Absolute Magazine issue 123 Feb/Mar 2016

ABSOLUTE ISSUE 123 FEB/MAR 2016

FASHION TRAVEL FASHION | STYLE| |CULTURE CULTURE||LIVING LIVING | TRAVEL | STYLE

Seychelles Tourist Office - UK & Ireland

4th Floor, 130-132 Buckingham Palace Road - SW1W 9SA Tel: +44 (0) 207 730 0700 - seychelles@uksto.co.uk

www.seychelles.travel

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Index 10 - NEWS 14 - HOT MODELS 24 - OFF THE FENCE 26 - LATEST TV 30 - LIGHTS CAMERA ACTION 40 - OLLIE CUNNINGHAM 44 - HEADMASTERS 48 - FIZZ & FOOD 54 - COFFEE & CAKE 56 - MEMORIES OF INDIA 59 - 1874 62 - MEAT LIQUOR 66 - POLPO 68 - BE AT ONE 71 - PATTERNS 72 - RICKSHAW 76 - STREET STYLE 78 - NEW YEAR NEW START 90 - LONDON LATE NIGHT 94 - SEYCHELLES PARADISE 106 - LAINES HOTEL 110 - B&O 112 - SMALL BATCH COFFEE Editor - Lizanne Harris - lizanne@absolutemagazine.co.uk Contributing Editors - Charlie Carter | Matt Parr | Shelley Louise Baker | Victoria Marie Emerson | Pete Hayward | Kasia (The Styling Agency)

Features Editor - Victoria Marie Emerson - info@absolutemagazine.co.uk Advertising sales - Miguel De LaRosa - info@absolutemagazine.co.uk Designer - Pete Hayward (South Beach Media) - info@absolutemagazine.co.uk Owners - Publishers Simon Darcy Abbott - simon@absolutemagazine.co.uk David Camici - dcamici@absolutemagazine.co.uk

Cover Shot Hair | Styling - Hair By Fatosh Photography - Darren Black Models - Will Glover and Layla Harris (First Model Management) Location - Hilton Labriz Seychelles

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Editor’s Letter Hello all, Welcome to our beginning of spring

If the British weather is getting you down

issue.

then I hope our travel features will give you food for thought on organising some

As I write this, it is grey and super windy

time away.

outside but I have high hopes that come March sunnier skies will be on their way…

We have given you the heads up on the

well, I can live in hope!

best of Brighton’s hair salons and the colour trends for 2016. While the start of

Rather like bears it is normal for me to go

our new year is still fresh in our minds

in to hibernation over the winter, but that

but new year’s resolutions may be fading,

is a difficult thing to do when you live in

take a look at our run down of different

Brighton where the fun never seems to

gyms to suit every type of keep-fit fanatic

stop, with so many restaurants and bars

and life coaching and therapies that may

to visit. It’s been a slightly quieter month

make your life feel that little bit better.

but Brighton will never be dead.

Lastly, over the next couple of months This issue is packed full of reviews with

I wish you a happy Valentines full of

places to go for good food and great

hearts and flowers, or at least a nice slap

drinking holes. Polpo has made it’s way

up meal in a good restaurant. Oh…. and to

from London and is definitely worth

all you Mums out there…Happy Mother’s

checking out and if vegetarian is your

day too!

food of choice get a wiggle on to 1847.

Much Love

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News custom - the egg that gets furthest down the Dyke valley wins, plus there are prizes for the best decorated egg £1 per competition entrant

RUN FOR IT Over the last couple of months more and more joggers are out and about along Brighton seafront, which apart from burning off the excess Xmas calories points to the fact that Marathon time is on the way.

At 9am on February the 28th, athletics star Sally Gunnell OBE will be sounding the starting klaxon and sending Brighton’s Half Marathon 13,000 runners on their 13.1 mile route around Brighton and Hove. Sally will also present the the winners trophies at the Elite Race Presentations at 11am.

Next up on the Brighton running calendar is the Brighton Marathon. Starting with The Cancer Research UK mini mile races for kids and teens (16th April). Then on the 17th April, the day kicks off with the BM10K race at 8.30 and then the marathon starts. It will wind it’s way through the streets of our city, finishing up on Brighton seafront.

It’s an amazing thing to watch, with a buzzing atmosphere and knowing so much money is being raised for various charities makes this day an incredibly special one.

EASTER EGG HUNTS - hop to it!

Daily from Friday 25 March to Sunday 3 April, 10.30am-4.30pm Alfriston Clergy House – hidden bunnies Easter hunt Search for the bunnies hidden around the garden on this fun Cadbury Easter Egg Hunt. Find all the bunnies and receive a Cadbury chocolate prize.

Normal admission charges apply, egg hunt £1.50 per bunny hunter Daily from Thursday 24 March to Sunday 10 April, 10am-5pm

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Bateman’s – Kipling Easter hunt The hens have been busy laying eggs all over Rudyard Kipling’s garden. Follow the Kipling clues and find the eggs then match them up with the correct hen and there’s a Cadbury chocolate treat at the end. In the tea room, indulge yourself with a special Easter sweat treat.

Normal admission charges apply, egg hunt £2.50 per person Daily from Friday 25 March to Monday 28 April, 11am-4pm Birling Gap – countryside Easter egg hunt Join an Easter egg hunt around the countryside. Follow the clues, answer the questions, complete the challenges and win a Cadbury chocolate prize. The Easter hunt starts at the visitor centre at Birling Gap and takes hunters to find hidden clues on Belle Tout and Lookout Hill Egg hunt £3 per person Daily from Saturday 26 March to Monday 28 March, 11am – 3pm Devil’s Dyke – Easter egg hunt Go along to collect your quiz sheet and map, find all the hidden plastic eggs to solve the clues and answer the questions. All participants will win a Cadbury chocolate prize Egg hunt £3 per person Monday 28 March, 10.45am-12noon Devil’s Dyke – egg rolling competition Bring your own hand decorated hardboiled egg and try your luck at this Easter egg rolling

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Daily from Friday 25 March to Monday 28 March, 11am-3.30pm Standen – Easter egg hunt If you go down to Standen today, you’ll find the Easter bunny has been this way! Bunny has hidden his chocolate treasures around different parts of the garden and we need you to help us find them. Once you have found everything take a gander over to Goose Green to collect your prize.

Normal admission charges apply, egg hunt £2.50 per person

A TASTY AFFAIR After starting in London last year ‘The Whiskey Affair’ is making it’s debut in Brighton on the 20th February. Described as a lively and fun night out for any fans of whiskey. There will be music, whiskey cocktail making and plenty of tasting of scotch, bourbon and whiskey. There is something for all levels of whiskey knowledge catering for beginners right through to the aficionado.

The event takes place at Otherplace, Brighton at 24 Kensington Street, BN1 4AJ at 7pm. Tickets are £10 each and available online now. www.thewhiskeyaffair.co.uk

I DO IN THE CLOUDS Imagine saying “I do” at 450 feet, high above the beach, as a breathtaking panorama of 26 miles of Sussex coastline gently unfolds around you. From September, happy couples will be able to do just that on British Airways i360, the world’s tallest moving observation tower opening this summer on Brighton beach and one of the world’s most unique wedding venues.

Wedding reception menus will use the finest local ingredients from the South Downs and Sussex region. For those wanting a more informal style celebration, British Airways i360 wedding packages include a BBQ and bowl food option or for a very special touch, couples can book the talented duo of Josh Stanzl and Steven Edwards, winner of MasterChef: The Professionals 2013.

The futuristic pod will hold 198 people for wedding ceremonies, with a Sky Bar on board where guests can toast the bride and groom before descending gently to the beach building where celebrations can continue.

Couples will benefit from the help of a dedicated wedding planner and the happy couple can even return to celebrate their first anniversary with a complimentary Champagne flight, courtesy of British Airways i360.

Couples can also take their vows in the heritage 1866 West Pier Toll Booth or choose the beachside event space, each with their own private terraces offering stunning views of the West Pier, Brighton beach and out to sea. The spaces can cater for more intimate groups of 38 people to larger ceremonies of up to 202 people, including the bride and groom.

Wedding reception packages start at £70 per person.

EMAIL: weddings@britishairwaysi360.com TEL: 44 (0)333 772 0360 www.BritishAirwaysi360.com

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News MODEL BEHAVIOUR Brighton Modelworld returns to The Brighton Centre for it’s 38th year Running from Friday 19th to Sunday 21st February 2016, the show will celebrate in style with a revised programme of entertainment, exhibitors and for the first time ever, an interactive activity zone for children where they can drive a tank, build an aircraft and much more!

The show will also be welcoming the world-renowned Titan – an 8ft futuristic robot – to the show, to wow the crowds with his insanely impressive entertainment skills.

The exhibition will still feature over 150 society and trade stands, a huge collection of model railway layouts, scores of marine scale models on the pool, doll’s houses, circuses and fairgrounds, radio controlled trucks, aircrafts and much more.

Tickets - £9.50 Adult, £5.50 Child, £7.50 for Seniors and £26 for a Family ticket (2 adults 2 children). Children under 4 go free.

Box office: 0844 8471515 Website: www.brightoncentre.co.uk

COURTOIS CONCEPT STORE Fashion blogger, writer, stylist and queen of all things vintage has set up store in Brighton’s North Laines.

Courtois Concept Store mixes a little bit of Shoreditch with Bright-on, packaged up in a minimal and industrial space. What lies within is anything but plain…the clothes which are all sourced and chosen by Natalie, are pure luxury including stunning designer vintage pieces (current pieces current pieces include a 1970s linen skirt by Burberry, a 1970s Hardy Aimes dress and a handmade day dress from the 1920s with stunning embroidered flowers).

Not only will you find on trend fashion forward vintage. the store will be a space where new and old come together……

“I want to embrace the current trend for social shopping and will be offering the space up to artists for exhibitions, stylists for talks, book signings, hosting blogger events and so on. As it’s got my name above the door it’s a real personal statement as to the things I love and know others will love too. Some of the brands they might know, others will be new. Each vintage item has a handwritten label by myself offering either a styling advice or a piece of fashion history on the designer its by”.

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Open 7 days a week:10.30-6 weekdays, 106.30 Saturday Sundays 11.30-5.30 Courtois Concept Store, 20 Gardner Street, BN1 1UP , Facebook: courtoisvtgconcept Instagram: @courtoisconcept Email: Nataliecourtois@hotmail.com

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FOOD BEHAVIOUR On April 30th and May1st and 2nd the Foodies Festival comes to Hove Lawns.

Shop and sample from over 120 award-winning producers in the Artisan Market, and feast on flavours from around the world in the Street Food Avenue. There’s a special focus on Brazilian food this year in celebration of the Olympic host’s cuisine, with traditional Brazilian BBQ , cocktails and coffees.

After a day of feasting and fun, relax and soak in the atmosphere with live music from the Entertainment Stage and a glass of bubbly or refreshing cocktail from the Giant Pimm’s Teapot or Captain Morgan Mojito Ship. And if you are still hungry, there’s always the Bug-Eating and Chill-Eating Competitions to take part in. enquiries@foodiesfestival.com

Watch Michelin star chefs and famous faces cooking live in the Aga Rangemaster Chefs Theatre, and pick up tips and recipes from healthy living experts as they prepare their favourite superfood and feel good food dishes that will have your taste buds tingling.

Head to the Drinks Theatre and relax with rum, champagne, gin and craft beer masterclasses, or challenge your taste buds with a blindfolded whisky tasting.

Visit the Cake & Bake Theatre and watch Great British Bake Off champion Nadiya Hussain and top local bakers bake delicious summer cakes that will inspire you to reach for your whips and spatulas at home. There’s a Children’s Cookery School to keep the little foodies busy.

TWEET TWEET Three Little Birds is a new restaurant on Church Road. Run by Lauren, who is surprisingly young for a restauranteur but with years of experience, it’s by the beach looking affair, white walls, seaside pictures and lots of vintage wood. Pop in for drinks, coffees or a perfectly formed menu of tapas and a selection of entrees. They even cater for the Vegan and Veggies in the house. http://www.threelittlebirdsrestaurant.com

TOP OF THEIR VOICE Eleven young performers from Brighton and Hove will appear in the opera Nothing at the world famous Glyndebourne opera house on the 25th - 27th February 2016.

The teenagers are part of the world premiere of a new opera adapted from an award-winning book for young adults called Nothing.

Seven of the group are members of Glyndebourne Youth Opera and will sing in the chorus and the remaining four are instrumentalists who will play with the orchestra.

Nothing, often described as a modern day Lord of the Flies, was writ-ten by Danish author Janne Teller and has been adapted as an opera by composer David Bruce and librettist Glyn Maxwell.

It tells the haunt-ing story of a group of teenagers who are trying to convince their classmate that life has meaning. Things quickly escalate as the children go to ever more extreme lengths to try and persuade their friend that there are things worth caring about. www.glyndebourne.com

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Next Hot Model in

The Seychelles B N

ext Hot Model is now in its 3rd successive year. This competition is one of a kind with amazing prizes up for grabs such as a luxurious long haul trip abroad, a lucrative two-year modelling contract with First Model Management, a gorgeous photo shoot and heaps of other freebies.

Competition is understandably fierce with thousands of young hopefuls traveling from all over the South of England for a chance to walk down the catwalk in front of some very picky judges.

After eight heats last summer, the finale took place on the 4th September in the prestigious Grand Hotel, Brighton. Here 30 aspiring models took to the stage in their plight to become victorious in the 2015 Next Hot Model.

The whole evening was a glamourous event with performances from singing sensation Larissa Edie and opera star Kayla White, creatively intertwined with stunning fashion show performances.

The judging panel were tough to impress with experience and backgrounds across modelling, media, music and fashion.

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At the end of the evening, this year’s champions, Layla Harris and Will Glover were crowned the winners and later as part of their prize, whisked away on a once in a lifetime paradise trip to The Seychelles.

Here is an insight to just what the 2015 Next Hot Models got up to on their amazing trip.

Models, Layla and Will jet-setted off to the Seychelles where after getting over the 14-hour trip and jet lag they were once again in front of the camera for their first on location photo shoot. Modelling clothes from an array of designers including Café Blue Clothing, Walk in wardrobe and RTH London they were finally experiencing life as international fashion models. Naturals in front of the camera, after their seven-day photo-shoot, they were soon island hopping and having some well-earned fun, rest and relaxation with the rest of The Next Hot Model team that accompanied them on their trip. Staying in four amazing hotels, sampling amazing local cuisine, swimming in the crystal clear ocean and sunbathing on pure white sandy beaches, the winners basked in the sunshine soaking in their victories.

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During their ten-day trip, Layla, Will and the team stayed at the Indian Ocean Lodge, The Carana Hill Top Villa, Bird Island Seychelles and The Hilton Seychelles Labriz. Details of all of these amazing resorts can be found on the Seychelles Travel report.

All images by Darren Black Photography

Indian Ocean Lodge www.indianoceanlodge.com Grand Anse, Praslin, Seychelles +248 428 3838 reservations@indianoceanlodge.com

Carana Hill Top Villa www.caranahilltopvilla.com Carana, Glacis, Mahe, Seychelles +248 4 241 990 reservation@caranahilltopvilla.com

Bird Island Seychelles www.birdislandseychelles.com Bird Island Lodge, P.O. Box 1419, Victoria, Mahe, Seychelles Tel: (248) 422 49 25 reservations@birdislandseychelles.com

Hilton Seychelles Labriz www.hiltonseychelleslabriz.com Silhouette Island, PO Box 69, Mahé, Seychelles Tel: 248-429-3949

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IS BACK! SEASON OPENING RACE EVENING

TUESDAY 19 APRIL FREE RETURN SHUTTLE BUS FROM BRIGHTON TRAIN STATION

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BRIGHTON BE BLESSED with Off The Fence Since 1997 Off The Fence, has grown and become Brighton’s saviour for the community. Founder and Chief Executive, Paul Young, is an ordained Christian minister who has funded this charity without any help from the councils. All funding has been self-raised via events, sponsors, donations including local businesses and residents of the community.

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aul, has kindly invited myself to their day center - Portland Road, Hove to discuss the role in which Off The Fence plays within the community and for myself to experience and see what this charity offers the homeless and how they continually provide on going help for their guests.

Walking into the entrance of the building, the day center was full. A community of people talking and enjoying each other’s company, whilst gaining informative help from the volunteers and staff.

Initially what caught my eye was a young volunteer who cuts the homeless peoples hair whilst they warm up with a cup of tea. Further facilities include shower room, private room for medical checks, refreshments station and a stock room consisting of clothing necessities.

ABSOLUTE : Can you explain the 3 main roles Off The Fence provides to the Brighton & Hove community?

Sure. Off The Fence includes Antifreeze, this is a place for those that find themselves sleeping on the streets of Brighton & Hove.

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Gateway, - is a friendly yet professional service which supports Women experiencing emotional distress and to tailor that support to meet their individual needs.

We also have a Schools & Youth programme.

The team involved is increasingly a valued part of the community within Brighton & Hove. In which the team - teach lessons weekly within talking subjects like self-esteem, healthy relationships and drug and alcohol awareness.

How can the Brighton & Hove community help or support Off The Fence?

We always require volunteers to help with Off The Fence and encourage the community to participate in fundraising events to help support us.

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We also appreciate donations in which include; warm winter hats, warm gloves, sleeping bags, toothbrushes, lip balms, cleaning products etc.

All of this really helps I would advise anyone who is interested in getting involved with us or wishes to help raise for money for us to contact on 01273 733566. One of the team will be more than happy to advise you.

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ABSOLUTE : Explain to me the meaning of Off The

Fence?

We need to get off the fence and deal with issues in which affects our community. There are a lot of issues and misfortunate situations that arise within each of our lifetime; some can be easily dealt with as where some cannot be easily fixed. Generally these uneasy situations tend to get ignored, this later then becomes a growing problem.

We all are aware there are homeless people in Brighton & Hove, but rather than ignore the matter, lets get off the fence and deal with this matter.

ABSOLUTE : Are there any big events you are organising or participating in 2016?

We have loads of fundraising events coming up this year; one in fact is the ‘Heroes run’ held in May. A fun event in which people dress up as a super hero, Superman, Batman, Wonder Woman the list goes on.

Many more fund raising events are updated on our website. www.offthefence.org.uk

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There are a lot of issues and misfortunate situations that arise within each of our lifetime; some can be easily dealt with as where some cannot be easily fixed.�

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Latest Bill For years Bill Smith, founder of Latest TV has been fighting for a TV station within his hometown Brighton. Determined to use the knowledge and experience he had gained working for ITV, Smith was adamant the city of Brighton would not only benefit from having its own station, but also as a local platform to showcase the talent and creativity the community have to offer.

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ill’s concept of democratic television is revolutionary to those wanting to break into the industry, as it provides you the space, equipment and support needed to perfect their craft.

Smith’s philosophy is ‘ You make it, we show it, what’s more, with a “You Make It, We Show It” policy, you, the viewers will also be stars of the TV screen.

Broadcasting from studios just yards away from the city’s iconic Brighton Pier, Latest TV will be on air up to 24 hours a day, seven days a week with news and sport at the heart of our channel.

Latest TV can be watched on Freeview Channel 8 and Virgin 159, as well as on demand online. Latest TV will be accessible to over 400,000 people across the Greater Brighton area and online on any device to everyone in the UK through TV everywhere.

Bill has taken time out of his hectic schedule to answer a few questions about this rapidly growing TV Station.

What is your vision for Latest TV? The Vision for Latest TV is to make great programmes and create lots of creative jobs and make Ch8 twice as big as Ch4!! We

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want to make everyone all over the world recognise Brighton as a TV and Film City.

Why is Local TV important?

It’s largely the only place that every day you see Brighton on TV!! And every day we cover the news, the issues, so it’s democracy.

Our MPs, our councilors and our football teams are on our screens every day!

Can you explain the collaboration Latest TV has with the BBC? We make a weekly programme called Digital Nation with BBC and for BBC. All the best digital films from UK chosen by Angi Mariani and then brilliant scripting and editing and graphics! We also supply BBC South East with a lot of news stories.

We were for instance the only TV Company at Shoreham Airshow and our footage was on BBC, CNN and national newspaper sites.

What advice would you give to someone, who would like to pursue a career in Television, Journalism, Presenting, Editing?

Just get on with it!! That’s what YouTube has proved. Anyone can make TV, there’s no

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mystique and you can do it on an IPhone. If you need to learn anything - do our on the job training course.

E-mail bill@thelatest.co.uk Since the start of Latest TV commencing back in 2012, how has Latest TV developed as a broadcasting station?

We are fairly secure now on news and sport and music and entertainment but we now want a great reality show, a soap opera and a sitcom plus animation, films and dramas.

Make them!!!

What Exclusive information or news can you tell Absolute Magazine about Latest TV in 2016?

I’ve personally got an audiobook coming out in a month!! It’s sexy and funny and surprisingly cheap (in every sense!) It’s called The Philandropist. It’s my cool replacement for 50 Shades (so last year!) I expect it to be filmed soon starring Ryanski Goslingovich and Pippa Middleclass. Buy it!

Mathew Parr Twitter: @mparr3101 Instagram: MPARR3101

Photo by Julie Watson

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Anyone can make TV, there’s no mystique and you can do it on an IPhone. If you need to learn anything - do our on the job training course.

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Brighton Visitor is Brighton & Sussex’s ONLY tourism-specific magazine.

Packed with great ideas of things to see and do in Brighton & Hove and within Sussex, this free glossy magazine covers everything from shopping, food & drink, kids, attractions, What’s On & more.

Brighton Visitor is picked up by both locals and visitors and is published quarterly throughout the year with a total annual print run of 150,000 copies.

01273 731000 www.brightonvisitor.com

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Brighton-Visitor

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LOOKING Good Established in 2013, Lookin’ Good Treatment room situated in The Lanes Hotel, Brighton offers Beauty, Hair and Holistic services to the highest standard. u

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hilst currently studying at Brighton University to become a teacher within his field, owner Mathew Parr has recently created his own brand of cosmetic and beauty products all based on Aromatherapy oils. His products are retailed within 3 salons across Sussex; furthermore he has designed aromatherapy products produced specifically for dogs in which are 100% safe and being retailed within a holistic spa for dogs in Hove, SussexThe Dogs Corner. He provides clients including celebrities with extensive treatments from Hair extensions to Hot Stone Massages. Mathew is the first cast member on Brighton’s 1st Reality TV show this year, in which he is co producing with Bill Smith Owner of Latest TV. He also will be co presenting

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another TV show with Nelda Pereira specialising in Beauty & Fashion in which is currently in production at present. Both Shows will be aired on Latest TV. Channel 108,or Virgin media 159.

Explain to me about Lookin ‘Good & your Aromatherapy products?

Since starting looking good, I have been fortunate enough to gain a great client base, which includes -Makeup and hair for Scarlett Quinn (X Factor contestant 2014 & 2015) Big Bovaz, (music group) TV presenters, reality TV show cast members etc. I do have a range of #Lgood products, in which are a collection of aromatherapy oils, floral waters, face scrubs, SLS free shampoo etc. These have been created to care for your skin, body and hair. Each

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essential oil has beneficial properties in which helps with your Mind & Body.

Our Essential oils come from all over the world and are natural aromatic compounds found in the seeds, bark, stems, roots, flowers, and other parts of plants. We only produce high grade Essential Oils.

Why come out with Aromatherapy products for dogs?

Why not? Its obvious people are more aware now about the beneficial properties Aromatherapy oils contain, and how massage benefits the body.

I have always given my dog Lola massages and it is safe to use certain carrier oils and certain essential oils on your dog with the correct advice given.

It’s a natural product, which does not irritate the dog skin or hair.

With all of my projects I do extensive research and only promote what I believe in. The name PackDiva had been created after my friend Rita and I took my dog Lola out for a long walk.

For some reason Lola has a particular way with other dogs, she seems to be in control of them. The dogs she meets adhere to her barking instructions and crazy as it seems both the pets and their owners are besotted with her.

She is a leader that where the ‘pack’ comes from, and its obvious through my instagram, twitter and Facebook pictures that she is a ‘Diva’, therefore #PACKDIVA What are your plans for 2016?

This Year is a going to be a busy year, although I am in my last year at Brighton University, I will be teaching full-

accredited classes for AH THERAPIES who mentor myself throughout my Uni- course. I plan to continue working on my brand and getting my products retailed into more salons. I am excited to be working with Latest TV on 2 TV shows. I can’t say much about the TV shows, but one is a reality show in which you will see all aspects of my life including my work and my social life.

The other is a Beauty & Fashion show in which will include interviews with celebrities.

Ermm…. I don’t know what I am allowed to say or not. There is lots happening this year, I will be also writing for Absolute magazine and have a meeting about my #LGOOD products being retailed in Malta.

www.lgood.co.uk www.packdiva.com

Follow me on Twitter @mparr3101 and instagram @MPARR3101 to keep updated with what I am up to, and for further information on the TV shows.

What can you tell Absolute magazine exclusively?

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JUST Glowing When you have worked on magazines a few years and tried and tested various beauty products and treatments, it is easy to become cynical. I find myself raising a brow and thinking, “…but yes does that actually work?”

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o, it’s a joy when something really delivers, such as the Crystal Clear COMCIT facial at The Lanes Health and Beauty.

After filling out the required paperwork, I was led to a cosy therapy room by my therapist Nicole, who ran through what COMCIT was all about, which is: Cryo Oxygen Microchannelling Collagen Induction Therapy. Hmmmm… that sounds ok I thought. Then the word needling was mentioned and I must admit I winced. I’m not great with needles and pictured ‘Hellraiser’ (the film) style acupuncture needles being administered.

Thankfully not.

After Nicole gave my face a thorough cleanse, the state of the art machine sets off with microdermabrasion, eliminating dead skin cells.

The next step is the Microchannelling Roller (the needling), rolled across

the décolletage, neck and face creating hundreds of microscopic channels in the skin’s epidermal/dermal layer. It’s made up of very fine needles which causes trauma to these skin layers and kicks the skin in to producing collagen, which continues for a couple weeks. Surprisingly there is no pain as Cryo Oxygen is blasted on to my skin at the same time, giving a freezing feeling, which prevents any ouch moments and at the same time pushing oxygen in to the skin. I can honestly say I did not feel any pain at all!

Next is a final going over with Oxygen, which is antibacterial (a bonus for acne suffers) and plumps up the skin. A Cellular Infusion Solution is then driven into the skin with the Microchannelling Roller.

I can feel a slight warmth to my face and I envisaged it to be bright red but when the hour long treatment was over, it looked only a little rosy. What was notice-

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able was my skin immediately felt tighter and looked smoother, firmer and plumper. I’m talking incredibly so!

That night I went for dinner with friends that could be considered my biggest critics and everyone could see the difference straight away, exclaiming that my skin looked incredible. This was after one treatment!

It’s not the cheapest of facials and a course of six, (with two weeks break in between each one), or a maintenance treatment once a month is advised. However at the cost of £XXXX, I am totally prepared to go back and pay for another treatment, maybe two, maybe three…..

Yikes, I think I am hooked!

The Lanes Health & Beauty 5 Market Street, Brighton, East Sussex, BN1 1HH TEL: 01273 725572 www.thelaneshealthandbeutysalon.com

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You know that moment when you spot someone you never wanted to see again walking down the street towards you, and you haven’t had your hair done in ages, and you would do literally anything, (and I do mean anything), to have made that appointment at Lipstick and Gunpowder? Ive got a big feeling that moment is going to happen today, amigo.

And I rarely get these things wrong.

THE BEST HAIR STYLISTS, COLOURISTS AND MAKE UP, IN THE FUNNEST, FRIENDLIEST SALON IN BRIGHTON. 

01273 358478

 info@lipstickandgunpowder.com  34

lipstick and gunpowder

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Oh you Beauty!

Spring is on it’s way and with a fresh new season comes fresh new health and beauty goodies MADE UP This SS16 Autograph at Marks & Spencer is launching three limited edition palettes for the eyes and cheeks. In beautiful metallic cases and with gorgeous shades and textures, these mirrored compacts have everything you need for beauty on the go.

1. An eyeshadow trio with three neutral shades in pretty rippled pressings. For the perfect smokey eye apply a base colour to the lid then blend a darker shade into the socket.

2. Containing a highlighter and 12 powder eyeshadows in a selection of satin and matte shades you can use them alone or mix and match together to create your favourite look.

3. Autograph Face Palette, £15.00 Get gorgeous, glowing skin with this face palette. Brush the bronzers at the points where the sun would hit your face such as the cheeks, forehead and nose. Sweep the highlighter anywhere in need of some brightening.

BEAUTY WITH A CONSCIENCE For February M.A.C has got together with Adriana Grande for their Viva Glam range. Paint the town with the deep, dark plum matte lipstick (£15.50), or shine like a diamond in the Lipstick Viva Glam Ariana Grande in shimmer pink (£14.50) The best part about these is that the full price minus the VAT goes straight to helping those with and affected by HIV/ Aids. That’s called mixing beauty with a caring brain!

THE VELVET TOUCH Next up by M.A.C is their new Velvetease pencil which has the same strength of colour as a lipstick but with the ease of a mechanical pen… yep, no sharpener needed here. Giving you a rich matte finish, choose form shades of daring blackened plum, classic red and warm chocolate or kept chic in subtle hues of nudes and light pinks. £17.50

STAND UP Sitting at a desk can ruin your back, with lots of hunching over a desk, so we love the idea of this standing desk, which not only takes the strain off your spine but has the benefits of burning calories! Here comes the math…..Apparently on an average work day when you are sitting down you usually burn 2.6 kcal per minute but if you stand for four hours of your day you can burn 3.3 kcal a minute. So, that’s 130 calories per eight hour work day (standing for 4), 650 calories in five days, which is equal to a 10K run…….that’s 11 marathons in a year!

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Oh you Beauty!

FRUITY LITTLE NUMBER Promised yourself that you will drink more water this year? Well, this quirky little bottle will aid you in this by putting a little zest into your aqua!

Whether you love limes, crave clementines or only enjoy oranges, Citrus Zinger Sport is the water bottle for you. It features a built-in juicer, so all you have to do is add a large slice your favourite citrus fruit into the base and screw tight to get the juices flowing. Fill to the top with water and enjoy fruity hydration.

When life gives you lemons… squeeze them into your water bottle.

THE PERFECT ARCH Shevata, the Queen of brows obviously has the best tweezers. These come in a gorgeous compact with a five mag mirror to help you achieve great brows. In the shape of a red heart they make an ideal Valentine’s gift.

Red Heart Tweezers - £25 www.shavata.co.uk

A HEALTHY FLUSH Perk up your complexion with Bagsy Pretty Cheeks in velvet coral. This creamy blush is domed-shaped so it s easily applied and blends to a soft, velvety finish. It s conveniently designed for touch-ups on the go, even without a mirror. £16 www.debenhams.com www.feelunique.com

PUCKER UP Keep your lips soft and kiss worthy with Lanolips Lip Ointment. With medical grade lanolin and an SPF 15 it keeps lips hydrated. We love the rose colour but there are 5 shades to chose from. £7.99 www.boots.com

COLOUR WOW Keep your colour first day fresh with Color Wow Color Security Shampoo Conditioner.

The shampoo is sulphate free with no silicones, pearling agents or gums but due to a an added protein it still lathers up beautifully leaving hair feeling squeaky clean without dulling it. Finish with one of the conditioners that have cuticle-closing, colour-locking protein preventing brunettes form taking a battering and blondes from going brassy.

COLOR WOW Color Security Shampoo + Conditioners £16.50 Available at Space NK, Selfridges and colorwowhair.com

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Bertie & Belle

the only place for kids!

Bertie & Belle is the ultimate destination for children’s hair and pamper parties, and now the ONLY place to treat nasty nits!

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have seen many a child throw a tantrum when it comes to a hair cut, let alone anything as scary as nit treatment, but the funfair style chairs and friendly nature of the stylists here make it a lot easier for children and their parents!

After 4 years, this exclusive hair salon is still the number one destination for kid’s haircuts and styling. Offering ‘Baby’s First haircut packages, which include a photograph, certificate and lock of hair, to a speedy trim in a cool car watching their favourite DVD, to racing each other at the X – Box and Game station , there really is something for all age groups.

On a less glam note, Bertie & Belle tackle the growing problem of head-lice with their ‘Bye – Bye Bugs’ collection which consists of ‘Bug Blaster’ treatment tonic and ‘Bug Basher’ repelling shampoo. Both products are paraben free and made with gorgeous essential oils, which are effective enough to zap lice and gentle enough for parents to use as often as they wish.

This award winning salon has a wealth of knowledge when it comes to children and children’s hair; the staff have all built great relationships with a loyal clientele.

To help parents with the trial of their kiddies head-lice, Bertie & Belle offer treatment packages which range from half an hour, to an hour and a half, depending on the thickness of hair and severity of the case.

Children actually leave smiling, with lolly pop or ballon in hand. Mums and Dads get the benefit of collect loyalty stamps and leave with a very smart child!

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Then there is the ‘pamper bar which accommodates up to 4 girls for nail painting, glitter tattoos, feather hair extensions and now ear-piercing . Booking on Saturdays is a must, as this is the go to place for little girls and their friends on special occasions.

Children are made comfortable with a movie set up, while the stylist starts the treatment, teaching you the parents throughout the

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procedure on how to deal with nits correctly.

Once the treatment is complete, whatever tonic is left in the bottle is yours to take home, along with a supply of free removal combs.

Bertie & Belle are offering all readers 20 % each head lice treatment by taking this page (offer valid until 1 May 2016) with each treatment, they will offer a further 20 % off any booked hair trim. Remember this is not just a treatment, the staff will also offer a session to demonstrate the correct procedure, and should you need to treat yourself. “We don’t just treat children, in some cases other children in the family, plus the parents have been treated too!”

For more information and for product details: TEL: 01273 777775 www.bertieandbelle.co.uk

CLEARANCE SALE EVERYTHING £10.00 T / SWEATS / HOODIES / CAPS

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Oliver Cunningham u With over 15 years experience in the Hairdressing industry, Oliver Cunningham is the ‘must have’ hair colourist in the South of England.

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etween both London and Brighton Cunningham has gained extensive experience in his field, and has perfected his craft. Having worked as head colourist for renowned London salons, some including including Nicky Clarke, Trevor Sorbet and Daniel Hersheson. He also holds the prestigious L’Oreal colour specialist degree, as well as a Wella Mcs, Mcs and Mce. The highest colouring accolade.

With A -Listers including Penelope Cruz and Leona Lewis, he is very much in demand.

Cunningham has worked on numerous photo shoots and television programmes.

His loyal clientele include media, music, fashion and television personalities as well as Hollywood royalty.

Explain to me your background within the Hair industry?

My career in hairdressing began at Toni and Guy when I was just 16, I started as a assistant and progressed to director level internationally. My international role involved working alongside the international art team, developing and presenting new techniques and colours to other salons. I was one of the first to gain the Loreal Colour Specialist Degree - the highest colouring accolade in the industry. After a successful career at Toni and Guy I relocated to London after accepting a job with Daniel Hersheson at Harvey Nichols, Knightsbridge. This was my first taste of hairdressing at a premium level. After a year in London I was offered the opportunity of Head of Colour at the new Nicky Clarke salon in Leeds. I headed up the colour department and worked along side Nicky himself. Also gaining the highest colour accolade with Wella being a master colour expert. During my time in the industry i have trained numerous colourists, many who I am proud to say are now flying high in Brighton and London.

I managed to maintain a loyal clientele travelling between London and Leeds, and after 3 years i decided to take some time

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out to travel. I spent a year in India. On my return, i moved back to Brighton, and accepted the Director position with Trevor Sorbie for a further 3 years before going totally self employed.

Who is your most famous client past or present?

I tend to the locks of some incredibly highprofile clientele, covering the likes of music, fashion, film, sports and TV personalities.

Penelope cruz, Leona Lewis and Lottie Moss are some of my most loyal -when in town.

Who is your hairdressing idol?

I have many people I admire and respect in the industry. I love the quirky work of Lydel Mansfield, she is responsible for the ever changing Paloma faith and Beth Ditto.

Her edgy punk direction is refreshing and colourful. Tracey Cunningham , no relation, her natural balage and Hollywood glamour exampled on khloe Kardashian, Jennifer Lopez and Charlie Theron is enviable. Also, my very close friend, Anna Chapman who is currently taking the fashion world by storm, trendsetting on the runways of Paris, New York, Milan and London alongside world renowned, Guido Palau. Her dedication and creativity for the industry is one to be admired.

What is your biggest achievement?

My biggest achievement is the amazing clientele I have built up over the past 18 years. Their support and kindness never ceases to amaze me. I have a very personal relationship with everyone of them and i enjoy making them look gorgeous. For me, work is more like meeting mates for coffee and catching up.

What look are you promoting for spring 2016? (Both colour & style) In 2016, and with Spring approaching I’m encouraging more brighteness around the hairline, gradually getting darker towards

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the back -this works well on all hair colours as it compliments the skin tone to support the slightly vitamin d starved skin and also softens features. We want a little sunshine when we look in the mirror on these still rather bleak mornings. Style wise, my stylist who works alongside me, Louise Brown comments ‘the long bob has been a firm favourite, wearing it slightly less kept, but predicts feminin heavy, soft eye lash skimming Fringes for versatility and style.

What Hair products are you a big fan of?

I am a huge fan of Olaplex! It’s a revolutionary new product which has transformed hair colouring as we know it. A liquid, we mix in with the colour product and as it develops it prevents any damage . It is a single active ingredient, designed to reconnect the disulphide sulfur bonds broken by the process of permanent hair coloring and lightening. It allows us to push the boundaries of what is actually possible. The results I have achieved have been amazing. Also kerastraight, a keratin blowdry that smooths and de-frizz’s hair to create smooth shiney locks all ready for spring summer.

Any exclusive information can you tell Absoulte magazine about your plans for 2016?

2016 is going to be an exciting year. We are looking at expanding the brand while being very careful to keep the ‘private members club’ feel we have managed to achieve so far while opening up to a wider audience. www.olivercunningham.com Olivercunningham@me.com Instagram OLIVERCUNNINGHAMCOLOUR Twitter - Oliver Cunningham@olliehair Mathew Parr Twitter @mparr3101 Instagram @MPARR3101

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HEADS UP FOR THE MASTERS OF

Hair

Just like fashion, hair colour and style trends are forever changing.

Headmasters Brighton are one of the leaders in this, as well as producing glossy locks to suit each individual that others will envy….

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d o prove my point at how ‘finger-on-the-pulse’

“Recently we have seen a huge increase in our clients

Headmasters Brighton are check out the gorgeous

wanting to come in for colour, some more daring that others!

2016 Marketing Campaign shots that you will see

We are lucky enough to have 5 L’Oreal Colour Experts and

in Headmasters salons nationwide. Brighton Art

4 Art Team Members working at our salon so there is always

Team member, Alife Pfeffer assisted on the shoot and Art

a buzz of creativity and we are always experimenting with

Ambassador Ollie Blackaby worked closely with the PR

new colour techniques”

& Marketing department and his team, researching and creating the looks for the Marketing Campaign…that’s a pretty big deal!

The 2016 gradient colour is about defined contrast between tones with a perfectly blended effect, we use our lightest tone to highlight and enhance the facial features and our deepest

Not only that, Brighton’s Art Team member, Laura Griffin,

tone to contour and define the bone structure”.

has been one of the lucky 11 to be handpicked to join The

I go to Headmasters Brighton myself and they have

Fellowship For British Hairdressing - Project X, which

rescued my hair from past self colouring disasters. In fact

has been described as “the ultimate hairdressing finishing

these days I am often asked where I got my hair done! It

school” which attracts a broad and experienced calibre of

isn’t the cheapest salon in Brighton but you couldn’t be in

participants from Fellowship member salons.

safer hands…on top of that they are offering all VIP Club Members, (which is worth getting if you decide to make this

We asked Headmasters Brighton Art Team member Alife

your hair destination of choice), 10% off all services out of

Pfeffer what will be hot for hair colour in 2016?

the VIP hours of 9am-4pm.

HEADMASTERS BRIGHTON: 7 Jubilee St, Brighton BN1 1GE TEL: 0345 459 7730 www.headmasters.com/salons/brighton

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HEADMASTERS

T H E F OU R BIG ON ES I N COLOUR …

“BESPOKE GREY & SILVER - tones have been

“OMBRE, SOMBRE, ECAILLE – These

really popular with our Brighton clients. We

colour techniques are still as popular as ever!

have been focusing on a way to move this trend

At our Brighton salon we are finding ways

forward to make the hue truly unique to each

to keep this huge hair trend up to date. Over

individual. By taking into consideration skin

the years we have seen the gradual blonde

tone and eye colour we are able to create softer

effect go from a boldly contrasted dip dye to

warm greys or flattering pearlescent, mauve

effortlessly blended, beautiful balayage.

greys which will enhance our clients features”.

“BACK TO BLACK - A return for the glossy,

“BUTTER BLONDE - A deeper sunset

high shine dark brunettes. Even from root to tip

blonde that shimmers in the light but

with earthy tones of conker and espresso..I’m

looks rich and healthy. It’s all about shine

calling it the Kendall Jenner effect”

and a super feature enhancing golden tone as seen on models like Karlie Loss”

The Alice Band Braid

The Bergdorf Blow-Dry

The Bob Blow-Dry

The Manhattan Blow-Dry

The Super Braid

The Undone Blow-Dry

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FIZZ & FOOD Terre A Terre

Terre à Terre, Brighton’s iconic acclaimed restaurant where vegetarianism is more about indulgence than abstinence. Situated in the historic lanes, Terre à Terre has been feeding its loyal customers and international visitors for over 20 years. The Terre à Terre menu offers vegan and gluten free choices. Dining at Terre à Terre is a culinary experience like no other, with intense flavours, sublime textures and a combination of ingredients that few have the imagination or daring to put together.

The ‘Moonstone Sri Lankan’ Restaurant on Church Road in Hove is the only Sri Lankan restaurant on the south coast, offering a huge selection of vegetarian dishes as well as fish and meat dishes – All freshly prepared by Sri Lankan born chefs. Sri lankan food has Ayurvedic qualities, this means that as well as the food being tasty, the food is also healthy too. So you can have mild, spicy, very spicy, vegan, vegetarian, fish and meat dishes – And much more. A popular venue and well worth the visit to Hove.

The

Food For Friends

Food For Friends specialise in the art of cooking delicious vegetarian dishes, using fresh and locally sourced ingredients and they have been doing this since 1981. Featured in the Good Food Guide, the well known vegetarian restaurant is located in Brighton’s cosmopolitan and vibrant Lanes, close to the cities main attractions in a delightful glass fronted building almost sea facing. Food For Friends also caters for people with special dietary needs, and have vegan and gluten-free options.

On the fourth Thursday of every month, Head Chef, Patcharee, holds a gluten free vegetarian feasting night at Limes of Lindfield.

Serving no less than eleven tasting dishes inspired by her home country of Thailand, with accompanying wines, the menu is completely vegan. Here is further information about the vegetarian feast night or subscribe to the Limes newsletter. Situated on the Linden tree lined high street and nestled amongst an eclectic mix of independent shops and stores in the charming village of Lindfield.

VBites

Eat Naked

Moonstone Restaurant Clean Eats and Protein Treats. Eat Naked are set in the heart of Brighton’s Lanes, serving organic clean eating & vegan deli foods, cold pressed juice & nut milks, clean treats, Climpson & Sons coffee, and quintessential loose leaf tea. Eat Naked truly believe in a nutrient dense, delicious, well-balanced diet and whole foods that nourish the body and have super health

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Limes of Lindfield

1847

A brand new and exciting addition to Brighton in November 2015. Named after the year the Vegetarian Society was formed, 1847 Brighton specialises in high quality, locally produced vegetarian, vegan & gluten free dining within their North Laine restaurant. The basement also houses a super-chic bar area, named Dandelion, serving botanically-based cocktails where clientèle can have an aperitif before dinner or just drop in for a drink or two. A great new addition to the Brighton vegetarian dining scene.

benefits. An excellent choice for breakfast, lunch or dinner. Eat in or takeaway. Brought to you via previous chef Masterchef finalist Stacie Stewart.

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Described as a Vegan café and vegan shop, then made famous by Heather Mills several years back. VBites offers you a tailored selection of vegan goodies including their very own brand of vegan meats, fish, cheeses, deli pots and their own vegan sauces in a bright and airy venue spread over two floors. Located in the Lanes this vegan venue offers you a great selection of vegan food to eat in or takeaway; popular dishes include their hearty breakfast, Hickory Chick burger and much more..

Iydea

iydea is making all the right noises and has fast become a vegetarian favourite in Brighton and Hove according to the voters at the local food awards. The restaurant can be described as modern, but rustic, with lots of wood, evoking a feeling of nature and good honest grub, which is basically what Iydea is all about. iydea has also won the Vegetarian Society’s National Best Eating Out Award as well as winning the best Cafe in recent Brighton & Hove Foodie Awards!

Natural Sustainable Food is paramount to the Infinity Ethos and it is something you will see throughout their business models. Infinity Foods Kitchen offers a wide range of delicious, fresh and organic vegetarian food inspired by the seasons. Chefs prepare soups and salads daily using natural and locally sourced suppliers in a bright and airey setting. Food available to eat in or takeaway. Part of Infinity Foods market. Vegetarian, vegan and organic.

Wai Kika Moo Kau

The Prince George

The Prince George, a firm vegetarian favourite is a good old fashioned boozer, with homely nooks and crannies, a little garden, and it is quite famous for its vegetarian menu. Located on Trafalgar Street this charismatic vegetarian stalwart has large oak wooden tables, lots of cosy snugs for group bookings, as well as a heated rear garden. Well known for their delightful Sunday Roasts and of an evening they have been known for their vegetarian street food.

Bombay Aloo

The home of the healthy indulgence and located in the heart of the North Laine in trendy Kensington Gardens, Brighton. A café inspired with flavours from around the world, Wai Kika Moo Kau specialises in Vegan and vegetarian food. All food is cooked fresh to order and everything is sourced and prepared locally in their kitchen. Serves breakfast and lunches and also offer a great choice on their organic and vegan wines. Comes with speciality coffees and vegan cakes.

Bombay Aloo has been around for absolutely ages and I think we have all tried it before haven’t we? This is the all-you-caneat vegetarian Indian buffet which features a selection of spiced vegetables and the odd raw food items. The buffet includes five different regional inspired curries and you can eat as much as you like for £4.95, which is ridiculous value for money. Chick Peas Aloo, Tarka Dall, Swede and Mushroom curry are popular favourites on their vegetarian menu.

Joe’s Cafe

Planet India

Infinity Food Kitchen Planet India uniquely positions itself as an Indian vegetarian restaurant and the venue makes you feel like you have just walked into the friendly owner’s home and he has lots of people round for dinner. The ceilings are draped with colourful, sequined Indian Sari’s, and the walls are covered in family photographs in brightly coloured frames in front of pastel coloured walls.

This place definitely has a lot of character, and certainly makes you want to keep coming back.

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Joe’s Cafe is a hidden away, locally run cafe in the Seven Dials area of Brighton.

Now under new owners, they have become increasingly popular as more and more people are finding out about their delicious food. In 2014, Joe’s won best breakfast in Brighton (Brighton and Hove Independant), and are now short listed for the best breakfast and best in Cafe in Brighton in 2015 (Brighton Foodie Awards 2015). Not a vegetarian venue, but certainly offers vegetarian options.

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Piccolo brighton

Piccolo is one of Brighton´s best-kept secrets. Infused with the romance of Italy, our noisy, bustling Italian restaurant cannot fail to delight with its infectious atmosphere.

Located in the historic heart of Brighton city centre, Piccolo Ristorante has become a favorite Italian restaurant of locals and out-oftowners looking for the perfect Italian dining in Brighton. You will be impressed by our ambiance, service and, most importantly, our quality and affordable italian food. The Super Piccolo Brothers´ Restaurant Story, This is a marvelously fresh, original and funny story of two brothers. Going entirely against the grain of a world of mostly boring and predictable Restaurant fare, this one is mostly character driven. In 1988, the two brothers, in their 20´s, started Piccolo Restaurants. Growing up in a Restaurateur Family, they came to these shores determined to make their mark. This once, this while, it is this restaurant. No, not restaurant, but heart. Piccolo´s family are what they serve – too much and delicious.

floating pagoda

the coal shed

Ingredients to create dishes which are distinctive and satisfying. Our extensive menu offers exciting and flavorsome dishes combining a variety of all time favorites with some new and innovative recipes. Private parties are our specialty. We can offer a personal service to help and advice with all your catering requirements.

the chilli pickle

The concept is quite unique, take a real charcoal Josper oven, use the freshest and best quality ingredients you can find then cook the ingredients to perfection! Pre Theatre menus available Mon- Fri 12 – 4pm, then Mon – Thurs 6-7pm. 2 Courses £12.50, 3 courses £15. Try their minute steak with beef dripping chips.

browns Centrally located, this popular independent restaurant features in our top ten restaurants in Brighton and Hove, boasts a number of awards, and has some very excellent reviews. The menu is inspired from different regions of India. In fact, the owners frequently visit India to research and discover new dishes and fresh inspiration.

oki nami Browns restaurant in Brighton serves an excellent range of dishes and drinks and their menus include standard A La Carte, Lunch (2 courses £10), Afternoon tea, a Children’s menu, a Dessert menu, an afternoon tea menu and their superb daily changing specials. The Browns Bar is also a great venue for bar snacks and cocktails.

nuposto If a picture tells a thousand words, here’s a short story. In 1997, an oriental floating restaurant was opened in Brighton Marina.

The vision of the Brighton Pagoda was straight out of ancient China. The authentic Chinese design, the calm ambiance and attentive service provide a totally unique dining experience. A fine art gallery displaying beautiful Chinese paintings was added to the lower deck of the restaurant in 2002. In the Pagoda, we pride ourselves by using only the finest and freshest

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The Oki Nami Japanese restaurant is one the longest standing Japanese and Sushi restaurants in the city of Brighton and Hove and will offer you a complete authentic oriental dining and drinking experience. Oki-Nami offer a lunch and dinner menu, including a pre theatre menu.

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Brand new for summer 2015 and serving you a slice of Naples on Brighton’s West

AFTER WINNING BRIGHTONS BEST COCKTAIL BAR AND BEST NEW BAR AWARDS WE HAVE PUT TOGETHER AN ALL DAY SUNDAY LIST OF 2 OF THE SAME COCKTAILS FOR £10 AS OUR WAY OF SAYING THANK YOU FOR ALL THE SUPPORT FROM OUR LOYAL COSTOMERS The Plotting Parlour is the latest addition to Brighton’s cocktail scene.

Opposite the Palace Pier, quality drinks, beautiful décor and friendly vibe.

“

great atmosphere and superb staff, espresso martini, hemingway daiquiri, best cocktails in brighton, coffee, wine, amazing cocktails and beer ”

S t e i n S t r e e t , K e m p To w n , B r i g h t o n , B N 2 1 T E facebook.com/theplottingparlour t w i t t e r . cABSOLUTE om/PlottingParlour

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al duomo

the mash tun

Street, Nuposto Italian restaurant brings you the real deal Italian pizza with all the smells of authentic Italy. Ideal for a quick bit pre or post theatre. Nuposto is also an ideal venue if you are visiting the Odeon on West Street. Pizzas starting at £5.50 for the authentic real deal pizza from Napoli.

the jolly poacher Renowned as a venue for many an occasion, Al Duomo is centrally positioned right next to the historic Royal Pavilion and it caters for small and intimate, while also having the capacity for the grand and the elaborate. Amazing value at £9.95 for 2 course or £12.75 for 3 courses and of of the best Italian restaurants in the city.

The Jolly Poacher on Ditching Road have an early evening menu 6-7pm which is perfect for pre theatre. 2 courses are £14.00 3 courses are just £17.00. With its great quality Modern British Cuisine and its friendly and efficient approach, The Jolly Poacher has been a consistent performer since it launched 3 years to go and it is well worth a visit. Also great for the Duke of York cinema just down the hill.

riddle and finns

The Mash Tun in Brighton is one of Brighton’s best-known pubs located in the swanky cultural quarters on the corner of New Road and Church Street and is an excellent affordable Pre-Theatre dining venue. Burger Kult has just returned back to the Mash Tun having enjoyed a short sabbatical and now their burger menu is as enticing as ever with lots of new burger porn names on their insatiable menu.

Proper boozer, ideal for pre or post theatre.

pompoko

64 degrees Riddle and Finns is in a wonderful discreet side street called Meeting House Lane, off Brighton’s North Street and it is situated within Brighton’s famous Lanes. Riddle & Finns offer a set menu which changes daily. Pre theatre dining is available at both restaurants from 12 – 7.15pm Mon – Fri. Riddle & Finns is all about classic seafood dishes, marble topped tables, candelabra and chandeliers.

Recently hailed by the Guardian as “Foodwise, the most exciting thing to hit Brighton for years, if not ever” 64degrees is the go to social dining hotspot. Conceived by chef and owner Michael Bremner, formerly of 2AA Rosette restaurant Due South and Food for Friends Brighton restaurant of the year 2012.

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Pompoko’s reputation amongst Brighton locals, for fast, yummy and incredibly good value grub means that there is hardly ever a quiet moment at this super busy pre theatre venue. Pompoko is not an intimate dining experience, and be prepared to sit very close to other diners to get a seat quickly. Pompoko will serve you up a great meal in no time at all, and with all mains for under a fiver, it really is great value for money.

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COFFEE & CAKE Brighton has become a vibrant café hub. The city’s booming coffee culture has resulted in a mix of quirky, independent outlets.

So where do you find the ultimate coffee fix? Are the days of burntmilk lattes over? We continue to explore the caffeine fuelled scene of the numerous Sussex coffee shops, cafés and artisan roasters.

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The Cappuccino Kid

rafalgar Street in the North Laine has

Q. What is the ethos of Coffeetzar

become coffee central. New kid on-the-

A bright Mediterranean feel bringing all walks of

block Coffeetzar recently opened some 4

life together. People love so much great choice

months ago and is busy carving a niche in the

here. Someone described it like being in Charlie

area. I caught up with the charming owners,

in the Chocolate factory. We want people to

Idon & Antigone, to check up on the coffee and

simply sit and enjoy the colour and vibrance of

cake. I was not to be disappointed.

the street outside from the tranquil atmosphere of our café. We have tables and chairs outside

Q. Down to the nuts and bolts then. What kind

and, with Spring approaching, it’s a natural

of beans blend are you using?

chill-out suntrap.

A delicious blend of quality Cuban beans from the Sierra Maestra mountains, cleverly blended

Q. Future plans?

with the unique taste of brazilian coffee from

To open a larger Coffeetzar with more space

the renowned Bahia farm. It puts the carnival

and tables on the same format.

spirit in every cup - smooth, buttery and sweet.

Q. You seem to be attracting a mix customer

Q. The cakes and savouries on display are

base other than the usual bearded, laptop

gorgeous. Tell us about them?

clutching stereotype?

We use the finest ingredients. Flour, organic

We have people from the Uni / college, office

eggs, golden unrefined castor suger, coconut

workers from Bupa, Amex, E.F., families with

oils, much of it is gluten free and it’s all

kids loving the Salted Caramel Gluten-Free

home made! Check out our Honey Combe

Brownie and, of course, trendy coffee loving

Brownies, Polenta Rasberry & Lemon Cake.

aficionados.

Honey Balls with walnuts, cinnamon, and warm Greek honey drizzled on top, are sold-

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Q. You are up against some serious competition

out on a daily basis. A fabulous selection

in this area?

of savouries are always available such as

We find the competition great. There is much

roasted balsamic tomato tarts, spinach and

business to be had. The different cafes and

feta pie and focaccia toasties with proscuitto

coffee bars really complement each other.

and pear.

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Coffeetzar 01273 628881 97 Trafalgar Street, Brighton, BN1 4ER Facebook.com/Coffeetzar

“

“ A delicious blend of quality Cuban beans from the Sierra

Maestra mountains, cleverly blended with the unique taste of brazilian coffee from the renowned Bahia farm. It puts the carnival spirit in every cup - smooth, buttery and sweet.”

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Memories of India…

Unforgettable Indian cuisine that will see you heading back to Brighton Marina for more!

“Where to?” the taxi driver asked.

“Memories Of India, please,” I replied.

“Oh, that’s a great choice,” he said. “I always have a great meal there. You really can’t go wrong with any of their dishes!”

After trailing through the list of delicious dishes he’d tried and tested at the Marina’s longstanding Indian restaurant (and making my mouth water in the process!), we pulled up outside and it was finally time to see if proof was in the pudding… or well, in this case; the curry.

Located on the first floor, in a spacious and contemporary corner setting, we were warmly welcomed by Shah (owner Ali – who was busy cooking up a storm in the kitchen –‘s son). Luckily, whilst there was only two of us dining, we were sat at a table for four, which allowed space for all the food that came our way…

The restaurant was one of the first to open at the Marina and from their extensive menu; you can see that, over the last fourteen years, the team have worked hard to ensure that they’re not the run-of-the-mill curry house, serving only the stereotypical dishes.

Instead, the dishes, which along with the traditional favourites (Chicken Tikka Masala, Korma and Bhuna), also include some authentically Indian choices like Massala Lamb Shank (oven cooked lamb shank, marinated with massala gravy), Nariyal Ka Gosht (lamb cooked in coconut milk tempered with fresh coconut, mustard and curry leaf)

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and the popular North Indian main Murgh Makhani (off the bone chicken cooked in the tandoor and combined with a rich, creamy and buttery sauce).

Whilst deliberating over which dishes to choose (you can imagine this was a difficult decision, with so much choice!), we started the flavour party with some Papadums and complementing pickles and chutneys, before finally settling on our starters.

I opted for the Chicken Tikka – succulent chunks of fresh chicken marinated in spices, cooked over flaming charcoal, whilst my dining partner chose a Mixed Platter – a plethora of Memories of India’s flavour-filled starters, including an Onion Bhaji, Lamb Samosa and the Chicken Tikka.

A glass of red later and before we knew it; a fragrant trolley, full of food was coming our way. Pilau rice, Tarka Dahl, Methi Sag (spinach with fenugreek and fresh coriander), Vegetable Madras, Chicken Dansak and a sneaky suggested dish from Shah – the Massala Lamb Shank, filled our four seater table and we dived straight in.

We HAD to kick-off this feast fit for a king (and queen!) with the lamb shank – a tender and tasty dish. The lamb melted in our mouths and, combined with the spicy massala gravy, caused mmm’s and aahh’s all-round. I can certainly see why Shah surprised us with this special dish. No words can describe just how delicious it was!

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We then delved into the vegetarian sides of creamy Tarka Dahl and Methi Sag: a fresh and light duo of true Indian tastiness, before spooning pilau rice and our main dishes onto our plates.

My Vegetable Madras packed a perfect punch, but it wasn’t just about the fiery heat; my main was backed up by a selection of fresh carrots, cauliflower, potatoes, chillies and that famous spicy tomato sauce. Don’t get me wrong; I love a hot curry but many of the madras’ I’ve eaten in other curry houses and from takeaways have aimed for heat, over flavour – both of which I’m pleased to say were a-plenty in this mighty madras.

My dining partner enjoyed his Chicken Dansak, describing it as the perfect balance of sweet and spicy. We were also pleasantly surprised that all dishes looked natural (there’s none of that bright OTT use of food colouring here), a fact owner Ali prides himself on, telling us that, refreshingly; the colour of his curries are only enhanced by using natural ingredients.

After indulging in so much food, we quickly became full and like so many other diners that evening, also asked for a goody bag to takeaway and enjoy the dishes all over again the following day.

After bidding a fond farewell to the team, our taxi arrived and as we left the Marina, we knew that we would definitely be heading back for more soon…

Memories Of India, 9B The Board Walk, Waterfront, Brighton Marina 01273 600088 www.memoriesofindiabrighton.co.uk

The restaurant was one of the first to open at the Marina and from their extensive menu; you can see that, over the last fourteen years, the team have worked hard to ensure that they’re not the run-of-themill curry house

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Great food, great prices, great location!

Open 24 hours a day!

Find us on Facebook Buddies 24 hour restaurant, Brighton 46-48 KINGS RD, BRIGHTON SEAFRONT

TEL: (01273) 323 600 58

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“

1847 specialises in high quality, locally produced vegetarian, vegan and gluten free contemporary dining.

This eating experience feels like clean living, even the wine list offers vegan only bottles.

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Veggies and Coconut‘ (roasted vegetables with black beans and spicy sweet potato cream) and another course simply called ‘Cabbages’.

I am not a sprout fan, but always try them purely because when I was a child my mother drummed it in to me that I must…and it sort of

1847 IT’S A DATE

stuck. However the Cabbages dish, which was a sprout frittata with sautéed savoy, vadouvan and cauliflower veloute was not like any brussel sprout dish I have tasted before. It was delicious. In fact all three dishes were full of flavour and my friend and I found it difficult to pick our favourite.

Brighton is a city with it’s fair share of vegetarians, so restaurant 1847 BRIGHTON made a good choice when they set up shop in The Lanes.

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The desert menu sounded pretty good too, but our over-ordering with three main dishes made it a struggle to eat anymore, although we managed the ‘Chocolate and Pear’ (soft ganache, port poached pear, gingerbread and

he fresh white and yellow decor,

I am a certified meat eater. I did the vegetarian

mulled wine gel). We were glad we did as it was

with monochrome herringbone

thing back in my art college days, but after one

beautifully presented and a great mix of taste.

tiled floor and live herb walls, reflect

too many nut roasts, a bacon sandwich was my

what this restaurant is all about.

downfall, (apparently the downfall of many a

If, in the past you thought vegetarian and

1847 specialises in high quality,

veggie) and since then I haven’t looked back.

vegan food was dull and not filling, this is the

locally produced vegetarian, vegan

I often find vegetarian food a bit bland, so I

restaurant to prove you wrong. The food is

approached 1847 with interest.

colourful, good looking and filling and best of

and gluten free contemporary dining. This

all it’s healthy too!

eating experience feels like clean living, even the wine list offers vegan only bottles.

My friend and i started with the ‘Mushroom Pate’, which was meaty in substance (although

In the basement there is a chic ‘Dandelion’

obviously not meat!) and the ‘Crispy Egg’, which

bar area area, where expert mixologists serve

was perfectly cooked with just the right amount

up botanically based cocktails (you can feel

of ‘runny’ to the yolk.

1847 Vegetarian Restaurant, North Road, North Laine, Brighton BN1 1YW

virtuous drinking alcohol…marvellous!). It’s definitely worth a visit, either for an aperitif

For

before dinner, or just to drop in for a drink or

Bourguignon’ (a beetroot stew, with sautéed

two.

potatoes and crumbled goat cheese), ‘Winter

our

Main

Event,

we

chose

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‘Beef

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CHINA GARDEN Chinese and Cantonese Restaurant in Brighton Serving award winning food for 30 years

To Book - 01273 325 124

Email:info@chinagarden.name Web: www.chinagarden.name China Garden Restaurant 88-91 Preston Street Brighton BN1 2HG

Order a takeaway www.dinner2go.co.uk ABSOLUTE

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Meat Liquor If you like a cool ‘hang-out’ then this is the place for you!

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lack and white graffiti style wallpaper covers the walls and ceiling, whilst pink lighting and neon signs give the restaurant an almost club like atmosphere. Even the way to the toilets is lined by walls of fairground mirrors. If you know about this place on London Road, then you sort of feel you are part of an in-the-know group.

When I mentioned my imminent visit to Meat Liquor, many of my friends had never heard about it but those that had been, gave me a nod, a wink and a ‘just-you-wait-and see’ smile.

The menu is burger led, with some chilli and hot-dog options and sides of differently topped fries, fat onion rings and delicious Buffalo wings, (which I tried and the sharp yet sweet glaze was gorgeous). The selection of drinks is amazing! They have a huge selection of spirits and the cocktail list is endless.

Matt our waiter from Yorkshire

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seemed to be the oracle of Meat Liquor Brighton!

Only having worked there three months, his enthusiasm for the food and drink here was boundless. In fact he went to eat there once and loved it so much he decided to work there! He steered us in our choices, suggesting a trial of the Dirty Chicken Cheese Burger, to which he claimed is the best chicken he had ever tried, a Dead Hippie (2 x mustard fried patties in a bun), The Buffalo Wings and fries. This was plenty of food and my companion agreed with Matt that the batter covered chicken burger was the best they had ever tried. Praise indeed from someone that has consumed a lot of chicken burgers in their time!

To accompany the meal, the form is to start on a cocktail from the UP list, which includes drinks with a subtle flavour (this is for before you eat), then go for a HARD cocktail which is a longer drink full of flavour to have

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throughout your eating. Next, choose a DOWN and then finally a FAST (shot style), to see you on your way – that’s if you can actually walk out of the door of course!

I wasn’t sure I could manage that many drinks, but made the effort to try a few. I tried ‘Yorkshire T’ made with tea-infused Gin and a vodka based ‘Donkey Crunch’, made with fresh lime and housemade ginger syrup. Both were really refreshing and very easy to drink. We finished on a ‘Pickleback’ which is a large shot of bourbon, followed by a shot of pickle juice. Yep, sounds weird but oddly enough it works!

If big food and an eclectic mix of booze, amongst kooky looking dudes and dudettes with big appetites is your thing, then Meat Liquor has your name on it!

MEATliquor Brighton 22 - 23 York Place Brighton | BN1 4GU Phone: 01273 917710 info@brighton.MEATliquor.com

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If big food and an eclectic mix of booze, amongst kooky looking dudes and dudettes with big appetites is your thing, then Meat Liquor has your name on it!�

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Venetian Seaside Bacaro is a Venetian word to describe a humble restaurant, serving simple food and young wines from northern Italy…..and this is the exact style that restaurant POLPO does.

POLPO offers a variety of small and perfectly formed dishes. Wine is drunk from small tumblers and their own label Garganega, Corvina and Prosecco in bottles labelled with the POLPO octopus, all of which I tried, is very good indeed.

It’s quite similar to the Spanish tapas way of eating. Order a few dishes, see how you go and reorder a few more if you need to. The dishes are picked from a menu broken up in to crostinis, breads, meat, fish, vegetable…..and of course deserts.

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My feast consisted of Arancini (stuffed friend olives), Pizette, (small crispy pizza-like dishes) of which there are a few flavours to try from. I opted for mortadella, gorgonzola and pickled radicchio. From the meatball selection I had lamb and mint meatballs, which were just the right strength of flavour.

Next I chose Crab and chilli linguine from the Fish selection and to be honest, my dining partner and I were pretty full by then. They may look like petite dishes, but a few of these tasty bites,which are rich and delicious, are surprisingly filling.

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We did however force ourselves to try the tiramisu, which again did not look huge but was big on taste!

Sat at old wooden chemistry tables with antique lacework serviettes hanging from bulbs (a great alternative to light shades), white tiled walls and reclaimed timber floor, POLPO feels urban, rustic and reminiscent of scruffy wine bars in Venice. This and the busy but laid back feel, is just like being on holiday and you can’t go wrong with that!

POLPO 20 New Road Brighton Brighton BN1 1UF www.polpo.co.uk

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The ethos behind BE AT ONE is ‘quality drinks, great service and substance comes before style’

FROM THOSE IN THE KNOW TO US…

Be At One

to make a cocktail as well as these guys or at least give it a try, I would suggest getting a group of friends together and booking a cocktail making masterclass.

This is exactly what my friends and I did the other Friday night and it was brilliant fun. Six of us learning to put flavours together, flexing our muscles with some hard shaking and best of all tasting our masterpieces!

We were met at the upstairs bar by

Once upon a time there were two West End bartenders who had a dream of creating unpretentious cocktail bars. The dream became reality with BE AT ONE

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n 1998 Rhys and Leigh bought a run-down Indian restaurant, revamped the whole thing in seven weeks and opened their first bar in Battersea Rise. Since then they haven’t looked back, expanding their unique style of cocktail bars all over London and now gracing our shores in Brighton.

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The ethos behind Be At One is ‘quality drinks, great service and substance comes before style’. With more than 160 drinks on the menu, it’s pretty mind-boggling on which to chose but the bartenders really know their stuff and can guide you to the correct choice to suit your tastes. In fact if you want to learn how

our two mixologists. Both were very easy on the eye, (I had already had a text message from one of my pals exclaiming how hot the bartender guy was!), and I think the guys in our group thought the girl was pretty cool too.

While we supped on a glass of Prosecco, we were given a brief history of cocktails and then the frolics really began! We took it at turns, two at a time, to create the tipple of our choice from a menu of 14 cocktails. It’s easy to become quite competitive in this and it took no time at all for us to be sharing our drinks around to see whose was the best.

The class was fast-paced and we couldn’t help but want to impress our incredibly knowledgable and patient teachers, and hopefully show off to our friends. By the time the second round of cocktails (they aim for everyone to make two each in the 90 minute class) arrived, we were all pretty tipsy and eager to flash our new found skills. Be warned …. when trying out so many different drinks it’s easy to get drunk ….quickly!

In total, I must have tried a sip or two or three of a ‘Mojito’ (always a classic), a vanilla and passion fruit tasting ‘Chica Caliente’, ‘Ramos Gin Fizz’, the creamy coffee flavoured ‘Bean’ and the ‘Cuban Pussy’.

If it came to awards though, I would have to say the elegant looking ‘Aviation’, made by my friend Farah was the winner of the night. It was just like sucking on Palma Violet sweets.

After our masterclass we headed down to the bar to try a few other cocktails made by the other bartenders and they didn’t disappoint. With lots of seating areas and a long bar area, where cocktails are made quickly, (none of that waiting around for ages), it’s super customer-friendly.

This place is atmospheric! When a good tune comes on the staff leap up on to the bar. for a quick dance. It reminded me of a cross between the films ‘Coyote Ugly’ and ‘Cocktail’. It’s cheeky, fun and makes for a night you won’t easily forget…..along with a stinking hangover the next day!

Check out the full menu and instructions on how to make all the drinks at home on the Be At One website. u

Be At One, 5 Castle Square (bottom of North Street), Brighton, BN1 1EG 01273 777 200 • www.beatone.co.uk

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P A T T E R N S THE CROWD HERE is eclectic, trendy, up for cheeky fun and VERY, VERY ‘BRIGHTON’.

A Little Bit Naughty If you fancy a night of fun and frolics then Dirty Bare could be for you

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here aren’t that many Burlesque nights available in our city, particularly ones with free entrance, so it’s rather marvellous that Patterns, (formally known as Audio) has bridged that gap with free-to-enter Burlesque nights.

They usually take place once a month but it is worth keeping your eye on the Patterns website to check out any special Dirty Bare events, such as the upcoming Valentine’s special.

The crowd here is eclectic, trendy, up for cheeky fun and very, very ‘Brighton’. Dirty Bare takes over the bar at the top of Patterns, which is large enough for the crowd that arrives but small enough to feel intimate, which is just what you want at this kind of show. Tables can be reserved around the stage but be quick on that as there are only a few, however this is where

you want to be if you want to get involved.

The Compare, ’Dolly Rocket’ is viciously funny, (I would not want to get on the wrong side of her). Plucking men’s spectacles from their heads and hiding them in her morethan voluptuous cleavage, (“Come and get them boys!”), picking out various people in the audience to bring laughter upon and singing in an actually spectacular voice is just some of the mischief she got up to. She really is very good indeed and my friends and I were in hysterics.

As the cocktails flow, which they do as they are only £5 a drink, which is incredibly cheap for Brighton, and I can tell you they do not scrimp on flavour or alcohol…my head the next day will vouch for that…the laughter increases.

You cannot help but be swept up in the raucous atmosphere here.

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The night I visited there were acts such as the stocking clad, burlesque dancer, ‘Lady Marmaduke’, who is actually the manager of the bar and the brain child behind the Dirty Bare nights and ‘Lou Safire’, whose act of banging a nail in the tip of his nose and staples in his arms, whilst wiggling around the stage in his silver hot pants was wincingly entertaining… one of those to watch through your fingers!

Cheeky and cute came in the shape of ‘Coco Deville’, dressed in balloons that she popped seductively as she danced around the stage leaving herself dressed in crystal tassled, barelythere pants and pasties. This girl makes getting naked on stage look sexy, sweet and innocent!

Go figure!

We were graced with bearded ‘Dave Bear’ in his red glittery mankini, a bit of a geezer until he sung in a high pitched female sounding voice and the extremely sexy ‘Xarah Xavier’ who is incredibly hot and obviously likes the taste of cream in a can!

Be aware; if you are a wallflower, don’t sit too close to the stage or let your friends cajole you in to taking part, although it was with great merriment that I watched a couple of guys take part in a visiting act from LA. One of the poor boys looked completely out of his comfort zone, whilst the other got completely involved and stole the show.

If you fancy dressing up in your vintage, glittery finery and watching a show that is risqué but purely entertaining fun, complimeted by fabulous cocktails then this is surely a night for you. u

w patternsbrighton.com/dirty-bare-burlesque-evening

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FUSING OUR FAVOURTE TASTE OF

Asia

W h e n t h i n k i n g a b o u t a re s t a u ra n t s e r v i n g d i s h e s i n s p i re d by fl a v o u r- f i l l e d c o u n t r i e s a s d i v e rs e a s T h a i l a n d , C h i n a , Ja p a n , Ko re a a n d I n d i a , yo u c a n b e fo r g i v e n fo r i m a g i n i n g t h a t p e r h a p s t h e e s t a bl i s h m e n t i s t a k i n g o n t o o m u ch – h o w e v e r, l e a v e t h o s e p re c o n c e p t i o n s a t R i c k s h a w ’s d o o r a n d p re p a re t o t a k e yo u r t a s t e bu d s o n a n a d v e n t u re a c ro s s A s i a .

L

ocated on Ship Street in the heart of Brighton’s bustling Lanes, Rickshaw Oriental is a unique Asian restaurant and chic cocktail bar, oozing contemporary style.

It’s this cool design that first welcomes you and gives you the exciting impression that this is not just another fusion restaurant – that this is something rather special indeed.

With a chilled and relaxed vibe, the spacious dining room, immediately transports you to Asia, thanks to the seamless mix of traditional touches such as Buddhas and elephants, along with ultra-modern and sleek lighting and furniture. I wasn’t surprised at all to later find out that one of Rickshaw’s owners, is in fact also an interior designer – a lot of love has gone into this restaurant and it’s three stunning dining rooms, and it really does show!

After taking in the calming ambience, my dining partner and I took our seats and both remarked on how chilled out we felt – busy Brighton and its streets full of shoppers felt a million miles away. We pondered over the menu and were amazed at the amount of choice on offer; not that it was pages and pages long, or overwhelming, just that we wanted to try it all! Each dish caught our hunger’s attention.

The innovative fusion menu of twelve starters and sixteen mains, along with noodles and rice dishes boasts options for everyone – regardless of which Asian food you prefer (be it Thai, Chinese, Japanese, Korean or Indian) or if you are vegan, vegetarian, a pescatarian or needing to avoid gluten, so you can see why our decision took a little while! It was also great to

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see that Rickshaw offers dishes to be cooked in ‘superfood’ of the moment – coconut oil, which is believed to have health benefits including weight loss, a boosted immune system and increased energy levels, for just 50p extra per dish. Great for those of us wanting to maintain those healthy eating resolutions, whilst still enjoying meals out.

Whilst deliberating over our menu choices, we ordered juices from Rickshaw’s Lanes neighbours, 42 Juice, who have teamed up with the restaurant to supply fresh cold-pressed juices and cocktails. We would have indulged in a carefully curated house cocktail like a Geisha Martini, an Indian Garden or a When Tokyo met Deli, or even a juice-based cocktail, however, we were in the final throws of Dry January, so we resisted and enjoyed fresh juice instead!

Sipping on pineapple, pear and ginger and a cucumber, apple, pineapple and spinach juices, we finally decided on our dishes.

For starters, I opted for a gluten free version of Salt Pepper Chilli Squid, while my partner ordered the Vietnamese Pork Ribs.

The squid was deliciously light, crispy and full of flavour, having been seasoned with black pepper, sea salt and of course, that fiery chilli! The honey, ginger and chilli ribs were also divine and were a great flavoursome mix of sweet and spicy.

Moving on to mains, my Satay Bumbu Kacang – a chef ’s special – created using hand-chopped roasted peanuts, fresh chicken

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“

Rickshaw’s tagline is Great Drinks and Food, Design and Good Times – did it deliver on all? You bet it did.”

and served with sticky rice, instantly made me realise I’d made the right choice. Although, as my partner happily devoured his Korean Bibimbap, through mouthfuls; telling me that the variation of textures (vegetables, king prawns and sticky rice) made his meal a delicious and varied dish to enjoy, I knew I would most probably have enjoyed whichever main I’d chosen! Both dishes were beautifully presented and were a feast for the eyes, as well as the stomach.

We may have been full, but with a very tempting dessert menu, with sweets such as Rickshaw Wasbi Gelato, Geisha Cream Brulee and Banana Fritters, we just had to try some!

My dining partner selected the Geisha Cream Brulee (a twist on the classic crème brûlée, with the addition of tantalising raspberry and ginger!) and seeing that they were gluten free (and not usually been able to eat them!), I went for the Banana Fritters, served with vanilla ice cream and honey. Absolute heaven!

Before leaving we had a chat with one of the owners to find out just how they have made each dish traditional, yet still managed to incorporate that all-important contemporary twist –

so what’s Rickshaw’s secret? Their highly experienced chefs all hail from countries from where their inspired dishes originally come from (Indonesia, Thailand, Japan and India), making it a perfect recipe for success!

Rickshaw’s tagline is Great Drinks and Food, Design and Good Times – did it deliver on all? You bet it did. The next time you fancy an Asian-fusion fix, you know exactly where to head…

Rickshaw Oriental, 36 Ship St, Brighton. BN1 1AB 01273 911811 www.rickshaw-oriental.com

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LUNCH - SUPPER - SANDWICH - KIDS MENUS KITCHEN OPEN ALL DAY EVERYDAY 12noon - 9.30pm

FOUNTAIN AT ASHURST

The Village / Ashurst / Steyning / BN44 3AP

Call us on 01403 710219

www.fountainashurst.pub

#fountainashurst

@thefountainashurst

BRIGHTON PAGODA THE FLOATING ORIENTAL RESTAURANT FINE CHINESE ART GALLERY SINCE 1997

COOKSBRIDGE LUNCH - SUPPER - SANDWICH - KIDS MENUS KITCHEN OPEN ALL DAY EVERYDAY 12noon - 9.30pm

LUNCH DINING 12PM - 2PM EVENING DINING 6PM - 10.30PM PARTY / CORPORATE / WEDDING HIRE      5 STAR HYGIENE AWARDED      5 STAR SERVICE AWARDED

BRIGHTON PAGODA The West Quay Brighton Marina, BN2 5UF 01273 819053 www.brightonpagoda.co.uk #brightonpagoda delivery avialble via www.dinner2go.co.uk

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RAINBOW at COOKSBRIDGE Resting Oak Hill - Cooksbridge / Lewes - BN8 4SS

Call us on 01273 400 334

www.rainbowcooksbridge.pub

#RainbowInn1

@therainbowcooksbridge

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Street Style Brighton fashionistas and street stylers showcase daily trends and looks.

Spotted by our guest stylist Kasia at The Styling Agency

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Julia, Freelance Writer

Mum’s The Word This mommy-and-me style with matching booties and woolies melts the heart. Cute little mini steals the show with a snug pom-pom hat. On-trend already!

Mum: Snood: Sage & Onion, Lewes. Parka: Oasis. Jeans : Gap. Boots: Aldo.

Lyla: Hat: H&M. Cardi: Boots. Dress: Next. Booties: Mama JoJo Bebe.

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Clover, Digital CRM

Biker Girl A cool looker sporting a must have weather proof jacket. Fur trim around the hood adds a lux touch to this smart parka.

Hand made bike as stylish as the rider.

Tour de Brighton.

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Asia, Architect

Pin-Sharp Rocking a downtown look in sleek leather jacket that instantly accelerates this city style. Topped off with a black floppy brim fedora. Pointy heels and skinnies flatter from every angle. So tectonic.

Outfit: Parka: Zara. Boots & Leggings: Top Shop Bike saddle: Prime Road Saddle.

Outfit: Jacket: Massimo Dutti. Scarf & Trousers: Mango. Hat: Reiss. Bag: DVF. Boots: Steve Madden.

For more fashion, makeup & styling consultations contact Kasia: www.stylingagency.co.uk or www.promakeupstyle.com Also connect on Facebook, Pinterest & Instagram

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Fluffy marabou stiletto mules £35.00 | Boux Avenue

Valentine’s

SECRET Calvin Klein The Original Sexy

Words and fashion by Kasia at stylingagency.co.uk / promakeupstyle.com

Show off your sultry curves in cute lacy numbers... sheer seduction

Ellie Delicate Lace Triangle Bra £18.00 | ASOS

Elegent floral embroidery exudes late night romance

Fifi sheer babydoll and briefs £36.00 | Boux Avenue

Very Sexy Flirt Demi Bra £36.40 | Victoria’s Secret

THE BEAUTY BENEATH

AFFAIRE 10 stockings £23 | Wolford

Flirtatious, tempting, provocative.

Women’s lingerie seduces in this month of love.

BEDTIME stories

Rosie For Autograph | M&S £79

stylist’s

PICK Enjoy a story of passion & lust in this multimillion bestselling Crossfire Series Roseravished Massage Gift Set £65 | Coco de Mer

Charlotte Babydoll £40 | Ann Summers

Sophisticated scent takes you all the way.

Woody and musky notes create that sense of sensuality.

Creed Royal Princess Oud de Parfum (£ 210 ) captures magnificent Asian and Indian aromas for that instant attraction.

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Welcome to the Body-Zone

Boxercise Bootcamp

f

GYMS

THE NIGHTCLUB VIBE

Descending down the stairs to this underground studio is similar to entering a nightclub. The studio where the classes take place is lit up with funky lighting and the music is pumping, so if exercising to high energy music is your thing then this is for you.

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here are 45 classes to choose from at Boxercise Bootcamp and the best thing is they run throughout the whole day giving you plenty of opportunity to get down there and do your thing… no excuses that you missed the one available class!

The idea behind the all the workouts at the nightclub inspired studio, are to combine intense cardio with strength training to men and women of all ages and fitness levels. If you really want to hone your body alongside likeminded people there are workshops that you are encouraged to commit to such as the 21 Day Fat Furnace and Bikini Bootcamp.

Workouts here offer ‘Ripped and Stripped Xpress’ which is a 30 minute class using weights, so ideal for those with little time, ‘Bootylicious’ which as you can imagine works on that butt to create curves like Khloe Kardashsian (ok, maybe not as full on as that but you get the picture) and TRX Suspension, a class using body resistance with harnesses and bands that hang from the walls and ceiling. These and more alternative workouts are alongside the more commonly known classes such as Kettlebells and Boxercise.

There is something at Boxercise Bootcamp to either contour, shape and burn fat and pretty much suit everyone. This is the place to come find classes that you just won’t find anywhere else.

Boxercise Bootcamp 12c Grand Avenue, (Entrance below Sawyer & Co), Hove, East Sussex, BN3 2FQ 01273 208355 info@boxercisebootcamp.co.uk

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Cheetah’s Gym A BIT SPIT AND SAWDUST

When I mention Cheetah’s Gym to people I get a mixed response which is why I felt compelled to write about it.

Cheetahs has been going since 1962. It is no flash in the pan gym and obviously well known.

Initial reactions from many is that it is the gym for huge muscled meatheads, however I beg to differ!

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t doesn’t look as high tech as a lot of gyms but it’s 12,500 sq feet of everything your body could need to get in to shape and the people that go here may have muscles (not all of them actually), but they are friendly and incredibly helpful when they spot someone that needs a bit of help. On top of that it is one of the only gyms that you can pay per visit, although incredibly reasonable membership is available.

The gym, which is divided onto four floors, has an advantage over other gyms and fitness clubs in that there is a separate training room for each muscle group, ie, chest training room, leg training room etc. Furthermore there is a separate ladies training gym on offer so that ladies can train in private if they wish as well as a brand new stretching room.

There is a 14ft boxing ring available for hire and there are a number of classes ranging from boxing for fitness to professional tuition. This place churns out quite a few professional boxers and competition winning bodybuilders.

Here there is always room in the huge cardiovascular training room, none oz It’s an affordable family run gym that offers real body results and after going here for a while you feel part of a very large fit family!

Cheetahs Gym King Alfred Leisure Centre, Kingsway, Hove BN3 2WW TEL: 01273 206644

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The great thing about The Gym is it is affordable membership and above all open 24 hours 7 days a week, so you can work out at a time convenient for you. It’s pretty amazing that this concept has been around way before!

Virgin Active is the place that has it all. Not only is the gym equipped with all the modern machinery you could need, it is light bright and very spacious. There is a huge amount of cardio equipment available alongside a good selection of resistance machines and a handy free weight area.

Virgin Active

INSIDE & OUT

The Gym

AROUND THE CLOCK FIT

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Another unique difference with The Gym is the virtual indoor cycling Myride®.where you can immerse yourself in riding the world’s greatest cycle tracks, with the choice of terrain from canyons to mountainside to urban streetscapes. An on-screen instructor shows you how it’s done, and you can pick from a huge range of music to match your pace. Thankfully you can switch them off when you are drowning in sweat which I was and just be you and your bike. I can confirm that this is a fast and furious way to get fit quickly.

I tried the Plyo Box which is a soft foam cushioned box that you climb on and off, or jump if you have the stamina. Yes, difficult to explain but all I can say is that not only do you feel like a kid again when doing this, it really wakens up your legs and core in one double whammy!

here are no receptionists here, (which keeps the cost down) and entrance is admitted with a log in number on a keypad.

If a bit banter and hanging out with people in the reception area is part of your workout experience, then this gym isn’t for you, but if top of the range, shiny new equipment is for you, (70% of these being eco-friendly), then The Gym is a good spot.

I often shy away from the word membership as I am a commitmentphobe when it comes to most things. This membership however doesn’t tie you in to a contract, so you can stop and start it whenever you want. It includes heaps of classes such as Tabataand the other bonus is, that if trips away take you to other parts of the country The Gym membership can be used at any of their gyms, and there are loads in the UK. The Gym Brighton London Road 94 London Road, Brighton, East Sussex, BN1 4JF Tel: 0330 055 3728 The Gym Brighton Madeira Drive Unit 9, The Terraces, Madeira Drive, Brighton, East Sussex, BN2 1AY Tel: 0844 384 3890 http://www.thegymgroup.com 80 80

he gym also has innovative, multi-functional fitness equipment. Bulgarian Bags, TRX Rip Trainers, Battle Ropes, TiYR and Plyo Boxes combine to make up ‘Fitness 5’, the ultimate full body workout that promises to transform full body conditioning, strength, flexibility and overall fitness endurance. They can be used independently or within a class as part of circuit training and when used together can burn up to 750 calories an hour.

There are 80 different classes a week to choose from but what makes Virgin Active so fabulous is the indoor and outdoor racket courts, I am tempted to take up tennis, the 25 metre indoor pool and the heated outdoor pool, (this alone would have me hooked, as when it comes to summer and you don’t fancy the sea, there isn’t a lot to choice in pools in our city).

Virgin Active wins hands down for the possibility of keeping fit indoors and out!

Virgin Active Brighton, Village Way, Falmer, Brighton, East Sussex, BN1 9SG TEL: 01273 667800 www.virginactive.co.uk/clubs/brighton

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Martial Arts, Discipline, Fitness & Fun for everyone!

Beginners & all ages welcome!

CHECK OUR WEBSITE FOR CLASSES NEAR YOU!

Childrens Themed Parties at the Sama Fun Factory, Sama Training Centre or a venue of your own choosing.

Princess Parties Karate Parties Nerf Parties Kickboxing Parties Film Parties Jedi Parties

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Underground Gym A BIG HIT

The Underground Gym is a name I often hear bandied about amongst my exercise fond friends. Sol, the founder and owner is keen on martial arts and has created an urban look gym of grey concrete walls and with top notch professional equipment and some surprising elements that you would expect to see in a mechanics yard or farm such as, tires, kegs, huge battle ropes, a farmers walk and a 20 meter astro turfed prowler run that you can find in the Functional Training space.

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he Combat area consists of an 18ft inter-pro boxing ring, a range of punch bags (great for letting go of some pent up aggression!), and all the equipment for combat style classes. K1 Kickboxing and Submission Wrestling classes are held on the wall-to-wall matted area. The coaches all compete internationally so you are in the best of hands and they encourage beginners to give it a try.

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On the weekend of the 20th February, Underground Gym are opening its doors for The Rocking Horse appeal charity. It is sponsored by Juice FM, so there will be plenty of fun, frolics and music. There will be additional classes and the trainers there will be setting challenges throughout the day in the gym area for people to get involved with. To ease your aching body The Physio rooms will be offering free physiotherapy drop ins.

The gym is equipped with the latest star trac equipment including a large plate loaded section, olympic lifting platforms, dumbbells to 62.5kg, 20+ benches, 5 squat rack variants, and heaps of cardio machines including 3 stair masters.

So get your gym gear on, join in with the raffle (all the money goes to The Rocking Horse Appeal) and go along to this fun filled day and get fit whilst doing a good deed!

I tried a class here and let me tell you their HIT style high intensity class is not for the faint hearted. This class and the majority of classes here is hard work, (in a really good way) and I left red faced, drenched in sweat and aching. You can feel the burn everywhere!

Underground Gym, 8 Camden St, Portslade, BN41 1AW, United Kingdom 07415161492/ 01273 258740 info@underground-gym.com www.underground-gym.com 07415161492/ 01273 258740

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2AA Rosettes

Come and sample our hot dishes, sushi and cocktails

We look forward to serving you

38 East Street, Horsham, West Sussex. www.wabi.co.uk T: 01403 788140 E: info@wabi.co.uk

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Bohemia

Grand Cafe â?– Late Lounge Love food? Love coffee?

Love music? Love Bohemia‌

Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Traditional Afternoon Tea is also served daily from 3pm till 6pm

(booking is advisable for afternoon tea.)

Open hours 9am-1am (Sunday-Thursday) Till 3am Friday and Saturday Food is served everyday from 9am-9pm (except Saturday's 8pm)

www.bohemiabrighton.co.uk 54-55 Meeting House Lane, Brighton Telephone: 01273 777770 Free wifi and newspapers. Follow us on Twitter & Facebook 84

WELCOME TO THE BODY ZONE

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There are a lot of MISCONCEPTIONS out there about life coaching. Many people still feel that it is a bit of an unnecessary American fad that made its way over the pond to us. Self help mumbo jumbo with no scientific evidence.” performance levels in just about every activity in your life”

To steer you in the right direction When someone mentions life coaching I have often thought ‘hmmm…hippie claptrap’ but having met Khody Damestani, I have changed my mind…..well, a girl can’t she?

Q:

So how would you describe life coaching

and what you do?

A: I would describe myself as a therapeutic coach. I apply a blend of coaching, hypnotherapy and psychotherapy.

Coaching is very much focused on the present and the future. A good coach will help you to explore what isn’t working well in your life currently and help you to set goals that will enable you to be happier in the future. This may be something specific such as a fear of flying or emotional eating or something more general such as anxiety or low mood.

Q: What should a client expect on their first foray in to life coaching?

A: Sometimes it is necessary to explore past behaviour and thinking patterns that may be stopping you from overcoming

persistent and reoccurring obstacles.

In these situations the strategies from the fields of psychotherapy and hypnotherapy are particularly useful.

The role of the coach is to help the individual understand the root cause of their particular problem and explore the most suitable strategies to overcome it.

I strongly believe that a one size fits all approach is inadequate and the strategies I employ will undoubtedly differ from one client to another. In simple terms the goal of coaching is to provide an individual with the tools to lead a happier and more fulfilling life.

“There is now scientific evidence that the learning centres of the brain literally expand when we perform simple daily exercises that make us feel happy. Not only does this boost your immune system but it can significantly increase

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Q: What can someone do to help themselves in the process of life coaching?

A: Most coaches typically only spend a few hours a month with their clients.

The rest of the time they are out there fending for themselves. It is during these times that there is a high risk of them slipping back into negative habits and ways of thinking. The daily happiness strategies I prescribe, such as writing about happy experiences they have had and to compile a daily gratitude list, are therefore vital to help my clients maintain a positive mind-set and support the new desired habits and thinking patterns that they are seeking to adopt.

My belief is that coaching should be available to everybody. I’m developing an app called MyMindPal that will give everyone the opportunity to have their own coach in their pocket without the expense of seeing a coach for a personal In the meantime, for a step towards happier, go to Khody’s free two hour event at the Komedia on 20th March at 11a.m. or book in to see him for some personal coaching by contacting me at info@khody.co.uk.

Khody Damestani MSc BSc (Hons) DIHP is a therapeutic and performance coach, author and lecturer specialising in helping people in a range of areas of health and performance.

He sees clients at his private practice in Brighton and runs workshops. For more information contact him at info@khody.co.uk

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WELCOME TO THE BODY ZONE

A LIGHTNESS OF

Being

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hen I was investigating treatments for this month’s New You feature, a friend mentioned The Light Technique, so I took it upon myself to see what it was all about.

Met by a warm smile, a big hug and one of the most soothing voices I have heard, I instantly felt at ease.

Starting as a beauty therapist over 20 years ago, Katie decided to travel the world learning not just about beauty on the outside but beauty on the inside, and has since immersed herself in the health and wellbeing of the body and mind.

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What makes the The Light Technique unique is that it mixes ancient and contemporary mind and body therapies, such as NLP (Neuro -Linguistic Programming) and Reiki with massage and facials, all offered in one treatment package that is tailored to the individual.

After a conversation on how I was feeling, which was particularly stressed out and floundering that wee, Katie administered massage around my neck and shoulders, (as I hold all my tension there) and Reiki, concentrating on my Throat Chakra, (relating to communication) and my Solar Plexus

Chakra (relating to power and wisdom).

I have never had Reiki before and wasn’t entirely sure how a therapy where there is actually no skin to skin contact, but more of a holding of her hands over different areas, could do anything. I was astounded to feel this incredible heat in the areas where Katie’s hands hovered above. It made sense that this was the movement of energy as Chakras are described as energy centres and the only way I can describe the feeling was sort of electric.

Once the treatment had finished I felt incredibly peaceful. Katie noted that most of the energy and heat emanated from my solar plexus which hints to a person’s identity. Now if I tell you that I have been finding it difficult to decide on my focus and what I want, then Katie’s findings would certainly make sense.

After a chat about what I could do at home regarding visualising my wants and breaking a whole life vision down in to parts which I could manage step by step the therapy/treatment was done.

I definitely left with a feeling of lightness and felt over all more centred and energised. Even my very husky voice was less strained and wow, I slept well that night.

The Light Technique can help to treat a variety of problems such as insomnia, stress and anxiety, panic attacks, grief and loss, hormonal imbalances, muscular fatigue, nerve & joint problems and emotional eating T: 0755 400 3070 thelighttechnique.com info@khody.co.uk.

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B R I G H T O N

2 COURSE MEAL AND A SHOW on a Thursday or Friday till the end of April when you quote “Absolute Proud“

£20

PP

*Terms and conditi ons apply, bookin gs subject to availab ility

Brighton’s very own Burlesque and Cabaret Club. Treat yourself to a night of tantalizing Burlesque, performed by World Famous Acts Proud Cabaret Brighton | 83 St Georges Road | Brighton | BN2 1EF | 01273 605 789 brightonreservations@proud.co.uk | proudcabaretbrighton.com 8888

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Blacklace Burlesque

6 week Brighton Burlesque course 10% discount on all courses when you quote ‘ABSOLUTE’ Beginners, intermediate and advance courses availaBle every monday and tuesday evenings meet new people, Build self confidence, release your inner show girl fun, relaxed environment perform your routine in a show alongside the professionals over 18s only

for more information or to book a course please contact us at: 07867 725 071 info@labordelloboheme.com www.facebook.com/labordellobohemeshow

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London Lifestyle London Hotel Report: South Place Hotel Wo r d s C H A R L I E C A R T E R

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his spring come up to London for a weekend break and make sure you don’t overlook staying in The City of London. It’s all too easy to get swept up in West London’s tourist attractions, however step off the tourist beaten track and venture in to the City for rare weekend finds and great deals.

One such place is the South Place Hotel. This 80-bedroom hotel is boutique in style and brings glamour and a chic feel to the City of London. This perfect oasis in the City, is ideal for meeting up with friends to party the night away or to relax, recharge and indulge yourself. It’s where ‘historical London meets the cultural East End’. You can arrive for the weekend and never even need to leave the hotel, or you can use it as your base for sightseeing and shopping.

This super plush, sleek and modern hotel has four bars and two restaurants to choose from and is nestled round the corner from Liverpool Street and Moorgate mainline stations, while being a mere stones-throw from Shoreditch and Spitalfields. The South Place Hotel is amazingly easy to get to from the coast. Just hop on a direct train to London Bridge then jump on the Northern Line (2 stops northbound) to Moorgate underground station.

The ground floor is home to the 3 Restaurant and offers a sumptuous menu. If staying over the weekend you must try the Bellini Brunch. Choose at least 2 courses from the a la carte or set menu and then choose either bottomless Prosecco, Bellini’s or Bloody Mary’s for just an extra £15 during your two-hour sitting. On my last visit the steak was perfect and the waffles divine. The service in the restaurant is brilliant with the staff being friendly and attentive, and they ensure that your glass is constantly refilled. This Valentines, make a reservation and dash up to London and enjoy the exquisite 3 course Valentines menu with a glass of Moet.

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This perfect oasis in the City, is ideal for meeting up with friends to party the night away or to relax, recharge and indulge yourself.

It’s where ‘historical London meets the cultural East End’.

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The 3 Bar is a spacious and opulent cocktail lounge, perfect for groups or to enjoy a coffee after lunch with a good book. It’s light and comfortable with huge chairs and plush jewelled coloured couches to relax in. They also have an extensive cocktail list and if you can’t see your favourite on the menu then the expert mixologist will whip up your desired tipple straight away.

Head up to the first floor to find the Secret Garden bar. This open roof bar is the perfect hideaway for your weekend break.

The seventh floor plays host to The Angler terrace bar and restaurant. The terrace with BBQs in the summer is a welcome retreat from the city heat and is jam packed over summer months so naturally its first come first served. The Angler Michelin starred seafood restaurant is perfect for special occasions and celebrations.

The hotel decor is vibrant and contemporary with the interiors designed by Conran & Partners. Everything is sleek, modern and fresh while having a warm and welcoming atmosphere. The bedrooms are thoughtfully designed, with even the standard double rooms feeling spacious and light. Each room comes with the latest technology such as Bang & Olufsen televisions, free inroom cinema, and hangover kits, while the dark marble opulent bathrooms are stocked with chic, good quality, UK sourced toiletries.

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This hotel is an Absolute favourite. It has everything under one roof to ensure your London weekend is wonderful.

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The South Place Hotel offers a private membership and for a tiny £40 per month you can join their club, the SPIES Society.

As a member you get exclusive invites to their parties and events and full access to the gym and spa! This is amazing value for such wonderful facilities anywhere in London. This is certainly worth doing if you’re a London regular or a commuter working in the City. http://spies.london/benefitsfaq/ Splash out and treat the one you love this February and whisk them off for a Valentines weekend away. The South Place Hotel has a variety of offers to choose from and London weekend breaks start from just £170 (inc breakfast from £185). The longer stay you more you save so book two nights and save 10%, stay three nights and save 15%. The Gourmet Getaway package offers a two-night break, and an eight course tasting menu in the Angler Restaurant for £295 per person. Also, when staying in the hotel as a resident you will get invites to any of the events and parties they are hosting in the hotel during your stay. The terrace parties are legendary and well worth a visit. Check out the South Place Hotel website for their latest offers and availability, but rest assured there is something to suit every budget.

This hotel is an Absolute favourite. It has everything under one roof to ensure your London weekend is wonderful. The service is great, the facilities are indulgent and luxurious, the food and drinks sublime and the location is perfect for getting around all over London. Whether it’s brunch with your mates, a romantic candle lit supper or a spa weekend, this place is really worth a visit on your next trip to London, so pack up your bags and head to the South Place Hotel.

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The service is great, the facilities are indulgent and luxurious, the food and drinks sublime and the location is perfect for getting around all over London.

3 South Place, London, EC2M 2AF 0203 503 0000 www.southplacehotel.com

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Seychelles The Republic of Seychelles is situated in the Indian Ocean, an archipelago of 115 islands, which lies east of Africa. Pure white sandy beaches, glistening coastline and dense rainforests make up this stunning paradise.

Popular with honeymooners and celebrity stars, its famous retreats and idyllic beach hotels are settled amongst the picture perfect islands, surrounded by crystal clear waters, mountainous ranges and tropical plant life.

Fly to Victoria, the Capital of the Seychelles from London Heathrow with Etihad or Air Seychelles with a short stop-over in Abu Dhabi.

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’ve spent a large part of – what I laughingly refer to as – my professional life telling people where to go. Not in a sweary drunk in the park kind of way, you understand, but rather, after spending much of the last 15 years as a travel writer, cruising the world at 33,000 feet, selfless staying in five star hotels and gorging myself on the finest cuisine available to man, woman or man-woman, before coming back to reality to scribble it all down, I’ve seen an awful lot of places and used an equal awful lot of superlatives to encourage other people to see them.

One such superlative often overused by travel writers is ‘paradise’. A word wheeled out by the very laziest of travel writers to

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serve as a kind of sum-up catch-all, saving them from having to dig deep into their dictionary to produce some proper prose.

In fact, so many places have now been described as being ‘paradise’ that you’d wonder how Milton could ever have lost it.

Which is where my problem began – setting sight on the Seychelles for the first time and watching the striking turquoise ocean lapping gently against the fine white sands of the shore whilst a rich canopy of green swayed gently in the breeze behind it, only one word came to mind: ‘paradise’.

But first the facts: an archipelago in the Indian Ocean, just far east enough to avoid all the troubles of Africa, the Seychelles is made up of some 115 islands and is home to

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some of the most striking scenery outside of movie special effects, which is why the islands have long been the destination of choice of both celebrities and honeymooners alike, seeking out somewhere that still manages to achieve that rare balance of unspoilt beauty and luxury.

Home to an extensive array of sea life, such as turtles, manta rays, hammerheads, whale sharks and fancy looking fish aplenty, this is a diver’s dreamland. And even on land the wildlife is richly diverse with ample airborne examples to keep twitchers twitching and, probably the Seychelles’ most famous residents, some tortoises that you’d really struggle to fit in a shoebox over winter.

“

Setting sight on the Seychelles for the first time and watching the striking turquoise ocean lapping gently against the fine white sands of the shore whilst a rich canopy of green swayed gently in the breeze behind it, only one word came to mind: ‘paradise’.

Travel tips you should know Capital - Victoria Language - French, English and Seychellois Creole Currency - Euros, US dollars, Seychellois Rupees Mahe is the largest of the islands Flying time from London to Mahe - approximately 11 ¼ hours No visas needed for visits of less than 30 days January has the most rainfall and March and April are the warmest months with temperatures reaching highs of 30

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Seychelles

Praslin Island & Indian Ocean Lodge Whilst the beautiful and best still flock to the Seychelles in their chauffeur-driven droves, the most surprising thing about the islands is that it’s far more affordable than you might imagine to rub shoulders with the stars.

Take this little place for example.

Nestled on Praslin Island, a short hop from the airport, sits Indian Ocean Lodge, a tranquil haven away from the hustle and bustle of the world. Petite, perfectly designed in the traditional Creole style, impeccably serviced and reasonably priced, the hotel is perfectly positioned on Grande Anse Beach and stands as a slice of luxurious living between the backdrop of Praslin’s lush interior and the beautiful blue of the Indian Ocean. If there’s anywhere more tranquil, it’s difficult to imagine.

A cradle of comfort from the moment you step inside, the soft pastels of the decor enhances the feeling of relaxation, whilst the rooms – only 32 in total – offer utter opulence and, importantly, air conditioning!

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Also on offer is some of the finest and freshest seafood you’ll ever experience courtesy of the hotel’s Blue Marlin Bar & Restaurant, alongside a wide selection of other mouth-watering meals for those not so fond of fish.

Given everything Indian Ocean Lodge provides, frankly, it would be tempting to never leave the hotel grounds – and I’m certain that some guests don’t – but when on Praslin, it would be a waste not to venture out and discover the treasures this island holds.

A free shuttle ride provided by the hotel takes you on a tour past island life as the locals go about their business, before bringing you to the lively beach of Anse Volbert. Or for the more curious, the Lodge gladly assists with car rental arrangements so that you can hit the quaint little roads of Praslin, meandering along the hills and exploring all the island has to offer; although make sure that meander takes you to Anse Lazio, one of the most pristine beaches you may ever come across and recently rated as the 6th best beach in world by Tripadvisor reviewers.

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Nature enthusiasts should head over to the Vallee De Mai, a UNESCO World Heritage site. A mere five minute drive from the Indian Ocean Lodge, here you’ll find yourself in the shadow of Praslin’s mountainside, surrounded by towering perennial plants which bear the astonishing Coco-de-Mer seeds, the largest seeds of the plant kingdom.

Praslin Island and the neighbouring Curieuse Island are the only two places left where you’ll find this remarkable nugget of nature; and if your eyes are keen enough, you may even spot the endemic, but rare, Black Parrots of Praslin as they feed off the flowers of this amazing plant.

Should you wish to venture further afield, the staff of Indian Ocean Lodge will be happy to assist with island-hopping arrangements, leaving you free to explore the nearby islands, with their lush greenery, turquoise waters overflowing with an abundance of marine life, as well as their cultural heritage and history.

Absolutes favourite bits The Indian Ocean Lodge is situated on Praslin, the 2nd largest island of the Seychelles archipelago. As a guest you will experience a homely welcome and enjoy the relaxed island experience when staying in one of the 32 gorgeous traditional guestrooms. Based on the Grand Anse, one of the longest beaches on the Seychelles, this gorgeous, laid back retreat prides itself on being a ‘relaxing haven to unwind’ with real island living which focuses on your comfort and well-being during your stay. Its authentic and affordable with wonderful, genuine service and what’s more, children under 11 years of age stay for free.

Peaceful, tranquil and quiet but just a five-minute drive from Praslin airport, 20 minutes’ drive from the diving excursions at Cote D’Ore beach, and 35 minutes’ drive from Anse Lazio beach.

The Indian Ocean Lodge is good value for money, with bed and breakfast per night from approximately 72 Euros in low season and from approximately 101 Euros per night in high season.

To get here catch a domestic flight to Praslin from the main island of Mahe, or alternatively jump on a 44km ferry journey to enjoy the scenic route.

Indian Ocean Lodge www.indianoceanlodge.com Grand Anse, Praslin, Seychelles +248 428 3838 reservations@indianoceanlodge.com

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Seychelles

Silhouette Island & Hilton Seychelles Labriz After experiencing Indian Ocean Lodge and the island of Praslin, it would be difficult to believe anyone who told you that there are islands of equal beauty and hotels that can serve up such levels of laidback luxury. Indeed, leaving the lodge could well be one of the hardest things you ever have to do; which is why it helps to have a Hilton to hit…

I speak of the Hilton Seychelles Labriz, another exceptional option for any stay in the Seychelles. Situated on Silhouette Island, approached from a distance the island is a striking sight, with a tropical forest and an imposing mountain reaching into the clouds. Set along a 2.5km stretch of powder-soft beach, Hilton Seychelles Labriz Resort & Spa brings together all the essential elements of pristine beaches, modern and spacious villas, a first-class spa and fine dining, with exciting activities also on offer, such as trekking through one of the largest National Parks in Seychelles or exploring the surrounding National Marine Park.

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A 20 minute helicopter transfer from Seychelles International Airport (because, if you can, you should always arrive on a tropical island via helicopter), Mahé and a 45-minute boat trip via Bel Ombre Jetty, Hilton Seychelles Labriz Resort & Spa offers guests five spacious, contemporary, private and peaceful villa categories, each infused with tropical chic style, the jewel in the crown being the Presidential Villa, offering panoramic views of the spectacular mountains or the pristine beach. Deluxe Hillside Pool Villas and Deluxe Beachfront Pool Villas each feature a private pool set in a secluded garden and a large circular bath tub, making them perfect for those on a romantic getaway. The elegant Beach Villas, meanwhile, meander discreetly along the seafront, emerging from the vegetation, mere steps from the beach, while, last but not least, the Garden Villas are set within the verdant natural surroundings of the island, offering a truly back-to-nature experience with the added extra of all the amenities expected from a luxury resort.

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Whilst peace and privacy are guaranteed at your villa, heading down to the heart of the resort, you’ll find an excellent selection of bars and restaurants, including the Italian Portobello Restaurant, a gastronomic experience with an expansive wine cellar serving some of the most exclusive wines from all over the world, while the beachside Sakura serves Sushi and East Asian cuisine with a modern edge, Cafe Dauban dishes up a delicious variety of international and local delicacies, and Pizzeria presents freshly prepared authentic pizzas and Italian bites.

Of course, Italian and Eastern cuisine is always welcome, but central to the Labriz experience is the Grann Kaz Plantation House. Renovated to its former glory, here guests can enjoy the unique grandeur of a Seychellois plantation house and more traditional fayre, with the ground floor of this magnificent building being home to the resort’s traditional Creole restaurant, served up on the terrace and in the gardens.

Spa and Away Designed to bring the elements of nature closer to guests and to offer an organic, raw and natural ambience with a treatment menu to match, the Silhouette Spa at Labriz is one of the most strikingly beautiful in the world. Boasting spacious indoor and outdoor couples’ therapy suites with unrivalled views of the jungle-clad slopes of Mount Dauban and the Indian Ocean, the comprehensive Spa Menu ranges from instruction in the ancient art of Yoga to the pacifying effects conveyed by the secrets of Balinese therapies, to Seychelles island spa rituals that leave you feeling cleansed and revitalised.

Those seeking action should head on over to the Eco Centre, the launching point for all on-island and sea pursuits, helping guests get the chance to discover both the marine world of the Seychelles via the only five star National Geographic PADI diving center in the Seychelles region, as well as Silhouette Island through hiking and exploratory journeys of the island’s natural biodiversity.

Featuring first-class design, a breath-taking natural setting, heritage, and the very best of amenities, if anything can help you get over the shock of leaving the Indian Ocean Lodge, it’s the high-end hotel hedonism of the Hilton Seychelles Labriz Resort & Spa!

Absolutes favourite bits Nestled in Silhouette Island, the luxurious Hilton Seychelles Labriz Resort and Spa is paradise. It’s situated on the edge of the islands mountains surrounded by calm and tranquil waters, glorious coastline and magical breathtaking views The palatial accommodation is arranged in Villas giving you a private and exclusive experience. The seven different restaurants and bars guarantee you will be spoilt for choice for where eat and drink during your stay.

Plenty of diving, hiking through the rainforests and island excursions are available so even the most restless and adventurous guests will never get bored. Alternatively, the Spa has an array of relaxing and serene treatments as well as Yoga to ensure you stay completely Zen. Travel to Silhouette Island by a 15-minute helicopter ride or a 45-minute shuttle boat ride from the main airport.

This is the perfect place for honeymooners or couples looking for a romantic retreat and the Hilton also offers a bespoke wedding service for couples looking to tie the knot in paradise.

Currently with a 30% sale for selected dates, check their website to grab yourself some winter sun.

Hilton Seychelles Labriz Resort & Spa www.hiltonseychelleslabriz.com Silhouette Island, PO Box 69, Mahé, Seychelles Tel: 248-429-3949

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Mahé Island & The Carana Hilltop Villa Problem now is: what on earth can help you get over the agony of having to check out of the Hilton?

Well the only way is literally up when it comes to The Carana Hilltop Villa. In an ideal location which exudes peace and island-style tranquillity, and nicely nestled between the verdant mountainsides of north east Mahé Island and the sapphire waters of the ocean, the villa’s unique ambiance within the oasis of its walled private grounds, private swimming pool, garden of tropical flowers and fruit trees make it an ideal location for complete relaxation.

Promising “a true Seychelles experience at your own pace in an authentic Creole establishment” this private and peaceful haven in the hills offers the perfect base from which to explore the island, from its bays and lagoons to its colourful culture and cuisine. A variety of accommodation is available from as little as €90 euros a night for a single room with bed and breakfast, or the whole Villa can also be booked to cater for a large family or

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group. All comes fully air conditioned and excellently appointed, with those on the ground floor offering instant access to the pool.

Just a five minute walk from the Villa is Carana Beach – the epitome of unspoilt – where you can relax, snorkel or head out to open water for a spot of sport fishing, whilst beauty therapists and in-room masseuses can be called in to work out any memories of ‘tension’ that remain.

As with the Indian Ocean Lodge and the Hilton, cuisine at The Carana is seafood led, with prawns, octopus and fish curry, lobster and crabs all being a speciality. However, despite the seafood being so succulent that it’s almost impossible to resist, the Villa also caters for all comers, offering excellent Asian and European options too.

Peace and quiet is guaranteed at The Carana Hilltop and, plan your days properly and you might just end up feeling that you’re on your own private island. However, as wonderfully remote as that sounds, it is possible in the Seychelles to be even more secluded…

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Seychelles

Absolutes favourite bits This small boutique villa has ten rooms ranging from doubles through to suites up in the peaceful mountainside of the island of Mahe with amazing views of Mamen, North and Praislin islands. The secluded villa location is just 5 minutes’ walk away from the Carana beach with amazing views of the Indian Ocean. Homely in style serving traditional cuisine, you will experience the serene and tranquil island lifestyle. The private gardens with an abundance lush tropical fruit trees provide a back drop to experience local island life. Venture out of the villa to go island hopping, deep-sea fishing or out on a sunset cruise.

This unique, private and secluded villa is only 20 minutes’ drive from the airport and 15 minutes’ drive from Victoria.

Large Superior rooms in February are from approximately 133 Euros per night. Alternatively get a large group of you together and rent the entire villa for your stay.

Carana Hill Top Villa www.caranahilltopvilla.com Carana, Glacis, Mahe, Seychelles +248 4 241 990 reservation@caranahilltopvilla.com

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Bird Island & Bird Island Lodge A 20 minute drive from The Carana Hilltop and a 30 minute flight in a light aircraft brings you to Bird Island, five kilometres of the finest white sand beaches, landing here you find yourself at one of the world’s top eco-holiday destinations and, as the name suggests, a hugely successful wildlife reserve – something you might want to Tweet about or post a picture of on Facebook… yeah, good luck getting a signal. Indeed, you’ll also find no phones at all on Bird Island, or TVs, just nature at its most beautiful.

Bird Island Lodge is an excellent way to ease yourself back into the working world. Comfortable, certainly, ‘luxury’ is not the byword here; more ‘simplicity’.

With 24 chalets available, Bird Island’s only hotel offers a king sized bed, large shower room, separate toilet, a spacious veranda and an overhead fan to keep your cool. That doesn’t mean you can’t get a cocktail however, and food at the Lodge is fresh, organic and served buffet style.

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Getting about the island is made simple by having feet – you can walk it in an hour! But why would you rush when you have places such as West Beach at those aforementioned feet? A short stroll from your chalet, it could just be you and the birds enjoying a Robinson Crusoe moment or, if you want to witness just how magnificent nature can be in style, sun downer cocktails on West Beach cannot be beaten.

Go kayaking with the pod of dolphins that call the waters of Bird Island their home, snorkel with giant manta rays, go whale watching (October to November), go game fishing for marlin, sailfish and tuna and bring it home for dinner, fly fish from the beach, tick off 24 species of Seychelles birds, or just sit and soak it all in.

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Seychelles

Absolutes favourite bits

Say ‘Yes’ to the Seychelles After a 30-minute flight from Mahe airport you will arrive to the Lodge which is positioned on five kilometres of beautiful white sandy beaches surrounded by crystal clear calming waters.

Bird island has an array of little bungalows nestled amongst the coconut palms and with never more than 80 guests at a time so you will feel in the centre of the wildlife and real island living.

The Lodge uses only the freshest and locally sourced ingredients for its cuisine from the island and surrounding areas. You will find the beaches are a far cry from the windswept pebbled shores of the Brighton coastline, and rather than seagulls, the island is adorned with an array or tropical birds and wildlife. Plan your stay between mid-October to mid-January or mid-December to mid-March to see turtles on the beach.

During your stay join a guided tour through the dense rainforest, tropical gardens and waterfalls, or swim in the shallow warm waters and snorkel around the coral reefs. If you desire a more laid back afternoon, you will be spoilt for choice when searching for a secluded beach to stretch out with your favourite novel.

Go to their website to download the Bird Island brochure and see their latest availability and prices.

Bird Island Seychelles www.birdislandseychelles.com Bird Island Lodge, P.O. Box 1419, Victoria, Mahe, Seychelles Tel: (248) 422 49 25 reservations@birdislandseychelles.com

Obviously, not everyone will have the holiday time or the holiday money available to flit between all four of the exceptional accommodation options we’ve looked at here, but if this has given you a taste to find your own piece of, yes, paradise, then you’ll find it waiting for you in the Seychelles. And whether you chose Praslin, Silhoutte, Mahé or Bird to base your adventures from, you’ll be eternally grateful to yourself that you did.

Indian Ocean Lodge www.indianoceanlodge.com Hilton Seychelles Labriz Resort & Spa www.hiltonseychelleslabriz.com The Carana Hilltop Villa www.caranahilltopvilla.com Bird Island Lodge www.birdislandseychelles.com

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RESISTING POVERTY. EMPOWERING PEOPLE. RESTORING HOPE. About Off The Fence

By far the quickest way to give!

Off The Fence provides short and long-term solutions by delivering a range of support networks to empower people and prevent poverty in all its forms.

The charity offers people hope, a way forward and the opportunity to live a transformed life. Off The Fence’s vision is to see an end to social and spiritual poverty in Brighton & Hove.

To find out more visit:

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www.offthefence.org.uk

Text OTFF12£*amount* to 70070. £10 buys a life saving sleeping bag. /OTFbrighton

/OTFbrighton

Registered Charity No. 1108777 Charitable Company No. 5300691

Charity Ball In aid of The Martlets Hospice & Children with Cancer UK

Friday 15th April - Black Tie / Evening or Cocktail Dress -

Hilton Brighton Metropole Auction / Raffle Come & join us for: A 3 course meal & 1/2 bottle of wine £70 per person or table of 10 £600 Dance the night away with the amazing band Oomphf For any enquiries contact: Terrie-marie 07766 290003 / Debbie 07525 782475 If you would like to be a sponsor for the event contact Terrie-Marie or Debbie

THE BRIGHTON PRINT COMPANY www.brightonprintco.co.uk

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The

Lanes Hotel Since 1995 proprietors Catherine and Douglas Beard have been running The Lanes Hotel. A Grade 1 listed building Situated on Brighton seafront. This traditional red brick Victorian hotel boasts character and historic facts. Famous icons had stayed and lived in these buildings, from Ivor Novello to Tommy Trinder. To this day many celebrities reside at this hotel, for its grand décor and for its in house facilities available to all guests.

The Lanes Hotel provides a great Cocktail & Champagne

The Lanes Hotel, offers guests with a limited free car park

bar with trained and qualified staff within mixology at hand

- ‘Which is great and rare in Brighton’, A short walk from

ready to pour yourself a drink or two. A large relaxing

the city centre. The staffs are attentive, friendly and make

lounge named the Cowards suite, again named after the

you feel really comfortable. Within their busy schedule, Mrs

iconic performer and play writer whom, interestingly wrote

Catherine Beard took the time out to talk about this historic

one of his plays in this precise room.

Hotel and her experience as an Hotelier.

There are a range of different rooms, sea facing, rooms

WHAT ATTRACTED YOU TO BECOME THE PROPRIETOR OF

which have a balcony overlooking the sea and the famous

ONE OF BRIGHTON’S LARGEST HOTELS?

Brighton Pier. Larger rooms are available for group bookings

When we first heard of the Lanes Hotel it was a bankrupt

and events too.

sale and terribly run down.

The frontage - windows,

balconies and all woodwork were falling apart with dry rot.

This Large privately owned Hotel also offers a Beauty Room

It was virtually derelict on the upper floors with electrics and

ran externally by ‘Lookin Good.’

plumbing everywhere needing to be replaced and updated.

In fact everything, everywhere had to be renewed. It has

The Novello restaurant, named after Ivor Novello, a Welsh

a long history of being a hotel and famous people had

composer and actor who became one of the most popular

connections to it in the past. -eg Ivor Novello. It is the only

British entertainers of the first half of the 20th century,

red brick hotel in Brighton and has many original features.

whom again once lived at this property.offers exquisite

From the maple lined Dining Room, large victorian tiled

breakfast with service only to be described as outstanding.

fireplaces, original arch shaped window frames to coloured

The view from the Noel Cowards Lounge suite is spectacular.

glass leaded windows to name a few! It seemed very sad and

Direct Sea view; sun shining, happy smiles walking around,

dejected indeed and a challenge!

what else could one want in a city!

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ABSOLUTE

HOW HAVE YOU GAINED THE EXPERIENCE TO RUN A SUCCESSFUL AND POPULAR HOTEL IN THE HEART OF BRIGHTON?

WHAT DOES THE LANES HOTEL OFFER, FOR IT TO BE CONTINUOUSLY BUSY?

My parents owned and run a hotel in Brighton so I was

been there for 10 years or more and because of what we

brought up in this industry. This is our Third hotel in

offer, we have a tremendous level of regular repeat guests.

A lot is down to the people who work with us, most have

Brighton. The 1st when I was 23 years old so I have gained experience and knowledge with 50 years of living in, working and running them.

IN YOUR OPINION AND EXPERIENCE, WHAT MAKES A GOOD HOTEL?

A Good Hotel is one that I would like to stay at - why expect WHEN STAYING AT THE LANES HOTEL, WHAT WILL YOUR GUESTS EXPECT?

any one of our guests to accept anything less?

Apart from excellent value for money. We have Polite

I would recommend you stay at the hotel, or stop by for

and helpful staff 24 hours a day and spotlessly clean. All

champagne cocktail whilst relaxing on the decking gazing at

bedrooms have all modern facilities along with en-suite

the sea, minutes walk away from Brighton Pier.

bathrooms. We have no single beds - all double - so many single guests find this very comfortable and unexpected!

IS THERE ANY EXCLUSIVE PARTIES OR CELEBRATIONS; THE LANES HOTEL WILL BE PUTTING ON 2016? IF SO, ARE ABSOLUTE MAGAZINE INVITED?

We have made no arrangements for any yet, but Absolute

Mathew Parr Twitter: @mparr3101 Instagram: MPARR3101

Magazine will be invited when we do.

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up

Cit

ton

s Brig b a C h y

i S o uth ern Tax

01273 55-55-55

two tickets plus showguides for £18 Quote ABS241

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tasting

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FOODIESFESTIVAL.COM ● 0844 995 1111

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Bang & Oulfsen SIMPLY THE BEST We all know Bang & Olufsen is recognised for manufacturing highly distinctive and exclusive ranges of televisions, music systems, loudspeakers, telephones, and multi media products that combine technological excellence with emotional appeal. B&O products bring the entertainment experience to a new level, whilst revolutionising the concept of art into electronics.

ABSOLUTE : How did your career start within the

audio/visual industry?

What seems such a long time ago I started to work at the young age of 17 in a multi brand television and audio shop in Camberley, Surrey called Hemmings Audio Visual. My daily tasks where making the tea and dusting. After many years of understanding the technology in the home audio/visual industry I moved to work in one of the UK’s first Bang & Olufsen Showrooms based in Guildford, Surrey. I thought I had landed! Dealing with high wealth clients and products that I always dreamed of owning. After many years of working up to showroom manager and overseeing 3 other showrooms, I decided I wanted my own. So in

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products are very special.

Our products are not just about picture and sound, they are also about magical experiences.

“

S

ince 2012, Brighton’s very own B&O store has been getting a lot of attention, for all the right reasons. Voted for 20132014 Dealer of the year throughout the UK and Ireland, in which the Manufacturer panel scored the Church street, Hove showroom highly on it’s customer satisfaction, the atmosphere including ambience of the showroom, product launches and sales performance.

There is no doubt, this showroom boasts elegance, whilst incorporating art, furthermore it is clear to see that each member of staff is informative and knowledgeable about all the products.

Working for B&O for over 24years, Michael Sparkes, dealer principal of Bang & Olufsen, Brighton & Hove takes time out of his hectic schedule to talk to me about winning this award including some exclusive news about his flagship store.

“All Bang & Olufsen

2011 I approached Bang & Olufsen who where overwhelmed that I wanted to start my own Business. They suggested Brighton & Hove, which at the time seemed a million miles away from home. But with the move it was the best decision I made!

ABSOLUTE : What do you feel your customers should expect from visiting your show room?

I have spent a lot of time in making sure my staff are fully trained and are continually training within their role. I feel that this is not just with product knowledge and selling but also to ensure all of our clients who walk into my showroom feel like our friends. I have always believed people like to do business with people they like and trust. This goes such a long way for repeat purchases.

ABSOLUTE : How does it feel to be Dealer of the Year

2013-2014 throughout the UK and Ireland?

This is defiantly been a dream come true and since then we have come first place in a lot of Bang & Olufsen internal competitions. But I always make sure the people that work with me are part of receiving the prizes too as they help make this happen.

ABSOLUTE

ABSOLUTE : I am aware this question will be difficult, but what is a must have B&O product?

Yes a very difficult question, as all Bang & Olufsen products are very special. Our products are not just about picture and sound, they are also about magical experiences. I would say that when clients purchase our television they never get tired of seeing the television turn to their personal viewing position using our motorised stand. Even after many years of owning a product our clients never bored of showing their friends how wonderful they are.

ABSOLUTE : What exclusive information can you share with Absolute Magazine in regards to any new electronics coming soon or any promotions within your show room?

My lips are sealed! I am pleased to say that our products don’t change every year like the mass produced products companies out there manufacture, so you are reassured that whatever you buy will not date overnight and they will get many years of pleasure. Just asked any of our clients for proof. However we have just launched something very special, which is a pair of loudspeakers that sell for £54,000.

Its not every ones cup of tea, but I do invite everyone to come in and ask for a listen.

You will not look at any ordinary products out there in the same way again.

Mathew Parr Twitter: @mparr3101 Instagram: MPARR3101

“

I would say that when clients purchase our television they never get tired of seeing the television turn to their personal viewing position using our motorised stand. Even after many years of owning a product our clients never bored of showing their friends how wonderful they are.�

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Small Batch COFFEE

Sourcing Speciality Coffee In Rwanda

R

wanda has been a key origin

since the earliest days of Small

Batch

and

we’ve

always loved the balanced bourbon coffees the country produces.

However, Rwandan coffee used to

units that own a few acres of land,

Of Congo. Coffee from Butembo is

farm some cash crops such as coffee,

currently part of our flagship blend

sustenance crops and maybe some

Goldstone Espresso whilst we have

livestock. They sell their freshly

had the Kanya as a fantastic single

harvested coffee cherries to a local

origin.

washing station who process the coffee from cherry to dried parchment

have several different issues which

Further south, Al visited the world

coffee and sell it to an exporter who

restricted the amount we would import

renowned Huye Mountain washing

grades it, prepares it for export and

from there. Unreliability in terms of

station which featured in 2014’s Film

sells it to an importer or other buyer.

About Coffee and and is a staple coffee

shipping and logistics, coupled with

of globally renowned roasters like

irregular availability of decent crops

We’ve been working with Rwanda

problems for anyone trying to import

Stumptown and Single Origin. Another

Trading Company, a coffee exporter

speciality

coffee. We’re

stunning coffee, we bought a small

that is responsible for much of

pleased to report, following head of

amount and will look to buy more

the improvements in the Rwanda

coffee at Small Batch, Alan Tomlins’s

from the 2016 crop.

speciality coffee sector. With the guys

trip to Rwanda back in May 2015,

from RTC, Al was able to visit three

Rwanda is a breathtakingly beautiful

that all of these things are improving

separate washing stations in this tiny,

country with a deeply troubled past.

hugely.

land-locked and beautiful country.

Today, however, its economy is growing

Rwandan

and with the help of companies like

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The coffee production in Rwanda

Butembo and Kanya are two stations

RTC, we can be a part of helping it

is similar to most African countries.

right on the shores of Lake Kivu,

towards a brighter future.

Smallholder farmers, typically family

bordering with Democratic Republic

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S O U T H

BEACH M E D I A PETE HAYWARD

design that resonates

consulting + branding + visual identity + graphic design 4 print + digital + merchandise + music

CREATED BY PETE HAYWARD CONTACT T: 07712043145 E: INFO@SOUTHBEACHMEDIA.CO.UK WWW.SOUTHBEACHMEDIA.CO.UK

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