A tech expert shares the dangers of unfettered access to content
To Kill a Mockingbird
Actor Richard Coyle on rediscovering Atticus Finch
Lace up and join in The power of community running
Managing Jolly’s
Meet Jess Merritt‐Johns, who is set to lead Bath’s iconic department store
Patterns pending Top tips for decorating period homes by interior designer Clair Strong
It’s a wrap
Get warm, look stylish with Wadswick Country Store
Celebrating 20 years of the Bertinet Kitchen in Bath, Richard hosts a cook-off with top chefs and friends
8 CITY UPDATES
The latest news and updates from organisations in Bath
18
Browse new season looks from fashion house Wadswick
22 RICHARD COYLE IN TO KILL A MOCKING BIRD
The famed actor on rediscovering Atticus Finch, confronting complexity, and why the story’s lessons still resonate today
26 WHAT’S ON
Our round-up of must-attend events happening this month
36 SLEIGH BELLS RING AT THE HOLBURNE
Ho! Ho! Ho! A special someone will be heading to the grounds of the Holburne this month. Can you guess who?
46 UNEARTHING BATH’S PAST BONE BY BONE
We speak with archaeologist Cai Maison on what the remains of more than 2,000 bodies can tell us about the city’s past
50 DAME MARY BERRY’S EXCLUSIVE RECIPE
The legendary national treasure marks her visit to Bath by sharing an exclusive chocolate and cherry cake recipe with us
54 MASTER CHEFS IN TOWN
Richard Bertinet welcomed a host of acclaimed chefs recently. We went along to meet some of them.
56 JOLLY’S NEW GENERAL MANAGER
Department store Jolly’s is set to re-open next year, with a new general manager at the helm. We meet her to learn more
58 SMARTPHONES AND CHILDHOOD
We speak with a tech expert and behavioural science specialist to discuss the latest research and potential dangers of smartphone use
64 LACE UP AND JOIN IN
Whether you’re a sesaoned pro or new to running, there’s a group for every pace in our feature
70 WALK THIS WAY
Andrew Swift takes us on a delightful walk that offers new viewpoints on our city
74 MADE IN BATH LUXURY SKINCARE
We meet Olga Brennand and discover her clean beauty brand and exclusive facial treatments that promise lasting results
78 PATTERN AND COLOUR IN PERIOD HOMES
Interior designer, Clair Strong, shares her expert tips on decorating Georgian and Victorian homes
On our cover this month
Richard Bertinet is celebrating 20 years of the Bertinet Baking School in Bath. Read the interview on page 54. Image courtesy of Richard Bertinet Follow us on social media @thebathmagazine
FROM THE EDITOR
As the days shorten and the air takes on that crisp, familiar chill, it might surprise you to hear me say that November is one of the best months to start a fitness regimen, with running being one of the most accessible. Contrary to popular belief, the autumn months offer the perfect balance of cool temperatures and just enough time to build a healthy foundation before the indulgence of the festive season truly begins. I say this with a newfound conviction, as someone who recently laced up my trainers for the first time, inspired, I might add, by my energetic eight-year-old daughter. Watching her run with such effortless joy nudged me to give it a go. And if I can do it, then really, anyone can! Inspired by this, in this issue I speak with local running groups who offer a host of free group runs for every pace, offering vital motivation and encouragement.
I also explore a subject that touches almost every modern family: smartphones. I speak to a leading tech expert and a behavioural scientist at the University of Bath about the hidden dangers these devices pose to children, from the ease of accessing unsuitable content to the subtle ways constant connectivity is reshaping childhood. I encourage every parent to give it a read.
We also have the pleasure of speaking with actor Richard Coyle, who is set to captivate audiences this month when he stars as Atticus Finch in To Kill A Mockingbird at Theatre Royal.
Food lovers are in for a treat too, with a delicious array of features, including an exclusive recipe from Dame Mary Berry. We also chat with chef Richard Bertinet, who recently hosted a slew of celebrity chefs to celebrate 20 years since the opening of The Bertinet Kitchen in Bath.
And, as ever, there’s so much more: beauty, interiors, city updates, and our curated round-up of the very best events happening in and around the city.
Joanna
Emotive Christmas art from award-winning Bath
artist Sarah Epsom
British brand Sarah Epsom, known for bringing exquisite watercolour art to everyday life, has released a new range of emotive watercolour Christmas designs, printed on high-quality paper and finished with elegant silver foiling.
The brand was founded by Bath based artist and designer Sarah Epsom in 2021, who translates her deep appreciation for the natural world and heartfelt sentiment onto a thoughtfully curated collection of homeware and stationery. Inspired by the simple joys and vibrant beauty of nature, each creation is a testament to meticulous craftsmanship. The range spans from FSC-approved greeting cards to luxuriously soft 100% organic cotton tea towels, all designed to infuse the everyday with a touch of enduring beauty. Sustainability is a core focus, with all products proudly printed and designed in the UK, supporting local businesses and minimising environmental impact.
Sarah Epsom is celebrating a phenomenal year, having secured a prestigious Enterprise Vision Awards 2025 win in the Creative Category and a winner of Theo Paphitis’ Small Business Sunday award. Discover the award-winning collection online at sarahepsom.com and follow her journey @sarahepsom.insta
The Bath Magazine 2 Princes Buildings, George Street, Bath BA1 2ED; 01225 424499
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City updates
LOCAL PHOTOGRAPHER LAUNCHES NEW BOOK THE BEAUTY OF BATH
Bath’s stunning beauty has been captured in local photographer Casper Farrell’s new book, The Beauty of Bath
The 277-page tome boasts hundreds of images, including famous Bath locations like the Royal Crescent, Pulteney Bridge, Bath Abbey, The Roman Baths, Great Pulteney Street, and many more. In addition, the book acts as a guide, providing information on where to stay, eat, drink, shop, and all the best places to visit, including day trips from Bath, with handy colour OSstyle detailed maps, written directions, and smartphone scannable direction QR-codes, ensuring navigating the city is effortless.
Priced at £19.99, The Beauty of Bath is available in all good Bath bookstores, as well as online where a number of free limited-edition prints are available with each purchase.
Visit casperfarrell.co.uk
BATH MOZARTFEST REMEMBERS AMELIA FREEDMAN
2025 is the 35th anniversary year of Bath Mozartfest, and it will also be the final festival programmed by the peerless Amelia Freedman, CBE, FRAM, its artistic director for more than thirty years, who sadly died in July.
Amelia had decided to step down as artistic director of Bath Mozartfest and announced earlier this year that November’s Mozartfest would be her last. She had programmed it entirely before she became seriously unwell and had planned to be present at the festival, and attend a dinner celebrating the 35th Anniversary and her long and successful tenure as its artistic director. Sadly it will be her musical swansong.
Amelia’s final programme is as inspiring and invigorating as ever, brimming with musical delights new and familiar. This year there are Bath debuts for the Schumann Quartet, who open the festival, with Mozart of course; the Consone Quartet; the Carducci String Quartet and the Castalian String Quartet.
This wide-ranging 9-day, 15 concert festival with Mozart at its heart perfectly illustrates Amelia’s extraordinary gift for creative programming, always appealing but gently encouraging audiences to broaden their musical horizons.
The festival will conclude with Mozart’s Great C minor Mass in Bath Abbey, with La Nuova Musica conducted by David Bates, and then a celebratory dinner to honour Amelia Freedman (Nov 1940July 2025) and this remarkable festival and its enduring success to which she contributed so much.
Visit bathmozartest.org
Local deli and café, Pane e Vino, is excited to welcome to the family Franco Cinesi, a former partner at Rustico Bistro Italiano and brother of owner Darix Cinesi. He brings 40 years of international experience in the catering business, and gives the opportunity for Pane e Vino to open on Sundays, from 10am to 3pm for breakfast and lunch, and from 5:30pm to 8pm for dinner.
This month, Pane e Vino will also celebrate its second anniversary with the team wishing to take this opportunity to thank all their valued customers, friends, and business suppliers for their continuous support.
PANE E VINO WELCOMES NEW TEAM MEMBER
Wool is…
• Naturally insulating
• Hard-wearing
• Easy to care for
• Sustainable
• Hypoallergenic
City updates
THE FRANCIS HOTEL UNVEILS ITS £14M TRANSFORMATION
This month, the iconic Francis Hotel on Queen Square will unveil its transformation, which has refreshed every corner of the hotel, combining contemporary design with subtle references to Bath’s rich heritage and vibrant present. The Francis Hotel’s refurbishment marks a new chapter in the hotel. Originally a row of Georgian townhouses and the home of celebrated architect and visionary John Wood the Elder, who designed the building, the original townhouses later became a hotel in 1884 when entrepreneur Emily Francis extended it across seven adjoining houses that now make up the Francis Hotel. Known for their work on Gleneagles Townhouse and Cameron House, 3DReid have sensitively blended the Francis Hotel’s rich Georgian heritage with contemporary designs and comforts, fulfilling a vision to create one of the UK's premier townhouse hotels. The interiors draw from a modern interpretation of classic Georgian colour palettes and craftsmanship, preserving heritage whilst embracing innovation. A state-of-the-art thermal spa will open in 2026, boasting a tranquil garden retreat and a multi-use thermal room delivering steam, heat, and a menu of bespoke treatments. Visit francishotel.com
COCKTAIL BAR THE HIDEOUT WINS MICHELINSTAR EQUIVALENT FOR ITS COCKTAILS
A Bath-based award-winning whisky and cocktail bar, The Hideout, has been awarded “one Pin” from The Pinnacle Guide - the international benchmark for the world’s best cocktail bars.
The Pinnacle Guide, widely seen as the cocktail industry’s answer to the Michelin Guide, awards pins to bars that deliver exceptional drinks, service, and atmosphere. Receiving a pin places The Hideout among a select group of less than 150 bars celebrated world-wide for excellence in hospitality.
Located just steps from Bath Abbey, The Hideout has earned a reputation for its hip-hop soundtrack, historic setting, and impressive whisky selection - now boasting more than 300 bottlesalongside a menu of classic and signature cocktails.
This latest win follows The Hideout’s ranking 9th in the UK Top 10 Cocktail Bars 2025 and its Bar Team of the Year award earlier this year.
In addition to its award-winning drinks, The Hideout hosts whisky tastings twice monthly and is planning an expanded event line-up heading into winter.
Visit hideoutbath.co.uk
THERMAE BATH SPA SCOOPS AWARD
Thermae Bath Spa has been selected as a finalist in the Bristol Bath Somerset and Gloucestershire Tourism Awards 2025, in the category of Spa and Wellbeing Experience of the Year, with winners to be announced at a ceremony this month at the Apex Hotel.
Thermae Bath Spa offers a unique fusion of ancient tradition and contemporary wellness. The spa is renowned for its naturally warm, mineral-rich waters, striking architecture, and panoramic views from the open-air rooftop pool. The nomination recognises
Thermae Bath
Spa’s ongoing commitment to providing an exceptional and restorative experience.
“We welcome many thousands of visitors each year from our local area, region, nationally and from around the world, providing a unique spa experience exclusive to Bath,” says Craig Cowler, Thermae Bath Spa’s general manager. “We take our role as custodians of a major tourist attraction in the city very seriously and work tirelessly to ensure all who visit Thermae Bath Spa enjoy their experience with us and leave feeling relaxed and recharged. To receive this award would be a testament to our entire team’s hard work and commitment to delivering excellent service and a great accolade for Bath.”
Visit thermaebathspa.com
City updates
FRESH PRODUCE AT ROYAL UNITED HOSPITAL BATH
The Royal United Hospitals (RUH) Bath NHS Foundation Trust has teamed up with local grocer Dean Cooper, from Wild About Fruit and Veg, to provide a fresh produce stall at the hospital’s Weston site.
Located outside the Brownsword Therapies Centre, Dean and his team have an amazing range of fresh fruit and vegetables for sale, from the familiar carrots, potatoes and strawberries through to more unusual items such as dragon fruit.
The stall is on site every Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday, from 10am to 3pm, and is already proving popular with staff and visitors.
“Staff told us they would love to be able to pick up a few essentials during their busy day,” says Barry Fennell, senior catering lead at the RUH. “As a hospital we are all about supporting healthy choices, so I’m delighted we’ve been able to work with Dean to bring fruit and veg right to our doorstep.”
Barry adds: “The stall is open to all, you don’t have to work here or be a patient at the RUH, anyone from the local community is welcome to pop by for some lovely fresh produce. I know Dean and his team have lots of ideas in the pipeline, starting with fruit baskets which would make great gifts for patients.”
BATH SCOOPS PRESTIGIOUS CONDE NAST TRAVELLER READERS’ CHOICE AWARD
After coming sixth in 2024, Bath has been revealed as the Best UK City by Condé Nast Traveller magazine, beating landmark cities including London, Edinburgh, Manchester, Cambridge and Liverpool to the top spot. The 2025 Readers’ Choice Awards represent the most loved and cherished travel experiences, as voted for by Condé Nast Traveller’s loyal readers and are regarded as the biggest and most influential in travel. This year an astounding 182,500 readers in the UK shared their experiences and voted for their favourite countries, cities, hotels, spas, islands, resorts and more.
“Condé Nast Traveller is such a well-respected and influential publication so we are thrilled Bath has been voted the UK’s best city by its readers, who have clearly been captured by not only the city’s remarkable history and picturesque architecture, but also by its rich range of events and festivals, award-winning attractions, amazing places to eat and drink and great independent shopping,” says Kathryn Davis, chief executive of Visit West. “Bath has also gained huge attention for being a prominent filming location for productions such as Bridgerton, Wonka and ITV’s McDonald & Dodds so visitors really feel like they are stepping into a film set when they explore the city.”
CHRISTMAS MARKET CELEBRATES 25 YEARS
The Bath Christmas Market celebrates 25 years when it returns 27 November to 14 December, featuring a wide range of stallholders, charities, and catering suppliers offering artisan food, drinks, and gifts.
Bath residents can enjoy a special preview evening on Wednesday, 26 November, from 5pm to 7pm, with those holding a Discovery Card eligible for discount at all chalets, Monday to Friday.
Last year saw an estimated 444,000 visitors create a £60.4m turnover for businesses, support for more than 500 jobs, and a £48.9m associated spend in the city.
The council began running the Christmas Market in 2021 and this year, more than 250 businesses, 65% of which are from Bath and surrounding areas, will join the 2025 event.
New for this year is a reindeer trail around the outside footprint of the market, encouraging visitors to explore more of the city and its wide-ranging retailers.
Daily Park & Ride bus services will be running at an increased frequency during the Christmas Market and timetables will be published nearer the time. Staff will be present at all Park & Ride sites and central stops throughout the Christmas Market period to support queuing and ticket sales.
People with sensory needs or who would like a calmer experience can take advantage of quieter shopping periods from 10am to 12pm on Tuesdays and Wednesdays.
Visit the market’s social media accounts on Facebook and Instagram.
THINGS TO DO IN NOVEMBER
Christmas at Stourhead
The National Trust’s Stourhead estate is preparing to dazzle visitors once again at its enchanting Christmas light trail from 28 November to 31 December. Set against the backdrop of Stourhead’s world-famous Palladian house and gardens, this much-loved festive experience promises a magical evening for all ages. There’s a brand-new array of dazzling installations, including the mesmerising Star Show, a shimmering Sea of Light, and spectacular lasers dancing across the night sky, in addition to regular favourites, like the twinkling tunnel of light and the display of colour-changing reflections stretching across the lake. Street food vendors will serve a selection of seasonal snacks. Limited capacity, so book now. Visit christmasatstourhead.co.uk
Fermentation workshop
Executive Chef Matthew Briddon will teach you all you need to know about fermenting the best of this season's vegetables and fruits to make your own drinks, kimchi, sauces and more on 12 November at Iford Manor Kitchen. The day includes refreshments, a delicious two-course lunch in the manor house’s restaurant and all materials and ingredients required for the course. The event runs from 9:30am to 3pm. Visit Ifordmanor.co.uk
Bear Flat Artists Christmas Art Fair and Market 2025
Bear Flat Artists hosts its popular Christmas Art Fair and Market to showcase local creativity on Saturday 22 November, 10am to 5pm, at the Methodist Church Hall, Bear Flat. The event features work by more than 20 talented local artists and is a chance to buy original art, hand-made gifts, and cards. Following the continued success of its annual Open Studios in May, this free festive event brings together an impressive range of work across artforms offering a chance to meet the makers and find out about their processes. Artists showing include ceramicists: Karen Bates, Wendy Cornish, Yvonne Elston, Kate Marshall and Christine Watters. Glass artists: Suzanne Baginski and Sally Pollitzer. Illustrator: Rita Lazaro. Painters: Ben Hughes, Kristine O'Connor and Ruby Rosemann. Photographers: James Halsall-Fox, Pey Oh, Shay Parsons and Emily Slinger. Printmakers: Carol Baines, Catharine Naylor and James Nunn. Sculptor: Amy Ng. Wood turner: Andy Cornish. Writer: Ethan Hughes. There will be festive decorations and cards on sale too. Visit bearflatartists.co.uk
The Magic of Motown concert
Head on down to the Forum Saturday, 22 November, for The Magic of Motown, back for its 20th anniversary tour. Considered one of the biggest success stories in British theatre history, this live concert is filled with top hits, glittering costumes, dazzling dance routines, and outstanding musicianship. Head down memory lane with classic Motown hits from artists like Marvin Gaye, Diana Ross, Stevie Wonder, The Temptations, The Supremes, The Four Tops, Martha Reeves, The Jackson 5, Smokey Robinson, and many more. Tickets are priced at £32, plus booking fee. Doors open at 6:30pm, showtime is at 7:30pm. Visit bathforum.co.uk
Park Lane Big Band
Bath’s own Park Lane Big Band is celebrating 25 years of bringing big, bold jazz to the city with a special anniversary concert at Komedia on Sunday 23 November. Doors open at 7pm.
Founded in 2000 by local musician and educator Dave Pegler, the 18-piece band has become a fixture of the South West music scene, performing everything from Duke Ellington classics to modern big band showstoppers. The show promises a programme that spans the decades, transporting audiences from smoky jazz clubs to grand ballrooms, with music that will have them tapping their feet and even dancing in the aisles. Doors open at 7pm, and tickets are priced at £15. Visit komediabath.co.uk
My Bath
DEBBIE BOULTON
Debbie Boulton is managing director at Richardson Swift, Bath’s largest independent firm of chartered accountants and chartered tax advisors. While more women are entering the profession (according to the latest Office for National Statistics, 44.6% of accountants are women), that number drops further in leadership roles to around just 24%. We speak with Debbie to learn more about her career, how females can break the glass ceiling in traditional maledominated roles, and establishing the local business competition, Bath Dragons.
Can you tell us about your career journey?
I completed my A levels at Bath College and had an apprenticeship lined up in pathology at the Bristol Royal Infirmary, as I was keen to pursue a career in science. I then had an about-turn and decided to look into accountancy; more money, less mess, and fewer nasty smells! I trained at a firm in Bristol and then moved to working in Bath shortly after qualifying in 1995, where I have worked in the city ever since.
As a female leader in a traditionally male-dominated industry, what do you think needs to be done to shift perspectives and get more women into the industry?
A lot has already changed during my career. When I had my daughters, it was very much a case that you had to compete with the men in the office by not mentioning children or childcare, and there was no flexibility in working hours. Many a day I’d run out of a client’s offices to do a mad dash to nursery or school as I was late! I’m glad that men and women have a lot more options with regard to working from home and flexible hours, which makes childcare and work-life balance in general much easier. I do still see male and female progression within the profession taking different paths. Naturally, women who do well still doubt their performance and don’t actively chase progression whereas typically men are more up-front and confident in stating their desire to be promoted and take on higher level roles. There can still be a perception that women working part-time can’t take on senior roles, but this belief is definitely shifting.
Tell me a little bit more about Bath Dragons?
Richardson Swift is a Bath-based business, and we like to support local businesses. We meet a number of successful business owners who are looking to grow their business, but aren’t too sure how to do it. Hence, the idea for Bath Dragons, to give a local business free support across several disciplines. The applications we received in 2025 were really inspiring, and we are enjoying working with our winner Canned Wine. Watch this space for news about Bath Dragons 2026!
As a busy career professional, how do you relax at the end of the day? I’m not one to chat about work once my day has finished. I process the day on the drive home and then am pretty good at switching off. I’ve been a runner for many years and still run, although no great distance! This always gives me a chance to be outside and get some headspace. I also returned to playing hockey six years ago and am lucky to be part of the Keynsham Hockey Club ‘family’. They are such an inclusive club, no matter your age or level, and I love being part of the club. Hopefully, my knees will allow me to play for a few more seasons yet!
Do you think women still face a glass ceiling at work, and what can be done about it?
As long as women are given the option of working flexibly and on their terms, then there is no reason why there can’t be more women in senior roles. Women add a different dynamic to the boardroom, particularly, in my opinion, with emotional intelligence, and within our profession, we’re dealing with an increasing number of female business owners, so it makes sense to have female board members. Ultimately, though, I’m a firm believer in the right person for the right job, no matter their gender!
What do you enjoy most about living and working in Bath?
When I walk along Great Pulteney Street on a morning, I do very often marvel at what luck it is to be working in such a beautiful city. It also has a ‘small village’ feel to the business community, so getting to know other business owners and networking with them is easy to do.
Are there any particular spots in Bath that you find yourself returning to again and again?
Victoria Park is actually where my husband proposed to me! So that will always be a special place. I like the Abbey Courtyard to eat my lunch in the summer and listening to the buskers. And of course, the Rec is a favourite place to be on a match day, you can’t beat the atmosphere of an Autumn Friday night game.
Finally, any local gems you recommend in the city?
The Watchhouse is a current favourite, their coffee is very good!ÈYou can’t beat Good Day Coffee for a sweet treat - amazing chocolate brownies! And for brunch, Café Lucca is always a good bet. Follow this up with the Bath Skyline walk for a fab day!
Richard Coyle brings a complex Atticus Finch to life
Ahead of the To Kill a Mockingbird tour’s arrival at Theatre Royal Bath, Richard Coyle talks to Melissa Blease about rediscovering Atticus Finch, confronting complexity, and why the story’s lessons still resonate today.
Race, class and gender; prejudice, morality and inequality; the conflict between good and evil... and what it means to be human: Harper Lee’s Pulitzer Prize-winning Southern gothic novel To Kill a Mockingbird, first published in 1960 and largely focusing on racial injustice in 1934 Alabama, is a perennial classic of modern American literature.
Despite being one of the most frequently banned books in the USA, it has remained continuously in print since publication, with between 750,000 and 1 million copies sold each year adding to the total tally of over 45 million sales worldwide to date.
American film director, playwright and screenwriter Aaron Sorkin’s highly-acclaimed stage adaptation of the book, which premiered on Broadway in 2018 before transferring to London’s West End in 2022, comes to Theatre Royal Bath this month, with English actor Richard Coyle (Coupling; Heads of State; Chilling Adventures of Sabrina; Fantastic Beasts; Player Kings) reprising his role as the story’s iconic protagonist Atticus Finch for audiences across the UK and Ireland in the production’s first tour. But...
“Don’t expect to meet the Atticus Finch of To Kill a Mockingbird as you think you know him,” says Richard. “Aaron Sorkin introduces us to a
glimpse of the Atticus of Harper Lee’s first book Go Set a Watchman, which wasn’t published until 2016 when it caused a huge outcry of its own because people were upset by the more complex Atticus that it portrayed.
“My Atticus is a wounded man, still suffering the loss of his wife seven years previously. He’s the father of two children, Jem and Scout, and his life as a single, widowed father dictates the decisions he makes both personally and professionally. It’s a much more complicated portrayal of a white moderate man living in America’s deep south, which we perhaps don’t have a parallel for in the UK.”
We do, however, have all manner of parallels with all manner of the issues raised in both books and the stage adaptation - not least of all, the complex dynamics of the father-daughter relationship.
“To Kill a Mockingbird explores Scout’s child-eye perspective of her father, the hero; she adores him,” Richard explains. “In Go Set a Watchman, we meet Scout in her late 20s. Having been living and studying in New York, she returns to the South to visit her ageing father with whom she is now at political loggerheads. She’s become an urbanite progressive, and things are very different in New York than they would have been in a small town in mid-1930s Alabama.
Richard Coyle as Atticus Finch in To Kill a Mocking Bird
Photography by Johan Persson
“Ideological disagreements around the ‘race situation’ arise and, in combining the character from both books, Atticus is revealed as less of a straightforward ‘white saviour’, with much more subtle, nuanced depth. It’s not straightforward, particularly now we’re living in the Trump years. But it seems much more apt to me that this Atticus is definitely not, shall we say, the Gregory Peck-style saviour of Robert Mulligan’s 1962 film adaptation!”
Reinvestigating Atticus
Talking to Richard, his close personal relationship with Atticus Finch is astonishingly palpable. Having originally played the role in the West End in 2022 and reviving it three years later, does he feel as though he’s closer to one of American literature’s most prominent fictional characters than even Harper Lee herself might have been?
“…..this production has been - and isone of the highlights of my career.”
Richard Coyle
“I’ve lived with Atticus since I first read the book as a teenager and it made a profound impact,” says Richard. “On from that, I’ve been able to use my months in the West End as a foundation from which to reexamine and interrogate everything about who Atticus is, and settle back into him in a different way.
“It’s been lovely returning to him, and discovering new aspects of his personality. It’s a joy, and it’s been really important, both personally and professionally, to reinvestigate Atticus and see where I’m at now, and where he’s at too. I feel a deep kinship with him in so many ways; he taps into something deep and native within me.”
That sounds emotionally - let alone physically! - challenging?
“The performance and the actual discipline of the play is very demanding - I’m on stage for most of it, and it’s an Aaron Sorkin piece so it has a propulsion to it and a huge energy demand,” Richard concurs.
“But despite that, I’m really enjoying the experience of touring the play. I’m getting to spend time in towns and cities I’ve never visited before, and I’m really enjoying feeling what it’s like being somewhere else for a while. It’s nice, seeing people just getting on with their lives in different places, in different ways. So overall, the whole process is a total joy - and what a
gift to be able to tell this story!”
Richard adds: “It’s amazing seeing the effect it has on the audience, especially schoolchildren and young people - the kids are engaged, bang, they’re there, right with you; you can hear a pin drop at key moments. And that just tells you how relevant To Kill a Mockingbird is today.”
Timeless appeal
Ah, relevance; reading the glowing reviews of Richard’s performance and the production as a whole to date, very few fail to emphasise the still vital significance and timely pertinence of the play 65 years on from the original book’s publication.
“To Kill a Mockingbird will always be relevant for a number of reasons,” says Richard. “Obviously, we still have major issues around racial injustice - and indeed, injustice full stop. And morality: questions around morality are always relevant, and should always be kept in check. But I think what’s particularly important, over and above but deeply connected to the race question, is how and what we teach children. The methods may change but I think we all agree that it’s vitally important that we teach children lessons of morality - simply, how to treat people well, and how to be in the world.”
And Richard’s place in the world, right now, is all about Atticus Finch; when I ask him what may come next on his schedule, although he hints at projects-to-come, he’s very keen to remain in the present.
“I love what I do, and I love the work, and there’s always something really exciting about finding the thing in every job that lights you up,” he says. “But I would definitely say that this production has been - and isone of the highlights of my career: this story, this book and this character mean so much to me personally. That’s why I came back for the tour; I want to put my passion into telling this story again and again. And it’s really important to bring the production out, away from the London bubble; it’s vital that theatre is accessible to everybody.”
Before our conversation ends, Richard and I end up back-and-forthing a bit more about his previous statement regarding the importance of learning how to treat people well. Are we getting there, Richard? “Ah, that’s almost the last line of the play!” he says. “Atticus says, ‘Joy cometh in the morning’, and the Finch family’s African-American housekeeper Calpurnia responds, ‘Morning’s taking its sweet time getting here’. But yes, we’re getting there; I really believe we are.”
And Richard Coyle’s Atticus Finch is one of the best tour guides we could choose to rely on to assist us on that journey. n
To Kill a Mockingbird, Theatre Royal Bath, 11-22 November https://www.theatreroyal.org.uk/events/to-kill-a-mockingbird/
Aaron Shosanya as Tom Robinson.
Evie Hargreaves as Mayella Ewell with the To Kill a Mockingbird cast.
What’s on
BEYOND INFINITY: AMERICAN SPACE EXPLORATION
Until 4 January 2026
n American Museum & Gardens, Claverton Manor, BA2 7BD
Discover the wonders of space at this fantastic family exhibition, which showcases innovation, collaboration, and the sublime magic of space that ignites awe in all of us. americanmuseum.org
LIVE MUSIC AT GREEN PARK BRASSERIE
Throughout November
n Green Park Brasserie, BA1 1JB
Soak up live music alongside world-class pizza, cocktails, and craft beer every night, Wednesday through Saturday. Bookings and walk-ups available. greenparkbrasserie.com
PEACE DOVES EXHIBITION
Until 14 November
n Bath Abbey, BA1 1LT
Enjoy a mass-participation artwork by sculptor Peter Walker, on display until 14 November. Thousands of delicate paper doves will take flight, each one carrying a message of peace, love, hope, or friendship. Each dove is inscribed with personal messages from those who have visited the Abbey. The doves will be suspended in an illuminated installation in the crossing of the Abbey. Together, they form a collective prayer of hope and peace. bathabbey.org/peacedoves
BATH BACH CHOIR
1 November, 7:30pm
n Kingswood School Theatre, BA1 5RG
Bath Bach Choir’s autumn concert brings together an array of exciting international musicians, with Carl Orff's famous Cantata Carmina Burana as the centrepiece of what's set to be an upbeat and scintillating concert performance. World-renowned drummers
BackBeat Percussion Quartet will open the evening and then raise the roof in Orff’s own arrangement of Carmina Burana for two pianos, voices, and drums, with concert pianist Nurry Lee, fresh from performing at Carnegie Hall, playing the piano opposite Marcus Sealy. bathboxoffice.org.uk
WINE TASTING
4 November,6pm-8pm
n Corkage, BA1 1HN
Meet Ben Walgate, the maker of Walgate Wine for an evening of exceptional English wine. As the former driving force behind the Tillingham & Gusbourne portfolios, Ben has struck out on his own to make English wine using the best fruit available; wines which reflect soil, climate, and the human craft poured into each one. Sip on six wonderful wines, a combination of elegant, classically made sparkling and iconic still wines. Plus, there’s the option of 10% off dinner after if you fancy staying on. Tickets are £45pp. corkagebath.com
TALK: UNIVERSITIES TACKLING CLIMATE CHANGE
6 November, 10:30am
n The Pavilion, BA2 4EU
Join the u3a for a talk by professor Phil Taylor, vice-chancellor and president of the University of Bath on the role of universities in tackling climate challenges. Admission is free for u3a members with a donation of £5 for non-members. Doors open at 9:45am for coffee.
FULLTONE ORCHESTRA
7 November, 7:30pm
n Bath Abbey , BA1 1LT
Enjoy a breathtaking night of music with Karl Jenkins’ The Armed Man a Mass for Peace, at the Bath Abbey under the Peter Walker Peace Dove installation. Presented by the Fullton Orchestra, this powerful and moving event blends soaring melodies, dramatic intensity, and deep emotion, making for an unforgettable experience. The concert will be accompanied by a huge choir and soloists. fto.org.uk
BATH MOZARTFEST
7-15 November
n Various venues
The Bath Mozartest celebrates its 35th anniversary this year offering a feast of fine music in the city. The music of Mozart lies at the heart of this festival, opening with Schumann Quartet playing Mozart’s String Quartet No. 15. The festival includes a wealth
Jim Jefferies will be at The Forum this month.
The American Museum & Gardens is hosting several events this month
of new talent along with old friends making return visits.
bathmozartfest.org.uk or Bath Box Office.
BATH FILM SOCIETY
7 & 21 November, 7:30pm n BRLSI, BA1 2HN
Join the Bath Film Society as it continues its 2025/2026 season of thought-provoking films, much-loved classics, and awardwinning documentaries, aired fortnightly. This month, enjoy Lingui (The Sacred Bonds) (Chad) on the 7th and Certified Copy (France/Italy) on the 21st. Members are invited to meet ahead of the film at 7pm for a glass of wine at a nominal price. bathfilmsociety.org.uk
REMEMBRANCE CONCERT
8 November, 7pm n Bath Abbey BA1 1LT
Returning from singing at The Menin Gate in Belgium and visiting the Great War graves, the Abbey choirs present Fauré’s beautiful and much-loved Requiem on Remembrance Weekend. This will be a beautiful evening as we remember those who have given their lives in the service of their country. Tickets from £16.50. bathboxoffice.org.uk
FLEETWOOD BAC: THE GREATEST HITS
14 November, 7pm n Komedia, BA1 1EP
Widely considered the world's finest Fleetwood Mac tribute show, Fleetwood Bac returns this month. The classic Mac sound, the look, the mystical atmosphere and that infamous on-stage chemistry will all be portrayed with passion and energy. Included in a spectacular two-hour show are several songs from the Peter Green days, plus some of Stevie's biggest solo hits. Suitable for ages 14+. Tickets from £22.50. komediabath.co.uk
PARTERRE PERFUME MAKING HALF DAY WORKSHOP
14 November, 2:30pm-5pm n City Centre
If you would like to try your hand at making your own personal fragrance, this is your chance. Informative and engaging, this half day workshop will cover a bit of theory about the olfactive families and perfume fundamentals. Then, working with high quality oils, you will be guided through the process of designing and blending, and by the end of the afternoon you will have a 50ml bottle of perfume that you have made yourself! £120pp. parterrefragrances.com
GLOUCESTERSHIRE GUILD SELLING EXHIBITION
15 & 16 November, 10am-5pm n American Museum & Gardens, BA2 7BD
The Gloucestershire Guild (founded in 1933 to support craftspeople and still going strong!) is once again hosting a selling exhibition at the museum. More than 20 members of the Gloucestershire Guild will be showing and selling their contemporary design and craft across a range of disciplines including ceramics, jewellery, textiles, knitwear, basketry, furniture, and rugs. It will be the perfect opportunity to buy handcrafted and unique Christmas gifts to wear and for the home. Visitors can also explore the museum’s gardens, visit the Manor House featuring a fantastic collection of American decorative and folk art, and enjoy the American Garden Deli and shop. Tickets can be bought in advance or on the day at the ticket office at the museum.
americanmuseum.org
JIM JEFFERIES: SON OF A CARPENTER
18 November, 7pm
n The Forum, BA1 1UG
Jim Jefferies is one of the most influential and provocative voices in global comedy. He will be in Bath as part of his brand-new stand-up UK tour, where he brings his sharp, belief-challenging, and deeply personal brand of comedy. Jefferies has released 10 stand-up specials, including five Netflix hits. His latest, High & Dry (2023), finds him reflecting on newly married life, the laziness of koala bears, the injustices of male pattern baldness and the reason why he’ll never drink again, all delivered with the brutal honesty and brilliant wit fans have come to love.
bathforum.co.uk
PARTERRE PERFUME & CRACKER MAKING
19 & 27 November, 11am-12:30pm n City Centre
Learn the basics of perfumery and by lunchtime you will have two very special gifts – mini perfumes that you have blended yourself (10ml bottles) tucked into handdecorated, seed paper crackers. Perfect as stocking fillers or tree presents, the crackers make unusual and very personal gifts. Not only will your friends or loved ones each receive a beautiful perfume, but if they ‘plant’ the cracker papers, they will also have lovely wildflower displays in spring! £60pp parterrefragrances.com
BATH & COUNTY CLUB
Join the Bath & County Club as a member and you and your guests will enjoy a relaxed, friendly ambiance and the opportunity to meet, eat, and drink in the centre of Bath. bathandcountyclub.com
Quiz Evening
Friday, 7 November 6pm for 6.30pm With two course supper to follow. £29
Sunday Carvery
9 November 11:45am for 12:15pm (Early because of Remembrance Day Abbey service). Choice of two succulent meats, served with vegetables, coffee, and mints. £32
Talk and Supper
German occupation of Guernsey 1940-1945.
Friday, 14 November, 6pm for 6.30pm Two course dinner to follow. £29
Talk and Lunch
‘The building of the Bath Guildhall and its early occupation’ Tuesday, 18 November 12pm for 12:30pm. Two course lunch to follow. £29
Beaujolais Wine Dinner
Thursday, 20 November 6:15pm for 7pm.
Three course dinner. All wines included.
Morning talk with coffee & pastries Running London
Friday, 28 November, 10:30am for 11am. £10
Rooms also for hire. Event venue: Queens Parade, Bath BA1 2NJ. Booking essential, email secretary@bathandcountyclub.com Call: 01225-423732.
BEAUJOLAIS NOUVEAU DAY DINNER
20 November, 5:30pm n Corkage, BA1 1HN
Join Corkage Bath for a night of Franglais fun and frolics to celebrate the newly bottled vintage of Beaujolais. The team will be donning stripes and berets (you’re warmly encouraged to do the same) and serving up rustic French food, Beaujolais, and good times for one night only. Tickets are £32.50pp and include a three-course set menu and a glass of Beaujolais Nouveau. corkagebath.com
MILES MORGAN TRAVEL
Silversea - All Inclusive Luxury Cruising 20 November, 2:30pm n Apex Hotel, BA1 2DA
Join Marie and her team as they welcome James Edwards from Silversea Cruises. Silversea is an all-inclusive, world of elegance and casual sophistication, for an ultra-luxury experience on smaller ships that offer personalised service, including 24/7 butler service for every suite and access to over 900 countries worldwide. Attend the event to learn more. Availability is limited, so reserve your space today by calling 01225 486-800 or email us at bath@milesmorgantravel.co.uk
JAPANESE WHISKY TASTING
21 November, 6:30pm n Topping & Company, BA1 1NG
Enjoy an evening of storytelling and Japanese whisky with Dave Broom, one of the most knowledgeable and entertaining experts in the business. He will share the stories of Japan’s whisky distilleries, unveiling the philosophy that lies behind this fascinating whisky culture and revealing how it relates to many Japanese concepts. Tickets are £25 and include a copy of Dave Broom’s latest book, The Japanese Way of Whisky. toppingbooks.co.uk/events/bath
GARDENING CLUB KLINTA TRADGARD
21 November, 7:30pm n East Building, University of Bath, BA2 7AY Garden designer Peter Korn and his partner Julia Andersson own and run a nursery at their home in Klinta, Sweden. From the Tradgard he is setting convention on its head with gardens that defy usual practices. He propagates and grows using a deep layer of sand on top of an alkaline soil. This toughens plants up for our now demanding climate. Peter will explain how to plant for the future, while increasing diversity and so benefitting valuable wildlife. ubgc.org
OPA ROSA - BALKAN KLEZMER BAND
22 November, 7:30pm
n Chapel Arts Centre, BA1 1QR
Enjoy a collection of vibrant and soulful melodies played with fiery precision by Opa Rosa, one of the UK’s most dynamic and virtuosic bands, sharing music from the Balkan, Greek, Klezmer, and Roma traditions. Fresh of the release of their anticipated new album, Havasi Klub, Opa Rosa continue to captivate audiences. Seated cabaret with dance floor. Advance tickets £10, on the door £12. chapelarts.org
MACARON MASTERCLASS
Cookery Studio Bath
22 November, 10:30am-1pm n Milsom Place, BA1 1BZ
Join the Cookery Studio Bath and learn how to make French macarons. Content covered will include whisking egg whites, making a sugar syrup, making Italian meringues, macaronage, croutage, adapting recipes, baking, piping, and storage. This class is suitable for any avoiding gluten in their diet and is designed for beginners to intermediate level cooks as well as those with an interest in baking and patisserie.
thecookery-studio.co.uk
PARAGON SINGERS CONCERT
22 November, 7:30pm
n Holy Trinity Church, BA15 1LW
Paragon Singers, directed by Sarah Latto, present a captivating concert celebrating the vibrant vocal music of the early Italian Baroque. This programme brings together the dramatic intensity of Claudio Monteverdi with the radiant, expressive works of Chiara Margarita Cozzolani - one of the period’s most remarkable and overlooked female composers. The concert will be held in the stunning surroundings of Holy Trinity Church in Bradford-on-Avon. bathboxoffice.org.uk
POST PUNK BEAT POETRY
23 November, 6:30pm n West Gate Inn, BA1 1EL
Enjoy an evening of post punk beat poetry from Geoffrey Breeze Poet with the Mad Axeman guitarist. The acid tongue, the broken heart, the rebel yell. Geoffrey’s poetry is one of social observation, love and death, Fray Bento’s pies and the National Trust. Expect to be challenged, moved and inspired. Poetry? He’ll give you poetry! Tickets are £6. eventbrite.co.uk
WIDCOMBE CHRISTMAS MARKET
22 & 23 November, from 10:30am n Natural Theatre Company & Widcombe Social Club
Widcombe Christmas Market is back for its 19th year with stallholders showcasing an array of handmade gifts in a welcoming, friendly atmosphere. The market is a local favourite and offers the perfect chance to find gifts for friends and family or to bag your own beautifully crafted treat, buying direct from local artists and makers. This year there will be over 40 creative local artisans, selling an impressive array of arts and crafts including ceramics, jewellery, Christmas cards, glasswork, natural soaps, wreathes,
prints, photography, and wood carving. widcombechristmasmarket.com
MC GRAMMAR LIVE
23 November, 1pm n Komedia, BA1 1EP
Multi-award-winning rapping teacher and World Book Day ambassador MC Grammar is back! Get ready for book bangers, epic rhymes, and non-stop vibes! It’s the ultimate family party, so grab your caps, shades, and chains and get ready to read, rap, and rock the stage. Don’t miss this lyrical learning adventure. This event is for all ages. Tickets £15. komediabath.co.uk
YOGA IN THE CHAPEL
23 November, 10am-12pm n Gainsborough Bath Spa, BA1 1QY
Enjoy a restorative yoga session in the tranquil setting of the Chapel at the Gainsborough, a perfect Sunday morning wellness experience. This workshop is suitable or all abilities and is led by expert teachers Bex and Lana. The two-hour session includes a powerful blend of QiGong, breathwork, Yang and Yin-style yoga, and the beautiful healing sounds of crystal bowls, and will encourage your body and mind to find a state of relaxation. eventbrite.co.uk
Ben Walgate will host a wine tasting evening at Corkage
Images credit Chris Fynes & Kasia Fiszer
WINE TASTING
24 November, 6:30pm
n Comptoir + Cuisine BA1 2EJ
Enjoy a wine tasting evening with Bordeaux winemaker Florent Caldier who will present an extensive variety of wines, including Cremant, Orange wine, natural wines without sulfites, Saint Estephe Saint Emilion Grand Cru, and many more. The tasting is priced at £20 per person, with discounts offered for select wines and food on the night. comptoirpluscuisine.com
AQUASANA CLASS
26 November, 8am
n Thermae Bath Spa, BA1 1SJ
Explore your mind, body and soul, with a morning of Aquasana in the Therma Bath Spa’s Rooftop Pool, followed by a two-hour spa session. Aquasana blends classic yoga postures with gentle tai chi movements and invigorating karate-inspired sequences, performed in the spa's mineral-rich waters. This flowing routine stretches and tones the body, enhancing flexibility while easing tension, delivering an energising and balanced full-body workout. This exclusive session provides private access to the rooftop pool before the spa opens to other guests. eventbrite.co.uk
BATH PHILHARMONIA
27 November, 7:30pm
n Bath Forum, BA1 1UG
Jonathan Dove’s The Ringing Isle celebrates the joy of collective music-making. Irish composer, Ina Boyle’s (a pupil of Ralph Vaughan Williams) rhapsodic and serene Concerto for Violin and Orchestra showcases the virtuosic brilliance of soloist, and social media sensation, Esther Abrami. The programme culminates in Vaughan Williams’ Symphony No. 5, a masterpiece of serenity and pastoral reflection, composed in the wake of turbulent times. Under the direction of conductor Rebecca Miller, this concert invites audiences on a journey of calm, contemplation, and profound soulful resonance. Tickets start from £28.50, £6 for those under 18 and students. bathphil.co.uk or Bath Box Office
CHRISTMAS AT WESTONBIRT
November 28 – 31 December
n Westonbirt Arboretum, GL8 8QS
Enjoy an unforgettable day out at Westonbirt National Arboretum with a magical after-dark trail featuring brand-new lights, spectacular installations, and festive fun for the entire family. Created by the award-winning producers behind Christmas at Kew. Wander
through the illuminated arboretum, where twinkling lights will bring the forest to life. New installations include Laser Garden, Fireworks Trees, Wicker Animals, and Mycelium Network. There will also be festive fairground rides (additional fee), and food and drink stalls serving winter warmers. You might even catch a magical glimpse of Father Christmas! Tickets start at £25 for adults, £18 for children. mychristmastrails.co.uk/events
CHRISTMAS WREATH MAKING WORKSHOP
29 November, 2pm-4pm
n Riverside Youth Hub, BA1 6AE
Join experienced wreath maker and Bath local, Marina Beare, for a festive and relaxing workshop at Riverside Youth Hub in Bath. Enjoy a guided workshop and leave with a beautiful natural wreath to hang at home or give to loved ones. Tickets cost £40pp and include all materials and refreshments. mentoringplus.net
THE SNOWMAN WITH THE MELODY MAKERS
29 November, 6:30pm
n Bath Abbey, BA1 1LT
Bath Abbey’s youngest choir – The Melody Makers – unwrap the magic of Christmas for the child in all of us! Enjoy a magical telling of the Christmas favourite: The Snowman on the eve of Advent. This heartwarming tale will be beautifully narrated by Jeremy Key-Pugh and accompanied by the Abbey’s young Melody Makers choir and piano, and yourselves - with Christmas songs and carols for young and old. bathabbey.org/events
CARE HOME OPEN WEEKEND
29 & 30 November
n Darcy Gardens, BA2 3NR
Join Darcy Gardens for its Open Weekend and explore its beautiful new care home in the city, offering tailored care in the very best surroundings, including residential, dementia, and respite care, in addition to short breaks. The home will welcome its first residents in February next year. Call 01255-387192.
LOOKING AHEAD
WINE TASTING
1 December, 6:30pm
n Comptoir + Cuisine, BA1 2EJ
Join Comptoir + Cuisine’s for a guided wine tasting experience featuring premium wines from France’s Sud-Ouest and discover some hidden gems. £20 per person. comptoirpluscuisine.com
TALK: THE ART OF ILLUSION
1 December, 11:30am
n Widcombe Social Club, BA2 6AA
What are illusions and how do they deceive us? Artists such as Hogarth, Magritte, and Catalano demonstrate how illusion have been used over the years. The talk is £10 (£7 on Zoom) for non-members. Bookings must be made by the 28 November. bath@theartssociety.org or theartssocietybath.com
DOROTHY
HOUSE CHRISTMAS FAIR
6 December, 9am-1pm
n Dorothy House, Winsley, BA15 2LE
Join Dorothy House for some festive fun and support your local hospice by helping to raise vital funds or end of life care in our local community. Browse a variety of traditional festival stalls, including festive crafts, clothes pop-ups, treats and refreshments.
dorothyhouse.org.uk
CITYSOUND VOICES BATH CHRISTMAS CONCERT
6 December, 7.30pm
n St Stephen’s Church BA1 5SX
Join Matt Finch and the CitySound Voices choir, together with their guests, mezzosoprano Cassie Dalby, Harmonics, and Saxation as they perform Christmas Magic, a sparkling programme of seasonal music. The concert is in aid of Julian House, fighting homelessness in Bath and the South West. Tickets £10 (under 18s £5) available from citysound.org.uk or at the door.
BATH MINERVA CHOIR
JS Bach Christmas Oratorio
13 December, 7:30pm
n St. Swithin’s Church BA1 5LY
Join the Bath Minerva Choir for what promises to be a wonderful evening of music. They will be joined by the choir’s patron, tenor James Gilchrist, soprano Natasha Agarwal, mezzo soprano Rhian Davies and baritone Christian Andreas, together with Southern Consort, and all under the baton of the choir’s esteemed musical director, Gavin Carr. Tickets £30 (all seats unreserved), £20 Students with an NUS card and under 18s bathboxoffice.org.uk
Visit thebathmagazine.co.uk/calendar for a full listing of events.
UNDERCOVER and Gucci Dress of the Year 2024
A casual menswear ensemble by Gucci and a womenswear look by brand UNDERCOVER, designed by Jun Takahashi, have been revealed as the two outfits selected as Dress of the Year 2024 by the Fashion Museum Bath. The outfits, selected by Tim Blanks, editor-atlarge at The Business of Fashion, celebrate the elevation of everyday clothing to high fashion, capturing the spirit and style of the past year. Since its opening in 1963, the museum has invited a leading figure from the fashion industry to select a look that defines the cultural and stylistic mood of the year, which is then added to its collection. The Dress of the Year initiative captures pivotal moments in style and society, offering a visual timeline of cultural change from 1963 to the present day. Among the many past selections are designs by iconic names such as Karl Lagerfeld, Alexander McQueen, Donatella Versace, Vivienne Westwood, and Simone Rocha.
The first look selected was famously worn by Paul Mescal on the front row of Gucci’s Spring/Summer 2025 show during Milan Fashion Week in June earlier this year. It consists of a light blue cotton shirt, striped boxer-style shorts worn with white crew socks, classic black Jorsebit loafers, and sunglasses.
The look offers a refined twist on Mescal’s signature short shorts, in homage to his Gaelic football roots, and a style he has championed since his breakout role in Normal People. He noted at the show that he is a “fan of the short inseam” and “a big advocate of men wearing shorter shorts.”
The womenswear selection opened UNDERCOVER’S Autumn/Winter 2024-2025 show at Paris Fashion Week. The all-inone camisole and jeans ensemble, paired with a soft cardigan and accompanied by an organza-embroidered baguette bag by Brigitte Tanaka, embodies the theme of the collection: "Watching a Working Woman." Crafted from silk and denim fused together using UNDERCOVER’s signature ‘adhesion’ technique, the outfit reflects the dualities of feminine identity: softness and strength, elegance and practicality.
“My selections for women and men were a perfect synchronicity because they defined a moment when it felt to me like fashion was realising it had lost the battle with relevance,” Blanks explains. “In the long tail of the pandemic, fashion’s audience had found other preoccupations. Like Paul Mescal wearing O’Neill shorts in Normal People.” Visit fashionmuseum.co.uk
Dress of the Year 2024 UNDERCOVER and Gucci. Photo by Peter J Stone
TFestive Without Frenzy
BY CYNTHIA WIHARDJA, Beau Nash Antiques
he Bath Christmas market runs late this year only ending on the 14th of December. Usually locals like you wait until the market wraps up before starting your “real” Christmas shopping, as the city centre can be a bit of a challenge to navigate. But if you hold off this year, you might find yourself in a last-minute dash, scrambling for gifts amidst the cocktail evenings that fill the calendar in December.
So, to help you avoid that familiar festive panic, here are a few tips to make your Christmas shopping stress-free, merry, and maybe even enjoyable:
1. Shop early.
Everyone has a secret hiding spot in their home to stash away gifts. By shopping early, you’ll beat the rush, secure parking with ease, and have your pick of the best gifts before the crowds descend.
2. Have a list.
If you’re shopping for multiple people, a list can be your saving grace. Some simply need a pen and notepad, while others unleash their inner elf with a colour-coded spreadsheet, complete with budgets. Whatever your style, a list keeps you focused and prevents “gift drift.”
3. Enjoy the physical shopping experience.
Online shopping might seem efficient, but it can be draining and impersonal. There’s real joy in stepping into a shop, touching the items, and finding the perfect gift that just feels right. Plus, it’s the perfect excuse for a pit stop — a hot chocolate never hurt anyone.
4. Make a day of it.
Turn your shopping trip into an outing rather than a chore. Invite a friend, start with brunch, and tackle the gift list together. Have fun spotting deals and share a laugh over ridiculous jumpers. Shopping can be a festive memory.
5. Wrap as you go.
There’s nothing worse than a mountain of unwrapped gifts on Christmas Eve. Set aside time each weekend to wrap a few presents at a time with a Christmas film. By the final week, you’ll be sipping champagne while everyone else scrambles for tape.
With a bit of planning, you can glide through this Christmas season cool, calm, and merry — long before Santa even gets the sleigh ready. And if you’re wondering whether it’s too early to start — it’s not! In fact, as early as two weeks ago, we helped a customer find the perfect gift for his loved one. So start early, stay merry, and enjoy every sparkle of the season.
Sleigh bells ring as Father Christmas lands at the Holburne
This year, the magic of the season unfolds like never before as families are invited to embark on an enchanting, fully immersive journey to meet Father Christmas. We speak with Matthew Emeny, creative producer and co‐founder of The Production Garden, to learn more about the magical Father Christmas Grotto at the Holburne, Bath.
Christmas is a time when the ordinary feels extraordinary, and nothing brings the magic of the festive season to life quite like Father Christmas. This year, Father Christmas will be flying in from the North Pole with his team of merry helpers to the gardens of the Holburne, offering a festive event guaranteed to melt the frostiest of hearts.
It’s the first time the annual Father Christmas’s Workshop (organised by The Production Garden, an award-winning live theatre and events company) will move from Milsom Place to a purpose-built space in the grounds of the museum in Sydney Gardens. The fully accessible event is put on by talented, professional actors and musicians, offering a truly enchanting experience right in the heart of Bath.
“In 2019, I was itching to get a Christmas show on, and couldn’t find a way to make that happen,” explains Matthew. “So, instead, I invented a new show called Father Christmas’s Workshop. An immersive musical for all the family. Children and families would arrive and then be taken on an adventure to save Christmas by Father Christmas’s Elves. What I learnt, though, was that even though everyone loved the elves, they wanted more of Father Christmas!
“Then Covid arrived and prevented any developments of the experience until 2023, when The Production Garden co-founder Josh Beaumont and
I decided we would attempt to take everything I had learnt from 2019 and reinvent the Grotto experience. We then spent two years at Milsom Place, growing our audience and enhancing the experience itself. Now we are ready to grow even more, and that has brought us to the grounds of the Holburne.”
Matthew explains that the move to the museum will offer a truly unique space that will add extra pizzazz to the entire event. There will be more seating and space for the audience, as well as plenty of space for those cheeky elves to play and dance in. Father Christmas’s cafe will also be open, selling wonderful hot chocolates, seasonal snacks and sweet treats, and, of course, mulled wine. There’s also the Holburne Café or the Pulteney Arms within striking distance for those wishing to enjoy a heartier meal.
“It really will be bigger, brighter, and better than ever before,” Matthew enthuses.
An immersive festive experience
One of the unique selling points of the event is the length of time everyone gets to spend with Father Christmas.
“Our approach to the grotto is to create a wonderful 25-minute immersive experience full of storytelling, music, and laughter. Adults get
““Our approach to the grotto is to create a wonderful 25-minute immersive experience full of storytelling, music, and laughter.”
Matthew Emeny
the chance to have banter with Father Christmas and his elves, along with explaining why they are on the naughty list! With live music, brilliant comic performances, and gifts that directly link to the storytelling, we are proud to offer a brilliant Father Christmas event.”
So, what can visitors expect?
Matthew suggests starting off with mince pies to get into the festive spirit at Father Christmas’s Cafe, then stepping into the portal, filled with the sweet-smelling scent of the pine forests of Lapland and the excitement of new toys being made and wrapped. Wander through the trees and you’ll start to make out Father Christmas’s front room, but “don’t make too much noise,” Matthew cautions, as Father Christmas can often be caught having a nap! Along the way, you will hear songs created by the elves, have a go at singing some new songs, take a peek at the packing station, and see the piles of wish lists. Of course, it’s here that you can check to see if you’re on the naughty list or not! You will also have the opportunity to capture a cherished photo with Father Christmas himself. While the event lasts around 25 minutes, Matthew says you can take your time to enjoy the Christmas Cafe or perhaps a festive walk around the park.
“Magic truly exists if we believe in it, and seeing all those families and little ones full of excitement and joy to meet Father Christmas is such a pleasure,” Matt says. “My favourite part is seeing everyone’s excitement leaving the grotto with their new elf packs, humming all the new songs, and parents often whispering a’thank you’.”
So, dust off your sleigh bells, gather your loved ones, and step into a Christmas world where joy, laughter, and wonder truly come alive. n
The event can be enjoyed by all ages, but is especially suited for those aged three to 12 years. It runs from the 28 November to 23 December. Visit fatherchristmasbath.co.uk for more event details and to book tickets.
Arts & exhibitions
Modern ArtBuyer Pop-Up Gallery 15 – 16 November
Sylvan Lodge, 1 Cliffe Drive, Limpley Stoke
Art gallery and consultancy Modern ArtBuyer will be hosting their autumn open house pop-up gallery over the weekend of 15th16th November in Limpley Stoke. The gallery, run by Jessica LloydSmith, will showcase a curated selection of original paintings, prints and ceramics, in a relaxed home setting helping visitors to appreciate how artworks might transform their own space. Throughout the weekend, the team will be on hand to offer advice around artwork selection, framing and hanging. Whether you’re looking for the perfect gift or inspiration for your own collection, pop in and browse the show over a glass of bubbles. modernartbuyer.com
The Holburne Great Pulteney Street, Bath holburne.org
Illustrating Austen, until 11 January
Winter Exhibition 15 November - 31 January, Gallery Nine, 9B Margaret's Buildings, Bath Private View 15 November 4pm-7pm
Craig Underhill creates three-dimensional ceramic paintings through an experimental use of materials, producing diverse surface finishes. Sasha Wardell is known for her pure white bone china enhanced with a subtle colour palette. Trevor Price specialises in handmade drypoints and etchings produced in his studios in St Ives and London. Emerging artist and printmaker Huddie Hamper paints with thick, wavy brushstrokes that convey movement. Guy Royle, who began as assistant to Breon O’Casey, crafts bold contemporary jewellery from beaten and etched silver and gold. Susie Hines combines traditional constructions with etched and patinated surfaces, different golds, silver, and unique gemstones to create contemporary jewellery. galleryninebath.com
Centring around Austen’s stories and the characters she created, visitors will discover how our favourite characters came to life on the page, how different artists depicted them in a range of styles, and how they have evolved through the years, reflecting changing times and new audiences. Austen resided just across the road from the Holburne Museum at 4 Sydney Place (from 1801–1804), and Bath had a profound effect on her work.
Sculpting the Earth: Ceramics by Natalie Bevan, Psiche Hughes and Ann Stokes, until 4 January
Sculpting the Earth brings together the ceramic works of three little-known women artists of the 20th century: Natalie Bevan, Psiche Hughes and Ann Stokes. Together these three artists demonstrate an intuitive approach to modelling, producing forms that are humorous and insightful reflections of the external world they saw or imagined.
Left: The Distant Dawn by Paul Bennett framed oil on canvas; above: Pulse by Paul Minott, unique monoprint on paper
Below: Psiche Hughes, Lemons in a bowl
Bath Contemporary Artists’ Fair, Sunday 9 November 10am–5pm Green Park Station, Green Park Road, Bath
Under the vaulted glass roof of Green Park Station, the awardwinning Bath Contemporary Artists’ Fair (BCAF) returns to bring you the best selection of contemporary art – right in the heart of Bath. BCAF is a space where local artists can network, share ideas and display art. Visitors can not only see and admire their work but purchase pieces of fine art as well as photography, sculpture, textiles, ceramics and so much more. For updates and exhibiting artists visit the website: bcaf.co.uk
Rachel Ross & Jo Barrett, New Paintings 15 November – 23 December Beaux Arts, 12-13 York Street, Bath
Before the Christmas Market gets under way, Beaux Arts launches their winter show, which showcases works by two still life artists. Rachel Ross’s work features meticulously detailed and carefully composed paintings of everyday mundane objects, silverware and utensils. Jo Barrett is a former graduate of Bath Spa University. Her beautiful, minimalist paintings focus on the subtle inflections of light on flowers and crockery.There will also be a selection of small works in the gallery by Helen Simmonds, Ruth Brownlee, Nicholas Middleton, Melissa Franklin Sanchez amongst others.Ceramics are by Patricia Shone.beauxartsbath.co.uk
This exhibition brings together the work of four artists whose practices span the expansive and ever-evolving language of collage. From traditional paper collage and cut-and-paste photomontage to analogue processes, layered papier collé, gouache-painted collage, and abstract compositions created using hand-painted papers, their works reflect a restless inquiry into form, material, and meaning. The exhibition highlights not only the individual trajectories of these artists—who have each moved fluidly between techniques—but also the breadth of collage itself as a medium.This exhibition invites viewers to experience collage not as a single style, but as a dynamic field of creative possibility. sandrahiggins.art
Bath Society of Artists 120th Open Exhibition, until 10 January Victoria Art Gallery, Bridge Street, Bath
Well over a century old, the Bath Society of Artists has an enviable record; boasting amongst its members and associates renowned artists including Walter Sickert, John Singer Sargent, Mary Fedden, Howard Hodgkin and David Inshaw. Attracting almost 1,500 entries every year, the Society’s Open exhibition is a highlight of Bath’s cultural calendar, with a fantastic mix of paintings, prints and sculptures in the widest variety of styles. Packed with colour, innovation and delight, this exhibition has something for everyone. victoriagal.org.uk
Beaux Arts
Jo Barrett Japanese Anemones and Delft Vase Oil on Canvas 60 x 60 cm.
Above: Artwork by Vicki Cullen
Artwork: top left, Marq Kearey, Released; top right, Richard Crooks, To dress to the right or the left; bottom left, Fabio Almeida, Tie; bottom right, David Ferry, Desert Series I
Winter Exhibition
15th November - 31st January 2026
Private View 15th November 4pm-7pm ‘Meet the Artists'
Craig Underhill Ceramics
Trevor Price Woodcut ‘This is Where I Want to Be Right Now’
The Corridor celebrates 200 years
Bath’s historic arcade, the Corridor, celebrated 200 years last month. Andrew Swift delves into its fascinating past and how this elegant corner of Bath’s city centre has evolved over the years….
Two hundred years ago, Bath was going through a retail revolution. One of its driving forces was a young architect called Henry Goodridge. He would go on to design Beckford’s Tower, Cleveland Bridge, and Cleveland Place, but in 1824, he was engaged on a very different project – a bazaar on Quiet Street, which would raise the art of shopping in Bath to a new level of sophistication.
Bazaars in this country were a relatively new concept. The first, which opened in Soho in 1816, bore little resemblance to the vibrant Middle Eastern marketplaces from which it took its name. Inside a hall furnished with red drapes and mirrors, well-heeled shoppers wandered past mahogany counters piled high with the latest must-have fashion accessories, as deferential traders vied for their custom.
Goodridge was determined that Bath’s bazaar should be no less impressive. Designed in Greek Revival style, with statues of commerce and genius on the facade, and an exhibition and meeting hall on the first floor, nothing like it had been seen in Bath before.
It proved such a success that Goodridge soon embarked on his next project – an arcade, based on the Burlington Arcade in London, with a glass roof flooding the interior with light. Linking two of the city’s busiest thoroughfares – High Street and Union Street – prospective punters would be enticed in not only by the prospect of getting out of the cold and wet but also by the sounds of a band serenading them from a balcony – a Regency version of Muzak.
The Burlington Arcade was double-storey, with a grand entrance at either end. Goodridge, however opted for a rather different plan.
Although the central section was double-storey, it was flanked by two single-storey sections, while dark archways led into the arcade through the buildings at either end. Whatever the reason for the design, the passage from darkness into light as customers strolled along the Corridor only served to enhance its exclusivity, while its Greek Revival flourishes added a note of restrained elegance.
An instant success
Like the bazaar, it was an instant success. On the opening day – 12 October 1825 – over 5,000 people walked through, and at twelve o’clock sharp the band struck up God Save the King, followed by ‘many lively airs’. As for the shops, a strict vetting process was observed, with no dirty, smelly or indecorous trades considered. Businesses allowed in included shoemakers, jewellers, booksellers, hairdressers, lacemakers, glovers, and printsellers. Many of the shops were run by women. A directory from 1833 records that seven women were running shops in the Corridor –five milliners, two straw hat makers, and one ‘dealer in perfumery, toys, snuff and fancy goods’. And, to ensure that civility was maintained, a constable was appointed to keep order.
The size of the shops on the north side was constrained because they backed onto those in Northumberland Place. There was scope for expansion behind the shops in the central section on the south side, however, and it was here, in 1833, that Goodridge acquired a site previously occupied by the stables and outbuildings of nearby coaching inns. He developed part of the site for commercial use and also built a set of public rooms, access to which was along a passageway by No 7.
Known as the Corridor Rooms, they hosted public meetings, lectures, balls, and exhibitions, and, for a time, were home to a masonic lodge.
In 1853, a photographic artist, William Whaite, set up what was probably the first purpose-built photographic studio in Bath on the upper floors of the Corridor Rooms. When he died, two years later, aged only 33, his widow, Hannah, took over the business. When she moved to London 10 years later, a succession of other photographers operated out of the studio. Among them was William Friese Greene, who was there from the late 1870s to 1889, by which time the Corridor Rooms had been renamed the Victoria Rooms. In 1904, the studio was taken over by Friese Green’s nephew, Tom Leaman, who was there until his death in 1961. The studio finally closed in 1999.
One of the Corridor’s longest surviving businesses was Hatt’s Hairdressers. In 1856, Thomas Hatt, who had worked at a hairdressers in the Burlington Arcade, married Alice Breeze, whose father ran a hairdressing salon at 10 The Corridor. He appointed Thomas as manager. Two years later, Thomas took it over, and in 1869 expanded it into No 9. When he died in 1896, it passed to his son, Harry Hatt, who expanded it again, into No 8. Hatt’s Hairdressers, which survived until 1989.
The biggest business in the Corridor was Rayner’s Fancy Drapers. In 1903, William Rayner opened a drapers at No 7. By the 1930s, he had not only expanded into 5, 6, 11a, 14, 15, 16, 19, and 20, but also acquired 8, 9, and 10 Northumberland Place and removed part of the dividing wall between the two rows of shops. After his death in 1948, the business was carried on by his son, Arthur. In 1960, extensive alterations were carried out, but Rayner’s closed a few years later.
Design changes
Although the Corridor retains many original features, there have been many changes. In 1870, the pitched glass roof of the two single-storey sections was replaced by a barrel-vaulted glass roof, granite columns replaced the wooden columns at either end, and plate-glass windows took the place of the small panes and glazing bars installed by Goodridge. The two steps at the east end leading up into the Corridor also seem to have been removed around this time. An attempt to rebrand the Corridor as the Royal Arcade a few years later, however, was scuppered when the necessary approval was refused.
In 1927, a metal canopy, designed by AJ Taylor, was installed at the east end, making the entrance even darker and covering up much of Goodridge’s facade. In 1966, when the last constable retired, no one could be found to fill his place, and the post fell vacant. In 1974, an IRA bomb,
left in the passageway by No 7, caused extensive damage, smashing much of the glass, but causing no injuries. In 2002, the passageway was removed, allowing No 7 to be expanded. Recent years have seen the frosted wired glass – presumably installed after the 1974 bombing – replaced by clear glass, making the Corridor much lighter. More recently still, the High Street canopy has been shrouded in scaffolding awaiting repair.
Two hundred years on, despite all the changes and challenges it has faced, the Corridor looks in remarkably fine fettle. Unlike Goodridge’s bazaar, which now houses restaurants on both its ground and first floors, it still serves its original purpose supremely well, bringing a hint of Regency charm to this corner of the city. And, as only the second arcade in Britain outside London (Bristol unfortunately got there a few months earlier), its bicentenary seems an ideal time not only to celebrate its remarkable history but also to look forward to equally auspicious times to come. n
The passageway by No 7 leading to the Victoria Rooms and Leaman’s photographic studio. Part of Hatt’s hairdresser’s can be seen on the right.
The Corridor on a postcard from around 1905.
The High Street entrance around 1830, showing the steps and the original wooden columns. Traces of the signs over the shops on either side of the entrance still survive.
Celebrating the Life and Art of Nicholas Cotton at Lawrences’
This November, Lawrences Auctioneers will present a remarkable collection of works that featured in the Lynda Cotton Gallery, once run by Nicholas Cotton. A man whose passion for art, history, and his beloved hometown of Watchet left an indelible mark on the community.
For more than four decades, Nicholas and his wife Lynda ran the renowned Lynda Cotton Gallery on Swain Street, Watchet. Even after their separation ten years ago, Nicholas chose to keep the gallery name as a tribute to the life and work they had built together. The gallery became a cornerstone of the local cultural scene, hosting exhibitions by distinguished artists such as Hans Schwarz, Alex Hollweg, James Date, Angus Sterling, and John Wealthy. Despite championing so many others, Nicholas rarely placed himself in the spotlight. He was a self-taught artist who preferred to quietly paint at his kitchen table, sketchbook in hand, while sharing conversation and tea with his family. In 2023, Nicholas’ daughter Jennie and her husband Ian curated a landmark exhibition of his work, the first time his art had truly been celebrated in its own right. His son Olly also shared in supporting the legacy of his father’s life and work. The response was extraordinary: 101 of 103 works were sold, with the majority finding homes in Watchet itself. This seemed fitting for an artist so deeply rooted in the town, its people, and its history.
Alongside his art, Nicholas was also a respected historian and writer. He penned numerous articles for local press, books, and magazines, often combining them with his own intricate illustrations to bring Watchet’s rich past to life. His knowledge, generosity, and eye for beauty cemented his reputation not only as an art and antiques expert but as a cherished figure in the community.
The upcoming 20th Century Modern Art & Design Sale at Lawrences will feature a carefully chosen selection of works from Nicholas Cotton’s gallery collection, offering collectors and admirers a rare opportunity to acquire pieces that carry both artistic and local historical significance.
The online sale will open at the end of November and conclude on the 7th December 2025, and Lawrences is proud to share this opportunity to honour the life and creativity of a man who gave so much to others through his art.
Lawrences are welcoming consignments for their forthcoming Fine Art sales to include: Silver | Vertu | Pictures | 19th/20th Century Design | Ceramics
Oriental Works of Art | Jewellery | Watches | Furniture | Clocks
Free valuations are available online at lawrences.co.uk
Home visits also available throughout Bath and the West Country without charge or obligation.
Lee Young
For many of us, watching the BBC’s Antiques Roadshow is a Sunday night ritual. For Lee Young, now in his 15th year as an Asian Art expert on the show, travelling the UK every summer to film it, has become his. Here Lee shares some behind-the-scenes insights:
Take us through a day on set
Even after nearly 50 years on air, we continue to attract record visitor numbers, and it’s not uncommon for experts to be valuing at 7 or 8pm in the evening. With 100s of people to see, it can be hard to take a break, luckily, we have excellent runners on-hand to bring tea! If we’re fortunate enough to see something exceptional, the producer is alerted and these items are filmed, but we see many, many more items off-screen.
What is the most challenging aspect?
Balancing the demands of filming in beautiful, often far-flung locations, with my day job - as owner and director of Dore & Rees auctions in Frome. I took over Dore & Rees in 2020 and it is now one of fastest growing auction houses in the UK. With a busy sales calendar to oversee and an Asian Art department to run - I am kept very busy! But I am fortunate to do what I love.
Most memorable piece on the show?
Filming the exceptional Chinese robe in 2024 and delivering the £200,000 estimate to a stunned couple and crowd, is something I will never forget. Kept by the owner in a dressing up box as a child, the robe caught the attention of the national media and even Gogglebox! It still holds the record as most expensive Chinese treasure ever-recorded on the show.
Auction Salerooms, Vicarage Street, Frome, Somerset, BA11 1PU Lee is based in Frome and regularly visits Bath assisting clients. If you would like the benefit of Lee’s expertise, get in touch.
Unearthing Bath’s past bone by bone
As part of Bath Abbey’s Footprint Project, remains of more than 2,000 individuals were uncovered, providing fascinating insights into the lives and deaths of some the city’s former residents. Joanna Lewis speaks with senior archaeologist Cai Mason from Wessex Archaeology following his talk at the Bath Royal Literary and Scientific Institution (BRLISI) as part of its Bath History Festival.
What began as a major conservation initiative soon evolved into one of the most extensive archaeological investigations ever undertaken in the city. Beneath the Abbey and its vaulted cellars, archaeologists uncovered thousands of buried bodies, revealing layer upon layer of human activity stretching back millennia
With much of the city’s history focused on its Roman and Georgian remains, the project shone a spotlight on aspects of Bath’s history that are often overlooked, namely the city’s development as an important monastic centre in the Anglo-Saxon and Medieval periods. Cai says the remains showed how the population and social structure of the city changed from being a monastery with an associated civil settlement to one that was economically and socially focused on the spa and the wealthy clientele it attracted.
“One of the unique aspects of the project was the sheer depth of time that we explored: the earliest finds date from the Late Mesolithic period (c. 6000–4000 BC) and we have a continuous sequence of human activity
from the Roman period onwards. This included Roman roads and buildings, an Anglo-Saxon and medieval monastery, and urban development related to the growth of the spa from the late 16th century onwards,” Cai explains.
The excavations concluded in 2020, and since then, teams of specialists have been studying and analysing the materials uncovered at the Abbey, from human remains to microscopic soil samples, which reveal incredible detail about people’s diets, health, the landscape, and sometimes, the buildings they lived in. While the full findings are yet to be published, Cai is able to reveal some fascinating findings.
“The osteoarchaeologists analysing and recording human remains have been able to ascertain that most of the Anglo-Saxon and Medieval males, many of whom are likely to have been monks, appear to have been wellfed and physically active individuals, no doubt reflecting the strenuous work needed to keep the monastery functioning. Although most appear to have been relatively fit individuals, some remains from both time periods do show evidence of diseases linked with obesity.”
Wessex Archaeology’s work within the Abbey Vaults has revealed burial remains dating to the 8th or 9th century AD, including at least two charcoal burials. Photos courtesy of Wessex Archaeology.
“One of the unique aspects of the project was the sheer depth of time that we explored”
Cai Mason
However, the human remains dating from the period 1576 to 1845 were quite different, Cai says. “These were mostly wealthy laypeople, many of whom were drawn to Bath for the supposed curative value of the spa, as we know many came to Bath to ‘take the waters’ for their health. They were generally older and had a much broader range of medical conditions, including those reflective of rich diets and overindulgence.”
Sugar, charcoal, and colourful characters
So, were there any discoveries that surprised the team?
“One of the interesting features is the impact of sugar being introduced to people’s diets, the Anglo-Saxon and Medieval inhabitants of Bath had much better teeth than their Georgian successors – the habit of toothbrushing took a while to catch on!” Cai says.
Several rare late Anglo-Saxon charcoal burials were also discovered, in which the body or coffin is laid on or under a layer of charcoal. One of the burials was found three metres below modern street level to the south of the Abbey church.
Tantalisingly, Cai says their research has led them to find out a bit more about some of the individuals given this burial right, but he can’t reveal any more details until the full results of the excavation are published.
Although none of the excavated burials can be linked to named individuals, Cai says there are many colourful characters associated with the history of Bath Abbey.
There is Sir John Harrington (1560 – 1612), the inventor of the flushing toilet, who Queen Elizabeth I referred to as ‘my saucy godson’ on account of his sometimes-risqué writings. He was one of the people who was instrumental in the rebuilding of Bath Abbey in the late 16th century.
There is also Bishop Robert of Bath (d. 1166), who was responsible for completing the construction of the Norman cathedral, the remains
of which the Abbey sits on. According to Cai, the half-built church burned down soon after he took office, and the following year King Stephen ordered him to take charge of the defence of Bath during The Anarchy. When the city was besieged, the Bishop managed to capture one of the enemy nobles, Geoffrey Talbot. The Bishop was offered safe passage to negotiate for Talbot’s release, but when he arrived at the meeting place, he was promptly threatened with hanging unless Talbot was released unharmed. With no option but to comply, his captive was released, much to the annoyance of King Stephen. Luckily, the Bishop was eventually forgiven and returned to the epic task of building the cathedral. He was eventually buried in the chancel of the completed cathedral, under what is now Orange Grove.
Bath’s population through time
Were there any discoveries that challenge previous assumptions about Bath’s population and its past? According to Cai, the project uncovered important evidence about the layout of the Norman cathedral priory that preceded the Abbey. He says it was built in a French Romanesque style c. 1090–1150, and was roughly twice the size of the Bath Abbey that stands today.
The burials, alongside documentary evidence, also reveal a fascinating picture of Bath’s population through time.
“Documentary evidence indicates that the Anglo-Saxon community in Bath included individuals from Frankia (modern France and Germany) and that after the Norman Conquest, the incoming AngevinFrench bishop, John of Tours (d. 1122), replaced many of the English monks with Norman Frenchmen,” Cai explains. “The excavated remains of the men buried in the priory cloisters between the 11th to 13th centuries (most of whom were probably monks) were noticeably taller than their Anglo-Saxon predecessors, possibly due to Viking ancestry.”
Analysis of the excavated remains is still ongoing, and a detailed book is set to be published in the near future, unlocking more secrets of the Abbey’s fascinating history and the lives and deaths of those who were buried beneath its imposing structure. n
Celebrate Christmas at Sarthi Bath
This festive season, make your celebrations unforgettable at Sarthi Restaurant, Bath’s Vegan & Vegetarian Indian Restaurant. We are now open for Christmas bookings and invite you to indulge in a unique dining experience filled with warmth, flavour, and festive cheer.
Whether it’s private dinning or a lively group gathering, Sarthi is the perfect place to celebrate together.
Sarthi - Authentic Indian Restaurant in Bath
The Cookery Studio: An intimate setting, perfect for groups of food lovers!
The Cookery Studio, is now taking bookings for corporate events, hen parties and birthday celebrations. The studio; based in Milsom Place at the centre of Bath, offers cooking experiences for up to 14 people. Choose from a range, including street food sessions, baking masterclasses and seasonal specialties, your event requirements can be catered for to create the perfect cookery experience.
For more information contact hello@thecookery-studio.co.uk, or check out the website for further information including upcoming public workshops www.thecookery-studio.co.uk
Fabulous Chocolate and Cherry Cake
Can be made completely up to eight hours ahead.
Mary’s Tips
Freezes well filled but ice on the day
Extracted from Mary 90 - My Very Best Recipes by Mary Berry, BBC Books £28, photograph Tara Fisher
In celebration of Mary Berry’s visit to Bath
Dame Mary Berry is set to return to Bath to support The Beacon of Lansdown project, an ambitious restoration and renewal project dedicated to revitalising the historic Grade II listed St Stephen’s Church in Lansdown. Her visit will mark the start of Phase One, with funds raised helping to cover essential development costs, from architectural plans to heritage assessments..
Mary has a close connection to St Stephen’s Church and the Lansdown area, as it is where her childhood, schooling, and family life began. With immediate family still nearby, the culinary icon has always felt a deep affection for St. Stephen’s and the community it represents.
In true Mary Berry style, the occasion is being sweetened by one of her favourite chocolate cake recipes, which she has shared exclusively with The Bath Magazine.
This is an impressive cake, so good, in fact, that it's on the cover of Mary Berry’s latest book, Mary 90 - My Very Best Recipes by Mary Berry. To find out more or to support the appeal, visit thebeaconoflansdown.org.uk
Ingredients
Serves 8–10
55g (2oz) cocoa powder, sifted
6 tbsp boiling water
4 large eggs
225g (8oz) baking spread, straight from the fridge, plus extra for greasing
200g (7oz) Bournville chocolate, broken into pieces
1. Preheat the oven to 180°C/160°C Fan/Gas 4. Grease and base line 2 x 20cm (8in) loose-bottomed sandwich tins.
2. To make the ganache, measure the cream and chocolate into a glass bowl. Place the bowl over a pan of simmering water and heat until runny. Remove from the heat and leave to cool in a cold place until thick and stiff.
3. Meanwhile, measure the cocoa powder into a large bowl with the boiling water. Mix to a paste. Add all the remaining cake ingredients and whisk together until light and fluffy using an electric hand whisk.
4. Divide the cake mixture between the tins and level the tops. Bake in the preheated oven for about 25–30 minutes until well risen and shrinking away from the sides of the tin. Leave to cool in the tins for a few minutes, then transfer the cakes to a wire rack to finish cooling.
5. Place one of the cakes upside down on a board. Spread the cherry jam over the surface and top with the whipped cream. Place the second cake on top. Spread the ganache icing over the top of the cake and swirl to make a pretty design.
Wine for a rainy day
Words by Tom Bleathman from The Great Wine Co.
As the dark, colder nights begin to settle in, there’s something comforting about having a couple of special bottles of wine tucked away for those cosy evenings.
Throughout November, The Great Wine Co. is running up to 30% off a selection of fine wines, making this the perfect time to treat yourself to a few special bottles for the wine rack that will hit the spot and, dare I say it, these would also be perfect for those with one eye on 25 December… | greatwine.co.uk
Chateau de Villegeorge Haut Medoc 2014: This is a classic example of Left Bank Bordeaux, Cabernet Sauvignon-led, with lovely, intense blackberry fruit tinged with nuances of tobacco and just a hint of Médoc gravelliness. On the palate, it’s deliciously soft, with ripe, rounded tannins and subtle notes of caramel and toasted oak. Château de Villegeorge benefits from the expertise of head winemaker MarieLaure Lurton, who has been refining her skills since 1986. Located on the border of Margaux, next to the legendary (and more expensive) Château CantenacBrown, Château de Villegeorge is a relative bargain. £28.50 to £22
Varvaglione, Papale Oro Primitivo 2021: A firm favourite for many is our fantastic Primitivo, Papale. Deep, dark, with aromas of kirsch, plum and spicy oak, and flavours of rich dark chocolate, ripe cherries and spice. This is Puglian wine at its best, with great character, warmth, and ‘friendliness’, yet no shortage of delicious spiciness, complexity and pure fruit intensity, and ultra-plush, velvety texture. There are layers of ripe black cherry and blueberry fruit, and everything is balanced by beautiful freshness right through to the finish. From the highly praised 2021 vintage too, this is a real gem. £35 to £29.50
Qunita Do Crasto LBV Port 2017: Quinta Do Crasto is a winery that can do no wrong. At one end of the spectrum, its entry level wines are always outstanding value for money, and at the other end, it produces some of Portugal’s most prestigious wines. The LBV is a fantastic example of Ruby Port. The nose is packed full of dark fruit, baking spices and a slight nuttiness. This profile continues the palate, with real intensity combined with a wonderfully silky texture. A glass of this and some Gorgonzola and you’re on to a winner. £25 to £19.95
“at Pane e vino we took a step back in time to rediscover old recipes and truly homemade, comfort food with a modern twist. Join us for an authentic experience that will make you want to return over and over again”.
Dinner is served Saturdays & Sunday only, 5,30pm to 8.00pm (last order)
Friday is Happy Hour 5.15pm - 8.00pm with complimentory Hors D’oeuvre. (daily specials and small menu available for light dinner)
Open 7 days a week, serving breakfast until 12 o’clock and lunch until 3.00pm
Two decades ago, Richard Bertinet opened The Bertinet Kitchen in Bath, heralding the start of a quiet food revolution on our doorsteps. Words by Melissa Blease
The opening of The Bertinet Kitchen coincided with the publication of Richard’s first book Dough, which earned multiple awards including the James Beard Foundation Book Award, the IACP cookery book of the year and the Julia Child Award for Best First Book. He published his second book Crust in 2007, followed by four more between 2012-2019.
Meanwhile, the reputation of The Bertinet Kitchen spread far and wide and Richard became a household name across the UK, regularly popping up on TV programmes including James Martin’s Saturday Morning, Saturday Kitchen and An Extra Slice and making guest appearances at food shows and festivals across the UK. But Richard –who was born in Brittany, north west France, and moved to the UK in the late 1980s – always kept his feet firmly on the (Bath!) ground.
Richard Bertinet: 20 years of The Bertinet Kitchen in his own words
“My aim with The Bertinet Kitchen was to make a success of every day – that’s all you can do at the beginning! We don’t look back; instead we think, what is there still to come tomorrow?”
“Like any business, we’ve faced challenges over the past 20 years, from the ups and downs of family life to the huge impact of Covid. But you just have to keep going and believe in what you are doing; for me, that’s simply to teach what you know, and what you love.”
“People are more aware of the food that they eat now and what goes into it than they were 20 years ago, and cookery schools have played no small part in this journey. There’s also been an explosion of TV cookery programmes as people have become more interested in what they’re eating, and want to learn more about it. The Bertinet Kitchen gives people that spark, and the confidence to be happy spending time in their own kitchens. When our guests are with us – particularly on our longer 5-day courses – they meet like-minded people, they interact and they support each other; the experience goes way beyond the baking and the cooking.”
“I’m so proud of my loyal staff and the fantastic guest chefs who come to teach at my Kitchen, many of whom have become great friends. Business is not just about one person; you need pieces of the jigsaw to make it all
work and my team have made the Kitchen what it is today. I will never take what we have achieved for granted. Here’s to the next adventure!”
As well as hosting his own baking classes at The Bertinet Kitchen on a regular basis, Richard welcomes a wide variety of nationally and internationally acclaimed guest chefs to the school’s schedule. Here, some of the biggest and brightest chef superstars who have recently visited Bath to teach alongside Richard pay their personal tributes to the great man himself.
Matt Tebbutt: Established British Chef and TV food presenter, best recognised for BBC’s Saturday Kitchen and Channel 4’s Food Unwrapped Matt was recently announced as a judge on the next series of MasterChef: The Professionals, alongside Marcus Wareing and Monica Galetti.
At his recent Chef’s Table event at The Bertinet Kitchen, Matt combined his trademark culinary flair with an emphasis on fresh seasonal ingredients, elevating classic dishes with his own signature twist; it was a Chef’s Table to remember!
“I can’t remember exactly when I first met Richard – it was so long ago now. I think maybe he came to our restaurant in Wales back in the day and he certainly appeared with me on Market Kitchen, a great little show on UKTV food. We tend to catch up at Food Festivals like Dartmouth and Rock Oyster; there’s always fun to be had with Bertinet! He’s so knowledgeable and very skilled. Also he’s such a nice guy – and he’s very French!”
“Hands-on classes like Bertinet’s give people the confidence to have a go at home and encourage them to try and cook well for themselves. I’m ashamed to say that my most recent visit to The Bertinet Kitchen was my first, but I know for sure that I’ll be back before too long!”
Lisa Goodwin-Allen: Executive Chef at Northcote in Lancashire. A champion of seasonal, locally sourced cuisine with a Michelin star and a string of accolades including Great British Menu wins and regular TV appearances on her CV, she brings creativity and skill to every dish.
“I first met Richard on James Martin’s Saturday Kitchen around five
Richard Bertinet, José Pizarro, Sat Baines and John Freeman Jonny Bone
years ago. He’s an amazingly knowledgeable, kind person, extremely passionate and outstanding at this craft. And he’s honestly one of the nicest human beings ever!”
“Live, hands-on cookery classes are massively important in a world that has largely become ‘virtual’. To have a bespoke, hands-on experience is an amazing experience – and long may it continue. I bring my philosophy around the vital use of seasonal ingredients to my classes, with flair and a bit of a nod to nostalgic dishes. I’m a huge fan of The Bertinet Kitchen and I’m always happy to return.”
Jonny Bone: Head Chef at Clare Smyth’s triple-Michelin starred Core in London - is known for his commitment to top quality, sustainable ingredients, inspiring leadership and bringing passion and energy to every dish he creates.
“I first came across Richard through his debut book Dough, which I absolutely loved. We met in person around ten years ago during a cookery class I attended with Clare. After leaving Restaurant Gordon Ramsay, I took part in one of Richard’s week-long bread courses, which was a hugely inspiring experience. Richard’s influence was instrumental in shaping the bread we create at Core and we’ve remained good friends ever since.”
“Richard has a unique ability to make bread baking feel fun, accessible, and deeply rooted in the culture of hospitality. His warmth and generosity in sharing knowledge has had a lasting impact on so many people, both inside and outside of professional kitchens.”
“In today’s increasingly digital world, live, hands-on cookery classes are more important than ever. There’s no substitute for the kind of learning and inspiration that comes from in-person teaching – it’s an experience that engages all the senses and stays with you for life. My aim across all my classes is to help people build a deeper relationship with food – understanding why we cook, the history of dining, the realities of the hospitality industry today, and the incredible produce our country has to offer. Will I return to The Bertinet Kitchen? Absolutely – I’d love to go back tomorrow! Spending time with Richard, his brilliant team, and his wonderful guests is always such a joy.”
Sat Bains: A pioneering force in modern British cuisine. Highly regarded for his deep understanding of flavour, balance and seasonality, Sat creates innovative dishes rooted in modern classic gastronomy at his double Michelin-starred, sustainability-led Restaurant Sat Bains in Nottingham.
“Richard is a phenomenal talent; his knowledge and skill set is unbelievable. He did a sourdough masterclass for the chefs at my restaurant about six months ago and it was a gamechanger for all of us.”
“It’s crucial from a professional point of view to teach the legacy of cooking skills: touching, prepping, butchering, fishmongering, breadmaking; it’s ultimately the future of our industry. But too many young chefs today aren’t even touching the produce – it arrives prepped which is a sacrilege. They’re assembling dishes, but process is the core basis of every dish, and it’s crucial to understand what happens in the pan. Cooking is a full contact sport, for everybody. Richard maintains and promotes that philosophy, and that’s why his classes are so important.”
José Pizarro: A leading figure in Spanish cuisine in the UK, where he’s lived for nearly 25 years. The proprietor of seven restaurants and author of six cookery books, José is known for his use of fresh, seasonal ingredients and simple, flavourful tapas, José champions the idea that great food is for everyone.
“I’ve known Richard for many years. We first met through the UK chef community at events, festivals and mutual friends who share the same passion for good produce and honest cooking. Over time, that respect turned into friendship, and it’s been a real pleasure to join him at The Bertinet Kitchen to cook and teach together.”
“Richard combines technical skill with generosity. He doesn’t just bake amazing bread; he teaches, shares, and inspires confidence in everyone who steps into his kitchen. The Bertinet Kitchen is a home for that generosity, and Richard makes the food world better just by being part of it.”
“In a world where everything’s online, people still crave real connections: the smell, the texture, the questions, the laughter. Cooking is about using your senses, and you can’t do that through a screen. Richard has created a space where learning feels like being around a family table, and that’s something that will always matter.”
“My most recent Bertinet Kitchen cookery class was inspired by my new book The Spanish Pantry. It’s all about celebrating the ingredients that make Spanish food so vibrant and flavourful, from good olive oil and paprika to almonds, citrus and beautiful seafood. It’s all about honest food, cooked to share, exactly the way we eat in Spain.”
“I hope to return to The Bertinet Kitchen as often as I can. I love being there, it’s such a warm, creative place, and every class has such great energy. I’ll be back soon for sure.” n thebertinetkitchen.com
Richard Bertinet with Matt Tebbutt
Sat Bains
Ali Vowles meets Jess Merritt-Johns
Journalist Ali Vowles interviews Jolly’s operations lead and general manager, Jess Merritt‐Johns, on the re‐opening of Jolly’s.
Idon’t think we realised quite how much people loved it until it was taken away,” says Jess, the woman who will be in charge after the resurrection of Bath’s most famous store - Jolly’s. She is chatting to me in a cafe within earshot of the restoration work on one of Europe’s oldest department stores.
It opened almost 200 years ago in 1831. The eight properties that make up Jolly’s are owned by Bath and North East Somerset Council. Currently, it is covered in scaffolding and full of builders as it undergoes a complete revamp. When it closed in February 2025, it left a gaping hole in the renowned city-centre shopping street.
At 32, Jess is the youngest general manager at Morleys Stores Ltd, the new tenant of this historic building that hopes to bring back the quality that Jolly’s was famed for. As a local, Jess understands the importance of the store to the city. She has an impressive track record in retail, and, talking to her, it seems that she is clearly an experienced head on young shoulders.
“I’m a staff of one at the moment,” Jess laughs. “I’d been the general manager of the old store for the last three years and had to work through all of the trials and tribulations of closing. But I feel very lucky that Morleys has taken on Jolly’s and put me in charge. I am looking forward to welcoming staff old and new.”
At a time when many department stores are shutting their doors for the final time, Morleys’ chain of independent-style shops in the London area is bucking the trend. Jess tells me that the company is good at tailoring each store for the individual community it serves. It’s not a “one size fits all,” she insists.
So, what does she think the people of Bath will want, and need, to make Jolly’s a success? “It’s a very traditional department store and I think the people of Bath love tradition,” she says. “Putting a modern store into that
beautiful building would be a bit of a crime. It should be a beautiful, traditional heritage experience.”
She adds: “We’re hoping to have some brands that are exclusive to Bath as well as modern labels and local suppliers. They are planning to include a food and beverage offering. A top priority is that we give great customer service so that it will feel more like Jolly’s in its heyday.”
Extensive repairs
However, there is a long way to go before the building work is completed. The roof needs extensive repairs to stop it from leaking, the entire store is being rewired and re-plumbed, and every window is being replaced or repaired. Along the way, an extraordinary 57 hidden windows have been uncovered. The new shop will feel much lighter and brighter, and many of the historic features, including the decorative ceilings, will be revealed. Jess loves the history of it all.
Jess Merritt-Johns
“Over the years, the services have varied,” Jess says. “There was a Jolly’s Funeral Directors at one time, so we have an old morgue and an autopsy room in the basement. It’s a bit creepy, and I probably wouldn’t go down there on Halloween! Of course, there have been reports of seeing ghosts, and it can feel eerie in the basement. Underground, there are vaults connected to our stock rooms that go out under the streets so staff can walk a bit of the underground city!”
And Jess is certainly used to a bit of history - she grew up and still lives in nearby Frome, which, like Bath, is known for its many listed historic buildings. She studied fashion and textiles at Bath College before starting her career in retail, working her way up through the ranks to her new role at Jolly’s. In her limited spare time, she loves painting portraits in oil and boxing!
Until Jolly’s opens next year, Jess is immersing herself in the Bath business community. She is a director at Bath Unlimited, which drives new investment into the area, and has taken on the role of chair of Bath BID, an initiative that is funded by local businesses to help promote the city centre.
“I’m delighted to be involved because, as a retailer, I know how important it is. I’ve absolutely made the most of its services. The City Marshals, the Rangers, and the vital connections with the police all help to keep the city a welcoming environment, not to mention the Night Bus, the various events, and the Welcome Ambassadors. All these things wouldn’t exist without the BID.”
A vital anchor
When the store opens, Jolly’s will be a vital anchor for the Milsom Quarter, the council-led project to create a new fashion and creative destination for Bath over the coming years.
In the meantime, the new general manager can’t wait to get the keys to the building. Morleys are planning a phased reopening next year, to enable them to get the store back open to the people of Bath as soon as possible, which will expand as works complete. All fingers crossed, a new Jolly’s will be fully open for Christmas 2026.
So, is Jess getting impatient? “Definitely. I’m an impatient person anyway, so the wait to get in and get started is painful! I just have to try and sit on my hands and let them get on with it. But I know it will be worth the wait.” n
Nyla Abraham - Dentist
Nyla has a passion for practicing preventive and minimally invasive dentistry. She also enjoys gardening, art, cycling, cooking and family time in her spare time.
Smartphones and childhood: Where do we draw the line?
It’s just over six months ago that the single‐shot TV series Adolescence offered a window into the lives of today’s teens, raising urgent questions with many parents around smartphone use and the boundaries between the digital and real world. Joanna Lewis speaks with tech expert Shona Beats and behavioural science specialist Professor David A. Ellis from the University of Bath.
According to the nation-wide community Smartphone Free Childhood, 75% of 15-years-olds with a smartphone have seen a beheading; 51% of children aged 11 to 13 have seen pornography; 90% of girls have been sent unsolicited explicit content, and teens who spend more than three hours a day on social media face double the risk of anxiety or depression - these are stats that cut through the noise.
Shona is working to educate local parents and schools on the dangers of unmanaged smartphone use. She says when you put a smartphone in a child’s hand, quite simply you are giving them an open door to the world, with access to unfiltered, and often harmful, content. It’s scary stuff, especially when you consider 89% of 12-year-olds own a smartphone, according to an Ofcom report.
The former COO of the mental health app Headspace and a tech specialist who worked in Silicon Valley, US, Shona boasts a deep understanding of how apps are built to be addictive, serving up scrollstopping content purposefully designed to keep users engaged.
“I liken it to the 1970s, when food companies developed the ‘bliss point’ – a scientifically engineered combination of salt, sugar, and fat designed to create addiction, that we now know affects physical health,” Shona says.
“Technology is the same, it’s designed to be addictive, and we now know that it negatively affects mental health.” She adds that the effect of technology on the brain can be more detrimental than the effect of unhealthy food on the body, for example leading to normalisation of violence among young people.
“Just one of the many issues with technology for children is unfettered access to problematic content,” Shona explains, adding that current parental controls are insufficient and easily bypassed by tech-savvy children.
“Today’s digital content, unlike media from previous eras, is largely unfiltered, and contemporary ratings have largely gone out of the window.
For example, The British Board of Film Classification (BBFC) works to help families choose suitable content; young children can’t just go into a cinema and watch a movie rated 18 due to its violent content, but put a smartphone in a child’s hand and it's easily accessible. It’s so hard to monitor and police, and sadly, the tech companies are way off the mark right now with managing this, so 18 content regularly gets seen by children,” Shona says, adding that children often don’t have a choice as to what content they see, with unsuitable videos or photos showing up on feeds or being shared via messaging channels like WhatsApp.
“Once a child has seen unsuitable content the trauma response has happened, and you’ve also slightly normalised it. Their friends think it’s funny and now they are going, yes, I think I need to find this funny too.”
Smartphone Free Childhood
Shona initially became involved following a group questionnaire around smartphone use that was sent out to parents at her children’s junior school. It quickly gained momentum amongst parents and flagged the concerns many were having.
She connected with Smartphone Free Childhood, a nation-wide grassroots movement based on the principle that childhood’s too short to be spent on a smartphone, going on to establish the Bath-based community.
Hundreds of parents have signed up to the Bath Smartphone Free Childhood WhatsApp group, with dedicated groups across more than 50 of the city’s schools, including junior and senior schools in the state and independent sector. To date, almost 1,000 parents in Bath have signed the Parent Pact - a promise parents make to delay getting their child a smartphone until at least 14, and social media until 16 – joining the more than 154,000 parents across the UK. It’s also gained the support of figures like Adolescence writer Jack Thorne, actor Benedict Cumberbatch, TV personality Joe Wicks, and singer-songwriter Paloma Faith.
Since then, Shona has taken her goal of educating parents and schools a step further, connecting with local educational establishments and academy trusts to arm them with the knowledge to shape policies around smartphone use. She says that schools in Bath are increasingly concerned and leaning towards addressing the issue of children’s technology. However, she cautions that schools are really only a small part of the solution, as it’s also about access to smartphones beyond the school gates.
“Educating parents about the realities of technology and its impact is crucial as many parents are unaware that their children’s online experiences differ significantly from their own,” Shona says.
And are there parents who push back?
“Yes, the main reason parents might push back primarily stems from anxiety about staying in touch with and tracking their children,” says Shona. “But children don’t need a smartphone to stay in touch. A regular phone that can make calls and send text messages is all that is needed.”
She adds that another argument is that children need to learn how to use technology, but as Shona explains, apps are designed to be super easy and intuitive to use. “Giving your child a smartphone is not going to teach them to code or work in technology.”
Her advice is simple: “Don’t leave them with access on their own to the internet for long periods of time until they are 14, and avoid social media if possible until 16. Unless you feel comfortable with the risk that they may a) get directly contacted by strangers, or b) see content that would be rated 18, or even banned by the BBFC, then be mindful about their access, it's as simple as that.”
To date, almost 1,000 parents in Bath have signed the Parent Pact - a promise parents make to delay getting their child a smartphone until at least 14, and social media until 16.
While some countries are restricting access to social media platforms for minors (Denmark, for example, recently announced it will ban social media access to under 15s) or implementing policies to ban phones in schools (Sweden is the latest country to announce a nationwide phone ban in all schools), David points to the fact that there is little evidence to suggest how these policies will work or positively impact the population at large.
“The UK’s own attempt to limit access to adult websites has not been especially effective. Even if they are effective, blanket bans may also prevent us from understanding and addressing the real issues; they’re a blunt instrument when what we need is nuanced, evidence-based policy that focuses on content safety, digital literacy, and ensuring platforms prioritise user wellbeing by design.”
He adds: “Our own research at Bath shows that we need to move beyond simplistic questions about whether screen time is “good” or “bad” and instead focus on understanding how young people use technology, what content they're engaging with, and why.
“The type of content consumed matters far more than simply the amount of time spent online,” notes David, adding that from a cognitive perspective, it doesn’t appear that screen time impacts attention spans in the way that’s often claimed.
“Recent research from other labs has observed that individual differences, for example whether an adolescent has a mental health condition, plays a crucial role in determining whether social media experiences are positive or negative. However, when it comes to the impacts of social media and smartphones on children’s well-being, the size of any effect is very small and far smaller when compared to many other factors we know impact children’s development.”
He notes that there needs to be a collaborative approach between policy makers, tech companies, and schools.
Understanding how people use technology
So, why aren’t there any controls in place around smartphone use and children in the UK?
Professor David A. Ellis holds a personal chair in behavioural science at the University of Bath’s School of Management. He’s working on a new government-commissioned research project in collaboration with other leading UK universities, which will lay the groundwork for future studies into the impact on children of smartphone and social media use to help direct future government action.
“We already know a lot about what impacts a child’s development: being well fed, having a family that loves them, being supported to manage the pressures of being a teenager, those have nothing to do with smartphones,” David says. “Future research should help us understand where smartphones genuinely pose risks versus where they’re being scapegoated for broader societal issues, so we can direct resources where they'll actually make a difference.”
“Tech companies must prioritise user wellbeing in their design decisions and build in safety systems. Policymakers should focus on evidence-based regulation that protects children from harmful content and predatory contact, rather than fan the flames of moral panic about screen time itself. Schools have a role in digital literacy education. But fundamentally, we need better research that combines high quality data with rigorous methodology to understand what actually helps or harms young people online.”
As the debate over children’s smartphone use deepens, one thing is clear: the technology shaping young lives today wields unprecedented power and influence. The task ahead is to strike a balance, nurturing digital confidence and connection, while safeguarding children from the harm that unfiltered access can bring. n
Visit smartphonefreechildhood.org to sign up to the local Bath WhatsApp group and sign the Parent Pact.
Bath business
NEW CEO APPOINTED AT BATH-BASED CHARITY I CAN & I AM
Rebecca Burton has been appointed as CEO of Bath-based charity I Can & I Am to lead the organisation into its second decade. She will build on the charity’s extremely popular wellbeing bus programme, which has supported more than 30,000 young people to date, and deliver its 2030 vision to build on the support its experts provide for young people, teachers, and parents across the South of England.
I Can & I Am, which was founded in 2015 by former teacher and inspirational speaker James Shone, helps nurture self-belief in young people by equipping them with practical tools that foster personal growth, a sense of belonging and resilience. With one in five people aged eight to 25 years suffering from a probable mental health challenge and 90% of school leaders reporting an increase in the number of students experiencing stress over the past five years, mental health support has become a growing focus in educational settings.
A team of I Can & I Am’s experts visit hundreds of primary, secondary, private, and SEN schools in the region every year on the charity's two double-decker buses. Sessions begin with cooking a pizza downstairs to foster a sense of togetherness and achievement, followed by a workshop upstairs on the bus, that focuses on inflating the young participants’ balloons of self-belief. A third bus is in the pipeline to cope with the rising demand for workshops, as young people grapple with the pressures of school and external influences such as social media.
Visit icanandiam.com
‘THE VAN WITH A PLAN’ HITS THE ROAD
People are being encouraged to look out for the ‘The van with a plan’ when it stops off at more than 50 locations over the coming weeks as part of a significant public consultation on growth plans, which could reshape Bath & North East Somerset over the next 20 years.
Locations vary from high streets, garden centres and city centre spots to pub car parks, colleges, and industrial estates - all in a bid to raise awareness of the council’s consultation and to give everyone a chance to have their say.
The Local Plan Options consultation focuses on new housing, transport, business space, infrastructure and public spaces. It started on October 3 and runs until 14 November.
The consultation responds to the government’s new housing targets and the growth agenda with detailed options that could shape better places and create more jobs for the future.
Having consulted last year on an earlier ambitious target of 14,000 new homes over 20 years the council has reset its Local Plan Options after the government doubled the target to 27,000 over 18 years.
Visit newswroom.bathnes.gov.uk
BATH BUSINESS CONFERENCE RETURNS
The Bath Business Conference is the largest meeting of business minds in the city, aimed at local professionals looking to connect, grow, and be inspired. Organised annually by Bath Business Improvement District (BID), this one-day event will be held on the 19 November from 8:30am to 4:30pm at the Apex Hotel. It will feature interactive workshops, panel discussions, and an impressive line-up of expert speakers. Among these are headline speakers Ojay Mcdonald, chief executive of the Association of Town and City Management, and local activist, founder, investor and owner of Warleigh Weir, Johnny Palmer.
This year’s event follows a hugely successful 2024 conference, which hosted 242 delegates and featured three panels, 11 workshops and a lively ‘market place’ exhibition area. Building on that formula, the 2025 programme: ‘A Successful City’, will create opportunities to learn from business peers, covering a range of topics including recruitment, finance, and, of course, AI.
A networking lunch is included in the ticket price and after lunch delegates there will be a fascinating delve into real life success stories and candid insights from a panel of local entrepreneurs.
Tickets are £45 if purchased by the 5 November. Visit welcometobath.co.uk
Is it time to review your Pension Contributions?
With continued speculation of what tax changes the Budget on 26 November might bring, it is probably a good time to review your pension planning to make sure you are making as much use of your allowances as possible.
Personal Pension Contributions
Personal Pension Contributions made by individuals are paid ‘net’ of basic rate income tax (20%) since HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) pay that 20% into the pension scheme. For example, if you pay £8,000 into your pension scheme during the year, HMRC will add £2,000 to that, giving a total (‘gross’) contribution to your pension scheme of £10,000.
For basic rate taxpayers therefore (those with total income of up to £50,270), there is no additional tax saving by making pension contributions, since tax relief is given at source.
Higher rate taxpayers however can claim an extra 20% of the gross contribution from HMRC. Using the example above, a higher rate taxpayer can claim an additional £2,000 from HMRC on the £8,000 contribution paid. For additional rate taxpayers (those with taxable income above £125,140), the extra relief would be £2,500.
Is there a limit to the amount of pension contributions I can make?
The current annual allowance (the maximum gross contributions which can be made to a pension scheme and obtain tax relief) is £60,000 per tax year. This annual allowance is reduced for high earners, tapered by £1 for every £2 that an individual’s income exceeds £260,000 (subject to a minimum allowance of £10,000). Any unused annual allowance can generally be carried forward up to three years and used on a ‘first in, first out’ basis.
As well as the annual allowance, the amount on which an individual can claim tax relief on personal contributions made to their pension scheme is also limited to the greater of £3,600 (gross) or their UK ‘relevant earnings’ for the tax year (broadly, their salary and/or selfemployment/partnership income).
What about contributions from my own limited company?
For limited company directors, consideration can be given to your company making an employer pension contribution for you. Such contributions will usually qualify for Corporation Tax relief. The £60,000 annual allowance applies to contributions made by individuals and employers, so this would still need to be considered when thinking about the level of contribution to make.
Are there any other tax benefits?
Income and capital growth generated within registered pension schemes is exempt from income tax and capital gains tax.
It will also be appreciated from the above that one of the main benefits for higher and additional rate taxpayers in making pension contributions is to receive tax relief during their working lives which may be at a higher rate (hopefully) than the resulting pension income will be subject to in retirement.
The above is for general guidance only and no action should be taken without obtaining specific advice. Such advice in relation to pension schemes should be obtained from your pension advisor or an independent financial advisor.
James Rose MMath(Hons) FCA CTA
The Night Runners Group on a monthly run through the streets of Bath. Photography by Ben Reed.
Whether you’re lacing up your trainers for the first time or you’re a seasoned runner, joining a local running group is one of the best ways to boost your motivation, meet new friends, and discover the joy of running. In Bath, you’ll find a superb selection of running groups offering free group runs, providing motivation and encouragement as we enter winter. And, with so many groups on offer, there’s a perfect fit for everyone, no matter your pace or experience. Joanna Lewis speaks with some local groups about how they help runners find their stride, regardless of their ability, age, or stage in their running journey.
No Regrets Running
No Regrets Running was founded by running enthusiast Sue Mercer in 2020, offering a series of weekly run training sessions, coaching, and guided run tours, in addition to free fortnightly social runs every other Thursday at 6.30pm.
The social runs start at the Glasshouse Academy in Combe Down, with an 8-9km circular route that varies each week. With the evenings drawing in, the run club alternates between social runs on street-lit pavements and off-road runs with head torches.
“The off-road head torch runs are an amazing sensory experience and give a real feeling of achievement,” enthuses Sue. “As the winter off-road runs are every four weeks, I try to coincide them with the full moon (not always possible, of course!) and we have had some fabulous moonlit runs on occasion. The on-road runs are designed to give people the chance to have a run and a chat in a safe environment, without having to worry too much about the dark and terrain, though we still run up hilly roads - we have to as we’re based on top of the hill here in Combe Down.”
The social runs usually attract around 20 to 25 runners, and are pitched at those with some running experience. “Whilst we don’t run particularly fast, the pace and distance may not be suitable for complete beginner runners, and the terrain can be quite challenging at times,” Sue says. “I suggest that people who can run 5K in around 30 minutes or less will be fine. We do stop and regroup - catch our breath and admire the viewand there’s always a lead runner and a tail runner to keep everyone on track.”
Visit noregretsrunning.com
BathFitFam
BathFitFam is a running group designed for everyone: kids, students, parents, grandparents, complete beginners taking their first steps, and ultramarathoners.
The group was established in 2019 by Andrew Watson and is designed to offer a space where no one is left behind and everyone feels supported. BathFitFam hosts two main weekly meet-ups, the Sunday Run Club and the Monday 6am Club.
The Sunday Run Club takes place at 9am at Victoria Park. The run starts with a group warm-up, with participants free to run as many 1.25km loops around the park as they like, or tackling a dedicated 5km route through the city. “It’s family friendly, and you’ll often see kids, parents, grandparents, and even dogs running together,” explains Andy.
The Monday 6am Club meets each week at a different café or bakery in Bath at 6am on Mondays, with participants setting off on a 3, 5, or 7km route at 6:15am, before heading back for coffee and pastries. In addition, BathFitFam organises regular one-off community events, charity workouts, bank holiday specials, and track sessions.
For those starting their running journey, Andy says his biggest tip is to just show up. “Even if you only manage a short jog or walk, it’s the act of
being there and moving that matters,” he says. “Surround yourself with supportive people and you’ll surprise yourself with what you can achieve.”
He adds: “Running isn’t only just about exercise, it’s about connection. We’ve seen people make lifelong friends, boost their mental health, and build confidence simply by being part of the group.”
Visit bathfitfam.co.uk
Night Runners Group
The Night Runners Group (NRG) is a new running group that, as the name suggests, focuses on night runs, starting at 7pm, followed by a little social post-run. The group was established by those involved with BathFitFam after they organised a couple of fun themed runs for Blue Monday and Halloween.
“We saw how much people loved the energy, so we decided to make it a regular thing,” BathFitFam founder and NRG co-founder Andy says. “Together we’re building a monthly series of special runs across Bath, all about energy, connection, and good vibes.”
NRG is designed primarily for adults who want to run, connect, and experience the city in a fresh way, with an easy 5k pace. Unlike most run clubs, where everyone goes at their own pace, NRG moves as one, a steady speed, stopping at iconic Bath landmarks with music pumping and the whole crew together. “It feels more like a moving street party than a training run,” says Andy.
The NRG organises monthly runs, always on the last Friday. “Because it’s monthly, every event feels extra special, a chance for runners from all clubs (or none at all!) to come together and light up the city.”
He adds; Running doesn’t always have to be about times and distances, sometimes it’s about switching off, vibing with music, and realising you’re running almost without thinking about it. That’s the NRG feeling: buzzing into the weekend.”
Follow the Night Runners Group on Instagram or visit Eventbrite for details of the next event. All runs are free.
Follow the.n.r.g on Instagram
GoodGym
For those looking to run with purpose, GoodGym offers the perfect platform. The club encapsulates a dual mission, promoting physical wellbeing while contributing meaningfully to the local community by engaging in volunteer tasks that are inherently active, such as gardening, lifting, or delivering essentials, offering a unique way to stay fit while giving back. Each mission can be approached on foot, either by running/walking/cycling from home or joining others at a designated meeting point, combining exercise with social impact.
“We’ve knocked down sheds, painted fences at primary schools, and wheelbarrowed tonnes of sand to a children’s play area,” says Meyrick Williams of GoodGym. He adds: “GoodGym is a fantastic way to meet new people, build friendships, and become part of a genuinely welcoming and inclusive organisation. It’s incredibly rewarding to contribute to the community in such an active and supportive way.”
GoodGym only works with registered charities and has been the background player in some local community-led projects, for example, helping build the Grow For Life walled gardens in Newton St Loe. There are nearly 26,000 GoodGymers in 65 areas across the UK, with the organisation helping over 64,000 individuals. Anybody can join GoodGym for free, and individuals can attend as often or as little as they like. The club also runs regular social events to foster a vibrant community.
Ready to combine fitness with social impact?
Visit goodgym.org
parkrun
parkrun has become a global phenomenon, with the free weekly runs now taking place worldwide. The event started in the UK in 2004, based on the simple, basic principles: weekly, free, for everyone, forever. Bath now offers a choice of two 5k parkruns, both every Saturday at 9am, and a weekly 2k junior parkrun for children aged four to 14 years, held on Sunday at 9am. All runners need to do is register on the parkrun website and turn up just before 9am to hear the official run briefing
Bath Skyline
Bath’s longest-running 5k park run takes place every Saturday at 9am on the stunning National Trust Bath Skyline route, with everyone encouraged to give it a go.
The event takes place at Claverton Down in the top field by Quarry Rock gardens, with the run taking place on a mixture of gravel, stone paths, compacted earth paths, and grass.
Inclusivity is a key aspect of parkun, with a tail walker acting as the last person on the course, ensuring no one is left behind. The course is also fully marked and marshalled.
Helen Conner, Bath Skyline parkrun event director, says she has seen the impact the weekly run has made on those in the local community first-hand.
“We hear how parkrun can be the first step into getting into running and how many of our participants have gone onto their first races, how it’s helped people to give up smoking with the aim to improve their speed at parkrun and general health, and how it’s helped those feeling isolated who have joined us as volunteers, where they’ve met friends and have a regular weekly activity where they feel a sense of belonging.”
Brickfields Park
The latest newcomer to Bath’s parkrun community is the Brickfields Park parkrun, which held its inaugural event in May this year. The run typically attracts up to 300 participants each week and is staffed by a team of up to 30 volunteers performing a range of roles such as time-keeping, marshalling, and pacing.
Brickfields Park (the start and end point) is a wonderful open space with some great views of the surrounding hills. After two laps of the park, runners exit onto Linear Park, which is part of the old Somerset and Dorset Railway Line. They then head up to Bloomfield Open Space, which involves a steady uphill climb. At Bloomfield Open Space (just before the Devonshire Tunnel), runners turn around and have a great run downhill on the way back to Brickfields Park.
Odd Down junior parkrun
Bath’s junior parkrun takes place at the Odd Down Cycle Track, with parents welcome to participate and support the junior runners, fostering an active lifestyle in a fun environment. The event is delivered entirely by volunteers, who are stationed around the route, and is designed to offer a fun experience. As children complete more runs, they can achieve wristbands as a reward for running the equivalent of a half marathon, marathon, ultra-marathon, and beyond.
“The event is an excellent opportunity to participate in sport, for some this will involve enjoying the chance to run as fast as they can and have their time recorded,” says Tom Flemons, co-event director. “For others, the families meet, and the participants make their way round the course chatting and enjoying the encouraging ‘high fives’ from the volunteers spread around the circuit.” n
Visit parkrun.org.uk
Run this way –8.3k circular route
Sue from No Regrets Running shares one of her favourite running routes, an 8.3km (5.1mile), hilly, mostly-off road circular route starting from Glasshouse Academy in Combe Down.
The run takes you along Shepherds Walk, down through Beechwoods to Tucking Mill, then along the Limestone Link next to the Cam Brook to Combe Hay and up through Engine Wood to Southstoke via the Millennium Viewpoint and across the fields back to Glasshouse.
Visit plotaroute.com and search ‘Favourite Route From Combe Down’ to view the mapped route.
Young participants at the weekly Junior parkrun, Odd Down. Credit: Odd Down Junior parkrun
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Education matters
NEWS ROM THE CITY’S LEARNERS AND LEADERS
MONKTON NAMED INDEPENDENT BOARDING SCHOOL OF THE YEAR 2025
Monkton Combe School has been named Independent Boarding School of the Year in the 2025 Independent School of the Year Awards. The judges commended the distinctive way all pupils, whether day or boarding, are fully involved in the House system. Monkton’s inclusive model creates an outstanding environment where every student is known, valued and inspired.
Monkton’s interim principal, James Goodman, accepted the award in London on behalf of the boarding community.
“It really is a team effort, with every member of staff contributing in different ways to create the community in which all our students can thrive,” James says. “This recognition is a testament to their dedication, and we are proud to celebrate this achievement with the Monkton community. Together, we look forward to building on this success and continuing to provide an outstanding environment for our students.”
Visit monktoncombeschool.com
THE PARAGON SCHOOL RAISES £3,270 FOR BATH MIND AS PART OF RUNNING CHALLENGE
The Paragon School community has laced up its trainers this half term to raise funds for Bath Mind, running an impressive 5,000 kilometres as part of the school’s QE Day partnership with the local mental health charity. Pupils, families and staff all played their part in the challenge, finding creative ways to clock up 100 kilometres each as individuals or as part of a group. Some classes added short runs before spelling tests or during PE warmups, while several teachers took on personal targets, running up to 10km before the school day began. Families also joined parkruns and weekend walks to contribute to the total.
Together, their efforts have raised £3,270 for Bath Mind, supporting the charity’s work to promote positive mental health and wellbeing across Bath and the surrounding area.
Head of The Paragon, Rosie Allen, who took part in the challenge herself and clocked up a total of 142km, says she was thrilled with the community’s enthusiasm and commitment:
“It’s been wonderful to see the whole school coming together for such an important cause. Everyone has found their own way to get involved, and the energy and teamwork have been inspiring. Supporting Bath Mind feels particularly meaningful, as wellbeing is at the heart of everything we do at The Paragon.”
The initiative forms part of the school’s ongoing commitment to community engagement and wellbeing, encouraging pupils not only to stay active but also to show compassion and support for others.
Visit paragonschool.co.uk
ROYAL HIGH LAUNCHES FLYING CLUB
The Royal High School Bath has launched its first-ever flying club, an initiative open to students in Years 7 to 13. In partnership with British Young Pilots (BYP), the club offers the opportunity to explore the world of aviation through a blend of theory and hands-on experience.
Students have been attending weekly sessions led by a qualified BYP instructor, combining theoretical instruction - covering topics such as physics, meteorology, navigation and engineering - with practical flight simulator training. Participants have already put their learning into practice, with the club’s first real aircraft flight taking place last month.
The club is part of the school’s focus on STEM (science, technology, engineering, and maths), designed to inspire students to pursue degrees in traditionally maledominated industries.
More than 60% of RHB leavers choose to study a STEM-related degree, despite the UK Government Census Data on Occupations stating that only 26% of the UK’s STEM workforce are women.
Visit royalhighbath.gdst.net
notebook beauty
Countdown the festive season with our curated collection of beauty advent calendars. Treat a loved one, or gift to yourself. Discover a daily dose of beauty surprises, from mini must‐haves to exclusive full‐size favourites, and bring a little extra magic to the festive season.
DIOR
A poetic picture of Paris, this exclusive advent calendar recreates the façade of the House of Dior’s historic boutique at 30 Avenue Montaigne. Inside, you’ll find 24 miniature creations from the House of Dior, including refined fragrances, sophisticated makeup, luxurious skincare products, and a scented candle. Countdown to Christmas as you discover and rediscover the icons of Dior. £570 dior.com
JO MALONE LONDON
Make merry with Jo Malone’s 25-day luxury advent calendar, filled with an array of festive prizes. Pull open its gold-tinted drawers to reveal the scents hidden inside, from seasonal favourites to timeless colognes, candles, and bath and body luxuries in miniature alongside a celebratory 30ml fragrance and travel candle. A gift for someone extra-special, or a deserved treat to keep for yourself.
£360 jomalone.co.uk
Embrace the joy of the season with this enchanting 2025 advent calendar, adorned with whimsical illustrations by French artist Julie Serre. Inspired by the lights and warmth of a Provençal Christmas, each calendar brings the magic of the holidays into your home. The calendar features the Maison’s most coveted beauty icons. £149 loccitane.com
ANTHROPOLOGIE
The holidays wouldn't be nearly as festive without Anthropologie’s highly coveted, limited-edition beauty advent calendar, featuring artwork by Nephthys Foster. Curated in the spirit of only-at-Anthro gifting, this year's edition features over £365 worth of premium treats and treasures, including favourites from Grown Alchemist, L'Occitane, Wonderskin, Malin + Goetz, Beauty Works & more! Best of all? No one will bat a (faux) eyelash if you treat yourself, too...
£98 anthropologie.com
THE BODY SHOP
Every day in December (or even earlier if you just can’t hold back) discover moments wrapped in love, to nourish, nurture, surprise, and delightfully dial up the midwinter merriment. Open up each door and you’ll find a curated selection of products from The Body Shop, including shower gels, shampoos, sheet masks, balms, butters, and body scrubs. There’s something for everybody in this cult classic calendar. So, what’s stopping you? It is Christmas after all. £60 thebodyshop.com
Because Winter Dullness
AESTHETICS
• Wrinkle treatments
• Non surgical skin tightening & lifting treatments for face, eyes & neck
• Profhilo
• Dermal fillers
• Lip enhancement
FACIALS
• Radio frequency facials
• Environ skin care & facials
• Bespoke facials to treat all skin concerns
• Scientific skincare that really makes a difference, outstanding results for all skin types and ages
Thirns is a luxury, made‐in‐Bath botanical skincare brand conceived by skincare therapist Olga Brennand, that harnesses the clinical powers of organic, plant‐based ingredients. Joanna Lewis met Olga at her Bath‐based clinic to learn about her skincare line and to experience one of her bespoke facial treatments.
As we head into winter, there’s no question that we need to give our skin extra love and care. Harsh winds, freezing temperatures, and decreased humidity levels all contribute to skin feeling and looking dull, dry, and tired. And, as a mid-40s mum, I can also add the challenges of trying to juggle a career and family life into the mix!
Born and raised in Kazakhstan, known for its exceptionally cold winters, Olga is well versed on the damages environmental stressors can cause. It was also here that her passion for plants and harnessing their medicinal and therapeutic qualities was sparked, helping her parents collect wild flowers for home medicines.
Fast forward a couple of decades, much of it spent working as a skincare therapist for some of the biggest names in the beauty industry, and Olga has poured this passion into her luxury skincare brand Thirns.
The science
Thirns is made from the finest ingredients, including carefully selected botanical extracts known for their beneficial effects on the metabolism of the skin. Rosehip, sea buckthorn, juniper, and raspberries feature heavily throughout the product line, healing extracts derived from thorn flowers and bushes – hence the name Thirns, an Old English and Norse word for “thorns”.
A key differentiator that sets Thirns apart from other brands is its use of advanced botanical technology.
“Thirns utilises plant cell technologies developed in France and Switzerland,” Olga explains. “This is a technology that harnesses the full medicinal and healing properties of the plants required for the active natural ingredients used in various cosmetic applications, without damaging or destroying the whole plant. We combine these plant cell-derived ingredients with the highest quality essential and carrier oils and hydrolats from specially selected suppliers in the UK, France, Germany, and Switzerland.”
to produce often minimal results, even from premium lines,” Olga says. “I set out to change this with Thirns, with visible results that can be seen in less than two weeks. All the products are designed to work in unison with your skin, by restoring and supporting its own metabolic cycles.”
Following a skincare treatment with Olga (more on that later), I was prescribed some Thirns products to try at home. There is no question that this is a truly luxurious skincare line. It’s rich, nourishing, and smells absolutely divine (so, it’s a good thing that the range also includes an aromatherapy candle!). Having written about beauty for the better part of two decades, I’ve tried hundreds of creams, but nothing has felt as luxurious as Thirns.
Hero products
There are seven skincare products in total: a cleansing balm, an energising mist, a firming emulsion, an overnight recovery cream, an eye cream, a revitalising mask, and a lip balm. There are two products, in my opinion, that are real powerhouses (and I’m trying to eke them out as long as I can!); the cleansing balm and the overnight recovery cream.
The cleansing balm includes vitaminrich rosehip to boost collagen production, improve elasticity, and detoxify and brighten the skin, and juniper to clarify, tone, and help protect from environmental aggressors. It’s a creamy, beautifully scented balm, and a small bit goes a long way; gently massage into dry skin, then, use a little warm water to create a decadent emulsion. Finally, rinse the balm off with warm water and a face cloth. The balm thoroughly cleanses skin without leaving it dry –even removing stubborn makeup like mascara.
“It’s more than a cleanser,” Olga notes, “Not only does it remove impurities, but it hydrates and balances your skin, and it will feel smooth and radiant immediately after.”
Each product is handcrafted in small batches by Olga in her laboratory in Bath, ensuring the highest quality, then packaged in premium white glass jars that block light to avoid any product degradation. Important to note is that Thirns does not use any perfumes or artificial fragrances, is not tested on animals, and is clinically approved.
Simplifying skincare for real results
Purposefully designed as a minimalist range, Olga hopes that Thirns will simplify skincare routines while providing results quickly.
“One of the key things I’ve noted over the years is the long lead times
Refreshingly, there’s no need for toners or serums with Thirns, so it’s straight on to the overnight recovery cream, designed to restore and nourish skin while you sleep. It’s made from sea buckthorn extract to protect skin from water loss and free radicals, and rosehip extract to boost collagen.
It’s deeply moisturising and a little really does go a long way. It is a thicker cream, but don’t let that put you off if you prefer lighter formulas – it sinks in quickly with no greasy residue and leaves you with wonderful feeling skin. Plus, you can drift off to sleep enveloped in the cream’s heavenly scent.
Bespoke treatments
Olga’s Thirns treatments are available at her home-based clinic, 1 Derrymans Green.
Treatments are entirely bespoke following an in-depth skincare consultation, and are designed to be results-driven while offering a relaxing and pampering experience.
Olga’s analysis showed that my skin was dehydrated and required a deep cleanse, likely exacerbated by the fact that I was using a liquid formula cleanser instead of a balm. The latter, Olga explains, is far superior at dissolving impurities without stripping the skin’s protective barrier.
Beyond the heavenly application of Thirns products, the treatment comprises two main elements: Olga’s innovate Face Sculpting Massage method and the use of rotating brushes that deeply cleanse the skin, allowing the products to really work their magic.
Olga explains that her exclusive Face Sculpting Massage is designed to move lymph (the fluid that flows through the lymphatic system) to the lymphatic points, improve microcirculation, and gently lift and reposition the facial muscles. The massage feels deeply invigorating, almost like a workout for your face, leaving skin looking smooth, glowing, and most importantly, lifted.
It’s then onto a deep exfoliation using a selection of high-speed rotating brushes that sweep away dead skin cells and remove dirt, oil, and makeup that can build up over time. Once complete, my skin had never looked so clean!
Olga recommends her products and a monthly, bespoke treatment regime for anyone aged 30 and over. She says this is a pivotal point in which caring for your skin is vital as the ageing process kicks-in.
As I stepped out of Olga’s clinic, my skin looked brighter, firmer, and more radiant, but more importantly, I felt as though I’d pressed pause on the chaos of everyday life. Armed with a curated selection of Thirns skincare, I can now bring a touch of that calm, restorative luxury into my daily routine. And as a mid-40s mum constantly balancing it all, that small moment of indulgence feels nothing short of essential.
To buy Thirns products or to book a custom facial treatment with Olga, visit: thirns.co.uk Thirns facials can also be enjoyed at the Gainsborough Bath Spa Hotel. n
New viewpoints of Bath
This month, Andrew Swift takes us on a delightful late autumnal stroll through Bath’s inner suburbs, seeking out some of the city’s lesser‐known delights. On this three‐and‐a‐half‐mile walk, discover hidden corners, lesser‐known histories, and surprise viewpoints. And, although straying well off the beaten track, it follows pavements and hard surfaces throughout, so you don’t need to worry about muddy boots. Above all, it reveals the sheer variety of what can be discovered just a short distance from the city centre.
Starting in the High Street, head west along Cheap Street and Westgate Street, and at the end, carry straight on along the north side of Kingsmead Square. Continue along Kingsmead Street, which after less than 50 metres ends with steps down to a car park. At one time, you could have carried straight on, for this was one of Bath’s busiest streets, with trams rattling along it. After it was largely obliterated in the Bath Blitz of 1942, it was abandoned and replaced by the buildings you can see ahead.
Go down the steps, turn left and, when you come to James Street West, turn right. At the end turn right up Charles Street as far as the pedestrian lights, which is where Kingsmead Street once ended. Cross to head along New King Street, which boasts some distinguished former residents. Caroline and William Herschel lived at No 19 – now a museum dedicated
to their memory – while Nelson was nursed back to health at No 17 after losing his arm at the Battle of Santa Cruz in 1797.
Further along on the right is St Ann’s Place. Although most of the buildings along here date from the mid-18th century, the one at the end with the skewed roof is 17th century. It was a pub called the Royal Oak, which closed in 1961, and the roof is skewed because it was originally thatched.
Carry on at the crossroads, and at the end you come to a corner of Bath dedicated to Nelson’s memory. Norfolk Crescent, to your left, recalls his home county, ahead lies Nelson Place, while to the right is Nile Street, commemorating his elevation to Baron Nelson of the Nile. One particularly attractive feature is the night watchman’s hut across the road, its design based on the Choragic Monument of Lysicrates in Athens.
Dredges Bridge
Norfolk Crescent
The riverside path
Carry on along Nelson Place as the road drops down to join the riverside path. The bridge you can see ahead was built in 1836 to an innovatory cantilever design by James Dredge who owned a brewery on the north bank. Originally of cast iron, it was rebuilt in steel to the original design in 2015.
Climb the steps to head across the bridge and on the far side turn right to head up a broad flight of steps. Carry on and turn left when you come to a road. This area was once a busy industrial complex, the only remnant of which is the group of redbrick buildings on your right – a sewage pumping station opened in 1914.
Further along on the right is an abutment for a bridge across which trains from Green Park Station ran north to Bristol and the Midlands and south to Bournemouth.
At the Lower Bristol Road, cross at the pedestrian lights and take a short detour left for a few metres to Vanguard Self Storage, where a Vampire T11 fighter jet takes centre stage in the atrium.
Head back along the Lower Bristol Road and after passing the former St Peter’s Church – now flats – take the first left. On your right is the former Bath Press site, now being redeveloped for housing.
Carry on along a footpath between playgrounds and turn right along Caledonian Road. The grand building on the next corner is the former governor’s house for Bath Gaol, opened in 1842 and closed in 1878. Although most of the gaol was demolished, as you turn left along Stuart Road you can see remnants of its windows in the side walls of the taller buildings on the left.
At the end, turn right along a footpath. On your left is Oldfield Park station, opened in 1929. At the road, cross and carry on along another footpath. When you come to another road, cross to continue along a footpath beside Twerton Cemetery. At the next road, carry on along the pavement for 90m before crossing and turning left along the Two Tunnels Greenway, which follows the trackbed of the Somerset & Dorset Railway.
A different view over Bath
After 400 metres, when the path forks, bear left to cross a bridge which provides a very different view over Bath. As you continue along the old track bed, you pass under a bridge before a large redbrick building comes into view on the left. This was the Co-op bakery, once served by a siding off the railway.
After crossing another bridge, turn right to double back down to Monksdale Road. Cross the zebra crossing, turn right and right again at
the end. On the right, you pass St Alphege’s Church, designed by Giles Gilbert Scott – who also designed Liverpool Anglican Cathedral and the K6 phone box. He modelled it on the Basilica di Santa Maria in Cosmedin in Rome.
After passing the school, turn left to follow Oldfield Lane as it narrows uphill between old field walls. Turn right at the end, passing grand villas built in the 1840s, which originally enjoyed views across open country.
As you take the first right into Bloomfield Avenue, Old Cottages, on the corner, despite being tarted up in the late 19th century, really are old. They appear on a map of 1742 as ‘Mr Mullins’s Summer House’, suggesting that they were originally the country retreat of a wealthy merchant who decamped here from his townhouse in Bath during the summer.
A left turn at the T junction leads into one of Bath’s finest late Victorian developments – grand semi-detached villas surrounding what is to all intents and purposes a reimagining of a Georgian square.
The ‘Sack of Bath’
Carry on uphill to emerge by the Bear on Bear Flat. Despite the ursine effigy over the door of the pub, this part of Bath got its name from the fields of barley hereabouts – ‘bere’ being the old name for barley.
Cross at the pedestrian lights and turn left. Carry on past the Co-op and, at the end of the row of shops, cross to turn right down Holloway. This was the old road into Bath from the south. Some reminders of its former glory survive, notably Magdalen Chapel, founded over 900 years ago. Opposite lies one of Bath’s smallest parks, while next door is a hospital built in 1761. Paradise House, below it, is also 18th century, but beyond that everything – including much dating from the 17th century and possibly earlier – was swept away in the late 1960s in one of the grimmest offensives of the ‘Sack of Bath’.
Further down, even the course of the road was obliterated, so this is where we part company with it, turning right along a path to Calton Gardens. After passing the bottom of a flight of steps, take the right fork to follow the road, with the wild slopes of Beechen Cliff above. At the end of Calton Gardens, two surprise views are suddenly revealed – to the north, past the tower of St Mark’s Church, to the Abbey, St Michael’s and the slopes of Beacon Hill, and to the east to Larkhall, Little Solsbury, Bathwick Hill and Bathampton Down.
At the end turn left downhill. At the bottom you have a choice – to turn right into Widcombe, where there is a choice of pubs, cafes and independent shops – or to carry on across two sets of pedestrian lights, over the bridge and under the station to return to the city centre. n
St Ann’s Place
The view from Calton Gardens
Using pattern and colour in period homes
Local interior designer, Clair Strong, shares her tips on decorating period properties and the design nuances between Georgian and Victorian homes.
As an interior designer working with period homes in and around Bath, I’m constantly reminded how lucky we are to live among such remarkable architecture. The city’s honeycoloured stone terraces, curved crescents, and hidden Victorian villas are a masterclass in proportion, craftsmanship, and light. Designing within these homes is both a joy and a responsibility, a chance to celebrate their character while ensuring they feel relevant for modern life.
When it comes to colour and pattern, Georgian and Victorian homes speak very different languages. Understanding those nuances - and knowing when to bend the rules - is what brings a period property to life.
Georgian homes: Calm, balanced, and bathed in light
Georgian buildings are what Bath is best known for. From the grand houses of the Royal Crescent and Great Pulteney Street to the Regency villas of Larkhall, the architecture is defined by symmetry and elegance. Inside these homes, colour and pattern should enhance that sense of serenity rather than compete with it.
Finding the right palette
Early Georgian interiors tended toward soft, muted hues. Pigments such as ochre, umber, and lamp black were used to create elegant neutrals, while distemper and limewash gave a velvety, matte finish that softened light beautifully. As the Georgian period progressed into the Regency era, the influence of neoclassicism and the discovery of ancient Roman murals in
Pompeii inspired richer palettes: pea greens, Wedgwood blues, and even deep reds and golds appeared in grander rooms. Yet, even at their boldest, Georgian colour schemes were carefully balanced; contrasts were measured rather than dramatic.
Nowadays the key is to work with, not against, the natural light that pours through the tall sash windows. I often start with a gentle, chalky base - soft putty, warm grey, or pale blues - these tones feel timeless because they respond so beautifully to natural light. In north-facing rooms, I often introduce warmer pigments - muted ochres, soft terracotta, or even a gentle moss green - to counterbalance cooler light. South-facing rooms, meanwhile, can take cooler blues and greys without feeling cold.
Matte finishes are essential. Avoid high-gloss paints, which feel too modern and reflective for these interiors. A flat or eggshell finish softens light and enhances the depth of traditional plasterwork. Modern paint brands such as Farrow & Ball, Little Greene, and Edward Bulmer offer excellent historically inspired colours that also work seamlessly in contemporary contexts.
“ Modern furniture can look sensational in a period setting. A sleek, low-slung sofa in a Georgian drawing room, or a contemporary pendant in a Victorian hallway, adds tension and freshness ”
Introducing pattern
Georgian interiors were never overly fussy, so I treat pattern as an accent rather than a feature. A narrow stripe on upholstery, curtains in simple block-printed designs, a classic damask headboard and on the walls, chinoiserie or patterns with a delicate repeat can bring texture to plain walls without overwhelming the architecture.
When using pattern in Georgian spaces, it’s all about restraint and repetition. I might repeat the same motif - say, a stripe - in varying scales across blinds, cushions, and upholstery to create a rhythm without overwhelming the architecture.
In large townhouses with high ceilings, I am more adventurous. In a house I recently worked on in one of Bath’s Georgian crescents, I used a chinoiserie style mural wallpaper by Coordonne which had been bespoke designed for the drawing room and worked perfectly with its refined proportions.
A common misconception is that period homes should be frozen in time. In fact, Georgian interiors respond beautifully to contemporary pieces. I love juxtaposing a modern abstract painting against an 18thcentury cornice, or placing a sculptural brass pendant light above a Regency dining table. These contrasts breathe life into the architecture and prevent it from feeling museum-like.
Victorian Homes: Confident, layered, and full of personality
While Bath is best known for its Georgian splendour, many of the surrounding neighbourhoods - Oldfield Park, Larkhall, Widcombe, and Bear Flat - are rich with Victorian character. These houses, with their bay windows, decorative fireplaces, and solid joinery, invite a bolder hand. Originally Victorian interiors embraced drama. Deep greens, burgundies, and inky blues were everywhere, not only for aesthetic reasons but also because darker hues stood up to soot and candlelight. The fashion
was for “cosy grandeur”, rooms filled with texture, warmth, and ornament. In today’s terms, that translates beautifully into warm, cocooning spaces that feel both rich and comfortable.
When designing Victorian interiors, I often choose one “hero colour”perhaps a deep teal or mulberry - and build the palette around it using complementary neutrals and soft tones from the same family.
To keep darker walls from feeling oppressive, I always consider light. Layered lighting - wall sconces, lamps, and dimmable overheads - helps bring depth and softness. A mirror placed to reflect the window can also bounce light around and make even the most dramatic colour feel balanced.
Pattern with purpose
Victorian interiors embraced pattern. Florals, damasks, paisleys, and geometric encaustic tiles were layered to create richness and movement. In contemporary terms, the goal is to capture that energy without the clutter.
One of my favourite approaches is to layer patterns tonally. When layering pattern, I use a consistent palette so it’s easier on the eye. For instance, a floral wallpaper in olive tones, a striped sofa in cream and sage, and a Persian rug that picks up both colours will feel harmonious rather than chaotic. I often turn to brands like House of Hackney for wallpapers and fabrics – they rework tradition for a new generation beautifully.
Patterned floors are another wonderful nod to Victorian heritage. Encaustic or geometric tiles in hallways or bathrooms instantly bring character and a sense of history. If you’re restoring an older property, consider uncovering the original tiled floors - they’re often hiding beneath layers of later renovation.
Texture and comfort
Victorian design was sensuous - full of touchable textures and rich materials. I translate that into modern homes through velvet sofas, wool throws, and antique brass details. For window treatments, I prefer lined curtains that pool slightly on the floor; they frame the windows beautifully and add instant warmth.
Many Bath houses are architectural patchworks - Georgian at the front, Victorian at the back - which makes the transition between the two styles especially important. My goal is always to create flow through colour continuity and tonal harmony.
Here are a few guiding principles I use:
Let architecture lead
Always start with the bones of the house. Georgian rooms crave light and simplicity, Victorian rooms welcome richness and contrast. Allow the proportions, ceiling height, and window placement to inform your colour choices.
Repetition creates calm
Use repeating motifs - stripes, botanicals, or checks - in varying scales to connect spaces. This is especially effective in Bath’s tall, narrow townhouses, where maintaining visual flow between floors helps prevent the interiors from feeling disjointed.
Layer gradually
In any period home, layering is everything. Start with a calm base, add one hero pattern, then build with secondary textures and accents. Step back often and edit - less truly is more when the architecture is doing most of the talking.
Honour the craftsmanship
Whether it’s Georgian panelling or a Victorian mantelpiece, highlight original details with complementary tones rather than covering them up. Painting mouldings a slightly lighter or darker shade than the wall brings beautiful definition.
Mix eras confidently
Modern furniture can look sensational in a period setting. A sleek, lowslung sofa in a Georgian drawing room, or a contemporary pendant in a Victorian hallway, adds tension and freshness. The contrast tells the story of the home’s evolution.
Bath’s architecture offers endless inspiration - the soft limestone, the diffused West Country light, and the balance between urban formality and natural beauty. For me, designing within these homes is about dialogue: between past and present, between restraint and expression. Ultimately, the magic lies in honouring the spirit of the building while creating spaces that feel genuinely lived in. Because whether it’s a grand Georgian terrace overlooking the Circus or a cosy Victorian villa tucked behind Bear Flat, these houses are more than historical landmarksthey’re homes meant to be loved, layered, and brought to life through thoughtful design.
The beauty lies in finding the balance between respecting the architecture’s DNA while creating a home that feels comfortable, personal, and alive. With thoughtful use of pattern and colour, we can keep that legacy glowing - and make history feel like home.
Clair Strong Interior Design Ltd
Clair and her experienced team at Clair Strong Interior Design Ltd provide a full range of interior design services for both residential and commercial projects. Established over 18 years ago, Clair works with a trusted network of professionals and trades to offer a complete interior design service for projects of all types. From city centre apartments and shops to large family homes and hotels, her portfolio includes contemporary projects through to listed Georgian properties. The company ethos is to take a collaborative approach with clients, working with them to create spaces that meet their needs, improve their lives, and exceed their expectations.
Visit clairstrong.co.uk. n
Winter is coming...
As we inch closer to the coldest months it’s a time of quiet and reflection in the garden, writes Elly West. It’s also a time when we can really appreciate the plants that earn their space outside of the fanfare of summer, whether it’s for their scent, colour, texture or form – or in some fortunate cases, all of the above
Year-round interest is on the wish-list for most of my clients when I’m designing a garden or border, and a well-planned garden shouldn’t be bleak and bare in winter. Flowers may be few and far between, but this is the time when berries, seed-heads, evergreens, interesting bark and colourful stems bring their own special beauty, especially when dusted with frost and sparkling in the winter sunshine.
A good rule-of-thumb when choosing plants for your garden is to make sure at least 25% of them are looking good in each season. Invariably spring and summer will dominate, with new bulbs popping up, fresh leaves unfurling and flowers blooming, but when you’re deciding what to plant, consider what will be happening in autumn and winter as well. Evergreen plants will provide structure all year round. Topiary yew, clipped hedges and variegated shrubs such as euonymus, hebe and pittosporum are all solid backbone plants for a winter garden. However, too many evergreens can feel static and lacking in seasonal variation. Add to these by choosing summer-flowering plants with a long season of interest, as many will continue to look attractive once the flowers have faded.
Hydrangeas, echinacea, phlomis, honesty, globe thistles, sea hollies and poppies all have attractive seed heads, so don’t be in a rush to cut them back at the end of the summer, as they will provide structure and interest through the colder months as well. Wildlife will also benefit from this lower-maintenance approach, which provides much needed food and
shelter for birds and small mammals in the colder months. The more you leave, the greater the variety you’ll provide to cater for different creatures. Birds will enjoy the seeds of many different plants including sunflowers, honeysuckle, asters and cardoons; and beneficial insects and their larvae will find homes in old stems and seed heads.
Autumn and winter are also the months to enjoy colourful berries, and among the most striking are those of Callicarpa bodinieri. It’s jewel-like berries are an unusual vivid mauve-purple with a metallic lustre, and hang in clusters on the bare branches after the leaves have fallen. Pyracantha, holly, cotoneaster and sorbus are all good choices for winter berries. Don’t forget roses too, as many will produce beautifully coloured hips that attract birds to the garden, and can be cut and used in flower arrangements.
Trees with interesting bark and shrubs with colourful stems are another highlight of the winter garden. During summer they may fade into the background, but when the show is over they’ll provide muchneeded colour and interest. Dogwoods (Cornus) are easy to grow and look great in drifts or dotted around the garden at regular intervals. There are varieties with red, green, yellow, black and purple stems – or look out for ‘Midwinter Fire’, with multi-coloured red, yellow and orange stems. Among my favourite trees for their bark are Himalayan birch (Betulis utilis subsp. jacquemontii), with silver-white bark that almost glows on a winter’s day, and paperbark maple (Acer griseum), which has cinnamoncoloured bark that peels in thin, paper-like layers.
Flowers may be thin on the ground as we move towards winter, but there are still plenty of plants to choose from that will bring cheery blooms, whether it’s in a container or in the border. Primulas, pansies and violas are readily available in trays from the garden centre or supermarket, and are perfect for a splash of colour in a pot by the front door. Hellebores, winter jasmine, witch hazel, wintersweet, flowering quince, mahonia, viburnum, forsythia, skimmia and daphne are all gearing up to shine in winter. Many winter flowers are superstrongly scented as well, in order to attract the few pollinators that are around. I have a lot of sweet box (Sarcococca confusa) in my garden, which largely goes ignored in the summer, but in winter its glossy green leaves and starry white flowers that fill the air with sweet fragrance give me a reason to go outside whatever the weather.
I love using ornamental grasses in borders, mixed with perennials and shrubs, to add movement and also for their long season of interest. If you have the space, go tall, as the fronded plumes are more likely to catch the low winter light. Miscanthus sinensis has airy plumed seed heads from August right through until January or even longer, fading from gold to a silver-grey and reaching 2m or more in height. There are some attractive variegated and dwarf forms as well.
A smaller grass that cries out to be touched is Stipa tenuissima, or Mexican feather grass, which has particularly soft, feathery fronds. At around 60cm tall, it can be squeezed into just about any space and is also happy in containers. n
Elly West is a professional garden designer, working in and around the Bristol area | ellyswellies.co.uk
Plant of the month: Skimmia
Skimmia japonica ‘Rubella’ is a tough and easy-to-grow shrub with year-round appeal. It has a compact rounded form and glossy evergreen leaves, adding structure all year, but it is in late autumn and winter that it comes into its own, when the vibrant deep-red flower buds appear. These open to white, long-lasting, fragrant flowers in spring.
Both ‘Rubella’ (male) and the berried female forms are readily found in the seasonal displays in garden centres right now. While small, it makes a great centrepiece for a winter container display, perhaps accompanied by some trailing small-leaved ivies and dainty cyclamen. Grown in a border, it forms a compact and slow-growing shrub, eventually reaching around a metre or more in height and spread. Skimmia grows best in shade or partial shade, as full sun can cause the leaves to go yellow. Make sure it doesn’t dry out, particularly in the first year or so after planting, as it prefers moist soil. It can also be grown as an informal hedge. ‘Kew Green’ is another attractive version with lime-green buds opening to creamy yellow flowers.
Abrilliantly presented semi-detached family home, offering extended accommodation set to three storeys with a generous, level garden and ample parking. Set just a few minutes from local amenities, this 1930’s property also boasts green credentials with solar panels and a 15kWh storage battery.
13 Bradford Road is a generously proportioned, family home offering light and efficient space set in a generous plot with fine views over the local playing fields and hills towards Westbury White Horse.
The approach to the property is via a generous driveway leading to the garage and front porch with hard standing for 5 vehicles.
Once inside, the welcoming hallway leads to all the major ground floor rooms as well as the cloakroom and staircase to the upper floors. The sitting room has a front aspect with a bay window and the dining room opens onto the rear garden as does the extended kitchen via the breakfast area.
Upstairs there are 5 double bedrooms, a family bathroom and separate shower room plus a utility drying room and a 5th (single) bedroom or study. The second floor allows for ample storage in the eaves and a large bedroom with Velux windows. Externally there are mature and well stocked gardens to the rear of the house, a substantial patio area, vegetable garden raised borders, greenhouse, garden shed and side access to the garage/workshop.
37 Market Street, Bradford on Avon; Tel: 01225 866111
Combe Down, Bath
• 3 storey accommodation
• 2 reception rooms
• Extended kitchen/breakfast room
• 80ft level garden
• Ample driveway parking
• Garage/workshop
• Solar panels and storage battery
£850,000
Bradford-on-Avon
£750,000
A magnificent and historically significant Georgian townhouse, beautifully positioned on one of Bradford on Avon’s most sought-after roads, boasting far-reaching views across the town and surrounding countryside.
• Beautiful Georgian detached 4 bedroom house
• Grade II Listed
• Spectacular views and close to amenities
• Popular elevated position
• Characterful period features
Goose Street, Beckington
£775,000
Situated in the heart of the highly sought after village of Beckington, this exquisite 5 bedroom period residence effortlessly blends timeless character with stylish, contemporary finishes.
• Located in the heart of Beckington
• 5 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms
• Stunning open-plan kitchen and dining
• A magnificent dual-aspect reception room
• Presented in immaculate condition throughout,
• Landscaped rear garden in which sits a versatile studio
Charlcombe Lane, Lansdown
OIEO £1,350,000
A handsome 4 bedroom detached family home located in a fine residential position on Bath’s sought after northern slopes, close to the city centre and yet on the edge of beautiful countryside, with award winning terraced gardens and breath-taking views.
• 4 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms
• Guest WC and utility room and triple aspect drawing room
• Formal dining room and well appointed 'Cooks' kitchen
• Award winning terraced gardens with garden room and workshop
• Plenty of off-street parking
01225 333332 | 01225 866111
Steeple Ashton, Wiltshire
Leigh Road, Bradford on Avon
A Smarter Kind of Country Living
Why today’s buyers are rethinking what a countryside home should be
By Peter Greatorex, Managing Director, Peter Greatorex Unique Homes
As the cost of living continues to rise and sustainability becomes a central part of how we think about our homes, more buyers are re-evaluating what matters most. Many who once focused on period charm are now also seeking energy efficiency, lower running costs and a lighter environmental footprint, without sacrificing comfort or style.
In Upper Langford, on the edge of the Mendip Hills, Lacuna Gardens reflects that change. Developed by Verto Homes, the collection of just 12 four and five bedroom detached houses combines traditional Somerset architecture with cutting-edge zero-carbon technology, producing homes that generate more energy than they use.
Thanks to a partnership with Octopus Energy, every home is a “Zero Bills” property, meaning energy costs are eliminated entirely. Solar panels, air source heat pumps and home battery systems work together with high levels of insulation and smart energy management to keep each household running comfortably and efficiently all year round.
The timing is significant. With unpredictable energy prices, warmer summers and older housing stock struggling to meet new standards of comfort and efficiency, the appeal of homes designed for the future is clear. Choosing a truly energy efficient home today is not only about environmental awareness but also about long-term practicality and resilience.
For Peter Greatorex, Managing Director of Peter Greatorex Unique Homes, who is marketing the development, it is a sign of how buyer priorities are changing.
“People are thinking differently about where and how they live,” he says. “They still want beautiful homes in great locations, but they also want energy security and lower costs. Working with Verto Homes on Lacuna Gardens made perfect sense. It is a development that proves sustainability can look and feel genuinely aspirational.”
Peter has also noticed a clear shift in buyer behaviour since the pandemic.
“Since Covid, we have seen people place far greater value on quality of life, flexible space and wellbeing,” he explains. “That has only been reinforced by rising bills and higher interest rates. Buyers are now looking for homes that are comfortable and well-designed, but also that make financial sense to own and run. Energy efficiency is no longer a bonus, it is becoming a deciding factor.”
Beyond the technology, Lacuna Gardens retains all the hallmarks of classic country living with stone facades, landscaped gardens and views across rolling Somerset hills. The location combines peace and practicality, a short drive from Bristol, Bath and Wells, with farm shops, cafés and walks on the doorstep.
Buyers are becoming far more focused on long-term value and comfort. They want homes that fit modern life, offer security against rising costs and still deliver the space and quality that make country living appealing. That shift in priorities is reshaping what the next generation of rural homes will look like.
Lacuna Gardens is an exclusive collection of twelve 4 and 5-bedroom detached homes. Each home combines timeless country charm with cuttingedge zero-carbon design, sustainable living without compromise.
• Zero carbon smart homes built by multi-award winning developer Verto
• Rural village with vibrant community, traditional pub and farm shops
• Pay no energy bills, guaranteed with Octopus Energy Site
Site visits can be arranged by prior appointment through the agent, Peter Greatorex Unique Homes.
(CGI images) Swan (Plot 1. Price £1,025,000) illustrated. Two properties have been reserved.
Bradford Road, Combe Down
OIEO £1,175,000
A distinguished double-fronted, 5 bedroom detached period home in the heart of Combe Down, Bath.
• With spacious layout and large flat rear garden
• Immaculately presented and recently refurbished
• Separate garage and annexe
• Planning permission granted to extend
• Tax band G, EPC rating E
Langford, Bristol
OIEO £950,000
A charming period four/five bedroomed beautifully maintained and level gardens.
• Lovely large family kitchen with separate utility
• Ground floor bathroom, sitting room/playroom/bedroom five
• Reception hall, garden room, boot room and study
• Four first floor bedrooms, two bathrooms
• Tax band G, EPC rating D
Notton, Lacock
OIEO £2,250,000
A charming Grade II listed Cotswold stone house, recently refurbished and offering exceptional period character, occupying a quiet position in the hamlet of Notton, on the edge of the historic Wiltshire village of Lacock.
• 2 reception rooms and study
• 5 bedroom and study/nursery
• Separate converted coach house
• 5 acres, swimming pool, tennis court, garage, workshop and gym
• Council tax H
Royal Crescent, Bath
OIEO £500,000
An elegant penthouse apartment with iconic views in Bath’s world-famous Royal Crescent. Bright, well-proportioned interiors, a generous double bedroom and elevated vistas across the city.
• Kitchen, bedroom, drawing room and bathroom
• Lift access & exclusive residents’ lawn
• Tenure: Leasehold
• Council Tax band: D, EPC rating E
Bradford Road, Combe Down
OIEO £1,125,000
An immaculately presented family home, extensively modernised recently to an exceptional standard, with spacious west facing garden.
• Contemporary styled open plan kitchen/living area
• Sitting room, library/snug, study and utility area, downstairs WC
• Principal bedroom with en suite shower room and 3 further bedrooms
• Spacious luxury family bathroom and additional family shower room
• Council Tax band: F, EPC rating E
See our latest available properties
Wellspring, Faulkland • Guide Price £475,000
A beautifully presented three double bedroom, period family home situated in the heart of Faulkland village. This stylish home offers 1485 sq ft of well balanced accommodation, set over two floors as well as having mature enclosed rear gardens. Freehold, Council tax band C. EPC rating G.
Mount Road, Southdown • Guide Price £535,000
A superbly positioned 5 bedroom HMO with tenants in situ until 30th June 2026, earning a yield of 7.8%. A fantastic investment opportunity currently being sold as a Ltd company. Five bedrooms, two bathrooms, kitchen/living room, conservatory and a garage. Freehold. Council tax band D. EPC rating E.
know Bath.
A very pretty semi detached period cottage, in need of modernisation, set in a quiet no through road within the sought after village of Bathampton. Off road parking for several vehicles, no onward chain. Freehold. Council tax band D. EPC rating D.
A perfectly positioned 6 bedroom HMO with tenants in situ until July 2026. Currently achieving £3480pcm, a rental yield of 7.6% Accommodation offers six bedrooms, two bathrooms, kitchen/breakfast room, living room. Garden to the rear. Permit parking.
Stunning top-floor apartment within a beautiful period building, immaculately presented throughout, offering generous rooms, elegant features, and wonderful rear views.
• 2 Bed, 1 Bath £1,500p/m Beautiful period home featuring well-appointed rooms, charming character, and a delightful courtyard garden perfect for relaxing or entertaining outdoors in a peaceful setting.
• 3 Bed, 2 Bath, £1,650p/m Hugely desirable three-bedroom terraced family home in Camden, offering spacious accommodation on a quiet residential road, just a short walk from the City Centre.
