, stylish fashion for the whole

new year’s resolutions. Our new columnist

family and discover why the child’s

introduces Diary of a Divorcee and this

birthday party has become the most

month read her unusual take on dieting!

stressful social event of the year on any mum’s calendar.

We have great fashion looks: leather and

Love is in the air in February so be sure to check out our pick of perfect venues to spend an evening with your loved one.

florals for women and prints and parkas for men – guaranteed to keep you stylish in the transition from winter to spring.

Liqui design consultancy give us their 6 | W W W. SU SS E X ST Y L E . C O M | F EBRUA RY 2014

Enjoy…. and see you in March.

Sussex Style™ Copyright 2014-02 ISSN 2049-6036 Summerhill House Hythe Road, Kent TN24 0NE 01273 358850 www.sussexstyle.co.uk Sussex Style Magazine www.facebook.com/ SussexStyleMagazine SussexStyleMag www.twitter.com/SussexStyleMag Cover image: Noa Noa Miniature Collection, Spring 2014, available at Squibbly Biskit, Arundel.

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

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CATWALK REPORT

Sussex Stylist Danielle Collier on key catwalk trends that are all over the high street this month

Marc Jacobs

Bottega Veneta

Dolce & Gabbana dress £1,285, Profile, Brighton Dress £45, Topshop, stores throughout Sussex

FLOWER POWER

T-shirt £70, Topshop Boutique, stores throughout Sussex

Lanvin

Ted Baker jumper £99, Bone Clothing, Lewes

It may be grey and cold outside, but the high street is still awash with floral prints, albeit in darker shades. These colours were used to complement the designs on the catwalk for autumn/winter.

Erdem

Dress £19.99, H&M, Brighton, Chichester, Crawley, Worthing 8 | W WW. S U S SE X ST Y L E.CO M | F EBRUA RY 2014

Skirt £24, Next, stores throughout Sussex

STAR SALE BUY Louche Cesia dress £30 (was £55), Joy Boutique, Brighton

FASHION STYLE

Mulberry

Muubaa Jacket £400, Nola Boutique, Brighton

STAR SALE BUY Jacket, Mint Velvet, £139 (was £199), Chichester

Topshop Unique

Calvin Klein

Skirt £95, Topshop, stores throughout Sussex

GO HELL FOR LEATHER

Skirt £20, Joy Boutique Brighton

Leather (both real and faux) is a big fashion story this season and made a huge appearance on the catwalk for autumn/ winter. It was used for all types of garments and was reinvented with colour.

Jacket £185, Topshop, stores throughout Sussex Michael Kors Bag £260, Profile, Brighton

Faux leather skirt £85, Whistles, Brighton FEBR UARY 2014 | WWW.SUSSEXSTYLE .C O M | 9

CATWALK REPORT Danielle Collier finds the best casual coats and bold colourful prints for men

Paul Smith

STAR SALE BUY Barbour parka £196 (was £280), Brother2Brother, Crawley

Parka £110, Joy Boutique, Brighton Viktor & Rolf

Topman Design

Superdry parka £79.99, Cult, Brighton, Crawley

Gant parka £350, Bone Clothing, Lewes 10 | WW W. SU SS E X ST Y L E.CO M | F EBRUA RY 2014

CHILL OUT

Casual and sport-inspired coats were everywhere on the catwalk for men this season. Parka coats made several appearances, and were updated for this decade with subtle detailing and varied colours.

Penfield Kasson parka £140, Badger Clothing, Brighton

STAR SALE BUY Parka £79.99 (was £139), Zara, Brighton

FASHION STYLE

Katie Eary

Country twill shirt £59.50, Peggs & Son, Brighton

Jumper £32, Topman, stores throughout Sussex

Libertine E. Tautz

T-shirt £12.99, H&M, Brighton, Chichester, Crawley, Worthing

PRINTS CHARMING

T-shirt £32, Topman, stores throughout Sussex

Bold and clashing prints are set to continue well into 2014, and feminine colours and prints have worked their way from the catwalk into both casual and smart garments on the high street.

STAR SALE BUY T-shirt £12.99 (was £19.99) Zara, Brighton

Obey shirt £45.47, Urban Industry, Eastbourne

Tuk Tuk shirt £45, Thread Menswear, Brighton FEBR UARY 2014 | WWW.SUSSEXSTYLE .C O M | 1 1

SCHOOLDAZE The school selection process is enough to keep the most relaxed parents awake at night, so how do you survive this bureaucratic quagmire?

Sam Bilton investigates…

Location, location, location The location of your house generally dictates which state school your child will attend. But what do you do if your designated school does not perform as well as others near to your home?

All is not lost because now you can indicate which is your preferred school when you complete the local government

of the county. Andrew Penman,

application forms. However,

author of School Daze: My Search

there is no guarantee that

for a Decent State Secondary, even

you will be allocated your

started attending church on a

first choice. The Good Schools

regular basis – despite being an

Guide (www.goodschoolsguide.

atheist – to secure a place for his

co.uk) estimates that there are

child at the local Anglican school.

ten applicants for each place

Location is an important factor,

in popular state schools. This

but a school’s performance can

uncertainty leads some parents

change dramatically over a year.

to take drastic measures to

A school that perhaps is not

a school. This can mean spending

ensure their child gets into

performing as well as others

hours poring over Ofsted reports

a ‘good’ school.

when your child is three could be

and league tables to find the

a rising star by the time they start

best-performing school in

school at four and vice versa.

your area. Schools are under

You could move to the catchment area of your preferred school, but this can come at a

increasing pressure to produce

price. Last year research from

It’s the results that count

results. In both the state and

Lloyds revealed that house prices

It’s natural to want your children

private sector there are schools

in the catchment areas for the

to maximise their potential and

that will push your child to their

top 30 sought-after secondary

to do well in life. With this in

academic limits, and this will not

state schools were 12% higher

mind it’s easy to focus on the

suit all children. When you are

than the average price in the rest

academic achievements of

considering a school you need

OPEN MORNING 1 MARCH 12 | WW W. SU SS E X ST Y L E.CO M | F EBRUA RY 2014

FAMILY STYLE

Clockwise from far left: Outdoor sports at Great Walstead; fun in the woods at Great Walstead; experimenting at Burgess Hill School for Girls’ Junior School

have outstanding facilities for activities such as music, sports and drama. There is also a view that the quality of teaching at an independent school is better than the state system. However, this opinion does a disservice to teachers in the state sector who work equally as hard as their independent counterparts.

Any scholastic league table will show you that independent schools perform better than most (but not all) state schools,

to look at the bigger picture. What

sounds great but does the school

but results are not the be all

extra-curricular activities do they

have enough pupils to survive?

and end all. You need to think

offer? What learning support is

The recession has taken its toll on

about the environment your

available? What is their pastoral

the independent sector, resulting

child is entering. Will they fit in?

care like? What sports do they do?

in closure for some schools. It’s

Smaller classes can mean fewer

worth investigating how many

friendships blossom. Are they

You get what you pay for

pupils have been admitted over

ready to board full time? Leaving

One obvious benefit to private

the past few years to ensure the

education is class size. This can

school is still financially viable.

be as low as ten in a prep school

Independent schools outside

or 30 or more in a state primary.

of city centres benefit from

A lower teacher-to-pupil ratio

spacious grounds and often

❝

It’s natural to want your children to maximise their potential and to do well in life. With this in mind it’s easy to focus on the academic achievements of a school

OPEN MORNING 1 MARCH FEBR UARY 2014 | WWW.SUSSEXSTYLE .C O M | 1 3

FAMILY STYLE

home at 13 can be a wrench for even the most confident teenager.

The real crux of the matter for independent schooling is the fees. The SFIA Group (www. schoolfeesadvice.org), which helps parents with school fee planning, estimates that parents of day pupils can expect to pay an average of £3,400 per term (possibly more if they attend a boarding school on a day basis) and £7,800 per term for fullboarding. The SFIA also notes that independent school fees have been increasing by 6% per annum TOBY PHILLIPS

in recent years. This all tots up to a significant investment.

If the thought of putting your child through private school from five to 18 is daunting you

a combination of the two, the

could consider combining state

trick is to find a school that

and independent education. But

suits your child academically

when is the right time to swap?

and socially. The best way to

Research suggests that children

get a feel for a school is to visit

born in the summer months can

it. Most schools have open days

be at an academic disadvantage

that give parents and pupils the

compared to older children

opportunity to view facilities and

in their academic year. Perhaps

meet the teachers and students.

these children would benefit

The Good Schools Guide advises

from independent schooling

that if a school doesn’t feel right

up to the end of year six (when

then it probably isn’t right for

they will be 11) and switch to a

your child. It’s this gut instinct

state school for their secondary

that will ultimately serve you

education. You may discover

best when making your decision.

your child is particularly talented

So once you’ve found your

while they are at primary school

school you can look forward

and feel they would be more

to years of school run rage,

challenged at an independent

pointless classroom politics and

secondary school.

ungrateful offspring who will regularly tell how much they hate

Get a feel for the school

the school you fretted over for

Whether you decide to go with

long. There could be many more

a state or private education or

sleepless nights ahead. ■

THE GOOD SCHOOLS GUIDE’S TOP TIPS FOR CHOOSING A SCHOOL Make a list. Include everything that you would like to find in a good school. Local, small and friendly, or large with good transport? Traditional or hip? Co-ed or single sex?

Sport? Music?

rather than at a fraught open day, then grab it.

Ask questions, look into corners and scan notice boards for signs that lots is going on. Visit a few schools if you can – comparisons help.

Gather info. The Good Schools Guide is a great starting point! Also look at school websites and Ofsted reports. Ask schools for their last three years’ exam results and a list of schools/universities their pupils move on to.

Weigh up impressions.

And canvas the opinions of current parents (bearing in mind that some can be reluctant to admit that the school they’ve chosen could do better).

Visit. If you have the chance to visit the school on an individual basis

Above all... Pay attention to your gut reaction.

Would you feel happy dropping your child there each morning?

OPEN MORNING 1 MARCH 14 | WW W. SU SS E X ST Y L E.CO M | F EBRUA RY 2014

OPEN MORNING 1 MARCH 2014 To find out more please contact our Admissions Team for an invitation to our forthcoming Open Morning or to arrange a personal tour.

T 01403 246555 E fjd@christs-hospital.org.uk W christs-hospital.org.uk

Christ’s Hospital, Horsham, West Sussex RH13 0LJ Registered Charity No. 1120090

FAMILY STYLE

TALKING HEADS Sussex Style talks to two independent school head teachers

Colin Baty, Headmaster, Great Walstead

Ann Aughwane, Headmistress, Burgess Hill School for Girls

Once described by a parent as a ‘place of mud and love’,

Burgess Hill School for Girls provides plenty of opportunities

Great Walstead prides itself on its nurturing Christian

for the girls to maximise their potential both in and out of the

environment to inspire its pupils to achieve their potential in

classroom. It aims to imbue its pupils with self-assurance and

all areas. It also boasts over 260 acres of grounds, which give

positive self-esteem, ensuring they are equipped for whatever

pupils a chance to enjoy and respect the natural world.

career path they choose.

What would your pupils say is

What would your pupils say is

the best thing about your school?

the best thing about your school?

The lovely thing is that if you ask ten children they all come

The community feel. ‘There is an incredible sense of

up with a different answer! Food always comes high on the

community and the brilliant relationships between the

list, as do the woods, sport, music, anything outdoors and the

students and teachers ensure that, as students, we always feel

kindness of the teachers. A recent Year 8 leaver commented

supported in everything we do.’ (Year 12 student, 2013)

on the huge range of opportunities that they were offered.

What is the most important What is the most important

aspect to consider when looking at a school?

aspect to consider when looking at a school?

Having visited and met staff and students, ask yourself – do

You need to find a school that shares the same values and

you feel comfortable that you can talk to the school and staff

ethos as you. It is important that parents trust the school.

whenever you need to and that the school puts the students

Look for happy and contented children who have positive

collectively and as individuals at the heart of their decision

relationships with each other and their teachers. Happy

making?

children will flourish inside and outside of the classroom.

Burgess Hill School for Girls, Burgess Hill

Great Walstead School, Lindfield

Ages 2½-18

Ages 2½-13

www.burgesshill-school.com

www.greatwalstead.co.uk

01444 233167 (Junior School)

01444 483528

01444 241050 (Senior School)

OPEN MORNING 1 MARCH 16 | WW W. SU SS E X ST Y L E.CO M | F EBRUA RY 2014

Open Mornings 7th & 8th February starting at 10am To book your visit at Great Walstead School call 01444 483528 or email registrar@greatwalstead.co.uk www.greatwalstead.co.uk

MUM ON THE RUN

Don’t be fooled into thinking your child’s party is all about the birthday girl or boy. Oh no... these days it’s all about which mum can put on the best bash of the year, says Laura Jandac

W

hen I got married

party since the millennium

I organised my

celebrations with ease.

own wedding. At the time I swore

It all starts months before the actual event. Firstly, and most

it was the most stressful thing I

importantly, there is the venue.

had ever done and thanked God I

As with any town or village there

only had to do it once. Most of my

are only one or two preferred

friends are also now married and

locations to hold your prestigious

they too organised their weddings

gathering so it’s the early bird

– sometimes for 150-200 people

that takes the prize. I have known

in far flung corners of the globe –

women to be gazumped on a

but nothing could have prepared

popular party venue, so you’ll

us for the most stressful social event of any

need

❝

Just when you think you are on the home straight there comes the delicious and nutritious homemade buffet

to be prompt – and be prepared

from the cake taking centre stage

to offer

to the matching plates, cups,

mother’s calendar: the child’s

a small incentive to the proprietor

napkins and hats. Party bags

birthday party. To the uninitiated

or a donation to the church.

are a minefield but, whether it’s

it may seem that this comparison

Invitations are of course an

pirates or princesses, Peppa Pig

is a little out of proportion – how

absolute must and have to be sent

or Fireman Sam, you must have

hard can it be to organise cake

out in ample time, as most young

the co-ordinating paraphernalia

and balloons for a few four-year-

children have a social calendar

to keep your offspring happy.

olds? The short answer is VERY.

that would make even the

In my experience the children are very rarely the problem – but these parties are not about the

No party for the under-sevens

Queen weep, so if you want your

would be any sort of party at

favourite people there get in early.

all without the entertainment.

Increasingly popular nowadays

The days of ‘Simon says’ and

children. This is all about proving

is the theme. I don’t just mean a

‘dead fishes’ are long gone – and

that you are in control and that

bit of fancy dress here and there –

there is now a new wave of party

you can pull off the greatest

oh no. A theme covers all aspects,

entertainers who can work their

18 | WW W. SU SS E X ST Y L E.CO M | F EBRUA RY 2014

FAMILY STYLE

before to get ready. It is expected.

After what feels like forever, it will be time to send everyone home, but that’s where the dreaded party bag rears its ugly head. A piece of cake and the odd yo-yo simply isn’t enough.

I have been to two parties this year where the bag included a hardback book! Balloons are expected too – and I mean helium ones with weights. Party bags are a final way to get up the noses of the already depressed parents as they leave with their hyperactive children, feeling completely magic with our little angels,

home-made buffet. Pre-prepared

inadequate knowing that the

making literally anything out

foods are not acceptable. Sausage

party they held was nowhere

of balloons, keep order during

rolls, if present, need to be made

near as good – or worse, knowing

a lengthy (and now rather

from scratch and Hula Hoops

the next one is theirs!

generous) pass the parcel and

are not an option. If you initially

even sing during the food – for

went with a theme you must tie

your eye will tell you that he’s

a handsome fee. It’s a fee worth

it in here with homemade pizza

had an idea about what sort of

paying though, as they can make

in the shape of boats or crowns

party he’d like next year. My

or break the event –and they are

and sandwiches painstakingly

advice is count to 10 and start

what everyone will be talking

laid out to resemble a princess

making notes. It’s a shame they

about on Monday morning so

palace. There will without doubt

didn’t ask the mother of a five-

they had better be good!

be vegetarians, vegans, nut

year-old to organise the Royal

allergies and lactose intolerance

Wedding – she could have done it

the home straight there comes

so a good selection is essential,

with her eyes closed and still had

the delicious and nutritious

even if it takes half the night

time left for the hokey-cokey. ■

Just when you think you are on

On the way home the apple of

FEBR UARY 2014 | WWW.SUSSEXSTYLE .C O M | 1 9

FAMILY

Squibbly Biskit has recently expanded into adult clothing, meaning there’s something for everyone in the family at this gorgeous Arundel store, as Sussex Style discovers

S

chic

hopping at Squibbly Biskit is not the normal ‘High Street’ experience.

Situated in the quirky

and cosmopolitan castle and cathedral town of Arundel in West Sussex, it prides itself on offering a fabulous selection of gorgeous children’s clothing, toys and gifts and now adult clothing – beginning with designers Noa Noa for ladies and Joules for men and women. The store is at 1, Tarrant Square – otherwise known as the Old Candle Factory – a stunning 500-yearold building with two full floors packed with gorgeous goodies.

Noa Noa Ladies The Noa Noa collection

Cardigan in ink, Noa Noa £79

Alexi tunic, Joules £49.95

Wensley scarf Joules £19.95

Hewney shirt, Joules £49.95

Loftham gilet, Joules £79.95

Retford pullover, Joules £44.95

celebrates a feminine look, with Parisian elegance and a hint of Nordic twist. Created in 1981 by brothers Harald and Lars Holstein, Noa Noa means ‘simple and harmonious’ in Tahitian, and epitomises the bohemian style that they have become known for.

Spring 2014 is a beautiful interpretation of the urban bohemian look, presenting a variety of wearable everyday

20 | W W W. S U S SE X ST Y LE.CO M | F EBRUA RY 2014

FAMILY STYLE

Joules for Men This popular brand with its heart in the country is dedicated to high-quality clothing. The Spring 2014 collection for men is no exception and takes inspiration from traditional rural Britain and authentic country heritage.

Cora top, 3-12 years, Joules, from £17.95

Nautical romper, 1-12 months, Petit Bateau £25

Emme dress, 3-8 years, Joules, from £24.95

Children’s clothing Spring 2014 Following the themes seen in adult clothing, this season’s childrenswear collections have lots of gorgeous florals, as well as a definite nautical influence.

From Petit Bateau’s ditsy floral prints to Joules with its bright bold florals and Hatley with soft but striking floral prints there is something for the flower-lover

Canvas shoes, size 7-3, Hatley £20

Baby dress and pants set, 3-18 months, Petit Bateau £39

Constance dress, 3-12 years, Joules, from £39.95

in us all this season!

Anything related to boating and the sea is also very popular.

favourites suitable for both work

Lilly & Sid, Hatley and Petit

and fun. Look for pretty prints

Bateau all have a very strong

and cool graphics on tops, dresses

nautical influence.

and trousers, combined with rich, structured knits, detailed

Noa Noa Miniature

sweatshirts and jackets in washed

With an avid following across

linen. The colour palette shows

Europe for its carefree, bohemian

soft tones of khaki, grey and

style, Noa Noa Miniature (pictured

cantaloupe, chambray blue

left) is the girls’ collection from

and shades of white, burned

established Danish brand Noa

reds and warm pink.

Noa, for 2-10-year-olds. The brand

focuses on wearable clothing,

Joules for Ladies

with a gorgeous palette of colours

With an amalgamation of coast

that work together to make

and country the Joules Spring

clothing that is both fashionable

2014 collection sums up life in

and playful, and of a quality that

rural Sussex perfectly! This

parents appreciate.

season Squibbly Biskit has raised

the stakes by adding the Joules

Squibbly Biskit, 1 Tarrant Square,

Ladies and Menswear collections

Arundel. www.squibblybiskit.com,

to the ever-popular Little Joules

01903 884427

(Babies and Childrenswear) that it

Mention Sussex Style and receive

has been offering customers

20% off your first purchase from

for the past six years.

the Spring 2014 collections FEBR UARY 2014 | WWW.SUSSEXSTYLE .C O M | 2 1

FAMILY STYLE

Great Days Out There’s something to keep children of all ages entertained throughout Sussex this half term, as Katie Wyartt discovers BRIGHTON SCIENCE FESTIVAL Various locations Started eight years ago, the Brighton Science Festival aims to inspire children and the whole family to get excited about science and the world around us through a series of hugely entertaining and interactive

a star. Children in the audience

workshops and pop-up events.

are gently encouraged to join in

This year’s festival is bigger

with the celestial adventures, and

and better than ever before and

Billingshurst, Crawley and

there are all sorts of activities

Uckfield for one-day events.

and events on during half term,

The Brighton Science Festival

for children of all ages. Bright

runs from 6th February to 2nd

Sparks, at Hove Park School

March. Some events are free,

on 15th and 16th February,

others cost from just £1. For

10am–5pm, is two packed full

more details of event times and

days of hands-on experiments

locations, and to book tickets,

and demonstrations aimed at

visit www.brightonscience.com

7-14 year olds and their families.

Mindstorm robotics workshops,

after the show, are waved off with a very special goodbye and a chance to meet some of the fabulous puppets.

Performances are on 16th February only, at 11am and 2pm, and tickets cost £7.50 each, or £26 for a family of four. www.worthingtheatres.co.uk, 01903 206206

HOW TO CATCH A STAR Connaught Studio, Worthing

DINOSAUR ZOO The Hawth, Crawley

forensic ‘whodunnit?’ crimes

Based on Oliver Jeffers’ award-

to solve and Raspberry Pi

winning picture book, How to

Young dinosaur fans have the

workshops. You can also learn

Catch a Star, this interactive

chance to get up close and

a thousand fascinating tricks to

puppet show from Blunderbus

personal with these awesome

do with a single piece of paper.

Theatre Company tells the

prehistoric creatures, from cute

Outside of Brighton, the spin-

heartwarming story of a boy

baby dinos to teeth-gnashing

off Pocket Science Festival is

who loves stars very much, and

giants. Direct from the West

touring around Sussex, visiting

sets off on an adventure to catch

End, Dinosaur Zoo brings its ›

22 | W W W. S U S SE X ST Y LE.CO M | F EBRUA RY 2014

MAIN IMAGE: © COLLEEN SLATER

Other events include LEGO

Above: Marshmallow towers being tested for earthquake resilience at the Brighton Science Festival; ‘How to Catch a Star’

FAMILY STYLE

extraordinary life-like dinosaurs to life in this imaginative and hilarious live show. Book one of the ‘danger seats’ in the first three rows, if you dare! The 50-minute show is followed by a meet and greet with the dinosaurs.

Performances take place on 14th February at 4.30pm and 15th February at 11am and 2pm.

Standard tickets are £13.50 and ‘danger seat’ tickets (front three rows) are £16. Group discounts are also available. www.hawth.co.uk, 01293 553636

20th February at 10am and 1pm.

Tickets from £16.40. For those who can’t make the Brighton dates, the show will also visit The Hawth in Crawley on 21st PEPPA PIG’S BIG SPLASH Theatre Royal, Brighton

and 22nd June. www.atgtickets.com

and games. Activities cost just £3-6 per child – or less if you’re a Wildlife Explorer member (please note, booking is essential for the birdwatching). www.rspb.org.uk MONSTER MANIA!

Everyone’s favourite cartoon pig is on a 12-month tour with

Clockwise from left: Peppa Pig;Chichester Cathedral and its gargoyles (inset); birdwatching at RSPB Pulborough; ‘Dinosaur Zoo’

WILD FAMILIES

Chichester Cathedral

a brand new stage show, Peppa

RSPB Pulborough Brooks

For some monster fun, visit

Pig’s Big Splash, which comes to

For a wildlife adventure, head

Chichester Cathedral on 21st

Brighton this half term. Fans of

over to the beautiful RSPB nature

February for ‘Monster Mania!’

the show will delight in this all-

reserve at Pulborough. They have

Follow the trail around the

singing, all-dancing puppet show,

lots of events on for children

Cathedral and look out for

which is full of songs, games and

and families during half term

monsters amongst the carvings,

muddy puddles. The nursery

week, including ‘Wild in the

gargoyles, corbels and grotesques.

roof is leaking so Peppa and

woods’ on 17th February, where

There are also mask-making

her friends set up a fete to raise

you can build a woodland den

workshops and a soft play area

money. There’s also a Champion

for mini-beasts, take part in a

for younger children. The event

Puddle Jumping Competition

treasure hunt and get crafty with

is suitable for 3-12-year-olds, who

judged by Mr Potato where

woodland materials. There’s also

must be accompanied by an adult.

everyone gets wet.

a beginners’ birdwatching course

The event is on from 10.30am–

The show takes place on 19th February at 1pm and 4pm and

on 19th February for 6-14-year-

2.30pm and costs £1.50 per child.

olds, as well as lots of outdoor fun

www.chichestercathedral.org.uk ■

24 | W W W. S U S SE X ST Y LE.CO M | F EBRUA RY 2014

Nail

TECHNOLOGY Bruzz is creating a buzz within the beauty world…

T

he nailbrush is a

the impregnated vanilla extract

bathroom essential,

keeps it – and your nails

yet although it

– smelling gorgeous too.

comes in many

Grubby nails (and fingers)

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

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

different sizes and materials,

will be a thing of the past with a

its design remains relatively

simple squeeze of liquid soap into

unchanged. That is, until now.

the centre of the Bruzz, making

Bruzz is a unique design, which

them really sparkle, and it can

The woman behind the brand

is registered and patented, and

also be used dry as a dusting

Bruzz was born when Emma

cleans the top, underside and tip

brush. The removable soft-touch

Myers, a nail and beauty

of the nail in one simple action.

bristles make it easy to clean –

therapist, couldn’t find anything

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

even dishwasher safe – for long lasting results.

Unlike a standard

upmost hygiene as well as

nailbrush, the ergonomic

maintaining beautiful, healthy

Bruzz prevents excess

nails. Its gentle action gives a nail

water and soap spray

massage at the same time and

splashing the bathroom

26 | W W W. S U S SE X ST Y LE.CO M | F EBRUA RY 2014

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

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

ADVERTISING FEATURE

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

Clients will love them because

❝

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

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

CONTACT US www.bruzz.com www.bruzz.com t: t: 0208 0208 677 677 7777 7777 e: Hello@bruzz.com e: Hello@bruzz.com FEBR UARY 2014 | WWW.SUSSEXSTYL E .C O M | 2 7

PROFILE STYLE

Life in the home of‌

SARAH KOWITZ Julian Norridge takes a guided tour around Fairlight Hall in East Sussex Photographs | Fiona Walker-Arnott

28 | W W W. S U S SE X ST Y LE.CO M | F EBRUA RY 2014

S

arah Kowitz first saw

1849 and 1855 for William

Fairlight Hall in an

Drew Lucas Shadwell, who had

advert in Country Life

inherited a fortune from his

in 2002. She was living

uncle, a prominent lawyer and

in New York with her financier

developer in Hastings who had

husband David and their two

helped finance the town’s first

children and was looking for

hospital and bank as well as the

somewhere to spend holidays

neo-Classical seafront church St

back in her native England. She

Mary’s-in-the-Castle.

asked an old friend to check it

The building was designed

out for her, and he was at best

by the architect John Crake, a

ambivalent – but she still wanted

protégé of Decimus Burton, who

to see it for herself.

designed much of St Leonard’s.

That summer, on their way

Crake took his inspiration

Roberts, a native of Haworth and Clockwise from left: Sarah Kowitz in her living room at Fairlight Hall; the library; the imposing frontage of Fairlight Hall; the formal dining room

a childhood friend of the Brontë family. After his death, it went into something of a decline.

to Italy for a holiday, she and

from the 14th-century Great

David did just that. ‘It looked

Gatehouse at nearby Battle

like a gloomy old girls’ boarding

Abbey. ‘Mullioned and transomed

school,’ she recalls, ‘but to my

windows and everywhere

amazement David liked it. On

battlements and a profusion of

the filming of the Edgar Allen

our way back from Italy we went

chimneystacks’ is how Nikolaus

Poe story, The Fall of the House of

to see it again. We made an offer

Pevsner described it in his

Usher, and subsequently appeared

and it was accepted.’

Architectural Guides.

in a number of Hammer Horror

Fairlight Hall is an imposing

The Shadwell family owned

It became a girls’ boarding school and during World War II a refuge for German Jewish children. In 1949 it was used for

movies. By the time David and

early Victorian neo-Gothic

the Hall for three generations,

Sarah Kowitz bought it, it was in

mansion that stands at the head

though it was frequently

a state of considerable disrepair.

of a valley just to the east of

tenanted. It was finally sold in

Hastings. It was built between

1928 to textile magnate Sir James

‘Buying a rundown Victorian Gothic castle was not a typical › FEBR UARY 2014 | WWW.SUSSEXSTYL E .C O M | 2 9

choice,’ Sarah says in retrospect.

‘Most people in our position would want a Georgian house in somewhere like Gloucestershire rather than East Sussex. But I spent many childhood holidays in this area and I think it’s a great unsung part of the world.’

She says three things about the house particularly appealed to them. One was the beautiful vista down the valley to Rye Bay – on a clear day you can see the White Cliffs of Dover 40 miles away.

Another was the weather. ‘Being an American, David asked me to check the weather statistics.

The coast from Eastbourne to Dungeness has the most hours of sunshine and lowest rainfall

interior designer John Wright,

in England. I can sit out for

who had previously decorated

breakfast from May to October.’

their homes in New York, to

The other great attraction was size. ‘David collects modern art and a lot of that is big. It is great

make sure they kept everything in proportion.

There was also a lot of work

to have a place where you can

to do in the garden. They have

hang stuff really well.’ Most of

restored the surrounding pleasure

the collection is hung in the huge

gardens and parkland and

entrance hall, which is double-

have redesigned the substantial

height, soaring some 40 feet.

walled garden to incorporate

But size also presented

a large glasshouse and an

formidable challenges. Most

open-air amphitheatre that is

of the stonework cladding the

used for, among other things,

house had to be repaired or

performances by local school

replaced. All the chimneys had

children. ‘We believe that if we

to be repointed. Inside, they

have a house like this, we should

installed new plumbing, electrics,

share it as much as we can.’

communications systems and

They also grow their own

Clockwise from top: the conservatory at Fairlight Hall; Sarah Kowitz outside the front door; the morning room

Both have always been involved in chamber music – David plays piano and Sarah trained as a classical guitarist. ‘We’ve always had recitals, even in our apartment in New York. We wanted to create a proper space for performance, so we can hold recitals here without intruding

geothermal heating. The 20

vegetables. Sarah took up organic

bedrooms became 10, each with

gardening at their house in

a large en-suite bathroom.

Westchester just outside New

to make Fairlight Hall their

York. ‘We were the only family

primary residence. The children

problems. ‘I wanted it to feel

in the area who gardened

were young enough to move,

homely,’ says Sarah, ‘but most

organically,’ she says.

Sarah was keen to be near her

Furnishing, too, presented

furniture looks like dolls’ stuff

Another project was

on our private space.’

In 2004, the couple decided

parents and David was willing to

in a house like this.’ They relied

transforming the old carriage

move his office to London. Since

heavily on Hastings-based

house into a music recital room.

then they have become more and

30 | W W W. S U S SE X ST Y LE.CO M | F EBRUA RY 2014

PROFILE STYLE

concert. The prize money has also been increased to £10,000, and the winner also has the chance to appear with the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra in London and play at other events, including a summer recital at Fairlight Hall.

These changes have vastly improved the competition’s international reputation. This year’s event has attracted a record 100 contestants from 29 countries around the world, and around 40 will be invited to travel to Hastings to play.

‘What attracted me,’ says Sarah, ‘was the opportunity to have world class music available in the town without anyone having to travel too far – in a venue which hadn’t seen a full

❝

professional orchestra for many years. Part of the programme also involves taking the music

We believe that if we have a house like this, we should share it as much as we can

into schools and into the local shopping centre – we want to reach people who haven’t heard classical music before.

more involved in Hastings and

Theatre in Hastings from 3rd–8th

the local community.

March. In 2009, she and David

perception of Hastings. Why do

Sarah is chairman of the

‘I also want to change people’s

agreed to become the main

people outside moan about the

trustees redeveloping St Mary

sponsors, via their Kowitz Family

town so much? Foreigners don’t

in the Castle: her ambition is

Foundation. Their support is

have that prejudice. When people

to make it one of the premier

helping to transform the event

actually come here, they’re

art centres in the South East.

into one of the most important

really surprised. There’s so much

She is also chairman of Ore in

of its kind in Britain, perhaps

going on. We have a much better

Bloom, which is trying to get

second only to the world famous

reputation internationally than

local children more involved in

Leeds Piano Competition.

we do nationally. I want to do

their environment by planting

A major coup was bringing in

what I can to change that.’ ■

more trees and developing local

the highly respected pianist and

walking trails.

teacher Frank Wibaut as artistic

Tickets for all stages of the Hastings

But her primary focus over

director. He has brought in first

International Piano Concerto

the next few weeks will be the

class judges and persuaded the

Competition are available from

Hastings International Piano

Royal Philharmonic Concert

the White Rock Theatre, Hastings.

Concerto Competition, which

Orchestra to accompany the

www.whiterocktheatre.org.uk,

takes place at the White Rock

three finalists in the final

01424 462288 FEBR UARY 2014 | WWW.SUSSEXSTYLE .C O M | 3 1

HOME STYLE

B

Home Sweet Home luebird Care

Q: Do you have to commit

can provide

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quality care

A: The short answer

and support

is no. Both live-in care

in the comfort of your

services and residential

own home and offers

care homes should offer

a bespoke service with

a four-week trial. While

care visits that can range

live-in care is not such

from 30 minutes to full

a shock to the system, it’s

live-in support. Bluebird

still important that you

Care now has 180 offices

trial it to make sure this

in the UK and Republic

works for the customer

of Ireland, providing over

and their family.

4.5 million home care

Q: Can live-in care

visits every year. Here, Bluebird Care talks about the live-in

keeps options open, as the customer’s

services manage the home as well?

care part of its service and answers the

house won’t need to be sold. The

A: Yes they can. Families lead busy lives

all-important questions to help you

care worker stays in the home with

and often find it difficult to keep on top

decide on the best care for you.

the customer and provides care seven

of things. Whether it’s fixing a leaking

days a week.

tap or getting someone in to clear the

Q: What are the choices available

garden, live-in care services can help –

for help at home?

Q: Should I consider residential care

although the customer and their family

A: There are different forms of

or live-in care?

should always have the final say on

dedicated support for when, often as

A: If the customer’s main need is

what’s done and how much to spend.

a result of ageing, we need more help

accommodation then residential care

to enable us to remain in our own

may be the answer. If personalised care

Q: Won’t I need to sell my house to

home. This can often be provided by

and support is more important, then

fund residential care?

visiting for a couple of hours a day,

live-in care is probably the best option.

A: While some families sell their homes

something Bluebird Care are specialists

Live-in care will enable and support

to fund residential care, this is a final

in, but there is a point at which

continued independence and enhance

step. For those who wish to stay in

residential care may be considered

current lifestyles such as shopping

their own home, a better first step may

because a higher amount of care and

in the local community, visiting the

be to use live-in care. If funds are not

focus is required. The Bluebird Care

hairdressers, and attending social

available to support this, the home can

live-in service is a direct alternative to

events. Residential care can diminish

be used to raise finance to fund live-in

this. Many customers prefer it because

independence and reduce somebody’s

care. Bluebird Care has found ethical

it retains a sense of independence and

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finance partners that can help with this.

32 | W W W. S U S SE X ST Y LE.CO M | F EBRUA RY 2014

LIVE IN CARE Caring for your lifestyle

LIVE-IN CARE

TO FIND OUT MORE CALL

Live-in care with Bluebird Care provides our customers with full-time live-in support.

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www.bluebirdcare.co.uk FEBR UARY 2014 | WWW.SUSSEXSTYL E .C O M | 3 3

THE ART OF

DITCHLING Ditchling sounds like a verb, but it is a place, a downland village that draws those of an artistic inclination to visit… and to stay. Emma Piper is tempted

? What Ditchling is delightful: a medieval downland village with a high street lined with charming, timber-framed buildings and a café, pub and food store painted cool contemporary grey. At the foot of the South Downs, the steep slopes of Ditchling Beacon provide a dramatic backdrop.

You want to frame it. Ditchling would be idyllic if it weren’t for the perpetual crawl of traffic through its narrow streets.

Irrespective of that, Ditchling’s aesthetic credentials have attracted those moving out of London for decades – particularly

Pruden of the exquisite Pruden

creative types. The sculptor and

& Smith jewellers, is the grandson

typographer Eric Gill moved to

of Dunstan Pruden, acclaimed

Ditchling in 1907 and established

silversmith within Gill’s arts and

an arts and crafts community

crafts community.

here. He was followed by Edward

Quite coincidentally, I first

Johnston, regarded as the father

discovered Ditchling in the

of modern calligraphy (he

middle of its annual art trail,

designed the Johnston typeface

held across weekends in May

originally used throughout the

to coincide with the Brighton

London underground).

Festival, with artwork displayed

Ditchling’s legacy as a creative hub continues. Ditchling’s

in pubs and homes as well as galleries throughout the village.

Museum of Art and Craft has just been given a massive revamp, and

Clockwise from above: The Ditchling Museum of Art & Craft; the enchanting high street; aubergine bake at The White Horse pub

picturesque and unspoilt as far as architecture goes, and you can commute quite easily.’ There are some evacuees from Brighton, too. ‘There’s no such thing as a typical property in Ditchling,’ he says. ‘They’re all very different and there’s a good variety, from big mansions to two-up, twodown cottages. East End Lane

Where and why

and Farm Lane are considered

there are galleries and workshops

‘Everyone knows each other,’

throughout the village, including

says Peter Chatt of Clifford Dann

the Turner-Dumbrell workshops

estate agents, who grew up in

the doorstep, the area is perfect

in a courtyard of converted

Ditchling. ‘Ditchling attracts lots

for walkers and horse-riders,

farmbuildings. And Anton

of Londoners because it is so

and there are golf courses and

34 | W W W. S U S SE X ST Y LE.CO M | F EBRUA RY 2014

particularly picturesque.’

With the South Downs on

DITCHLING STYLE

For Sale

Home Cottage, East End Lane, £429,950 Beautifully presented twobedroom terraced cottage dating from the turn of the century with conservatory opening onto south-facing gardens in a lovely location.

Greenbank House, £849,950 Spacious four-bedroom family house featuring an open-plan kitchen/dining and family room with bi-fold doors onto a good50 acres of Stoneywish Nature

popular, too, particularly nearby

Reserve nearby, plus lots of clubs

Hurstpierpoint College, for boys

and societies within the village,

and girls from 4-18 years, Burgess

from Ditchling Morris to Ditchling

Hill School for Girls, from 2.5-18

Players, and Friends of Ditchling

years, and Lewes Old Grammar

to The Ditchling Society. But be

School, another co-educational

aware: Ditchling is not cheap.

independent spanning

sized garden and views across open farmland.

Both Clifford Dann, Ditchling www.clifforddann.co.uk, 01273 843344

foundation years to sixth form.

School report

➜

Downside

The local primary school, St Margaret’s, feeds into

Ditchling has developed at a

Downlands Community School

crossroads, with Brighton to the

in neighbouring Hassocks.

south, Burgess Hill to the north,

Both schools have been rated

Hassocks to the west and Lewes

‘good’ by Ofsted. Public schools

to the east, but this medieval

in the surrounding areas are

village with its quaint, narrow › FEBR UARY 2014 | WWW.SUSSEXSTYL E .C O M | 3 5

DITCHLING STYLE

lanes was never intended for 21stcentury traffic. There’s been talk of a bypass for years, but locals are resigned to it being unlikely to happen. It is, however, as Peter Chatt points out, mostly queueing traffic negotiating parked cars.

The commute Brighton is about a 10-minute drive away. For those travelling to London, there’s a mainline station just a couple of miles

showcases other artists, such

away in Hassocks, with a journey

as blacksmith Nigel Stenning,

time of less than an hour into

who forged Ditchling’s new

London Victoria.

village sign, featuring a shepherd’s crook and quill pen.

Shopping Ditchling has an intriguing mix

Eating and drinking

of everyday and specialist shops.

We had coffee at Mister Magnolia,

Some must surely be the chicest

previously known as The General,

village shops around – such

a trendy café with old school

as Amaryllis, an event decor

chairs and shabby-chic metal and

company that creates fantastic

Formica tables against painted

backdrops for everything from

brickwork and exposed lightbulbs.

small vintage tea parties to huge

We were recommended The Bull

masked balls. A new addition is

– a freehouse gastropub run by

interior design and architectural

Dominic Worrall and his artist

practice ar:ior design.

wife Vanessa and described to me

Then there are galleries,

as the mecca of the village where

❝

Ditchling has an intriguing mix of everyday and specialist shops. Some must surely be the chicest village shops around

Above: Ditchling’s new village sign, featuring a shepherd’s crook and quill pen

bottling world-class sparkling wines. Wine tastings are held every month. Enjoy.

workshops and studios, including

everyone meets. On a Saturday

Ditchling Gallery and Shirley

lunchtime it was buzzing and

Crowther Art at The Jointure

there wasn’t a table free, so we

Events

Artists Open Houses

Studios. Heading north, Turner

ended up at The White Horse,

3rd-5th, 10th-11th, 17th-18th,

Dumbrell’s workshops in former

opposite Ditchling’s charming

24th-26th May

farm buildings house local artists,

flint church, where we enjoyed

An inspirational trail around

makers and designers, including

aubergine bake.

Ditchling with exhibitions in

Auricula jewellery inspired by

Don’t miss The Larder, a

studios, workshops, galleries,

gemstones, Michele Carnie’s arts

delectable deli championing

public houses and restaurants

and crafts-influenced jewellery

local produce from cheeses and

showing a diverse range of

and Made and Making sewing

chocolates to freshly baked

quality art and craft, courses,

kits and workshops.

bread and cakes. Take a detour

poetry readings and music.

There is also the distinctive

a mile north of Ditchling, on the

artwork of deckchairs on

southern reaches of Ditchling

Ditchling Fair

Brighton’s seafront by Philip

Common, to discover Ridgeview

21st June

Dunn, who lives in Ditchling

Wine Estate, founded 20 years

Traditional fair founded in 1312

and whose Window Gallery also

ago with the intention of

takes over the high street. ■

36 | W W W. S U S SE X ST Y LE.CO M | F EBRUA RY 2014

THE KITCHEN SPECIALISTS THAT YOU CAN TRUST

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

www.facebook.com/kitchenpeople @kitchenPsarah

LIVE-IN CARE & COMPANIONSHIP: FEEL RIGHT AT HOME WITH COUNTRY COUSINS

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t an age and stage in

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sense that every Cousin should

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feel like ‘part of the family’.

takes to maintain your precious

Because we’re all living longer,

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That’s why 24-hour, private,

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Country Cousins has become

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Cousins is becoming an

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Lady... and the rest as they say is

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Country Cousins.

convalescence, holidays or longer

A live-in, caring ‘Cousin’ will

Today, after more than half a

So, Cousins will help at

term care. They can accompany

provide reassuring continuity

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Who are Country Cousins?

self-employed, carer Cousins,

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Back in those far off days, when

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The affectionate name of

screened, handpicked carers on

38 | W W W. S U S SE X ST Y LE.CO M | F EBRUA RY 2014

ADVERTISING FEATURE

CONTACT US If you would like more information on Country Cousins or an informal chat, feel free to contact Andrea Morgan, Business Development Manager for Country Cousins, or ask for a member of the Business Development Team. t: 0844 209 2646 e: info@country-cousins.co.uk w: www.country-cousins.co.uk the books nationwide, Country

and preferences. Do they like

Client quotes

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Cousins provide all kinds of

First and foremost, each

Glamorgan client’s representative

care, at all levels. They also have

Cousin’s strict brief is to fit in

different skills to offer — it’s

effortlessly with the routine and

“I feel compelled to write to you

never one size fits all.

be compatible with the requests

about the lovely lady who was

and needs of the client... because

assigned to look after my mother...

known, client and Cousin are

feeling at home in your own

an absolute asset to your company.”

matched, noting interests

home is absolutely paramount

– Manchester client’s representative

Once requirements are

FEBR UARY 2014 | WWW.SUSSEXSTYL E .C O M | 3 9

GROWING DOWN THE PAN

Why does success in business so often lead to misguided over-expansion?

Daniel Raven on the pitfalls of running before you can walk

A

s long as you’re not talking wars or waistlines, the

pastry-faced meddler Jamie Oliver this

idea of ‘expansion’ is generally considered to be a

year: his first Ministry Of Food education

Good Thing. Boom, and the world booms with you;

centre has been shut down by health

bust, and you bust alone. ‘Downsizing’ is clearly

and safety inspectors, his Jme range

a word that’s doing everything in its power not to sound like

of biscuits, sauces and jams is in debt

‘defeat’ but, deep down, we all know that the one with the

to the tune of over £14m and his Union

most toys wins. Exactly what do they win, though? More toys?

Jacks flatbread restaurants (me neither –

In all frankness, it’s looking increasingly like they weren’t

but I bet they were all the rage back when

that interested in toys in the first place, because they’d hardly

there was no such thing as pizza) have all

even played with the ones they had before they started trying

had to be closed due to overwhelming public

to get more. Second homes that never get a second glance,

indifference. I dearly hope that, at some point

swimming pools full of rain, speedboats that rot away in the

in all this, Jamie stopped to think, ‘Perhaps I would

pokey marinas of countries their owners will never visit again

have been better off just staying at home and writing one

– it all seems so pointless. And yet the rest of us think of this

of those nice cookbooks everyone seems to like so much…?’

sort of tomfoolery as the mark of success!

The trouble is, there’s a limit to how much

Sadly, though, I think it far more likely that what he actually thought was, ‘OK, so that

it’s possible for a single human being to

didn’t work – but how about a chain of

consume, seduce or mortgage – and that

cockney-themed trattorias? We could

limit is as easily accessible to someone

do jellied eel ciabattas and whelk

who earns, say, £50,000 a year as it is

sundaes, and anyone who knows all

to Simon Cowell himself. Which presents our Si with something of a problem: how on earth can he prove that he’s still a cut above all those

the words to Knees Up Muvver Brown gets a free pickled egg smoothie!’ At least it’s only his own fortune he’s wasting, though; when

provincial bean counters, if they can duplicate every aspect

this lust for expansion hits an entire business instead of

of his lifestyle without even having to listen to loads of crap

just a single individual, it can literally wreck lives. Toyota’s

singing? Any sensible person would reply, ‘Just don’t ever work

cars and trucks were widely considered to be among the

again – you really don’t have to,’ but not our Si. His solution

safest in the world until 2009, when their role in a series

was to try to do exactly the same thing that made him rich

of mysterious accidents led to the coining of the perhaps-

in the first place all over again, only in a different country.

not-quite-euphemistic-enough phrase: ‘sudden unintended

And guess what? He failed. The American version of The X

acceleration syndrome’. Nine million cars and trucks

Factor is currently trailing the American version of The Voice

were ultimately recalled, but not before 37 people had lost

in the ratings (I know, right? It’s Topsy Turvy Land!), and the

their lives in wholly preventable accidents. The cause, it

time Cowell has spent working on the US version of the show

transpired, was over-hasty expansion: Toyota had established

has left him with no time to oversee or appear on the UK

too many new production bases too quickly, and suddenly

one – with the inevitable result that that, too, is now losing

there were just too many shoulders for the engineers who’d

viewers. Reckless over-expansion has also been an issue for

originally built its reputation for safety to look over. The

40 | W W W. S U S SE X ST Y LE.CO M | F EBRUA RY 2014

OPINION STYLE

populating the second office with people who look and sound a bit like them but really don’t know what they’re doing. Three or four years down the line, there will be a third office full of people who were hired by the idiots from the second, and a fourth office full of people who were hired by the imbeciles from the third company soon mended its ways – introducing an array

– and this process just goes on and on, until the company

of checks, balances and improved safety measures – but it

becomes such a byword for unforgivable incompetence that

seems that the wider world of commerce as a whole was not

all of their business gets poached by… a plucky little start-up.

terribly interested in learning any lessons from the incident.

I’m not saying expansion is always a bad thing, but it does

Most successful companies these days begin life as plucky

tend to go hand-in-hand with complacency. The good people

little start-ups with a small ‘team’ composed entirely of

at McDonald’s or Starbucks would probably disagree, but

people who really know what they’re doing, or at least have

not even they have any way of knowing just how delicious

a fairly good idea. They do good work; they get more business. After a while, they find that they’re getting more offers of work than the ‘core team’ (as it must now become)

McDonald’s hamburgers

❝

used to be in the days when

Boom, and the world booms with you; bust, and you bust alone

there was only one place doing them, or how much less irritating Starbucks was when they only did two or

is capable of dealing with – and because it’s in the rules that

three different types of coffee. Exactly when did it become

you must never, ever turn down work, they open a new office

an actual crime to say, ‘We’re doing fine – let’s just carry on

to cope with all that extra business. But the members of the

like this for a while’? Cowell, Oliver et al would do well to

‘core team’ are all too busy with the work they had in the first

take a tip from Toyota: sudden acceleration isn’t always

place to take part in the interview process, so they end up

as much fun as it sounds. ■ FEBR UARY 2014 | WWW.SUSSEXSTYLE .C O M | 4 1

OPINION STYLE

Diaryof a

Divorcee This month, our new 40-something columnist spills the beans on her unique dieting technique…

W

hen I was a slim, svelte 20-something (well

consisted of coloured days, A boxes, B boxes, free food (sounds

slim-ish and fairly svelte), dieting wasn’t

good) and sins (much, much better). I had to give it a go.

much of an issue. I was too busy going out and doing things that young girls do, which

ANYWAY, THERE WEREN’T MANY DIETS LEFT IN THE

certainly didn’t involve food. This was long before Kate Moss

world for me to try. I’d even given the cabbage soup diet a

and Jodie Kidd made the wasted look chic, but as I’ve reached

whirl but after a week of passing bright green urine, walking

the dreaded age of 40-something, I must finally be in vogue

around with a permanent green gap in my teeth, along with

because I’ve definitely got the waisted look now.

a very ‘naughty’ bottom, I decided that no diet was worth

The main problem is that I’ve reached that certain age when invites to clubs, pubs and all-night raves have dwindled (to non-existent). And although I’m still trying to be Ms Social Butterfly, I’m afraid the emphasis is more on the butter than the fly. Mirrored

looking and reeking like a bag lady for. After that, any diet

❝

After a week of passing bright green urine I decided that no diet was worth looking and reeking like a bag lady for

wardrobes are never a good

was going to seem attractive and this was foolproof. In just a few weeks, I’ve lost almost a stone and I’m sticking with this one. There’s only one problem with this diet and that’s the question of booze – all alcoholic drinks are sins,

look when you don’t want to see your reflection but they

unfortunately. Beer and my beloved Pinot are five sins and

were there when I moved in and so I spend most of my

vodka is two and a half, so I was hardly going to keep up my

time in the dark trying to avoid catching my reflection

good-time girl image without devising a plan.

and feeling a bit of a porker.

So I now have an alcohol-friendly diet, which I want copyright on. Nothing sinful passes my lips during the week

IT WAS TIME TO DO SOMETHING ABOUT IT, AND THE

and by the time the weekend arrives, I have about 50 sins

answer came on the train home recently. I sat down next

saved up. That allows for a couple of bottles of wine, or

to a girl who was totally engrossed in a book. It wasn’t 50

my preferred tipple of 20 vodkas with my new mixer, Diet

Shades…, and all I could see were numbers, colours and lists

Coke (free food!)* This makes my big night out much more

of ingredients. I soon realised it was a diet book and being

exciting… and with the added bonus that I can eat whatever I

of a nosy (I like to call it inquisitive) nature, I asked what

like because after downing that much vodka, I know the food

it was all about. She explained that this particular diet

isn’t going to stay down! *NB: Don’t try this at home

42 | W W W. S U S SE X ST Y LE.CO M | F EBRUA RY 2014

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food news

A FLAVOUR OF SUSSEX Sussex Style’s bon viveur Sam Bilton on this month’s tastes and treats

FERMENTED: A BEER & CHEESE SPECTACULAR Beer and cheese are not common bedfellows (except in a Welsh rarebit) but the Brighton Food Society believes they can be a match made in heaven. The Society’s founders, Andy Lynes and Pat McGuigan will be joining forces with Petworth’s The Hungry Guest and the Dark Star Brewing Co. to host a beer, bread

SAKE TASTING & PAIRING AT YUM YUM NINJA

and cheese tasting evening. The event will

Have you ever tried sparkling sake? No, neither have I, but with

website or direct from Vélo.

promised hints of strawberries and a light creamy texture it sounds

www.brightonfoodsociety.com

rather nice. Sparkling Lachamte sake is just one of the sakes on offer

www.velo-cafe.co.uk

at Brighton’s Yum Yum Ninja to try, taste and pair with its new winter menu. Other sakes include the easy-drinking Akinota Junmai Ginjo, which goes well with sashimi, oysters and pulled pork belly, and the more unusual aged Koshu with its sherry-sweetness and earthy mushroom notes. www.yumyumninja.com

RYE BAY SCALLOP WEEK 2014

There will be scallops galore in Rye when the town’s annual week-long festival to celebrate these bivalves begins on Saturday 15th February. Local restaurateurs will be creating sumptuous dishes for you to try, plus there will be cooking demonstrations, quiz nights and more to keep you entertained during the week.

Rye, 15th–23rd February www.scallop.org.uk

44 | W W W. S U S SE X ST Y LE.CO M | F EBRUA RY 2014

take place at Vélo at The Level in Brighton on 6th February from 8pm onwards. Tickets are £15 and can be purchased from the Society’s

FOOD STYLE

&

TEA EMPATHY Who doesn’t enjoy a lovely cup of tea? Well now you can have a comforting cuppa that compliments your particular lifestyle, thanks to Tea Huggers. This new independent tea brand has combined high-quality loose-leaf tea and herbs in pyramid bags to promote wellbeing in our busy lives. Planning to spring-clean your body after the excesses of the festive season?

THE DWORD

Get into shape this year with the help of some new healthy eating books…

Try the Detox tea with peppermint, sage, fennel and

The Honey Diet, Mike McInnes

liquorice. Or kickstart your metabolism with a cup

As diets go, this one doesn’t expect you to make

of Skinny Fit – a blend of delicate Chinese oolong

outlandish sacrifices, fastidiously count calories

tea, lemon verbena, juniper berries and aniseed.

or eat any vile concoctions (remember the cabbage

The Flu Fighter blend could be particularly useful

soup diet?) Far from being bad for us, Mike

at this time of the year, too. Available at Budgens

McInnes tells us that eating honey in moderation

stores or from the Tea Huggers website, from £4.50

as part of a healthy diet can help stave off sugar cravings, as well

per pack. www.teahuggers.co.uk

as get a better night’s sleep and lose weight while we are in the land of nod. It does sound a little bit too good to be true but the author is a scientist and his claims are backed by thorough research. Plus it’s got to be better than meal replacement shakes any day. £13.99, Hodder & Stoughton

Eat Smart, Eat Raw, Kate Magic This is a revamped edition of a popular book that was originally published 10 years ago. Kate Magic’s aim is to show you how versatile, as well as nutritious, a raw food diet can be. It contains around 150 recipes, including a few that allow the non-raw ingredient, for those who don’t want to commit to

We have three packs of these delicious teas to give away to one lucky reader.

If you can tell us how many teas there are in Tea Huggers’ launch range you could be the winner.

Email your answer to editor@sandrpublishing.co.uk

this way of eating straight away. It’s also a great guide for anyone wanting to detox for a week or two. £14.99, Grub Street

A Lighter Way to Bake, Lorraine Pascale One of the hardest things for me about being good in the New Year is giving up cake. So I was delighted to see that chef and TV personality Lorraine Pascale has brought out a book on baking lighter and healthier meals and treats.

Packed full of tempting recipes – such as blueberry and limoncello drizzle cake – that are nice without being too naughty, you can indulge yourself every now and then without the guilt. £20, Harper Collins FEBR UARY 2014 | WWW.SUSSEXSTYL E .C O M | 4 5

HEALTH STYLE

slim chance

I

How committed are you to detoxing this spring? Sam Bilton finds out how serious slimmers do it in East Sussex

arrive on a day when the

your energy levels are really

guests are ‘hangry’. That’s

flagging Galia will give you

a combination of hungry

a magic raisin (singular). If

and angry explains Galia

it sounds extreme, it is. But it

Grainger, owner of the Slimmeria

achieves extreme results, with

Retreat near Battle. It’s Tuesday

many people losing up to 12lbs

and the guests are 48 hours into

on a seven-day retreat.

their week-long detox – this is

Included in the package is

the point when they are at their

a low-impact exercise

lowest, both in terms of morale

programme, delivered by

and energy levels.

professional instructors, and

‘People need to prepare

come rain or shine the day begins

themselves for the programme

with a 90-minute pre-breakfast

before their arrival. If they don’t

hike. It’s raining the morning I do

and their regular diet is high in

the walk but it’s invigorating and

sugars, processed food, caffeine

just what I need to shoo away the

and alcohol they may feel light-

toxic headache I have developed

headed, experience headaches or

after 48 hours without caffeine.

feel generally weak until the body accepts the natural goodness and sugars in the diet we provide,’ explains Galia.

This week’s residents are a mix of sizes, ages and nationalities – one man has travelled from Saudi Arabia on the recommendation of a friend.

The rest of the day is filled with exercise classes, Above: Relax while you diet, in the luxurious surroundings of this Grade II-listed Georgian mansion

There are a few wistful whispers about cravings for chips and chocolate but everyone seems happy

yoga and dance classes in the evening. Or you could opt for a spa treatment – some, such as the Indian head massage, are included in the package. More importantly it does take your mind off your hunger and aching muscles. I was amazed at how much weight I lost in just over 24 hours (3lbs since you ask) and I’ve barely touched a caffeinated drink

with lunch. Today it’s a cucumber and radish salad prettily

since. Clearly you couldn’t maintain the 400-calorie regime

arranged and doused in a pungent garlicky dressing. One

for a prolonged period but the messages about healthy

of the ladies touches my arm, with a twinkle in her eye.

eating and regular exercise make sense.

‘Today we’re also having quinoa,’ she says with

There are several accommodation packages available,

unconcealed excitement as she hands me a small (and I do

from comfortable standard rooms with shared bathrooms

mean small) bowl of beige grains. This meal is my first taste

to deluxe rooms with en-suites. Prices for weekend retreats

of the detox and weight-loss programme at Slimmeria. It’s

start at £535 per person and include accommodation, all

based around a raw vegetarian diet, designed to cleanse and

meals, exercise classes and some treatments. ■

eliminate toxins that have built up as a result of bad habits.

www.slimmeria.com

The regime consists of 400 calories a day. Breakfast is typically a fresh juice, lunch is usually a salad and dinner

Slimmeria would like to offer Sussex Style readers an extra

could be a vegetable broth. On the upside they also serve

complimentary spa treatment if booked by 28th February.

afternoon tea although it’s fresh fruit in place of the scones

Simply quote Sussex Style at the time of booking. Retreats can

and a fruity tea instead of the Earl Grey. In the event that

be taken before or after 28th February, subject to availability.

46 | W W W. SU SS E X ST Y L E.CO M | F EBRUA RY 2014

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SUPERHEROES TO THE RESCUE

The superfoods touted for 2014 look set to continue with a South American vibe, discovers Sam Bilton nless you’ve been

and salads. The goodness from

stuck in a vacuum,

chia seeds is released gradually,

you can’t have

preventing peaks and troughs of

failed to notice the

energy, which is why they have

march of the South American

become so popular with athletes.

superfoods in recent years. Led

Chia seeds are available at Holland &

by quinoa, with support from

Barrett or at www.thechiaco.com.au

the more colourful acai berry, it seems the continent still has

Purple potatoes

more nutritious secrets to reveal.

Everyone knows that potatoes have been around for centuries,

Golden berries

Chia seed

but did you know that the

Several years ago this seed –

purple varieties are packed

hailing from Mexico – was more

with antioxidants (a bit like

commonly found providing ‘hair’

beetroot) as well as potassium?

or ‘fur’ on terracotta figurines

It is thought that people who

they’re also known as inca berries,

called Chia Pets sold at Christmas

eat purple and blue food

cape gooseberries or physalis.

in the US. However, it seems the

have a reduced risk of heart

Weight-for-weight they boast the

Americans were missing the

same amount of fibre as prunes,

nutritional benefit of these seeds,

more iron than spinach and more

until Christopher McDougall

potassium than three bananas.

wrote Born to Run, about a

You may have seen these, with their papery lantern-like casings, as a dessert garnish. Originating from the foothills of the Andes

Clockwise, from above: Golden berries, purple potatoes and Chia seed are all superfoods

They are also thought to aid

super-athletic tribe in Mexico

weight loss by helping to break

who attribute a certain amount

down protein and fat in the

of their long-distance running

disease, diabetes and metabolic

body. When dried, the sweet and

prowess (think 50 miles or more)

syndrome, which is a precursor

sour-type flavour intensifies,

to eating the seeds. According to

for type 2 diabetes. I’m not sure

making it a zingy addition to

McDougall a tablespoon of chia

this is enough to raise this variety

sweet and savoury dishes, such

is like a smoothie made from

of the humble spud to one of

as the recipe opposite. Worthing-

salmon, spinach and human

your five-a-day but they certainly

based chocolatier Raw Goodies

growth hormone.

make a colourful and nutritious addition to a winter dinner.

coats them in raw chocolate (also

Chia is a member of the mint

considered a superfood), creating

family from Mexico and South

a delicious guilt-free snack.

America. The seeds are either

for sale in supermarkets but

Terrafertil dried golden berries and

black or white but both varieties

Morghew Gourmet Potatoes sells

juice are available from Holland

are rich in omega-3, dietary fibre,

varieties like the salad blue and

& Barrett. Chocolate-covered inca

protein and antioxidants. They

vitelotte at the farmers’ markets

berries are available from

have a variety of uses and can

in Lewes and through Crates

www.rawgoodies.co.uk

be included in bread, yoghurt

Local in Horsham.

48 | W W W. S U S SE X ST Y LE.CO M | F EBRUA RY 2014

You occasionally see them

TASTE STYLE

Chicken with Golden Berry Salsa At only 266 calories per serving this is a delicious, low fat way

tip :

to enjoy this superfood. Serves 4

Slice the chicken into small pieces and

Ingredients

place on skewers to create a

• 4 chicken breast fillets • 1 tbsp oil • 1 small red pepper • 2 spring onions • 1 piece ginger (size of a walnut) • 75g golden berries • 1 tbsp white balsamic glaze • 2 tbsp walnut oil • 4-6 stems coriander • Salt and pepper

perfect party snack. Serve together with the salsa as finger food

Wash the chicken breast and pat dry. Season with salt and pepper and grill for about 15 minutes, turning the breasts from time to time. Let the chicken rest for a while after it is done.

Quarter the pepper, remove the seeds and wash. Wash the spring onions, peel the ginger and cut it all into little pieces. Mix with the golden berries, white balsamic glaze and walnut oil. Add the chopped coriander and season it with salt and pepper.

Cut the chicken breasts into slices and serve with the salsa.

JUICE OF THE MONTH: WATERCRESS AND KIWI One of the original superfoods, watercress is packed full of vitamins C and E, iron and calcium.

Its peppery flavour blends surprisingly well with fruit such as pear, melon or kiwi, and green-juice blends are known for their slimming, anti-ageing and health-

boosting properties. This recipe from nutritionist Dr Sarah Schenker is a tasty way to pep up a chilly morning.

Ingredients • 50g watercress • 2 kiwis, peeled and chopped • A few mint leaves, torn

• Juice of 1 orange or 125ml fresh orange juice • Juice of 1 lime Place everything in a blender and whizz together. Or put the watercress, kiwi and mint through a juicer then stir in the orange juice and lime. www.watercress.co.uk

FEBR UARY 2014 | WWW.SUSSEXSTYL E .C O M | 4 9

TASTE STYLE

tri Juicer Blumenthal Nu Sage by Heston sums up the t ou ab efficient just Quick, cool and average of 70% r. It extracts an the Sage Nutri Juice rks quickly so om fruit and wo . ol of nutrients fr co s ay st the juice – machine – and .uk w.lakeland.co ww 9, .9 £134

Cuisinart Compact Juice Extractor One of the best value juicers on the market, this juicer has a large feed tube, which means you can save time on preparation before juicing. £89.96, www.johnlewis.com

JUICE IT UP!

A freshly prepared juice is delicious, nutritious and easy to prepare with an electric juicer.

Sussex Style takes a look at some of the latest – and most technologically advanced – juicers on the market Magimix Le Duo Juice Extractor A juicer of many talents.

Not only is it a juice extractor but it also includes a citrus press and a smoothie mix attachment that can be used to create thick purées, ideal for preparing baby food.

From £161.96, www.johnlewis.com

Hurom HU-700 ‘The Boss’ Slow Juicer This machine takes its time to extract every last nutritious drop from your fruit and vegetables through a gentle squeezing action, which also prevents oxidization of the juice in the glass.

A lower motor speed also means it is virtually silent when running: very zen. £299.95, www.Divertimenti.com

Bugatti Vita Citrus Juicer Add a touch of Italian glamour to your kitchen. This sleek juicer from Bugatti makes short work of citrus fruit and a clever fixed-pouring mechanism means that you can just flip and pour when you have enough juice.

From £139.95, www.johnlewis.com 50 | W W W. S U S SE X ST Y LE.CO M | F EBRUA RY 2014

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SUSSEX STYLE GOES ROMANTIC ‘The way to a man’s heart is through his stomach,’ or so the saying goes. This seems a tad sexist, as women are generally as impressed as men are by a good plate of food.

Perhaps this is why dining out is such a popular way to spend Valentine’s Day with your sweetheart. We’re not adverse to a bit of romance here at Sussex Style so Sam Bilton gives the lowdown on a few restaurants with romance in the air for 14th February WEST SUSSEX Jeremy’s, Haywards Heath I fell in love with the walnut bread at Jeremy’s years ago. In my experience if the bread is good it usually follows that the meal will be of a similar standard.

Jeremy’s at Borde Hill does not disappoint on this count. The food is impeccably presented and utilises the best ingredients of the season. In the winter months game is bountiful so you could be tempted by a rabbit tagine with chickpea, apricot and red Ghyll Manor, Rusper

onion compote, or perhaps a loin

has become renowned for its

of Balcombe Estate venison with

innovative food that looks as

squash, mushrooms and lovage

good as it tastes. Chef Viv has a

gnocchi. It was voted the seventh

reputation for her creative dishes,

most romantic restaurant in the

such as pigeon breast with confit

UK in The Times recently.

croquettes, mushroom soil and

The 17th-century Ghyll Manor

www.jeremysrestaurant.co.uk

braised fig. Out front is Cass,

is an attractive country house

Above: Ghyll Manor has a six-course bespoke menu for Valentine’s Day

If you find yourself unencumbered with children this Valentine’s you could treat yourself to a weekend away.

who entertains his guests with

hotel with 29 rooms (some with

Cassons Restaurant, Tangmere

his humorous anecdotes and

four-poster beds). It offers a great

One of the best-kept secrets

impressive wine knowledge. If

location for a romantic retreat at

in Sussex, Cassons has been

you can’t make it on Valentine’s

a reasonable £95 per person for

wowing the residents of nearby

Day it’s also worth noting they

bed, breakfast and dinner. After

Chichester and further afield for

run a regular Gourmet Club

a glass of champagne by the fire

many years. Run by husband and

with special set menus.

you and your partner can indulge

wife ‘Cass’ and Viv the restaurant

www.cassonsrestaurant.co.uk

in a six-course gourmet meal

52 | W W W. S U S SE X ST Y LE.CO M | F EBRUA RY 2014

TASTE STYLE

that could include crayfish and prawn saffron risotto or braised pork cheek from the head chef’s bespoke menu. If you need to walk off your dinner the following morning, the hotel has 40 acres of land for you to explore. www.ghyllmanor.co.uk EAST SUSSEX The Griffin Inn, Fletching If old-world charm is your thing then the Griffin will be right up your street. With its ancient beams, log fires and undulating floor boards it oozes antiqued charisma. That’s not to say the food is stuck in a bygone age.

The influence of the River Café shines through on the menu, with its Mediterranean accent (the crostini of Ashdown Forest ceps and thyme with vincotto and shaved parmesan is not to be missed) but local organic produce is the order of the day. Salad leaves and vegetables come from the Setfords’ Fletching market garden, fish from Rye and meat and game from local farmers. www.thegriffininn.co.uk The Curlew, Bodium

granola). The Curlew also gained

The Curlew bills itself as a

its first Michelin star in 2011.

place where ‘formal food meets

www.thecurlewrestaurant.co.uk

informal dining’. The menu

this is a charming, cosy seafood Above: Jeremy’s, recently voted the seventh most romantic restaurant in the UK

restaurant where oysters take centre stage, served with a variety of hot and cold sauces.

descriptions are succinct and

Riddle & Finns, Brighton

barely do justice to the dish

Oysters are well known for their

that is delivered to your table.

aphrodisiac qualities. Personally,

sharing a table, I find its

A simply stated ‘soup’ could be

they’ve never struck me as a sexy

informality refreshing compared

laden with field mushrooms and

food – either in their appearance

to swankier establishments.

spiked with an aniseed-y tarragon

or their consumption.

And if you really crave a more

crème fraîche and served with a

An oyster fanatic recently

Although they don’t take bookings and you could be

intimate tête-à-tête there is

stout rarebit. The desserts sound

persuaded me to try one at Riddle

a larger branch down on the

particularly enticing, such as the

& Finns in Brighton’s Lanes and

beachfront that does take

winter pimms (apple mousse,

now I’m a bit of a convert. With

bookings for tables for two.

orange sorbet, Pimm’s jelly and

its wax-drenched candelabras

www.riddleandfinns.co.uk ■ FEBR UARY 2014 | WWW.SUSSEXSTYL E .C O M | 5 3

HOTEL STYLE

SUSSEX STYLE VISITS…

THE FELBRIDGE HOTEL & SPA Gaynor Wetherall checks in and is pleasantly surprised to discover that there’s something to suit everybody…

J

ust a short drive from

disappoint. From the moment

The rooms at The Felbridge

Gatwick airport, The

our waitress welcomed us, the

are functional and clean, with

Felbridge Hotel was the

meal and ambience was great

a good-size shower and Elemis spa

perfect place to meet

throughout the evening. We opted

products adding a touch of luxe.

up with an old friend who was

for the scallops with cauliflower

The following day we visited the

travelling over from Spain for an

puree and pancetta to start, and

Chakra Spa, which was a relaxing

overnight stay and a good catch-

after what was a tough decision,

way to spend the morning. We

up. We decided to treat ourselves

I went for the lamb and my friend

didn’t book any treatments but

to some fine dining at the hotel’s

chose the beef – on the basis that

have agreed we will return for

Anise restaurant – although less

we tried each other’s meal.

a pampering break next time.

formal dining is also on offer at

We weren’t disappointed. Each

The Felbridge offers a variety

course was beautifully presented

of packages; from spa weekends

and cooked to perfection. While

to themed evening events such as

for a drink before dinner. The

we were waiting for our first

Eighties nights, tribute bands and

bar is modern with soft lighting

course, we were treated to an

murder mystery dinners, so there

and comfy seats, making it the

amuse-bouche – a marmite

will always be something to suit.

perfect place to catch up. The

mousse which definitely had

This month, with romance in the

bartender invited us to try a new

the ‘love it or hate it’ factor – we

air, it’s the perfect place to enjoy

cocktail they were concocting –

loved it and it worked really well.

Valentine’s Day. ■

the Bay Tree restaurant.

We headed to The QUBE Bar

strawberry-based, it was delicious and we gave it the thumbs up.

We were now in the mood for dinner, and Anise didn’t

We were delighted to see a cheese menu and ended up with

Rooms from £121 (room only);

a platter of six varieties, which

spa breaks from £150 per person

was the perfect end to the meal.

www.felbridgehotel.co.uk

54 | W W W. S U S SE X ST Y LE.CO M | F EBRUA RY 2014

Above, from top: The QUBE Bar, perfect for a pre-dinner cocktail or two; fine dining at Anise Restaurant

CuckfieldBathrooms presents Style Moderne by Samuel Heath a collection of taps and showers inspired by the iconic Art Deco design era of the 1920’s and 1930’s.

113 High Street, Cuckfield, Sussex RH17 5JX Telephone: 01444 414 888

www.cuckfieldbathrooms.co.uk

Photography- @tedtofield

Main: Style Moderne Freestanding Bath/Shower Mixer in Antique Gold Left: Duravit Happy D.2 basin & drawer unit c/w Dornbracht IMO basin mixer Right: Lefroy Brooks Metropole basin & Style Modern 3-Hole basin mixer in Antique Gold

FAMILIES ON THE PISTE

The royals may favour Klosters or Verbier but for the best family skiing in Switzerland you should head to Nendaz. Sam Bilton discovers the virtues of Switzerland’s best-kept secret

Top Tip: hire a ski locker If you have children who are not able to carry their own skis you can hire a locker at the foot of the Tracouet télécabin

N

from £20 per week.

endaz Station, in

Nendaz Tourism also organises

the Swiss canton

excursions and activities for

of Valais, sits at

families, such as trips to dairies

around 1,400m, with

to see local cheese being made.

breathtaking views across the

Above: The traditional timber buildings of ‘picture postcard’ Nendaz

village, offering half day and full day tuition in groups or privately.

Companies like Neige Aventure (www.onthemountain.ch) can also arrange equipment hire as well

Alps. It is one of five resorts in the

Skiing

4 Vallées ski region, which also

With 412km of skiing available the

includes Verbier. It’s a picture

4 Vallées is home to some of the

postcard Alpine village with

most varied winter sports in the

traditional timber buildings that

Alps. There are pistes to suit all

has grown up around an old

levels of ability, from the beginners

Valais community and boasts over

snow park at Tracouet to the more

won’t go hungry or thirsty. For

300 days of sunshine per year.

hair-raising black runs.

a taste of true Valais cuisine,

The Swiss Tourism Board has

A seven-day family rate ski pass

Opposite: The resort offers plenty of fun for families as well as luxurious accomodation at the new Nendaz 4 Valées Hotel

as lessons with an Englishspeaking instructor.

Après-ski There are 21 restaurants and many bars in the resort so you

head for La Cabane on the Route

awarded Nendaz the ‘Families

for the 4 Vallées costs £250 per

des Ecluses. You could begin

Welcome’ seal of approval,

adult or £125 per child (children

with a platter of the local

which means there are plenty of

under six ski for free). If you want

charcuterie followed by a

activities available for children

to stay closer to home there is

traditional fondue or raclette.

of all ages. As well as skiing

also a Printse ski pass (which still

there is an ice rink in the village,

covers 220km of pistes around

then Trattoria dei Savi (www.

snow tubing in the snow park

the Nendaz area) at £195 per

deisavi.ch) serves a good range

at Tracouet, or you could even

adult or £96 per child for a week.

of pasta, meat and fish dishes.

try your hand at snow golf.

There are five ski schools in the

56 | W W W. S U S SE X ST Y LE.CO M | F EBRUA RY 2014

If Italian is more your thing

And you can’t beat the wood-

TR AVEL STYLE

fired pizzas from Les Flambeaux

and a three-course evening meal

(which also does takeaways).

(excluding flights and transfers).

PRICES CORRECT AT TIME OF PUBLICATION, IMAGES © ETIENNE BORNET/JP GUILLERMIN

If you’re after something more

The Bistro (also open to non-

Top Tip: babysitting Most of the restaurants in

on the spicy side, Cactus Cantina

residents) is run by a Swedish

(www.ocactus.com) offers Tex-Mex

couple, who add their own

should you fancy a night out

cuisine and is just a few minutes

Scandinavian touch to traditional

without the little ones in tow,

walk from the Tracouet télécabin.

mountain fare.

Dining doesn’t get much finer

During February, Iglu Ski

than the offering at Restaurant Le

is offering seven nights at the

Mont-Rouge (www.mont-rouge.ch).

Chalet Les Quatre Vallees in

It produces stunning dishes such

Nendaz from £849 per person,

as scallops en croûte with black

including flights, transfers and

truffles or chocolate and ginger

accommodation on a half-board

tart with matcha tea ice cream.

basis. The chalet is in a fantastic

Definitely worth a visit to round

location, almost opposite the

off your week’s skiing or if

main lift station and about 100m

you have anything to celebrate

from the slopes. (www.igluski.com,

while you are there.

020 8544 3034)

Nendaz welcome children but

Nendaz Tourism has a list of babysitters available.

The Nendaz 4 Vallées Hotel Where to stay

(www.hotelnendaz4vallees.ch)

There is a host of accommodation

has recently opened, with

How to get there

available, ranging from B&Bs

a luxurious spa housing a sauna,

EasyJet return flights from

to self-catered apartments and

steam rooms and a private

Gatwick to Geneva start at £52.98

chalets. Expect to pay in the

winter garden. There are several

(www.easyjet.com) and BA offers

region of £1,000 per week for

pools (including an outdoor one),

return flights on the same route

a two-bedroom, self-catered

a children’s zone and you don’t

from £78 (www.ba.com).

apartment during peak season.

even need to be a hotel resident

Not everyone feels like cooking

Nendaz is about a one hour,

to use the facilities (charges

40 minute drive from Geneva

during their holiday so if you

apply). During the winter double

airport. Alternatively, you could

prefer someone to do the cooking

rooms start at £240 per night,

take the train from Geneva to

for you, you could stay at one

including breakfast.

Sion (which takes just under

of the many catered chalets in the village. Hameau les Clèves (www.hameaulescleves.ch) offers weekly half-board accommodation from £655 per person, which includes breakfast

❝

It’s a picture postcard Alpine village that has grown up around an old Valais community and boasts over 300 days of sunshine per year

two hours) and make the final 30-minute leg of the journey in a taxi or on the bus. ■ For more information visit www.nendaz.ch FEBR UARY 2014 | WWW.SUSSEXSTYL E .C O M | 5 7

ADVERTISING FEATURE

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anish those winter blues and

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58 | W W W. S U S SE X ST Y LE.CO M | F EBRUA RY 2014

If you are interested in letting your

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Visit our new website and book online at 2014 | WWW.SUSSEXSTYL www.bramleyandteal.co.uk or call us nowFEBR onUARY 01580 860840 E .C O M | 5 9

A TASTE OF JUTLAND

Denmark has plenty to offer for foodies and art-lovers alike. Norman Miller falls for the Danish charm….

T

he things that have drawn artists for two centuries to Skagen (pronounced ‘Skay-en’)

in Denmark’s northern enclave Jutland are pretty appealing to everyone else too. Magical light bounces between surging sea, wide golden sands and big sky.

Little towns relax behind dunes, overseen by historic lighthouses and white churches with zigzag gables jinking heavenward.

Walking among clapboard cottages and picket-fenced

of brilliant restaurants. Take the

ochre-painted houses I indulge

simply-named Fiskerestaurant

in Scandi seaside dreams.

on Skagen harbour, where the

This idyllic peninsula, slipped

floor is covered in scuff-able

Above: Razor clam on a bed of ice and stone, at the Svinklov Hotel

I discover work by Anna Ancher and Laurits Tuxen capturing 19thcentury Jutland and its working folk on sparse glowing canvases.

between the waters of the

sand, the walls with vintage

I peek into the nearby Brøndums

Skagerrak and Kattegat, is also

posters, and chef Jesper Winter’s

Hotel too, a favourite not just of

one of Europe’s most restless

menu showcases local produce

visiting artists but A-list Danes

coasts, a hymn to erosion’s

from just-caught flounder off the

from Hans Christian Andersen to

double act with eternity. Take the

boats moored outside to just-

Queen Christina. Pottering along

Rubjerg Knude lighthouse, finally

picked sea buckthorn from the

the main drag Sct Laurentii Vej

abandoned to the ever-moving

nearby shore. I end lunch with

back to the elegant clapboard-

dunes that now tower as high as

a couple of uplifting snifters of

clad Hotel Plesner, I tick off chic

its dimmed light. Nearby, what’s

the local bitters, bjest, flavoured

little design shops.

left of Marup Church now stands

with unusual foraged finds like

metres from the cliff edge, where

hawthorn and purslane.

800 years ago it stood proudly over a mile inland. Within 20 years, it will tumble into the turbulent ocean to join countless shipwrecks in the bay below.

On the plus side, Mother Nature provides fine fodder for a variety

In the wood-panelled rooms of the cosy Skagen Gallery,

❝

This idyllic peninsula, slipped between the waters of the Skagerrak and Kattegat, is also one of Europe’s most restless coasts, a hymn to erosion’s double act with eternity

60 | W W W. S U S SE X ST Y LE.CO M | F EBRUA RY 2014

As the sun sinks towards a white-capped sea, a lighthouse silhouetted in soft evening light makes a perfect snap before I hit the local Restaurant De 2 Have to discover what chef Henrik Kristensen calls his ‘cool climate kitchen’ – global flourishes brought to the local larder.

TR AVEL STYLE

Take a ceviche of local seafood –

marvel at the painted wood

a nod to culinary hotspot Peru,

interior of the 14th-century

served with horseradish jelly and

Budolfi Church then dip into

pickled cucumber that couldn’t

the adjacent history museum.

be more Dansk.

And take the number 2 bus or

The next morning I begin the

a taxi to Lindholm on the edge

return jaunt towards Jutland’s

of town, where Scandinavia’s

regional capital Aalborg, 80 miles

largest Viking burial ground

south – but only after booking a

scatters hundreds of 1,000-year-

table for lunch at the Svinklov

old tombstones around a little

Hotel en route. Set behind a

museum whose quirky café

wild dune-backed beach, its

serves old Norse nosh.

handful of rooms sell out each

Aalborg maintains Jutland’s

summer within hours of booking

high gourmet standards

opening, but you can still come

everywhere I go. At Morten

for the simple pale restaurant

Nielsen’s Mortens Kro, I wolf

overlooking the beach to see why

down a Michelin-starred dinner

Kenneth Hansen has been chosen

high on technical nous and

as Denmark’s representative for

punchy flavours, then sample

the 2014 Bocuse d’Or (aka The

the great man’s more affordable

Culinary Olympics). And bring

smorgasbord menu at the

cash, as they don’t take non-

waterside Utzon Centre – a curvy

Danish credit cards!

steel homage to local boy and

Straddling the Limfjord,

Sydney Opera House architect

Aalborg is a small but lively

Jørn Utzon, where grand

city – Denmark’s fourth largest.

views complement posh open

Cultural beacons include the

sandwiches featuring the likes of

Kunsten Museum of Modern Art,

smoked eel and quail eggs.

designed by Alvar Aalto, while

Be sure to try one of Aalborg’s

From top: A ceramics gallery in one of Aalborg’s charming streets; the quayside Fiskerestaurant; the legendary Svinklov Hotel

braised monkfish on pea purée with smoked almonds.

On my final day, with a handy evening flight back to Gatwick, I relax in late afternoon sun outside Søgaards brewhouse, on the historic cobbled CW Obels Plads and mull a menu

Nordkraft takes a small-scale

floating restaurants too – the

of excellent Danish pub grub

leaf from Tate Modern by putting

laidback converted houseboat

alongside a list of over 40 ales.

arty spaces inside a former power

Den Fede Aelling, the sturdy

Thankfully I’ve plenty of Jutland

station. A brand new cutting-edge

old ice-breaker Elbjorn, or the

memories to raise a glass to... ■

Music House auditorium will

80-year-old Dutch ship Prinses

open in spring 2014.

Juliana, where a glass of dill-

Norwegian flies from Gatwick to

infused Aalborg aquavit – the

Aalborg, with returns from £85.

wander among gorgeous period

delicious Nordic firewater –

www.norwegian.com, 0843 3780 888

cottages on cobbled Hjelmerstald,

makes a perfect aperitif before

www.visitdenmark.co.uk

For more old-school charm,

FEBR UARY 2014 | WWW.SUSSEXSTYLE .C O M | 6 1

THE IMPORTANCE OF BEING

WORTHING Faded glamour, great value, and creative overspill from Brighton...

How is Worthing doing? Emma Piper pays a visit

? What

❝

On the seafront you’ll find everything from old pebble-fronted cottages, Georgian town houses, Art Deco homes and that cool New England-style that’s so in vogue

town houses, Art Deco homes

Worthing is like a jigsaw: a place

and that cool New England-style

of many parts. But put them

that’s so in vogue. In the centre

together and the overall picture

there are spacious Victorian and

is a puzzle in itself. Worthing

Edwardian villas, and towards the

confuses. In terms of planning,

outskirts are comfortable (and

it’s a bit of a mess. However some

often substantial) family houses

semblance of structure is being

from the Thirties onwards, plus

imposed (for example the signage

decent modern infill.

defining the shopping quarters)

Ana Gananca of Winkworth

and significant improvements

explains that people working in

are underway (see the fabulous

Brighton and London are drawn

new Splashpoint leisure centre

to Worthing because property is

on the seafront).

so much cheaper – with people prepared to commute to Brighton

Where and why If you’re house-hunting, you can

– and London (about an hour and

get more bang for your buck in

20 minutes from West Worthing

Worthing. There’s a broad choice,

station into London Victoria).

too. On the seafront (or close by)

62 | W W W. S U S SE X ST Y LE.CO M | F EBRUA RY 2014

(about 25 minutes by car or train)

This influx over the last three

you’ll find everything from old

or four years has brought with

pebble-fronted cottages, Georgian

it a bit of regeneration. Ana

WORTHING STYLE

Offington in Broadwater, popular with its detached houses in quiet, tree-lined roads and good schools.

Shopping

For Sale

The town centre is a sprawling mishmash. At its heart it is an old-fashioned seaside resort with pier and promenade. What looks like the main street (actually Chapel Road) is a bit tired here

Manor Road, £750,000

and there, but approaching the

A beautiful house built in

seafront, on South Street, there’s

the 19th century, stylishly

a glorious Victorian arcade with

presented with four bedrooms,

a boutique feel (where you’ll find Vanilla Bags, Cloud Gallery, Spiral

swimming pool and separate annexe in the garden.

Jewellery and more). Around an elegant square on Montague Place are many of the big high street names including Monsoon and Marks & Spencer. I’m

remarks on the number of new businesses and fewer empty units in the centre. She is particularly pleased with the new leisure centre, Splashpoint – ‘I’m in there three times a week’. It’s helped to

Above: Pastel-coloured terraces sit alongside modern apartments on Worthing seafront

more interested in fashionable,

Marine Parade, £700,000

pedestrianised Warwick Street,

Stunning five-bedroom

with its café tables spilling over

Georgian town house on the

the pavement and the sort of

seafront with stylish open-

shops where you want to linger,

plan kitchen/dining room.

such as Doe Boutique, Retro Daisy, The Griffin, The Wool Bar and Whibleys The Jewellers.

What is signed as Worthing’s

revitalise East Worthing, which

West End is a lively shopping

has become a bit of a property

scene that mixes up the old

hot spot. I particularly like the

established (Frost Brothers

ice cream-coloured Victorian

Watchmakers) with the new-age

terraced villas on the seafront

(the curious Bewitched). It is all

where fishing boats are pulled up

flavoured with local foodie shops,

room with bi-fold doors

onto the wide expanse of pebbly

such as Grapes of Worthing, a

onto the garden.

beach. Ana, however, is a West

French patisserie, delicatessens,

All Winkworth, Worthing.

Worthing girl, enthusing over

butchers, a wet fish shop and ›

01903 216219

Wyke Avenue, £409,950 Delightful Victorian semi with four bedrooms, character features and kitchen/breakfast

FEBR UARY 2014 | WWW.SUSSEXSTYL E .C O M | 6 3

WORTHING STYLE

a cultural fusion of restaurants from Lebanese to Tex-Mex. The High Street proper is less high street, more busy artery, with Waitrose alongside independents such as Velvet Birdcage before it sweeps round to delightful Steyne Gardens.

Beyond is Worthing’s East End – the quirky bit heading out towards Brighton with artist ‘studios’ in beach huts, exhibiting the work of artists and designers such as Jessica Gill, who incorporates beachcombing and forest foraging finds to create sculptured lighting.

Past notes

and ‘goods’ (Thomas A’Becket

Above: Fishing on the indestructible Worthing Pier

Nepalese, Thai, Spanish, Turkish

Worthing was originally a small

First School, Vale First and

fishing village, which developed

Middle School, Chesswood

and Italian restaurants (Guiseppes

when sea-bathing became

Middle School and Northbrook

fashionable with the smart set in

College) to the censorious

and chips and relaxed cafés very

the 18th and 19th centuries. Oscar

‘requires improvement’ and

well, such as The Fish Factory

Wilde stayed here in the summer

even a stand-outside-the-

and Parklife café. We had lunch

of 1894 – hence the surname of

headteacher’s-door ‘Inadequate’!

at Coast, which is right on the

was heaving when we passed by). It also does traditional fish

the main character Jack Worthing

If you want the consistency

in The Importance of Being Earnest.

of an independent, Our Lady of

falafels, local free-range sausages

The pier was built in 1862 and

Sion, an interdenominational, co-

and decent coffee. Crescent Road

is still standing despite being

❝

Restaurant is considered the

educational school, offers

around. It needs a tidy up, but is

Assembly Hall, which boasts the

a ‘wrap-around’ education from

undergoing a renaissance.

largest Wurlitzer organ in Europe.

three to 19. Outside Worthing

destroyed by fire, blown down and blown up. Today it is home to theatres in Worthing, along with the Connaught Theatre and the

there’s Lancing College, an School report

smartest place in town.

➜

the Pavilion Theatre, one of three

The pier was built in 1862 and is still standing despite being destroyed by fire, blown down and blown up

beach and serves up well-spiced

The downside

Worthing has been messed

The buzz

imposing historic pile looking

The new cedar-clad Splashpoint

Like the town, schooling runs

like something out of Harry

leisure centre with pool, plume

the gamut with everything from

Potter, for girls and boys aged

and fountains, as well as a state-

Ofsted ‘outstandings’, such as

from three to 18. Both achieve

of-the-art gym and cantilevered

Bramber, Elm Grove and Heene

impressive academic results.

upper storey – all with sea

(all first schools), Broadwater First and Middle School, Thomas

views. Worthing Pier’s Art Deco Where to eat

southern pavilion is being

A’Becket Middle School and

Worthing has a good range

renovated and turned into an

Davison High School for Girls)

of world food, with Indian,

events venue and café. ■

64 | W W W. S U S SE X ST Y LE.CO M | F EBRUA RY 2014

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

NEW YEAR, NEW LIVING

Cameron Fry and Oliver Underwood from award-winning Shoreham-based consultancy Liqui share their predictions on interior trends for 2014

I

n 2013 we saw industrial

make way for the progressively

be washed out and wimpy, but

decor reach a peak. This

architectural and sculptural –

bright, saturated and vibrant.

year, we believe this will

lighting the way and sparking

We’ll see a greater use of yellows

begin to morph into a more

conversation. This is lighting that

and blacks in interior spaces,

relaxed, classic and modest look.

pursues the aesthetic and acts

and at the forefront of this

Stone, metal and wood will still

as a focal point for guests.

new 2014 pallet will be blue,

take pride of place, but lighting,

appearing on upholstery, wall

furniture and other products will

Retro and refined

coverings and furniture. These

increasingly integrate clean lines

We’re also happy to report that

vibrant colours will contrast well

and natural finishes, using

nostalgia is likely to play a large

with the resurgence of brass,

a combination of earth shades

part this year, which could be

copper and gold, a trend that

with raw metal finishes. Where

down to popular culture, such

has been gathering momentum

man-made finishes are applied

as the success of television

over the past few years. We’re

to household objects we expect

shows such as Mad Men. Lighter-

excited to see these alternative

to see a progressive adoption of

coloured materials will take

metallics appearing in lighting

rich high-contrast colours.

precedence over darker wood

and household items, bringing

finishes, giving rise to pieces

warmth to an interior.

Focal point

with a Fifties-inspired style and

As this sleek modern style

Scandinavian flair. At Liqui we are

Be brave with colour

continues to warm up, popular

subsequently looking forward to

It’s not just brass, copper

fine-grained woods – such as

a year that promises to embrace

and gold that these deep and

white oak and walnut – will

all things retro and refined.

saturated colours work well

begin to find competition in the

with, they also create welcoming

form of more knotty and less

Goodbye to beige

environments when contrasted

expensive varieties. This, in turn,

As well as witnessing a high

with natural hues and pastels,

will bring more character to an

point for industrial decor during

producing contrasting bursts of

interior, while simultaneously

the past year we may also find

life in a room. Don’t be afraid

acting to strip away some of the

that 2013 was the year we said

of using colour. At Liqui we are

seriousness we’ve witnessed in

goodbye to beige interiors. Now

great believers in creativity and

more recent years.

we’ll begin to see the increasing

see trends as guides. The most

Lighting for 2014 will see the

use of colour within interior

important thing is to enjoy design,

seriousness of stuffy chandeliers

design. These colours will not

whatever your choice in style. ■

66 | W W W. S U S SE X ST Y LE.CO M | F EBRUA RY 2014

INTERIOR STYLE

Bell Lamp by Andreas Lund and Jacob Rudback £340, Rume, Brighton

Margot three-seat in Coral £995, www.sofa.com, 0845 400 2222

Vitra DSW Chair

by Charles and Ray Eames £270, Heal’s, Brighton

Brass Form Jug by Tom Dixon £90, Heal’s, Brighton

Flos Skygarden Suspension Light

by Marcel Wanders £2,154, John Lewis at home, Chichester

❝

Nostalgia is likely to play a large part this year and we are subsequently looking forward to a year that promises to embrace all things retro and refined

Brass Form Teapot by Tom Dixon £140, Heal’s, Brighton FEBR UARY 2014 | WWW.SUSSEXSTYL E .C O M | 6 7

Personal

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

T

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

go against the commonly held perception of what is happening on Britain’s high streets.

This personalised, qualityfocused, and independent supplier of upholstery services, individually tailored curtains, fabrics and bespoke furniture,

abilities enable her to help clients

as well as interior design services

find exciting solutions to their

has not only survived the

design and fabric needs.

recession but has moved from strength to strength.

Above: Upholsterer Milos Jandac at work

A full upholstery service is

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

offered, including advice and

match the customer’s budget

consultancy on a range of

and style requirements. Similarly

in October 2009 by the husband

options such as piping finish,

with blinds, where the sheer

and wife team of Laura and Milos

deep buttoning, padding, and

volume of blind types and

Jandac. Milos is the upholsterer

replacement springs. A choice

operating mechanisms can

and brings more than 20 years’

of more than 2,500 fabrics is

be difficult to fathom, tailored

experience to the craft he cares so

designed to meet the needs of

consultancy and guidance is

much about. Laura is a graduate

most clients and their varied

offered with The Upholsterer’s

of Leeds University having

demands and budgets from

compliments.

studied Textile Design, which she

conservative to more eclectic

supplemented with a diploma

or contemporary tastes.

The Upholsterer was opened

in Interior Design at the world-

In line with The Upholsterer’s

renowned KLC School of Design

philosophy of tailoring their

in Chelsea Harbour. Fabrics are

services to meet customer’s

Laura’s passion, which when

specific needs, all curtains

combined with her creative

are handmade locally. A free

68 | W W W. S U S SE X ST Y LE.CO M | F EBRUA RY 2014

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

❝

of being. The Upholsterer is

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

ADVERTISING FEATURE

happy to offer decoration advice

that is based totally around

on transforming a blank canvas

the customer and their needs.

into a finished living area. Its

Their shop is run with a relaxed

samples service ensures that you

ambience and style that enables

are able to colour match and

the best choice for the customer

compliment existing features,

to come to the fore.

shades and fabrics.

The Upholsterer has become

For those who cannot find

a haven for anyone wishing to

the exact design or shape they

steer away from commercially

really want Milos has years of

produced standard furnishings

experience in designing and

so as to create their own personal

creating bespoke furniture

touch. The workshop is on

that meets a customer’s exact

site and potential and existing

requirements. From sofas

customers are encouraged to

and chairs to upscale

view the high quality of

children’s furniture, Milos offers

workmanship for which the

a personalised approach to

business has become known.

meeting a customer’s needs.

At The Upholsterer, Laura and Milos have created an approach

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

The Upholsterer, 15 North

FOR GUIDANCE OR A FREE CONSULTATION

Call Laura on 01730 810284 or email her at laura@theupholsterermidhurst.co.uk.

Alternatively pop in to the shop anytime between Tuesday and Saturday.

Street, Midhurst, GU29 9DH FEBR UARY 2014 | WWW.SUSSEXSTYL E .C O M | 6 9

GET THE LOOK Whether you opt for contemporary or country, these kitchens have something to suit all tastes. All you need are a few key ingredients‌

Above: Rencraft kitchen with island in Zimbabwe, flooring in Ivory Travertin Opus Pattern, from LBS Stone Collection www.lbsstone collection.co.uk, 01903 742550 Right: Terrace Yard kitchen in Marengo Silestone, from LBS Stone Collection, as above 70 | W W W. S U S SE X ST Y LE.CO M | F EBRUA RY 2014

KITCHEN STYLE

Above: Charles Rennie Mackintosh framed LissaOak traditional kitchen by HKS, www.hks-uk.com Left: Loxley handpainted kitchen

by HKS, www. hks-uk.com 01435 866166 Below left: Painted kitchen in Farrow and Ball

colours with a solid oak surface on the island, from Kitchens Bespoke. www.kitchens bespoke.co.uk, 01342 313133 Below: Aga surround in ‘Lennon’ Brazilian granite, from LBS Stone Collection, www.lbsstone collection.co.uk, 01903 742550

FEBR UARY 2014 | WWW.SUSSEXSTYLE .C O M | 7 1

Above: Usk Bateau cast-iron bath, from West One Bathrooms, www. westone bathrooms.com, 01342 822 422

Right: Taps from Cuckfield Bathrooms, www.cuckfield bathrooms.co.uk, 01444 414888 Far right: Villeroy & Boch suite from HKS Bathrooms, www.hks-uk.com, 01435 866166

72 | W W W. S U S SE X ST Y LE.CO M | F EBRUA RY 2014

BATHROOM STYLE

BATHING BEAUTIES Check out these gorgeous looks for creating your very own spa retreat

Above: Oasis Daphne units and basins in black gloss lacquer, £11,450 (taps not included), mirror and lights, £2,275, from West One Bathrooms, www.westone bathrooms.com, 01342 822 4222 Left: Axor Lamp Shower, with integrated lighting, £1,236, from Ripples, www.ripples.ltd. uk, 01273 841228

FEBR UARY 2014 | WWW.SUSSEXSTYLE .C O M | 7 3

INTERIOR STYLE

The art of delegation W

Instead of making resolutions you can’t keep, why not seek help from the experts, says The Fabric Lady Laura Jandac

e’re only a few weeks into the year and

oil-on-canvas in bright colours, with paint being hurled across

already the resolutions I drunkenly made on

my non-existent studio. A chance to release me from the

New Year’s Eve have fallen by the wayside.

pressures of everyday life and obviously earn me a fortune.

When a friend called to say she was engaged

I am an artistic person – I have to be for my job and I can

I immediately offered a glass or two or three of bubbles,

sketch a fruit bowl as well as the next person – but I wanted

completely neglecting my promise to remain entirely dry

this to be something different... however, if there’s one thing

throughout January. My healthy eating initiative hasn’t

that running your own business and being mother to a

been wholly successful either. In fact it’s been borderline

4-year-old has taught me it’s the art of delegation – and that is

disastrous as too many cold and wet evenings have meant

where the fabulous Jessica Zoob comes in. She is a fine artist

that only comfort food is on the menu and plenty of it.

who has collaborated with Romo fabric to create the new

I have done one Zumba class although the effects of it

collection for its Romo Black range. Her fabulous canvases

aren’t immediately obvious to the untrained eye.

have been scaled to work as fabrics and wallpaper, and

All these resolutions are so clichéd and are made by

they look incredible used on sofas, chairs and even a simple

millions of people just like me every year and I would bet

scatter cushion. I would have done it myself but she beat me

real money that there are many out there who haven’t even

to it and has done it far better than I could ever have hoped.

done as well as me. I make the same promises to myself every year and fail at them every year so why do I bother?

This year though I did slip in an extra resolution. This one

It may be cheeky – and not exactly what I had promised myself – but when you have the fabric gentleman at home and able to create beautiful things from beautiful fabrics why

was a little different, designed

settle for second best? It really

to better myself rather than

is a fantastic collection. I’ll

simply trying to bag George

save the ritual of resolutions

Clooney. In 2014 I was going

for another year when I will

to learn how to paint – and

most probably decide to

we’re not talking small

sky dive and go vegan and

watercolours here. I mean

will most probably last

full-on, Jackson Pollock-style

about a week. ■

Above: Part of the unique Black Edition by Romo collaboration with contemporary artist Jessica Zoob, which features her paintings on fabrics, wallpapers and cushions

74 | WW W. SU SS E X ST Y L E.CO M | F EBRUA RY 2014

Destined to create the world’s most beautiful bathrooms

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DESIGN STYLE

OBJECTS OF

Jess Denny, owner of family-run boutique Spotted in Steyning, selects 12 of her favourite design finds for February

Charley Harper sketchbook This shows you how to draw 28 birds in Harper’s unique style. £14.50, Rare Rabbit, Arundel

Ali Miller tea towel Brighten up your washing-up with this magical design from Ali Miller. It will add a dreamy touch to any kitchen and has a tag for hanging. £12.50, Crossbush Farm shop, Arundel

Lost Without You card Simple and fun, with a working compass attached to the front. £4.50, Swalk, Lindfield

Personalised robot print Commemorate your child’s birth with this lovely personalised robot print. £55, Spotted, Steyning Hanitape wallet Retro but with a twist, Hanitape is a playful-yet-beefy cassette-style wallet made of silicone rubber with a magnetic closure. £12.50, Sixtyseven, Brighton

Capistrano bird candle Handcrafted in Thailand, this candle will burn for around three-and-a-half hours. £5.95, Rare Rabbit, Arundel FEBR UARY 2014 | WWW.SUSSEXSTYL E .C O M | 7 7

REDUCING YOUR ELECTRICITY COSTS & SAVING £££££’S

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

DESIGN STYLE

The Beatles 3D artwork New to the UK market, this innovative form of paper craft becomes a 3D artwork of the fabulously iconic image of The Beatles crossing Abbey Road. £9.95, exclusive to Spotted, Steyning.

Magnetic wallpaper This magnetic wallpaper, complete with a cast of moveable characters, will bring fairy tales to life in a child’s room. 10m. £248, Spotted, Steyning

Bird ridge tiles Continental terracotta pigeon roof tiles. Only five available. £265 each, Antiquities, Arundel

Muffin cups These muffin cups come in two designs and are great for ice cream too.

Each tube contains 25 cups. £3.95, Rare Rabbit, Arundel

Subbuteo bottle opener Shoot the cap off your well-deserved half-time refreshment with this iconic solid metal figurine. £12.95, De La Warr Pavilion, Bexhill on Sea

Ceramic lamp Large contemporary ceramic lamp and shade. £110, Antiquities, Arundel FEBR UARY 2014 | WWW.SUSSEXSTYL E .C O M | 7 9

Regency Living

This luxurious home is the last whole house remaining in Arundel Terrace, Brighton, and one of a handful in the entire area surrounding the Kemp Town Enclosures. We take a guided tour around a property that has so much to offer Photographs | Fiona Walker-Arnott

82 | W W W. S U S SE X ST Y LE.CO M | F EBRUA RY 2014

PROPERTY STYLE

Opposite: The property has a gorgeous entrance hall with black and white ornate tiling Above: The spacious drawing room with breathtaking views of the sea

FEBR UARY 2014 | WWW.SUSSEXSTYL E .C O M | 8 3

T

his fabulous home

is a sweeping staircase and a wide

is made up of many

hallway with simply amazing

parts – as well as the

ceiling height. There are wooden

main house itself

floors and covings throughout

there is also a self-contained

the home, giving the true feel of

two-bedroom, two-bathroom

a Regency home.

apartment as well as two onebedroom apartments to the rear

principle drawing room and

– making them the perfect rental

dining room area. These rooms

apartments or the ideal space for

have everything and more that

a nanny, au pair or housekeeper.

you would expect from such

The house has been finished

❝

The gardens famously have a tunnel that runs under the main road to the beach and is thought to have been the inspiration for Lewis Carroll’s Alice in Wonderland

84 | W W W. S U S SE X ST Y LE.CO M | F EBRUA RY 2014

The first floor belongs to the

a property – high ceilings,

by the current owners to an

working marble fireplaces and

impeccable standard with

a continuation of the wooden

literally no expense spared. Enter

flooring. A balcony runs along

via the classic porch, which is

the width of the property and

surrounded by elegant original

deepens at one end into a full

Corinthian columns and finished

Belvedere balcony, allowing

with black and white ornate

plenty of space for a table and

tiling. As you look ahead there

chairs to sit and look out over

PROPERTY STYLE

the sea: simply majestic.

The gardens famously have a tunnel that runs under the main road to the beach and is thought to have been the inspiration for Lewis Carroll’s Alice in Wonderland, Lewis Carroll having been a resident of nearby Sussex Square for some time.

Kemp Town village is a short distance away, a thriving and popular area that is growing by the day. It is bursting with character and charm, and offers an array of coffee shops, gastropubs and delicatessens. ■ This property is for sale with a guide price of £3million. www.mishonmackay.com

FEBR UARY 2014 | WWW.SUSSEXSTYL E .C O M | 8 5

B

COMMUNITY LIVING olnore Village is a

to get to know each other, essentially

Bolnore Village also offers a range of

prime example of Crest

fostering community cohesion. It is

local amenities within its perimeter,

Nicholson’s commitment to

clear therefore that the importance of

including a local shop and primary

creating developments with

developments with communal areas

school. And, with Haywards Heath just

has never been more apparent.

a short walk away, Bolnore residents

well-designed outdoor living at their hearts. The latest research released

Bolnore Village, on the edge of

can enjoy its shops, restaurants and

by Play England reveals that a lack of

Haywards Heath, has an established

bars, providing the ultimate backdrop in

dedicated community space impedes

infrastructure that’s already facilitated

which the local population can thrive.

a child’s opportunity to play outdoors,

the cultivation of a thriving community.

as well as showing that it does have

The development boasts an impressive

Director, Crest Nicholson South, says:

the capacity to bring communities

community centre, attractive village

‘A fundamental part of the design

together. 40% of adults surveyed say

green and play park at its core.

process when devising a new

that children playing outside improve

However, building a community at

development is ensuring that the mix

community spirit, and almost half

Bolnore Village does not end there.

of homes, the layout of the streets and

believe that it helps families 86 | W W W. S U S SE X ST Y LE.CO M | F EBRUA RY 2014

Benefiting from a semi-rural location,

Christine Tiernan, Sales & Marketing

the on-site facilities are appropriate

PROPERTY STYLE

to the location and the scale of the

still being in easy reach of Haywards

development to ensure that a cohesive

Heath town centre.

community can be nurtured.

All homes blend traditional exteriors

‘The location of Bolnore Village

with characterful well-planned internal

continues to allow residents to benefit

layouts that maximise space and

from the existing community in

provide practical living space of the

Haywards Heath whilst also becoming

highest quality.

part of an ever-increasing and very

One-bedroom apartments are

inclusive new community. The layout

available from £179,950, with more

of the development has been devised

houses soon to be released. The

to give a sense of community, with the

government-backed Help to Buy scheme

play area at its heart. As more residents

is available on all properties at the

move in, it’s a joy to see a happy new

development and other purchasing

community developing, making most

schemes are also available on enquiry. ■

of their new life here.’

As a collection of one and two-

to an array of purchasers. From firsttime buyers and second steppers to

For further details on Bolnore Village,

bedroom apartments and two, three,

growing and established families,

please contact the sales and marketing

four and five-bedroom family houses,

who are all looking for the peace

suite on 0870 750 8401 or visit

Bolnore Village is designed to appeal

and tranquillity of village life while

www.crestnicholson.com/bolnorevillage FEBR UARY 2014 | WWW.SUSSEXSTYL E .C O M | 8 7

Designing the future for our clients creating intelligent, beautiful and sometimes amazing interior design and branding for all sorts of clients.

Brighton college, Brighton, east susex.

British Airways, galleries lounge, heathrow terminal 5.

for more information please contact us on tel: +44 (0) 20 7014 3666 or email: hello@ddsbdesign.com url: www.ddsbdesign.com

READERS STYLE

Let’s talk back

We love to hear from you at Sussex Style. Your views, suggestions or anything that just makes you laugh

Dear Sussex Style

Dear Editor

I made the mulled wine

I am a big fan of the magazine

cupcakes from your December

and always enjoy reading about

issue over Christmas and they

what’s happening in and around

were absolutely delicious and

Sussex. Your new family section

everybody said how tasty they

is a welcome addition and I really

were. They were quite expensive

enjoyed the Mum on the Run

to make but I would recommend

and the Toddler in Tow features.

everybody to try and make them.

It was also great to get ideas for

Annelize Dawkins, via Facebook

family days out and have been to a couple of them already. I would

EDITOR’S REPLY:

highly recommend Knockhatch

I tried them too and they went

Adventure Park and Little Gems

down exceedingly(!) well

Dear Sussex Style I loved the feature on Starvecrow Cottage – what an amazing house.

And then saw it was up for sale – just wish I had over £1.5 million to put in an offer! Would love to see more properties like this – even if I could never afford one.

D. Taylor, via email EDITORS REPLY: Don’t miss our feature on Fairlight Hall this month – another fabulous Sussex property. I wish I could afford the price tags too – but it’s always interesting to get ideas and adapt them to your own home.

DECEMBER COMPETITION WINNERS

Pottery in Horsham. I look forward to visiting more.

Jill Stevens, via email

Congratulations to the following readers who will each receive a copy of The Power of Positive Drinking

by Cleo Rocos

EDITORS REPLY:

~ Joyce Rainer, Burgess Hill ~ Julie Baker, Crowborough ~ Lucy Holland, Harpenden

I loved it. Keep going!

❝

That’s great to hear and hope you find more inspirational ideas on where to take the kids during half term in this issue.

Dear Editor I have only read one copy of Sussex Style magazine and Sally-Ann Gilby, via Facebook EDITORS REPLY: We will – and hope you enjoy reading every issue from now on!

Get in touch

I am a big fan of the magazine and always enjoy reading about what’s happening in and around Sussex. Your new family section is a welcome addition

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

FEBR UARY 2014 | WWW.SUSSEXSTYL E .C O M | 8 9

LAST WORD

POINT{LESS} DANIEL RAVEN TALKS NEW YEAR’S RESOLUTIONS

H

ow are you getting on with your new year’s

ferocity), and by next Christmas the temple that is your body

resolution(s) then? I didn’t make any myself, of

will once again be every bit as dilapidated as it is right now.

course, because I’m literally perfect, but I gather

Wouldn’t it make more sense to look at how much you

that these annual fits of self-recrimination are

drink in an average week, aim to reduce that by a fairly

still quite popular among those of you for whom Christmas

small percentage, do the same again next year and then keep

itself is not punishment enough. Chances are you will

repeating the process until you, I don’t know, get a letter from

already have abandoned them, and done so a little sooner

the Queen or something? You wouldn’t get much in the way

than you did last year; research suggests that three-quarters

of bragging rights (‘I drank six fewer units in the second week

of Britons gave up on their resolutions after just nine days

of January than I did last year!’ doesn’t exactly sound like it’d

this year, compared to two or three weeks in previous years.

be a runaway like-magnet on Facebook) but you genuinely

I see this as a positive thing, and one of those rare instances

would be improving your health, and in a way that doesn’t

where the creeping incursion of social media into every aspect of our lives has actually been beneficial to society. It turns out that when we make our resolutions in full view of all our peers, with mechanisms

❝

ruin your social life or bore your

Top of the list in terms of pointlessness is the ‘dry January’ resolution (aka ‘the Janopause’ or even – ugh – ‘dryathlon’)

friends senseless.

All you can actually achieve by giving anything up for a month is to prove that you can give it up for a month. It’s almost the opposite

in place that allow us to enlist their support at any time of

of proving that you could give it up altogether, because

the day or night, we are far less likely to coach each other

repeatedly thinking, ‘I can’t wait till I start drinking again!’

into virtue than we are to simply throw up our hands and

for a month is a very different experience to thinking, ‘What

say, ‘Well sod it – I mean, what’s the point?’

the hell am I going to do with my life now that I’ve stopped

Top of the list in terms of pointlessness is the ‘dry January’

drinking?’ for the equivalent period of time. The ‘dryathletes’

resolution (aka ‘the Janopause’ or even – ugh – ‘dryathlon’).

are in retreat from adulthood: they just want to prove, to

The idea is to lay off the booze for a month, thereby lowering

some now-invisible authority, that they can be good and

your cholesterol, restoring your natural sleep patterns and

wait for their presents. If we’re going to affect any kind of

improving your liver health – but then, of course, you get

real, lasting change in our lives, we’re going to have to start

straight back onto the booze (with, if anything, renewed

accepting that we’re the grown-ups now. ■

90 | W W W. S U S SE X ST Y LE.CO M | F EBRUA RY 2014

FIND THE PERFECT VALENTINE’S GIFT

w.bruford - Inspired, Jewellery & Watch Collection.pdf 1 10/12/2012 13:39:20

C

M

Y

M

Y

Y

MY

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