PLUS PEARL LOWE
Why her Sussex home is full of vintage design
• BRAZILIAN FLAIR Meeting The Union Rye head chef, Maz Cogo
•
HAVE A BALL
Lionel Messi's link to a new Hastings hotel
inspiration and advice
ENJOY A BURST OF COLOUR THIS AUTUMN FROM JANE AT TWENTY PETWORTH
: Doctor Nyla is a skin specialist, trusted by TV personalities, well-known celebrity figures and some of Britain’s most familiar faces in the media industry. Founder and Medical Director of Doctor Nyla Medispa is a highly respected and much sought after cosmetic Dermatology GP. Dr Nyla is a winner of Best Cosmetic Clinic 2019 to 2020 and a nomination for Best Cosmetic Doctor 2021. With the largest Exilis Elite skin tightening in the UK, alongside the 2nd largest CoolSculpting clinic in Europe. Dr Nyla is considered one of the top cosmetic doctors in the country. Having practised medicine for over 20 years and having personally delivered over 200,000 treatments with truly exceptional results, she has gained the admiration of the industry. Over her 20 years in medical aesthetics, she has transcended across the years to personally understand how to manage the menopause.
WHY DR NYLA : Doctor Nyla is a skin specialist, trusted by TV personalities, well-known celebrity figures and some of Britain’s most familiar faces in the media industry. Founder and Medical Director of Doctor Nyla Medispa is a highly respected and much sought after cosmetic Dermatology GP. Dr Nyla is a winner of Best Cosmetic Clinic 2019 to 2020 and a nomination for Best Cosmetic Doctor 2021. With the largest Exilis Elite skin tightening in the UK, alongside the 2nd largest CoolSculpting clinic in Europe. Dr Nyla is considered one of the top cosmetic doctors in the country. Having practised medicine for over 20 years and having personally delivered over 200,000 treatments with truly exceptional results, she has gained the admiration of the industry. Over her 20 years in medical aesthetics, she has transcended across the years to personally understand how to manage the menopause.
The Transformation FaceliftTM is a bespoke treatment, which Dr Nyla has designed to treat many of the ageing affects the menopause can cause. Unique to the medispa group, this treatment, combines a variety of incredible anti ageing treatments to make you look and feel 10 years younger in the space of only six weeks! The next generation, multiplatform transformational facial offered exclusively at Dr Nyla. This treatment offers non-surgical skin tightening and lifting to treat all anti-ageing concerns –from textured, dull skin, to deep wrinkles and loss of laxity.
The Transformation FaceliftTM is a bespoke treatment, which Dr Nyla has designed to treat many of the ageing affects the menopause can cause. Unique to the medispa group, this treatment, combines a variety of incredible anti ageing treatments to make you look and feel 10 years younger in the space of only six weeks! The next generation, multiplatform transformational facial offered exclusively at Dr Nyla. This treatment offers non-surgical skin tightening and lifting to treat all anti-ageing concerns –from textured, dull skin, to deep wrinkles and loss of laxity.
During menopause, lower levels of estrogen have a big impact on your skin. Less estrogen makes you prone to thinning, sagging, and wrinkling. Skin looses elasticity making open pores much more visible. Skin is also much less hydrated. Fortunately, you can relieve some of the skin-related effects of aging by taking care of your specific skin care needs using the Dr Nyla skincare collection.
During menopause, lower levels of estrogen have a big impact on your skin. Less estrogen makes you prone to thinning, sagging, and wrinkling. Skin looses elasticity making open pores much more visible. Skin is also much less hydrated. Fortunately, you can relieve some of the skin-related effects of aging by taking care of your specific skin care needs using the Dr Nyla skincare collection.
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
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
For editorial enquiries please email: mark@zest-media.com
For advertising enquiries please call 07977 195732 or email: abi@zest-media.com
124 City Road, London, EC1V 2NX, London N1 7EU; 020 7704 0588
Zest Media Publications Ltd. cannot accept responsibility for unsolicited submissions, manuscripts and photographs. While every care is taken, prices and details are subject to change and Zest Media Publications Ltd. take no responsibility for omissions or errors. We reserve the right to publish and edit any letters. All rights reserved.
Follow Us On
Facebook @ABSOLUTELYSUSSEX
Twitter @ABSOSUSSEX
Instagram @ABSOLUTELYSUSSEX
Website absolutelysussex.co.uk
ABSOLUTELYSUSSEX.CO.UK
The online guide to
helps
ABSOLUTELY’S October issue highlights
Inever thought, when we first launched Absolutely Sussex, that I would be namechecking Lionel Messi within these pages. But I have and there's a very global feel to proceedings this month.
So what has the GOAT (Greatest Of All Time – although Cristiano Ronaldo fans I am sure will disagree) got to do with our county? Well, it was because of his decision to buy the iconic EsVive in Ibiza that meant the hotel's creative designer was looking for a new project – which he discovered in Hastings. So, inside our special Absolutely Home supplement, Sean Cochrane talks us through the plan.
We also sit down with Maz Cogo, the Brazilian chef who has taken over the cooking operation at The Union Rye. Her upbringing sounds a foodie's delight, and she intends on bringing some of that love to us too.
Plus, there's Francesca Fratamico, the Chichester author who has completed her trilogy inspired by the Adriatic, which has plenty to entice the avid reader in you.
All this makes it very easy to forget that summer is over on our fair shores... Enjoy the issue.
IKKS' pledge to stop using virgin polyester by 2025 is part of the brand's commitment to improving its carbon footprint in pursuit of real responsibility
in the fashion industry. ikks.com
Eberjey's pyjamas are offi cially the so est and most comfortable. We love this yellow set in jersey. eberjey.com
Anya Hindmarch has designed a delightfully dinky and highly collectible leather Carmex coin purse, perfect for storing your lip balm, £225. anyahindmarch.com
Zou Zou is a compact cross-body bag with two tassles for extra pizazz. It fits all of the essentials and is handcra ed by skilled European artisans using the fi nest nappa bubble lambskin.
tissafontaneda.com
Brodie is a boundary-pushing luxury clothing brand. Originating in Yorkshire, from a long family lineage steeped in cashmere manufacturing, the focus is on a responsible supply chain. brodiecashmere.com
Chanel's new Codes Couleur limited edition Mirror, Brush Set and Nail Files have been created in the brand's bright nail polish, Le Vernis Colours. chanel.com
This Lemonade Ceramic vase brings an amazing pop of colour to any room and is perfect for both fresh and dried fl owers. thehappyblossoms.com
British jewellery brand Rachel Jackson celebrates life’s beautiful moments by creating timeless personalised jewellery that is rich with symbolism. From humble beginnings on a market stall in Spitalfi elds, the brand is now sold in Selfridges and Liberty. racheljacksonlondon.com
We love this fun and cheerful yellow mirror with its statement wavy edge. Use on its own to brighten up a wall, or style with prints and other mirrors. roseandgrey.co.uk
Reina Olga is a female-led luxury swimwear brand using mostly recyled fabrics, biodegradable fabrics and small runs. reinaolga.com
UNTIL 5 NOVEMBER, WORTHING MUSEUM
Interweaving Spaces, an immersive installation by award-winning artist Dr Gil Mualem-Doron, combines ideas of biodiversity and cultural diversity to address the disastrous effects of climate change on vulnerable countries. The installation simulates an underwater kelp forest using over 100 suspended bespoke textile strips and underwater film, sound and light effects. The printed textiles combine dozens of traditional designs from coastal areas around the world. wtm.uk
19 OCTOBER, EASTBOURNE
Grammy Award nominated roots-reggae musician Julian Marley is the son of reggae legend Bob Marley. The multi-talented self-taught master of bass, drums, guitar and keyboards grew up in a musical atmosphere with influence not just from his father, but also from Aston ‘Family Man’ Barrett, Carlton Barrett, Earl ‘Wire’ Lindo, Tyrone Downie and Earl ‘Chinna’ Smith, shaping him to become the respected recognised producer, singer-songwriter and humanitarian he is today.
eastbournetheatres.co.uk
14-31 October
BORDE HILL
Families looking for a fun-filled day out are invited to explore the Borde Hill Garden on a spooky Halloween trail this October half term, whilst enjoying the stunning colours of autumn glowing in seasonal splendour. Children can also visit the Adventure Playground whilst adults revive their spirits at the Gardeners’ Retreat Café serving tasty snacks and warming drinks. bordehill.co.uk
13 October-11 November
MINERVA THEATRE
MP Arthur Gill is one of Westminster’s rising stars. Still in his 30s, he’s just become the Secretary of State for Justice, assuming the role of Lord Chancellor too; and with a leadership race on the horizon, he’s a favourite to be the next Prime Minister. But there’s a problem. An inquiry headed by Lady Justice Deborah Wingate is on the brink of publishing its findings about a public health disaster: a scandal that happened on Gill’s watch... cft.org.uk
ART
Until 3 October
J/M GALLERY
Chalk to Ice features large oil paintings capturing the South Downs of Emma Jamison's roots, and her expedition attempt to trek across Iceland. “I grew up surrounded by woodlands, with a view of the rolling South Downs, which as a child I sometimes imagined was a huge tidal wave,” she says. “I thought Iceland would look like England during the Ice Age. However, the landscape turned out to be harsher and more challenging than I had imagined.” kevishouse.com
This October half-term, history enthusiasts and families alike are invited to immerse themselves in the captivating atmosphere of the 12th century at Arundel Castle. Visitors can experience life as it was centuries ago and will have the unique opportunity to meet and interact with remarkable characters from the castle's storied past, from crusaders and knights to archers and servants. arundelcastle.org
The Sussex Contemporary returns to Brighton i360 on 7 October for a two-week free exhibition of the very best contemporary art in the county. Last year’s show had over 150 artworks chosen by a panel of expert judges from nearly 700 entries, and the exhibition was visited by over 10,000 people.
This year will be bigger and better. The Creative Pod Prize has now doubled in value and the winning artist will take home £2,000. Visitors will again be able to vote for their favourite artwork and the winning artist will now receive £500. The exhibition will again be free to visit and open
25 OCTOBER, BRIGHTON DOME
Simon Reeve will aim to inspire audiences to embark on more journeys and make the most of their chances to have wild experiences in the great outdoors. With behind-thescenes footage and stunning imagery, Simon will share surprising and thrilling stories, deeper thoughts and hearty laughs. He has been hailed as ‘British television’s most adventurous traveller’ and his travels have taken him across jungles, deserts, mountains and oceans. brightondome.org
everyday until 21 October with all the artwork available to purchase.
“We came up with the idea of The Sussex Contemporary to provide artists with a platform to show their work to a bigger audience,” says Jo Myles, creative director. “The Sussex is now a major exhibition in the arts calendar.”
thesussexcontemporary.co.uk
Craftsmanship can often be found in vintage clothing, furniture, linens and lace. But for me, it’s also about backstory and my house in Sussex, with its romantic history, offered that to me in spades.
It was never our intention to make a permanent move to the coast. For the past six years, our family home has been a beautiful Georgian property in Frome, Somerset, a county that we love. I very much doubt that we will leave that yellow sandstone house until we really have to, perhaps when the stairs get to be too much for us. The only downside of our life there is that it is also where my husband Danny and I both have our work.
I have my design rooms where I work on my fashion and interiors collections and Danny has his studio, where he writes and records his music. What we wanted was a place we could escape to when we needed a break from the daily rigmarole of our lives.
That said, I was always adamant this should be a home from home. I didn’t want it to have the soulless feeling of a holiday rental or a villa abroad. I wanted it to be full of character,
our things and our combined aesthetic. While the two properties are so different in terms of architectural style, space and location, I feel that somehow I have achieved that. This is my take on faded glamour, now by the sea.
In terms of the structure of the property, there was, thankfully, little to do. Following the passing of the artist and her husband, the next owners had added to the original bungalow an upper storey, clad in clapboard. This allows for four bedrooms within the house, plus a charming, self-contained cabin. Complete with a kitchen, living area and bathroom, this can accommodate two couples. There is enough room for our brood, as well as friends, without us all being on top of one another. In my mind, this is the key to a perfect holiday. The interior of the property was going to need a lot of work, as we were soon to
discover, much to our dismay. Having left London more than 15 years ago on our quest to find the perfect rural retreat, we were serial movers until we at last found our house in Somerset. I’ve almost lost count of all the houses we have lived in over the years.
When it comes to interior design, I’ve always believed that you must be sympathetic to the house and its location before you go wild. Here, I wanted to preserve the simplicity and serenity of the house.
I first got into vintage when we bought our first house in Camden. I loved finding antique bargains at both Camden and Portobello markets. It was so wonderful to watch the house evolve. Especially as we didn't really know how to decorate back then. We just threw it all together and hoped it looked alright.
I love Art Deco mirrored furniture. I bought an Art Deco mirrored dressing table and a mirrored chest of drawers and then I was hooked. I still have all the mirrored pieces I collected from back then. It's funny, as they are the things I just cannot part with, and they are getting so hard to find.
I love sourcing at Flea Markets, as there is so much choice and the prices are usually so much cheaper than shops or online. If you buy
Marking our Absolutely Home special this month, Pearl Lowe writes about why she fell in love with her Sussex bolthole and how we can all add a unique design touch ourselves
“My house in Sussex has such a romantic history”
vintage, you’ll have a piece of history that will be unique to you – and it's good for the planet. I have plenty of favourite purchases from over the years. A beautiful blue velvet sofa I purchased from The French House. A Butterfly Mirror I bought at Shepton Flea Market. A fringe lamp from a Paris flea market and my French armoire that an antique dealer was selling on Instagram for just £200.
It was very important for me to create a vintage space in my Sussex home. I wanted the Beach House to have a relaxed, bohemian feel to it. I didn't want it to be a generic seaside home with blue and white ticking and anchors on the walls.
I added a few French Venetian mirrors, some taxidermy, a little bit of vintage lace and lots of antique oil paintings. I found
the most beautiful antique ship in a glass box, which cost a small fortune, but it brings me so much joy when I look at it. Whenever I go down to the east coast, I head straight to Rye, Hastings, and St Leonards. My favourite shops are Rae Lifestyle, they have some great rugs and cushions, and 57 Merchant, who have an eclectic mix of
antiques and textiles. The French Depot is an emporium of beds, dressers, and Florentine furniture. Shop on Norman Road has everything from tasty food to beautiful tables and chairs. I also go to Hawk and Dove in Hastings for their wonderful vintage clothes. Finally, my top tips for buying vintage? Make sure the things you buy aren’t falling apart. The worst thing is when you buy something and get it home, only to realise it's got a massive crack and has been glued, without you noticing. Or the Armoire you’ve bought is full of woodworm and the handle has come off. Or the mirror has come away from the base. Check very carefully before you buy.
Faded Glamour by the Sea by Pearl Lowe (CICO Books, £25), Photography by Dave Watts © CICO Books. See more at pearllowe.co.uk
“I head straight to Rye, Hastings and St Leonards”
THE CHICHESTER-BASED AUTHOR ON THE INSPIRATION BEHIND HER ADRIATIC TRILOGY SET OF BOOKS
Q What is the Adriatic Trilogy?
A The Adriatic Trilogy contains three books, Emeralds Among the Sand, Veils of Smoke and A Love like Hell. The three books do not follow on from each other and can be read as standalone novels, but they all share the same themes and are all located on the Adriatic coast of Italy.
Q Why does that part of the world inspire you?
A This part of the world inspires me because it is where my dad’s family is from and so I spent many summers out there as a child. Also, it is a very beautiful and underrated part of Italy, where there is lots of history and dramatic landscapes.
Q What can you tell us about
A Love Like Hell?
A The book is set in the mountaintop village of Castelmauro, where my family live and where I spent many summer holidays visiting. All my family frequently told me tales about the town and its people, and I think these little snippets of stories were the foundations for the book. But the thing which most inspired me was every year when we went out to Italy, there were always farmlands set on fire by the farmers to burn the last year’s crop. This is illegal in Italy, and I witnessed several fires grow wild and out of control, leading to huge damage – and sometimes fatality. Another inspiration for the book was my Nonno, who works the land making wine and olive oil, which is the same profession as Domenico (the lead male).
I loved writing this book because it tackled challenging subjects and I loved writing the many plot twists that run throughout
the book and jumping between the present (written in letters) and the past, which build up the tension in the book. One of my favourite subjects within the book is this fear of repeating the same mistakes as our parents, especially in the way of love. All the main characters (who are young) are constantly making decisions based on what their parents did or didn’t do, which adds more complex layers to each of these relationships and is in most cases their downfalls.
The starting point of the book is a letter written from Domenico Fango to his dead mentor, Signoro Maestro, describing the conditions of his prison cell and how he came to be there. He talks about how he was arrested for the murder of his lover, Chiara, who died in the wild flames of a valley fire. In the letter, he pleads his innocence and turns over the events leading to her death and his imprisonment.
Q Who would you say the book is aimed at?
A The book is aimed at 16+. The main subjects of the book are domestic abuse,
religion, homophobia, love and how far a person will go for their dreams. I think this book is a great holiday read, and will appeal to anyone, for it has something for everyone: crime, psychological thriller, romance, murder mystery and more.
Q Can you give us an idea of your writing process?
A My writing process can be very chaotic. Normally I will go for weeks without writing anything and then one week where I will be up all night, every night, writing. When I am writing I always need to listen to music to help me focus and coffee to keep me awake.
Q How long have you lived in Chichester?
A Three years. I love that it is a small and
friendly city, yet it also has a wide variety of shops and restaurants. I love that it is surrounded by countryside and sea, and within five minutes you can be out of the city and in nature. Also, I love its easy connections to London and Brighton.
Q If you had to pick three places you love visiting in Chichester or further afield in Sussex, where would you choose?
A I’d say West Wittering Beach, Cowdray Park (Midhurst) and Reina Kitchen Restaurant.
Q Describe your perfect day?
A My perfect day would start with an early morning walk and swim at West Wittering, followed by a Sunday roast dinner with my family and maybe a couple of drinks with friends. To finish the perfect day, I like to read my book before I go to bed.
Q Where do you see your writing career going from here?
A I plan to continue to write and release books. After finishing this trilogy, I am looking to broaden my writing into different genres and age groups.
A Love Like Hell is out now, priced at £9.99
“There is something for everyone: crime, psychological thriller, romance and a murder mystery”
The city of Brighton has gained yet another exciting attraction with the official opening of a brandnew roller rink located on the iconic seafront, inside the Brighton i360 Viewing Tower.
The grand opening kicked off with a highenergy DJ spinning iconic tunes that spanned from the 1970s-1990s. Guests soon watched on as a mesmerising skating performance took place by the talented Kiki Lahula, who wowed the audience with her hula hoop skills while effortlessly gliding on roller skates.
The spotlight then shifted to Brighton locals, as 12 skilled skaters from the Brighton Skate Community took to the floor. With their unmatched passion and skill, they danced on wheels, jamming to the beats of the music, and dazzling spectators with their impressive skating moves. The roller rink soon turned into a hub of energy as attendees tried the rink out themselves.
“The opening of the roller rink marks an exciting new chapter for the city's entertainment scene,” says Simon Haffenden, Head of Guest Experience and Events at Brighton i360. “We are delighted to provide a space where roller-skating enthusiasts of all ages can come together, have fun, and experience the joy of gliding on wheels in such a stunning location.”
The rink has been specially designed to provide a seamless gliding experience. A colourful mural has been painted on the floor, allowing spectators to view the striking artwork as they ascend to 450ft on the Brighton i360 pod. The floor has been designed by Brighton visual artist, Amber Elise, who is known for her bold use of colour on large-scale murals in the city. The roller rink is open to the public from 11am daily.
brightoni360.co.uk
Wednesday & Thursday: 18:30 - 23:00
Friday & Saturday: 12:30 - 16:00 | 18:30 - 23:00
01273 031 594 | bookings@furnarestaurant.co.uk
The perfect retreat to round off a day at the beach, Tutto - the newest restaurant from acclaimed restaurateur Razak Helalat (The Coal Shed, The Salt Room and Burnt Orange) - serves a menu of hearty Italian-inspired dishes in a thoughtfullyrestored 1930s bank. New to Tutto is the Aperitivo Trolley and Sunday feasting menu, Domenica, which brings together the most loved things about Italian dining. tutto-restaurant.co.uk
Brazilian flair has arrived in the East Sussex food scene in the shape of Maz Cogo taking over the food operation at The Union Rye. Absolutely Sussex meets her
By MARK KEBBLE
For any student currently undergoing careers advice meetings, and not really sure on the direction they want to head in, Maz Cogo is worth listening to. “My first option had been to be an airplane mechanic in the Brazilian air force,” she smiles. “Only when my sister told me about how amazing and creative the che ng world was did I start to consider it as something I wanted to explore. I guess when you think about it, both involve a lot of discipline, so it makes sense those were my options. Then I realised mechanics involved too much studying and didn’t involve enough human interaction; I love to host people and express my love for them through food.”
Absolutely Sussex is chatting to Maz at Marina Fountain in Hastings, as she continues to explore what the county has to o er in the way of food and drink. “There’s so much amazing stu here,” she enthuses. “Big shout out to The Plough, Tillingham, The Royal in St Leonards, The Fig in Rye, The Cove in Fairlight, Boatyard, Bangkok Delivery Boy... Not to mention my favourite cocktail bar, Cactus Hound, and our lovely local, Marina Fountain. I can’t wait to explore more as I haven’t even scratched the surface.”
Then there’s The Union Rye, of course, where Maz is now head chef. It’s been quite the journey since those early days being swayed by aviation. “I come from a big family that has always barbecued and cooked with open fire as a base of
our meals,” she says on how her Brazilian upbringing has influenced her cooking. “You would probably see a barbecue happening at my parents’ house at least twice a week. I’ve always been as interested in the food as much as hosting people in my home.”
Today, Maz promises to show o her whole animal butchery skills at The Union Rye, but when was she first exposed to it?
“One of my first jobs was in an amazing Peruvian restaurant in Sao Paolo, called La Mar. We used to prep whole fish and all types of seafood – Brazil is a country very rich in seafood. After that, I went to work in a French restaurant where I met incredible chefs. My food mentor, Julien Mercier, used to bring lots of butchery principles and old school methods to the table. That’s when the combination of my love for fire and fish came to the fore.
“One day, Julien brought a gigantic whole tuna fish to the restaurant, and we worked to break it all down into its various cuts – this was one of the most incredible days,” she smiles at the memory. “It was the type of restaurant where anyone who worked there never wanted to go home. Brazil is a very interesting country when it comes to food. The skill levels and knowledge of the chefs that came from Europe is extremely high. In such a fertile, produce rich country where the chefs were so skilled, it was the perfect combination of classic cooking techniques and history that makes such amazing food in Brazil.”
Eventually, though, London called.
“Amazing, mind blowing,” Maz says of the capital’s foodie scene, which started for her at the acclaimed Plum + Spilt Milk in King’s Cross. “You can find anything you want and it’s all at such a high level – there is no space for mediocre. London is everything that a young chef needs to help them learn. The one thing I would say, though, is that there are some incredible female-led businesses and kitchens coming through that need to be better acknowledged for what they’re producing, as it’s currently quite a male heavy industry.”
“I love to host people and express my love for them through food”MAZ COGO THE UNION RYE
Maz is certainly leading that charge, but why leave all this behind and come to Sussex?
“I come from Sao Paolo, which is a very big city, straight to London, which is another very big city! I’ve always been drawn to the sea and felt like it was time to explore a di erent way of life,” she says. “I was drawn to The Union based on their style of food and how they take seasonality and sustainability seriously. They also prioritise sta wellbeing, which is very important for me. My wife is also from West Sussex, so it’s great to be closer to family down here.”
The Union is a restaurant and bar in a beautiful 15th century building in the heart of Rye, East Sussex, with a menu made from seasonal produce that is primarily British and local to Rye and the East Sussex region. The small menu changes daily depending on what ingredients are best and what is
available each day – and already Maz is getting our taste buds tingling. She has introduced beef cuts such as Picanha to the menu, salsas and condiments and sea bass ceviche. Other new dishes include Maldon Rock oyster topped with tomato, trout roe and bronze fennel; grilled chicken heart skewers covered in an oregano and sourdough crumb; Violet artichokes with butter beans, green sauce; and oyster mushrooms and Cornish mussels in a spicy Sobrasada and heritage tomato sauce. For pudding there’s Basque cheesecake and raspberries and Baron Bigod, grape chutney, cherries and home-made linseed crackers.
What would she say really sums up what her cooking is all about? “Chicken Hearts: the sign of a good barbecue in Brazil is if they have chicken hearts,” she grins. “If they do, you’re in good hands! I’ve done
a version of something called farofa by adding sourdough crumb to this dish, which is another staple of any Brazilian meal. Pork chop – often a misunderstood cut of meat and needs a high temperature to get juicy and crispy, which is achieved with a lot of care and attention.”
With live fire cooking also on the menu, Maz and The Union Rye will certainly be on any foodie lover’s must visit in Sussex this autumn and beyond.
theunionrye.co.uk
“I was drawn to The Union based on their style of food and how they take sustainability seriously”
Scotch whiskymakers Compass Box have unveiled the third expression in their Extinct Blends Quartet, Metropolis, a limited edition paying tribute to the city. Presenting an array of tasting notes, Metropolis embodies all the senses of the city. A parcel of Blended Scotch nurtured in sherry casks brings out a dried fruit richness over a creamy and zesty grain whisky. compassboxwhisky.com
57˚ Skye earth + sea London Dry Gin and 57˚ Skye earth + sea Cask Aged Gin celebrate the Isle of Skye, the largest island in the Inner Hebrides archipelago, surrounded by fertile waters and a place of unspoilt natural beauty. Key ingredients are local botanicals from the land and sea, including juniper, coriander, angelica, pomelo peel and heather blossom. 57skye.com
La Grande Dame 2015 vintage comes in a range of colourful gift boxes and labels born from the imagination of Italian artist Paola Paronetto. The new eco-gift box, crafted sustainably in France, is made from 100% natural hemp paper and 100% reusable and recyclable cardboard. Dividing the CO2 impact by three, it is a feat of innovative thinking and commitment to green packaging. selfridges.com
he iconic Don Papa Rum is aged for seven years in ex-bourbon and ex-rioja American Oak casks for depth of flavour. Lingering fruit notes combine with warming oaky spices and a delicate, rich sweetness of apricots and cinnamon. A deliciously appetising liquid of unquestionable quality, each sip of Don Papa Rum is a link to the mystical world of Sugarlandia – a unique but marvellous place where senses are heightened, and everything is not as it seems...
This spirit-forward twist on a classic seems to slow time with each sip, delivering layers of bright, fruity notes, paired wonderfully with Don Papa Rum’s unmistakable molasses profile.
• 50ml Don Papa Rum
• 25ml Sweet Vermouth
• 5ml Luxardo Maraschino
• 1 Dash of Angostura Bitters
• 1 Dash of Orange Bitters
Glassware
• Chilled Cocktail Coupe
1 Combine ingredients in a mixing glass and fill with ice. Stir for 15 seconds to chill down the cocktail. Strain into a chilled cocktail coupe, and zest with orange oils.
2 Garnish with a Maraschino. cherry and serve.
TBy EVE HERBERT donpaparum.com
The timeless and versatile blue jean has been reinvented by Maria Grazia Chiuri in a series of denim pants. Named Dior 8, in homage to the founding couturier’s lucky number, these exceptional creations come in bootcut, flared, wideleg, boyfriend or cargo styles, as well as a new straight shape. dior.com
CRYTAL HAZE
Turks and Caicos Earrings, £129.99 crystalhazejewelry.com
COLETTE
18K Yellow Gold, Turquoise, and Tiger's Eye Mushroom Charm, £1,300 selfridges.com
GUITA M
18K Yellow Gold, Aquamarine, and Agate Flower Earrings, £7,798 guitam-jewelry.com
ALISON LOU
Sunlight Ring 18K Rose Gold with Brilliant Cut Diamonds and Pink Sapphires, £9,500 piaget.com
LIONHEART
14K Yellow Gold and Gem Stone Rainbow Wildflower Chain, £1,258 lionheartjewelry.com
SUZANNE KALAN
18K Yellow Gold, Diamond, and Pastel Sapphire Butterfly Earrings, £5,905 suzannekalan.com
EMILY P. WHEELER X SUPER SMALLS
18K Yellow Gold, Sapphire, Crystal Quartz, and Natural Clover Necklace, £7,700 emilypwheeler.com
AKAILA REID
18K Gold, Diamond, and Double Ethiopian Opal Pavé Ring, £5,504 akailareid.com
IRENE NEUWIRTH
One of a Kind 18K Gold, Aquamarine, and Opal Flower Necklace, Price Upon Request ireneneuwirth.com
The new AW23 collection from Jane, found at Twenty Petworth, will add a burst of colour to your wardrobe
JANEATELIER.COM
GLOW RECIPE
This hydrating, skin barrier strengthening cleanser is packed full of ceramides and pre and post-biotics. Avocado oil helps to break down make-up, whilst also nourishing the skin, £25. cultbeauty.co.uk
Believe me my young friend, there is nothing – absolutely nothing – half so much worth doing as simply messing about in boats,” Ratty famously remarked to Mole in The Wind in the Willows It’s a sentiment Newhaven Gig Rowing Club would agree with as they celebrate launching junior rowing sessions this year and reaching 80 members with a waiting list of keen locals for its Learn Row Sessions. Gig rowing traces its origins back to Cornwall in the late 17th century, so how did this heritage sport land in the heart of East Sussex? Chairwoman of Newhaven Gig Rowing Club, Jane Thompson, says: “Newhaven Gig Rowing Club was founded in June 2016 after a group of friends from Sussex spent a weekend rowing on the Percuil river near St Mawes in Cornwall.
Absolutely Sussex takes a look at the Cornish-inspired Gig Rowing Club that is all set to launch a regatta in Newhaven
“They mused over the possibility of a Cornish gig being used on the River Ouse here in Newhaven and felt it would be a fantastic opportunity for the local community. Our bright yellow boat Amelie boasts royal blue lettering and is a working replica of a 170-year-old boat.”
The Cornish gig is the original lifeboat, made from Cornish elm, and sitting six rowers and a cox. They were used in the latter part of the 17th century, but today they are primarily for sport, with clubs all over the world.
Newhaven Gig Rowing Club is based by The Sidings, a picturesque spot right by the river. It started off with just seven members, but since then its members have taught more than 200 people how to row. It received a funding boost from Newhaven Enterprise Zone totalling £10,000 via the Community Fund managed by Sussex Community Foundation, which has helped the club to build on its success.
Corinne Day, programme director at Newhaven Enterprise Zone, says: “Newhaven is a fantastic centre for water sports. We were so pleased to lend our support to this exciting
new club and it’s wonderful to watch it go from strength to strength. This is exactly the kind of club we want to support as Newhaven builds on its reputation as a centre for marine businesses and sports.”
Jane adds: “Just this April we had three racing crews participate in World Gig Rowing Championships in the Isles of Scilly. It was a fantastic and memorable experience for all of us. So far this summer we have already travelled to the River Hamble in Hampshire and Appledore in Devon for some really fun friendly regattas. We jointly hosted a regatta with Lewes and Affinity Rowing Clubs on 22 July where we were joined by the other gig rowing clubs that row from Newhaven into Seaford Bay.”
Club members enjoy picnics at Southease, just up the river from Newhaven, which has views towards Mount Caburn east of Lewes. The cold winter nights don’t dampen the spirits of the rowers either, who enjoy rowing in the evenings when the nights draw in.
Jane says: “The club is very friendly, and the rowing itself is really addictive. It’s an incredible form of exercise, and another way to enjoy our local treasures, with the added bonus of a team of great people.
“People row for a variety of reasons, improving both physical and mental fitness,” she adds. “Just getting out on the water whilst learning new skills is a great bonding experience and a real chance to form connections with new friends.”
Messing about in boats in Newhaven comes with some spectacular scenery too, including the tidal River Ouse and of course the beautiful white cliffs, which light up this stretch of coastline. Jane says: “I think the landscape in Newhaven is unbeatable, it has everything from the greenery of Castle Hill and Tide Mills nature reserves to sandy beaches, and the sea is a fabulous blue on a bright day. I love being on the river, it is the best vantage point for watching the world go by, not just the boats but the birds too.”
To find out more about getting involved with Newhaven Gig Rowing Club visit ngrc.co.uk
A modern and stylish take on old school weights, the Heavy Kit from Bala Bangles is designed to help you increase strength, agility, endurance, and balance, £148.82. shopbala.com
The Duality Yoga Strap From Alo Yoga can be used to carry your mat and also as a support in practice. Yoga straps can be used to create resistance, improving balance, and increasing muscle strength, £39. aloyoga.com
hen I arrive at the My Pilates London Studio in Putney on a rainy Friday morning, the first thing I do is warn founder Pete Pallai that I’m not very flexible. “My range of motion is terrible,” I say.
I’m here for a one-on-one session and I’m feeling a mixture of excitement and trepidation.
Reformer Pilates is having a huge surge in popularity right now, and it’s my very first time trying it out.
Wthe process of learning to move your body with more strength, control, and awareness.
Pete is a two-time Olympian bobsledder and former rugby player. He discovered Reformer Pilates late into his career and is extremely passionate about its benefits for both women and men.
strengthening my core. I slide up and down the machine, working my whole body – from my legs and glutes, to my arms and chest. At points, my legs are burning and trembling, but I actually surprise myself in the range of movements I can do.
This natural rubber mat from Lululemon has a grippy top layer to help you find balance in your practice. Stretching can have positive effects on your gains in muscle mass, £78. lululemon.co.uk
Pete explains that although flexibility is often the thing people tend to think about when it comes to Reformer Pilates, it’s actually only one part of it. He tells me that Pilates was initially called ‘Contrology’. He prefers this name as it better describes
Now an experienced Balanced Body (the largest Pilates company worldwide) trained practitioner, people of all levels come to Pete for his expertise. He divides his time between running courses for Pilates instructors, leading advanced level classes, and giving one-to-one sessions.
Pete takes me through some basic moves, modifying them as we go to make the session uniquely bespoke to my needs. Pregnancy and life with a toddler has left me with pain in my left hip, and I’d like to work on
The challenge is concentrating on my breathing whilst making sure I’ve got the correct form. Pete explains that you really have to focus.
He tells me that this is another thing that people really enjoy about Reformer Pilates – it’s time where you have to leave the day’s stresses behind.
At the end of the session, I might be leaving with slightly wobbly legs, but I think Pete’s enthusiasm for Reformer Pilates might have just rubbed o .
mypilateslondon.com
RIPPLES
Whether for the floor or walls, choosing the right tile design can make or break your bathroom. From the material type, to the choice of colour, it’s a minefield to make sure this room does become your luxury retreat. Inside, Ripples Chichester explain all you need to know. ripplesbathrooms.com
FANTASY AT THE BELL IN TICEHURST p52
INSIDE HASTINGS’ HOT NEW HOTEL p57
VISITING KITTYHAWK HOUSE p61
THE LATEST MUST-HAVE TREND p71
If you go down the gardens of The Bell in Ticehurst, you are sure to be in for a surprise. There you will find four individually designed lodges, all of which you wouldn’t expect at your typical local boozer. “No part of the garden is out of bounds to any of our customers, but diners and drinkers tend to stay closer to the pub and perhaps just wander through the lodge garden to admire the plants,” says The Bell’s Philippa King, suggesting that this is one surprise that remains to be discovered.
“Each lodge is individual with their own small patio area and outdoor wood burner,” Philippa continues. “There is Between The Lines, which has a mezzanine with games and a record player to get the vinyl spinning. Pretty Vacant, a nod to punk but with a huge VACANT and OCCUPIED sign above the bed to reflect the traditional municipal lavatory locks of old. And then there is Pour L’Amour with a wall to ceiling mural I recently commissioned local artist Jane McCall to paint. Influenced by the Bloomsbury Group who resided in nearby Charleston Farmhouse, it’s interesting to see if guests notice that the birch trees can also be viewed as upside down naked ladies. You see there are no room numbers at The Bell, just names taken from specially commissioned poetry.”
Then there is the Love Nest, which has been imaginatively upgraded by Philippa, who is The Bell’s creative director. “It is our premier room, the place where many people spend the first night of married life together and, after nearly eight years, we felt it needed to be lavished with a little more love,” Philippa says on the need for a spruce up.
The Bell in Ticehurst is becoming as known for its beautiful lodges as it is for its food. Absolutely Sussex meets its creative brainsPHILIPPA KING THE KING SIZE BED IN THE LOVE NEST
Down a short gravel path planted with bee-loving cottage plants and herbs, the Love Nest is entered via an old oak church door. Once inside, there is so much to dazzle the senses. “You enter through a reclaimed arched church door and draw back a half circle curtain with the words ‘Curiouser and Curiouser’ embroidered on them,” Philippa takes up the story. “Your eye is drawn to the king size bed mounted on a round platform. The beautiful headboard takes your eye up the velvet curtains, again in a semi-circle, which screens the bathroom. There is a round love seat to snuggle up on and watch the curved television. Then you might delight in spotting the copper bath, with an enormous light fitting above it. This and all the other individual lights are works of art, designed and created for us by Jeni Cairns using plasma cut outs in metal of birds, bees and flowers. And then there is the wood burning stove for the cooler winter months – you could easily create your own sauna!”
As guests turn to close the door, the detail of the door curtain catches the eye; beautiful sage silk damask, with hand sewn crewel work in muted tones of pink, green, cream, and blue. The same fabric has been used to edge the burnt orange velvet curtains above the bed, screening the glass to the bathroom and has also been used to great effect on the bespoke headboard. “Some years ago, I bought some beautiful panels from a local lady who was selling her father’s collection. Each panel is different, so not particularly practical, but the crewel work hand stitched into silk damask is stunning. I knew I would be able to use them one day,” Philippa says.
“The description on the ticket attached to the fabric is ‘A simple Queen Anne design arranged with interesting stitchery’. The collection dates back to 1949, but the fabric may be older. I have used the fabric on the headboard, the
entrance curtains and as an edge to the curtains above the bed, all cleverly put together by local seamstress, Sue Paines.” The door leading up to the round roof terrace is painted in Farrow and Ball’s Bancha, with a hand painted sign by local artist, Bill Talbot, “Twist my knob for a bit of light relief”.
It’s a fantastical place to stay with your loved one, almost Tolkien-esque with its appearance. “The lodges are often described as hobbit-like,” Philippa considers, “but the whole feel of The Bell is probably more Alice in Wonderland.” Wonderful, indeed.
Join Philippa for creative courses at The Bell, and rooms at The Bell cost from £165-£325, including breakfast. See more at thebellinticehurst.com
“The lodges are often described as hobbit-like, but the whole feel is more Alice in Wonderland”INSIDE ONE OF THE LODGES, THE STABLES
Vive Hotel is a contemporary new hotel that has launched in Hastings, offering a well-deserved dose of modernity to this historic seaside town. Vive is a collaboration between Jason Bull, former owner of legendary Ibizian hotel EsVive, and its multi award-winning designer Sean Cochrane, who designed and evolved the hotel over several seasons. Following the sale of Es Vive to Lionel Messi, the pair decided to collaborate again – this time on the south coast, after discovering a former university campus for sale in Hastings.
The concept was simple – to create a stylish convergence between hotel and apartment; recognising that modern travellers want an ‘affordable luxury’ option, where experience counts and versatility matters. Absolutely Sussex visited and sat down with Sean to
Hastings has a stunning new hotel to excite locals and tourists alike. The designer behind Vive, Sean Cochrane, explains its concept and what it means for the town
find out more about how the interior design is working in perfect harmony with the quirky architecture...
Q How do you look back on designing EsVive in Ibiza and how it became such a legendary location?
A It was such an amazing experience to work in our favourite of the Balearic Islands. Jason Bull chose us over many competing designers and having such a beautiful art deco building to work with offered a wonderful opportunity to honour the old and seamlessly blend elements of Ibiza partly life into the new. Jason and I ended up working together for several years.
Q Why was the hotel sold - and how did Lionel Messi become attached?
A The partners got an offer they could not refuse. Lionel Messi was looking for the jewel in his hotel portfolio and EsVive was that jewel. The Messi team won the bid over two other opponents.
Q Ibiza to Hastings is quite a jump...
A There is an undeniable up and coming scene in Hastings and St Leonard’s, which has been drawing people from London, Brighton and beyond for some time – but strangely Hastings lacked a stylish and contemporary hotel offering. We were already working on another Vive in Menorca and were looking to expand further when we discovered a former university campus for sale in Hastings and couldn’t resist the opportunity.
Q How does Hastings fit into your vision?
A Hastings has a real buzz about it and it’s exciting to see some of these unloved buildings being revitalised with a passion and energy that the new tourism scene has brought to the area. Vive Hastings brings fresh new options for both locals and visiting guests, not only with the new hotel, but also the exciting new restaurant, spa and bar launching this autumn.
Q How did you work with the quirky architecture?
A We chose to amplify the brutalist architecture as we thought it had got lost during the period it was owned by Brighton University.
Q Can you sum up the design style internally?
A Our design ethos throughout has been contemporary, with a twist of ‘industrial art deco’.
Q How did you approach the look of the studios?
A We wanted to add a fresh and versatile take on the usual hotel format, so each room comes as a self-contained studio apartment.
Q Who is Vive Hotel aimed at?
A The concept was simple – to create a stylish convergence between hotel and apartment; recognising that modern travellers want an ‘affordable luxury’ option, where experience counts and versatility matters.
Q Are there any future collaborations on the horizon?
A We are currently working on a new Vive hotel in Mahon Menorca.
vivehotel.co.uk
“Hastings has a real buzz about it, with a passion and energy in the tourism scene”
SEAN COCHRANE
Kittyhawk House, an architect designed dwelling of approximately 4,540 sq.ft. (421.8 sq. m.) set within a one acre residential curtilage, was completed in 2020. It is positioned in a most dramatic setting with uninterrupted views of the heritage Sussex Downs and National Park, and the view from the large floor to ceiling windows of the drawing room resemble a painting by Constable that changes with the seasons. The house is approached along a private drive which is about half a mile (0.75 km) from the public highway. This offers unique privacy to the Estate, over which there are no public rights of way.
The construction of the house is predominantly of engineered timber and glass, sitting on an elevated platform of steel and reinforced concrete. This contemporary structural design of engineered timber utilises CLT technology (Cross Laminated Timber) for the main structure of the walls and roof. CLT is an extremely strong and stable building material, eco-friendly and sustainable with excellent thermal insulation properties and fire-resistant even when subjected to high temperatures. The house has been designed as a sealed unit incorporating a mechanical aircirculation system. It is super-insulated on all external walls, ceilings and floors.
It wouldn’t be a Home special without a nosey around a local property - and it doesn’t come more iconic than this
You enter the house from a paved forecourt and carport through a gently rising bridge into the entrance hall, an atrium rising to the first floor which accommodates the drawing room and library. This space is dominated by a purposedesigned cantilevered staircase anchored on two walls in an L-shape and is supported by structural glass which rises to the first floor and wraps around the edges of the atrium.
The principal bedroom suite contains the sleeping quarters, the dressing room with full-sized mirrored wardrobes and a wet room, containing a double-size shower, a separate bidet toilet, two basins with two large bespoke mirrors and a large designer bath (Philippe Starck).
The high-tech kitchen and open dining area is glazed on two sides with access to elevated
balconies and external stairs, both leading to the garden. The east side of the kitchen/dining area is entirely glazed with large sliding double doors opening directly into the garden.
There is a fully equipped bespoke cinema room with high-tech 4K projector, electronics and speaker system, which can also be used as a supplementary bedroom with a double bed folding into the wall.
The upper floor contains the drawing room, which is fully glazed on the east side. It features two large glass doors opening directly onto the balcony. A large floor to ceiling window offers incomparable uninterrupted views of the South Downs National Park. The combination of the topography and the positioning of the house is such that no other man-made structures are in view.
Kittyhawk Aerodrome was conceived in 1990 as a private airstrip for the proprietor’s aircraft. At the time, the strip was operated on the so-called ‘28-day rule’, whereby movements were limited to 28 days per annum. Due to its stunning location a number of friends and acquaintances started using the airstrip, which began to grow organically.
In time, two grass runways were constructed as well as a hangar and concrete apron. As the use intensified into what was by now a ‘proper’ aerodrome, a number of unsuccessful applications were made to the local planning authorities, in order to establish in planning terms a lawful aerodrome. Finally, after great expense and 30 years of endeavour, the planning authorities granted Kittyhawk the status of a lawful unlicensed airfield to be developed commercially.
Kittyhawk House & Aerodrome is on the market with Savills, with offers in excess of £5m. Find out more by calling 01732 879 050 or visiting savills.co.uk
“The set up of the house is such that no other man-made structures are in view”
Atwo-tone kitchen is such a popular trend right now, and we love designing them! You can approach the twotone colour scheme in a number of ways, and if you’re not sure where to start, we’ve got four different approaches you can take to fire up your imagination.
If you want a two-tone scheme, but want something with a timeless quality to it and the confidence that the colours will just work, start lining up your favourite blues, greys and whites. There’s so much mileage with these three colours, and in almost any combination, you’ll find a classic look for your kitchen.
If you want your two-tone scheme to pack a punch with a bold contrast, go for a deep colour or more playful colour on your low units and/or island and a contrasting light colour on your wall units. For many of our customers, a deep blue is ever-popular as the statement colour, but you can really have fun with this type of colour scheme.
Don’t just rely on your online research either. Look at samples and colour swatches in person, and if possible, take sample doors home. Bold, vibrant colours can look so different in showroom lighting.
With neutral, earthier tones, you can create a lovely calming colour scheme with a softer contrast. Try a soft white or grey for your base units and then a complementary tone for the wall units or island, but with a subtle pattern or texture to add some differentiation.
If you love the texture and warmth of wood, but don’t want your kitchen dominated by it, mix and match it. Have your island in solid oak combined with a painted finish across the rest of the kitchen. There are so many options, and it’s great fun doing the mixing and matching, but if it feels overwhelming to get the colour scheme just right, work with an established, trusted local kitchen designer like us. With over two decades of experience, we’ll ensure you find the perfect two-tone scheme for your new kitchen.
Book your free design consultation at info@kitchensbespoke.co.uk , visit kitchensbespoke.co.uk or pop into the showroom at 50 London Road, East Grinstead, RH19 1AB
“There's so much mileage with blues, greys and whites”
CustomCarpetCompany is a family run business with four decades of experience, assisting their clients in sourcing and designing individual carpets and rugs for their homes. They offer a full design service and project management throughout. Their showroom in West Sussex is available by appointment to clients where they can discuss your project and show the options to satisfy your design brief.
Custom Carpet Company specialise in many aspects of carpeting, offering solutions from single coloured carpets that may be needed in oversized rooms, to adding borders and motifs, up to fully handmade production in many varying yarn types. Wool, silk, bamboo and combinations of yarns are used in both cut pile and loop pile constructions. They have extensive knowledge of the industry and always welcome new projects.
Over the years these projects have taken them to some of the most prestigious homes across the UK and beyond. They are happy to travel to meet with you, and talk through your ideas – the possibilities really are endless.
Added to the domestic market they have extensive knowledge of yacht and aircraft installations, and have been fortunate to work internationally with clients.
They pride themselves on providing the same contact person for the project, ensuring the order process is as smooth as they can make it for you. Featured on this page are three examples of the work they do. Pictured top of the page, here the client required a traditionally woven cut pile wilton carpet to fit the period of his home. This carpet fitted perfectly, matching the heritage of the building. The design was lifted from Custom Carpet Company’s extensive archive for the period and recoloured to the clients décor.
Pictured left top, this hand tufted rug has been tufted in loop pile to create an almost tapestry look, before being inset into the timber surround. The soft palette of colours accentuates the soothing relaxing environment of this drawing room.
Then there is this striking and opulent vestibule, pictured left bottom, that leads you up to a luxurious spa bath. The gold in the hand tufted carpet is a lurex yarn to accent the gold leaf in the adjacent furnishings.
take a bespoke approach that will ensure your interior design truly wows
When selecting tiles for your bathroom walls or floor, there are many elements to think about. From the design and colour to the material and shape, it’s best to take your time to get the best result. Here, Helen Brown (pictured) from Ripples Chichester offers her advice.
Bathrooms need tiles that are non-porous, so look for ceramic or porcelain designs. These are the most popular choices whether it’s for walls or floor and there are so many options for colour, pattern, size, shape and style. Porcelain is durable, hardwearing and easy to clean with a luxurious look and feel. Ceramic is less expensive and easier to lay, as it’s not as weighty as porcelain, but is still a great option for longevity. Both materials are compatible with underfloor heating and for a good slip resistance, look at the R rating. You can use natural stone, especially for the floor – think slate, limestone and marble – but it will need to be fully sealed or treated before and in some cases after installation.
When it comes to colour, think about whether you want subtle or stand-out. Do you want your tiles, whether wall or floor, to have instant impact or to complement their surroundings? Some of the latest looks for 2023 include statement stripes, terrazzo designs, pink in all its rose and blush tones and earthy hues such as dusky browns and warm ochres. You may want a trend-driven tile or something that’s more timeless and enduring, but whatever you choose, make sure it’s something you absolutely love, as tiles are not something you can change that easily.
Gone are the days when the choice was limited to square or rectangular tiles. Now you can find scallops and hexagons, penny rounds and mosaics, subway styles, pickets, arabesque and more. You can also create interest with the laying pattern too, and this applies to both walls and floor. A brick pattern using subway or metro wall tiles suits both classic and contemporary bathrooms, while a herringbone layout on the walls or floor offers instant impact and is a trend that’s set to last.
“Latest looks include statement stripes and terrazzo designs”
pooky.com
johnlewis.com
By PENDLE HARTE
WHERE SAINTS GO Burgundy Eucalyptus Stems, £39 wheresaintsgo.co.uk
EARTHBORN PAINTS Lady Bug, £54 earthbornpaints.co.uk Murphy table lamp, £110
SHIMU Viscount Rug Burgundy, £129 shimu.co.uk
BEAUTIFUL WALLS Floral Impressions Leaves and Berries, £42.98 beautifulwalls.co.uk
EICHHOLTZ Trapezium Chair, £1,124 sweetpeaandwillow.com
SCHNEID Eikon Circus Pendant Lamp from £191 nunido.co.uk
FLOS Captain Flint outdoor wall light, £799 inspyerlighting.co.uk
VICTORY COLOURS About Damson No 50, £44.95 victorycolours.co.uk
LIGNE ROSET Taru One Arm Settee, £3,620 chaplins.co.uk
By PENDLE HARTE
Walberton Place Care Home provides the highest standards of family-led residential and dementia care. Our home is luxurious and beautifully furnished, whilst retaining a warm family atmosphere that makes Walberton Place feel extra special.
To book your tour give us a call on 01243 551549
•
The terms “green credentials” and “environmentally friendly” are very much the buzz words of the day and they apply equally to the residential property market. Before you can market a residential property, a seller must have commissioned an Energy Performance Certificate, also commonly known as an EPC. This will show the property’s current rating and the property’s potential future rating if improvements works are carried out.
This is important as going forward there are proposals for all rental properties to have an EPC rating of at least C by 31 December 2025 for new tenancies and 31 December 2028 for all tenancies.
The Bill is currently going through Parliament and although there is discussion the dates may change, the penalty for not having a valid EPC on a rental property will increase from £5,000 to £30,000 in 2028. Even though you may be purchasing the property to live in, when you come to sell the cost of upgrading the Rating may affect the sale price, or exclude investor purchas-
ers who may have considered purchasing the property as a buy to let.
It is likely purchasers of properties with rating of D or below may wish to consider looking into the costs of carrying out the necessary improvement works to increase the Rating to C and seek to negotiate a price reduction to cover the costs.
An Environmental Search is made, principally to find out whether there are any records of former landfill sites or industrial sites that could mean that the property being bought is either already contaminated land, or could become contaminated land. The report is prepared by reference to records and maps available to the Environmental Agency. The search also indicates
By SIMON HARRIS SIMON HARRISthe position of nearby petrol stations, electricity pylons and mobile phone masts. It also gives a risk assessment according to the soil type about possible subsidence and it also indicates whether the property is in an area at risk from flooding from any local river or from the coast.
Many Environmental Searches will also highlight any current, or projected issues which may arise as a result of climate change that could affect the property now, or going forward, the risks climate change may cause in terms of potential physical risks (loss and damage to the property) and how these give rise to transition risks such as having a material impact on the ability to insure or mortgage the property in the medium to long term. In turn this could affect the future resale value of the property.
It is important purchasers of residential property are mindful and investigate the “green credentials” of the property they are looking to purchase.
Simon Harris is Associate Solicitor at Mayo Wynne Baxter. Contact him at sharris@mayowynnebaxter.co.uk or visit mayowynnebaxter.co.uk to find out more
Eastbourne College is celebrating success in the Talk Education Awards for Innovation 2023, winning in the Inspiring Sporting Activities category. Eastbourne College was recognised for its focus on ‘blue health’ living and learning, as the school takes advantage of its coastal location to benefit pupils’ physical and mental wellbeing by encouraging outdoor activities as much as possible.
By LIBBY NORMAN
Nobody ever said growing up was easy, but these days it can be particularly tough – especially for girls. That’s where Dr Zoe Williams comes in, with a desire to create a new guide for the 9+ age group – not just focusing on the physical changes of puberty, but the social and emotional pressures of 21st life. You Grow Girl! The Complete No Worries Guide to Growing Up is the result.
Dr Zoe Williams is a well-placed voice of authority, a GP, with day-to-day experience of the issues young people encounter. She is also a trusted medic on our screens. Her schedule includes roles with the Royal College of General Practitioners and British Society of Lifestyle Medicine. Oh, and she’s a former rugby player (Blaydon Women’s RFC) and appeared as ‘Amazon’ on Sky 1’s Gladiators. By anyone’s lights – but especially if you’re a girl growing up – that last bit adds up to pretty cool.
She is clear about the challenges girls face today – and they go way beyond the physical changes that make puberty such a confusing time. “It was really important to me to make sure we included topics that young people are not only interested in, but should be aware of,” she says. The book gives all the sound advice you’d hope for (looking after your body and healthy eating), but also covers o everything from building body confidence to being empowered to speak up when something doesn’t seem right.
Zoe thinks that the information children are exposed to in real time makes trusted sources and sound guidance more important than ever. “If I think about myself, I had limited access to information. I could ask my parents, my teachers, find a book or magazine or ask my friends. Whereas now young people can find information on anything online. And they may get good sources of information, or they find information that is incorrect or misleading or dangerous,” she says.
She believes young people today are more attuned to the society in which they are
growing up. “I think when we were young, we didn’t feel war and global issues were any of our business, whereas young people do now – and rightly so. They are not just feeling the weight of their personal experience of growing up on their shoulders.”
While You Grow Girl! focuses mostly on supporting children through their own individual journey, it also provides inspiring case studies and guidance to reflect these bigger-picture concerns. These include topical issues such as poverty (food insecurity and period poverty). Zoe felt it was important for the book to acknowledge and support people with the most challenging lives.
The book provides thought-provoking analysis around bullying. “It’s not just about the person being bullied or the bully, we all have the responsibility and an ability to support both the bully and the person doing the bullying. It’s important, at a deeper level, for young people to feel empowered and to know they have the permission to speak out and do the right thing.”
A working GP, and a familiar face on TV, Dr Zoe Williams has written a new book designed to guide girls through the physical, mental and social trials of growing up
Sex, mental health and consent are all covered in a sensitive and age-appropriate way, but also with that ‘dip in’ tips and pointers approach that is so useful in helping young people absorb information without feeling overwhelmed. Zoe is also excellent on inspiring case studies, including drawing on her own recollections as she was growing up. She gives a great account of how she learned to improve her own body confidence on Gladiators and o ers advice on adopting a gladiator name and stance in testing situations.
Body confidence is a major issue for girls as they grow, and she delivers insights about this by talking about her own teenage insecurities and her game-changing moment – in the communal showers after her first competitive rugby game. She had prepared for anything, bringing along a bikini. Then everyone just stripped o and got in the shower. “And there was this sudden realisation that nobody cared what I looked
like,” she says. “Everyone is di erent, there is no normal. I wish I could go back and tell my younger self that, and that’s why I’m telling the young people reading my book.” She thinks that, as adults, we have a duty to approach the whole business of dispensing advice to young people with care, and also due respect for their intelligence. “We have to give young people credit for the knowledge they already have,” she says. On areas such as consent and sexual identity, she suggests young people are often more aware than we realise.
“As a parent, teacher or grown up, it’s about saying: ‘you know what, you might know more than me on this. I’ll share what I know, and I’d really appreciate it if you’d share what you know, and then maybe we’ll both end up with more knowledge and be empowered’. What a wonderful thing to do, rather than us always being the educator and the young person always being the recipient of knowledge.”
Dr Zoe Williams
£9.99
“Young people are not just feeling the weight of their personal experience of growing up on their shoulders”
Q What attracted you to Eastbourne College?
A I had always admired the all-round and balanced ethos of the school. In my previous post at Christ’s Hospital we were on the same circuit as Eastbourne and the friendliness of the pupils and the staff was well known and noticeable. The College is in a beautiful location, nestled between the South Downs and the sea, and it is one of those established public schools with a fine reputation. I did not think twice about applying for the headship in 2016 and hugely enjoy being here on the coast.
Q Can you tell us about your career history so far?
A I was fortunate to have my first teaching post at a fine academic school, Winchester College. I spent more than 15 years there, becoming a boarding housemaster in 2006, which had been my ambition ever since I decided to go into teaching.
That role is tremendously rewarding, but after seven years in post I felt that the boys would probably benefit from an ambitious youngster and I started looking for deputy headships. I was lucky to get a school which is as special and important as Christ’s Hospital – it really is transformational, with
most pupils fully or mostly funded from endowment. That gave me crucial experience of working at a co-ed school, which helped me get to Eastbourne. By coincidence, therefore, my entire career has been along the South Downs Way. I have now reached Beachy Head so there’s nowhere left to go!
Q What do you think makes Eastbourne College so special?
A Eastbourne is the ‘Blue Health’ school. Being by the sea and taking inspiration from the open horizons is a special thing for us. Essentially, what makes Eastbourne College so great is we are an authentic all-rounder, providing a holistic education. It is what many schools aim for, but deep down they are crammers, or sports academies, creative hubs (or country clubs) with lip service to
the need for a healthy balance for every pupil. It is hardcoded into our timetable and culture that we aim to participate and strive to excel in all facets of school life.
Q Can you tell us anything interesting about the school's past?
A Although our iconography recognises the important role the Dukes of Devonshire have played in our history as supporters and sponsors, interestingly the College was founded in 1867 by the town’s doctor to provide a school for the people of this new town. Dr Hayman thought it
Tom Lawson, headmaster at Eastbourne College, on a career by the coast and overseeing a ‘Blue Health’ school
“We are an authentic allrounder, providing a holistic education”
ideal to build a school here owing to the “remarkable healthiness of Eastbourne”. So, pupil wellbeing is the school’s founding ethos and the great success we have with medical applicants nowadays reflects the College’s foundation by a doctor.
Q Sport seems to be an important part of school life at Eastbourne College…
A Our games fields stretch into the South Downs for cricket, rugby, football, hockey, netball and tennis. The sea is on our doorstep for sailing, sea swimming, triathlon, water sports and paddleboarding. A short hop inland are the stables where our equestrian team train, the athletics facility is less than ten minutes away and the golf course our team uses encompasses our games fields. However, our most notable facilities are in the £30m Project 150 development that includes a state-of-the-art pool, fitness suite, squash courts and a gigantic sports hall.
Q How does Eastbourne College guide pupils towards academic excellence?
A The basis of everything is individual care for each pupil. We focus on value added, praising pupils for their improvement so everyone has a chance to be successful. Our
pupils are very aspirational and all progress to taking three or more A-levels. Most want to go to university here or in the USA, or to a blue chip degree apprenticeship. The easy relationship with pupils and our superb teachers’ commitment means there is always extra help and encouragement available. As a result, our ‘value add’ (that is how much better our grades are than those predicted by baseline testing) is in the top 4% of the country.
Q What is life like for boarders?
A A lot of fun – an opportunity to live right in the heart of the school in this beautiful part of the world. They have the best of both worlds being in a countryside/seaside school, yet only five minutes away from the centre of town when they have free time.
Q What is your vision for the school?
A Our vision is that Eastbournians should be good people who others want to be around. It is a fairly simple aim when you boil it down. That vision necessitates a school that stands on values, encourages pupils to be bold learners, kind and empathetic, fun-loving and authentic all-rounders. I think that parents are
beginning to see the benefits of genuinely balanced care and enjoyment alongside aspirational academic schooling.
Q Where are some of your favourite Sussex spots?
A Roy the boxer dog, my family and I all love the beach. We also try to get out on the Downs and around Friston forest. I also find Pevensey Castle quite magical, as the dog can romp about oblivious to being surrounded by walls which are Roman, Norman and part of a WWII command post. Fittingly, for a coastline that historically served as the pirate hub of England, I quite like smuggling in a visit to a lovely Sussex pub as part of a walk.
eastbourne-college.co.uk
Sussex’s original winter lantern experience returns with an awe-inspiring anniversary trail
Marking a milestone 10 years, Glow Wild lights up Kew’s wild botanic garden, bringing festive magic and wonder to the South East with 10 new installations and myriad hand-crafted lanterns. Celebrated as a must-do Christmas experience, the 2023 edition of the winter lantern trail marks a decade of mesmerising memories and community spirit.
This year’s theme invites visitors to reflect on the awe-inspiring moments in the natural world – from epic examples of wildlife to delicate details of plants and fungi. In true Glow Wild tradition, over 1,000 lanterns are handmade by local volunteers and community groups, with the tenth anniversary mile-long trail also boasting eight brand new bespoke installations from leading artists.
This year offers a new interactive experience with Wakehurst’s ‘Starkeeper’ from Long Nose Puppets. Visitors young and young at heart are invited to make a wish on a star to hang in the ‘sky forest’ before they continue their journey. Other friendly faces can be found in giant parading peacock, Percy, who gives a glowing welcome to all entering the gardens.
Beyond the dazzling creations, new to Glow Wild this year is a refreshed catering offer, with pop-up stalls throughout the trail offering comfortable dwelling points to admire installations whilst enjoying hot drinks and snacks. Crackling fire pits located close to the Starkeeper form the perfect spot for toasting marshmallows, whilst festive grab and go options can be found under the UK’s tallest living Christmas tree, the
towering 37m stalwart of Wakehurst’s festive offer adorned in 1800 energy-saving bulbs. Quiet Sessions are available every night at 4.15pm, whilst a series of Relaxed Sessions offer gentle performances adapted especially for children with special educational needs and disabilities. For those looking for the perfect date-night, adult-only slots will run each Friday at 8pm offering a quieter, more intimate experience.
In recognition of the strains faced by many during the ongoing cost of living crisis, Wakehurst has released accessible priced tickets from £11.50 for the opening week of Glow Wild and hopes this, combined with its free tickets for under 4-year-olds, helps families as they prepare for the festive season.
Glow Wild returns from 23 November. See more at kew.org/glowwild
why everyone is talking about…PHOTO: JEFF EDEN PHOTO: JAMES RATCHFORD PHOTO: JAMES RATCHFORD
