Bath Life – Issue 534

ISSUE 534 / SEPTEMBER 2025 / £5

ISSUE 534 / SEPTEMBER 2025 / TREASURE TROVE

THE STORY OF THE PAST COMES ALIVE AT THE HOLBURNE WITH TWO NEW GALLERIES AND A NEW LOGO INSIDE Bath Life summer party picture special / The grand and the great of Great Pulteney Street /

Get glowing with the best spa treatments / Magical Michelin dining at Osip / On the trail of the Combe Down artists / Explore the Manor House, a true Georgian gem

Visit our showroom 130 Walcot Street, Bath BA1 5BG | 01225 951223 enquiries@sandjbath.co.uk | sandjbath.co.uk

Roofe ro

f the Year 202

5

PHOTOGR APH © KEN ADL ARD

© LOUIS SMITH; W W W.STUDIOWHISK.CO.UK

EDITOR’S LETTER

O

f all the galleries, in all the towns, in all the world…. the Schroeder Collection walks into ours. Well, it didn’t just stroll in, to be fair; it too fi e ears of e ort, tal s, an the creation of a multi-million-pound purposebuilt space in the basement of the Holburne. I as l c eno gh to see the collection before the o cial o ening, an can ass re o it s incre ible, almost other orl l st the intricacies, the etails, the bea t , its brilliance, its perfection, the outstanding scale of it. his is act all the first time the chro er ollection of enaissance il er, hich as forme bet een abo t an o er two generations of the Anglo-German banking famil , has e er been ma e a ailable as an exhibit, an certainl in its entiret , ha ing re io sl al a s remaine in ri ate locations So now one of the world’s most unique and important collections is on our doorstep. For ath to ha e these rare treas res on ermanent loan is a real accola e for the cit , an feels like a global recognition of our worth. The man to thank is the Holburne director Chris te hens, ho e tal to o er on age e also catch up with the Holburne’s head of comm nications an e elo ment, o hie oo ar , ho re eals h the team are sing this o ort nit to rebran as seen on o r co er an ietl ro the m se m art of their name.

From allowing Mr Doodle to doodle all their alls a fe ears bac to recentl hosting eer ath nights, this ra e liste reat ltene treet ho se hich also o bles as a anb r s Bridgerton home , is not a place that allows the dust to settle, the cobwebs to form, or the snobber rot to set in it s an e ol ing, contem orar an relatable galler that eman s that e atch this s ace

The Baldewein Mechanical Celestial Globe, 1575, is part of the Schroder Collection, which can be seen at the Holburne’s new gallery (find out more over on page 28)

SARAH MOOLLA Follow us on @BathLifeMag

@bathlifemag

www.mediaclash.co.uk I BATH LIFE I 3

Issue 534 / September 2025 COVER The new face of the mighty Holburne

THE ARTS

28 THE HOLBURNE Incredible new galleries, an amazing new 33 34 36 39

collection (and a bit of a rebrand, too!)

ARTS INTRO Bath Children’s Literature Festival is go!

WHAT’S ON People to see, places to be CULTURE CLUB The arty picks of Gloria Obianyo BOOKS i e la i erence hen it comes to namic os

92 70

FOOD & DRINK

45 NEWS FEED Nutritious nuggets from Bath’s foodie scene 46 RESTAURANT Osip in Bruton: posh and near-perfect

LIFE STYLE 48 55 56 60

RETAIL Pulteney Bridge, and wider Pulteney perfection SHOPPING INTRO Introducing the Combe Down Art Trail…

EDITOR’S CHOICE …and some things to buy there SPAS Keep that summer glow going, both inside and out, as the

s n finall

erha s than f ll

begins to fa e

67 BEAUTY Cool, calm and collected with the iciest of orbs 70 GARDENS Yeo Valley Organic Garden Festival, no less

NETWORK 73 76 79 81

NETWORK LEAD Councillor Paul Roper of BANES Council NETWORK NEWS Business news, views, and interviews CAREER PATH Kylie Stewart, the founder of Aspirio ENTRECONF AWARDS 2025 Entrepreneurs assemble!

PROPERTY

89 PROPERTY LEAD e sable o ces es, lease 90 PROPERTY NEWS The latest from the market 92 SHOWCASE The rather lovely Manor House in Priston

DEPARTMENTS

9 SCENE Hello there, party people!

25 FLATLINE Mrs Flats mounts a take-over 98 BATH LIVES Akhila Rao dances herself dizzy

60

Editor Sarah Moolla sarah.moolla@mediaclash.co.uk Managing editor Deri Robins deri.robins@mediaclash.co.uk Senior art editor Andrew Richmond Cover design Trevor Gilham Contributors Matt Bielby, Nic Bottomley, Elsie Chadwick, Freya Flatman, Chantelle Horton, Paul Marland, Ellen Massing, John Mather, Deri Robins and Nick Woodhouse 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

6 I BATH LIFE I www.mediaclash.co.uk

SCENE T H E L AT E S T A DV E N T U R E S I N PA R T Y- GO I N G AC ROSS BAT H

Jessie Naish and Polly Rathbone Ward

Heidi Lerner Reardon and Elise Solgaini-Paice

Greg Ingham David Fowler, Vanessa Sayce and Victoria Gray

Rob and Lucy Middlefell

SUNSHINE CITY

Katie Sands and Becci Streeter

The celebratory event was a chance to catch up with friends

Bath Life loves a party and we partied with the best at The Bird for our recent summertime gathering. The guests consisted of friends, clients, and supporters who have helped the magazine on its near 22-year journey of being the best, brightest, most beautiful and most innovative publication in the region, one that celebrates our glorious city every three weeks, and pays homage to those who make it that way.

Photos by Betty Bhandari; www.bettybhandaribrandphotography.com For more: www.mediaclash.co.uk

Indy Blunden, Janik Yeshim, Teresa Duncan and Nishit Chotai

Jamillah Booty, Sarah Moolla and Noya Pawlyn

Abbie Long, Sarah Baker, Jasmine Barker and Claire Thatcher

XX I BATH LIFE www.mediaclash.co.uk I www.mediaclash.co.ukI BATH LIFE I 9

dd

Clair Strong, Katherine Raderecht and Lucy Middlefell

Paul Walshe and Michelle Pow

Steph Dodd and Holly Glover Jenna Travers, Sophie Barton and Alex Feilden-Cook

Kelly Rotheram, Zara Morgan, David Ghent and Angela Ghent The Bird was the perfect venue

Luke Farmer, Grant Atkinson and Gianni Lochi Joel Bugg and Nick Woodhouse

Rachel Blake and Lucy Middlefell The Bird was the perfect venue for a perfect night

10 I BATH LIFE I www.mediaclash.co.uk

Alex Lord

dd Natalia Ramahlo and Jaz Grewal

Emberwood's signature open fire dishes

Matthew Small, Sharky Patterson, Bruce Marques and Ben Jones

SMOKIN'!

Emberwood at The Francis Hotel recently celebrated its o cial o ening follo ing a m lti million o n restoration ore than g ests en o e coc tails, a self ser e o ster bar, an li e entertainment from he nrichments here ere, of co rse, also cana s to sam le, crafte n er the lea ershi of exec ti e hea chef a i a ell, along ith the resta rant s signat re o en fire ishes Photos by Narrated Frames; www.narratedframes.com

David Hazell

For more: www.emberwoodbath.com

Joe James of The Enrichments

Alexander Torrance

Ben Jones

The dessert trolley

Ben Lambert and Zoe Guild Mmm, canapés!

12 I BATH LIFE I www.mediaclash.co.uk

Robyn Blackmore and Tram Pham

Loraine Morgan-Brinkhurst, Nikki Heal and Pippa Russell

Miranda Wells, Orlando Wells, Cici Miskin and Maggie Fick

Rhian Gordon, Shiv Carter, Yvonne Small, Matt Small and Clare Chapman

IN THE ROUND

Theatre Royal Bath recently held two e ents to o ciall anno nce its lans to b il a ne comm nit theatre an fringe en e calle en e he first gathering in a as hoste b long time theatre s orter an local artist mma ose, an sa a erformance from comm nit theatre gro ngage he secon , in ne, feat re s eeches from hea of comm nit engagement atherine a are, an irector ann oar, ith foo from the theatre s neighbo rs the arric s ea , an ine from olf ine of alcot treet May photos by Freia Turland; www.ftphotography.co.uk

Nicola Rauh, Elspeth Steele, Oliwia Wudarowicz and Phil Maquire

June photos by Betty Bhandari; www.bettybhandaribrandphotography.com

Tim Newark, Jacquelina Lambert-Rose, Dave Workman, Fiona Schburt, Alice Harper and Lucy Wildman

Emma Rose and Nicholas Fleming

Nicholas Fleming, Emma Rose, Jay Haynes, Sarah Sell and Agnes Pollock

Ros Lovell, Beccy Derry-Evans, Cat Heale, Nikki Despard and Marion Milne

Emma Rose, Sarah Moolla and Annabel North

CONTINUED OVERLEAF

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CONTINUED FROM OVERLEAF

Christa Taylor and Ian Taylor

Bill Keeling, Simon Holdsworth, Andy Burden and Anna Manley

David Medlock and Louise Harvey

Venue 4 will be a small studio space for local productions

Cosmo Fry, Diane Birch and Andrew Fletcher

Lizzie Heffer, Nancy Connolly, Camille Tsu Brooke and Louise Harvey

Nicholas Fleming speaks about the progress of Venue 4

16 I BATH LIFE I www.mediaclash.co.uk

Sally Cookson and Lucy Walker

Amanda Allerton and James Tavernor

Ed Playne, Danny Moar, Vicky Meakin and Henry Meakin

Katherine Lazare and Paul Heal James Creed and Sophie Cottle

dd Ro Feilden-Cook and Fran Waterfall

Toni Waterfall, Dan Chapman and Cherry Healey

Ross Wilson and Jess Parkhouse

WELL DONE!

TV presenter and women’s health advocate Cherry Healey was just one of the attendees at the launch of Extracted, Bath’s new supplement store. After being an online retailer for two and half year, founders Toni Waterfall and Dan Chapman decided to open up on Broad Street in June and celebrated with an evening of champagne, mocktails, Wild Fig nibbles, and luxury goodie bags.

Photos by Hannah Doyle; Instagram: @hannahdoylephotographer

James Frapwell and Rosie Frapwell

For more: www.extracted.co.uk

Arron Collins-Thomas and Vicky Lewis-Baldy

Guests gather for speeches

Carla Reade and Alison Bartlett

Extracted specialises in supplements

The new Broad Street store

Clare Young and Rachel Davies Wild Fig nibbles

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Adam Attew, Lady Charlotte Lynham and Adam Hay-Nicholls Lore of the Sky restaurant

Nicole Lovett and Rachel Dube

CONNECTING FLIGHTS

Verna Gao Up close with the vintage craft

Lore of the Sky, a smokehouse restaurant that blen s exan a o rs ith iltshire charm an aerial ie s of intage lanes, as recentl rela nche b o ner an legen ar film irector itchie s team, ith a celebrator all a e ent at its om ton bbas irfiel base long ith a barbec e, tacos, an local rin s, g ests ha the o ort nit to ie the historical aircraft close , incl ing a itfire from ero egen s Photos by James D. Kelly; www.jamesdkelly.com For more: www.comptonairfield.com

George Kimm and Rob Bentley

Fairey Swordfish Mk I

Phoebe Cleary Rudd

20 I BATH LIFE I www.mediaclash.co.uk

The Lore of the Sky team served up a smokehouse barbecue

Ganna Rowe Take to the skies

Robin and Fiona Wood Justin and Mandy Adams

Maddie Campbell-Jones

Jasper Becker

Helen has published four historical novels to date

NEW CHAPTER

Rengen House recently hosted a book launch for The Emerald Twins, a historical novel by Bath author Helen Fripp. There were drinks, a Q&A session and a book reading, followed by a book-signing. This is Helen’s fourth novel; set in wartime France, it’s about separated twins brought back together by two jewels. Helen spoke about how it was a Bath-based jeweller, Tina Engell, who had helped inspire some of the novel’s plotting on one of their regular dog walks along the city’s canal towpath.

Photos by Kieran Conlon For more: www.helenfrippauthor.co.uk

Meg Palmer, George Hartrey, Helen Fripp, Emma Oliver and Vicki Edwards

A CORKING GOOD TIME

Richard Knighting and Marty Grant Lee Sharkey, Ping Coombes and Angela Mount

Corkage, owned by Richard Knighting and Marty Grant, invited friends old and new to celebrate the newly renovated garden over summer drinks at the end of June. The sun came out, wine o e an seasonal nibbles such as cured salmon, lemon and crème fraîche blinis, and chicken liver parfait and cherry purée on crispy chicken skin, were served.

For more: www.corkagebath.com

Ed Chudleigh, Dan Ghadimi, Michael Musgrave, Marcus Whittington and Jamie Barrow

Henry and Philippa Poulson

Andy Clarke and Alan O'Shea Saber Khan, Alex and Elaine Torrance, and Gerard Paddock

www.mediaclash.co.uk I BATH LIFE I 23

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PHOTO BY SUZY SLEMEN; WWW.SUZYSLEMEN.COM

FLAT LINE

While the Flats is away…

While our mighty columnist is down under, the equally magnificent Mrs Freya Flats steps up

F

or regular readers I hope I’m not shattering an illusion in telling you that lats t icall rites this col mn from bed, on his phone, having been chased for the 19th time by the ever-patient editor. He was delighted to learn that, for one column only, I was relieving him of the e ort he a or s this feat re he reason for such an honour being bestowed on me is that lats is in stralia, follo ing the ions to r You might think that he would have adequate down-time between the weekly matches to pen a few words about his undoubtedly more exciting fortnight o e er, that o l n t be a er ath base life, an that is recisel hat I have been doing in his stead. If you’re here for grilling, rugby, cars or whinging about the cost of upkeep of a Georgian home, feel free to join lats on his sabbatical from this age lats e art re coinci e recisel ith the end of the school term (fortunately he was still here for the unmissable rite of passage that is re school gra ation an the s mmer holi a i e most or ing arents e been fashioning elaborate childcare arrangements for our one- and three-year-old daughters (shout out

to Mimi my mum, my brilliant stepdaughters, Snapdragons, Super Pirates, an ensemble of much-loved babysitters, and an understanding an exible em lo er in atches of ath and then trying to squeeze in some fun for all of us around the edges. I thought I’d use this platform to celebrate what has worked well for us in the hope it might help another listless parent; a guide, if you will, to what has kept us all sane. I know solo parenting is the norm for a lot of parents, and for the most part I am very fortunate to operate as a duo – for those who know this juggle all too well, I salute you. he ath oft heese af is a reliable fa o rite st ten min tes from central ath and an authentic hit of manure-scented countryside. It’s fantastic for children with a small playground, ducks, chickens, two life-size fake cows to hone your milking skills and an actual herd of real cows to hone your imitation ‘moooooos’. If you time it right, you can watch the cows being milked from an elevated play area above the parlour – grab a milkshake from the caf beforehan for the com lete co to c ex erience ath it arm is magical too the or ing

farm is a charity and free to visit, with donations encouraged. In the heart of the city, it is kiddie-nirvana: fat pigs bathing in mud, mischievous climbing goats, dinky Shetland ponies, bathing ducks, squawking chickens, disgruntled sheep and, the star of the show on our most recent visit, docile alpacas which the chil ren ere in ite to fee e ra e ith a isit to the comm nit caf for a at white, made all the more delicious by getting to enjoy it whilst the children were happily distracted in the adjoining playground.

I even managed a bit of culture with my dear frien oll , self rofesse il llen s erfan, who was organised enough to get us tickets to see the now sold-out Hedda at the Ustinov.

Ibsen’s classic, reimagined by director Matthew Dunster, has been given a contemporary overhaul. On the night we attended, the audience in the intimate theatre was hanging on the cast’s every utterance. It was a truly transportive evening and one that reassured me I can still concentrate (for 2 hours 25 minutes to be recise beca se am a rea f l o ble screener at home and infamous for a ‘what just happened?’, which always gets short shrift from the regular writer of this column. n last b t not least, the ltimate sanit reser er famil an frien s e ha e been so generously supported with invitations to playdates and picnics (another free and not-to-be-missed activity is eating said picnic in Victoria Park whilst watching the hot air balloons ta e o , eli eries of homema e lasagne and impromptu cups of tea. lats arting re est as lease ater the lants to hich re lie ll tr e ite rightl sco e that this as tantamo nt to saying I wouldn’t bother. Safe to say I have rejoiced at every drop of rain in the hope it might mitigate m erisor e orts The truth is, it’s not just the garden that has missed him; we’re all ready for the ultimate child-entertainer, chicken-griller, gardencaretaker and companion to come home. n for b siness to res me as s al ncl ing, I suspect for you dear reader, this column!

Freya Flatman, wife of our regular columnist David, is the mother of two determined young girls, and head of marketing at Watches of Bath.

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A CONTEMPORARY COASTAL KITCHEN Making the most of the stunning, panoramic sea-front view was the key focus for the owners of this beautiful new-build home.

T

o complement the architecture, the family wanted a company that could create a contemporary kitchen that would sit comfortably in the open-plan space. They found their answer in Hobson’s Choice. “We knew we’d met the right people from the get-go,” they recall. “Nothing was any trouble. Our designer spent time with us,

understanding the brief in detail, and worked hard with us to enable every single detail.”

Inspired by the sea, pebbles and stones that surround their home, the kitchen’s palette is soft yet richly textured – a subtle nod to the natural world outside. “We were lucky enough to have a palette offered by Hobson’s Choice that enabled us to select colours that matched all our wishes for how the home should look.”

Providing space to display the couple’s art collection was a key consideration in the layout. The decorative pieces are displayed around the kitchen, offering a daily reminder that this room is about living, not just cooking.

Between remote working, family gatherings and long, chatty suppers, the kitchen is in constant use. “The kitchen really is the heart of our home,” says the client. “Despite how much pressure we’ve put on it, it always feels and looks elegant and presentable.”

Ensuring that every client remains happy, satisfied and supported long after the project is complete is a primary focus for Hobson’s Choice. “Their after-sales care has been unprecedented; nothing was too much trouble at any stage.”

To see more of this beautiful coastal home and watch our client talk about their experience, scan the QR code right. If you are considering a new kitchen, bathroom or living space project, visit our Bath design studio on London Road. n

Hobson’s Choice, London Road, Bath, BA1 6AJ www.hobsonschoice.co.uk email: info@hobsonschoice.co.uk tel: 01225 433511

www.mediaclash.co.uk I BATH LIFE I 27

NATIONAL TREASURES The Holburne is expanding with new galleries, a never-before-seen collection, and a refreshed identity

By John Mather

PHOTO BY JO HOUNSOME PHOTOGR APHY

T

here’s a sense of being propelled into a space, into a glittering universe of curated wonders. Wherever you look, there’s something to dazzle, to draw you in, to intrigue. The purpose-built lower gallery addition to the Holburne has been made possible by the Bruno Schroder Trust and is designed to display the remarkable Schroder family collection, here on permanent loan.

The dark oak panelled walls are an inky blue, the glass casing is invisible, there are mirrors to re ect e er angle of the treasures, and soft lighting draws attention to the incredible intricacies of the pieces. And what you’re looking at, in this jewellery box of a treasure trove, is the finest collections of sil er are in the co ntr , along with paintings, bronzes, maiolica and gems from the Renaissance period.

It’s a huge achievement and an exciting whole new chapter for the Great Pulteney Street artspace, with the new gallery’s design being realised under the direction of Eric Parry RA, the architect responsible for the Holburne’s renowned modern extension in 2011.

Here to tell us more about the new gallery, the Holburne’s continuing growth and its future evolution is director Chris Stephens…

Tell us a little about your two new spaces: the Schroder Gallery on the lower ground floor and the Dutch Gallery on the first floor

The new galleries are the outcome of a much more modest conversation LEFT: Probably Fontana Workshop, two pilgrim flasks with the Four Evangelists, Urbino, c. 1570–90, Schroder Collection; INSET: Director of the Holburne, Chris Stephens

28 I BATH LIFE I www.mediaclash.co.uk

PHOTO BY JO HOUNSOME PHOTOGR APHY

ARTS great contem orar art to the olb rne an to ath, that same contem oraneit r ns thro gh e er thing e o, beca se it is in o r attit e an tone of oice hat is h , in esigning a ne enaissance galler , e ha e so ght to create a s m t o s, immersi e ex erience How does the new brand identity reflect the museum’s evolving mission and values?

s set o t in o r al es, e ish to be accessible an rele ant for the cit of ath an be on e o not ant to aban on or en o r ob io s classical associations, b t e are a home for art an creati it , not a heritage organisation Do you think visitors, both actual and potential, have changed, and if so, is this one of the ways of adapting to meet them?

The cabinet design is constructed to accentuate the collection

that starte ring the first loc o n in as contacte b the c rator of an nname ri ate collection, loo ing to lace a small gro of orthern enaissance aintings in blic collections, an ho on ere if the olb rne might be intereste in borro ing one or t o hen isite the collection in erson, as in a e that the famil hol ings also incl e im ortant ieces of talian maiolica, bron es from enaissance lorence an enice, gems an e els, sixteenth cent r erman boo s, an a magnificent gro of se enteenth cent r aintings hrillingl , r no chro er s a ghter, eonie, the latest c sto ian of this on erf l collection, as een to share it ith the general blic So the new spaces, and the items they display, are all permanent?

n ee he ermanent loan of s ch an extraor inar ri ate collection, an the creation of c stom ma e galleries to ho se them, is one of the most exciting e elo ments in regional m se ms in the for man ears an significantl raises the olb rne s stan ing an o r o er to the orl And the launch of the galleries ties in with a rebrand, doesn’t it?

PHOTO BY HELENA M PHOTOGR APHY

e are een to stress that, tho gh e ha e bro ght m ch more

BRAND NEW

Head of communications and development, Sophie Woodward, on why the Holburne wanted to rebrand, and how it came about Why rebrand the Holburne?

Audience feedback told us some people still saw us as ‘historic and stuffy’. As we open two brand new galleries this September, it seemed essential to rethink the brand to better reflect what we are now. Our vision is to make the Holburne an open, welcoming and empowering space for everyone.

Talk us through the new logo, which we loved so much we popped it on the cover…

It’s absolutely rooted in our beautiful building. Our design agency spotted that there was an ‘H’ hiding in plain sight, within the columns and pediment on the facade, which makes perfect sense for us! The rest of the brand identity evolved quite easily from this point. It was important for us that we used the rebrand as an opportunity

n recent ears, o r a ience has become more i erse, coming from f rther afiel an is often o nger enerall , this has been a gra al change, b t ith a co le of notable s i es o r ra son err sho in , an r oo le s se m a hem installation, hich s rea thro gho t the m se m an be on into the cit centre in s mmer he change in o r i entit is inten e to re ect more acc ratel hat e belie e the olb rne to be no How do you balance honouring the museum’s legacy with this progression and evolution?

ne of the great things abo t the ne i entit is that it re ects the olb rne s histor an its lan mar setting b t gi es it a contem orar , light hearte t ist that is consistent ith o r acti ities the logo eri es from the alla ian fa a e of the b il ing, ith its classical col mns an e iment, an ma es something fresh an itt ith them

“We wish to be accessible and relevant for the city of Bath”

to break down preconceptions of an historic museum, so an alternative version of the logo will appear to ‘dance’ on occasion, capturing the more playful side of the Holburne.

It’s been great to see how well the new logo fits our programme, drawing on our rich heritage but offering a contemporary twist through popping colour contrasts, graphic fonts and bold design.

Was there community input or collaboration in the process?

We shared a series of surveys, and the agency interviewed a selection of staff, trustees, volunteers, visitors and non-visitors to hear what the Holburne means to them. Their feedback was incredibly important – our local community really feel part of the Holburne family, so we wanted to build on this to ensure that the Museum looks and feels more welcoming for everyone.

Do you expect the changes to affect audience demographics or expectations?

We hope that we’ll continue to see a broader range of audiences visiting the museum, and maybe encourage more people who might have dismissed us as ‘historic and stuffy’ to come and see what’s inside!

In what ways is digital technology influencing the Holburne’s evolution?

We’ve been a bit behind the curve but, having recently secured a grant through Bloomberg’s Digital Accelerator Programme, we’re able to update our digital infrastructure over the next two years with a new website, online shop and ticketing system, which will be transformational. We’ve also recently introduced a digital guide, which is available for free on the Bloomberg Connects platform. This includes an audio tour from Adjoa Andoh, who plays Lady Danbury in Bridgerton and whose grand home in the Netflix show is the Holburne, highlighting objects that reflect the city’s rich Georgian history.

The new Holburne branding is embracing the eclectic www.mediaclash.co.uk I BATH LIFE I 29

Bath has that reputation, but our experience is that, in fact, people – though not necessarily familiar with certain things or ideas – tend to be open to new concepts and innovation.

Beyond all this, what are the main issues facing the Holburne?

We live in challenging times; all museums are saying the same, but we have the advantage of having always been in this position. The Holburne is unique in the scale of its ambition and programme in the absence of any public funding or a major benefactor. Though we are used to surviving without public subsidy, we are now competing with all those other organisations that are losing theirs.

So how do you see things progressing in the future?

Many of the challenges also present great opportunities. We are freeing up spaces in and around the museum, which we hope to bring into public use when the funding is available. Most excitingly, we are already addressing how we might respond to rising energy costs and climate change, not just by seeking to minimise our energy use and environmental impact but also by exploring how we might use our two acres of garden to make a positive contribution to our environment and its biodiversity. We’d love to see the Holburne become an urban oasis, where art and nature cohabit in a space that is open to all.

The family collection was built up by the late Bruno Schroder and his forebears during the course of the last century, becoming one of the finest private collections of silverware in the country, though it also contains paintings, bronzes, maiolica and gems. Items from the collection have very rarely been seen in public and never together.

Here are a few key pieces…

The Schwarzenberg Nef, c. 1580. Silver, parcel-gilt and cold enamel. Probably Germany or Southern Netherlands Nef, meaning ship in old French, was a ship-shaped object originally developed in medieval France for ceremonial dining. It symbolised high status, and its role was to mark the place of the king or great lord at the table. Originally, the nef was made to contain the personal eating utensils of the lord.

The Schroder nef could be used as a ceremonial ewer or drinking vessel: it can be filled through a hole in the deck and poured or drawn out through a spout concealed within the pointed spur at the bow. This is the only known nef designed as a galley.

The Baldewein Mechanical Celestial Globe. Gilded brass,

silvered copper, iron and brass, Marburg, 1575 Mechanical celestial globes contain mechanisms to stimulate the movements of the stars.

The globe’s surface represents the sky, with the viewer imagined at its centre, looking up.

It is engraved with 1022 stars, grouped in 48 constellations; each star was originally enamelled in colours. As the globe rotates, stars will appear above the horizon, cross the sky, and disappear below the horizon on the other side.

The celestial globe was commissioned by one of the earliest modern astronomers – the Landgrave (German Count) Wilhelm IV of Hesse-Kassel (1532-1592). The clockwork mechanism means it turns once a day, and a small sun effigy also travels around the globe.

Seven Kassel globes, made between 1574 and 1594, are known to survive; this is the earliest survivor in a complete state.

PHOTOGR APH © KEN ADL ARD

ABOUT THE SCHRODER COLLECTION

The intricate details of the preserved, near perfect items is staggering

Jakob Fugger (14591525) and Sybilla Artzt (c.1480-1546), Hans Burgkmair (14731531), Oil on panel, 1498 Commissioned to record their wedding day, this double portrait celebrates the union between Jakob Fugger, the most important banker in Europe in the late fifteenth century, and The Schwarzenberg Nef. Silver, parcel-gilt and cold enamel. Probably Germany, c. 1580

30 I BATH LIFE I www.mediaclash.co.uk

The Baldewein Mechanical Celestial Globe, 1575, gilded-brass, silvered copper, iron and brass, Marburg. Schroder Collection

Sybilla Artzt, a member of an influential Augsburg family.

The Burgkmairs were the leading painters in Augsburg at the time.

The lavishness of the couple’s attire, which attests to their wealth and power, has been captured with minute detail.

The new Schroder Gallery (home to the silverware et al) and Dutch Gallery (home to the Schroder paintings) will be open to the public from 10 September.

For more: www.holburne.org

Jakob Fugger and Sybilla Artzt, Hans Burgkmair (1473–1531), 1498, oil on panel. Schroder Collection

PHOTOGR APH © TODD WHITE ART PHOTOGR APHY

Bath can have a reputation for being a little resistant to change.

How do you think it might respond to all of this?

“Items from the collection have very rarely been seen in public” PHOTO BY JO HOUNSOME PHOTOGR APHY

ARTS

Ceramics for mindful moments.

Handmade pieces from Dosebe - for soulful rituals and professional spaces.

See more 07341 910877

THE ARTS PHOTO BY JIKSAW

S N A P S H O T S O F B AT H ’ S C U LT U R A L L I F E

DOING IT FOR THE KIDS

Even if you aren’t a kid, have no kids, your kids are no longer kids – it’s hard not to feel like a big kid when the Bath Children’s Literature Festival sweeps into town for ten glorious book-tastic days.

There are the big name festival favourites such as Jacqueline Wilson, Frank Cottrell-Boyce, Liz Pichon, Rob Biddulph, and Cressida Cowell, plus ghost stories with Danny Robins, clowning with Tweedy, and magic tales with Hugh Bonneville. Fresh from his ‘drop the mic’ Glastonbury appearance is the award-winning teacher, Sky Kids superstar, author, and World Book Day ambassador MC Grammar (seen here) to introduce his latest book, The Adventures of Rap Kid: The G.O.A.T., in bet een ance o s, beats ri es, an freest le battles Bath Children’s Literature Festival, now in its 18th year, runs 26 September – 5 October at venues across Bath including The Guildhall, Bath Forum, Holburne, Mission Theatre, Bath City Farm, Bath Central Library, and Waterstones; www.bathfestivals.org.uk www.mediaclash.co.uk I BATH LIFE I 33

ON

PHOTO BY ALE X VOYER

’S

23 August – 27 September

Deep dive into the Ocean Film Festival World Tour coming to Komedia on 24 September

EXHIBITIONS Until 31 August

IMPRESSIONS IN WATERCOLOUR: TURNER AND HIS CONTEMPORARIES Don’t miss this rare opportunity to see Turner at his most experimental and gestural, alongside notable contemporaries including Thomas Girtin and John Sell Cotman, as this acclaimed exhibition which encapsulates the transition towards looser, plein-air sketching draws to a close. Holburne; www.holburne.org

Until 6 September

LINDSEY BULL: CANDYFLOSS Bull touches on previously explored concepts such as the transformation of the female fig re thro gh the use of clothing and builds on this to interrogate the tensions that exist between our public and private selves. Bo Lee and Workman; www.boleeworkman.com

Until 23 September

AXLE ARTS AND SAW xle rts an omerset rt or s 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

34 I BATH LIFE I www.mediaclash.co.uk

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 nstit tion exhibition 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 RUH’s Art at the Heart explores how humans have a natural, primal instinct to connect with nature, and the benefits of oing so www.artatruh.org

Until 2 November

THE MOST TIRESOME PLACE IN THE WORLD Her 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 emonstrates ho o ers ha e inspired generations of artists from East and Southeast Asia. ncl es or s from iro o ma a, en si arman, ihong ai, eong ong a an risten ong 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, out-of-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

THEATRE / MOVIES Until 29 August

A MIDSUMMER NIGHT’S DREAM Set against the stunning backdrop 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

4 September - 4 October

ENDGAME Douglas Hodge, Mathew Horne, Clive Francis, and Selina Cadell star in Samuel Beckett’s macabre comedy about Hamm, an old, blind tyrant locked in a stalemate with his servant, Clov.

Ustinov; www.theatreroyal.org.uk

PHOTO BY MICHAEL POLL ARD

WHAT’S ON

11 – 20 September

EMMA The 250th anniversary of Bath’s favourite writer is celebrated in fitting st le ith a ne stage adaptation of Jane Austen’s comedy of manners eat ring the high spirited Emma Woodhouse, who is determined that she will never marry, but loves to meddle. Theatre Royal Bath; www.theatreroyal.org.uk

24 September

THE OCEAN FILM FESTIVAL WORLD TOUR mesmerising collection of short films celebrating the on er an power of the sea, with a deep dive into all things ocean incl ing free i ing, mesmerising marine life, an extreme bo boar ing Komedia; www.komediabath.co.uk

COMEDY 3 & 4 September

MYRA DUBOIS st cent r renaissance oman from nglan s orth, ra ses her skills as an actress, author, ellness g r , energ or er, emini, an are e forget singer to enrich each and every member of her audience, personally.

Komedia; www.komediabath.co.uk

12 September

CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT: See Lindsey Bull’s Candyfloss exhibition at Bo Lee and Workman until 6 September; the interactive installations of Forest of Imagination take over Entry Hill 23 September – 5 October; multi-instrumentalists perform at Chapel Arts on 25 September Roswell Road; explore the world of fossils at the Bath Royal Literary and Scientific Institution

RIA LINA Expect a relentless stream of hilarity as the Filipina comedian an act al scientist ex lores the state of the world, the eternal battle of the sexes, an the elight of thro ing life in the air after ears of follo ing the r les Rondo Theatre; www.rondotheatre.co.uk

13 September

BELLA END ottingham rag legen calls into ath for an nforgettable night of singing, come an cabaret Mandalyns; Instagram @mandalynsbath

MUSIC

Until 31 August

ROMAN BATHS SUMMER LATES Bath Carnival, 7 Hills Fest, Polymathic and Bath Arts Collective team ith oman aths to bring Summer Lates. On Fridays and at r a s in l s create a lai bac , lifting ibe ith an eclectic mix of atin a , rare groo es, an global so n s n a s ta e it o n a notch, with relaxed vibes and acoustic sets. www.romanbaths.co.uk

28 – 31 August

END OF THE ROAD Self Esteem, Caribou, Father John ist , an haron an tten The Attachment Theory are just a fe of the big names erforming at this lovely Larmer Tree Gardens festival, set in beautifully manicured la ns ith ornate gar en str ct res, atmos heric oo lan clearings, rolling co ntr si e, an a eacoc or two. www.endoftheroadfestival.com

25 September

ROSWELL ROAD he on on base m lti instrumentalists blend close harmonies ith can i stor telling, ra ing on real ex eriences from mental health to family love to real life acti ist a ent res at sea Chapel Arts; www.chapelarts.org

www.mediaclash.co.uk I BATH LIFE I 35

WHAT’S ON

JOANNE SHAW TAYLOR Known for her blazing guitar work and soulful voice, Joanne fuses blues, rock, soul, and pop into an unforgettable live performance.

Bath Forum; www.bathforum.co.uk

CHILDREN Until 2 September

SUMMER OF PLAY There’s a whole host of family fun outdoor activities at Prior Park based around both the gardens and play dens in the wild area. www.nationaltrust.org.uk

23 September - 5 October

Forest of Imagination comes to Entry Hill, a hidden green wonderland of woodlands, grasslands and sweeping views, and transforms it into a magical landscape of interactive installations, nature trails, activities, outdoor performances, and hands-on workshops for all ages. www.forestofimagination.org.uk

OTHER

Until 27 September

AUSTENS AT THE ABBEY Explore the many fascinating connections the Austen family has to Bath Abbey through a programme of events that includes an exhibition, film screening, after hour tours and Regency church services. www.bathabbey.org

3 September

PHOTO BY MAT T HUMPHREY

24 September

SUMMER RACING AT BATH RACECOURSE Spend a glorious summer’s day at Bath Racecourse for an afternoon racing. Come early, grab a drink, secure your spot and be lucky while you enjoy a full afternoon of racing, dining, and entertainment. Bath Racecourse; www.bath-racecourse.co.uk

8 September / 10 October

METABOLIC HEALTH RESET DAY The Health Reset Day at Combe Grove is a great starting point to prioritise wellness and rebalancing the body. It provides valuable insights into your current state of health with an Accuniq body composition analysis, along with HbA1c and lipids blood test, simple tools to implement at home and personalised strategies to help make meaningful changes. Costs £225 with November and December dates available. www.combegrove.com

13 – 14 September

VERVE WELLNESS FESTIVAL 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, nourishing food, and wild spa treatments – all curated and designed to restore and inspire. www.feeltheverve.com

Gloria Obianyo, alongside Ralph Fiennes, in rehearsal for As You Like It

CULTURE CLUB with Gloria Obianyo Gloria Obianyo, who is appearing in As You Like It directed by Ralph Fiennes at the Theatre Royal Bath until 6 September, has starred in many major TV and film projects including Good Omens, Outlander, Dune, and Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning Part One. She has also received critical acclaim for her stage performances, including a win at the Ian Charleson Awards for her role in Kae Tempest’s acclaimed Paradise at the National Theatre.

The last great film I saw Sinners, written and directed

by Ryan Coogler. I watched it four times and each time it brought me to tears. I was telling everyone and their mum’s gardener to watch it. So far it’s the best film I’ve seen this year.

A film I could watch over and over again Clueless, a true 90s classic.

A painting that means something to me I don’t really observe paintings all that much, to be honest.

Photography is more my speed. One of my favourite photos is American Gothic,

by African American photographer Gordon Parks of Ella Watson, an African American charwoman in Washington, D.C. The photo is a reimagining of

the painting American Gothic, by Grant Wood. Gordon Parks was key in capturing Black life and joy in America through his works.

Best TV show ever Fillmore. A Disney channel cartoon set in homage to 70s police dramas. It’s fantastic.

My TV guilty pleasure Anything within The Real Housewives universe.

The book that changed my life Freedom Is A Constant Struggle

by Angela Y. Davis.

The book I could happily re-read The Perks of Being a Wallflower

by Stephen Chbosky. My love for it knows no bounds.

Last live music gig I went to: Beyonce: Cowboy Carter. T’was absolute perfection. I’m ready for the next tour.

My desert island disc In The Stone by Earth, Wind & Fire.

The first song that I remember hearing Canon in D by Pachabel.

Classical music tended to be the main genre played in the house and that piece, in particular, was played almost all the time.

For more: www.theatreroyal.org.uk

The Biophilia collection currently on show at the RUH celebrates the power of nature Gloria’s a fan of Disney’s Fillmore 36 I BATH LIFE I www.mediaclash.co.uk

BOOKS NIC BOTTOMLEY

A Vive la difference when it comes to dynamic duos!

“Culminates in one of t e finest closing scenes I’ve ever read”

s the rich potential of a long summer reading season lies around us, I bring you three unlikely and entirely unconnected tales of er i erent dynamic duos.

The Confidence Men by Margalita ox rofile, is a gri ing tr e tale of t o ritish o cers an their ingenio s escape plan from a World War I prisoner of war camp in Turkey. Finding themselves incarcerated in a remote camp surrounded by mountainous terrain, the highly educated Harry Jones and Cedric Hill combined their skills to create a plot of mental daring-do that almost efies belief Realising the prison’s remoteness rules out a conventional escape, they set about tricking their captors into releasing them closer to safety. Making a ouija board, they begin to convince the guards of supernatural goings-on around the camp, and that the spirits, which only they can communicate with, might be able to lead them to hidden treasure in the surrounding hills.

Thus begins an elaborate tale of escape ith nex ecte t ists more befitting of a fiction thriller than the tr e stor it reall is. Fox’s writing is so compelling and always wears its detailed research lightly so as not to get in the way of the fast-paced plot. Curios and side-quests abound though – such as the photos included in the book that were taken with a camera that Jones and Hill built from scrap materials found around the camp.

A world and many centuries apart, The Dark Queens by Shelley Puhak loomsb r , is a non fiction o ble biography of two remarkable female rulers of sixth-century Francia. Upon his death in , ing lothar ignore the con entional rules of royal succession and instead split the powerful kingdom of Mergovinian Francia into four kingdoms, bestowing one upon each of his sons.

Predictably enormous rivalries were created between the brothers, and into this

fractured family came two women from very i erent bac gro n s r nhil , a isigoth aristocrat, married into the family as an act of powerful alliance building. Fredegund, in contrast, rose from palace slave-girl to become the third wife of the youngest brother.

The book explores the achievements and strategic guile of the two queens as, once widowed, they ruled on behalf of their young sons and wielded female power far beyond the expectations of the time. Plates reveal depictions of the queens across the centuries – showing how over time they have been variously regarded as saintly, evil, cruel, shameless and brave.

Lastly, twins Iris and Floyd are the duo at the heart of the adventure in Robbie Arnott’s new novel Dusk intage, at large in a distorted version of the highland wilds of Australia. Their reputation precedes them – or rather that of their villainous parents, whose violent escapades seem to be remembered by everyone they encounter.

At the novel’s outset, the twins have tra elle f rther afiel to see the bo nt on the head of a wild puma – the last remaining of several imported from Argentina that has ro ght ha oc ith farmers oc s tting aside growing tensions between them, they travel into the back country encountering isolated peat-farming communities and the reckless greed of others on the puma’s trail.

Throughout the narrative, Arnott stays true to one of the core motifs of much of his writing – the wafer-thin margins between man and beast and the dangers of underestimating nature’s power and man’s capacity for cruelty. They might be the only fictional o in this list, b t Dusk is my book of the year so far – a story of loyalty, betrayal, desperation and the ties that bind, which c lminates in one of the finest closing scenes I’ve ever read.

Nic Bottomley is the general manager of Mr B’s Emporium of Reading Delights, 14/15 John Street, Bath; www.mrbsemporium.com

www.mediaclash.co.uk I BATH LIFE I 39

FOLLOW THE HERD

@herdrestaurant www.herdrestaurant.com

Address: 5 Bartlett St, Bath BA1 2QZ Phone: 01225 420611 Online: ba1hair.co.uk

BATH RUGBY FIXTURES 25/26

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T: 01225 811222 18 YORK STREET, BATH BA11NG CALL 01225 308529 for reservations

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UPCOMING EVENTS AT BARDACIOUS This autumn, BARDACIOUS turns up the flavour and fun with a series of immersive tasting evenings and hands-on masterclasses designed for discerning tastes and those in search of exceptional experiences SALCOMBE DINE & DISTILLATION WEDNESDAY 15 OCTOBER, 6.30PM – 9PM, £45PP An evening that blends fresh Californian dishes with the fascinating craft of gin-making. Begin with a welcome drink on arrival before diving into a gin theory session and guided tasting hosted by Jake from Salcombe Gin and Charlie from Bardacious. Watch as the magic happens in a live distillation, then take part in a lively charity auction with the chance to name and label the evening’s prize bottle. Alongside the main event, enjoy a selection of small plates, perfectly paired cocktails, and the warm, convivial atmosphere Bardacious does best.

WINE TASTING WEDNESDAY 12 NOVEMBER 6PM – 8PM, £65PP An elegant evening sampling a curated selection of wines from America, each poured with insight, warmth, and a dash of Bardacious flair. Ideal for both the seasoned sipper and the adventurous newcomer. Accompanied by fresh flavourful Californian cuisine

UXMAL TEQUILA TASTING MONDAY 20 OCTOBER, 7.30PM – 9PM, £45PP Discover the depth and diversity of Mexico’s most iconic spirit with Bardacious’s in-house brand, UXMAL. From bright, citrusy blancos to rich, smoky añejos, you’ll explore the craft and culture of tequila, sip by sip, with expert guidance and a few delicious surprises from the kitchen.

RESTAURANT TOUR – SUNDAY 19 OCTOBER, 12PM – 5PM, £79PP Step into a day of culinary discovery as Bardacious joins the exclusive Restaurant Tour. We’ve done the legwork so you can simply wander, taste, and savour. Six standout restaurants, each serving their signature dish and drink pairing, are yours to explore at your own pace. No tickets to juggle, no bills to settle: just follow the easy-to-use app, linger where you like, and enjoy the flavours of the city with the people who matter most.

Every stop is handpicked by us, with no paid placements, ensuring each bite and sip is worth the journey.

CONFIRMED DJ NIGHTS August October, • Wednesday 20th • Saturday 11th (students night) • Friday 31st • Saturday 9th and November 30th • Saturday 1st, 22nd September • Sunday 2nd (tbc) • Friday 19th, 26th • Saturday 13th

44 I BATH LIFE I www.mediaclash.co.uk

COCKTAIL MASTERCLASS TUESDAY 4 NOVEMBER, 3.30PM – 6PM, £38PP Roll up your sleeves and shake, stir, and muddle your way through Bardacious’s signature serves. Learn the secrets behind perfectly balanced drinks and leave with skills to impress (and perhaps a new favourite tipple).

THE DAY OF THE DEAD – 31 OCTOBER Bardacious marks the occasion with a vibrant fusion of Día de los Muertos and Halloween.

Guests can expect bold flavours, colourful décor, and cocktails with a spirited twist. The best-dressed tables will be rewarded, and anyone sharing snaps on Instagram will receive a complimentary shot. With themed food and drink specials running all night, it’s the perfect opportunity to gather friends, raise a glass, and celebrate life in full colour.

Spaces are limited – book early, bring friends, and come thirsty. n

8 – 9 Quiet St, Bath BA1 2JN; 01225 698600; foh@bardacious.co.uk; www.bardacious.co.uk

FOOD AND DRINK

ICE PALACE Joining the heroes of Pulteney Bridge (turn to page 48 for our Great Pulteney Street special) are legendary, award-winning ice cream makers Salcombe Dairy. This was founded in 1979 by Peter and Tricia Howard, who created their recipes using fresh milk from a local Devonshire farm. Now owned by the Boscawen and the Bly families, the company still carries the mantle of enthusiasm for traditional dairy ice cream some 43 years on.

The team spotted the empty shop while they were in Bath for the Christmas Market, “…and we couldn’t resist! We’re so excited to have brought it bac to life an ha e been lo ing o r first summer here, welcoming locals and visitors alike.”

For more: www.salcombedairy.co.uk

Salcombe Dairy is now on Pulteney Bridge

The ice cream company was founded in 1979

PHOTO BY ED SCHOFIELD

Nook

ON THE RIGHT TRACKS This summer, destination food hub At The Station in Frome has

been full steam ahead with new openings, events and pop-ups. Local chefs, producers and entrepreneurs have joined forces to transform a former train station warehouse in Frome (which was already home to RYE Bakery, Pizzeria & Wine Bar; Owen’s Sausages & Hams; The Cheese Lord; 11 Chillies Express; and JJ’s Doubles) into even more of a dynamic dining hub. e o erings ha e incl e ee en ine tastings from a le Goose Wine, a small craft English wine company who run a vineyard near Bath producing organic grapes; pastry chef Orlando Partner has been popping up (next one due 4 September) with his Choux ox tisserie o ering s ch cho x classics as lemon mering e ie an the tiramicho x an oo , fo n e b illie li or , ho was born in Bath but brought up in Australia, which will be in the ‘El Nooko’ converted trailer until 28 September, serving up acai bowls, superfood smoothies, cold press juices and toasted banana bread.

For more: www.atthestationfrome.com

Choux Box Pâtisserie

Saddle Goose Wine

PHOTO BY ED SCHOFIELD

It’s destination foodie At The Station in Frome

These traders are already on board

www.mediaclash.co.uk I BATH LIFE I 45

OSIP

When in Bruton, dine as the Brutonians do – if they’re very lucky Words by Deri Robins

P

RESTAURANT

osh is a bit of a love-hate thing, isn’t it?” mused The happy to surrender to its magic. Once inside there’s a friendly welcome; Telegraph in a recent piece about Bruton. “Most of altho gh the sta are all clearl in este in the si conce t, ser ice us, the lesser-privileged masses, nurture an envious comes without a shred of pretension. Merlin adopts a holistic approach, dislike for those who get to live in a whirl of Michelin and those who wait at table also pick veg at the farm; during one course, stars, Barbour jackets, cashmere, Krug and organic featuring Osip’s own honey, our delightful server Carla shows us a frame everything.” from a hive. We coo in admiration, of course. Who doesn’t love bees?

Parking the irony of the UK’s poshest paper implying The evening menu costs £125, with the option of a few add-on extras. it never indulges in the above on the regular, are These can also act as alternatives to dishes on the menu, if you prefer; these things really so far beyond the grasp of us plebs? Despite earning you’ll need your server to talk you through this, because all you’ve been less than the median gross annual salary, I happen to own a Barbour given at this point is a teaser of the menu featuring words like ‘pollen’. (admittedly bought from eBay) and a cashmere jumper (a Christmas You’re here to be spoiled, and the spoiling begins pre-dinner with present); we mostly buy organic and have often splurged on a Michelin cocktails in the lounge. First impressions count, and snacks of earthy meal. It’s not a ‘whirl’ of luxury, exactly – we don’t pop open the Krug mushroom macarons and super-fresh-tasting trout and apple rolls get every evening when the sun sets over the yard arm – but there’s wriggle e er thing o to a ing start room for the occasional treat. he a lessness contin es in the ining room er e on on lates, And Osip, a Michelin restaurant near Bruton, is undeniably a treat. some with plinths, every dish is a tiny work of art but not too nerdily t s re ecte in the faces of o r fello iners as e bi each other goo tweezered. Each course succeeds the previous one in good order, while evening, our eyes acknowledging our great good luck at being here. commentaries from the servers are mercifully succinct; Michelin or no ‘Here’ is the tiny hamlet of Hardway. Given that we’re in deepest Michelin, most diners want to spend more time eating than listening to Somerset, mystical county of Arthurian legend, it ingre ients being rattle o li e grocer lists seems wholly appropriate that Osip’s chef-patron s e often fin ith tasting men s, the earliest DINING DETAILS should be called Merlin. Merlin Labron-Johnson, to courses are our favourites. A root vegetable tea topped give him his full moniker, who at the age of 24, while Osip, 25 Kingsettle Hill, Hardway, Bruton. ith a slic of il garlic oil is ee l a o rsome, tel: 01749 987277; www.osiprestaurant.com che ng at on on s ortlan , became the o ngest as is a memorable fermented potato brioche with Opening hours Tuesday-Sunday for dinner; UK chef to gain a Michelin star. his er light efir cream li ers of smo e eel ith Thursday-Sunday for lunch n erlin o ene his first si , on r ton preserved cucumber slip down a treat in a taco-like Osip menu £125, lunch menu £95, igh treet, here his creati e, fiel to for coo ing Price cradle made from baby gem. vegetarian menu £125 won him his star. Osip 1.0, or I guess just ‘Osip’ as We adore a zesty salad of winter citrus and ricotta, Veggie? See above, a full menu option it was back then, thrived, and Merlin needed more and we must have really enjoyed our grilled pied de Service Friendly, slick and knowledgeable space. Last year he moved the crew, including head moutin and pig’s ear – chef ’s also a fan of nose-toAtmosphere Cool but laidback chef Ciaran Brennan, a few miles out of town into tail, so if chicken hearts on skewers aren’t your thing, a 300-year-old coaching inn. Its non-listed status maybe choose the veggie menu – because I forget to has allowed him to add on the modern glass extension which houses take its photo. Charcoal cooking is big here too; a hot trout is smoky over the ramatic o en itchen che er as theatre an frames ie s of a confit of in fir, as is the lobster, hich comes t o a s, the tail sim l bosomy hills beyond. The rest of the dining room is stripped back to grilled, the rest in a rich bouillabaisse-like sauce. minimal neutral basics.

The showiest dish references a Merlin signature: a pithivier-like Devon t s as self s cient an s stainable as a resta rant can realisticall be ol chic en an erigor tr e en cro te t s resente as a hole, so – it also holds a Green Michelin – with 85 per cent of the produce grown that e can a mire its bea tif l gol en cr st, an e b ine s rigs an on its own organic farm; the drinks list favours small-scale producers and cones on a silver platter, then whisked away before returning in slices, low-intervention wines. Merlin is clearly aiming at ‘destination’ here, the with sweet Banyuls Grand Cru jus ceremoniously poured at the table. website inviting guests to “stay the night, explore the gardens, take a tour Having run out of space – and anyway, who, in all honesty, is so sober of the itchen an relax firesi e for an after inner rin here s no by the end of a meal that they’re really concentrating? – I can merely menu, just the suggestion that we put our faith in the kitchen. report back on ‘the excellent puddings’.

This we do, with the relief particular to travellers who have reached Apparently Osip is a big favourite among those local celebs The their journey’s end. After bumping down dark country lanes, rapidly Telegraph seems so keen for us to resent. They probably pop in on a weekly losing our last shred of faith in Google Maps, the white building basis, whereas for us, of course, it’s an occasional treat – but the posh emerging from the mist seems to possess a fairytale quality, and we’re people will never guess, because I’m wearing my Barbour.

www.mediaclash.co.uk I BATH LIFE I 47

The T GREAT and the GOOD

PHOTO BY PRBPHOTOGR APHY

RETAIL

here’s one fun fact I learned early on about Great ltene treet that in of s ms its e ortless charm, beauty and accomplishments. It was being se so fre entl as a egenc film set Vanity Fair and Persuasion, to name st t o that a film com an asked the residents’ association if they could pay for replica era lighting to be installed permanently. They graciously agreed.

Pulteney is like the grand dame of Bath – anything another area can lay claim to, she can quietly outdo. Jane Austen? Oh, she lived on the adjacent Sydney Place, don’t you know, for three whole years, with her family, and frequently name checks the area in her novels. There’s a orl class m se m at one en t rn to age for o r feat re on the new Holburne developments), an extraordinary weir at the other, and Bath Rugby’s beloved Rec is clutched at her bosom. There are two parks: Henrietta Park and Sydney Gardens, the latter being the only remaining Georgian pleasure garden in the UK, though its character these days is rather i erent from of ore ho s, o sa h there are sho s, some of which are on a bridge – both sides of its full span – a feature shared by only three other bridges worldwide. Here are a few of the Pulteney retailers reveal what it’s like to be at the beating heart of such a significant iece of the cit

What it’s really like to work in one of Bath’s most beautiful areas

By Elsie Chadwick

“Pulteney Bridge Flowers has been at the heart of Pulteney Bridge for o er ears m m, i err , rchase the b siness ears ago, and she still runs things to this day, alongside me – her son, Charlie an a team of on erf ll lo al an talente orists ne of o r most brilliant, Angela, has worked for Pulteney Bridge Flowers for 40 years!

Then, of course, there’s the bridge itself – such an iconic Bath landmark, being onl one of t o bri ges in ro e ho sing sho s o r sister bri ge is the Ponte Vecchio in Florence). So many people – from near and far cross its s an e er a largel on foot these a s, of co rse that e really feel like we are right in the historic heart of the city.

ABOVE: Wadswick’s plum corner spot; OPPOSITE: Down the steps to riverbank and Rec

48 I BATH LIFE I www.mediaclash.co.uk

PHOTO BY ROWENA KO

“We really feel we are in the historic heart of the city”

WHAT WILL YOUR GOAL BE THIS SEASON? 2 ARGYLE STREET, BATH, BA2 4BA PHONE: 01225 466341 WWW.JOHNMOORESPORTS.CO.UK 

bringing sport to the people since 1912

MODERN FRENCH & EUROPEAN DINING IN BATH New – Our Lunch Set Price Menu is now available early evenings Sun–Thu, 5–6pm £25 • 2 Courses, £29 • 3 Courses

IN THE HEART OF BATH - WHERE GREAT FOOD, FINE WINE & BEAUTIFUL VIEWS MEET.

Private dining room with stunning weir views (up to 8 guests) Evening à la carte & daily specials Exceptional wine list

OPEN EVERYDAY FOR LUNCH AND DINNER, BOOK NOW www.chezdominique.co.uk | eat@chezdominique.co.uk 15 Argyle St, BATH, BA2 4BQ | 01225 463482.

RETAIL “The shops along the bridge are also incredibly beautiful. They are reminiscent of traditional shops, so they feel well-suited to local specialist b sinesses t is a great ri ilege that o r in e en ent orist sits at the centre of this famous bridge, and we feel really lucky to share this space with so many other independent businesses. In fact, this landmark is so important to us that it is in our name! It goes to the heart of our identity.

“The shop has so many beautiful original features – including the iconic gabled roof and the large dual aspect windows that give incredible ie s o er the ri ge an the eir behin t s not a ba o ce e also do our bit to keep the building looking its best – our shop has been around for many years, and naturally needs a lot of love and attention.

We love being her caretaker.”

Charlie, son of the boss, Viv Perry, who does all the jobs she doesn’t want to do at Pulteney Bridge Flowers, found at 14 Pulteney Bridge

“Even when it’s match day, and the whole area is buzzing with people, the vibe remains chill”

“This part of town really was the only area under consideration for us at Wadswick. We love the open nature of it, and the existing mixture of shops and restaurants. It is obviously one of the more touristy parts of to n too, an to rists ma e a e art of o r c stomer rofile “We know our shop was previously part of the famous music shop Duck, Son and Pinker, along with most of the western side of the bridge, until they vacated to Bridge Street. It then became Orvis in 1994, and we opened here in August 2023.”

Alex Barton, director of country and fashion retailer Wadswick, based at 1 Pulteney Bridge “When Chez Dominique took over the premises in 2016, we found hi en original fire laces an alco es, an e accent ate these beautiful features in our renovation. You can also see writing on the back of the building from when it was a builders’ merchants. The building, our neighbours, the visitors, everything about Argyle Street works perfectly for us. Somehow, even when it’s a match day and the whole area is buzzing with people, the vibe remains chill. There are also an amazing view from our private dining room out of the original Georgian in o s, across to the magnificent ltene eir o can t get more Bath than that!”

Chris Tabbitt, chef patron of the French and European bistro Chez Dominique, located at 15 Argyle Street

CLOCKWISE: Fabulous frontage at Pulteney Bridge Flowers; handy co-working in the heart of the city at Rengen; and casual dining at Chez Dominique

www.mediaclash.co.uk I BATH LIFE I 51

RETAIL “This area really suits us at Icarus Jewellery, I think, especially because of the tourists and the wide range of people they represent, from all arts of the orl ltene ri ge o ers a ni e en ironment an sho ing ex erience e e been here since , b t e no that the s ace as a e eller sho at one oint, an e still ha e the ol safe and its key, which always attracts people’s attention.”

Dilek Koroglu, owner and designer with the independent silver specialist Icarus Jewellery, which can be found at 3 Pulteney Bridge “When the opportunity came up to purchase and restore a full Georgian to nho se on rg le treet in , e ne e fo n the erfect location for Rengen House e lo e the b stling, eclectic nat re of the area. Importantly, it is easily accessible, close to public transport routes an has a high footfall from both resi ents an isitors to the cit eing so close to Bath’s many shops, cafes, and restaurants is also a great bonus for our members. rg le treet, originall no n as rg le il ings, as e elo e bet een an as a contin ation of the ne l com lete Pulteney Bridge. It formed a key part of Sir William Pulteney’s ambitio s ex ansion of the ath ic estate er its long histor , rg le treet has ser e man r oses n its earl ears, it as home to a ariet of tra es, incl ing a coach b il er, a milliner, an a boo seller In its more recent history, the building has housed multiple restaurants, incl ing the m ch lo e an still misse a oot n ian resta rant for o er ears “Much of the building retains its original Georgian character. The lo er oors of the b il ing o l re io sl ha e been se as itchens, an e still ha e se eral of the o ens an fire laces in lace to a Jo Lloyd, Property Associate for Rengen House, a boutique co-working space on 4 Argyle Street n

ABOVE: Honeycomb vibes at Icarus; BELOW: Magic Hour!; INSET: Nigel Dando Jewellery

DIRECTORY

A.H. HALE CHEMIST, 8 Argyle St, Bathwick, Bath BA2 4BQ; 01225 464429 CHEZ DOMINQUE, 15 Argyle St, Bathwick, Bath BA2 4BQ; 01225 463482; www.chezdominique.co.uk THE HOLBURNE MUSEUM, Great Pulteney St, Bathwick, Bath BA2 4DB; 01225 388569; www.holburne.org

“We love the bustling nature of the area”

ICARUS JEWELLERY, 3 Pulteney Bridge, Bath BA2 4AX; 01225 463693; www.icarusjewellery.com JOHN MOORE SPORTS, 2 Argyle St, Bathwick, Bath BA2 4BA; 01225 466341; www.johnmooresports.co.uk MALLORY, 1-5 Bridge St, Bath BA2 4AP; 01225 788800; www.mallory-jewellers.com NIGEL DANDO JEWELLERS, 11 Pulteney Bridge, Bathwick, Bath BA2 4AY; 01225 464013; www.nigeldando.co.uk NO.15 BY GUESTHOUSE,15 Great Pulteney St, Bathwick, Bath, BA2 4BS; 01225 807015; www.guesthousehotels.co.uk/no-15-bath/

PHOTO BY CL AIRE THATCHER

PULTENEY BRIDGE FLOWERS, 14 Pulteney Bridge, Bath BA2 4AY; 01225 461938; www.pulteneybridgeflowers.co.uk

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RENGEN HOUSE, 4 Argyle St, Bathwick, Bath BA2 4BA; 01225 532692; www.rengenhouse.com ROOT SPICE, 15 Argyle St, Bathwick, Bath BA2 4BQ; 01225 698127; www.rootspice.co.uk TILLIUS, 4-5 Pulteney Bridge, Bath BA2 4AX; 01225 839031; www.tilliuslifestyle.com WADSWICK, 1 Pulteney Bridge, Bath BA2 4AX; 01225 810307; www.wadswick.co.uk/bath-store

Nigel Dando WE BUY Gold, Silver & Platinum in any form or condition.

Nigel Dando

11 Pulteney Bridge, Bath BA2 4AY Tel/Fax: 01225 464013 www.nigeldando.co.uk

Luxury & local

The most sophisticated audience is just a call away

BathLife Team 01225 475800

An independent silver jewellery shop located in the heart of Bath, on Pulteney Bridge.

3 Pulteney Bridge, Bath, BA24AX  @icarusjewellery Website: www.icarusjewellery.com Tel: 01225 463693 WhatsApp: 07376 416833 Opening Times: Monday-Friday 09:30am - 05:30pm, Saturday 09:30am - 6pm, Sunday 10am - 5pm

SHOPPING LIVE WELL, BUY BETTER

ASPIRE TO GREAT THINGS “I paint what I see, but not necessarily in the right order,” says artist Mike er ice an sca es, clo s, the sea an boats, m fiel s, t mble o n b il ings an still life, s all o ers in ots n , than s to the ombe Down Art Trail, happening 13 – 14 September, you can get up close and personal with his work, including this beautiful painterly piece that captures the s irit an istincti e s ire of the magnificent alisb r athe ral Turn overleaf for more artistic endeavours from local creatives that can be viewed and purchased over the weekend, and see the website for venues. www.mikeserviceartist.com | www.cdarttrail.com www.mediaclash.co.uk I BATH LIFE I 55

WISTERIA BY LEONG TONG PAK, £95 A delicate Chinese brush painting that blends traditional techniques with a vibrant, expressive colour palette, showcasing the artist’s free o ing st le From www.pakbrushpainting. wordpress.com | Instagram@ pak_chinesebrichpainting

DECORATIVE POTTERY

BY TILDA RAE, PRICES BETWEEN £8 AND £50 i erse collection of otter ieces, each metic lo sl han crafte an ni el decorated with intricate esigns an atterns From www.tilda-rae.com | Instagram @ tillylakindesign

TRAILBLAZERS The Combe Down Art Trail returns 13 – 14 September, celebrating the unique work of 40 local artists across 22 venues

SUNFLOWERS

BY WENDA BARTLETT, £100 his linoc t rint la ers three rimar colo rs on separate blocks, blending them to produce seven ibrant, namic h es From www.wendabarts.com | Instagram @ wendabartarts

DE MONTALT ALONG CHURCH ROAD

BY ELE NASH, £220 A collage of diverse window sha es an roo ines, crafte with paper, tea, ink, buttons, an elicate lace etails From www.elenash.com | Instagram @elenashart

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ABERDYFI EVENING REFLECTIONS BY KATHY PEARCE, £1,500 his acr lic ainting ca t res a tran il e ening on the fi st ar , ie e from the eacef l harbo r at ber fi From www.kathypearce.co.uk

EDITOR’S CHOICE VIEW FROM SUMMER LANE BY NATASHA SMILJKOVIC, £2,500 A textured tapestry capturing the lush, rolling landscape from Summer Lane to Midford, showcasing vibrant fiel s an istant hills From Instagram @tapestries_by_natasha

LEMON AND LIME

BY RACHEL WARD, £250 A captivating watercolour still life featuring an imaginative composition, including an Edward Ardizzone tea towel.

From www.rachelwardbooks.com | Instagram @rachelwardart

TRIQUETRA BY VIKKI YEATES, £200 This oil pastel and ink artwork shows three hares, a cross-cultural symbol of regeneration and renewal.

From www.vikkiyeatesillustration.co.uk

INTERDEPENDENCE (PALIMPSEST) BY JOHN SIMPSON, £4,200 Layered woodcut prints on fine a anese a er e ict interdependence, symbolising the connectivity found in nature.

From www.john-simpson-art.com | Instagram @ john_simpson_art

HILARY STRICKLAND LAMPSHADES FROM £55, AND FABRIC DESIGN SOLD BY THE METRE Watercolour paintings inspired by nature, transformed into unique fabric designs.

From www.hilarystricklandart.co.uk | Instagram @hilarystricklandart

To see the trail, the venues and all the artists taking part, visit www.cdarttrail.com

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ART FOR ART’S SAKE

We explore a few beautiful art galleries, based in and around the city

CHLOE YANDELL

www.chloeyandell.com; @chloe.yandell Chloe Yandell is a versatile artist based in Bath. She studied Fine Art at Bath Spa University and is a teacher and lecturer.

Represented by galleries nationwide with pieces included in public and private collections.

Throughout the creative journey Chloe uses a variety of mediums to convey a concept. Exploring ideas, techniques and processes are a big part of her work, focusing on texture and mark making. Often the pieces evolve throughout exploration allowing the work to be about materials and their potential.

Her abstract landscapes offer a familiar feeling to each viewer, transferring a unique memory of place, an imaginative space for individual thought and reflection.

Chloe runs creative workshops which are based at her art studio in Corsham surrounded by beautiful countryside and rustic charm. Providing the materials and knowledge, Chloe invites the group to walk through the various possibilities of medium, colour, technique, composition and expression, exploring the process of altering the formal elements, enabling each to path their own creative journey.

Contact for commissions, workshop or collaboration.

LACOCK GALLERY

West Street Yard, West Street, Lacock SN15 2LH Tel: 07553 358432; thelacockgallery@gmail.com www.thelacockgallery.square.site Tucked away in the heart of the stunning village of Lacock, the Lacock Gallery sits between two well-loved landmarks – The Chocolate Barn and The George pub, what’s not to like? It’s a welcoming space filled with original artworks, set against the timeless charm of its medieval buildings and old-world atmosphere that Lacock is known for.

The gallery showcases the work of award-winning artist Adrian Thompson-Boyce, whose distinctive style captures the beauty of the natural world through his drawings, still-life’s and landscapes. Alongside Adrian’s work, the space is home to a curated selection of pieces by a group of incredibly talented guest artists.

Clare Duguid’s charcoal tree drawings bring a quiet strength and delicacy to the walls – her skill in capturing the soul of ancient trees is both poetic and powerful.

Georgina Heywood-Smith’s exquisite wood engravings offer intricate, detailed glimpses into nature and rural life, each piece finely crafted with patience and care.

Siân Thomas celebrates the overlooked, taken for granted, everyday objects captured in her exquisite watercolours.

The gallery also celebrates local craftsmanship with a thoughtful collection of ceramics by Clare Hubble and Tania Harvey. Their handmade pieces bring texture, form and earthy beauty to the space – each one unique, tactile and made with intention.

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This little gallery is more than just a place to view art, it’s a quiet, creative corner of Lacock where visitors can pause, reflect, and enjoy a changing selection of thoughtful and beautiful works. Whether you’re browsing, collecting, or simply soaking up inspiration, all are welcome.

SPONSORED CONTENT

OIL & INK GALLERY

70 High Street, Corsham, SN13 0HF Instagram: @oilandink.gallery Oil & Ink Gallery is turning heads as the latest exciting independent business to open in the beautiful historic high street of Corsham.

Inspired by his career in design and a longstanding fascination with the quirks of popular culture, artist/photographer David King’s new venture has been drawing attention from far and wide since opening in May this year.

Oil & Ink is a gallery space like no other. A definite destination for anyone interested in the world of art and design, but nothing is off limits here. Playful combinations of paintings, mixed media, print, sculptures, retro furniture and work by David himself are spread across the four rooms that draw you into this beautifully curated art space.

You are encouraged to explore, relax, and enjoy the gallery with David always on hand to discuss anything of interest. You might also meet one of the local peacocks regularly seen browsing amongst the 1970’s armchairs, mid-century ceramics and contemporary art!

The main gallery room is also now available to rent independently. Please message for further info: davidrking@mac.com or call 0777 589 0906. Oil and Ink is open Tuesday to Saturday 10am – 5pm.

FEIN COLLECTIONS [MADE IN NEW YORK CITY] Unit 7, Old Mill Business Park, Station Road, Bruton BA10 0EH; Tel: 01749 705778; danielle@feincollections.com; www.feincollections.com

At FEIN Collections [made in new york city] located in Bruton, Danielle L. Newns Fein has created a venue that immerses clients and visitors in the visions of fresh, high-calibre contemporary artworks.

Guided by Danielle’s unique ethos, FEIN Collections provides an intuitive personal approach to buying works materialised by the gallery’s seven internationally renowned, hand-picked artists.

An avid art historian with knowledge regarding art, curation, art advisory and the nuances of the art market, the gallerist is informed by an extensive academic background and vibrant lived experience. This experience and knowledge she marries with instinct and passion to pair clients with life-long-loved acquisitions.

Venture to FEIN Collections for an impassioned experience.

Meet the thoughtful and friendly Newns Fein, who advocates for the betterment of livelihood through visceral relationship with innovative artistic creation. Discover an innovative space that will move the soul and peak intellectual curiosity with every visit.

THE BARTON GALLERY

28 Barton Street, Bath BA1 1HH; www.thebartongallery.com; Insta:thebartongallery The Barton Gallery is the latest thriving and eclectic addition to Bath’s independent shops in the city centre, located between Theatre Royal and Queen Square. It is spread over three floors, colour-drenched in a mesmerising shade of blue, and filled with serene oil paintings, art prints, jewellery, porcelain lights, antique furniture and Ikat fabrics – all beautifully curated by local artist Agnes Pollock, in collaboration with other local artists and creatives. Since it opened its doors in May, it is the place to go for interior inspiration, affordable art and unique gifts. It has already established a loyal following and is proving to be very popular among both local residents and visitors.

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SHINE ON Keep that summer glow, both inside and out, as the sun begins to fade

By Elsie Chadwick 60 I BATH LIFE I www.mediaclash.co.uk

W

that sense of get

an glo

WELLNESS e all love the summertime, especially when it gives us that blissed-out, sunkissed feeling. But we want more than st a s mmer ing e ant that inner glow all year round. To help maintain the radiance romance, we caught up with local beauty and wellness experts on the treatments that nurture and nourish all ear ro n

HOMEWOOD www.homewoodbath.co.uk Homewood Bath is a luxury, eclectic Georgian country house hotel just o tsi e of ath, set in acres of gro n s fille ith creati e art or s and ultra-modern indulgences, including a spa and heated outdoor s imming ool he s a o ers a mix of in oor h rothera ool, steam room, sauna, and a heated outdoor pool. The recent expansion introduced new al fresco thermal experiences, including a vitality pool with gentle massage jets, outdoor sauna, experience showers, wellness sessions, and a panoramic relaxation room overlooking the countryside. t also o ers o ch hera a it als, hich are s ecificall esigne to s ort g ests li ing ith cancer, fibrom algia, long o i , s m toms of menopause, and anxiety by using slow, soothing massage techniques.

THE GLOW UP: The GAIA Total Holistic Ritual This two-hour deeply therapeutic ritual is designed to release tension and stress, bringing the mind and body into harmonious balance. Using advanced GAIA and Lomi Lomi techniques, originating from Hawaii, the body is exfoliated, followed by an application of nourishing GAIA mud. Once showered, a GAIA blend of your choice is poured warmly onto the body for a muscle-easing massage. The GAIA rejuvenating face treatment will complete this ritual, leaving a natural feeling of wellbeing, whilst skin is left smooth and replenished.

THE NEWT IN SOMERSET www.thenewtinsomerset.com s o ex ect from this magnificent co ntr estate, the s a is another level of luxe. Guests staying at the hotel or those with a Garden Membership and a reservation at one of the restaurants can access the spa facilities. There are six treatment rooms, three single rooms, and three couples rooms, along with one hammam treatment room, a manicure and pedicure area, a rasul chamber, a lounge area for relaxation, changing facilities, and not one, b t three ools a s imming pool, a hydrotherapy pool, and a wild plunge pool. There are three thermal cabins a steam room made entirely of marble, a sauna overlooking the tropical garden and even a halotherapy room.

In the outside spa terrace, there’s a beautiful herb garden, where therapy ingredients are freshly picked. Next to the spa is the Newt’s very own hair salon, and opposite, only a short walk away, through the charming walled garden, is a gym and yoga studio.

OPPOSITE: Keeping that summertime glow alive at Homewood; INSET: The Newt’s authentic hammam experience

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THE GLOW UP: Hammam Turkish Soap Treatment Following a trip to Istanbul to experience a traditional hammam, this treatment as c rate b the e t s a team to eli er the benefits and overall feel of a classic hammam, while also incorporating that spa experience of guest care and tranquillity.

“Warm water is poured over you as you relax in our marble hammam chamber, the sa nce the room fills ith steam, o r thera ist will exfoliate your skin using a traditional scrubbing mitt called a ‘kese.’

Then, Turkish soap is applied with a cotton pouch, or ‘torba,’ creating a silky foam that covers your entire body. This foam is gently massaged into o r s in ith smooth, o ing stro es he treatment finishes ith a hydrating honey and milk body mask and nourishing Argan oil applied to your hair. This treatment gently removes dead skin cells, leaving your skin feeling smooth and refreshed. The hammam is great for cell regeneration, increasing bloo o an o erall etoxification he heat of the treatment, combined with the beautiful MarocMaroc products used, will help hydrate the skin, relax muscles, and ease tension.”

THE SPA AT NO.15 BY GUESTHOUSE www.guesthousehotels.co.uk From the moment you step through the doors of 15 Great Pulteney Street, the ambience, the art, and the vibe inform you that your experience at The Spa at No.15 by GuestHouse is going to be something s ecial he eacef l, n ergro n ha en all soft nat ral finishes an calming tones – is crafted within the Georgian stone vaults, and houses fi e ex isitel st le treatment rooms, three tran il solo s ites an two special shared spaces, perfect for rituals together. Guests can choose from a variety of treatments, including bespoke facials, classic massages, re exolog , an s ecialise rit als esigne to romote relaxation an wellness, all based around organic, vegan, Soil Association accredited oils and essences from sustainably and ethically sourced UK ingredients.

At the heart of it all is The Copper Room — a vaulted, romantic sanctuary built around an oversized round copper bath for two.

THE GLOW UP: The Top to Toe Glow his l x rio s t o ho r rit al has been create to s ecificall rolong your summer radiance. It includes a full body scrub and massage, and facial, beginning with an uplifting lemongrass back scrub to exfoliate, unclog pores and awaken your circulation. Then, unwind with a deeply

62 I BATH LIFE I www.mediaclash.co.uk

ABOVE: The rejuvenating spa at the very special Newt in Somerset;

BELOW: The Top to Toe Glow massage at The Spa at No.15 by GuestHouse

WELLNESS THE GLOW UP: The Sleep & Reset Massage We all know that sleep and appearance are closely linked; hence, this L’Occitane treatment has been created to help refuel both body and mind by encouraging improved sleep quality. The massage begins with guided relaxing breathing techniques and a special blend of essential oils. The face is cleansed with L’Occitane products. The full body massage, which utilises Balinese and Swedish techniques, includes the scalp, ears, neck and an intense release back massage, encouraging the mind to evacuate negative energies an hel ing rain i s The results speak for themselves, with participants recording a 40 per cent enhancement in sleep quality and a 30 per cent decrease in sleep onset time. Regular sessions help to reinforce and maintain the ositi e e ects on the slee c cle, restore serenity and rejuvenate energy levels.

BISHOPSTROW HOTEL & SPA www.bishopstrowhotel.com The 36-bedroom country house hotel in the heart of Wiltshire has a luxury spa space that’s a blend of rustic luxury and modern comfort. The outdoor pool and hot tub are s rro n e b l sh o ers o erloo ing the vast manicured grounds of the hotel. The entire indoor thermal suite was refurbished in early 2025, accompanied by brand new, larger changing rooms and an all-new outdoor hot tub and outdoor sauna. It has a dedicated team of beauty therapists, and recently opened the Taittinger Champagne Nail ar, o ering manic res an e ic res on site here are also o ch hera s a rit als, hich are s ecificall esigne to s ort g ests li ing ith cancer, fibrom algia, long o i , s m toms of meno a se, and anxiety by using slow, soothing massage techniques.

relaxing back, neck and shoulder massage using aromatic oils, followed by a foot scrub and body massage to both rebalance and restore.

Finally, enjoy an organic facial and scalp massage that nourishes and recharges perhaps the most constantly exposed parts of your skin.

THE GLOW UP: Bramley Rebalancing Ritual The focus of this treatment is to help balance the body, calm the nervous system and improve circulation, and includes a combination of body brushing and scrub for noticeably renewed and brighter skin. The facial aspect, with cryotherapy crystals, also helps with compromised or hormonal complexions.

ABOVE INSET: The Garden Spa by L’Occitane and its indoor pool; BELOW: The outdoor spa area of the Bishopstrow Hotel

THE GARDEN SPA BY L’OCCITANE AT THE BATH PRIORY www.thebathpriory.co.uk This award-winning spa, famous for providing country house hotel l x r ithin eas stri ing istance of the heart of the cit , o ers a selection of luxurious treatments in four relaxing treatment suites as well as an indoor pool, poolside sauna, elliptical steam pod and shower.

Venture outside through the hotel’s beautiful gardens, where there’s a heated outdoor pool which overlooks the landscaped grounds.

The team is made up of professionals who have extensive experience in the spa industry, including six therapists. Areas of expertise include facials and massages: “Every gesture, ingredient, and ritual is drawn from a page of the L’Occitane grand herbarium,” they say, “which is an extensive resource of hundreds of essential oils and natural ingredients.”

“Unwind with a deeply relaxing back, neck and shoulder massage” www.mediaclash.co.uk I BATH LIFE I 63

WELLNESS AQUARIAS SPA IN WHATLEY MANOR HOTEL www.whatleymanor.com Set within 12 acres of landscaped gardens and the picturesque surroundings of the Wiltshire countryside, Aquarias Spa, part of Whatley Manor Hotel & Spa, is a sustainably led, nature-inspired retreat. It uses eco-friendly practices and partners with Sothys Paris an aia to o er a range of treatments that are foc se on ethical production and holistic therapies for overall wellbeing. Facilities include an in oor o t oor h rothera ool, salt an mineral oatation o , salt scr b sho ers, an an ex eriential thermal s ite here are also eight treatment rooms a h rothera ool ith airbe s, massage ets, an an exten e o t oor section a salt an mineral oatation o a te i ari m ith heate stone recliners salt scr b an ex erience sho ers thermal cabins incl ing the cali ari m, steam grotto, laconi m an infrare sa na an a f ll e i e g m ith mo ern car io an resistance machines THE GLOW UP: The Sothys Hydra Hyaluronic Acid 4 Facial arias a s signat re treatment is the oth s ra al ronic ci acial, a min te o erho se h ration rit al his high erformance facial combines fo r t es of h al ronic aci ith botanical actives like rowan berry and boletus extract, and two exclusive oth s acti es he res lt is a six hase rocess that incl es cleansing, line smoothing, ee h ration, e e rage massage, a l m ing mas , an the a lication of intensi e h rating ser ms an creams he final res lts re enate the s in, lea ing a o thf l an l mino s glo

ABOVE: The Gainsborough Bath Spa’s Gold Hydralifting Mineral Facial; LEFT: Get glowing again at Whatley Manor Hotel & Spa

THE GAINSBOROUGH BATH SPA www.thegainsboroughbathspa.co.uk t the heart of this l x r fi e star hotel is the ni e a illage ath set beneath a glass atri m, hich has the excl si e ri ilege of ha ing access to the nat ral thermal, mineral rich ater ith its time hono re healing tra itions han s to soft lighting, nat ral elements, an oman blen e ith ala in ences, tran illit an l x r reign s reme here are t o tatami rooms, three o ble rooms an six single rooms, l s three thermal baths, tra itional an infrare sa nas, a steam room, an ice alcove and tucked-away relaxation areas.

“Plump, nourish, and soothe skin while repairing micro-damage” 64 I BATH LIFE I www.mediaclash.co.uk

THE GLOW UP: The Gold Hydralifting Mineral Facial n anti ageing facial reme that harnesses the s in strengthening o er of colloi al gol his otent anti in ammator or s to restore an re air the s in s barrier for a firmer an more o thf l a earance fter a o ble cleanse an mil exfoliation to enco rage cell rene al, the Gold Hydralifting Mask provides an instant lift and deep hydration. el et ash treatment ith a elicate rose scent, this mas ses three forms of h al ronic aci an bio a ailable gol to l m , no rish, an soothe s in hile re airing micro amage hile the mas is on, o can en o a han an arm massage sing moro ic a s shimmering ol ollection o cons collection s a final ste , the thera ist stim lates cell rene al an collagen ro ction ith an a thentic ngarian facial massage, arme rose art an s, an cooling erma globes to e the e es, instantl lifting an firming s in

BEAUTY LEFT: The heated waters of the Thermae Spa

Bath pool; INSET: The icy orbs of the Swedish Cryo Globe Treatment; BELOW: The benefits of this style of massage are numerous

PHOTO BY LLOYD EVANS

ee ing cool, calm an collecte ith an ic orb massage at the hermae a

By Sarah Moolla

S

omeone has left the o en oor o en in ath, an m ba ing on hat feels li e the hottest a e er he in of heat o sa o ish for, an then, hen it arri es, o ha e no i ea hat to o ith o rself hair is fra le , m s in is si ling, m core is melting, an m is osition has asse the acce table s nn , has cran e be on boiling oint , an is no at the angero s o not are to ch mar m in one of m fa o rite s aces in ath, the roofto ool of the hermae a, b t the s all soothing embrace of the nat rall heate , mineral enriche s a aters is not hel ing t it s li e a hot bath in the hot s n, an m at the stage here m not con ince a massage is the right thing right no coo e in a treatment room here some oor stranger is going to ha e to la their han s on m irritable self his might not en ell he e ish r o lobe reatment is art of a ac age o ere b hermae a his means that, in a ition to the min te treatment, o recei e an extra t o ho r s a session ith access to the in oor iner a bath, m lti sensor ellness s ite, an o en air roofto ool, along ith com limentar to els an robes st as m remembering the ice chamber ith its giant ice tro gh ac e

ith a e ice on the first oor, here normall gingerl thro a fe a es into m clea age before scooting into the sa na, realise it s time for m treatment he ellness reatment entre on the secon oor is a s acio s organise oasis of serenit hich bo es ell, an once meet the gentle b t reass ringl confi ent thera ist, arolina, m starting to feel less anxio s an am arming to the i ea of this massage he ro bit is act all short for cr othera , referencing the extreme col , hich ill be eli ere ia the t o metal orbs sitting in the corner of the room, being fro en n bet een the tra itional e ish aromathera massage, these ic orbs are nea e an rolle o er m bo intermittentl he sensation, hen it first hits, is slightl isorienting brain can t ite ma e sense of it at first as that hot, as that a inch, or as that so glaciall col , m no n mb n then there s a hoosh, of hat feels li e relief, secon s later nce o t ne into the sensation an the rh thm of the treatment, it s both stim lating an relaxing t s li e the ba heat is being ra n o t of m bo b these free ing orbs, an m bo is being oo e ith a cooling calm ea ing abo t the science of this treatment, there is

“The sensation, w en it first hits you, is slightly disorienting”

a tr th to the feeling the col tem erat re initiall constricts bloo essels, then, on arming, the ilate, increasing bloo o to the area he benefits of this in of cr othera treatment are n mero s, an incl e a re ction in in ammation an ain, artic larl in oints an m scles im ro e circ lation than s to n trients an ox gen being enco rage in the s in an better l m hatic rainage he e ects are also sai to be goo for the min , hel ing ith stress, the e ects of meno a se, an , er, extreme irritabilit in a heat a e hen the treatment finishes, m im resse b ho eir l more tone feel ot that this claims to ha e that artic lar e ect, b t realise it s the res lt of m bo feeling more stim late l mbere in feeling li e an o erheate , sha eless blob, an bo nce o t feeling refreshe an cool hea e still ha e time in the s a, so hea straight to the ice chamber, an this time ma e more e ort to embrace the col han s to the e ish r o lobe reatment, m learning that it s cool to be cool n For more: www.thermaebathspa.com

TREATMENT The Swedish Cryo Globe Treatment at the Thermae Bath Spa, plus two-hour spa session, costs £130 until 30 September, and thereafter costs £150 per person.

www.mediaclash.co.uk I BATH LIFE I 67

SPONSORED CONTENT

PART BOOK, PART MAG, ALL LUXURY

T

Bath’s independent luxury magazine is the leading voice on video game culture and ideas

ucked away in the heart of Bath, a quiet publishing revolution is underway. Hybrid Publications, an independent company founded by two city residents, is making waves across the world of games journalism with their beautifully crafted print magazine, ON. Printed in England and designed with passion right here in Bath, ON is a luxury biannual magazine that celebrates the past, present and future of video games. Think longform features by some of the world’s best games writers, paired with bold, collectible design - it’s the kind of print experience that stands apart in an increasingly digital world.

Each new volume of the magazine pushes against the grain. Writers are paid fairly and given the freedom to delve into their dream stories. The results speak for themselves - ON is visually stunning, intellectually rich, and made to be treasured.

Now on its second volume, ON has quickly become a favourite among videogame connoisseurs who value quality, creativity and independent thinking.

THOUGHTFUL COMMENTARY

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ON showcases thoughtful, intellectual writing that goes beyond surface-level coverage to explore the deeper cultural, historical and artistic significance of video games.

Contributors are some of the most respected voices in the industry and are given the freedom to craft in-depth essays and features, without any commercial interference. Each article is carefully researched and written to offer fresh perspectives, making ON a publication that appeals to both passionate gamers and serious readers who appreciate gaming as a complex and impactful medium.

Demand for high-quality printed media in a digital world of algorithmic bombardment and throwaway AI generated content is growing rapidly, showing that there is a demand for an enduring and more thoughtful format. Hybrid’s mission to save print is inspired by passionate readers who value the tactile reading experience and craftsmanship that only highquality physical media can provide.

Planning for ON: Volume Three is already underway, and with the continued support of the gaming community, Hybrid are committed to ever-deeper exploration of videogame culture, stunning design, and a print experience that stands apart from the noise.

INSIDE VOLUME TWO Keith Stuart, video game correspondent for The Guardian, explores 90s horror games in all their visceral glory.

Chris Tapsell, deputy editor of Eurogamer, gets in touch with his inner Pikachu to discover the Pokémon that got away.

And much more, including the PlayStation’s 30th birthday, frantic rhythm action, S.T.A.L.K.E.R, Wolfenstein and pathfinding exploration games.

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www.mediaclash.co.uk I BATH LIFE I 69

GARDENS

HAPPY VALLEY

A new, upbeat, and unpretentious celebration of gardening is coming to Yeo Valley

By Nick Woodhouse Photos by Jonathan Buckley

T

his September will see Yeo alle rganic hol its first ever Organic Garden Festival at its home at Blagdon, on the edge of the Mendip Hills. The three-day event will welcome a wealth of guest speakers for a series of talks and panel discussions on sustainable, nature-friendly gardening. The three day programme, which starts Thursday 18 September, will be held across a number of spaces within the gardens, from the main stage – The Hive – to the Germination Station, Garden Safaris, and Compost Campus. The nature-themed Bookworm Tipi will also be o ering earth frien l sho ing, m sic an locally sourced food and drink.

Arit Anderson – garden designer, writer and presenter of BBC Gardeners’ World – will open the festival, with a talk focusing on the challenges of climate change and gardening for the climate, both now and in the future.

She says, “Sustainable gardening is about having a great relationship with time – taking the time to research environmental materials and solutions that work in your locality, whilst allo ing nat ral rocesses to o rish an guide the way.”

Arit is one of a strong line-up of speakers at the inaugural event, a list that includes household names such as Alys Fowler and Frances Tophill, alongside Shelia Das, head of gardens at the National Trust, and no-dig gardening pioneer Charles Dowding.

The six and a half acres of gardens that we see today at Yeo Valley have been a labour of love for head gardener Sarah Mead, who inherited the bones of the gardens from her mother-in-law over 30 years ago. Having moved from a small garden in London to join

her husband on the family’s dairy farm, her knowledge of plants at the time was limited.

Sarah was determined however to learn on the job, and within months she was hooked.

She found her passion lay in colour and concepts, and advertised for a gardener to help her best realise and achieve these. Eileen O’Donnell answered the call to arms and, with a background in landscape architecture, was able to help Sarah with the more formal planning and structure of those spaces.

Intersected and cocooned by a matrix of beech hedging, the resulting gardens sit just abo e lag on a e, o ering a breathta ing and magical patchwork of individual spaces.

From the colourful tapestry of the gravel garden to the enchanting silver birch grove, each s ace o ers something istinctl i erent, et shares an underlying respect for the nature within, and beyond, that garden gate. The garden as o ciall certifie as organic by the Soil Association over a decade ago; one of only a handful in the country that holds that status.

To Sarah, it’s an all-ornothing approach to being organic and one she is keen to share with visitors to the festival. “The Yeo Valley Organic Garden Festival will be an unpretentious, upbeat and light-hearted celebration of gardening, where all garden enthusiasts are welcome,” says Sarah, “We are determined to ditch the formalities an the one si e fits all a roach to organic gardening, and provide some mythbusting, jargon-breaking, real-life practical solutions to suit every garden and every budget. My dream is to create a gathering where garden lovers – from newbies to pros – can exchange experiences and swap tips about a better way to garden.”

The inaugural event will also welcome

“The resulting gar ens o er a breathtaking and magical patchwork of individual spaces”

70 I BATH LIFE I www.mediaclash.co.uk

award-winning designer Tom Massey to the gardens. His studio has received multiple accolades over the years, including a Gold Medal and BBC People’s Choice Awards at RHS Chelsea Flower Show for his show garden with Yeo Valley Organic in 2021.

“Sarah and her team bring so much joy and enthusiasm to everything they do,” says Tom. “I absolutely loved working with Sarah on the show garden we designed for RHS Chelsea, and I’m genuinely excited to be involved in the new Organic Garden Festival. Gardening with nature is something we can all embrace: observing and celebrating seasonal changes, harvesting rainwater to reduce our reliance on mains water, and nurturing healthy soils.”

Tom will be sharing ideas from his upcoming book Waterwise Gardens at the event.

His climate-focused designs, such as the WaterAid Garden at RHS Chelsea in 2024, are roote in o ering realistic sol tions for dry and changing conditions. At Yeo Valley, such water-wise gardening is second nature to Sarah and her team. From collecting rainwater in troughs and water butts, to watering early in the morning – focusing on roots rather than foliage – the team are looking forward to sharing their simple, e ecti e ti s ith isitors to the festi al Following the driest spring in 132 years, the timing couldn’t be more pertinent to us all. o ef ll this ear s festi al ill be the first of many, an opportunity for Sarah and her team to share their enthusiasm for all things sustainable and organic, and to inspire us all in our very own gardens.

The Yeo Valley Organic Garden Festival near Blagdon runs 18 – 20 September.

For more: www.yvogardenfestival.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

OPPOSITE PAGE: Arit Anderson of BBC Gardeners’ World is opening the festival; THIS PAGE, CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT: The dream is to create a gathering where garden lovers – from newbies to pros – can swap gardening tips; Yeo Valley’s head gardener Sarah Mead; a place to spot the unusual; visit the veggie patch; there’s a flourishing gravel garden; the beautiful grounds sit alongside Blagdon Lake

www.mediaclash.co.uk I BATH LIFE I 71

NETWORK PHOTO BY SIMON LEES PHOTOGR APHY; W W W.SIMONLEESPHOTO.CO.UK

THE CITY’S HOTTEST BUSINESS NEWS

PHOTO BY NARR ATED FR AMES; W W W.NARR ATEDFR AMES.COM

KEEPING COUNCIL PAUL ROPER OF BANES ON TOURISTS, FASHION, AND POLITICAL DECISIONS

HOT WHEELS! MH Tyres on what it means to win a Bath Life Award

ENTRECONF AWARDS

They’re back, and bigger than ever

LEARNING CURVES

The career path of Kylie Stewart

TWO’S COMPANY

Thrings celebrate a double win

NETWORK sack me: the only way to get rid of me is if I do something criminal, or when the time comes to vote me out.

What projects are you most passionate about?

One thing I’d highlight is the Somer Valley Enterprise Zone: 34 acres of farmland by Midsomer Norton that’s been a development site since 2007, designed to deliver 2,000 jobs to replace those that were lost over the last 20 years. But since the market has failed to deliver it, the council’s stepped in – we’re injecting £34 million into upgrading the road structure, and creating quality jobs to help reduce commuting.

WHAT HAVE THE ROMANS EVER DONE FOR US?

Quite a lot, as it goes, says COUNCILLOR PAUL ROPER of BANES Council, and thanks to the tourists, it’s ongoing too…

Words by Paul Marland and Ellen Massing Photos by Simon Lees Photography; www.simonleesphoto.co.uk

C

o ncillor a l o er of the Lib Dems – exbathroom magnet and now Cabinet Member for Economic and Cultural Sustainable Development – is the man in charge of Victoria Art Gallery, the Fashion Museum, the Roman Baths and, well, most everything cultural and Bath. We caught up with him at a recent Bath Life Network Lunch at Walcot House to fin o t more abo t the ario s acts of his life, and the true value of Chinese tourism.

Your first act was at local bathroom company Roper Rhodes, wasn’t it?

I was an engineering graduate, but at the start of the ’90s the automotive industry in Birmingham was collapsing around me, so I joined the family business in Bath at 23, and stayed for 35 years, growing it from 20 to 250 people. The great thing about working with family is that you have 100 per cent trust – though I do remember, in m t enties, h sical fist fights ith m brother st t o o ng bulls bashing heads.

74 I BATH LIFE I www.mediaclash.co.uk

The toughest bit? erha s ealing ith s ermar et buyers, the most aggressive people you’ll ever meet.

Though it’s still in Bath, you sold the business to a Swedish corporation a few years ago…

But then I thought, what am I going to do with myself ? I don’t play golf, and I’d become very invested in Bath; there was family history in politics too, so I stood in the Kingsmead ward, which has some of the richest and the poorest people in the city – and immediately I was elected, was asked to be in Cabinet. It’s been a massive learning curve, just understanding hat o can an can t in ence, what’s a political choice and what decision simply has to be made. oliticians ha e almost no sa in ho school transport is run, for instance, because that’s all done by statute. You ha e to learn a i erent orl Tell us something surprising you’ve learned. hat o might ma e the most ecision, b t o on t get fine , an you don’t get sacked. In fact, you can’t

Sounds expensive!

It’s huge amount of work simply keeping the council solvent; I can’t overestimate what a distraction it is.

But we’ve a massive transport problem an a massi e ho sing a or abilit problem; most people who work in the city don’t actually live here.

We need to attract high value jobs, because employment in the city has been hollowed out: you just have to look at the MOD sites that have gone, lar s hoes, itman ress, so many businesses that provided for a skilled, well-paid labour force. We still pitch way above our size in terms of o r c lt ral o ering, an still ha e lots of retail and tourism – but one of the downsides is that tends to be lo er salar , hich has a h ge e ect on where people live and work. We haven’t actually had a housing revenue account since it was shut in the 1970s, so we’re opening a new one, which means the council can own properties and get rent from them. Yes, you might call it council housing.

“I’D BECOME VERY INVESTED IN BATH”

There are great benefits to all that tourism, of course…

We get six million tourists year, and a million of them visit the Roman Baths – 200,000 down on the peak, because the Chinese market hasn’t returned post-Covid – which kicks about £14 million into o r co ers each ear, all of which gets spent on services. We’d need to add £45 to everyone’s council tax if the Roman Baths weren’t there.

Finally, can we talk for a moment about the Fashion Museum?

It’s an incredible collection of a 100,000 pieces of clothing going back to the 17th Century that’s held in trust by the city, and been added to continually over the years to become one of the finest collections in the world. We used to show it in a pretty minor exhibition space in the Assembly Rooms, but that’s no longer a ailable, so e i entifie the ol ost ce site as an alternati e, an e re going through the planning process.

We think it’s going to be delivered in 2030, and yes, I share the frustration with how long it’s going to take – but when you get into the detail, you understand why. The idea is to create a real centre of excellence for fashion which will be the centrepiece of a reimagining of the whole of the Milsom Street area. It’ll be a huge part of the future of the city.

For more: www.bathnes.gov.uk | www.mediaclash.co.uk

ABOVE: Paul Roper was the latest interviewee at the Bath Life Network Lunch; BELOW: Dining, networking and learning something new at Walcot House

Photos by Simon Lees Photography; www.simonleesphoto.co.uk

NETWORK SCENE

www.mediaclash.co.uk I BATH LIFE I 75

NETWORK NEWS

Bruce Munro is the art ambassador for Dorothy House

Bath City Farm’s Callie Taylor with Somerset Freemasons Adrian Robson, Graham Puddy and Mike Greedy; INSET: The Little Farmers’ Club can continue, thanks to the funding

FARM HANDS

Twerton, and surrounding areas.

Sadie Rhodes, who leads the Little Farmers group, says, “We’re so grateful to Somerset Freemasons for their generous grant, which will enable us to continue and enhance our Little Farmers programme, supporting more children and their families from the local area.”

For more: www.bathcityfarm.org.uk | www.somersetfreemasons.org

Bath City Farm’s Little Farmers sessions will continue over the next three years, thanks to a £34,000 grant from Somerset Freemasons. The f n ing means aro n chil ren n er fi e (and their grown-ups) will be able to take part in the weekly group, which is free to attend and open to families living in Southdown, Whiteway,

Thrings lawyers celebrating their wins at the South West Insider Dealmakers Awards

MAKE IT A DOUBLE Thrings lawyers have been recognised twice at this year’s South West Insider Dealmakers ar s, as the firm ic e accola es for its work on a pair of deals. he first in came in the n ironmental, Social and Governance Deal of the Year categor , ith the firm s cross e artmental work to secure 422 acres of commercial farmland on behalf of Bristol-based charity Avon Needs Trees, recognised as the winner.

The second win came in the Mediumsized Deal of the Year category, with the ges ha ing i entifie the inno ation, collaboration and value created from the share sale of Wiltshire-based parking

76 I BATH LIFE I www.mediaclash.co.uk

software pioneer Chipside as standing out from the shortlist.

John Davies, Thrings’ head of corporate, says, “Winning an award at events of this calibre is always exciting because you’re up against so many worthy alternatives, so to win two in such quick succession was a real shoc t is great to see the team s e orts being recognised in this way after such a positive year. The deals for Avon Needs Trees and Chipside, two very valued clients, are just two of many they have toiled away on this year, and these awards are a testament to the hard work they put in behind the scenes.”

For more: www.thrings.com

DOROTHY HOUSE has appointed internationally renowned artist Bruce Munro as art ambassador for the hospice charity. Bruce’s relationship with Dorothy House began in 2021 with his donation of the Firefly installation to the Winsley estate grounds. The Firefly woods doubled in size in 2023 and were opened as part of a royal visit from Her Royal Highness Princess Anne, who accepted a Firefly in memory of her mother, the late Queen Elizabeth II. www.dorothyhouse.org.uk BATH SPA UNIVERSITY has awarded an Honorary Doctorate of Social Inclusion to Bath-based performer and LGBTQ+ activist Nik JovcicSas during the 2025 graduation ceremonies held at The Forum in July.

Nik Jovcic-Sas has In his acceptance speech, been awarded a BSU honorary Nik told the students, doctorate “While you chase your dreams, with your friends by your side, never forget your duty to your fellow human being.”

Instagram: @nikjovcicsas | www.bathspa.ac.uk THE UNIVERSITY OF BATH has remained in the top 10 universities in the UK, according to the Complete University Guide 2026. It is the sixth year in a row that Bath has been in the top 10.

And for the ninth year running, it is the number one university in the South West. www.bath.ac.uk

University of Bath stays on top

PHOTO BY SERENA MUNRO

ON THE UP

PHOTO BY BET T Y BHANDARI PHOTOGR APHY

Georg Gruber of Nandos; INSET: Chicken dinner winners

BUSINESS DIARY 10 SEPTEMBER Bath Life Network Lunch at Walcot House with Alistair Darby of Sutton Hotels; www.mediaclash.co.uk

Like father, like son – and we like, too!

BATH LIFE AWARDS

MH TYRES BATH SMALL BUSINESS WINNER SPONSORED BY

F

ather and son team Brian and Marcus Harris run a garage together, o ering ser ices that include MOT testing, ser icing, t re re lacement, mobile t re ser ice, air con an general re airs heir Bath Life ar acce tance s eech at the or m as a memorable one, ith the air inning not st the mall siness categor , b t also inning e er one s hearts ith their sincerit , tears, an res ect for each other ere, a rian tells hat inning means for them an their families What prompted you to enter MH Tyres this year? e are a small famil b siness ith a sta of fi e, b t e ha e ha a artic larl goo ear ith ne c stomers isiting o r garage an ne or ing artnershi s ith ath gb , loo ing after their sta an la ers ehicles arc s ha also st rchase the site of the garage, sec ring obs not onl for the garage, b t for other b sinesses or ing from this site Were you nervous in the run-up to the night at Bath Forum? e ha on before, bac in , an this time aro n , e ere st thrille to be a finalist again o be honest, e i n t thin e ha a

2 OCTOBER EntreConf 2025 Awards at Aerospace Bristol; www.entreconf.com 14 OCTOBER Bath Life Network Lunch at Walcot House with Georg Gruber of Nandos; www.mediaclash.co.uk 7 NOVEMBER Bath Property Awards at Apex City of Bath Hotel; www.bathpropertyawards.co.uk

“WORKED TIRELESSLY TO BUILD A RELIABLE REPUTATION” OUR JUDGES SAY

chance of inning it again t loo e fantastic in the or m, an it as the i eal lace to o some net or ing for o r com an e st lo e being there regar less of ha ing entere the ar s Tell us about the moment of winning… e an m son h gge an b rst into tears e str ggle to ma e it onto the stage beca se the emotion as st too m ch this meant so m ch to o r families an the b siness arc s starte this b siness ith in his oc et an or e night shifts ri ing lorries to a the bills e ha e sol ho ses, gi en o r ensions, or e all ho rs, a an night, to get to here e are to a What has winning the Small Business Award meant for the company? e al a s ha e a lot of ne or coming in ail , b t after the ar s, there as e en more, ith eo le sa ing the co l clearl see that e are a garage the can tr st he tro h is is la e in the garage rece tion for all o r c stomers to see e are both so ro of this achie ement, an of ho far e ha e come For more: www.mhtyresbath.co.uk | www.bathlifeawards.co.uk

Joe Downey of Agriframes and Lansdown CC’s Jordan Smith

HOWZAT!

griframes, the famil r n gar en b il ing s liers ith ee roots in ath, is s onsoring ans o n ric et l b s men s an la ies team shirts for the season a milestone ear mar ing the l b s th anni ersar s one of the ol est cric et cl bs in the co ntr , ans o n ric et l b has been a cornerstone of ath s s orting life since , an the ne shirts, feat ring the griframes logo, ill be orn b both the men s an la ies teams thro gho t the bicentenar season oe o ne , irector of griframes, sa s, oth griframes an ans o n share a res ect for tra ition, resilience, an the im ortance of comm nit al es e re excite to hel cham ion on an o the itch For more: www.agriframes.co.uk | www.lansdown.play-cricket.com

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

THE CHALLENGE

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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 highperforming digital strategy.

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NETWORK bro ght me to an all girls school in ath a great change of ace, but a brilliant one. Seeing the i erence co l ma e e t me there for o er nine ears

CAREER PATH

KYLIE STEWART

The founder of ASPIRIO on the power of mentoring young people and her determination to make a difference

K

ylie Stewart launched her academic support, sports mentoring and mindset coaching o tfit for young people, Aspirio, in April an i e er thing herself from the gro n , incl ing website, policies, accountancy, and marketing. She describes it as a a of hel ing o ng eo le fin their stri e, sa ing, “Sometimes they just need someone to back them, believe in them, and show them what they ha e t s not abo t fixing, it s about unlocking what’s there.”

Tell us a more about Aspirio It’s mentoring – but not like o e seen before o er one to one s ort for o ng eo le of all abilities hether the re navigating school, preparing for ni ersit , or managing erformance in s ort ome str ggle ith confi ence or time management. Others are high achievers, unsure how to push

for ar ften, the st nee another voice, someone who isn’t a arent or teacher, to o er fresh guidance and perspective.

Did you always want to work with young people? onestl ith a famil f ll of teachers, I didn’t stand a chance! t it too a fe eto rs before e er thing fell into lace efore teaching, or e for a school sports tour company, organising h ge festi als across ro e he energ of i s arri ing for a ee of s ort as electric till, realise ante to be the teacher lanning those to rs for my students.

What was your first actual teaching job?

Living on site as an assistant housemistress to 70 teenage boys, who certainly kept me on my toes, especially when Scotland lost the ix ations ater, as romote to assistant irector of sport and took on responsibility for e tage he role

What prompted the shift into mentoring? great belie er in self development, I practise what I preach. Just as I help students upskill and grow, I’m committed to im ro ing m self too fter nearly 15 years in the classroom, I hit pause. I needed space to think and, more importantly, re ect o, too a lea of faith an mo e to the sle of Man, where my parents had relocate here, ste e into a com letel i erent orl by working as a director in our internationall base famil business, which honed my business skills.

“I’M SCOTTISH — BUILT FOR GRIT, NOT GLORY!”

– especially when you work with teenagers. I never planned to run a business, but I’ve always known I wanted to help young people unlock their potential.

Who do you work with? here s no t ical client I support students who are str ggling ith confi ence, communication, or organisation, and those pushing hard but ns re ho to go f rther ome are burning out trying to do everything. Others just need a mentor who isn’t their teacher or their parent.

What did you do to progress in this field?

I upskilled by passing Project anagement exams, gaining a Diploma in Child Psychology, and completing CPD courses in sports injury, wellbeing, erformance s cholog , an , s ecificall , h siological barriers for females in s ort n then it all clicked. My passion was still working with young people, es eciall those ho feel a bit lost or just need someone in their corner hat s hat s ar e s irio a fresh a to s ort young people who need it most.

What are the differences you’ve noticed in students over the years?

Pressure is higher than ever to s ccee , be erfect an erform an gro too fast an miss key stepping stones. Social media can be brilliant, but also brutal. ace to face con ersation is slipping, and sometimes young eo le forget ho to connect in a real a , e en online hat s where I come in. Sometimes, they just need a calm, grounded space to slow down, think clearly, and remember who they are beyond the filters an ex ectations

Did you ever imagine running your own business one day? ot at all m cottish b ilt for grit, not glor esilience as instille from a o ng age I grew up with a simple mantra: work hard, stay grounded, and fin h mo r here er o can

What keeps you motivated?

You never quite know what’s coming, and that unpredictability is half the f n ore than anything, I see potential in every st ent el ing them fin it, believe in it, and act on it – that’s what keeps me going.

For more: www.aspirio.co.uk

HEADLINE PARTNER

UNMATCHED Leading growth companies: Partner benefits await…

2 OCTOBER AEROSPACE, BRISTOL annie.kelly@mediaclash.co.uk Tickets and tables available: entreconf.com/tickets

Category Partners Creative Bath Floresco Link Stone Advisory Mytton Williams The Visa Office

PHOTO BY NARR ATED FR AMES; W W W.NARR ATEDFR AMES.COM

ENTRECONF AWARDS

“YOUR ECO IS DELIGHTED TO SUPPORT THE ENTRECONF AWARDS, A PLATFORM THAT PROPELLED US TO ENTREPRENEURS OF THE YEAR”

The EntreConf Awards 2024 were held at Aerospace, Bristol

WE HAVE LIFT OFF!

Tick, tock… The countdown is on for one of the most compelling nights in the region’s business calendar – the EntreConf Awards 2025, returning this October to celebrate the people and ideas redefining entrepreneurship across the South West

T

o think, to dream, to achieve – and to have the public validation of independent judges in front of your peers: that’s what the EntreConf Awards are about.

In part, that is.

Because they’re also an evening of connection, collaboration, celebration. Of happenstance encounters where destinies pivot.

Of a coming together of an entrepreneurial ecosystem, from founders to advisors, from academics to investors. Nothing else has its blend and variety of people and companies.

There have been a record-breaking

numbers of nominations this year – more than double last year.

The Finalists have been revealed on the website, and all 19 categories – from ecommerce to advisors, health & wellbeing to media, scaleups to technology – are packed with trailblazing businesses. The 2025 shortlist is diverse and inspiring, shining a spotlight on the region’s rich entrepreneurial ecosystem. The evening concludes with the stand out award for Entrepreneur of the Year.

Tough decisions made after long debate by the panel of independent judges, following careful review. It’s ne er eas , b t the rocess re ects the competitive, high-calibre spirit of regional entrepreneurship.

One indication of its distinctiveness is its choice of headline partner. EntreConf founder Greg Ingham explains, “We wanted a com an , a team ho exem lifie entrepreneurialism. How good would it be to have an entrepreneurial business..? Better, how about the winners of the Entrepreneur of the Year at last year’s awards?

“So we approached those winners: Your Eco. And they just got the idea immediately…”

And here are those founders of Your Eco, Amanda and Nick Spicer: “Your Eco is delighted to support the EntreConf Awards, a platform that propelled us to Entrepreneurs of the ear s a ath base ertifie

B Corp™ driving renewable energy innovation across the South West, it means a lot to support the next generation of entrepreneurs and innovators to always chase their own dreams while building a sustainable future for our region.”

Now in its third year, the Awards have become a distinctive platform for recognising innovation, daring, and sheer determination across the region. It’s an evening designed to capture the very essence of entrepreneurship: bold, restless energy and a hunger to create something better.

Organised by the team behind the acclaimed EntreConf conference, the awards bring together founders, investors, mentors and innovators for a night of celebration and connection.

Beyond the awards themselves, the night is an unmissable opportunity for the region’s brightest minds to connect. Whether you’re a seasoned founder, an early-stage dreamer, or simply curious about the energy driving the South West’s economy, the ntre onf ar s o er a front ro seat to the ideas – and the people – shaping the future.

A singular evening looms at the EntreConf Awards on 2 October, once again at Aerospace…

For more: www.entreconf.com WHEN: The EntreConf Awards 2025 take place on Thursday 2 October WHERE: Aerospace Bristol AWARD SPONSORS AND PARTNERS: Your Eco (Headline), Creative Bath, Floresco, Link Stone Advisory, MediaClash, Mytton Williams and The Visa Office. Partners include Bristol Creative Industries and Loudd

www.mediaclash.co.uk I BATH LIFE I 81

HEADLINE PARTNER

HUBBUB AHOY

Conversations, connections, new business: join us…

annie.kelly@mediaclash.co.uk Tickets and tables available: entreconf.com/tickets

Category Partners Creative Bath Floresco Link Stone Advisory Mytton Williams The Visa Office

EntreConf Awards 2025 Finalists: Advisor

Entrepreneur

Bright Evolve EDP Training H2R Selection Matthew Olivers PANDEK Group Sense Risk Solutions Third House Transition 15 The Visa Office

Caroline Baxter, Aspire To Move & H&B Investments Charles de Paula, SEIKK David Kelly, Storm Consultancy

eCommerce Castle Combe Mercantile Gillards Susan Molyneux Cosmetics

Catalyst Bath Office Co DeskLodge HUM4NS Squareworks

Employer CL Electrical Controls DeskLodge Digital Wonderlab ELM Legal Services FRF Lexus Cardiff Gooding Accounts Graphic Mill Hoop Recruitment Howells Solicitors Mayden The Mortgage Quarter Varn

Emma Wharton-Love and Jules Love, Spark AI Graham MacVoy, Wake The Tiger James Courtney, LUX Rewards James Miles and Michael Tilsden, The Mortgage Quarter Jon Bird & Nick Bird, Squarebird Melissa Anderson, Camella Nick Hounsfield, The Wave Nigel Greenaway, GS Verde Group Pippa Russell, Russell Communications Ro Feilden-Cook, The SHE collective

Female Entrepreneur Ally Patterson, Avo Activewear Caroline Baxter, Aspire To Move & H&B Investments Emily Kenna, Sense Risk Solutions Hannah Viney, Sycamore Communications Julia Kemp, Pawpass Laura Aiken Melissa Anderson, Camella Mercedes Osborne, Pointers Financial Natalie von Tersch, Mint HS Pippa Russell, Russell Communications Rebecca Morley, Third House Ro Feilden-Cook, The SHE collective

Financial Advisor GS Verde Group Integrity365 Penguin

Health & Wellbeing Bupa Dental Care, Cardiff practices Celsius Innovations Energised Performance Exthetics LUSH Retail Mayden Ripples Wellbeing The SHE collective Susan Molyneux Cosmetics The Wave

Legal Advisor AMD Solicitors GS Verde Group Martyn Prowel Gartsides RWK Goodman Thrings Solicitors

Media Adopstar AMBITIOUS Attinger Jack Bright Sprout Distortion Studios Fourth Floor Creative Hey! What?

Lunax Digital Squarebird Watch & Learn Productions

Pre-Revenue Celsius Innovations DRIFT Energy LUMA Climbing Pawpass Sora Aviation

Property Aspire To Move Beacons Business Interiors Burston Cook Camella Mode Consult Norah Rose Staging The Tap End

Scale-Up Altered Carbon AMBITIOUS Ashton Gate Stadium CL Electrical Controls Exacta Technologies GS Verde Group Jeff Way Group LUX Rewards Penny Technology SunGift Solar Wake The Tiger The Wave

Small Business Beewise FS BrisTechTonic Burston Cook Cardiff Gold Cordiality Norah Rose Staging Spark AI Unfold Windsor Hill Mortgages ZiaBia Events Consultancy

Sustainability Beacons Business Interiors City Science DRIFT Energy Gillards SunGift Solar

Technology Apollo Technology Cavefish DATA3 Digital Wonderlab Exacta Technologies Molendotech New Icon POLYMATHIC Rocketmakers SmartBear Storm Consultancy Truespeed Communications

Young Entrepreneur Bethany Taylor, City Science Cameron Mills, Cameron Mills Group Hannah Egerton, Edgie Eats Will Maslin, Aspire To Move

MEET THE

SOLICITORS For those trickier times in life, here are the experts who can help us navigate the way through

GEORGINA CATLIN GOUGHS

01380 736664; www.goughs.co.uk What is your favourite part of the job?

When I first initially meet a client, it can often be very emotional and daunting for them. I love being able to provide reassurance and put them instantly at ease, not only on a legal front but often mentally as well.

Tell us something about yourself?

I am an identical twin. We also have the same type of dog, a Hungarian Vizsla and they are brother and sister – Bella and Cooper.

What was your very first job?

I delivered Yellow Pages with my sister and the help of our mum who would drive us around the local area, as they were very heavy!

How do you get your work life balance right?

I try to ensure that my mental health is always a priority. There are several things that can be done to boost your mental health. I love being outdoors, so I make sure I do the daily dog walking first thing in the morning. I also love to exercise, primarily by going to gym classes as often you have more laughs than solo exercise, which boosts the endorphins. I make sure I work within my contracted hours efficiently, so I don’t feel tempted to work on my days off with family.

84 I BATH LIFE I www.mediaclash.co.uk

JANETTE WOODLAND BLB SOLICITORS

01225 755656; www.blbsolicitors.co.uk What do you specialise in?

I specialise in rural and agricultural land transactions of all types, including farm and land sales and purchases, overage/uplift agreements, options and conditional contracts, promotion agreements, easements, farm business tenancies, and grazing agreements – as well as general commercial property transactions.

What is the biggest mistake clients make?

It’s frustrating when someone has already committed themselves to a particular course of action without taking advice. A good example is telecommunications leases for mobile phone masts. Understandably, they can be a very attractive prospect for farmers and landowners, but as with so many things, the devil is in the details!

Currently, what are your clients’ most significant challenges?

The farming community is still adjusting to the post-Brexit world, and as a result, many are making a concerted effort to diversify. On top of all that, they face the government’s recent changes to inheritance tax, which are punitive for most farming families.

SPONSORED CONTENT ALICE NEWSOME RWK GOODMAN

07353 114245; www.rwkgoodman.com What do you specialise in?

I specialise in agricultural property matters. Day-to-day, the work on my desk is really varied: acting in the sale or purchase of farms and country property, advising on the grant of agricultural tenancies, acting for lenders, dealing with the registration of unregistered land and assisting our tax team with property matters arising from succession planning.

What is your favourite part of the job?

I enjoy working alongside our clients and with other property professionals in the sector. Some farms have been in the same family for generations and hearing about their history is fascinating. If I’m acting for a buyer, I like talking to a client about their exciting plans for the property they’re purchasing, and assisting them with that where I can.

What makes working in Bath special Having worked in Bristol for the last six years, I’m really enjoying being back in Bath with the RWK Goodman team. Bath is a lovely city and there is always lots going on. We’re lucky to have some beautiful countryside around us and you don’t have to go far to find some great rural property around Bath either, which is great for site visits!

EDWARD VIDNES RWK GOODMAN

01225 730270; www.rwkgoodman.com What do you specialise in?

Very hard to say! On the one hand I might say Wills, probate, incapacity matters. On the other hand, I find more and more now it is about interpreting how best to help clients. Either looking to do that myself or introduce them to other excellent members of my team/firm who can assist them better.

If you could introduce one new law, what would it be?

Better and swifter protection for the vulnerable, however you may describe them. The amount of schemes/products we have seen sold to, often elderly, clients, usually at great cost, that are totally ineffective is shocking.

How do you get your work/life balance right?

Borrow a dog! I feel so privileged to have been able to borrow a Vizsla for over ten years, she has been able to get me/us outside (even as a family sometimes!) for dog walks and encourage talking and walking. Whatever you do to enjoy life, make sure you make time for that.

JEANIE WHELAN PAIGE MATTHEWS RWK GOODMAN

01225 730149; www.rwkgoodman.com What do you specialise in?

I specialise in matters relating to children and domestic abuse.

This includes non-molestation orders, occupation orders and S8 Children Act Proceedings. I predominantly take instructions where a matter is funded by way of public funding (legal aid).

What is your favourite part of the job?

I love how diverse my role is. No day, no client and no query is ever the same. I am constantly dealing with case-specific niche issues, something which I would argue is exclusive to family law.

We are also dealing with clients who find themselves in upsetting and difficult circumstances and so being able to assist these individuals with empathetic and pragmatic advice is something which I really enjoy.

What advice would you give to anyone considering law as a career?

Go for it! It is one of the most rewarding careers. Every day you are making a real difference to someone’s life. You get unrestricted insight into the everyday world which not only helps as a solicitor, but also as an individual.

Tell us something about yourself Outside of work I am a dog mum to a beautiful red fox labrador called Pepper. She is a bundle of energy who requires lots of exercise and loves swimming, I think she might be part labrador part fish!

AWDRY LAW

01793 853200; www.awdry.law Do you do any voluntary/charity work?

I have led the launch of our sustainable development goals, in line with the UN’s initiative to transform our world. We have selected five goals to focus on for now and have been implementing and adapting our work life to achieve targets, while also focusing on our local communities and supporting or fundraising for causes that align with our goals. This has included ongoing volunteering at two local charities providing warm meals to the community, internal domestic abuse training with FearFree charity and in September we will be volunteering for the Devizes Canoe Club to help them clean-up the canals. I have felt very passionate about this project and getting the firm involved in achieving some of these goals.

What advice would you give to anyone considering law as a career?

A career in law is always going to require hard work, but it is important to find the practice area that suits you. Each area of law has different challenges and demands, and it is important that you find an area which works with your personality. Some people enjoy attending court, while others prefer a client facing role where you get to meet most of your clients, knowing which suits you will lead to a more enjoyable, and hopefully very successful, career.

What advice would you give your 18 year old self?

It does not have to take as long as you think to achieve your goals and succeed. It often felt daunting the prospect of doing a law degree, the LPC (Legal Practice Course), completing a training contract before even being able to call myself a solicitor. The idea of then becoming an Associate, Senior Associate and one day eventually Partner all felt like achievements I would never reach until much later in life and that almost put me of when I was 18. However, with the right firm and finding a practice area of law you enjoy, it has been far more achievable that I thought. It takes a lot of dedication and perseverance, but it is possible, and I wish I could have known that at 18.

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FRESH THINKING OVER A FINE LUNCH

Unique social business occasion + live interview: Alistair Darby, CEO of The Francis Hotel

LAST CALL

Sept 10

Sponsored by:

B E PA RT O F T H E CO NV ER S ATI O N

If you would like to get involved, email claudia.butler@mediaclash.co.uk

SPONSORED CONTENT SARAH LAWTON RICHARD SHARP SHARP FAMILY LAW

01225 448955; 07798606740 www.sharpfamilylaw.com What do you specialise in?

Helping separating and divorcing clients to protect children, preserve assets, and limit the destruction and cost that too often occurs when relationships breakdown.

What are the misconceptions around what you do?

There’s a belief that divorce is a battle fought in court. After over 35 years as a family solicitor, no two divorces are the same. Every family is different, every set of financial and parenting circumstances unique and there’s no one single path that suits everyone. Court litigation is just a route, and it’s not always a necessary one.

Increasingly I jointly represent a couple working with them together to settle on an outcome they both agree on. Because ultimately, it’s not just about ending a marriage or relationship, it’s about shaping the future that follows for the family.

What is your favourite part of the job?

Solving client concerns – helping them go from despair to hope, and from fear to security, so they can move forward with their lives.

What professional accomplishment has made you most proud?

Founding Sharp Family Law, a firm focused on minimising the financial and emotional cost of divorce and supporting clients to secure the best outcome for themselves and their families.

LAURA KELLAWAY WEISBERG LEGAL

01225 422466; laura@weisberglegal.co.uk What do you specialise in?

At Weisberg Legal, I specialise in residential conveyancing, supporting clients through buying, selling, remortgaging or transferring property.

Whether it’s a first home or an investment, I ensure a smooth, stress-free process with clear communication and care. I have over 30 years’ experience, I pride myself on reliability, attention to detail, and helping clients move forward with confidence.

What is your favourite part of the job?

Helping people buy their home is the most rewarding part of my job. It’s more than a transaction; it’s the beginning of a new chapter.

I enjoy supporting clients through this journey, especially first-time buyers, ensuring it feels personal and positive. Knowing I’ve played a role in a family’s future is incredibly meaningful and keeps me passionate about my work.

How have the last 12 months been for you?

Joining Weisberg Legal this year was a highlight. The team’s support and shared commitment to client care made settling in easy. I’ve enjoyed growing professionally, building strong client relationships, and contributing to a firm that values clear communication and service excellence. It’s been a fulfilling chapter, and I’m excited for what’s next.

NEW WAVE LAW SOLICITORS 01225 551069; www.newwavelaw.co.uk What do you specialise in?

I am a Managing Associate Solicitor and I specialise in Private Client Work. I have almost 20 years’ experience. I have worked in Wiltshire and Bath throughout my career. I provide straightforward legal advice to individuals, couples and families and I mainly deal with the loss of loved ones and applying for Probate. I also draft Wills, help clients plan their future and assist them to safeguard their financial and material assets. Additionally, I deal with Power of Attorneys and those who have lost mental capacity with regards to their property and affairs.

What is the biggest misconception surrounding being a lawyer?

That we are all expensive! Many people try to do legal work that requires expertise. It is not a defence if you do it incorrectly and charges shouldn’t put people off. New Wave Law Solicitors offer a competitive fixed-price service and our clients are at the forefront of everything we do. We are very transparent about our charges and we will keep you updated throughout every stage of the process.

What is your firm’s ethos and philosophy?

We provide a refreshing, bespoke and personal approach to serving our clients. We are not constrained by the restraints of a large corporate approach and client service is at the heart of everything we do.

What aspect of your work do you love most?

People! I really enjoy being able to assist those in need and offer a solution in an empathetic way. I absolutely love working with my team. I couldn’t ask for a more supportive, caring and encouraging very special set of people with such a high level of expertise. Although we deal with difficult topics in our roles, we still enjoy each other’s company and laugh a lot.

LINDSAY WELLS WEISBERG LEGAL

01225 422466; lindsay@weisberglegal.co.uk What professional accomplishment has made you most proud?

I’m most proud of the positive feedback I receive from clients. Knowing they feel supported, informed, and genuinely cared for is incredibly rewarding. In residential conveyancing, trust and communication are essential, and our client reviews reflect our commitment to both. Every kind word reminds me that we’re not just handling property transactions; we’re helping people take major life steps with confidence.

What sets you apart from others in your sector?

I pride myself on managing my workload carefully to provide a consistent, responsive service. Clients know they can rely on me for clear updates and personal support. At Weisberg Legal, our clientfocused, traditional approach means every matter gets the attention it deserves. Backed by years of experience and a five-star rating, we deliver a trusted service across Residential Conveyancing and more.

Are you and your colleagues working from home, or returned to the office?

We’re based in the office and really value working together in person. It allows for quick communication, strong teamwork, and prompt client support. Our open-door policy means there’s always someone available to help, face-to-face. In a world that’s becoming more remote, we’re proud to maintain a personal, accessible approach that sets us apart.

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PROPERTY

PHOTOS BY ANDY STAGG

P L A C E S T O L I V E , W O R K A N D P L AY

Workplace design

ABOVE: Feilden Clegg Bradley Studios has completed the UK’s lowest

CARBON CONSCIOUS he ath base architect ral esign firm eil en legg ra le t ios has com lete the s lo est embo ie carbon mass timber o ce e elo ment, in the heart of ambeth, for ater ro erties ara ise , name after l ara ise ar ens, hich the b il ing a oins, set o t to create a ne stan ar for or s ace esign, tting s stainabilit an ellbeing at the forefront om lete fi e ears ahea of s s stainabilit targets, the six oor b il ing eli ers er cent lo er embo ie carbon, loc s a a o er , tonnes of from

embodied carbon mass timber office development; BELOW: Paradise SE11 has been engineered for complete disassembly and reuse

the atmos here e i alent to the carbon emissions of b il ing ne homes an has been esigne ith a hole life a roach in min t is engineere for com lete isassembl an re se, a benchmar for circ lar constr ction ara ise re resents a bol ste for ar in ho e thin abo t or lace esign, sa s lex hitbrea , artner at t ios t s a ro ect that emonstrates ho ambitio s s stainabilit targets, ee comm nit collaboration, an a commitment to ellbeing can come together in a tr l

regenerati e b il ing a los lifton, hea of e elo ment at ater, a s, his is s rethin ing hat a central on on e elo ment can be, not st in form, b t in feeling lace here s stainabilit , comm nit an creati it on t st co exist, the ri e e er thing ara ise is timber le , esign for ar , an ro l i erent t s rare to get the chance to sha e something this meaningf l en rarer to o it ith a team that gen inel belie es in a better a of b il ing For more: www.fcbstudios.com

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PROPERTY NEWS Development

TAKING CARE

ne care home e elo ment on ath s l fiel ane has recentl celebrate a major milestone, reaching the topping out stage, marking the completion of the latest phase of the construction programme for the 68 bed project. he ne home, o ciall name arc ar ens are ome an e to o en in the s ring of , has been b ilt b a rence a er, an is o ne an o erate b Barchester Healthcare. It will provide personalised residential, dementia and respite care for older people in the area, and the space will include a café, spa, en suites, a cinema room, plus a hair and beauty salon. ichael oggin, senior ro ert e elo ment manager for archester, sa s, ach new build uses a bespoke Barchester Healthcare design that incorporates learnings from previous homes we’ve constructed. This ensures each of our homes is not only safe, comfortable an elcoming, b t l x rio s, s acio s an tho ghtf l For more: www.barchester.com Bath’s Darcy Gardens Care Home is due to open early 2026; INSET: James Taylor, Rob Cruikshank, Michael Coggin, Jason Swithenbank, Michael Ritchie and Jeremy Hutchinson

Interaction has delivered a new x+why co-working space in Clapham; INSET: Martha Gray is creative lead at Interaction

90 I BATH LIFE I www.mediaclash.co.uk

Office design

MAKING IT WORK

Interaction, the workplace design and build company, has delivered a new private members’ cl b an co or ing s ace on behalf of ex s ace ro i er x h in one of la ham s lan mar b il ings t has fitte o t , s ft of high en exible or s ace on the thir oor of the landmark Arding & Hobbs building, a Grade II listed former department store dating back to 1910. he ath base firm worked closely with local suppliers and craftspeople on the project, including Newbigin Signs who hand painted signage; natural paint brand Atelier Ellis who supplied quality, biobased paints; elix ighting ho crafte bes o e, period-inspired lighting; and Berdoulat, the interior design studio that collaboratively designed some of the key joinery pieces.

Martha Gray, creative lead at Interaction, says, “It’s brilliant to see so many Bath-based makers coming together on a project of this scale in on on it s ea s to the exce tional strength of craftsmanshi o r cit has to o er For more: www.interaction.uk.com | www.xandwhy.co.uk

F SA OR LE

F SA OR LE

camella.co.uk

Larkhall - £1,000,000

SO

SO

LD

LD

Lansdown - £950,000

Batheaston - £1,400,000

Colerne - £750,000

Coming Soon We have a range of five-bedroom family homes coming to market soon: • H igh Bannerdown - £1.5m • M orris Lane, Bathford - £1m • T he Ley, Box, £800,000 Contact us to register your interest

hello@camella.co.uk 01225 255 321

246 High Street, Batheaston, BA1 7RA 20 Wellsway Bear Flat, BA2 2AA

PROPERTY

TO THE MANOR DRAWN

eorgian gran e r meets mo ern comfort at he

By Elsie Chadwick

T

he Manor House in Priston, that beautiful village just a confetti’s throw from Bath (don’t we all know someone who got married at Priston Mill?), is a commanding but still charming country residence with both architectural poise and a rustic edge. he fi e to six be room home has a hone colo re Bath stone façade, draped in wisteria and ivy, and is cro ne b a slate roof an an e b tall chimne s and stone balustrades. A gravel driveway sweeps gracefully toward the front steps, where four imposing Doric columns frame a grand entrance beneath a classical portico.

Inside, The Manor House opens up with a sense of scale that efines eorgian architect re he entrance hall makes an immediate impression with its soaring ceilings, graceful cornicing, and the gentle curve of a stone staircase that guides the eye upward.

Each principal room follows suit – the drawing room an ining room are oo e ith nat ral light from majestic sash windows, while the generous proportions allo for e ortless entertaining Throughout, period details have been lovingly

92 I BATH LIFE I www.mediaclash.co.uk

“The morning room is a lightdrenched retreat”

anor o se in riston

preserved and thoughtfully enhanced. Shuttered windows, intricate ceiling mouldings, and original fire laces form a rich bac ro to more contem orar comforts he morning room is a light renche retreat, hile the e icate st o ers a tran il workspace overlooking the gardens.

At the heart of the manor is the kitchen and breakfast room, which stretches westward and captures the best of the afternoon sun. A celebration of traditional craftsmanship and modern practicality, it features bespoke cabinetry, sleek granite worktops, a genero s islan , an high s ec a liances s btl integrated into the design. A door opens out to a sheltered stone terrace, making al fresco dining feel li e a nat ral extension of the home Upstairs, the principal bedroom is a private sanctuary with its own dressing area and an elegant en suite bathroom. A guest suite with its own bath, a charming third bedroom or secondary dressing room, and three further bedrooms share views that s ee across the gro n s ach room o ers a sense of peace and perspective, with leafy vistas and soothing ro ortions that in ite relaxation

HOUSE NUMBERS Guide price Bedrooms Gardens

£3.5million 5-6 20 acres

Swimming pool

1

Tennis court

1

For more: Knight Frank, 4 Wood Street, Bath; www.knightfrank.co.uk

Beyond the walls of the main house, there lies 20 acres of beautifully manicured mature gardens, pasture and woodland, with each acre of the grounds unfolding before you with quiet grandeur. A traditional walled kitchen garden, trained roses, box he ging, an o ering climbers blen structure and softness in the formal areas, while estate railings and stone walls give way to uninterrupted views of the surrounding lush countryside.

Adding to the estate’s ‘to the manor born’ appeal is a range of luxury amenities, including a heated outdoor swimming pool that sits within a garden enclave, privacy screened by natural tall hedging; nearby, an astro-turf tennis court provides yearround sporting opportunities. For those who value practicality and extra storage, the outbuildings include a spacious double garage, a fully equipped workshop, a log store, and a garden store.

This is a home designed not only for aesthetic delight b t for e ortless li ing hether entertaining on a grand scale or enjoying a quiet moment beneath the wisteria-covered terrace, the unique Manor House is a special property that is both grand and genial.

www.mediaclash.co.uk I BATH LIFE I 93

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Over 30 Years Experience

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SANDRIDGE STONE is a local craft-skills

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NO17 INTERIORS o ers a range of bes o e

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JENNIFER MOSSE DESIGN STUDIO

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CLAIR STRONG INTERIOR DESIGN

NEXUS OF BATH is a Bath based family

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Based in the heart of Bath and specialising in bespoke, handmade kitchens, Bath Kitchen Company become personally invested in every kitchen they esign an b il t s abo t attention to etail at e er stage – creating a beautiful space that enhances the way you live. ort ara e ui ings at Tel: 01225 312003

lair trong nterior esign is a bo ti e, creati e company based in Bath, providing a wide range of services for both resi ential an commercial clients er ortfolio of projects includes the design, project coordination and sourcing for some of Bath’s most beautiful residences, as ell as hotels, s orts cl bs, o ces an other commercial venues. Contact Clair on 07855 797311 or 01225 426905;

A bespoke, tailor-made, client-focused interior design cons ltanc ser ice base in ath ecialising 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, re ecting her clients lifest les an ersonalities Tel: 07738289189; www.jennifermosse.com

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 www.mediaclash.co.uk I BATH LIFE I 97

PHOTO BY BHEEM ADAVIKOL ANU; INSTAGR AM @BHEEMADAVIKOL ANU

BATH LIVES

“Bharatanatyam has taught me how to appreciate the gift of life” My mother noticed my interest in dancing during one of my school dance performances and enrolled

me in a Bharatanatyam class.

Thanks to my dance teacher, Vidwan Shree Nagabhushan, it has ha a rofo n in ence on my life. It taught me discipline, calmness, how to channel my thoughts, and how to appreciate the gift of life.

When we lost my mother, I started teaching dance at the age of 16 to earn some income

and help support my father. I soon realised how much I loved it, and that it was such a privilege to help shape the love for dance in other people.

During my college years, I travelled extensively due to my dance performances,

AKHILA RAO

The software engineer on the power of dance, lessons learned, and her love of Bath When Akhila Rao isn’t working on building enterprise solutions for business and government bodies, she practices, performs, and teaches Bharatanatyam.

This is a classical southern Indian dance form known for its intricate footwork, hand gestures, and expressive facial expressions.

The talented Akhila also hosts a regular radio show, Ee Sanje, with Radio Bath.

I was very obedient and curious during my early school years, and I did well. However,

gradually I felt trapped in a small box and was being forced not

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to express myself. Always being expected to answer in a certain way made me dislike school, and I could never achieve good scores. This had a long-lasting impact on me, especially after I lost my mother.

My upbringing was very modern. Both my parents were well-educated and travelled, believing in equal

opportunities. We were a family of four: my mother, Usha P; my father, K Madhusudan Rao; and my elder sister, Nikhila.

My sister and I learnt music and dance together, and both of us later studied engineering and became engineers.

as well as my participation in the Bharat Scouts and Guides camps and the National Cadet Corps. I received the Rajya and Rashtrapati Guide awards, which are state and national honours. This experience truly helped me grow as a person; it booste m confi ence and helped improve my communication skills.

Unfortunately, I didn’t do as well as I’d hoped at college.

However, I moved on to engineering and then excelled in computer programming, where en o e fin ing sol tions hat chapter in my life helped me accept that there are no shortcuts to success, and if you work hard, it ill one a a o This career path led me to become a software developer for a large corporation, which

in turn led to the opportunity to move to the UK in July 2019.

I missed dancing when I arrived here, so I was delighted

when a work friend asked me to teach Bharatanatyam dance to her girls. By taking up dancing again, I started connecting with more people, and was able to perform at the Indian dance festival in Bath in 2020.

During the pandemic my sister, who lives in Bengaluru, and myself, here in Bath, worked together to create

a dance drama about Covid, which we uploaded onto YouTube. I was later asked to perform at the Bristol Harbour Festival, as well as at TEDxBath 2023, and at the Bath Assembly Rooms in October 2024 as art of the airfiel o se celebrations. In March of this year, I helped work on the health campaign with BEMSCA at airfiel o se choreogra hing and presenting a dance piece to help highlight the importance of vaccines.

I am married to a very talented man called Naresh Prahlad. He is a musician

who plays the violin and a rare instrument called a jal tarang.

He is also an engineer with an firm

I’m actually a very shy person and love to listen. Many think

because of my radio work that I love talking, but I love those who speak. Given the choice of the spotlight or the quiet corner, I choose the quiet corner.

I live right in the centre of this lovely city, and

I love everything about Bath – the people, the cafés, the architecture, the culture, and the history. I really enjoy canal walks here, especially the walk along the Kennet and Avon Canal that leads from Bradford on Avon to Bath.

For more: www.radiobath.com