Bath Life – Issue 533 by MediaClash

DRAMATIC TURN

Lily Allen is killing it as Hedda Gabler at the Ustinov theatre

THE BEAUTY OF CO-WORKING OFFICE AFFAIRS THE WINNING WAYS OF BATH CITY’S DARREN WAY THE FLOURISHING RISE OF IFORD MANOR UNDER THE HAMMER WITH BATH’S AUCTIONEERS BATH

PHOTO BY ANDY GOTTS

It takes something special to even partially eclipse an eagerly awaited Ralph Fiennes’ Theatre Royal Bath season. His curated run is absolutely wonderful (Grace Pervades was simply another level, as were the performances from Kae Tempset and Patti Smith; with As You Like It, and Small Hotel yet to come), but we have to admit, of late, it’s been all eyes on the Main House’s tiny neighbour, the Ustinov Studio. This is where mega pop star, podcaster extraordinaire, and relatively fledging actor Lily Allen is taking on the complex, enigmatic and tragic role of Hedda Gabler.

Hedda is often described as the female Hamlet, with Maggie Smith, Diana Rigg, Janet Suzman, Cate Blanchett and Ruth Wilson among the previous heavyweight Hedda alumnus. This is a role with nowhere to hide, but even more so when you perform it in the intimate and pressurised setting of the Ustinov (126 max capacity) – an intense space where you can see the actors’ eyelashes, you know if the tears are real, and you can feel their breath in the quiet moments. The sold-out play launched the day we went to press, so the critics’ and audience’ reception to the production is not yet known, but we have to applaud Lily’s bravery, boldness and confidence. And we are so proud that the ‘always punching’ Ustinov is hosting this run. Keep an eye on our social media channels @BathLifeMag where we’ve already been sharing some Lily/Hedda content (shared by Lily herself no less, to her 1.7 million followers), and where we’ll be posting our upcoming Ustinov visit. And if you haven’t been lucky enough to bag a ticket, do keep an eye out for returns. Miracles do happen!

SARAH MOOLLA

Issue 533 / August 2025

COVER Lily Allen is currently up close and personal at the Ustinov in a new production of Hedda. Turn to page 31 for more. Portrait by Andy Gotts and art design by Trevor Gilham

THE ARTS

31 ARTS INTRO The story behind Lily coming to the Ustinov

32 WHAT’S ON People to see, places to go

34 CULTURE CLUB The arty picks of Julia Chan

36 FILM What’s big at the Little

RETAIL

38 AUCTIONEERS Find out more about hammer time

FOOD & DRINK

46 RESTAURANT Enjoying the sin of greed at Se7en

50 NEWS FEED Nuggets from Bath’s foodie scene

LIFE STYLE

55 SHOPPING INTRO Everybody out!

56 EDITOR’S CHOICE Accessories to refresh your al fresco space

59 BEAUTY Getting grounded at the Royal Crescent Hotel & Spa

60 GARDENS A visit to the breathtaking Iford Manor Gardens

CO-WORKING

64 OFFICE SPACE The hubs that make it happen

NETWORK

73 NETWORK LEAD Catching up with Fidelius’s Duncan McKillop

76 NETWORK NEWS Business news, views, and interviews

79 NETWORK SCENE A look at the Leadership Dialogues

81 CAREER PATH Jack Flower on challenging stereotypes

PROPERTY

87 PROPERTY LEAD The Bath Property Awards launches

88 PROPERTY NEWS The latest from the market

92 SHOWCASE The bright and beautiful Stonecroft

DEPARTMENTS

8 SPOTLIGHT Tales of city

Editor Sarah Moolla sarah.moolla@mediaclash.co.uk Managing editor Deri Robinsderi.robins@mediaclash.co.uk Senior art editor Andrew Richmond Cover design Trevor Gilham

Contributors Matt Bielby, Victoria Bond, Elsie Chadwick, David Flatman, Chantelle Horton, Ellie Henderson, and John Mather Commercial director Pat White pat.white@mediaclash. co.uk Business development manager Annabel North annabel.north@mediaclash.co.uk Business development manager Dan Nichols dan.nichols@mediaclash.co.uk Business development executive Ruby Coburn ruby.coburn@mediaclash.co.uk Marketing manager and events executive Olivia Amey Production and distribution manager Kirstie Howe kirstie.howe@mediaclash.co.uk Production designer Matt Gynn matt.gynn@mediaclash.co.uk Production designer Gemma Bourne Chief executive Jane Ingham jane.ingham@ mediaclash.co.uk Chief executive Greg Ingham greg.ingham@mediaclash.co.uk Bath Life MediaClash, Media House, 1 Widcombe Parade, Bath, BA2 4JT. tel: 01225 475800; www.mediaclash.co.uk. Instagram @TheMediaClash ©All rights reserved. May not be reproduced without written permission of MediaClash. We’re a Bath-based publisher, creative agency and event organiser Magazines Our portfolio of regional magazines celebrates the best of local living: Bath and Bristol. Agency From the design and build of websites to digital marketing and creating company magazines, we can help. Events We create, market, promote and operate a wide variety of events both for MediaClash and our clients Contact: info@mediaclash.co.uk

PHOTO BY MARIANNE CARTWRIGHT HIGNETT

PHOTO BY DAN BURNAM;

WET PAINT

Young artists have worked together to transform a gra ti covered wall on the path alongside the iver Avon in Bath with a bright and colourful work of art.

The mural was collaboration between Bath & North East Somerset Council and Little Lost Robot, an independent non profit collective of artists working with social practice across Bath and North East Somerset, and is part of a series of improvements to the Bath River Line, a 10km stretch of the river corridor between Newbridge and Bathampton.

Ruby Sant, director of Little Lost Robot and head of Bath Spa University’s inclusive communities team, says, “It’s been a great opportunity for emerging artists to get paid employment, deliver artwork for the public, and start careers in the arts.”

For more: www.lostrobot.org | www.bathnes.gov.uk

RIVER WAY

SPACE MAN

Bathonian Roy Gibson has been awarded a British Empire Medal for his services to space. Over his long career, Roy worked for several international space organisations, including the European Space Research Organisation, the European Space Agency and Britain’s first ational pace entre, and he used his platform and influence to champion Britain’s role in global space projects.

Roy was presented his medal at the Bishop alace in ells, alongside five other Community Heroes.

For more: www.bathnes.gov.uk

SouthGate’s new summer installation is a spectacular celebration of Bath’s connection with the River Avon. The centre has partnered with Bath and North East Somerset Council, taking inspiration from the 2025 Bath Festival of Nature theme of water, to create a mesmerising ‘river in the sky’ canopy suspended overhead on St Lawrence Street. The aim is to spotlight the environmental importance of local habitats and promote appreciation for the uni ue flora and fauna that thrive along the riverbanks.

The river is further brought to life through willow sculptures created by local artist Julie Starks in collaboration with pupils from three local schools. The canopy itself is crafted from sustainable fabric and balsam wood, with the centre donating materials to Bath College for repurposing at the end of the summer and using others in future installations.

isitors can also en oy an educational river themed floor trail, illustrated by local artist Marian Hill. The trail features facts about local wildlife, ecosystems and water conservation, and includes interactive QR codes linking to more information and ways to get involved.

For more: www.southgatebath.com

Roy Gibson, centre, pictured with David Addis, Angela Clarke, Douglas Allen, Lord-Lieutenant of Somerset Mohammed Saddiq, Elizabeth Caroline Toll and John Hardy

Young Bath artists helped paint this colourful mural

SouthGate’s river in the sky

CRAZY LIKE A BOULE!

It was that tres magical time of the year again when le magniﬁcent Bath Boules returned a la Queen Square avec boules, beer, bands, and bon chance. The do not miss event, open to everyone, is the community event of the year. It has been running for over 30 years and has raised £775,000 for Bath charities in that time.

The ﬁnal amount raised this time, from 3 – 6 July, will be revealed in the autumn, but in the meantime, what we do know is there were 200 teams and thousands of visitors over the fabulous four days, with the Thursday winners Zest Sales & Lettings, Friday: Bath Stone Property, Saturday: Bath Aix-en-Provence Twinning Association and Sunday: Bath League de Petanque

Music was provided by Paper Jam, The Flipside, and Orchestra of Everything, with The Choux Box, Dos Dedos and Bardacious being just a few of the foodie stalls in the Square. And, in what was a special moment, the new Bath mayor Bharat Pankhania launched the friendly pétanque match between representatives from Aix-en-Provence (France), Alkmaar (Netherlands) and Brunswick (Germany).

See if you can spot yourself over the next eight pages fooling and boule’ing around in the sun. And for you doggie lovers, over on page 23 there’s a bow-wow boule’ing special!

For more: www.bathboules.com

PHOTO BY ADAM JAMES PHOTOGRAPHY

PHOTO BY ROY NEWPORT

PHOTO BY ADAM JAMES PHOTOGRAPHY

NOUS SOMMES DONE! IT’S BEEN UNE BLAST…

Baby, Toddler and Pre-School

Saturday 30 August th

Between 9:30am - 12:00pm Baskervilles

Soft Play ● Music & Movement Gymnastic Circuits ● Parent Participation Experienced and Qualified Coaches

Booking required - Scan the QR code or call 01225 330001

CARNIVAL OF LIGHT

Bath Carnival 2025 delivered an unforgettable day of colour, creativity, and community spirit as it returned to the city on 12 July under blue skies and tropical heat, bringing with it a dazzling array of costumes, music, traditions and entertainment for all ages.

Throughout the day Sydney Gardens featured two stages of brilliant live music including Dizraeli and Laid Blak; there was the absolutely buzzing Super Pirates children’s play area, plus walkabout acts, puppetry, dance performances, and face painting. Plus visitors could enjoy a huge array of independent food, drink, and creative stalls to browse and shop.

But of course, the breathtaking highlight was the two-and-a-half-hour carnival procession with more than 1,000 participants parading along our elegant Georgian showcasing professional artists alongside our local residents, including Achieve Together, Bath Salsa, and Bathwick St Mary Church Primary School. Spectators were treated to a mesmerising display of samba bands, Rio-style dancers, stilt walkers, and spectacular costumes.

To ensure the free family, friendly, Bath Carnival comes back next year, please visit the Local Giving website, search for Bath Carnival, and donate what you can to help keep this very special summertime tradition brightening up the Georgian backdrop!

On this page photos are by Mike Johnston; www.mikiie148.substack.com, and opposite by Jamie Bellinger; www.jamiebellinger.com For more: www.bathcarnival.co.uk

Office politics

Flats considers the beneﬁts of a conventional commute

Alovely man know moved to ew ealand a few years ago. He retained his palatial pad on a certain estuary in outh evon, but decided that was the way to go and got himself something akin to an embassy with a view over he Bay of omething Lovely (can’t remember its actual name . stuaries, bays, it all works.

His story is one of those that, in my body at least, produces a very distinct set of chemicals as a reaction. All of me was and is thrilled for him, but mi ed into my reactive cocktail is a small shot of disappointment in myself for having played a silly sport for so long when could have been building a business from scratch to sell for illions. He sold posh shoes, and he sold lots and lots of them. Men from all over the world would order his shoes in order that they might have the most prestigious brogues in the o ce keeping up with the As uiths etc.

He sold his business for a ton, buggered o for that better view, and about five minutes later

“Perhaps I should start wearing shirts and trousers by day, instead of used gym attire… and Crocs”

episodes of one series or another, from my sofa, or in the smart casual surroundings of alcot House. But ’m beginning to think that should start taking myself a little more seriously. visited a mate at his o ce at ewark orks the other day and wow. hat a setup. t made me think that perhaps should start wearing shirts and trousers by day, instead of used gym attire or faded, holey chino shorts and rocs. now imagine myself pootling into town on my little Brompton bicycle, laptop in my commuter rucksack, heading to the o ce to get things done.

Covid happened. And, you guessed it, nobody went to the o ce anymore so nobody needed four hundred uid leather soled shoes anymore. o yeah, timing.

he whole working from home ( H thing was interesting to watch, for me, as someone who didn’t have an o ce anyway. hose with dedicated spaces at home were sorted, while millions presumably made the bed they’d ust slept in, propped themselves up on it with their spare pillows, and proceeded to get bad backs as they emailed and oom called away, naked from the waist down.

hen, once life started to get more normal again the stand o s began between employers who felt the o ce environment was more productive and helpful for business, and those who’d become accustomed to py ama life from Monday to riday.

do work, obviously, but not in the same way that most people do. have a laptop but don’t actually use it. ver. Most of my high powered meetings are indeed conducted either on oom via my phone as walk the dog or between

As for what ’d do when got there, ’m not sure. do get some emails, but don’t like them so try not to reply to any in the hope that this will make them stop. don’t like talking on the phone particularly, so can’t do that. could do some hatsApping, suppose, and could take said laptop and look at cars and ightmove and imple oppers until home time (so basically what everyone was doing during lockdown, between falsely enthusiastic video conference calls . verall, want to be there for the co ee and pastries they sell at the bakery ne t door. could ustify the fees, guess, if took all of my electrical items phones, kids’ i ads, hair clippers, sonic toothbrush and plugged them all in at my desk so that they might charge up on someone else’s dollar.

an you call that a ob ’m not sure, but am sure that, even for someone who does not in any way re uire an o ce, some of these workspaces are now su ciently enticing that may not be able to resist. he moment almond croissants become part of a meal deal, ’m in.

David Flatman is an ex-Bath and England rugby star turned TV pundit and rent-o-mic. Follow him on X/Twitter @davidflatman and Insta @dflatman

THE ARTS

SNAPSHOTS OF BATH’S CULTURAL LIFE

LEADING LADY

BY MANUEL HARLAN

The pop star extraordinaire and podcast sensation, Lily Allen, is currently starring in a new adaptation of Hedda, at the intimate Ustinov theatre, until 23 August. Written by Henrik Ibsen in 1890, it tells the tragic tale of Hedda Gabler, who returns from her honeymoon already bored with her marriage, and follows a path she thinks leads to happiness and freedom, but ultimately results in destruction.

Of Lily’s casting back in May, director Matthew Dunster said: “Lily and I were talking about women we knew that were trapped in relationships where men had all the power, and how these 21st-century women were still being controlled and destroyed.

“The conversation turned to plays where we could explore those ideas. We thought of Hedda and the connections were obvious, exciting and devastating.” He added: “I relish watching Lily challenge herself, she pushes me, and I really value our ongoing collaboration. We want to o er up a Hedda that is absolutely for now.”

Hedda marks the singer’s third turn at treading the boards, including her West End debut in 2021 in the supernatural thriller 2:22 A Ghost Story, which saw her nominated for an Olivier Award.

For more: www.theatreroyal.org.uk

PHOTOS

HA ’S ON

2 – 30 August

EXHIBITIONS

Until 31 August

WORSHIP THE WILD

All-new work from both Victoria opping and Liberty right at their ellow allery on alcot treet. Expect bold colour, layered textures, and a deep reverence for the natural world. www.victoriatopping.com

Until 31 August IMPRESSIONS IN WATERCOLOUR: TURNER AND HIS CONTEMPORARIES

This exhibition presents a rare opportunity to see Turner at his most experimental and gestural, alongside notable contemporaries, highlighting an era of exciting developments in watercolour in which they worked. Holburne; www.holburne.org

Until 23 September

AXLE ARTS AND SAW

A le Arts and omerset Art orks

( A are collaborating in an exhibition of outdoor sculpture at the Royal Crescent Hotel & Spa. Exhibiting artists include Dorothy Brook, David Cutler, Barry Davies RCA, Rachel Demuth and Mick Morgan. email: bridget@axlearts.com

Until 5 October

THE LOST SPELLS

Showcasing artworks by Jackie Morris and poems by Robert Macfarlane, from their best-selling book The Lost Spells, this exploration of the natural world honours Britain’s wildlife and reminds us of just how precious it is. Victoria Art Gallery; www.victoriagal.org.uk

Until 11 October PETRIFICATION

The Bath Royal Literary and cientific nstitution e hibition is designed for children but has appeal for all, as it informs and inspires interest in the wonderful world of fossils. BRLSI; www.brlsi.org

Until 28 October BIOPHILIA

A partnership with Arborealists, Dorset Visual Arts, and Art at the Heart of the RUH is an exhibition exploring how humans have a natural, primal instinct to connect with nature, and the benefits of doing so. www.artatruh.org

Until 2 November

THE MOST TIRESOME PLACE IN THE WORLD

Her frank letters, responses, and the

only manuscript she wrote in Bath reveal the highs and lows of Jane Austen’s time in the city. No 1 Royal Crescent; www.no1royalcrescent.org.uk

Until 20 December IN BLOOM

A beautiful exhibition that demonstrates how flowers have inspired generations of artists from ast and outheast Asia. ncludes works from Hiroko mada, en Hsi Harman, Lihong Bai, eong ong Pak and Kristen Kong. Museum of East Asian Art; www.meaa.org.uk

Until 4 January

BEYOND INFINITY: AMERICAN SPACE EXPLORATION

This special exhibition showcases innovation, collaboration, and the sublime magic of space with features that include a giant moon installation, amazing rocket and spacecraft models, games, facts, outof-this-world stories and interactive play. American Museum & Gardens; www.americanmuseum.org

Until 5 January

CAPTURING THE COSMOS

Features the incredible planetary, deep sky, and nightscape,

photography of our local amateur astronomy community. There’s also a starry programme of stargazing events and activities planned throughout the year. Herschel Museum; www.herschelmuseum.org.uk

Until 1 February MYTHS & MACHINES

The exhibition is dedicated to artists Niki de Saint Phalle and Jean Tinguely, celebrating their visionary artistic output and enduring creative collaboration over three decades. Alongside unseen works on paper it features Saint Phalle’s monumental open-air sculptures Hauser & Wirth Somerset; www.hauserwirth.com

29 August – 1 September IN TIME

Catch Chloe Yandell’s solo exhibition at Studio 22, New Bond Street. The Bath-based artist is also part of the Corsham Peacock Arts Trail which runs again this year, 4 – 12 October. www.chloeyandell.com

THEATRE

8 – 29 August

A MIDSUMMER NIGHT’S DREAM

Set against the stunning backdrop

Catch the Worship the Wild exhibition at the Yellow Gallery until 31 August

of Bath Abbey, Antic Disposition’s production will transform this majestic space into a shimmering, enchanted forest, sharing the Shakespeare comic tale of lovers, fairies and a bunch of amateur actors. www.bathabbey.org

9 August

KHLOE BUTTLIFT

elsh star and rag dol finalist, Khloe Buttlift, presents great performances, big laughs, and an unforgettable night of cabaret. Mandalyns; Instagram @mandalynsbath

10 August

FARM YARD CIRCUS

A full day of circus fun with the Farm Yard Circus in the Grotto Paddock at Beckford’s Tower and includes a circus show using physical theatre and folk dance, workshops, music and giant bubbles. www.beckfordstower.org.uk

MUSIC

22 August

OCEAN COLOUR SCENE

The Birmingham mod heroes who formed in 1 , achieved five top 10 albums, including a number one. Together they embrace classic pop song structures and guitar jams in equal measure, and are back on tour and delivering rip-roaring, legendary performances. Bath Forum; www.bathforum.co.uk

Until 31 August

ROMAN BATHS

SUMMER LATES

Bath Carnival, 7 Hills Fest, Polymathic and Bath Arts Collective

team up with Roman Baths to bring Summer Lates. On Fridays and Saturdays vinyl DJs to create a laidback, uplifting vibe with an eclectic mix of Latin jazz, rare grooves, and global sounds. Sundays take it down a notch, with relaxed vibes and acoustic sets. www.romanbaths.co.uk

30 August

MIK ARTISTIK

See a 69-year-old man wearing a string vest and sun-hat play the air-guitar with what appears to be a crook lock, whilst also performing a thrilling alchemy of music, punk, poetry, ramblings, and anarchy. Chapel Arts; www.chapelarts.org

FESTIVALS

7 – 17 August

IF OPERA

The 2025 repertoire will include Verdi’s Rigoletto as the centrepiece of the season alongside Simon Butteriss’ interpretation of enbach’s Orpheus in the Underworld in the secluded and peaceful new venue, Church Farm which includes exclusive new dining experiences from Homewood. Also on the bill is the much-loved Picnic Prom featuring award-winning jazz vocalist Clare Teal. www.ifopera.com

14 – 17 August

WE OUT HERE

The Dorset / Salisbury border comes alive with 15 stages over three days, from the large open-air forest dance floors to small and intimate sound systems. Curated by broadcaster and DJ Gilles Peterson, this eclectically thrilling festival

CLOCKWISEFROMTOP: The Lost Spells is the new Victoria Art Gallery exhibition; Yoga Sista is just one of the wellness experts appearing at the Verve festival in Tisbury; Farm Yard Circus are performing at Beckford Tower on 10 August; Chloe Yandell is holding a solo exhibition at Studio 22 at the end of August

includes Michael Kiwanuka, Rotary Connection 222, and Noname. www.weoutherefestival.com

28 – 31 August

END OF THE ROAD

Self Esteem, Caribou, Father John Misty, and Sharon Van Etten & The Attachment Theory are just a few of the big names performing at this lovely Larmer Tree Gardens festival, set in beautifully manicured lawns with ornate garden structures, atmospheric woodland clearings, rolling countryside, and a peacock or two. www.endoftheroadfestival.com

13 – 14 September

VERVE

Hatch House in the Nadder Valley near Salisbury is the beautiful backdrop to this returning wellness retreat. On the bill are yoga teachers, breathwork guides, sound healers, and inspirational speakers, alongside intimate live music and nourishing food, all curated and designed to restore and inspire. www.feeltheverve.com

OTHER

Until 2 September

SUMMER OF PLAY

There’s a whole host of family fun outdoor activities at Prior Park based both around the gardens and

play dens in the wild area. www. nationaltrust.org.uk

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 an e hibition, film screening, after hour tours and Regency church services. www.bathabbey.org

3 August AN AUDIENCE WITH JOHN CLEESE

The Weston-super-Mare actor and comedian talks about childhood, uni days, Fawlty Towers, his children and quitting the UK. Theatre Royal Bath; www.theatreroyal.org.uk

22 August / 8 September METABOLIC HEALTH RESET DAY

Visit Combe Grove for a unique chance to experience the all day metabolic health check which includes Accuniq body composition analysis, waist-to-hip ratio assessment, brunch and supper in The Orangery, a kitchen garden tour, cooking demos, and a series of informative workshops and classes focussing on sleep and stress, plus movement and mindset sessions. Costs £225. www.combegrove.com

Julia Chan is currently starring at the Ustinov alongside Lily Allen, Imogen Stubbs, Ciarán Owens, and Tom Austen in the reimagining of Henrik Ibsen’s Hedda Gabler, on until 23 August (turn to page 31 for more).Julia, who grew up between Hong Kong and the UK, has starred in NBC’s Saving Hope; the horror ﬁlm Silent House, and co-hosted the ﬁrst two seasons of The Great Canadian Baking Show

The last great ﬁlm I saw

The Norwegian ﬁlm, The Worst Person in the World directed by Lars von Trier. I thought it was astonishing and I have yet to be quite as wowed by a new movie.

A ﬁlm I could watch over and over again

Well, Broadcast News, of course. I watch it every six months. It surprises, delights and breaks my heart every single time, my mouth agape watching Holly Hunter – how does she do that?

A painting that means something to me

Gaea by Lee Krasner (1966). She just knew what was up, and her work was so achingly intense. A professor once described this one as “tumbling wombs” and I’ve never really gotten over it.

Best TV show ever

The Comeback with Lisa Kudrow playing sitcom actress Valerie

Cherish. It’s pure genius and a bone-chillingly accurate representation of aspects of this business. Season 3 was just announced after a decade break. I’m over the moon.

My TV guilty pleasure

I’ve got to say it’s still Bake Off, the UK version. I didn’t think I’d be able to go back to watching the UK one after hosting the Canadian version but I was wrong, it’s perfect. It’s a hug.

The book that changed my life Sheila Heti’s How a Person Should Be. Please read it if you haven’t already. When I read it, it felt like a magic trick. She was saying everything I was thinking and feeling.

The book I could happily re-read The Phantom Tollbooth written by Norton Juster, with illustrations by Jules Feiffer, ﬁrst published in 1961. I can’t wait to read it to my son.

Last live music gig I went to My ﬁve-year-old’s school show Multicultural World. He took several extra bows at the end.

My desert island disc

The Lost in Translation soundtrack. It just covers everything.

For more: www.theatreroyal.org.uk

CULTURE CLUB with Julia Chan

Julia is a Bake Off fan

PHOTO

MANUEL HARLAN

The ‘tumbling wombs’ of Gaea by Lee Krasner

Possibly one of the loveliest festivals in the UK, End of The Road runs 28 – 31 August

bathgardendesign bathgardendesign.com

THE REEL THING ELLIE HENDRICKS

From steamy love triangles to septuagenarian detectives, there’s a sizzling selection of ﬁlms at the Little this August

Materialists

Release date 15 August

Two’s company, but three’s a crowd in Celine Song’s new release, Materialists

Lucy (Dakota Johnson) is a hot-shot matchmaker in the big city; she’s direct, practical and realistic in her approach to romance. When she meets the charming Harry (Pedro Pascal), it seems that they’re perfectly matched, but will the reappearance of her ex-boyfriend, John (Chris Evans), disrupt the balance?

After exploring the complexities of childhood crushes in the hit film Past Lives (2023), Song now takes on the trials and tribulations of the modern dating scene. Johnson, Pascal and vans star as the central trio, filling the screen with palpable chemistry and charisma. Whilst the set-up might seem familiar, Song handles the subject of love and rivalry with perfect deftness, creating a sharp observational romantic drama for a contemporary audience.

Life of Chuck

Release date 22 August

From director Mike Flanagan (Doctor Sleep, The Haunting of Hill House comes the genre defining non-linear masterpiece The Life of Chuck Adapted from a short story by Stephen King, The Life of Chuck is a journey through the experiences of accountant Chuck Krantz.

Played by an incredible Tom Hiddleston, we meet Chuck at the end of the world, where natural disasters are befalling the globe and time is running out. In this dramatic setting, we come to know Chuck, along with schoolteacher Marty (Chiwetel Ejiofor) and his ex-girlfriend (Karen Gillan). Whilst this set-up sounds bleak, in the hands of lanagan and ing, the film is nothing short of magical, with audiences guaranteed to leave the screen with a smile. A thought-provoking exploration of life, death, and the human connection that inspires selfreflection.

The Thursday Murder Club

Release date 22 August

Adapted from the best-selling and much-loved novel by Richard Osmond, The Thursday Murder Club is the cosy murder mystery that we’ve all been waiting for.

In the comfortable setting of the Coopers Chase Retirement Village, a collection of bored residents spend their abundant free time solving cold cases. After a dramatic turn of events, the group are thrown into an ongoing crime and they find themselves far closer to murder than they ever expected…

Full to the brim with acting legends, the cast stars Helen Mirren, Pierce Brosnan, Celia Imrie and Ben Kingsley as the retirees turned detectives. his charming and witty film is sure

to delight fans of the books and newcomers to the franchise alike, with the entire cast on top comedic form.

The Roses

Release date 29 August)

All’s fair in love and war (and this is a bit of both).

Ivy (Olivia Colman) and Theo (Benedict Cumberbatch) are the picture-perfect couple, with a beautiful house, delightful children, and thriving careers. After an unexpected change of fortune, the cracks in their facade begin to show, and it isn’t long before the literal and metaphorical weapons come out…

Colman and Cumberbatch are excellent in this bold reimagining of Warren Adler’s 1981 novel The War of the Roses and Danny DeVito’s 1 film of the same name. he couple are perfectly awful to each other and it’s a joy to watch the chaos escalate to farcical levels, with the cast clearly having as much fun as the audience will.

Ellie Hendricks is the Little Theatre Cinema’s marketing manager. The Little Theatre Cinema, 1–2 St Michael’s Place, Bath; www.picturehouses.co.uk

CLOCKWISEFROMTOP: Thursday Murder Club stars

Celia Imrie, Ben Kingsley, Helen Mirren and Pierce Brosnan; The Roses, starring Olivia Colman and Benedict Cumberbatch, is a reimagining of 1989’s classic The War of the Roses; the trials and tribulations of the modern dating scene are explored in Materialists; The Life of Chuck starring Tom Hiddleston is based on a short story by Stephen King

How auctioneers get us to do their bidding!

By Elsie Chadwick

“The passion comes from the unpredictability”

W

e step behind the podium with the local auctioneers to uncover the passion, skill, and strategy that fuel their profession. From the psychology of reading a room to the rise of online bidding, and from pre-auction rituals to the most unusual of lots, we explore what separates the going from the gone.

Leon Ma, director with Ma San Auction on George Street who specialise in the valuation and sale of Asian antiques; www.masanauction.com

Talk us through the preparation needed for auction day

Hosting a live auction can certainly come with its share of stresses. With a global bidding audience, ensuring that our live online platforms are synchronised and running smoothly is typically the first thing check on the morning of a sale. We have four clerks managing separate bidding platforms, manually inputting bids as they come in. This means that throughout the sale, each clerk must stay attuned to the auctioneer to ensure bids are recorded accurately and to identify which platform has won the lot. With telephone bids and in-person bidders also involved, it can be quite a juggling act for the auctioneer at times.

What keeps you passionate about auctioneering?

The passion comes from the unpredictability and surprises that can arise each day. Hidden treasures can surface at unexpected moments, and the stories behind certain items can be truly compelling. Staying curious and engaged with the items we consign helps keep everything fresh and interesting.

In what ways has the rise of online auctions changed your job and the industry?

nline auctions have undoubtedly made it easier for buyers to find and bid on items with convenience. They have expanded the buyer’s market, which, in turn, has driven up hammer prices for certain items something that’s beneficial, of course, for sellers. citingly, we’ve recently partnered with the online auction platform Auctionet. A wedish company making a significant impact in the U , which believe will become a leading marketplace for online bidding here, ust as it is in weden and other uropean countries. he Auctionet platform enables us to publish items on our website daily, providing bidders with the opportunity to browse and place bids at any time, from anywhere.

MAINIMAGE: Leon Ma director of Ma San Auction; ABOVE: Ma San Auction has recently partnered with the online auction platform Auctionet to allow bids anytime, anywhere PHOTOS BY DAN BURNAM;

“Building a rapport with the audience is essential”

What’s your secret to reading a room and knowing how to help secure a bid?

Building a rapport with the audience is essential. n a live room, you can tell by the body language whether there is another bid to come. enerally, if someone stares at the floor, you know they have finished bidding if they are attentive or talking to their partner, you know there is still life in the room. ven more so with online auctions, telepathy seems to come into play, and you can sense another bid will appear on the screen. Auctioneers must think on their feet, interpret all the signs and react accordingly.

What helps a good auctioneer become a great one?

ersonality is essential. t is important to immediately take charge of the room and show who is in command, and then direct and encourage the bidding. Auctions have the potential to be boring, so it is good to be able to introduce humour and, dare say it, some cheek. t not only helps to rela the punters but to entertain the audience.

Any auctioneering tips?

trategic pauses are always useful to give a di dent bidder time to make another bid. A great auctioneer is well prepared, can think on their feet, keeps everyone entertained, and encourages buyers to feel confident when bidding.

Can you tell us about a time when bidding became unexpectedly intense?

recall a particular lot that was an ordinary house, but it was situated between the anne es of two rival hotels. Both hoteliers were there, glaring at each other and neither would give way even after the estimated sale price had doubled ventually, after a great deal of gasping from the audience, the gavel came down and the underbidder stormed out of the saleroom. n another occasion, witnessed a punch up emotions can sometimes run high at auctions

go under the hammer?

city centre to celebrate Bristol oo’s anniversary.

Andrew Morgan MBE, director and auctioneer with the land and property auctioneers Hollis Morgan; www.hollismorgan.co.uk

Tell us about your ﬁrst-ever auction took my first auction by accident. he regular auctioneer was detained, and had to step into the breach at short notice. was very nervous and sweating but once got started, gained confidence and all went well. hen passed the reserve figure, become very e cited and broke into a broad grin. have subse uently learnt to control my emotions.

How do you prepare mentally and physically for a big auction? reparation is everything. hether you are selling properties or even opportunities at a charity auction, you need complete knowledge of what you are selling you need to instil confidence in the buyer. very bit of knowledge is useful. Accurate information about the property is essential, as is a full legal pack prepared by our client’s solicitor. bviously, in the weeks preceding the auction, it must be easy for potential buyers and their professional advisors to inspect the property.

ABOVE: Hollis Morgan’s Andrew Morgan is a believer in the use of the strategic pause; LEFT: Bristol Zoo’s series of Wow gorillas came under Andrew’s hammer

Lee Young, managing director and head of Asian art at the Frome-based auction house Dore & Rees; www.doreandrees.com

What was your ﬁrst auction like?

was terrified Mainly because didn’t know it was happening was called to the rostrum as an 1 year old saleroom manager to answer a uestion, and the auctioneer proceeded to announce that was taking the remaining lots of the sale. managed to get through it, and in the process my e citement grew and didn’t want it to end. well and truly got the bug

Tell us about the behind-the-scenes discipline and preparation for an auction have been doing it long enough now don’t really build in prep time as such. hat said, do of course have nerves before a ma or sale, much like an actor would before going on stage if didn’t have nerves, would be worried.

Can you tell us about a time when bidding became unexpectedly intense?

t was in for an inscribed hinese bron e cannon. his is a lot that had been o ered twice previously by another auction, initially going unsold at 7 , and then at , . he lot then came to us at an estimated value of , , , and our team conducted additional research that uncovered an earlier dating of the piece, identifying also that the cannon had, in fact, been in use during the Ming and ing wars. t was a complete turn around of fortunes for this historic relic, and the bidding was fierce between three telephone lines on auction day, hammering down at 17 , .

What’s your secret to getting the best price? ou get the best price by properly cataloguing, advertising, and marketing. his, in turn, generates its own momentum, which becomes evident on sale day it’s really about advanced preparation.

Tell us about a fantastic piece you’ve sold sold the uande Blue hite tem up on behalf of ta ordshire University in Hong ong in 1 . n perfect condition, dating to circa 1 and belonging to the mperor uande, this piece captivated a global audience of e perts and academics. Hammering down at . million, it was a marvel, and an absolute honour to sell and e hibit across the world.

AUCTIONS

What’s the most surprising item you’ve ever seen go under the hammer?

he log book that laid to rest the disappearance of lenn Miller and in sharp contrast to this, there were ueen ictoria’s bloomers

What’s the main misconception about auctions?

hat you have to be knowledgeable to buy at auction, which can mean there is a fear about making a mistake. But the reverse is true we are very approachable and generous with knowledge and e pertise, which makes buying at auction easy.

What’s the impact of online auctions?

e are more accessible worldwide, allowing collectors to access many, if not all, of the auction houses globally. his is with obvious benefits to both buyer and seller.

ABOVE: Lee Young has helped auction off Queen Victoria’s bloomers!; RIGHT: Managing director and head of Asian art at Dore & Rees Lee Young; INSET: Online bidding is transforming the auction rooms

Jay Goodman-Browne is head auctioneer and valuer with Auctioneum Bath; www.auctioneum.co.uk

What skills do you think are needed to become a great auctioneer?

A great auctioneer isn’t someone with a loud, booming voice, or someone who can count quickly, but rather someone who truly understands the market, the clients (both buyers and sellers), and the items they are selling.

What was your ﬁrst auction like?

It was straight in at the deep end! My heart was pounding, voice quivering, and nerves through the roof! To this day, it can still be a nerve-wracking experience, but that’s all part of the fun of a live sale.

How do you prepare for a major auction?

The key is preparation. These days, with online bidding, much of the hard work has already been done by the time the sale starts. Bids from all over the world have already been left, and interested parties have had weeks to view and ask any burning questions. This eases the pressure on the actual day, so one can actually enjoy the experience. In terms of personal preparation, I’d say a hearty breakfast is almost a mandatory requirement.

Can you tell us about a time when bidding became unexpectedly intense?

Back in November 2023, we had a fantastic painting, Major Richard allis, circa 17 1, by the artist ichard ilson. t was estimated to sell around the , mark, but after the internet bidders had finished, and the bidding passed to three telephone lines, finally put the gavel down at , .

“We once sold a pair of spectacles belonging to Mahatma Gandhi”

AUCTIONS

Is there a secret to knowing how the bidding is going to go?

Technology plays such an important role in the auction process these days, and the answer is pretty mundane – we can see beforehand which lot has been viewed the most, which lot has attracted the most interest. The data tells us which lots are going to be the most popular, and therefore the most fought after.

What keeps you passionate about auctioneering?

It’s the treasure hunt – rummaging through boxes, drawers, and lofts, hoping to find something special.

What’s the most surprising item you’ve ever seen go under the hammer?

We once sold a pair of spectacles belonging to Mahatma Gandhi for a whopping £260,000. The surprising part was that just a few weeks prior, the seller had left them hanging out of our letterbox over a bank holiday weekend! He had inherited them from an uncle who worked with Gandhi between 1910 and 1930, and had no idea of their worth.

What’s the most expensive mistake you’ve seen at an auction?

I once watched a gentleman put his knee through the canvas of a rather expensive painting which he’d only just collected. My advice is to always carry expensive items with both hands!

Tom Killen, partner with Killens Mendip Auction Rooms in Binegar; www.mendipauctionrooms.co.uk

When did you ﬁrst start auctioneering?

When I was 18 years old but I was selling before that even – cabbages and flowers at inford Livestock Market.

What skills are needed for auctioneering?

In actually selling from the rostrum, there is a need for the ability to engage with the audience and an understanding of the item being sold. Being confident, clear, and persuasive obviously helps. ontrolling the flow by balancing speed and knowing when to slow down and encourage a bid is also key.

ABOVE: Major Richard Callis, painted in 1741 by Richard Wilson, was expected to sell for £5,000 and was sold for £24,000 by Jay GoodmanBrowne; LEFT: Jay Goodman-Browne is head auctioneer and valuer at Auctioneum Bath

AUCTIONS

What’s your secret to reading a room?

An experienced auctioneer can often tell who is going to bid when a lot is o ered as bidders tend to give away their body language, which can be read. eading the room and being able to ad ust tempo, tone, and energy is important in securing bids.

What would you say to those considering buying at an auction for the ﬁrst time?

recognise that bidding at auction can be scary, especially if you haven’t done it before, and the thought may seem daunting. However, our role is to make bidders feel at ease and guide them through the process. t is actually an en oyable environment.

Have you ever been emotionally attached to any items you were auctioning?

Both my parents have passed away, and sold some of their e ects. t certainly felt strange doing so.

What’s one misconception people have about auctions?

hat if you scratch your nose during an auction, you may end up buying. hat won’t happen An e perienced auctioneer will know when bids are genuine.

How has the rise of online auctions changed the industry?

rom our auction rooms in the heart of the omerset countryside, we sell across the world. hile this may have come at the e pense of slightly smaller attendances at auctions with less atmosphere, overall, online bidding has been a great thing.

Ivan Street, auctioneer and managing director of the thirdgeneration family business Aldridges of Bath; www.aldridgesofbath.com

What do you thnk makes a good auctioneer?

hey should be able to convey to the bidders very clearly what is happening during the bidding process, indicating where the bids are

coming from, what the current bid is, and what the ne t bid might be. hey should speak clearly, not gabble, avoid a monotonous tone and don’t go too fast or too slow. A great auctioneer does all this but with panache.

How do you prepare for an auction?

After years on the rostrum, don’t really need to prepare in any special way for an auction, large or small it has become second nature. However, the behind the scenes preparation is considerable, but with a good e perienced team all working together, it’s a pretty smooth process.

Talk us about the changes you’ve seen since the advent of online auctions

nline real time auctions have transformed our industry, becoming the standard. he main advantage for the auctioneer is the potential for worldwide interest in the sale, with many more overseas buyers participating than before online auctions e isted. or buyers, whether domestic or international, the benefit is that they can oin as many auctions as they wish, from anywhere in the world, in the comfort of their own home or wherever they might be. n short, it is a significant benefit for both auction houses and buyers, and it is here to stay.

What’s one of the most memorable items you’ve auc tioned?

An 1 th century hinese porcelain chamber pot that had reputedly belonged to Marie Antoinette. he media interest was huge

ABOVE: New bidders are assured scratching your nose won’t mean a sale!; INSET: Tom Killen of Killens Mendip Auction Rooms at work; BELOW: Online auctions are changing the way the industry works says Ivan Street of Aldridges of Bath

“Even the sides give o main character energy”

SE7EN

Chantelle Horton is tempted by the sin of gluttony at the Bath’s latest foodie adventure

There’s a stretch at the top of Milsom Street, including George Street, that should be a hot spot for popular restaurants, but it feels like the Bermuda triangle Loch yne wasn’t fine, The Milsom lasted only nine months, Manja Manja went bye bye, lute has floated o , and Raincheck took a raincheck. They were all good places, but they all fell victim to that black hole of di cult times in hospitality.Thankfully, there are many businesses that are thriving here – Robun, Clayton’s Kitchen, Comptoir+Cuisine, to name just a few. It was this positive thinking that motivated head chef Miles Kesterton, whose impressive culinary credentials include the Methuen Arms and Raphael’s, to open up Se7en in the former Raincheck spot.

I can immediately see why he and his old school friend, co-owner Kieran Crawford who is front of house, were attracted to the space – that narrow frontage leads into a beautiful speakeasy-style glittering bar, through to a wooden, industrial-décor style high tabled restaurant, then on again to another conservatory style high walled fairy lit space, and finally up some stone stairs to a casual hidden garden perfect for sharing plates and sharing secrets.

with Miles regularly popping out from behind his grill to mingle – the vibe is reminiscent of a big family garden party, with people of all ages enjoying the atmosphere and chatting across tables.

DINING DETAILS

Se7en, 7 Edgar Buildings, Bath, BA1 2EE. tel: 01225 484433; www.se7enbath.com

Opening hours Kitchen is open 12-3pm and 5pm-9pm, and Sundays, 12-4pm. Bar is 12pm-3am, and 12pm-6pm on Sundays.

Owned by Chef Miles Kesterton and Kieran Crawford, who is front of house. The pair are old school friends.

Background to the chef Miles was previously head chef at Raphael’s in Bath. Before that, he was a sous chef at the Methuen Arms where he gained 3 rosettes under Leigh Evans

Opened March 2025

Outdoor space A lovely hidden terrace out back

Type of food served Fresh meats and ﬁsh cooked over ﬁre alongside small plates designed for sharing, tapas style

Covers Around 40 inside and a further 35 outside

Specialities The 35+ ounce sharing T Bone and tomahawk steaks cooked over birch wood

The restaurant plays with the themes of the seven sins, hence the name, and as soon as the waft of spicy barbecued meat embraces us, we’re already gearing ourselves up to experience gluttony. First, though, we go for Greed – one of the signature cocktails (and yes, of course, there are seven of them . t’s a ri on the classic champagne cocktail with a sugar cube, Angostura, cognac, and champagne, and intriguingly lists a Ticket to Glory as an ingredient. Turns out to be a scratchcard. A little gimmicky maybe, but we loved the concept. And no, we didn’t win! But that was okay because the delicious cocktail more than made up for it.

Prices Starters £8-£14; mains £18-24; big steaks £80+; desserts £8

Drinks Along with a decent selection of wines, spirits and softs; a sinful signature Se7en cocktail is a must

Atmosphere A welcoming, summertime barbecue that will easily transform with the seasons

Everything about Se7en comes served with a big slice of mischievous fun. he service is e cient but also super friendly and

The food premise here is simple, and the menu is short – cocktails and charcoal – but the cooking is far from it. It’s a carefully considered curation, with Miles an absolute master of the flames roaring away on the in sight Argentine grill. he fish of the day, whole seabass in a chimichurri butter, is hands down one of the best fish dishes ’ve ever eaten. he flesh was fresh and juicy, the skin wonderfully charred, and the chimichurri tangy.

But the star of the Se7en show really is the beef, and the options are solid: a plate of ribeye or sirloin, tomahawk, or bone steak, all delicately flavoured by the local birchwood and licked by the fire. ven the sides give o main character energy the fries come with a homemade spicy umami kimchi and sweet peppery sriracha. Other tasty small plates include char sui sweet glazed pork bites with bok choy and crispy soft-shell crab with a sharp citrus and coriander sauce. Veggies are well catered for with the smoky potato and leek salad, and an otherworldly mac and cheese made with a hard kicking jalapeno sauce.

The artfully designed desserts are imaginative twists on old-school classics. The deconstructed Eton Mess is paired with black pepper, white chocolate, and basil. The to-die-for chocolate mousse is topped with beads of orange purée and crumbed with honeycomb.

For you party people and night owls, it’s worth knowing that, while the kitchen closes at 9pm, the chill sophisticated bar stays open until 3am most nights. This looks like clever forward thinking, to blend in with this stretch known for its nightclub and late night o erings such as ub1 and Adventure Café. We’re keeping everything crossed for Miles and Kieran. This is a space they can be sinfully proud of, and has all the makings of Se7en being their lucky number.

WARM SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA SPIRIT, BATH ENERGY

In the year since its debut, BARDACIOUS has brought a distinct Southern Californian sensibility to Bath: laid-back yet polished and vibrant in both ﬂavour and atmosphere alike.

Housed in an elegant former bank on Quiet Street in the heart of the city, Bardacious has reimagined the space with a breezy, coastal aesthetic and a bold sense of style. Inside, the space feels like a beach club dropped into the city: rafﬁa light shades throw a golden haze over leafy fronds, reclaimed timber tables, and huge photo murals of oceans, palm trees and barefoot parties. Bardacious offers more than just a meal; it delivers a fully realised sense of place and occasion.

The highly talented kitchen team lead the charge with a free-spirited, Southern Californianinspired menu that draws from Baja flavours, modern street food, and a few global detours. The focus is on shareable dishes, complemented by small plates of tacos, bold in colour and confident in flavour.

perfect crunch, layered with smoky aubergine, fresh pomegranate and a tart tomatillo salsa.

The crispy corn ribs dusted in Tajín, and chipotle cauliflower on whipped feta bring big texture and even bigger flavour. Charred pineapple wedges, caramelised with agave and scattered with chilli flakes, are a sweet-savory surprise that’s become a fan favourite.

The halloumi and smoked aubergine taco is still a knockout: deep-fried cheese with the

Seafood gets its due in the ceviche tostada — sea bass cured in citrus and tequila, heaped on a crisp tortilla with fresh herbs and just the right acidity.

For meatier appetites, the Birria quesadilla is still one of the best things on the menu: slow-cooked short rib, oozing cheese, and its essential consommé for dipping. There’s also a succulent Brazilian style picanha steak, served with roasted jalapeño chimichurri and paprikadusted Yucatan fries; a combination with serious depth of ﬂavour.

The drinks list is no afterthought. Bardacious now offers one of the most extensive selections of tequila and mezcal in the city,

built around their own in-house brand, UXMAL. Margaritas are front and centre. Start with the icy frozen watermelon, then branch out to the Classic Paloma, or the smokysmooth Oaxacan Old Fashioned. All juices are pressed fresh daily, and it shows.

To ﬁnish, don’t skip dessert. The house churros: golden, crisp, and dusted in cinnamon sugar come with thick condensed milk and salted caramel. But the real curveball is the tequila and citrus sorbet: tart, cold, and ﬁery all at once.

Bardacious brings Southern California cool to Bath: loud, laid-back, and full of joy. Come hungry, come thirsty, and don’t expect to leave in a rush.

FOOD AND DRINK

SHARED SAUCE

Ana Ortiz chef and co-founder of the outdoor cooking equipment specialists, Fire Made in Somerset, has launched her debut range of sauces. The range will be based on recipes handed down from Ana’s Ecuadorian mother and father, and the two sauces, Chimichurri and the Aliños, are made by hand at the Fire Made Kitchen at Westcombe Dairy near Shepton Mallet.

“For years, guests on our courses or those who have dined with us have begged me to launch a range of sauces,” says Ana. “It’s always these marinades and sauces that people seem to love, and they really bring our uni ue flavours to the cooking. For more www. remade.co.u

MASH IT UP!

Head to Victoria Park 29 – 31 August for the Gastro-Glastonbury featuring live cooking demonstrations from TV celebrities and chefs drawn from the ranks of MasterChef, reat British Ba e O and Great British Menu, including Chariya Khattiyot, Dhruv Bake, Ben Palmer, and Ayesha Kalaji. Also cooking up a storm will be many of our highly acclaimed local chefs, Liam Goldstone from The Elder, Bath’s Fang-Yu Lin from Sugarcane, and The Olive Tree’s Chris Cleghorn, to name just a few. Along with the Shopping Village, the Artisan Market, and the Great Taste Market, visitors can enjoy a packed schedule at the interactive food and drink theatres. The Kids Cookery School features the Foodies SuperChefs who will be helping younger guests prepare their own delicious food. Look out too for the silent disco, fairground rides, face painting, and a chilli eating competition. Delivering a feast of music over the three days is two-time Brit-Awarded Blue, chart-topping festival favourites Scouting For Girls, and the legendary Symphonic Ibiza will be bringing dance anthems, DJ’ing, and live vocals, accompanied by a live orchestra. For more: www.foodiesfestival.com

MORNING BOOST

Bandook have just launched a breakfast special called Nourish to Flourish The early morning dishes with an Indian twist include masala baked beans, aloo hashbrowns, Kolkata wraps with crunchy veggies, green chilies, chat masala, and options such as egg and bacon. There’s also the sweet and savoury uttapams – crispy crepe-like dosas with a choice of Bandook special fillings.

But these not only kick start the day for the diner; every time a Bandook breakfast is purchased either at the Milsom Street restaurant or online, a hungry local child gets a nourishing start to the day. “We will donate a box of bananas, a box of dates, fruits, and breakfast bars to local schools within our Bath community,” explains Bandook’s Farhana Rahman. “As the initiative grows, we hope to be able to provide breakfasts to more and more local schools who might benefit.

For more: www.bandookkitchen.com

ABOVE: Blue are just one of the mega acts providing a feast of music; BELOW: Get foodie shopping at Victoria Park 29 – 31 August; INSET: Tasty treats in the Cake and Desserts Theatre

Ana Ortiz of Fire Made has launched her own sauces

Kick start your day the Bandook way and help the community; INSET: Masala baked beans are just one of the breakfast options

BY GEORGE! THE GEORGE OPENS ON GEORGE ST!

A respectable establishment for the mildly mischievous

Anew chapter of conviviality has opened on one of Bath’s most iconic streets. The George –a contemporary Victorianinspired café bar – has flung open its heavy Georgian doors and is welcoming guests with open arms, perfectly poured pints, and just the right amount of cheek.

Tucked away (boldly, actually) on George Street, The George offers a stylish escape from the ordinary. Described by its creators as “a most respectable establishment where one might dine handsomely, drink liberally, and still be considered entirely presentable to society,”

The George fuses elegant hospitality with irreverent charm.

A MENU OF MISCHIEF AND MAGNIFICENCE

At The George, the food is hearty, seasonal and made with flair – from pink-centred lamb and indulgent mushroom Wellingtons to Sunday roasts that command reverence. Starters are non-negotiable. Sharing is encouraged, though not enforced.

The drinks list is just as characterful. Behind the bar, pints are poured with care but never solemnity – from bold bitters to mischievous lagers and rotating local ales. Cocktails come well-dressed, and pitchers (ideal for conspiratorial lunches and post-work gossip) are crafted with Victorian garden party elegance – and no shortage of gin.

“ THOSE SEEKING A SPOT FOR SCANDALOUS BIRTHDAY REVELRY CAN TAKE ADVANTAGE OF THE FUN & FROLICS ROOM ”

HIRE A BIT OF HISTORY

Those seeking a spot for scandalous birthday revelry, secretive suppers or respectable business meetings (with fewer spreadsheets and more spritzes) can take advantage of The Fun & Frolics Room, available for private hire. Meanwhile, King George’s Bar offers exclusive space for gatherings in need of grandeur –and unfettered access to “the good stuff”.

THE VIBE

A place to while away hours, plot your next big idea, or simply hide from your inbox, The George is set to become Bath’s new favourite haunt. Come for a quick drink, stay for a cocktail-soaked flirtation with the menu. And don’t worry – we won’t tell your other local.

The George is now open 7 days a week at 9 Edgar Buildings, George Street, Bath, BA1 2EE Bookings, press enquiries and wild ideas: info@thegeorgebath.com www.thegeorgebath.com Instagram: @TheGeorgeBath

ENGAGEMENT AND WEDDING RINGS

BESPOKE JEWELLERY

DESIGNER COLLECTIONS

REPAIRS AND REMODELLING

JODYCORY.CO.UK 01225 460072

JODY@JODYCORY.CO.UK

9 ABBEY CHURCHYARD, BATH, BA1 1LY

LIVE WELL, BUY BETTER

HELLO FROM THE OUTSIDE

If not now, when? Blink and it’ll be October and we’ll be wearing cardies, baulking at the heating bills, and shooing away trick’n’treaters. So make the most of the sunshine, blue skies and longer days. Even if it’s just a quick ten minutes and a meal deal, your soul will thank you.

We’re hankering for this extending rustic, farmhouse style, timber tabletop complete with showerproof cushions, which means we can be out there at the drop of a sun hat. The Stanway six seater rectangular teak garden dining table with benches and natural cushions costs £4,925 and is from Neptune, One Tram Yard, Walcot Street, Bath; www.neptune.com

BRAMBLECREST SKY BLUE LEAF SCATTER CUSHION, £27

Made from high-quality, seasonproof fabric, this comfortable and stylish cushion is wipeable with a shower-proof coating. From Whitehall Garden Centre, Corsham Road, Lacock; www.whitehallgardencentre.co.uk

OUTSIDE FAVOURITES

Easy ways to breathe new life into your outdoor

space

ATLANTIS STRIPED UMBRELLA £1,249

ROSEWOOD FESTOON LIGHTS, £79

These festoon lights, powered by mains electricity, lend a party air to your outside space. The warm white LED bulbs are on a black rubber wire, which can be draped over a dining table in a courtyard garden or orangery for a magical, cosy atmosphere. From Neptune, One Tram Yard, Walcot Street, Bath; www.neptune.com

JUNIPER, MANDARIN AND LIME CANDLE, £38

Luxury hand-poured candle made in Somerset, evoking shifting sand dunes, warm breezes and carrying a seductive blend of spicy juniper berries entwined with zesty mandarin and lime. From Collingwood of Somerset; www.collingwoodofsomerset.co.uk

A striped umbrella is the very definition of summer by the sea and family gatherings in the garden. The fabric has been leather-reinforced for enhanced strength, and the foot of the wooden pole is metal-reinforced to protect against wear and tear.

From Salcombe Trading, 16 Margarets Buildings, Bath; www.salcombetrading.co.uk

TANIT M/29/R PORTABLE RECHARGEABLE LAMP, WAS £222, NOW £188.70

A portable and rechargeable table lamp, with soft light di used through a screen woven by hand with cotton thread. Due to it lightness, size and autonomy, it can be used where ever a little more light is needed. From Holloways of Ludlow, 37 Milsom Street, Bath; www.hollowaysofludlow.com

RETREAT SET OF THREE BAMBOO STAR BOWLS, WAS £25, NOW £14

Super handy spun bamboo bowls decorated in white and a grey star enamel style, that sit nested when not in use.

From Paprika Gifts, 8d Chelsea Road, Bath; www.paprikagifts.co.uk

SOFT PINK FLOWER COLLAGE MELAMINE RECTANGULAR PLATE BY RICE DK, £8.90

Practical, durable, high quality and perfect for every day use, celebrations, picnics and a quick lunch in a sunny garden.

From Honey on The Hill, 30 Catherine Hill, Frome; www.honeyonthehill.co.uk

BLUE CANDY STRIPE NAPKIN, £6.50

Printed in a bold blue candy stripe, this napkin is perfect for adding a pop of summery colour to your outdoor dining table.

From Graham and Green, 92 Walcot Street, Bath; www.grahamandgreen.co.uk

SKALA INDOOR/OUTDOOR

RUG IN BARLEY, WAS £695, NOW £347

This beautiful grid pattern outdoor 180x275cm rug (that can also be used indoors) is handwoven using a material crafted from 100 per cent recycled plastic bottles, giving it a sisal look and a soft underfoot feel, but with extra weather-resistant qualities.

From OKA, 26-27 Milsom Street, Bath; www.oka.com

GREY BLUE WOOL AND CASHMERE HERRINGBONE THROW, £134

oven in outhern reland by a family run firm established in 1893, the throws are still woven in their factory on the banks of the Nenagh river. The luxurious soft blend of cashmere and merino wool helps keep the chill out as these summer evenings draw in.

From Cream of Cornwall, 29 Milsom Street, Bath; www.creamcornwall.co.uk

HIGHER GROUND

A new wellbeing massage treatment comes to the Royal Crescent Hotel & Spa

By Victoria Bond

Pampering, lounging and relaxing all still hold firm in the flu y white robe world of spa packages. But the very best now also draw us in with the promise of treatments and e periences that o er a deeper, longer lasting reset.

The wellness trend has been impacting beauty formulations for a number of years, and it was only a matter of time before spas got the memo. Those of us who seek out natural skincare products in the supermarket aisles and create nurturing rituals at home, want our spa treatments to mirror an holistic approach.

Ground Wellbeing perfectly captures the sweet spot between escapism and selfcare.

and spend spa day here; BELOW: A dreamy ‘grounded’ massage

treatment designed to tap into the body’s ability to self-repair and re-align, unlocked something that I didn’t know I needed until I was asked. A massage is the dream. Could a ‘grounding’ massage be even dreamier?

“It feels like a full exhale”body

The small batch plant-based skincare brand started life on founder Peigin Crowley’s kitchen table in Cork, Ireland, before winning multiple awards and blossoming into wellness rituals that are now spa stars at some of the most iconic hotels in the world. The Royal Crescent Hotel in Bath is the latest landmark venue to join the likes of The Waldorf Astoria in New York and Jumeirah Beach in Dubai in o ering round treatments.

‘Dear Victoria. Would you like to feel more grounded?’ The invitation to experience their signature Grounding Ritual, a massage

I arrive to a soothing cup of turmeric tea before being cocooned in a candlelight room, deep in the spa, where the Grounding Ritual began. My therapist presents me with a sensory board of Ground body oils and asks me to take a deep healing breath of each and choose the one I am most drawn to. Eyes closed, I picked Balance, a mix of oils (jojoba, sweet almond, and grapeseed) infused with geranium bourbon (balancing and toning for the skin) and sweet orange (rich in antioxidants).

The massage begins at my feet – the root of my body – and moves upward towards my heart, then circulates clockwise around the body. The ritual unfolds with sweeping strokes down one side, and then up the other, so there is a feeling of every part of me being physically grounded and connected to the bed. It reminds me of body brushing or a mindfulness body scan. It’s rhythmic and soothing, and feels both gentle and powerful as the healing oils work through my system. It feels like a full body exhale.

Ground’s focus is on skin health, sleep and

hormones, and there are several specialised rituals on the treatment menu for stress, pregnancy, menopause and even cancer care; all delivered through touch and therapeuticgrade ingredients. he spa also o ers biome facials, aimed at restoring the skin’s delicate microbiome, with botanical vegan ingredients to balance and repair.

These beautiful botanical products could not have found a more natural home in Bath. There is not a sliver of swimming pool blue at The Royal Crescent Spa: dark copper mosaic tiles hug the pool; honey-coloured limestone draws you into the thermal suite; and churchlike vaulted windows appear to give guests permission to worship wellness.

The cherry on this very 2025 escape, however, came as I left the spa. I stepped out into what felt like the pages of The Secret Garden. The hotel has an acre of secluded gardens and I sat for over an hour in a totally undisturbed spot surrounded by lavender, lemon balm, geranium and sage.

For more: www.royalcrescent.co.uk

AND BREATHE…

The Royal Crescent Hotel & Spa offers GROUND Wellbeing spa treatments from £140 per person. Spa days start from £205 per person.

LEFT: The secluded gardens of The Royal Crescent Hotel & Spa; INSET: Take your time

BUILDING A LEGACY

Despite extensive restoration, too hot a summer, and thefts, Iford Manor continues to flourish, shine and win awards

By Nick Woodhouse

Photos by Marianne and William Cartwright-Hignett

This September, Iford Manor, rising above the River Frome to the south of Bath, will host the 2025 Garden Museum Literary Festival. Now in its eleventh year, the annual event is the country’s only travelling literary festival, having previously been hosted by a number of the country’s leading historic houses, from Chatsworth House in Derbyshire to Houghton Hall in Norfolk. The two-day event will welcome a wealth of renowned speakers, from fashion designer and author Cath Kidston to the winner of eight gold medals at RHS Chelsea, Tom StuartSmith.

It’s proving to be a momentous year for the Iford’s owners, Marianne and William CartwrightHignett. For this year also marks the 60th anniversary of an ongoing restoration project in the gardens. Now run by the second generation of the family, the project has seen the restoration of the Italianate gardens designed by renowned landscape architect and garden designer Harold Peto, owner of the manor from 1899 to 1933. The gardens then ran over eight terraces and featured wide walkways, statues, fountains and cypress trees.

rebuilding of terraces and providing the necessary support to the colonnade to ensure its longevity.

With the baton of the garden’s custodianship duly passing to William and Marianne in 2018, the couple undertook a ten-year plan to renew the garden. Working closely with head gardener Steve Lannin, the pro ect has already made significant headway, working as close to Peto’s ethos as possible but with an understanding that any heritage asset must always stay relevant to visitors.

“One of the country’s 20 best gardens to visit”

The wisteria that adorns the manor house itself pre-dates Peto and is even rumoured to be one of the oldest in the country. This year saw the busiest wisteria season to date for the gardens, with booking of tickets being a must, and the gardens at full capacity. This was closely followed in une by one of the finest displays of roses that Marianne can remember, but one that was also short-lived. With the thermometer reaching record highs, the old spring that would usually feed the garden dried up.

best gardens to visit, the gardens at Iford are one of just eight in the country to be recently shortlisted for this year’s Historic Houses Garden of the Year Award. The award sees entries chosen from hundreds of gardens, parks, and grounds across the UK, with the public vote still open on the Historic Houses website.

This March also saw the garden’s restaurant scoop Best Newcomer in The Trencherman’s 2025 Awards. Under the helm of head chef Matthew Briddon, much of the food served at the restaurant is grown, reared or foraged from the Iford Estate itself, with the natural season extended by pickling and fermentation. The star of the ever-popular supper clubs, held on alternate Fridays, is the seven-course taster menu, with no one dish ever repeated from one supper evening to the next. And just in case the restaurant and café at the gardens wasn’t enough of a culinary undertaking for the couple, they also found themselves in the unexpected position earlier this year of taking on the freehold for both The Inn at Freshford, and he ross uns at Avoncli .

Whilst Peto was much-admired as a designer, his structures often lacked foundations. When William’s mother, Elizabeth, bought the property in 1964, the much-neglected terraces were close to collapse. Within months, the colonnade of the Great Terrace had fallen victim to the elements and blown over. It was Elizabeth’s future husband who was to help restore the gardens to their former glory. Following his marriage to Elizabeth in 1979, John Hignett dedicated almost four decades to his passion for Peto’s original design, overseeing the

The very same month saw further highs and lows. The fourth Jazz Festival was held in the gardens, curated by Claire Martin and featuring performances from those including Jason Rebello, Tim Garland and Jacqui Dankworth. The event’s success was sadly dampened soon after by the theft of four works from the gardens, including the replica statue of the Capitoline She-Wolf suckling Romulus and Remus. The investigation continues, with Marianne and William working closely with the police, press and the wider art and antiques community to bring the pieces back to their rightful home.

Hopefully, Marianne and William will be able to take some comfort from several award nominations and wins this year. Cited by The Guardian in May as one of the country’s 20

When Marianne does get a rare moment to rest amongst these highs and lows, she will head to the exedra. She’ll sometimes sit here with a book, or she’ll stop to observe the abundant wildlife enjoying the plants along the Great Terrace as they move with the wind. And take time to reflect on the fantastic progress that both she and William have made to this magical, captivating space over recent years.

For more: www.ifordmanor.co.uk

Nick Woodhouse is the codirector of interior and garden design company Woodhouse and Law at 4 George’s Place, Bathwick Hill, Bath; www.woodhouseandlaw.co.uk

OPPOSITEPAGE: The Italianate gardens were designed by Harold Peto, owner of the manor from 1899 to 1933; THISPAGE, CLOCKWISEFROMTOP

LEFT: William and Marianne Cartwright-Hignett took ownership of the Iford Estate in 2018; the gardens at Iford have been shortlisted for this year’s Historic Houses Garden of the Year Award; the restoration project has been ongoing for 60 years; the wisteria is rumoured to be the oldest in the country; the estate was recently hit by the theft of four statues

FRESH THINKING OVER A FINE LUNCH

Unique social business occasion + live interview: Alistair Darby, CEO of The Francis Hotel JOIN US Wednesday 10 Sept from 12pm

COWORKING CHARM

Nestled within the picturesque Hartley Farm in Winsley, just five miles from Bath, LifeWork Communities is transforming the way we work. Designed for freelancers, small businesses, remote workers, and local professionals, LifeWork offers flexible coworking and private office spaces, blending productivity, wellbeing, and community in a unique rural setting.

A WORKSPACE ROOTED IN HERITAGE

Hartley Farm is a fifth-generation, family-run business with deep roots in the local community. Its award-winning farm shop and café offer fresh, seasonal produce and homemade food just steps from the desk, making LifeWork not just a place to work, but a destination where work meets rural life. This unique setting brings together everything you need for a fulfilling workday, from good coffee and nourishing food to inspiring views and community connection.

FLEXIBLE WORKSPACES FOR EVERY NEED

LifeWork features thoughtfully designed areas catering to diverse working styles. Bright communal spaces encourage collaboration, while quiet booths and a unique mezzanine level offer peaceful retreats for focused tasks. Private offices equipped with modern facilities provide an ideal environment for growing businesses seeking a permanent base.

Membership options are flexible, ranging from day passes to part-time and full-time desk access, allowing members to work in ways that suit their lifestyles. High-speed wi-fi, quality monitors, meeting rooms, easy parking, and fresh coffee are included, ensuring every visit is productive and enjoyable.

“ THIS UNIQUE SETTING BRINGS TOGETHER EVERYTHING YOU NEED FOR A FULFILLING WORKDAY ”

A THRIVING COMMUNITY

Community is at the heart of LifeWork. Situated alongside Hartley Farm’s acclaimed farm shop and restaurant, members benefit from a vibrant local ecosystem, fostering natural collaboration and connection without forced networking. Regular community days, wellbeing sessions, and discounts at local businesses enhance the sense of belonging and encourage members to support local.

And for working parents, there’s even more reason to join. A new on-site day nursery is

opening in September 2025, offering the convenience and peace of mind that comes with quality childcare just a short walk from your desk.

Founded by Paul and Jo Greenep in 2022, LifeWork was born out of a vision to create a flexible, human-centred workspace reflecting the evolving nature of work. Here, work-life balance is prioritised, enabling people to integrate professional success with personal wellbeing and family life.

SUSTAINABLE AND INSPIRING

LifeWork’s rural location is integral to its appeal. Surrounded by Wiltshire’s beautiful countryside, members enjoy outdoor meetings, rejuvenating walks, and moments of inspiration that urban spaces rarely offer. Sustainability is also key, aligning seamlessly with Hartley Farm’s broader ethos of environmental stewardship.

JOIN THE COMMUNITY

Whether you’re seeking occasional coworking, a dedicated desk, or a fully serviced office, LifeWork provides the flexibility and facilities you need. Discover a workspace where you can thrive professionally, connect authentically, and enjoy the balance you deserve.

Visit www.thelifeworkgroup.com or contact hello@thelifeworkgroup.com to explore membership options and arrange a visit. Your ideal workspace is waiting at Hartley Farm

WE LIKE THE WAY YOU WORK IT!

The changing face of the modern ofﬁce

By John Mather

tudio members bene ts include...being part of Glove Dippers – the cold water swim group”

The traditional workspace boundaries of the o ce landscape have been changing for a while now. Yes, the 2020 pandemic caused drastic adjustments for many, but technological advances have also facilitated more fle ible arrangements, including the work-from-home revolution and the boom in the space-for-hire sector. Whether it’s a solo entrepreneur, a growing start up, or a smaller established business looking to develop, many people from various industries are embracing the structure, support, and camaraderie that comes with a shared working environment. This can include spontaneous collaboration, new-found structure, perks, socials, and inspiring design details. Here we learn more about some of these innovative working environments.

Glove Factory Studios, Brook Lane, Holt; www.glovefactorystudios.com

What’s the hub? Glove Factory Studios is a unique workspace environment in Holt, just nine miles from Bath. Surrounded by rolling Wiltshire countryside, it provides over 60 unique workspace studios, a club room, co-working desks, acoustic call booths, and meeting rooms. There’s the opportunity to socialise or network at the regular Rooster and Vespertine business talks and cultural programmes, and the beautiful gardens and courtyards are perfect places to break out and.

The perks tudio members’ benefits include monthly drinks, supper clubs, a café, and an annual BBQ. There’s access to health classes and workshops in the grounds, a brand-new members’ gym with Watson and Technogym e uipment with fitness and personal training classes, plus along with the chance to play tennis, there’s the Glove Dippers – the on site cold water swim group.

MAINIMAGE: Health and PT classes are among the many perks of being a member of Glove Factory Studios; ABOVE: Finish your day here with a cold water swim

NETWORK

The management say Studio co-ordinator Emily Sleath and members experience co-ordinator Chloe Arnoldi: “We are living in a highly informed period where we can find out so much more about our environment, about ourselves, and what we need to enable us to work more e ectively and feel better about what we do. et we all do it di erently. he tricky part is providing a workspace that can accommodate those di erences while bringing people together and fostering shared e periences.

“Glove Factory Studios made the decision to move to the countryside, and chose a site in the middle of a lovely village with an incredibly strong community so that it could o er both space and choice. Members can engage with as much or as little as they like, but the core ingredients are all there to help them attract and retain their team and develop their own business culture.

Small print: e lessen the risk for start ups by o ering short-term leases on a mix of self-contained studio spaces with discounted access to meeting rooms and support from our friendly front of house team. Members with teams working remotely can book any of our meeting rooms for their team reviews.

he benefits of not having to pick up the whole bill for ever-increasing service and business charges are always a boon, but here you can also find a love actory tudios buddy. e have members who specifically book particular days when they know other members will be in so they can work side by side. e also protect our members’ by carefully vetting new individuals and businesses to make sure that we don’t invite any conflicts of interest.

Rengen House, 4 Argyle Street, Bath; www.rengenhouse.com

What’s the hub? he classic eorgian engen House with its thoroughly modern interior and city centre location, prides itself on going over and beyond conventional workspace o erings. t features three floors of co working space, each o ering a distinct ambience and can comfortably accommodate up to co workers at any time. he environment allows for both private and shared spaces, allowing for social interaction and the building of both personal and business relationships.

The perks ith comfortable seating, plush velvet furnishings, and a warm colour palette of greens and golds, engen House is designed to create a rela ed yet professional atmosphere. t has a large outdoor terrace, perfect for both outdoor working and sunny lunch breaks, as well as a fully licensed bar. o help with networking and socialising, the team run a busy programme of events, o ering both members and non members the opportunity to meet and connect with others.

The management say roperty associate o Lloyd “Our members come from a diverse range of backgrounds, industries, and business types. t’s inspiring to see professionals from some of the world’s largest corporations working alongside innovative start ups and independent sole traders. egardless of their e perience or sector, every member benefits from the opportunity to connect whether through casual conversations, the sharing of ideas, or o ering helpful advice and valuable contacts. or individuals working largely independently, feeling a sense of belonging to a community can have a significant positive impact on their wellbeing and motivation.

ABOVE: The city centre located Rengen House runs a busy programme of networking events; OPPOSITE: Lifework, based next to Hartham Farm, aims to cultivate an environment where both productivity and wellbeing ﬂourish

“The lush Wiltshire countryside provides an idyllic backdrop for meetings”walking

he focus is not only on providing a place to work, but ensuring that members can benefit from social interaction, making connections and that they have an inspiring and productive environment to work from.

Previous experience required? “We understand that stepping into a shared workspace can feel like a big change. hat’s why we o er a free trial day to provide a no pressure opportunity to e plore the space, e perience how it functions, and see how it could support your ways of working. ake time to e plore the di erent areas, find what suits your needs whether that’s a uiet desk, a private pod, or a friendly communal spot.

Lifework Communities, Building 9, Hartley Farm, Winsley, Bath; www.thelifeworkgroup.com What’s the hub? he space, ust five miles from Bath and established in , features collaborative co working areas, private, uiet booths, dedicated desks, a m me anine, and fully serviced o ce spaces ideal for organisations seeking a permanent base. ith high uality computer monitors throughout the space, e clusive discounts to local businesses and classes, and monthly community days, it aims to cultivate an environment where productivity, wellbeing, and community spirit flourish.

The perks he uni ue location o ers more than ust o ce space. Being based ne t to Hartley arm’s award winning restaurant and farm shop encourages users to support a thriving local business. At the same time, the iltshire countryside provides an idyllic backdrop for walking meetings, outdoor breaks, and moments of inspiration. h, and there’s the free parking.

The management say aul and o reenep, founders of Lifework ommunities, and Holly Morris, community manager e are harnessing the power of co working as a force for good, fostering stronger connections within the community, supporting the local economy, and promoting environmental sustainability. By bringing work closer to home, we aim to create a dynamic ecosystem where individuals and businesses thrive together.

n a world still clinging to outdated structures, we’re championing a new kind of success one grounded in fle ibility, wellbeing, and collective progress. e believe

fle ible working is the future because it reflects the reality of how people live, work, and thrive today. t empowers individuals to design their own schedules, reduces unnecessary commuting, supports working parents and carers, and allows businesses to operate more sustainably and e ciently. e see this structure not as a trend but as a fundamental shift that values trust, autonomy, and balance. By placing people and community at the centre of our mission, Lifework creates not ust a place to work but a platform for individuals and local businesses to grow, connect, and redefine what it means to succeed on their own terms.

The small print e’ve built our spaces and membership structures to be as fle ible, human centred, and community driven as possible, making it easier for freelancers, remote workers, and growing teams to embrace a working rhythm that suits their lives, not ust their to do lists. hether you’re popping in for a few hours or visiting multiple times a week, we o er a range of options, including half day passes, a sharing membership for working couples, and free day passes for members to share with friends and collaborators.

Gather Round, Trinity Church, 14A Queen Square, Bath; www.gather-round.co

What’s the hub? hink high arched ceilings, ictorian architecture, comfy nooks and loads of natural light. he recently restored rade listed building is spread across open plan spaces, dedicated desk areas, and private studios, along with bookable meeting rooms, phone booths, bike storage, showers, and even some outdoor space.

The perks he real magic here is the community they run monthly free events that help bring people together, but honestly, they don’t need much encouragement, says anie tinchcombe, director of marketing at ather ound. Loads of members have become good pals already we’ve got some peeps who share an allotment, play on the same rugby team, some have even ended up getting married t’s proper community energy, and when you feel part of something like that, it changes how you work you’re more productive, more creative, and way more likely to look forward to Mondays.

ne of the most e citing new partnerships is with Bosco i eria in Bath they treated everyone to free pi a at our last event and are now o ering an e clusive discount as part of our member perks. afe to say, it’s been a hit.

The management say “After years of turning kitchen tables into o ces, most of us are well overdue a reset. eople still want fle ibility, but they also want routine, connection, and a space that separates work from life. t feels like a real evolution in how we think about work, and a lot more people are getting into it.

ou’ll see a new collaboration pop up nearly every month, often ust from a uick chat or someone putting out a call in our lack channel. eople in the creative industries get it. hey know the grind freelancing, pitching, balancing paid work with passion pro ects.

hat’s why there’s a real generosity here. olk are always keen to help, connect, or simply cheer each other on.

The small print here’s a whole range of price points and fle ible packages on o er. veryone works di erently, and our memberships reflect that. ome folks are here every day, others drop in a couple times a week. e know our members are uggling everything from the school run, late night client meetings, and side hustles it’s about having a place that fits your rhythm and gives you a sense of community.

House of St John’s, 1 Queen Square, Bath; www.hosj.co.uk

“It’s proper community energy, and when you feel part of something like that, it changes how you work”

What’s the hub? he House of t ohn’s is set in a beautiful rade 1 listed building on Bath’s famous ueen uare. t’s got co working and dedicated desks, meeting rooms, an event space, and a private courtyard that’s perfect for sunny days productivity. he d cor blends original eorgian features with thoughtful modern design, creating a space that feels both elegant and contemporary.

But what truly sets the House of t ohn’s space apart is its purpose. All profits are donated to the founders, the t ohn’s oundation, to help support the vital charitable work it does for under served children across our local community. hen you work here, you’re part of something bigger.

The perks Along with the uiet working spaces, there’s the energy of the livelier communal areas providing a social layer monthly breakfasts, casual riday drinks,

ABOVE: The recently opened Gather Round works hard to inspire and connect creative freelancers; BELOW: All proﬁts from the House of St John’s co-working spaces go to supporting charitable work

NETWORK

pizza socials, and spontaneous chats in the kitchen. It’s this mix of structure and spontaneity that helps people find clients, collaborators, and friends.

The management say Lottie Bull, head of operations: “It’s more than just a workspace, it’s a place where businesses thrive, ideas spark, and unforgettable moments are made. Iconic and gorgeous, inside, you’ll find a mi of rooms to suit every style of working – some calm and quiet, others with a social bu . t’s all about giving people the freedom to work how they work best, whilst also allowing opportunities to connect as well as finding a uiet space to get on with work.”

ABOVE: UBC is arranged over three ﬂoors of a Georgian property in the heart of Bath;

Newbie nerves? hared workspaces aren’t ust about desks they’re about the people and the energy. hat’s why we o er free trial days so you can come in, get a feel for the space, chat to the community, and see if it’s a good fit. e know what we’ve built is special, and we’re confident that once you e perience it, you’ll see the value straight away. veryone’s work style is di erent, but if you’re after a place with purpose, connection, and a touch of Bath charm, there’s a good chance you’ll feel right at home here.”

UBC flexible offices, 4 Queen Street, Bath; www.ubcuk.com

What’s the hub? UBC, situated in a stunning period property on ueen treet and arranged over three floors, o ers fle ible workspace solutions such as serviced o ces, a coworking space, meeting rooms, and virtual o ce services and all supported by an on site team. he 1 o ces range from 1 to desks, and are fully furnished with large windows, air conditioning, lift access, and high speed internet. he d cor seamlessly blends classic Georgian architecture with contemporary interiors, featuring high ceilings, sash windows, natural light, and thoughtfully designed breakout spaces.

The perks he regular, but no pressure, hUB lub networking events are perfect for easy professional and social interaction, and being sat in the very heart of Bath, in Queen Square, means this is an ideal location for businesses looking to connect with the rest of the city.

The management say Sales and marketing executive Jessica Fairhurst: “Many people are realising that working from home, while convenient, can become isolating. hared workspaces o er the best of both worlds, combining a professional setting with social interaction and a clear boundary between home and work. or small teams, it’s a cost e ective alternative to traditional leases. or individuals and entrepreneurs, it’s about establishing structure, maintaining a routine, and having access to the right tools to stay productive without distractions.

“Our spaces are naturally community oriented. You start your day with a ‘good morning’, overhear interesting conversations, and pick up on ideas or opportunities just by being present. he energy in our well run space drives people forward. At UBC, we make it easy to connect, but we also protect your ability to focus, with private o ces and meeting rooms available to avoid unnecessary disruption.”

BELOW: Hartham Park’s business hub is located in the glorious 50 acre country estate

“For small teams, it’s a cost-e alternativeectiveto traditional leases”

The small print o one si e fits all here freelancers benefit from the fle ibility, whether it’s a day pass, a virtual o ce with mail handling, or a space to meet clients. tart ups value the professional image and scalable o ce solutions that grow with them. emote teams love the ability to touch down in a real o ce environment and connect with colleagues in person.”

Hartham Park, Hartham Lane, Corsham; www.harthamparkestate.co.uk

What’s the hub? A business hub set on a grand eorgian estate which is set in acres of landscaped parkland, o ering co working and private o ces, plus conferencing and event space

The perks nside, period features like wood panelled rooms and chandeliers meet high spec tech to create stylish coworking spaces. he estate o ers versatile event hosting – from weddings to corporate retreats, all supported by an in house team, the award winning caf restaurant he orge heasant, and a wellness focused community vibe. utdoors, guests en oy rose gardens, walking trails, and a historic stick tennis court, all adding to its exclusive country charm. You can even partake in the complimentary weekly yoga classes.

The management say Head of sales Daniel Reid: hared workspaces often bring une pected benefits like fresh ideas, new connections, and a boost in motivation from being around others. At Hartham ark, the inspiring setting and diverse community create opportunities for collaboration, creativity, and a more structured, balanced workday. asual chats can lead to valuable insights, and the beautiful surroundings support focus and wellbeing. It’s not just a place to work – it’s a place to grow.”

Newbie nerves? “If you’re new to shared workspaces, think about what matters most to you, whether that be focus, fle ibility, or community. Hartham ark o ers trial options, letting you experience the space, the atmosphere, and its amenities before committing.

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

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• 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, 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

HIGH FIDELIUS

Fidelius, Bath’s well-known independent chartered ﬁnancial advisor, is currently enjoying its biggest growth spurt ever. We caught up with DUNCAN MCKILLOP to ﬁnd out more

By Matt Bielby

Bath has long been strong in the financial sector, but the Fidelius story is particularly impressive. ow based half a mile as the seagull flies from Queen Square – the traditional home of the city’s white-collar professionals – in a striking riverside home that’s half-dark stone, half-light stone in a manner vaguely reminiscent of a chocolate digestive, they’re following an aggressive expansion path that should see them, says Duncan McKillop, Director of Corporate Development, become universally acknowledged as one of the best and the most influential financial planning providers in the UK.

Fidelius began some 25 years ago, initially as an employee benefits business run by Alan hillips, but it’s when he met Jim Grant – now executive chair – that things really got motoring. Jim had sold a business in

orwich and moved to Bath, but was bored at home, and soon itching to get back in the game. Within a year the pair had pooled resources, and Jim had started gathering all his old management team around him.

This time around the idea was to build a business for the long term, and with the 2016 acquisition of a small Bath firm, Money ise, uncan and other key players came on board. he new focus was on financial planning rather than simple advice,” Duncan says. “We’d now put immense e ort into teasing out what your financial ob ectives really are, and what you need from your investments. erhaps it’s a reliable return, year in and year out – a sensible aim, as getting absolute returns is not where the value is for most clients. Or perhaps you’re willing to take more of a risk for greater potential returns. Our intergenerational estate planning advice means children end up inheriting millions of pounds, rather than ‘merely’ hundreds of thousands.”

Duncan, what do you consider your main job to be?

To ask open questions, so we can properly understand people’s real objectives. I’d say many of us sit within a ‘risk rating’ between four and six, but this changes over the years.

Back in the bad old days, you’d mainly be speaking to the ‘head of the family’, we take it?

Which meant the husband! But, increasingly, we get to see both members of a couple and, more and more, they bring in their entire family too: sons, daughters, grandparents, whoever. And, inevitably, they’ll each have their own agendas – after all, we’re dealing with a wide range of ages and situations.

So, does this make your job much harder than before?

The people we employ certainly need a wider range of skills. Our younger advisors are much more knowledgeable than we used to be,

and have to understand a wider range of tax products. When this industry was born, the people it attracted were, at heart, salespeople. And salespeople are naturally very good at talking and making a connection – but often poor at the technical stu . ow the pendulum has swung the other way, and our twenty somethings can walk all over me technically, but we have to build up their other skills.

So, what do you consider yourselves now? A local company, or national, or what? Many clients are local, but others range from Scotland to Cornwall. It’s important that our growth remains partly organic, but also comes from joint ventures, mergers and acquisitions. Recently winning the British Medical Association contract is a good example of organic growth, whereas our new relationship with derberg artners the largest financial services group in the ordic countries, and still privately owned –has enabled more inorganic growth.

So they’ve grown by linking up with you, and you grow by linking up with smaller ﬁrms…

“INCREASINGLY, WE GET TO SEE BOTH MEMBERS OF A COUPLE”

MAKING IT HAPPEN

Straight talking, forward thinking, but what do the numbers for Fidelius really look like?

All in all, how many clients do you have right now?

“Upwards of 7,000”

And how many advisors?

“Perhaps 60 or so, with most of them looking after around 140 clients – but we’re employing more all the time”

How do you feel about AI?

“We’re big adopters of new technology, not to replace human-based relationships, but to help make them run faster and smoother. So how AI starts to be used by our industry is going to be very interesting…”

How often do you get to see each client?

“At least once a year, and we’ll contact you far more often than that: with your lawyer, you might only see them four or ﬁve times in your life, whereas we meet our clients all the time”

very financial services business starts with what we call accidental business people’ the founders generally want to be client facing, and they’re great at that, but perhaps they’re not particularly good when it comes to strategy. o they get to a certain si e, then have to make a decision keep growing, and invest in a new management team to run the company for them, or stay small. hat we often do is go to these successful small A businesses and say, look, you’re really good. ou’ve got some highly skilled advisors, and strong relationships. hat we propose is that we buy a minority stake in you, which will grow into a ma ority stake of 1 , and in return you get money and access to our resources. ou won’t have to hire finance people, or H people, or compliance people, or investment teams because you’ll have access to ours. And then we can both grow together. n a larger scale, that’s e actly what derberg artners has done with us.

Exciting times, then! here are now 7 companies under the derberg artners umbrella in the U , though we’re very much the largest, and we’re all starting to work together in an e panded network it’s the greatest period of e pansion we’ve ever known. he biggest problems in

our industry all revolve around the management of data, as end to end processing never functions as smoothly as it should e cept that now, with the ama ing technology derberg artners has developed, and that we get to use, it suddenly does.

Then there’s the British Medical Association partnership…

Also huge for us they have almost , members he BMA has traditionally been handled by hase de ere on Manvers treet, but we saw an opportunity to pitch for their business, and uickly discovered that the BMA got e cited by a proposition we have called volve, which deals with accumulators and is perfect for lower comple ity clients. his is great for the BMA, as they’re keen on their members en oying holistic advice from the very beginning of their careers.

One major merger you’re completed lately is with Timothy James & Partners… hich gives us a flagship London o ce on he trand, and has immediately added about 1. billion worth of assets putting us at about . billion in total, and so right in the industry’s top echelon. t’s because of derberg that we now have the capital to go out and do a deal like this, and we’ll continue to do more.

Tell us a little about Fidelius and its relationship with Bath e love it here certainly can’t see any reason to move, nor has it ever been suggested. t’s important we maintain a strong London presence and grow regional hubs in Birmingham, Manchester, Leeds but most of us live in Bath because this is where we want to be.

You’ve recently undertaken a big rebrand… t’s all about improving our communications so that when you go to the website it’s not reams of hard to digest information, ust short little bursts. ’m passionate about making financial services accessible to all it’s our ob, believe, to listen and e plain, no matter what the si e of the client. omen now control the ma ority of the investment capital in this country, and we’re pleased to be able to say we now see more of them looking for good financial planning than ever before. here is a general belief out there that women are more risk averse than men, but ’m not sure that’s true. t might instead be more accurate to say that men tend to reach a decision faster women would rather have a little more time to consider all the possibilities, and hopefully then be better informed by the time they come to make their decision.

Finally, what would you say to persuade people to think more seriously about their own ﬁnancial affairs…?

n this country, we’ve a tendency to leave things to the last minute. ew people have wills, or talk about what they would like to happen if they go into care. erhaps it’s not considered polite conversation, but it should be

For more www. delius.co.u

OPPOSITE: Duncan McKillop talks with his team BELOW: And with Bath Life; INSET: And with Ben Gale, marketing executive

GOLD STANDARD

No.1 Royal Crescent in Bath won gold in the recent VisitEngland Awards for Excellence 2025. The historic house museum and gallery, run by Bath Preservation Trust, achieved the top accolade in the ‘Small Visitor Attraction of the Year’ category.

Following a secret visit to the museum at an early stage in the process, a judge described No.1 Royal Crescent as: “A truly magical attraction that transports visitors back to the 1700s. The

Bath Academy student Natalia, Anita St John Gray, Mayor of Bath Councillor Professor Bharat Pankhania, Annabelle Barton, Andrew Prentice, and Tim Naylor

trail through the house tells a story of a fictional family, helping to engage visitors of all ages in the history of the property. It is clear that this small attraction delights all of its guests with its innovative interpretation and attention to detail.”

Alex Sherman, CEO of Bath Preservation Trust, says, “This is a wonderful award which recognises the brilliant team who make No. 1 Royal Crescent such a special museum and gallery to visit.”

For more: www.no1royalcrescent.org.uk

RISING STARS

The recent exhibition, Plants and Gardens, at 44AD artspace in Bath, showcased artwork by GCSE and A-Level students from Bath Academy. The exhibition was sponsored by 44AD, and a highlight was the recognition of Bath Academy student Rufus Gregory, who won First Prize in the Under-18 category of the Royal Commonwealth Society’s Art Prize competition, Moon Gazers and Star Finders

Anita St John Gray, vice chair of RCS Bath, says, “We are deeply grateful to 44AD for their generous sponsorship of this prize and for their continued support of young, aspiring artists. Their commitment to encouraging creative initiatives plays a vital role in nurturing the next generation of talent.”

For more: www.44ad.net

SWAP SHOP

Swap Society, founded by Meagan Powell and Gracie May White, is a new part-time passion project that has evolved into a movement, featuring clothing swaps in design-led venues across Wiltshire. They say, “Our goal is to reshape the perception of preloved fashion and keep clothing out of landfill, all while creating stylish, community-led experiences that feel exciting, modern and meaningful.” heir first two curated fashion swaps, featuring music, food, and drink, at Doubles in Melksham in May and at Glove Factory Studios in July, were so successful that they’ve swiftly arranged a third at Doubles again on 9 August. For more: Instagram: @weareswapsociety

ON THE UP

UNIVERSITY OF BATH alumni, Anne McClain, now a NASA astronaut and Commander of the Crew-10 mission currently orbiting the Earth, recently sent the AMERICAN MUSEUM a special message directly from the International Space Station to help launch its Beyond Inﬁnity exhibition, which runs until 4 January. www.americanmuseum.org

Elizabeth (Betsy) de Thierry, founder and chair of the Bath-based TRAUMA RECOVERY CENTRE (TRC), has recently been awarded an MBE for Services to Child and Adolescent Mental Health and Trauma Recovery. Since the ﬁrst centre was established in 2011, ﬁve more have been set up, with Betsy also pioneering a clinical framework – the Trauma Recovery Focused Model (TRFM) – and writing a parenting course. www.trc-uk.org

KINGSWOOD SCHOOL has appointed Dr Richard Finch as its new Director of Sport, commencing in September. He says, “From my very ﬁrst visit, I was struck by the school’s positive atmosphere and the way sport is embedded in the wider life of the community. I’m delighted to be joining such a forwardthinking team.” www.kingswood.bath.sch.uk

Anne McClain in space

Dr Richard Finch

Betsy de Thierry MBE

Swapping great ideas, Meagan Powell and Gracie May White

The No.1 team are at No 1!; INSET: The distinctive Royal Crescent house is now a museum and gallery

PHOTO BY DAVID BICKERSTAFF

TOWNHOUSE CLINIC BATH LIFE AWARDS

HAIR & BEAUTY WINNER

Dr Lucy Middlefell, who is the founder and clinical director of the Townhouse Clinic on 5 Old King Street in the city centre, on why she entered the Awards this year, partying and collaborations.

What prompted you to enter the Bath Life Awards?

We’d had a particularly successful but also incredibly challenging year. The two often go hand in hand. The clinic had relocated and tripled in size. We completely rewrote the website (in-house), we took on new software to help grow the business, and we increased from a team of two to a team of five. Most companies don’t do that in a year! I really wanted to show my team how good we are, to reflect back on what we’ve done and hopefully make them proud to be working at the clinic.

How did you ﬁnd the process?

love the process of applying. he first year did it, it was daunting but it’s got easier since and is actually a lovely way to reflect back on our achievements. As the owner of the business and as a doctor within the clinic, there is rarely time to pause, so this was good therapy!

What was it like on the night?

This was my fourth time entering, and I didn’t think for a second I would win, so I wasn’t nervous ust e cited to have a night out with

“FLOURISHING YEAR OF EXPANSION FOR TOWNHOUSE CLINIC WITH MUCH LARGER PREMISES, INCREASED SERVICES AND STRONG GROWTH IN THE TEAM SUPPORTING A NEARTRIPLING OF SALES”

OUR JUDGES SAY

my colleague Dr Rebecca and my husband. My favourite part was getting dressed up it makes a change from scrubs, which is my usual work attire. I had a facial in my clinic, followed by hair, nails, makeup and, then I got to wear a gorgeous dress.

Who was on your table?

e had such a fun table. veryone was lovely, from the owners of the reen Bird af (my favourite café in Bath), Apollo Tech (who know how to party , and the lovely team from A . lus gorgeous Annabel my fabulous Bath Life contact. And there were so many other people I knew on the evening Bath is one big village

Any planned collaborations as a result? Hopefully, a future collaboration with Sarah from Hartham ark, putting their wedding venue together with our skincare/facial packages for brides. I also now know who to go to for all my tech re uirements, Apollo ech And having spent some time with ivine avages, ’d love to get their gorgeous designs featured in the clinic. It’s important to support fellow local businesses.

For more: www.townhouseclinic.com | www.bathlifeawards.co.uk

FASHION FORWARD

Bath pa University fashion design students achieved e cellent results at the recent raduate ashion eek in East London, with many securing top spots on the catwalk, winning awards, being selected by industry leaders to feature in shows, and winning design competitions.

BSU wins included Anna Drust winning the Sportwear and Leisurewear Award (supported by GymShark); Daisy Jackson coming out on top in the B U and Arts University Bournemouth atwalk, as well as becoming oint runners up with Alice ismanovic in the e t rend esign Competition, while Seren Millie was announced as winner of the Ellesse design competition.

rogramme leader for fashion design, mma Askew Miller, says, am e tremely proud of all our graduating cohort from BA Hons ashion esign this year. raduate ashion eek is one of the highlights of the year for all our fashion students…helping them all gain valuable insight and e perience.

For more: www.bathspa.ac.uk

Dr Lucy right celebrates the win with Dr Rebecca

SPONSORED BY

BSU returns victorious from Graduate Fashion Week

Alistair Darby of Sutton Hotels

FORMER GYMSHARK CEO STEVE HEWITT INSPIRES AT ENTRECONF

At EntreConf, Steve Hewitt – ex-CEO of Gymshark – delivered a high-energy session on Ridingthe Unicorn:BuildingaBillion-DollarBrand. He shared Gymshark’s meteoric rise: from seven staff and £4M revenue to a £500M global fitness brand. Packed with straight-talking insights, it was a masterclass in scaling fast, staying focused, and building with purpose.

I describe founders in two words: magical chaos

The key message I want everyone to take away from my talk is around flying in formation, making sure every person is aligned in an organisation

One bit of advice I wish I’d got when I was younger in my career, was understanding that vulnerability in terms of leadership is a superpower

“ “ “ “ “ “

EntreConf was a MediaClash production which ran on 18 and 19 of June at Watershed, other speakers included Christian Owens, Amy Golding and Tim Edwards. With over 300 attendees, it proved to be the best mind spa for those wanting new thinking, inspiration and great new connections.

Above are the three big ideas we’re taking away from a lively, thought-provoking session.

To get involved with our Awards at Aerospace, Bristol on 2 October please contact annie.kelly@mediaclash.co.uk

Scan here for Steve’s YouTube talk

Scan here for the EntreConf Awards

TAKING THE LEAD

Over 250 delegates from the South West attended Leadership Dialogues on 2 July at the Forum in Bath. Discussing the theme ‘Leadership as a Force for Good’, renowned speakers such as Margaret He ernan, r rish andiah B , former actor Israel Oyelumade, Country Retail Manager of A U eter elkeby and hair of NHS Surrey Heartlands Ian Smith, all shared their stories and insight on how to become a better leader and bring about systemic change.

lanning for ne t year is already underway with dates confirmed as 1 uly .

www.leadershipdialogues.co.uk

Alex Boyd-Williams, Steve Wyatt, Israel Oyelumade, Atul Khosla, Sarah Gillard, Ian Smith, Rupert Brown, Hitendra Patel and Simon ‘Mac’ McKenzie

and

Cristina Riveiros and Chum Pham

Israel Oyelumade and Ian Smith

Israel Oyelumade, Tessa Armstrong, Jane Mason, Alex Boyd-Williams and Sarah Gillard

Fong Phongkusoljit

Steve Wyatt and Israel Oyelumade

Steve Wyatt

Peter Jelkeby

Sarah Gillard

Krish Kandiah and Hitendra Patel

Photos by Tom Smith For more:

There were plenty of networking opportunities

The conference was attended by more than 250 delegates

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Get in touch today with Carol: 07818 203350 management.mystayinn.com

JACK FLOWER CAREER PATH

The founder and owner of FLOWER PROPERTY on challenging the stereotypes of estate agents as “bad wheeler-dealers”

Jack set up his independent Bath-based estate agency, Flower Property, last year, o ering residential sales, lettings, and property management. Previously, he had worked with corporate agencies both locally and in London, and decided to go it alone so he could deliver that personal touch, o er exceptional customer service, along with long-term vision, market insight and transparency.”

What is your connection to Bath, are you from here?

I grew up near Basingstoke, but my dad’s family are from Bath, and I always loved visiting. My grandfather, Ralph Flower, worked at Cross Manufacturing in Bath for 70 years. I moved here two years ago, after a spell working and living in London, and I genuinely think it is the most beautiful city in the world.

What was the inspiration for founding Flower Property?

I wanted to build an estate agency where the client is the focus, rather than the number of deals. We feel the best way to thrive and be successful in Bath is by prioritising the customer journey and experience, from instruction and o er through to completion.

What has it been like forging a new company?

he first step of founding a company is raising your profile and building trust, skills which I had to learn (and am still learning) on the job through trial and error. The initial six months were the hardest.

How were difﬁculties encountered early on overcome?

I recall a particularly low point when a potential client I’d been in conversation with for months proceeded with a di erent agent at the last minute. This was a

huge blow to my confidence. hankfully, my first sale came soon after, which picked me up.

What lessons are you learning?

hat there’s no uick fi to overcome the early challenges or di culties you face when setting up a business. All you can do is believe in the product or service you o er and stick to the process. With consistency, hard work and most importantly, time, you can reach your goal.

Any moment you have been particularly proud of?

One client switched to Flower Property after listing their house with a well-known estate agent. During the switch, this agent warned my client that I was a ‘nobody’ who ‘did not know how to sell houses’. After previously being on the market for six months with no sale, we had a best and finals bidding war for the property in under two weeks. It was a proud moment that confirmed my belief in our process.

“I DID SOME ACTING WHEN I WAS YOUNGER”

Did you always know this is the work you’d be doing?

No! I did some acting when I was younger and completed a Master’s in Screenwriting. A couple of clients have said I’d be good on television, which is funny because I would much rather write a screenplay. Maybe the years on stage prepared me well to put my face on social media…

Are there negative perceptions about the work you do?

Estate agents have a bad wheelerdealer reputation, but at Flower Property we want to change this by being open and transparent. We build trusted relationships with our clients through exceptional customer service and communication.

How does being Bath-based help your business?

Bath has some of the most beautiful houses in the world, surrounded by green countryside and excellent restaurants, bars, cafés, theatres, and so much more. The city sells itself, so it is easier to encourage people to move or invest in property here.

Any immediate developments for Flower Property?

My brother Luke is moving to Bradford-on-Avon to join Flower Property. He is a chartered surveyor with over a decade’s experience in the industry, so it will be great to have him on board and grow the team.

How do you see the business progressing?

Next year, I would like to see our team increase to five. n five years, I would like to have our own o ces. n ten years, would love to see the business expand to be a multi o ce estate agency. Either way, for the entirety of that journey, I’m keen to ensure we remain dedicated to delivering the best possible customer service and to upholding our key principles: transparency, insight, collaboration, and excellence.

For more www.flowerproperty.co.u

“We couldn’t be happier with the results. The team has also been a huge pleasure to work with throughout”

Zoe Greenwood, Funkin Cocktails

Get in touch for a fresh perspective on growing your business

www.florescomedia.com

hello@florescomedia.com

Turning sunshine into sales

With Floresco, FUNKIN COCKTAILS had their most successful summer month ever

loresco partnered with FUNKIN COCKTAILS across Paid Search & Digital Advertising, boosting Return on Ad Spend by 48% year-onyear and revenue by a huge 105% monthon-month..

THE CHALLENGE

FUNKIN COCKTAILS entered May with strong seasonal potential – warm weather, long weekends, and bank holidays. The challenge was to convert

that momentum into real commercial impact with a robust and high-performing digital strategy.

THE RESULTS

Floresco delivered record-breaking performance for FUNKIN COCKTAILS. May was their most successful month across digital advertising outside of the traditional Christmas peak.

+48% Advertising Return

+105% Revenue

WHERE CAMPAIGNS FLOURISH

Floresco is Bath’s fresh-thinking paid media agency, trusted by ambitious brands to build sustainable growth for long-term success.

MEET THE WOMEN IN BUSINESS

From ﬁnance to wellness, Bath women are excelling in every ﬁeld

JEANIE WHELAN

AWDRY LAW

01793 853200; www.awdry.law

What does success mean to you now, compared to earlier in your career?

When I started working in law, there was a big focus on salary and position being the measures of success, however I have learned that ﬁnding somewhere to work where you are happy, feel supported and have a good work/life balance is what success really is.

What’s been a deﬁning moment in your professional journey so far?

There are two. The first is the day I qualified as a solicitor, after four years of studying and my two-year training contract it was an incredible achievement, and I will never forget the feeling of being able to call myself a solicitor for the first time. The second is launching the firms Sustainable Development Group focusing on the UN’s goals to transform our world.

Is there a source of inspiration you return to when you need a little clarity or courage?

“Either you have integrity, or you don’t, and if you don’t, you are not a solicitor.” Stephanie Boyce, previous president of The Law Society said this when I was admitted to the roll of solicitors.

MARIA ISAEVA

MI WEALTH CONSULTANCY LTD 07980 856945; Maria.Isaeva@sjpp.co.uk

What challenges do women in business face and how can they be supported?

Running a business while also managing childcare and homelife can be overwhelming, especially if there is no support network. It’s important to make time for self-care and accept that you can’t be everywhere all the time. I play netball and exercise outdoors to reduce overwhelm, feel calm and stay in control.

What advice would you give women starting in business?

Build a strong support network to share wisdom and experience, believe in yourself and don’t be afraid to ask for help. On a practical level, create a savings fund before you leave employment to reduce ﬁnancial stress when you start your business, start saving regularly as soon as you can, and seek professional advice to make the most your ﬁnancial position.

What does ‘success’ mean to you now, compared to earlier in your career?

When I worked in asset management, success revolved around ﬁnancial targets and meeting benchmarks. Now my purpose is to make a real difference to people’s lives through proper ﬁnancial planning.

JODY CORY

JODY CORY GOLDSMITHS 01225 460072; www.jodycory.co.uk

What’s been a deﬁning moment in your professional journey so far?

I’m ﬂattered to be recognised in the industry awards every year. However, I am most proud to appear in the Top 100 Independent Jewellers in the UK and Ireland.

Have you ever had to deal with imposter syndrome? If so, how have you managed it?

I always feel imposter syndrome, especially when I’m asked to sit on panels alongside the diamond council or attend industry events. I wonder, “Why me?” with so many established jewellers. To manage, I turn to my mum. Her pride in my hard work and achievements reminds me how far I’ve come, as the only Bathonian born, female independent goldsmith.

How do you use your position to create opportunities for others? I encourage the next generation, mentoring them in traditional goldsmithing, offering hands-on experience in my workshop. It’s a dying art that needs to continue.

Looking ahead, what kind of legacy would you like to leave through your work?

Jewellery holds great sentimental value. The pieces I’ve created will be passed down through generations. Each carries my personal hallmark, representing quality and lasting connection to my craft.

NICKY LEWIS

DEISIE WELLNESS

nicky@deisiewellness.co.uk; www.deisiewellness.co.uk

What has been your proudest professional achievement so far, and why?

Hosting my very ﬁrst wellness and yoga retreat at my favourite hotel, La Residencia in Mallorca.

It was a real pinch me moment. Being able to share La Residencia with others is a very special privilege. A wonderful hotel in such a beautiful location

How do you think women can mentor and support each other to achieve greater success?

The sisterhood is so empowering and inspirational. I think it’s a myth that women don’t embrace other women. Most of my clients are women and using yoga, meditation and breathwork I aim to help my clients thrive rather than simply survive. I’m also passionate about women’s sport and have sponsored Team Bath Netball and a book written by an incredible lady called Sue Anstiss - Gamechanger. The Unstoppable Rise of Women’s Sport.

Looking ahead, what kind of legacy would you like to leave through your work?

To show my daughters and other young girls that they can do anything!

LIBBY KINGWELL TAXASSIST ACCOUNTANTS 01225 464499; bath@taxassist.co.uk

What inspired you to switch to a career in tax?

I needed more flexibility to balance life with my young family, which inspired me to change careers. Although I had little tax knowledge, I was determined to find a role that fit around my commitments. Numbers and spreadsheets always made sense to me, so bookkeeping was a natural starting point. Eight years later, I’m proud of how far I’ve come and grateful to our director, Keith, for recognising my potential and opening the door to the tax world. This journey has been both challenging and incredibly rewarding.

What do you enjoy most about your job?

The best part of my job is meeting new businesses and individuals, each with their own unique story, and helping them understand the tax implications of their plans. While I understand tax, I know it can be overwhelming for many – a real ‘bury-yourhead-in-the-sand’ moment. Hearing clients say, “I feel so relieved – I didn’t expect that after a tax meeting,” is truly the highlight. I enjoy turning tax chaos into clarity, making complex situations easy and relatable.

What advice would you give to women who are starting their own business?

Planning is your superpower – embrace it! Build your business around your life, not the other way around. Running a small business can easily take over, so be strong and set clear boundaries for time off. Don’t hesitate to seek tailored support –your time is precious, and investing in expert advice can save you stress. Keep realtime business records; they’re invaluable for growth. Above all, remember this is a journey – celebrate your wins, ask for help when needed, and stay true to your vision.

What’s your business mantra?

Believe in your ideas, trust your instincts, and create your own path.

KELLY MARIE HAWKER HICKS

KELLY MARIE KITCHEN INTERIORS LTD 01225 481881/ 07796554466; www.kellymariekitchens.com

Kelly Marie Kitchen Interiors Ltd, 8 Pulteney Terrace, BA2 4HJ

What has been your proudest professional achievement so far, and why?

My proudest achievement has been growing Kelly Marie Kitchen Interiors from a one-woman venture to a thriving, award-winning business, purely through word of mouth and reputation. I started without a showroom, just a passion for beautiful, functional design and a belief that kitchens are the heart of the home. Now, with a showroom in Widcombe, a million-pound turnover, and clients who return and recommend us time and again, I feel incredibly proud of the trust people place in me — and of the heart-led business I’ve built.

What advice would you give to women who are starting their own business? Start with purpose, stay curious, and back yourself. You don’t need all the answers at the beginning — just enough courage to take the ﬁrst step. Build strong relationships, overdeliver on the small things, and don’t be afraid to ask for help. Be warm, but ﬁrm. Community is powerful, especially for women. My business has grown by lifting others up, and being lifted in return.

Have you ever had to deal with imposter syndrome? If so, how have you managed it?

Absolutely. Especially in the early days — working with architects, trades, and high-end clients, I’d sometimes second-guess if I was “professional” enough or if my designs were “expert” enough. But over time, experience and results spoke louder. I remind myself that my style is my strength, and the human connection I bring — not just the cabinetry — is what sets me apart. I still get nervous before big pitches, but now I channel that energy into excitement and care.

AMANDA SPICER

YOUR ECO

01225 931666; www.yourecouk.com

What’s been a deﬁning moment in your professional journey so far?

Building and scaling Your Eco has been transformative, but representing Great Britain at the 2nd Global Installer Summit in Shenzhen, China, and opening the markets on the balcony of the London Stock Exchange were pivotal moments. These experiences validated that our mission to decarbonise energy markets has international signiﬁcance and impact.

What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever received about building a successful business?

‘Be More Buffalo’ is one of Your Eco’s company values – face challenges head-on rather than running away. Buffalo are the only animals that run directly into storms, getting through them faster. This mindset has been crucial in navigating the complex renewable energy landscape.

Is there a quote or speech you draw on to help you ﬁnd strength during challenges or tricky times?

Roosevelt’s ‘Dare Greatly’ speech resonates deeply with me: ”It is not the critic who counts, but the person who is actually in the arena.” I’ve learned that you’re going to fail, and that’s not just okay – it’s essential. Every setback in renewable energy has taught me something invaluable about resilience and innovation.

PLACES TO LIVE, WORK AND PLAY

Bath Property Awards

MAKE AN ENTRANCE

The property industry’s most prestigious local awards launches

Rengen House hosted the buzzing launch of the Bath Property Awards 2025 on 24 June. The morning event, which was led by MediaClash chief exec Greg Ingham, was an opportunity for dozensof businesses and companies from across the Bath propertycommunity to hear updates on the Property Awards, which are happening 7

November at the Apex City of Bath Hotel, and to catch up with colleagues and network with new faces.

Headline sponsors are oofing, and category sponsors on board are Alide Hire Services, APS Homes, Elements (Wraxall Builders), Goughs Solicitors, Kingswood School, M2 Civil and Structural, Marsh

Commercial, Mogers Drewett,SBS Design and Build and Vyoo andTile & Floor, with MEA Construction Consultants.

Nominations are now open and categories include Architect, Contractor, Legal, Kitchens, Workspaces and Sustainability.

For more: www.bathpropertyawards.co.uk

ABOVE: Rengen House hosted this year’s launch; BELOW: Last year’s Bath Property Award winners

Short lets THE INN CROWD

Just launching in Bath is mySTAYINN, a techpowered, hospitality-focused platform that delivers property management and enhanced guest experiences through a human-centred approach, AI-powered tools, and a globally distributed team of specialists.

Founded by Pav Masutes and Samuel Herbert in 2022, and already running in Scotland, the Bath operations are being headed by Bath resident Carol Comparin-Perold, who brings two decades of international letting e perience and is fluent in English, French, and Spanish.

Carol says, “Landlords across Scotland already choose mySTAYINN for its unique blend of luxury service and scalable tech. Now launching in Bath, we’re excited to help landlords achieve a better worklife balance. And more importantly, better revenue with our stress-free platform. From dynamic pricing to 7-day-a-week guest support and streamlined licensing, every touchpoint is built to drive e ciency, security, and profit.

For more: www.mystayinn.com

Award winning TWICE AS NICE

Aspire to Move has recently won Best Letting Agent at the British Property Awards for a second time, becoming theonlyagency to ever do so.

Director of the Saville Row agency, Will Maslin, says, “Our historic achievement is a testament to our hard work, integrity, and the values that drive us every day. From supporting the local community to earning the trust of landlords and tenants alike, as a team, we continue to raise the bar.

Design

AN EXCITING NEW CHAPTER

The multi-disciplinary interior and architectural design specialist ChapterInteriors, founded by David and Pippa Musrie, has recently relocated to the city. The husband and wife team have moved from their Somerset home, and moved their studio in London, to bring both aspects together in Bath. The pair, who have been working together since 2015, have recently completed the sensitive remodelling of a Grade II* listed townhouse in Islington, a reimagined barn conversion in Somerset, and a Pilates studio at Battersea Power Station.

“Our inspiration came from years at world-renowned studios like avid hipperfield Architects and avid ollins tudio, where we worked on landmark projects across the globe. We founded thecompanyto distil thatexpertiseinto a simpler, morepersonalprocess – one routed in authenticity, coherence and craftsmanship. It was time to bring our own aestheticto life and create spaces that feel considered as they are timeless, to unite architecture and interiors into one cohesive vision.

For more: www.chapterinteriors.co.uk

To win a British Property Award, estate agents are mystery shopped against a set of 25 criteria, ensuring a fair, comprehensive, and impartial evaluation. For more: www.aspiretomove.co.uk

Chapter Interiors has recently relocated to Bath

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LIFESTYLE AND LEGACY

A vision for Bristol: DESIGN SEVEN tell us

about their involvement with Brabazon

At the heart of one of the South West’s most exciting new neighbourhoods, a show home quietly tells a bigger story.

For Design Seven, this project wasn’t just about interiors, but about identity, community, and the future of how we live.

A SHOW HOME WITH SOUL

Brabazon, the landmark project by YTL Developments to transform the former Filton Airfield, is a bold vision for a community fit for modern lifestyles. The team has recently launched the second phase of new homes at Brabazon, known as The Heritage District, located next door to the incredible collections of the Aerospace Bristol museum.

Design Seven was invited to bring its signature design approach to a new show home within The Heritage District, and is proud to be part of this visionary project. The Coanda is a brand new two-bedroom house which is larger than many three-bedroom homes built by national developers. The brief was to create a carefully curated space which blends Bristol character with contemporary living, while showcasing the sense of space and generous room dimensions.

From bespoke joinery to hand-painted murals and local artwork, every detail of the design was chosen with purpose. Framed pieces pay tribute to the city’s landmarks – the Clifton Suspension Bridge, the historic harbour – while a handpainted canvas of the old airfield hangars nods to the site’s extraordinary past.

One standout feature is the dual home office. In many standard new homes, the study is an afterthought: a small box room, cramped for space. Not at Brabazon.

The larger room dimensions allowed the team to create a fully functional workspace for not just one, but two people to work from home. Designed to suit different working styles, each side of the room has its own colour scheme and identity. The aim was to create a space which feels personal, purposeful, and comfortable –enabling flexible modern lifestyles where two people may require dedicated workspaces.

BRABAZON: A PLACE WHICH CHANGES EVERYTHING

Filton Airfield has long been part of Bristol’s story. Once home to World War II Hurricanes and the birthplace of Concorde, it is now being reimagined as a dynamic new district and one of the most sustainable and connected neighbourhoods in the South West.

Approximately 300 homes are now completed and occupied, with a further 100 low-carbon homes well underway in The Heritage District. Designed by award-winning architects Feilden Clegg Bradley Studios, these distinctive red and white brick homes are set along leafy ‘living streets’ and powered entirely by greener energy, with solar panels, EV charging points, and airsource heat pumps included as standard.

They are also located less than a fiveminute walk from Bristol’s newest train station, currently under construction at Brabazon, which will connect the neighbourhood to Bristol

Temple Meads in under 15 minutes when it opens next year.

With a heritage trail, new schools, a community hub and extensive green space, this is a place designed for the long term.

ALIGNED IN VISION AND VALUES

YTL Developments and Design Seven share a clear belief: great design should balance beauty with practicality – and always serve the people who live with it. As Brabazon continues to take shape, the homes within it are doing more than providing places to live. They are telling stories, reflecting identities, and setting a new standard for modern city living. For Design Seven, it has been a privilege to help bring that vision to life.

12B Greenway Farm, Bath Road, Wick, Bristol, BS30 5RL; info@designseven.co.uk; www.designseven.co.uk;  design7interiors

1 Fairlawn Avenue, Patchway, Bristol, BS34 4AB; 0330 1234 207; www.brabazon.co.uk;  Brabazonbristol

Emailhomesales@brabazon.co.ukfor home enquiries or info@brabazon.co.uk for general enquiries

BRIGHT & BEAUTIFUL

tonecroft the light filled home that lifts the spirits

Stonecroft is an award-winning fourbedroom house set into a hill overlooking the city of Bath and the surrounding countryside, and the result of a masterful collaboration between architects Forgeworks and interior designers Richardson Studio. A simple inversion of the original mono-pitch roof now opens up breathtaking views that stretch as far as South Wales. Interconnected terraces wrap the house, o ering uiet places to sit and take in the big Somerset sunsets.

Clad almost entirely in western red cedar, Stonecroft’s angular form emerges amid greenery. Its pitched volumes taper gently upward, while staggered front gardens echo the slope of the hill. Corten steel, railway sleepers and stone filled gabions shape the outside spaces, with wild meadow grasses and trees softening the edges.

A stepped path leads to a vaulted kitchen and dining area, where exposed glulam timber beams and te tured wood fibre panels lend warmth and softness. Breathable clay plaster lines the walls, and porcelain tiles run underfoot. The kitchen space feels sculptural and calm,with bespoke band-sawn oak cabinetry,

“The kitchen space feels sculptural and calm”

seamless terrazzo worktops and integrated Smeg appliances.

An important aspect of the design was preserving the lines of sight from the kitchen to the snug, with its apple-green walls and matching bespoke storage.

A large roof light above draws brightness into the room, and a French door opens to a separate section of terrace. Down three steps to the front of the building, a second living room opens west via full-height Internorm sliders to the main terrace – a space that blurs the lines between indoors and out. Engineered oak floors echo the beams above, while the reimagined fireplace is dressed in handmade tiles.

A double-height central corridor anchors the house, with yellow panelling to dado height. From this, four bedrooms unfold. The principal suite sits at the end, perfectly oriented to take in the view. A pink-panelled headboard defines the space and conceals a walk through dressing area that leads to an en suite with Lusso Stone tub, walk-in shower and encaustic cement tiles underfoot.

The three additional bedrooms are generously proportioned, each with bespoke fitted storage and its distinct colour scheme. One also has an en suite with

pink tiles and a walk-in shower. A separate shared bathroom with a skylight and large tub completes the space. A separate entrance leads to a black-panelled boot room and utility area, ideal for storing muddy boots and laundry.

Outside, a garden studio designed by Richardson Studio is appointed with the same soft yet sturdy finish as the primary plan. Bespoke oinery carves out storage space and dual-aspect glazing faces out to greenery, making the space wonderful for working or retreating to with a good book.

he house is also fitted with an air source heat pump, photovoltaic panels and underfloor heating that align with its environmentally conscious design.

Terraced gardens embrace the building on multiple levels. orten and stone define the levels grasses, cardoons, alliums, and verbena bring movement and colour throughout the seasons.

The landscaping has been carefully designed to promote biodiversity and ecological sustainability, with bee friendly flowers, layered planting and seasonal shrubs that support pollinators year-round. A wildflower meadow and grass borders in the front garden provide a habitat for insects and birds, while

seedheads are left uncut through winter to provide natural shelter. wo lawns one to the side, one behind o er space for play or rest, and deep planters invite edible growing. erraces connect to every key room, o ering moments of sun and/or shade, apt for hosting or for solitude.

THE ARCHITECT

HOUSE NUMBERS

For more: The Modern House; www.themodernhouse.com

Forgeworks is a RIBA-chartered practice based in London and Wiltshire and founded by Chris Hawkins, that has contributed to notable projects including the Olympic Velodrome. It is known for its designled homes that balance material honesty with bold spatial moves.

At Stonecroft, the team extended and reconfigured a modest 1960s Bungalow into a light-filled, energy-efficient home. The layout was completely rationalised into a calm, flowing sequence of rooms, each carefully attuned to the landscape. For its bold, contemporary design, the house was awarded the RIBA South-West and Wessex Award in 2025.

FOR THE HOME

Our local businesses are poised and ready to help with all your home needs for summer

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

SANDRIDGE STONE is a local craft-skills business specialising in all aspects of building and restoring local Bath tone properties. t can supply and fi all stone re uirements for new builds or e tensions. he team’s heritage skills ualified stonemasons are also expert in repairing and restoring existing stone on listed properties in order to fulfil planning requirements. Boundary Farm Berry eld el sham 6EF; Tel: 01225 703733; www.sandridgestone.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. t’s about attention to detail at every stage – creating a beautiful space that enhances the way you live. - orth arade Buildings Bath B 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

o ers 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

lair trong nterior esign is a bouti ue, 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, o ces 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. rom classic to contemporary, concept to completion, their team of experts can work with you to achieve your perfect interior. Brands include Chesneys, Barbas Bellfire, estfire, tova , a co and Hunter. et in touch or visit the showroom. Mendip Fireplaces, Monkton ombe Bath B D in o@mendip replacesbath.co.u

Tel: 01225 722706; www.mendipfireplacesbath.co.uk

JENNIFER MOSSE DESIGN STUDIO

A bespoke, tailor-made, client-focused interior design consultancy service based in Bath. pecialising 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

BATH LIVES

DARREN WAY

The

Bath City FC manager on nearly dying, valuing life, and the togetherness of Twerton Park

Born and bred in Plymouth, Darren Way joined Bath City Football Club as manager in December 2024. His career began progressing through the youth ranks with Norwich City, before moving to Yeovil Town as a player and making over 250 appearances for the club. But in December 2008, he was involved in a serious car accident as a passenger. The former midﬁelder sustained three broken limbs and endured dozens of operations. Although he was forced to retire from playing, within two years he became the Yeovil manager.

I was brought up on the Barbican in Plymouth, in a flat with my mum, dad and sister. My parents were working class and worked e tremely hard to support my footballing career financially at grassroots level. hey sacrificed a lot of their own time to support me and instilled incredible values that have stayed with me throughout my life.

My upbringing taught me a lot about how to fend for myself, and think it influenced how performed on the pitch as well.

I was so focused on my football that school went on the

back burner, which showed in my results my best grade was in .

Nowadays, I think it’s essential for young players to make sure they stick to education as well as their footballing career, as the game is so much more volatile from when wanted to become a pro.

I always knew I wanted to be a footballer. used to watch lymouth Argyle regularly and never went anywhere without a ball to practice with. his dedication has definitely helped me in my ourney and in the later years of my career.

It was a wonderful moment when, as a player at eovil, we gained promotion to League wo, and it was an honour to captain the club’s first ever league game.

“It was at a stage where it was life or death”

I was involved in a road trafﬁc accident that was head-on at 100mph. t was at a stage where it was life or death, and went on to have operations. he rehabilitation physically and psychologically was the biggest challenge ’ve ever e perienced.

Thankfully, everyone involved survived, and am very grateful to be here today. Against all odds, to get to this position is what dreams are made of. he accident taught me how important it is to en oy life. t’s probably helped me deal with football management, and wake up early every morning with the willpower to succeed.

As a coach, highlights have included gaining promotion to the Championship and beating Brentford in the playo finals at embley. haring the touch line with os Mourinho was a once in a lifetime moment as well

I have a wife who I met in secondary school, and two kids who are 17 and 1 . ’m a very family oriented person, and we are a very close unit. hey are my biggest achievement really.

I’ve never been at a football club where I’ve seen so many volunteers as Bath City. ne of the games went and stood in with the supporters to get a good feel of what the fans were saying, and to listen to how supportive they were. was actually blown away by the togetherness.

For more: www.bathcityfc.com