Robbie’s upcoming Bath visit gives me an excuse to trot out one of my many boring ‘back in the day’ journalist anecdotes. It was 1995 and my then editor Piers Morgan had got word the former Take That star was going into rehab. I as despat hed to his i ose ill flat to t y and get a few words, or facilitate an interview for Piers. I was already coming to terms that the life of a Daily Mirror showbiz hack wasn’t for me. I was the only person there, bar a few school girls who kept calling me scum. Several buzzes of the intercom later – nothing. Piers then dictated a note to me, which I pushed through his letter box, and half heartedly buzzed once again. Suddenly this time he answered. Except he claimed it wasn’t him but he was in fact a very busy shoe fairy counting Robbie’s trainer collection and proceeded to count. This went back and forth for quite a while – how lovely the trainers were, what brands etc. Through laughing, I managed to apologise for interrupting such important work but if he could get Robbie for me I’d be very grateful. He then responded, “Actually it is me but you know I can’t do any interviews.” I said I didn’t believe him, surely this was still the shoe fairy? At which point he said, “Okay, I’ll prove it” and started singing – “It only takes a minute girl...” I couldn’t stop smiling – the door swung open and we hugged. He said I was lovely, and I said he was lovely too.
A few hours later, as the same scowling young ans tu ned up post s hool a fleet o bla abs pulled up. What seemed like a hundred people e e ged o his base ent flat and led into them, with one of the last to leave being Robbie. We stood and waved at each other, and continued to do so as his ta i d ove o into the distan e The assembled young entourage gawped at me, and ent ho e ithout ling a sto y Robbie, if you ever read this – I’m sorry. And you sir, are a legend and a gent.
SARAH MOOLLA
The legendary Robbie Williams heading this way to entertain us (page 29)
Issue 530 / June 2025
COVERWe’re gonna let him entertain us at The Royal Crescentlater this month. Turn to page29 for more.
THE ARTS
24 QUEERBATHThe inaugural LGBTQ+ is happening
29 ARTSINTRORobbie Williams is the better man
30 WHAT’SONPeople to see, places to go
32 CULTURECLUBThe arty picks of George Rainsford
37 BOOKS Down to earth with Mr B
38 BATHCITYFCThe new celebratory photos and poems book
SHOPPING
42 GREENPARKSTATIONDestination indie businesses
53 SHOPPINGINTRO tsanoutside oo o
54 EDITOR’SCHOICEFor the dad who loves to chef
FOOD & DRINK
56 RESTAURANTFine dining at Bath Spa Hotel’sVellore
58 ALFRESCOWe’re taking you out out baby
68 NEWSFEEDNuggets from Bath’s foodie scene
LIFESTYLE
72 FASHIONDress to twirl this season
NETWORK
77 NETWORKLEADNetwork lunching with Matt Perry
82 NETWORKNEWSBusiness news, views, and interviews
85 CAREERPATHPaul Fisher of Oculus Wealth Management
he ath e o d e have put togethe a olle tion o e t ao dina y boo s and ne bindings sele ted o its vast e o ds o a ee to visit e hibition at the Guildhall une Remarkable Books in ludes a a e t ial sheet o illia o is s Kelmscott Chaucer published in one o only p odu ed on vellu hi h as p esented to the ath e e en e ib a y in by the daughte o illia o is ay o is he e is also a su viving opy o oddely s Bath and Bristol Guide o hi h notes he ity o ath is g eatly i p oved ithin these e ea s in its buildings the ne ouses a e st ong la ge and o odious
DEATH MARCH
he nive sity o ath has laun hed a ity al e plo ing ath s a ab e hidden histo ies evised by the nive sity s ent e o eath and So iety S this inute ee sel guided tou available via a pod ast and obile app e plo es the da unde belly yes the e eally is one Sto y highlights in lude he ell nn on al ot St eet he e onde ned p isone s e e on e given a nal bo l o gin en oute to the gallo s ady ead ouse hi h as established in as a e uge o so alled allen o en involved in se o and Sydney Ga dens the site o a e y p otest against the ailed e o ill o i e to o S ate oodtho pe says s esidents o the ity e a e al ays loo ing o ays to suppo t and add value to this abulous pla e e all ho e
For more: www.cdaswalk.org
he e hibition ill oin ide ith the anti ua ian boo ai ta ing pla e at ath avilion ove the sa e t o days o ganised by the nti ua ian oo selle s sso iation and ovin ial oo selle s ai s sso iation
For more: www.batharchives.co.uk
ABOVE: A surviving copy of Boddely’s Bath and Bristol Guide from 1753 will be on display; INSET: Books of all shapes and sizes can be seen at the The Bath Record Office free exhibition, 24 – 25 June at the Guildhall
CHRISTMAS CRACKERS, GROMIT!
ve ybody s avou ite one an and his dog alla e G o it ill be seen in lante n o in a o ld st at ongleat this h ist as lso oining the o thei eato s stable a d an as pa t o the British Icons the e o the annual estival o ight at the estate is Shaun the Sheep eathe s G a and o ph e lin ossingha alla e G o it eative di e to says ollo ing an in edible yea o a d an ith the u h anti ipated etu n o alla e G o it and eathe s G a in Vengeance Most Fowl e e th illed to be b inging any o ou beloved ha a te s togethe in an e iting ne ay ea ing up ith i oni att a tion ongleat o its hugely popula event he estival o ight this estive season is a onde ul oppo tunity and e an t ait to see ho ou o lds and ha a te s ill o e to li e in lante n o o the ve y st ti e For more: www.longleat.co.uk | www.aardman.com
Wallace & Gromit are lighting up Longleat this festive season
Condemned prisoners, on their way to the gallows, were once given one last drink at the Bell Inn
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TOUR DE BATH
Ride here, ride now!
@ellydeakin
SCENE
THE LATEST ADVENTURES IN PARTY-GOING ACROSS BATH
and
FLOURISHING
The Museum of East Asian Art launched its current In Bloom exhibition with a recent private view. Around 65 guests attended, and along with enjoying the artworks, were able to explore the museum’s new Discovery Room. Exhibitions anage den o ey o a says, “This is a landmark exhibition for the MEAA. In Bloom opens at a time of growth and evolution at the useu as e loo to nd ne and engaging ways to share our unique collection of objects with visitors.”
Photos by Anna Barclay For more: www.meaa.org.uk
Matt Jones and Michael Harris
Ray and Linda Cockram
Anne Perng and Alun Branigan
Emily Brown and Ellie Giles
Hiroko Imada and Dr Hiroshi Goto
Leong Tong Pak, Wen-Hsi Harman, Hiroko Imada, Kristen Kong and Lihong Bai
Yukie Scott, Bethan Hutton, Yukie Williams and Ed Harker
Yukie Williams
Lucy Humbert, Biddy Walcot and Anne Shepherd
Michael Pitts and Jack Stiling
Richard Wyatt
Darren Willison
SEVENTH HEAVEN
The 7 Hills Spring Sessions festival rocked the city back in April and delivered a fantastic 123 performances across one weekend in venues that included The Grapes, Flan O'Brien's, The Bath Brew House, and Upstairs at Green Park Brasserie. Around 1,000 people turned up to watch the brilliant Magic Numbers set at Komedia. Organiser Matt Owens says, “It was a glorious spectacle to witness and one that esto ed one s aith in the ity s talent and appetite for such things.”
Young Martyrs
True Foxes
The Red Bandits
Edward Knocks
Holly Carter
Photos by Mike Johnston For more: www.the7hills.com
Michele Stodart
Our Man in the Field
The Magic Numbers
Jim Godfrey Trio
Gina Larner 123 performances were enjoyed across the city
Luna Lake
WORK FOR CHANGE
Bath Spa University recently announced the relaunch of the Bath Social Impact Network (BSIN), and marked the occasion with an event at Newark Works. Around 56 guests attended and had a chance to network and discuss what support they’d like to see for B corps, social enterprises and cultural organisations in the area.
For more: www.bathspa.ac.uk
ROLE CALL
As part of the University of Bath’s International Women’s Day celebrations, A Wall of Women went on display at the Claverton Down campus.
Professor Turi King, director of the Milner Centre for Evolution at the University who came up with the idea, says, “It’s an event I ran at my previous university and I know from experience that it is such a great feel-good celebration of women at the University.”
For more: www.bath.ac.uk
The display was up at the Claverton campus for International Women's Day
Belle Farman and Ewan Gill
Karen Teague, Hannah Whiting and Lizzy Rees
Kate Abbey, Becky Brooks and Alfiya Khan
Paige Josham, Gilly Samuddin and Anna Wheeler
Professor Turi King
Marjorie Gibbon
Celia Mead and Andy Salmon
Photos by Sophie Colman
Students wrote about women at the uni who have inspired them
Who’s the daddy?
Why Flats favours Father’s Day over birthdays any day of the week
We all know people who like a fuss to be made of their birthdays. My wife says it’s “mainly women” who ant this but ill o e no comment to that end, other than to say we all know birthday people! Not wanting big parties every year or hordes of folks arriving to celebrate my birthday is primarily, I can tell you, about peace and quiet. I get next to none, and my work invariably involves large, noisy crowds, so it can feel nice to opt out.
Some people don’t like getting older, of course, and feel that birthdays, while just anothe day a e o ial thei supp essed mortality. I feel completely at ease in accepting y nitude ust an t be a sed ith the e u e
athe s ay eels slightly di e ent I prefer Father’s Day to birthdays as there’s no suggestion that a big knees up or a mass gathering should be arranged. The apparent done thing on Father’s Day is to spend time with one’s family. In a sense, this doesn’t
“I can make demands that all of the women in my life feel obliged to obey”
rushed. That doesn’t feel like it was made that morning. And I’ve asked them to hang out with me all day. My wife and I will likely do a ba be ue in the ba ga den e ll e up the little bouncy castle for the toddlers, we’ll play some crappy cartoon playlist on the outdoor speaker, and that’s it. I’ve also requested that they leave their iPhones at their mummy’s house for the day. There will be much aggressive resistance to this, but I’ll try my best.
separate it from any other Sunday, but because I’m a father and because, therefore, it’s ‘my’ day, I can make demands that all of the women in my life feel obliged to obey.
My second daughter became slightly frustrated last week as she tried to get me to think of a Father’s Day gift I wanted. Genuinely, I couldn’t – and can’t – think of anything ant ean they an t yet a o d a Porsche or a detached 8-bed in Dyrham, so that rules those out.
What I ended up asking for made her roll her eyes somewhat: “Urgh, can’t you just think of an object?” she asked. “No, I can’t, because I don’t care about objects” I replied.
My requests for Father’s Day gifts are very simple. Because my two older daughters are now 15 and 13 they are around ever so slightly less, as they rightly seek independence and as they come to realise their mates are more fun than thei pa ents his is all ne and lovely but for one day I’d like to turn back the clock.
I’ve asked both girls to make me a thoughtful Father’s Day card that doesn’t feel
I’m not old, but I’m older than I used to be! And while I’m not bothered by my age, I do feel acutely aware that, as challenging as all hild en an be at di e ent stages o thei develop ent one day they bugge o ne day the noise and the s hool uns stop ne day the plastic toys and the torn, part-eaten boo s ease to litte the sitting oo floo ne day the a gu ents ove laying the table end, but so do the wrestling sessions on the sofa, the dancing to the Frozen soundtrack, the games of chase around the kitchen island.
Fatherhood evolves, of course, and I do my very best not to resist any of the natural course of the job. Except on Father’s Day, when all I ask is that we go back, for a few hours, to how it used to be.
It’s 7am as I type this from my bed. My wife has delive ed o ee to e and do nstai s I can hear both toddlers screaming about something. Upstairs my two teenagers are straightening hair and applying potions for everlasting glows. Four separate school runs a ait so d bette go and get athe ing h happy days.
David Flatman is an ex-Bath and England rugby star turned TV pundit and rent-o-mic. Follow him on itter i t n n Inst t n
PRIDE OF PLACE
Nik Jovčić-Sas talks us through a few of the gems coming up in the inaugural Queer Bath festival
Main photo by Caitlin Damsell
:
Ah, Bath – one of the most quaint and picturesque cities in England. From the famed Georgian architecture hewn from our signature honeycoloured stone, to the soft green hills that envelop it. It’s no onde people flo he e to live out their Pride and Prejudice or Bridgerton fantasies.
As a proud Bathonian, I love this postcard-perfect image of this place we call home - and yet, this romanticised vision can sometimes overshadow some of the most exciting, vibrant and diverse parts of our past. Beneath the bustles and bonnets, there is a rich, un uly and o ten ove loo ed uee histo y his is the ethos behind Queer Bath: a brand new festival running no until une eleb ating the nest o ou ity s spe ta ula G histo y a ts and ultu e in museums and heritage buildings across the city from the American Museum to the Museum of Bath Architecture.
I’m just one of the partners helping to bring this festival to life. Some of you might recognise me as a violinist bus ing outside the bbey but also lead something of a scandalous double life! I’m the show director of WIG!, one of Bath’s longest-running drag nights usually found at Komedia, and I am a published academic specialising in queer history. I am absolutely thrilled about what Queer Bath will bring to the city!
o so e the uee histo y o ath ight not see ve y obvious but it is eve y he e a e the Roman Baths themselves, from which our city gets its name - almost certainly the site of some steamy en ounte s he o an poet uvenal in Satire 9, o ed about en uising in bathhouses des ibing one regular who “scratches his head with a single nge a subtle oded signal o sa e se inte est
Antinous died in mysterious circumstances in Egypt, ad ian as devastated n his g ie he dei ed his lost love – commissioning statues and temples in Antinous’s honour, and even founding a city named after him. you ve neve ta en the ti e to loo a ound the Roman Baths (shame on you) then Queer Bath might be the perfect opportunity – as part of our nationally covered ide e udi e ag all ta ing pla e in the u p oo on une ti ets in lude a d in s e eption in this 2,000 year old Bath institution.
ut ath s G past isn t li ited to the an ient world – and it can even change how we understand the p esent he t ansgende o unity is o ten po t ayed in the media as new or ‘modern’ – yet have you ever heard of the incredible tale of the Chevalier d’Éon – Bath’s very o n th entu y t ansgende spy he hevalie d on (1728 – 1810) was a French diplomat, soldier, and spy who was sent to London as a diplomat and became something of a celebrity. She was recalled to France by King Louis but e used and th eatened to bla ail hi i he did not concede to her demands – which included legally recognising her as a woman. Louis XVI agreed, and even had a new special female wardrobe made for her.
Just above the baths stands a statue of the Roman Emperor Hadrian – one half of one of the ancient world’s most famous love stories. Hadrian (yes, of wall fame) was a ously insepa able o his beloved ntinous a G ee youth who accompanied him across the empire. When
She lived o a ti e in ath he e he fla boyan e and s ill ade he a lo al sensation She as no n to challenge men to duels – and often win. A London newspaper from 1796 quipped that “no woman ever en ed o e g a e ully sho ing ho he gende as not only a no ledged but espe ted in any circles. She used women’s spaces, was addressed with female pronouns, and navigated society as a woman in the twilight of the 18th century. If you want to hear more on this gender-revolutionary then you can join our ‘Queer Geo gians al at S on une he e the ational
“The incredible tale of the Chevalier d’Éon – Bath’s very own transgender18th-century spy”
LEFT
The Chevalier d’Éon was a French diplomat known for living openly as both a man and a woman, who visited Bath towards the end of the end of the 18th century; RIGHT: The cult gay film Sebastiane is being screened at the Holburne BELOW: The affair between the Emperor Hadrian, who is honoured at the Roman Baths, and his Greek companion Antinous is a famous and tragic love story
Trust’s Dr. Tim Moore will explore LGBTQ+ stories o the Geo gian e a shedding light on gu es li e d’Éon and the vibrant queer undercurrents of the time.
And we couldn’t celebrate Queer Bath without paying tribute to the Holburne Museum, which began this project with its Holburne Pride event last year. This time a ound the useu is olling out the pin a pet ith a s o gasbo d o abulous o e ings
Amongst the original collection of ever-bachelor Sir Thomas William Holburne, is an exquisite 17th-century silve edal depi ting Saint Sebastian a gu e o ten seen as the uno ial pat on saint o gay en ve the centuries, St Sebastian’s image has been reimagined th ough a uee lens his nea na ed body pie ed with arrows, eyes lifted in rapture, somewhere between agony and ecstasy. As the writer Richard A. Kaye put it, Sebastian has come to represent “a stunning advertisement for homosexual desire.”
This potent mix of martyrdom and homoeroticism has long inspired queer artists – none more so than the legenda y l a e e e a an nd on une olbu ne ill s een a an s Sebastiane, his bold, beautiful, and provocatively Latin-language queer classic. Let me tell you, you’ve never seen a Roman soldier baptis s ene uite li e it s u h as love ane usten uee ath ill be a han e o lo als and visito s ali e to see ou ity th ough a dazzling new lens. n
For more: www.queerbath.co.uk
ABOVE: The Stonewall Riots, a pivotal moment in LGBTQ+ history is being discussed at the American Museum on 3 June; BELOW: The author of this piece, Nik Jovcic-Sas, is also a busking musician and regular host of Bath’s WIG! nights
QUEER BATH DATES AT A GLANCE
UNTIL 30 JUNE
The Queer Holburne Trail: Features items in the Holburne Museum collection by queer artists, feature queer subjects and/or reflect themes of love, identity and gender.
31 MAY – 30 JUNE
Seeing Queerly: Co-Curating Collections: Explore the Roman Baths collection through a queer lens with a new free temporary display case in the King’s Lounge.
2 JUNE
Queer Georgians: Dr Tim Moore of the National Trust discusses the thriving queer subculture played out across Bath’s vibrant social scene at the Bath Royal Literary and Scientific Institution.
3 JUNE
The History and Legacy of New York City’s Stonewall Rising: The American Museum& Gardens hosts an evening with Andrew Foyle, buildings historian and social historian working in West of England and of OutStories Bristol, talking about the beginnings of Pride which originate from New York City’s 1969 Stonewall Rising.
6 JUNE
WIG! The Pride NOT Prejudice Ball: In celebration of Jane Austen’s 250th birthday, WIG! proudly presents a dazzling night of South West drag excellence-set against the stunning backdrop of the historic Pump Room in the Roman Baths.
17 JUNE
Holburne Pride Party: Back after its huge success last year, the Holburne celebrates Pride in style with dancing, drag acts and the delicious duo of Cynthia and Spank hosting.
Museum of Bath Architecture is screening the story of architect Eileen Gray
18 JUNE
E.1027 Eileen Gray and the House by the Sea: Museum of Bath Architecture screens the remarkable story of Eileen Gray and the significance of the modernist dream house E.1027, in queer architectural history.
19 JUNE
Sebastiane: Being shown at the Holburne Museum, Derek Jarman’s 1976 film was groundbreaking for its unapologetic homoeroticism and early positive portrayal of gay sexuality.
27 JUNE
Holburne Pride Up Late – Queer Bath Special: As founding members of Queer Bath, The Future Collective present a free inclusive creative evening at the Holburne Museum with creative workshops, panel discussions and free access to the collections and exhibitions.
NEW PARTNER NEWS
Accountancy firm MILSTED LANGDON appoints new partner Jon Miles to boost tax team
Milsted Langdon has appointed Jon Miles as its newest tax partner, strengthening its team in Bath and Bristol. A leading independent accountancy, tax, and business advisory firm, Milsted Langdon was established more than 35 years ago, and has grown to 21 partners and over 200 staff across offices in Bath, Bristol, London, Taunton and Yeovil.
Jon brings more than 20 years of specialist tax experience as a chartered accountant (ACA) and chartered tax adviser (CTA), specialising in advising owner-managed businesses, particularly where personal and corporate tax intersect.
He also supports private individuals on various tax matters alongside other specialists as required. Jon’s areas of expertise include research and development (R&D) tax credits, share schemes, employee ownership trusts,
company reorganisations and reconstructions, and tax issues relating to sales, acquisitions and cross-border tax.
He works with clients in a variety of sectors, including technology, engineering, manufacturing, consultancy, and professional services, offering strategic support at every stage of their business life cycle.
Jon says, “I’m delighted to join Milsted Langdon and contribute to the continued success of its tax practice. I enjoy working within a team where I can help translate complex tax matters into commercially sound advice that clients and other professional advisers value.”
His arrival comes as part of Milsted Langdon’s ongoing strategy to expand its offering to ambitious businesses across the south west and further afield, as the firm invests in senior talent to meet increasing client demand. n
To find out more about Milsted Langdon’s range of tax and accounting services, please visit www.milstedlangdon.co.uk
Jon Miles is the firm's newest tax partner
THE ARTS
THE BETTER MAN
SNAPSHOTS OF BATH’S CULTURAL LIFE
Hell is gone and heaven’s here. There’s nothing left for you to fear. Shake your ass, come over here, now scream! Yes, one of the world’s greatest singer songwriters Robbie Williams is entertaining us with two open air concerts, 13 June and 14 June, on the private lawns of the Royal Crescent, against the magnificent backdrop of the 30 Grade I listed terrace houses.
Sure to be the stuff of legends as the illustrious star, once known as the youngest member of Take That back in 1990, has gone on to reach stratospheric heights of success, achieving 14 No. 1 albums in the U.K, 13 BRIT awards as a solo artist, 85 million album sales worldwide, recently starred in a genre defining autobiographical film Better Man as a CGI monkey, and launched his own art exhibition, Radical Honesty at Moco Museum London. So all together now... ”Wherever it may take me. I know that life won’t break me, when I come to call. She won’t forsake me. I’m lovin’ angels instead.”
For more: www.senbla.com
WHAT’S
31 May –21 June
EXHIBITIONS
Until 7 June
UNSEEN SILENCE
ings togethe a tists ell oo eld and eid un athgeb who share a curiosity to explore and obse ve evealing states o being ithin the on ne ents o today s often frenetic world. Bo Lee and Workman; www.boleeworkman.com
Until 6 July
FIRST IMPRESSIONS: PRINTERS’ PROOFS OF WORKS BY GREAT 20TH CENTURY ARTISTS
Includes proofs from Lucian Freud, Bridget Riley, Peter Blake and Frank ue ba h shedding light on the ont ibution ade by the e pe t printers who work closely with artists and undertake the immensely skilled process of inking the printing plates and putting them through a printing press. Victoria Art Gallery; www.victoriagal.org.uk
Until 31 August
NICOLAS PARTY: COPPER AND DUST
Steeped in art historical consideration and research,
Party’s paintings are stylistically cohesive, graceful and idiosyncratic. While more recent works have incorporated intricate oil paintings on copper, Party is well-known for his soft pastel works on paper and linen along ith site spe i publi murals and immersive installations. Holburne; www.holburne.org
Until 31 August
IMPRESSIONS IN WATERCOLOUR: TURNER AND HIS CONTEMPORARIES
his e hibition p esents a a e opportunity to see Turner at his most experimental and gestural, alongside notable onte po a ies highlighting an era of exciting developments in watercolour in which they worked. Holburne; www.holburne.org
Until 23 September
AXLE ARTS AND SAW
Axle Arts and Somerset Art Works
S a e ollabo ating in an e hibition o outdoo s ulptu e at the Royal Crescent Hotel & Spa. hibiting a tists in luding o othy oo avid utle a y avies a hel e uth and i o gan email: bridget@axlearts.com
Until 20 December IN BLOOM
o flo e s have inspi ed generations of artists from East and Southeast Asia and includes works from Hiroko Imada, Wen-Hsi Harman, Lihong Bai, Ieong Tong Pak and Kristen Kong. Museum of East Asian Art; www.meaa.org.uk
Until 5 January
CAPTURING THE COSMOS
eatu es the in edible nights ape planetary, and deep sky photography of the local amateur astronomy community in and around Bath. There’s also has a programme of stargazing events planned throughout the year where visitors can get tips on taking their own photos of the night sky. Herschel Museum; www.herschelmuseum.org.uk
8 June / 13 July
BATH CONTEMPORARY ARTISTS FAIR
inging the best o onte po a y and innovative art to Green Park Station, this monthly fair runs o p il until e e be and showcases many local creatives including painters, sculptors, and ceramicists. www.bcaf.co.uk
13 June – 13 July
JANE SHEPPARD
solo e hibition o la ge oilbuilt ceramics from a former lecturer in art and design at Bath College and no an ele ted e be o a t otte s sso iation and o o abe Guide. www.blackswanarts.org.uk
Until 1 February 2026
MYTHS & MACHINES
his ill be the st e hibition dedi ated to both i i de Saint Phalle and Jean Tinguely in the UK and will illustrate their visionary artistic output and enduring creative ollabo ation ove th ee de ades Hauser & Wirth Somerset; www.hauserwirth.com
THEATRE
5 – 14 June
BY ROYAL APPOINTMENT
Anne Reid, Caroline Quentin, a es ey us a es ilby sta in a unny poignant and eleb ato y ne play about the ind o po e that only a Queen can wield – she charms the world through coats and admonishes her family through a carefully chosen hat. Theatre Royal Bath; www.theatreroyal.org.uk
The current Victoria Art Gallery exhibition First Impressions sheds light on the contribution made by printers working with artists
12 – 14 June
FRANKENSTEIN (ON A BUDGET)
CLOCKWISEFROMFARLEFT: The first exhibition dedicated to both Niki de Saint Phalle and Jean Tinguely is currently on at Hauser & Wirth Somerset; Axle Arts and Somerset Art Works have collaborated to create the Royal Crescent Hotel’s exhibition of outdoor sculpture on until 23 September; Jane Shepherd’s ceramics are on display at Black Swan Arts 13 June – 13 July; Nell Brookfield is exhibiting alongside Heidrun Rathgeb at Bo Lee and Workman until 7 June
Featuring a full soundtrack of brand new music, with incredible cardboard creations and characters inspired by Mary Shelley’s classic novel, this is the innovative comedy Gothic horror homage that you didn’t know you needed. Ustinov; www.theatreroyal.org.uk
18 – 21 June
THE TAMING OF THE SHREW
The Rondo Theatre Company take on a daring new life in this gender queered production, where comedy and discomfort intersect. Rondo; www.rondotheatre.co.uk
21 – 22 June
LA BOHEME
a di ots old pe a etu n to Bath with their much-loved production of Puccini’s classic tragic masterpiece. Mission Theatre; www.missiontheatre.co.uk
MUSIC
21 June
OTI MABUSE
The only Strictly Pro to win the glitter ball twice in a row celebrates the world’s most electrifying a nivals ti and he b illiant dance troupe take us from the sassy sambas of Brazilian Carnival to the tantalising tangos of Argentina’s Fiesta Nacional de la Vendimi. Bath Forum; www.bathforum.co.uk
20 June
MISSISSIPPI MACDONALD
Since his signing to APM Records in 2021, the English soul-blues singer/songwriter and guitarist has appeared on BBC Radio 2’s Blues Show with Cerys Matthews and has played extensively in the UK and
the US including a Washington State Blues Society showcase during the International Blues Challenge. Chapel Arts; www.chapelarts.org
FESTIVALS
Until 7 June
FRINGE ARTS BATH
FaB is bringing creativity, curiosity, and fresh ideas to 13 venues, in luding the histo i ld ost e and tspa e as well as spilling onto the streets showcasing artists from Bath, the wider region, and around the world. www.fringeartsbath.co.uk
Until 8 June
BATH FRINGE
Highlights taking place in around 22 locations in Bath city centre include the psychedelic folk force o natu e aisy i an esse punk legends The SubHumans, street entertainment with The Bedlam BusQ, a big band dance event with The Big R Band, along with a huge choice of shows staged at The Rondo, The Mission, and Burdall’s Yard. www.bathfringe.co.uk
Until 30 June
QUEER BATH
The inaugural Queer Bath has landed with fun events, talks and exhibitions exploring our city’s LGBTQIA+ history. Turn to page o o e www.queerbath.co.uk
29 – 31 May
ROYAL BATH & WEST SHOW
From humble beginnings, the Royal Bath & West Show originally The Royal Bath & West of England Society founded in 1777, has endured wars and numerous societal changes to remain a muchloved Shepton allet u al tu e www.bathandwest.com
WHAT’S ON
29 May – 1 June
THE VINTAGE NOSTALGIA FESTIVAL
Vintage Nostalgia Festival at Stockton Park is all about vintage music, fashion, children friendly events, classic cars, live performances including from Junco Shakers and The Flaming Feathers. www.vintagenostalgiafestival.co.uk
12 – 28 June FOREST LIVE
The Westonbirt Arboretum headliners include Sting, Gary Barlow, Nile Rodgers & CHIC, Busted, The Script, Elbow, Blossoms, James, Rag’n’Bone Man, Snow Patrol, Paul Heaton and McFly. www.forestlive.com
7 – 15 June FESTIVAL OF NATURE
The UK’s biggest free celebration of the natural world is back for its 22nd year and is diving into a brand-new theme: water using Bath’s waterways through art, science, storytelling and adventure. Look out for the water themed art display floating above SouthGate Bath, there’s paddleboarding sessions on the River Avon, the One Drop, Infinite Ripples at the Roper Gallery, and a Life on Water exhibition at Roseberry Road Studios. www.bnhc.org.uk
OTHER
Until 27 September
AUSTENS AT THE ABBEY
Explore the many fascinating connections the Austen family has to Bath Abbey through a programme of events that includes after hour tours and a Regency church service. www.bathabbey.org
5 June DR BENJI WATERHOUSE
Psychiatrist, comedian and bestselling author combines his standup skills, storytelling and anecdotal chapter readings, to try and answer some of life’s big questions. Komedia; www.komediabath.co.uk
27 June / 7 July / 30 July
METABOLIC HEALTH RESET DAY
Visit Combe Grove Centre for a unique chance for an all day metabolic health check which includes Accuniq body composition analysis, blood pressure measurement, waist-to-hip ratio assessment, brunch and supper in The Orangery, a kitchen garden tour and a series of workshops and classes focussing on sleep and stress, cooking demonstrations, movement for everyday activity and mindset sessions. There are also days available 8 and 12 September. Ticket price £225. www.combegrove.com
CULTURE CLUB with George Rainsford
George Rainsford, who starred as Ethan Hardy in more than 300 episodes of BBC1’s Casualty, is coming to the Theatre Royal Bath 17 – 21 June to play DSI Roy Grace in Picture You Dead based on the Peter James bestselling thriller.
A painting that means something to me
I’ll have to say Going to Work by L.S. Lowry, which happens to feature prominently in our play Picture You Dead. No spoilers!
Last live music gig I went to Whilst I was on tour with 2:22 A Ghost Story last year, I managed to catch a Brit Pop revival concert featuring some of my favourite ’90s bands like Ocean Colour Scene, Cast and Levellers.
A film I could watch over and over again Back to the Future. I still love it and now my kids do too. It was my specialist subject on Celebrity Mastermind and we have just named our new dog Marty!
The first single I bought UB40’s cover of (I Can’t Help) Falling in Love with You on cassette. I must have been about ten.
Best TV show ever… It’s a photo finish for The Office
(UK), Extras, and Alan Partridge I think Alan Partridge might take the mantle for his ever-growing iterations!
Art that changed my life
The play Amadeus by Peter Shaffer. I used one of Mozart’s monologues to successfully audition for the National Youth Theatre, which was where I met my tribe.
The book I could happily re-read One Day by David Nicholls. I remember reading the last third in one go and sitting in an emotional heap afterwards. I gifted it to lots of people as presents for the rest of 2009.
For more: www.theatreroyal.org.uk
George Rainsford and some of the art that features in Picture You Dead
PHOTO BY CRAIG SUGDEN
Capturing the Cosmos Astrophotography is the current Herschel Museum exhibition
BOOKS NIC BOTTOMLEY
Three books that look at earthly delights, and earthly frights
“The author has sought to rectify wrongs committed against the planet”
The longer Mr B’s has been around, the more varied my actual ‘job’ has become. My days used to involve mostly being on the shop floo but now there are more meetings and sp eadsheets and planning onflabs in between all of the actual bookselling. Some days, like yesterday, a curveball of an absence or two can mean I get an old-fashioned day – this time a whole day checking-in new books and helping get them up on the shop floo he ing in in ea ly in a month is one of the great bookselling joys being the st to inspe t and eti ulously scan-in a stash of brand-new titles.
Yesterday what struck me most were a wash of books celebrating the environment, and particularly our oceans.
he highest p o le a ongst these as Ocean (John Murray, £28) published on its co-author David Attenborough’s 99th birthday. Split into eight salt-water habitat types from mangroves to coral reefs, this is a narrative book with plates in colour and in black-and-white as well as some beautiful drawings, to accompany his new cinemalength l o the sa e na e
The book begins by considering just how much our knowledge of oceanic life has increased during Sir David’s working life; a period that’s also roughly the lifespan of one spe i blue hale t a ed in its st hapte hat blue hale as st noted o the ali o nia oast in and as seen last in so eho having avoided the any hurdles mankind has thrown into her path in the interim.
From this start point, Ocean takes us on a journey around the landscapes of the deep, showcasing a seemingly endless cast of creatures we’ve yet to encounter or properly understand, and explaining just how crucial the oceans are to all of our lives and how there’s still time to come together to revitalise them.
Another new book with an ultimately hopeful environmental angle is A Barrister for the Earth by Monica Feria-Tinta (Faber, £22) which gives an all-access look at ten legal cases in which the author has sought to rectify wrongs committed against the planet. In legal challenges from Peru to Myanmar, Feria-Tinta has been involved in representing individuals, endangered species and the landscapes themselves against companies or projects doing unlawful damage.
Many of these cases have involved asking landmark questions that are crucial to the long-term protection of the planet – can the planet itself have rights? Do we have a right to nature? The terrible damage wreaked by gas and oil companies or mines on the forests, rivers and oceans they impact, often makes o an ange indu ing ead he flip side though is that the author’s tenacious pursuit o usti e o the peoples and pla es a e ted – and the real progress made in terms of accountability – does give credence to the book’s subtitle Ten Cases for Hope for Our Future
Lastly, in The Drowned Places by a ian e as hatto indus we get to vicariously explore far beneath the waves with our deep-sea diving author companion as he lives out his boyhood dreams of Atlantis, exploring the wrecks and relics that lie beneath.
o a tual lost ities in the a ibbean to roman ruins of Naples, Le Bas explains the lure of this sport, the skills and discipline it involves and the worlds it opens up – both in terms of unseen history and the oceanic life that lives in and around it. Hopefully the a a eness e o ts o ttenbo ough and his legions of followers will help make the oceans a safe and abundant source of wonder for generations to come.
Nic Bottomley is the general manager of Mr B’s Emporium of Reading Delights, 14/15 John Street, Bath; www.mrbsemporium.com
BELOW THE TOWER
Clock strikes three and on the hour, they take the knee belo the to e
They take the knee and history calls, at th ee o lo a silen e alls
To turn a tide against a flood they kneel in honest e ton ud
HOME GAMES
The new poetry and photography book honouring the terraces of Bath City Football Club
Photos by Neil Phillips
Poems by Jon Hamp
FOOTBALL SEASON MAY BE OVER but e no the ga e neve eally nishes ne book of poems and pictures by photographer Neil Phillips and poet Jon Hamp, It’s Not All About The Football, celebrates the long lasting impact of Bath City Football Club on the fans, the residents and its ho e g ound in e ton Jon, who is a retired headmaster and has been a fan of the club since 1975, says, “Bath City, while passionately supported, live in the long shadow of their rich and famous neighbours, Bath Rugby lub hile the ugby g ound is centrally located and surrounded by grandeur, Bath City FC sits on the west side of the city, flan ed by the ail ay and one o So e set s largest council estates –they are undeniably a di e ent side o the t a s ut it is the sense o o unity he e that ins on ove he e s a sense o belonging it s a sa e spa e and place to enjoy the football, but also to cut away o the o ld and ust ela So eti es go with friends but you can also go on your own as the e s al ays so eone to tal to
“There’s always someone to talk to”
fans, community and the environment around the lub d been posting the i ages ith so e rambling thoughts on my website blog, but hen lin ed up ith poet on a p e talked about how we could work together, inspire each other and the idea for the book just grew o the e ant it to be a s all book, that resembled a football p og a e
love a ing iends at the club, and everybody is happy to tal as long as it s about ootball hea d a a ing sto ies o supporters leaving their wedding receptions early to rush down to Twerton Park to watch the se ond hal ne o the ans ho eatu es in the boo is no b inging his th hild to the games, and others talk about the tradition o standing on the te a es ogs also see to be a very important aspect of supporting Bath ity n
For Neil the project started when he wanted to capture the essence of the club ithout people noti ing ve photog aphed professional sport for over 30 years, on ent ating on the a tion on the pit h t elt like a good time to turn my camera onto the
The book priced £10, is available at the Bath City Club shop, many of Bath’s independent book shops in l in Ol fiel r oo op and Neil’s website.
For more:
neilp illipsp oto n fil o
TOO MUCH LOST ALONG THE RIVER
Old men in pairs, and occasional fours, and alone.
Hold their ground. eet planted on concrete Twerton terrace, hands hold programme, backs bent by labour. Heads move meerkat sharp, owl-wise. Hawkish.
Their ground. Their land. Too much lost along the river, too any es long gone out.
One last stand on Twerton terrace every home game, heads held high. their home, their land, their memory of being younger in this place.
ALL PRIDE AND NO PREJUDICE
It might take a little persuasion to ll you hea t ith p ide it makes sense to walk to Twerton let prejudice take a ride.
So show your sensibility show your common sense Jane always loved her stripes, all pride, no prejudice, no pretence
OH, TENDER TERRACE
Put the brakes on the buggy, and whisper the score.
I’m tired and I’d like him to sleep some more. Take my hand, hold me, and we’ll pray he don’t miss. We shout, we smile, we scream despair! we laugh, we joke, we kiss.
First dates, fall outs, make-ups-pass, but we’ll remember this.
HOBSON’S
Abeautifully crafted kitchen can tip a property from interesting to irresistible. When a Bathbased developer asked Hobson’s Choice to design the heart of a four-bedroom family home, the brief was clear: create a space that would speak to a wide range of buyers, blending mid-century character with modern, everyday practicality. Here’s how our designers delivered a kitchen that feels both fresh and timeless.
WHAT MAKES A MID-CENTURY MODERN KITCHEN IRRESISTIBLE?
DESIGNED FOR UNKNOWN OWNERS
Rather than tailoring every inch to one client’s lifestyle, the team imagined the needs of many future families. Generous worktops encourage children to join the cooking fun, while an inviting breakfast bar seats four for quick coffees or homework sessions. The result is a layout that effortlessly flexes between busy school-day breakfasts and relaxed weekend socials.
FORM MEETS FUNCTION
All tall cabinetry is grouped along a single wall, leaving the central island free to breathe. Deep, full-depth drawers beneath the breakfast bar swallow appliances and tableware without clutter, and a BORA hob with built-in extraction keeps sight-lines clear – no bulky canopy, no visual noise.
MATERIALS THAT LAST – AND LOOK THE PART
bulthaup laminate furniture in subtle Clay and Kaolin tones echoes mid-century calm while shrugging off everyday wear. A 50 mm oakveneered shelf adds a warm nod to the era and hides discreet task-lighting above the sink. Worktops in Golden quartz pick up the garden’s soft greens and greys, unifying indoors and out.
LIGHT, AIR & A VIEW
Floor-to-ceiling glass doors flood the room with
daylight; positioning the sink beside the window lets the chore-doer enjoy the garden while they work. Internal lighting is stripped back to the essentials – a minimalist down-light in the shelf and a statement pendant over the dining table –so natural light takes centre stage.
A JOURNEY GUIDED BY EXPERTS
From initial concept sketches to the final handover, Hobson’s Choice co-ordinated every detail. For developers, that means an open and up-to-date flow of communication, fewer site delays and the confidence that prospective buyers will feel the difference quality makes the moment they step through the door.
Ready to give your project the Hobson’s Choice touch?
Visit our Bath showroom, explore more inspirational kitchens at www.hobsonschoice. co.uk or call 01225 433 511. n
Hobson’s Choice, London Road, Bath, BA1 6AJ
www.hobsonschoice.co.uk
email: info@hobsonschoice.co.uk tel: 01225 433511
UNDER ONE ROOF
Why it’s full steam ahead for the glorious former railway space, Green Park Station
By Sarah Moolla
Green Park Station, right in the heart of the city, opened in 1870 as a terminus for the Midlands Railway line (and yes, that’s why nearby Midlands Bridge is called such). Since its closure in 1966, the Grade II listed building and surrounds have been a car park, a pedestrian route into town from Lower Bristol Road, and became the ho e o bath s st Sainsbu y s supermarket in1982. Run for many years by Envolve Partnership, a local sustainability enterprise, the Ethical Property Company took over management in November 2008, and have helped transform Green Park Station (GPS) into the vibrant multi-purpose all-weather retail and cultural hub with an emphasis on community engagement, that we know and love.
Alongside the permanent retailers and services such as Resolution e o ds and he usi o shop o ee Shop the e s al ays a carousel of monthly events to enjoy including the Vintage & Antique Market on the last Sunday of the month, and the Bath Contemporary Artists’ Fair on the second Sunday of the month. GPS also plays host to major community events such as the recent concerts organised by Bath Festival.
The much-loved Bath Farmers’ Market, which runs every Saturday, has been trading and renting space from GPS since 1997, and as the st o its ind in the i e to and a et anage Laura Loxton explains more: “It was established to provide a producermanaged market place for local producers to sell their own product direct to local people, and we are incredibly proud of being sustainable and grant free.” Indeed, it even recently won the National Association of British Market Authorities’ Best Small Food Market Award.
espite G S seeing o e than its ai sha e o d a as post ovid in luding oo issues and a e the spa e has anaged to e ain a positive, thriving and community minded, as Mark Hill, Ethical Property’s centre manager explains, “Even after recent challenges, the community has shown resilience, working together to restore and revitalise the space. The station remains a beacon of local culture, proving that when people come together, they can create something truly spe ial e e e nd out o e about that so ething t uly spe ial from the retailers themselves…
ABOVE: The Ethical Property Company has been managing Green Park Station since 2008; OPPOSITECLOCKWISEFROMTOP: The way things were when the trains rolled in; Alex Peters owner of Bath Pizza Co and Green Park Brasserie; Meltem Baytok of ChickaChicka Design who has a stall at the Bath Independent Market; there’s always something happening in this thriving community minded space
“There’s a wonderful sense of amongsolidaritytraders”
Selma Bligh founder and head chef of Mezzemore, which has been creating delicious, fresh, healthy and eco-conscious vegetarian Mediterranean mezze for the Farmer’s Market since March 2024, says “Green Park Station’s focus on sustainability, community, and supporting local businesses aligns perfectly with our values. It’s a vibrant, welcoming space where people appreciate good food and ethical practices, and we’re excited to be part of that. There’s a wonderful sense of solidarity among traders. We support each other through recommendations, collaborations, and shared promotions. It’s a reminder that we’re stronger together. We’re looking forward to exploring collaborations with other like-minded traders – and perhaps pairing our mezze with local bakery products, cafe shops in and around Bath.”
What started out as a music teaching charity has blossomed and e panded into a o unity o ee house and venue alled Music Workshop. Founder and drum teacher Kim Hoefkens-Lee tells us o e e a e a usi edu ation ha ity ith ou o n o ee house and o unity usi venue e o e one to one inst u ent lessons music projects, and performance opportunities. As a community interest company, our café exists to further support our charity by directing its p o ts to ou positive auses
he beauti ul building ith la ge indo s floods the upstai s a e and rehearsal rooms with light, making them inviting and enjoyable. The even temperature of the vaults, and thick walls make it perfect for conducting a variety of music activities simultaneously. Its central location makes it easy to access, with convenient parking.
ut being shut o behind the onst u tion hoa dings o u h o the st ou yea s o ou fledgling business ade us invisible to passe s by, and reinforced the idea that Green Park Station is a place you pass through, rather than a destination to stop and enjoy. Without the support of our community we would not have survived those early days. The presence of local markets also connects us to the broader independent business community. We also have a great relationship with Ethical ope ty ho have o ed thei so s o ove the past e yea s to alleviate the stress and support the local businesses as much as possible.
“We now have open mic nights, a weekly community choir, darts fundraisers, quiz nights, and live music happening now and in the future. We are also launching our Road to Stage Project, providing free rehearsal space and nationwide performance opportunities for the young musicians of Bath.”
OPPOSITE: Selma Bligh founder and head chef of Mezzemore; ABOVE: Roundhill Roastery are full of GPS beans!; BELOW: The music teaching charity Music Workshop has blossomed into a community coffee house and venue
Round Hill Roastery, hi h ta es its na e o its o ee o elston ound ill has been at G S o yea s and thei easons lliot the a et t ade and oaste y p odu tion assistant says is be ause o ho being a pa t o the a e s a et eeps the lose thei oots e en oy seeing ne a es and also at hing up ith usto e s that e have o ed elationships ith ove the yea s so e o hi h have been o ing sin e e eally do loo out o ea h othe lending a d eade s i one b ea s at hing ea h othe s stalls i so eone needs to pop out and ost i po tantly t ading p odu e at the end o the o ing day
Middle Ground Growers ho a e a o unity inte est o pany spe ialising in e ologi al a ing and land ste a dship an be ound at the a e s a et selling thei o gani veg bo es hi h a e g o n ust t o iles a ay i e to a ish vans has a tually been a pa t o the a et o eight yea s on and o p eviously selling o gani sou dough b ead and is a huge an o the spa e he st G S a e s a et as bo n in the yea o y bi th and y u in o s e that as p esent o the st eve a et in she as doing he shopping hilst p egnant ith e so pe haps it as inevitable ould o e ba and t ade he e ven y siste at aged ou ade the lo al p ess as a young a et usto e o the g and opening
So e things have hanged ove these yea s and so e things have sustained the test o ti e and all o the a et shi ts a et legend ed sits eliably in the o ne selling his ild ga e ith a tip o his pheasant eathe hat h is i h still loo s hal his age o all the vegetables he sells and eats a et anage au a o ton aintains ith e e love the la and o de a idst ou abble o ee spi ited t ade s old and ne he o unity o t ade s and usto e s suppo ting ea h othe in e ip o al e hange a es it a spe ial and esilient pla e t ans o ing the shopping e pe ien e to one o oy ept pe haps on those inte days hen G S see s olde than
a alti sto o hen the elentless d ive o the oo top pigeon o unity gets the bette o ishy i s eshly ashed hai
G een a Station is a hub o o unity esilien e lo al p odu tion and sustainable livelihoods and ith even g eate suppo t lo ally and a se u e p e ise this an be a po e ul tool o eating a bette o ld o all
onna u e ho no p odu es Druce’s Pressed Fruit Juices single va iety apple ui e and ide vinega o he o n o ha ds has been o ing at ath a e s a et unde va ious guises o an i p essive yea s sta ted o ing on the sh stall as a Satu day ob and hen the p evious apple ui e guy de ided to eti e he as one o the o iginal ounde s o the a e s a et de ided to ta e on his business and a e ui e hi h have been doing no o si yea s
G een a station is su h a g eat pla es and being a pa t o the oldest a e s a et in the ount y eans the e is a loyal usto e base and a antasti olle tion o stalls u ing ovid and the G S issues thin the e e e only t o o th ee ee s hen e e e not able to t ade at all hi h too a g eat deal o ti e e o t and ingenuity on behal o au a o ton the a et anage and the o ittee tea have o e to ega d the and app e iate the o unity he e as pe sonal iends as they e e y so ial li e du ing those ovid ti es
ath s only dedi ated e o d shop Resolution Records an be ound bang in the ent e o G S t sta ted li e as a stall developing into a sha o a yea be o e nding a b i s and o ta ho e o its vast a e vintage and ne e o d olle tions ten yea s ago So ial edia anage and head o live events uby a son e plains o e he o ne a Shaughnessy as and still is a e o d olle to and enthusiast and t avelled egula ly to the States to buy sell and t ade e o ds esolution e o ds a tually began in o iginally as a label o ing ith people li e o an ay be o e be o ing a e o d shop in i ton and eventually shi ting to ath e eally li e the a ess he e and the spa e is inviting to all hethe they ust ant to listen b o se o shop he usi o shop tea
ABOVE: Middle Ground Growers’ director Hamish Evans feels he was destined to trade here one day!; BELOW: Donna Druce of Druce’s Pressed Fruit Juices has been a part of GPS for 19 years
are very helpful and are super lovely, and they lend us a good amount of music equipment for the Resolution Unplugged series we run to showcase local bands.
“We are planning on throwing our own festival in 2026 to celebrate ten yea s o being a shop he e e have ust o e o ou ollabo ation with the Manic Street Preachers and raised £500 for mental health, and have planned future collaborations with groups such as The Primitives as they tour round the UK this Christmas.”
Mr T.G Pullin’s Bakery is a fourth-generation family bakery and celebrates an incredible 100 years this year, with their freshly made a tisan b ead buns and past ies having been a tu e at ath a e s Market for the last eight years.
Director Tristan Hunt tells us why he loves GPS as an outlet. “We love meeting customers face-to-face and having that opportunity for eedba on the b ead t s a g eat ity ent e spa e ith a lovely old fashioned vibe and the roof enables us to trade throughout the year without getting wet! Even with the recent disruptions, GPS customers have been brilliant, seeking us out and showing their support. he stall holde s have a g eat elationship and a eal e e all in this togethe spi it the ea ly o nings the van b ea do ns table problems, IT issues, running out of pound coins! Everyone is willing to help out and the bond between traders is strong and we love to be able to recommend each other. u top suggestion is a visit to the ath So t heese o o an artisan cheese to go with our crusty baguette!”
Sarah Atley and her innovative Paint by Wine workshops can be found in mews just alongside the station and is designed to eate a tists out o the ost unde on dent of us. “The idea is to sip and paint, to see art as an event and
something to be enjoyed. The classes are fully supported as we guide visitors over two hours as they paint one of our original paintings in our gallery, all whilst sipping on a great glass of wine. We source this from local suppliers Wolf Wine, who were previous GPS stallholders, and can now be found on Walcot Street.
e love this abulous lo ation being so lose to to n it s easily accessible and there are so many amenities within the station, and nea by o une e e a tually going to have a t ial stand at the Saturday market to sell some of our instructor paintings, so people can try it at home.”
Green Park Brasserie and Bath Pizza Co. (which also features ove on page as pa t o the al es o eatu e e ean ho ould it not be?!) has been based at the entrance of GPS since 1992, which as a tually pa t o the o iginal ti et o e i e to le ete s says aving been he e o yea s e ve been able to at h this spa e flou ish e pand and be o e a eal pa t o the ath o unity es the e s been hallenging ti es but e e all o ing th ough it st onge and bette than eve o us sa the laun h o pstai s a ne spea easy ba hidden on the st floo hidden behind the ed u tain p oo that the sho ust go on
Every third Sunday of the month, the eclectic, gorgeous and little biz loving Bath Independent Market is held at G S and as a di e t esult o eidi o ton loo ing for ways to help small businesses struggling post the pande i have been living in ath sin e and coming from a family that had set their independent business up here selling handmade kilims, carpets and e elle y y hea t ent out to the ath independent businesses and makers during lockdown, so it felt right to
ABOVE: Resolution Records has been at GPS for nearly 15 years, and ten of those in an actual bricks and mortar shop; BELOW: The Farmers’ Market recently won a national Best Small Food Market award; OPPOSITETOP: Paint By Wine can be found in a mews alongside the station; OPPOSITEBOTTOMLEFT: Mr T.G Pullin’s Bakery, which is celebrating 100 years of trading, has been at the Farmers’ Market for the last eight years; OPPOSITEBOTTOMRIGHT: Catch Vegan Relish as part of the Bath Independent Market
PHOTO BY RODNEY WILSON
“It’s a great city-centre space with a lovely oldfashioned vibe”
“The station remains a beacon of local culture”
set up an event that o e ed the a t ading plat o initially set up at useu o ath at o and sin e uly the ath ndependent a et has been held at G een a Station n ave age e no have ove stalls at ea h event o e ing a t e a i s e elle y lothing ho e a e vintage and et o lothing and ite s p ints e o iendly p odu ts ids lothing and stationa y vinyl vegan and non vegan ba es the list goes on ve y p oud o the uality o o that the a e s b ing ith the it eally is a t eat to be su ounded by eatives and thei beauti ul o on the day hey also b ing a lovely vibe ith the e have also live usi and s at ost o the events to add to the pa ty and upbeat at osphe e loo ing o a d to see hat e an pull togethe at the end o this yea o he ath ndependent h ist as a et it s al ays the biggest event o the yea and is b illiant o last inute shoppe s ho ant a un envi on ent ith lots o uni ue gi t options
The Bath Contemporary Artists’ Fair (BCAF) began its G S adventu e in ith the ai o b inging uality o iginal a t to the hea t o the o unity on a onthly basis i e to s ala hi ogdanov and anuela i iase say s a u ated event an nu tu e e e ging talent as ell as ont ol the uality o the a t o on sho to the publi hi h an en oy the best e pe ien e and the best that ath and beyond has to o e e a e also ve y p oud o ou ollabo ation ith ath Spa nive sity G S is a vital hub at the hea t o the lo al o unity and the spi it o ollabo ation a ong all the businesses involved is onde ul ll the people involved he e no atte hat business they belong to help ea h othe as u h as they an ith a t ue spi it o iendship all the ti e o e a ple on e e had to suddenly epla e a e be
Music Workshop & Coffee Shop; www.musicworkshop.org.uk
Paint by Wine; www.paintbywine.com
Resolution Records; Instagram @resolutionrecords
Round Hill Roastery; www.roundhillroastery.com
o sta due to un o eseen i u stan es and the o unity stepped up to help us nd a last inute solution So hen ti es be a e ha de o eve yone the ollabo ation did involve any di e ent aspe ts o o al suppo t to bo o ing e uip ent o si ply at hing out o ea h othe o p oviding advi e e have a onde ul elationship ith both the G een a asse ie and the usi o shop o the people attending o e hibiting at it is g eat to have the oppo tunity to sit do n o a lovely o ee o eal hile they a e su ounded by beauti ul a t n
The Bath Contemporary Artists’ Fair began its GPS adventure in 2021
Get curious at the monthly Bath Vintage & Antique Market
SHOPPING
LIVE WELL, BUY BETTER
SThink outside the box for Father’s Day this year (15 June) and get him an outdoo it hen o that elevated an a e e app oa h o ounded by ath s athan Sheppa d is the ne p e iu it hen b and that spe ialises in t ans o ing outdoo a eas into bespo e outdoo oo ing and so ial sho pie es esigned o all yea ound living and ente taining this is the gi t that ll eep on giving o the hole a ily s the o ial ubi utdoo iving and oghe outlet o the South est o o e s e oo ing g illing and sto age solutions hethe it s a built in g ill pi a oven o a ully usto ised it hen the e s a pe sonalised design led installation to suit all the adventu ous oo s in you li e
The eight set includes paring, utility, small and large
knife, wrapped in a premium leather knife case. Made from German X50 stainless steel with high
From ProCook, 4-5 Quiet Street, Bath; www.procook.co.uk
BUTCHER’S STRIPE
BIB APRON, £5.99
This classic blue and white striped apron does the job whatever the meal prep and adds a touch of to proceedings.
The Bear
From Nisbets, 1-3 James Street West, Bath; www.nisbets.co.uk
WHAT’S COOKING GOOD LOOKING?
ANTIQUED BRASS FISH BOTTLE OPENER, £16.50
The obligatory beer swigging while barbecuing can only be enhanced by this sh bottle opene ast in alu iniu ith an anti ued b ass nish
From Graham and Green, 92 Walcot Street, Bath; www.grahamandgreen.co.uk
SET OF TWO BBQ FORKS, £20
Kitchen inspiration for the dad who loves to chef
Perfect for keeping that meat pricked, pronged and turned over on the ed up ba be ue
From Garden Trading; www.gardentrading.co.uk
ORFORD
OAK CHOPPING BOARD, £149
Crafted from solid oak, this chopping board showcases the unique beauty of end-grain oak, prized for its ability to absorb impact and pressure, making it exceptionally durable.
From Neptune, One Tram Yard, Walcot Street, Bath; www.neptune.com
FOOD FROM THE FIRE: THE SCANDINAVIAN FLAVOURS OF OPEN-FIRE COOKING BY NIKLAS EKSTEDT
The crackling of birch, the sizzle of the pot and the scent of wood smoke in the air… the relaxed style that typi es S andinavian open e cooking is explored in this cookbook o i helin sta ed he i las Ekstedt, who is famed for cooking over wood only.
Or er t ro e Ol fiel r oo s op, oorl n R , t t eol fiel p r oo s op o
SMEG HAND MIXER IN BLACK, £149.95
Nine speed levels, a turbo function and a backlit LED display with speed indication makes this the big daddy of hand mixers.
From Coopers Stores, 13-15 Walcot Street, Bath; www.coopers-stores.com
SWEDISH
OIL & VINEGAR SET, £35
Use these small glass bottles with a dark cork ball for classic oil and vinegar combos, or shake up some homemade dressings with your homegrown herbs. ro l o e r in , 16 Margarets Buildings, Bath; s l o etr in o
HOME CURED PANCETTA, FROM £6.25 his talian u ed eat is a he s ust have Made from pork belly and seasoned with salt and black pepper, it is then rolled tightly and cured for several weeks, resulting in tender, flavou ul and slightly atty eat
From Green Street Butchers, 10 Green Street, Bath; reenstreet t o
HERB SEEDS BY MR FOTHERGILLS, PRICES START AT £2.79
Start an outdoor herb garden to add a esh flou ish to those al fresco dishes.
From Francis DIY, 39 Moorland Ro ,Ol fiel r r n is i o
VELLORE AT BATH SPA HOTEL
Going grand and dining luxe at the Bathwick hotel
By Lydia Tewkesbury
“ Digging in through the layers of sugary, chewy crumble”
Everything about the Bath Spa Hotel reeks of luxury, from the long slope up to the grand entrance – past perfectly trimmed trees, babbling water features and cosy garden grottos – to its location in Bathwick, where it rubs shoulders with the beautiful properties that pepper Sydney Road leading down to the wonderful Great Pulteney Street.
It’s a building that has lived many lives, going through several owners of the Bath gentry in addition to spells as a private school, a base requisitioned for the admiralty during the Second World War, and even, for a time, home to the nurses with the South West Regional Hospital Board. Eventually, in 1985 a £22 million investment saw the elaborate Greek revival property transformed into the luxury hotel we know today.
We were there to sample the Vellore restaurant. he na e efle ts that given to the o iginal house at Bath Spa, named for the city in India in which the house’s constructor, General Augustus Andrews was stationed during The British East India Company’s colonisation of the country. As names go, a little out of touch, perhaps.
table stepped into the breach and saved the ‘mopping up’ day. My guest had the beautifully presented goat’s cheese mousse. Served in a neat stack o isp savou y ille euille it as a si ple but de eptively flavou packed dish of tart little blobs of goat’s cheese, zesty blood orange and earthy beetroot.
DINING DETAILS
Vellore at Bath Spa Hotel, Bath Spa Hotel, Sydney Road, Bathwick, Bath, BA2 6NS. tel: 0344 879 9106; www.macdonaldhotels.co.uk
Open Monday – Sunday, lunch service 12-6pm and dinner service 6pm- 10pm
Owned by Donald Macdonald of Macdonald Hotels
Recommendations Try the chef’s five-course tasting menu with canapés to start and coffee with petit fours to finish Covers 80
Disability access Yes for both the hotel and the restaurant
Much like the rest of the hotel, the restaurant is vast, and incredibly grand. Thick Greek-style pillars a ent the oo lined ith beauti ul floo to eiling windows, and lit by a grand chandelier at its centre. The perfect setting for an elevated meal. I started with the Jerusalem artichoke soup. The nutty ea thy flavou s o the potato li e tube s ade o a ea y dish nicely brightened by a swirl of sharp garlicky pesto and served with crouton slices. These were a bit strange; the wafer-thin, rock-solid toast as not the ost e e tive eans to s oop up the soup and u bled to pie es hen bitten into but the gene ously e lled o a ia bas et on the
Atmosphere Glamorous, old school and luxe
For mains, my guest and I both went for the veggie option, the salt baked celery root. Another artfully compiled dish including kale, pea shoots, beets and fennel, it was nice enough, but I’m not the biggest fan of meat-free dishes comprised of one huge wedge of roasted vegetable and little else. Celery root, more commonly called celeriac, is quite dense and does take some sawing into and chewing. But its rich, wintery depth paired well ith the othe veg and ou yu y sides o t u e fries and a creamy bowl of mac and cheese (also t u e ey p ovided the indulgen e the ain dish lacked.
The puddings were the highlight of the night. I went for the apple and rhubarb crumble, which arrived in the form of a little crumble cake with a scoop of vanilla ice cream and a generous jug of custard. I wasted no time digging in, through the layers of sugary, chewy crumble to the sweet uity lling ithin and en oyed a healthy dose o custard with every greedy spoonful. My friend had the ultimate luxurious dessert, the chocolate fondant. Springy sponge lled ith a i h gooey olten ho olate inte io and ith a p etty pastel green scoop of pistachio ice cream, it evoked the requisite coo of delight when the chocolate inside oozed delectably out.
o nish e sat ba to ta e in the vastness o the dining oo hilst savouring large chilled glasses of Languore Trebbiano Chardonnay, and en oyed the lu u ious gla o ous bu e o eal li e
Let’s pretend we’re on holiday in our hometown with these excellent al fresco spots
By John Mather
When it comes to outdoor dining there are many excellent, shades on, sun-dappled options at some of Bath and surrounds best restaurants. From terraces to riverside spots and pretty little gardens to large al fresco spaces – so let’s go out out and pretend we’re on holiday in our hometown.
Where: Lilliput Farm Kitchen, Toghill Barns, London Road, Wick; www.lilliputfarm.com
Why we love it: This is where the cattle graze, and the tables sit among ild he bs and flo e s ith a vie est out to the Seve n idge and a smouldering sunset over the distant Welsh mountains. On a clear day, it’s a tually b eathta ing he e s no t a noise ust bi dsong the lin o glasses and the o asional oo his is an oasis ust inutes d ive from Bath – it’s calm, natural, and a bit of a revelation. There’s no pressure to dress up, but the food is serious.
Good choice sir!: An outstanding menu.
Parsnip gnocchi, white onion, thyme puree, pomegranate, tarragon and almond dressing topped with parmesan. Pasture o i e e ti ed b aised bee b is et with master stock risotto, and marinated leeks drizzled with crispy chilli oil. Lemon tart with Italian meringue, lime coulis, preserved lemon peel, and scattered with fresh raspberries.
“It’s calm, natural, and a bit of a revelation”
USP: You’ll be eating slowly-reared, pasture-fed beef with a view of the ve y elds and the attle illiput is the st astu e o i e e ti ed restaurant in England. This is important – a ‘grass fed’ label mean an ani al ight only have eaten g ass o pe ent o thei li e and imported soya or grain for the rest, but ‘pasture for life’ means the cattle are fed on organic grass and hay for their entire lives.
Where: The Bird, 18-19 Pulteney Road, Bath; www.thebirdbath.co.uk
Why we love it: s al es o spots go this is a Studio o a showstopper. Cabanas, carnival bunting and plump vibrant Moroccan ushions loo ing li e they ve been e o tlessly been th o n togethe in the suntrap of a garden terrace. Large sunnies and a colourful o tail a e a ust to en oy the unb o en vie s o ath Abbey in this city centre oasis.
Good choice sir!: Look out for the small plates, including toasted focaccia with sour cream and chive, and hummous dips, and the buttermilk chicken bites with smoked paprika dip. To drink? Cock of The Rock is apricot, ginger and prosecco, or may we suggest the o atoo ade ith ivo o ee tequila, Frangelico, vanilla and cream. It’s also worth knowing The i d does one o the best Sunday oasts ath has to o e
USP: Every Friday there’s the option of a mouthwatering kilo of Tomahawk steak served with loaded chips, seasonal veggies and both peppercorn and chimichurri sauces.
MAINIMAGE: Studio 54 vibes at The Bird; INSET: Lilliput is the first Pasture for Life Certified restaurant in England
Why we love it: Wraxall Vineyard is thought to be the oldest working vineyard in the county. Comprises 15 acres of mature and new vines, overseen by husband-and-wife David and Lexa, it produces a range of award-winning wines, with the Bacchus Reserve recently named ‘the UK’s Best Bacchus’ in the WineGB 2024 Awards. Its View Restaurant only opened to the publi o the st ti e last yea and is al eady proving to be a destination dining spot for both locals and those further a eld ith a i o so t slou hy hai s and tables o eating the laid ba and fle ible spa e o e s vie s o iles ove the vines su ounding elds and to a ds the endip ills he e s also the ne ly laun hed Nook, a private outdoor dining space set at the top of the hill, for those special large group celebrations.
Good choice sir!: he tea he e have eally netuned the su e menu which centres around light bites, small plates and sharing boards of local cheese and charcuterie. Almost everything is sourced from within 15 miles of the vineyard, and it’s all designed to pair perfectly with their own wine.
USP: Don’t miss the chance to explore the working farm setting with tours of the vines. It’s fascinating to learn how the grapes are grown with a e o the lands ape and ho di e ent seasons and eathe i pa t the end esult he e s also an eve hanging alenda o ood t u pop ups supper clubs and wine evenings.
Where: Se7en, 7 Edgar Buildings Bath; www.se7enbath.com
Why we love it: his is he e e eets flavou ith a little bit o fanfare, thanks to with an open kitchen where you can watch the meats, esh sh hi h is delive ed daily and s all plates being g illed ha ed and asse bled han s to being ully heated eathe p oo and in a
city centre location, we can enjoy those holiday vibes at a moment’s notice.
Good choice sir!: Beef ta ta e ith yol t u e mayo and pecorino shavings. Seared tuna served with corn salsa. Buttermilk chicken with sriracha and kimchi. Panna cotta with hibiscus, berries and topped with honey.
“This is where fire eets o r it little it o n re
USP: he Se en eadly Sins o tail enu o plete ith pithy parables, is just the right side of naughty but nice. “Fools give full vent to their rage, but the wise bring calm in the end.” Proverbs 29:11 is the description for their Wrath concoction which consists of QuiQuiriqui, llegal e al l Sueno te uila agave sy up o iande and a s idgeon of fresh chilli.
Where: Green Park Brasserie and Bath Pizza Co, Green Park Station, Bath; www.bathpizzaco.com | www.greenparkbrasserie.com
Why we love it: he la ge ont te a e is the pe e t pla e to soa up the su e and at h the o ld pass by he e s the big ben hes o dawdle and dine groups, and the smaller high-top tables for a quick bite and a quick breather. You can full-on bask in the Bath sunshine, or we love a seat in the shade o the old silve g ey alnut t ee he te a e on the inte io o G een a Station has a si ila ly bu y vibe unde the estoons hi h light up the osy evenings he open ath i a o kitchen means guests can watch their food being made, often to the soundtrack of fabulous live music sessions.
ABOVE: Look for a prime spot beneath Green Park Brasserie’s walnut tree; INSET: Enjoy holiday vibes whatever the weather at the city centre Se7en
MAINIMAGE: Can there be anything more delightful than al fresco cheese, charcuterie and Wraxall Vineyard wine with chums?;
INSET: Enjoy your Bath Pizza Co to the sound of a live backing track
Good choice sir! The Spritz menu is curated with the Campari team each summer, and famed for its light bites such as calamari, wings with blue cheese dip, fresh salads, and scampi. There is also of course their legendary house burgers and pizzas. You literally can’t go wrong, but if we had to recommend one, then the classic American Hot is right up there – jalapeños, tomato, ground chilli beef, white onions, and pepperoni topped with mozzarella and oregano.
USP: Forget painting the town red, let’s go orange! The Aperol terrace is now legendary for the amount of Aperols served in the summer. But if a spritz isn’t your thing, there’s Werrrd! local pale ales from Electric Bear and Independence from Bristol Beer Factory is in a class of its own.
Why we love it: he a a sits in a enovated o ing ba n ith open beamed ceilings and panoramic views of the farm and surrounding So e set ount yside n the it hen he di e to Geo ge a son serves innovative produce-led dishes, bringing credentials from his tenure at celebrated establishments including River Cottage and Dinner by eston lu enthal as ell as his e ent laun h o the e o d Canteen in Bath.
Good choice sir!: Summer will see lots of naturally grown goodness ipe o pi ing in luding spina h and lettu es a o ati he bs to atoes peas b oad beans and a o ati he bs ishes li e poa hed trout with potato salad, ham with parsley sauce and summer fruit sorbets ill be se ved in the estau ant hile outside ill be seasonal sna s o the a o tails and lo al bee s and ide s and ood ed pi as every Saturday.
USP: Higher Farm is a 50-acre regenerative food and farming project in astle a y hi h in ludes the a a estau ant a tivities and events, and two Nature Cabins for overnight stays. The team grow,
ha vest and o age as u h as they an in the elds and polytunnels applying an innovative agriwilding approach that supports biodiversity and soil health.
Why we love it: u ing su e the go geous sno do e globes a e way for the La Taberna. The manicured lawns are ablaze with vibrant canvas orangery draped with colourful fabrics and chandeliers turning this corner of sleepy Somerset into a glamorous Mediterranean haven. Good choice sir!: Stu ed la b and po hetta oo ed ove e on the Somerset grill, accompanied by an abundance of seasonal sharing vegetables freshly harvested from the no-dig garden.
USP: The dining experience begins with a glass of Champagne aittinge to sip du ing you tou o the it hen ga den
Where: The Pony Chew Valley, Knowle Hill, Chew Magna; www.theponychewvalley.co.uk
Why we love it: The restaurant spills out into the nature surrounds than s to the ide olding doo s that open onto bal ony seating ith a sweeping vantage point over the Chew Valley, rumoured to be one of the best views in North Somerset. There are also benches dotted lower in the ne ga dens so you an eat and d in a ongst the planting
Good choice sir!: Summer time is a celebration of the veg patch with ains li e ou gette ta t ade ith laye s o ho e ade past y esh pesto and roasted vegetables – and every table at dinner will receive a ga den salad pi ed esh that o ning he e s al ays a sh dish on such as crab risotto or whole Cornish brill with sea herbs, and there’s the s i ling o lo al uits li e hedda st a be ies into ools ousses and choux pastries. Every Saturday over summer there’s also the afternoon
ABOVE: The huge folding doors of The Pony Chew Valley restaurant open out onto the extensive gardens ; INSETTOP: Enjoy straight from the garden, fresh dining at Shepton Mallet’s Higher Farm; INSETBOTTOM: When the sun shines the famous Homewood snow globes make way for the vibrant under canvas La Taberna
AL FRESCO
tea option of devilled eggs, salmon, pickled polytunnel cucumber, almond and orange entremets, and scones with clotted cream. Add a glass of Gusbourne Blanc de Blanc and you’ve just found your summertime sweet spot.
USP: The space recently reopened following a major redevelopment project to transform former Michelin-starred The Pony & Trap into a dining destination ith a dive se ne o e ing s ell as a light orangery style restaurant and cookery school, The Pony now comprises ornamental and edible gardens, beehives and orchards, allowing Josh Eggleton and the team to have greater control over their produce and processes, utilising ingredients sourced just a few steps from the kitchen.
Where: Whatley Manor Hotel and Spa, Easton Grey, Malmesbury; www.whatleymanor.com
Why we love it: Whatley Manor has an enchanted otherworld feel to it – an adjoining curve of picturesque and statuesque 19th century a houses all handso e honey stone fla ed by lavende bo de s trailing wisteria and soft walls of ivy. The walled courtyard is a luxe meets rustic Cotswold hug. The casual dining menu can also be served in the drawing room, reception hall or on one of the bar lounge terraces.
Good choice sir!: Every choice is a winner but look out for marinated blue n tuna se ved ith i ed salad adish and ginge o the ha ed sourdough Reuben sandwich with salted beef, cheese, and sauerkraut. And to share with friends, we love the mezze board served with warm pitta, artichokes, peppers, olives, hummus, and tabbouleh.
USP: Ricki Weston, the young executive chef stepped up to the Whatley Manor plate in December 2021 and in just one month managed to retain one of Whatley’s Michelin star. He has retained the coveted recognition ever since, most recently being just this year.
Where: Bath Spa Hotel, Sydney Road, Bath; www.macdonald-hotels.co.uk
Why we love it: Sophisticated 2AA Rosette dining, superb service, set in seven acres of beautifully landscaped peaceful gardens and yet just a few minutes’ walk from the city centre. The terrace will whisk you to the Med with comfy sofas, ample parasols, and an elegant central fountain. Good choice sir! Go t aditional ith an a te noon tea nge sandwiches, freshly baked scones with Cornish clotted cream and st a be y a plus asso ted ne past ies and a es you ant to eep it light, there’s the superfood salad of couscous, pomegranate, sweet potato and seeds, followed by strawberries and cream.
USP: Take it from us, their brand new garden pop up complete with deck chairs, the Temple Bar, is going to be the perfect post-works drinks hideaway this summer.
Where: The Manor House, West Street Castle Combe; www.exclusive.co.uk
Why we love it:: The picture perfect terrace situated on one of the front lawns takes in those impressive views of the house, the landscaped gardens and the babbling Bybrook river. But aside from one of the most desirable vistas in the Cotswolds, the menu designed by award winning chef Rob Potter, is e ually desi able t showcases the best of local ingredients including produce from the kitchen gardens, along with locally foraged woodland herbs.
“Who doesn’t love a horseboxbeveragesserving in the summertime?”
ABOVE: The otherworldly enchanted feel of Whatley manor; INSET: The peaceful al fresco haven of Bath Spa Hotel, right on our city centre doorstep
We at Bikano’s take pride in serving authentic Indian cuisine.
Our chefs have deep roots with India (Rajasthan especially) and its culinary heritage. Bikano’s is our humble attempt to bring flavours from different parts of India to Bath. Indian food served at Bikano’s are honest inspirations from recipes and flavours experienced in several parts of India.
The restaurant offers a mix of North & South Indian cuisine, both vegetarian & delicious meat dishes, with a full bar. We welcome you to our restaurant and our sincere effort in bringing authentic Indian cuisine to Bath.
To celebrate the launch of GROUND — our new holistic treatment collection — The Royal Crescent Hotel & Spa invites you to enjoy a thoughtfully curated Touch of Elegance spa day, with 20% o .
Begin with two hours in our Spa & Bath House, followed by a relaxed two-course lunch or traditional afternoon tea, served with a glass of Taittinger Champagne. While treatments are not included in this spa day, you’ll receive 20% o any GROUND rituals* – designed to support balance, connection, and calm –booked at the same time to enhance your experience.
For £84 per person (usually £105), this is a serene and luxurious way to take a little time for yourself and experience our new approach to wellbeing.
Available until 31st August when booked by 30th June — simply visit our website, email, or call the spa team to book your summer spa day.
Good choice sir!: Freshly baked sourdough bread and charcuterie plates make for the perfect snack. For a hearty comforting dish, if the clouds have rolled in slightly, we would recommend the slow braised beef cheek, or for lighter options – beetroot tart with goats cheese, and the o nish ay boat sh ith ape s and le ons nd i you e eeling t uly ahoy the e al es o then the e s the option to oll out a pi ni blanket and enjoy a range of sandwiches, a cheese board and a cream tea under a sun stippled tree.
USP: ho doesn t love a ho sebo se ving beve ages in the su e ti e to a e us eel all s ot y and su e ti e spe ial he ano ouse ho sebo has aised the ba even u the by u ating an all itish d in selection, all of which have been sourced within 80 miles of the hotel, including the still and sparkling wines, spritzers, spirits, ciders and beers.
Where: Da Costa, Durslade Farm, Dropping Lane, Bruton; www.da-costa.co.uk
Why we love it: Da Costa is a glorious culinary adventure, using freshly grown, seasonal ingredients from Durslade Farm and the surrounding area to create dishes blending the best of both worlds: quintessential nglishness ith talian ulina y flai he enu is an e plo ation o traditional northern Italian recipes, whilst acknowledging the verdant county of Somerset.
ll best en oyed in the ne ou tya d ga den hi h as you d e pe t is e eptional than s to uton based a tisan i ha d es he togethe ith lo als ob and Sa o se ho have eated the sho stopping ent epie e ood e stove and ba be ue
Good choice sir!: o hetta slo oasted and stu ed ith alled garden herbs, pistachio, fennel and caraway seeds, served with frico, sauteed us an abbage ith an hovy and hilli a ots ith sage and Da Costa smoked bone marrow sauce. Durslade Farm beef, carpaccio
and en se ved ith o et huba b and ginge panna otta he ine list is above and beyond and comprises a global selection of 100 bins with a strong emphasis on talian and itish s all do ain p odu e s using best p a ti e viti ultu e and in luding ines o u slade a s o n vineya ds USP: he ou tya d ga den has been designed by inte nationally renowned landscape gardener Piet Oudolf. Connecting a holistic journey through the nearby inner Cloister Courtyard to the acclaimed Oudolf Field, the courtyard planting is centred around a carefully sele ted g oup o t ees and plants spe i ally in esponse to the spa e he designs e e i ple ented on site by uton based lands ape design p a ti e uha t unt alongside ause i th s ead Ga dene a u belton
Where: The Talbot Inn, Mells; www.talbotinn.com
Why we love it: he albot nn has not one but th ee di e ent outdoor dining spaces; the 15th century cobbled courtyard seating a ound guests the G ill oo e a e ove s guests and traditional pub benches throughout the garden. We love that each one has its own personality depending on your mood – formal and elegant, al and inti ate o ela ed and asual
Good choice sir! a ta e o sle o ight to atoes and So e set eta se ved ith a e s est nd a po belly auliflo e pu e ha d s allions and pi led auliflo e itish aspbe y and st a be y hou bun topped ith e ingue oasted st a be y i e ea a e su e you t y the ho e b e o albot le o the nea legendary watermelon margarita. USP he sense o histo y in the village o ells is ust en hanting ith the albot nn itsel dating ba to and se ving as a est stop o coaches in all that time, from that day to this. n
ABOVE: Experience the glorious culinary adventure of Da Costa in Bruton; INSETTOP: There’s three distinct al fresco spaces at The Talbot Inn; INSETBOTTOM: Stepping up to the most excellent Manor House horsebox is a must this summer
WELCOME TO SE7EN
Enjoy the bold flavours and stylish atmosphere at SE7EN, Bath's newest restaurant and cocktail bar
Se7en, nestled at 7 Edgar Buildings on Bath's George Street, is swiftly becoming the city's premier summertime destination. This chic restaurant and cocktail bar masterfully combines bold flavours with a moody, contemporary vibe, making it an ideal spot for both sun-drenched afternoons and sultry evenings.
The menu at Se7en is centered around the art of fire and flavor. Head chef and co-owner Miles Kesterton crafts delicious plates over open flames; grab a seat on the pass to watch him transform the finest ingredients before your eyes. The menu encourages sharing – featuring dishes like melt-in-your-mouth Tomahawk steaks, smoky potato salads, and charred leeks – allowing diners to sample a variety of flavours in one sitting.
For those seeking lighter options, small plates such as goat's curd with blistered tomatoes and soft-shell crab offer delightful summer options.
Complementing the food is an inventive cocktail menu that promises to surprise and
delight, brought together by general manager and co-owner Kieran Crawford. From punchy picantes to his unexpected yet delicious matchainfused creations, each drink is a testament to the bar's commitment to craftsmanship and creativity.
Se7en's ambiance is effortlessly cool; moody interiors provide a backdrop for any occasion –whether you're planning a romantic date night, a gathering with friends, or simply looking to indulge in good food and great drinks.
The hidden terrace is a particular highlight, offering a secluded spot to enjoy the summer weather away from the bustling city streets.
Open daily, Se7en's kitchen operates from 12pm to 3pm and 5pm to 9pm Monday to Saturday and until 4pm Sundays, with the bar extending its hours until 2am from Monday to Saturday and until 6pm on Sundays.
The fabulous Se7en encapsulates the essence of a wonderful summer in Bath – a place where bold flavours, innovative cocktails, and a stylish atmosphere combine. n
FERN GREEN is a food stylist, writer, and experienced chef based in Bath. She has over 15 years experience styling for magazines and works with various highprofile brands for editorial, packaging, advertising, social and video content. Catch her at Topping & Company Booksellers on 9 June to launch her cookbook Lunch Well, which was photographed by Kirstie Young
his garden salad can be easily changed up depending on the season. You don’t need all the dressing so pop into a jam jar and save for another time. Also if you don’t have all the veg, increase the ones you do have or add sliced cabbage, Brussel sprouts, kale or any frozen veg here, all will work well, especially in winter.
Ingredients:
• 1 soft-boiled egg hand ul o b o oli flo ets halved
• 1 handful of green beans, leave tail on
• 1 handful of sugar snap peas, halved
• 15g frozen peas
• 15g frozen edamame beans
• 20g chopped dill
Method:
1 Add all dressing ingredients to a jam jar, seal and shake before using. Cook egg in a pan of boiling water for 6 minutes. Transfer to cold water, then peel.
2 Add broccoli, green beans to
Base mix
• 2 tbsp tahini
• 200g canned cannellini beans
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• ½ tsp salt
Dressing
• 3 tbsp sesame oil
• 1 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tbsp sesame seeds
• 1tsp honey
simmering water and cook for 4 minutes. Drop them in cold water. Now add the peas and edamame to the hot water to defrost. Takes around 3 to 4 minutes.
3 Blitz all the base mix ingredients with 2 tablespoons of water in a blender until
smooth. Loosen with a little water if needed, then spoon into a salad bowl.
4 Drain peas and beans. Place all vegetables in a bowl, mix. Then add to salad bowl. Drizzle half the dressing over salad and sprinkle with dill.
For more: www.toppingbooks.co.uk
Former MasterChef
contestant Charlie Salter has set up Supper Sub; INSET: The menu changes fortnightly
SUPER SUB
Former MasterChef contestant and local businessman Charlie Salte has set up a novel ay to o e ta ea ay ood Suppe Sub is an alternative to Deliveroo with fresh homecooked food available for pick up once a fortnight.
“Every two weeks I cook a dinner party menu for customers to enjoy at home with family and friends,” explains Charlie, who appeared on the BBC cookery show last year.
“My dishes are wholesome, eclectic and delicious using fresh local ingredients and no processed food. The food can be collected on the day from either Colerne or the top of Lansdown and comes chilled to be easily reheated at home.”
lso in the o ng o Suppe Sub is a Spanish supper club for 40 guests in conjunction with the Bath Soft Cheese company.
For more: www.suppersub.com
PORT REPORT
Jacob Scott from The Hideout in Bath, has been crowned the UK winner of the 2025 Graham’s Blend Series Cocktail Competition. Held in London at Side Hustle at the Nomad Hotel in April, the event celebrated innovation and creativity in port-based mixology using Graham’s Blend Nº5 White Port and Blend Nº12 Ruby Port.
Jacob’s creation, the Petiscos Martini, was praised by judge Anthony Sy ington th gene ation G aha s Blend family member and UK brand manager, who said it was “a very sophisticated and moreish drink with a strong connection to Portugal, showing incredible balance and freshness.”
Jacob will go on to represent the UK at the end of this month in the Global Final in Porto competing against nine other countries.
For more: www.hideoutbath.co.uk | www.blendseriescomp2025.grahams-port.com
NICE ICE BABY!
Somerset based Brickell’s Ice Cream will be opening a Scoop Hut on Milsom Street in Bath for the summer, launching on 12 June and running until the end of September.
Founded in 2018 by husband and wife duo Rob and Iona Gore, the all-natural luxury ice cream Brickell is a family run business, based in Westcombe Farm, with its name taken from Rob’s great grandparents’ and the original farmhouse they lived in. Rob, who studied Ice Cream Science at Penn State University in the States was so fascinated by the subject when he returned to the UK he launched Brickell’s using a simple French custard base ice cream. He says, “The ice cream is made using milk from the family dairy farm, Westcombe,
fresh double cream from estate dairy, free range egg yolks from Clarence Court and British beet sugar.
“We are incredibly proud, and somewhat standalone, in producing an ice cream free o p ese vatives e ulsi e s stabilise s olou ings and flavou ings a ing it an entirely ultra-processed ice cream – a feat almost unheard of in commercial ice cream production and something we are steadfastly committed to.”
From roasting strawberries in their Somerset kitchen to handmade ripples of home-made salted caramel, the team does it all in house eating flavou s su h as honeycomb and Landrace cookie dough, homegrown mint choc chip, chocolate & gooseberry, and cinnamon toast.
For more: www.brickellsicecream.co.uk
INSET: Natalia Rudin is heading to Toppings; BELOW: Her wholesome recipes have gained her over one million Instagram followers
PLANT LIFE
Natalia Rudin is coming to Topping & Company Booksellers on 11 June to promote her debut cookbook, Cooking Fast and Slow. Natalia is a private chef with an Instagram following of nearly one and half million followers who love her simple and nourishing approach to plantbased food.
Natalia says, “As a personal chef, the requirement was not always to create high-end dishes that look like they’ve come from a Michelinstarred restaurant, but more to provide home-cooked meals for those who couldn’t (or didn’t want to) do it themselves.”
For more: Instagram @natsnourishments | www.toppingbooks.co.uk
Jacob Scott of The Hideout in Bath has won a major cocktail competition; BELOW: Jacob’s winning Petiscos Martini
Iona and Rob are bringing their unique ice cream to Milsom Street this June
Nestled in Bath city centre on Monmouth Street, Beauty@No32 has proudly served the community for over 30 years. This year, the clinic is thrilled to introduce the newly launched CACI Flex Synergy, a groundbreaking non-surgical facelift facial that promises to elevate beauty treatments.
Originally developed to assist recovery from strokes and Bell’s palsy, CACI technology has become a staple in the beauty industry. The CACI Flex Synergy treatment effectively tightens and lifts facial muscles, combating signs of ageing. Clinical studies demonstrate it can reduce wrinkle depth by up to 75 per cent, making it an ideal choice for those seeking a youthful appearance.
In addition to its impressive aesthetic results, CACI Flex Synergy promotes skin rejuvenation and facial toning, providing clients with a holistic approach to beauty. The friendly and professional team at Beauty@No32 is dedicated to offering personalised care, ensuring that every treatment is tailored to individual needs.
As a leader in beauty innovation, Beauty@No32 continues to deliver exceptional services that empower clients to look and feel their best. Experience the transformative benefits of the new CACI Flex Synergy today and embrace a more radiant you!
Agata Wilk PMU & Brow Studio brings precision artistry to Bath with expert permanent makeup and brow styling services. With many 5-star reviews, Agata has built a trusted reputation for enhancing natural beauty through tailored, high-quality treatments.
Specialising in soft ombré brows, natural lip blush, and safe PMU removal (laser and non-laser), Agata also offers expert brow styling including lamination, hybrid and henna brows.
Whether you’re looking to refresh your look or correct previous work, Agata’s attention to detail and passion for perfect results ensures every client leaves feeling beautiful.
Summer 2025 is all about effortless beauty. Soft, natural-looking brows and barely-there lip tints are in! Think fresh, glowing, and low-maintenance. Clients are loving subtle enhancements that save time in daily routines and PMU continues to be one of the top selfcare investments. Hydration, SPF, and minimal makeup paired with perfected brows and lips is the go-to look for summer.
Agata’s tip? Invest in treatments that highlight your features and simplify your mornings.
Book your appointment and discover why so many clients choose Agata Wilk PMU & Brow Studio.
Celebrating ten years in business this year, Zara Morgan Hairdressing has a professional and friendly environment where you will feel part of the family. The team are inspired by education, enabling them to keep up to date with the latest trends. Each visit is personalised upon consultation by your chosen stylist to meet any of your requirements.
The highly trained in-house extension specialists pride themselves in working closely with Racoon International, number one in the UK for trichology tested, ethically sourced hair, and offer numerous methods of application including: Luxe bond (from £61), Luxe link (from £51), Luxe weft (from £51) and Lux weave (from £31).
Book your complimentary consultation today to find out more and create your bespoke look.
At Standout Beauty, we’re all about helping you feel confident and beautiful – whether that’s with a fresh set of lashes, fullerlooking brows, or semi-permanent makeup that saves you time every morning. Based in the heart of Bath, our salon is a friendly and welcoming space where you can relax and enjoy high-quality beauty treatments in expert hands.
We specialise in lash extensions, lash lifts, brow shaping, brow lamination, tinting, and semi-permanent makeup, including powder brows and lip blush. Every treatment is tailored to you, with results designed to enhance your natural features.
We also offer accredited lash training courses for anyone looking to get into the beauty industry. Our classes are small, hands-on, and include lifetime support, so you’re never on your own, even after training ends.
Whether you’re coming in for a beauty boost or ready to start your beauty career, we’re here to help you stand out and feel your best. Come visit us – we’d love to welcome you in!
The spring / summer trends have already began at B Hairdressing with pops of pastel pink tones. Clients are also really loving whimsical loose waves which are bang on trend. There are a couple of new terms that are being used this year – Birkin Bangs and Fairy Waves Birkin Bangs take inspiration from the French actress Jane Birkin, and is a perfect look for those who want a lighter, wispier look compared to a solid curtain fringe.
Fairy Waves are an even looser, more natural look, with more in common with beachy waves thanks to its natural textured curls. The overall look is fluffier, flowing, and full of poetic whimsy.
So if you’re wanting to experiment and have a little fun with a 2025 summer look that works on both short and long hair, then think pastel tones, 90’s vibes, and go for a season defining face framing cut.
As the summer sun returns, it’s time to refresh your look and feel your best. At Allure Aesthetics & Beauty, we offer a wide range of treatments to help you look radiant and confident all season long. Whether you’re preparing for a holiday or simply treating yourself, our salon is your one-stop destination for beauty.
We specialise in beauty treatments, including lash extensions, lash lifts, nails and facials designed to leave your skin glowing and rejuvenated. Our body waxing will keep your skin smooth and ready for the beach, while hair extensions let you express your unique summer style. We also offer a range of aesthetics treatments, Vitamin injections and skin boosters for a boost of hydration and energy.
Our skilled team stays on top of the latest trends and techniques, ensuring that you leave feeling refreshed, pampered, and ready for the summer ahead.
THE SCULPTURAL FACE thesculpturalface
The Sculptural Face offer a curated selection of facial treatments tailored to each client’s skin and lifestyle. These include cosmetic acupuncture, sculpt and lift facial massage, inter oral massage, lymphatic drainage, and advanced facials using high-performance skincare. Each session is designed to relax the nervous system, target skin concerns, and boost overall wellbeing – leaving clients lifted, glowing, and deeply restored.
The Sculptural Face believe true wellness and beauty begins with balance. Healthy, glowing skin is a reflection of inner harmony, physically, emotionally, and energetically. Their approach blends holistic and modern techniques to support the body’s natural healing systems. They see skincare as a ritual of selfconnection and self care, not just a routine.
CHASSÉ YOUR DREAMS
Dance like nobody is watching in a get-up everybody will be clocking
By Marianne Cantelo
The love a ai bet een ashion and the a t o dan e has been long te pestuous and passionate and li e anything elated to hat e ea a ont adi to y i o ivolousness and the deeply poeti s a use dan e p ovides a dive se inspi ation that is as fluid as the ove ent o the body itsel lothing that is o ulated o otion is ene gising e iting and allu ing and ust li e a gestu e an be as subtly o pelling o as out as you li e a e o e a ple the si plest and ost use ul o ite s the bodysuit pie e designed o the un tion o dan e itsel that flatte s the
o a entuating the gu e ithout p oviding the dist a tion o a sea he ont ast o the s in s i ing ga ent against the ullness o a d a ati tulle s i t e agge ates the e inine gu e o an o stage evening loo o the non balle ina essed do n ith ini al ide leg blue eans and a ash e e ballet ap a digan it s an ense ble that lightens the step hoose a neut al olou ed body and pai it ith baggy a goes and lo ise slee snea e s and you ll have o e o a Flashdance o duty ene gy but ill avoid loo ing s et o
“Its ethereal lightness allows si to o through you as you go about your day”
SHOPPING LIST
1. Tulle skirt, prices start at £50, and Lopokova No. 8 screen printed sweatshirt, £35, both by the Bath-based Freda Silk; www.fredasilk.com
2. Ganni Future wool mix short sleeve cardigan, £265, Square, 12 New Bond Street. Bath; www.squarebath.uk
3. Freesia Shoes by Munthe in light grey, £329, Grace & Mabel, 3 George Street, Bath; www.graceandmabel.co.uk
ulle itsel is shee o an e hethe o n as a light ap ove a si ple tan top o in volu inous s i ted e ite ent as above it invites you to ove its ethe eal lightness allo ing usi to flo th ough you as you go about you day o a e it o e ode n ont ast you ull s i t ith a s style boot o an elegant pointed toe flat anspa ent tea d esses laye ed ove si ple slips o odesty a e b ee ily hi o alt ing Si ila ly a bias ut ap s i t in satin o sil has a li uidity hi h inspi es the hips to s ay t opi ally bse ve othe g a e ul hip hugging d op aists u ently in all good lothes shops and e b a e you inne fla en o dan e as you hoose you holiday d ess this su e o go any e essive an y d ess ills and nd a gu e flatte ing d ess that efle ts the innate se iousness and passion o the authenti dan e and its p oud sensual en and o en allet inspi ed shoes ith ibbons a ound the legs invite leaping th ough the st eets and gladiato style sandals ith leg thongs ta e the un even u the evo ing p i itive a hanalian dan es o aybe ust a oy ul little shi y a ound a estival e etty but p a ti al shoes o un est i ted ove ent and you o n pleasu e and ga e unli e the pain ul stiletto o da e say st ippe shoe you a e ull o viva ity li e Ginge oge s aylo S i t o
Sa a a as o o table oot tapping oot ea is a ust he e a e a pletho a o a y anes o ba s to hoose o that invite a lindy bop th ough the o e ith d in s and dan ing late he elegan e o this lassi shoe an be subve ted ith a hun ie heel o o e sto ping beats o by hoosing an un onventional olou su h as a pastel o a s vibe o even an ani al p int o that o abilly ive
Photographer Egle Vasi; www.eglevasi.com
Model Isobel
MUA Louise Mead
Styling Marianne Cantelo and Eleanor Tasker Clothes Sourced from Dorothy House charity shops; www.dorothyhouse.org.uk
Creativity’s the winner. Always
Headline Sponsor Category Sponsors
2025 Winners
Congratulations to everyone who was shortlisted, and double congratulations to all of you who won!
Ace Award
The ACE Award is given to the most outstanding category Winner on the night as chosen by our Judges. Winner 2025: Seven Deadly Sins, The Egg Agency
Sponsored by: MATTER
Winner 2025: Carnsight Communications
Creative Arts
Sponsored by: Komedia Winner 2025: The Holburne Museum
Creative Event
Winner 2025: The Seven Deadly Sins, The Egg
Creative Student
Winner 2025: Harvey Aylmer, Aylmers Circus
Creativity for Good
Sponsored by: Mytton Williams
Winner 2025: Mr B’s Emporium of Reading Delights
Creative Use of AI
Winner 2025: Rocketmakers
Designer
Sponsored by: Minuteman Press
Winner 2025: Bath Garden Design
Digital Technology
Sponsored by: Floresco
Winner 2025: POLYMATHIC
Film & Photography
Winner 2025: Betty Bhandari
Photography
Founder/Entrepreneur
Sponsored by: EntreConf
Winner 2025: Danny Moar, Theatre Royal Bath
Inspirational Person
Winner 2025: Dr Stuart Farrimond
Marketing Campaign
Sponsored by: MediaClash Winner 2025: Mr Doodle!
Museum Mayhem by The Holburne Museum
New Creative Business
Sponsored by: Digital Wonderlab Winner 2025: SHREW
Performing Arts & Music
Winner 2025: Bath Show Choir
Product Design & Creation
Winner 2025: Matt Nolan Custom
Publisher & Writer
Winner 2025: Really Decent Books
Spatial Design
Sponsored by: Gather Round Winner 2025: Hetreed Ross Architects
Young Creative Sponsored by: Bath Arts Collective Winner 2025: Raquel dos Santo, Bath School of Dance
WILL YOU HELP US SHARE THE POWER OF MUSIC?
We provide free music lessons and instruments in primary schools, making music accessible to children who might otherwise miss out. We can only do this with your support. Can you give a small monthly donation so we can help more children discover the power of music?
Pass it on! Got an unwanted musical instrument? Get in touch to donate it and give the gift of music: info@ooef.org.uk
The Orchestra of Everything Foundation brings the joy of music-making to hundreds of children in Bath.
Visit www.ooef.org.uk to find out more. Thank you!
LEFT: Matt is interviewed by MediaClash chief exec Greg Ingham; BELOW: The appreciative audience at Walcot House
TRANSITION IMPOSSIBLE?
Not so, says one time Bath Rugby legend MATT PERRY, now founder and director of ‘high performance culture’ specialist Transition 15. But though the worlds of sport and business have much in common, much separates them too…
Words by Paul Marland
Photos by Narrated Frames; www.narratedframes.com
The moon is a harsh mistress, wrote Robert Heinlein, but professional sport can be yet worse: you feel you could touch the stars when it goes well, but it’s equally happy to slam you back to earth when it does not. When even the most stellar career comes to an end too quickly –and others are curtailed even earlier, through injury or foolishness or bad luck – what’s a sports person to do?
This was an issue that hit Matt Perry – Bath Rugby star, England’s most capped full back, and British Lions mainstay – like a charging Jonah Lomu toward the end of his professional sports career. He was just 30 years old.
“At 24 I found myself playing 48 games of elite rugby in a year –that’s almost a game a week, with little downtime – and I never really recovered,” he now says. “Two years later my back was gone, and I knew I was going to have to do something else, and soon. So I invested in the services of a transition coach: not exactly cheap, but the best £10,000 I ever spent. It helped me really understand what I was passionate
about, and what I might be good at outside of rugby – and that’s understanding people’s behaviour, and the ways in which that can impact on their teams and partnerships, and on their ability to form a consensus and mobilise themselves. These days, though my company Transition 15, I guide high-performing teams through periods of change, helping them be the very best they can be.”
Though by no means a natural entrepreneur, Matt knew he was so eone ho bene ts o having a clear project to put his energy into –but though there are parallels, there a e also distin t di e en es in the ays sport and business work.
“Sport’s become very data-led, very analytical,” he says, “and the individual performance of each member of a team is often critiqued in public – it can be a rather brutal
“YOU REALLY HAVE TO BE ABLE TO EMBRACE UNCERTAINTY”
world. Business, however, is more nuanced, and you’d never dream of exposing someone in front of their colleagues for failing to do XYZ in quite the same way. It’s altogether more encouraging, supportive and consensual.”
One big early challenge for the new businessman version of Matt: the need to net o ugby o e s a very controlled environment with a set structure, where much of the planning is done for you – and at st in the outside o ld ound all the necessary networking something I wasn’t very good at at all. Similarly, I struggled dealing with ambiguity and uncertainty, having come from an environment where you’re measured to within an inch of your life, and everyone on the team knows exactly what’s expected of them. In business, you really have to be able to embrace uncertainty and see the opportunities hidden within it.”
This is why Transition 15 has the name it does, and why Matt’s new fascination with change has shaped the direction the company has taken. “I thought about how it had been for me as a player, and how my work with Bath one week would then transition
into a week with England; suddenly I’d be working with players I was more used to hammering into than battling alongside. And then it would be another bunch again with the Lions. Which, actually, is rather what it’s like in business he e e ea di e ent hats on di e ent days and ove constantly between teams: project teams, leadership teams, charity teams… One day we’re competing with others and the next we’re collaborating, and you have to be agile enough to do both.”
One thing Matt thrives on is pressure. “I say, don’t try to avoid it. Instead, you often do better if you embrace pressure. Don’t try to change people’s personalities either; talent tends to rebel against that, so instead focus on what success looks like, and help everyone you’re working with identify for themselves the things they need to do to get where you all need to go. You’ve got a much better chance if everyone owns the solution.”
In a nutshell, that’s what Transition 15 does: training and development that specialises in developing leadership and management capability, and building high pe o ing tea s hiefly in nan ial services and banking technology.
“Success is as often built on a clear explanation of your vision as it is on the vision itself,” Matt says. “Agreeing on a course of action, and a clear set of values, is key – together with milestones that you all need to reach together. The more I do this, the more it seems that understanding your team mates and how they work is just as important as understanding where your own value lies.”
For more: www.mediaclash.co.uk | www.transition15.com
Jess Lowe
Francesca Waterfall
Becky Gallagher, Elliot Lamb, Paul Fisher and Henry Hill
Don’t mind if we do!
Nikki HealJon Gore
James Cullinan
Ben Gale Adriana Brake
Matt’s stories entertained the Walcot House audience
Annie Kelly, Ewan Tavendale, Paul Oaten, Shaun Bartlett, Kate Garden, Emma Summers and Jon Miles
A NEW RIVERFRONT DESTINATION IN THE MAKING, FOR WORK, PLAY AND RELAXATION.
• Highly characterful site, with a rich heritage dating back to the 19thcentury
• A fantastic town centre destination, on the banks of the River Avon
BOOK A VIEWING
• Home to over 30 businesses
• A growing community of creators, makers, and other uses that include office, health and fitness, food and drink including a distillery, woodfired pizza restaurant and micro brewery
• Wide range of unit sizes available, from 300- 7,000 sq ft, available on a refurbished or unrefurbished basis
• Flexible tenancy terms with access available typically within 7 days
For an opportunity to tour the site and view available units, please visit WWW.AVONSIDEWILTS.CO.UK
CIRCLE OF FRIENDS
In this online world, people are increasingly nding inventive ays to eet ne such organisation is CircleUp, which launched in Bath and Bristol in January, and is a ast g o ing so ial e be ship o unity o people in thei s and s to eet ne people and so ialise ounded by a es el e and ydia n ey i le p al eady has e be s a oss the egion and hosts a ound seven events eve y ee in luding pub so ials
PASTEL COLOURS
Chris Perry Pastel Art is a new gallery that has opened up on al ot St eet he spa e has been ounded by the a a d winning, self-taught, soft pastel a tist h is e y y ba g ound is in s ien e but y innate passion has al ays been a t says h is ve the last few years and through the en ou age ent o y i e and a ily began to ta e that a t o e se iously and soon had a s all po t olio te seve al su ess ul e hibitions h is as inspi ed to open his o n spa e an be the e ysel in pe son to eet people sha e sto ies about the o and t uly be o e a pa t o ou lo al a ea t has been a b illiant thing to see people nd oy in thei ne a t o s and a e iends along the ay For more: www.cjperryart.com
ON THE UP
al s li bing b un hes ve a side ootball tennis bad inton eative nights and boa d ga es a es says i e so any othe s e ound it a ha de than it should be to eet ne iends espe ially a te uni ends obs go e ote o iends ove a ay So e built hat e ished e isted a un el o ing so ial i le to al ays have plans and help us eel pa t o a eal o unity
For more: www.letscircleup.co.uk
Sonya Chowdhury, who is chief executive of the charity Action for M.E. and who co-founded and co-chairs the World ME Alliance for ME / CFS, will chair the FUTURE AMBITION BOARD (FAB). FAB is a partnership of the Royal United Hospitals, Bath; Curo; the University of Bath; Bath Spa University, Third Sector providers, Bath & North East Somerset Council, business and other networks. www.futureambitionbath.com
VOICES FOR LIFE has appointed Young Chorister of the Year 2023, Belinda Gifford-Guy, as its Young Ambassador. Belinda will play a key role in supporting Voices for Life’s mission to inspire and empower young people through music. www.voicesforlife.org.uk
Rosie Anderson is the new tree conservation manager for WESTONBIRT ARBORETUM Rosie and has served as a dendrologist at Westonbirt for the past three years. She says, “I look forward to continued collaboration with colleagues and partners to make a meaningful impact on tree conservation.” www.forestryengland.uk
Kate Morton, CEO of Bath Mind, Councillor Kevin Guy, FAB chair Sonya Chowdhury and Curo’s Paul Harris
Westonbirt Arboretum’s Rosie Anderson
Belinda Gifford-Guy
Circle Up is a new way to connect IRL in Bath
The new Walcot Street gallery
Chris works with soft pastels
THE SHE COLLECTIVE BATH LIFE AWARDS
HEALTH & WELLBEING WINNER
Founder Ro Feilden-Cook tells us why she entered the Bath Life Awards and what it was like to win for her women’s health and wellbeing app. The SHE collective is a membership app that includes mindset coaching, structured workout programmes, nutrition tutorials and recipes.
What was the motivation to enter for a Bath Life Award this year?
This past year has been transformative for us as a business. It was the year I decided to go all in leaving behind other work commitments to focus solely on my role as founder. I took the leap to hi e y st tea e be and ade signi ant investments into our infrastructure.
While that level of commitment can bring growing pains, it also brings growth, and this year has been both challenging and rewarding in equal measure. Entering the BL Awards felt like the perfect way to acknowledge how far we’ve come and to celebrate not just our progress, but the bold vision we have for the future- not just as a membership, but as a movement.
NEW SEEKERS
Fashion Museum Bath has been awarded a £20,000 Arts Council England National Lottery grant for its Explore the Collection project. This pilot initiative aims to develop the museum’s st sea hable online atalogue in ollabo ation with Bath & North East Somerset Libraries, signi antly t ans o ing a ess to the useu s renowned collection.
Sophie McKinlay, Fashion Museum Bath project director, says, “We are excited to embark on this journey to create the museum’s searchable online catalogue starting with the Dress of the Year collection. This project not only enhances public access to the treasured objects in our care but also fosters collaboration with local young people, and rethinks how it can be experienced
“THIS CLEVER COLLECTIVE OF INCREDIBLE WOMEN ACHIEVED NATIONAL RECOGNITION
A WORD
FROM OUR JUDGES
Talk us through the night…
The night was fantastic! After a whirlwind at home getting our three boys ready for bed, I arrived feeling a mix of nerves and a little frazzled. But from the moment I stepped into the Bath Forum, I was completely blown away – the atmosphere was electric, the venue looked in edible and the p odu tion as fla less
And what was it like to win?
s soon as the a ds i ed o the ne ves really hit, so I was secretly relieved that Health and ellbeing as one o the st atego ies Being called up on stage was a blur, adrenaline completely took over and I didn’t manage to say any of what I’d planned. But I spoke straight from the heart, which is exactly how I’ve always led this business.
For more: www.wearetheshe.com | www.bathlifeawards.co.uk
for future generations. By creating an online catalogue, we aim to set a new standard in cultural preservation and accessibility.”
For more: www.fashionmuseum.co.uk
FINANCIAL GROWTH
idelius the ast g o ing ath based has announ ed its invest ent into obis a nan ial planning business specialising in high-net-worth clients. Fidelius will acquire a noncontrolling holding in Vobis and will support the growth ambitions of Vobis through a long-lasting partnership improving both productivity and technological e ien y
Ian Fowler, chief e e utive o e at Fidelius, says, “Vobis delivers outstanding customer service to both its London and Leeds based high net worth client base, and we see the opportunity o signi ant g o th in this space with the right support and invest ent he eeds o e also p ovides us with a valuable base on which to continue to build our national coverage, especially along the M62 corridor. The directors of Fidelius look forward to seeing Vobis realise its full potential in the years to come.”
With over £140m in assets under management, Vobis has a top 60 accountancy practice joint venture in Central London who provide client referrals and a dive si ed lient base idelius and obis plan to further strengthen and expand this partnership and with Vobis’s strong presence in London with many of its clients based in the capital, the partnership between idelius and obis a s a signi ant step o ath headquartered Fidelius into the London market. or ore fi eli s o
Ro celebrates with husband Alex Feilden-Cook
The next Bath Life Network Lunch guest is Paul Roper
Ian Fowler, chief executive officer at Fidelius
A cash injection means progress for the Fashion Museum Bath
PATH
PAUL FISHER CAREER
The
chartered financial
planner with
OCULUS
WEALTH MANAGEMENT on going it alone, the importance of meeting clients, and a dog called Buddy
Paul Fisher works with the Oculus Wealth Management, which as st set up in Harrogate in 2010 and spe ialises in nan ial planning and wealth management. Paul opened the ath based p a tise in January 2020, initially working o ho e in ad o d on von be o e oving into his al ot St eet o e in
Did you always know you wanted to work in this field?
No, after I graduated from ottingha nive sity ith an economics degree, I was a bit o a lost soul and li e a lot of graduates, struggled with di e tion and a a ee plan saved up o a yea in a sales ole and es aped by t avelling a ound ndia and Southeast sia o ten months. Out there I met a
eti ed nan ial advise ho told e all about his a ee and ho satis ying it as to help people a hieve the li e they anted anted a ob hi h o bined y economics degree with my desire to o ith and help people pon y etu n to the spotted an adve t in the Sunday Times o t ainee nan ial advise s ith ath based o pany hase de e e oved do n o heshi e to ath and haven t loo ed ba
What’s the process to becoming a financial advisor? espite y deg ee needed to uali y and app o i ately e a s late a no a ha te ed nan ial planne
In what direction did the work take you?
o ed o a ouple nan ial
planning s based in ath and anothe in Salisbu y both o hi h e e ta en ove by la ge s n bet een this o ed o outts o in ondon and istol o ve yea s his as a b illiant e pe ien e to have so early in my career, and they taught me a great deal in terms o the i po tan e o good lient se vi e but also doing the basi things well.
What was the inspiration for then working for yourself? evious o panies o ed o e e disappointingly ta en ove by la ge s hi h inva iably meant changes to how we looked a te ou e isting lients t asn t o e and anted to set so ething up on y te s so that ould p ovide the se vi e that I wanted to.
What were those early days of going it alone like? ell set the business up in anua y so ouldn t see y e isting lients o la ge pa ts o the st onths n addition the st e eetings ith ne lients is so i po tant in building a elationship that not been able to see people a e to a e as really challenging. Platforms such as Zoom allowed me to continue y ole but you annot epli ate a a e to a e eeting nd that people tal o e eely in pe son and you get a real understanding o hat is a tually i po tant to the and hat they hope to get out of life.
Any moment you have been particularly proud of?
pening the o e on al ot St eet oved to ath o heshi e in ith the intention o oving ba up no th but i ediately elt at ho e in ath aving subse uently o ed in ondon
“I WAS A BIT OF A LOST SOUL AND LIKE A LOT OF GRADUATES STRUGGLED WITH DIRECTION ”
istol and Salisbu y a si ply loving being ba in ath again al ot St eet is a g eat pla e to be based ith a eal o unity feel.
What changes have you seen in your profession?
When I joined the industry in it as ve y p odu t o used and ve y little e phasis as pla ed on nan ial planning leasingly this has hanged he ost e a ding pa t o y ob is showing clients that with careful planning they an in a t eti e ea ly o they an a o d to help thei hild on the p ope ty ladde and they on t un out o oney
How would you describe your key clientele?
y lients ange o business o ne s to p o essionals to eti ing o eti ed people ost people onta t e ith a spe i eason o e a ple to evie a de e ed pension his ill lead to a ide dis ussion about hat the pension is o not as obvious as it sounds e an then loo at all o thei options and put a plan in pla e to eet thei ob e tives typi ally eet ith y lients at least once a year, sometimes more to evie the plan and to ensu e we remain on track.
What have you found to be the best tools for growth in your business?
he a o ity o y ne business tends to o e o client referrals either from e isting lients o p o essional onne tions hi h is obviously a g eat endo se ent lso there is no charge for an initial e plo ato y eeting so and el o e people popping into y o e o a o ee
Do you work with anyone else?
n the ath o e no but have y dog uddy a beagle o e spaniel oss a ho eve suppo ted by ou head o e in Harrogate which has a team of app o i ately people
For more: Oculus Wealth Management, 118b Walcot Street, Bath; www.oculuswealth.co.uk
WELCOME TO THE MINDSPA
EntreConf returns on June 18-19 at Watershed: the conference for new business thinkers. Uniquely powerful insights and valuable connections await attendees...
Where do you get ideas to help develop your company? Interested in new business thinking? Enjoy hearing from entrepreneurs? Welcome being around smart thinkers ith di e ent pe spe tives And want to make enduring, helpful connections from a few hundred leading business people? Then it might just be worth popping along to EntreConf, the entrepreneurs’ event returning on 18 – 19 June at Bristol’s Watershed.
There’ll be sessions on the Next Big Thing; Female Entrepreneurs; AI, including exclusive research; Entrepreneurs’ Tales; The eve age e t o b ands and networks; and preparing our business for exit.
There’s even a special EntreConf Dinner on the
night of 18 June, with 60 entrepreneurs to hear the inside story of major local success story, LUX Rewards. Started at the University of Bath, sold by founder James Courtney for an eight gu e su t s uite the tale.
There’s a major new feature this year: The EntreConf PitchCase. Five companies pitch their business and a panel of experts gives live feedback on pitch content. The aim is to provide valuable insights to all companies attending. All businesses and entrepreneurs have to sell – to employees, clients and potentially funders or even those buying the company. So what expert insights might help you..?
Whether for deep connections or light bulb moment insights, EntreConf is set to be the business event of the year…
Here’s a look at some of these stellar EntreConf speakers:
Amy Golding, UK’s youngest female to run a $100m business, now boss of all of Steven Bartlett’s commercial activities, talking about building teams.
Christian Owens who founded Paddle in his teens: its value when he sold before he was 30 was £1.1bn.
Eleanor Thatcher of Thatchers cider talking about next-generational entrepreneurialism.
Furqan, founder of Sora Aviation: electric vertical ta e o planes on operating in a hot sector and seeking to raise a cool $1 billion.
“ENTRECONF IS SET TO BE THE BUSINESS EVENT OF THE YEAR”
Gilly Ridley Whittle, founder of women’s apparel business Peachaus which has already had £2m investment and is about to s ale signi antly
Giovanna Laudisio of cleantech startup Naturbeads, which has raised £7.8m and is seeking to raise a further £60m in all.
Steve Hewitt, chief exec of Gymshark on the challenges of scaling it from £5m to £500m sales.
Tim Edwards, revealing the full story of selling a signi ant pa t o his games media business, Network N.
For more: www.entreconf.com
Come along and be inspired
JUNE 18-19
WATERSHED
NEW BUSINESS THINKING
ENTRECONF AT-A-GLANCE
WHAT: Two day conference for entrepreneurs, advisors and new business thinkers WHEN & WHERE: 18-19 June at the Watershed HOW: Delegate passes via the website COMMERCIAL PARTNERS: Led by headline partner Burges Salmon, plus: AMBITIOUS, Bath Spa University, Isio, Lombard Odier, Mytton Williams, University of Bath School of Management, Albert Goodman, Digital Wonderlab, Foresight Group, Link Stone Advisory, Square Works & Evelyn Partners. PLUS: EntreConf will feature the grand reveal of EntreConf Awards finalists. FOR MORE: www.entreconf.com
Bruno Oliveira, University of Bath
Steve Hewitt, Gymshark
Christian Owens, Paddle
Agatha Yerbury, Revflo
Amy Golding, Steven Bartlett’s Private Office
Madelaine Thomas, Image Angel
Alex Lloyd, Burges Salmon
James Courtney, LUX Rewards
PROPERTY
PLACES TO LIVE, WORK AND PLAY
Sponsorship
Bath Rugby and Savills announce new partnership
The estate agents Savills has announced a new partnership with Bath Rugby. As the ial lub ope ty a tne o ath ugby Savills ill eatu e its logo on the ath ugby playing it and suppo t the lub s net o ing initiatives throughout the season.
u e ady head o Savills Southe n esidential says e a e passionate about suppo ting the o unities e ope ate in and ath ugby ep esents the ve y hea t o this ity he lub s p oud he itage a bitious
outloo and dedi ated suppo te s a e this a g eat natu al t o us o da s head o business develop ent at ath ugby adds he e is lea syne gy bet een Savills and ath ugby not ust in values but also in vision – this has made the pa tne ship eel li e a natu al e tension o both o ganisations e e e ited about hat e an a hieve togethe
Savills will also play a role in supporting the ath ugby ade y as listai eathe
head o Savills ath e plains ot only is Bath Rugby an iconic club with a rich history o su ess ove the yea s it is also a huge pa t o ou o unity he ath ugby ade y o e a ple is a b illiant p og a e o suppo ting and developing young athletes in ou egion and e a e i ensely p oud to sponso one o its talented young playe s
For more: www.savills.co.uk | www.bathrugby.com
Savills have shown themselves to be team players
Interiors POSITIVE SPACE
Bath-based charity Southside who help support families a e ted by violen e and abuse has had its spa e at eade ouse in e ton e eshed than s to lo al ollabo ation
nte io designe ola S i t led a tea o a tists and ath Spa nive sity inte io design students to help b eathe ne li e into the ha ity s o unal a eas and o spa e ith as also suppo ted by nu e ous lo al businesses ho donated ate ials u nitu e and a t o enny isso
Southside s says Southside s ho e is a el o ing and sa e spa e o eve yone ho visits o s o voluntee s he e but it eally needed a e esh he suppo t o ola S i t nte io esign has t ans o ed this envi on ent to eate su h an inspi ing and a spa e to efle t Southside s values and the suppo tive hallenging o that e do
For more: www.lolaswift.co.uk | www.south-side.org.uk
Development RIVER VIEW
night an has laun hed he illo s by G oup evelop ents a ne ath esidential develop ent situated along the ive von and ne t to indso idge he develop ent due to o plete late this yea is split bet een t o blo s and eatu es one and t o bed oo apa t ents plus an e lusive th ee bed oo apa t ent ith ive side te a e
t o e s ode n u ban living ith sele t units eatu ing ive vie s ith p i es sta ting at and bene ts o a e eption a ea ith on ie ge se vi es pa el sto age p ivate sto age units and on site y le sto age a ing spa es a e available by sepa ate negotiation
For more: www.knightfrank.com
Building LAYING FOUNDATIONS
o to p epa e a o e gas o s site in ath o the develop ent o a ound uality sustainable a et and a o dable ho es as ell as a ive side pa is unde ay ont a to s have begun o on land e ediation and in ast u tu e on the ath este n ive side hase site he a e b o n eld site is o ned by ath o th ast So e set oun il and develope e eley o es and ea lie this yea abinet e be s app oved o additional unding o o es ngland ousing n ast u tu e unding o the o he site is a ent al plan o the oun il s ve yea housing supply unde the o al lan a tial pdate oun illo att abe abinet e be o built envi on ent housing and sustainable develop ent says e a e e t e ely g ate ul to o es ngland and est o ngland ayo al o bined utho ity o the g ant unding that allo ed us to se u e delive y o this st ategi ally i po tant egene ation p o e t in the hea t o ath
For more: www.bathnes.gov.uk | www.berkeleygroup.co.uk
An interior of one of The Willows apartments
Lola Swift, third left, with Bath Spa University interior design students; INSET: Southside’s refreshed communal areas
The Willows is situated alongside the river
Donné Caswell from Homes England, Councillor Matt McCabe, Elkie Russell of Berkeley, and Councillor Kevin Guy break ground
he g and G ade Geo gian ho e South eld ouse o e s o iginal eatu e beauty and a pe e t lo ation
Now a grand Grade II Georgian ho e South eld ouse as o iginally onst u ted in the th entu y t is de ned by its t o onde ully elegant a ades as ell as an e tensive ea alled ga den o plete ith a uit t ees a su e house and a va iety o oses n olding ove South eld
ouse the e a e any eatu es typi al o its e a in luding a stunning antileve ed stone stai ase and nu e ous o iginal epla e su ounds eputedly built on the site o a edieval house in the id s as th ee ottages it as onve ted by the ode a ily ho e e su ess ul oollen ille s in the a ea into one d elling in t as also e onted a ound this ti e esulting in the egula Geo gian a ade that stands today he ont elevation o the house is pun tuated by seve al typi ally Geo gian pane sash indo s as ell as a se i
i ula stone po h suppo ted by t o lassi al us an olu ns nte nally any o the ho e s th entu y eatu es e ain no al ost yea s old in luding so e e eptional o na ental plaste o as ell as de o ated a ble epla e su ounds nt y is th ough a ve panelled doo st aight into a gene ous ent an e hall n one side is the it hen a lovely spa e ith an ga and hite abinet y ith ooden ounte tops use ul pant y is tu ed into the o ne he e is also a la ge utility oo ith a se ond sin and a ua y tile floo se ond sitting oo lies on the othe side o the hall a epla e he e a s the oo and is flan ed by al ove set shelving o the ea o the plan is the d a ing oo ith its egen y p opo tions int i ate egg and da t o ni ing and elegant u ved all Set into the latte a ull height sash indo an be th o n open to the ga den in the a e onths eating a st ong onne tion bet een inside and out se ond g ound floo hall lies beyond the st and is beauti ully lit by an a hed indo and a gla ed G
“An exceptional cantilevered stone staircase wraps around three of the walls”hall’s
door that opens to the garden that is the proud home to a resident peacock! An exceptional cantilevered stone staircase wraps around three of the hall’s walls, which have been painted in the pea green shade of Saxon Green by Farrow and Ball.
t the o e o the st floo the p in ipal bed oo is a onde ully light lled oo t ollo s the sa e plan as the drawing room below, with its curved wall papered with Sanderson’s Clementine Chintz. A large window frames green, verdant views, and has an en suite h ee additional bed oo s lie on this floo all with similarly striking schemes. Two of the three bathrooms have modern walk-in showers.
and lawn which directly abuts the house to the section of ‘wild’ garden with a stream running through it beyond. There is a varied i o atu e t ees ell sto ed flo al beds and an extensive vegetable garden. There is also a small o ha d ith a nu be o uit t ees these in lude apple, quince, pear, cherry and plum varieties. A charming summer house overlooks the garden and has a tanked wine cellar below. Newly restored, there is also a glass house, perfect for potting, as well as serving as a covered room for balmy summer evenings. To the side of the house is a private parking area, with space for several cars.
he se ond floo is ho e to t o u the bed oo s along with a room that could be used as a playroom or a study. They all have their own distinct charm, having been decorated with a variety of colours and wallpapers, including the atmospheric Boscobel Oak by Cole and Son.
South eld ouse s ea ga den hi h e tends to nea ly hal an a e and is south a ing is a bling and picturesque, from the more manicured terrace
HOUSE NUMBERS
Peacock 1 From Inigo; www.inigo.com
The thriving village of Rode itself is a 20 minute drive from Bath, sitting on the borders of Wiltshire and Somerset, a short drive from Frome and a mere ten minutes from Bradford on Avon. Dating back to the Saxon times, it is one of a collection of wool villages, all o hi h line the ive o e t has a post o e and a delightful village pub with rooms, and there is fantastic opportunity for wild swimming nearby, at a ley unge o d and ellis o d ei
Selling your home requires effort, and great care. Stock levels in Bath right now are high, meaning it is crucial to stand out. Below are the key steps we take at Flower Property that you should make sure your estate agent also does.
STAGE YOUR HOME
This is especially important if you have a vacant home with no furniture in it. Many buyers lack the ability to see how a space can be best used, so if your home is empty, they may not be able to see its potential. With the property fully staged with furniture, you are showing them what those possibilities are.
If you already have furniture in your home, property stagers offer a ‘finishing touches’ or ‘decluttering service’. This is where they will add or remove items from each room to really show-off the space you have. This will make the marketing look as smart as possible; making your home stand out.
We include home staging services in our fee. Some agents do not, and the cost will be at your expense. Either way, we really recommend it, you will sell your home faster and at a higher price.
HOW TO SELL YOUR HOME QUICKLY
Jack Flower, founder of FLOWER PROPERTY offers some key tips to help your home stand out
AVOID OVERPRICING
It is easy when inviting agents in to value your home to get carried away by the one who gives you the highest price. Sadly, this price is sometimes just too good to be true. Overpricing will leave your property sticking on the market without selling.
When getting your home valued, ask for evidence. They should be able to show you similar properties they have sold at that price, as well as other properties in your local area that have sold at that price. If they cannot, then the chances are that they are overvaluing your home, which will delay a sale.
HOST OPEN HOUSES WITH COLLABORATIVE ESTATE AGENCY
Hosting an open house is a fantastic way to sell your home. If you make it an event, with drinks, canapés and music, it creates a feeling of excitement, people will attach that feeling to your home, helping it sell. If people can see other people in the property at the same time, a sense of urgency is created, generating offers more quickly.
Collaborating with other local estate agents is also crucial. At Flower Property we do not
have access to every buyer in the market. However, by working closely with other local agents, we can allow for as many people as possible to view your home. We will then split the sales fee with those local agents, at no additional cost to you.
ABOUT FLOWER PROPERTY
At Flower Property we exist to turn property aspirations into lasting, flourishing legacies. Property is more than just transactions, it is about growth, transformation and care. We will guide you through your property journey with deep market insight, integrity, and long-term thinking. Together, we can create flourishing future. n
The Dairy, Wellow: Guide Price – £1.5 million
MEET THE ARCHITECT
From retrofitting to fabric first, and from environmental design to practical skills, the city’s experts share their industry specialisms
I came to study architecture at the University of Bath in 1982 and have never really left. I joined AEA in 1994 and have over 30 years’ professional experience. This year we are celebrating 47 years in practice.
What are the most rewarding aspects of the job?
No two projects are the same. Working in Bath keeps my thinking fresh and encourages innovation; learning through experience is a lifelong process. I have a great team and am privileged to work with some excellent clients, consultants and contractors.
What areas of architecture do you specialise in?
We offer an award winning architectural design, planning and management service currently working in luxury, boutique hotels, private and developer residential, retail and commercial sectors. We specialise in complex, challenging projects, typically involving listed buildings and environmentally sensitive contexts, that require an innovative and sustainable approach to design.
What sets you apart from other architects?
We are client focused and offer a bespoke service tailored to the needs of our clients. Our broad experience, tenacity and expertise have enabled us to deliver planning and listed building consents where others have been unsuccessful. Our clients trust us and enjoy working with us!
Greenaway Architecture combine contemporary design with a deep respect for heritage and context, delivering elegant, site-specific architecture tailored to each client. We specialise in predominantly residential design, heritage and conservation work, and bespoke new-build homes, particularly within sensitive planning landscapes.
What are the most rewarding aspects of the job?
The process of empathetically understanding people, places, and how to bring them together meaningfully, then seeing how our work positively transforms the way our clients live is always incredibly rewarding.
What are the hallmarks of a good building?
Clarity, context, and craft – we are always aiming to create architecture that’s thoughtful, lasting, and deeply rooted in place. We particularly enjoy visually and physically connecting flowing indoor spaces with lush landscapes beyond through framed views of nature and generous levels of natural light.
A good building is one that feels timeless, functions beautifully, and sits harmoniously within its setting.
What are the biggest challenges facing your profession?
The climate emergency is clearly the major challenge. In my role as Director of Heritage and Reuse, I’m seeing more clients actively seeking habitat and biodiversity gain when it’s not a planning requirement, and a great interest in a ‘fabric first’ approach. Success here relies on good collaboration across the team, so officers, clients, consultants and contractors – I hope the outcomes of the Building Safety Act help facilitate this.
What areas of architecture do you specialise in?
I’ve always had a passion for passive environmental design and found myself encouraging this on projects long before it was widely talked about. I’ve followed the development of Pilkington’s early vacuum glass and I’m pleased that a number of our prime residential and hotel projects at listed buildings in Bath have the latest version approved and installed.
What is your practice’s ethos and philosophy?
Heritage has always been a mainstay of our work and aligns with the ethos of ‘doing more with less’ in response to the challenges we face. The embodied carbon used to construct a building is huge, so it makes sense to re-use and adapt these structures while making them more resilient to the changing climate. Proper heritage repairs are vitally important if old buildings are to remain functional.
ALEX BELL
CHAPTER 2 ARCHITECTS
07595156685; www.chptr2archt.co.uk
What areas of architecture do you specialise in?
I specialise in energy efficiency upgrades for domestic and commercial clients. This is focussed on retrofitting existing buildings to reduce energy use, make them cosier and cheaper to run. I discourage building new, which for an architect is an anomaly. With retrofitting you can make your current home your dream home, and you don’t even have to move.
What are the most rewarding aspects of the job?
Most of my domestic clients want to know three things: what energy upgrades are applicable to their home, what will have the greatest impact, and what’s the best order to do things in. I enjoy meeting my clients at their home and chatting through the options with them over a coffee. Once I’ve understood their motivations and the property’s construction, I can prepare a comprehensive retrofit plan for them.
Have you won any awards for your work?
I was the Bath Property Awards 2024 winner of the One to Watch category, which was an unexpected thrill. It was hugely encouraging that the efforts I’ve put into this new business were recognised by the judges, along with the positive feedback I’ve had from my customers to date.
JONATHAN HETREED HETREED ROSS ARCHITECTS 01225 851860; www.hetreedross.com
What areas of architecture do you specialise in?
We concentrate on bespoke environmental design of smaller projects in residential, community and commercial architecture: we relish the demanding brief realised through intense listening, inspired creativity, contextual awareness and enlightened teamwork. Regardless of scale, when we achieve these objectives and exceed our clients’ expectations, we’re happy.
What are the most rewarding aspects of the job?
The extraordinary range of challenges –personally, technically, aesthetically – and even spiritually (we include a dozen local churches amongst our clients), from the grandest visions to the smallest details, from the intellectual assessment of space, light and beauty down to the practical physical skills of repairing a drain, or of finding the right door handle.
What advice would you give to an architect at the beginning of their career?
Keep your options open to experience the many different scales, kinds and characters of architecture, and try to experience first-hand the (sometimes harsh) realities of craftsmanship and construction by learning from the best of the building trades you work with, and from building your own projects. It makes such a difference to your judgement and understanding of the art of building – and to your own credibility as an architect on site.
MARK LORD
LORD ARCHITECTURE LTD info@lordarchitecture.co.uk; www.lordarchitecture.co.uk
When did you establish your practice?
Having gained a wealth of experience across more than a decade for award winning practices in London and the West Country, I established Lord Architecture in early 2017 to focus on the heritage and prime residential sectors.
Talk us through what you specialise in
Our specialism lies in the re-imagining of historic buildings through contemporary architecture. A large portion of our work is in the high-end residential sector in Bath, London and across the south of England however we have a strong commercial and mixed use background and are working on projects in this sector in London and the south-west.
What are you currently working on?
There are a number of exciting live commissions including works to Grade I and Grade II Listed buildings, grand designs, commercial conversions and new build projects here in Bath and across the south of England. On the drawing board and of particular note we are thrilled to be working with The Walcot Group on their latest culinary venture, and with a private client to transform their impressive country estate back to its former glory.
SUPPORTING FAMILIES, CHANGING LIVES
HOME-START is here to help parents when they need it most
Being a parent has never been easy – it can be lonely, frustrating, heartbreaking, and overwhelming. At Home-Start North Wiltshire, they have helped families cope through difficult times for almost 40 years.
The charity supports families with children under five through its free home visiting and group support service. Challenges families face includes loneliness, low mood and domestic abuse recovery. A volunteer is matched with a family to provide emotional and practical support, with help tailored to need. Support could be accompanying a family to a playgroup or playing with a child whose parent is too ill. Sometimes, just listening makes all the difference.
Home-Start’s Scheme manager, Tania Rackham says, “We train volunteers who visit families for 2-3 hours a week, for around 6 months, building up their strength, confidence, and resilience.
“There are many challenges that we help families with, it could be multiple birth, there’s a lot of isolation, poor health, or debt. It could be single parents or families, we help families from all walks of life, there is no typical case.
Our groups offer families a calm, supportive environment to meet others facing similar challenges. Our lovely volunteers are on hand to ensure no-one feels alone.”
At the heart of Home-Start are its volunteers who offer families kindness, compassion and empathy. No qualifications are required, just parenting experience (or relevant life experience), and being a good listener. All volunteers complete training.
Some parents go on to volunteer for the charity, Charlotte is one of them and says, “I feel like this charity saved my life. I know that sounds dramatic, but it is true, they saved me.”
“I had two older children and got married again and had a three-year-old and a oneyear-old. I thought I had done it all before with the older ones, so it would be easy, but I got depression and anxiety, and I just couldn’t cope. I wouldn’t go out, I wouldn’t socialise.
“Along came my volunteer Dawn, she came for a few weeks just for a coffee and to play with my youngest. Once she got to know us, she got us going to the children’s centre.”
“To begin with she would walk with me there and then after a while she’d say, ‘I’ll meet you there’ and then one day she said, ‘I’ll be about half an hour late’ so I had to walk in on my own and it worked. I made friends and started going on my own.
“When Dawn started coming, I felt like a failure but then realised it was doing the children good, and it was nice to get out and meet people. I felt motivated.”
Once her children were older, Charlotte began volunteering: “Home-Start really helped me, and I wanted to help someone else. I think I’m getting as much out of it as the family. I come away from visits and am buzzing.”
Last year, Home-Start helped 220 families and 372 children across its service area which includes Melksham, Calne, Chippenham, Devizes, Tidworth, Pewsey, Marlborough, and parts of Swindon. The charity relies on
fundraising alone to support families through their most difficult times and in April were thrilled to be chosen as Goughs’ Solicitors charity of the year. By working with parents during their children’s earliest years, Home-Start can help shape brighter futures for the next generation. n
For more information on Home-Start, volunteering or if you need support, call Dawn on 01672 569457, email hello@homestartnorthwiltshire.org.uk or scan the code.
Home-Start North Wiltshire is part of the Home-Start UK network. HSNW Charity number: 1106 736
FREEDRONE SURVEYANDPICTURESON APPOINTMENT
RESTORATION & HERITAGE SPECIALIST IN BATH AND SURROUNDINGS
• Sash Window Restoration & draught proofing •
• Premium painting & decorating, wallpapering •
• Wet rooms & bathrooms full refurbishment •
• Bespoke hand painted kitchens •
• Plastering, carpentry, tiling •
FOR THE HOME
Our local businesses are poised and ready to help with all your home needs for summer
SANDRIDGE STONE is a local craft-skills business specialising in all aspects of building and restoring local Bath Stone properties. It can supply and fix all stone requirements for new builds or extensions. The team’s heritage skills qualified stonemasons are also expert in repairing and restoring existing stone on listed properties in order to fulfil planning requirements. Boundary Farm, Berryfield, Melksham SN12 6EF; Tel: 01225 703733; www.sandridgestone.co.uk
TILE & FLOOR For over 50 years, Tile & Floor has been synonymous with the supply of a range of top-tier design-led materials and professional installation services. Our commitment to quality has forged enduring relationships with discerning homeowners overseeing their personal projects, as well as with design and construction professionals serving the property industry. Exciting news! We are now also conveniently located at Chippenham M4. Tel: 01225 310561; www.tileandfloor.co.uk
BATH KITCHEN COMPANY
Based in the heart of Bath and specialising in bespoke, handmade kitchens, Bath Kitchen Company become personally invested in every kitchen they design and build. It’s about attention to detail at every stage – creating a beautiful space that enhances the way you live. 7-9 North Parade Buildings, Bath BA1 1NS; Tel: 01225 312003 www.bathkitchencompany.co.uk
BATH GRANITE & MARBLE LTD has over 25 years experience honing their skills in crafting exquisite kitchen worktops, bathroom cladding, vanity units and more. With their excellent reputation for high quality and delivering exceptional service they are confident in bringing the natural beauty of stone into your home. Mention ‘BathLife’ to secure a 5% discount on your next order. Tel: 01373 472325; email: info@bathgranite.co.uk; www.bathgranite.co.uk
NO17 INTERIORS
offers a range of bespoke interior design services. Based in Bath and with vast experience in designing and installing developer show homes, hotels and residential properties for private clients, Lisa has the knowledge and skills to work to any brief or budget, whether looking to redesign, update existing furnishings or simply commission new curtains. email: lisa@no17interiors.co.uk; tel:07977 271503; www.no17interiors.co.uk
CLAIR STRONG INTERIOR DESIGN
Clair Strong Interior Design is a boutique, creative company based in Bath, providing a wide range of services for both residential and commercial clients. Her portfolio of projects includes the design, project coordination and sourcing for some of Bath’s most beautiful residences, as well as hotels, sports clubs, offices and other commercial venues. Contact Clair on 07855 797311 or 01225 426905; www.clairstrong.co.uk
MENDIP FIREPLACES BATH
Bath’s leading fireplace, wood burner, gas fire, chimney and flue specialist. From classic to contemporary, concept to completion, their team of experts can work with you to achieve your perfect interior. Brands include Chesneys, Barbas Bellfire, Westfire, Stovax, Gazco and Hunter. Get in touch or visit the showroom. Mendip Fireplaces, Monkton Combe, Bath BA2 7HD; info@mendipfireplacesbath.co.uk; Tel: 01225 722706; www.mendipfireplacesbath.co.uk
JENNIFER MOSSE DESIGN STUDIO
A bespoke, tailor-made, client-focused interior design consultancy service based in Bath. Specialising in residential interior design and providing a truly personal service adapted to each client’s needs, Jennifer’s unique style blends seamlessly between period and contemporary homes. The aim is simple – to create spaces that bring joy, reflecting her clients’ lifestyles and personalities. Tel: 07738289189; www.jennifermosse.com
NEXUS OF BATH is a Bath based family business specialising in painting and decorating, plastering, tiling, sash window restoration and other property restoration. Nexus have built a reputation for the highest standards of workmanship with experience across a range of projects from listed buildings through to new builds, with a complete commitment to customer service and health and safety
Tel: 01225 300414; www.nexusofbath.co.uk
LOUISE BROWN
The University of Bath professor on loving football, that ‘sliding doors’ moment and a baptism of fire
Professor Louise Brown has been at the University of Bath for 29 years and teaches childcare law to students training to be social workers. In her role as Associate Dean (International) her job is to promote the university department’s work globally through partnership activity and support overseas recruitment. She has also recently been appointed Family Justice in the family courts. Originally from Cardiff, Louise came to Bath at 19 to attend university.
I missed quite a bit of schooling during my early years as I had to have a serious operation at the age o ve hi h put e in a plaste ast o y head to y aist an still e e be ho y othe ould use nitting needles to o bat the it hing
Being Welsh, I spent many many hours as a child on the side of a rugby pitch and I have ontinued to suppo t the elsh tea ove the yea s ithout any sons to oa h y athe taught e to play ootball ugby and ho to at h a i et ball
“ I was very proud to captain Bath City Ladies team”
Growing up I wanted to be the female version of George Best. as given a leathe ootball o y seventh bi thday and have never forgotten the s ell and eight o it hen it got et ut being told at an ea ly age that you e not allo ed to play in the s hool tea be ause you e a gi l da pens that enthusias
At school I realised that being brainy attracted the bullies. hilst anaging to get a hand ul o levels in luding one in geology and late applying to unive sity to study it as a sub e t pi tu ing ysel happily sitting on a bea h o gla ie so e he e in the o ld olle ting ossils ut y d ea s e e shatte ed hen opened that level envelope and sa y g ades
It was a real sliding doors moment. too ysel o to ollege he e studied la and so iology spending ost o that yea obse ving ases in the ou ts in a di and o ing as a voluntee on t avelle sites
I studied to be a social worker at the University of Bath and had a g o ing inte est in hild p ote tion o te g aduating y st p ope ob as as a hild p ote tion o e o the S in istol t as a baptis o e o ing ith hild en ho had been abused unde ta ing investigations and unning g oup o o pe pet ato s
I’ve spent a lot of time working in China and South Africa hi h b ings any hallenges as the position
o hild en in so iety va ies d a ati ally hat is onside ed abuse in one pla e an be onside ed the no in anothe
It’s difficult when you work alongside practitioners in countries trying to do their best but he e pove ty ood se u ity onfli t and envi on ental disaste s ean p io itising the needs o hild en is al ost i possible
I joined the women’s football team at university, and late ent on to play o istol ove s as ve y p oud to go on to aptain ath ity adies tea as e have su h a i h histo y o o en s ootball in ath ith ath ity having had a o en s tea sin e
It was during my time at Bath City that I met the film director Ken Loach, ho is a staun h suppo te o the lub t as any yea s late that dis ove ed he had in luded a sho t l about the ath adies tea on the Looking For Eric So y lai to a e being a on a ith i antona
I live on the city’s north side and neve ti e o the vie o ittle Solsbu y o y bed
My most prized possession is a pie e o st iated o ound unde a gla ie in eland
My secret Bath is the step al up ath bbey s to e to sit behind the lo a e
