Sussex Style Magazine September 2013

w w w. s u s s e x s t y l e . co m | S E P T em b e r 2 0 1 3

The new Brighton?

Rediscover

Hastings FOCUS ON

Chichester HOME How to make open plan work COMMENT Who are the trolls?

Fashion Autumn’s key trends

fun! favourite cock tail bars

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STANDEN HODGSON CHARTERED SURVEYORS, THE ESTATE OFFICE, BENENDEN, KENT, TN17 4DJ

Summerhill House Hythe Road, Kent TN 24 0NE 01273 358850 www.sussexstyle.co.uk Editor Emma Piper Publishing Director Seán Kane Contributors Sofie Allsopp, Sam Bilton, Danielle Collier, Laura Jandac, Kika Mirylees, Norman Miller, Annie Oulton, Daniel Raven, Michael Temprano Advertising Manager Linda Warburton Advertising Rosemary Brady Paul Carter

Welcome to

Finance Director Richard Judd

September’s Sussex Style W

hat I particularly enjoy about being editor of a regional magazine is

And I’m intrigued that two counties nestling up against each other and sharing

the excuse to spend time nosing around

a name can be so varied. East Sussex has

the towns, villages, coast and countryside

such a dramatic landscape and anarchic

of the county. And with Sussex there’s a

spirit, while West Sussex feels altogether

double delight as you get two for the price

more comfortable and conservative.

of one. I’m covering a vast patch ranging

We were visiting Brighton the other week

from Chichester in the west to Camber in

– my partner persuaded me to travel by train

the east, and East Grinstead in the north to

to avoid the great looking for a car parking

Eastbourne in the south.

space lottery. And as we came out of the

I must admit I’m a West Sussex girl

station a woman dressed burlesque style was

familiar with its lush rolling landscape

pulling behind her not a piece of luggage on

and hidden harbours. But my partner is

wheels, but a purple vacuum cleaner. I turned

East Sussex through and through so we

to my partner and we both looked at each

thoroughly enjoying sharing our old haunts

other and said ‘Only in Brighton’. In Chichester

with each other.

it just wouldn’t be the done thing.

This month I showed him Chichester, the city walls, cathedral and, heading south,

Enjoy September

the marina, while he showed me Hastings.

Emma Piper

Could two towns be more different?

8 | W W W. S U S S E X S T Y L E . CO M | S E P T E M B E R 2013

Creative Director Andy Hetherington Published by S and R Publishing Ltd Sussex Style Magazine www.facebook.com/ SussexStyleMagazine SussexStyleMag www.twittercomSussexStyleMag Sussex Style™ Copyright 2013 ISSN 2049-6036 Front Cover: Vintage Stitch Sweater £89 Chaffinch Shirt £79 Lucian Skirt £179 Image courtesy of www.hobbs.co.uk

All rights reserved. Except for normal review purposes, no part of this magazine may be reproduced without written permission of the publishers. No artwork or editorial content may be used in other form or publication without the publishers consent. Every care is taken in the preparation of this magazine, but the contents are only meant as a guide to readers. The proprietors of this publication, our publishers, not agents or sub agents of those who advertise therein.

They cannot be held liable for any loss suffered as a result of information gained from the publication. Copyright 2013 S and R Publishing Ltd – Sussex Style ™.

OAK FRAMED BUILDINGS

HARDWOOD DECKING

OAK & WALNUT FLOORING

HOME & GARDEN FEATURES

www.roundwood.com Tel: 01435 867 072 Round Wood | Newick Lane | Mayfield | East Sussex | TN20 6RG

SEPTEMBER 2013

38

12 OPINION

FASHION & BEAUTY

7 Editor’s letter 14 Battling with trolls 88 The high street – what next?

90 Daniel Raven

22 What’s trending?

26 Menswear: orange & monochrome 30 Menswear: checkmate & military man 32 Essential guide to autumn style 38 Handbags: how an obsession became a business 52 The beauty queen 54 Spa treats

LUXURY 12 All aboard

PEOPLE 18 Doon Mackichan’s secret passions 10 | W W W. S U S S E X S T Y L E . CO M | S E P T E M B E R 2013

40 PLACES 40 Hastings rediscovered 46 The Chichester club

DESIGN 44 Local Heroes 60 Iconic Sussex

W W W. S U S S E X S T Y L E . CO M

50

TRAVEL

PROPERTY

50 Costa Blanca’s Secret

78 Help to buy

INTERIORS

FOOD & DRINK

56 Making open plan work 64 The bathroom gets hot 68 Sitting comfortably?

72 The scatter cushion question

80 Scoff & stuff 82 Review: Ambrette in Rye 83 Secret diner: Star & Garter 84 Cocktail fun

56

MOTORING 86 First time wheels S E P T E M B E R 2013 | W W W. S U S S E X S T Y L E . CO M | 11

LUXURYSTYLE

All Aboard

FOLLOWING DREAMS OF JOINING THE LUXESET ON THE MED, EMMA PIPER MADE HERSELF COMFORTABLE ON THE NEW FAIRLINE TARGA 48 OPEN

A

t Chichester Marina everyone

Best of all this is for those without a

knew about the big Fairline

serious boating background. The Targa

Targa 48 Open that had come

48 Open is easy to handle with a relaxed

in the previous evening. It

driving experience and great visibility and

seemed a little glossily out of place in this

control. Powered by a Volvo Penta IPS

rather bucolic setting. And in some ways it

(Intelligent Propulsion System) engine, it

is. Fairline’s new Targa 48 Open was being

can shift at 32 knots at top speed and cruise

launched via a three-week tour of all the

comfortably at 20 knots.

smart marinas along the south coast, from

Although a two-day RYA-approved course

Eastbourne’s Sovereign Harbour where a

on board your own boat is recommended,

new authorised dealer, Fairline Eastbourne,

the Fairline dealer can assess and support

has just been appointed, to Poole. Next

that you can really open it up, emphasising

individual customer’s needs. The joystick

stop was Cannes for a show-off at this

the sociable, outside living space. And we

makes manoeuvrability a breeze (just point

year’s Festival de la Plaisance de Cannes

couldn’t have had a better summer to show

the boat in the direction you want to go)

while another in Fairline’s new range, the

off the Targa 48 Open (which is perhaps

and it is said that after just three or four

Squadron 48, debuted at Southampton

why this model sold straight away on its

hours tuition you should be able to berth

Boat Show.

stop-off at Brighton). But in fact it is geared

the boat, while Volvo Dynamic Positioning

more towards the global market – think

System holds her steady as she goes with

about? Well, for a start it’s a hurrah for

lounging in the Med, Caribbean, Florida and

no effort (a box of tricks that means the

Britain as Fairline is now the country’s

the Far East.

boat will just sit there if, for example, you’re

So just what is all the fuss and fanfare

only British owned and crafted luxury

There’s a teak bathing platform, which can

waiting to go through a lock).

motor yacht manufacturer. And it’s a

be lowered so water gently laps over, and a

hurrah for Fairline as this is the first range

tucked away dinghy garage with room for a

with something chilled and bubbly, there

launched from their newly revamped

William 285 Jet RIB (suitable for waterskiing).

are blue mood lights and underwater lights

Northamptonshire premises following a major £2.8 million investment.

Inside it’s like a floating apartment with

While in the evenings, lounging on deck

to up the glam factor - as if it’s needed.

plush neutral colour schemes against rich oak or walnut finishes, ensuite-cabins,

Fairline Eastbourne

a super-stylish, easy-to-drive boat. The

including a full beam master cabin, and

Sovereign Harbour,

design is more than a nod to the good

smart salon all with TV plasma screens and

Eastbourne

old-fashioned open sports cruiser with a

a kitchen with a tall fridge/freezer for the

01323 470066 www.fairline.com

big cockpit and a soft fabric sunroof so

essentials – ice cold drinks.

And it’s a general hurrah for delivering

12 | W W W. S U S S E X S T Y L E . CO M | S E P T E M B E R 2013

Ripples-You-Imagine-1-FP.qxd:Ripples-You-Imagine-1-FP.qxd 07/06/2013 15:18 Page 1

38 Keymer Road Hassocks West Sussex BN6 8AP Tel 01273 841228 Reigate 01737 226450

Tunbridge Wells 01892 617462

OPINIONSTYLE

BATTLING THE TROLLS? IN THE SUBTERRANEAN DEPTHS OF THE INTERNET LURK THE TROLLS… WHO ARE THEY AND WHAT DRIVES THEM WONDERS EMMA PIPER

T

he internet is a strange place.

lives than pop the bubble of those who play

(Jane Austen) to be reinstated on the back

It attracts those determined

in the light above.

of a bank note would have triggered rape

to divulge every minutiae of their daily lives via Facebook

I suppose this varied use of the internet

and death threats against her and daily

is no more than an intense version of

harrassment via social media? The trolls,

and Youtube from questionable way-too-

offline reality. But this parallel virtual

freed by the anonymity of the internet,

much-to-drink antics to tedious here’s me

world has grown so rapidly and so widely

have felt able to stalk and abuse this

on holiday in front of yet another fountain/

(a truly global kingdom) that it is largely

woman in a way that, presumably, they

temple/clifftop view (subtext – yah, boo,

unregulated and unrestricted. And picked

would not do in the the real world… If

sucks to you lot stuck back at home). It is

up and spun by the young zeitgeisters of

they did, the rules of law and order would

also, however, an essential vehicle to give a

today, it is beyond the ken of our politicians,

be imposed (one hopes).

voice to reformers, revolutionaries, radicals

our policeman and our legal bods, who are

and protesters.

almost to a man and woman firmly lodged

a Women’s Aid conference on online

not just in yesterday, but yesteryear. In short

stalking, harassment and trolling, where she

they’ve no idea how to cope.

explained that the abuse had had a dramatic

But underneath all of this busyness and noise, whether tediously mundane, comic or polemic, are those that lurk below. The trolls.

Who would have thought that a young

Earlier this month Caroline spoke at

impact on her life: “I’m functioning at just

This unpleasant minority appear to have

woman Caroline Criado-Perez simply

under boiling point – and it takes so little to

nothing better to do with their sad, pathetic

campaigning (successfully) for a woman

make me cry – or to make me scream.”

14 | W W W. S U S S E X S T Y L E . CO M | S E P T E M B E R 2013

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OPINIONSTYLE

% # Caroline feels let down and despite

quiet and not be controversial, as it is from

But who takes responsibility for patrolling

messages of support from women

men who send us rape threats every time

and policing the internet? Surely it would

thanking her for speaking up about such

we open our mouths.”

need a global body to regulate what is a

abuse, she has been repeatedly told “not to feed the trolls”.

It is advice routinely given. But Caroline said: “That phrase takes no account of the feelings of the victim. It completely ignores

However, sadly, ‘leave’ is what Caroline

global phenomenon. And the internet’s

has done, it was recently reported in

movers and shakers would resist what they

the press that she has closed down her

would perceive as censorship.

Twitter account.

So is it down to individual sites to have

Sticks and stones may break my bones,

the moral aptitude to put safeguards in

the actions of the abuser, focusing only

but words will never hurt me… That is what

place? Arianna Huffington, prioprietor of

on the actions of the victim – because

we were told in the playground. Well, pfffft

the Huffington Post, has decided to ban

that’s what we do in this society. We police

to that. It’s just that the blows and bruises

anonymous commenting from the site from

victims. We ask: ‘Why doesn’t she leave?’ instead of asking: ‘Why doesn’t he stop?’”

Online commentators have accused her of attacking freedom of speech. Caroline added: “I’ve been compared to China, to the Nazis, to the NSA (National Security

❝

IF PEOPLE BELIEVE THAT THEY WILL NOT BE HELD ACCOUNTABLE FOR THEIR BEHAVIOUR, THEN THEY TEND TO BEHAVE BADLY

to your self-esteem don’t show. They are

this month. She said after a conference in

Agency) for fighting for the right for

every bit as hurtful and damaging… leading

Boston: “Trolls are just getting more and

women to appear in public armed with

younger victims than Caroline to commit

more aggressive and uglier… I feel that

opinions, and not face threats of sexual

self-harm and even suicide.

freedom of expression [should be] given to

violence as a result.

“But the reality is, I love free speech…

Apparently trolling is nothing new,

people who stand up for what they say and

present since the beginnings of the internet.

not [to those] hiding behind anonymity.

But this free speech… the free speech of

An equation I’ve seen expounded (in

We need to evolve a platform to meet the

women is under attack. And it’s under attack

America, who cottoned on to the problem

needs of the grown-up internet.”

as much from people who tell us not to feed

years before us) is that anonymity +

the trolls, to stop attention-seeking, to keep

audience = ****head.

16 | W W W. S U S S E X S T Y L E . CO M | S E P T E M B E R 2013

John Naughton voiced what Arianna Huffington and many of us believe

! ! & % when he commented in The Observer:

commenting practice differed between

and take a long hard look at ourselves, in

“If people have to take responsibility for

users who were anonymous, those who

order to answer the question: ‘Why are we

what they say in public, then they will

used pseudonyms and those who had

producing so many people who just seem

surely behave better, if only because

registered via Facebook (and therefore

to hate women?’”

much of the pathological behaviour that

had to use their real names). What was

we’ve observed online – from violent

revealed was that pseudonymous users

political will to tackle the situation,

threats, grotesque abuse, “lynch” mobs and

produced significantly more quality (as in

commenting that the protocol for dealing

bullying to gossip, slander and character

‘liked’) comments than either anonymous

with online threats and abuse needed a

assassination – corresponds pretty closely

or real-name users, and they were more

total overhaul: “If I received a bomb threat

to what psychologists and historians

prolific, too, with 61 per cent of the

through the post, there is a protocol for

have learned over the centuries about

500m comments from pseudonymous

dealing with that, but if I receive it online

human behaviour offline. Put simply: if

users, compared with 35 per cent from

there is nothing in place.”

people believe that they will not be held

anonymous users and just four per cent

accountable for their behaviour, then they

from the Facebook-registered crew.

tend to behave badly.”

But how practical is it to remove

The original trolls claim that back in the

She added that there was a lack of

But the answer to the increase in aggressive trolling may be back on the internet with a generation growing

‘80s they targeted the bombastic and smug

up in an online world of gaming sites,

anonymity across the internet? Using real

– it was a sort of point-scoring game played

virtual relationships and easily accessible

names may reduce comment and impact

for laughs. But as the internet has grown,

hardcore porn. Parents assume their

on sites’ advertising revenues so others

the game has turned nasty.

kids are safe in their own bedrooms. But

may not be interested in following Arianna

Another high profile victim MP Stella

Huffington’s lead. A more practical halfway

Creasy has called for society to address the

creatures under the bed. Trolling is one

house is the use of pseudonyms.

culture that allows online trolling rather

aspect of a much bigger story about the

Disqus (calling itself the web’s

the monsters are no longer imagined

than just trying to tackle the symptoms.

internet and a grown-up debate about

community of communities) studied

She has said: “Social media doesn’t cause

internet culture is overdue. Do we need

its database of 60 million users and

misogyny; the police can’t cure it. What we

gatekeepers and who should they be…

500m comments to discover how

really need to do is sit down as a society

and is there the will to do it? ■ S E P T E M B E R 2013 | W W W. S U S S E X S T Y L E . CO M | 17

PEOPLESTYLE

Funny Girl SMACK THE PONY’S DOON MACKICHAN TALKS STANDUP, SWIMMING AND HASTINGS TO KIKA MIRYLEES

S

“

tand-up is a very tough world,”says

I was in full swing and started doing my beat

Doon Mackichan comedienne

box number. It sounded brilliant with the

and actress remembered for

amazing sound system they had going and

starring in the popular television

the whole thing went down really well.”

series Smack The Pony. Curled up on her

Her experience at the Tunnel Club in

comfy sofa with her old but still very beautiful

Dartford didn’t enjoy the same success. In fact

cat Rhubarb stretched out on the rug below,

it was the most grizzly experience of the lot.

Doon is regaling me with her experiences

Booked as the support act to Dennis Leary,

on the comedy circuit when she started out

she had written 15 minutes of new material

back in the late ‘80s.

for the show and in the middle forgot her

“The last thing you want to do on a Sunday

lines and had to whip out the order from

evening when it’s cold and pouring with rain

her back pocket. She was booed off. As an

is leave your home and drive up to some

actress I can imagine how humiliating that

club to do your act.”

must be. At least when you are doing a play

I didn’t need convincing. The mere thought

the worst anyone does is fall asleep and start

of doing stand-up makes me shudder and I

snoring or leave their mobile phone on, but

have enormous respect for anybody, especially

the behaviour of stand-up audiences are

❝

EVERY TIME YOU GOT UP TO DO YOUR ACT IT WAS LIKE GOING INTO BATTLE

a woman, putting herself out there, on what

reminiscent of a drunken rabble from the

has remained a very male-dominated circuit.

twelfth century.

“Then there’s the heckling which ranged from, ‘You’re quite funny for a bird’ to ‘When

“Every time you got up to do your act it was like going into battle.”

are you going to get your tits out’.” The latter

The battle was finally won when she

coming from a member of the audience

caught the eye of Armando Ianucci (The

in one of our most renowned places of

Thick Of It) who opened doors for her into

learning, Oxford.

the world of television and the rest is history

“I stupidly thought they would be quite well behaved there,” Doon laughs. “However,

with shows like The Alan Partridge Show, Brass Eye, and The Day Today.

Reading Festival was great. At first I was

With such a busy career and bringing up

dreading it due to a whole lot of drunk bikers

three children by herself it’s no wonder she

heckling the person before me, but just as I

enjoys her time in St Leonards near Hastings

came on they all trooped off to stock up on

where she rents a flat all year round and

their packs of beer. I almost fell on my knees

spends as much time as possible. This year

to thank God! By the time they trooped back

the family spent the entire summer there and

18 | W W W. S U S S E X S T Y L E . CO M | S E P T E M B E R 2013

➤

S E P T E M B E R 2013 | W W W. S U S S E X S T Y L E . CO M | 19

PEOPLESTYLE

Doon hopes to move to Hastings permanently

the same aforementioned crazy friend,

joining her brother Blair, a successful musician/

decided to swim the Channel. Training

producer and Brit Award songwriter.

from April through to August in the local

“I absolutely love Hastings,” she enthuses. “I

pool they became part of a six person

can buy fresh fish from the fishermen, it has

relay team, the other four being soldiers.

the best fireworks in the country, and walking

It was the women who won the day as

up on the fire hills is wonderful. When they

the men hadn’t acclimatized themselves

light the beacon on the West Hill other

to cold water temperatures and had to

beacons are also lit all the way to Eastbourne.

be pulled out early resulting in Doon

And of course there is the sea which I swim

and her friend having to swim further. “It

in all year round.” This woman is a glutton for

was a horrible and difficult experience,”

punishment. As if stand-up isn’t hard enough,

she admits. But she raised the necessary

her hobby and joy is to go swimming in icy

money and the play was a success,

temperatures, and when I say icy it doesn’t

transferring down to London.

get much icier than the Arctic - Doon and

When she can’t swim in the sea at St

another crazy actress friend went there for

Leonards she tries to fit in eight lengths of

the World Ice Swimming championships

the local Olympic-sized outdoor pool every

where a 25-metre pool is cut out of the frozen

day, and this summer shot down to Cornwall

Baltic for the participants to swim in!

to swim round St Michael’s Mount and

Having been brought up in the wastes

Devon to swim around Burgh Island.

of Scotland from the age of 11 to 16 and

Meanwhile, back on dry land Doon can

swimming in the north sea at Largo Bay in

be seen in the new series Plebs and is busy

Fife with her Father, I presume she was used

writing a sit com for TV although she says

to it, but she told me: “If I’d done more than

it’s almost as difficult for women to get their

one length in the Baltic I would have died!”

work accepted as it is to be recognized in the

Strangely

enough

swimming

in

clubs on the comedy circuit.

freezing waters came in handy when

She says proudly: “I think Smack The Pony

she needed to raise money for a play she

paved the way for a lot of women who

wanted to put on at the Edinburgh Fringe

wanted to do comedy.” After hearing her

Festival. Having written an adaptation of

tales of courage and determination that’s

Jane Austen’s Emma she was determined

not the only thing Doon Mackichan has to

to pay her actors a wage and so she, and

be proud of. ■

20 | W W W. S U S S E X S T Y L E . CO M | S E P T E M B E R 2013

F_BRUFORD23x29.7cm.indd 1

13/09/2013 12:

FASHIONSTYLE

RUNWAY TO WARDROBE KEY THEMES FOR WOMEN THIS AUTUMN PICKED BY SUSSEX STYLIST DANIELLE COLLIER

1 2

CHECKS 1 Vivienne Westwood Bag £409, Profile, Brighton

3

2 Skirt £59, Zara, Brighton 3 Check wool cocoon coat £299, Best of British, M&S, Brighton, Chichester, Eastbourne, Worthing 4 Coat £75, Next, Brighton, Chichester, Eastbourne, Worthing 5 Shirt £46, Warehouse

4

5

A KEY TREND THIS SEASON IS TARTAN AND CHECK. MANY LUXURY WOMENSWEAR DESIGNERS SHOWCASED THIS THEME IN THEIR AUTUMNWINTER 2013 COLLECTIONS AND THE HIGH STREET HAS USED THIS INSPIRATION TO PUT CLASSY CHECK PRINTS IN OUR WARDROBES THIS AUTUMN.

22 | W W W. S U S S E X S T Y L E . CO M | S E P T E M B E R 2013

Create your signature

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Discount is valid until 29 September 2013 and not in conjunction with any other offer or promotion.

Pure ad v3 A4 .indd 2

13/08/2013 12:10

2

FASHIONSTYLE

1

3

PASTELS 1 Pink coat £179, Zara, Brighton 2 Zara blazer £49.99, Zara, Brighton 3 Coat £89, Topshop, Brighton, Chichester 4 MSGM jacket £299, Profile, Brighton 5 Coat £85, M&S, Brighton, Chichester, Eastbourne, Worthing

4

5 SOFT PASTEL COLOURS ARE USUALLY SEEN IN THE SUMMER, BUT THIS AUTUMN THE SUBTLE BLOCK COLOURS ARE BEING USED FOR TAILORED OUTERWEAR TO GIVE THE SEASON A MODERN TWIST. A GREAT PASTEL COAT OR BAG CAN ADD COLOUR TO ANY OUTFIT.

24 | W W W. S U S S E X S T Y L E . CO M | S E P T E M B E R 2013

Are you ready for the

Seasonal change?

B o u t i q u e L i n g e r i e , N i g h t w e a r a n d S w i m w e a r Fitting service for Bra’s and Swimwear from 28-44 (band size) and A-J (cup size).

Lily & Grace Lingerie

The Studio • Lower Road • Forest Row • East Sussex • RH18 5ES • 0 1 3 4 2 8 2 2 1 2 2

FASHIONSTYLE

RUNWAY TO WARDROBE

AUTUMN TRENDS FOR MEN PICKED BY SUSSEX STYLIST DANIELLE COLLIER

1 2

ORANGE 1 Hat £10, Topman, Brighton, Chichester, Crawley, Eastbourne,

3

Hastings, Horsham, Worthing 2 La Paz T-shirt £25, Thread Menswear, Brighton 3 Oliver Spencer Jumper £150, Peggs & Son, Brighton 4 Batista orange jacket £125, Thread Menswear, Brighton 5 Jacket £85, Topman, Brighton, Chichester, Crawley, Eastbourne, Hastings, Horsham, Worthing

4

26 | W W W. S U S S E X S T Y L E . CO M | S E P T E M B E R 2013

5

2

FASHIONSTYLE

1

4 3 MONOCHROME PRINT 1 YMC Checker T-shirt £50, Peggs & Son, Brighton 2 D&G Cardigan £229, Profile, Brighton 3 Monochrome Shirt £30,Topman, Brighton, Chichester, Crawley, Eastbourne, Hastings, Horsham, Worthing 4 Scarf £39.90, Zara, Brighton 5 Tommy Hillfiger Jumper £120, Broadleys, Horsham 6 Jumper £69.90, Zara, Brighton

6

5 28 | W W W. S U S S E X S T Y L E . CO M | S E P T E M B E R 2013

Vanilla_SussexStyle_FullPgAd_Sept13_Layout 1 09/08/2013 15:20 Page 1

NEW FOR AUTUMN / WINTER

beautiful designer handbags & accessories 13-15 The Royal Arcade, Worthing | 01903 212165 facebook.com/vanillahandbagsworthing | www.vanillabags.com

FASHIONStyle

Coat £269, AR RED Nick Hart, Austin Reed, Gatwick www.austinreed.co.uk

Jacket £859, Vivienne Westwood, Profile Fashion, Brighton www.profilefashion.com

Trousers £40, River Island, Brighton, Chichester, Eastbourne, Worthing www.riverisland.com Shirt £19.99, Jekyll & Hyde, Get The Label www.getthelabel.com

Shoes £155, Shipton & Heneage www.shiptonandheneage.com

Check Mate

Shirt £219, Vivienne Westwood, Profile Fashion, Brighton www.profilefashion.com

The new season’s fashion directions made easy Fashion by Michael Temprano

Bag £280, Vivienne Westwood, House of Fraser, Chichester www.houseoffraser.co.uk

Jacket £350, Viyella, Chichester, Eastbourne, Horsham, Worthing www.viyella.co.uk

Trousers £50, Next, Brighton, Chichester, Eastbourne, Worthing www.next.co.uk

Bow tie £22, Merc, www.merc.com

Dip into the trend with one statement piece or take control by wearing head to toe.

Coat £870, Trousers £155, Bag £550, Shoes £310, all CH Carolina Herrera 0203 441 0965 Tie £16, M&S Man, Marks & Spencer, Brighton, Chichester, Eastbourne, Worthing www.marksandspencer.com 30 | w w w. s u s s e x s t y l e. co m | SE P T e m b e r 2013

Scarf £38, Lyle & Scott, House of Fraser, Chichester www.houseoffraser.co.uk

Parka £185, Musto, Brighton, Chichester www.musto.com

Shirt £90, G-Star, Badger Clothing, Brighton www.badgerclothing.co.uk

Tie £22.99, Zara, Brighton www.zara.com

Polo shirt £50, Merc, www.merc.com

Trousers £126, J Crew, www.jcrew.com

MILITARY MAN

Bag £39.99, Superdry, Brighton, Crawley, Gatwick www.superdry.com

Trainers £69.99, Zara, Brighton www.zara.com

Jumper £110, G-Star, Badger Clothing, Brighton www.badgerclothing.co.uk

Take your pick from the various forces with this all round, failsafe trend.

Jacket £1,590, Knitwear £315, Trousers £369, Shoes £369, all Lab.Pal Zileri www.lab.palzileri.com Cargo pants £30, ASOS, www.asos.com

Coat £300, Filippa K, Chichester www.filippa-k.com

Boots £115, Bertie for Men, Dune, Brighton, Chichester www.dune.co.uk

Tie £95, Ralph Lauren, Profile Fashion, Brighton www.profilefashion.com s e p t e m b e r 2013 | w w w. s u s s e x s t y l e . co m | 31

FASHIONSTYLE

YOUR WARDROBE UPDATE TAKE ON THE NEW SEASON WITH THE KEY AUTUMN/ WINTER 2013 TRENDS FASHION BY MICHAEL TEMPRANO

HERITAGE TWEEDS, TARTANS, DOGTOOTH AND WINDOWPANE CHECKS, AND TRADITIONAL YARNS GET A 21ST CENTURY MAKE OVER Top £99, Shirt £69, Trousers £119, Bag £129, Shoes £159, all Hobbs, Brighton; House of Fraser, Chichester www.hobbs.co.uk 32 | W W W. S U S S E X S T Y L E . CO M | S E P T E M B E R 2013

GET THE LOOK

Jacket £199, Best of British, Marks &Spencer, Brighton, Chichester, Eastbourne,

Coat £310, Ganni, Nola

Jacket £1,075, Matthew

Worthing

Williamson, Profile Fashion,

www.marksandspencer.com

Dress £39.99, Zara, Brighton

www.nolaboutique.co.uk

Brighton www.profilefashion.com

Top £19.99, New Look, Brighton,

www.zara.com

Shoes £180, LK Bennett,

Top £39.99, Zara, Brighton

Burgess Hill, Haywards Heath,

Dress £329, Rebecca Taylor,

Brighton, Chichester

www.zara.com

Worthing www.newlook.com

Profile Fashion, Brighton

www.lkbennett.com

Trousers £38, Next, Brighton,

Skirt, £14, Primark, Brighton,

www.profilefashion.com

Bag £450, Vivienne Westwood,

Chichester, Eastbourne,

Crawley, Eastbourne

Dress £35, Boohoo

House of Fraser, Chichester

Worthing www.next.co.uk

www.primark.co.uk

www.boohoo.com

www.houseoffraser.co.uk

Boutique, Brighton

S E P T E M B E R 2013 | W W W. S U S S E X S T Y L E . CO M | 88

FASHIONSTYLE

MODERN FOLK TRADITIONAL FOLK PRINTS AND FABRICS GET VAMPED WITH A SLEEK AND CONTEMPORARY, MINIMAL SILHOUETTE Coat £299, Shirt £110, Trousers £119, Boots £249, all Hobbs, Brighton; House of Fraser, Chichester www.hobbs.co.uk 34 | W W W. S U S S E X S T Y L E . CO M | S E P T E M B E R 2013

GET THE LOOK

Jacket £169, Mary Portas, House

Dress £169, Biba, House of

of Fraser, Chichester

Fraser, Chichester,

www.houseoffraser.co.uk

Jacket £69, Monsoon, Brighton,

www.houseoffraser.co.uk

Coat £1,250, Temperley,

Sweater £137, Leon & Harper,

Chichester, Haywards Heath,

Dress £40, River Island, Brighton,

www.temperleylondon.com

Nola Boutique, Brighton

Lewes, Worthing

Chichester, Eastbourne,

Bag £39.99, Zara, Brighton

www.nolaboutique.co.uk

www.monsoon.co.uk

Worthing www.riverisland.com

www.zara.com

Trousers £145, Marella, House of

Skirt £45, ASOS, www.asos.com

Dress £130, Phase Eight,

Shoes £275, Caroline Issa, LK

Fraser, Chichester

Coat £1,200, J Crew,

Brighton, Chichester, Horsham

Bennett, Brighton, Chichester

www.houseoffraser.co.uk

www.jcrew.com

www.phase-eight.co.uk

www.lkbennett.com S E P T E M B E R 2013 | W W W. S U S S E X S T Y L E . CO M | 88

FASHIONSTYLE

DARK ROMANCE JUST AS ROMANTIC AS THE SUMMER KIND, BUT WITH AN ADDED DOSE OF DRAMA Dress £199, Shoes £160, both Hobbs, Brighton, Chichester (House of Fraser) www.hobbs.co.uk 36 | W W W. S U S S E X S T Y L E . CO M | S E P T E M B E R 2013

GET THE LOOK

Jacket £1,565, Dolce & Gabbana,

Bag £39.60, Untold, House of

Jacket £50, River Island,

Profile Fashion, Brighton

Dress £70, The Collection,

Fraser, Chichester

Brighton, Chichester,

www.profilefashion.com

Debenhams, Brighton, Crawley,

www.houseoffraser.co.uk

Eastbourne, Worthing

Blouse £595, Dolce & Gabbana,

Eastbourne, Worthing www.

Jacket £159, Killian Kerner

www.riverisland.com

Profile Fashion, Brighton

debenhams.com

Senses, House of Fraser,

Blouse £38, Lipsy, Brighton

www.profilefashion.com

Dress £525, Alice by Temperley,

Chichester

www.lipsy.co.uk

Skirt £209, Vivienne Westwood,

www.temperleylondon.com

www.houseoffraser.co.uk

Trousers £595, Filippa K,

Profile Fashion, Brighton

Dress £110, M&Co, Hove, Lewes

Shoes £198, Lucy Choi London,

Chichester www.filippa-k.com

www.profilefashion.com

www.mandco.com

www.lucychoilondon.com S E P T E M B E R 2013 | W W W. S U S S E X S T Y L E . CO M | 88

BUSINESSSTYLE

THE SECRET OF MY

SUCCESS VANILLA BAGS WAS BORN OUT OF ROWAN ROGERS’ OBSESSION Who are Vanilla Bags? Well, there’s me,

early age and I’m exceedingly proud to have

Classic examples would be the Alexa by

Rowan, and my love for all things handbag

them as role models.

Mulberry or the Jennifer by Tom Ford.

or shopping related. Caroline, my mum: an

However, I prefer the way Lulu Guinness

integral part of the business dealing with

As I grew up passions centred around

names her bags: each one is named after

the website, accounts and chief babysitter.

dance and shopping. I loved dressing up

a member of her team. It feels like a more

Julie, who has been with us from the very

as a child and have always loved fashion.

personal creation.

beginning, and Georgia, the latest edition to

Whether I’ve ‘followed’ it or not, I’ve always

the Vanilla family who is a whizz with social

seen fashion and styling as a form of art.

Worthing was an easy choice for Vanilla

media and is studying fashion at uni.

I’ve always been a girly girl so fashion and

Bags, not just because it was local, but the

dressing up have been a part of my life for

surroundings are beautiful. We are situated

as long as I can remember.

in the heart of the stunning Royal Arcade,

Vanilla was born out of a need to shop for beautiful handbags. We opened

seconds from the sea. We have a number of

in September 2010. The premises and

Vanilla was always a bit of a pipe dream

niche shops here including the renowned

opportunity arose at the same time so we

while I was growing up. I’m incredibly

Richard John Hair and Beauty Salon close

jumped in feet first. I haven’t always worked

lucky to be doing something I love so much.

by, and there has always been a community

in retail, but I have always worked in sales

feel about it. Plus, Worthing really didn’t

of some form. Just call me a glutton for

My Love (and addiction) to bags started

have anything to offer by way of high

punishment; I love it.

about 25 years ago. For my third birthday

quality women’s accessories.

a family friend gave me a little oilcloth tote I grew up in a small, sleepy and

and we were inseparable from that day. I still

We have kept our designers ‘Best

protective little village on the outskirts

have it now.

of British’, until the recent inclusion of

of Arundel. My Mother ran her own

Coccinelle. We are stocking gorgeous

business from before I was born and I was

I think namesake celebrity bags are a

collections from Vivienne Westwood, Lulu

lucky enough to grow up surrounded

brilliant PR strategy. What better way to

Guinness, Radley, Zatchels, Brit Stitch and

by strong, independent women. So the

get your name out there than to have the

Blondie Mania plus Powder scarves and

‘working woman’ ethic was instilled from an

latest A-lister wearing one of your creations?

Stephen Collins belts, and more! We think

38 | W W W. S U S S E X S T Y L E . CO M | S E P T E M B E R 2013

that us Brits are extremely talented and so

There are fashions in everything and

My favourite part of the working day

we like to fly the flag a little. I’m very lucky

handbags are no exception. Things to

(other than my morning coffee from Parklife)

that I get to go direct to the designers’

look out for this coming season is big versus

is the customers: matching a customer to

showrooms and handpick exactly what I

small. Tartans, if you want to pull off the punk

the perfect bag, so that they walk away

want to sell. It’s a hard job, but somebody’s

look, and the ever evolving classics, boxy,

happy… Also it is lovely to talk to people

got to do it!

ladylike and vintage-esque. These shapes

who are just as bonkers about bags as I am!

have been and will be trending for a while

There’s a few of us. Trust me.

Do you have an all-time favourite bag?

yet. Detachable cross body strap is the must

Asking me that is almost like asking which is

have feature, and we’ve noticed a huge rise in

I really enjoy buying season. It’s like a

my favourite child! I couldn’t choose!! I am a

the use of the beautiful saffiano leather since

huge shopping spree for handbags. What’s

real VW fan though.

it was seen on the Prada catwalks last year.

not to love? The people I deal with are wonderful, too. Very welcoming, enthusiastic

Bags are special for a number of

Our online shop was set up about a year

and knowledgeable. It’s wonderful to walk

reasons that I think a lot of women can

after we opened. We wanted an online

into Vivienne Westwood’s showroom and for

relate to. They can be a real extension of

presence as it’s such a huge part of today’s

the team to ask how my children are.

your personality. They will never pinch

shopping society. We also knew it was

you in the wrong places, give you a muffin

important for our customers who are further

What is the bag on your arm? Today, the

top, cripple your toes or make you feel

afield. Also some of the items we stock are

bag on my arm is a Vivienne Westwood

fat. A beautiful bag will always make you

limited to a production run of just 300 in the

Tan Dolce Vita Crown. I absolutely adore it!

feel good. Plus, there’s the obvious reason

world so we want to be able to offer them

Perfect for any outfit!

that they cradle and protect all of that

to everyone.

Vanilla Bags

junk that we can’t be without at any given time! Some of the bags we sell are works

I think the key to success is drive,

Royal Arcade, Worthing

of art. Take the Vivienne Westwood Tartan

passion for what you do, and a whole

01903 212165

Quiff or The Lulu Lips Clutch - iconic

load of hard work and support. Cliché, but

www.vanillabags.com

British design at its very best.

success doesn’t happen overnight.

S E P T E M B E R 2013 | W W W. S U S S E X S T Y L E . CO M | 39

HASTINGSSTYLE

Hastings:

THE CHILLOUT FACTOR AT THE TAILEND OF A REGENERATION PROGRAMME, IS HASTINGS ON THE UP? EMMA PIPER VISITS

The East Hill Lift provides access from the seafront to Hastings Country Park

40 | W W W. S U S S E X S T Y L E . CO M | S E P T E M B E R 2013

Distinctive net huts on the beach

I

t’s a bit rough in parts, but, hey, that gives Hastings character and edge.

And anyway Hastings is undergoing regeneration from its pier to its

squares; the scaffolding is up – a sure sign of improvement and renewal.

WHAT Hastings (spread below its castle ruins) is in many ways two towns – old and new. Old is all blackened fishing huts, independent cafes and cool vintage shops while ‘New’ has an anonymous pedestrianised shopping centre and tired seafront. Both have made their income from the sea over

View over the rooftops of Old Town to Jerwood Gallery

❝

THE ARCHITECTURALLY AWARE LOVE HASTINGS

WHO

as there is lots of history and listed buildings,

“Londoners move to Hastings, and it

and Hastings also offers value for money

Hastings is said to have the biggest beach-

is predominantly south Londoners,”

and affordability. Our price levels are

launched fishing fleet in the country.

explains Marc Heuclin of John Bray

excellent value for the south-east.”

Quaint Old Town has always been favoured,

& Sons, “As well as people along the

but ‘New’ town is on the up, too. Business

A21 corridor, including Sevenoaks and

WHERE

development includes a big, blue, shiny

Tunbridge Wells, along with internal

“Hastings Old Town – although it comes

Saga office building (bringing in hundreds

moves. But it is the outflow from London

with a corresponding premium price level,”

of new jobs), impressive new facilities

that feeds Hastings.”

says Marc. “If you want more for your buck

the centuries whether from smuggling and fishing or as a spa and holiday resort;

move half a mile away from Old Town to

for the University of Brighton in Hastings’ campus, while attempts to make the town

WHY

the Alexandra Park area, originally a green

centre appealing include street art and a

Marc continues: “People come for the

spine running down through town, which is

fun pirate boat for children. It is a shame,

cultural life, relaxed lifestyle and seaside

very pleasant. West Hill near the castle is the

however, that a row of pastel-coloured

atmosphere. People visit and say: ‘Isn’t

artists’ quarter and Clive Vale, just above Old

Victorian terraced houses are hidden

Hastings lovely? You can chill out down

Town, with immediate access into Hastings

behind a multi-storey car park.

here!’ The architecturally aware love Hastings

Country Park, is very desirable.” ➤ S E P T E M B E R 2013 | W W W. S U S S E X S T Y L E . CO M | 41

HASTINGSSTYLE

St Mary’s becoming Hastings’ cultural hub – competing against the likes of The Stables and White Rock. The fabulous acoustics combined with Zoe’s passion could just make it happen.

Perhaps just as important for Hastings’ residents: an extra high speed broadband project is currently underway with BT digging up the roads.

SHOPPING The ‘New’ town has a pleasing hotchpotch of Victorian and modern with an old-fashioned Victorian arcade, King’s Walk, with a greengrocer and fishmonger selling local fresh fish, and a newish well done small mall, Priory Meadow, which has a selection of good national stores including BHS, WHS, M&S and Boots. But visit Old Town for an inspired browse

Picturesque streets of Old Town

among the ever increasing number

PRICES

or three of the primaries over to the

of intriguing independents including

A 17th century five-bedroom property in

Academies Trust although most of the

antiques, boutiques, collectables and

Old Town is on the market for £525,000 with

primaries have tended to achieve strong

specialist shops such as Vintage Bird

Just Property, while a six-bedroom Regancy

results anyway with Sacred Heart Catholic

Interiors, AG Hendy Home Store and

renovation project also in Old Town is on

Primary School rated Outstanding by Ofsted

Butlers Famed Emporium.

the market for £445,000 with John Bray &

while Westfield, Guestling Bradshaw and

Sons, and a five-bedroom Victorian villa near

Blacklands are all rated Good.

with Rush, Witt & Wilson.

EATS There are masses of inviting eateries for

Alexandra Park is on the market for £369,950

THE BUZZ

all palettes and pockets. Choose from

Hastings is coming to the tail end of a major

fish and chips (such as Blue Dolphin),

FAMILY

regeneration scheme with the Jerwood

pubs (like The Stag Inn - the oldest pub

Significant investment is being made to

Gallery opening last year (it has always been

in Hastings) an abundance of good cafes

improve local schools. The secondary

an artsy place – Dante Gabriel Rossetti lived

with tables on the street or in the windows

system has moved over to Academies with

here) and funding was approved recently

to watch the eclectic world wind by, and

Hastings Academy, which opened in 2011

for rebuilding the 140-year-old pier which

restaurants like Webbe’s and Pomegranate.

and moved into new premises earlier this

was almost completely destroyed by fire

Neighbourhood foodie shops include a

year, recently being graded Good by Ofsted;

in 2010. Meanwhile above the seafront

deli, bakery and fishmongers.

entry into Year 7 is now oversubscribed.

arcades (pungent with the heavy whiff of

Helenswood Academy was judged

batter and malt vinegar) the magnificent

DOWNSIDE

Satisfactory in 2011 (and has since become

Palladian portico of St Mary’s in the Castle, in

Although there is a new railway

an Academy so an upgrading seems likely)

the centre of a neglected-looking crescent

station right in the centre of town,

while William Parker Academy having made

of Regency townhouses built into the

communications are poor. The fastest train

the switch just this month is hoping for

rockface below the castle, is celebrating its

to London takes about one and a half

improved results having previously been

rebirth as a venue for concerts, classes and

hours, but services typically take nearly two

judged Inadequate.

community events this month. Managing

hours or more. And the A21 is no better.

director Zoe Ashdown has set her sights on

Accessibility is not Hastings’ strength. ■

There are also proposals to move two 42 | W W W. S U S S E X S T Y L E . CO M | S E P T E M B E R 2013

DESIGNSTYLE

LOCAL HEROES

MORE DESIGNERS, ARTISTS AND CRAFTWORKERS DISCOVERED BY NORMAN MILLER

Chaise by Andrew Haugh

Lift teapot by Sylph Baier

I

Quirky doorstops by Edith Pargh Barton

Sculptured pieces by Deborah Timperley

’m a sucker for work that blends

between abstract oils and quirky sculptural

sinuous blue chaise is like a Scandi Eames.

different media, so respect for Horsham-

pieces fashioned from fabric - a little like

Andrew Haugh, Seaford 01323 893361

based Deborah Timperley whose kiln

the charming abstract figures populating

www.hauge-furniture-design.co.uk

fired textured bowls and sculptures

the paintings of Paul Klee, rendered into 3D

meld clear or brightly-coloured glass with

forms that demand tactile attention!

The Japanese treat a cup of tea as a ritual,

gold. Given her use of the latter, it’s no surprise

Edith Pargh Barton, Horsham

and you might, too, if you poured it from

Deborah also creates jewellery with the same

01403 891801 www.edithart.co.uk

a pot by Sylph Baier. The Brighton-based

striking 2-for-1 visual pizzaz.

potter is proud of “taking the material to its

Deborah Timperley, Horsham 01403 265

You want to find something seductive in

limits and constantly exploring functionality

835 deborah.timperley@btinternet.com

Seaford? Look no further than the gorgeous

and purpose”. We recommend the Lift

hand-crafted furniture of Andrew Haugh.

range of bespoke tea paraphernalia offering

There is further muddling of boundaries in

Using hardwoods from sustainable sources,

pastelly glazes in seven colours. The sheer

the work of New Yorker Edith Pargh Barton,

Andrew designs and builds bespoke

sensuality of the teapot alone will have you

whose artistic training includes welding,

contemporary functional furniture reflecting

gasping for a cuppa.

weaving, quilting and painting. Now

a personal heritage that draws on English,

Sylph Baier, Brighton 01273 540552

based in West Sussex, she divides her time

Danish and American roots. We think his

www.sylphbaier.co.uk

44 | W W W. S U S S E X S T Y L E . CO M | S E P T E M B E R 2013

BMW Economics

Chandlers BMW

WE PAY ATTENTION TO EVERY DETAIL. YOU PAY LESS PER MONTH. THE BMW 3 SERIES TOURING FROM CHANDLERS BMW. Check out the table below and you’ll appreciate that’s a small price to pay for a BMW 3 Series Sport Touring with Sport seats, Sport Plus driving mode and 17” alloy wheels as standard. Particularly when you include Business Navigation and 5 years’ comprehensive service cover,** courtesy of BMW Economics. Existing customers may also qualify for a Loyalty Deposit Contribution of £500.º BMW Select finance representative example: BMW 318d Sport Touring with Business Navigation System and 5 years’ comprehensive service cover.

Term

47 Monthly payments

On the road cash price*

Customer deposit

Dealer deposit contribution

Total deposit

Total amount of credit

Option to purchase fee^

Optional final payment

Total amount payable

Rate of interest

48 months

£349

£31,025

£4,318.16

£2,262

£6,580.16

£24,444.84

£10

£11,489.40

£34,482.56

4.9% fixed

Representative 4.9 APR

BMW ECONOMICS. For more information or to arrange a test drive†, call us on the numbers below or scan the QR code with your smartphone.

Chandlers Brighton

Chandlers Hailsham

Chandlers Worthing

Victoria Road, Portslade, Brighton, East Sussex BN41 1YH

Gleneagles Drive, Hailsham, East Sussex BN27 3UA

Water Lane, Angmering, West Sussex BN16 4EH

www.chandlersbrightonbmw.co.uk

www.chandlershailshambmw.co.uk

www.chandlersworthingbmw.co.uk

01273 922265

01323 342308

01903 371297

Official fuel economy figures for the BMW 318d Sport Touring: Urban 50.4mpg (5.8l/100km).

Extra Urban 72.4mpg (4.1l/100km). Combined 62.8mpg (4.7l/100km). CO2 emissions 123g/km.

Finance offer excludes metallic paint at £645 RRP as shown. Offer available on selected new BMW 3 Series Touring models ordered between 1 July 2013 and 30 September 2013 and registered by 31 December 2013, subject to availability. Finance example is based on a BMW Select agreement for a BMW 318d Sport Touring with Business Navigation System and 5 years’ comprehensive service cover, with a contract mileage of 32,000 miles and an excess mileage charge of 6p per mile. **Servicing must be carried out at a BMW Service Authorised Workshop. Excessive wear and tear or misuse not covered. Second brake fluid service not covered. Price quoted is applicable for BMW 3 Series Touring models. Please ask your dealer, or visit www.bmw.co.uk/serviceinclusive for prices for all models and full BMW Service Inclusive terms and conditions. *On the road cash price is based on manufacturer’s recommended retail price and includes 3 year BMW Dealer Warranty, BMW Emergency Service, 12 months’ road fund licence, vehicle first registration fee, delivery, number plates and VAT. ^Option to purchase fee and optional final payment payable at the end of the agreement if you decide to purchase the vehicle. Excess mileage charges and vehicle condition charges may be payable if you return the vehicle. Prices are correct at time of publication August 2013 and are subject to change without notice. Retail customers only. Finance is subject to credit acceptance and available to over 18s in the UK only (excluding the Channel Islands and Isle of Man). Guarantees and indemnities may be required. Advertised finance is provided by BMW Financial Services, Bartley Way, Hook, Hampshire RG27 9UF. We commonly, but not exclusively, introduce customers to BMW Financial Services. This introduction does not amount to independent financial advice. †Test drive subject to applicant status and availability. º£500 BMW Loyalty Deposit Contribution available on selected 1, 3, 5 Series and X1 models. Offers only available on a BMW or MINI Select agreement for BMW & MINI retail customers only where the existing vehicle is registered at the same address. Customer deposit must be equal to or greater than the Loyalty Deposit Contribution to qualify. No cash alternative available. Subject to availability and withdrawal at any time. Offer not available in conjunction with BMW 50/50 offer.

CHICHESTERStyle

The Buttercross 46 | w w w. s u s s e x s t y l e. co m | SE P T e m b e r 2013

The

Chichester Club C THE OPENING OF THE HINDHEAD TUNNEL HAS FUELLED DEMAND FOR THE CHICHESTER AREA AS EMMA PIPER FINDS OUT hichester sits between the South Downs and the sea,

affluent and smart with a Tudor buttercross and 12th century

cathedral at its heart and partly surrounded by medieval city walls. It feels like nothing very much changes here… certainly the Roman cross pattern street layout is still the same from millennia past.

WHAT Chichester surely epitomises Middle

Shopping on the flat - North Street

England – a peaceful and prosperous historic cathedral city surrounded by

WHO

have planning permission) for £2 million,

lush folds of downland landscape. Life in

Most purchasers are from south-west

and another on the beach at West Wittering

Chichester feels easy and comfortable.

London encouraged by the opening of the

for £4 million.

Hindhead tunnel which has shaved some 40

Within Chichester itself the finest

WHY

minutes off travelling time. Andrew explains

Georgian buildings are in the streets known

“There are 1001 reasons to move to

that the majority are second home owners

as the Pallants. Andrew sold a fine example

Chichester,” says Andrew Richardson

come to buy the house on the beach or by

of a Georgian townhouse for £2.2 million

of Jackson Stops & Staff, who says the

the harbour or sailing club.

recently. North of the city Summersdale is

temperature of the housing market this

favoured: built to provide accommodation

year has been at boiling hot. Goodwood

WHERE

for the local hospital with terraced

is a major attraction with the Festival of

Picturesque waterside villages of Bosham

cottages for nurses, semis for doctors and

Speed, Glorious Goodwood and Goodwood

and Itchenor are popular, but West Wittering

big Edwardian villas on The Avenue for

Revival attracting people interested in long-

is a particular draw with the beach at East

consultants – all very lovely.

term rents as well as buying. The same is

Head considered the best for 50 miles in

In the surrounding countryside are

happening at West Wittering on the coast

either direction. Properties on East Strand

delightful brick and flint country houses

with people renting properties for a month

and West Strand are in demand. Andrew

with popular villages such as Singleton at

or more over summer, and Andrew explains

says they’ve just sold a building plot where a

the foot of Goodwood hill, East and West

that that’s a relatively new phenomenon.

property burned down (and it doesn’t even

Ashling and Funtington.

➤

S E P T E M B E R 2013 | W W W. S U S S E X S T Y L E . CO M | 47

CHICHESTERSTYLE

FAMILY

Susie Watson Interiors

There are a number

alongside chic Thru

of good private

the Looking Glass and

schools in the area

quirky vintage shops

including Great Ballard,

such as The Unusual

Prebendal, Oakwood

Chair Company, No 43

and West Lavant,

and Foxed Grey Vintage.

although Westbourne House is considered

FOODIE FINDS

the premium school

“Every other pub and

for movers and

bistro comes highly

shakers.

recommended,” says

State schools at

Andrew. It’s all a good

secondary leveal

quality, but at a certain

include Bishop Luffa

price. Suggestions

(over-subscribed),

for the city include

and Chichester High

Marco on Northgate,

Schools for Girls and

Field & Fork in Pallant

for Boys which are

House Gallery and Bill’s

both in the process

in the Buttermarket.

of converting

Other familiar groups include Brasserie Blanc,

to Academies.

Otherwise an

Passageways behind the cathedral

Carluccio and Cote. Plus there’s Amelie & Friends

impressive plethora of more than a dozen primary shcools

of the National Open Art Exhibition, and

are rated Good by Ofsted with Jessie

there are a number of galleries and arts

Younghusband and St Richard’s Catholic

venues including Cass Sculpture Park at

abundance of country dining pubs

School achieving Outstanding. Only the

Goodwood. And don’t forget the cathedral

including a small group: Fox & Hounds in

odd one or two is Satisfactory.

with its Chagall stained glass window and

Funtington, Crab & Lobster in Sidlesham,

strong concerts programme.

Royal Oak in East Lavant (and Trents

THE BUZZ

and The Real Eating Company.

In the surrounding area is an

back in the city) which have owner Nick

The very first Festival of Chichester was

SHOPPING

Sutherland’s rubber stamp on them.

launched this year and the Chichester

Shopping is made easy with everything

I’m told The Kennels at Goodwood is

Festival Theatre – a leading light on the

you want and all on the flat – a boon for

extremely good - if you’re a member.

UK theatre scene since 1962 - is currently

older residents and the less able. There’s

Otherwise food shops tend towards

undergoing a major 50th anniversary

a lively mix of well known names and

the esoteric – superior choccie stores

refurbishment. And deservedly so. This was

independents. Fashion is well represented

Montezumas and Hotel Chocolat, Taste (a

the first modern theatre in the country

with one-off boutiques such as Little

great source of oils, dips, glazes and sauces

with a thrust stage and the birthplace

London, Indigo and Dartagnan for men,

and a bit of a favourite of mine), South

of the National Theatre. Arts are big in

and the upmarket likes of Basler, LK Bennet,

Street Deli, Swallow Bakery and Hennings

Chichester although it feels way too sedate

Jaegar, Jigsaw, Mint Velvet and Sahara.

Wine merchants.

for obvious flamboyance. There’s a fabulous

Indulgent beauty stores include Space NK,

collection of 20th century art, Lucien

Champneys, Lush, L’Occitane and Molton

DOWNSIDE

Freud, Barbara Hepworth and all that jazz,

Brown. Jewellery shops are worth a browse:

With a train journey of 1 hour and 40

in Pallant House Gallery, partly contained

try Timothy Roe, Smith & Ralier and Lowery.

minutes stopping at every Hicksville town

in an elegant Queen Anne townhouse.

Homes stores include familiar names such

between here and London no one in their

Chichester is also recognised as the home

as Lakeland and Fired Earth, and lovely

right mind would commute. ■

48 | W W W. S U S S E X S T Y L E . CO M | S E P T E M B E R 2013

TRAVELSTYLE

Old well and boat, Tabarca

Costa Blanca’s Secret NORMAN MILLER MAKES ALICANTE THE DESTINATION RATHER THAN THE JOURNEY

F

ar too many people see Alicante

neighbourhoods like Santa Cruz with its maze

few miles along the coast. Gazing seaward,

as just the airport from where

of old lanes and prettily tiled houses, or the

meanwhile, the island of Tabarca beckons

they zoom off to package spots

pleasing streets between Rambla de Mendez

eight miles out.

like Denia and Benidorm. Which

Nunez and the Avenida Federico Soto,

is a shame as they’re missing the jewel in the Costa Blanca crown, first put on

punctuated by little squares like Plaza Miro.

There’s plenty of culture, too. The

Next morning I make the hour-long trip from Alicante’s marina out to the Costa Blanca’s only inhabited island – an

the tourist map in the 1850s when savvy

Asegurada Museum features art by Spanish

idiosyncratic timewarp, barely a mile long

Madrilenos made it the first Spanish seaside

masters such as Picasso, Dali, Miro and

and narrowing at some spots to just a

town to get a rail link with the capital.

Tapies, while the Mubag Gravina collection

few hundred yards wide. An old stone

pairs work from the 16th century onwards

archway fronts the island’s tiny township,

founded as a Carthaginian settlement three

with period furniture. Make time, too, for the

criss-crossed by a handful of little streets.

centuries before Christ before morphing

Museo de Fogueres to get a handle on June’s

An old crumbly defensive wall encircles

into the Roman city of Lucentum. You

pyrotechnic fiesta Las Hogueras, which

pretty cottages, a one-room museum plus

can still see the Roman ruins a couple of

culminates with dozens of giant effigies set

a large church whose size nods to the past

miles from the city centre, though the

aflame to light up the Mediterranean night.

piousness of islanders descended from

But the city dates back way longer,

magnificent Museo Arqueologico (MARQ),

I combine history with grand views

15th-century Genoese settlers.

carved from the old hospital of San Juan

by scaling the 16th-century Castillo de

de Dios, does a grand job tracing the area’s

Santa Barbara, perched on top of Mount

coves provide more sheltered swimming on

history up to the end of Islamic rule when

Benacantil. Looking down from the

the other. All around the island a submarine

the Moors were driven out in 1246.

battlements, a sandy shoreline stretches

nature reserve draws divers. The sea also

away from the fine town centre beach of

supplies the simple but delicious menus of

Postiguet towards the Playa de San Juan a

the island restaurants, where the must-try

Today, Alicante offers a sense of relaxed sophistication with characterful old 50 | W W W. S U S S E X S T Y L E . CO M | S E P T E M B E R 2 0 1 3

Surf piles onto one shore, while rocky

Harbour scene, Tabarca

Postiguet Beach provides golden sand in the heart of Alicante

A path winds up the mountain to Alicante’s Santa Barbara Castle

dish is caldero – delicious stock-simmered fish with potatoes.

Back in Alicante I get a taste of the city’s love affair with rice at Darsena in the marina, where over 170 rice dishes are offered beside luxury yachts and motorised gin palaces. For the best tapas in town, meanwhile, try El Portal.

As well as Tabarca, the other great

Entrance to Tabarca town

❝

HONEYSTONED FORTRESSES RISE FROM THE SEA OF PALMS LIKE STRANGE ISLANDS

gardens, whose star turn is a unique seven-

del Cura (Priest‘s Garden) through groves

trunked tree known as the Imperial Palm

of lemon, orange and pomegranate. I treat

Alicante, this must be the greenest town

after being dedicated to Empress Elizabeth

myself to dinner in the beautiful modern

on Earth courtesy of the 300,000 palm trees

of Austria who visited in 1894. By the gate,

dining room at La Taula, overlooking a palm-

(outnumbering the town’s population),

stalls dispense palm-based delights, from

filled courtyard. Afterwards it’s a short stroll

planted by the Arabs when they ruled

delicious dates to woven leaf baskets.

through the warm evening air to my room

day-trip is Elche. Just eight miles from

here 1000 years ago. Seen from afar, Elche’s

A stone’s throw away, a little museum

at the Hotel Huerto del Cura in the middle

historic churches and honey-stoned

puts the oasis into historic context beside

of the gardens, where I sleep sweetly and do

fortresses rise from the sea of palms like

the Arab irrigation canals that have watered

not dream of Denia or Benidorm.

strange islands. As you walk through the

the palms for a millennium. There’s plenty

town, the trees offer a comforting presence

to learn too at the MAHE history museum

Flights from £39 with BA,

as well as shade from the hot Spanish sun.

inside the old Palacio del Altamira.

Gatwick to Alicante www.ba.com

In a city so dominated by greenery, it’s no surprise Elche has stupendous botanic

I refuel with lunch at the venerable Meson El Granaino, then stroll through the Huerto

Hotel Huerto del Cura www.hotelhuertodelcura.com S E P T E M B E R 2013 | W W W. S U S S E X S T Y L E . CO M | 51

BEAUTYSTYLE

BEAUTY SPOT

BY SUSSEX STYLE’S BEAUTY QUEEN WE TRY: FOUNDATIONS THE SUMMER’S DRAWING TO A CLOSE BOO, HISS! AND WHILE TINTED MOISTURISER CUTS IT DURING THE WARMER MONTHS, A LITTLE EXTRA COVERAGE IS OFTEN CALLED FOR

SUSSEX-BASED MAKE-UP ARTIST LOUISE LARGE ANSWERS A

LIQUID

Rock Beauty London. Available in pink, blue

READER’S BEAUTY

Clarins Extra Firming

and red, and green, each £7 set contains

DILEMMA.

Foundation SPF 15 £30

a polish and coordinating pot of glitter

A creamy, but oil-free formulation

or sequins which you press your newly

designed to give the appearance

polished nails into and leave to set for

of younger-looking skin. Our tester

fingertips with bling. Topshop, Chichester

agreed it helped provide a more

01243 537418, Horsham 01403 252155,

youthful glow – even after a late

Eastbourne 01323 647922, Worthing

night! Debenhams and larger Boots stores.

01903 232803.

LOOSE

Q

I’m useless at applying eye make-up so end up just wearing

mascara and black eyeliner underneath my eyes when I go out. Is there a really easy way of making my eyes stand out in a flattering way that won’t take ages?

A

The most important thing when it comes to eyes is well-defined

MAC Mineralize

brows as they frame the face. I use an

Foundation £25

eye shadow similar or slightly darker

Aimed at providing

to the hair colour and brush through

medium-natural

with a brow brush to avoid any hard

coverage, loose

lines. Use a light eye shadow as your

powder bases are a favourite with many make-up artists as is the MAC range. This creates a smooth, radiant look. MAC, Brighton 0870 192 5155 www.maccosmetics.co.uk

ALL-IN-ONE Jane Iredale PurePressed base £39.95 A compact foundation is super quick to apply and this one provides concealer, foundation, powder and

PRIME TIME Clinique’s new Superprimers £20 This is worn under make-up and aimed at addressing a whole host of skin problems with five tinted primers to correct everything from dark spots, redness and dull or sallow skin. There’s also a non-tinted version, Universal Superprimer, which creates the perfect base for make-up for all skin types.

Clinique counters at Debenhams, House of Fraser and larger Boots www.clinique.co.uk

highlighter just on your brow bone and in the inner corner to open up the eyes and for a quick and easy finish use a nice pencil liner, aiming for the roots of the lashes, then use a finger or brush to simply smudge along the eyeliner.

Complete with lots of your favourite mascara – if you have the time then curling your eyelashes before applying it helps make eyes look bigger, too.

Louise Large www.louisemakeup.co.uk

sunscreen all in one. A good option for oilier skins. Body & Sole Chichester 01243 774613

CLEAN AND GREEN

and Estetica Health & Beauty Midhurst

Liquid soap may not be the most glam beauty product, but as most

01730 810444 www.janeiredale.co.uk

of us use it, it is good to find a luxurious-feeling product that is good for the skin as well as the environment. Greenfrog is a Hove-based

MARVELLOUS MANICURES

family business selling a range of 100 per cent natural plant-based

Nail Rock

Beauty Queen is a fan of their Natural Handwash which contains

Glitter Dust £7

soapnut extract with skin softening aloe vera, anti-bacterial

If you are a magpie

peppermint essential oil, honey and geranium. It smells lovely and

when it comes to sparkly things check

can double up as a gentle shower gel. Expect to pay around £3.59 for

out brand new Nail Rock Glitter Dust from

500ml bottle, www.greenfrogsoap.co.uk

52 | W W W. S U S S E X S T Y L E . CO M | S E P T E M B E R 2013

cleaners for the body and home which are all biodegradable. The

Hypnotherapy and You Do you hold off from doing things because of a lack of confidence? Do you find yourself letting your fears get the better of you? Then hypnotherapy could be the solution for you. Becky Wells, health and wellness professional, invites you to join her for a 20 minute confidence boost. Becky Wells invites you to sit back, relax and learn techniques that can be incorporated into your daily life, learn to be the you that you have always wanted to be .

Hypnotherapy is an ancient, safe and effective tool that helps you use the power of your subconscious mind to enhance your conscious daily life. It can soothe fears, mend uncomfortable thoughts and bring you closer to the person you want to be.

Join Becky At: A Weight Off Your Mind 24 September, Chequer Mead Arts Centre, East Grinstead 6.30pm 20-Mintue Confidence Boost 27/28 September, Sussex Woman Show, 11.45am

For information and tickets visit

www.beckywells.com @BeckyjoeWells www.facebook.com/BeckyWellsLimited

BEAUTYSTYLE

SPA ACT CELEBRATE NATIONAL SPA WEEK BY INDULGING IN A SPA DAY OR PAMPERING YOURSELF AT HOME

THE PROFESSIONAL TOUCH Lovely products are one thing but let’s face it, it is so much nicer to have someone else massaging them in!

Here’s our low down on a few options this month: The next best thing to a break there -

Until 26 September you can enjoy an

Champneys Distant Shores Body Butter,

evening of indulgence at PH2O Spa

£10, and Mediterranean Bliss Bubble

in Bepton, Midhurst, followed by a

Heaven, £12, Boots and Champneys Day

two-course dinner for £65. The price

Spas, Chichester 01243 819010

includes a 25 minute express facial or

and Brighton 01273 777155

full body scrub. PH2O Spa, Bepton, For pampering on a budget Mandara Spa products are a great option. Recent additions include Spa Island Paradise Softening Foot Butter, £4, and Tropical Blooms Nourishing Beauty Oil, £6, Sainsbury’s

Midhurst 01730 888481 www.parkhousehotel.com Three isn’t always a crowd. At the Country Club Spa at Ashdown Park Hotel, when two people book an Ultimate Spa Experience in September a third person can come for half price.

The Experience includes more than three hours of treatments per person, all day use of the facilities and lunch for a total of £447.50 for three.

Country Club Spa at Ashdown Park Hotel, Wych Cross 01342 824988 www.ashdownpark.com

Frangipani Monoi Salt Glow, £36.50,

Enjoy the Ultimate Spa Experience at

is a brand new body scrub from Elemis

Green & Spring is the range developed by

Ockenden Manor Hotel and Spa with no

containing coconut oil to lock in moisture.

the founders of the prestigious Cowley

less than five hours of luxury treatments,

Use it before sinking into a bath containing

Manor Spa Hotel in the Cotswolds. Their

a breakfast smoothie, lunch, homemade

Quiet Minds Relaxing Bath Elixir, £21,

latest launch is the Repair and Restore

scones and a glass of sparkling wine,

from Sakks Hair and Beauty, Brighton 01273

Collection featuring Body & Bath Oil,

prices from £400 per person.

666426, Beauty Secrets Spa and Salon, Hove

£30, Shower and Bath Foam, £20, and

Ockenden Manor Hotel and Spa,

01273 822476, and Dimitri Hair and Beauty,

Intensive Body Cream, £28. Available

Cuckfield 01444 449191

Bognor Regis 01243 821282. For more

at The Fitness Shed, Hove 07779 435999,

www.hshotels.co.uk/ockenden-

stockists 0117 316 1888 or buy online

Papillon, Brighton 01273 720333 and online

manor-hotel-and-spa

www.timetospa.co.uk

wwwgreenandspring.com

54 | W W W. S U S S E X S T Y L E . CO M | S E P T E M B E R 2013

BECOME THE NEW YOU We offer a wide range of surgery & treatments: • Cosmetic surgery • Reconstructive surgery • Hand & trauma surgery • Ear, nose & throat surgery • Gastric band surgery • Paediatric surgery • Oral & maxillofacial surgery • Mole & skin lesion removal • Dental implants • Thread & vein removal • Boxtox & fillers • Beauty treatment • Semi-permanent makeup

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INTERIORSTYLE

Decant pulses and pasta into glass jars - these from a selection at John Lewis

SOUL KITCHEN HOW TO DO OPEN PLAN; TIPS FROM SOFIE ALLSOPP

56 | W W W. S U S S E X S T Y L E . CO M | S E P T E M B E R 2013

Loaf - Berlin sofa from £995

O

ur living habits have evolved greatly over the centuries

dividing line between the two zones.

in every shade, from very pale wood to dark

I think cool fresh colours look best in

and smoky timber, so it can suit any kitchen

– from caves to houses, fire

kitchens – light greens, pale citrusy tones or

style. Throw down some rugs, they break

to gas, candles to electricity

pastels work really well with white units. Paint

up the expanse of wood, are comfortable

– and no room in the house has developed

specialists Little Greene do some fantastic

underfoot and also protect the floor from

more than the kitchen.

shades, Acorn and Kitchen Green being

any cooking spills. Modern Rugs do a great

my particular favourites, but for an open

line in sisal rugs, their sisal rug with sage

eating and sleeping in the same space,

plan kitchen/family room I would opt for

green cotton border would be a perfect

but gradually the kitchen evolved into a

something a little braver: wallpaper. People

match for the wallpaper and is heavy duty

designated place for the preparation of

often shy away from papering kitchens but,

with a non-skid backing. If you are looking

food, separated from the living area to avoid

done sensibly, it can work. Graham and

for something a bit jazzier try Lazy Days sisal

the smoke from open fires, but we have

Brown’s Virtue in light green is a leaf silhouette

Helter Skelter Rug for a pop of colour.

now come full circle. Cooking has become

wallpaper with a lovely subtle shimmer. It

a creative and social pastime instead of

would work very well with a white subway

room it is key to keep clutter to a minimum.

just work, and the open plan living space is

tile splash back. Hang the paper as standard

Countertops should be as clear as possible,

Originally we sat around the kitchen fire,

❝

If your kitchen also doubles as your living

BUT OPEN PLAN CAN BE TRICKY, ESPECIALLY WITH KIDS. HOW DO YOU COMBINE COMFORT WITH CLEANLINESS AND HYGIENE? HOW DO YOU KEEP KITCHEN CLUTTER AT BAY?

increasingly popular with the kitchen once

in the rest of the room and in the kitchen

there is nothing worse than staring at a

again the heart of the home.

area paper above any wall units and down to

mass of dusty appliances, old spice pots

But open plan can be tricky, especially

the top of the splash back. If the tiles go high

and other kitchen detritus. A spring clean

with kids. How do you combine comfort

enough your wallpaper should be protected

is the best way to tackle a messy kitchen,

with cleanliness and hygiene? How do you

against any water or grease damage.

do an inventory of your appliances, and

keep kitchen clutter at bay? Here are a few

For the flooring I would use wood. Carpet

tips for creating a chic and seamless open

is a no-no in the kitchen for obvious reasons

to find a new home for that breadmaker!

plan kitchen/dining/family room.

while limestone or tiles can look and feel

Decant dried goods, like flours, pulses and

too cold in the living area. Real wood

pasta, into clear glass containers; they are

is a smooth transition between the kitchen

flooring with a water resistant surface finish

much more aesthetically pleasing than

and dining/living room. The easiest way to

is the perfect solution. It has warmth and

plastic packaging. If your kitchen is small

do this is by choosing the same flooring and

character, but is hardwearing enough for

and counter space is at a premium I highly

wall coverings in both areas so there is no

use in a kitchen. Wood flooring also comes

recommend a boiling water tap, you can

I think open plan works best when there

get rid of gadgets you never use – time

➤

S E P T E M B E R 2013 | W W W. S U S S E X S T Y L E . CO M | 57

INTERIORSTYLE

chuck out the kettle, freeing up space and saving you time.

A good way to soften an open plan kitchen, to make it feel cosier and more like a living room, is to add individual freestanding pieces of furniture. An antique French armoire would make a great china and crockery cupboard or turn a 19th century painted Swedish cupboard into a dry goods pantry, Lorfords Antiques have a wonderful selection of cupboards and armoires. If your tastes are less antique, a 1960s chest of drawers makes a great place to store pots and pans.

Limed oak armoire from Lorfords Antiques

Green paintwork from Little Greene

An armchair in the corner or a sofa pushed up against your kitchen island gives your family or guests a place to perch and chat while the chef does the cooking. Loaf do a great two-person sofa called the Berlin. It comes in various colours and is neat enough to fit snugly into an open-plan layout.

Finally, don’t forget to hang objects on the walls. I think kitchens are the best place to display family photographs and artworks.

Instead of just sticking the kids’ art on the fridge with Bluetack, frame their best pieces and hang them up. This way you will both preserve their genius for posterity and add colour and interest to your walls. Family snaps can be placed in frames and either

Virtue wallpaper in Green from Graham & Brown

hung symmetrically or in random blocks, Ikea do frames in a multitude of colours and sizes. Go crazy, there is nothing worse than blank walls. ■

Graham and Brown www.grahambrown.com Little Greene www.littlegreene.com Loaf www.loaf.com Lorfords Antiques www.lorfordsantiques.com Modern Rugs Rug from Modern Rugs

58 | W W W. S U S S E X S T Y L E . CO M | S E P T E M B E R 2013

www.modern-rugs.co.uk

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

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

ICONICSTYLE

Photo by Dan Clements

ARTY EASTBOURNE

DOWN BY THE LAWN TENNIS COURTS THE TOWNER ART GALLERY IS CREATING A STIR

BY NORMAN MILLER

T

he Towner Art Gallery’s first

By the 1990s, however, it was clearly

alongside international stars like German

incarnation was an 18th century

getting too big for its boots. So the local

photographer Wolfgang Tillmans and

Georgian manor house which a

council, decrying Eastbourne’s fuddy-

Icelandic installation guru Olafur Eliasson,

1920s bequest of 22 paintings

duddy image, approved a big bold white

whose ‘giant sun’ lit up the Tate Modern’s

from Alderman John Chisholm Towner

modernist cube-with-a-few-curves from

Turbine Hall in 2003.

– plus some dosh – became what the

Rick Mather Architects, who also did award-

alderman requested to be “an art gallery

winning gallery transformations for the

between British art history roots and 21st

for the people”. Opening in 1923, it spent

Dulwich Picture Gallery and the Ashmolean

century globalism. Thus a current show,

the next four decades gathering Sussex

in Oxford.

appropriately entitled Art In A Time Of

landscape paintings “in order to provide

The new Towner opened in 2009, giving

It’s a gallery that strikes a balance

Austerity, features fab lithographs by

the visitor with a complete review of this

Eastbourne south-east England’s largest

the likes of William Scott and John Nash

beautiful county”. Here here.

gallery display space (outside London

commissioned to brighten up Lyons

obviously) for a measly £8.6m – a lot to

teashops’ post-war interiors. But next

extended to allow pictures by Sussex artists

you or me but peanuts for a big new

up is Japanese artist Chiharu Shiota’s

regardless of subject matter, and then –

gallery, guv. Inside, a collection of around

monumental installation filling an entire

shock horror! – non-Sussex artists. But only

4000 works includes the world’s most

gallery with a weird woven labyrinth. Who

the good ones, mind – like Henry Moore,

important body of work by 20th century

said Eastbourne was staid?

Paul Nash, Victor Pasmore, Alfred Wallis and

Sussex artist Eric Ravilious who taught at

Duncan Grant. Oh, and a few promising

Eastbourne art school.

Eventually, the collecting policy was

foreigners like Picasso. By 1962 The Observer

The Towner is as far from parochial as

Towner Devonshire Park, College Road,

was happy to proclaim the Towner “the

it is from Timbuktu. Contemporary British

Eastbourne 01323 434670

most go-ahead municipal gallery of its size

holdings include Turner Prize sorts like Tacita

www.townereastbourne.org.uk

in the country”.

Dean, Anya Gallaccio and Grayson Perry

60 | W W W. S U S S E X S T Y L E . CO M | S E P T E M B E R 2013

A Celebration of Success!

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A huge thank you to the Horseguards Inn in Tillington (thehorseguardsinn.co.uk) for the use of their magical garden. There really are fairies at the bottom of it.

62 | W W W. S U S S E X S T Y L E . CO M | S E P T E M B E R 2013

ADVERTISING FEATURE

IT’S THE SMALL THINGS THAT MAKE THE DIFFERENCE

W

hen it comes to finishing off

it be a striking lampshade on an old lamp

trimmings, contrast linings and piping you

an outfit for an evening out

base, a couple of contrasting cushions on

can be as creative as you like.

we wouldn’t think twice about

the sofa or a new rug the finishing details

The sun is (at the time of going to press!)

throwing on a statement necklace or

in your home don’t need to be hard to find

still shining why not come and see us in

treating ourselves to a new pair of shoes.

or budget busting.

the shop on North Street in Midhurst and

In fact I have recently taken to wearing

At The Upholsterer in Midhurst we

grab yourself a striking floral lampshade or

red lipstick in a bid to revive my ancient

know that the smaller things can have the

a bold scatter cushion and see what small

wardrobe and it seems to be working – no

biggest impact and want to introduce our

difference you can make to your home. We

one has noticed I’ve been wearing the

lampshade making/ renovating service.

have all the resources you need to make

same old clothes they are just focused on

We have found that this is an ideal service

that big difference.

my face!

to run alongside what we already offer with our scatter cushions, window seats,

THE UPHOLSTERER

rules apply but it seems in all the time

throws, footstools and headboards. Large

and expense involved in moving house

or small, drum or traditional, lampshades

15 North Street

or re-decorating the vast majority of us

can be covered with the leftover fabric

seem to forget the simple principles that

from your curtains, fabric remnants or

we use every day on ourselves. Whether

even an old shirt! With the addition of

When it comes to interiors the same

Midhurst, GU29 9DH 01730 810284 hello@theupholsterermidhurst.co.uk

S E P T E M B E R 2013 | W W W. S U S S E X S T Y L E . CO M | 63

INTERIORStyle

Colour Burst What fun! After years of white being the only colour for the bathroom, suddenly the bathroom and wet room are breaking out into bright and beautiful colours following the introduction of new bold coloured enamelled radiators and striking glass mosaics that are moving away from the traditional square format and creating a glamorous stained glass window effect. This look has been taken up very quickly. And alongwith the use of high quality brassware, a sense of theatre is being introduced into the bathroom.

Candy pink tub, Ripples, Hassocks, Brighton 01273 841228 www.ripples.ltd.uk

Bespoke luxury wet room featuring Simpsons shower, Inspired Home Interiors, Eastbourne 01323 458165 www.inspiredhomeinteriors.co.uk

accents, Ripples, Hassocks, Brighton 01273 841228 www.ripples.ltd.uk 64 | w w w. s u s s e x s t y l e. co m | SE P T e m b e r 2013

for bathroom drama, Ripples, Hassocks, Brighton 01273 841228 www.ripples.ltd.uk

The heat has turned up in the bathroom and bedroom with pops of bright colour

By Mary Flint

Bold coloured radiators provide colour

Vibrant mosaics paired with brassware

Pictures: ted@canon.co.uk

CuckfieldBathrooms D

e

S

i

g

n

/

S

u

P

P

l

CuckfieldBathrooms

113 High Street, Cuckfield, RH17 5JX email: jim@cuckfieldbathrooms.co.uk tel: 01444 414888

www.cuckfieldbathrooms.co.uk

y

INTERIORSTYLE

Yes, neutrals are cool and elegant in the bedroom. But isn’t it exciting to inject some colour, pattern and personality into what truly is your own personal space. This is an opportunity to create a room that really reflects you. Mix, but don’t match, textiles and textures for maximum impact.

And don’t forget that storage systems are important for organising your clothes and accessories and hiding clutter. Glossy sliding doors that reflect light and add a touch of sophisticated colour are trending. So, let rip: your bedroom should be a style statement reflecting your personality. Leave the grown-up you at the door.

Tailor-made wardrobe with MODA sliding doors in Titanium Grey complements kingfisher blue walls in this teenager’s bedroom. Inspired Home Interiors, Eastbourne, 01323 458165 www.inspiredhomeinteriors.co.uk

Philippe Starck for Kartell Ghost Buster table, Bokhara rug, Rhys tablelamp, Alegra throw, Willis Gambier Camille bedstead, Cole & Son Honeycomb wallpaper, Designers Guild Octavia Rose pillowcase, Jigsaw Newquay Stripe pillowcase, all John Lewis, Chichester, 0845 604 9049 www.johnlewis.com

Bold contrast with tailor-made wardrobe with black glass MODA sliding doors in this mill conversion. Inspired Home Interiors, Eastbourne, 01323 458165 www.inspiredhomeinteriors.co.uk 66 | W W W. S U S S E X S T Y L E. CO M | S E P T E M B E R 2013

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

INTERIORSTYLE

SITTING COMFORTABLY?

AT THIS TIME OF YEAR THOUGHTS TURN TO COSYING UP IN OUR SITTING ROOMS  MARY FLINT PICKS HER FAVOURITE SOFAS AND ARMCHAIRS

The Buzz is super vesatile, based on a mix and match modular concept from Sofas & Stuff’s Contemporary Brit collection, two-seater from £1,061.

Sofas & Stuff West Sussex showroom, Fittleworth 0808 1783211 www.sofasandstuff.com

Country cottage styling for new Little Lady small sofa

Riva has that timeless classic style Ercol is renowned for with

from Sofa Workshop. The Little Lady is crafted with fixed

the archetypal tapering wood legs in ash or oak and deep

covers for a traditional appeal and comes with a slip cover for

comfortable cushions, small sofa from £1,975.

that handmade nostalgic shabby chic look. The choice

Furniture Village, Brighton & Hove 01272 716140

enables you to change the look for different occasions,

www.furniturevillage.co.uk

seasons or just to refresh your scheme. Armchair from £1,182.

Sofa Workshop, Tunbridge Wells 01892 534381 www.sofaworkshop.co.uk

68 | W W W. S U S S E X S T Y L E . CO M | S E P T E M B E R 2013

THE KITCHEN SPECIALISTS THAT YOU CAN TRUST

The Kitchen People 61 The High Street, Lindfield West Sussex, RH16 2HN www.kitchenpeople.co.uk

Tel: 01444 484 868 Email: paul@kitchenpeople.co.uk www.facebook.com/kitchenpeople @kitchenPsarah

MORSØ CENTRE OF EXCELLENCE

MORSØ OPEN DAY SATURDAY 19TH OCTOBER 10AM UNTIL 5PM CASHBACK VOUCHERS TO USE AGAINST ANY MORSØ STOVE PURCHASED FOLLOWING THE OPEN DAY

Bolney Stoves Ltd CD7417 Mors¿ Bolney Magnet Advert 130x189.indd 1

BOLNEY STOVES LTD THE FARMERS STORES, GATEHOUSE LANE GODDARDS GREEN, HASSOCKS, WEST SUSSEX BN6 9LE SALES@BOLNEYSTOVES.CO.UK TEL: 01444 871815 WWW.BOLNEYSTOVES.CO.UK

13/09/2013 11:05

Lincoln mulberry leather armchair has a distinctive, elegant style and features a gently curved frame with slim arms, generous seat cushions and powder coated metal legs.

INTERIORSTYLE

The range is available in leather and fabric upholstery with velvet or leather lumbar cushions, armchair from £1,300.

Habitat, Homebase, Horsham 08456 407471, and Homebase, Chichester 08456 407350 www.habitat.co.uk

Uncluttered styling with the Alexa sofa.

Small sofa from £799.

John Lewis, Chichester 0844 693 1737 Mix up textures with a fabric and leather Shalimar sofa. This stylishly distressed finish with deep cushions also provides the perfect place to relax with the papers on a Sunday morning. Four-seater from £1,999.

Furniture Village, Brighton & Hove 01272 716140 wwwfurniturevillage.co.uk

Bespoke upholstered sofa from The Upholsterer mixing fabrics and patterns according to the combination customer wants and priced to order.

The Upholsterer, Midhurst 01730 810284 www.theupholsterermidhurst.co.uk

70 | W W W. S U S S E X S T Y L E . CO M | S E P T E M B E R 2013

Style, design & innovation in tiles & bathrooms Come in and see the refitted showroom with bathroom and tile settings. Most of the range is in stock and to be taken away

Eurotiles & Stone Rustington, Unit F, Brookside Avenue, Brookside Industrial Estate, Rustington BN16 3LF Tel: 01903 785226 email: rustington@eurotilesandbathrooms.com website: www.eurotilesandbathrooms.com Branches also in Braintree, Stevenage and Twickenham

N ow ba th st ro om ock s a ing co sw lle a r c e an tio ll a an d n s o ge m of of ur os til h ai es ug cs e

or delivered locally for free.

INTERIORSTYLE

THE GREAT DIVIDE: CUSHIONS TO SCATTER OR NOT TO SCATTER THAT IS THE QUESTION… THE FABRIC LADY LAURA JANDAC SAYS IT IS A GENDER ISSUE

H

ave you ever had a lightbulb

in this. My husband can’t understand why

prices start from £45. Have a look at John

moment? A sudden realisation

we waste time in the morning decorating

Lewis, too, for a wide variety of scatters

as information just falls into

the bed with cushions only to have to waste

in varying sizes from some well known

place? I had mine on Thursday.

yet more time in the evening throwing

fabric companies, while for the slightly

them all on the floor. He gets irate when

quirky check out Not on the High Street for

and women? Some believe it is women’s

there is no available space on the sofa

boutique and individual styles. If all that fails

ability to multitask, for others it’s the ability

because of all the cushions. I am forever

have a go yourself: they are simple to do

to understand the offside rule. For me it is

plumping and fluffing when there are 100

and can make a big difference. Just don’t tell

cushions. Let me explain.

other things that could be done, but for me

the man in your life!

What is the difference between men

The subject of scatter cushions is the great divide. While helping Mr and Mrs Smith choose fabrics last Thursday it all just clicked.

We are told men are from Mars and

scatter cushions are an important part of a room scheme.

It is attention to detail that can make or

John Lewis www.johnlewis.com

break the ambience of a room and details

Linwood

women from Venus and if this is true I

such as cushions on the bed or sofa can

www.linwoodfabric.com

guarantee there are no scatter cushions on

introduce an accent colour or texture. They

Mars. Cushions. Women love them; men

are relatively inexpensive and can even be

hate them.

made up from fabric remnants after you have

My customers practically came to blows in the shop as the disagreement escalated.

had larger projects like curtains completed.

The choice available is vast and there

Not on the High Street www.notonthehighstreet.com The Fabric Lady The Upholsterer, Midhurst

She wanted cushions on the bed, sofa,

will always be something out there to

01730 810284

armchair and window seat. He just didn’t

suit your room and budget. The pictures

www.theupholsterermidhurst.co.uk

agree and Mr and Mrs Smith are not unique

featured here are from Linwood fabrics and

72 | W W W. S U S S E X S T Y L E . CO M | S E P T E M B E R 2013

THE

SQUARE HIGHWOOD HORSHAM

THE KENSINGTON

The Square, Highwood, now open Don’t miss the chance to live at The Square, Horsham’s finest new address

Last few remaining four bedroom townhouses The Square’s new centrepiece designed

by Marcus Cornish

The Kensington is a beautifully designed 4 bedroom home with flexible living over three floors and a luxury specification. The spacious open plan living/dining area opens out onto a garden room which lets the light flood in, and the designer fitted kitchen comes with integrated appliances. Upstairs the master bedroom has an ensuite with both shower and bath, as well as a dressing area with fitted storage, perfect for modern day living.

The beautiful living area in the new showhome

The Square has proven extremely popular, with just a few properties remaining. With the Help to Buy scheme a beautiful new home at The Square, Highwood can be yours with as little as 5% deposit and a 5 year interest free loan*.

Available from £485,000 www.highwoodhorsham.co.uk/the-square To book your priority appointment, call: 01403

334 334 or visit our Sales Suite to find out more:

Highwood Sales Suite, Hills Farm Lane, Horsham, West Sussex RH12 1EP. Open Daily 10am - 5pm Proud to be a member of the Berkeley Group of companies

Our vision for your future

*Ask our Sales Advisors for more details about the Help to Buy scheme at Highwood, available on selected plots. Photography of The Square and The Kensington showhome at Highwood.

PROPERTY OF THE MONTH THE ULTIMATE BEACH HOUSE  WOULDN’T YOU LOVE TO LIVE IN A HOUSE LIKE THIS?

W

elcome to Pebble Strand, a

Upstairs there are five bedrooms;

1920s Arts & Crafts, Lutyens-

three with en-suite shower rooms, plus

style beach house with

a spa bathroom and a further steam/

breathtaking views over the English Channel and its own stretch of beach.

This is an elegant house featuring stone

shower room.

Throughout the house is decorated in a fresh, coastal style with driftwood

mullion and leaded windows outside

lampbases and white linen covered sofas

and oak joinery inside with oak boards

and big windows to make the most of

through the three principal reception

those dramatic sea views.

rooms, oak beams in the drawing room

Outside the lovely landscaped gardens

and dining room, plus oak panelling in the

are ideal for relaxing and al fresco

dining room and a solid oak staircase in

entertaining while an old brick pathway

the hall.

lined by exotic tamarind trees leads to the

The impressive contemporary kitchen/

beach. Just perfect.

breakfast room has Scandinaviandesigned timber cabinets, a stainless steel

Pebble Strand, Cooden Beach

range-style cooker with teppanyaki plate

is on the market with Standen

and Hot Rock barbecue, plus American-

Hodgson, Stone Street, Cranbrook

style fridge freezer and polished limestone

01580 713250

floor. An inner hallway leads to a utility

www.standenhodgson.co.uk

and wine cellar.

74 | W W W. S U S S E X S T Y L E . CO M | S E P T E M B E R 2013

S E P T E M B E R 2013 | W W W. S U S S E X S T Y L E . CO M | 75

ORCHARD GATE COMBINES VICTORIAN ELEGANCE WITH 21ST CENTURY COMFORT

T

he Legacy Collection at Orchard

and Chrome Hansgrophe mixer taps. The

and the local town centre offers a good

Gate, Shoreham-by- Sea,

properties also feature oak panelled doors

range of shops, bars and restaurants.

comprises the restoration and

and energy saving gadgets including low

Shoreham Mainline Station is close by –

energy downlighters.

with direct services to London Victoria in

refurbishment of historic buildings by award-winning property developer

Since they were launched earlier this

Crest Nicholson. Orchard Gate’s East

year the properties have been extremely

Lodge, West Lodge and Refectory were

popular with purchasers and there are just

apartment in East Lodge is available

originally built in 1901 and have been

a few properties remaining.

for £194,950. The remaining three-

thoughtfully restored by Crest Nicholson

Christine Tiernan, Sales and Marketing

just over an hour.

The final one-bedroom duplex

bedroom terraced cottage in West Lodge

to retain all their original charm and

director for Crest Nicholson South, said:

is £374,950, while the one- bedroom

character while being given a 21st

“These beautiful refurbished apartments

apartments in the Old Refectory start from

century makeover.

and cottages are a delightful combination

£184,950 and from £274,950 for a two-

of old and new bringing together these

bedroom duplex apartment.

The one, two and three bedroom luxury apartments, duplexes and cottages come

unique, historic buildings with all the

fully equipped with a contemporary

comforts of modern, affordable living.”

kitchen featuring Bosch appliances and

The remaining cottage and one and

Orchard Gate, Shoreham by Sea

co-ordinating granite worktops. The luxury

two bedroom apartments at Orchard Gate

0870 752 4384

bathrooms, designed by Villeroy and Boch,

are only a short walk to the beach and

www.crestnicholson.com/

are elegantly finished with Roman glass

the popular Holmbush shopping centre.

orchardgate

bath screens, Porcelenosa ceramic tiles

Brighton is only a 20 minute drive away

76 | W W W. S U S S E X S T Y L E . CO M | S E P T E M B E R 2013

S E P T E M B E R 2013 | W W W. S U S S E X S T Y L E . CO M | 77

A

HELP TO BUY YOUR NEW HOME

re you a first time buyer or looking

backed loan from the government of 20

to move to a bigger home? Help is

per cent, leaving a 75 per cent mortgage

on hand from a new government-

to be secured through a bank or building

spacious open plan kitchen/dining areas

society mortgage product.

that open on to private rear gardens,

backed initiative enabling you to secure your next step on the housing ladder with just a five per cent deposit.

The Help to Buy scheme has proved

The government’s contribution is completely interest free for five years

and Crosshaven in Lewes.

Each of the properties available feature

perfect for young couples or family-living.

High quality, designer fixtures and

and can be paid back anytime during

fittings all come as standard, as well

to be an extremely popular choice since

this period, or even when the property

as downstairs cloakrooms, fully-fitted

its launch in April this year with over

is sold. All of which makes maintaining

modern kitchens and bathrooms,

12,500 registrations made to date across

mortgage repayments more affordable

garaging and additional parking space.

the country according to the Home

and enables people to consider a home

Builders Federation.

that better suits their needs, but may

incredibly popular so don’t miss out on

previously have been out of their reach.

the chance to buy your new property

It works by enabling buyers to buy a new-build home, up to the value of

Rydon Homes is delighted to offer

Help to Buy is proving to be

with Rydon Homes. Contact us today on

£600,000, with just a five per cent deposit.

Help to Buy at two of its sought-after

01342 827688 or visit

This is then combined with an equity-

developments – Mulberry in Dormansland

www.rydonhomes.co.uk

78 | W W W. S U S S E X S T Y L E . CO M | S E P T E M B E R 2013

CROSSHAVEN, LEWES A traditional development of just seven, three-bedroom extremely well-appointed townhouses in this historic town where you can benefit from the best qualities of both town and country living.

50 per cent sold!

Three bedroom terraced townhouses available from ÂŁ389,950.

MULBERRY, DORMANSLAND A collection of nine new traditionallydesigned two and three-bedroom homes, which providing spacious living accommodation arranged over two or three storeys.

Last one remaining!

Three bedroom terraced house available for ÂŁ349,950.

S E P T E M B E R 2013 | W W W. S U S S E X S T Y L E . CO M | 79

TASTESTYLE

SUSSEX BEER AND CURRY With National Curry Week coming up (7 - 13 October) we asked some of our local breweries which of their beers makes the perfect partner to a curry.

Brighton Blonde, WJ King The sharp citrus hops act as a perfect foil for spice. Best served cold, this is a great thirst-quencher.

Six Hop, Dark Star

SCOFF & STUFF GREEDY SUSSEX FOODIE SAM BILTON ON THIS MONTH’S TASTES AND TREATS

toffee notes and pleasing bitterness make this a great choice with a curry.

Long Blonde, Long Man Brewery A light-coloured golden ale

Grow! Cook! Eat! Celebrity cook and author Mary Berry will

The traditional roast turkey wouldn’t

be the star guest at West Dean’s new garden

be the same without The Loft’s Luxury

event (5 - 6 October) a celebration of the

Cranberry Sauce. Why not round off the

best of the British harvest focussing on

dinner with a Vintage Christmas Pudding

seasonal and locally produced food

from Davenports and a Sussex cheese

www.westdean.org.uk

board including Goodwood Home Farm’s Molecomb Blue? Full details of the county’s

Don’t mention the ‘C’ Word

The tropical fruit aromas, slight

winners at www.greattasteawards.co.uk

with a distinctive hoppy aroma and crisp, clean bitterness on the finish copes well with the heat.

Star of Eastbourne, East India Ale, Harveys

It may be a bit premature to be talking about Christmas, but with so much

Arundel Food Festival

This Pale Ale has a

Sussex produce receiving recognition in

There will be plenty of opportunities to buy

dry palate with good

the Great Taste Awards 2013 you will be

local produce, sample seasonal menus and

bitterness and residual

spoilt for choice when stocking up for the

keep the children entertained during the

sweetness ideal for

festive season. You could start with some

festival which runs 19-27 October

hot, spicy food.

smoked venison from The Weald Smokery.

www.arundelfoodfestival.org.uk

80 | W W W. S U S S E X S T Y L E . CO M | S E P T E M B E R 2 0 1 3

COFFEE BREAK OF THE MONTH Davenports, Herstmonceux Caroline and Lizzie from Davenports

Guess who’s coming to dinner?

Tina Horvath has been running her

Many people find cooking for multiple

supper club business from her home in

scooped four Great Taste Awards

family or friends daunting enough never

Brighton for two years. Like Linda she is not

including one for their brownies.

mind a bunch of strangers. So what

a professional chef but was inspired to set

And they also serve a damn fine cup

motivates someone to host a supper club in

up her supper club and catering business

of coffee.

their own home?

because of her love of food.

“My husband and I went to a supper club

“I adore running my supper club,” says Tina

have a right to be smug. They’ve just

Their coffee is a full bodied blend from Monmouth with a hint

during the Lewes October Feast two years

who cooks dinner for up to 18 guests at a

of smokiness. The bitter edge so

ago,” explains Linda Calvert, a ceramicist

time. “People are surprised to learn I do this

characteristic of this beverage is

who has never cooked professionally. “We

for a living especially when they see the size

soothed by a splash of rich, creamy milk

were impressed and decided to have a go at

of my kitchen.”

from the nearby Northiam dairy.

hosting one ourselves.”

Tina believes the reason supper clubs

With a crisp crust, squidgy middle

work is their informality. It gives individuals

and proper chunks of chocolate, I can

run a supper club during the festival (27

a chance to meet new people and make

confirm that the brownies are on a par

September-6 October) with their friends next

friendships which last beyond the event

with the coffee. Very good indeed.

door. Even with four pairs of hands at work

itself. “A supper club is more like a dinner

Linda confesses that it can get a bit hectic in

party than eating in a restaurant,” said Tina.

their recent success. They cheerfully

the kitchen on the day of the supper. “Luckily

“It’s more intimate and many people can

welcome locals and visitors alike to

the preparation is part of the fun,” she

imagine hosting one themselves.”

their cafe and deli where you can enjoy

This is the second year the Calverts have

laughs. “The whole event from the cooking to the eating is a really social experience.”

And Tina’s advice should you want to

The ladies have not been phased by

great coffee and many more treats

have a go yourself? “Cook food that you

besides those moreish brownies.

Linda’s Middle Eastern themed menu

love,” said Tina. “You want your guests to feel

The Old Bakery, Gardner Street,

is just one of the supper clubs during the

‘at home’, and a relaxed host helps to create

Herstmonceux

festival . Other suppers include a Nordic

a good atmosphere”.

01323 833633

kitchen feast and a dinner inspired by the

www.lewesoctoberfeast.com

www.davenports-ltd.co.uk

food of Ancient Rome.

www.cantinabrighton.wordpress.com S E P T E M B E R 2013 | W W W. S U S S E X S T Y L E . CO M | 81

TASTESTYLE

LUNCH IN RYE IS AMBRETTE REALLY THE BEST INDIAN RESTAURANT IN THE SOUTHEAST? SAM BILTON FINDS OUT

I

t is obvious from the moment you

‘sandwich’ stuffed with spinach and paneer:

a crisp samosa with a dreamily melting

walk into The Ambrette that executive

delicious morsels and a nice touch to

chocolate filling; a refreshing passion fruit

chef Dev Biswal has worked hard to

the dining experience. As for the starter

and pomegranate yoghurt-based dessert

differentiate his restaurant from the

itself: grilled chicken can easily become

called a shrikhand and a classic creme brulée

legions of curry houses we have in Sussex.

dry, but these emerald nuggets, drizzled

lightly perfumed with rose and vanilla. All

The fragrant aroma of spices hangs in the

with a contrasting vivid orange tamarind

were delightful and surprisingly light.

air, but the decor in this Grade II listed

sauce, were juicy and tender. The spiced

building whispers understated elegance

coating produced a gentle heat and the

Indian in the South-East awarded by curry

and lacks the brashness associated with

accompanying sweet and sour greengage

aficionado and author of The Cobra Good

many Indian restaurants.

chutney could give any decent mango

Curry Guide, Pat Chapman? The innovative

chutney a run for its money.

menu makes it difficult to compare with other

Neither does The Ambrette’s menu resemble that of your standard curry house. Tikka

So does The Ambrette merit the title of Best

The food at The Ambrette is presented

Indian restaurants and if you are a stickler for

masalas and vindaloos have been banished.

impeccably. Even the mustard-flecked South

the Anglicised interpretation of a curry then

One of my neighbouring diners described the

Indian beef stew looked refined in its china

this isn’t the place for you. However, if the idea

food to her companion as “local fare with an

bowl with a side of perfectly fashioned

of an interesting fusion of local produce with

Indian twang”. This is an apt description of a

mango and coconut chutney quenelles,

an Indian twang excites you, then pay The

menu on which locally sourced sausages sit

steamed alexander stems and masala

Ambrette a visit.

comfortably next to biryani.

potatoes garnished with a poppadom

Before my starter of chicken marinated

tuile. The stew could have packed more

The Ambrette Restaurant at Rye

in wild garlic and coriander arrived my

of a punch, but that didn’t stop me from

High Street, Rye

waiter ushered in two small appetisers.

mopping up the fragrant gravy with the

01797 222043

The first was a cube of spiced paneer with

puffy herb speckled naan.

www.theambrette.co.uk

a pea chutney followed by an aubergine 82 | W W W. S U S S E X S T Y L E . CO M | S E P T E M B E R 2013

An assiette of desserts to finish included

Fox Goes Free 17th century pub and restaurant with low beamed ceilings, inglenook fireplaces and brick floors, Charlton 01243 811461 www.thefoxgoesfree.com The Royal Oak Inn 18th century whitewashed inn with rooms, East Lavant 01243 527434 www.royaloakeastlavant.co.uk

LOOKING FOR A STAR TURN? SECRET DINER VISITS STAR & GARTER IN EAST DEAN

I

“

s that the landlord?” I whisper, “He

start from – is that £45? But they do

Dean pigeon which comes with strips

looks more like a country gent in his

include lobster.

of bacon and a flavoursome salad that

rust chinos and checked shirt!”

We’ve arrived at the Star & Garter in

For starters I order a chilled soup of pea

includes cherry tomatoes and radish. It

and mint (slightly out of my comfort zone

is, like all the other dishes, a generous

the village of East Dean, a village clustered

as I’m not keen on chilled soups or peas,

plateful. Both feeling full we share dessert:

around a pretty village green with pond and

but I saw someone else supping this and

strawberries with a Pimm’s syrup and

weeping willow, just north of Goodwood.

thought… mmmm looks nice), and he has

Devon clotted cream.

The flint-fronted building is a little austere

baked mini camembert with plum chutney.

With mains at £15 each the bill weighs

but inside is a pleasing mix of exposed

Both are accompanied by a good-sized

in at around £55, but if we had both had

herringbone brickwork and assorted

basket of ‘artisan’ breads.

dessert and a glass of wine to drink (he had

stripped and scrubbed wooden tables

My soup is a success. It is creamy, pea-

a pint of Stowford’s cider and I had sparkling

and chairs. Blackboards of varying sizes are

sweet and mint-fresh. His camembert is

water), the cost would have been nudging

written up with specials - whether food,

baked to just-runny loveliness. Mains: it

£70. Fair enough as the portions were

cider or ales. This looks encouraging.

has to be Selsey crab for me which comes

generous, the service was friendly and the

ungarnished except for half a lemon

surrondings pleasant, but I still have a feeling

enjoy an end-of-summer day. There’s a

(too good to be messed about with) and

it is a bit on the pricey side and the village

flagstone terrace with heaters and slate

densely packed into its shell. There is a

pub competition is fierce in these parts.

roofed gazebo and beyond that a part-walled

robust heap of salad, a dish of homemade

garden with trees and picnic benches.

coleslaw and another of too tangy lemon

The Star & Garter

We are determined to eat outside and

For me the menu is on the pricey side

mayonnaise which tasted a tad synthetic

East Dean

for a country pub – perhaps because it

to me, and a big bowl of buttery new

01243 811318

specialises in fish and seafood, including

potatoes which we share. He has gone

www.starandgarter.co.uk

local catches. Seafood platters for sharing

for a warm salad of rich, dark gamey East S E P T E M B E R 2013 | W W W. S U S S E X S T Y L E . CO M | 83

TASTESTYLE

CHECK OUT…

TASTESTYLE

Merkeba

The Cocktail Craze BRIGHTON’S BEST BARS FOR COCKTAILS, PICKED BY NORMAN MILLER

The Black Dove

THE BLACK DOVE

decorated walls and image banks displaying

barkeep Breno – (organic) cachaca shaken

A mix of quirky distinctiveness and

groovy graphics.

hard with orange, cucumber, lime and

sophistication like Brighton itself. The wood-

While the showiness means it’s a draw

panelling and riot of art/paraphernalia strike

for trendy young things and older stylistas,

Seattle Hotel, Brighton Marina

a sumptuous-but-sexy note, and one glance

folk who are focused on the quality of the

01273 679799 hotelseattlebrighton.com

at the back bar tells you this is a place for

cocktails rather than the look of the place

serious sipping. Owner/head barkeep

won’t be disappointed with a long list that

BOHEMIA

Wil(liam) Howell oversees a short but sharp

augments decent takes on a host of classics

The décor ain’t glitzy but the cocktails

cocktail list, including rarely-seen standout

with novel creations like the King of New

make up for that with showy style in this

classics like the absinthe-infused Sazerac

York (Jim Beam, port, raspberry puree,

Brighton temple to molecular mixing.

with novel takes on classics like the Maple

lemon and sugar) and the Genever-vanilla-

You want cocktails that smoke or foam

Manhattan (maple syrup, bourbon, bitters

egg white joy of a Harry’s Holland Fizz.

(courtesy of dry ice, foams and stuff )

and vermouth), all mixed with elan and

MyHotel, Jubilee Street 01273 900300

then this is the place. Favourites include

friendly warmth.

merkababrighton.com

Brighton Rock Clover (cognac, lemon

palm sugar.

juice, peach liquor, fresh raspberries

The Dove also offers a brilliant array of global ales, an all-organic wine list, plus damn

SEATTLE

with a rose foam – served with Brighton

fine music – not too loud, always good. Soak

Grab a pew in this cosy space for the

Rock candy!) and a Smoked Coffee Old-

up the booze by having dinner brought to

best view of any bar in Brighton (or even

Fashioned which will either give you a

your table from the Thai restaurant next door

Britain), high above the marina looking out

hangover or cure it - Jim Beam meets

– that’s what I call service.

to the ocean blue, whether you choose to

homemade coffee bean and cardamom

St James’s Street, Brighton 01273 671119

sit on the spacious deck outside or snuggle

infused Demerara and bitters, served

blackdovebrighton.com

down into the chic-but-comfy chairs inside.

smoking from a coffee percolator! But

But they don’t just count on the views to

they do simple-clever too; leave space for

MERKEBA

make punters happy – there’s good mixing

a Bohemia 75 - Portobello gin and fresh

Merkaba treads a fine line between flashy

here, from a list combining well-chosen

lemon juice with a drop of Absinthe and

and trashy with its South Coast take on an

classics (always a joy to knock back a

sugar syrup, topped with champagne.

oligarch’s favourite watering hole – 10-metre

Negroni) with a host of house creations. We

Meeting House Lane 01273 777 770

long gold bar, aquarium, glitteringly

recommend the Tropicalia from Brazilian

bohemiabrighton.co.uk

84 | W W W. S U S S E X S T Y L E . CO M | S E P T E M B E R 2 0 1 3

Bohemia

S E P T E M B E R 2013 | W W W. S U S S E X S T Y L E . CO M | 85

DRIVESTYLE

PASSING GO SEPTEMBER IS A TIME OF NEW REGISTRATIONS AND NEW DRIVERS ON THE ROAD. OUR WOMAN ON WHEELS ANNIE OULTON SUGGESTS BEST WHEELS FOR NEWBIES

A

t this time of year passing the

choice it is quite a job to make sense of the

driving test is as important in

crowded marketplace.

most young people’s minds as attaining a satisfactory set of

The cars that are most popular right

ascendant in the West, too.

The new registration kicks in at the beginning of September. It is probably no

now generally fall into the category of

surprise that Ford has topped the list of

academic results in terms of mapping out

well-known and reliable. The Volkswagen

best-selling motors again with their Focus

their future and their horizons.

Polo is much in evidence, parked in serried

and Fiesta ranges. But with its keen pricing

ranks outside people’s homes this summer,

and seven year guarantee, when choosing

as well as the Ford Fiesta and a smattering

a first car for your young person, the Kia

If, as in our case, you happen to live out in the wilds of the countryside, five miles from the nearest station, independent mobility is paramount to getting a job, seeing your friends and getting out from under your parents’ feet - all fairly essential for maintaining a sense of well-being and

❝

AS A PARENT, OF COURSE, THE MOST IMPORTANT THING IS TO ENSURE YOUR CHILD IS GOING TO BE SAFE ON THE ROAD

of little Fiats. The one that has popped

Rio presents strong competition, especially

up with surprising regularity, but may be

with its lower insurance premiums

less well known, is the Kia Rio. This Korean

compared to the 6 or 7 band level for the

important thing is to ensure your child

supermini is worth more than a cursory

Fiesta. The Fiesta 1 litre can boast the below

is going to be safe on the road, and in

glance. Indeed Kia literally translated means:

100g/km required to be exempt from road

a vehicle that is both manageable and

Ki ‘to rise up out of’ with the ‘a’ standing for

tax, and at 80 bhp it will happily kick on

affordable to run. There’s such a plethora of

Asia. At present its star seems to be on the

along the motorway, but the Kia has the

purposefulness.

As a parent, of course, the most

86 | W W W. S U S S E X S T Y L E . CO M | S E P T E M B E R 2013

edge on even lower car emissions and greater fuel economy.

In terms of parent appeal, however,

option for the new generation.

In many ways comparable to the VW

fog lights and USB for connecting your MPG player. It is one of the cleanest non-electric

Polo or the Vauxhall Corsa, it cannot really

cars in the UK, with the 1.1 litre version’s

the Fiesta seems to have been designed

compete with the Fiesta in terms of the

stop start version making it extremely

with the young person in mind, with its

pure fun of driving. The gear box is solid

economical. Being exempt from road tax

programmable ignition key, which can be

and the body roll well-controlled, but the

and with low insurance premiums it is

pre-set to control certain parameters, such as

steering is not a patch on the Fiesta. From

easy to see why it is quite so popular with

limiting the top speed, muting the audio until

a parent’s point of view being not so fast

city dwellers and young drivers alike, and

the seat belts are fastened and preventing

– 11.1 seconds in 0-62 mph - may be an

certainly provides tough competition for

the ESP system from being disabled. It has

advantage, as well as its thoroughly reliable

the likes of Renault Clio, Peugeot 207, Toyota

seven airbags and a reasonably spacious

performance on the motorway.

Yaris, VW Polo and Ford Fiesta, all of which

front cabin and, crucially, retains its position

The interior of the Kia provides ample space,

as top of the league for its road handling and

even for the taller driver, with a particularly

economy performance.

comfortable front cabin, and with useful

However the Kia is a serious competitor

would be in a parental survey of possible first cars for a young person just setting out.

There is no getting away, however, that

storage space above the heating control

even though there may be some classier

in the field for the first time driver.

panel at the front for mobile phones, keys and

and better equipped superminis for the

Introduced in 2011 with contemporary

wallets, and a door bin able to hold a large

young, and certainly some cheaper ones,

styling, generous space and a decent

water bottle. Also, its tight turning circle makes

for me the Fiesta is hard to beat in terms of

engine range – two diesels, 1.1 and 1.4,

parking a doddle, and with a boot capacity of

enjoyment and will undoubtedly hold its

and two petrols 1.25 and 1.4 - it has a

288 litres it matches the Fiesta exactly.

resale value in a way that others may not.

range of options to offer. The smaller 74

The great advantage of the Kia Rio has

bhp diesel is one of the lowest emission

to be value for money, coming in at £2,000

on fuel, and available widely with massive

cars on the road at 85g/km and therefore

less than the Fiesta on the 2 model, at

discounts, it has to be the main contender

road tax exempt, and its stylish grid and

£9,995, and with a spec list including electric

when it comes to putting your young

distinctive creases make it an appealing

windows, air conditioning, Bluetooth, front

person on the road. Check it out. ■

And being so competitively priced and easy

S E P T E M B E R 2013 | W W W. S U S S E X S T Y L E . CO M | 87

OPINIONSTYLE

HIGH DRAMA ON THE HIGH STREET IS A REVOLUTION TAKING PLACE AMONG THE COFFEE SHOPS, ASKS EMMA PIPER

S

trolling through many of Sussex’s town centres recently, I can’t

chain stores pulled out.

And it is the café culture that is

an update on progress since her Review, launched two years ago. Defending her

help but notice that despite

burgeoning with coffee shops becoming

efforts amid complaints that high streets

predictions of its imminent

the fastest growing small businesses on the

continue to suffer during the economic

demise, the high street is looking healthy.

high street. According to the Local Data

downturn as national chains pull out and

But they’re buzzing to a different tune – the

Company the number of boutique coffee

supermarkets continue to expand, Mary

frothing sound of the coffee-maker. Our

shops in Britain’s top 500 town centres grew

Portas said it would take years to revive the

high streets are in the midst of a revolution

by nearly 500 per cent in the first half of this

high street and it was unfair to judge pilot

as traditional shops are being replaced by

year compared with last year.

towns yet. It must also be remembered that

service providers such as coffee shops, tea

I’m all for a revolution that turns the high

the government could come in for criticism

rooms, nailbars, beauty salons, barbers and

street into a social hub that’s better placed to

as only a few of her recommendations have

mobile phone outlets.

meet the demands of today’s lifestyles. How

been put into action.

For despite clothing stores, shoe shops and

many home workers have you seen set up

Michael Weedon added: “A one-shot

newsagents shutting at a record rate (nearly

their laptops in their local coffee house, not

solution to try to solve the problems is not

200 closed countrywide in the first half of

only to tap into the free wi-fi, but to enjoy

what’s needed. We think addressing the

this year, about the same number as in the

that energising vibe that is rarely enjoyed in

longer term issues by rewriting the way that

whole of 2012 according to a recent report

the home office or at the kitchen table?

business rates work will enable the high

from the Independent Retailers Association

Meanwhile calls for the government

street to change sustainably.”

and research company Local Data Company),

to reassess business rates to prevent the

the total number of independent outlets has

emerging swell of new independents

Consortium agrees: “There is growing

actually crept up by 0.4 per cent.

dissipating continues to gather pace amidst

consensus that the business rates

a bit of a spat between Bill Grimsey, veteran

system is no longer fit for purpose and a

No longer will shopping be the primary

retail boss and Mary Portas, Queen of Shops.

complete reform of it would be the single

reason to visit a town centre. Matthew

He is leading a group of industry experts

most important step towards reviving our

Hopkinson, director of Local Data Company,

who have put together an alternative

high streets.”

said: “We are seeing the death of traditional

review to that of Mary Portas, producing

shops and the rise of services which offer

a programme of 31 recommendations

cappuccino… although, actually, for those

the personal touch.”

including a revamp of business rates. His

of us on a health kick and attempting to

This is a fundamental structural change.

Michael Weedon, deputy chief executive

Helen Dickinson of the British Retail

I’m all for that. In the meantime mine’s a

report (not dissimilar to the Portas Review)

reduce our caffeine intake, is there any

of the Independent Retailers Association,

was released as Mary Portas appeared

possibility of some independent juice bars

added that independent stores were

in front of a parliamentary committee at

instead? In which case make mine carrot

leading change in town centres as the big

the beginning of this month to provide

and spinach.

88 | W W W. S U S S E X S T Y L E . CO M | S E P T E M B E R 2013

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OPINIONSTYLE

THE BACK PAGE DANIEL RAVEN TALKS SEAGULLS

S

eagulls (herring gulls if you want

a pillowcase full of teddy bears at the back

aggrieved by my loss – to say nothing of

to be picky, but fortunately I

of my head; I became aware of a sudden

the thought that some seagull’s ‘junk’ had

don’t) are Brighton’s oldest and

confusion of white around my face as my

just been all over my head. I don’t mind

most recognisable natives. Their

head was knocked forward, then looked up

admitting that I’ve never knowingly fed a

distinctive cries are as much a part of the

to see – O infamous day! – three gnarled,

gull from that day to this. But I refuse to

fabric of our daily lives as the bellows and

spiny seagull toes raking through my

become one of these odd-bods who think

whoops of stag/hen parties, and they don’t

painstakingly engineered ketchup river.

they should all be shot and call for anyone

generate anywhere near as much vomit. But

He hadn’t got what he came for, but

they can be just as aggressive when it comes

he had managed to knock my glasses off.

to stealing food or protecting their own,

Picking them up, I turned to my niece (who

and this summer has seen them attacking at least three times as many people as usual.

The natives are getting restless!

My own close encounter of the bird kind occurred a couple of years ago on the Palace (we don’t say Brighton) Pier. I’d just bought

❝

who does feed them to be prosecuted.

It turns out that the rise in seagull attacks this year has actually been caused by all this

THEIR DISTINCTIVE CRIES ARE AS MUCH A PART OF THE FABRIC OF OUR DAILY LIVES AS THE BELLOWS AND WHOOPS OF STAG/HEN PARTIES

was still speechless with amazement) and

weird weather we’ve been having. Because

a hot dog (no doubt the more sensitive

said, “Well, at least my glasses are all...” But

spring was so cold, the birds bred later in

among you are already recoiling in horror,

then, of course, one of the lenses pinged out

the year, which meant they were still trying

but I’m afraid worse is to come) and was

of its frame. High, high into the air it pinged,

to feed and protect their chicks when the

feeling slightly put out by the way the staff

seemingly in slow motion... I wanted to

coach parties pulled into town. When they

at the concession stand had sniggered at

try catching it, but just knew that if I did it

attack us, then, they’re simply being good

me. It wasn’t the sort of sniggering I normally

would almost certainly bounce off my hand

parents – and you wouldn’t shoot someone

get, always and wherever I go; it was more

and fall into the sea – whereas the chances

for that, would you? We should respect the

measured and somehow... expectant.

of it falling through a gap in the planks when

fact that they came to the table long before

it landed had to be a million to one...

us, and need to scratch a living just like

I turned around, walked three steps and lifted the tempting treat (I believe it was

It fell through a gap in the planks. The

anyone else.

a jumbo) up towards my mouth... then

lads at the hot dog stand were wetting

Daniel Raven is more freely available at

THUMP. It was as if someone had swung

themselves, as was my niece. I felt deeply

www.danielraven.com.

90 | W W W. S U S S E X S T Y L E . CO M | S E P T E M B E R 2013

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