The Bath Magazine June 2019 by MC Publishing Limited

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ISSUE 201 | JUNE 2019 thebathmag.co.uk

£3.95 where sold

THE DELICIOUS GUIDE OUR FOOD & DRINK SPECIAL

WILL YOUNG’S LEXICON

RHYTHM MASTER

WILD SWIMMING

EN POINTE

We chat to the star ahead of the launch of his new album

Drummer Chris Slade on jazz, swing and heavy metal

Take the plunge and bathe under the open skies

Local girl Claire Calvert discusses dancing with the Royal Ballet

T H E C I T Y ’ S B I G G E S T M O NTHLY GUIDE TO LIFE AND LIVING IN BATH

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Contents June 2019 5 THINGS

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Essential events to look forward to this month

LIGHT MY FIRE

Melissa Blease talks to Georgina Young, Bath Ales’ new head brewer

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Melissa Blease chats to chart-topping Will Young ahead of the release of his new album

ROCKING THE BEAT

ALES WELL AND GOOD . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 62

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FOOD HEROES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 64 The local producers doing great things on the food scene

SPECIAL FEATURE THE DELICIOUS GUIDE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 66

AC/DC drummer Chris Slade on his illustrious music career

The go-to guide to eating and drinking around Bath

WHAT’S ON

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26 TECHNOLOGY FOR GOOD . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 72

Our guide to the top events happening around the city

Designability’s valuable work helping those with disabilities

SUGAR PLUM FAIRY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32 Joy Sable meets Claire Calvert, First Soloist with the Royal Ballet

A CREATIVE FOREST . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .80 The origins of the Forest of Imagination

VOCAL HARMONY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36 Soprano Carolyn Sampson on her concert with Bath Bach Choir

HEALTH AND BEAUTY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 86 The latest products, wellness news and a hydra jet peel infusion

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WALK THE WALK . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 92

The latest art exhibitions from around the city

Andrew Swift traces the footsteps of Jane Austen around Weston

SPY STORIES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54 Simon Horsford talks to spymaster and author Mick Herron

HOT PROPERTY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 103 The finest homes to buy or rent

SWIMMING UNDER THE SKY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .58 Liz Lowe on the benefits of wild swimming

BATH AT WORK . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .60 Neill Menneer’s photographic portrait of Nicola Cragg, animal care manager at Bath Cats and Dogs Home

More content and updates online: thebathmag.co.uk

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ON THE COVER

Feeling peckish? Turn to page 66 for The Delicious Guide – our food and drink special featuring the best restaurants, cafés and bars around the city

Will Young: Steve Schofield/Claire Calvert: Helen Maybanks © ROH 2018

CITY ART

le p s l Disco a r u t ve r t h e n a

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EDITOR’S PICKS THE FOREST IS IN TOWN

Award-winning arts and design pop-up Forest of Imagination comes to Bath on 20–24 June, teaming up with the Holburne Museum to stage a festival of fantastical installations, creative workshops and sculptures designed to spark everyone’s imagination. forestofimagination.org.uk

from the

EDITOR Editor photograph by Matthew Sterling

ummer’s in the air and our June issue sees us buoyed along by the strains of a breathtakingly wide range of music artistry. Will Young talks to Melissa Blease about his forthcoming album Lexicon on page 18, as well as the other things he’s been up to, from starring in musicals, film and theatre to supporting all kinds of charities. On page 32, Joy Sable interviews Bath-born Claire Calvert, First Soloist with the Royal Ballet, who is dancing in The Firebird at the Royal Opera House in June. Then we turn to opera as Kate Patrick chats to soprano Carolyn Sampson on page 36 ahead of her appearance at Wells Cathedral this month where she is singing Exsultate Jubilate and Requiem with the Bath Bach Choir. For a bit of hard rock texture in our musical repertoire, Melissa Blease had a riveting chat to AC/DC drummer Chris Slade (see page 22), and discovers that he is a syncopation superstar who can adapt his drumming style with ease from jazz to heavy metal. Food is on our minds, too, and you’ll find our new Delicious Guide following page 66, an indispensable listing of all the best places to wine and dine in the region. Melissa Blease also talks to Georgina Young, the new head brewer at Bath Ales, on page 62 about her role at the brewery, the recently opened brewhouse and taproom and how the craft beer revolution has changed the drinks landscape. Melissa also introduces us to six unsung heroes in the food world on page 64, those who keep our restaurants, cafés and delis stocked with fresh produce. Let’s not forget that it’s Father’s Day on 16 June, and we have an eclectic selection of dad-tastic gifts on page 82. You might also get a few literary ideas for gifts on page 54 as Simon Horsford gets the low-down from Mick Herron on his latest spy thriller, Joe Country, the sixth book in the gripping Jackson Lamb Thriller series, and on how he creates memorable characters. Endless summer fun is also to be had by plunging into the wild waters in our region, discovers Liz Lowe on page 58. Wild or outdoor swimming offers many health benefits, including improved circulation and reduced stress levels, but the experience is also full of frivolous fun and lots of joy. There’s more summer fun if you fancy a trip further afield this month, as Jessica Hope gets a taste of the real Poldark experience at a Georgian manor house retreat in North Cornwall (see page 84). Are you now tuned in to June?

Emma Clegg Editor All paper used to make this magazine is taken from good sustainable sources and we encourage our suppliers to join an accredited green scheme. Magazines are now fully recyclable. By recycling magazines, you can help to reduce waste and contribute to the six million tonnes of paper already recycled by the UK paper industry each year. Please recycle this magazine, but if you are not able to participate in a recycling scheme, then why not pass your magazine on to a friend or colleague.

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SUMMER FUN

June marks the start of Visit Bath’s Summertime in Bath campaign, a celebration of Bath’s summer offering. This month’s events include The Bath Festival Finale Weekend from 1–2 June in Bath Recreation Ground, with headliners Van Morrison and Clean Bandit, plus a bumper programme of music, spoken word and kids’ entertainment. Another summer treat is Bath on the Beach, which will transport you to a tropical nirvana, with hammocks, palm trees, volleyball and cocktails, from 14 June – 3 August in Royal Victoria Park. visitbath.co.uk/summer

LORDS AND LADIES

Arum maculatum, better known as Lords and Ladies, is found in shady or woodland edge beds and borders and in uncultivated ground. The large arrow-shaped leaves curl around a long inner spike called a ‘spadix’, with tiny flowers on a fleshy stem, which produce a stalk of bright red berries, green in June and turning a bright orange red in the autumn.

ILLUSTRATION BY ANNABEL TRECHMANN The Bath Society of Botanical Artists; bsba.co.uk

comforting to have ❝ It’sasosmall piece of cake ❞ MARY BERRY CBE

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ZEITGEIST

things to do in

June

Watch

Get racing Grab a Pimms and get your hats at the ready as one of the biggest days of the racing calendar – Ladies Day – returns to Bath Racecourse on 15 June. If you feel like dressing up, you can put your best-dressed foot forward for the Style Competition for the chance of winning a £500 cash prize and a pair of diamond earrings from SP Green jewellers. Keeping the party going will be live music throughout the day from The Revue Showband and Jukebox Duo, and to tempt your taste buds, there will be artisan Lovett pies served in the Beckford Bar, fancy hotdogs in the 1811 Bar or sandwiches from the Coﬀeemakers Café. Gates open at 11am, with the first race at 1.15pm and the last at 5.20pm. Tickets from £13; bath-racecourse.co.uk

The Forestry Commission England’s major outdoor live music series Forest Live is back this summer for four nights of great music and food and drink in the beautiful setting of Westonbirt Arboretum. From 13–16 June, headline acts Stereophonics, Paul Weller, Jack Acoustic singer Jack Savoretti joins the line-up Savoretti and Haçienda Classiçal at Westonbirt Arboretum will be bringing some of their biggest hits to the Gloucestershire countryside. Pack a picnic or enjoy the variety of hot food outlets on offer, and there will be a fully licensed, cash-only bar. Tickets from £38.50. Money raised will help to look after the nation’s forests sustainably; forestryengland.uk/music

Bid This year’s magical Hope Ball 2019 will be held among the heady scent of hydrangeas and roses in the charming gardens of The Old Rectory in Doynton. Raising funds for the Royal United Hospital Cancer Care Campaign on 15 June, 6pm, the highlight of the Girls Sewn to Trees by Cooper and Gorfer, part of a limited edition book black-tie gala will be a carefully curated which will feature in the auction art auction featuring international stars such as Miriam Escofet, winner of the 2018 BP Portrait Award at the National Portrait Gallery, and Richard Twose, plus local talent including Nick Cudworth and Louise Holgate. There will be some incredible experiences up for grabs such as a private box at the Royal Opera House and artist masterclasses. £250pp, includes Champagne reception, three-course dinner with sommelier-selected wines, live art auction, silent auction and entertainment; hopeball.co.uk

Chill out Forget about going to the coast this summer – Bath on the Beach is returning this month, bringing palm trees, beach volleyball and cocktails to Royal Victoria Park, adjacent to the adventure golf. From 14 June – 4 August, get your friends together and chill out in a cabana or tiki table, enjoy a cold beer and dive into some fresh Mexican food. If you fancy it, there’s also table tennis, boules and bar games. Bookings and party packages available. Free entry, open every day until 10pm; bathonthebeach.co.uk

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The UK’s largest free celebration of nature is back from 1–9 June, inspiring all ages to engage with the natural world. The Festival of Nature kicks off with a day of interactive exhibitions, live performances and talks from inspirational and world-renowned leaders from the natural history world at Green Park in Bath, and concludes with a big weekend of fun stretching from Millennium Square to Harbourside and Queen Square in Bristol. Try your hand at angling, take part in insect-themed willow crafts, and find out how a messy garden can help creatures great and small to thrive; festivalofnature.org.uk n

Jack Savoretti: Chris Floyd/Bath Racecourse: JMP

Discover

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The city

ist

THE BUZZ THE BUZZ

My BATH Richard Jones is a customer service operative at the Canal & River Trust, working at the west end of the Kennet & Avon Canal. He lives in Melksham

Dome unveiled

Iford Arts has unveiled a giant geodesic dome in Belcombe Court, where the 2019 season will take place. The dome was commissioned by The Dome Company and has been transported from Abu Dhabi. Holding an audience of 220, the dome doubles Iford Arts’ capacity while maintaining the intimate, in-theround experience that has always attracted opera go-ers. Belcombe Court, which was designed by Sir John Wood the Elder, is set in 45 acres of parkland in Bradford on Avon and offers spectacular picnicking prior to the performance. Donizetti’s L’elisir d’amore takes place on 31 August and 3, 6 and 7 September. ifordarts.org.uk

Outdoor entertainment

I was born and raised in county Durham, and spent my boyhood enjoying the outdoors and spending time by the Tees skimming stones and tearing around the surrounding woodland. The Bowes Museum Park played an important part in growing up, with its open spaces to play football and hide and seek around the museum. I attended St Mary’s Grammar, Darlington, which delivered varied subjects and for me a varied set of results. But my ambition to join the RAF was realised when I was 17½, and off I went into the big wide world. After leaving the services I worked as a sales rep for Trebor. Following takeovers and business mergers I enjoyed 27 years in the confectionery industry. I started working as a fundraiser for the Canal & River Trust on the Kennet & Avon Canal (K&A) in May 2016 and became a seasonal lockkeeper at Caen Hill in September 2017, undertaking both roles through to December 2018 when I became a full-time Canal & River Trust customer services operative. I work in the West End of the K&A, which extends from Wooton Rivers to Hanham Lock on the River Avon.

Picturehouse and The Little Theatre are bringing back their outdoor cinema screenings to Alice Park. You can see Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again on 7 June, The Greatest Showman Singalong on 8 June, and the dinosaur classic Jurassic Park on 9 June. Arrive from 7pm to enjoy the last of the evening sun with a range of drinks from the pop-up bar, and food will be available from the Alice Park café. The films will start around 9pm once it gets dark. Before the film there will be entertainment in the form of garden games and a film quiz where prizes will be up for grabs. picturehouses.com

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We have around 20 volunteer lockkeepers in the Bath area. When I worked as a lockkeeper, meeting and talking to people, explaining what’s happening, and helping canal and towpath users and visitors were everyday parts of the job. No two days are the same in a job like this. We hope the pleasure people will take away after a visit to Caen Hill will stay with them, so it’s important to ensure their visit is fulfilling. I overheard one boater who was so impressed with the attention and help given by the lockkeeper that they called the lockkeeper a ‘lock angel’. The Great West Way is the virtual route between London and Bristol, along which there are hundreds of interesting places to visit and things to do. You can travel from Windsor Castle to Brunel’s SS Great Britain in

Bristol, and choose whether to do it by road, rail or – importantly when it comes to matters canal – water. My role as an ambassador for the Canal & River Trust is to champion the K&A which joins Bristol with London by way of the Thames at Reading – 87 miles, 105 locks and a different view around every corner. The great thing about the K&A is the variety of users and visitors. Whether you live aboard a boater, are staying on a holiday boater, are a pedestrian on the way to work, or you’re walking the dog, angling, jogging or cycling, the space is there for all to share and enjoy. We believe that life is better by water and so do the thousands of people who use the canals daily. People love our canals. When you’re next to water, relaxing, listening to the breeze in the trees, the birds singing, or the gentle, rhythmic chug chug chug of an old-engined boat, then you are making that time for yourself special. Wanting to follow a healthy lifestyle might get you running or walking along the towpath, and your mental wellbeing is calmed by being near water. When a busy life needs to be left behind, take a trip to the canal on your doorstep to enjoy the moment. During the Rugby Season I like to watch Melksham Rugby. I’m treasurer, so have a vested interest, and my son plays for the 2nd team. In February, I love going to the Bath Cider Festival in Bath Pavilion, a great event made that little bit better by The Mangelled Worzels (a Somerset tribute band to Adge Cutler & The Wurzels). I love the K&A’s bridges and tunnels around Bath, built by the Victorians with the simplest of tools and equipment – incredible engineering and tangible history that’s still used today. Sunsets from the top of Caen Hill are magical – I could watch them forever. ■ canalrivertrust.org.uk; greatwestway.co.uk

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The city

ist

News from around the city

Celebrating care

Championship win

Local charity Children’s Hospice South West (CHSW) recently held a celebratory event at Bath Abbey. Supported by the abbey and The Joyce Fletcher Charitable Trust, the event sought to raise awareness of the care and support provided by CHSW’s Charlton Farm, located just 20 miles from Bath. CHSW provides respite, palliative and endof-life care to families from Bath and the surrounding area. A VIP reception was held before the event courtesy of St John’s Foundation at its function room, The Bubble, and sponsorship from the Charter Trustees of the city of Bath. The event was attended by civic dignitaries, families supported by CHSW and long-term supporters of the charity. chsw.org

Gracie Barra Bath, Bath Spa University’s Brazilian Jiu Jitsu team, have won the British Championships which took place at the NEC in Birmingham. The competition is held in a tournament format in which competitors face others in a knockout stages. The team won a total of seven gold, nine silver and five bronze medals, competing against approximately 100 other teams. Brazilian Jiu Jitsu is a martial art that has a shared ancestry with Judo. The club is headed by Professor Salvatore Pace and has been running for more than 10 years. The BJJ British Open is the second biggest competition held on British shores. Gracie Barra Bath will be competing at the IBJJF British Nationals in late June. graciebarrabath.com

New map for Lucknam Park Lucknam Park has announced a new collaboration with artist Alice Tait, a popular illustrator, renowned for her hand-drawn style. Alice has designed a new estate map of the hotel in her unique style, including all the facilities and the surrounding gardens. She has also designed an exclusive gift range illustrating the beautiful map, which will soon be available to purchase at the hotel. Alice is best-known for her map illustrations, which originally started as commissions for British Vogue magazine. Alice lives in Bath and has her work on the walls of Waitrose’s café, and her Alice Tait Map of Bath range is a bestseller in the city. Just six miles outside Bath and set in 500 acres of parkland, Lucknam Park is a former Palladian mansion, and now a five-star hotel. lucknampark.co.uk

Some of the objects stolen from the Museum of East Asian Art during a burglary in 2018 have been returned by Avon and Somerset Police. Over 40 objects were stolen and a number of others damaged. The recovered objects were found during a police investigation in Gloucestershire and have been subjected to forensic examination. A total of 18 objects have been recovered and all have been damaged. Among them is a bamboo box carved in the form of a crab, which is naturalistic and rare. The shell lid is removable and was left behind during the burglary. The museum is delighted that the two parts are now reunited. meaa.org.uk

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Photograph of canal by Reverend Stephen Girling

STOLEN OBJECTS FOUND

Back to black and white Reverend Stephen Girling, the abbey missioner of Bath Abbey, went back to the old days when he attended a film photography, processing and printing course at the Back 2 Black and White photography school in Bath. Stephen had previous experience of film photography but was intrigued when he saw an advertisement for the two-day course and decided that he would like to have a go. He said, “The first part of the course entailed learning how to use the camera and then I went out with Fez, who guided me on shooting techniques. I subsequently spent two weeks on my own, capturing images around Bath before

attending part two of the course in the darkroom, processing and printing my own pictures.” Fez Parker opened the school, which is in Oldfield Park, after being unable to find commercial darkroom facilities for hire anywhere between Bath and London. back2blackandwhite.com ■

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See more online thebathmag.co.uk

Steve Miklos steve@thebathmagazine.co.uk

Editor Tel: Email:

Emma Clegg 01225 424592 emma@thebathmagazine.co.uk

Financial Director Email:

Jane Miklos jane@thebathmagazine.co.uk

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Jeff Osborne production@thebathmagazine.co.uk

Health & Beauty Editor Email:

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Contact the Advertising Sales team tel: 01225 424499 Email: sales@thebathmagazine.co.uk Advertising Sales Email:

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The Bath Magazine and The Bristol Magazine are published by MC Publishing Ltd. The Bath Magazine is distributed free every month to more than 20,000 homes and businesses throughout Bath and the surrounding area. We also have special distribution units in the following city centre stores and coffee shops

2 Princes Buildings, George Street, Bath BA1 2ED Telephone: 01225 424499. Fax: 01225 426677 www.thebathmag.co.uk ÂŠ MC Publishing Ltd 2019

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Disclaimer: Whilst every reasonable care is taken with all material submitted to The Bath Magazine, the publisher cannot accept responsibility for loss or damage to such material. Opinions expressed in articles are strictly those of the authors. This publication is copyright and may not be reproduced in any form either in part or whole without written permission from the publishers.

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Star gazing

Our roving reporter reveals how she once nearly ran over Johnny Depp

hey walk with baseball caps pulled down over their eyes, wearing sunnies even on the cloudiest of days. But they’re fooling themselves if they think a Bathonian can’t spot a celebrity from halfway up Milsom Street. It may be that the city is so used to being the playground of the famous and infamous that our star-spotting skills go back to the days of Beau Nash and his carousing friends down from London, to today’s Hollywood A-listers contemplating the purchase of an entire Georgian townhouse so they can take advantage of the local schools and still pop back to London in under two hours to see their tricologist. I’ve had a few celebrity encounters in Bath. There was the time when the sight of Cliff Richard playing tennis in Royal Victoria Park alerted the news desk and this fledging reporter was sent with a seasoned snapper to catch the Miss You Nights singer in action. We assumed our discreet position on a bench overlooking the courts, where I was instructed to hold up an open newspaper to give cover to the photographer’s long lens. We managed a few shots of the star as he bashed out some powerful serves. I wonder now why we didn’t simply approach our quarry and ask him nicely for a picture. It was the same when I nearly ran over Johnny Depp in Queens Parade. He was not paying attention, crossing the road carrying a coffee, looking unkempt and scruffy. My companion, a keen fan of the Deppster – long before the days when he was reduced to burying jewellery in the desert to advertise Sausage, or some such brand – screamed at me to stop the car. She legged it off to a phone box to call a photographer out (ask your mum to explain about the days before we all carried mobiles, when the only way you could reach a photographer was to physically hoick them out of their darkroom hideaway). The photographer turned up in Milsom Street, where he spotted the scruffy star and ducked down behind a parked car to prepare his kit for a sneaky pap shot. It was while he was crouching that he felt himself lifted by the collar and a deep, American voice in his ear said: “If you wanted to take my photo, why didn’t you just ask nicely?” And so we got our picture of one of the biggest stars of his time. You can find celebs, rehearsing their lines for the latest Oscar Wilde production at Theatre Royal Bath while pacing a hotel’s secluded garden, or checking in to a five-star establishment under a ridiculous false name. I am not about to divulge what Kylie Minogue calls herself when she visits Bath. I’m also sworn to secrecy about some of the eyebrow-raising riders that stars request, although I gather the late Pavarotti insisted that he have a portable kitchen set up outside his hotel room and demanded he wake every morning with the sun warm on his chest. A basket of white kittens would have been easier to procure. I wonder if famous people have any idea of the impact they have with the merest casual transaction. I never enjoyed the music of Val Doonican after a fellow junior reporter was ejected from the twinkly-eyed singer’s dressing room with a curt ‘F*** off’. My colleague said he had genuinely no idea what he’d said or done wrong. I had a run-in with a respected comedian who, ahead of his visit to Bath, agreed to give a phone interview. I did some research and wracked my brains for pertinent questions. Sadly, this celeb clearly didn’t want to be interviewed and after our brief, and extremely curt on his side, phone call I rather took against him and now whenever I see him chortling away being charming on a chat show, it raises my cynical hackles. The man I most enjoyed interviewing and who won my undying loyalty was Sir Ian McKellen. I met him before he was Gandalf. I was summoned to his presence, where he sat, his arms stretched across the chairs either side of him, every inch the grand actor. He turned his blue eyes and his charm on full beam, addressed me by name throughout our conversation and made me feel like the most important person in his life at that moment. That’s what we want from our stars. They may have feet of clay but we don’t want to see them. n

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MUSIC MUSIC || INTERVIEW INTERVIEW

GOING MY WAY

magine if I went into politics! I’d end up creating another expenses scandal for buying too many Moroccan rugs, and then there’d be another scandal about how many nude pictures of me there are on the internet. Go on, Google me naked! You’re in for a treat...” By the time I get around to talking scandals with Will Young, we’ve already discussed his parents’ new rescue puppy, his own dogs and his flourishing avocado plant. Has Will got nothing better do with his time? Yes indeed he has – if you think Young is old news, it’s time to catch yourself up while he and I calm ourselves down. This enduringly popular renaissance man first stole the nation’s heart when he narrowly beat Gareth Gates to the title of Pop Idol in the inaugural series of the ITV talent contest in 2002. His debut album From Now On went straight to number one and his following albums went multi-platinum, selling over eight-million worldwide and earning him two Brit awards. But his multifaceted career had only just begun... In 2005, Young co-starred alongside Judi Dench and Bob Hoskins in the BBC film version of Mrs Henderson Presents. In 2007, he took the role of Nicky Lancaster in the Royal Exchange Theatre’s production of Noël Coward’s hothouse drama The Vortex. In 2013, he was nominated for the Olivier Award for Best Actor in a Musical for his role as MC in the Rufus Norris revival of Cabaret. He’s written an autobiography (Funny Peculiar, 2012); he’s an active supporter of charities including the Princes Trust, Catch22, Mencap, Women’s Aid, gAID and the WWF; he co-hosts the Homo Sapiens podcast with filmmaker Chris Sweeney... and he’s appeared on the Question Time panel. And now – despite rumours suggesting that Will may have retired from music – there’s a new album. “Lexicon has got a real ease to it – perhaps because it’s the album that wasn’t meant to be,” he laughs (which he does often). “Last year, I was really busy doing stuff in the West End, writing a book, and doing the podcast, which really took off. But then Pub in the Park offered me a gig at their Marlow festival, which I did, and which was really fun to do. The juxtaposition of doing a live gig again compared to what I was doing at the time (a very regimented show,

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necessarily so) made me think I’d quite like to do some touring again. So then I wrote a new song... and it just went from there, really.” Until that point, had he really considered retiring his music career? “Well I might have done, yes. But I worked out a way that I could continue making music which would work for me, and which wasn’t stressful. I found a producer that I loved, and I left my management company and found someone that could simply manage my music. I think I was sort of like, come on, you’re 40 now – let’s just do the things that you like doing.”

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I’m in a very fortunate position where I can publicly stick up for people that don’t have the chance to stick up for themselves

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Ah, the Big 4-0. How is it for Will? “It’s fabulous! I love being 40 – it’s just a delight. You can drop so much unnecessary baggage, and tell people who need to be told where to go where to go, and be confident doing it – there’s nothing better than telling someone to [insert popular profanity here]; I do it all the time. I’ve done a lot of therapy so I’m very good with boundaries, which is terrifying in a way – liberating, but terrifying too. “Therapy is like having a really perverse teacher goading you on to do the naughty stuff you really want to do. I can wear really silly clothes on stage now without caring if people laugh at me. Give people the space to just do or say what they want to do or say, then let it go – that’s my ultimate belief. I’m very zen about most things, these days.” Zen perhaps – but incredibly busy, too. “My work is all about different types of performance, so it’s hard to compare and contrast, say, live theatre to recording an album – it’s all a performance,” he says. “But there’s something very, very special about acting on stage; it’s quite terrifying, but really electrifying, and it changes every night, which keeps it really interesting. If I had to

pick one way of performing that covers so much special stuff, for me, I would say acting – particularly in a very, very good dark musical like Cabaret. Oh, but I loved going on Question Time too! I like being asked to go on the radio or TV as a sort of commentator if they can’t find anyone else – I like the attention. I’m quite stupid, but because I’m well-spoken people think I’m clever.” Ah, methinks he doth protest too much – Will was even a superstar at school, when he flirted with the idea of competing in the Olympic Games and could run the 400-metre sprint in under 50 seconds when the Olympic average was 43. “I still love sports,” he says. “Team sports in particular. I used to really enjoy rugby – I was on the wing, though, so mostly I just ran away from people.” He went on, however, to study politics at the University of Exeter. Although his career direction took a different turn, he is today one of the most articulate, informed, outspoken ambassadors for the charities he supports. Is he an activist?, I ask. “I’d like to be called an activist ’cos that’d boost my ego and make me feel like I’m doing more for the world than just wanting to buy some more rugs for my house – primarily I’m completely conceited and just like to do things that please me.” No Will, I’m not letting you bask in the shallows. “Okay, I do have a genuine desire to help others,” he concurs, when (gently) pushed. “I always have – I was brought up that way. I believe it’s really important that I look out for people who get bullied – I really, really don’t like bullies. I’m now in a very fortunate position where I can publicly stick up for people that don’t have the chance to stick up for themselves, through my charity work and on a personal level. If that makes me an activist, then I’m an activist. But actually I just hate bullies!” Activism and avocados; Moroccan rugs and director Michael Gracey (The Greatest Showman), with whom Will is currently collaborating on a musical drama – there’s so much going on in Will’s world that it’s hard to say goodbye. But the dogs are barking, his garden needs attending to, and he needs to practise perfecting his freestanding handstand (long story). Shall we get together for a prosecco at Pub in the Park in June? “I’m not very good on prosecco but you can treat me to a hemlock,” he quips. Cheers, Will! May we all stay forever Young. n

Photograph by Steve Schofield

The moment when Will Young stood up firmly to Simon Cowell during the inaugural 2002 Pop Idol made a big impression. Since then he has continued to garner attention, while collecting multiple top-hit singles, albums and honours. Melissa Blease talks to the singer ahead of the release of his new album, Lexicon, and his appearance at Pub in the Park

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MUSIC | INTERVIEW

Rock on and party

From jazz and swing to heavy metal, Chris Slade is a drummer with the rare ability to tune in to multiple musical genres. Melissa Blease catches up with him as he considers plans for a performance in Bath

hat have Tom Jones, Gary Numan, The Count Basie Orchestra and rock titans AC/DC got in common? Answer: Chris Slade – the syncopation superstar who, during the course of a career that spans five decades, has provided the all-important membranophone-based magic for that illustrious roll-call of iconic artistes and many more, without missing a beat. When I talk to him, however, he could do with a cacophonous wake-up call to shake him up. “I have permanent jet lag at the moment – I’ve got no idea what time of the day or night it is, or which time zone I’m in,” he says. So it’s up to me to enlighten him: it’s 8am Pacific Time, and Chris is in Las Vegas. Is he gearing up for a gig at the Grand Garden? Has he been up all night hitting the Strip? Nope; he’s catching up with his jewellery business Spirit of the Drum, which he started in collaboration with fellow drummer, drum tech and trained jeweller and gemologist Brett Miller 15 years ago, not long after Chris had spent three years studying art and design as a mature student at East Sussex College. “The mental mould for Spirit of the Drum was a meeting of minds and talent,” he says; “it’s a wonderful creative process, seeing your designs come to life.” And, no doubt, a very calming influence too – because Chris’s long-term career could hardly be described as tranquil. “My interest in drums started when I was around 10 or 11,” recalls Chris, who was born in Pontypridd in 1946. “My older brother was in a bugle band, and he used to bring his marching drum home with him. In return for me cleaning the brass on the drum, he taught me a few things and it all started from there.” And when Chris says ‘it all’, the ‘all’ means a lot; as he celebrates 50 plus years as a professional rock drummer this year, there’s a great deal to look back on... and, doubtless, much more to come. “I’m very proud of – and very grateful for – all the opportunities I’ve had,” he says. “I guess I’m lucky too, because I can adapt my playing to almost any style. The people who immediately associate me with AC/DC, for example, probably don’t know that I also played with The Count Basie Orchestra – which would definitely be classed as being at the other end of the spectrum.” Isn’t that 20 22 TheBATHMagazine TheBATHMagazine || May june2019 2019| |issue issue200 201

kind of flexibility a rather unusual gift for a drummer? “Well I guess so – it certainly couldn’t be called usual for a drummer to be able to adapt his or her style from jazz to heavy rock, and there’s not many that can do it, so I’m told. Some of the top session guys can, but I’m not a session drummer. The drummer for Rush, Neil Peart – he can do it too. If you’re really good, you can adapt to any style of playing. So yes, I’m pleased to be able to say that it appears that I can do that.” So it’s also safe to deduce that Chris accepts the fact that he is indeed A Very Good Drummer? “Stop it, you’re embarrassing me now!” he asserts, in one of many humble interjections. “Anyway... I play mainly in the rock style these days, although occasionally – and any drummers reading along will understand this – I use the right cymbal quite a bit, going ting, ting, ta-ting; it’s jazz-like, but played in a heavy way.” The ting, ta-ting jazz/heavy thing is something to look out with Chris’ own hugely popular band The Chris Slade Timeline. “The band’s set list pretty much goes through everything I’ve done down the years – we even do a Tom Jones song. So it’s a party, really – a proper rock party, with two singers doing two different styles and around half the set devoted to my AC/DC stuff.” Ah yes, AC/DC. For those who aren’t up-to-date on their hard rock news, Chris initially toured with the legendary rock’n’roll behemoths (and drummed on their 1990 album The Razor’s Edge) between 1989–1993, replacing the band’s original drummer Phil Rudd. When Rudd returned in 1994, Chris went back to his busy business as usual. But then, in 2015... “I was gigging with Timeline in Switzerland and, just before we were due on stage, I got a phone call,” says Chris. “The band were like, ‘come on Chris, the audience are waiting!’ And I was like, ‘give me a minute, AC/DC are on the phone.’ And yup, they asked me to join them again. And yup, of course I said yes. I had no idea it would happen again, I honestly didn’t expect it to – it was fantastic, and a great honour. But back to that night, in Switzerland: we went on stage a bit late, and after the gig the guys are going, what did they say, what’s happening?” But for once in his career, one of rock music’s most iconic drummers had to keep very quiet indeed.

“I couldn’t tell them what the call was about!” he says, “I’d been asked not to tell anyone at all that I’d got the gig, not even my very best friends. It was one heck of a secret to keep!” What’s no secret is Chris’s extraordinary career in general; if you want to chart the history of music from the mid-1940s to date, this amiable, softly spoken drumming-world demigod is a walking, talking encyclopedia. “Sometimes, when I’m on the road with Timeline, we do music quizzes – because I’ve lived through it all, I get on really well,” he laughs. You’d definitely want him on your pop quiz team, then – and you might want to wear one of his Thunderflash Tattoo Skull pendants or bullet-tipped bracelets for luck. When asked about his personal heroes, Chris says, “To people of my generation, Buddy Rich was the epitome of drumming. In the late 1950s/early 1960s, all the best drummers were jazz drummers. Elvis Presley’s drummer DJ Fontana, Bill Haley’s drummers – they were jazz players who were asked to invent something different, so they came up with a pop style and invented a whole genre; things haven’t changed very much since then, actually!” Would Chris say that he’s been on quite a musical journey, then? “Absolutely,” he concurs. “I’ve seen – or heard, at least – the whole gamut of pop music turning into rock music down the years. I heard everything from the very beginning: Frank Sinatra and Dean Martin, Elvis Presley and Pat Boone, all the way through to what’s going on right now.” He doesn’t sing the praises of all of it, though. “I must admit, I’m not enamoured with the way things are going in music at the moment,” he admits. “In fact, just a couple of nights ago, I told a musician friend that I believe rock music as we know it has come to an end. It’s had a good life, and it’s stayed around for much longer than, say, the big band stuff did. But there’ll always be great musicians, and there’s still some great ideas coming through. Maybe rock music will turn another corner, but it’s become something else – I guess it’s become 21st century. But for me personally, I’ve loved every minute of the part I’ve played in it, and appreciated every note and beat of my journey.” Chris Slade: long may he rock on. n

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MUSIC | INTERVIEW MUSIC | INTERVIEW

“I’ve loved every minute of the part I’ve played in [rock music], and appreciated every note and beat of my journey”

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FESTIVAL | ACTION

Frome delights

The Frome Festival (5–14 July) has announced its line-up and this year is looking bigger and better than ever. Here are some of the events in store...

he Frome Festival is offering all styles of music, theatre, puppetry, dance, comedy, visual arts, workshops, talks, open studios, walks and garden tours this year. The festival also celebrates the 200th anniversary of JW Singer and the foundry that dominated the Frome skyline for many years, with lectures, casting workshops, demonstrations and trails. The opening night party at the Cheese and Grain on 5 July sees superstar DJ Judge Jules hosting with a ten-piece live band. Other headliners at the Cheese and Grain include indie rock and psychedelic folk band The Coral on 8 July and pop rock band Scouting for Girls on 12 July. Frome’s performance spaces will be constantly busy during the ten days of the festival. The Memorial Theatre presents Danceworks on 6 July, Cornish comedian Jethro on 12 July and The Drifters on 19 July, the latter in a post-festival encore. Cooper Hall, Christchurch Hall, Trinity Church, Cornerhouse and St John’s Church will be presenting programmes of classical and modern music, including Jackdaws Songbirds singing a capella; Namvula blending African sounds and rhythms with Latin, jazz and folk; Bach concertos with the 24 TheBATHMagazine

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Brandenburg Concerto No.5 in D; jazz on a midsummer’s night; and a recital of botanical songs and piano including popular favourites by Vaughan Williams and Robert Schumann. The programme at The Silk Mill includes a pop-up tapas bar; felting workshops; a Venetian Jubilee with Musicke in the Ayre transporting you to 17th-century Venice; and a theatrical tale of love, loyalty and honour called The Holland Handkerchief. And for gardeners, The Frome Festival’s hidden gardens this year has a record number of 32 private gardens for visitors to explore, including 24 new entries. Find the full programme on the festival website, and browse just a few of the highlights below. n fromefestival.co.uk

TOP PICKS Casting the World, casting workshops, 6, 7, 13, 14 July, various times, Black Swan Arts, free Alexandra’s Washboard Band with swing blues and vintage jazz, 6 July, 1–4pm, The Artisan, free Community Drum Circle, 7 July, 2.30–4pm, Christchurch Hall, £5/£2 An Evening with The B Naturals and Friends, 7 July, 7.30pm, Wesley Methodist Church, £12 River and Paths Walk, 8 July, 10.15–11.45am, Cheese and Grain, free Circle Dance with music from Greece, Russia and Israel, 8 July, 6pm, Christchurch Hall, £6 Bessie Bidder exhibition and felting workshops, 8–14 July, 11–5pm, The Silk Mill, £15/£12 Somerset and Wiltshire On Old Film, 12 July, 7.30–9.15pm, Merlin Theatre, £12 Scouting for Girls, 12 July, 7.30–11pm, Cheese and Grain, £29.50 in advance/£30 door

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WHAT’S ON in June Chef John Torode will join Longleat’s Food and Drink Festival line-up

Best-selling author Gill Sims will be talking at Komedia Bath

Grittleton House is holding a wedding open day

THE FESTIVAL OF NATURE n 1–9 June, venues around Bath and Bristol The UK’s largest free celebration of nature is back this summer, helping to engage and inspire people to connect with the natural world. The exciting programme features events happening across Bath and Bristol including free interactive exhibitions, live performances and talks from inspirational and world-renowned leaders of the natural history world. Weekend events are free to enter and tickets are available to book before special weekday events. See the full programme online; festivalofnature.org.uk GRITTLETON HOUSE WEDDING OPEN DAY n 2 June, 11am–3pm, Grittleton House, Chippenham Recently engaged? Looking for the perfect venue? The Shipp family is opening the doors to their magnificent home for a wedding open day. With its beautiful interiors, sweeping double staircase and stunning Italian sunken gardens, this Victorian mansion offers true elegance and grandeur. Many of the property’s recommended suppliers will be displaying their work on the day, so visitors can explore, speak to suppliers and pick up a card. Register your interest via Eventbrite; grittletonhouse.co.uk ARSENIC AND OLD WALLPAPER: THE DARKER SIDE OF WILLIAM MORRIS n 3 June, 1.30pm, The Assembly Rooms In the last talk in The Arts Society Bath’s 26 TheBATHMagazine

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lecture series, Geri Parlby will explore how Victorian designer William Morris was a man of many faces. Probably best known as the creator of fabrics, wallpaper and stained glass windows, he was also a poet, artist philosopher and socialist. However, what is little known is his links to the richest copper and arsenic mines in Europe, and in turn their links to his toxic green wallpaper. Visitors welcome, £10 on the door, no booking required; theartssocietybath.com IMAGE AND HISTORY: ART AT THE LANSDOWNE CLUB n 3 June, 7.30pm, BRLSI The current art collection at the Lansdowne Club highlights the fascinating architectural, social and political history of Lansdowne House, now home to a private members club. This Arts Society Bath Evening talk by Pamela Campbell-Johnston will examine the original floor plan as designed by the celebrated Scottish architect Robert Adam and the changes made thereafter. £8 for non-members; batheveningarts.co.uk EDUCATING RITA n 3–8 June, times vary, Theatre Royal Bath When married hairdresser Rita enrols on a university course to expand her horizons, little does she realise where the journey will take her. Her tutor Frank is a frustrated poet, brilliant academic and borderline alcoholic, who’s less than enthusiastic about taking Rita on, but the two soon realise how much they have to teach each other. Tickets from £24; theatreroyal.org.uk BATH GUILD OF EMBROIDERERS EXHIBITION n 5–15 June, Monday–Friday 9.30am–6pm, Saturday 9.30am–5pm, Bath Central Library Bath Guild of Embroiderers are a friendly group who have a love of needle and thread in a variety of forms. They aim to continue

learning and improving their skills. The group is a mix of amateur and semiprofessional stitchers at all levels and their monthly meetings are a variety of day schools, workshops and lectures. See their work on show at this free exhibition. Tel: 01225 394041. HUMAN EVOLUTION: PAST, PRESENT AND FUTURE n 6 June, 10.30am, The Pavilion How did we evolve? Are we still evolving? As part of U3A in Bath’s public lecture series, Professor Laurence Hurst will address these issues using recent data from medical and population based studies of DNA. £2 for non-members; u3ainbath.org.uk CHARITY GALA DINNER n 6 June, 6.30pm, Shrubbery Restaurant, Bath College Bath College is hosting a charity dinner in aid of Dorothy House Hospice Care. A fourcourse tasting menu will be served, with each course prepared by a different high-profile, local chef including The Bath Priory’s Michael Nizzero, Royal Crescent Hotel’s David Campbell, Tony Casey from Bunch of Grapes in Bradford on Avon, and Damien Wager, a self-taught patisserie chef who runs his own pastry academy, Edible Art Patisserie. The college’s students will be helping in the kitchen and front-of-house. £60; dorothyhouse.org.uk/events/charitygala-dinner MINDFULNESS WALK IN SYDNEY GARDENS n 7 June, 6.30pm, Sydney Gardens Join Huw Griffiths from Mindfulness Bath to wander in the green space of Sydney Gardens. This free walk will encourage you to learn how to use mindfulness to aid stress and pressure. Ages 14+. Book online; bathnes.gov.uk/sydneygardensactivities

Gill Sims: Toby Madden/John Torode: Jane Sebire

PLANT SALE n 1 June, 10am–12pm, Bathampton Village Hall This plant sale is in support of Bathampton Village Show, and there will be refreshments, designer jewellery and a raffle. Free admission. Plant donations welcome before 9.30am.

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CULTURAL FILM SCREENINGS n Throughout June, The Little Theatre Cinema, Bath This month’s cinema screenings feature Ella Fitzgerald: Just One Of Those Things on 3 June, ROH Encore’s Romeo and Juliet on 17 June, and English National Opera’s The Pirates of Penzance on 18 June. You can see The Merry Wives of Windsor live from The Globe on 20 June, and Cinderella live from Glyndebourne on 30 June. See the full programme online; picturehouses.com/cinema/The_Little

THE LITTLE’S OUTDOOR CINEMA n 7–9 June, 7pm, Alice Park, Gloucester Road The Little Theatre cinema is heading outdoors for live film screenings of Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again, The Greatest Showman Singalong and Jurassic Park. Arrive from 7pm and enjoy the last of the evening sun with a fantastic range of drinks from the pop-up bar. Before the film there will be garden games and a film quiz, with plenty of prizes up for grabs. The film will start at around 9pm. Take blankets, cushions or small picnic chairs; picturehouses.com/outdoor-cinema FAMILY-FRIENDLY CONCERTS n 7 June, 14 June, 28 June and 12 July, 6.30pm, Bath Abbey This series of hour-long, family-friendly concerts will help support the abbey’s Footprint Project. Open to the whole community, the concerts will feature choirs from Widcombe Junior School, Weston All Saints Primary School, Summerhill Singers from Kingswood School, the Melody Makers of Bath Abbey, and the Aquae Sulis Chorale. They will be singing beautiful choral music by composers such as Britten, Dove, Muhly and many more, led by the abbey’s Assistant Director of Music, Shean Bowers. £10/£5; bathboxoffice.org.uk STYLE AND SUSTAINABILITY: HOMES AND INTERIORS n 8–9 June, 10am–4pm, Court House Farm, Church Road South, Portishead Calling all lovers of beauty and vintage – the wonderful medieval and Tudor property and garden hamlet Court House Farm is now hosting monthly creative events providing lifestyle inspiration with pop up vintage homeware, textiles and handmade designs. Find out how an ordinary family learned to live plastic-free; enjoy crafting workshops for the family alongside sustainable makers; and browse the vintage textiles and homeware on display. Plus take some time to see the newly planted open gardens. £5; courthousefarm.com BATH DIABETES, HEALTH AND WELLBEING FAIR n 8 June, 1pm, Parade Gardens This fair, hosted by Medical Management Services, will include fitness demos, health and wellbeing exhibits, nutritional and dietary information, and advice on diabetes and the latest technology in the sector. There will also be a ukulele band and morris dancing. Free admission for those with a Discovery Card. BATH CANTATA GROUP AND OAKFIELD CHOIR, FROME n 8 June, 7.30pm, St John The Evangelist Church BCG joins forces with Oakfield Choir, Frome in a performance of Elgar’s wonderful oratorio The Kingdom. Full symphony orchestra conducted by Neil Moore. Tickets from Bath Box Office (bathboxoffice.org.uk), £20/£10; bathcantatagroup.co.uk BATH SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA n 8 June, 7.30pm, Wiltshire Music Centre, Bradford on Avon Conducted by Eugene Monteith, this performance features Grieg’s only large-scale orchestral work, Piano Concerto in A minor, Johan Halvorsen’s Symphony No 1 in C minor, and Delius’ The Walk to the Paradise Garden. £15/£7; wiltshiremusic.org.uk Continued page 28

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WHAT’S | ON

Martin Kemp will be taking to the decks at Komedia Bath

KELLY JONES: SOLO TOUR n 11 June, doors 7pm, The Forum Bath Kelly Jones, the frontman and creative force behind the Stereophonics for more than 22 years, is heading out on a solo tour for only the third time in his career. Heralded as one of the finest voices of his generation, Jones will give audiences a rare opportunity to see unique and intimate performances across an evening of storytelling and song featuring fan-favourites in a more stripped back set, as well as tracks from his 2007 solo album Only The Names Have Been Changed. 14+. £39.50–£49.50; bathforum.co.uk

PHENOMENAL WOMEN 2019: JAYA CHAKRABARTI MBE n 12 June, 6pm, The Gainsborough Bath Spa Hotel The next talk in the Phenomenal Women lecture series features social and business entrepreneur Jaya Chakrabarti MBE, who is an advocate for engaging business with community through technology to improve people's lives, and who co-founded digital agency Nameless in 1999. Listen to her talk on her business ventures and her charity work. The event will begin with prosecco, canapés and networking. £15; thegainsboroughbathspa.co.uk

UN AVANT-GOÛT DE LA FRANCE: EVENING OF ART, WINE AND CHEESE n 13 June, 6–9pm, The Holburne Museum Ease into summer with an evening of sampling and sipping in the Garden Café. Discover Great Western Wine’s latest partner, Domain Cazes, and their extraordinary range of organic wines, including the eighth best Grenache in the world. The evening begins with a private view of Édouard Vuillard: Poetry of The Everyday followed by a delicious selection of Provencal rosé and nibbles from the Bath Soft Cheese Company. £20; holburne.org

FOREST LIVE 2019 n 13–16 June, 6–10.30pm, Westonbirt Arboretum The Forestry Commission England’s major outdoor live music series is back this summer for four nights of great music, food and drink, in an informal and relaxed setting. This year’s headline acts include Stereophonics, Paul Weller, Jack Savoretti and Haçienda Classiçal. Tickets from £38.50. Money raised will help to look after the nation’s forests sustainably; forestryengland.uk/music BLITHE SPIRIT n 14 June – 6 July, times vary, Theatre Royal Bath Jennifer Saunders stars as ones of Noël Coward’s best loved characters, the preposterous Madame Arcati. Charles Condomine and his second wife Ruth are literally haunted by a past relationship when an eccentric medium inadvertently conjures up the ghost of his first wife. When she appears, visible only to Charles, and determined to sabotage his marriage, life – and the afterlife – get complicated. Tickets from £27; theatreroyal.org.uk AN EVENING WITH GILL SIMS n 14 June, 7.30pm, Komedia Bath Author of the blog sensation Peter and Jane, Gill Sims is the number-one best-selling author behind Why Mummy Drinks and Why Mummy Swears. Join Gill as she talks about her blog, books and more. £15/£26 meal deal; komedia.co.uk BESPOKE EMBROIDERY n 15 June, 10am–4pm, Fashion Museum Royal School of Needlework tutor Kate Barlow will teach a bespoke embroidery class inspired by a woman’s waistcoat embroidered with multi-coloured silk and gold threads. Using silk and gold threads you will learn stitches including Elizabethan plaited braid stitch, ceylon and corded buttonhole needlelace and Elizabethan

Expect great food and live music at Smoked and Uncut festival at The Pig

spiders webs. This class is suitable for all levels. £84; fashionmuseum.co.uk SMOKED AND UNCUT n 15 June, 12pm–11pm, The PIG-near Bath Set against the rolling Mendip Hills, expect some festival fun with a difference. The lineup includes headliner indie rock band Kaiser Chiefs, plus Imelda May, Freddie and the Freeloaders, and a DJ set by Professor Green. There will be an Italian banquet from chef Angela Hartnett, local ales and cocktails, a glamping village, and much more. £39.50 adults, £20 ages 5–15; smokedanduncut.com HOPE BALL 2019 n 15 June, 6pm, The Old Rectory, Doynton A magical black-tie gala with proceeds going towards the Royal United Hospital Cancer Care Campaign. The art auction will feature international stars such as Miriam Escofet, winner of the 2018 BP Portrait Award at the National Portrait Gallery, and Richard Twose, plus local talent including Nick Cudworth and Louise Holgate. There will be some incredible experiences on offer including a private box at the Royal Opera House. £250pp, includes Champagne reception, three-course dinner with wine, live art auction, silent auction and entertainment; hopeball.co.uk THE HANDFUL: HEAVEN AND EARTH n 15 June, 7.30pm, Prior Park College From the 16th century to a new commission, this exploration of the dialogue between Heaven and Earth is inspired by Lassus’ Easter hymn Aurora lucis rutilat. The programme includes Palestrina’s Missa Papae Marcelli, two ground-breaking 21st-century works by Peteris Vasks and Alec Roth, as well as the world premiere of Let Earth and Heaven Combine, commissioned from the young, award-winning composer Alexander Thacker. Free pre-concert talk by Thacker at 6.45pm. Doors open 6.30pm. Tickets £15 (£5 for under 25s) from Bath Box Office; bathboxoffice.org.uk Continued page 30

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Smoked and Uncut: Jennifer Mccord

Haçienda Classiçal will be at Westonbirt Arboretum’s Forest Live 2019

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WHAT’S | ON

Jessica Johnson and Stephen Tompkinson in Educating Rita at Theatre Royal Bath

Author and illustrator Lauren Child will be speaking at the Holburne Museum

KATE HUMBLE: THINKING ON MY FEET n 19 June, doors 7.30pm, Christ Church, Julian Road Reflecting on the sights and sounds of her favourite journeys, the much-loved television presenter Kate Humble (Countryfile, Springwatch, Curious Creatures) shares highlights from Thinking on My Feet, an uplifting celebration of the simple pleasure of walking and the many benefits it brings. £7/£12.99 includes book voucher; toppingbooks.co.uk THE ARGYLE STRING ORCHESTRA n 20 June, 7.30pm, Central United Reformed Church A classical programme with two symphonies by Haydn, a viola concerto by Hoffmeister, and a charming serenade foir strings by Beliczay. £8 on the door. TORCHLIT SUMMER EVENINGS n 21 June – 31 August, 6–10pm, Roman Baths The Roman Baths will stay open late (last admission 9pm) every evening this summer, offering visitors a chance to see the famous Great Bath illuminated by torchlight. Visitors can walk around the Great Bath where people bathed nearly 2,000 years ago, see the ruins of the Temple of Sulis Minerva where Roman worshippers gathered, and explore the fascinating Roman Baths museum. Grab a glass of fizz from the pop-up bar beside the Great Bath. Free entry for Discovery Card holders; romanbaths.co.uk/torchlit MARTIN KEMP DJ SET n 21 June, 7pm, Komedia Bath From the incredible global success of Spandau Ballet, to hitting the headlines on EastEnders and Channel 4’s Celebrity Island With Bear Grylls, Martin Kemp has had a truly illustrious career. Now, with a return to his favourite musical decade, the Spandau Ballet star will be taking to the decks and spinning all the best hits from the golden 80s. 16+. £16–£40; komedia.co.uk 30 TheBATHMagazine

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FOOD AND DRINK FESTIVAL n 22–23 June, 10am–6pm, Longleat Longleat’s third Food and Drink Festival blends a traditional offering with a touch of Australia to celebrate the arrival of the site’s koalas. Join Australian chef John Torode for live cooking demonstrations in The Longhouse, experience a sense-sation with a range of local produce and scrumptious cuisines stalls, listen to live music, have fun on fairground rides, meet Emma, Viscountess Weymouth and more. All included with day tickets. Book online and save up to 15%; longleat.co.uk/food-festival THE COLLAGE CLUB LONDON AT SPOTTY HERBERTS n 22 June, 1.30–4.15pm, Spotty Herberts, Queen Street Swap pencils for scissors and a wealth of beautiful papers at this workshop perfect for anyone keen to flex their creative muscles and get making. Create marine inspired collage with Stephanie of The Collage Club London. £7.50pp. Three sittings throughout the afternoon. All materials provided. Tel: 01225 331834, email: kate@spottyherberts.com ELIZABETH GASKELL, CHARLES DICKENS AND THE RAILWAYS IN 19TH-CENTURY BRITAIN n 22 June, 2.30pm, BRLSI When railways were built in Britain in the mid-19th century, they brought drastic changes to the landscape. National economic development went hand-in-hand, however, with feelings of dislocation, uncertainty and shock. Professor Ralph Pite will analyse how Elizabeth Gaskell and Charles Dickens registered all this with profound sensitivity through their fiction. £5/£2; brlsi.org IN CONVERSATION: LAUREN CHILD AND CHRIS STEPHENS n 22 June, 7–8pm, The Holburne Museum Children’s author and illustrator Lauren Child MBE, creator of the hugely popular Charlie and Lola books, joins the Holburne’s

director Chris Stephens to discuss art and creativity among children and adults. Outdoor event, so take a blanket or picnic chair. Free; holburne.org JAHMENE WITH HIS BAND n 22 June, 8pm, Chapel Arts Centre Jahmene, who is touring with Gabrielle as her special guest during her nationwide tour this year, is a number one-selling artist, with MOBO and Premier Gospel nominations, and is solidified as one of the UK’s best soul and gospel talents. £17.50/£20; chapelarts.org AN EVENING WITH VICTORIA HISLOP n 26 June, doors 7.30pm, Christ Church, Julian Road Victoria Hislop’s new novel Those Who Are Loved is set against the backdrop of the German occupation of Greece, the subsequent civil war and a military dictatorship, all of which left deep scars. Hislop sheds light on the complexity of Greece’s traumatic past and weaves it into the dynamic tale of a woman who is both hero and villain, and her lifelong fight for justice. £7/£20 includes book; toppingbooks.co.uk THE DEAD SOUTH n 27 June, 7.30pm, Komedia Bath Canadian folk-bluegrass music ensemble The Dead South have a humour and a kind of bold manner of putting words into sound with their use of guitars, cello, banjo, kick drum, mandolin and vocal harmonies. £20; komedia.co.uk UP LATE FRIDAY: HOLBURNE UNPLUGGED n 28 June, 5–9pm, The Holburne Museum Experience the museum after-hours at this late night, free opening. University of Bath arts scholars take to the stage with live music and dance performances throughout the evening, and expect pop-up talks, art demos, installations, performances, DJ-sets and cocktails; holburne.org

Educating Rita: Robert Day

Enjoy the Roman Baths by torchlight this summer

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SOMEWHERE OVER ENGLAND: 80S TO TODAY n 28 June, 8pm, Chapel Arts Centre Somewhere Over England, along with The Korgis, Naked Eyes and Tears For Fears emerged from the Bath local music scene in the 1980s. Rarely playing live these days, they have concentrated on recording – their fresh songs and rich harmonies have produced a reflective and personal set of songs which feature on their new album Watching Spitfires. £12/£14; chapelarts.org LANSDOWN OPEN GARDENS n 30 June, 2–5.30pm, St Stephen’s Millennium Green This popular annual event will feature a stall selling all sorts of plants on the Millennium Green and a chance to pause there, take a seat and enjoy the green. All the gardens are within easy walking distance of the St Stephen’s Millennium Green, Richmond Road and St Stephen’s Centre. Welcome refreshments, tea, cake and soft drinks will be for sale in the centre. All proceeds go to the upkeep of the Millennium Green. £5 adults, children free. PLANNING AHEAD... DISCOVERING MEDIEVAL AND LATER BRISTOL n 4 July, 10.30am, The Pavilion As part of U3A in Bath’s public lecture series, speaker Bob Jones will discuss the contrast of archaeology and heritage between Bristol and Bath, followed by an explanation of the growth in discovery in Bristol from the 1960s, including the famous PPG 16. £2 for non-members; u3ainbath.org.uk BATH CONCERTO CHARITY CONCERT n 6 July, 7.30pm, St Luke’s Church, The Wellsway A concert in aid of the Dorothy House Hospice Care featuring Tchaikovsky’s Variations on a Rococo Theme, soloist Linda Stocks, Schubert’s Symphony No.3, Mozart’s Overture to Idomeneo and Intermezzo by Kalinnikov. £10 on the door. ROXY MAGIC: A TRIBUTE TO ROXY MUSIC AND BRYAN FERRY n 6 July, 8pm, Chapel Arts Centre Roxy Magic are the UK’s best and longest-running tribute to Roxy Music and Bryan Ferry, who recreate live material that spans four decades, from nostalgic art rock, through to classic standards to sophisticated adult-oriented rock. Featuring Kevin Hackett on lead vocals and Robbie Tabrett on sax. £20/£22; chapelarts.org RACE FOR LIFE: BATH 5K AND 10K n 7 July, 9am and 11am, Royal Victoria Park Come together to help raise money to beat cancer at these two Cancer Research UK Race For Life events. Choose between the 5K and 10K race, do some training, get fundraising and show your support for the vital research into stopping the advancement of cancer. £14.99 adults, £10 children; raceforlife.cancerresearchuk.org

Solid Silver, lasts longer and costs less than a honeymoon in Bali

HOW TO EMBRACE COMPLEXITY AND CHANGE THE WORLD n 9 July, 7.30pm, BRLSI Management theories are paradoxical: we exercise increasing control within institutions while deregulating markets. Meanwhile climate change, inequality, and political instability become critical. Dr Jean Boulton from the University of Bath asks whether we are using the wrong science to shape our approaches. £5/£2; brlsi.org ALISON WEIR ON ANNA OF KLEVE n 11 July, doors 7.45pm, Topping and Company Booksellers, The Paragon She is a German princess. A king has fallen in love with her portrait. She has none of the accomplishments he admires in women – and she lives with a guilty secret. In her new book, Anna of Kleve: Queen of Secrets, Alison Weir reveals a charming, spirited woman loved by all who knew her – and even, ultimately, by the King who rejected her. But her story does not end there. £7/£18.99 includes book; toppingbooks.co.uk n THEBATHMAG.CO.UK

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BALLET | INTERVIEW

DANCING ON AIR

itting in an office in the Royal Opera House, Claire Calvert is looking remarkably cool and refreshed. She has already taken a morning class – the daily workout necessary to keep a dancer’s body in tip-top condition – and is ready for a day of rehearsals. She looks a decade younger than her 31 years, and is now a First Soloist with the Royal Ballet. She often dances roles given to the highest ranking Principal dancers, such as the Queen of the Wilis in Giselle, and the Lilac Fairy in The Sleeping Beauty. Taking solo curtain calls on the Opera House stage seems a world away from Claire’s first steps as a dancer when she was just three years old. Born in Bath, she lived with her parents and younger sister in Chippenham, and, like thousands of other little girls, attended ballet classes for the fun of it. “I obviously enjoyed it otherwise I wouldn’t have kept going, but I had a lot of other interests; I did a lot of sport,” says Claire. Although dance was in the family – both her aunt and her grandmother were dancers – there was no great pressure on Claire to follow in their footsteps and classes at The Morphew School of Dance were just another enjoyable after-school activity. But someone obviously spotted talent in the young Claire, as she was encouraged to become a Junior Associate of the Royal Ballet School. Junior Associates – or ‘JAs’ as they are known, are children who take classes linked to the Royal Ballet School, in addition to their regular ballet classes. These lessons prepare pupils to audition for White Lodge, the junior section of the school, which is in Richmond Park, London. Being a JA meant regular trips to Bath for Claire and her mum. “We used to drive up there, do the JA class and then get lunch. It is a very beautiful place. My dad also supports Bath Rugby so he goes back there to support them.” With her dance gifts developing, Claire successfully auditioned for the Royal Ballet School. It meant boarding away from home, but Claire loved the life. “I preferred to stay there at weekends. It made me more homesick if I went home, because there were classes on a Saturday. You would be picked up, go home, sleep and then have to drive back. Sometimes my mum would come up on a

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Sunday and we’d go into Richmond and do stuff. I’m not sure it was easier for her because it meant lots of driving and me not coming home, but I found it much easier to stay. It was a good five years and I made lots of amazing friends I’m still friends with now. “From there I joined the Upper School and was there for three years. I enjoyed it, but it was a bit of a shock in some ways. In the second and third years, we had to rent flats and it was a change from having our laundry washed for us and our food made for us. We weren’t prepared for that change of lifestyle.” Those three tough years in the Upper School, which is adjacent to the magnificent Royal Opera House building, paid off and Claire was invited to join the company in 2007, working her way up the ranks. “It is an amazing place to work, with wonderful facilities and dancers, but it is a lot of work and we don’t have time for much else. Trying to meet people outside is difficult. There’s a lot of time and effort that goes into everything, as we are rehearsing three or four different ballets in a day, and doing something different in the evening. Generally I have my friends from White Lodge but other than work people, I don’t have a huge amount of other friends.” Perhaps only dancers can understand the pressures of life in a ballet company. “The hardest part of the job – aside from physically being very hard – are the ups and downs that come with doing a job that we love, like not getting roles or being told things you don’t want to hear. It is hard, because it is really personal; you’ve put your whole life into doing this. Everyone aspires to become a Principal and do all the amazing roles, and I think often the physical side of things is hard to deal with, and lots of dancers do get injured.” A major injury six years ago – pieces of bone and cartilage had fallen off Claire’s knee – meant she was off stage for nine months, and unable to walk for the first three. It called for determination and dedication to return to peak fitness. “I think the mental side of things doesn’t often get touched upon. This is something we all really love. We are not just doing it because we are good at it. When things don’t work out and you don’t get to do shows, it is

heartbreaking – that is one of the hardest things, I find. To still pick yourself up and try again, still keep working, it’s having mental resilience. “You plan your whole life around ballet – whether you are doing a role in a particular costume, so you have to be a bit more careful with what you’re eating. All these things take over your life. We are hungry most of the time and want to eat. We all want to look a certain way and with some people that is more natural than others. I wouldn’t say I’m super strict – I do still eat chocolate and crisps, but I know that they are not the best things to eat if I want to do a three-act ballet!” Two of Claire’s favourite roles are the Lilac Fairy in The Sleeping Beauty and the Mistress in Manon. “They mean a lot to me because they were the first big things I got to do.” Another challenging role is the famous Sugar Plum Fairy. “When I was at White Lodge, I was in The Nutcracker as a Gingerbread [one of the minor roles taken by children at the school]. It is amazing to think that when I was 11 I did that, and now I’ve danced Sugar Plum Fairy.” She was coached in the role by Dame Darcey Bussell, a celebrated Sugar Plum Fairy herself. “She said ‘This is one of the hardest things you will ever do.’ The pas de deux is three minutes – there is no recovery time and it is constant moving. It is hard to make it look effortless.” This month, Claire will be making her debut in the role of the Tsarevna in The Firebird. “There is a little bit of dancing around, but not in pointe shoes. It is good to challenge yourself in other ways. Sometimes when you don’t actually have many steps to do, to make something of that is quite hard. One of the hardest things is just walking or standing on stage.” She has some wise advice for young people who dream of becoming a ballet dancer: “Always work hard, but do it because you love it. Everything in life is much easier to do if you enjoy it and feel happy doing it, so try and keep holding on to that.” n

Claire will be dancing in The Firebird on 5 June and 14 June. Get further details of these and other performances by The Royal Ballet at roh.org.uk

Photograph by Helen Maybanks; © ROH 2018

Rehearsing three or four different ballets a day, managing a strict diet and maintaining peak fitness make life as a ballet dancer a world with strict parameters. It’s not for the faint-hearted, discovers Joy Sable after speaking to local Claire Calvert, First Soloist with the Royal Ballet

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MUSIC || INTERVIEW INTERVIEW BALLET Giselle: Claire Calvert as Queen of the Wilis

“This is something we all really love. We are not just doing it because we are good at it. When things don’t work out and you don’t get to do shows, it is heartbreaking”

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MUSIC | INTERVIEW

Exsultate jubilate

Kate Patrick chats to soprano Carolyn Sampson ahead of her appearance at Wells Cathedral in July where she will be singing Exsultate Jubilate and Requiem with the Bath Bach Choir

here is a video, recorded at the start of a Prom concert in 2009, in which the classical soprano Carolyn Sampson is ceremoniously handed a silverbacked mirror by the conductor Harry Christophers, causing amusement to ripple around the audience. She raises the mirror level with her face, breaks into a saucy smile and then performs an aria called O Ecstasy of Happiness (‘myself I shall adore’) – holding the mirror up admiringly to her reflection for the entire duration of the piece. It’s a wonderful moment of mini theatre, as befits Handel’s Semele from which the aria comes, and her favourite YouTube clip of many; while Handel’s piece – a fusion of opera, oratorio and classical drama – is in many ways a metaphor for Carolyn Sampson’s own highly versatile 20-year career as a solo singing artist. That Proms performance was also significant in that it was attended by the Bath Bach Choir’s revered conductor Nigel Perrin, who – along with the rest of the Royal Albert Hall’s faithful audience – was smitten. Ten years on, his dream of inviting Carolyn Sampson to perform with the choir is finally coming true when they will share the platform in Wells Cathedral for Mozart’s Requiem in July. Sampson will also give her famous rendition of Exsultate Jubilate – a piece Mozart wrote when he was 16, and generally recognisable as it has been taken on by so many great sopranos over the centuries; however many would say that it is Carolyn Sampson’s recording which is the one to beat. The fact that her recordings are now appearing on lists of set works for GCSE students has come as something of a surprise to Carolyn Sampson, who never imagined she would become a world-renowned solo artist, let alone an ‘authority’. Nor was there a particular eureka moment, big competitionwin or turning point in her career. She studied music at the University of Birmingham because it was her favourite subject, and was nurtured by the conductor and musicologist Jeffrey Skidmore, founder of Birmingham’s Ex Cathedra choral group, who noticed her talent and introduced her to small-ensemble singing. She subsequently joined Harry Christophers’ The Sixteen in 1995, sang with the Tallis Scholars, took a 36 20 TheBATHMagazine

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couple of operatic roles when they crept in – Monteverdi’s Coronation of Poppea with ENO, Pamina in Magic Flute – and then, almost accidentally, found she had enough work to go solo. “It’s been a steady progression, and lovely,” she says. “More tortoise than hare.” Alongside her effortlessly fluid, clear and fresh soprano voice, expressive good looks and evident joy of singing, it is this down-toearth, self-deprecating approach that has endeared her to so many audiences. Her regular accompanist, Joseph Middleton, with whom she has collaborated on exquisite recordings, says that audiences feel she is their best friend before she has even sung a note. “I’m not good at playing the diva,” she says. “Everyone finds a way of being. I like to be approachable and try to present the music honestly – I hope I bring an openness and frankness to the music. With Exsultate Jubilate, when I was about 17 I had a recording of Kiri te Kanawa singing the Alleluia and I was completely inspired. I hope what comes across is the joy and thrill of the piece – that and the fact that I sing the notes quite fast!” Gradual evolution or not, no one could deny that Carolyn Sampson has built a stellar career and is at the height of her powers, equally at home on the concert and opera stages. She has appeared at all the famous venues in Europe and the US, with the best-known orchestras and opera companies. This year alone, she has performed Purcell with the Scottish Chamber Orchestra, Handel’s Italian Cantatas with The King’s Consort at the Wigmore Hall, Bach’s St Matthew Passion at the Tokyo Opera, Haydn’s Creation in Dallas, and Barber and Mahler in Antwerp; she has toured with The King’s Consort in Germany, and in October will appear at the Royal Festival Hall in Mendelssohn’s Elijah, alongside the baritone Roderick Williams and the Choir and Orchestra of the Age of Enlightenment. Together with Joseph Middleton, she has released a CD devoted to Schubert, recorded an English song cycle written for her by the young composer Huw Watkins, and – most recently – released an album, Reason in Madness, based on the theme of vulnerable women. For the album cover, she donned a

floaty white dress found in a vintage shop in San Francisco and climbed, fully clothed, into a pond, where she lay for 30 minutes or so, surrounded by weed, in order to recreate John Everett Millais’ famous painting of Shakespeare’s Ophelia for the photographers. You can see why she is the opposite of the strait-laced classicist in her performance style. “Recitals are an important part of what I do,” she says, “but there’s a balance between performing live and recording that I wouldn’t want to give up. Before I record something, I will always have performed it live, because a live performance can change your mind about the way you do it. I love singing in the Proms because of the atmosphere and interaction with the audience – I had done that particular extract from Semele on stage, I knew it extremely well, and it was a moment when everything went right. I also love opera, but that is probably less than half of what I do because I don’t like being away from the family for any length of time.” Her children, who are 10 and eight, keep her approach to work grounded, she says; a reminder that it is not the be-all and endall. However, she’s clear that Brexit, if it happens, will be devastating for young, upand-coming British and European musicians – severely constraining their ability to live, work and develop as artists freely in Europe. It has been many years since Carolyn Sampson last performed at Wells Cathedral – she recalls it was during a choral pilgrimage with The Sixteen – and she is looking forward to the Mozart Requiem. “It’s a piece that has become part of our national consciousness. It is such great music – it can take lots of different ways of performing it. It is always interesting to go and listen or take part in a performance, even if you know it really well, as it will always be different. Everyone has their own approach – that’s the whole point of live music.” The audience is in for a treat. n Carolyn Sampson will perform Mozart’s Exsultate Jubilate and Requiem with the Bath Bach Choir at Wells Cathedral on 6 July, 7pm. Tickets £10–£30 from Bath Box Office (01225 463 362; bathboxoffice.org.uk) and Wells Cathedral Box Office (01749 672 773).

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“Before I record something, I will always have performed it live, because a live performance can change your mind about the way you do it”

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CINEMA | HIGHLIGHTS

Take two: films

Emma Clegg selects two films from the Little Theatre Cinema’s June offering – a glittering biopic of a legendary singer and an investigation into the impact of an iconic artist’s cultural influences

Rocketman “My name is Elton John and I am an alcoholic. And a cocaine addict. And a sex addict.” We hear these lines in the opening scenes of this film, indicating straight away that this biopic of legendary singersongwriter Elton John will be no-holds-barred. The film tracks Elton from his early unhappy childhood years in Pinner as Reg Dwight to when his excessive overindulgence in his success years sends him to rehab. Written by Lee Hall, produced by David Furnish and exec produced by the man itself, it could be the case that a film full of Elton John’s exuberant and memorable hits may be destined never to fail – and indeed each song is a euphoric, uplifting masterpiece. But the energy and colour are maintained at every level from the production, which has all the dynamic hallmarks of a West End musical, as we veer from I Want Love and Candle in the Wind to Rocketman and the barnstorming Saturday Night’s Alright. Taron Egerton is captivating as Elton and convincing, too – he has a powerful voice and carries off the fantastic costumes with feathers and glasses with Elton-esque flair. The cast includes Bryce Dallas Howard as Elton’s mum, Jamie Bell as lyricist Bernie Taupin, Stephen Graham as promoter Dick James and Richard Madden as manager John Reid. This is an energetic film of glitter and feathers – not to be missed.

Exhibition On Screen: Van Gogh and Japan

Courtesan (After Eisen), detail, by Van Gogh, c. 1887

Van Gogh never visited Japan. However he lived in Paris in the mid-19th century, just as an influx of Japanese art was arriving in the city and the influence of Japonisme was taking hold. He then became entranced with the country and its visual style, collecting Japanese woodblock prints and copying them, developing techniques that went on to strongly inform his own work. A 2018 exhibition at the Van Gogh Museum in Amsterdam – on which this film is based – explores how Van Gogh bent the Japanese example to fit his own artistic direction. The influence was such that he later left Paris for Arles in the south of France, embracing an experience and a landscape that he felt embodied many elements of Japan. “You know, I feel I’m in Japan,” Van Gogh wrote to his brother, Theo, in 1888, after moving to Arles. The film travels to France and the Netherlands, and to Japan to further explore the culture that made such an impression on Van Gogh. The exhibition was of a significant size, tracking the artist’s early fascination with imported Japanese ‘Ukiyo-e’ prints, colourful woodblocks on handmade paper, and showed how Van Gogh integrated elements 38 TheBATHMagazine

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of Japanese art into his own style. It included nearly all of the major Van Gogh paintings with a direct or indirect connection to Japanese art, along with around 50 Japanese prints, lacquerwork and painted scrolls that played such a key role in the development of Van Gogh’s vibrant and energetic artworks. Nature was the point of departure for Vincent just the same as it was for Japanese artists, but Van Gogh used the character of the Japanese prints he so loved to recharge his already idiosyncratic style into a modern, primitive style of painting. n

SHOWING TIMES Rocketman Throughout June Exhibition On Screen: Van Gogh and Japan 10 June, 6.30pm Little Theatre Cinema, St Michael’s Place; picturehouses.com/cinema/The_Little

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ART | EXHIBITIONS

STATE OF THE ART Summer-inspired exhibitions, artist pop-up events, and reflections on creating cultural borders feature around Bath’s museums and galleries this month THE HOLBURNE MUSEUM Great Pulteney Street, Bath Open: Daily, 10am–5pm (11am Sundays) Tel: 01225 388569, web: holburne.org LAUREN CHILD: THE ART OF ILLUSTRATION Until 8 September Step inside the eclectic world of Lauren Child MBE, the awardwinning author, illustrator and Waterstones Children’s Laureate (2017–2019), whose colourful fictional characters include Clarice Bean and Charlie and Lola. This display and accompanying family trail celebrates the art of Child’s illustration, featuring works from her original stories as well as her re-workings of her favourite children’s classics and fairy tales, including The Princess and the Pea, Mary Poppins and The Secret Garden. It traces Child’s creative influences and processes, from her nostalgic love of doll’s houses and the miniature, to her early passion for patterned textiles, interior design, American films and comic strips. VUILLARD: THE POETRY OF THE EVERYDAY Until 15 September Édouard Vuillard was one of the leading figures in French art at the end of the 19th century, famed for his small, subtle studies, mostly of figures in interiors. The Poetry of the Everyday celebrates the unique qualities of his early work (from the 1890s) in which he balanced an obsession with patterned fabrics and wallpaper with subtle, domestic psycho-dramas to create paintings with a striking emotional intensity. This is the most extensive UK exhibition of Vuillard’s works in more than 15 years, including many that are rarely publicly displayed.

BATH OPEN STUDIOS Web: bathopenstudios.co.uk Widcombe Art Trail, 22–23 June The final of Bath Open Studios’ popular art trails focuses on Widcombe. Following a revamp to the trail, this year’s event features more artists’ homes, along with smaller, more intimate venues. Several new artists will be showcasing their works including striking watercolorist Sarah Ball who will be showing her work at Carol Symon’s house on Lyncombe Hill (transport will be available to Carousel by Rachel Ward this venue). Plus there’s Alison Potter’s anthropomorphic pots at Rosemount Farm, and painter Janet Coles will be sharing her home and garden with other artists such as Bridget Baker and Alex Nash. The Ring O’Bells will be showcasing artisan makers, while St Matthew’s Church will offer a gallery space for lots of painters including new artist Sue Wordsworth, who will be exhibiting her ethereal intaglio prints and small watercolours. A new, improved trail map will feature this year.

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Two Women in a Public Park by Édouard Vuillard

MUSEUM OF EAST ASIAN ART Bennett Street, Bath Open: Tuesday – Saturday, 10am–5pm; Sunday, 12–5pm Web: meaa.org.uk EAST ASIAN LIFE Until 10 November The exquisite objects in the Museum of East Asian Art’s collection are now seen as wonderful works of art. However, many of them were originally utilitarian items used in daily life. From flower vessels to incense utensils, and from writing tools to accessories, this exhibition remembers the original function of many objects in the museum’s vast collection. ➲

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ART | EXHIBITIONS

Yosemite by Caroline Hall

SOMERSET PRINTMAKERS 44AD artspace, 4 Abbey Street, Bath Open: 11am–5pm daily, (Sun 11am–4pm) Web: somersetprintmakers.co.uk BIRDMAN EXHIBITION 10–17 June

Somerset Printmakers was formed in 1998 by 17 professional artists who live and work in Somerset. They each have their own studio and they aim to promote their work together in order to reach a wider audience and to show the best of printmaking from Somerset. Some of the prints in this show were inspired by the legend of Bladud, the English Icarus and founder of Bath. This exhibition will feature a vibrant mix of original etchings, screenprints, monotypes and Quiet Pool by collagraphs to excite Gail Mason the senses.

MODERN ARTBUYER Sylvan Lodge, 1 Cliffe Drive, Limpley Stoke, Bath Web: modernartbuyer.com SUMMER OPEN HOUSE POP-UP GALLERY 8–9 June, 10.30am–5.30pm

Modern ArtBuyer’s Open House event will feature a selection of affordable limited-edition prints, original paintings and works on paper by artists including Maria Rivans, Bonnie and Clyde, Victoria Topping, Paul Minott, Paul Bennett, Rod Craig and Jane Emberson, plus many more. Also on show will be elegant, handmade furniture from local craftsman Charlie Caffyn and beautiful jewellery from Aga Cook.

THE FRAMING WORKSHOP 80 Walcot Street, Bath Tel: 01225 482748 Web: theframingworkshop.com Above, detail of film still Revolt of the Giants, Van Brummelen and De Haan, 2008

CONTINUAL PURIFICATION

THE EDGE

Throughout June

Andrew Brownsword Gallery, The Edge, University of Bath, Claverton Down Open: Tuesday – Saturday, 11am–5pm Tel: 01225 386777 Web: edgearts.org

A series a mixed media works inspired by Japan, faith and an exploration of personal emotional experience. This exhibition runs alongside the permanent display of creatively framed objects and images collected and created to inspire visitors.

BORDERLINES Until 13 July Borderlines gives form to the conceptual, geo-political, economic and cultural impacts of borders. It draws attention to the ownership of the earth beneath our feet, the UK border in Ireland, tribal territories, anarchic polar exploration and the world-wide distribution of natural resources. Conceived to coincide with the UK’s scheduled exit from the EU, this exhibition offers imaginative ways of representing and thinking about frontiers, at a time when very real borders between the UK and Europe are being proposed. Free admission. 42 TheBATHMagazine

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Continual Purification by Virginia King

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ART | EXHIBITIONS

VICTORIA ART GALLERY By Pulteney Bridge Open: Daily, 10.30am–5pm Tel: 01225 477233 Web: victoriagal.org.uk

Corner of the River Gods by Stewart Edmondson

BEAUX ARTS 12–13 York Street, Bath Open: Monday – Saturday, 10am–5pm Tel: 01225 464850 Web: beauxartsbath.co.uk WHERE LIGHT CHASES SHADOW Until 22 June Beaux Arts combines some of its better-known artists with some new faces in this landscape show. Beth Robertson Fiddes exhibits alongside Andrew Crocker and Nathan Ford, while ceramicist Matt Horne also dazzles with his crystalline glazed porcelain pots.

BATH SOCIETY OF ARTISTS 114TH ANNUAL OPEN EXHIBITION Until 29 June Now in its 114th year, this popular exhibition showcases the best of the region’s artistic talent and is a must for art lovers and collectors alike. The society was founded in 1904 with 26 members. It has grown over the years to a membership of around 120 diverse, talented artists. Many distinguished 20th-century painters have exhibited with the Outsider by Rob Grieve society including Walter Sickert, Patrick Heron, Mary Fedden and Howard Hodgkin. The annual exhibition, which is open to non-members, attracts up to 1,000 entries, with sales doubling in the last few years. The prizes on offer total more than £3,000. During the exhibition members of the public can vote for their favourite artwork, the winner receiving the Public Choice Prize. NICHOLAS POUSSIN’S THE TRIUMPH OF PAN Until 7 July A much-loved work from the National Gallery’s collection is on show in Bath as part of the prestigious Masterpiece Tour. This impressive French painting, dating from 1632, was painted in Rome and commissioned by the notorious Cardinal Richelieu. On display in the upper gallery, free admission.

OPEN STUDIO AND GARDEN

FRESH AIR SCULPTURE 2019

Willow House, 6 Bathwick Hill, Bath 22–23 June and 29–30 June, 11am–6pm

16 June – 7 July The Old Rectory, Church Road, Quenington, Cirencester Web: freshairsculpture.com

Artist Sue Wales and jeweller Philip Evans will be exhibiting their latest works including Sue’s landscapes, glimpses of India, portraits and flowers, as well as Philip’s contemporary jewellery featuring precious and semiprecious stones, Sterling silver and 18ct gold. The garden, designed and planted by Richard and Sue Wales, will be open and refreshments will be served in aid of Dorothy House Hospice Care.

A contemporary sculpture show bringing more than 130 modern pieces of outside sculptural work to the extensive gardens of The Old Rectory in Quenington. This biennial event prides itself on showcasing and selling unique sculptural pieces as well as decorative arts in a beautiful outdoor setting, plus there are refreshments and locally produced food for sale. Expect the traditional and Handstand by Clare Ferguson the experimental; from cutting edge exterior furniture design and ornate stonework, to the softest of textiles and the glamour of glass. Works on sale range from £50 – £50,000. £7.50 entry, under 18s free.

Above left, Shadows in Courtyard by Sue Wales Left, jewellery by Philip Evans

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ART | EXHIBITIONS

EMMA ROSE Upstairs at 78 Walcot Street, Bath Open: Monday – Saturday, 10am–5pm Tel: 07885 235915 / 01225 424424 Web: emmaroseartworks.com SUMMER EXHIBITION 1–25 June This exhibition is built around Emma Rose’s highlight painting Desert Mirage. Heralding summer heat, her latest work shows the warmth in the earth, seasons, weather and landscapes, and features a mix of Indian inks and acrylics, occasionally using gold, copper and silver leaf. See Emma’s paintings, limited edition giclée prints and cards, and she is available for commissions. OPEN STUDIO 27–30 June, 1–5pm, The Art Studio, Knight’s Barn, Wellow, Bath Emma is hosting an open studio sale in her studio in her beautiful wild garden in Wellow which has far reaching valley views. There will be contemporary original paintings, limited edition giclée prints and cards for sale, with an opportunity to talk to the artist in person.

GRAY M.C.A 5 Margaret’s Buildings, Bath Open: Wednesday – Saturday, 10am–4pm, Monday and Tuesday by appointment Tel: 01225 422117 Web: graymca.com THE SUMMER SHOW Throughout June Along with original fashion illustration from the last 70 years, Gray M.C.A is exhibiting a historically important collection of 1930s American block print textiles. This exhibition shows how the art of block textile printing played a vital role in putting food on the table of many unemployed families following The Great Depression (1929–1939). Above, Circus Montage B, The Milwaukee Handicraft Project, Wisconsin W.P.A.

Desert Mirage by Emma Rose

AXLE ARTS CLIFTON CONTEMPORARY ART 25 Portland Street, Bristol Open: Tuesday–Saturday, 10am–5pm Tel: 0117 317 9713, web: cliftoncontemporaryart.co.uk GETTING WARMER 8 June – 6 July To embrace mid-summer, the gallery is showing a selection of atmospheric seasonal works that evoke and radiate warmth, light and new life. From the shimmering wild meadows of Sally Stafford to Lynn Cartlidge’s gently luminous still life paintings, this exhibition is designed to celebrate the longest days. It also includes Stephanie Axtell’s radiant pictures, inspired by the flora, fauna, landmarks and elements of her Cornish home, and Sarah Brown’s richly ambient pastel landscapes and local scenes. The gallery will be closed between 14–21 June.

Summer Day by Sally Staﬀord

Leighton Road, Weston, Bath Open: Monday – Saturday, 10am–5pm by appointment Tel: 01225 461230, web: axlearts.com KATE VINER 3–29 June Artist Kate Viner sculpts the human form, working predominantly in bronze and glass. Her work celebrates the power of human endurance in the face of hardship and sacrifice. As part of her enquiry, Viner has visited refugee camps, most notably those in Paris during the European Migrant Crises, where she was struck by the determination and strength of the refugees’ struggle to survive in the face of such devastating loss, while experiencing the joy of being alive. She is also concerned with the experience and expression of what it is to be female, with a particular interest in motherhood. Release, bronze ed 15 by Kate Viner

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2018/19 Lecture Series

~ The last lecture of the season ~

Arsenic and Old Wallpaper The Darker side of William Morris! Lecturer Geri Parlby

Monday 3rd June 2019 1.30pm in The Assembly Rooms, Bennett Street Bath Visitors welcome £10 at the door (No Booking required)

Thanks to all Members, Guests and Visitors who have Supported

The Arts Society Bath during this Lecture Series

Our 2019/20 Season begins on Monday 7th October 2019 with ‘Pre-Raphaelite Women: Madonna, Magdalens and the Femme Fatale’ Lecturer: Daphne Lawson

Visit our website www.theartssocietybath.com for Membership details Celebrating 50 years of the National Association of Decorative and Fine Arts Societies

STUDIO SALE 27th–30th June 2019 . 11am–5pm

Original Contemporary Painting . Cards Limited Edition Giclée Prints . Commissions The Art Studio . Knight’s Barn . Wellow . Bath BA2 8QE

emmaroseartworks.com

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ART | EXHIBITIONS

DAVID SIMON CONTEMPORARY 37 High Street, Castle Cary Open: Monday – Friday 9.30am – 5.30pm (closed Thursday), Saturday 9.30am – 5pm, Sunday 11am – 3pm Tel: 01963 359102 Web: davidsimoncontemporary.com

ELPHICK AND ELPHICK: UNLIMITED 22 June – 13 July Bristol Guild Gallery, 68 Park Street, Bristol Open: Monday – Saturday, 10am–5pm Web: bristolguildgallery.co.uk Painting and sculpture coincide in a joint show celebrating artistic freedom, comprising common themes and interests: in people, movement, landscape and the natural world. Painter Deirdre Elphick and sculptor Martin Elphick explore colour and form unfettered by particular materials or artistic movements, and use both older and contemporary ways of working. Martin Elphick, who won the Bath Society of Artists’ sculpture prize in 2018, is celebrated for his work remembering the First World War in Bath Abbey. For this exhibition he is showing new figurative and abstract work. 2018 Corsham Open Art Prize winner Deirdre Elphick captures movement in people, as well as colour in her landscape and abstract paintings. Above, Freefall, acrylic painting by Deirdre Elphick and Seated Man, cement sculpture by Martin Elphick

WALLER & WOOD 4 Abbey Green, Bath Open: Wednesday to Saturday, 11am–5pm, and Sunday, 12–4pm Tel: 07803 033629, web: wallerandwood.co.uk DISPLACED Until 20 June This collaborative of work by Annie Beardsley, Gary Wood and Carole Waller explores the theme of the unusual placement of objects and utensils associated with food and dining. Annie Beardsley presents spoons inspired by garden tools, the environment, and a search for a creative interpretation of the dining experience. Gary’s ceramics include painted stoneware platters, interventions, platforms on which a spoon can rest, stages elevating food at the table. Carole’s work on painted and printed cloth explores the idea of place, placement and displacement. She is interested in Bath’s multiple layers of archeology and human habitation. 46 TheBATHMagazine

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MIKE SERVICE: STILL LIFES AND THE CARIBBEAN 15 June – 12 July Returning from a trip to the Grenadines this spring, Mike Service headed straight to his studio to develop his en plein-air sketches into fuller paintings. The obvious attractions of sandy beaches, crystal clear waters and verdant hills are not this painter’s primary concern, but more the old fishermans’ houses and huts which are full of a raw beauty, with Caribbean colour and history. The abundant material for exciting compositions provided a new platform to explore his practice and to interpret this environment with a fresh approach, through oils applied with brush and palette knife. In this exhibition the Anemones in a Jam Jar by Mike Service energetic and vigourous paintings of the Caribbean are balanced by the calm of his latest still life compositions. Mike Service trained in Fine Art at Bath Spa University after taking early retirement.

ART AT THE HEART OF THE RUH Royal United Hospitals Bath NHS Foundation Trust, Combe Park, Bath Open: Monday – Sunday, 8am–8pm Web: artatruh.org GENIUS LOCI: SENSE OF A PLACE Central Gallery, until 18 July This exhibition showcases five contemporary photographers – Sue Bishop, Benjamin Graham, Marianthi Lainas, Vanda Ralevska and Linda Wevill – and features their work inspired by the Latin term genius loci, the guardian spirit or soul of a place.

SCULPTURE TO ENHANCE A GARDEN 6–7 July, 11am–5pm 165 Newbridge Hill, Bath Tel: 07793085267 Web: thehiddengardensofbath.co.uk Three sculptors – Christine Baxter, Chris Kampf, and Steve Mansfield – showcase their dynamic sculpture within a Bath In Bloom awardwinning garden. Wander around the garden at your leisure and enjoy tea and delicious homemade cakes on the terrace. Entrance at the gate or in advance via the website is £3. Proceeds from refreshments to The Peggy Dodd Centre in Combe Down, helping those with memory loss. n

Ladybird by Sue Bishop

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All that glisters isn’t gold - it’s not even silver Duncan Campbell HAS BEEN DEALING IN ANTIQUE SILVER SINCE 1986.

Hidden treasures

ears ago now, I was called out to a modest stately home in the East Midlands to give a valuation of the family silver. In anticipation of my arrival, the owner of this elegantly decaying ancestral pile had laid up the dining table with any amount of candelabra, tureens and grand looking serving dishes. While the sumptuous display gave all the appearance of a long and well healed baronial dynasty, the reality was perhaps more interesting. I was thinking up a diplomatic way of letting my host in on the fact that all his ‘silver’ was in fact rather badly worn out silver plate, when he offered up the comment that he would be surprised to know the collection was worth anything much as his grandfather had been a famously unsuccessful gambler and was known to have sold off all the better paintings in the house. “Looks like he sold the silver too” I said, relieved that this might not come as a devastating surprise. “Hmmmm...” replied the owner before pragmatically offering me tea and apologies for wasting my time. While we were sitting in the kitchen with our mugs I noticed an old fashioned, green baize silver safe door and suggested that, while I was there, it might be worth a quick look inside. The safe, built into the corner of the room, had several shelves displaying the usual range of silver salt cellars, pepper pots and sauce boats all in easy reach at the front. Tucked behind the everyday silver, on the deeper recesses of the triangular shelves, were over 300 years worth of disregarded and forgotten treasures. The further back on the shelf, the further back in time I went. Glorious little silver toys and rare, beautifully made bijouxs that had long since gone out of use, snuff boxes, tobacco boxes, card cases, vinaigrettes and much more, all as black as pitch but in pristine condition having remained virtually untouched for decades if not centuries - the dust and fluff said centuries. Grand magnificent silver that was worthless plate and little blackened nick-nacks that were worth a fortune. The more you look, the more you find. n www.beaunashbath.com, 01225 334234

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Ma San Auction In Bath

AUCTIONEERS IN FINE ART, ANTIQUES AND LUXURY GOODS Two Chinese Tang Dynasty 618-908AD May sale highlights Sancai glazed camels. A Chinese polychrome SOLD £11,250 porcelain vase Jiaqing mark to base with museum collectors sticker. SOLD £3,600 incl. premium

A Qing 18th century gold on silk painting of Guanyin Bodhisattva singed Ding Guanpeng. SOLD £3,500 incl. premium

Accepting ents consignm d n e n for Ju a 19 0 2 le July sa

Free valuations and home visits • Over 30 years experience • Competitive commission rates • Direct contacts in Hong Kong and China • Sales every month 2 Princes Buildings, George Street, Bath BA1 2ED Tel: 01225 318587

www.masanauction.com

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HOT ATTRACTIONS IN SUMMER AUCTION... Lawrences in Crewkerne have already received a selection of pictures for their Summer Fine Art sales in July. An interesting view of the Avon at Bristol, dating from before the completion of the famous bridge in 1864, is attributed to the Bristol artist John Syer and was probably painted in the 1850s. The original constructors went bankrupt in 1837 after the building of the towers and an anxious funding crisis had forced a halt in construction in the 1840s. Nonetheless, for those with a head for heights and a strong wish to cross the gap, a basket slung from a 32mm cable (originally installed for the swift transfer of materials) enabled individuals to be shuttled across the gorge in the basket clearly visible in this scene. There is a pleasure steamer, ‘Avon’, in the foreground. During the 1850s, Syer lived at four addresses in the city in Redland, Clifton and Cotham. The 53 x 76cm canvas is expected to make £3,000-4,000. And, a beautiful watercolour sketch by Dame Laura Knight, a study for her 1920 RA exhibit, ‘Lamorna Cove’, is accompanied by a letter from the artist to the buyer in 1965 when it was bought for £78.15s. The subject dates from the summer of 1919, shortly before Knight and her husband, Harold, moved to London. This early composition for the celebrated oil concentrates upon the glittering light of the water that has filled the cove upon the rise of the tide. “The little bay”, Knight recalled, had been “turned to gold by the reflection of the sun shining on the cliff above ...it was an excessively bright canvas”. Indeed, the subject was so memorable that it lingered long in Knight's memory, so much so that, during a week of murky fogs in the capital in the winter of 19191920, she developed her sketches and her acute visual memory into the stunning exhibit for the Royal Academy that summer. The challenge was to recall the sparkling and ever-changing colours that had so memorably illuminated the cove. Such was Laura Knight’s inspiration that she managed to pin down just enough of the glorious light, sunshine and rippling water on that magical day to recreate the special ‘ebullient vitality’ of the Cornish coast in the dark days of a London winter whilst 300 miles away from the county of Cornwall that she loved so much. The 38 x 42cm watercolour is estimated at £10,000-15,000. If you have anything you would like to enter into the sale, then please contact the Picture Specialist: richard.kay@lawrences.co.uk

Lawrences

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The value in classical Chinese furniture Leon Ma VALUER IN MA SAN AUCTION, BATH.

Seeing the difference

here are a variety of hard and soft woods that are used to make Chinese furniture, as well as bamboo and lacquer. The price difference of two separate chairs, for example, those that are similar in style from the same period but in a different material can be thousands of pounds. Serious buyers will always buying for the quality of the wood. The most sought-after and valuable hard woods are Zitan (pictured below) and Huanghuali. Both examples of hard, heavy dense woods found in the southern provinces of China and Hainan island. ‘Zi’ means purple because of its characteristically blackish-purple qualities. Zitan was a source for red dye and is so dense that it can sink in water. ‘Huang’ meaning yellow and ‘huali’ meaning rosewood. These woods were commissioned to the imperial households of China in the Ming and Qing dynasties, 16th to 19th centuries. When the Chinese export market grew in the late 19th and early 20th century soft woods such as elm, pine and beech were commonly used to build classical style furniture at more affordable prices – such examples are found all over the world.

A pair of 17/18th century Chinese Zitan horseshoe-back armchairs, Quanyi, Qing dynasty. SOLD £25,000 This pair were purchased in Hong Kong by a former Naval officer and kept in his family. The elegant chairs have been living in a Georgian townhouse in Bath for the last 20 years and are now going to make their journey back to Hong Kong and to the online buyer.

Ma San Auction In Bath

AUCTIONEERS IN FINE ART, ANTIQUES AND LUXURY GOODS 2 Princes Buildings, George Street, Bath BA1 2ED Tel: 01225 318587

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SUMMER IN THE COUNTRY

Explore the hotel’s 500 acres on horseback

Summertime at Lucknam Park: relax in the spa in the twilight and enjoy a two-course dinner, learn to cook like a professional chef, and follow the paths of the Cotswolds countryside on horseback TWILIGHT SPA AND DINE Take time to unwind for the evening at Lucknam Park Hotel and Spa, just outside Bath, with a soothing 30-minute treatment of your choice with an expert therapist before sinking into the hydrotherapy pool at sunset. Complete your evening with a sensational seasonal two-course dinner in The Brasserie as you enjoy the atmosphere of calm. The private gardens and luxurious surroundings make the spa the perfect spot for an indulgent evening. The Twilight Spa & Dine offer includes: • 1 x 30 minute treatment of your choice • A two-course dinner in The Brasserie • Use of robe, slippers and towels • Full use of spa facilities The spa evening for a minimum of two people aged 16 years or over is £99 per person. Available Monday to Thursday, 5.45pm until 9.45pm, until 30 September.

For the keen eventer or cross-country enthusiast, there is a crosscountry course constructed by Badminton course builders, The Willis Brothers. The jumps wind around the estate and offer both challenging jumps for the more experienced and smaller jumps for novices. These can only be used under instruction. Why not head into the Cotswolds countryside on horseback before indulging in a cream tea, a soothing spa session or dinner in The Brasserie? (Starters from £8; mains from £21.) To book call 01225 742777. n lucknampark.co.uk

Thomas Westerland, head chef of The Brasserie

GREAT BRITISH MENU MASTERCLASS The head chef of Lucknam Park’s Brasserie Thomas Westerland – also known as Westy – was crowned National Chef of Wales in 2018 and he also competed in BBC Two’s Great British Menu. How would you like the opporuntity to learn to cook like Westy at the Lucknam Park cookery school? Then enrol on a day-long course on either 22 or 29 June and Westy will guide you through all the tips and tricks of his menu. • The course includes pastries, lunch, a recipe folder and all ingredients. • Arrive at 8.30am for a 9am start and the course will finish at approximately 4pm. • £185 per person. • To book call 01225 742777, advising of any specialist dietary requirements. SUMMER HORSE RIDING The hotel’s equestrian centre is home to 35 horses of all sizes and capabilities. The centre caters for children and adults, from complete beginners needing full training to advanced riders. The full-size, all-weather arena allows you to hone your riding skills in dressage and jumping, while the lunge arena is perfect for individual lessons. More advanced horse riders can enjoy escorted hacks around the 500-acre estate or longer rides through the beautiful Wiltshire and Cotswold countryside. 52 TheBATHMagazine

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The hydrotherapy pool has an open-air section

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AUTHOR | INTERVIEW

Spy stories

Mick Herron talks to Simon Horsford ahead of the publication of his latest spy thriller, Joe Country, and his appearance at Topping & Co. on 24 June. He chats about why he wouldn’t make a good spy, how he creates memorable characters and how writing feels like an addiction

he constant wail of police sirens seemed somehow appropriate. Sitting opposite me in Oxford’s Varsity Club is Mick Herron, Britain’s new spymaster, a novelist well-versed in writing about the actions of the security services, but, aside from the occasional glance out of the window, he seems unfazed by the cacophony of sound on the street outside. You’d expect nothing less from a writer who critics have acclaimed as the 21st-century’s answer to John le Carré and Len Deighton. Herron is, though, an author with a style of his own making and one who has brought caustic wit, piercing observation, and a contemporary spin to the world of spooks. Ahead of the release of Joe Country, the sixth book in the Jackson Lamb Thriller series, I wonder if Herron himself would make a good spy. “Oh I doubt it,” he laughs, “no, I’m very impractical and not tech-minded at all, something you need to be these days. I’d be hopeless.” He doesn’t have the internet at home (he goes to the library to read emails), or a TV; his phone is an old-school Nokia. And yet his books conjure up a world of spycraft so plausibly that they appear as the work of an insider; he even has his own spy lexicon. Is there an analogy to be made between the novelist and the

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spook? “I think there is, but then I’m making up my own truths and lies, so it’s an enclosed system.” Herron’s own particular truths are created around a collection of disgraced/washed-up spies or joes (operatives in the field), who have been exiled to oblivion, otherwise known as Slough House, a grubby office block, near the Barbican in London. Each of its resentful denizens has screwed-up, or proven fallible in one way or another – losing files, having a drink or drugs problem – or has simply been in the way of someone more ambitious. Each is also seeking redemption, looking for a chance to get back into the game (and perhaps return to the hallowed surrounds of Regent’s Park MI5 headquarters). So away from their usual mind-numbing tasks, they are pitched – often by default or happenstance – into a range of cases, terrorist outrages, kidnappings or high-level conspiracies. “I think failure is more interesting than success to write about,” says Herron. “Happiness can make less of an impact on the page, as opposed to failure, frustration, or thwarted ambition… Iago is a more interesting character than Othello in many ways because there is all that anger and energy there. Maybe that has touched a chord. Essentially, I am writing about people sitting in an office wishing they were James Bond – and that possibly covers quite a large part of the population.” The current series of books began with Slow Horses in 2010, but with little publicity from the original publishers, it had limited impact. An editor at John Murray picked up a book at Liverpool Street Station and it was republished together with the second book Dead Lions in 2015. With some well-judged promotion by John Murray and word-of-mouth, Herron hasn’t looked back since. At the time Newcastle-born Herron was working as an editor for a legal publishers in London and writing the books after his commute back to Oxford, where he has lived since he was an undergraduate. “I had long accommodated that I was writing books that weren’t going to be bestsellers and didn’t think I would ever be in a position to give up full-time work – it could very easily not have happened and came as a surprise... but my creative needs were satisfied. I think of writing as an addiction. With [the success of] Slow Horses, I felt validated and knew that this was the stuff I wanted to write.” He started writing full-time two years ago and aims to complete about 500 words a day while listening to modern or improv jazz. In fact, Herron’s novel-writing had begun even earlier with the Sarah Tucker/Zoë Boehm detective series set in Oxford and the first book, Down Cemetery Road, published in 2003, provided an inkling of what was to come, with undercurrents of conspiracy and government misdoing. In a sense – and unusual for today when first novels are often heavily hyped – Herron arrived late on the scene, only becoming a name after several novels (Joe Country is his 14th book). But that period below the radar has helped him hone his craft. Being an editor helped too: “reducing the words is part of the fun of the job, making sure all the information is there but in fewer words. Self-editing is a major part of the job. With Slow Horses, too, I found a tone of voice that I hadn’t had before.” The current state of Britain is a topic where Herron has also put down a marker. His last novel London Rules involved random terror attacks, an embattled prime minister and a showboating, Brexitencouraging Tory MP, whose strident wife is a columnist for a right-wing tabloid. “Farce and chaos are the governing elements of

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AUTHOR | INTERVIEW

storyteller, but as a writer constructing sentences – that’s the part that really matters. Much of the plotting is done as I write and a lot of it is problem-solving.” Herron admits that he’s sometimes disappointed when he’s finished a book because “it’s not necessarily what I intended to achieve.”

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His books conjure up a world of spycraft so plausibly that they appear as the work of an insider

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our political landscape at the moment, so for a writer like me, who has a bent towards the satirical and looking at politics, then, yes, it’s a great time. In 2016 when everyone was wondering ‘what have we done?’, I’m thinking ‘great’, but as a human being and as a citizen, I deplore where we are at now. It’s deeply divisive and I can’t really see how that can be resolved. “The writing voice I have adopted is cynical and I am certainly more so than I was a few years ago. The more you look at what’s happened, it’s difficult to be idealistic or optimistic in the world today. With my caricatures, I pile on the worst characteristics I can think of, knowing that there are real people out there writing columns in newspapers, or standing up in parliament, and however badly I treat them in print, it doesn’t match the reality. Writing such things in a satirical mode isn’t much more than blowing raspberries, but it does make one feel a little better.” Certainly, Herron’s plot lines are unnervingly believable and beautifully crafted. Joe Country, for instance, with its darker tone, weaves together a tale involving dead bodies and several stirrings from the past for the Slough House crew, which prompt Louisa Guy to search for a missing teenager and the rest of the team to head out into the “bad country”, plus, there’s a new slow horse (a disgraced operative) in town. He is equally adept at putting the reader in situ, in particular the streets of London, and has a gift for description. Is he always on the alert for inspiration? “I don’t wander around with a notebook – I’m generally in more of a daze, really, lost in my own head. It’s the details that one makes up that count and how you put your plot onto the page and ensure that the characters’ motivations are all in place. I don’t do any research, I just make it up – if you invent enough details, it seems like it’s based on reality. “When I write about London, for instance, I’m writing about my responses. I tend to be more inspired by vocabulary than by images, so when I see something striking, it only interests me in that I have the right words to describe it. I also don’t think of myself as a

If there is one thing, though, that fans of Herron’s books know him for, it’s the cast of characters, each of whom is so plausibly crafted. “I write from the inside of the characters so they all get their own scenes. You know what they think and feel, so even ones who are not necessarily those you’d want to spend time with in real life, like [IT whiz] Roddy Ho, for instance, hopefully come across sympathetically because you see his own internal workings. He has a lot of empathy too for Catherine Standish (former aide to the head of the service and a recovering alcoholic): “You don’t have to look very far around you to see damage in people,” Herron suggests. Adding to the interest is the high-character churn in the books, which keeps Herron and the reader ‘energised’. The standout personality is Jackson Lamb, who runs Slough House. He is a truly epic literary creation: a flatulent, foul-mouthed, chain-smoking alcoholic who is determinedly un-PC. His rudeness is even-handed, however, and he will attack anyone on any grounds whatsoever. The twist is that Lamb is a hugely capable character, who always seems to be one step ahead of the game. “He wasn’t meant to be so central,” says Herron. “He was going to be an unseen malign presence at the top of Slough House. I wasn’t going to have him on the page so much, but instead make people react to him.

But as soon as he made an appearance, I realised I could have a lot of fun with it.” “Reginald Hill [creator of Dalziel and Pascoe] was an inspiration to a lot of crimewriters of my generation. When a writer is fashioning a character who is larger than the page [like Andy Dalziel], you are just burnishing an archetype so it goes back to Falstaff, and the bawdy characters imagined by the Renaissance writer François Rabelais in literature. And they weren’t usually coppers, until Hill did it.” But Herron, who is well-versed in the spy genre via Le Carré and Len Deighton and movies and TV shows (he avidly watches DVDs such as Spooks), admits influence is an odd thing. “Any new writer is, by and large, trying to eschew any conscious influence, because building your voice is an important part of becoming a writer, but I strongly believe that the influences that really matter to any writer are the voices they encountered in their late teens and young adulthood. “Those are the ones that lodge in your mind, the lodestars you adopt. Agatha Christie was a pathway between kids’ fiction and adult fiction for me and I was reading a lot of American writers – Steinbeck, Fitzgerald, Hemingway. I’ve been re-reading Steinbeck’s Sweet Thursday and found it as all-consuming as I did when I was 16 or 17. The best spy novel I’ve read recently was Manda Scott’s A Treachery of Spies, which I think was wonderful. There seems to have been a revival in the genre since 2001.” He also name-checks fellow-espionage novelists Charles Cumming and Adam Brookes. The unassuming Herron has certainly played a significant part in that revival, and with a TV series in the pipeline next year, he should be rewarded with even greater recognition and deservedly so. I, for one, can’t wait to see Jackson Lamb and the Slough House crew on screen. n

Joe Country is published by John Murray on 20 June, and Mick Herron is appearing at Topping & Co Bookshop, The Paragon, on 24 June. £14.99, with a copy of the book

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june 2019

TheBATHMagazine 55

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BATH | BUILDINGS

Hope on the hill

An area of sloping land known as the Salt Rocks provided the foundations for a magnificent, Georgian mansion built by architect John Palmer in the mid-18th century. Hope House on Lansdown Road has been moulded by its history and still wears it proudly, and has been recently remodelled to provide luxury homes for a new era

here’s a site on Lansdown Road with six acres of parkland and panoramic views across the city and the Avon Valley. The original site was referred to by John Wood the Elder as he developed his theories about Bladud and Bath during the years 1742–79. In one of his writings he describes a field by the name of ‘Salt Rocks’, found on the rise to the hill at Lansdown, and identified by three large rocks on a hill slope, two lying flat on the ground and one on its side. This was destined to become the site for Rock House, later renamed Hope House, a magnificent Georgian mansion built in 1781–82 by architect John Palmer for the Hon Charles Hamilton (1704–1786), the son of the 6th Earl of Abercon. In 1774, at the age of 69, Charles Hamilton moved to the Royal Crescent in Bath – which was then nearing completion – from his home in Painshill, Surrey. He married his third wife, Frances Calvert, in the same year. In Painshill he had built an elaborate landscaped pleasure garden

inspired by scenes and vistas he experienced on his Grand Tour, probably representing the first example of artificial landscaping in Europe. The sale of the 200-acre vineyard estate for £25,000 was a fortune at that time, allowing him to purchase the hilltop land on Lansdown Road, design new gardens stretching up the Lansdown slopes and down as far as Julian Road, and build Rock House on the Salt Rocks area, which gave the house its first name. John Palmer – who also designed the adjacent, architecturally admired Lansdown Crescent – gave the new mansion bow windows to the south and west fronts, tall sash windows, high ceilings, elegant cornice detailing and balustrade parapets. With incredible views over Bath, the house fronted on to formal terraced lawns with parkland beyond. (The site on Lansdown Hill is still dominated by the matures trees of the former parkland. The original dimensions and design of the 18th-century landscaped gardens are no longer recognisable as a whole, although traces can be found.) Emma Hamilton, who later became famous

Portrait of Hon Charles Hamilton by Antonio David, 1732

as Vice Admiral Horatio Nelson’s mistress, was the third wife of Charles’ son William Hamilton, who visited Rock House with Emma, then his fiancée. Other visitors to the house included Charles’ nephew James, the 8th Earl of Abercon, and Carl Edward Vilhelm Piper, a Swedish nobleman and diplomat sent by the King of Sweden to study the mansion’s beautiful gardens and vineyard. After his death in 1786, aged 82, Charles was buried in the choir of Bath Abbey. In 1786 the house was acquired by the Brodrick family and became the home of William Brodrick, 7th Viscount Midleton and Rector of Bath Abbey. When the viscount died in 1870, the house was The main entrance hall with its Robert Adam fireplace and ornamental plaster plaques

Hope House in the 1950s

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BATH | BUILDINGS

purchased by the Hope family, who owned it until 1922. The house underwent major alterations in 1926 after being bought by the Bath High School. Tennis courts were added in 1928, along with a science block and junior classrooms in 1938. This was when it became known as Hope House, a stipulation of the sale when it was sold by the executors of the owner, Miss Hope. In this period the building was set in eight acres of grounds including a field known as the ‘Butty Piece’, a vinery, kitchen garden and gardener’s lodge. Miss Hope had lived in the property for many years and in 1912 invited the school to hold their prize day and dance at her house. Miss Hope was described as ‘a good friend’ to the school, the first woman elected to the City Council and served upon the Bath Education Committee. The main changes to the house at this time were the provision of an L-shaped hall/gymnasium on the ground floor with the library located in the entrance hall which at the time had a handsome Robert Adam fireplace. Two other Adams fireplaces are documented as being sold for £10 apiece around this time. A two-storey north extension, constructed in stone with pitched roofs, provided additional form rooms and led out to the science laboratory via a covered walkway running along the boundary wall, which had originally been designed as Miss Hope’s billiard room. The main staircase then ran into the hall rather than parallel to it, as it is now (this was repositioned during the 1948–50 rebuilding works). The building survived until April 1942, when it was destroyed by enemy action during the Second World War bombing raids. Following raids on 26 and 27 April 1942 by the Luftwaffe, a bomb fell on the science laboratories and five fell within the grounds. The former billiard room was destroyed, the gymnasium was damaged and there was extensive damage to the west elevation. The school was renovated dramatically after this, mainly within the interior, with changes including turning the staircase through 90 degrees and the salvaged Adams fireplace being moved into the entrance hall with the door fingerplates and two ornamental plaster plaques. In May 1951 the partition between the house and the north wing was removed and the new classrooms opened with the refurbished school officially opened by the Duchess of Gloucester. Unfortunately within three weeks of the work’s completion a ‘rather hefty girl put her foot through a floorboard’. Bath High School and more recently the junior school of the Royal High School was associated with a series of well-known former pupils, including baking guru Mary Berry who attended domestic science classes at Hope House and was taught to make treacle sponge pudding by Miss Date, her cookery teacher. Other notable alumni are cross bench life peer Elspeth Howe CBE; Dawn Austwick OBE (CEO of the big Lottery Fund); Jennie Formby, the general

The opening of the refurbished Royal High School by the Duchess of Gloucester in 1951

secretary of the Labour Party; historian Iris Morley; economist Susan Strange; actress Sheila Gish; and architect Gillian Howell. In 1998 Bath High School merged with the Royal School, becoming the Royal High School, with the combined school relocating to the James Wilson/Cranwell House buildings on Lansdown Road, and releasing Hope House for redevelopment. LOOKING TO THE FUTURE Hope House’s latest transformation has returned the house to its original purpose, providing a range of wonderful homes, some within the original house and others in newly created sympathetic buildings in the grounds. The development by Acorn Property Group has refurbished the Grade-II listed building and has kept the original features that have survived from the building’s history: the staircase, albeit relocated; the hall fireplace, again relocated; the plaster reliefs; areas of surviving walls and walks in the gardens; and the outline of former structures which pre-date the school buildings on the north boundary wall.

The site now offers 58 refurbished and new-build Georgian-style homes in landscaped grounds. As you turn into Hope Place from Lansdown Road, a new street scene has been created with traditional-style terrace houses with simple but elegant Georgian detailing. Two new buildings line the entrance road with a mix of spacious townhouses and apartments and a third building completes Hope Place, bringing scale and drama to the end of the new street. To the north of the site and sitting below Lansdown Crescent is Park Row, a terrace of four townhouses set over four levels, with open plan living spaces and private outside areas with views of Bath. Hope House itself now has a new future, after having been sympathetically converted into seven luxury two, three and four bedroom apartments with high ceilings characteristic of the 18th-century and with outstanding views, space and decor. n To find out more about Hope House contact Acorn Property Group: 01225 614 307; acornpropertygroup.org

THEBATHMAG.CO.UK

june 2019

TheBATHMagazine 57

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CITY | FOOD

SWIMMING UNDER THE SKY Plunging into the unknown, in whatever form that takes, is daunting but ultimately liberating, says Liz Lowe

“An intoxicating blend of calm, clarity, excitement and endorphins emerge as we plunge in for exercise... or just for the thrill of it” Tellisford Weir, photo by Francesca McColl; francescamccoll.co.uk 54 TheBATHMagazine

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CITY | LEISURE

ast summer, I stood at Vobster Quay watching wetsuit-clad figures glide through clear, cool water. I was here for my first outdoor training swim, having fuelled an ongoing midlife crisis by entering a sprint triathlon. Feeling clumsy in the water, I swam slowly around the lake before staggering out, surprised to find that I couldn’t wait to do it again. Swimming under open skies – whether for wellbeing or fun; in neoprene, a swimming costume or naked – is becoming increasingly popular. The Outdoor Swimming Society’s following has risen from 300 to 70,000 since 2006, and they list more than 60 social wild swim groups across the UK. I swam in the lake for the rest of the summer, enjoying its vastness and the damselflies skirting the surface. Summer faded and my wetsuit lay untouched, but I missed my watery escapes into the wild. Despite the fact it was now December, I psyched myself up for another unknown and joined Wiltshire Wild Swim (WWS) for my first river dip. WWS organises regular swim meet-ups, mostly around Bradford-on-Avon and Bath. Kristy Field and Sarah Webb set up the group, run through social media, because they needed more swim buddies. Both share a love of swimming, nature and what Sarah calls “the amazing post-swim feeling”. “It’s an addiction; no other word,” says Kristy, who finds that outdoor swimming provides a break from real life and a bit of me-time. “Some people like to do that in a spa with a face pack on, some people do it in a river,” she says. I didn’t know then that hopping over a fence into a misty field with a group of strangers that winter morning would lead to so many adventures and new friendships. “There’s a lot of joy in the group,” says Sarah. And she isn’t wrong. Outdoor swimming is a social activity: most people swim with a buddy (or ten) for safety, and something a bit magical seems to happen when people come together to submerge themselves in natural waters. Outdoor and cold-water swimming are believed to offer many benefits including improved circulation, better sleep, increased metabolism, enhanced immunity and reduced stress levels. I swim alongside the evidence every week. An intoxicating blend

of calm, clarity, excitement and endorphins emerge as we plunge in for exercise, to celebrate life events, to console each other or just for the thrill of it. “It’s sometimes just about frivolous fun and silliness: there’s a lot of freedom in feeling that childlike joy,” says Kristy. Cathal Boyle grew up in coastal Northern Ireland, swimming in the sea and the streams, lakes and waterfalls of the Mourne Mountains. He hadn’t swum outdoors for years but, since joining WWS, now wild swims at least once a week. “I believe in the health benefits of cold-water swimming and its boost to the immune system,” he says. “I live in a house of three and I’m the only one that didn’t get a cold this winter, despite being on immunosuppressants for a chronic autoimmune disease.” The effects are powerful and immediate for Cathal, who says: “The day I swim, I don’t have any of the chronic pain. There’s also a euphoric buzz that’s unlike anything I have experienced before.” Around Bath there are many lovely swimming spots. One of the best is Farleigh and District Swimming Club, founded in 1933 and believed to be the oldest, nonnaturist river swimming club in the country. “It’s considered the home of wild swimming, really,” says club chairman and author of Wild Swimming Europe, Rob Fryer. “I learnt to swim in a river, so I regard the concrete and chlorine game as a bit funny,” says Rob, explaining Farleigh’s appeal. “There’s no way you can get nearer to nature than swimming in a river. You are actually immersed in it.” The club has a loyal following, a rich history and even its own war memorial commemorating the 12 members who died during the Second World War. It’s open throughout the summer and offers easy access, shallows above the weir and a 70-metre stretch of deeper water. Families can purchase membership for £25 a year. Claverton is home to the recently launched Warleigh Weir Project, a non-profit enterprise set up by Johnny Palmer to offset his business’s carbon footprint. Johnny and a team of volunteers have planted trees and are working to increase habitat diversity on the site, which is open to the public. “I hope that by promoting the sustainable use of the countryside more people will learn

Cleveland Pools, photo by Alan Travers

to love nature,” says Johnny. “People protect what they love, and this affects their treatment of the wider environment. So I hope that Warleigh Weir Project will have an impact far beyond a grassy field and muddy river.” As with most wild swimming spots, Warleigh isn’t a managed site and swimmers enter the water at their own risk. For those new to al fresco dipping, The Outdoor Swimming Society is a great resource for safety advice and understanding different bodies of water. Another useful site, the crowd-sourced Wild Swim, holds details and directions for many locations, including local gems in Freshford, Avoncliff and Tellisford. For those who prefer their water less wild, restoration work is about to begin at Cleveland Pools in Bath with the aim of welcoming swimmers again from spring 2021. At 200-years old, the Georgian lido is the oldest outdoor pool in the country and will become the UK’s first naturally treated open-air public swimming pool. “This is a lovely outdoor venue which is part of Bath’s heritage and the missing link in the story of water in Bath,” says founding chair/trustee Ann Dunlop. “The Georgians used the pools for socialising and bathing and that is exactly what we want the people of Bath to enjoy once again.” There’s never been a better time to dip into outdoor swimming. And as WWS’s Kristy once said, while admiring a rosy sunset reflected in a pink river: “you’ve got a fresh summer breeze and this to look at – why would anyone swim in a swimming pool?” n

GO WILD SWIMMING WITH: Vobster Quay; vobster.com Wiltshire Wild Swim; on Facebook and Instagram: @wiltshirewildswim Farleigh and District Swimming Club; farleighswimming.co.uk Warleigh Weir Project; warleighweir.co.uk Cleveland Pools; clevelandpools.org.uk The Outdoor Swimming Society; outdoorswimmingsociety.com Wild Swim (wild swim map); wildswim.com

OUTDOOR SWIMMING EVENTS: Vobster Quay • Friday 21 June – summer solstice sunrise swim (gates open 4.40am, no booking required) • Saturday 22 June – open water swimming day (workshops must be prebooked) • Vobster also offers introductory courses for those who are new to open water swimming. tribaltriathlon.co.uk/event-calendar • Saturday 15 June – Bradford on Avon slow swim and picnic, up to 1.7km river swim from the Tithe Barn; hamiltonsfitness.co.uk/BradfordAvon.html

THEBATHMAG.CO.UK

june 2019

TheBATHMagazine 59

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PORTRAIT: Neill Menneer at Spirit Photographic. Visit: capturethespirit.co.uk, tel: 01225 483151

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Bath @ work

Our series of photographic portraits by Neill Menneer shows Bath people at work. View a gallery of Bath@work subjects at: thebathmag.co.uk

Nicola Cragg

Animal care manager at Bath Cats and Dogs Home

rom a young age my dream was to work with animals – and I’m lucky enough to say that dreams really do come true. Growing up in Melksham, I was surrounded by family pets. We had cats, hamsters, rabbits, mice, fish and dogs. At 16 my aim was to become a guide-dog trainer and on leaving school I started a twoyear national diploma in animal care at Lackham College, staying on for two more years to study a higher national diploma in animal science. My first break came when I was offered a role with the MOD looking after the military working dogs. I stayed there for 13 years, but sadly in 2013 the dog section was made redundant, and with time on my hands I put my knowledge to good use by volunteering at Bath Cats and Dogs Home. Within a few weeks I’d been offered a role as an animal carer and the rest, as they say, is history. Six years on and I’m proud to be the home’s animal care manager. Working in animal rescue can be tough. It is often physically draining and emotionally challenging, but I couldn’t be prouder of the BCDH team. Working closely with our local RSPCA inspectors, we prioritise those animals in urgent need. It’s heartbreaking to see the state animals can arrive in, either through intentional cruelty or neglect through lack of understanding. We rescue, rehabilitate and rehome over 1,300 unwanted, abandoned and cruelly treated dogs, cats and small animals each year. Without the support of the local community none of this would be possible and I will be forever grateful to those who support our work and enable our team to save these animals. As you can imagine, I’ve fallen in love with many animals in our care, including Meg, a challenging but kind-hearted Doberman who I was able to gain the trust of and cried many happy tears for when she went to her new home. This type of dog would never be given a chance if it wasn’t for Bath Cats and Dogs Home, as most rescue centres would turn them away. I’m so proud of the work we do. There is nothing more rewarding than seeing that scared, growling dog who you first meet transform into a happy confident one who finds their forever home. Of course, I couldn’t work in rescue without taking animals home with me. I have a French bulldog called King Louis and a jug called Theo. It’s surprising who takes hold of your heart as these aren’t the large breeds I’ve always loved. Louis was in a bad way when I met him – he was very underweight, hardly able to walk due to muscle wastage, he had ear and eye infections and struggled to breathe, the result of an unscrupulous puppy farmer, but he is flourishing now. He came home with me as a foster arrangement and never left. Rescue isn’t a job; it’s a way of life and I wouldn’t change it for the world. I’d ask anyone reading this to please find out more about ways to support Bath Cats and Dogs Home at bcdh.org.uk and, thanks to you, we’ll be able to rescue, rehabilitate and rehome many more animals in need. n PORTRAIT: Neill Menneer at Spirit Photographic. Visit: capturethespirit.co.uk, tel: 01225 483151

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FOOD AND DRINK | INTERVIEW

Ales well and good

The craft beer revolution has seen a wave of new brewers producing their own styles of beer, while people are becoming far more adventurous with their regular drinking choices. Bath Ales produced their first beer in 1995 and are continuing to go from strength to strength. Melissa Blease talks to Georgina Young, Bath Ales’ new head brewer

ermenting, priming, overseeing the mash; bottling, kegging and cask-racking – the multiple processes behind your pint of preference goes on and on and on before we get to appreciate the end result: a glorious pint of beer – malty, fruity, sweet’n’smooth, crisp’n’bitter or wherever your personal preferences may lead you, brewed to perfection by an expert. Have you ever wanted to meet such an expert? Read on... “My main role is to manage and inspire the brewers, the quality control team, the engineers and the packaging team – I have overall responsibility of the whole process,” says Georgina Young, who was recently appointed head brewer at Bath Ales, which became part of the St Austell Brewery family back in 2016. “Beer is made from natural ingredients that can vary from batch to batch, so a key aspect of my job is to monitor and tweak times and temperatures to ensure that the biological reactions result in each batch being as consistent as possible,” she explains, taking me down an unexpectedly

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(to a beer rookie, at least) chemistry/ science-based route. And there is more... “The fermentation needs careful control, not only to ensure the correct alcohol levels but also to make sure that many different flavour compounds are produced. Packing beer is more technical than you may imagine, so I’ll be overseeing a team of technical operators in that department.” See what I mean? Multiple tasks that require impeccable attention to detail – and it’s all happening at a very exciting time for both Georgina and the company she’s just joined. One year ago, Bath Ales opened the doors to its brand new brewhouse and taproom in Warmley, situated roughly halfway between Bristol and Bath. The new Hare Brewery has doubled the company’s brewing capacity, meaning it can now produce over a phenomenal 14.5-million pints of beer every year. “The new developments present a challenge that I’m really looking forward to getting stuck into,” says Georgina, who is only one week into her new role when we chat. “The aim is to optimise and make our operations as efficient as possible, so that

we can continue to build on the fantastic range of beers in the Bath Ales portfolio. Part of our plan for the future is to enhance our brewhouse set-up by installing more fermentation vessels, and new kit to help us enhance the variety of beer styles that we’re able to brew here.” That’s a lot to take on. But let’s pause our pint for a moment while we look back. Georgina’s interest in brewing began when she was studying biotechnology at Kings College London. “I found myself enjoying the beers that I was trying in the local pubs of West London and so, after graduating, I decided to pursue my passion for beer and went on to attend Heriot-Watt University in Edinburgh, where I studied for an MSc in Brewing and Distilling. The very first role in my brewing career was at Smiles Brewery in my hometown of Bristol, where I worked alongside Richard Dempster, one of the original founders of Bath Ales.” Georgina also worked at the Brewing Research Institute’s Pilot Brewery before joining Fuller’s as a production brewer in 1999, where she ascended to the role of head brewer in 2017 – the first female

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FOOD AND DRINK | INTERVIEW

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The current craft beer revolution began in the US around 20 years ago. Back then, most people were only able to get their hands on cold, fizzy lagers

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brewer to take to the Fuller’s helm. “In my first job with Richard, though, I remember it taking me an age to dig out the mash tun – it’s heavy work!” she says. “I think that’s one of the main reasons that, up until fairly recently, brewing tended to be a maledominated industry; it’s a very physically demanding job, with a fair bit of manual labour involved.” As is the case in many traditionally male industries, however, the women are catching up despite the heavy workload; last year, Dea Latis – a network created to support and promote women in the beer industry – listed 240 female brewers or brewery owners in the UK. But the image, style and even taste of beer

in general has undergone a thorough revitalisation in other ways in recent years – and Georgina knows a thing or two about the contemporary history of her beloved brews, too. “The current craft beer revolution began in the US around 20 years ago,” she explains. “Back then, most people were only really able to get their hands on cold, fizzy lagers. Home brewers such as Ken Grossman of Sierra Nevada and John Hall of Goose Island started to make commercial beers that were a similar style to English ales, but with more hops and higher in alcohol content. These new beer styles became popular, and other brewers soon followed suit, producing their own styles and variations. Years later, the craze hit the UK as people started craving a wider variety of beer, and started to become more adventurous with their regular drink choices.” Now I’m getting thirsty. I have to admit, though, that I’m not very bold with beer; might Georgina be able to educate my palate... or tempt me away from my beloved wine? “Try some beer with a hunk of cheese!,” she says. “Beer is far less acidic than wine, so it compliments the umami compounds in cheese really well. A lot of people don’t like beer because they think it might be bitter, but many varieties have wonderful citrus, grapefruit, piney and

woody notes from the hops. Another good way to explore beer is to simply try one a day, or every so often, until you find the style that you like the most.” Now there’s a plan I’m happy to raise a glass to. As both beer rookies and the beat of the craft beer revolution continue to gain confidence and pace, has Georgina noticed any trends in the beer-drinking habits of Bath Ales’ customers? “People are very loyal to our flagship beer Gem, which is a rich, malty amber ale. It was the first beer ever brewed at Bath Ales in 1995 and it has stood the test of time,” she says. “As our beer portfolio grows, Bath Ales’ drinkers are also taking our newer beers to their hearts, including Prophecy – our New World Pale Ale – and Lansdown, our bold and hoppy West Coast IPA. Before I started at the brewery, Bath Ales’ launched Sulis, its first-ever lager, which has proved to be very popular, particularly on days when the sun is shining. Lemon Drop and Hüll Melon hops give it a bright freshness and a subtle hint of fruitiness – very refreshing, and perfect for the summer months.” There are further exciting Bath Ales developments in the pipeline, too. “The brewing team have been busy perfecting and tweaking the recipes for our keg beers Cubic and Monterey, which we’re relaunching with new-look branding this summer,” Georgina reveals. “Cubic is brewed with Summit, Comet, Dragon and Citra hops which brings strong passion fruit and citrus aromas, offset by a mellow bitterness. Monterey, on the other hand – USA inspired, and brewed with five American hops – is bursting with pine and tropical notes. The new-look Cubic and Monterey will start to appear in pubs around the city very soon, so keep an eye out for them.” Cheers, Georgina! n

BREWERY TOURS Enjoy a guided tour at The Hare Brewery brewhouse with a guided sampling session and two half pints in the taproom. Tours are on Thursdays at 6pm and Saturdays at 12pm and 2pm, lasting around 90 minutes and cost £15. Call 0117 947 4797 from Monday to Friday to pre-book. BEER TASTING Visit Hare Brewery’s taproom and taste the beers in their brewing home. The taproom is open on Thursday from 5–8pm, Friday from 3–8.30pm and Saturday from 11am–5pm Hare Brewery, Southway Drive, Warmley, Bristol BS30 5LW bathales.com

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Unsung food heroes

As we celebrate our latest Delicious Guide (see page 66), it’s only right to laud and applaud the unsung heroes who keep our restaurants, cafés and delis fully stocked with produce. Melissa Blease talks to six producers who supply everything from meat and fish to fresh vegetables and eggs

he butcher, the baker, the candlestick maker... With the exception of the latter, we hereby introduce you to six local food producers and suppliers who deserve a stand-alone spotlight moment... and, indeed, a standing ovation.

THE LORD OF THE GREEN STUFF: LOVEJOYS The Lovejoy family have been in the fresh food business for five generations, and have been supplying fresh vegetables, fruit and larder produce to some of the best of the eateries in Bath including Lucknam Park’s Michelin-starred kitchen, the Pump Rooms and many independent ventures for around 15 years. “Lovejoys’ roots are firmly planted in the locally sourced ethos – we strive to support the local economy and keep food miles low,” says Lovejoys’ head honcho Neil Mortimer. “Our chefs know that they can call and speak to any one of us for information about seasonality. We go and sit with them when they’re planning new menus, and they often visit us at our warehouse or join us on one of the many trips we organise to visit our growers in the area so they can see the product growing or being produced. We added larder products to our range a few years ago so the chefs can order all of their larder staples through us as well as asking us to procure any specialist items they require. Our local network is hugely important to us as part of our ethos has always been to be the bridge between local producers (some of whom are very small at the beginning) and our customers, who really care about the locality and provenance of what they serve up on a plate.” Lovejoys: putting a whole new spin on the term vegging out. lovejoyswholesale.com

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THE MEAT MONARCH: LARKHALL BUTCHERS “Local independent producers and suppliers are at the heart of this thriving city – they’re what make Bath so special and unique. I can’t stress the multiple benefits and advantages of putting money straight back into the local economy either,” says Peter Milton, proprietor of lovely, lively Larkhall Butchers, who supply a wide array of talented chefs and cooks around Bath, from recent Great British Menu superstar Gordon Jones to neighbourhood gems like Widcombe Deli and great charities like Jamie’s Farm. “But all small, family-run businesses are beset by contemporary and emerging challenges. One of the biggest threats to us is the convenience of online shopping; while we do indeed sell our produce online, there isn’t an easy way for small local producers to compete with companies that can deliver 24 hours a day, seven days a week. We do our best to keep up, though!” larkhallbutchers.co.uk

THE KING OF THE WAVES: THE CORNISH FISHMONGER The Cornish Fishmonger (aka Wings of St Mawes) has supplied fresh fish and seafood to a plethora of Bath restaurants since 1984, including the Pump Room, Raphael’s and the Thermae Bath Spa. “We’re very close to the source of everything we supply,” says passionate, sustainable fishing pioneer Rob Wing. “We buy straight from the fishing boats, or from a refrigerated box on a market floor 20 feet away from the quayside; we have a very strong understanding of – and contact and allegiance with – the people who catch the fish. Our business operates at both ends of day; my buyers are at Newlyn Fish Market at around 5.45am. But chefs can place an order

with me at 3pm in the afternoon and have it delivered by 8pm that night; we only ever work with today’s fish today. We offer input and advice to chefs too; we ask them to let us be their eyes at the market, and guarantee that the reputation of their restaurant is safe in our hands. Fresh fish is a wild, hunted food – you can’t control the supply, and you have to work with the seasons. One of our main challenges is educating people about the realities of maintaining regular supplies of the last bulk, hunted, wild food there is.” thecornishfishmonger.co.uk

THE EGG EMPIRE: NEW MACDONALDS FARM “We supply eggs to businesses all over Bath, including The Columbian Coffee Co, Widcombe Deli, The Bird Hotel, No 15 Great Pulteney, Homewood, The Longs Arms and even The Hideout bar, who use our eggs to whip up meringue tops for certain cocktails. People can buy our eggs through Lovejoys too, and they’re on sale at Eades Grocers, Prior Park Garden Centre and several farm shops in the area,” says Lou Macdonald who, in partnership with her husband Matt, established New Macdonalds distinctly new-fashioned farm circa 2015. “Running a small business is tough, but there’s a lovely, happy network of independent businesses in and around Bath, and we all support each other. Rising costs are always a challenge for independent businesses; with supermarkets continually pushing prices down, it’s difficult for small farms to survive, especially those that farm to traditional methods. All our animals are fed an organic diet, and we’re working hard to support rare breeds that are at risk of dying out, while educating people about them. We’re a fully sustainable farm, with a low carbon footprint too. It isn’t the most

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Macdonald had a farm and in that farm were quite a few egg-laying chickens

cost effective way of farming, but the rewards far outweigh the effort and cost.” Tel: 01225 519820; email: newmacdonaldsfarm@mail.com

THE BOISTEROUS BAKERS: HOBBS HOUSE Established in the Cotswolds in the 1920s, Hobbs House is a family business currently nurturing the sixth generation of artisan bakers, two of which double up as an attention-grabbing double-act away from the family oven frontline. (That’ll be Tom and Henry Herbert – aka The Fabulous Baker Brothers – then.) Hobbs supply fresh bread and related products on a daily basis to many beloved local enterprises including the Boston Tea Party, Prior Park Garden Centre, Chandos Deli, the Bath Ales group and the Fine Cheese Company, dispatched directly from their Chipping Sodbury base every morning. If you’ve yet to experience a Hobbs House croissant you haven’t woken up yet, while the sourdough that gives life to the company’s legendary sourdough bread celebrates its 63rd birthday this month. hobbshousebakery.co.uk

IN A CLASS OF ITS OWN: BATH FARMER’S MARKET Certain farmers’ markets have earned nearlegendary status in foodie circles, acclaimed for being at the forefront of the genre. But the original – and, many would argue, still the best of the bunch – is based at Bath’s historic Green Park Station (today part of the Ethical Property Company portfolio) and was formally established at Green Park Station in 1997, making it one of the longestrunning farmers’ markets in the UK. It’s estimated that 2,000 plus people – including a wide variety of local chefs and food-related business owners – visit the market on Saturday mornings to browse, taste, and, of course, shop from an ever-evolving selection of largely organic, seasonal produce courtesy of a wide selection of traders and artisan producers, all of whom have a base within a 40-mile radius of Bath. And – as is the case with so much of the lifestyle that even Bathonians can sometimes take for granted – history and long-standing heritage is a big part of what makes BFM so very special. bathfarmersmarket.co.uk n THEBATHMAG.CO.UK

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TRISTAN DARBY Columnist Tristan Darby investigates wines to keep us cool this summer

ummertime is upon us, and with it comes the warmer weather that makes me want to reach for cooler fresher wines. It’s easy to get stuck in a rut with easy go-to wines like sauvignon and pinot, so this month I’m focusing on alternatives to liven things up a bit. Hailing from France’s famous Loire region, Domaine de Brizé Saumur Brut (£16.75, Great Western Wine) is a topnotch, super-stylish alternative to Champagne, but at half the price. It’s a blend of Chenin Blanc and Chardonnay grapes and made using a traditional second ferment in the bottle for quality bubbles and complexity. Overall it’s crisp and refreshing with mouthwatering crunchy apple flavours. I can’t recommend this enough for quality and value. A perfect wine to enjoy alongside goat’s cheese and asparagus dishes or even crab and other shellfish starters. A great fizz for the price and worth every penny. Pedro Ximenez (PX for short) is a white grape you may have heard of. From Andalucia, it is harvested over-ripe and sun-dried, either to make a very sweet wine in its own right or to be used as a sweetening agent for sherry. However, Vina Falernia, Elki Pedro Ximenez (£9.50, GWW), made on the southern fringes of the Atacama Desert in Chile’s northern Elqui Valley is an unusually dry and crisp take. With floral and lime zest notes, it’s ideal for everyday summer drinking, aperitifs and light summer salads. There’s some weight and texture to the palate, too, which adds interest and makes it suitable for light fish and chicken dishes. A fab summer staple. Ramón Bilbao, Rosado 2016 (£10.95, GWW) is a fresh and elegant dry rosé Rioja made from garnacha (a.k.a. grenache) with a small amount of viura added for freshness, fruit and fragrance. A delicate pale-pink, it’s pretty and gentle on the nose with red fruit, citrus and flowers. Light and elegant in the mouth with a gentle fruit intensity of melon and orange zest and a fresh and fruity finish. Chilling red wine may seem counter-intuitive, but a cool bottle on a hot day can be juicy and refreshing. An hour or so in the fridge is long enough to chill a bottle sufficiently depending on your preference, and fruity, lower tannin, lower alcohol reds work best. Pinot noir, grenache and gamay are the classic grapes to go for, but here are a couple of more unusual alternatives. Ailala, Souson (£14.95 GWW) from Ribeiro in northwest Spain is fresh, fruity and jam-packed with blueberry and plum flavours. It’s smooth but comes with the local souson grapes’ hallmark acidity which brightens the palate and refreshes. Great to have at hand for when the sun is out and perfect with chicken, pork or cured meat. Another cracker is Pfaffl’s Zweigelt Vom Hause (£13.95, GWW), a refreshing Austrian alternative to new-world pinot noir or Italian Barbera. It’s vibrant and fresh but by no means lacking in depth or character, crammed full of dark cherry flavours and a touch of peppery spice. Fantastic chilled alongside a plethora of vegetable, chicken, pork, duck dishes, and tomato-based pasta and pizza. n Learn more about the world of wine with Tristan on a course at Great Western Wine; greatwesternwine.co.uk/events

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the delicious guide the best places in Bath to eat, drink and enjoy

‘Spoilt for choice’ is a bit of a cliché, but it couldn’t be more appropriate when looking for great places to eat and drink in Bath. Our famous Delicious Guide has all the right foodie destinations for your mood and pocket. Served and prepped for your delectation, we hope you’ll enjoy our celebration of the city’s finest.

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the delicious guide Bath 2019 We begin with some Bath classics, the venues we return to time and again with affection as they reliably deliver great dishes every time. For a quick, tasty bite, make your selection from our menu of cafés, delis and foodie emporia, or relax in one of the local pubs that manage to combine an informal setting with some top quality dining. You might opt for a hotel with an elegant restaurant, or perhaps join colleagues after work in a bar or brasserie, where you can quaff a craft ale or have a glass of fizz and enjoy a plate of seasonal, local produce. Whatever your foodie craving, we think you’ll find all the right choices here.

THE CIRCUS RESTAURANT 34 Brock Street, Bath BA1 2LN Tel: 01225 466020 Web: thecircusrestaurant.co.uk A small, very busy, much-admired family-run business, The Circus Restaurant is one of Bath’s sparkling culinary gems, serving seasonal, locally sourced, freshly cooked English food. It has a carefully chosen wine list, and exceptionally welcoming staff. Set in a fine Georgian house – between The Circus and the Royal Crescent – you will find sensible and honest prices, and you’ll leave wanting to return some time soon. Voted number four in the UK in The Times’ 20 Secret Restaurants That Foodies Love. Open Monday to Saturday, 10am to midnight (closed Sunday). Booking is advised.

BATH PIZZA CO Green Park Station, Bath BA1 1JB Tel: 01225 588886 Web: bathpizzaco.com Bath’s favourite pizza joint were recent finalists at the ‘European Pizza Chef of the Year’ Awards and for good reason. The alfresco, casual dining pizzeria is set under the glass roof canopy at Green Park Station where you can watch your pizza being made in front of you. With outstanding, freshly made dough (gluten-free available) the chefs partner with local farmers and beer and cider producers to offer a very popular £10 pizza and a pint or glass of prosecco deal. Family run and owned, they also host summer sessions with local musicians in the atmospheric old railway station. Vegan and vegetarian options feature on the menu. Private hire available.

GREEN PARK BRASSERIE Green Park Station, Bath BA1 1JB Tel: 01225 338565 Web: greenparkbrasserie.com Live music, locally sourced produce and a buzzing atmosphere; this is one of Bath’s best restaurants. Proudly independent for over 27 years and popular for their steaks, the brasserie sits in the historic booking hall of Green Park Station and has a relaxed, friendly atmosphere. Hosting live music four nights a week (Wednesday to Saturday) the brasserie is metres from the Bath Farmers’ Market enabling a fresh, seasonal menu. It has recently been awarded the title of ‘UK’s most Romantic Restaurant’ and is highly reviewed by The Sunday Times and The Guardian. 2 for 1 cocktails between 4-6pm, seven days a week. Booking advised. Exclusive function room upstairs for private hire (up to 140 guests).

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AMARONE RESTAURANT Beau Nash House, Saw Close, Bath BA1 1EU Tel: 01225 330030 Web: ameroneristorante.co.uk Amarone is a unique independent Italian restaurant situated in the elegant Georgian building that was once home to Richard ‘Beau’ Nash, the renowned socialite. Enjoy delicious, freshly prepared pasta dishes, locally sourced steaks and fish fresh from the Dorset coast, as well as stone-baked pizzas and delectable desserts. The wine list has been carefully compiled, mostly from quality Italian family estates to perfectly complement the traditional yet innovative Italian cuisine. Amarone is the only restaurant in the south west to offer the delicious wine of its namesake by the glass as well as the bottle. The upper level at Amarone can be exclusively hired and offers a beautiful space in which to hold celebratory lunches and dinners with family and friends, as well as business meetings, with menus created to suit personal requirements.

CLAYTON’S KITCHEN 15a George Street, Bath BA1 2EN Tel: 01225 585100 Web: claytonskitchen.com Clayton’s Kitchen is a firm favourite with locals and a must for visitors to Bath seeking a wonderful culinary experience. This charming, relaxed and stylish restaurant is led by chef-patron Robert Clayton, who has achieved two Michelin Stars while running retaurants in Bath. Inspired by Mediterranean and modern French cuisine, Robert creates uncomplicated but sublime dishes; prepared, cooked and perfectly presented using the freshest, highest quality ingredients. To reflect this, the beautifully compiled menu changes seasonally and is accompanied by an excellent wine list. Open seven days a week for lunch and dinner – you’ll want to return.

GRAZE 9 Brunel Square, Bath BA1 1SX Tel: 01225 429392 Web: bathales.com Graze bar, micro-brewery and chophouse occupies a great location, right next to Bath Spa train station and high above the bustle of Brunel Square and the streets below. Enjoy a delicious selection of classic British and European dishes. The menu has a speciality for serving British meat, in particular, the dry-aged steak cooked in a charcoal oven. There is also a great selection of small plates, fish and shellfish dishes and vegetarian options. Part of the Bath Ales group, you can enjoy a fine selection of crafted beers, wines and spirits.

EIGHT 3 North Parade Passage, Bath BA1 1NX Tel: 01225 724111 Web: eightinbath.co.uk

Tucked away in the historic centre of the city, the Eight hotel and restaurant is small, romantic and very chic. Opened last year, the restaurant has quickly become a popular and a highly respected addition to Bath’s independent dining scene. True to its name, the menu features eight beautifully crafted dishes created by chef Fred Lavault who runs the restaurant with co-owner Nathalie Brown. The menu changes according to the seasons and the plates are not oversized, so you can choose two or three and still have room for a dessert. Favourites include ballotine of rabbit; dry cured ham and apricot stuffing; butternut, sage and goat’s cheese raviole; and the quirky courgette and cheese fritters are delicious. Like the hotel, the dining room has a cosy glamour that feels just perfect. Shall we say ‘dinner at eight?’

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DAN MOON AT THE GAINSBOROUGH The Gainsborough Bath Spa Hotel, Beau Street, Bath BA1 1QY Tel: 01225 358888 Web: thegainsboroughbathspa.co.uk 3AA Rosette Dan Moon at The Gainsborough restaurant is destined for great things, and is already delivering with its inspiring fine-dining menus and sophisticated yet relaxed decor and atmosphere. Awardwinning head chef Dan Moon sources the ingredients for his dishes locally, then creatively fashions them into classically flavoured works of art. Little touches such as freshly baked breads, hand-churned butter and optional wine pairing will put the final garnish on your dining experience. Check out the excellent lunches including a wonderful Sunday roast, or, for a special treat, the ultimate in tasting menus.

DOWER HOUSE RESTAURANT & AFTERNOON TEA GARDEN AT THE ROYAL CRESCENT HOTEL 16 Royal Crescent, Bath BA1 2LS Tel: 01225 823333 Web: royalcrescent.co.uk

THE OLIVE TREE Queensberry Hotel, Russell Street, Bath BA1 2QF Tel: 01225 447928 Web: olivetreebath.co.uk The Olive Tree is currently Bath’s only Michelin Star restaurant, an accolade awarded in October 2018. Sitting below The Queensberry Hotel, The Olive Tree is, in addition to being the city’s most celebrated restaurant, one of its longest established, offering relaxed fine dining in a contemporary British style. Head chef Chris Cleghorn honed his skills and developed his own unique style under world-renowned Michelin Star chefs. For more than five years he has, with his team, been creating amazing meals using seasonal ingredients from high-quality local producers. The Olive Tree’s wine list is also award-winning; it eclectically balances traditional and new, and the restaurant’s warm opulence perfectly complements the quality and style of food.

What can be better than relaxing in the beautiful location of the iconic Royal Crescent Hotel & Spa and catching up with friends over a chilled glass of Champagne and a delectable selection of scones and sandwiches? The hotel’s unique selection of four afternoon teas include beautiful finger sandwiches, delicate cakes and savouries, the finest world teas and some of Bath’s best scones and buns. Sit down and relax in the hotel’s breathtaking acre of secluded gardens or enjoy the elegant surroundings of the awardwinning Dower House Restaurant. Afternoon tea is served daily between 1.30pm and 6pm. Afternoon tea is £37.50 per person, or with a glass of Champagne is £50 per person. Afternoon tea with a drinks flight is £55 per person, and children’s afternoon tea is £19.50 per child.

RESTAURANT HYWEL JONES AT LUCKNAM PARK Lucknam Park Hotel & Spa, Colerne SN14 8AZ Tel: 01225 742777 Web: lucknampark.co.uk Restaurant Hywel Jones offers an unforgettable dining experience. Enter through the mile-long driveway lined by beech and lime trees before you commence your evening of fine dining from the à la carte menu or the tasting menus. Executive chef, Hywel Jones has held a Michelin Star at the restaurant since 2006 and uses the finest ingredients to ensure the fullest flavours. Herbs are picked fresh from the extensive kitchen garden at the hotel, which helps enhance the subtle flavours of the cooking. Restaurant Hywel Jones is open Wednesday to Saturday from 6.30–10pm, and Sunday from 12.30–2.30pm and 6.30 –10pm.

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RAPHAEL RESTAURANT Gascoyne House, Upper Borough Walls, Bath BA1 1RN Tel: 01225 480042 Web: raphaelrestaurant.co.uk

HUDSON STEAKHOUSE

Raphael is a well-established independent restaurant renowned for serving exquisite food and excellent wines in a warm, welcoming atmosphere. The head chef and his team create imaginative menus inspired by fresh, seasonal, locally sourced ingredients. Enjoy beautifully presented dishes such as five-spice free range duck breast with a beetroot, orange and red wine sauce, Jersey royals, baby carrots, peas and broad beans, and mouth-watering desserts such as Eton mess with blackberries, raspberries, crunchy meringue, vanilla whipped cream and raspberry coulis. Leisurely lunches, pre-theatre dining or romantic meals for two – the perfect place for any occasion.

14 London Street, Bath BA1 5BU Tel: 01225 332323 Web: hudsonsteakhouse.co.uk Hudson Steakhouse has been serving the people of Bath the best steaks for over a decade, offering its diners prime dry-aged steaks, starters with a fusion influence and classic dishes, all served in a sympathetic conversion of a once notorious Victorian pub. Owner Richard Fenton took on this run-down building and has created a destination that has consistently won best-restaurant awards locally and nationally. Cocktails, premium beers and world wines are served under sparkling chandeliers and the upstairs grill room has an open kitchen which looks out over Hedgemead Park.

THE SCALLOP SHELL 22 Monmouth Place, Bath BA1 2AY Tel: 01225 420928 Web: thescallopshell.co.uk

CÔTE BRASSERIE

The Scallop Shell is a much-loved AA Rosette fish restaurant, serving lightly battered and grilled fish and chips and seasonal seafood. Flying the flag for a fresh, sustainable catch from UK waters, the menu changes daily depending on the coastal landings, with at least 15 species of fish and shellfish displayed for customers to see in an ice-filled roll-top bath. Opt for the daily fisherman’s lunch special, with a choice of mains all served with mushy peas, tartare sauce, bread and butter and a mug of proper Yorkshire tea for just £10, or make it more of a foodie experience with shared shellfish plates or the likes of oysters followed by whole lemon sole or skate wing, with a great selection of wines sold by the bottle and glass. There’s also a covered and heated nautical-themed terrace for al fresco dining.

27 Milsom Place, Bath BA1 1BZ Tel: 01225 335509 Web: cote.co.uk Whether you want to enjoy a tasty treat before a show or celebrate a special occasion in style, you can’t beat the ambience and authentic French cuisine on offer at Côte Brasserie in Bath. With something to cater to all tastes, including vegetarian, gluten-free and children’s menus, Côte has something for all the family, whether it be breakfast, lunch or dinner. Their lunch and early evening menu is available Monday to Friday until 7pm, and for three courses it is the perfect mid-week or pre-show option.

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DOUGH PIZZA 14–16 The Corridor, Bath BA1 5AP Tel: 01225 443686 Web: doughpizzarestaurant.co.uk A proudly independent, family-run business, Dough combines years of expertise and the best ingredients to bring you first-rate pizza and Italian food, every time. With a focus on pizza for everyone, Dough offers 12 alternative health-giving bases, from turmeric to hemp, grano arso, multigrain and more, alongside traditional sourdough. Gluten-free and vegan pizzas are a particular speciality. You’ll find all the classics from margheritas to marinaras alongside pizza parcels, star-shaped pizzas and gourmet specials such as The King with mozzarella, sautéed porcini mushrooms in white wine, Argentinian king prawns slow-cooked in smoked paprika, rocket pesto, truffle oil, pink pepper, parsley and lime zest, based on seaweed dough. Warm, family-friendly service, dough-spinning entertainment and plenty of Italian charm ensures that any visit to Dough is memorable.

THE MARLBOROUGH TAVERN 35 Marlborough Buildings, Bath BA1 2LY Tel: 01225 423731 Web: marlborough-tavern.com Located a stone’s throw from the Royal Crescent, The Marlborough Tavern combines the atmosphere of a local pub with the food quality of a top restaurant, making it a firm favourite in Bath. The menu is essentially English in character, and uses local produce to create great-tasting, simple dishes where the quality of the produce speaks for itself. The Marlborough has held two AA rosettes for food quality since 2009, and the pub features in both The Good Food Guide and the Michelin Guide. Outside, it boasts what is arguably Bath’s finest pub garden – a walled courtyard space that’s just perfect for al fresco lunching and drinking with good friends.

MA CUISINE KITCHEN & BISTRO 3–4 St Saviour’s Road, Larkhall, Bath BA1 6RT Tel: 01225 312959 Web: macuisine.co.uk Brigitte and Christophe Lacroix, have run their gourmet ready-meals business since 2012, have recently opened a lovely little bistro to complement their popular store in the heart of Larkhall. From Ma Cuisine's beloved kitchen, highly respected chef Christophe creates beautiful dishes using local ingredients wherever possible with no additives, no preservatives and no colourings. Their take-away ready meals are, as always, spectacularly good; all handmade in small batches and then fast-frozen to retain all the freshness, goodness and flavour. As they are frozen, they are ready to pop in the oven or microwave so you can enjoy the classic flavours of France without all the effort. Ma Cuisine’s gourmet French meals are also available to buy online for free local delivery and national shipping.

THE BRASSERIE AT LUCKNAM PARK Lucknam Park Hotel & Spa, Colerne SN14 8AZ Tel: 01225 742777 Web: lucknampark.co.uk Set among the 500-acre Lucknam Park estate, The Brasserie at Lucknam Park is a contemporary and stylish restaurant perfect for morning coffee and pastries, light lunches, al fresco dining and informal dinners. With a light and airy interior, this restaurant makes an ideal place to while away the hours in relaxed surroundings. Take a stroll through the elegant walled gardens, soak in the scenic views and choose from a full seasonal à la carte menu. Head chef, Thomas Westerland, recently awarded National Chef of Wales 2018, creates a varied menu using fine, local produce wherever possible. Open daily from 7am to 10pm, and located adjoining the ESPA spa, you can stop off as you enjoy a day of relaxation and rejuvenation.

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FIREHOUSE ROTISSERIE 2 John Street, Bath BA1 2JL Tel: 01225 482070 Web: firehouserotisserie.co.uk Firehouse Rotisserie has been one of the most popular independent restaurants in Bath for 20 years. Voted by Channel 4 as one of the top five American restaurants in the UK, it has been recommended by GQ, Tatler, and The Daily Mail. It is the only genuine rotisserie restaurant in this part of the country, boasting a blend of authentic Californian and south western American flavours using ancho, guajillo, chipotle and pasilla chiles as well as more familiar herbs and spices. In addition to its delicious free-range rotisserie chicken, the Firehouse is known for its range of exciting and luxurious gourmet brick-fired pizzas, and classic American deli burgers. Located on a quiet street just off the main shopping area, the cosy and relaxed atmosphere has a bustling open kitchen where diners can watch the food being cooked to order.

THE DISPENSARY AT NO.15 GREAT PULTENEY 15 Great Pulteney Street, Bath BA2 4BR Tel: 01225 807015 Web: no15greatpulteney.co.uk

THE CHEQUERS 50 Rivers Street, Bath BA1 2QA Tel: 01225 360017 Web: thechequersbath.com Situated just a short walk away from The Circus and The Royal Crescent, The Chequers is a beautiful little gastropub that serves seriously good food. It delivers top-quality restaurant standard dishes in the convivial atmosphere of a friendly pub. It has a selection of beautifully crafted, down-to-earth pub classics. Diners can eat either downstairs in the traditional bar area or in the upstairs restaurant – this features a window into the kitchen so you can see the chefs at work. There’s an impressive list of wines and local ales and ciders.

Downstairs in The Dispensary, the food is simple yet refined, with influences from around the world. This is the relaxed restaurant of No.15 Great Pulteney and it’s open every day for breakfast, from Tuesday to Sunday for dinner, along with monthly supper clubs and a weekend offering of a much-loved Sunday brunch. Each dish is carefully created to let the quality of the ingredients shine and to complement the unique setting. Expect to see the likes of slow braised short rib of beef with kohlrabi slaw and pomegranate molasses; and passionfruit baked Alaska with raspberry curd on the menu.

NOYA’S KITCHEN 7 St James’s Parade, Bath BA1 1UL Tel: 01225 684439 Web: noyaskitchen.co.uk Noya’s Kitchen serves up delicious Vietnamese home cooking in a stylish and beautiful Grade II listed building in central Bath. Noya’s five-course supper clubs have long been one of the hottest dining tickets in Bath, with advance bookings essential. Now Vietnamese food lovers have the chance to drop in and enjoy delicious dishes like bún chà and summer rolls Tuesday–Saturday from 12–3pm, and pho Tuesdays from 6–9pm. Noya’s ethos on menus is refreshingly different, and she posts her weekly lunchtime menu on her social media feed and on blackboards in the restaurant. The menu changes regularly depending on locally sourced ingredients, the weather and Noya’s inspiration. Book online, or call in. You’ll be warmly welcomed.

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LE CHEF PRIVÉ Email: info@lechefprive.co.uk Web: lechefprive.co.uk Since retiring from the well-loved restaurant Casanis, chef Laurent Couvreur offers personal services for special occasions. From cheffing on board Northabout in the Arctic for adventurer David Hempleman-Adams, to recreating favourite restaurant dishes in local homes, Laurent uses wonderful local produce to recreate his southern French style of cooking with a twist. Le Chef Privé takes all the stress out of your dinner parties, presenting awardwinning restaurant quality food in the comfort of your own home. Chef Laurent proudly reads us a note from one of his customers: “Thank you for a truly wonderful evening, I cannot imagine a better way to have celebrated my birthday. The food was (unsurprisingly) marvellous and the entire evening flowed beautifully, from canapés to dessert. All our guests have expressed their delight at the dinner.” He adds, “We look forward to bringing incredible flavours and a ray of French sunshine to our diners homes.”

CAFÉ LUCCA

NOURISH 1 Beaufort West, London Road, Bath BA1 6QB Tel: 01225 422033 Web: nourishbath.co.uk Established by owner Robbie Tack in late 2017, to create Bath’s first truly vegan restaurant, Nourish offers a 100 per cent plant-based menu that’s packed with flavour and seasonal produce – no meat, fish, dairy, processed soya or rapeseed products used here. The menu is delicious and well-constructed, with dishes including: laksa curry, with roasted peppers, pineapple salsa and toasted cashew nuts. One of the house specials – Nourish banana blossom (a take on ‘Fish and chips), lightly battered with pea purée, tartar sauce and triple cooked chips – has been on the menu since Nourish opened. The menu is packed with so many beautiful as well as exotic delights; the fantastic Korean kimchi taco is a musttry starter alongside or seared king oyster ‘scallops’. Desserts include rainbow cheesecake and rhubarb delight with turmeric custard and coconut cream chantilly. Set in a bright, airy building on the leafy stretch of the London Road the restaurant is a vibrant yet comfortable and relaxing place for diners or for those just stopping by for a drink at the bar. Nourish has gained immense popularity, not only among vegans, but also impressing diners who are V-curious, as well as those who generally follow a more sustainable way of life.

1–2 Bartlett Street, Bath BA1 2QZ Tel: 01225 333844 Web: cafelucca.co.uk Café Lucca revives and relaxes in equal measure. It serves wonderful food in a welcoming environment, offering freshly ground coffee and a light breakfast in the mornings, lunch from a selection of brightly coloured salads and bruschetta and panini, or an array of tempting cakes for afternoon tea. This is the perfect place for catching up with friends, or as a respite from shopping and is one of Bath’s favourite places to see people and be seen. Deliciously fresh, modern Italian style/Mediterranean food is served in the elegant and spacious surroundings of The Loft. All the fresh produce and Italian products are from small local family suppliers. Situated in a traffic-free street in Bath’s boutique quarter, the restaurant is just two minutes’ walk from Milsom Street and the Fashion Museum. And when the sun shines there are tables outside from where one can watch the world stroll by.

THE HARE & HOUNDS Lansdown Road, Bath BA1 5TJ Tel: 01225 482682 Web: hareandhoundsbath.com Situated in a stunning location high on Lansdown Hill with glorious views over the Bath countryside. Open for breakfast Monday to Friday from 8.30am and from 9am on Saturday and Sunday, The Hare & Hounds serves home-cooked seasonal food all day, every day. Enjoy the likes of crab croquettes, fennel, romesco and lemon, followed by pan-fried bream fillet with Isle of Wight tomatoes, fennel and leek purée, sourdough croutons and Brixham crab. A dark chocolate brownie with blackberries, hazelnuts and vanilla ice cream makes a tempting finale. Only a mile from town, it feels like a world away in beautiful countryside. Its location is perfect for visitors heading to or from the M4 motorway to the north of Bath.

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COMPTOIR + CUISINE 5 George Street, Bath BA1 2EJ Tel: 01225 684733 Web: comptoirpluscuisine.com Comptoir+Cuisine serves coffee, juice, croissants and pastries, making it the perfect spot for breakfast, a mid-morning snack, or as a welcome respite from the hustle and bustle – to sit and read, or to catch up with friends or colleagues. For lunch and dinner, enjoy nibbles, cheese and charcuterie boards, including the popular baked camembert cheeses, as well as salads and a delicious range of tapas-style French sharing plates featuring meat, fish, cheese and extensive vegetarian options. Comptoir+Cuisine also offers a selection of Grower Champagnes by the glass, as well as beer and wine. For those who fancy a sweet treat, there is a tasty selection of macaroons and gateaux on offer too. These taste even better when enjoyed with a glass of crisp Grower Champagne for afternoon tea.

THE OVEN PIZZERIA 3 and 4 Seven Dials, Saw Close, Bath BA1 1EN Tel: 01225 311181 Web: theovenpizzeria.co.uk

THE ITALIAN FOOD HALL 8 Edgar Buildings, George Street, Bath BA1 2EE Tel: 01225 334127 Web: theitalianfoodhall.com The Italian Food Hall is an award-winning, independent, speciality food store and deli that brings the very best foods from small producers in Italy straight to the centre of Bath. From Italian delicacies to traditional family favourites it has delicious fresh cheeses, cured meats, wonderful wines and liqueurs, the very best pasta sauces and pasta plus gluten-free and vegan options too. Go and grab a bite to eat or take away a fresh panini and coffee. It also runs monthly supper clubs and drop-in Italian conversation classes over breakfast discover a little piece of Italy here in Bath!

As one of the original artisan pizzerias in Bath, The Oven has established an outstanding reputation, specialising in authentic Neapolitan pizza. Led by head chef Fabrizio Mancinetti – winner of Pizza Chef of the Year 2016 – the team create their delicious pizzas in the open kitchen, which are then baked in the traditional wood-fired oven. The dough is made using Fabrizio’s secret recipe, and proved for 36–40 hours. Goodquality ingredients are essential and are simple, fresh and seasonal, sourced from local suppliers as well as selected Italian ones. The Oven offers authentic artisan pizza in a vibrant, friendly atmosphere.

GREAT WESTERN WINE Wells Road, Bath BA2 3AP Tel: 01225 322810 Web: greatwesternwine.co.uk Great Western Wine is an Aladdin’s Cave of over 1,000 of the world’s best wines, and 450 small batch spirits – including 150 gins at the last count. Beer lovers are well catered for with bottles from the best of the west country local brewers, such as Kettlesmith and Wiper & True. We love its modern, friendly approach backed up by old-fashioned service and advice. Wines and spirits are always open to taste and experienced staff are great at finding the perfect wine for you at any budget. Prices at every level are competitive and there’s always a good selection of special offers. Watch out for the bin-ends for the best bargains. The website and mail-order service is just as good for those further afield. Wine-tasting events, dinners and The Great Wine School are worth checking out – but get in quickly as they’re very popular and sell fast. You’ll find many of Great Western Wine’s wares in Bath’s best restaurants, hotels and pubs, as well as supplying Bath Rugby.

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INDEPENDENT SPIRIT OF BATH 7 Terrace Walk, Bath BA1 1LN Tel: 01225 340636 Web: independentspiritofbath.co.uk Established in 2013, Independent spirit of Bath is an independent specialist off-sales venue in the heart of Bath. Specialising in single malt whisky, artisan gins, the best UK and world craft beers. A dedicated whisky room houses a large range of single malt whiskies from Scotland and others from around the world. Private and scheduled events such as whisky tastings, gin masterclasses and cocktail masterclasses are hosted downstairs in the custom-built tasting room which can be hired out for exclusive events for up to 20 people.

THE IVY BATH BRASSERIE 39 Milsom Street, Bath BA1 1DS Tel: 01225 307100 Web: theivybathbrasserie.com The Ivy Bath Brasserie on Milsom Street offers relaxed yet sophisticated all-day dining. The large and elegant dining space is a place to see and be seen and the restaurant serves allencompassing, contemporary British menus for breakfast, weekend brunch, lunch, afternoon tea, and dinner, seven days a week. There is a roof terrace which is the perfect spot for al fresco dining from the a la carte menu. Hidden away on the first floor is The Baldwin Room, a private dining room seating up to 40 diners. The room is available for breakfast, lunch and dinner, as well as for drinks and canapés receptions for up to 70 guests. The room can be hired on its own or the whole first floor can be taken exclusively.

THE HOLBURNE GARDEN CAFÉ The Holburne Museum, Great Pulteney Street, Bath BA2 4DB Tel: 01225 388572 Web: holburne.org The Holburne Garden Café is only a 10-minute walk from the city centre and is one of the most beautiful contemporary spaces in Bath. Set within the grounds of the museum there is a seasonal menu offering light lunches and delicious cakes. The garden café is open from 5 – 9pm on the last Friday in the month and is a great place to relax with friends and enjoy the museum’s galleries out of hours.

CHEZ DOMINIQUE 15 Argyle Street, Bath BA2 4BQ Tel: 01225 463482 Web: chezdominique.co.uk Chez Dominique is a family-run restaurant serving local and seasonal French and European food. Included in The Good Food Guide 2019, they received Best French and Best Steak accolades at the Bath Good Food Awards 2017. Located on the beautiful Argyle Street just over Pulteney Bridge, the private dining room, comfortably seating eight, overlooks Pulteney Weir. They offer an á la carte menu, specials, Sunday roast, a carefully chosen wine list and a prix fixe menu at lunchtimes and in the early evenings. Enjoy great food and drink in a relaxing and friendly atmosphere.

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PEKING RESTAURANT 1–2 New Street, Kingsmead Square, Bath BA1 2AF Tel: 01225 466377 Web: pekingrestaurantbath.co.uk

KOFFMANN & MR. WHITE’S North Parade, Bath, BA1 1LF Tel: 01225 461603 Web: koffmannandwhitebath.com Since opening in 1985, this family-run, independent restaurant is the number-one choice for local, authentic Chinese food. The master chef has created an extensive menu of fresh, healthy and innovative dishes selected from Cantonese, Szechuan and Peking cuisines, using local ingredients wherever possible. As well as the traditional flavours of sweet and sour, ginger and spring onion, Peking also offers much-loved lobster and crab dishes. The chef also prepares special dishes on request. The friendly, skilled staff at Peking strive to provide a genuine Chinese experience with a promise to put their hearts and souls into everything they do.

Brought to you by culinary legends Marco Pierre White and his tutor and friend of over 30 years, Pierre Koffmann, the English French brasserie Koffmann & Mr. White’s serves classic dishes for the discerning customer. Quality, affordable food is served in the unpretentious yet stylish Georgian environment. Enjoy French classics such as French onion soup and Escargots à la Bourguignonne and English delights such as ox cheek or fish & chips. Cheeses by Alex James and sourdough by Richard Bertinet also make an appearance on the menu. Serving delicious food all day, every day from 12 noon, the brasserie is ideally located near Bath Abbey on North Parade.

BISTROT PIERRE Princes Buildings, 4 George Street, Bath BA1 2ED Tel: 01225 321840 Web: bistrotpierre.co.uk

BECKFORD BOTTLE SHOP 5–8 Saville Row, Bath BA1 2QP Tel: 01225 809302 Web: beckfordbottleshop.com The Beckford Bottle Shop is more than a wine shop. Set in one of the prettiest alleyways in Bath, it is a stunning venue to drop into for inventive small plate dining, accompanied by a great, very reasonably priced, glass of wine or two, served by local staff who really care about great hospitality. It opened at the end of 2018 to outstanding reviews in the national press and has quickly become the place for Bath locals to stop by and enjoy a light lunch or a quick bite with its new sandwich and salad menu.

Bistrot Pierre is the perfect location to enjoy authentic French bistrot food, combining great-value French provincial cooking with a relaxed and charming atmosphere. The popular one, two or three course prix fixe lunch offers exceptional choice and value for £10.95/£12.95/£14.95, or there’s an early evening fixed price menu at £15.95 for two courses. Every evening there’s even more to enjoy from the extensive evening menu. Dishes include home-made chicken liver parfait, crispy calamari and Bistrot classics such as slow-cooked boeuf bourguignon, steak frites and their famous crème brûlée as well as a range of lighter fish dishes and salads, freshly cooked by a team of talented chefs. At Bistrot Pierre there is something for everyone, including plenty of gluten-free, vegetarian and vegan dishes. Drinks include a wide selection of local real ales and gins, and an extensive wine list with wines from France and across the globe, most of which are available by the glass and bottle. A range of cocktails are available throughout the day, perfect as an aperitif or throughout your meal. So, whether you are on a shopping trip, lunching with friends, sightseeing, looking for a quick pre-theatre dinner, or having a celebratory dinner, you are always assured a warm welcome.

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KING WILLIAM PUB AND DINING ROOMS 36 Thomas Street, Bath BA1 5NN Tel: 01225 428096 Web: kingwilliampub.com King William Pub and Dining Rooms is just 15 minutes walk from Bath Abbey and is a destination for lovers of great food. Independently owned for over 13 years, it’s a good idea to book as this cosy little Georgian eatery is a favourite for locals and visitors. The huge picture windows are the perfect spot for people watching along the bustling street. The bar is well-stocked with locally brewed cask ales, 30 craft beers, Somerset ciders and an extensive and excellent wine list. The King William’s eponymous house ale is exclusively brewed by Danish master brewer Stig Anker Andersen. Cooking at the King William is about respect for the ingredients, which are sourced from the wealth of artisan producers found in and around Bath and the south west. Modern British in style, menus are fresh, seasonal and local. Two first-floor dining rooms offer a more intimate setting for private dining, special occasions or as one of Bath’s most romantic dining venues.

THE BROOK BAR & BISTRO AT BATH MILL LODGE RETREAT Bath Mill Lodge Retreat, Newton Road, Bath BA2 9JF Tel: 01225 333909 Web: darwinescapes.co.uk Escape the hustle and bustle to a tranquil location overlooking the beautiful Newton Brook when you visit The Brook Bar & Bistro on the outskirts of the city. This rustic eatery is quickly developing a reputation for excellence and is located on the grounds of five star holiday resort, Bath Mill Lodge Retreat. Owners Darwin Escapes have left no stone unturned in their pursuit of excellence; turning this 350 year old mill house into a modern and highly-rated venue which is open seven days a week serving breakfast from 9am until midday, afternoon and evening meals beginning served from 5–9pm. In between this, The Brook serves Costa Coffee and light refreshments and is a great place to catch up with friends or conduct business meetings.

THE SALAMANDER 3 John Street, Bath BA1 2JL Tel: 01225 428889 Web: bathales.com Just off Queen Square, this is a hidden gem of a pub, tucked away in Bath’s city centre – it’s small, snug and really traditional. Owned by Bath Ales and locally known as ‘The Sali’, The Salamander serves fresh Bath Ales cask-beer and classic pub food; the beer-battered fish and chips is very popular, as is the Sunday lunch menu. With delicious beer, great food and a charming character, find time to try out The Sali.

THE LOCKSBROOK INN 103 Locksbrook Road, Bath BA1 3EN Tel: 01225 427119 Web: thelocksbrookinn.com A beautiful, contemporary gastropub located beside the canal with extensive outside garden space. With plenty of decking and an outdoor bar, it’s the perfect spot to enjoy a glass of prosecco or a pint. The menu includes homemade burgers, sharing platters and classic pub dishes. Enjoy salt and pepper squid or share a charcuterie board before tucking into a crisp, hand-stretched pizza with spicy salami and cherry tomatoes. You won’t be able to say no to a dessert with the likes of vanilla and amaretti cheesecake, strawberries and white chocolate, and sticky toffee pudding gracing the menu. Open seven days a week for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Children’s menus are available. Dogs are welcome.

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THE OLD CROWN INN Kelston Road, Kelston, Bath BA1 9AQ Tel: 01225 423032 Web: oldcrownkelston.com Nestled in glorious countryside just a few miles west of Bath, The Old Crown Inn is a traditional English pub with a contemporary twist. With traditional stone fireplaces, polished wooden beams and rustic mirrors, customers visit to escape the commotion of surrounding cities. Serving a selection of pub classics using only fresh, local ingredients, the menu includes favourites such as poached salt cod and black bean spiced burger, but traditional diners might prefer the pie of the day or the great beer-battered fish and chips. With vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free options, there’s something for everyone and the kids’ menu and dog-friendly areas mean that all are is welcome. There’s also an award-winning garden with an outdoor bar where you can bask in the summer sun or enjoy celebrations with friends.

THE GRIFFIN INN Monmouth Street, Bath BA1 2AP Tel: 01225 420919 Web: thegriffinbath.co.uk Situated in the heart of Bath, The Griffin Inn is a lovely pub and guest house right on the doorstep of everything that the city has to offer. With famous attractions only minutes away, this is the ideal place to rest and relax after a day of exploring. Serving award-winning food at honest prices this is a typical foodie pub, the small, but distinct menu consists of innovative and exciting twists on traditional pub grub. On Sundays, the head chef serves a delicious roast, which is perfect for traditional diners. The bar is stocked with an enviable collection of spirits, and the selection of cask ales, lagers and ciders, alongside a cocktail list – featuring a great espresso martini, makes the bar an ideal spot to relax or partake in the city’s vibrant nightlife.

THE INN AT FRESHFORD The Hill, Freshford, Bath BA2 7WG Tel: 01225 722250 Web: theinnatfreshford.com This traditional 16th-century village pub is tucked away in pretty Freshford village, and has a welcoming and friendly atmosphere. Set in an idyllic location by the river, with breathtaking surrounding countryside, the Inn is full of historic charm, with old beams, open fires and antique curiosities, but has also been updated with a modern flavour. The food is great quality, homecooked pub favourites with with a twist, and always using local and seasonal produce wherever possible. The full menu is available every day and there’s a superb roast on Sundays. Separate children’s menu. Real ales, craft beers and an excellent wine list. At the rear is a flower-decked garden with outside bar and elevated views across the valley – a perfect place to spend a sunny day. Private dining available. Dogs welcome.

GARRICK’S HEAD 7–8 St John’s Place, Bath BA1 1ET Tel: 01225 318368 Web: garricksheadpub.com The Garrick’s Head pub and dining room was the former home of Beau Nash and is a grand building with stately proportions. Its location next to the Theatre Royal Bath always makes for an interesting and colourful crowd. Open every day from noon onwards, lunch and dinner are served in the bar, on the terrace or in the dining room. Menus are full of fresh seasonal ingredients and the style is modern British. The bar menu features pub classics prepared with respect and using the best regional ingredients, while the pre-theatre and à la carte menus are more fine-dining in style. Sunday roasts are served in the traditional style with all the trimmings, and children are occupied with complimentary gifts to keep them busy at the table. Booking is always advisable, especially at the weekend. Renowned for having the best fish and chips in Bath, the Garrick’s Head is also known for serving Bath chaps. Outside the spectacular floral displays from the hanging baskets and window boxes catch the sun – this is the perfect location to sit back and watch the hustle and bustle of Bath go by.

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VINO VINO 5-6 Saw Close, Bath BA1 1EN Tel: 01225 312341 Web: vinovinowinebar.co.uk Located a short distance from the Theatre Royal, Vino Vino is a sophisticated wine and cocktail bar with an informal, convivial atmosphere. There is an extraordinary array of choice from the carefully chosen wine list, with wines to suit all palates, many available by the glass. The unique cocktail list retains the balance between classic and signature concoctions, with the emphasis on creativity. Vino Vino offers a selection of cheeses, charcuterie and bar plates, all of which lend themselves perfectly to sharing with friends, continental style. Many of the cheeses are sourced locally in Somerset, from true artisan cheesemakers. Outside there is a large al fresco terrace that is the perfect place to relax with a glass of wine and some good food while watching the world go by.

TAPAS REVOLUTION 20A St Lawrence Street, Bath BA1 1AN Tel: 01225 312917 Web: tapasrevolution.com Say ‘Hola’ to this fully authentic Spanish café, bar and restaurant serving great tapas, vino and cervezas. From albondigas to zarzuela via chorizo, calamares, tortilla, gambas, jamón and churros. This is the perfect venue to enjoy the Spanish culinary culture of sharing, socialising and eating.

FIDEL RUM BAR 3 Trim Bridge, Bath BA1 1HD Tel: 01225 426735 A recent addition to Bath’s bar scene, Fidel Rum Bar has shown that rum isn’t just for pirates. With over 60 rums, Fidel is able to cater to all tastes. It has something for everyone. It’s not a Cuban bar despite the name, so the music is always changing and interesting. The decor is an eclectic mix of funky sofas, pictures of Fidel and pink zebras. The bar staff are knowledgeable and happy to answer any questions, whether about the fantastically colourful cocktails or their equally colourful attire. The cocktails are a collection of classics and homemade delights perfect for sipping while unwinding from the day or enjoying a romantic date. Fidel is a cool place to be.

THE RAVEN OF BATH 6–7 Queen Street, Bath BA1 1HE Tel: 01225 425045 Web: theravenofbath.co.uk The Raven is a lovely family-owned free house with a strong sense of its own indie spirit – “we can do exactly what we want to do, and we do!” so they cry on the website. Straddling two Georgian town houses on a quiet cobbled lane a few steps from bustling Milsom Street, it’s a traditional sort of place – you won’t find loud music, slot machines or giant TV screens here. Fancy a bite? Go with a piping-hot pie, made with the best local meat and veg, on a bed of buttery mustard mash and gravy. There are the classics, of course, like beef and Raven ale, steak and blue, and chicken and mushroom, as well as the amusingly named Kevin Vegan (mushroom, tomato and red wine with baby onions and thyme) and gluten-free options to boot.

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CITY | NEWS

CITYNEWS GIRL FRIDAY IN BATH

RAISING FUNDS

ROBO TECH

Are you in need of a helping hand? Suzanne Hunt is a selfemployed Girl Friday who is willing to take on a wide variety of tasks. She has over 30 years’ experience of marketing and administration for all types of companies and offers services such as PA/administration, project management, household management as well as cleaning and ironing to help busy people run their homes. Suzanne does everything from invoicing and diary management to sourcing contractors for household maintenance projects. girlfridayplus.net

Mowbray Woodwards has raised £3,500 for its chosen charity Southside. The Bathbased charity supports families dealing with problems such as domestic abuse, mental health difficulties, financial and housing issues. By providing on-going support Southside helps individuals and families to make positive changes in their lives. Staff have been fundraising over the last 18 months and have found creative ways to raise money, including a bake-off cake sale, dress-down days, a Christmas raffle, and a Christmas jumper day. Five staff members also took part in the Bath Half marathon, collecting sponsorship which was matched by the firm’s partners. Mowbray Woodwards also supported Southside with their Christmas shoebox appeal, collecting essential items plus toys, giftsets and books for families in crisis. mowbraywoodwards.co.uk

Mogers Drewett has welcomed a T-Impact robot to its team, putting the law firm at the forefront of innovative robotics technology adoption. Steven Treharne, who led the project, said, “The legal profession has a reputation for being old-fashioned and ‘stuffy’, but the consumer demands for efficiency and speed apply to the law sector too. Technologybased solutions and robotics help us meet these demands while giving our legal experts more time to concentrate on their core business.” The T-Impact robot will support the firm with client onboarding, opening files and carrying out money laundering compliance checks. mogersdrewett.com

SMART CITY

NEW CEO

The Bath Business Improvement District has launched the Smart City Project. This initiative has been developed in response to requests from Bath BID levy payers who seek a fuller understanding of visitors to the city centre. The project will provide insight for businesses about the demographics of the people who visit Bath and their general spending patterns and movements around the city. Bath BID is working with consultancy Movement Strategies who are collating the new information to supplement the footfall and sales data that the Bath BID already receives. bathbid.co.uk

Citizens Advice BANES have announced the appointment of Leslie Redwood as the new CEO of the Bath and North East Somerset community service. The charity is celebrating 80 years of trusted advice and service to the region, providing free, confidential, high-quality, impartial advice to local residents. citizensadvicebanes.org.uk

Did You Know?

The Bath BID has launched its Smart City Data Project. will In the coming months, it provide additional insights into the city’s performance.

BATH BUSINESS BAROMETER UPDATE: APRIL 2019

provided by

High Street Footfall (Month on month % change)

n Footfall in April was up 5.5% on March, and Easter 2019 was strong with an increase of 12.5% over 2018 – no doubt aided by the sunny weather. Sales over the last BID fiscal year have risen in Bath by 4.2%, significantly higher than in the UK (0.5%). Interestingly it is the food and beverage sector that has performed best over the last year at 7.6%, relative to retail at 2.8%. June in Bath comes with a wealth of events kicking oﬀ the summer. The Bath Fringe and Fringe Arts Bath events run until 9 June, and Bath on the Beach in Royal Victoria Park starts up on 14 June. There’s so much more – check out the Bath BID events calendar on bathbid.co.uk for details.

Bath

+5.5% South West UK

+12.6%

+5.4% Springboard Research Ltd.

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Sorting the school holidays when separated

Whilst the school holidays provide lots of time to have fun as a family, there’s always lots to think about; juggling childcare and work commitments, deciding whether to travel and thinking of ways to keep the children entertained. This can be particularly difficult if you are co-parenting following separation, so being prepared is key and making arrangements early can help. Here are some key tips and things to consider to ensure everyone enjoys the time away from school. What would the Court say? Generally speaking, if both parents are loving and caring and have been involved in a child’s upbringing, the Court will recognise that the child will benefit from quality time with both parents. As such, parents may wish to alternate school holidays or split them and if they are able to discuss this directly, it means that more flexible arrangements can be made. Where can we holiday? If you’re taking your child on holiday in England or Wales during your contact time then you do not need permission of the other parent. However, it’s always recommended to provide details about where you’re going, for how long and who to contact in an emergency. When it comes to taking your child out of the country, if you do not have a Child Arrangements Order recording that the child lives with you, permission from everyone with parental responsibility must be obtained before going abroad. Without permission, which should be granted in a formal letter, it’s a criminal offence to take your child abroad. It’s also important to check the legal situation of your holiday destination before you travel; some countries require you to take written parental permission and proof of your relationship to the child with you. If you have a Child Arrangements Order, you will also need to take this with you. What if we’re finding it difficult to come to an arrangement? The first step would be to engage with a professional to facilitate a constructive discussion. For situations where this is unsuccessful, expert solicitors can assist and, if required, make an application to Court. For more information and advice about your specific circumstances, please visit www.mogersdrewett.com

ocl A C C O U N TA N C Y

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Employing family members – will HMRC object?

Employing family members can be tax efficient, but will HMRC challenge you employing your husband, wife, civil partner or your children? The good news: HMRC doesn’t automatically disallow the deduction of wages that you pay to your family; they consider family ties to be irrelevant when it comes to who you employ and pay. HMRC will, however, look to see if the expense is ‘Wholly and Exclusively’ for the purpose of the trade & if not, then the wages will not be allowed as a tax deduction. ‘Wholly and exclusively’ in this context means that the sole purpose for incurring the expense is that of your trade, profession or vocation. HMRC state that there “must be equal pay, for equal value” and so your family member must only be paid a wage appropriate to the work they do. If you create a role within you company for a family member, HMRC will see the wage as an acceptable deduction, as long as the job created serves a necessary function and they are paid a fair rate for their services. Examples of this could be employing your partner as a secretary or hiring your teenage children to valet the director’s car. If you keep complete and up to date records, it will be harder for HMRC to raise an objection to the employment and disallow the deduction. You should record the employment as for any other employee, for example: • Provide a contract of employment; • Following the auto enrolment procedures for work-based pension schemes; • Include them on the payroll. These support the argument that the employment is for the trade, rather than a way of extracting tax-free money from the company.

For tax saving tips contact us – call Marie Maggs, Tom Hulett or Mike Wilcox on 01225 445507 for a no-obligation meeting. See our website for more. BE READY FOR MAKING TAX DIGITAL

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Elizabeth Dowler, Solicitor - FamilyTeam at Mogers Drewett

Call Marie Maggs, Tom Hulett or Mike Wilcox on 01225 445507 to arrange a no-obligation meeting

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A.L.F.A. LANGUAGE SCHOOL FRANCE

HOST FAMILIES REQUIRED Would you like to host French students? Ages 11-17 Saturday 13th July – Friday 2nd August One Student – £545 Two Students in Room Share – £1030 Two Students in 2 Rooms – £1090 For further information please contact Mrs Susie Houston on 0777 379 2866 or email: susie.houston.alfa@gmail.com

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GUEST | COLUMNIST

Technology for good

Fiona Cromwell explains the valuable work of Designability, a national charity based in Bath that designs and engineers assistive technology for people with a disability or long-term health condition aware of the severe lack of suitable medical products available to professionals. Kenneth Lloyd-Williams shared this concern, aware that some of his colleagues were already designing some of their own surgical equipment. The pair embarked on a mission to create a platform for engineers and clinicians to design and develop medical equipment. They aimed to draw on the expertise and resources of as many individuals as possible to ensure their products really worked.

❝

Designability designs as equal partners with their beneficiaries who are the true experts in what will help to transform their lives

❝

very one of us uses assistive technology in our day-to-day lives. When I get into my car, I wear a pair of glasses that enable me to see clearly so that I can drive safely. At work, I use a computer that gives me the digital tools that I need to perform my job efficiently. If I wear a pair of tight shoes for a social event, I can use a shoe horn to ease them on comfortably. For most of the tasks I need to carry out, there is generally a simple solution that exists in the mainstream market that meets my requirements. Even more helpfully, it’s generally affordable. For many of the problems and challenges that people face, however, there is a distinct lack of something appropriate, convenient or obtainable. For someone with a disability, there is not always an off-the-shelf method or product that suits their needs. Or, there is, but it comes with a hefty price tag. That’s where Designability comes in. This Bath-based national charity, where I work as a marketing officer, designs and engineers assistive technology for people with a disability or a long-term health condition. The charity was first established in 1968 as the Bath Institute of Medical Engineering when the famous inventor and engineer, Bevan Horstmann, and local consultant surgeon, Kenneth Lloyd-Williams, became

This is still at the heart of what Designability does today. Our team of product designers, mechanical engineers, occupational therapists and workshop

An older infant carrier design by Designability that will be updated for 2020

technicians collaborate to develop solutions to real-life problems. They work closely with disabled people, their family and health professionals to understand an unmet need and begin a journey towards a helpful product that will make a difference. This is what is so unique about Designability: the company designs as equal partners with their beneficiaries who are the true experts in what will help to transform their lives. One of Designability’s main objectives is providing people with greater independence. A project in development is an infant carrier for parents who use manual wheelchairs. The new design will provide manual wheelchair users with the ability to transport their young children independently. The first step is to engage with parents, grandparents and parents-to-be to understand the functionality, features and design aspects that will work for them. This user-engagement stage is crucial to ensure that the company finds the best fit for people before the prototype is built. Once a prototype is ready, a small group of wheelchair users will be asked to test the design at home to see how it works for them. Following this important feedback, the design of the wheelchair infant carrier can be refined until it meets what people need. The first phase of work has explored the key challenges for wheelchair users when carrying babies and established the key requirements for the infant carrier. These have included wanting a contemporary and discreet design, having the option for the infant carrier to be forward- or rear-facing, having a carrier that is quick and easy to attach and detach, and within easy reach. There has also been a request that the infant carrier can be manoeuvrable when both attached and detached from the wheelchair. The current focus is on carrying out some

Fiona Cromwell

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technical feasibility studies, looking at the attachment mechanism and the wheel configuration as well as reviewing the standards and regulations that will apply. The initial user group will welcome new recruits and will remain at the heart of the project, with the chance to have an input on each design iteration, until the product has been completed. Once finished, the infant carrier will be made available to families across the UK through a loan scheme supported by fundraising. The lifespan of such a product is quite limited and the focus is to be able to deliver this much-needed product to people at no cost, for as long as they can benefit. This charitable model has already had great success with Designability’s early-years powered-mobility wheelchair. The Wizzybugpowered wheelchairs were designed in 2007 for disabled children under five and are available free, thanks to a loan scheme confirmed in 2011. What started as an initial trial of ten Wizzybugs in the south west has grown to a fleet of over 400, which have helped nearly 700 children countrywide. The service has recently been expanded into Northern Ireland, giving even more boys and girls their first set of wheels along with their first taste of independence, powered mobility and freedom. The human-centred design process is the real focus of Designability’s work. It is through people’s views, experiences and opinions that the company can build a reliable, functional and desirable product. We feel proud that every new product has a positive impact on people who are facing challenges every day. And while Designability target specific problems that disabled individuals face, a design will often solve a problem that many of us experience. As a charity, this work is dependent on voluntary donations. The charity forms partnerships with commercial companies so as to benefit as many people as possible, and any product royalties received are ploughed back into future research and development. What’s really exciting is that we don’t always know what’s coming next. What new technology might we be able to apply to solve a real world problem? Which design idea might improve someone’s life for the better? We’ve been enabling happiness for over 50 years and are looking forward to what the next 50 will bring. n

Photograph Danielle Smith Photography

GUEST | COLUMNIST

Designability’s Wizzybug-powered wheelchair has helped nearly 700 children in the UK

designability.org.uk If you would like to participate in the wheelchair infant carrier project, contact Nina Evans on 01225 824107 or email ninaevans@designability.org.uk The Bath Dragon Boat Race takes place on 8 September at Bath Riverside. Designability is looking for volunteers to enter as a team and help raise money to support its work. Email: thedragon@designability.org.uk

The Wizzybug-powered wheelchair in design development

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FAMILY | EVENTS

Family diary IDEAS FOR THINGS TO DO WITH THE CHILDREN THIS MONTH THE FESTIVAL OF NATURE Saturday 1 June, 11am–6pm n Green Park Bringing nature to life in the heart of the city, this year’s Festival of Nature promises to be bigger and better than ever. Make insectthemed willow crafts, get advice on how to make your garden a friend for nature and even try your hand at angling. Plus, hear all about the latest animal research going on at the University of Bath. Free; festivalofnature.org.uk

Take on 3km of mud, obstacles and fun at Mud Kids

FRIDAY FUN NIGHT Friday 7 June, 6–8pm n Avon Valley Adventure and Wildlife Park, Keynsham Have a late-night play in the barn and the outdoor adventure area and enjoy a BBQ or pizza indoors. Last entry to the park is at 7pm. Free for Active Annual Pass holders. Standard admission prices; avonvalley.co.uk MUD KIDS Saturday 8 June, 9am–4pm n Corston Drive, Newton Park Run up steep banks, down hills and through woodlands while enjoying the carefully curated obstacles throughout the 3km muddy trail. Expect climbing walls, crawling stations, great big belly-laugh-inducing slides, piles of hay bales to navigate, and intricate spiders’ webs to wiggle through. Plus, a whole lot of mud and a medal to take home. Suitable for those over four. Supervision is required for children between four and eight years; mudkids.co.uk FAMILY TAKEOVER DROP-IN Saturday 8 June, 11am–2pm n The Edge, University of Bath Take part in a this fun, free and informal creative activities session. Whether you stay for ten minutes or an hour, get stuck into drawing and making in the resource room with artist educator Victoria Willmott. Suitable for ages four to 12 years; edgearts.org KIDZ ART Saturday 8 June, 2–3.30pm n Wiltshire Scrapstore, Lacock Get in touch with your inner artist and get creative using different materials and mediums to the usual holiday art club. Suitable for ages three to 11 years. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Booking essential. £7; wiltshirescrapstore.co.uk

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THE WONDERFUL WORLD OF LAUREN CHILD Sunday 9 June, 12–4pm n The Holburne Museum Join in with an afternoon full of fun, creative activities inspired by Lauren Child’s current display at the museum. And, if you fancy it, go dressed as your favourite character for some added fun. Suitable for all the family. Free; holburne.org THE OWL AND THE PUSSYCAT Wednesday 12–13 June, 10am and 11.15am n The egg Sail away in a pea-green boat to where the Bong Tree grows and explore true love in this adaptation of Edward Lear’s classic poem. Running time 45 minutes. £4. Lap seats are available for ages up to six months for £1. Suitable for ages six months to four years; theatreroyal.org.uk MEN BEHAVING DADLY Saturday 15 June, 9–10.30am n St Swithin’s Church, The Paragon Head to the crypt, meet other dads and have some quality time with your little one. There are toys, games, toast for the kids and coffee and bacon butties for the dads. £3 per dad. Pre-school children only; stswithinswalcot.org.uk BOWOOD’S TREASURE ISLAND DAY Saturday 15 June, all day n Bowood House & Gardens

Visit some pirates who have docked their ship nearby, take part in a treasure trail, dress up as a pirate and enjoy the inflatable pirate slide. Normal house and gardens admissions apply. Complimentary to season ticket holders; bowood.org FATHER’S DAY Sunday 16 June, 10am–6pm n Avon Valley Adventure and Wildlife Park, Keynsham Celebrate the bogeyman-chasers, chauffeurs, toy-finders, keepers of remote controls, nurses, hairstylists and tucker-in’ers. Dads pay £1 when accompanying a full paying child. Grandads and great grandads included; avonvalley.co.uk HONK! THE MUSICAL Tuesday 18–23 June, times vary n The egg This heartwarming reimagining of The Ugly Duckling tells the story of a plucky little bird who gets picked on by the other farmyard animals because he’s different. A muscial egg-stravaganza bursting with puppetry, magic, illusions and water guns. Adults £9, children £8. Running time two hours and 15 minutes. Lap seats are available for ages up to six months for £1.50. Suitable for all ages; theatreroyal.org.uk FOREST OF IMAGINATION Thursday 20–24 June, times vary n The Holburne Museum, Sydney Gardens, Great Pulteney Street and Laura Place

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FAMILY | EVENTS

Lose yourself in your creations at the Forest of Imagination

Find out lots about nature at Bath’s Festival of Nature

Back for its sixth year, the Forest of Imagination will be transforming areas in the city into architectural artworks and sensory installations suitable for all ages. Enjoy free, fantastical forest and outdoor galleries in the city; forestofimagination.org.uk BIG FAMILY MUSIC DAY Saturday 22 June, 10am n Wiltshire Music Centre, Bradford on Avon Enjoy a jam-packed day full of fun with all the family. Don’t miss the live stage featuring some of Wiltshire’s best young musical talent and various activities throughout the day. £6,

£3 for under 18s and students; wiltshiremusic.org.uk MAKE AND PLAY Thursday 27 June, 10–11.30am n Wiltshire Scrapstore, Lacock Enter an imaginative world and create whatever comes to mind. Different materials will be provided to ensure creativity, exploration and messy play. Enjoy a free goodie bag of scrap to take home. Suitable for ages 18 months to four years. Younger children also welcome. Parent supervision required. Tickets £5.50; wiltshirescrapstore.co.uk

SUPERPIRATES Friday 28 June, 10.30am n Komedia Toddlers are taking over Komedia as SuperPirates transforms the dancefloor into a fun-filled playroom. You’ll be building dens, playing crazy games, letting off confetti cannons and having a super wild time. Plus, transform your face with free facepainting that will be available. Play mats and toys will be available for babies and there will be plenty of space for buggies and feeding. Tickets purchased on the door only. Adults and newborns go free, children £4; komedia.co.uk n

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EDUCATION NEWS

NEW HEADS FOR MILLFIELD Millfield Prep School has appointed Mike Jory as head of Millfield Pre-Prep and Alexandra Haydon as deputy head (academic), both beginning in September 2019. Mike is currently the head of Draycott and Rodney Stoke C of E First School and Pre-school and Shipham C of E First School and Pre-school. Alexandra is currently senior teacher and head of science at St Mary’s Calne, Wiltshire. millfieldschool.com

STUDENTS MAKE WOOLLY FRIENDS Monkton Pre-Prep now have two woolly male alpacas living in the Pre-Prep paddock. After a few weeks of settling in, Bracus and Laden are increasingly willing to interact with the school’s youngest children, aged two to seven years. They have also attracted the attention of the older pupils passing by to play matches on the astro and parents arriving for pick up. The new residents look very at home in Monckton’s wonderful estate overlooking the Midford Valley. monktoncombeschool.com

SPECIALIST SPORTS FOR PUPILS All Hallows School has introduced a specialist sports performance programme for athletic development called Body Armour. This is an inclusive voluntary programme, open to all pupils in Year 7, but soon to expand to other year groups. The programme aims to assist pupils in becoming less injury prone, developing fundamental skills for strength and conditioning, sprint mechanics, and working on individual power and speed. allhallowsschool.co.uk 76 TheBATHMagazine

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Design by Sarah Wilkinson

UNDER GRADUATE EXHIBITION The annual Bath School of Art and Design Undergraduate Degree Show takes place from 8–16 June. Featuring work from 3D design, contemporary arts practice, creative arts, fine art, photography, graphic communication and textile design students, there is a diverse range of innovative work on show. The exhibition, which is free to attend, will be open to the public daily at Bath Spa University’s Sion Hill campus from 10am until 5pm. bathspa.ac.uk

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CITY | LEISURE

A creative forest

Forest of Imagination – a festival celebrating the creativity of young people – spreads its magical influence in the city from 20–24 June. Architects Feilden Clegg Bradley Studios have supported the event since it first started – Peter Clegg, Katie Shannon and Marcus Rothnie explain more

“

eilden Clegg Bradley Studios (FCB) support the Forest of Imagination (FOI) festival, partly because, as architects, school design forms an important and enjoyable part of our workload, and partly because as creative professionals we recognise the importance of nurturing creativity in young children, particularly in an era when art education in general is under threat. “Earlier this year, an in-depth study by the World Economic Forum placed ‘creativity’ third, after ‘complex problem solving’ and ‘critical thinking’, in a list of the top-ten attributes required by the job market in 2020. The value of creative education begins for us in the primary schools of our city, enhanced by the spirit of the Forest celebration. “As an architectural practice who grew up in the city and benefited hugely from our connections with the University of Bath School of Architecture, we also prosper from FOI. We have developed a tradition where our young graduates work on designing and making installations that help inspire the children, as visitors and participants. And they enjoy the challenge of designing and making something that lasts for a long weekend, giving them a break from a design process that can last years, when creating complex buildings. “Recently, our constructions have ended up being recycled and adopted by local primary schools and this year we plan to produce a pavilion for the Holburne Museum that will re-emerge for several summers to come. Long live the Forest festival!” PETER CLEGG, FOUNDER AND SENIOR PARTNER FCB

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Katie Shannon, architectural assistant at FCB, was involved in the design and build of street furniture used in Kingsmead Square over the FOI weekend in 2018. This year Katie is working with local schools to design a new project from waste. “Last year I was involved with FOI for the first time, and it was an eye-opening, inspirational experience – watching young people inhabit the temporary spaces and places created for the festival was a true joy. “This year our project has been conceived as a reaction to waste, in the construction industry and in our homes, by choosing to use a material considered by most to be ugly and worthless: single-use plastic. I came across Ecobricks – plastic bottles filled with the types of plastic waste we can’t recycle – in October last year when I read an article which discussed practical solutions to the plastic problem. I immediately saw their potential not only as a building material, but also as a vehicle for change. “Through our FOI installation, we want to encourage young people to recycle and to change their perceptions of plastic by using its worst attribute – the fact that it lasts forever – as a positive asset. Single-use plastics are durable, colourful and readily available and we want to use these properties to create a piece of inhabitable art that turns rubbish to resource. “In order to collect enough Ecobricks to make our installation, we enlisted children from local schools and scout groups including Larkhall Scouts, Hayesfield Girls School, Bathwick School, Swainswick School and Three Ways School to get involved. Our goal is to engage children to play an active role in the project, creating an installation

made of local waste by local people. Our hope is that the sculpture will help bring awareness to Ecobricks and single-use plastics, but we also aim to inspire lasting change in our wasteful shopping habits.” KATIE SHANNON, ARCHITECTURAL ASSISTANT, FCB

“For Forest of Imagination this year we are contributing to the Holburne Summer Pavilion, a ‘plastic pavilion’ that will be built in Sydney Gardens over the weekend. Made from 100% recycled plastic, it explores the possibilities of creating a refined and interesting stage for various events utilising the potential of its unusual materiality. “The scheme is designed as a ‘blank canvas of imagination’, providing a starting point for future creativity and exploration. This year, the pavilion will serve as an artistic statement, a stage and an outdoor classroom, celebrating imaginative learning, making and performance. We have embraced the refined versatility of fully recycled and recyclable plastic materials, including decorative plastic panels, lightweight recycled polycarbonate and plastic lumber, brought together in a structure with integrity and elegance. “Consisting quite simply of a plinth, roof structure and integrated walling informally placed on plan, the pavilion becomes a play object when not in presentation mode. The translucent properties of the plastics mean that it becomes a slightly ephemeral, engaging object in the refined green landscape of the Holburne Museum which plays with dappled sunlight and colour in fun and interesting ways.” MARCUS ROTHNIE, ARCHITECT, FCB

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CITY | LEISURE

FOREST OF IMAGINATION AND THE HOLBURNE • On June 20–24 the award-winning arts and design pop-up Forest of Imagination is teaming up with the Holburne Musuem to stage a festival of fantastical installations, creative workshops and sculptures designed to spark everyone’s imagination. • Laura Place and Great Pulteney Street will temporarily become a tree-lined promenade leading to a fantastical ‘portal’, by Piers Taylor and Charley Brentnall at the Holburne’s entrance, inviting visitors to explore its collections, exhibitions and parkland setting. • Sydney Gardens will be re-imagined as a 21st-century pleasure garden with a sustainable, temporary pavilion, along with innovative artworks and participatory workshops that extend up to the Kennet and Avon Canal. OTHER FOI HIGHLIGHTS • A giant lantern structure designed by Piers Taylor (Invisible Studio) and Charley Brentnall. • A 3D-soundscape created by Illustrious, led by Heaven 17’s Martyn Ware. • A nature-inspired virtual reality (VR) experience created by Anthony Head. • Storytelling workshops with children’s art charity The House of Fairy Tales. • Street Life to Wild Life, a series of temporary plantings by Grant Associates which highlight the value of nature in urban spaces. • Clay Forest 2 – a clay workshop with artist Clare Day designed to build a mini-forest of clay trees. • Inclusive workshops on the theme of ‘my imagination’ by Threeways School. • Installations by local artists and designers including Alison Harper, Jessica Palmer and Matthew Leece, and students from Bath Spa University. n Chef at the Marlborough Tavern, Jack Scaterfield forestofimagination.org.uk THEBATHMAG.CO.UK

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FATHER’S DAY

Dad’s gift guide Yes, it’s time to remember dad on 16 June, because he needs to have a fuss made of him just as much as mum. Here’s some inspiration... Silver racing car cufflinks, £125, Susannah Way info@swayjewellery.com swayjewellery.com

Cotswolds Single Malt Whisky, Founder’s Choice, Independent Spirit, 7 Terrace Walk, Bath independentspiritofbath.co.uk

For a limited time only, purchase any MusicCast AV Receiver or Soundbar with a MusicCast 20 and receive another MusicCast 20, worth £199, absolutely free paulgreenhifi.co.uk

Silver beer mugs, POA, Beau Nash, 31 Brock Street, Bath beaunashbath.com

Yamaha MusicCast 20 speakers, £199, Paul Green Hifi, Brassmill Lane, Brassmill Enterprise Centre, Bath paulgreenhifi.co.uk

Montblanc Messenger Bag, £430, Mallory, 1–5 Bridge Street, Bath mallory-jewellers.com

Halfeti Eau de Parfum, 100ml, £173, Penhaligon’s, 14 New Bond Street, Bath penhaligons.com

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FATHER’S DAY

Maui Jim Nautilus sunglasses, £289, Ellis and Killpartrick, 18 New Bond Street, Bath

Moscot Spirit Jared glasses with sunclip, £336, Kathryn Anthony, 16 Pierrepont St, Bath

ellisandkillpartrick.com

kathrynanthony.co.uk

Zodiac West Pendant* by Simon Harrison, gold plated sterling silver, £99, Alexandra May, 23 Brock Street, Bath alexandramay.com

Tincup American Whiskey, £47.95; Sazerac Rye Whiskey, £45.50; St George Terroir Gin, £45.50; Beckford Bottle Shop, 5–8 Saville Row, Bath beckfordbottleshop.com

Made in Bath, a book about the dynamic spirit of makers in Bath, £25, Mr B’s Emporium, 14–15 John Street, Bath madeinbath.co.uk

Chinese zodiac snake cufflinks by Simon Harrison, £195, Alexandra May, 23 Brock Street, Bath alexandramay.com

Cube Reaction Hybrid Pro 500, £2199, Take Charge Bikes, 1 Victoria Buildings, Lower Bristol Road, Bath takechargebikes.co.uk

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TRAVEL

A cool palette of greys and white sit alongside period features to create elegant and stylish interiors

HOMESTEAD UNDER THE STARS

North Cornwall boasts some of the best beaches to try out water sports such as stand-up paddle boarding at Newquay Activity Centre

Jessica Hope discovers the perfect combination of country and coast as she goes in search of the real Poldark at a Georgian manor house retreat in North Cornwall

Thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s plenty of space for kids and pooches to explore

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TRAVEL

s you wander through the luscious gardens of the Grade II listed property Treseren, right at the bottom you may come across the remains of an old rail track which once transported author Winston Graham from the bright lights of London to the Cornish seaside town of Perranporth in the 1920s. The rolling landscape, beautiful beaches and small-town living of North Cornwall soon inspired him to write the historical novel saga Poldark in the 1930s. It’s of some coincidence, then, that less than a century before Graham first passed Treseren on his travels, the property was once the home of a real-life Ross Poldark. Captain Middleton, a well-respected former military man and mine captain, moved into the house in 1841 and ran one of the most lucrative mines in Cornwall. Fans of Ross and Demelza can get a taster of what it would have been like to live as Poldark as Captain Middleton’s house is now available as a luxury holiday let. Just ten minutes from the coast, set in the countryside just outside of the village of St Newlyn East, Treseren is a secluded Georgian manor house, surrounded by two acres of gardens boasting bluebell-lined pathways, tree swings and wild strawberries. Having been carefully restored by owners Paul and Emma Caddis, who previously ran the award-winning Treann B&B in Padstow, the property is a stylish, contemporary space, offering self-catering accommodation for up to ten guests. The interiors are modern meets Georgian elegance, and you will find charming period features and Murano chandeliers alongside modern art and top-range appliances. The main property (Shepherds House) has four bedrooms, plus there’s a self-catering annex (Skye Cottage) for two people with its own open-plan kitchen and living area. The bedrooms, named after Middleton and his mining legacy, include super king-sized beds and one twin room, with French linen, original fireplaces, antique wardrobes, and far-reaching views across the countryside. One bedroom has an ensuite, and the main bathroom features a roll-top bath, a marbleclad walk-in rain shower, and organic aromatherapy toiletries from Mary’s Shed in Padstow. With plenty of mouths to feed, the kitchen does not disappoint. With a large island, American style fridge-freezer, double Smeg range cooker and gas hob – as well as an Aga in the winter – you might find there’s a fight on your hands over who plays Prudie in the kitchen. There’s all the crockery, pots and pans you would need for creating a banquet, and storecupboard essentials such as herbs, spices and baking ingredients. To make you feel right at home, Paul and Emma provide a locally sourced breakfast hamper from Great Cornish Food – an independent, local food store in Truro – featuring smoked bacon and sausages from down the road, St Ewe free-range eggs, Boddington’s Berries strawberry jam and

An ideal space for celebrations, Treseren can cater for intimate weddings, birthday celebrations and stylish hen parties

wholemeal bread. Plus you know you’re in Cornwall when you arrive to freshly made scones and Rodda’s clotted cream (it’s jam then cream on top in this county, remember). There are hours of exploration to be had in the gardens for the kids, with plenty of secret paths, tree swings and lawns to play on. For adults, chilled fizz and a barbecue on the patio are a must, and when the sun goes down there’s a fire pit to huddle around. There’s also a treehouse under construction, but sorry kids, we’re told it will soon house a gin bar. There’s also a ping pong table, ready for family tournaments. When the weather turns, the bookshelves in the sitting rooms are full of reading material and board games for all ages, and if you’re feeling like a sing-song, there’s even a glorious Bechstein piano, tuned by Elton John’s piano tuner, ready to be played. As well as offering luxury accommodation, Treseren is a exceptional location for a celebration to remember. Whether it’s a milestone birthday, anniversary or stylish hen party, owners Paul and Emma can organise a dinner menu with matching wine, or private chefs can be hired. The property is also licensed, so can cater for small, intimate weddings for up to 20 people, with exclusive use of the house and grounds for outdoor and indoor ceremonies. Despite being surrounded by the beauty of the Cornish countryside, this is an ideal location to soak up the sea air as the coast is just minutes away in the car. And by another stroke of serendipity, the property’s nearest beaches – Holywell Bay, Crantock and Perranporth – have all been used as filming locations for the latest BBC remake of Poldark, starring Aiden Turner. Translated from Cornish as a ‘homestead under the stars’, Treseren offers the ideal country and coastal getaway, Poldark fan or not. Whether it’s lazy summer days in the gardens, or cosy winter retreats in front of the wood-burning stove, this secluded spot is an idyllic way to recharge the batteries. n Stays for up to 10 people start from £1,350; treseren.co.uk

TOP THINGS TO SEE AND DO IN NORTH CORNWALL n From surfing to kayaking, coasteering to a Cornish castaway challenge, the award-winning Newquay Activity Centre offers more than 40 activities for all ages. Try stand-up paddle boarding – one of the world’s fastest growing watersports – on a super SUP (£45pp), where you can explore the coastline, learn about the ancient smugglers coves, and see the area’s vast array of wildlife. n Treseren is just a short drive away from some of Cornwall’s best restaurants including Jamie Oliver’s Fifteen Cornwall at Watergate Bay, and Rick Stein’s famous Seafood Restaurant and Paul Ainsworth’s Michelin starred Number 6 in Padstow. n A trip to Carnewas at Bedruthan, part owned by the National Trust, will certainly blow the cobwebs away. With a variety of walking trails to choose from, soak up the dramatic coastline between Padstow and Newquay and see the spectacular rock stacks. n Porth Reservoir near Newquay, cared for by South West Lakes Trust, is a designated bird sanctuary. Spot the owls, woodpeckers and kingfishers on the circular walk through the wildlife reserve. A great spot for families, bird watchers and anglers. n Celebrating its 50th birthday this year, Newquay Zoo encompasses 13 acres of lush tropical gardens. Discover some of the world’s endangered animals in the themed sections such as the African Savanna, Tropical House and Gems of the Jungle. There’s also an adventure playground, village farm and Dragon Maze.

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HEALTH & BEAUTY

HEALTH & BEAUTY NEWS A new text messaging support service to help in a crisis, staying hydrated in style, and a gift idea to say thanks to dad – Crystal Rose on the latest updates in the sector

WORK IT

TAKE A MOMENT

The Stila summer collection has landed and it’s all about enhancing your natural look and empowering you to boss whatever you’re doing. From the 12 Beauty Boss lip glosses to the party-perfect combinations in the two new eye-shadow palettes, the Work It collection is beautiful. We met lead make-up artist Sascha Jackson, discovered the incoming lip gloss craze and picked up a few handy make-up application tips. Not to mention that we took a bit of a liking to the Boss Gloss glosses, especially the Win-Win shade.

In a bid to make mindfulness accessible for everyone, Moment Pebble – creator of a product designed to bring short, mindful moments into busy lives – has recently launched a Kickstarter campaign. Acting as a physical mindfulness enabler, the Moment Pebble is intended to give your mind short, frequent breaks with a 30-second hypnotic glow that aims to draw your focus for just a moment. Combining technology and menta- health awareness, the pebble hopes to be a gamechanger for how we switch off and allow ourselves to pause for a break during the day.

• Get It collection from Stila, available at

• momentpebble.com

Boots; stilacosmetics.com

FOR YOU, DAD To the men in our lives that we couldn’t live without: thanks for being you and for everything that you do. This Father’s Day, Jo Malone has teamed up with Huntsman on Saville Row to produce a few quintessentially British colognes. There’s amber and patchouli, birch and black pepper, whisky and cedarwood and assam and grapefruit. The choice is yours! • Jo Malone London X Huntsman colognes

£120 per 100ml; jomalone.co.uk

BEAUTY OF BATH Inspired by the beautiful city of Bath, the latest collection from The Somerset Toiletry Company is a combination of vintage and contemporary design influences. Available in three scents: violet jasmine ginger, vanilla baies rouges, and cashmere musk noir, you can expect to find soaps, handwashes, handcreams, bath soaks and reed diffusers. The cashmere musk noir soap has a deeply warming fragrance with hints of mandarin and sandalwood. The ergonomically shaped and embossed soap bar oozes elegance and contains shea butter. All wrapped up in a beautifully illustrated gift box with pops of turquoise, this could make a great present. • Beauty of Bath cashmere musk noir soap, £5.95, The Somerset Toiletry Company; water thesomersettoiletryco.co.uk

STAY HYDRATED The use of reusable, refillable bottles is on the rise (and rightly so) and the latest instalment from stainless steel container makers Chilly’s has landed. In a beautiful collaboration with Emma Bridgewater, three new designs are now available. This bottle will keep those essential hydration levels up and help to save the planet from unnecessary plastic waste. • Anemone design, £25; emmabridgewater.co.uk

SHOUT OUT Shout, the UK’s first free text-service to anyone struggling with mental health has been launched by the Royal Foundation. The free and anonymous 24/7 text messaging service connects people experiencing negative mental health to instant support from trained volunteers. With backing from the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge and the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, Shout is modelled on the US-based Crisis Text Line. The service aims to help people that are experiencing problems, from suicidal thoughts to relationship issues. If you’d like to become a part of this vital support service, head to the website to find out about becoming a volunteer. • giveusashout.org

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CJ Beauty

Offering a wide range of treatments massage manicure pedicure waxing

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BEAUTY

GLOW GETTERS

With the warmer months coming, Crystal Rose reveals a few highs and glows to help get you summer-ready

ith summer around the corner and lighter evenings and warmer weather on their way, we can leave behind the dark, wintry days (we hope). As the sun peeks out through the clouds, the need for some serious skin TLC becomes apparent. With bare leg season upon us, here is a round-up of a few options to help you reinvigorate your glow. We’re talking skin rejuvenation and undoing any damage that the cold weather may have left behind. There are at-home tricks, some superb local treatments and a few great buys to get some serious sunshine back in your life.

THE BRUSH OFF Exfoliation is a great way to rejuvenate the skin, remove excess dry skin and make way for an ultra-smooth base. The Diamond Microdermabrasion available at CJ Beauty (£40; cjbeauty.uk) is a manual exfoliation that removes the outer layer of skin using a diamond-tipped wand to abrade the skin’s surface. Collagen production is stimulated, pigmentation lightened and skin is cleared of visible pores. Skin buff Face Halo (facehalo.com) has recently released a dual-sided body mitt to help scrub and smooth the skin. There’s an exfoliator for smoothing and removing dead skin and the HaloTech polisher that reaches 88 TheBATHMagazine

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deep into pores to cleanse and revitalise. Did we mention it’s non-toxic, recyclable and reusable? Plus, it’s a great way to prep the skin before self-tanning. Dermaplaning is an ideal way to exfoliate the epidermis. Available at Enhance Medispa (£65; enhancemedispa.co.uk), the treatment involves carefully removing the skin of fine vellus hair (peach fuzz) and epidermal skin. After the treatment, products will penetrate deeper and skin will be instantly smoother and more refined.

HIGHS AND GLOWS News just in is Fenty Beauty (fentybeauty.com) has landed in Boots. With only a selected number of stores that will be stocking the goods, we can confirm that Boots in SouthGate is one of them. Fenty Beauty and its iconic Killawatt highlighter duos have arrived in the city and we can’t stop glowing on about it. A perfect way to brighten areas of your face. Tanning at home just got a whole lot simpler. Self-tan supremo St Tropez (sttropeztan.co.uk) has recently released its Purity Bronzing Water Gel, promising an apply-and-glow in three hours. No rinsing, streaking, tell-tale scents and transfer, the water gel can be applied in the morning to develop throughout the day with no added hassle. Goodbye evening tanning applications and transfers onto the bedding; instead, hello

to easy-to-achieve, bronzed skin. The Clarins Sun Glow treatment, available at Frontlinestyle (£46; frontlinestyle.co.uk), includes skin-smoothing exfoliation and a deeply pampering application of the awardwinning self-tanner by Clarins. Tipped as the ultimate tanning treatment, this gives a longlasting, golden colour on the face and body.

FACE-TIME In need of a glow get-up? Here are a few local treatments to inject a touch of radiance to the face... Cosmetic Acupuncture at Jessica Louise Wellness (£60; jessicalouisewellness.com) looks to reduce fine lines but also improve the overall health and appearance of skin. Acupuncture targets signs of ageing as well as acne scarring, dull or dry skin tone and pigmentation issues. The Radiance Hydra Peel available at The Orangery Clinic (£75; theorangerylaserandbeautybath.co.uk) offers everyone (including those with sensitive skin) the benefits of an enhanced cellular regeneration peel. Leaving your complexion looking more radiant, luminous and eventoned, while also feeling softer and smoother, the Hydra Peel is bespoke to your own beauty goals and level of skin sensitivity. Sound like your kind of thing? Turn to page 90 to read our editor’s review of the treatment at The Orangery. ■

The Orangery fp June.qxp_Layout 1 24/05/2019 12:21 Page 1

Established for over 25 years we are the experts in skin health, aesthetics and advanced beauty treatments in Bath.

The WOW facial is a skin transformational treatment with no down time designed for that ultimate WOW effect. A 6 step process using powerful medical ingredients and techniques to achieve skin luminosity, health and rejuvenation for up to 3 months post treatment. The WOW facial has been through a heavy process of research and development in order to achieve the biggest WOW Factor for all skin types.

All our consultations are free of charge so please feel free to book an appointment to see which is the right treatment for you.

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Cavislim ~ Ultrasonic Liposuction & Radio Frequency This non-invasive treatment helps to reduce body fat and stimulates collagen to tighten & tone your skin.

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BEAUTY | REVIEW

The fabulous hydra

Tempted by a treatment that exfoliates, hydrates and rejuvenates, Emma Clegg tries out the Hydra Jet Peel Infusion at The Orangery

he Hydra Jet Peel Infusion treatment works by air pressure to jet-stream vitamins into the skin. The treatment is said to dramatically improve the appearance and texture of the skin, delivering the latest in non-chemical skincare treatments. What’s more, a Hydra Jet Peel Infusion can tailor treatments for each client, with proven results in improving skin texture and removing blackheads and fine lines. The treatment has five stages: lymphatic drainage, mechanical exfoliation, pore cleaning, chemical exfoliation and a vitamin infusion. Treatments are delivered using a compressor, which feeds the products deeply into the skin. There is a level of noise, so your ears are protected with a headband and cotton pads. After the lymphatic drainage, the mechanical exfoliation uses a saline drip to rehydrate the skin. There’s a very cold sensation as this is applied over the face. The next stage is a suction stage where the pores are cleaned out. Then a chemical exfoliation with a delivery of hyaluronic acid into the skin using the compressor – hyaluronic acid is naturally produced by the skin to keep it plump and hydrated. The skin at this point has had a double exfoliation, but there’s more to come with an infusion of vitamins to suit your complexion. After a protective eye cream and a refreshing facial spray my 30-minute treatment was over. I was aware of a cold sensation underneath my skin hours afterwards, and I could not stop touching my face as it felt so very clean, pure and hydrated. n The Hydra Jet Peel Infusion is £125, and is available at The Orangery, 36 Gay Street, Bath; theorangerylaserandbeautybath.co.uk

KEIKO KISHIMOTO Holistic Treatments for Wellbeing

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www.jbdentureclinic.co.uk

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Crossing High Common, heading towards Sion Hill

A grand Weston wander Andrew Swift traces the footsteps of Jane Austen and Pierce Egan and discovers a selection of noteworthy historial features from across the centuries

n May 1801, Jane Austen took a “grand walk to Weston”, on which she “went up by Sion Hill, and returned across the fields”. She was not the only one to be captivated by Weston’s rural charms. In 1819, journalist and writer Pierce Egan wrote that, “when the weather invites, a walk to the neat and pretty village of Weston cannot fail in affording gratification and delight to every visitor of Bath; and in the spring part of the season, it may be viewed as a grand promenade, and is well frequented by most of the fashionable company in the city”. Although much has changed in 200 years, you can still follow the route Jane Austen and Pierce Egan took, and much of it still lies across fields, while Weston village, although much knocked about in the 1960s and 1970s, remains a delight. Starting from Queen Square, head up Gay Street and turn left into Queen’s Parade Place. At the end, turn right up a broad flight of steps to the ‘quiet and retired gravel walk’ along which Anne Elliot and Captain Wentworth stroll at the end of Jane Austen’s Persuasion. Carry straight on at the end, and at the road cross and continue along a lane to the left of Marlborough Buildings. At the end, 92 TheBATHMagazine

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turn right along a road skirting the park. Go through the gateway at the top, cross the zebra crossing and follow a Cotswold Way signpost up a footpath across High Common. When you reach Sion Hill, turn left, passing Gothic Cottage, built just four years before Jane Austen passed this way. At the top, turn left along Summerhill Road. At the end carry on along a footpath past The Retreat, one of Bath’s most sadly missed pubs, closed in 1975 but still with a creeper-covered sign bracket over the entrance. Cross a road and continue down a path which leads through a kissing gate. After passing two kissing gates on the left, continue up a broad track, before going through a kissing gate into a meadow. After 50 metres, follow the Cotswold Way as it branches left. Go through a kissing gate at the end and follow the path downhill. Carry on in the same direction, and, after passing the churchyard, look for the figure of a boy clutching a sheaf of barley on the left. This is thought to represent St Alphege as a child, abbot of Bath Abbey, who was born in Weston in 954. Turn right through the churchyard. If you look to the right, you will see an ivy-covered tomb surrounded by railings. This marks the

grave of the architect Thomas Warr Atwood, who died in 1775 when the floor of a building in the High Street gave way. The tomb was restored around 20 years ago, but the urn now appears to have been sawn off. Carry on past the church and follow the path downhill to carry on along Church Street. The building at the end, with an advertisement for Wills’s cigarettes, was a pub called The Queen’s Head, which closed in 1914 and became a shop. Turn right up Trafalgar Road. After passing the former Countess of Huntingdon’s Church on the left, look for faded lettering on the side wall of No. 9. This was Pointing’s Brewery. There was another brewery – Edgecumbe’s – across the road, and, if you go up the lane beside it, you can still see its maltings. As you carry on along Trafalgar Road, Beckford’s Tower can be seen on the hill ahead. Follow the road as it curves left, carry on at the crossroads, but take a footpath on the left just past the United Services Club. After passing Nelson Villas, turn left, cross to Weston Free Church and turn left along the High Street. No. 82 on the right was The Globe, the smallest pub for miles around until it closed in 1966. A little further along, go through the archway of an apartment block to see Belton

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THE | WALK

Looking westward from The Retreat on Sion Hill House, with its garden cut away to create a car park. Further along on the left is a fascinating row of buildings, with a 17thcentury cottage at the far end. Just past the car showroom on the right is the former Penn Hill Farm, one of the oldest buildings in Weston. After passing another lost pub, The Crown & Anchor, with one of the finest inn signs in the city, cross at the zebra crossing and turn right along the High Street. At the bottom of Trafalgar Road, cross to The King’s Arms and continue along the High Street. At the end, head up to the left of the war memorial. The range of buildings on your left, some dating from the early 18th century,

are among the finest in the village. Half a century ago, though, demolition by the council was only averted when one of the residents refused to budge. The Old Crown at the top of the hill has been an inn since at least 1712 and still has a sign for ‘Home Brew’d Beer’ on its wall. The stone path – now barred by a gate – leading off to the right is an old packhorse road, which leads past a row of 18th-century houses called The Grove. Today, the old packhorse road goes no further than the end of The Grove. It was replaced around 1845 by the road you are walking along – Weston Park. Soon afterwards, grand houses were built on either side. These are among the most desirable residences in Bath, although many are hidden from view behind hedges, shrubs and trees. At the end, turn right and then left along Weston Road, passing The Bath Priory Hotel, built around 1835, on the right. Just past a mini-roundabout, cross the zebra crossing and continue along Weston Road. On your right is an old quarry known as the Great Dell. After 100 metres, turn right along a footpath and, at the end of the railings, turn right to the entrance to the Great Dell. Go through the Great Dell and bear right to see the head of Jupiter, carved by a local sculptor called John Osborne in 1831. Head down past the Shakespeare Memorial, before

climbing to the elevated walkway which winds round the perimeter. Leaving the Great Dell, cross the road and go into the Botanical Gardens, which were established in another old quarry in 1887, and contain one of the finest collections of plants on limestone in the West Country. Go through the gate on the south side and bear left downhill across the grass, heading towards a lake. Turn left beside the lake and, after crossing a bridge, turn left along a road. After passing the Victoria Obelisk, carry on through a gateway guarded by sphinxes along the Royal Avenue. After passing through a gateway guarded by lions at the far end, carry on as you return to Queen Square. n Andrew Swift is the author of On Foot in Bath: Fifteen Walks Around a World Heritage City and co-author, with Kirsten Elliot, of Ghost Signs of Bath

FACT FILE n Distance: 5 miles n Time: 3.5 hours n Accessibility: This walk includes steps and footpaths which may be muddy

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INTERIORS

Sun-bleached deco

This month we are soaking up the rays of summer with an ideas board for heatwave-inspired colours and products for the interior – hail to mellow yellows, bleached corals, chalky lilacs and dusty pinks

RIGHT: Run Wild, Run Free, giclée print by Rob Highton, £75 unframed; robhightonart.com

Farrow and Ball’s shade of Dorset Cream can be combined with a sympathetic yellow-based neutral to create a gentle warmth; farrow-ball.com

RIGHT: Tasselled Chenille Nadia Cushion, £38–£68, Anthropologie, 1–4 New Bond Street, Bath; anthropologie.com

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RIGHT: Montana-Striped Clive Ottoman, £498–£698, Anthropologie, 1–4 New Bond Street, Bath; anthropologie.com

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Medium open vessel in pink and teal by Maria Wojdat, £90; mariawojdat.com

ABOVE: Cypher, painting by Lucy Austin, £2,500; lucyaustin.artweb.com BELOW: Kubrick wing back chair, a 1960s inspired take on the classic design; made.com

LEFT: This vintage-style bathroom brings the warmth of the outside in

LEFT: Alexa Rug, £1095, Graham and Green, 92 Walcot Street, Bath; grahamandgreen.co.uk

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DESIGN | INTERIORS

Hotel style at home Most of us revel in the luxury of a top-quality, well-designed hotel room, so why not try to recreate this comfort in your own bedroom? Sarah Latham, founder and creative director of Georgian interior design specialists Etons of Bath, provides some helpful advice on bringing hotel luxury home COLOUR SCHEME THEME Decide on a key style, whether classic, contemporary, bold or calming

Select a harmonious palette of colours that is restful and calming to ensure a feeling of sanctuary

FABRICS AND FINISHES Co-ordinate the finishes on furniture and select decadent, tactile fabrics

HEADBOARD Add upholstered headboards to your bed for comfort and luxury

CURTAINS Curtains with pelmets help to cut the light out for a better nightâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s sleep. Combined with tie-backs they result in the ultimate window dressing

FURNISHINGS A chaise (or coffee table) and chairs and a bench at the end of the bed create a sense that you can spend time in the space at any time of the day

PANELLING Panelling can elevate the plainest of walls. Decorative detailing can add contrast to accentuate this feature beautifully

BED Use the largest bed that the space will accommodate to exude comfort and grandeur

LIGHT SWITCHES Bedside switching gives the added functionality of being able to turn the lights off after you have climbed into bed. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s worth spending time working out the dimming and control systems for the room to optimise lighting for different times of day

RUGS AND CARPETS A large rug creating a zone around the focal point of the room, especially when placed on top of a luxurious, deep-pile silk carpet is the ultimate indulgence

Photographs of a recent project by Etons of Bath

Etons of Bath, 108 Walcot Street, Bath; etonsofbath.com

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DIABLO PENDANT BY BELID, SWEDEN

LIGHTING SPECIALIST 8 BATH STREET, FROME. TEL: 01373473555 WWW.FIATLUX.CO.UK TUESDAY – FRIDAY 9.30AM – 5.30PM, SATURDAY 9.30AM – 5.00PM

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Margaret Grant from Sheppards Gardens

Rosa ‘The Mayflower’ (David Austin Roses)

Rosa ‘The Pilgrim’ No garden (David Austin Roses) is complete

Rosa ‘The Pilgrim’ (David Austin Roses)

Simply the best

“He that dares not grasp the thorn. Should never crave the rose,” said Anne Brontë. Jane Moore has grasped plenty of thorns in her time and her love of roses still burns brightly

t takes all sorts to make a world and you may be one of those types who cannot appreciate roses. If you’re confirmed in these philistine ways, then turn the page and move on; we’ll reconvene next month. If, however, you have an abiding love of these fleeting, perfect blooms – no matter how often they draw blood so viciously you shriek mid-border, in my case terrifying guests, neighbours and small dogs – then read on. My aim is to target those scenestealing roses that make the garden sing in summer, and give you a few ideas on how and where to plant them. I’ll steer clear of shrub roses for the border – I’m sure I’ve waxed lyrical about those in the past and no doubt will do again. TRAIN THEM HARD My favourite roses always tend to be climbers, ruthlessly fan-trained against walls, wound around obelisks and pergolas and festooned over arches and swags in illusory abandon. This approach requires annual pruning of some skill and you need to keep up with it or the rose will lose its shape and 100 TheBATHMagazine

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all the flowers will end up at the top. My favourites for this are the repeat-flowering David Austin varieties, such as the soft yellow, free-flowering Rosa ‘The Pilgrim’ and the pink R. ‘The Generous Gardener’. I’m also a big fan of R. ‘Phyllis Bide’ for several reasons, not least its relatively thornfree stems and mid-sized, manageable habit. The main draw, however, is the small clusters of semi-double flowers, deep, yellow-flushed pink and fading to cream with pink shading from summer to autumn. It’s the repeat flowering and the fabulous three-tone colouring that makes up for the lack of scent. Almost. ROSE HEDGES Roses are not the everyday choice for a hedge, I grant you, but they actually make a lovely, loose sort of boundary between different parts of the garden. Far less formal than a ‘proper’ hedge, examples such as R. ‘The Mayflower’ divide up the garden while also providing an air of softness and floweriness which doesn’t break up the space in the way that the hard lines of a hedge would.

For a tough-as-anything boundary R. rugosa is one of my all-time favourites, designed to keep marauders at bay with its bristling thicket of thorny stems. Despite its brutish nature, I also have a soft spot for R. ‘Roseraie de l’Hay’ with its crumpled purple tissue-paper flowers followed by the most brilliant tomato-like big hips in the rose world. INTO THE TREES One way to avoid the thorns is to send your rose rambling up a tree. This I once did to counter my better half’s rose antipathy, and I also took the precaution of choosing a variety that was named after him. Somewhat flattered, he could do no more than mutter as I planted Rosa ‘Paul’s Himalayan Musk’ where it could scramble into our holly tree and flower fabulously for years, providing a welcome haven for small birds and quite a spectacle in the neighbourhood. Smaller ramblers include a personal favourite R. ‘Madame Alfred Carriere’ with flushed pink flowers and the most delicious scent ever. It’s a bit big for the average wall and behaves much better as a small rambler

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GARDENING

scrambling into smaller trees such as lilacs, apple trees and the like. ROSES IN POTS I like a rose in a pot – in fact I like a lot of plants in pots generally – but many roses do rather well in pots. That works well for smaller gardens and means you can dot them about to add height and interest. Make sure your pot is deep enough, as roses have long, deep roots; aim for a depth of at least 50–60cm. Use a glazed pot every time as the compost will dry out more slowly than if it is in a plain terracotta pot. Use a quality soil-based compost such as John Innes No.3 and make sure there are plenty of drainage holes and lots of crocks in the bottom as you’ll want the rose to be happy for many years. Good varieties to choose are repeat bloomers such as R. ‘Anne Boleyn’, R. ‘Cecile Brunner’ and the single-flowered R. ‘Queen Mother’, but you can plant larger varieties including many David Austin favourites such as the gorgeous R. ‘Munstead Wood’. Don’t forget to give your pot a balanced liquid feed up to once a fortnight in the summer months to keep the leaves healthy and the flowers coming.

miles of pergola to cover and only need one or two plants. The panel to the right provides a selection of rose gardens, some near, some far, to whet your appetite. n Jane Moore is an award-winning gardening columnist and head gardener at The Bath Priory Hotel. Twitter: @janethegardener Rosa ‘The Generous Gardener’ (David Austin Roses)

RESEARCHING ROSES Don’t rely on my rose choices, as there are so many to choose from. That’s especially true if you don’t have oodles of wall space and

ROSE GARDENS TO VISIT n Mottisfont Home to the national collection of pre-1900 old-fashioned roses, with more than 500 varieties reaching their peak in June. Old-fashioned roses tend to flower just once a year, so their full summer blooming is a spectacular annual sight. Mottisfont, near Romsey, Hampshire; nationaltrust.org.uk/mottisfont n Coughton Court The rose labryinth, boasting more than 200 varieties of rose, is one of several themed gardens within the historic walled garden at Coughton Court. Coughton Court, Warwickshire; coughtoncourt.co.uk n David Austin Roses A large rose garden with more than 700 different varieties over two acres. The garden is divided into areas, each with its own style. The overall concept is to enclose the exuberant, informal growth of the roses within neatly clipped evergreen hedges. David Austin Roses, Bowling Green Lane, Albrighton, Wolverhampton; davidaustinroses.co.uk

“Founded in 2011 by Marcus Spanswick, who already had 20 years’ experience in the industry, Mardan Removals and Storage Ltd is a, family run, professional full service removals and storage company based in Bath. Marcus wanted to build a company that he and his team would be proud of. The key to the company’s success is providing a personalised service, treating each customer as an individual to ensure they get an excellent removal service. Mardan have a fleet of vehicles allowing them to offer; commercial moving, local to international moves and storage”.

DOMESTIC & COMMERCIAL MOVERS • PACKERS • STORERS • SHIPPERS

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to advertise in this section call 01225 424 499

Electricians

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Chauffeur/Private Hire

House & Home

We provide Bath Airport transfers to and from all major airports in the uk. We use only Hi spec vehicles and give a near on chauffeur experience at less than regular taxi prices. Airport transfers • City to city travel • Hi spec vehicles 1-8 seat vehicles available • Account work considered • Free Wifi in selected vehicles Card payments taken with Izettle • Prices start from as little as £39 Call or email us for a quote now!

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Cobb Farr PIF.qxp_PIF Full Page 22/05/2019 09:53 Page 85

PROPERTY | HOMEPAGE

most attractive 4 bedroom detached barn conversion clad in Bath stone, set in a quiet backwater location on the southerly outskirts of Bath. Built with stone elevations under a tiled roof, this farmhouse styled property is set in the site of a former stone quarry and has very attractive accommodation set out over 2 levels. The present owners have improved the property in many ways in recent years, including a recently fitted modern style kitchen with high quality limestone flooring. The whole property has a light and airy feel to it. Externally the property has a number of secluded and private terraces all benefitting from a sunny aspect at different times of the day. The property consists of a large reception hall with tiled flooring, exposed natural stone wall and doorway into sitting room. Sitting room, living/dining room with double glazed doors leading onto rear terrace. Kitchen/breakfast room with recently fitted range of Harvey Jones hand painted shaker style floor and wall mounted units, rear lobby, cloakroom and utility room. On the first floor there are four bedrooms with the master bedroom having an en-suite bathroom. in addition to a family bathroom. Externally there is a private gravelled driveway via double 5 bar gates with parking form 2/3 vehicles and to a double garage. To the front of the property is a delightful west facing terrace and to the rear and southside of the property are paved terraces and raised lawns. A viewing is strongly recommended by the sole agents Cobb Farr.

Quarry Farm, Claverton Barn, Bath • 4 bedrooms • Light and airy accommodation • Recently updated kitchen/breakfast room • Quiet backwater location • Double garage and off street parking • 2 large reception rooms

Guide price: £1,100,000

Cobb Farr, 35 Brock Street, The Circus, Bath. Tel: 01225 333332

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Ashley Road Bradford-on-Avon Guide Price £1,300,000 • • • • • •

Wealth of period features Flexible living space Inglenook fireplaces Gardens and orchard totalling 2.27 acres Outbuildings Triple garage and ample parking

01225 333332 | 01225 866111

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Open Day Saturday 8th June 12-1.30pm

The Tramshed, Bath OIEO £1,000,000 • • • • • • • • •

3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms and guest cloak room Well fitted kitchen Lift access River frontage Secure gated under-ground parking Wonderful city centre location Under floor heating Secure gated access Concierge service

01225 333332 | 01225 866111

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Why a smaller home could make you happier Peter Greatorex, managing director of The apartment Company

ne of the misconceptions about apartment living is that you have to compromise on space. This is not always the case. In fact, the wealth of period architecture in Bath means rooms tend to have great proportions. Yes, for some, apartment living may mean a smaller space, but did you know this could actually make you happier?. People buy a larger home for many reasons – they’ve outgrown the home they are living in; they receive a promotion and taking the next step up the property ladder seems the right move; they believe a larger property will be the home of their dreams; or they feel that’s what they are expected to do, due to their situation in life. But sometimes chasing ‘bigger’ comes with its own stresses and may not bring the happiness you seek. Break the cycle and see why you’d be happier in a smaller home.

Easier life Maintaining any property takes time, energy and effort, but this is amplified when living in a larger home. One of the many reasons that people choose an apartment is due to the lower maintenance costs and the easier life it gives them. Cleaning and tidying time alone can be much reduced, giving you more time to get on with what really matters – living.

without. Living in a smaller space is mentally freeing, as you are not held hostage by the mountains of possessions seeping out of every pore of your home. If you have ever watched Amazing Spaces you will have seen a growing tide of people creating exciting and frankly ingenious tiny spaces, some are to live in, some to travel, and others just for fun. There is something really wonderful about letting go of ‘stuff’ and only keeping those things that truly bring us joy. Maybe decluttering expert Marie Kondo has a point.

More family time The more spaces you have in your property, the more it can divide you as a family. How often do you find you’re all spending your evenings in separate rooms? Smaller homes make us more social and encourage us to spend time together. There can be no stronger argument for smaller homes than that.

Reduces costs We’ve mentioned the lower maintenance costs but living in a smaller home can also reduce temptation costs. Many of us will have bought items that we have hardly used. Remember that treadmill? When you have a smaller home you have to really think about where it will be stored and if you really need it. The temptation to make random purchases is taken away. Decorating costs are also reduced as your home is smaller, meaning you can perhaps make different and higher quality choices than you would have in a large home.

Smaller really can make you happier An easier and happier life can be yours if you decide to look for a smaller home. Why not let our team show you the many benefits of apartment living before you take that slippery slope down the ‘bigger is better’ path?

Too much is not always a good thing How is it that the more space we have, the more we fill it with a variety of stuff, some necessary and, let’s be honest, a lot we can live

[SOUTH WESTERN] LIMITED

Crafting beautiful homes

Bath | Somerset | Wiltshire | Cotswolds | Dorset

01225 791155 ashford-homes.co.uk

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The Apartment Company Pg@theapartmentcompany.co.uk or call 01225 471144.

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Why wait – why buying off-plan is a smart move

uying off-plan is becoming an increasingly immersive and innovative experience, with more people than ever before willing to purchase a home that hasn’t been built yet, says Anna Fairman of Savills Residential Development Sales in Bath, as a new show home at Hope House is unveiled. “Historically, British buyers don’t like purchasing property they haven’t seen,” Anna comments. “Unlike a second hand purchase, where a buyer can walk around and touch and feel their prospective home, an off-plan sale relies on the vision to see something which won’t appear from the ground for months or years to come.” But, Anna explains, buyers have so much more to go on than they might think. “Buyers can expect high quality computer generated images, along with floor plans and even 3D models. All this, alongside projected rental yields and detailed local knowledge, come together to build a clear picture of a scheme and help them to make decisions that are well-informed and timely.” Show apartments are of increasing importance to illustrate the quality of materials, room layouts and ceiling heights, bringing a floor plan to life. Anna is marketing Hope House – a prestigious scheme of houses and apartments set in the grounds of the former Royal High Junior School on Lansdown Road in Bath – which offers an exceptional show apartment. “ACORN PROPERTY GROUP invested in a interior designer, who has dressed the space beautifully to create a fabulous sense of what can be achieved within the beautiful architecture of the Grade II Listed former school house. Now, attention has been turned to the creation of a new show home, this time in the new build element of the scheme, which we are excited to unveil.”

Krissy Satherley was so impressed with what she saw at Hope House that she decided to reserve an apartment on the scheme before the foundations had even been dug. She explains: “My first view of Hope House was through the CGI images. They gave a great idea of the overall look and feel of the apartments and I could easily see how the space would work for me. Going on to site and seeing the show apartment was all about experience. I got a real feel for the wider scheme, and the interior design was really inspiring.” There are certain advantages to buying into a development off-plan. If you buy early enough in the build programme you can choose your ideal plot – and you may have the opportunity to personalise your home by selecting kitchen units and colour schemes for your floorings and bathroom tiles. Krissy comments: “Getting in early was fantastic as there was so much choice. I considered quite a few of the apartments before deciding on mine, and because it is still being built I’ve been able to make changes to the specification, such as the height of the cupboards. It already feels like my own before I’ve even set foot in the door – which means I can look forward to decorating and simply enjoying living in such beautiful surroundings.” “My parents built their own home a few years ago, so I had firsthand experience of the design and build process – meaning I wasn’t afraid to take the plunge. You need to have an open mind and a bit of imagination but it is well worth it.” The brand new show home at Hope House is now open and available to view by appointment. Contact Anna Fairman on +44 (0) 1225 474 591 for more information.

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Cothay, St. Stephens Road A superb contemporary home that has been finished to exacting standards throughout, benefiting from secure off-street parking, a private garden and a detached home office. Situated on the slopes of Lansdown, the house enjoys quick access to Bath city centre and has a range of highly regarded schools on the doorstep.

Reside Bath | 24 Barton Street Bath BA1 1HG | T 01225 445 777 | E info@residebath.co.uk | W www.residebath.co.uk

*A Holding Deposit equivalent to one weekâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s rent will be payable.

RESIDE June.indd 1

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Central

Andrewsonline.co.uk

Rivers Street BA1 ÂŁ775,000

01225 809 571

An elegant townhouse set in pretty location at the top of town. Well presented throughout with charm in abundance. Four bedrooms, two receptions, and three bathrooms. Energy Efficiency Rating: TBC

central@andrewsonline.co.uk

To view more properties and other services available visit Andrewsonline.co.uk

Bear Flat

Andrewsonline.co.uk

Shakespeare Avenue, BA2 ÂŁ760,000

A charming, period terraced home set within Poets Corner on Bear Flat at the entrance to Alexandra Park. Four bedrooms, two reception rooms, gardens to front and rear and residents parking. Energy Efficiency Rating: TBC

01225 805 680 bearflat@andrewsonline.co.uk

To view more properties and other services available visit Andrewsonline.co.uk

Camden

Andrewsonline.co.uk

Lansdown Heights, BA1 ÂŁ475,00

Nestled into a leafy cul-de-sac this four bedroom home offers a superb location and great living space. Situated in a modern development in an elevated position with views, two reception rooms, garage and parking. Energy Efficiency Rating: D

01225 809 868 camden@andrewsonline.co.uk

To view more properties and other services available visit Andrewsonline.co.uk

Newbridge Andrewsonline.co.uk

Avondale Road, BA1, ÂŁ395,000

A beautifully presented three bedroom home located on Avondale Road within 0.5 Miles to the local conveniences of Chelsea Road. This house is a true delight having been renovated by the current owners who have created a home focused on family living. Energy Efficiency Rating: D

01225 809 685 newbridge@andrewsonline.co.uk

To view more properties and other services available visit Andrewsonline.co.uk

NORTH ROAD, Combe Down

Price ÂŁ1,175,000

Immaculately presented contemporary three/four bedroom villa style bungalow with six sets of double doors opening out onto a courtyard garden in an exclusive quiet development of three other homes located down a private road off North Road yet within walking distance of the shops and amenities of friendly Combe Down village, two miles from central Bath. Detached contemporary home | Three/four bedrooms | Kitchen/family room | Sitting room | Dining room/Study/Potential Bedroom 4 | Gardens | Parking | Garage | EPC Rating: G

SEVEN ACRES, North Colerne

Price ÂŁ1,175,000

NORTHAMPTON STREET, Bath

Price £899,950

Four bedroom, four storey Georgian townhouse refurbished and presented to a high standard located under 0.5 mile from the heart of Georgian Bath. Offering kitchen, three reception rooms, one with additional kitchenette, three bath/shower rooms, courtyard garden and vaults. Four bedroom Georgian town house | Three reception rooms | Three bathrooms | Courtyard garden | Under 0.5 miles from heart of Georgian Bath | EPC: Exempt

CURBAR EDGE, Bathford

Price £1,100,000

An extensively remodelled, extended and renovated detached home, which now offers four double bedrooms, three bathrooms, huge kitchen/dining/family room with two sets of bifold doors, ‘snug’ living room also with two sets of bi-fold doors, office, plus a separate studio with en suite shower room. Detached home remodelled to a very high standard | Four double bedrooms | Three bathrooms | Huge kitchen/dining/family room | Separate studio and en suite | Stunning countryside views | Sought after village of Bathford, 3.5 miles from the centre of Bath | EPC Rating: B

Millennium House

£1,800 pcm

Unfurnished · Two double bedrooms · Private parking · Fully fitted modern kitchen · Central location · Agency fees £420 inc VAT · Council tax band C · Recently refurbished · Available now

Old Walcot School

£1,400 pcm

Walcot Parade

Unfurnished · One bedroom · Ground floor · Private garden · Central location · Agency fees £420 inc VAT · Permit parking · Available 1st of July 2019

SALES

01225 471 14 4

LETTINGS

£1,550 pcm

Grade II listed · Two bedroom · Private garden · Period features · Central location · Agency fees £420 inc VAT · Council tax band D · Central zone parking permit · Available now

Green Park

£1,250 pcm

Lansdown Terrace

Park Street

£850 pcm

£1,250 pcm

Unfurnished · Sought after location · Two double bedrooms · No Children · No Students · Residence parking permit · Council tax band C · Agency Fees £420 inc VAT · Available 7th of June 2019

Alfred Street

£875 pcm

Unfurnished · Georgian apartment · Central location · Stunning views · Recently refurbished · Council tax band B · Agency fees £420 inc VAT · Residence parking permit

Unfurnished · One double bedroom · Beautiful views · Council tax band C · Residence parking permit · Agency fees £420 inc VAT · Available 24th of August 2019 · Central location

01225 303 870

T LE

Unfurnished · Level walk to city centre shops/ amenities · Period features · Two Double bedrooms · No Children · One week holding fee · Central zone parking permit · Council tax band D · Available 6th of July 2019

£925 pcm

Paragon

T LE

Furnished · Two double bedrooms · Open plan living area · Central location · No pets · Agency fees £420 including VAT · Central zone parking permit · Council Tax Band E · Available now

Bathwick Street

£750 pcm

Furnished · Studio apartment · Residents Parking Permit · Suit professional person or couple · No pets · Council tax band: A · Agency fees £420 including vat · Available August 28th 2019

sales@theapartmentcompany.co.uk

Cavendish Place

O.I.E.O

£525,000

Grade I listed · Georgian apartment · Lower ground floor · Courtyard · Large sitting room · Two bedrooms · Prestigious address · Approx. 1066 Sq. ft

Northanger Court

O.I.E.O

£385,000

Bennett Street

Raby Place

£335,000

Georgian · Grade II listed · Top floor apartment · Two double bedrooms · Central location · Close to local amenities · Stunning views · Approx. 828 Sq. ft.

O.I.E.O

£500,000

Broad Street

O.I.E.O

£375,000

The Moorlands

Darlington Street

£250,000

Grade II listed · Ground floor apartment · Two double bedrooms · Two bathrooms · Communal gardens · Private parking · Approx. 548 Sq.ft

£440,000

Marlborough Buildings

O.I.E.O £350,000

Georgian · Grade II listed · Two bedrooms · Top floor apartment · Original features · Sought after location · Close to city centre · Close to Victoria Park and Golf Course · Approx. 772 Sq. ft

O.I.E.O

Grade II listed · Georgian · Ground floor apartment · Three bedrooms · Short level walk to city centre · Close to local amenities · Residents parking permit · Approx. 1064 Sq. ft.

Grade II listed · Georgian · Unique two bedroom property · Second Floor Apartment · High end refurbishment · Flexible accommodation · Central location · Rare opportunity · Close to local amenities · Approx. 508 Sq. ft

O.I.E.O

Grade II listed · Georgian · Upper Maisonette · Generous living space · Three bedrooms · Far reaching views · Brand new kitchen and bathrooms · Approx. 1113 Sq ft

Two bedroom apartment · Ground floor apartment · Communal outside space · Secured parking · Short level walk to the city centre · Close to local amenities · Approx. 775 Sq. ft

Lansdown Villas

O.I.E.O

£260,000

Modern build · One bedroom · Allocated parking space · Private terrace · Luxury bathroom · Superb investment or first time buy · Approx 527 Sq ft

www.theapartmentcompany.co.uk

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