Calista presents a beautiful way of life, occupying a commanding position on the south-east corner of highly sought-after Grand Avenue.
With almost all of Calista’s apartments now sold our buyers are preparing to make Calista their home - waking up to glorious everchanging sea views, entertaining friends and family with al fresco dinners on their balconies and relaxing in their brand new opulent homes.
If you are searching for a relaxing, rejuvenating place to call home, get in touch with our New Homes team to make one of the remaining five apartments at Calista your new home.
EDITOR
MARK KEBBLE
ART DIRECTOR PAWEL KUBA
SENIOR DESIGNERS MIKE ROBERTS SUZETTE SCOBLE
MIDWEIGHT DESIGNER CARMEN GRAHAM JUNIOR DESIGNER JOE MUNSEY
PRODUCTION MANAGER DANICA BRODIE
GROUP SALES MANAGER - SOUTH ABIGAIL GARDNER
SENIOR MEDIA CONSULTANT DARREN TINDAL
FINANCIAL DIRECTOR JERRIE KOLECI
CREDIT CONTROL MANAGER ALEXANDRA HVID
DIRECTORS
CRAIG DAVIES, LEAH DAY, JAMES FUSCHILLO
NON-EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR ALEXANDRA HUNTER MANAGING DIRECTOR SHERIF SHALTOUT
Iwas racking my brains when it came to this first editor's letter for 2023. In a moment of reflection, I suddenly realised I have never made a new year's resolution. I find the idea slightly pointless as it feels like many head into January with all the best intentions in the world, but once the cold, dark days take hold, resolve simply ebbs away. My solution? Make resolutions throughout the year. There will always be something that crops up in life that you want to improve on, so don't wait till 1 January to do something about it. Or, perhaps even better, watch others do amazing things instead.
Our lead profile this month, Nick Ede, is a case in point. TV presenter, charity campaigner, PR guru... There isn't much this Rye local hasn't given a go. We look back at his eclectic career to date and find out why 2023 may be bigger than ever for him.
For those keen on a fitness kick, make sure you read our interview with celebrity personal trainer, and Sussex local, Matt Hodges. He has a new book out, which shows the lengths some people go to change their appearance (or take the necessary shortcuts to do it). It's a wonderful read and will make you feel much better about yourself.
Happy new year!
1MARK KEBBLE EDITOR
Nick Ede
The entrepreneur and TV presenter on a thirst for new launches (p14)
These luxurious and sustainable candlesticks are hand-crafted from reclaimed table legs and gilded in genuine royal blue dyed silver leaf. £140 webbandgray.com
COS has partnered with Fair Isle knitwear designer Mati Ventrillon to create a range of sweaters with a minimalist take on traditional patterns. £79 cos.com
The Statement Imola chair upholstered in Blue Frisco Fabric is available to buy at BoConcept. Prices from £2,629 boconcept.co.uk
Breakfast is Bella Freud's favourite meal, so she has launched a range of egg cups and side plates especially for mornings. From £75 matchesfashion.com
Featuring bold aquatic tones and dotted in gold, these Panconesi earrings add a sense of magnifi cence to the simple stud. £445 koibird.com
Bitossi Ceramiche's iconic blue cat is an enduring beautiful ceramic piece with a lavish glaze. £180 farfetch.com
For a look that says outdoorsy but stylish, you'll need one of Wylding's fl eece-lined boilersuits. Designed for all-weather swimmers, these are simple and practical pieces – and they look great too. £160 wylding.co.uk
Waves is Beja's bestselling bra and we love it with a matching brief in this Deep Ocean shade, £65 beija.london
The mysterious, smoky character of Jo Malone London's Oud & Bergamot is hypnotic and alluring, radiating with the clarity of crisp bergamot and orange. £145 jomalone.co.uk
The Hermes Nantucket is a small stainless steel, alligator and diamond watch, £6,580 net-a-porter.com
Go behind the scenes and enjoy a fascinating introduction to Towner Eastbourne’s impressive collection of over 5,000 works in their bespoke art store. Starting with the original Victorian bequest, your tour will then cover works by artists such as Eric Ravilious, Duncan Grant, Sandra Blow, and Tacita Dean. Work pictured: Gertrude Hermes, Undercurrents, 1938. townereastbourne.org.uk
To celebrate next year’s 50th anniversary of Mike Oldfield’s Tubular Bells, the multimillion-selling album will be performed live in concert for a celebratory UK tour. Tubular Bells is world-renowned as one of the most celebrated examples of music in film for its soundtracking of horror classic, The Exorcist. Its legacy was cemented with Oldfield’s performance of the album’s main theme at the iconic London 2012 Olympics Opening Ceremony. brightondome.org
This fashion show will be promoting local and upcoming artists in and around the South East. With the theme of 'Opulence', the designers are open to any interpretation. It’s the perfect show for beginners and those with an eye for fashion and art.
allevents.in
ARRIVAL From Sweden comes to the Brighton Centre, featuring original ABBA musicians and the Royal Philharmonic Concert Orchestra. ARRIVAL From Sweden is the most successful ABBA show touring the world today. It has been performed with almost 100 symphony orchestras, which all together has given them the reputation as the world’s greatest ABBA show. brightoncentre.co.uk
Until 12 March HASTINGS
CONTEMPORARY
To celebrate its tenth anniversary, Hastings Contemporary will present Making Waves, a special alumni exhibition appropriately bringing ten artworks by ten of Britain’s most astonishingly talented artists, all of whom have exhibited in the gallery over this last decade, including Chantal Jo e, Rose Wylie, Maggi Hambling and Sir Quentin Blake. hastingscontemporary.org
hat does looking at the world through the lens of a kaleidoscope reveal? Fractured, abstract images, unexpected patterns and beautiful symmetry. Looking at her existing work in this way inspired artist and wood engraver Anne Desmet to think afresh about ideas of time and change. She uses print to depict the evolution of urban landscapes across the globe. pallant.org.uk
31 January
CHALK, BRIGHTON
Psychedelic rockers Kula Shaker are heading on their first UK tour in six years. This live concert is in support of Kula Shaker’s new album, 1st Congregational Church Of Eternal Love and Free Hugs. Their most inspired album in years is a firebrand double-album, energised with an assured display of vehemence and songcraft that spills over with 15 blazing songs of cross-genre sonics and a renewed super confidence. chalkvenue.com
Roald Dahl’s classic 1988 tale of a bookworm’s quiet rebellion was already a hit stage show – now the creatives behind the West End smash bring Matilda to the big screen with more jokes, new songs, added naughtiness and an extra helping of A-list stars. Newcomer Alisha Weir plays the lead.
Set more than a decade after the events of the first film, Avatar: The Way Of Water begins to tell the story of the Sully family (Jake, Neytiri, and their children), the trouble that follows them, the lengths they go to keep each other safe, the battles they fight to stay alive and the tragedies they endure.
The joyous, emotional and heartbreaking celebration of the life and music of Whitney Houston, the greatest female R&B pop vocalist of all time. Tracking her journey from obscurity to musical super stardom, this is a must see for any Whitney fan. cinema.thesussexexchange.co.uk
Many people start a new year with a sudden burst of inspiration, a desire to try something new or to make a difference in someone else’s life. When it comes to Nick Ede, I feel like he has these feelings on a daily basis. “I just love doing things that I hope will make a difference,” he says with a modest shrug. “I've always had that in me and I like to inspire and encourage, and I believe if you have a platform then use it to help and educate.”
You know he means it when you look at his career highlights. He is a multi award-winning TV presenter and popular culture commentator and philanthropist. He is also the founder of the awardwinning East Of Eden PR, Style For Stroke Foundation, The Fashion Run and imPODster Syndrome Podcast, and in 2021 Nick co-founded We Are Fabulous TV, a
production company with Jaine Brent. This has all come after over 15 years of TV experience and several exciting roles under his belt – but it all started with acting up.
“I love acting and have – and still – want to act,” he smiles. “I was in all the school plays when I was younger and my mother had been a performer and took me weekly to see shows and I loved reading plays. I tried to go straight into drama school once I left school, but I was too young so I waited a year and ended up going to a place called Bretton Hall, which was like a real life fame school. I studied a degree there for three years and loved it. I left and went to London thinking that I would become a star. I didn’t realise how hard that would actually be! I then got into ticketing and marketing the shows… I still have a desire to act, but learning the craft has allowed me to be able to tell stories and communicate both in TV and in PR too.”
You wouldn’t put it past Nick considering the many strings to his bow. “I've always
thought that unlike the phrase ‘jack of all trades, master of none’, you actually can be a master of more than one thing and that’s how I've always been,” he says. “I love working on different projects: some of them work, some of them fail, but all of them fulfil me and the people around me when working on them.”
He was 30 when he left his job to work in TV, starting from the bottom rung, but was soon asked to co-host a daytime show called The Russell Grant Show on Sky One – and he hasn’t looked back since when it comes to the small screen. Despite this success, he decided to launch East of Eden PR, which in journalism circles has always been an agency with a knack for making a story work.
“We have had many highlights creating campaigns for charities and brands,” Nick looks back. “I love fashion so have always enjoyed working with Lipsy, Spanx and Little Mistress. My most recent favourite has been working with Recycle Your Electricals – we have created some very memorable
When it comes to innovative ideas, Nick Ede is ahead of the pack. The Rye local explains where his drive comes from and why he still dreams of the stage
“I love doing things that I hope will make a difference”
moments encouraging people to look at their small waste electricals and reuse, recycle and donate too. We created a giant toaster in Westfield and dressed Girls Aloud star Nicola Roberts in a dress created out of waste electrical wires to highlight the waste issues.”
Does he have a favourite initiative? “I am most proud of the Fashion Run,” he responds. “I came up with it while walking with my neighbour Susie when the Olympic Park had just been built. It kept on bubbling in my head and then during lockdown I decided to look at a virtual race where people could donate and do a 5k dressed up in their favourite clothes and raise money for a charity close to them. The reaction was great. In 2023 we are going to create a real life event and pilot it at Regent’s Park in London with a view to rolling it out worldwide. I love the idea of looking good, feeling good and doing good – and this idea does it all.”
Something that is really close to his heart is the Style For Stroke Foundation. “My mother passed away when I was 23 from a stroke. It devastated me and led me to want to
spend my spare time looking at ways to raise money and awareness of stroke,” he explains. “I have spent the past 25 years campaigning and creating noise about stroke. Style For Stroke uses fashion as a way of educating and fundraising. I also work with Alexandra Burke on an annual fundraiser called the Spring Ball. Our next one will be in March 2023 and I cannot wait. Stroke is the fourth biggest killer in the world and the biggest cause of disability, and people need to know more about it.”
With that and his We Are Fabulous TV, you can expect to be hearing plenty more from Nick Ede as 2023 progresses – but as always, he is thinking of others while he is busy creating new things. “I hope that it'll be a fruitful year,” he says of 2023, “and more than ever I hope that people will support charities and foundations. I know it's going to be harder economically, but the kind support from others and their generosity can really change and save lives.” If you are still looking for inspiration, then look no further.
nickedetv.com
How long have you lived in Rye and what do you love about it?
During the pandemic I was living in London with my husband and we were getting claustrophobic living in the city so decided to look around. We had looked at lots of places and had visited Rye once. We decided that this was the perfect place to buy. We have been here for a year and a half now and are loving every minute of it.
Where are your favourite places?
Soap and Salvation in Rye is a fabulous renovated space that sells wonderful interior objects. Barry and Jo who run it are so knowledgeable.
If you are looking to stay in and around Rye then I highly recommend the house Tongs that is on the cliff. It's so beautiful and sleeps 12 people.
I was brought up in Brighton during the summers as my family had a home there. I always love going back there and nothing beats Wolfies, which is on the Brighton / Hove border. I love a good fish supper with vinegar and salt post swim!
By DENISE TYLER
Q Both The Smallest Man and That Bonesetter Woman are based on real and quite unique figures from history. How restrictive is that when you’re writing historical fiction?
A It restricts you a lot. The Civil War, which The Smallest Man is set against, is potentially a really boring subject. It’s full of politics, religion, battles and factions and there are long periods where nothing happened. Trying to get those events into a story is a nightmare: you have to fit those events in, but you want the structure and narrative of a novel. My rule was always that if something was documented as having happened, I couldn’t change that, but if something I wanted to happen might feasibly have happened, and it was a small thing, then I was OK with that. It’s not a history book, it’s a story. You’re only hearing what Nat’s interested in [Nat Davy, the eponymous 'Smallest Man'] because it’s first person. If you met Nat at the end of his life in the village inn and he started telling you his life story, which he probably would, these are the things he would remember. That meant I could leave a lot of the boring stuff out.
Q You’ve been described as writing from the heart. Do you agree?
A I like books to have a heart; if I’m reading a book and I think that I don’t care about these people, I don’t care if I turn the page and they all fall off a cliff and die, that’s when I know to give up on a book. It might be beautifully written, it might have a great plot, but if I don’t care about the characters then it’s not for me. With Endurance Proudfoot [That Bonesetter Woman] I wanted to explore how we have all been in that situation where we don’t fit; we don’t know the right thing to say or we look wrong. I’m thinking about what will make you care about this person, what makes them vulnerable and what makes us relate to them.
Q You’re a big ABBA fan and hid three ABBA song titles in The Smallest Man. Has anybody found them all?
A I’ll let you into a secret – it turns out I
hid six! I tweeted about it and someone pointed out that Arrival could be in there so I did a search for all the ABBA songs and there were actually six. So it seems I’m putting them in there without even thinking about it! I dedicated The Smallest Man to ABBA as I learned a lot from their attitude to writing music. For all the years when there was no ABBA, Benny went to his studio Monday to Friday, nine to five, and made music. He said that on a lot of those days, nothing useful comes and it’s like sitting outside a cave waiting for a dragon to come out. There will be many days when the dragon doesn’t come out, but if you don’t sit there, you’ll miss it when it does. That’s exactly what writing is like.
Q Why did you decide to move to Brighton and what do you like best about it?
A We were in Tunbridge Wells before and we used to come down here all the time for days out and really loved it. I felt that Brighton would have more of a creative community and it does; you can’t throw a stone in Brighton without hitting a writer! Generally, Brighton is a very friendly, open minded place; you could walk down the street with a teapot on your head and no one would say anything. I don’t, but it’s good to know I could if I wanted to!
Q Where are your favourite places to go in the area?
A I like to sit on the beach, summer and winter, watch the waves and eavesdrop on people’s conversations. I really love the undercliff walk to Rottingdean; there’s a café in the middle and a café at the end! I also
love the North Laine area and discovering the lovely cafes, restaurants and pubs that are here. We sometimes drive up to Devil’s Dyke and enjoy the view with a picnic. We even did a tour of Shoreham Port on a boat as I’m a bit of a nerd about logistics; they explain all about what they unload where, where the ships have come from. It’s a huge place. They take tonnes of fish guts directly past the private beach at Millionaire's Row every day, but Brighton is full of those lovely contradictions.
Q What period of history can we expect for novel number three?
A It’s set in Edwardian times and it involves the Titanic. So I’m jumping forward about a century with every book!
Twitter: @franquinn Instagram: @franquinn21more
“I learned a lot from ABBA's attitude to writing music”FRANCES LOVES ABBA BRIGHTON PIER THE VIEW AT DEVIL'S DYKE
Q How does it feel to be part of the KURIOS family?
A KURIOS is a very special show. We’re a cast and crew of 122 from 27 different nationalities and it’s an honour to be part of such a creative and brilliant team. I’ve been with Cirque du Soleil for 13 years now, working on a few different shows including Amaluna and CORTEO, and I joined KURIOS as Artistic Director back in 2016. My job is to oversee everything artistic on the show: I work with stage management, wardrobe, coaches and performance medicine, who are all experts in their fields, along with 50 world class artists.
Q Can you tell us a little about the show?
A KURIOS is a show that really celebrates the imagination. We follow the journey of a scientist, who believes that a hidden, invisible
world exists. Set in the second half of the 19th century during the industrial revolution, the show takes aesthetic inspiration from this era, which was a time of great invention. It’s about the capacity to invent and dream, and we want people to leave the show feeling like anything is possible.
A Every Cirque du Soleil show is different, and KURIOS is no exception. There are acts in our show that can’t be seen anywhere else in the world. An example of this is Acro-Net… imagine it like the world’s largest trampoline. The inspiration for this act actually came from the safety net of a trapeze act on another show, which was a bit too bouncy. The creative minds took this as an opportunity to explore something never been done before, so for Acro-Net they made a net even more bouncy, to allow a team of six acrobats to propel another performer up 45ft in the air. It’s a thrill to watch and a huge crowd pleaser, when audiences realise what’s happening you can hear the excitement. Much like the show, this idea that just because something doesn’t exist yet, it doesn’t mean it can’t be dreamt up and made a reality.
Q
A We have a technical team who are in charge of everything from rigging and automation, to lighting sound, carpentry and props. KURIOS has the most props of any
Cirque du Soleil show, 426 at creation, but we’ve also added a few more along the way! Their attention to detail is incredible, from big to small. We have a mechanical hand used in the show, which weighs about 750lbs and is driven by two artists underneath to drive the hand forward, and allow the fingers to move and come to life. Then we have wardrobe, who are a team that collectively maintain over 8,000 costume pieces – it’s phenomenal. The artists also do all their own makeup, which can take anywhere from 45 minutes to 2 hours every day.
Q What’s your favourite part of KURIOS?
A That’s a tough question! Acts like Acro-Net, Rola Bola and Aerial Bike are wonderfully acrobatic, but there’s moments of real beauty that come from simplicity too. Continent of Hands is a very special act, where an artist creates a world just with his hands. It’s projected onto a hot air balloon so everyone can see the magic. His grandmother and grandfather were deaf, so they communicated with their hands, and he learnt this craft from them. Non verbal communication is a wonderful part of what we do and what makes our show so accessible wherever we go.
by Clarence Court
Each freshly laid Clarence Court egg is unique. These colourful treasures are patiently laid by traditional breed birds originating from rare breed ancestors. Their heritage gives them a unique hue and flavour reminiscent of a bygone era. For eggs how they should be, simply look for the crown.
Since opening in Brighton & Hove, etch. by Steven Edwards has rightly won plaudits for its unique tasting menus and high quality food. Now, the chef/ restaurateur has opened Ink, a speakeasy bar hidden away inside etch., which is likely to become one of the hottest destinations in the area in 2023. We find out more on page 26. etchfood.co.uk
By MARK KEBBLE
Champagne Lanson Le Blanc de Blancs, France £69.99
Le Blanc de Blancs has all the characteristics of a great Chardonnay. The wine's delicacy and finesse are enhanced by a very pure, mineral finish and by the freshness that is the hallmark of the Lanson style. It will pair perfectly with fish dishes. lanson.com
Olivier Baudin Brut NV Champagne, France £29.99
This award-winning Champagne blend provides a fine, toasty, spice hint with brioche characters on the nose, while the Pinot Noir and Meunier elements give a delicious red fruit tang and softness on the palate and the Chardonnay lifts the finish. majestic.co.uk
Nicolas Courtin Roseì NV Champagne, France £24.99
Strawberry flavours abound in this elegant and fine Rosé Champagne. The mousse is lively and the acidity is well balanced with the ripe flavours creating a harmonious and delicious Champagne, bursting with raspberry aromas. majestic.co.uk
THE RED LION
The Red Lion in Pulborough has received a stunning refurbishment. Centrally located in the heart of picturesque Ashington, The Red Lion has undergone a significant makeover that has given the much-loved eating and drinking spot a modernised, stylish and contemporary feel. Serving a top-quality menu featuring fresh flavours inspired by the seasons and modern world-food trends, guests can choose from a broad range of premium dishes. redlionashington.co.uk
Catch & Grill is a new seafood focussed restaurant that has opened its doors on Church Road in Hove. On Thursday 24 November, Catch & Grill welcomed guests to experience its beautiful nautical-themed restaurant and enjoy a taste of its menu, which celebrates fresh seafood with modern, flavour-forward dishes and sharing plates. Situated next to sister restaurant Third Avenue, guests were also able to enjoy drinks and cocktails in the neighbouring art deco-inspired bar and restaurant. catchandgrill.co.uk
Smorl's is a family-run business, obsessed with one thing: houmous. They create small batch artisan handcra ed houmous based on traditional Middle Eastern recipes, with an added dollop of Brighton flair. smorls.com
At the heart of the village and with a lively seating area known as Firle Beach at the front of the pub, the Ram is very popular with locals and visitors alike. The lack of through tra c gives the village a timeless quality. The Ram’s rambling old brick and flint building has three beautiful rooms for wining and dining, each with its own open fire, and everything on the menu is created in their own kitchen raminn.co.uk
Trading Post Coffee Roasters provide the best brunch options in Lewes and lots of space and comfy sofas for you to enjoy a cup of their signature blend coffee. They have plenty of vegan options on their food menu –we love their plant-based chilli. tradingpostcoffee.co.uk
Tonkotsu opened in Brighton in 2022 and specialises in comforting and nourishing ramen. You’ll also find a selection of gyoza dumplings, chicken karaage, Japanese pickles and other side dishes. The group is founder-led with passion and dedication to quality, making their own noodles from carefully sourced UK flour, and they also have a good selection of vegetarian and vegan dishes. tonkotsu.co.uk
Owners Anthony and Christian have had a passion for vegan food for many years. Upon browsing the market they stumbled across The Green Almond for sale and couldn’t believe their favourite restaurant was due to retire – so they did something about it. gbros.co.uk
From the brand that ‘broke the internet’ with the release of its iconic chicken sandwich, American fried chicken restaurant Popeyes® has announced that they will open their doors in Brighton. All chicken lovers will be able to get their hands on the mouthwatering menu - including Popeyes’® original southern biscuits and gravy, and its 12-hour marinated chickengiving hungry residents the chance to experience Popeyes® UK’s worldfamous ‘shatter crunch’ for themselves. popeyesuk.com
Three venues to make the most of Veganuary
Since opening etch. in Brighton & Hove, Steven Edwards’ approach to tasting menus has captivated us all. Now he’s turning his attention to Ink, a speakeasy bar
A I had always wanted to open a bar for restaurant guests and we believed a subterranean bar would elevate the experience. You can’t see the bar from outside, which also adds an element of intrigue.
There is a preconception of bars in Hove as being busy and touristy, but we wanted to create something that was quality driven and offer something new and different to the area.
A The building that we took over was once M13 Mike’s Tattoo Studio, which was rare in that it had a licence, bar upstairs and tattoo studio downstairs, and was a pretty cool place.
When we created the speakeasy bar we wanted to give a nod to the heritage of the building so Ink was chosen. The name also lends itself well to the design, dark walls and Ben Slow’s eye-catching artwork.
A At etch. we’ve always been serious about our drinks offer and our cocktails menu is something that we invest a lot of time into. The bar manager loves to give classic cocktails a bit of a twist to make them memorable, but we also pour classic serves and have a range of local wines and beers. We use local suppliers as much as we can and all drinks are served with almonds and olives.
A Ink adds to the guest experience. If you look at what we offered when we first opened etch. you walked through the door and it was a case of what you see is what you get. Now the bar provides a relaxing space for diners or non-diners to enjoy a drink in sophisticated surroundings. We also have a dedicated wine room, which has helped Sam [Weatherill, the Restaurant Manager] to expand his wine list to 400 bottles. At etch. we are always striving to do things differently.
Q How has this year gone for you at etch.?
A We couldn’t have asked for a better start to the year after the surge of diners returning after the lockdown. October and March were very busy, but from April to June we started to return to normal levels.
The cost of living crisis has definitely affected us and it’s been a year of ups and downs. We know that we are a special celebration restaurant and we are conscious never to cut costs or quality so that the experience is always at the top end.
As a business we’ve performed better than in 2019 in every aspect, although it has not quite been the phoenix rising we’d hoped for after the refurbishment.
We are expecting 2023 to be a tough year and we have reset and realigned budget expectations. We are already making decisions about next year, such as only opening from Thursday to Saturday in January, which is usually a quieter month.
We are thinking ahead and as long as we know what we’re doing we’ll be fine. We’ve already released Valentine’s dinner reservations, which has almost sold out.
Q Why did you decide on going down the route of tasting menus?
A I feel tasting menus are the best way to showcase my food. When you only have three courses you only have three opportunities to show what you do, I want to take diners on a journey with my food. Providing five, seven and nine courses gives me the chance to showcase my style and my belief in the British larder.
Q Is it exciting for you when creating a new one?
A Yes, because we change dishes every four weeks, you get the excitement of thinking of the dish three weeks before. We know what works and we look back at what we’ve done before and how we can improve each dish. Four weeks is the perfect length of time for a dish to be on a menu as you are always ready to do something different. Towards the end of the four weeks us chefs can’t wait to be serving the new dishes.
“Tasting menus give me the chance to showcase my style”
Q Are you able to sum up your style of cooking?
A Put simply modern British, but that is how many chefs would describe their style. Even though we change the menu every week, we have a format that we work to that presents diners with a taste of the season. Our tasting menus showcase the British (and where possible Sussex) larder and the ever evolving seasons. I guess you could call it ultra seasonal as every week we make changes to evolve the menu.
Q Are there particular dishes you love that are on the menus now?
A We have a fantastic monkfish dish with leek on the menu at the moment. We poach the monkfish and serve with beurre blanc, Exmoor caviar and barbecued leeks. The dish is not over complicated, but uses quality ingredients. For this time of year, the dish is fresh tasting but still seasonal. It’s easy to go down the venison route, but this is the opposite in that it’s light and vibrant, but still captures the best of what’s in season.
Q When you opened etch., why was Brighton and Hove perfect?
A I wanted to be part of a city and we felt that for the business model, being in a city offset the risk with there being lots of places to stay for those travelling from further afield and decent rail connections.
Brighton and Hove is an up and coming foodie city. For its population there’s a lot of chef-led restaurants so we’re in good company.
Q What do you make of the food and drink scene around town?
A It gets better and better each year as the restaurants are all pushing each other to do better. Brighton might have the reputation for being a party city, but when you peel away the top layer there’s a lot of very good restaurants that are focussing on ingredients and high level cooking.
Q What do you have planned for 2023?
A It will be about building on the foundations that we laid at the opening. We want to keep doing what we do and improving on all aspects.
Since opening the Bingham Riverhouse in Richmond [in 2020] we have had to chop and change our offering through lockdowns and social distance measures. We really feel we have found our feet in the last year offering an à la carte and tasting menu hybrid focusing on quality British ingredients.
We’re still on the lookout for opening a pub. I’m hoping that the worst of the staffing crisis is over and if it is behind us, I’m definitely keen to open a pub.
etchfood.co.uk
If you’re looking for that unique birthday gift, a wedding present, for that special occasion, or for yourself - then look no further.
I’m usually known as an Aviation artist but I’m regularly asked, “Do you do paintings without aircraft?”
My answer is that I just need a good reference and I can then portray most subjects! This year alone, I’ve created portraits, pet portraits, steam locomotives, and even JFK’s motor torpedo boat!
Every project is di erent and bespoke to you. Prices depend on complexity, medium and size. You’ll nd reasonable rates, a friendly service, easy brief-to-painting (or drawing), unique results and great reviews. Looking forward to hearing from you soon!
Raise a toast to 2023 with Wakefields’ diamond bubble jewellery collection. Available in a sparkling mix of metals and designs, the effervescent collection adds elegance and sophistication to any look. Starting from £775, explore the collection in store at Horsham or online at Wakefields Jewellers. wakefieldsjewellers.co.uk
All About Audrey has become renowned for its vintage and bohemian styles in the heart of Brighton. We meet the woman behind it all
By MARK KEBBLEA In my early 20s I ended up living in many different countries where I had a very carefree lifestyle and was mainly working in bars and hotels, but I also started making and selling jewellery and doing hair braids in places like Ibiza, the Alps and the South of France. At the end of all my travelling I decided to move to Brighton as I heard so much about it, and I started selling jewellery and vintage on market stalls.
A I chose the vintage and bohemian era because I am a hippy girl at heart. I always love to travel, setting up stalls in the South of France and the beaches of Ibiza. I loved then, and still do to this day, long floaty dresses (nothing restricted) and because I am a free spirit, wearing boho is perfect when travelling.
Q And why was Brighton the perfect location for your shop?
A I chose Brighton because I wanted to give England a try, in the end it got tiring moving away all the time and I wanted to find a base and thought Brighton would be the best place because nearly everyone that lives here is a bit of a free spirit. I think that's why people like my shop!
Q What would we find in your shop?
A I sell vintage items, mainly bohemian pieces from the 60s/70s or anything that maybe came from the 90s that has a 70s vibe. Think Woodstock Festival vibes and Fleetwood Mac style, that's where most of my inspiration comes from.
I also make my own designs and the reason I chose to do that is because it’s so hard to find 70s boho pieces now and there just are not enough items, so I get pieces made up that would feel like it’s from the 70s mainly from recycled fabrics, but sometimes I do buy new fabrics and I make sure that the pieces are timeless and will stay in someone's wardrobe year after year. Take, for example, our Exclusive Peacock Collection that we have been getting made for years now and it still sells so well, it’s timeless.
Q How do you go about creating pieces?
A For me the creation of new designs is a really collaborative effort. I tend to come up with the initial designs myself and then I’ll go in and talk to my team about it. Together
we’ll choose colours and discuss different elements like what the neckline should be like as well as fastenings and print combinations. I really enjoy this part of the process because I love the little team I’ve got around me.
Q What inspires these?
A When I’m designing I always start by looking back at old vintage designs, particularly the Adini and Gunne Sax styles which I love, and take elements from them to come up with something new. It can be anything from a sleeve, to the drape or cut of a skirt, to a particular print or lace detail. Then I’ll take whatever element I’ve chosen and adapt it into a new design. I like to make sure that I have casual options as well as showstoppers.
A Really our best sellers are the designs with dramatic sleeves; our bell sleeve styles, like Gemini & Venus, as well as those with balloon sleeves like our Peacock & Lola. I think they all have this element of fantasy
come to life. Like when you’ve got these balloon style tops, you can wear them day to day, but then you’ve got these big billowing sleeves that make an outfit a little more dramatic and more unique. Then with our bell sleeve designs, they’re just this fantastical over-exaggerated style that’s still easy to wear and can be accessorised with the rest of your wardrobe to make a festival or party look that’s stunning.
Q What’s planned for 2023?
A For 2023 I will be concentrating more on my own exclusive collections, creating beautiful bohemian pieces that can be worn year after year. At All About Audrey we love long and floaty dresses and I really want to lean into those kinds of ‘wish fulfilment’ styles that really make you feel special when you’re wearing them. I’m really excited for some of the new designs we’ve got coming and I can’t wait for everyone else to fall in love with them as well.
allaboutaudrey.co.uk
“People in Brighton have a free spirit and that's why they like my shop”KHROMA COLLECTION AQUARIA MAXI KIMONO DRESS IN RUBY RED PEACOCK PRARIE MIDI DRESS WITH BALLOON CUFF SLEEVES IN BURNT ORANGE COLOUR
January marks a new beginning and is the perfect time to tick off some of your smaller todo’s that often get overlooked throughout the year.
Managing director and jewellery expert at Wakefields Jewellers in Horsham, Melanie Wakefield, thinks that a new year is the perfect time to give your jewellery collection a little TLC. “Your favourite piece of fine jewellery should absolutely last you a lifetime, but it will need a little maintenance from time to time to keep it in good condition,” she says. “We often do not realise quite what our jewellery goes through, particularly when items are worn all day, every day. Booking your jewellery into our workshop can be a little like sending your car in for its MOT, we’ll check over your jewellery and advise you on what work might need to be carried out.”
From the weekly supermarket shop to active workouts in the gym, Melanie explains that our daily routines can have a real impact on our jewellery. “Engagement and wedding rings often encounter metal handles on doors and shopping trolleys that can wear and tear the finish over time. In most cases a simple clean and polish in our workshop can return a ring to its former glory, but sometimes we will find that stone settings are loose or metal has worn thin, which require a little more expertise from our goldsmiths to restore.”
Sharing her top tips on how to ensure that your jewellery stays sparkling for years to come, Melanie says: “It is important to be mindful when wearing your jewellery and to also choose it based on your lifestyle too. Gemstone set rings are a stunning choice, but might prove difficult
to maintain if your job requires you to work a lot with your hands. Paying attention and caring for your jewellery will ensure it lasts you a lifetime – if you think a stone is moving in a setting, or you are worried about a ring feeling too loose or too tight, visit us in store and get your jewellery booked in for a check-up. Even if no repair work needs to be done, you will love the way your jewellery sparkles again after a professional clean in our on-site workshop!”
For more details about the full range of workshop and bespoke design services at Wakefields, you can visit the friendly, expert team in store, or begin by browsing online.
11 West Street, Horsham, West Sussex, RH12 1PF 01403 264001
wakefieldsjewellers.co.uk
Is your jewellery in need of a little spruce up? How Wakefields Jewellers in Horsham will ensure it will sparkle for years to come
“Your favourite piece of jewellery should last a lifetime”
ANNOUSHKA
White Gold, Diamond & Freshwater Pearl Earrings, £7,000 annoushka.com
Large Polaris Mother of Pearl Locket, £295 astleyclarke.com
LMJ
Nighttime Moon Star Lovers Diamond Ring, £1,558 wolfandbadger.com
Star Brooch with White Stones in Silver, £298 thomassabo.com
18ct White Gold Marquise-Cut Diamond, Four Point Star Necklace, £2,475, wakefieldsjewellers.co.uk
MISSOMA
Harris Reed Symbols of Change Charm Choker, £365 uk.missoma.com
ZOREH.V
Diamond & Labradorite Star Pendant, £295 zohrehv.com
Hannah Martin Art Deco Star Drop Studs, £65 screampretty.com
DINNY HALL
My World Small Orb Locket & Moon Charm Pendant, £440 dinnyhall.com
Specialist Bespoke Design Service for new, dated or inherited jewels.
In a World of change our Values, Craftsmanship, Expertise and High Standards remain constant.
Sensational jewellery in stock to view. Complex Restoration Work and Valuations undertaken on-site, call or email for an appointment.
Keep warm in January and look stylish while you do it, thanks to Roman Originals in Horsham and Haywards Heath
PRIVATE CLIENT BY BUPA
At Private Client by Bupa, feeling good isn’t good enough. Their ambitions for your health and wellbeing go much further. They curate a complete service for the mind, body and being, with premium health insurance plans that are designed to be used. From award-winning medical cover at home and abroad, to proactive wellbeing benefits and direct access to private specialists without a GP referral. Private Client by Bupa also gives you access to a worldwide network of doctors via the Global Virtual Care service, available 24/7 at the touch of a button. They’re here for you today, tomorrow, and for whatever comes next.
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By STEPHANIE MOORE
The human body is a fantastically sophisticated set of systems. They work in concert with the aim of maintaining balance for optimal function. Unfortunately, much of modern life challenges this innate and everpresent drive of the body to fix itself. From poor sleep to too much stress, nutrient poor, highly processed foods, to sitting down too much, our biology is often unable to win the battle against so much adversity leading to accelerated ageing and poor health.
Here are some simple yet profoundly e ective health fundamentals that can support the body in its bid to be balanced and thrive. If we can employ these core
principles on an on-going and regular basis, we can bolster our resilience to the environmental, emotional and physical challenges we are all being bombarded with.
Inflammation is a lifesaving mechanism that our immune system instigates to fight off infection and heal wounds. As long as this acute inflammatory response turns on and off as needed, it is incredibly effective at preserving health. However, if inflammation endures over long periods of time, known as chronic inflammation, we can wear out our repair systems and create long-term internal damage to any organ or tissue in the body, be it brain cells (e.g. dementia), joints (e.g. arthritis) or skin (e.g. dermatitis). Chronic inflammation is considered to be at the route of all chronic diseases, including many cancers and neurological conditions. Healthy ageing therefore requires avoiding things that trigger excess inflammation.
There are several real culprits of excess, chronic inflammation…
Regularly eating foods that aggressively spike levels of glucose (sugar) in the blood causes many serious downstream health issues. These foods are, put simply, sugary and sweet foods (this includes artificial
sweeteners); highly refined starches (e.g. wheat, corn or potato based processed foods and snacks); ultra-processed foods; and deep fried foods. Aim to eat whole, minimally processed foods. If you do have foods in packets, check the ingredients list.
Our digestive system is home to tens of trillions of microbes. In a healthy gut, the majority of these microbes are commensal, meaning they are working with us to create health and wellbeing. These microbes are major players in our immune and inflammatory systems as well as our digestive function. The gut microbes regulate the health of all our major systems including brain chemistry, metabolic revving and so much more.
The gut microbes feed on the fibre in our food. Without fibre they die! So, an absolute tenet of good health requires eating fibre-rich foods, ideally at every meal. Fibre is found in whole and minimally processed plant foods – vegetables, whole fruit (not juice), nut & seeds, beans & lentils. If you also include some fermented foods, such as live yogurt, kefir, raw sauerkraut and kimchi, you will be consuming new strains of gut microbes that can have a beneficial effect on your own healthy gut bugs.
In order to calm systemic inflammation and to supercharge our gut microbes, we need to eat less often. Giving our digestive system, blood sugar processes and metabolic pathways a chance to rest, reset and recharge, allows inflammation to calm. We need a good few hours between meals, ideally more than 4, and at least 12 hours from last calories to first calories the next day.
Focusing on eating fewer calories can lead to poor choices as low-calorie foods are not necessarily healthful. If you eat nutrient dense, minimally processed foods with good amounts of protein (meat, fish, seafood, eggs, pulses, fermented soy); healthy fats (organic butter, extra virgin olive oil, whole, raw nuts and seeds, coconut and high quality dairy products); along with a wide variety of plant-based, fibre-rich foods then your body senses it has been well nourished and will switch off the drive to eat more, helping to avoid over-eating.
Taking time to eat slowly, chewing thoroughly and savouring one’s food entirely changes how the food is managed throughout the digestive tract. Your energy, absorption of nutrients and constitution of your gut microbes will all improve if you eat slowly and chew well. Never eat on the go or in the car.
Sit less, move more often, sleep better and smile, even when you don’t feel like!
is the expert-in-residence at The Goodwood hotel, where she explores all of these concepts and more as part of Goodwood’s Gut Health Programme; a five-day stay packed with informative health talks, restorative treatments and tasty meals based upon these principles. See more at goodwood.com
“Sit less, sleep better, and smile even if you don't feel like it”
Celebrity personal trainer, and Sussex local, Matt Hodges on writing his first book, dealing with ADD and his local escape
A I’d been told for years by my clients that I should write a book about the things I’ve experienced. I always thought it was just part of the trade, but it wasn’t until Adam Kay’s This Is Going To Hurt came out, that I thought to myself ‘I could do this’. Then Covid happened and I started to put pen to paper and it just took off from there.
Q Was it a cathartic experience putting the book together?
A Yes, on two levels. The first level was/is that I suffer from attention deficit disorder, so giving anything a serious amount of time is often quite hard for me. My mind is whirling 24/7 and I get very excited and motivated in short bursts. The writing at the beginning was furious. It was mind vomit all on paper. I think this is where writers get really stuck. They try and get it perfect on the first go. I found a style which worked for me and it made the process easier.
The second was that a lot of the experiences I talk about in Behind Gym Doors were difficult. They were either hilariously disgusting, laugh out loud funny, or grim and sad. But this was my life. I’d never really looked at it any other way than just par of the course, but upon writing and reflection I realised that it was a kind of therapy. The book has quite an arc, which changes more towards the end. This is where the book helped me in many ways.
Q Can you give us three crazy stories that sound made up, but actually happened?
A A colleague pretending he had Tourette’s just to show us all how to get rid of difficult clients. He sacrificed his own clients and wage just to prove a point. Another one who decided to eat her own placenta… raw. Another one who paid just shy of £1million pounds for a new kitchen just to rip it out again three months later because someone across the road had bought the same one. Remember – my circles are the super rich.
Q Are there more serious subjects covered too?
A All the ‘Umbrella’ chapters are me talking to you in a more professional and serious manner. I cover the issues I see in the fitness world and how they relate to the common man. I look at the lunacy of the health and fitness industry, rife with fad diets, silly exercises, and stupid products that litter our day to day news feeds. I also take a point of view from the customer and the client, and also the professionals.
Q What are your views on the fitness industry in the 21st century?
A We are currently in a transition phase. I hope we are moving away from fitness influencers who hawk rubbish diets and charlatan-esque monthly subscriptions based off their fake lifestyle and overly groomed abs. There seem to be more educators out there debunking poor methods and people are wising up to it. Main chain gyms are going down the budget route (they either go budget or high end luxury) in recession times. We are also seeing more people doing less group exercise. This could be financial, but Covid hasn’t helped environmental factors that make people want to work out.
A The MPH Method itself is an eightweek whole body practice. The client is essentially spoon fed for eight weeks to either get them in the best shape of their lives or give them the kick start to getting them on the right track. The Method offers four personal training sessions a week, one sports massage a week, all nutrition and meal planning, and hormone testing if needed. The clients also have the option of using our subsidiary services like metabolic testing, meal servicing and a private chef.
A Consistency is the key to everything. When people are consistent the magic happens. Unfortunately the human body
isn’t like baking a cake. You will not see the difference immediately. It takes time so people lose patience. But if you keep going you will get there. It’s the same in business. Regularity also links in to consistency. You cannot expect to learn how to play the guitar or learn a language and only dedicate one hour a week to it. That said, on a more practical level, people need to be focusing more on their NEAT (non-exercise activity thermogenesis, aka calories burnt whilst not doing active exercise – walking, sleeping etc). For all new clients to The MPH Method, I require everyone to be getting at least 10,000 steps a day OR 70,000 per week. This burns way more calories than a workout, which people either don’t realise, or neglect.
A I live in my little paradise in Sedlescombe, East Sussex. I can breathe here. I look out in the morning to rolling fields, greenery, and tranquillity. I’m a disastrous sleeper so the silence in the evening is like the planet's Night Nurse.
matthodgesauthor.com
“I hope we are moving away from fitness influencers who hawk rubbish diets”
By KATE HARRISON
Founded in 1927 by the Queen’s Nursing Institute to raise funds for community nursing means that gardens, health and community are at the heart of what we do at the National Garden Scheme. Every ticket bought, every garden visited, and every cake and cup of tea savoured translates into millions of pounds in donations not only to some of the UK’s best loved nursing and health charities, but to garden charities and community projects too.
Scientific studies have shown that spending time in a garden can reduce blood pressure and the stress-related hormone cortisol. Even during the winter months walking around your garden can give you a sense of peace and, as spring approaches, the first sight of developing buds and bulbs can fill you with anticipation and joy. Gardens provide the perfect space for a break from the stresses of everyday life. Trees, plants,
bird song and water are easy on the senses and can bring stress levels down. Gardens enable you to become more active. Being more active is associated with better physical and mental health, including reduced risks of cancer, heart disease and depression. Gardens can also provide opportunities for socialising and building relationships with neighbours and opening your garden for the National Garden Scheme for a couple of days a year is a great way to show off all your hard work
and make a whole host of new friends.
Of course, not everyone has a garden. However, visiting someone else’s garden can also provide all the above benefits. A garden visit can lift your spirits and help you feel connected. Volunteering at an allotment or community garden such as The Hidden Garden in Selsey, which has recently received a NGS Award, can equally provide that sense of wellbeing and worth.
For more information on the National Garden Scheme and further information on the benefits of gardening for health and wellbeing go to the National Garden Scheme website. There, you can find links to all the National Garden Scheme gardens opening in Sussex, starting with Snowdrop Gardens in January and February. You can also pick up a free copy of the Sussex National Garden Scheme Booklet from many local outlets from February.
ngs.org.uk
can helpGARDENS ARE PERFECT FOR ALL THE FAMILY
“Trees, plants, and bird song are easy on the senses and can bring stress levels down”
Over 70 years, Hayes & Jarvis guests have trusted us to create unforgettable holiday experiences. Our exceptional service, expert insights and industry accolades have built a reputation for excellence. We offer worldwide holidays to more than 60 destinations across the globe and our travel experts are here to curate the experience of a lifetime for you.
You don’t want your wedding to be a standard affair, and your honeymoon shouldn’t be either. Whether you are exploring our alluring beach destinations across the globe, an African safari adventure, or a cultural odyssey in Asia, Hayes & Jarvis has the expertise, customised itineraries and luxury hotels to make your honeymoon unforgettable.
CARLTON ST. MORITZ
Where better to learn to ski than in the luxurious environs of postcard-perfect St. Moritz? Blue skies are almost guaranteed here, and there are winter activites galore, even for non-skieers. tschuggencollection.ch
heart
at home in
The Gleneagles experience is one of a kind – you can now enjoy it from the comfort of a Glenmor luxury holiday home, located in the heart of Gleneagles. On your stay you can enjoy complimentary golf for one person, plus access to all of the leisure, dining and pursuits of the 5 star estate. We have 2, 3 and 4 bedroom properties available, perfect for all the family. With prices starting from £3,500 for a 2 bed, £4,410 for a 3 bed and £4,840 for a 4 bed for 7 nights.
How The Sussex Travel Company can open the door to a holiday to remember
If you’re looking for an independent Sussex travel agent where there’s a huge range of fantastic holiday ideas and great deals with friendly expert advice then look no further than The Sussex Travel Company.
Director Tanya, who has been in travel for her entire working life, has held various positions within the travel industry including working for independent, multiple agents and corporate travel in both sales and events. She then pursued a career as a Business Development Manager for a tour operator until she decided to open The Sussex Travel Company on Christmas Eve 2015.
The Sussex Travel Company are a small friendly team with over 50 years of professional travel experience between them. They are located on Queen Street, on the outskirts of Horsham town centre. Catherine has an office based in Cooden Beach, East Sussex. When you book online, you are just a number, but when you book with The Sussex Travel Company, they genuinely really care about you. One of the big differences with them is that they have excellent relationships with both tour operators and hoteliers, who they can rely on, so their customers are looked after
from the moment they arrive at the resort. When it comes to villas, they work with a leading tour operator who can offer an amazing portfolio of luxury private villas in many destinations from the Caribbean to the Far East and Europe. If you are looking for something really special, then they also offer a selection of private islands including Sir Richard Branson’s own Necker Island.
The luxury and expedition cruises are growing hugely in popularity, with more customers deciding to opt for the cruise life. The Sussex Travel Conpany’s
partners at Silversea offer the perfect guest experience aboard their 6* ships. They offer an all-inclusive service with added door-to-door transfers for seamless travel from home to ship and back again, with shore excursions for all classic voyages. With over 900 destinations across all seven continents, wherever you want to go, they can get you there with Silversea. They also regularly work with many independent hotels, who they trust to always go above and beyond for customers.
Thanos Hotels & Resorts are one of the company’s personal favourites. The Anassa is a member of Leading Hotels of the World. The “Queen” of Mediterranean living, Anassa combines majestic flair, gracious service and refined joie de vivre. Its seductive regal hillside retreat is a vision of sparkling elegance: the epitome of Mediterranean living at its sublime and stylish best.
So next time you are thinking of a holiday, Tanya, Jeannie, Nicola and Catherine look forward to turning your travel dreams into travel memories.
thesussextravelcompany.co.uk
In 1952, H.M. Queen Elizabeth II took the throne at the young age of 25. London was engulfed in what would come to be known as the “Great Smog”, bringing the capital to a halt for four days. The iconic musical movie, Singin' in the Rain starring Gene Kelly, premiered in New York, and India held its first general elections, with some 360 million citizens eligible to cast their vote.
Amid these era-defining events, two ex-servicemen were about to make their mark in the world. Mr. Hayes and Mr. Jarvis, having recently returned home from the war in Italy, realised they’d left a part of themselves behind. They remembered the sun-dappled Mediterranean landscapes and inspiring Renaissance cities that had played witness to the war. They recollected old times with friends and comrades, before coming upon an idea…
What if they could, under different circumstances, re-discover the wonders of Italy on their own terms? And more importantly, what if they could help their companions do the same? Together Mr. Hayes and Mr. Jarvis began retracing their old routes to the places they’d visited during wartime, with an aim to redefine and restore their own memories of Italy – and perhaps also those of the soldiers they’d fought alongside. The result was a collection of personal and extraordinarily detailed itineraries created out of a desire to help. Hayes & Jarvis was born.
Within a few years, Hayes & Jarvis became trusted advisors to a new kind traveller, seeking out detailed, personalised experiences. The company was soon renowned for the style and comfort of its journeys, and luxury became synonymous with the brand name.
In 1960, Hayes & Jarvis cast their net further into Europe by offering specialist
holidays to Greece, Spain, Portugal and Madeira. But it wasn’t until 1975, under new ownership, that Hayes & Jarvis truly branched out into the world, with the introduction of long-haul holidays, beginning with specialist journeys to Kenya.
Charter trips to Penang and Thailand followed, as well as packages to Egypt, Goa, the Maldives and the Caribbean. The company’s European programme continued to thrive. So much so, that the company’s Knightsbridge store soon became the place for royalty and ambassadors to go, to discreetly arrange their leisure travel.
By the 1990s, Hayes & Jarvis was well and truly established as part of the fabric of the UK’s luxury travel industry. By the turn of the century, it had become Britain’s largest tour operator to India and the secondlargest long-haul operator in the country. Acquisition by First Choice in 1998 led to
the brand becoming part of the Travelopia Group, a niche collection of specialist travel companies, where it remains today.
Since 1952, the world – and the way we see our planet – has changed beyond most people’s imaginations. Today that’s also reflected in the company’s commitment to promoting responsible tourism. Hayes & Jarvis have made it their mission to protect and support the local environments, the people, societies and the cultures of the places their guests travel to. A sustainable travel business goes hand in hand with the way it treats the environment and its people. The aim: to enable people to explore and enjoy our planet without harming it. As a part of that commitment, Hayes & Jarvis offsets the CO² emissions for each and every trip made by its guests and staff.
Hayes & Jarvis has come a long way from its humble beginnings, with two friends
dreaming over maps of their past travels through the Italian countryside. Today, the travel experts at Hayes & Jarvis offer personalized, one-of-a-kind journeys to more than 70 destinations worldwide with a portfolio of memory-making holidays, authentic experiences, and safaris. The company still hand-picks all of its Travel Consultants, based on their own specific, expert travel knowledge and their ability to inspire. For a flexible, hassle-free experience, every Hayes & Jarvis guest is assigned their own personal trip coordinator offering roundthe-clock support for the duration of the trip.
So while Hayes & Jarvis has grown, technology has changed, and the way we travel has developed, the goal and spirit of the company have remained the same: a wish to help travellers discover and rediscover our incredible planet.
To find out more about Hayes & Jarvis, or to start planning your own personalised, tailormade trip, visit hayesandjarvis.co.uk, call the Hayes & Jarvis travel experts on 020 8106 2403 or email them at hello@hayesandjarvis.co.uk
“THE COMPANY IS RENOWNED FOR THE STYLE AND COMFORT OF ITS JOURNEYS”KRABI IN THAILAND
Warm neutrals make up the palette for 2023, with putty shades and muted colours creating intrigue and depth. Pictured is Thrift, a pale, soft pink made with our favourite pigments, raw and burnt umber and yellow ochre from Francesca's Paints. francescaspaint.com
Textile development studio ambar - founded by designer Natalia Nicolau - has collaborated with multidisciplinary artist Camille Walala to create a collection of knitted textiles for table and home. Designed and made in the UK, it includes knit jacquard table runners and table mats as well as cushions and merino wool throws featuring artworks by Walala. ambarldn.com
A new year is the perfect time to freshen up your home, and painting your walls, floors and kitchen cabinets is a breeze with Annie Sloan's versatile and forgiving chalk paint. Go on – have a go. anniesloan.co.uk
If linen is offi cially the most comfortable fabric for bedding, then Bed Threads' linen is probably the world's most comfortable bedding. Impossibly so even when brand new, the sets come in a huge variety of mix and match shades and are an instant bedroom upgrade. bedthreads.com
Limelight Mitre champagne saucer, set of two, £56 dartington.co.uk
Put a spin on your new year table this year with Studio Dine's taper candle pair in a modern colour clash combo of pink and red. Handmade in Italy by a familyowned candle maker, these are made to the highest standards and then illustrated by hand in London. studiodine.com
Since the celebration of winter solstice in ancient times, green has been associated with celebrations. Bergs Potter carries a collection of glowing emerald green pots and vases in luscious deep glazing - all perfect for welcoming in 2023. bergspotter.com
After a whirlwind 15 years, 2022 saw the Sussexbased cult online interiors brand Rockett St George expand further. We catch up with the founders
By BETHAN ANDREWSYou only have to glimpse on Instagram to catch the frenzy and excitement that surrounds interiors brand Rockett St George. And, after an incredibly successful 2022, it’s clear that 2023 is looking to be just as explosive.
Set up by Jane Rockett and Lucy St George 15 years ago, the brand's ethos is to always
provide inspiration for customers to be brave enough to express themselves creatively in their own homes. And inspiration is something that comes naturally to the duo, with their own founding of the brand an inspiring, homegrown success story. So, where did it all start? “Jane and I had been friends for a long time, we were originally mum friends, and after years of hanging out together and always discussing our own homes, interiors and
ideas, we decided to pool our resources and start a business,” explains Lucy.
“We went online and I don’t think we realised quite how bold that actually was 15 years ago. Jane has a background in PR and marketing and I had a background in retail, so we pooled our own financial and personal resources and gave it a go. Fast forward to now and we’ve got 50 staff and six warehouses in Sussex. It’s been a wild ride!”
From the early stages of the company, it’s clear that passion for interiors and a hunger for thrifting and creativity was something that came naturally to the pair. “We both worked, had young children and had our own homes, but we didn’t have a lot of money, so we would spend our time moving our furniture around, poring through Living Etc
and going to car boot sales,” smiles Jane. “We wanted to make our interiors stand out from the crowd and we noticed our friends were asking us to source things for them. There weren't a lot of interior shops out there at the time and I remember thinking, unless you’ve got an awful lot of money, where do you go for exciting interiors things? We did everything ourselves, we got SEO for Dummies, Websites for Dummies, and rang everyone up asking for advice, and we just went for it. I’d love to say we had a big business plan and investment, but we didn’t!”
It’s fair to say that the duo didn’t see the monumental success they’ve achieved coming. But Jane knew how to put a good press release together, and their first call was from none other than Vogue. “From that point
on, we bent over backwards for magazines, and we became a bit of a go-to because we were efficient and we never said no – pre smartphone, that was huge,” says Jane.
I wonder what the highlights have been from the last 15 years. “Our first catalogue was a real thrill and our first proper warehouse was really exciting, but being asked to write two books has been amazing,” says Lucy. “We’re really grateful for the success we’ve had and a real highlight for us is meeting our customers – we’re all like-minded people, it’s like we’ve found our team. Having a concession at Liberty and being asked to do that was a really big thing for us, too.”
Speaking of finding their team, for Jane and Lucy, Sussex quickly became the ideal spot to base their business, nurture their baby and grow it from the ground up. For Jane, who was born and bred in Sussex after growing up in Linfield and now lives close to Lewes, it was a no-brainer, but even for Lucy, who lives in London, the county made perfect sense for the home for Rockett St George. “The warehousing is in Ditchling, in the middle of the common,” says Jane.
“The space allows us to have six warehouses here, and that incorporates photography spaces as well as the goods spaces. It’s a really nice environment to work in, and I don’t think we’d get that anywhere else.”
For Lucy, coming in from London, she enjoys getting out for lovely walks of a lunchtime on Ditchling Common. “It’s very pretty and lovely,” she smiles. “But it’s really accessible to London, where our store is and I live, too, so Sussex works well.”
Jane agrees, quite clearly, that the rural surroundings can really help in the running of the business and achieving a work/life
“We wanted our interiors to stand out from the crowd”
balance. “I love being in the countryside, it’s beautiful,” says Jane. “I initially left for London because I wanted to be in the city, but I really do like the countryside and it’s really good for your mental health. I live near Barcombe, near the river, and it’s just beautiful. If I’ve had a hectic day at work and I’m exhausted, a walk in the countryside really does it for me so Sussex makes sense.”
We talk about how brilliant the creative scene is in Sussex, too, and how this plays a big part in the county making sense for being the home of such an exciting and design-led brand. “We’ve got access to such a good pool of talent, especially on the technical side as Brighton’s a real hotbed of designers and SEO talent,” says Jane. “Brighton is a really, really cool city with a real creative edge to it and there’s lots of independent shops there. It really helps us to keep inspired.”
Speaking of inspiration, Lucy adds: “We often like a trip to Ardingly Antiques Fair which we do regularly for work for inspiration. A lovely cuppa and a bacon sarnie, while walking around Ardingly, is one of the best days at work!”
I wonder where Jane heads to wind down after work in the county? “I like The Ram at Firle. In fact, I love Firle, it’s dog walk and lunch at The Ram and I’m very happy,” she says. “I also really like going to The Hurstwood, they do the best Sunday lunch I’ve ever tasted. Charleston is also really inspiring, and I love going to the Royal Pavilion in Brighton. The interiors there are spectacular and the kitchens are mind blowing. Of course, I love Lewes, it’s just beautiful to walk around.”
As we talk through plans for the new year, it’s clear that there’s a lot to watch out for with Rockett St George this year and lots of exciting projects in the pipeline, many of which the duo can’t talk about yet. But what they can talk about is what they foresee happening in the interior trends this new year. “I think we are going to see a lot more colour,” says Jane. “We need to create cheer and happiness. People are finding things hard at the moment and colour helps with the mood and promotes happiness, so I think there will be lots more rich colours as opposed to the neutrals. I’m excited for this, I like change!”
rockettstgeorge.co.uk
“We are going to see a lot more colour in 2023. We need to create cheer and happiness”SMOKING NUNS A2 POSTER SET OF 4 BEAUTIFUL BUTTERFLY ART PRINTS MINK FAUX LEATHER DINING CHAIR NATURAL RATTAN ROUND FREESTANDING SHELVING UNIT VINTAGE STYLE TWIN STALK
Seabreeze – a playful, pink, concrete clad house on the East Sussex coast – along with The Red House – an imaginative new brick building in rural Dorset – were the first two homes to be shortlisted for RIBA House of the Year 2022. The annual award is presented to the best new architectdesigned house or extension in the UK, with the shortlisted houses revealed on Grand Designs House of the Year, Wednesdays at 9pm on Channel 4. Seabreeze is experimental and delightful – and pink! A unique interpretation of a beach house, it has been designed to withstand the harsh coastal environment while still embracing the light-hearted pleasures of the English seaside. Located on the East Sussex coast, directly backing onto the natural sand dunes and with outstanding views across the beach and the English Channel to the south, Seabreeze can only be accessed – and could only
be built – by driving along the beach. The architects recognised that they would have to design a robust building to cope with the extreme weather conditions, with high winds, moving sand and salt air. They chose a simple shape – an abstraction of the neighbouring buildings, reminiscent of a child’s drawing of a house.
This simplicity is enhanced by the decision to omit gutters and window ledges, all of which act as ledges for sand. Instead, the architects designed the windows to be flush with the external faces of the house – and it is here that the building’s experimental aspects come into play: the building has been externally finished in trowelled micro fibre concrete with a pink pigment, to create a sealed external envelope. They considered the external material selection carefully so that it is robust and strong. However, the pink pigment in the finish softens the visual impact and sets the building off against the dramatic and ever-changing backdrop of the sky and beach – and of course speaks of ice cream and candyfloss.
The festive character continues inside, but here the pleasures of leisure time are taken seriously, with bespoke joinery containing drinks cabinets and kitchen cupboards. Excellent detailing and space planning mean that the small size of the building is focused on harmonising the activities inside with the spectacular setting. A mini spa is nestled at the back of the ground floor, with a timber stair rising to wood-lined bedrooms with commanding views.
Seabreeze is by RX Architects, shortlisted for the RIBA South East Award 2022
The first properties on the shortlist for the RIBA House of the Year have been announced and one certainly stands out on the East Sussex coast
As we continue to spend more time at home, it means we value our surroundings and want to make our homes homelier and more comfortable. As a result interiors are set to get ‘softer’ in 2023, as we make them a safe haven from the outside world.
We have seen a huge increase in soft shapes for furniture and furnishings. Headboards with scalloped tops, chairs with scalloped bases, camel backed sofas, and pretty shaped pelmets will be in demand. The use of trimmings will be as popular as ever – there won’t be a cushion without a frill or fluffy fringe, a curtain without a tassel on the leading edge, or an inset braid, a blind without a bobble.
Gone are the hard drum shades, welcome the pleated, gathered, ruffled shades with stunning details that transform wall lights and table lamps. Made from beautiful block print fabrics, tribal prints, old silk saris, pretty embroidered cottons, and box pleated bold stripes, there are some really clever designs coming on to the market.
The softening of pelmets, whether attached or flop-over for a more cottage feel, or a shaped stiff pelmet adding the detail of an extra trim make all the difference.
Together with pretty trims on curtains, fan
edging on the leading edge, a fluffy ruche, or an inset braid, these are all details that can transform the plainest of fabrics into a much more sophisticated look. Furniture is also getting an uplift; the more details you add will create a more interesting room.
When it comes to the most popular colours, green looks set to continue its run as the top choice. This is the third year in a row that the number one colour is emerald green. We also predict that soft yet bold hues of lavender and mauve will be in favour.
Propelled by increasing anxieties over climate change and the availability of high quality, good-for-the-planet products on the market, eco-friendly design approaches have gained momentum. Factors such as responsible sourcing of materials to repurposing waste and reducing over-production will gain greater importance during 2023.
Next year I expect to see this continuing as a fundamental part of how brands produce and promote their products. A move towards decorating using natural fabrics like hemp, wool and recycled fibres is predicted for 2023. We are also taking into account where our products are being produced in an effort to reduce the impact of global transportation. With a big rise in 'British made' wallpapers and fabrics, I anticipate this being a major consideration for consumers.
FABRICS & PAPERS
When it comes to 2023, why our homes are continuing to be havens from the outside worldMINDTHEGAP
Gold Lightning Bolt Mirror, £75 antipodream.co.uk
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Metallic Gold Twist Taper Candles, £4.99 giselagraham.co.uk
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1970 Gold Ceramic Candle, £110 beaumonde.co.uk
GRACE DIGITAL ART CO
Gold and Emerald Green Artemis Poster, £35 gracedigitalartco.com
Angelique Ornate Gold Wall Mirror, £295 frenchbedroomcompany.co.uk
Eichholtz Las Palmas Table Lamp Gold, £974 sweetpeaandwillow.com
Have a sparkling start to the new year
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Geraldine Gold Giraffe
Table Lamp, £145 beaumonde.co.uk
GEORGE
Gold Metal Multi Hands Candle Holder, £150 rockettstgeorge.co.uk
LUXEOLOGY HOME
Gold Bobble Edge Wall Mirror, £145 luxeology.co.uk
HOME Tall Gold Metal Vase, £119 luxeology.co.uk
By PENDLE HARTE
Offering a girls-only education from four to 18 years, at Brighton Girls innovative teaching, reimagined classroom spaces and a keen sense of social responsibility, make this a place where girls can truly learn without limits. Inside this section, we learn from their Prep School Head about how everything they do is to shape a positive future for their girls. brightongirls.gdst.net
Physical Education is a key element of any school’s day, but not all pupils will embrace it. One expert suggests how to ensure all can reap the benefits
By SUE LAIDLAW
ell, hello 2023! How many of you, reading this, have a new year resolution or a pledge to yourself that involves a fresh exercise regime or health kick? We are all well aware of the physical and mental health benefits of exercise, as well as the enjoyment and fulfilment that it can bring –and that goes for children as well as us ageing adults. It’s importance is clear, but about those are not naturally drawn to sport?
Physical Education is firmly on the National Curriculum and part of school life, at all stages of education. At Senior School level, many schools have fantastic facilities that encourage and develop all students, from national – even international – level competitors, to those who are not naturally drawn to physical activity. For some students, sport is the highlight of their school days, but for others it can be any area of insecurity. Sustaining interest in
Wthe teenage years, particularly for the latter group, can be challenging. A more traditional approach to PE can leave many with a lack of confidence and interest. Fortunately, schools are always seeking and widening opportunities: zumba classes, yoga, Pilates, spinning classes and golf lessons can all sit alongside the more traditional team games.
For those of you who have hallways filled with footballs, boots, hockey or lacrosse sticks and tennis racquets, or who spend weekends transporting your offspring to rowing regattas, matches and training camps, you will, no doubt, be living and breathing the benefits that sport brings.
Whatever the age of your children, the benefits of sport go well beyond the physical activities themselves. Team games offer an opportunity to learn skills that will transfer into other areas of life and into adult working life beyond. Working with others, a sense of fair play, a grace in losing, the joy of success – all key areas of understanding in life – can be learned so well on the
sports field. The personal responsibility and discipline that comes with looking after kit or following an exercise plan provide the basis of excellent transferable skills.
Schools have a duty of care to develop the confidence of all children, in every part of school life, and they do their best to foster this, of course. However, be aware that your daughter or son may feel demoralised by not feeling as fast or as skilled as his peers, not being chosen for a team or even failing to have the ball passed to him or her, at primary school, could lead to negative associations with exercise. Similarly, there are still a few schools who inadvertently continue to use physical exercise as a punishment. I am sure we have all heard the threat, “The last one out of the changing room runs an extra lap round the field!”
Encouraging exercise at home is a good counterbalance – young children are almost always happy to play in the park or splash in puddles, but try to continue with family walks as they get older. Take the dog for a walk or get together with other families for a Frisbee tournament and a picnic. It can be as simple as that. And, of course, start young – fun with ball activities, skipping ropes, frisbees, swimming pool visits, skittles, and even roly poly down hills all develop co-ordination, strength and resilience, and confidence in young children that will lead to greater confidence in the school setting.
Integrating sport and fitness into life from a young age is clearly the aim. There are so many ways to do this, thanks to schools, community programs and families, using your own ideas and preferences. Here’s to new year resolutions that are sustainable and a love of exercise, whatever that may be for your children and your family, in 2023.
Sue Laidlaw is the founder of Laidlaw Education LLP and Laidlaw Virtual Academy. Sue and her team would be delighted to assist you with the educational needs of your child. For more information, call 020 8487 9517 or visit laidlaweducation.co.uk
“The
By LAURA COMERFORD
Brighton Girls has lived many lives since its beginnings in 1876. The first iteration of our school was as the seventh school in the Girls’ Day School Trust (GDST). When the school was first established, it had just 17 students on roll. Numbers swiftly grew and, in 1888, it moved to take up residence in The Temple and the Junior School was housed in the Old Vicarage. The Prep School was later situated on another site in Hove, until we gladly re-joined the Senior School on one site on Montpelier Road last September.
We are proud to be part of the GDST, an organisation whose mission is to empower girls through education, to enable them to thrive and excel in their own particular way. The Trust’s commitment to creating learning environments which are best suited to girls was recently demonstrated in its 150th anniversary Girls’ Futures Report; a piece of research commissioned to look at the barriers girls face in terms of confidence, skills, leadership, future of work, and misinformation. As an all-through school for girls from the age of 4 to 18, we were interested to see how the findings of the research could be translated into our Brighton Girls ‘Kind and Bold’ ethos, which permeates the fabric of our school.
The report found that GDST students are passionate about taking leadership roles and don’t shy away from risk and challenge; they believe that it is up to them to shape the world around them and to be the leaders of tomorrow. Pupils who have benefitted from an education at one of our 25 GDST schools country-wide are more likely to take their first steps into the world feeling better prepared to face their future, whatever that journey might be. At Brighton Girls, we strive to nurture our girls’ pragmatic views about their future by ensuring that they are wellrounded and able to look past the academic side of school. We do have an excellent academic track record from the Early Years up to A-level; however, we are also immensely proud of our pastoral care system, which holds the pupil at the heart of all we do. We encourage our girls to explore how they can make a difference in their worlds. Last year, our pupil fundraising efforts, entitled ‘Guild’,
How Brighton Girls is preparing pupils for the futures they deserveLAURA COMERFORD
raised significant sums for local and national charities. We believe that giving young people opportunities to shape the immediate world around them taps into and nurtures their desire to affect change and make a positive impact. It shows them that they can make a difference.
In girls-only environments, like our school, there are no stereotypes or limits around what is and is not possible. This is why it is so heartening to hear that the girls who took part in the research are ready to be the leaders of tomorrow. We strive to achieve
and embody equality in our school; a concept and experience that does not consistently exist in life outside school.
Whilst the importance of engaging more girls and young women in STEM subjects is an ongoing priority, the importance of creativity and using high quality children’s literature as windows and mirrors into our students’ lives cannot be underestimated. We ensure that all the subjects in the curriculum are valued and enjoyed –nothing is squeezed or marginalised at the expense of tests and assessments. Drama, music, languages and the arts
are as crucial as English and maths.
Our teachers also actively encourage pupils to be more open to new challenges and not to shy away from risks. They firmly believe that for young people, especially girls, to work out who they are and what their particular strengths or areas of interest might be, they must try different things, embrace challenges and expand their horizons as much as possible. Because of this, our array of clubs and activities include more than the traditional options of netball and ballet; we run a skateboarding club, karate, STEM, coding and boxing clubs.
By offering opportunities at Brighton Girls that fully focus on what our pupils need and how they learn, backed up by extensive research and surveys, I believe that we are truly enabling our students to be empowered and to embrace the futures they deserve.
Laura Comerford is the Prep School Head at Brighton Girls. Find out more by visiting brightongirls.gdst.net
“Our teachers actively encourage pupils to be more open to new challenges and not shy away from risks”
Independent West Sussex prep school, Windlesham House, officially opened a small orchard within its grounds on the South Downs on the week of King Charles III’s birthday. The orchard, known as the Windlesham Sovereign’s Orchard, has been planted as part of the Queen’s Green Canopy (QGC) initiative and to pay tribute to the life of Her Late Majesty. Pupils have planted several apple trees including two Golden Pippins from Parnham, two Egremont Russets from Petworth, two Coronation from Uckfield and a Bramley apple tree from the local Sussex region.
The school chose to open the orchard with a special ceremony held on the King’s birthday as a mark of respect to the passing of his beloved mother. The King’s birthday also fell on ‘Odd Socks Day’ – a campaign that launches Anti-Bullying Week – which made for the perfect setting, as pupils filled a number of odd socks with compost to aid the tree planting process.
windlesham.com
A star violinist at Eastbourne College is celebrating an invitation to join the prestigious National Youth Orchestra following a challenging audition process. Year 12 pupil Alice has been playing the violin since she was seven and passed her Grade 8 with Distinction at the age of just 13. The 16-year-old joined the National Youth Orchestra (NYO) Inspire programme earlier this year and began attending violin and orchestra workshops, before deciding to audition for the orchestra.
Alice says: “I joined NYO Inspire in February and was one of a small number of musicians to join the NYO Summer Tour as an Inspire Associate, which gave me the opportunity to join the orchestra and participate in
What are your favourite childhood memories? For most of us it involves playing in nature, often unsupervised and learning so much as we made special core memories. Children need and deserve experiences like we did – their bodies and brains learn and develop best when they have secure, loving attachments, and lots of time spent playing, interacting and engaging with their natural environments.
At Little Birds Forest Nurseries they aim to offer children these experiences, time to play and secure attachments, whilst receiving award winning care and education. They have a brand new private day nursery setting opening at the beautiful Barlavington Estate near Fittleworth, West Sussex, in January. Email otis@littlebirdsnursery. co.uk to reserve a space on one of their tours
creative workshops, culminating in improvisational performances. As an Inspire musician, I gained many valuable tools to prepare for the audition process. When I found out I had been awarded a place in the National Youth Orchestra I was delighted. I am so excited to perform in some of the most prestigious venues in the UK and to work with other like-minded and talented musicians.” eastbourne-college.co.uk
It looks like 2023 will be quite the year for Goodwood. As well as 30 years of the Festival of Speed and 25 years of the Revival, 2023 marks 75 years since the inception of motorsport at Goodwood as 1948 saw the completion of the now-iconic Motor Circuit, which was built after the Second World War at the suggestion of Tony Gaze, one of the pilots who had flown from the airfield – or RAF Westhampnett as it was known then – during the war.
The 80th Members’ Meeting will be held on 15-16 April. Celebrating its 80th occurrence since its foundation in 1948 at the historic Goodwood Motor Circuit, the Members’ Meeting will welcome the Goodwood Road Racing Club (GRRC) and their guests to enjoy a weekend of racing action, captivating demonstrations, off-track festivities and fireworks. In 2023, the Goodwood Road Racing Club is celebrating 25 years since its foundation in 1998.
Then from 13-17 July, the Festival of Speed will celebrate 30 years as the destination for innovation, technology and future mobility. The ever-popular Electric Avenue presented by bp pulse and Future Lab presented by Randox will remain at the heart of the spectacular event, which will also host legendary motorsport teams, drivers and riders from both past and present.
And on 8-10 September, head to Goodwood for the 25th edition of the world’s greatest weekend of historic motor racing, as the Goodwood Revival continues to champion the ‘Make Do and Mend’ approach of the post-war era alongside second-hand sustainability. Expect a packed schedule of workshops, presentations and talks in the Revive & Thrive Village, as well as greater use of future-proof sustainable fuels in the cars taking to the track.
It's going to be quite the year at Goodwood with a whole host of special events planned
why everyone is talking about…ON-TRACK ACTION AT THE 2022 GOODWOOD REVIVAL, PHOTO BY PA MEDIA THE 2022 GOODWOOD REVIVAL, PHOTO BY JAYSON FONG JENSON BUTTON AT THE 2022 GOODWOOD REVIVAL, PHOTO BY PA MEDIA HILLCLIMB ACTION AT THE 2022 FESTIVAL OF SPEED, PHOTO BY MICHAL POSPISIL SUNSET PORSCHE 956 AND 962 PERFORMANCE DEMONSTRATION AT THE 79TH MEMBERS' MEETING, PHOTO BY PETE SUMMERS
