Issuu

ISSUE 540 / JANUARY 2026 / £5

THE ONE HIT WONDERS

DEAR DIARY

The wellbeing tricks with instant results

Art dates to make a note of for 2026 ISSUE 540 / JANUARY 2026 / OFF THEIR TROLLEY!

BATH LIFE AWARDS 2026 ENTRY INFO INSIDE

ON BALANCE The rejuvenating ReBalance festival returns

SPICE WORLD

Discovering Sarthi, Walcot’s indie Indian gem

VELVET UNDERGROUND Soft power dressing for the new year

TOGETHER IN ECLECTIC DREAMS Celebrating interior looks that are uniquely you

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

PHOTO BY EGLE VASI FOR DOROTHY HOUSE; W W W.EGLEVASI.COM | W W W.DOROTHYHOUSE.ORG.UK

EDITOR’S LETTER

friend once said to me she never saved anything for best. It was admittedly in relation to her baby’s clothes, because if you did save them, the chances are by the time best came round, they wouldn’t fit into them anymore. I actually think it’s a good philosophy for us grown-ups. I was forever keeping shoes in boxes, jackets in protective covers, and leaving the new dress at the back of the wardrobe because there wasn’t quite the occasion for it. Then, once I remember their existence, and the dust and cobwebs are blown off, nothing is uite right yes okay, two thirds of that list no longer fit me . My sister-in-law told me of a leather coat that she bought with her first wage packet, which was so expensive and precious that she never wore it. Forty years on, it sits in her loft. My good pal saved up and bought herself a pair of Louboutins, but the world never got to see that thrilling ash of a red sole. What’s the point? Why do we do it? It’s like we’re sucking the joy out of our own lives for no purpose – living for tomorrow when what’s wrong with today? Source all your occasion wear and wear it whatever occasion – tulle skirts on the school run; ruby slippers down the shops; a tuxe luxe suit for the office meal out. et be the year we wear our Sunday best every day of the year.

SARAH MOOLLA These lasses are heading to the library in their best finery (page 81)

@bathlifemag

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AWARDS 2026

NOMINATIONS CLOSE 15 JANUARY PLATINUM SPONSOR

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To express your interest in sponsorship please contact pat.white@mediaclash.co.uk

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COVER Cheers to eclecticism with Bath-based designers Woodhouse & Law; www.woodhouseandlaw.co.uk Turn to page 22 for more design advice and ideas

INTERIORS

PHOTO BY CASPER FARRELL PHOTOGR APHY; W W W.CASPERFARRELL.CO.UK

Issue 540 / January 2026

22 ECLECTIC DREAMS Experts talk mastering mismatched décor

THE ARTS 47 48 50 52 57

ARTS INTRO Dame Zandra Rhodes’ new Holburne exhibition WHAT’S ON People to see, places to go CULTURE CLUB The arty picks of AJ Jenks ARTS 2026 A few save-the-dates for the upcoming year BOOKS Novel ideas with Mr B

WELLBEING

58 ONE HIT WONDERS 20 suggestions for instant results 70 REBALANCE BATH The feel-good festival returns 79 BEAUTY A Hollywood facial with Charlotte Hurd 81 SHOPPING INTRO Always give it your best 82 EDITOR’S CHOICE Luxe looks and velvet fashion 84 GARDENS Nick Woodhouse explores the From The Land project

FOOD & DRINK

88 A WHITE TREE BY JULIE COLLINS

LIFESTYLE

88 RESTAURANT It’s veggie and vegan heaven at Sarthi 91 NEWS FEED Nuggets from Bath’s foodie scene

NETWORK

97 NETWORK LEAD The 25million investment in the region’s arts 98 NETWORK NEWS News, views, and interviews 101 CAREER PATH Metabolic health specialist Cristy Dean

PROPERTY

103 PROPERTY LEAD Alistair Heather on the year ahead 104 PROPERTY NEWS The latest from the market 106 SHOWCASE Explore the charms of The Old Rectory

DEPARTMENTS

14 SPOTLIGHT Casper Farrell’s beautiful Bath 17 SCENE Hello party people! 21 FLATLINE Flats is feeling hot, hot, hot 114 BATH LIVES Meet musician Charlie Hooper-Williams

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 Nic Bottomley, Elsie Chadwick, Casper Farrell. David Flatman, Rachel Ifans and John Mather Commercial director Pat White pat.white@mediaclash.co.uk Business development manager Annabel North annabel.north@mediaclash.co.uk Business development manager Dan Nichols dan.nichols@mediaclash.co.uk Business development executive Ruby Coburn ruby.coburn@mediaclash.co.uk Production and distribution manager Kirstie Howe kirstie.howe@mediaclash.co.uk 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

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

SPOTLIGHT JANUARY

YEAR IN, YEAR OUT

Month after month Bath’s beauty never lets us down By Casper Farrell The Holburne MARCH

FEBRUARY

Lansdown The Circus links to The Royal Crescent via Brock Street MAY Rear of the Paragon and Walcot Street

JUNE

APRIL

Parade Gardens

Sydney Gardens

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Bathwick Meadows

AUGUST

The Guildhall Market and Colonnades

SEPTEMBER

Pulteney Bridge JULY

The Royal Crescent

DECEMBER

OCTOBER

NOVEMBER

Abbey Green

Extracted from The Beauty of Bath – A Photographic Celebration and Visitor Guide by Casper Farrell, which features 272 pages and over 150 photos of the city. (Published by Fotovue, £19.99); www.casperfarrell.co.uk Bath Abbey www.mediaclash.co.uk I BATH LIFE I 15

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

Simon McIlroy and Conor Melvin

Megan Alexander and Toby Pinn Ian Lloyd and James Iveson

Friends gather to bid Lizzie farewell

Chloe Weizenbichler and Emma Page

A VERY SPECIAL THRING

Sam Doherty and Alistair Colston

The latest in the firm’s Thrings networ ing events in ath also served as an opportunity to recognise years of service of its head of mar eting, i ie effer, who left the law firm in ovember. ore than guests, businesses, and individuals from across the city, including friends, contacts and former Thrings staff, attended the event at ather ound, with speeches from both i ie and Thrings’ managing partner, imon oldsworth. Pat White, Toby Brown and Dave Dixon

Photos by Aaron Sims For more: www.thrings.com

Chris Steven, Carey Willis-Fleming and Rupert Allsop

Lizzie Heffer Simon Holdsworth

Lizzie Heffer and Bob Crampton

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Hugh Bonneville at his first event to talk about his book Rory Sparkes and the Elephant in the Playground

Actor, author and champion for the deaf community Rose Ayling-Eliis included two signers in her event

THE NUMBERS’ GAME

The brilliant story of the Bath Children’s Literature Festival, which ran 26 September to 5 October, told in numbers: • 70 plus events for families and children over 10 days • Thousands of excited children enjoying live events with authors and illustrators • 18 years since the festival began • 2 brilliant founders, John and Gill McLay, still keeping the magic alive • 30 plus schools whose children took part in the mid-week schools programme

MC Grammar rapped to nursery rhymes

Hundreds of Skandar fans came to hear AF Steadman talk about the fifth and final book in the series How To Train Your Dragon author and illustrator Cressida Cowell

Total audience engagement

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A unicorn called Storm was the star at the opening party at the Holburne

• A dozen super supportive sponsors and partners, including this year for the first time, ongleat • 4 artists in residence running free drop-in sessions at Waterstones • A small army of dedicated festival volunteers kept things going smoothly • A cuddle of child-friendly characters including luey, The ruffalo, and Pip and Posy • One magical unicorn, Storm, the star of the festival’s free opening night family party at the Holburne Photos by Pacific Curd Photography and Anna Barclay For more: www.bathfestivals.org.uk

Tweedy the Clown clowning around

Festival founders and directors John and Gill McLay with Pip and Posy and The Gruffalo at the UpLate opening party at the Holburne The Spectacular Phoenix Comic Show with illustrator James Turner

FLAT LINE

“I think – I’m pretty sure – it makes me feel good”

Heat pump Flats finally gets his endorphin hit from sauna sessions, but even that he’s not too hot on…

’ve heard many times of these things called endorphins. I’ve read about them, and wondered why mine don’t seem to work as they’re meant to. The body’s natural feel-good chemicals, there are certain times when they’re supposed to be released and, whammo, life’s brill. Except mine don’t seem to work properly. r they wor differently, at least. To varying degrees of intensity I’ve been working out in gyms for 30 years. From the age of 15 I would walk across town to the local leisure centre, hit the rowing machine and lift as much weight as I possibly could, all with the dream of being an elite rugby player as my focus. Three years later I had that contract and drove on, training hard, a lot, for 15 more years. I loved it and was committed to it, but it never gave me that kick, that chemical boost I felt I’d been promised. Since retiring from professional sport, I’ve continued – obviously at nothing like the same level – to lift weights, to do cardio sessions (SoFit gym up in Combe Down is great), and to mostly enjoy exercising. Some sessions are chatty and chilled, others can be extremely

taxing. They’re all fun, to a point, but I do not leave with that twinkle, that vibrating buzz about me that the internet tells me I should feel. I suppose there’s a feeling of satisfaction involved or I likely wouldn’t do it at all, but there it ends. Anyway, no matter, exercising is good so crack on. Switching subjects slightly from exercising to general wellbeing, and something interesting has happened. I’m part of the rugby generation that has seen a number of its former players diagnosed with early onset dementia. To this end, I pay attention when I hear somebody clever recommending ways to reduce the likelihood of such things, and I’m generally up for trying them just in case I’m the next guy. It’s all somewhat macabre, but there it is. There are the creatine pills I take most days, and the obligatory omega fish oils, and a garlic-based supplement to aid a reduction in ‘bad’ cholesterol (doesn’t seem to work, that one, despite costing a small monthly fortune). aybe it’s worth my while nec ing these fistfuls of health aids, but I’m not convinced. More and more of my research (scrolling on nstagram had begun to involve the benefits of

using a sauna. Never mind the whole ‘getting a deep sweat on feels amazing’ piece, I was more interested in what folks were saying – some of these folks being actual scientists, not just jacked-up members of that über-annoying, supposedly high-achieving, supposedly alpha club - about the physical benefits of it. In the end, I’d read enough and knew that, as I was in a position to have one of these setups added to my life, it would frankly seem crazy not at least to try it, bearing in mind how likely it is that my brain has been left battered by my former ob the benefits are for everyone, by the way, not just former sports jocks). So I got one. The two mates who built my beloved outdoor kitchen (Bespoke Exteriors, they’re called) were booked, a plan was made, and a date was agreed. As I type these words, the time on my screen reads 05.39. I don’t like to wake this early but, seeing as I have, I’ve gone into my little sauna app, ic ed it on from the comfort of my warm bed, and am doing this column as it heats itself up. At this point I think it’s important to mention that I have never enjoyed saunas. In fact, I don’t much like them at all. Some do, but not me. But I didn’t get it to enjoy it, I got it to help me. I try to use it for 20 minutes four or five days a wee . have ust to ta e science’s word for it when it comes to this hot little room helping me, but something else has happened. Something remarkable, to me at least. Despite my regarding every session as an endurance event, I think – I’m pretty sure – it makes me feel good. My head feels noticeably clearer post-sauna, my energy levels augmented. I dislike extreme heat, yet my body now craves the next sauna session. Is this the work of that mysterious thing, the endorphin? Sauna is not the only thing I do for wellbeing but if I had to pick just one, well, it might well be the little roasting shed in my little back garden. David Flatman is an ex-Bath and England rugby star turned TV pundit and rent-o-mic. Follow him on X/Twitter @davidflatman and Insta @dflatman

ECLETIC DREAMS

Imagine a world where there’s no mention of design rules or trends to follow… By Rachel Ifans

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“Eclectic interiors celebrate the art of combining the unexpected”

INTERIORS

clectic design is about throwing out the rulebook and celebrating everything you love in one place – your place in fact – no matter the era or style. It’s a glorious fusion of your vintage mar et finds, your aunt’s heirloom furniture, and that bold, modern piece you just couldn’t resist. This isn’t clutter; it’s a carefully curated collage of your life, where every uni ue treasure finds its happy home and adds a layer of unforgettable personality. But how do you put it all together without it looking like the back end of a jumble sale? Here our experts talk us through making those eclectic dreams come true.

FIRST THINGS FIRST

ST YLING BY SCARLET T HESSIAN

THE CL ASSIC ENGLISH KITCHEN BY DEVOL; W W W.DEVOLKITCHENS.CO.UK

Interior designer Clair Strong s uashes a design myth right off the bat. clecticism does not mean uir y, she says: “ t simply means a curated mi of in uences, eras, styles, materials and personal stories.” he says that the heart of eclecticism is individuality: a room that feels layered, lived-in, and e pressive rather than bought from a single showroom. he e plains: “The style can s ew bold and playful or calm and refined, depending on how it is shaped. neutral minimalist space that combines apanese ceramics, mid-century furniture, and heirloom portraits is every bit as eclectic as a maximalist room full of colour and pattern, because both are driven by intentional variety rather than perfect uniformity.”

MAIN IMAGE: Louise Hessian suggests hero pieces should take centre stage and tell a story about your life; ABOVE: Curtain and blind maker Laura Campbell is a fan of Pearl Lowe’s seemingly mismatched style, seen here in her Portobello kitchen by deVOL

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INTERIORS Fred Horlock at Neptune is another of our experts keen to put some distance between the words ‘eclectic’ and ‘quirky’ or ‘alternative’. He says, “Keeping your style personal to you is key, creating a space that you enjoy, without worrying about what others may think.“ And for Fred, you don’t have to go the full hog; it’s just as valid to limit yourself to eclectic touches here and there. “An eclectic interior can vary in scale; for a lighter, more personal touch, artwork can be a great way to add an eclectic edge and personality, without impacting the core of the room.” One thing he does advise, though, is good planning. The very best eclecticism is carefully planned, although you may never guess it once executed. For kitchen designer Kelly Marie Hawker Hicks, it’s certainly not a case of throwing everything at the wall and seeing what sticks. She says, “Eclectic style is often misunderstood as ‘anything goes’, but the real magic lies in curation. It’s about mixing eras, textures and personal treasures in a way that feels characterful, not chaotic.”

JOIE-DE-VIVRE

For the big-hearted wallpaper designers at Divine Savages, eclecticism is another way to express happiness. Co-founder Jamie Watkins says, “Our mantra is to decorate with what brings you joy, and one of the easiest ways to achieve that is by curating a cherished mix of old and new within your décor. It’s a trick often seen in luxury hotels, where modern art and sculpture sit beautifully alongside antique furniture and classical styling. We always suggest choosing a linking element, whether a colour palette, a repeated motif or a theme, so your pieces speak to each other. That’s what transforms eclecticism from clutter into a beautifully curated story.” John Law from Woodhouse and Law has been loving the resurgence in popularity of eclecticism recently. He says: “Interior designer and hotelier Kit Kemp once said that every room tells a story, and this seems particularly apt at the minute. We have recently seen a real enthusiasm from clients to be bolder and more open to schemes that re ect their own personality, rather than getting too hung up on the latest design must-dos.” John notes how liberating and cathartic this can be for both designer and client.

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ABOVE: Jamie Watkins of Divine Savages advises that as long as your displays feel deliberate rather than chaotic, they’ll work; BELOW: Kitchens contrast well with contemporary and unique pieces says Charlotte Wright of Hobson’s Choice

Fred Horlock of Neptune reminds us that a few key pieces can create an eclectic edge to your home; inset: The juxtaposition of the old and the new is a key tenet in creating unique interiors says Clair Strong

“Artwork can be a great way to add personality without impacting the core of the room”

INTERIORS

Katherine Henham of Henham Interiors believes eclectic style isn’t chaos, it’s controlled contrast

THE BIG REVEAL

For many of our designers, the key is in contrast or creating a sense of surprise in your interiors. Katherine Henham founder of Henham Interiors talks passionately about intention being the key – and only – driving force when it comes to eclectic interior design, saying: “Eclectic style isn’t chaos, it’s controlled contrast. Every piece should have a purpose, whether it’s colour, silhouette, texture or symbolism. The uniqueness comes from combining unlikely elements with intention.” For Clair Strong, the classic juxtaposition between old and new is a key tenet in mastering an eclectic and unique interior style that feels deliberate, not accidental. She says: “Vintage and contemporary pieces should complement rather than compete with each other, so that the contrast feels like a dialogue. The warmth and soul of older pieces are grounded by the clarity and structure of modern design. When this balance is intentional, the mix feels curated rather than random.”

BE TRUE TO YOURSELF

But for others, it’s way more simple than that. Eclecticism isn’t planned, rigid or thought-out. It’s not about what will work and what won’t. Instead, it’s purely personal. Rebecca Bailey-Price from Bailey & Co says that if you’re being true to yourself, you can’t go far wrong. “Once you commit, commit fully. Eclecticism doesn’t suit half measures; it’s a style that evolves, grows, and changes with you over time. That’s what makes it so fun and personal.” And you can’t fail to be inspired by the lovely words of Louise Hessian from Hessian Collective, who is passionate about the liberating nature of doing what you want. She says: “Eclectic interiors celebrate the art of combining the unexpected. Rather than following a single era, colour palette, or decorative tradition, this style thrives on contrast and individuality. t invites the blend of te tures, in uences, and personal treasures into spaces that will feel both expressive and effortlessly lived-in. clectic design is about freedom the freedom to mi what you love and create a home that re ects your own style.”

TRUE FINDS

There are loads of places to find eclectic home furnishings, from anti ue

fairs, ea mar ets and charity shops to online preloved resellers and of course the journeys that you take in life. It’s fun to hunt for pieces with personality that bring storytelling into your home, and vintage pieces not only bring a lived-in feel, they’re also an excellent sustainable choice and often good value for money. You can give antique furniture a modernclassic twist by re-upholstering chairs and sofas in new fabrics, helping them gather character and charm through life. nd it’s also fun to find a home for your new finds treat your home a bit li e a museum and find exactly the right place for your favourite ‘exhibits’ to shine. Louise Hessian agrees that some hero pieces should take centre stage and tell a story about your life. She says: “Texture plays a vital role in the eclectic home. Imagine a contemporary sofa sitting on a rustic wood oor, with rich fabrics softening the edges of sculptural furniture. These tactile combinations add depth and character to a room.” She continues: “Eclectic design can also include collected pieces from travels abroad. A patterned cushion inspired by Moroccan textiles might sit on a mid-century armchair, while contemporary art might hang above a traditional wooden sideboard. These juxtapositions create an environment that feels collected and curated, as though the room has evolved naturally over time.

DRESS TO IMPRESS

atherine enham thin s that having confidence is e ually important in your interior design choices as it is when choosing what to wear. She says, “An eclectic wardrobe thrives on blending vintage with modern, streetwear with lu ury, or global in uences with personal heritage. The magic happens when these blends feel natural rather than gimmicky. It’s the same in homes; the eclectic look works best when executed with conviction. It signals creativity, boldness, and a willingness to break rules – which is exactly what makes it a powerful style signature.” John Law is another one who rates linking sartorial style with your interior design choices: “Much like the fashion industry, we might look to pieces that are being worn down the runway for inspiration, but we don’t necessarily want to wear the items ourselves. In the home, we might take that inspiration in displaying even the most unassuming items in a fun and inventive way.”

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“Every corner can celebrate your collections, memories and quirks”

Divine Savages chose Broadleaf’s Burford vintage oak parquet as the foundation for their fabulous living room; inset: Eclecticism is a style that evolves over time says Rebecca Bailey-Price

INTERIORS But how does that play out in real terms? John uses record sleeves and book covers as examples of passions that can be beautiful and decorative pieces in their own right, so why not incorporate them into your schemes The e tra benefit of these, he says, is that you can interchange them regularly, depending on where your mood takes you. Rebecca Bailey of Bailey and Co. likens interior design choices to beauty, saying, “ n eclectic space that loo s natural and effortless actually requires a lot of thought. It’s similar to achieving the ‘no-make up make up’ look; it appears simple, but takes real skill to get right. The aim is to blend pieces in a way that feels organic, personal and beautifully balanced.” Broadleaf ’s owner Vanessa Garrett thin s the right ooring is a good way to balance an eclectic room: “The naturally luxurious and timeless feel of wood is the perfect foil for amboyant patterns and colours, especially in darker, warmer tones,” and references a recent collaboration that was the perfect combination of balance and amboyance. “ ritish wallpaper designers, ivine avages, are the masters of glamorous, eclectic interiors, and they chose our Burford Vintage Oak Parquet as the foundation for a fabulous living room based around their beautiful ovebirds wallpaper. The oor’s rich tones and years-old feel are the perfect match for the extravagant design and make the whole room feel utterly timeless.”

THINGS IN COMMON

ABOVE: Woodhouse and Law’s John Law suggests the guest bedroom is a good space for eclectic experimentation; BELOW: Helen Parker of deVOL Kitchens is a huge fan of using vintage pieces intermingled with functional cupboards

lair trong brings us bac to intentionality as a guiding light in our interior design choices. As long as things make sense to you, they are likely to feel coherent and considered to others, she says. “When ob ects share a common thread or are unified displayed in a single vignette, a gallery wall, a shelving section, or a carefully composed table arrangement they read as a curated story rather than clutter. small cluster of travel souvenirs on a bookshelf, or a hallway gallery of family photographs and children’s artwork, conveys a sense of meaning without

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INTERIORS

Emi at Ben Argent Kitchen believes eclectic success can come from the materials you choose to use in the kitchen

overwhelming the space.” nd she’s got some great specific tips on how to create these meaningful links. “Framing, lighting and spacing communicate value and prevent special pieces from appearing like knick-knacks. Rotation is also a powerful tool. A home doesn’t need to display every memory at once; cycling through kids’ artwork, hobby pieces, or travel treasures seasonally or annually keeps things fresh and gives each memory its moment.” Not everything in your home is aesthetically pleasing in the traditional sense of the phrase; while some items are purely decorative, others may be primarily useful but also interesting to look at. Helen Parker of deVOL Kitchens is big on combining functionality with the look of your room. “ f you have lovely things, then show them off and display them, either behind glass or on a shelf or rack,” she advises. “I think decorating your home with the things you use is obvious; why have shelves of ornaments out and all the things you use behind closed doors?”

IT’S ALL ABOUT YOU

Rebecca Bailey says the best houses are the ones that are most personal and authentically you. She says, “I love browsing second-hand shops for pieces with history items that have lived a life before finding their way to me. For example, I have an oversized yellow cat lamp I discovered at a vintage fair. I knew instantly it belonged in my home because it reminded me of a lamp my grandmother had. That emotional link is what makes it special.” ut you don’t have to go it alone entirely it’s also fine to ta e inspiration from others – that’s what Pinterest and moodboards are for, after all. Bespoke curtains and blinds maker Laura Campbell loves looking at the homes of the rich and famous in style mags and pic ing out what wor s and what doesn’t. “ t’s about finding pieces that complement each other regardless of their individual style.” An example of this, Laura says, would be sitting a plain antique mirror

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near a modern art piece that’s full of colour without it looking odd or clashing. “Pearl Lowe is excellent at this. For example, she’ll sit a disco ball alongside traditional items and it’ll work perfectly.” Laura has clients who love having ornaments all over the place and others who love clear surfaces. “Essentially, there are no rules of what you should do, as it’s so subjective, but I’d start with your loved pieces and heirlooms and then play with introducing fun items to them instead of the other way around.” Kelly Marie Hawker Hicks suggests avoiding overwhelm by limiting colours, simplifying your larger furniture pieces and editing regularly. “Eclectic should feel expressive, not busy,” she says, explaining, “Think of your home as a story: each room should have its own personality but still feel part of the same narrative. The best eclectic interiors grow naturally over time; collected, loved and completely individual.”

DON’T HOLD BACK

When it comes to the nuts and bolts of eclecticism, are there rules about where the style works or is placement as up for grabs as the actual design elements? Our panel of experts was divided on this, with some of them thinking the style suits certain areas of the house better than others. Not so for Jamie Watkins who says, just go for it! “Eclectic style thrives just about anywhere – living rooms, hallways, bedrooms, kitchens - any space where you can curate shelves, artwor , anti ues or playful finds. There’s no need to confine personality to a single gallery wall either, we love letting ours spill through the whole home, using colour to pull everything together. As long as your displays feel deliberate rather than chaotic, every corner can become a moment that celebrates your collections, memories and quirks.”

ROOM BY ROOM

Laura Campbell thinks the hall is the best place to showcase your character and individuality. She says, “It’s a great place for creating a wow without having to hold back at all.”

INTERIORS Instead of everything in cupboards, display your lovely things says deVOL’s Helen Parker

“We are huge fans of vintage pieces intermingled with functional items” 32 I BATH LIFE I www.mediaclash.co.uk

INTERIORS

PHOTO BY PETE HELME PHOTOGR APHY

Clair Strong thinks that there are some rooms best suited to eclecticism: “Certain spaces rely more heavily on visual clarity and therefore don’t always suit a fully unstructured aesthetic. Kitchens, bathrooms and home offices typically perform best when there is a balance between personality and order. “A haphazard look – meaning layered, experimental, full of personality, and perhaps a little chaotic – works best in living rooms, family rooms, dens, creative studios, garden rooms and children’s playrooms. These spaces benefit from a sense of discovery: mismatched chairs around a dining table, art hung in clusters instead of perfect grids, books and objects stacked rather than meticulously arranged, and a feeling that the space has grown organically over time. In these rooms, the haphazard quality feels warm, expressive, and personal.”

SWEET DREAMS

Clair thinks the bedroom is also a good place for eclectic design. She says: “Bedrooms can also carry this style beautifully when the mood is cosy rather than messy. Layered textiles, mixed furniture and meaningful artefacts can create a soulful retreat, as long as the bed remains a calm, grounding centre rather than being lost among visual busyness.” John Law suggests the guest bedroom is a good space for experimentation, saying: “At Woodhouse and Law we’re really enjoying the move away from a more pared down look, allowing us to introduce strong combinations of pattern, colour and texture into such spaces. In guest bedrooms, we might look at introducing a bold, patterned fabric to an oversized headboard, creating instant drama and interest. This could work well with a calmer colour palette on the walls opposite the bed, so guests feel more relaxed at night.”

DINE IN STYLE

Kitchens were the area that brought about the most discussion from our experts. Can a kitchen be warm, functional and eclectic at the same ABOVE: Kelly Marie Hawker Hicks suggests avoiding overwhelming a space by limiting colours; BELOW: John Law has seen a resurgence in the popularity of eclecticism

time? Charlotte Wright from Hobson’s Choice says that kitchens stand juxtaposition and contrast well and that many homes they work on pair contemporary kitchens with original architecture and inherited pieces. “You are bringing the old and the new together,” Charlotte explains, whether that’s vintage colours, wooden boards, heirloom bowls, or travel finds that tell a story in a way shop-bought décor never can.” Helen Parker from deVOL Kitchens talks about how freestanding kitchens work well to create an eclectic vibe: “We are huge fans of using vintage pieces intermingled with functional and beautiful kitchen cupboards. We like beautifully painted cupboards, in a mixture of colours, a big dining table and a pantry, and space to prep and cook and hang out all in one multipurpose room.” Emi at Ben Argent Kitchen says success might well come from the materials you choose to use in the kitchen. She explains, “Creating a palette of materials is really important for a successful interior scheme. We believe beauty not only comes from the look, but also the feel of objects, which is why the tactility and texture of our materials are important features. “One of the most exciting trends we’re seeing is the resurgence of antique metals, particularly aged brass and bronze. These metals, with their subtle, retro aesthetic, are being used in innovative ways, no longer just for hardware and ironmongery, but also for striking kitchen fronts and splashbacks.”

PRACTISING RESTRAINT

It seems that less is still more – even when it comes to eclecticism! Charlotte at Hobson’s is also a big fan of thoughtful editing. As she puts it, “There’s a difference between showcasing something nicely and everything being crammed on a shelf.” Rotating displays seasonally, grouping similar items, and using open shelving or glass cabinets with the intention of keeping a space expressive but not cluttered. Louise Hessian agrees about the need to limit yourself sometimes: “For all of its creative freedom, eclectic design still benefits from mindful editing. The most successful interiors are those where each item has space to breathe. Too many competing elements can be overwhelming, while carefully chosen pieces allow the eye to move comfortably around the room, making the space more restful. So, there we have it. In the words of the Divine Savages team, you now have all the skills and knowledge to embrace eclecticism and transform clutter into a beautifully curated story. n

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

15/01/26

SAVE the DATE LAURA CAMPBELL DESIGNS LAUNCH DAY Laura Campbell Designs, specialists in bespoke window treatments, are excited to announce the arrival of our brand-new ready-made curtain line. Discover carefully selected fabrics paired with high-quality bespoke linings, available in a beautiful range of blackout, ticking stripe, and plain styles—each finished with hand-sewn details. Our ready-made collection offers the same attention to detail and quality you expect from our bespoke service, but with a more budget-friendly price tag. We’d love your support as we introduce a range we’re truly passionate about. Pop in to view samples in store and pre-order your ready-made curtains with an exclusive 10% discount on launch day only. The discount also applies to fabrics by the metre, bespoke orders placed on the day, plus fantastic savings on remnant fabrics—available exclusively for our launch day guests. Join us as we unveil the LCD ready-made collection at Farrington Gurney. Pre-order with discount on 15th January, 10am–4pm. 12a Left Cabin Home Farm, Farrington Gurney BS396UB. 07446983383; laura@lauracampbelldesigns.com

Award winning Bespoke handmade kitchens 3 Queen Square Bath BA1 2HA 01225 312003 bathkitchencompany.co.uk

INTERIORS

THE LIST Our local businesses are poised and ready to help with all your home décor needs this winter ARCHITECTURE, BUILDING, CONSTRUCTION AND PROPERTY SERVICES

Opies Construction

4 Lyndhurst Mews, Bath; 01225 315404; www.artisticplastercraft.co.uk

01225 767148; www.plushhrestoration.co.uk;

Artistic Plastercraft

Bath Stonemasons

01225 462688; www.bathstonemasons.co.uk Daffodil Renovations

Somerset Barn, Old Redhouse Farm, Stratton on the Fosse; 07867 557 496; www da odi renovations o Design Seven

12b, Greenway Farm, Bath Rd, Wick; 0117 450 6707; www.designseven.co.uk Dunsdon Barn

Dunsdown Lane,West Littleton Wilts; 01225 892220; www.dunsdonbarn.com Milsom Metalworks

Unit 2 Cleveland Cotts, Bath; 07309 961862; www.milsommetalworks.co.uk Newmans Joinery

6 Locksbrook Court, 88-89 Locksbrook Road, Bath BA1 3EN; 01225 318378; www.newmansjoinery.co.uk Nexus of Bath

Unit 9, Ashmead Business Park, Ashmead Rd, Keynsham; 01225 300414; www.nexusofbath.co.uk Noad Roofing

Bolwell Buildings, 1 Claverton St, Widcombe Parade, Bath; 01225 941949; www.noadandsons.co.uk Norton Masonry

8 Pickford Fields, Chilcompton, Radstock; 01761 232906; www.nortonmasonryltd.co.uk

11 Woodborough Rd, Radstock; 07969613872 Plushh Restoration

Rich Tyers Studios

11 Manvers Street, Bath; 01225 667507; www.rtstudios.co.uk S&J Roofing

130 Walcot St, Bath; 01225 951223; www.sandjbath.co.uk Wraxall Builders

Brewery, Toll Bridge Rd, Bath; 01225 859865; www.wraxallbuilders.com Youngs Roofing

Braysdown Bungalow, Woodborough, Peasedown St John, Bath; 01225 421499; www o n sroo n at o

Clair Strong

07971 106546; www.lolaswift.co.uk

FLOORING, CARPETS, STONE AND TILES

Formosa Kitchens, Bedrooms & Bathrooms

CURTAINS, SOFT FURNISHINGS AND UPHOLSTERY

Dunsdon Road, West Littleton, Chippenham; 01225 89200; www.boniti.com

Hobsons Choice

11 Widcombe Parade, Bath; 01225 422078; www.thecurtainexchange.co.uk;

BATHROOMS

Ham Green, Holt, Wiltshire; 01225 308541; www.formosakbb.co.uk London Road, Bath; 01225 433511; www.hobsonschoice.uk.com Ripples

Chelsea House, London Road; Bath; 01225 447971; www.ripples.ltd.uk Rolls Interiors

3, Edgar Buildings, Bath; 01225 340684; www.rollsinteriors.com

COURSES AND WORKSHOPS

The Marmalade House

Roundhill Farmhouse, Bath; 01225 445855; www.themarmaladehouse.co.uk

Lola Swift

The Curtain Exchange

Maison Histoire

Charlcutt, Farm, Calne SN11 9HL; 07306 607553; www.maisonhistoire.co.uk

FIREPLACES AND WOODBURNERS

Boniti

Broadleaf Timber

134-136 Walcot Street, Bath; 01225 463464; www.broadleaftimber.com Capitol Carpets of Bath

120-122 Walcot Street, Bath ; 01225 333341; www.thecarpet.co.uk

Mendip Fireplaces (Bath)

Radstock Carpet & Bed Centre

Sandridge Stone

Simon Davis Flooring

The Old Mill, Mill Lane, Monkton Combe, Bath; 01225 722706; www mendi re a es at o

Manor Farm, Sandridge Common, Melksham, Wilts; 01225 703733; www.sandridgestone.co.uk

The Old Cinema, Coomb End, Radstock; 01761 432808; www.radstockcarpetandbeds.co.uk Unit 1 Old Mills Industrial Estate, Old Mills, Paulton, Somerset; 01761 410779; www simondavisfloorin o

www.mediaclash.co.uk I BATH LIFE I 37

Tile & Floor

Dunsdon Road, West Littleton, Chippenham; 01225 311811; www oo ers stores om

FURNITURE AND CARPENTRY

INTERIOR DESIGN

1, Mile End, London Rd, Bath; 01225 310561; www ti eandfloor o

Baytree Bespoke

07563840727; www a tree ar entr om Made & Restored

07834 410117; www madeandrestored o

FURNITURE, INTERIORS AND HOMEWARE RETAILERS Bed -E-Buys

26 27, Victoria Buildings, Lower Bristol Rd, Bath; 01225 313421; www ede s td o Holloways of Ludlow

37 Milsom St, Bath; 01225 258874; www o owa sofl d ow om Homefront Interiors

10 Margaret’s Buildings, Bath; 01225 571711; www ome rontinteriors o Neptune

One Tram Yard, Walcot St, Bath; 01225 465301; www ne t ne om The Salcombe Trading Company

16 Margaret’s Buildings, Bath; 01225 334281; www sa om etradin o TR Hayes

15-18 London St, Walcot St, Bath; 01225 465757; www tr a es o

Bailey&Co

Baileys courtyard, Perrinpit Rd, Frampton Cotterell, Bristol; 07925 48074; www ai e and ointeriordesi n o Chapter Interiors

Level 5, The Old Malthouse, Clarence St, Bath; 07747 047278; www a terinteriors o Clair Strong Interior Design

2 Walcot Buildings, Bath; 01225 426905/ 07855 797311; www airstron o The Curators House

The Garden Studio, 7 Gay St, Bath; 01225 696996; www t e rators o se o Design Seven

12b, Greenway Farm, Bath Rd, Wick; 0117 450 6707; www desi nseven o Laura Campbell Design

12a Left Cabin Home Farm Farmington Gurney; 07446983383; www a ra am e desi ns om Lola Swift

The Marmalade House

Roundhill Farmhouse, Bath; 01225 445855; www t emarma ade o se o No.8 Design House

07949 791653; www no desi n o se o No 17 Interiors

Studio 107, The Glove Factory Studios, Holt, Bradford on Avon; 01225 317977; www at ardendesi n om

Woodhouse & Law

4 George’s Place, Bathwick Hill Bath; 01225 428072; www wood o seand aw o

HOME APPLIANCES AND COOKERS Coopers Stores

13-15 Walcot St, Bath &

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

Jim Lawrence

07971 106546; www o aswi t o

GARDENS AND EXTERIORS Bath Garden Design

PHOTO BY HELEN LISK PHOTOGR APHY

INTERIORS

07977 271 503; www no interiors o

Bath; 01225 312003; www at it en om an o deVOL Kitchens

17 George St, Bath; 01225 308803; www devo it ens o Formosa Kitchens, Bedrooms & Bathrooms

Ham Green, Holt, Wiltshire; 01225 308541; www ormosa o

Neptune

One Tram Yard, Walcot St, Bath; 01225 465301; www ne t ne om

Rolls Interiors

3, Edgar Buildings, Bath; 01225 340684; www ro sinteriors om

LIGHTING Jim Lawrence

114-116 Walcot St, Bath; 01225 430691 www im awren e o

WINDOWS

4 George’s Place, Bathwick Hill Bath; 01225 428072; www wood o seand aw o

Hobbs Marble & Granite

INTERIOR PHOTOGRAPHY

Hobsons Choice

Mitchell & Dickinson

Kutchenhaus

WORKTOPS

Pete Helme Photography

07789 211424; www ete e me o

KITCHENS

The Bath Kitchen Company

7-9 North Parade Buildings,

Radstock Rd, Midsomer Norton, Norton Radstock; 01761 412934; www o smar eand ranite o London Road, Bath; 01225 433511; www o sons oi e om 5 Saracen St, Bath; 01225 634025; 22-23 Market Pl, Frome BA11 1AN; 01373 488601; www t en a s o /s owroom/ at

Timber Windows of Clifton

29 The Mall, Bristol; 0845 652 7300; www tim erwindows om 0117 287 2799; www mit e anddi inson o Hobbs Marble & Granite

Radstock Rd, Midsomer Norton, Norton Radstock; 01761 412934; www o smar eand ranite o n

Fireplaces, wood burners, gas fires, chimney and flue specialists

Classic to contemporary – concept to completion

Chesneys design inspiring fireplaces and stove collection Contact us today or visit our showroom Mendip Fireplaces (Bath) Monkton Combe, Bath, BA2 7HD | 01225 722706 | info@mendipfireplacesbath.co.uk | www.mendipfireplacesbath.co.uk

SPONSORED CONTENT

KUTCHENHAUS EXPANDS TO FROME Award-winning German kitchens arrive in the heart of the town

utchenhaus is proud to announce the launch of its brand-new showroom in Frome, marking an exciting milestone as the business continues to grow from its established sites in Bristol and Bath. Opening our third showroom is a testament to the commitment, expertise and reputation our team has built over the years, supplying and installing premium German kitchens for homeowners across the region. Our journey from two to three showrooms reflects not just expansion, but the confidence our customers place in us. In 2024, we were honoured to receive both the Bath Property Award and the Bristol Property Award in the Kitchen Category, recognition that highlights the excellence, creativity and customer care at the heart of everything we do. The Frome showroom officially opened its doors on 6 December, with a vibrant

celebration that perfectly captured the spirit of the occasion. We were delighted to welcome chef Jo Barwick from BSH, who brought the showroom to life with live cooking demonstrations on our NEFF appliances, filling the space with incredible aromas and showcasing the performance and quality of the products we offer. Friends, family, long-standing clients and new faces from the community joined us throughout the day, and we were especially honoured to have the Mayor of Frome cut the ribbon and help us launch the showroom with a bang. Together, we all toasted the next chapter of Kutchenhaus, right in the heart of this fantastic town. The Frome showroom itself represents transformation in every sense. The building, which had stood empty and neglected for nearly a decade, has been completely renovated and reimagined

into a state-of-the-art kitchen showroom featuring beautifully designed room sets, working appliances and inspiring design ideas for every home. For anyone considering a new kitchen, our team offers a full end-to-end service, from expert design and product selection to professional installation carried out by our trusted specialists. Everything is managed under one roof, giving customers complete peace of mind that their project is in experienced hands. If you’re dreaming of a new kitchen, we’d love to welcome you to our new Frome showroom and help bring your ideas to life. n

22 – 23 Market Place, Frome, BA11 1AN; 01373 488601 | www.uk.kutchenhaus.com

T H E C U RTA I N E XC H A N G E For the best dressed windows IN BATH

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As Bath’s approved installer of FINEO glass, we upgrade existing sash and casement windows – or create new bespoke timber windows and doors – that deliver modern performance without losing their heritage character. With Newmans, you don’t have to choose between tradition and innovation — you get both. 6 Locksbrook Court, 88-89 Locksbrook Road, Bath BA1 3EN info@newmansjoinery.co.uk | 01225 318378

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If you are planning a full interior redesign or simply updating your space with new furnishings such as curtains, blinds, headboards or re upholstery, No.17 Interiors can help. Our interiors service tailors designs to suit every brief and budget. Find out more: 07977 271 503 | lisa@no17interiors.co.uk www.no17interiors.co.uk S HO W HO ME S

HOTELS

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Based in our workshop in Wiltshire, we provide a bespoke soft furnishings and interiors service to our clients. From curtains and blinds, to lampshades and upholstery, we finish our handmade products to the highest quality to your exact specifications.

We believe every home tells a story and expresses a personal style, whether it be opulence combined with a timeless sophistication or a minimalist and contemporary look, Maison Histoire will guide you through our extensive selection of fabrics, trimmings, wallpapers and paints to help achieve your requirements.

Maison Histoire | Bespoke Interiors & Soft Furnishings Contact: info@maisonhistoire.co.uk | 07306607553 www.maisonhistoire.co.uk

ROLLS INTERIORS LIMITED QUALITY BATHROOMS AND KITCHENS

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THE ARTS

PHOTO BY BY SIMON EMMET T

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

THE QUEEN OF PRINTS An exhibition showcasing the spectacular array of Dame Zandra Rhodes’ vibrant screen-printed garments from the 1960s, 70s and 80s is about to open at The Holburne. Zandra Rhodes: A Life in Print will show ensembles on dynamically posed vintage Adel Rootstein mannequins, each one telling the story of the legendary designer’s signature print and how she has translated them into her classic garments. “Working with Rosemary Harden to put A Life in Print together has been incredibly inspiring,” says Dame Zandra. “For me, print and garment design are intrinsically lin ed. t has been wonderful to re ect

on the inspiration stories behind each of my signature prints, like my observational drawings of Australia’s rural landscape, and the memories carried by some of my most iconic garments, like the Button Flower coat worn by Joanna Lumley in Absolutely Fabulous. I hope visitors enjoy discovering the exhibition and listening to my audio tour as much as we enjoyed bringing it all together.” Dame Zandra will also appear live in-conversation at The Forum in Bath on 18 March. Zandra Rhodes: A Life in Print runs at the Holburne from 24 January until 10 May; www.holburne.org www.mediaclash.co.uk I BATH LIFE I 47

An exhibition celebrating 20 years of printmaking at Penfold Press can be seen at Palette Gallery on Walcot Street until 17 January

EXHIBITIONS

Until 17 January

SCULPTING THE EARTH The ceramic art of Natalie Bevan, Psiche Hughes, and Ann Stokes finds echoes in the charming, figurative output of th-century porcelain factories such as Meissen and Bow. Holburne; www.holburne.org

20 YEARS OF PENFOLD PRESS Established in 2005 by printmaker Dan Bugg, Penfold Press regularly works with a small group of creative talents to produce beautiful limited edition prints. This curated exhibition represents a remarkable two decades of printmaking. Palette Gallery; www.palettable.co.uk

Until 10 January

Until 17 January

Until 4 January

BATH SOCIETY OF ARTISTS 120TH ANNUAL EXHIBITION A cornerstone of Bath’s cultural calendar, the BSA exhibition celebrates over a century of artistic excellence, showcasing outstanding work using a range of mediums from across the region. Victoria Art Gallery; www.victoriagal.org.uk

Until 11 January

DREAMS OF THE EVERYDAY From the book of the same name, this collection explores the affinities between painter inifred icholson and ndrew ranston b. through the juxtaposition of their works. Both artists share a delight in ordinary realities,while evoking a sense of the mystical. Holburne; www.holburne.org

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

LOT’S WIFE Featuring works by Alicja Biala, Kate Friend, Rachel Howard, Nika Neelova, Cornelia Parker and Clare Woods, the cautionary tale of Lot’s Wife is reimagined to symbolise the universal experience of re ection. Bo Lee and Workman; www.boleeworkman.com

23 January – 10 May

POSTER POWER! Discover 200 years of British poster design with a remarkable collection showcasing an exceptional range of British advertising posters from the 19th and 20th centuries, drawn from the collections of the Victoria Art Gallery and Bath Record ffice. Bo Victoria Art Gallery; www.victoriagal.org.uk

THEATRE / MOVIES Until 3 January

THE LAST FIVE YEARS This stage adaptation of one of Broadway’s modern musicals, and the movie starring Anna Kendricks, is directed by Hal Chambers and tells the heartfelt story of a rollercoaster romance between two New Yorkers – one a young writer and the other an aspiring actress. Ustinov; www.theatreroyal.org.uk

Until 4 January

AURORA Created by award-winning Filskit Theatre, this brand-new winter show is a sensory delight suitable for children aged 6 months to 3 years. It celebrates the magic of the Northern Lights with playful performance, original music, and Makaton woven throughout. The Egg; www.theatreroyal.org.uk

Until 11 January

SNOW MICE! At the start of the winter holidays, three children arrive in a strange new house, and in the middle of the night, a little mouse takes them on

a snowy adventure. Suit 3 years – 9 years. The Egg; www.theatreroyal.org.uk

Until 11 January

THE FURTHER ADVENTURES OF PETER PAN Sail to Neverland with the help of Bath writer, actor, and Pirate Smee, Jon Monie, and a supporting crew that includes Tristan Gemmill, Holly Atterton and Sarah Jane Buckley. Theatre Royal Bath; www.theatreroyal.org.uk

10 January

HANSEL AND GRETEL Choreographed by artistic director Sarah Sigley and performed by the fantastic dancers and associate students of NWBT, this is the story of the siblings lost in the woods. The Rondo; www.rondotheatre.co.uk

27 – 29 January

CHINESE BOXING What do you get when an ex-British ambassador, a Qing dynasty rebellion, and a dash of unexpected roleplay collide? You get Chinese Boxing – a smart, stirring, and slightly surreal solo show that digs deep into the complicated history between China and the West. Ustinov; www.theatreroyal.org.uk

THE WORTH WILLOW WIDERS WEAVING WONDERFUL WITHY POTS! BY JOHN BROADLEY AND PENFOLD PRESS

WHAT’S ON

27 December – 31 January

A WHITE TREE BY JULIE COLLINS

MEDUSA BY NIK A NEELOVA

WHAT’S ON

28 – 31 January

23 January

COMEDY

24 January

ROBIN HOOD AND THE TRAITOR OF NOTTINGHAM Brand new family pantomime by St Philip & St James Church Drama Group with performances at St Philip & St James Church Hall, Odd Down. Search SPSJ Drama for tickets. www.ticketsource.co.uk

Every Friday and Saturday KROWD KEEPERS The Ale House on York Street has a secret room where some of the world’s finest magicians perform, hosted by resident conjurer Billy Kidd when she’s in town, and who promises us no rabbits or top hats. www.krowdkeepers.com

31 December

CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT: Westonbirt

festive lights, on until 31 December, have been created by the awardwinning producers behind Christmas at Kew; The story of Lot’s Wife is the theme of the current Bo Lee and Workman exhibition; The 12 Tales of a Georgian Christmas is on at No.1 Royal Crescent Christmas until 4 January; The Bath Society of Artists exhibition continues at Victoria Art Gallery until 10 January

THE GATSBY NYE PARTY! tep into s glamour this at andalyns’ atsby rag lam party, complete with apper style, coc tails and atsby tunes. rag, sets and a midnight confetti drop will carry you through pm am. Instagram @mandalynsbath

11 January

ALYSSA VAN DELLE atch international drag star lyssa an elle for a night of iller lip syncs, and comedy gold. Mandalyns; Instagram @mandalynsbath

MUSIC 17 January

MAN IN THE MIRROR scintillating production that will eep you thrilled starring , one of the world’s greatest ichael Jackson tribute artists. Supported by a talented cast of performers and musicians, together they capture the essence of Michael Jackson’s unique style and charisma. The Forum; www.bathforum.co.uk

THE SKIDS Formed in Dunfermline in 1977, The Skids went on to have 10 singles in the charts including Into The Valley, The Saints Are Coming, and Working For The Yankee Dollar. Supported by The Au Pairs. Komedia; www.komediabath.co.uk I CAN’T BELIEVE IT’S NOT BUDDY Buddy Holly & The Crickets are brought bac to life as they loo ed and sounded on their first tour of the in by the outstanding Spencer J & the Copy-Cat Crickets. Chapel Arts Centre; www.chapelarts.org

CHRISTMAS LIGHTS & FESTIVE EXPERIENCES Until 31 December

CHRISTMAS AT STOURHEAD mong the highlights is Tis The Season, a shimmering display of ten e tra-large neon baubles by utput rts, the ma estic m-long Christmas Cathedral, illuminated snowdrop and cyclamen owers, dynamic chandeliers crafted from glowing battens, and five elegant neon winter owers ivy, mistletoe, holly, poinsettia and amaryllis each standing . m tall. Stourhead; www.nationaltrust.org.uk

Until 31 December

CHRISTMAS AT WESTONBIRT reated by the award-winning producers behind Christmas at Kew, Westonbirt woodlands is home to the illuminated arboretum, firewor trees, laser light shows, the enchanting Mycelium Network, and look out for Father Christmas

www.mediaclash.co.uk I BATH LIFE I 49

WHAT’S ON along the way. Also launching is a brand-new Christmas trail based on the children’s favourite, Stick Man by ulia onaldson and el che er. Westonbirt; www.forestryengland.uk

Until 31 December

LACOCK ABBEY Lacock Abbey’s grounds, courtyard, cloister and Great Hall is in a seasonal mood with a Christmas pop-up shop in the Manger Barn, the Community Christmas Tree Festival, and Father Christmas and his willow reindeer paying a visit. www.nationaltrust.org.uk

Until 4 January

PRIOR PARK LANDSCAPE GARDEN Explore the garden and watch as the 12 Days of Christmas comes to life. The Palladian Bridge is dressed for the occasion, the Tea Cabin is stocked with festive treats, and on selected dates, you’ll be serenaded by carollers. www.nationaltrust.org.uk

Until 4 January

BATH ON ICE Experience the magic of winter at Royal Victoria Park, with a spacious ice rink surrounded by twinkling lights. www.bathonice.co.uk

Until 4 January

DYRHAM PARK The house will be dressed with festive decorations from five different eras. ew this year is a ew illennium room filled

with retro colour, fun and authentic items from the turn of the century. Visitors can work out which room matches which period, helped by decorations, Yuletide customs and objects. www.nationaltrust.org.uk

Until 4 January

CHRISTMAS AT NO.1 ROYAL CRESCENT 12 Tales of a Georgian Christmas is an immersive experience that brings the grand rooms of the house to life through evocative stories celebrating the traditions of the season as they were enjoyed over two centuries ago. On the weekends between 6 and 21 December, Father Christmas is also setting up his grotto at o. , while adults can join a Christmas wreath workshop or design their own lino print Christmas cards. No 1 Royal Crescent; www.no1royalcrescent.org.uk

AJ Jenks in the musical Buddy with Marta Miranda

OTHER

CULTURE CLUB with AJ Jenks

14 January

AN EVENING WITH DAMON HILL Tom lar son, host of the official F1 podcast Beyond The Grid, is in conversation with Damon Hill. The champion will share stories of his remarkable Formula 1 journey, including his battles with chumacher, his career defining moments, and what it means to carry a legend’s name while trying to forge your own path. The Forum; www.bathforum.co.uk

Snow Mice! is on at The Egg until 11 January

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

AJ Jenks returns to the role of Buddy: The Buddy Holly Story, having toured with the show previously in 2019 and 2023. The two-part musical is on at Theatre Royal Bath from 13 – 17 January.

characters. I loved disappearing inside it. It was the same with the TV shows. Well, until that final season.

Best TV show ever The Office – the US version. Nothing beats it! Being English, I know I should love the UK version, but the US series really brings out the character development more, and it’s too funny!

My desert island disc Here, There and Everywhere by The Beatles. I don’t think there’s a better song written.

The book I could happily re-read The Young Bond novels written by Charlie Higson. I still read The last great film I saw them to this day, even Star Wars Revenge of the Sith. though Waterstones class them as Teen A film I could watch over and Fiction. They’re over again actually very clever Any of The Lord of The Rings films. Every year, I do a full 12-hour and bring a great backstory to James watch of the films! Bond, the adult spy. A painting that means something AJ is a Last live music gig to me Young I went to I have a beautiful John Lennon Bond fan sketch from the late 60s that I love Oasis live at Wembley. – my partner bought it for me as a The best gig I’ve ever been to. I cried non-stop. surprise.

The first song I remember hearing Rain by The Beatles. My dad bought a computer, and we went My TV guilty pleasure I did used to love Made In Chelsea on YouTube for the first time and he played me this song. Everything and sometimes go back to it. changed after this. Funny enough I worked on the show as an extra. (But that’s not My karaoke go-to why I go back to watch it!) Rod Stewart’s Maggie May. Banger. The book that changed my life For more: The Game of Thrones books. A huge world with so many complex www.theatreroyal.org.uk

ARTS

ART BEAT A snapshot of just a few of the cultural gems heading our way this year

ath may be small and perfectly formed, but our cultural and entertainment scene is mighty and punches up. From brand new shows to returning favourites, from innovative exhibitions to must-see concerts, there’s always something to enjoy no matter what day of the week it is. Here we shine a light on just a few upcoming save-the-dates and must-sees. Of course, to keep up to date, remember to check out our what’s on listings in every issue. n

Reimaginings, a new exhibition co-curated by sculptural artist Hannah Lim opens at Museum of East Asian Art on 7 February and runs until 19 September. This marks her first solo show, and brings together objects from the museum’s collection alongside her own contemporary works

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Jodie Comer comes to Theatre Royal Bath 24 -–28 February as part of a unique and limited national run in the Olivier, Evening Standard, Whatsonstage, and Tony award-winning one-woman play, Prima Facie by Suzie Miller. Josie plays Tessa a defence lawyer dealing with a sexual assault case, highlighting the legal and personal aspects of justice

As legendary photographer Don McCullin turns 90, the Holburne is exhibiting his most recent body of work: close, intimate studies of Roman sculptures from 30 January until 4 May. Broken Beauty will also include subjects spanning conflict, humanitarian crises and post-war Britain, as well as landscape, portrait, and still-life taken over his remarkable seven-decade career

PHOTO BY JOHAN PERSSON

Belfast-born and former Bath resident Van the Man aka Van Morrison is playing at The Forum on 29 April. Let’s hope he leaves his controversial theories behind and stays on the sunny side of the street

Theatre Royal Bath promises another packed programme of dramas, comedies, thrillers and classics including John le Carré’s The Spy Who Came In From The Cold starring Rory Keenan as Alec Leamas, 11 – 22 August

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From 7 February until 10 May, No.1 Royal Crescent will present Handle with Care: Cornelia Parker & Historic Glass, an exhibition that looks through the eyes of one of Britain’s most acclaimed contemporary artists, Cornelia Parker, at the historic glass and found objects that inspire her work and artistic process

Author and presenter Mariella Frostrup comes to Komedia on 24 March to talk about her fierce, funny, and fearlessly honest book co-written with Alice Smellie, Cracking the Menopause: One Night at a Time

Victoria Art Gallery, from 23 January until 10 May, is celebrating the power of the poster, showcasing an exceptional range of posters from the 19th and 20th centuries

ARTS

Kith & Kin: The Quilts of Gee’s Bend is a significant art exhibition showcasing the vibrant, abstract quilts made by African American women from Gee’s Bend, Alabama and can be seen at the American Museum & Gardens 14 February – 21 June

Bath International Music Festival has announced a series of five world-class concerts ahead of its 2026 festival, which runs from 30 May to 7 June and includes the music of Bach, Schubert and Beethoven

Born on the outskirts of Glasgow and now living on the outskirts of Bath, Midge Ure means something to us, and is playing his A Man Of Two Worlds tour at The Forum on 8 May

Visit Bath Central Library 13 January – 28 February to catch the fascinating Windrush-era photographic exhibition celebrating the culture, lives, legacy and impact of Bath’s first-generation Caribbean community

GLAISTER ‘BILL’ DIXON AND BERYL WRIGHT ON THEIR WEDDING DAY ON 5 AUGUST 1961 CELEBRATING WITH FAMILY AND FRIENDS OUTSIDE 9 GROSVENOR PLACE, BATH

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NOVEL IDEAS NIC BOTTOMLEY

O Three remarkable reads for the dawning of a New Year

“It’s all twists, turns and characters who aren’t quite as they seem”

nce that festive reading pile has been whittled down – and all that remains of the season are regrets of over-indulgence and a few tenacious pine needles clinging to the skirting boards – it’s time to pick up one of the many new paperbacks that cunningly adorn bookshop tables as the New Year dawns. One of 2025’s most striking debuts, Nesting by Roisin O’Donnell (Simon & Schuster, £9.99) moves into paperback just as the New Year approaches. Set in presentday Dublin, this tense realist novel focuses on the troubled life of Ciara Fay, a young wife with two daughters who is trapped in an emotionally abusive relationship. At the very outset of the novel, pregnant with a third child, Ciara seizes an opportunity to leave, literally grabbing an armful of clothes from the washing line and finding temporary emergency accommodation. But the physical act of departure proves only one part of ‘leaving’. With her husband pushing every possible emotional button to haul her back into his control, Ciara battles against poverty, fear and un ustified feelings of guilt as she does all she can to stay away for herself and for her children. Ultimately Nesting is a novel about finding hidden reservoirs of strength, friendship from unlikely sources and the raw power of a mother’s love for her children. The end of January sees the return of a modern American great to the paperback displays with Three Days in June (Vintage, £9.99) from Anne Tyler. Beginning on the eve of her daughter’s wedding, this pithy novel follows Gail Baines’ own journey through this famously stressful family occasion. And everything seems to be unravelling. Gail’s job has come to an abrupt end and her inept ex-husband has appeared on her doorstep ready for the festivities. Although not actually ready, because instead

of a suit, he’s come bearing a stray cat that he’s acquired. These are not the things that Gail had planned on concentrating on in her motherof-the-bride role. And the emotional turmoil elevates further as her daughter discovers that her husband-to-be has been hiding a secret. Trying her best to be a supportive mum, ail finds herself thrown into an emotional vortex of ghosts from her own past, needy felines and nuptials on a knife-edge – all of which we navigate through Tyler’s trademark gently humorous prose. The God of the Woods by Liz Moore (Harper Collins, £9.99) is not quite as fresh onto the tables, but still needs discovering by many more readers and could give a real kickstart to many reading years. This multi-layered mystery is set in the Adirondack mountains in the 1970s, on the preserve of a very wealthy American family that used to run an annual summer camp to teach outdoor survival skills to teenagers. A young camp counsellor discovers that one of the girls in her care has gone missing overnight and, to induce even greater panic, that the girl is the daughter of the estate’s owners. For Alice Van Laar, her daughter Barbara’s disappearance has traumatic echoes back to a similar incident with her son Bear, some fourteen years earlier. And, in a separate narrative, we follow Sluiter, a recently escaped criminal once suspected of involvement in Bear’s disappearance, who is on the move again in the region. Secrets are everywhere in God of the Woods as newly enlisted detective Judy Luptack soon discovers when trying to unknit what had first seemed to be a straightforward missing persons case! It’s all twists, turns and characters who aren’t quite as they seem – absolutely perfect for a fast start to 2026’s book conquests. Nic Bottomley is the general manager of Mr B’s Emporium of Reading Delights, 14/15 John Street, Bath; www.mrbsemporium.com

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WELLBEING

THE ONE HIT WONDERS

The 20 wellness and beauty treatments that offer instant results By John Mather

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t’s the looming of a new year, and we all feel obliged to start ma ing those health resolutions. un more, eat less, be better, get fitter all those airy promises that we now are so hard to eep because they need long-term plans and commitment to see results. o instead of e hausting us all with the prospect of si -month programmes and year-long plans, we had our e perts offer solutions for fast results. e figure that this way, instant gratification paves the way for long-term goals. f we feel great after one go’ whether it be forest breathing, a deeptissue massage, or cosmetic acupuncture then the endorphin hit will boost confidence, increase happiness, and strengthen our resolve to ma e the year we shine Turn to page for a round-up of all the one-offs and tasters you can e perience as part of the e alance festival returning to the city

Madeline Blackburn, owner of The Soul Spa; www.thesoulspa.co.uk Vagus Nerve Reset Breathing offers a simple, transformative approach to calming the mind and body that ta es little time and costs nothing. n a calm space, close your eyes if it feels comfortable or eep them open if needed and focus on your heart centre. reathe in through your nose for five counts and out through your mouth for eight, picturing energy or light owing in and out. ome imagine breathing in love, breathing out gratitude others may envision soothing colours. ven a minute can shift you from stress to calm, with - minutes bringing even deeper benefits. This practice costs nothing but brings immediate relief: longer e hales signal safety and ease, allowing the vagus nerve to help steer you from tension to peace. ver time, simple breathwor helps you brea free from cycles of stressful thin ing, fostering mental, physical, and emotional wellbeing. egular reset breathing supports better stress management an empowering step towards lasting health.

WELLBEING

Dr Lucy Middlefell, clinical director of Townhouse Clinic; www.townhouseclinic.com Botox really is the one-off miracle suggestion: uite simply, it does what you wish your s incare products could do t involves tiny, precise doses placed into specific muscles to gently rela them. hen done well, it targets only the muscles that cause creasing, leaving the rest of your face free to move naturally. The result is smoother, fresher-loo ing s in without anyone being able to tell why you loo so well-rested. The treatment, which starts from , ta es ust a few minutes, though it always begins with a thorough consultation to ensure it’s tailored perfectly to you. ou’ll start to see results after around hours, with the full effect appearing after - days. t’s that lovely moment when people tell you how well you loo without being able to pinpoint why. ver time, oto not only refreshes your appearance now, but also helps prevent deeper lines from forming, eeping future wrin les at bay.

Polly Matteson, owner of The Osteopathy & Pilates Studio; www.bathpilates.co.uk Breath truly is the simple miracle at the heart of every class. The practice begins by settling comfortably sitting or lying down, softening the body, closing the eyes, and inviting a deep breath to ow into the pelvis, rising up the spine, and gently e panding into the bac . nhale softly for a count of four, e hale slowly for si to eight, creating a gentle rhythm that grounds, calms, and brings presence. ust ten focused breaths can shift your internal landscape, spar ing an immediate sense of ease. The beauty lies in its accessibility as this foundational breathwor costs nothing and can be practised anywhere. eyond instant calm, regular breath-wor unloc s long-term gains: it reduces stress, improves lung function, supports heart health, boosts focus, regulates emotions, improves sleep, eases an iety, aids pain management, and strengthens the mind-body connection. reath is truly the foundation of mindful, embodied movement and holistic wellbeing.

“You’ll start to see results after around 48 hours” www.mediaclash.co.uk I BATH LIFE I 59

WELLBEING

Kat Spreadbury, founder of Littlelab; www.littlelab.co.uk The one-to-one confidence makeup workshop lesson is a private, 120-minute session tailored entirely to the individual and costs £120. It covers your complete routine – skin prep, base, eyes, cheeks, and lips – plus a personalised bonus lesson focused on what the client most wants to master, from eyeliner confidence to a soft, smo y eye or bridal makeup. The atmosphere is calm and encouraging, perfect for anyone who enjoys learning without pressure. longside one-to-ones, the team offer small group wor shops and focused mini lessons li e eyeliner confidence, get the glow, and proageing techniques, with all teaching rooted in real life, helping to create natural, five-minute routines. The aim is to leave with clear, simple steps specifically tailored for each person and ready to use straight away.

Lindsay Furness, owner of Bradford-on-Avon Massage; www.bradfordonavonmassage.co.uk The acupressure facial massage is a 60-minute treatment that blends a luxurious facial with an exceptional therapeutic massage for the face, neck, and head. The highly trained therapists use deep, holistic techniques and target acupressure points to relieve tension, encourage relaxation, and deliver a full-body experience – all through the power of touch. The result is a treatment that feels both detoxifying and deeply restorative, reviving tired skin and soothing the body after periods of stress or overindulgence. Priced at £70 (or £105 when combined with the 90-minute Serenity full-body fusion therapy , the e perience offers immediate relief from headaches, tension, and jaw tightness while restoring your skin’s natural glow. Clients leave feeling deeply relaxed, refreshed, and ready for a new start. With regular sessions, clients can expect reduced chronic tension, glowing vitality, and a greater sense of emotional wellbeing.

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PHOTO BY PETE HELME PHOTOGR APHY

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Liz Crew, owner of The Sculptural Face; www.thesculpturalface.com Cosmetic acupuncture is a completely natural approach to facial re uvenation. sing ultra-fine needles, the treatment targets ey facial points to lift, tone, and revitalise, while also fostering internal balance and wellbeing. ach -minute session begins with a consultation and blends traditional Chinese medicine with signature sculptural lifting, facial massage, and a Dermalux LED finish for deep restoration of s in and mind. lternatively, a focused -minute session includes consultation, cleansing, acupuncture, therapy, and custom s incare. essions are , with courses available for sustained transformation. mmediate results include a visible lift, radiant glow, and released facial tension clients often leave rela ed, centred, and refreshed. Beyond the surface, cosmetic acupuncture helps quiet mental stress via the parasympathetic nervous system. ong-term, regular treatments stimulate collagen, smooth fine lines, and restore vitality, while supporting sleep, digestion, and inner balance – a modern ritual for holistic, lasting radiance.

Lynsey Keyes, co-owner and director of Manipura House; www.manipurahouse.com The deep tissue massage is a powerful, all-encompassing treatment designed to target deep physical discomfort, stiffness, and chronic tension. s their core offering, it delivers a slower, focused massage using holds, stretches, and expert kneading for profound muscle release – without unnecessary pain. Instead, skilled therapists tune into each client’s body, applying precise pressure that works in harmony with the nervous system to deliver real results. The magic of a deep tissue massage is in how it can instantly change the way you feel. ou can achieve clarity of thought, freed creativity, and increased range of motion, all through realigning the body and reconnecting the mind. essions are available in , , , or -minute options to suit different needs. rices start from for minutes with a therapist, up to for a -minute director-level session.

Mya Maddy, assistant spa manager at The Spa and Bath House at The Royal Crescent Hotel and Spa; www.royalcrescent.co.uk The Grounding Ritual is a relaxing full body massage with a unique twist. One side of the body is massaged at a time using the Hawaiian techni ue of omi omi, which mimics the movement of ocean waves to enhance relaxation. This specialist treatment allows clients the space and time to tap into the body’s natural ability to self-repair and realign. Before each session, clients select their preferred massage oil through a blind scent test, ensuring the experience is tailored to their needs. The massage leaves clients feeling replenished and deeply grounded. The ritual lasts minutes, with the option to e tend to a -minute session by adding a facial massage featuring ua ha. ricing is off-pea or pea for the -minute ritual, and off-pea or pea for the -minute ritual. lients leave feeling completely rela ed and re uvenated, with lasting benefits that include reduced tension and stress over time. course of grounding rituals will help de-stress and rela from everyday life, with the tension melting away session by session.

Charlotte Evans, spa manager at The Garden Spa by L’Occitane at The Bath Priory; www.thebathpriory.co.uk The Reset Face and Eyes Facial using L’Occitane Immortelle vernight eset erum is a lu urious -minute e perience designed to showcase the serum’s plumping, hydrating, and re uvenating prowess. Expert therapists employ smoothing techniques and Gua Sha stones to promote lymphatic drainage, smooth expression lines, and brighten the eye area. The serum, packed with thousands of golden micro-oil bubbles, delivers instant hydration and leaves s in satin-smooth without greasiness. fter the treatment from , clients can continue the benefits at home with nightly application of the serum simply press a few drops into clean, dry skin before bed. Immediately skin feels fresh, resilient, and deeply hydrated. With regular serum use, skin becomes more radiant, plumped, and even in te ture after days. The serum features per cent natural-origin ingredients, including antioxidant-rich Immortelle Essential Oil, soothing patented extract, gardenia for environmental protection, and acmella to smooth fine lines.

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Sevcan Caglar, beauty director with Saqua Beauty Clinic; www.saqua.co.uk Sculptra is nown as the fountain of youth’ for facial re uvenation. This original in ectable collagen stimulator uses microparticles of poly- -lactic acid to help restore s in structure, slow ageing, and reverse volume loss for brighter, more youthful s in. culptra is clinically approved for correcting shallow-todeep wrin les, including chee wrin les, nasolabial folds smile lines , marionette lines, and chin wrin les. Treatments are performed by trained specialists for natural-loo ing results. ach session ta es about an hour and typically involves two to three treatments spaced a month or two apart for lasting effects. ricing is per session with vials, or , for a pac age of sessions. lients often notice results within the first month, with improvements lasting up to two years significantly longer than traditional fillers or anti-wrin le in ections. culptra offers natural, sustained s in revitalisation and is a top choice for long-term youthfulness.

Kate Garden, a functional medicine practitioner and registered nutritionist; www.kategarden.co.uk Filtered water with a pinch of natural sea salt is a simple morning ritual with transformative effects. This practice involves drin ing clean, properly filtered water, enhanced by a small amount of highuality sea salt. Filtering removes common contaminants, ensuring water hydrates at a cellular level, while the sea salt supplies essential electrolytes that support uid balance, nerve signalling, energy production, and healthy s in function. reparation ta es only a few seconds, and effects are often felt within to minutes enhanced energy, mental clarity, and improved mood among them. The cost is minimal: filtration systems or pitchers are ine pensive, and a little natural sea salt goes a long way. ost people are slightly dehydrated deep hydration can uic ly lift energy, reduce brain fog, and give the s in a natural plumpness. ractised regularly, this ritual supports metabolism, digestion, sleep, reduced in ammation, glowing s in, and balanced hormones, ma ing it one of the most accessible wellbeing habits available.

Kayleigh Weaver, owner and therapist of Muscle Ease Sports Massage; www.muscle-ease.co.uk A door frame is the surprisingly simple miracle cure used daily by ayleigh. any people struggle with tight shoulders, forward head posture, and upper bac tension, often caused not by the bac itself but by tightness in the chest. ectoral muscles shortened by des wor , phone use, and gym routines gradually pull the shoulders forward, forcing the nec and upper bac to overwor . The solution sing a door frame for a daily chest stretch. y placing an arm at a -degree angle on the frame and gently leaning or stepping forward, the front of the chest opens, tension is relieved, and posture improves instantly. This no-cost routine is easy to incorporate, highly effective, and offers immediate relief, ma ing it a game-changing habit for anyone with a busy, modern lifestyle. t’s self-care made simple, right at home.

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Heidi Lerner Rearden, holistic healing teacher and practitioner, and founder of Heidi Holistic Healing; www.heidiholistichealing.com Forest bathing, which is mindful immersion in nature, offers a powerful remedy for mindset, an iety, and overall wellbeing. y spending at least an hour a wee in woodland or green spaces, individuals engage their senses with the sights, sounds, and te tures of nature, promoting deep rela ation and helping the body move from fight or ight’ into a calmer, more grounded state. indful presence in the

WELLBEING

“Leaves hair sleek, shiny and manageable after just one treatment”

natural world immediately slows heart rate and deepens breathing, producing an almost instant sense of calm. The ideal practice is 20 minutes a day, though even an hour a week offers real benefits, all at no cost but time. tepping among the trees lowers stress hormones, reduces blood pressure, boosts immune function, and lifts the mood proven by scientific studies on shinrin-yo u’. egular forest bathing eases an iety, fosters present-moment awareness, and builds resilience, ma ing nature a free, highly effective remedy for mental and emotional wellbeing.

Tash Bishop, owner of No 45 Hairdressing; www.no45hairdressing.co.uk The Crown Pro Smoothing System is a professional salon-only eratin smoothing system and hair boto treatment, giving instant results leaving your hair smooth and fri -free. This smoothing system will leave hair sleek, shiny and manageable after just one treatment and lasts up to six months – and it repairs and strengthens damaged hair using zero toxic chemicals. This treatment continues to protect your hair from environmental factors, chemical processes and significantly reduces blow-drying time. Fully customisable for every hair type, you can choose to create silky smooth and sleek or enhance natural curls, all without the frizz and y-aways. The in-salon treatment that ta es appro imately hours and prices range from .

Marianna Antoniou, spa manager at the Gainsborough Hotel; www.thegainsboroughbathspa.co.uk The Gold Hydralifting Mineral Facial is an anti-ageing treatment tailored for dry or damaged skin. Combining the restorative properties of colloidal gold a powerful anti-in ammatory with deep hydration, this facial begins with a double cleanse and gentle exfoliation. The Gold ydralifting as , infused with three forms of hyaluronic acid and bioavailable gold, delivers an instant lifting effect, intense hydration, and soothing relief for micro-damaged s in, all with a delicate rose aroma. The ritual includes a relaxing hand and arm massage using morovic a’s shimmering old ollection, followed by an authentic Hungarian facial massage with warmed rose quartz wands and cooling

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WELLBEING

Dr Dana Beiki, medical aesthetic practitioner and owner of Baudelaire Aesthetics; www.baudelaireclinic.com The Polynucleotide Treatment is a regenerative injectable designed to restore skin’s natural vitality without altering facial structure. Using highly purified polynucleotides, this techni ue improves the s in’s e tracellular environment, boosts hydration, supports fibroblast activity, and strengthens elasticity. icro-in ections are typically administered to areas li e the mid-face, under-eye, or awline in sessions lasting minutes. ost clients re uire two to three sessions, spaced a few wee s apart, with minimal downtime. facial session costs combined face, nec , and décolleté treatments are per session. This approach is about refinement not dramatic change. nspired by portraiture’s subtle play of light, the treatment softens shadows, refines s in te ture, and helps light re ect seamlessly across ey facial areas. ithin days, hydration and calmness improve, while long-term results progress in stages: softer lines and more even tone by wee s stronger structure and smoother te ture by wee s and lasting radiance with better ma eup hold by months. The treatment is ideal for those see ing healthier, more luminous s in in a way that loo s and feels completely natural. olynucleotides wor with the body’s own regenerative processes, offering gradual, resilient results for those who simply want to loo and feel their best.

17 15 derma globes to reduce puffiness and stimulate cell renewal. The treatment lasts minutes and costs onday to Friday or on wee ends. lients e perience immediate firmness, brightness, and tension relief, while regular sessions help promote long-term collagen production, enhance elasticity and te ture, and foster ongoing radiance and wellbeing.

Toni Waterfall, co-founder of Extracted; www.extracted.co.uk Hydree, tracted’s new natural raspberry lemonade electrolyte blend, offers a convenient way to optimise hydration. ach single-serve sachet mi es easily with water, delivering a balanced blend of sodium, potassium, magnesium, and calcium without sugar or artificial sweeteners. This refreshing formula is designed to help the body absorb water more efficiently, addressing mild dehydration that often impacts mood, energy, and focus. ithin minutes, users typically feel clearer, more energised, and focused, ma ing ydree ideal for mornings, intense days, or after a night out. bo of sachets costs . , ma ing it a simple wellness upgrade. ncorporating ydree daily can improve s in hydration, support better wor outs, aid muscle function, and boost energy and nervous system resilience. ts portable pac aging means it fits easily into bags, gym its, or des s, ensuring effortless hydration for busy lifestyles and helping to maintain wellbeing wherever you are.

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Heidi Holistic Healing

Find Calm. Build Openness. Create Balance. Heidi Lerner Rearden is an Integrative Holistic Practitioner with over 20 years of experience in meditation, mindfulness, Reiki, and environmental energy work. Heidi has these personalized offerings to support your wellbeing: Reiki Treatments Feng Shui Consultations and Energy Clearing Meditation Courses Monthly Workshops Sessions available in Bath or online. Reduce stress & anxiety Restore balance & resilience Improve sleep & focus Book your session today! For more information visit: heidiholistichealing.com or email: heidi@heidiholistichealing.com Or follow on social media.  @heidiholistichealing  @heidireiki  Heidi Lerner Rearden

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Eloise Gordon, sales and marketing manager at Whatley Manor Hotel and Spa; www.whatleymanor.com The Sothys Hydra Hyaluronic Acid 4 Facial is a highperformance, six-stage hydration treatment designed to deeply replenish and plump the skin. Lasting 60 minutes and priced at £150, the facial begins with meticulous cleansing and preparation, continues with the smoothing of fine lines, and uses a plumping mask for heightened moisture. Intensive hydrating serum and cream finish the protocol, sealing in active ingredients li e hyaluronic acid, rowan berry, and boletus extracts. This advanced formula works synergistically to boost the skin’s hydration mechanisms, providing an immediate feel-good effect. Clients experience revitalised, plumper, and more radiant skin from the very first session, with comfort and hydration you can feel instantly. Notably, 90 per cent of users have reported visibly younger-looking skin after treatment. The Sothys Hydra Facial is the perfect choice for anyone seeking immediate radiance and deep, lasting hydration in a single luxurious session.

“Clients experience revitalised, plumper, and more radiant skin rom t e ver rst session

Vicky Lewis-Baldy, director and chartered physiotherapist with Hybrid Health; www.hybridhealthphysio.com The injury assessment and triage appointment is a one-off, 15-minute consultation with a Hybrid Health injury specialist. For £35, individuals receive a focused evaluation to quickly understand new aches, pains, or sports niggles without lengthy wait times. The session includes a symptom discussion, hands-on assessment, and expert advice to clarify whether the issue is minor or requires treatment. While no hands-on therapy is provided, this rapid triage gives immediate peace of mind, clarity, and a personalised recovery plan, helping prevent minor issues from escalating while boosting confidence for a faster return to daily activities and sport.

Jenny Cowderoy, executive director with Kindred Family Health; www.kindredhealth.co.uk Health insurance is a great way to ensure a new year of wellness – especially when provided by a team owned by consultant doctors, such as Kindred Family Health. Often the biggest source of anxiety for most people isn’t illness – it’s worrying about illness. Waiting on hold to a call centre to make an appointment, for tests, diagnoses, for claims to be approved, or for operations to be booked, is hugely stressful for everyone. Whether it’s a new concern for you or your child, you’ll have instant access to medical care in your corner to reassure and advise. Calls are answered within 20 seconds, 98 per cent of the time, and if you have symptoms or a condition that needs a consultant doctor, they will then often contact you the same day, set your mind at rest and arrange any appointments you may need. Prices start from just £39 a month for individuals or £89 a month for a family, with children free. n

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WELLBEING BELOW: The Rebalance festival includes an Aqua Sana class at Thermae Bath Spa; RIGHT: Boogie

on down with Dance Fit’s Jess Davies; BELOW RIGHT: Try barre fitness as part of the festival

STAY BALANCED

t’s nearly time to welcome back the city-wide celebration of positivity and wellbeing as the celebrated ReBalance Bath Festival returns. Running from 28 January to 16 February, the three-week extravaganza invites locals and visitors ali e to sha e off the winter blues with an inspiring programme packed full of feelgood and mindful events. This year’s festival promises to be bigger, better and stronger than ever as Allison Herbert, CEO of Bath BID who have organised ReBalance, explains, “This year the festival promises to bring even more energy and inspiration to the city.” Fitness sensation and bestselling author Joe Wicks is the big name headliner and is launching his brand-new recipe book Protein in 15, at The Forum on 6 February. Joe, also known as The Body Coach, says, “I’m so excited to be part of ReBalance Bath 2026… and I can’t wait to share it with families in Bath.” Other highlights include a barre class and pilates classic with Felicity Williams of Barre Fitness Studio in 1 Palace Yard Mews. She says, “Transformative practices that deliver an immediate lift in mood, appearance, and overall wellbeing,

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PHOTO BY DES ILES

The ReBalance Bath festival returns with a packed programme of teasers, tasters and one-off events Joe Wicks is heading to The Forum to talk food; INSET: Grab your glowstick and head to the Guildhall for Clubbercise

are the combined magic of our barre and reformer Pilates classic classes. They can take you from ‘I feel great today’ to “My whole body works better’, with sharpening alignment, firing up supporting muscles, and building endurance.” Also on the programme is Aquasana in the Thermae Spa’s rooftop pool, movement and meditation at Bath Abbey with Olivia Shone; Clubbercise at The Guildhall; a yoga workshop at Rengen House with Deisie Wellness; a Dance Fit Bath two-hour special at Komedia; and an introduction to the practice of sophrology – a mind and body relaxation technique – at The Soul Spa with Marie Marthe-Blanc. n For more: www.welcometobath.co.uk

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SPONSORED CONTENT

Jenny Cowderoy, Kindred Health

IS PRIVATE HEALTH INSURANCE WORTH IT? A guide for families in Bristol & Bath

’m a mum living in Bath with my two teenage children, and I’ve worked in the healthcare sector for more than 25 years. I’ve recently joined Kindred, a UK collective of senior doctors, as Head of Healthcare — and as part of settling into the role, I’ve been digging deep into the world of private health insurance. What I’ve found has been eye-opening. With the NHS under unprecedented strain and around 40% of people now waiting over four months for treatment, more than 10 million people in the UK have turned to private health insurance. On the surface, it seems like a sensible solution. But when you look closely, the picture becomes far more complicated. A huge 95% of all health cover in the UK is dominated by the “Big Four”: Bupa, Axa, Aviva, and Vitality. These companies have become household names — but are they genuinely looking after your family’s health, or simply selling you expensive insurance policies? And crucially, are they good value for money?

“A HUGE 95% OF ALL HEALTH COVER IN THE UK IS DOMINATED BY THE BIG FOUR” 72 I BATH LIFE I www.mediaclash.co.uk

To understand what you’re really paying for, it helps to follow the journey of what happens when you or your child becomes unwell:

YOU GET SICK — AND CALL YOUR INSURER. You reach a call centre staffed not by medical professionals, but by insurance agents. Hold times can stretch from 10 minutes to well over an hour. YOU’RE SENT A LIST OF DOCTORS OR PROVIDERS. These lists are often based on paid-for marketing placements on platforms like Doctify. Many of the best clinicians don’t advertise on these sites and therefore never appear. YOU ARRANGE EVERYTHING YOURSELF. You ring hospitals, chase appointments, and manage the admin — all while unwell or caring for a sick child. CHOOSE THE WRONG SPECIALIST? YOU START AGAIN. Back to the call centre, more delays, more frustration. THE INSURER PAYS THE BILL. That’s their role. They are claims processors, not healthcare providers. Everything else — the clinical advice, the navigation, the continuity — is outsourced.

4 5

These companies are global insurance corporations built to manage risk and protect profit. Their priority is financial performance, not your long-term health outcomes. Bupa, for example, generated nearly £1 billion in profit last year, an increase of almost 60%. Vitality raised premiums by 15% in 2024 alone. Families in Bath and Bristol deserve more than this. They deserve healthcare that actually works — fast answers, the right specialist the first time, and a team who knows their story rather than a scripted call handler. That’s why I joined Kindred Health. It offers genuine, doctor-led care rather than insurancedriven processes. Powered by the same senior medical team behind Alliance Health Group — trusted by major employers like RollsRoyce and Anglian Water — Kindred brings that level of clinical expertise directly to local families. Instead of navigating call centres, you get consultant-led support from day one, a dedicated adviser who stays with you, and access to our “Doctor’s Doctor” network, where specialists recommend the colleagues they would choose for their own families. Private health insurance may pay bills. Kindred delivers care.

www.kindredhealth.co.uk 0333 0151 203

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How it works Get your instant quote in minutes Speak to a senior clinician the same day We match you with the right specialist Fast-track diagnostics & treatment

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Prof. Bruce Braithwaite

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Dr. Ali Khavandi

Consultant Cardiologist, Sulis Hospital Bath, The Bath Clinic

"Twenty years ago a group of leading UK doctors set out to fix private healthcare. We built a company that puts health and care before profits"

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PUTTING YOU FIRST At EDGAR BUILDINGS DENTAL AND IMPLANT CLINIC, part of PortmanDentex, we provide a tailor-made dental experience centred on you – from the warmest of welcomes to personalised treatment plans

e understand that visiting the dentist can feel daunting, which is why our team is friendly, open and knowledgeable. Our highly trained dentists will listen to your needs, create tailored treatment plans, and carefully explain every step. While our caring team will support you at every stage. With first-class service, clinical excellence and state-of-the-art technology, we make sure every appointment – whether a routine check-up or a specialist treatment – is as comfortable and reassuring as possible.

A TREATMENT AS INDIVIDUAL AS YOU Our experienced team offers a wide range

“OUR HIGHLY TRAINED DENTISTS WILL LISTEN TO YOUR NEEDS, CREATE TAILORED TREATMENT PLANS, AND CAREFULLY EXPLAIN EVERY STEP”

of services, including general dentistry, smile solutions, implant dentistry, orthodontics, advanced root canal treatment and more. Whatever your dental needs, we aim to offer consistently high standards of care, with a focus on your comfort and wellbeing. As Dr Liliana Ruzzene, our implant surgeon and specialist oral surgeon says, “For me, implants are not just about replacing teeth, but restoring confidence. Putting patients first means listening, understanding, and tailoring every treatment to the individual.”

YOU’RE AT THE HEART OF EVERYTHING WE DO • Our dental team includes GDC-registered practitioners with verified qualifications and experience across a range of dental treatments. They are supported by a friendly and professional practice team committed to patient care. • From state-of-the-art dental technology, to internet access and complimentary

drinks in our calm and carefully considered patient lounge, we make sure you feel comfortable throughout your visit • Life is hectic, so we offer convenient online booking to make it quick and easy to secure an appointment • We offer simple, transparent finance plans for your dental care. (Subject to terms and conditions.) They’re easy to understand and manage, helping you to stay on top of your dental health. • We make sure you understand every step of your treatment and always feel in control If you’re looking for a dental practice who puts you first, then we could be the practice for you. To book a new patient dental health check-up or a consultation, call our friendly team on 01225 597533.

7 Edgar Buildings, George Street, Bath BA1 2EE

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

SPONSORED CONTENT

ARE YOU LOOKING FOR A SMARTER WAY TO INVEST IN YOUR HEALTH? At KATE GARDEN HEALTH we believe that true health is more than just the absence of disease

hat’s why our bespoke health MOT testing packages go deeper, helping you discover what’s really going on inside your body, and giving you clear, actionable insight using food and lifestyle as medicine.

DISCOVER WHAT BEING HEALTHY CAN FEEL LIKE

With a standard GP test, a normal result might just mean you’re not sick but it doesn’t tell you if your body is working at its best. Functional medicine spots the subtle gut and hormone imbalances, the nutrient gaps or hidden stressors that may be quietly affecting how you feel. Our health MOTs give you a detailed health picture:

• Metabolic MOT: a full blood panel assessing nutrients, thyroid, immunity, blood sugar and inflammation – a great MOT to assess overall nutritional health. • Gut Health MOT: a comprehensive stool test assessing your gut microbiome and digestive function - a superb MOT if you feel your gut health could be improved. • Hormone Health MOT: a urine hormone profile (DUTCH) revealing your production and metabolism of hormones. This offers a true insight into your hormonal health. Each package includes an advanced test, an hour consultation with an expert nutritionist and a written report with actionable areas, so you know exactly where to focus.

WHY THIS APPROACH WORKS

You are unique. We combine your history, lifestyle, symptoms and laboratory results to create a personalised health plan. We use testing to uncover imbalances before they become illness and help you optimise how you feel and perform. Too many people wait until symptoms become serious before they act, but you don’t have to. With our comprehensive health MOTs, you get clarity, direction and confidence. n

You can book these packages via our website www.kategarden.co.uk or contact us at info@kategarden.co.uk for a complimentary chat.

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BAUDELAIRE AESTHETICS Face the New Year with renewed confidence

nce Christmas has passed, Bath settles into those gentle days between one year and the next. The lights still glow above the Abbey, families linger over slow mornings, and the familiar warmth of coming home rests quietly in the air. In that softer pause, when the rush has lifted and the body can finally be heard, many begin to sense the need for a little restoration of their own. After weeks of giving, gathering, and caring for others, there’s often a moment when you feel the weight of it all, a moment that asks for something small and steadying in return. Something that supports you in the same quiet way you’ve supported everyone else. And so, at this time of year, people naturally gravitate toward treatments that feel restorative rather than transformative. Baudelaire Aesthetics was shaped with

Treatment List: Holistic Massage Deep Tissue Massage Pregnancy & Postnatal Massage Sports Massage Acupressure Facial Massage Womb & Women’s Health Massage Reflexology Shiatsu Reiki Aromatherapy Indian Head Massage Ayurvedic Yoga Massage Shamanic Energy Medicine

that spirit in mind. It’s a space for those who prefer results that feel natural and settled, skin that holds light more evenly, behaves more calmly, and looks rested without ever appearing ‘done’. For some, that means easing the tiredness beneath the eyes or softening the texture the year has left behind; for others, it’s restoring strength and fullness to their hair, or noticing a gentle lift as the skin becomes firmer and better supported again. Small, reassuring changes that help them return to themselves. January can feel like a beginning, but just as often it feels like life quietly resuming its pace, routines returning, days filling, responsibilities gathering again. Regenerative treatments offer a foundation that carries through all of it. The results don’t fade abruptly; they move with you, becoming part of your own natural rhythm.

And as this season brings into focus what matters most, the people we love, the care we offer so freely, Baudelaire Aesthetics is simply here to help you keep a little of that light for yourself. Wishing you a year filled with gentleness, strength, and unexpected moments of joy. n

Contact: support@baudelaireclinics.com Third floor, 14 Queen Square, Bath, BA1 2HN; tel: 01225 688088 Instagram: @baudelaire_aesthetics www.baudelaireclinic.com

Expertise in understanding your body’s needs Established over twenty years ago, we are a centrally located Pilates studio in Bath, home to some of the city’s most experienced teachers. We offer a wide range of Pilates mat and equipment classes – including Reformer and Tower – as well as one to one sessions, osteopathy, and massage therapy.

Find out more at www.bathpilates.co.uk Email: enquiries@bathpilates.co.uk bath_pilates

The Osteopathy & Pilates Studio

The Sculptural Face • • • • • •

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Neurological Physiotherapy at Home B AT H

We are a team of specialist physios providing treatment to clients from the comfort of their own home.

Independent opticians Private & NHS sight tests Children’s eyecare

We have expertise in the treatment of:

Low Vision Service

Stroke • Parkinson’s Disease • Multiple sclerosis • Brain tumours

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Reduced function after hospital admission • Elderly rehabilitation Vestibular/dizziness issues • Spinal cord injury and more Please be in touch to find out how we can help you reach your full potential. 01225 962004 info@neuroconnectrehab.co.uk www.neuroconnectrehab.co.uk

Wheelchair accessible

Corsham Opticians 11 High Street, Corsham, Wiltshire, SN13 0ES Tel: 01249 712369 | info@corshamopticians.co.uk www.corshamopticians.co.uk

BEAUTY

FAR LEFT: The iS Clinical Fire &

Ice facial is the new Hollywood go-to; LEFT: Charlotte has more than 20 years experience in the beauty industry

LOOKING HOT!

Rachel Ifans tries out the new fire and ice facial at Charlotte Hurd Beauty

’ve booked in to see Charlotte Hurd at her James Street West salon for a number of reasons. Ever since my summer holiday, my skin has been dry and a y on the chee bone area, no matter how much moisturiser I slick on before bed each night. Secondly, I worry I am developing mild rosacea on my forehead – thanks, perimenopause! – and I have a bit of sun damage on both sides of my face. Thirdly, it’s because when I texted Charlotte my woes, she immediately suggested a new facial she has recently trained in. She had made it sound pretty compelling, slipping in that it is a celebrityloved facial that combines the power of intensive resurfacing with deep hydration. I am sold. I book in for the iS Clinical Fire & Ice – aka the Hollywood Red Carpet-Ready Facial – and count down the days. As it is, I’m feeling anything but Red Carpet Ready when the appointment finally rolls around. It’s a Thursday late afternoon after a long and exhausting few days and I feel more threadbare rug than red carpet. I can tell immediately how excited Charlotte is about the new facial. She really enjoyed being trained by iS Clinical in London, although the vetting process is a bit more fullon than she thought it would be. “They really wanted to get to know me before they would take me on,” she laughs. “I thought it would be a case of me deciding to go with them, rather than the other way around!” Of course, she passed the tests and interviews with ying colours and is now a fully- edged i linical practitioner. n fact,

Charlotte is one of only two therapists in Bath to have been vetted and approved by iS Clinical, as they have such high standards and a formidable reputation in the beauty world. From the moment I lie down on the warm and comfortable therapist’s bed for my onehour treatment, I feel the pressures of life drain away. The facial, Charlotte explains, is all about resurfacing, brightening, and smoothing my skin without the harshness of treatments like a chemical peel. She says that iS Clinical uses products that leave no trace, require no hiding away until the results ‘settle’, and that they are good for both pregnant women and people who are undergoing chemotherapy and radiotherapy. Charlotte starts by applying the fire’ masque, which uses a mix of glycolic acid, retinol, and botanical antioxidants to gently exfoliate. I wonder how warm this part will feel but the tingling sensation that spreads over my forehead and cheeks is really enjoyable. Next up comes the ‘ice’ masque, which is super refreshing and cooling; the sensation surprises me in a good way, a bit like the feeling when you use a minty shower gel on your s in for the first time. This part, Charlotte tells me, will deep clean my pores, reduce fine lines, and encourage cellular renewal for a golden glow and smooth complexion. I love this ice part; I’m at the stage in life when no matter how thick the layer of moisturiser I slap on, my skin just laps it up. t feels li e my s in is immediately benefiting from the hyaluronic acid, aloe vera, and green tea extract in the ice treatment. “Don’t wash

“It encourages cellular renewal for a golden glow”

your face until tomorrow morning,” Charlotte warns. “Your skin needs to keep drinking in the moisture from the products I’ve put on it.” I sneak a feel of my cheeks when she isn’t looking, and they already feel plumper and smoother in the areas that have been dry before, and brush my forefinger over crow’s feet that now feel less pronounced thanks to the iS Clinical Youth Eye serum. ow that the serious stuff is done, it’s time to relax with a head, neck, and shoulder massage. Charlotte, who has more than 20 years of experience in the beauty industry and 15 years with her own salon, has a very special knack of making you feel like you’ve known each other for years, even if you haven’t. Never obtrusive, never unprofessional, there’s nonetheless an undeniable closeness that you just don’t get in a larger and more impersonal beauty spa. It’s no wonder that many of her customers have been coming to her for decades. The Fire & Ice facial has proven to be a winning combo – even a week later, my skin has so much natural glow, a dab of bronzer and a slick of eyeliner is all I need in the make-up department, and if there was a red carpet in my vicinity ’d definitely be feeling ready for it! n THE PROCESS Fire & Ice by iS Clinical costs £100 for one hour. It combines the power of intensive resurfacing with deep hydration, delivering immediate results with zero downtime. A powerful two-step process — first, the ‘fire’ masque warms and exfoliates using active enzymes and acids to smooth skin, unclog pores, and boost cellular renewal. Then, the ‘ice’ masque cools and calms with a soothing blend of hyaluronic acid, antioxidants, and botanical extracts. For more: Charlotte Hurd Beauty, 29 James Street West, Bath; www.charlottehurdbeauty.com

www.mediaclash.co.uk I BATH LIFE I 79

UP TO

50% OFF JANUARY SALE

JODYCORY.CO.UK 01225 460072 | JODY@JODYCORY.CO.UK 9 ABBEY CHURCHYARD, BATH, BA1 1LY

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SHOPPING LIVE WELL, BUY BETTER

BE THE BEST

Photo by Egle Vasi; www.eglevasi.com Styling Marianne Cantelo and Eleanor Tasker Make-up artist Chantelle Moody Clothes sourced from Dorothy House charity shops; www.dorothyhouse.org.uk

Our 2026 resolution? We’re not saving anything for best anymore. We’re going to be living our best lives every day of our life. We’re going to look as glamorous, gorgeous and glitzy as we want, when we want, and in whatever get-up we want. Yes, we’ll wear the goddamn heels. Velvet for the office? Don’t mind if we do. Going to the pub tonight? Then let’s make it count – long dresses, silk head scarves, gold braiding – all work well with white wine spritzers and a packet of cheese and onion, because how could they not? We’re calling it now – dressing up is the new black. #livingourbestlife

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

EDITOR’S CHOICE

CIGAR- BLACK CRUSH VELVET EMBROIDERY SHOE, £310 tunning crushed velvet slip-on shoe in royal fuchsia, greys, and gold and pewter metals, with a small itten heel is perfect to dress up those wide trousers. From Chanii B, 9 Shires Yard, Bath; www.chaniibshoes.com

CRUSHING IT Start the new year with a touch of opulence

THE EMMY SHORT-SLEEVE SWING MINI DRESS, £158 Emmy is the perfect mini with a swing by aeve and is offered in lu e, vibrant velvet, complete with side poc ets. From Anthropologie, 1 – 4 New Bond Street, Bath; www.anthropologie.com

VELVET DOUBLE-BREASTED BLAZER, £169 Rendered in a midnight-navy hue, this modern bla er is made from lu uriously tactile velvet and designed with notch lapels, ap poc ets and a double-breasted close. From Cos, 24-26 Union Street, Bath; www.cosstores.com

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

COTTON VELVET CROSS FRONT JUMPSUIT, £235 Made from soft organic cotton velvet, with short sleeves, a crossed -nec and pleats at the front which taper into cropped leg. From Toast, 7 Bartlett Street, Bath; www.toa.st

ELIA PETITE VELVET TUXEDO-STRIPE FLARED TROUSERS, £180 The lia trousers in burgundy are crafted from plush velvet for a lu urious evening-ready feel. ared silhouette is elevated by tu edo-style satin side stripes, combining slee tailoring with subtle statement detail. From Reiss, 34 Milsom Street, Bath; www.reiss.com

ODETTE SILK BLEND VELVET OPERA COAT, £350 The feel of a tu edo, with the glamour of a ma i coat. esigned to atter with a slightly waisted silhouette, this can be thrown over everyday jeans or paired with a glam evening dress. From NRBY, 32 Milsom Street, Bath; www.nrbyclothing.com

ISABEL MARANT ETOILE HADLEY DRESS, WAS £550, NOW £275 Fitted midi dress in gathered velvet, a round neckline, and subtle, structured padded shoulders ensure this is the go-to little black dress. From Square, 12 New Bond Street. Bath; www. squarebath.uk

BIANCO PR PRINTED VELVET COTTON TROUSERS BY MAMA B, £229 The Italian brand does it again with a cropped printed trouser in Mama B's signature bubble silhouette with a tapered leg, cuffed hems, side poc ets and attering pleat detailing. From Blue Women & Home at The Loft, 1-2 Bartlett Street, Bath; www.bluewomensclothing.co.uk

EVA FINGERLESS FAUX FURLINED SUEDE MITTENS, £39 Add some old-school glamour to your winter style courtesy of these fingerless suede mittens with fau fur trim. From Dents Factory Shop, Furnax Lane, Warminster; www.dentsgloves.com

WILLOW VELVET DRESS, £199 Repurposing the timeless shift silhouette the Willow dress is the epitome of winter elegance, with a semi sheer blouson sleeve, embellished keyhole detail and waist seam From Hobbs, 43 Milsom Street, Bath; www.hobbs.com www.mediaclash.co.uk I BATH LIFE I 83

HIDDEN TREASURE

The inspiring project, From The Land, that’s creating a sustainable agricultural space on a neglected patch of Bath By Nick Woodhouse

t was a cold, crisp winter’s morning when I met Su Hart, founder of From The Land. Thankfully the log-burning stove in the old barn was fired up, the sun intermittently winning its enduring battle with the blanket of clouds powdering the sky. There was an equally warm welcome from Su, Jane and volunteer Lily, all busy preparing wreaths for Bath’s Christmas Makers’ Market. Swathes of owers, pic ed and dried earlier in the year, hung from the barn’s rafters awaiting these less abundant months – amongst them nigella, lavender and teasel. From The Land is undoubtedly a community interest project with a warm, beating heart. Looking to enhance and improve the well-being of locals and visitors alike, the initiative invites people to slow down, enjoy the land, and feel empowered by learning new hands-on skills. The project is to be found on an eight-acre site nestled into the rolling hills of Englishcombe, on the city’s rural outskirts. The southfacing plot was once part of Ware’s Nursery, a bustling enterprise founded by Walter Softly Ware in 1887. Taken on later by his daughter and son-in-law, the nursery provided employment for as many as 100 nurserymen and nurserywomen from Twerton, Peasedown St John, Radstock and Englishcombe. Here, they would grow owers, vegetables and bulbs – from tomatoes to chrysanthemums and lily of the valley. wide variety of daffodils were developed on the site too, among them Fortune, Inglescombe and Mrs Walter Ware. The nursery was an exemplar of Victorian ingenuity and engineering at its best. Water was pumped up the hill from Mill Brook, irrigating the plants and warming the greenhouses once it had passed the coal-fired boilers. A small railway would also transport produce from the land to the main rail network and onwards.

In the 1940s, a hornbeam avenue was planted; it was maintained at a height of seven feet, with straight sticks harvested as supports for the bo es of daffodils that would be sent far and wide from the nursery. By 1970 however, running costs had become too high, leading the nursery to close, the land to become fallow. It was sold to a Mr Meering, who developed a garden centre on part of the land, on the site where Hilliers stands today. The rest of the land, however, was left abandoned, becoming neglected and vandalised. Thankfully it was given a new start in 2012 when Su Hart and her husband Martin Cradick, realising a dream, took it on. Since then, many volunteers have given their time to tackling the towering brambles, restoring the crumbling buildings, and returning the land to a vibrant growing space. The team have often discovered trinkets of the land’s past in the process; items such as pottery, tools and even old railway tracks. Conscious of their responsibility as custodians of the land, Su and her team use organic principles throughout, cultivating with a keen awareness of soil health, striving to make their own compost, practising crop rotation and successional growing, and planting green manures to help improve organic matter and structure within the soil. Thanks to this, wildlife abounds. Recent sightings include muntjac, roe deer, slow worms, great crested newts, field voles and hedgehogs. Birds have also been returning, with kestrels, sparrowhawks, green woodpeckers and long-tailed tits regularly spotted during the day. And in the skies above, ravens and buzzards can be seen partaking in their astonishing aerial battles. loser to the ground, wild owers are being given the opportunity to thrive again, with the rare bee orchid being recently recorded. The once-abundant Fortune’ daffodils have been replanted, too, putting on their

“Many volunteers have given their time to tackling the towering brambles”

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

springtime show once again along the restored hornbeam avenue. Thanks to their ties with nearby Haycombe Cemetery, the initiative supplies these owers to those with a funeral grant, allowing mourners to make their own, personalised wreaths at the site, with support from the From the Land team. u is een that the land offers an opportunity to return to land’s intrinsic cycle; one that provides for the soil, which in return provides for us and all that live on it. The project aims to provide visitors the opportunity to reconnect to the earth through traditional rural craft workshops, whether in basket weaving, spinning, wreath-making or foraging. For these courses, they aim to garner most of their materials from the land, whether willow for wreaths and baskets, or food foraged to feed those attending the workshops. People calling in are encouraged to leave cars at home, and to cycle, walk or use public transport to arrive – with the limited parking then left available for disabled visitors and visiting workers. When the team are not growing, gathering and drying owers, their community outreach work takes them into local dementia and care homes – here, they regularly meet those who knew the land when it was once Ware’s Nursery. Keen to foster ties with the local community, they’ll often take part in local events too, such as the newly resurrected Twerton Flower Show, which returned this year after a near century-long absence. Thanks to funds raised from workshops, the sale of wreaths, and recent backing from the National Lottery, Su and the team are slowly making this small corner of the city more like the wider world they wish to inhabit; a beautiful one in which to connect, heal and ourish. For more: www.fromtheland.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

GARDENS

OPPOSITE PAGE: Collection time at From The Land; THIS PAGE, CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT: The barn is used to gather and dry flowers; Su Hart founder of From The Land in the hornbeam avenue; the project is on an eight-acre site near Englishcombe; there are workshops to make wreathes can be made; flowers can be bought and delivered by bike within a certain radius

www.mediaclash.co.uk I BATH LIFE I 85

SPONSORED CONTENT

MEET THE

FAMILY LAWYER

From marital breakdowns to establishing child access, these are the local experts who can help guide us through the tough times JAYNE MARTINS

KATHERINE LAUDER

PARTNER, FAMILY | HEAD OF THE FINANCIAL REMEDIES TEAM RWK GOODMAN 01225 730 185 www.rwkgoodman.com/family

PARTNER, FAMILY | HEAD OF CHILDREN AND DOMESTIC ABUSE TEAM RWK GOODMAN 01225 730 100; www.rwkgoodman.com/family

What are the rewarding parts of the job? I have the privilege of really helping clients who are often going through a very difficult time. I enjoy seeing clients emerge from the separation far stronger than when they started. Watching clients start a new life is truly rewarding. What is one of the biggest mistakes you see your clients making? Making life-changing decisions without all the information. We often help clients who are in crisis and they can make important decisions impulsively, often led by their emotions, rather than really thinking through all the options. It is my job to encourage them to really consider it and make sure they have all the relevant information and advice before making big decisions.

Jayne Martins

What was your first job? I worked in a pharmacy in Torquay, serving behind the counter. I initially wanted to be a pharmacist, so it was great experience. I then decided that science A-Levels weren’t for me and a legal career beckoned.

“WATCHING CLIENTS START A NEW LIFE IS TRULY REWARDING” 86 I BATH LIFE I www.mediaclash.co.uk

Katherine Lauder

What do you specialise in? I advise and help parents who are no longer in a relationship, and who need to establish arrangements for their children. This often involves advising on a range of complex issues and ensuring children are protected from harm. Parents often seek advice regarding where their children will live, how much time they will spend with each parent, and which school they will attend. I also specialise in advising grandparents and other extended family members, and I represent children through their court-appointed Cafcass guardians. I help victims of domestic abuse to protect themselves (and their children), and where required, assist them to access support services and to obtain urgent protective orders. I head up our specialist children and domestic abuse team who practice from our Bath and Bristol offices. What is your favourite part of the job? Having the privilege of meeting with and advising individuals, often at times when they are in extremely distressing and stressful circumstances. I love helping individuals to prioritise and protect their children and achieve child-centred outcomes. I get great satisfaction from assisting victims of domestic abuse, who have bravely taken the step of seeking help. I’m proud that we offer a free of charge 30-minute initial appointment, and that in addition to privately funded services, we continue to offer legal aid.

SPONSORED CONTENT

PETER GUEST

MANAGING PARTNER, BATH FAMILY LAW 01225 941222 www.bathfamilylaw.co.uk What do you specialise in? Our team are experts in collaborative family law. We believe you should be in charge of your future, whether that’s financial decisions or child arrangements - not a judge. So we focus on helping you reach agreement without stepping into the courtroom. This reduces the financial costs, and it’s also less emotionally damaging for you and your children. What’s different about Bath Family Law? We don’t just handle the practical side of a breakup – as a modern approach to legal support we deliver a full, holistic service that adapts to the needs of your family. For example, our SEND Parent Advocate can help you access specialist support following separation. Prioritising your child’s needs in this way helps mitigate the impact of new family dynamics. What professional accomplishment are you most proud of? Bath Family Law is part of a wider movement towards delivering accessible family law support across the South of England. We work closely with the Affordable Family Law Group CIC (aflg.co.uk), a notfor-profit social enterprise providing advice and guidance to some of society’s most disadvantaged families.

CAROLINE FELL

PARTNER AND HEAD OF FAMILY AND MEDIATION STONE KING 01225 324489 www.stoneking.co.uk What do you specialise in? I am a lawyer and mediator assisting those going through separation to resolve matters by agreement. Our team at Stone King is recognised nationally for its expertise in non-court dispute resolution. This includes resolving complex financial matters, often involving business, property and pension assets, together with arrangements for any children. How has family law changed in the last few years? The biggest shift is the no-fault divorce, introduced in 2022, removing blame and making the process less adversarial. Courts now strongly encourage non-court dispute resolution (like mediation or arbitration), recognising the benefits for the family as a whole. What is your favourite part of the job? Helping families resolve issues without the stress of court. Noncourt options give people more control, reduce conflict, and lead to solutions that feel fair and child-focused. What key bit of advice would you give to somebody considering a divorce? Take time to understand your options. Explore mediation early, be open and transparent about finances, and think long-term, especially if you’re going to co-parent. How would you want your child to look back at how their parents resolved matters on separation?

GEORGINA CATLIN GOUGHS SOLICITORS

01380 736664; www.goughs.co.uk What is your favourite part of the job? There is a very broad judicial discretion and an even bigger ‘grey area’ when it comes to navigating the various principles applied. I very much thrive on empowering clients with the appropriate knowledge and understanding, so that they feel capable of making an informed decision on whatever issue within the realms of family law that might be. Watching my clients grown in confidence and take back control is my favourite part of the job. Tell us something about yourself? I have a twin sister called Charlotte and when we were about 13, we featured as ‘extras’ in the TV show called ‘Teachers’. Our mum was a child chaperone at the time and so we didn’t even have to audition. It was very exciting watching the likes of Andrew Lincoln. What was your very first job? My sister and I worked in a fruit and veg shop from the age of 14 for 2 years, whilst at secondary school. We would have to get up at the crack of dawn before school and stack the shelves, not to mention remember the 100s of number codes for each individual item when putting them through the till!

SARAH YOUNG SHARP FAMILY LAW

07538589084 www.sharpfamilylaw.com What is your favourite part of the job? My favourite part of the job is seeing clients grow in confidence. Many come to me feeling overwhelmed or uncertain about the future, and it’s incredibly rewarding to guide them through a difficult time and leave with reassurance and tools to move forward and thrive in their new chapter. What do you specialise in? I specialise in helping clients navigate separation and divorce in the most collaborative way possible, with a strong focus on minimising conflict. I also advise unmarried couples on cohabitation agreements and property disputes, covering everything from understanding cohabitation rights and TOLATA claims to enforcing agreements and drafting separation arrangements. In essence, I provide the legal support couples need to manage shared assets and relationships smoothly. What is the biggest mistake you see your clients making? One of the biggest mistakes I see, especially as cohabiting relationships become more common, is not seeking legal advice early when buying property with a partner. Too often, I am called in only after a relationship has broken down and there is no clear agreement in place. This can lead to complex and costly disputes in court, many of which could have been avoided with the right planning and documentation upfront.

www.mediaclash.co.uk I BATH LIFE I 87

SARTHI

It’s all things nice, spiced, veggie and welcoming at Walcot’s indie Indian gem By Chantelle Horton

a iflower i i o i rin s a i to t e ro eedin s

RESTAURANT

of puréed spinach and creaminess of the cashew nuts. As an aside, the alcot Street is not short of great, independent shops, vibrant green colour matches the minimalist, tropical interior, crying bars and restaurants and has long provided a proudly out for the ‘look what we ate’ Insta moment! The fragrant biryani local vibe for those looking to escape the big chains. coo s in a huge clay pot, pac ed with seasonal vegetables and at ust But until recently, the former Methodist church . is the bargain of the night. auli ower chilli gobi brings a ic sitting grandly at number 88 has never quite found to the proceedings and is an unusual yet tasty blend of hot, sweet, and its place. It’s been a branch of the Italian mini-chain Aqua, as well as a sour avours. on’t leave arthi without ordering a dosa, which is a Mediterranean meze bar called Pomegranate. In both of these instances, house speciality. The South Indian savoury pancakes are made from a it was pretty rare to see the place packed full of diners. But now, thanks fermented rice-lentil batter, served with lentil to the arrival of vegan and vegetarian Indian daal and various chutneys, and come with a DINING DETAILS restaurant Sarthi, that’s changed. choice of fillings. e go for the classic masala We visit on a random Wednesday evening, Sarthi, 88 Walcot Street, Bath, BA1 5BD. dosa – more of that comforting mashed potato tel: 01225 462992; www.sarthi.co.uk and the beautiful dining room, complete with tempered in mild spices, which is much lighter high vaulted ceilings, stained-glass windows, and Opening hours Monday: 5pm – 9.30pm. than it sounds. Be warned, though, this dish Tuesday – Friday: 12pm-2.30pm, 5pm-10pm. an original church organ, is almost completely Saturday: 12pm-10pm. Sunday: 12pm- 9pm. is so big it almost requires its own table. It’s full. For a room so grand and cavernous, the definitely one for sharing, as are the chilli chips Established April 2025 atmosphere is actually cosy thanks to a mixture which are tossed in a zingy blend of garlic, soy of clever lighting, cosy booths, and welcoming Owners Binal Viradiya, Disha Jetani and Arpit Gopani and chilli sauce. The perfect accompaniment service. The fact that our waitress is on firstHead chef Arpit Gopani who brings over seven years name terms with the baby next to us, and that a of culinary experience from renowned kitchens across for mopping up your ingfisher beer or for the day after too many ingfishers big group of merry customers all get a hug and India and the UK. He specialises in authentic Indian If you’re looking for a more sophisticated a ‘see you next week’ from the waiter, shows that cuisine, particularly traditional dosas and vegan and curries, blending time-honoured recipes drink, the cocktails are expertly mixed, Sarthi is very much a locals’ favourite. And what vegetarian with fresh, locally sourced ingredients. colourful, and as tropical as the plants dotted lucky locals we are. Type of food Authentic South Indian and North Indian about the place. Coco Jungle is a dangerously The menu is huge and offers a variety of cuisine. The menu celebrates plant-based dishes, from good combination of white and dark rum, home-made vegetarian and vegan dishes. crispy dosas and rich curries to fragrant biryanis. lime juice, cream of coconut, and mango juice. Portion sizes are extremely generous, so whilst Prices Starters cost between: £6-£9, mains £11-£15, Meanwhile, Gin Garden immediately whisks you it’s hard not to get carried away by the choice, desserts £5-£8 away to sunnier climes with pineapple juice, don’t be tempted to over order. Otherwise, Covers 130 tamarind paste and passoa a passion fruit post-main-course, you will be full of regret as Recommendations So many! But if we had to pick, go li ueur pairing perfectly with gin. esserts the desserts here are excellent. But before that for the paneer butter masala, chilli chick’n, and gobi continue the tropical theme. ango ulfi is comes the nibbles, the starters, the mains, and manchurian. And wash it down with a mango lassi or refreshing and light, while the gulab jamun let’s not forget the chaat. Oh, and the chips! masala chai. dumplings made from mil and soa ed in We take the advice of our friendly waiter and Disability access Yes, step-free access and accessible a rose and cardamom-infused syrup) are order the onion bhaji and Vada Pav to begin facilities are available. indulgent, delicious, and the perfect end to this with. The bha is are made with chic pea our, In a nutsell This deserves to become a staple of the authentic Indian dining experience. so are gluten-free and much more delicate Bath indie dining scene – the food is exceptional and The spacious venue would work well for the vibe is warm and welcoming. than this traditional snack can often be. Vada group dining and parties, yet manages to feel Pav, a delicately spiced potato fritter, is served intimate enough for a date night or a catch-up with friends. And whilst in warm, slightly sweet Indian buns and comes with house special it’s fantastic to have a restaurant dedicated to vegetarians and vegans, chutneys – including an addictive coriander one. The waiter says this the food is so good, carnivores will not feel hard done by. Eat here, and dish ‘doesn’t make sense without the chutneys’ and he is right. you’re supporting an independent business, helping the planet, getting The curry bowls offer classics li e butter masala and orma all with your five a day, and being made to feel welcome in a grand setting. ou choices of paneer, vegan chicken or vegetable), but we opt for the saag can’t go wrong really. paneer. The fried pieces of cheese go perfectly with the spiced gravy

www.mediaclash.co.uk I BATH LIFE I 89

MODERN FRENCH & EUROPEAN DINING IN BATH

JANUARY SALES MENU

£20 • 2 Courses, £25 • 3 Courses Available from 5–30 January 2026, every lunchtime and Sunday to Thursday evenings.

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

BOOK YOUR TABLE NOW www.chezdominique.co.uk | eat@chezdominique.co.uk 15 Argyle St, BATH, BA2 4BQ | 01225 463482

FOOD AND DRINK Culinary competition

READY STEADY COOK!

PHOTO BY STEVE HAY WOOD PHOTOGR APHY

Charlie Cutting’s award winning main course

PHOTO BY STEVE HAY WOOD PHOTOGR APHY

Overall winner Lewis Brown with competition founder and chef Michael Caines, Spencer Jones from Ritter Courivaud and Seth Ward from Bidfood

Jack Smith finesses his dessert

PHOTO BY STEVE HAYWOOD PHOTOGRAPHY

PHOTO BY STEVE HAY WOOD PHOTOGR APHY

The judges – Chris Cleghorn, Tim Kendall, Matt Mason, Michael Caines, Ian Webber, Elly Wentworth, Seth Ward and Scott Paton

Some of the region’s most talented chefs have been recognised in one of the UK’s leading culinary competitions – South West Chef of the Year – with two of the winners coming from the local area. Jack Smith from the Royal Crescent Hotel won Young Professional Chef of the Year, as well as the Best Showcase of Regional Ingredients category. His award-winning menu consisted of a starter of plaice, mussels, turnips, capers, raisins and herbs; the main was pheasant, parsnip, squash, blackberry, and spinach; followed by cinnamon sponge, apple, cream with brown butter for dessert. Charlie Cutting of the Manor House, Castle Combe, won Best Presentation for his main course of roasted pheasant, rolled leg, pumpkin, and blackberry. The overall winner of the competition, claiming the title of South West Chef of the Year 2025, was Lewis Brown from Narla by Charlie Walters. Competitors were judged by a panel of top chefs from across the region, including Nathan Outlaw, Scott Paton, Peter Gorton, Matt Mason and Chris Cleghorn of The Olive Tree. Chef and founder of the competition, which is now in its 21st year, Michael Caines, says, “The standard this year has been phenomenal, with chefs showcasing their s ill, passion and air using the incredible ingredients our region has to offer. The competition shines a light on the creativity and resilience of our industry and the remarkable talent we have here in the South West.” For more: www.southwestchef.co.uk

Jack Smith’s starter

Charlie Cutting of the Manor House, Castle Combe

www.mediaclash.co.uk I BATH LIFE I 91

SPONSORED CONTENT

A JAPANESE WINTER WARMER ROBUN treats Bath to 50% off this January

here are meals that comfort, meals that surprise, and then there are meals that do both so effortlessly you find yourself smiling halfway through the first bite. That was my experience at Robun, Bath’s much-loved Japaneseinspired restaurant on George Street - a place that has quietly become the city’s go-to for soulful winter dining. I visited on a cold January evening, the sort that begs for something warming yet fresh, and Robun delivered exactly that balance. The room glows with low light and warm wood, and the welcome is effortlessly kind - the kind of hospitality that instantly lowers your shoulders.

I began with one of Robun’s perennial bestsellers, the Karaage Chicken Bites. Still crisp and impossibly light, they arrive with a citrus-soy dip that brightens things just enough for those attempting a “January reset” without sacrificing joy. If you want something lighter still, the Spicy Tuna Maki or Salmon & Avocado Roll give that clean, fresh start to the meal while still reminding you it is dinner out, not a punishment. Next came the dish I always recommend to newcomers: Robun’s signature Robun Ramen. Perfect for a winter night, its broth is rich but not heavy, deeply savoury with slowcooked chicken, kombu, and a softness that instantly warms your core. The noodles have the right bite, and the chashu

“THE ROOM GLOWS WITH LOW LIGHT AND WARM WOOD, AND THE WELCOME IS EFFORTLESSLY KIND” pork practically falls apart at the touch. If your new-year intentions lean toward the virtuous, the Chicken Ramen offers a cleaner broth - restorative, aromatic, and wonderfully grounding. But the star of my meal was the Robata-Grilled Salmon, glazed with miso and cooked to silky perfection. This is Robun at its best: referencing tradition while feeling modern and approachable. The char gives it warmth; the miso brings depth; the portion is generous without being indulgent. Paired with Yaki Broccoli and Kimchi Slaw, it felt like the perfect January plate - satisfying, nourishing, and full of flavour. Of course, skipping dessert is not in the spirit of proper reviewing, and the Miso Sticky Toffee Pudding deserves every word of praise it gets. Comforting, steaming, and not overly sweet, it may be the only sticky toffee pudding capable of feeling both decadent and

somehow in line with the New Year’s promise of “being good.” What sets Robun apart is not just the food - though the food is consistently excellent - but the genuine sense of care in every interaction. Locals know it, visitors quickly discover it, and the team clearly values the community that supports them year-round.

THIS JANUARY, ROBUN IS OFFERING AN UNBELIEVABLE 50% OFF THEIR À LA CARTE MENU A genuine gesture of thanks to locals and Bathonians for their support throughout the year. Warm up your winter, try something new, or return to your favourites for half the price. It’s easily one of the most generous dining offers in the city. n

Book now at: www.robun.co.uk 4 Princes Buildings, George Street, Bath. Offer only open to tables booked in advance using code: JAN50

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

NETWORK

THE CITY’S HOTTEST BUSINESS NEWS

CREATIVE SPARK THE REGION RECEIVES £25 MILLION TO HELP THE ARTS INDUSTRY

SPORTS STARS High placing for the University of Bath’s sports facilities

A GOOD GUT FEELING

Metabolic health specialist Cristy Dean

WINNING WAYS

Dialact on scooping a Bath Life Award

SHALL GO TO THE BOULES!

Bath BID is new Bath Boules organiser

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Extra funding means the South West can hope to keep developing its cultural plans, such as the new Brabazon venue; INSET: Mayor of the West of England Helen Godwin with Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy

WEALTH OF IDEAS The government’s £25million investment in the area’s creative industries

reative businesses and freelancers in the West of England are in line for major government support to help them innovate, up-s ill and attract private investment. The West of England Mayoral Combined Authority is one of six UK regions with strengths in creative industries to have been awarded £25 million as part of the Government’s Creative Places Growth Fund.

“CREATIVITY HAS NO POSTCODE”

The landmark allocation comes just after the West of England’s new rowth trategy named the sector as one of its five ey growth areas for the ne t ten years. ince , almost , obs were created in the creative industries in the West the most of any nglish region, even more than London. The West’s new rowth trategy targets per cent growth across its overall economy in the coming decade, a third more than in the previous decade. ulture ecretary isa andy revealed that the fund will be split equally across these regions to drive growth, innovation and investment, and will empower regional Mayors to support creative professionals, businesses and young people in their communities with access to finance, mentoring and networ ing opportunities to help them connect

with investors and skills programmes. he says, “Creativity has no postcode – whether it’s a musician in ristol, a filmma er in ath, or a video games developer in outh loucestershire. “We know that it is not one si e fits all. That’s why we are committed to growing our creative industries in every corner of the nation as part of our Creative ndustries ector lan, and hope that this devolved funding will be just what these regions need to make their creative industries the best that they can be.” elen odwin, ayor of the est of ngland, adds, “ reativity is at the heart of the West’s identity and our economy, from scarwinning animators to our worldfamous festivals and so much more. With this £25 million investment from the government, we can help

businesses grow and create more opportunities for local people.” This funding will grow the already booming creative industries of the West of England – including film and T , music, and createch. The UK’s third largest production hub, the est of ngland is a global centre for natural history film ma ing and a film tourism hotspot. The new arena at the Brabazon site, which is the former home of oncorde in Filton irfield in outh loucestershire, also presents a major opportunity to elevate the region’s music sector. For more: www.westofengland-ca.gov.uk

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

PHOTO BY LLOYD EVANS PHOTOGR APHY

ON THE UP

The much loved Bath Boules has a new organiser

BATH BID has announced the appointment of two new board directors – Richard Ingle, chief executive of Bath Building Society, Richard and Paul Crossey, Ingle managing director of the Jane Austen Centre. “Their deep roots in Bath and commitment to its success Paul make them invaluable additions,” Crossey says Allison Herbert, CEO of Bath BID. “As we look ahead to 2026, their insight and leadership will help shape a thriving future for our city.” www.bathbid.co.uk

ROLLING ROUND

The ath oules is set to return in the summer with a new organiser at the helm. The ath Business Improvement District (BID) is taking over from MediaClash, which publishes Bath Life but the maga ine will remain media partner. “For the last years this has been superbly run by edia lash,” says elia ead, trustee of Bath Boules Charitable Trust, “raising hundreds of thousands of pounds for local charities while adding to the oy of living and wor ing in ath at this spectacular summer event.” llison erbert, of ath adds, “ e are honoured to ta e on the organisation of ath oules. ur aim is to ma e bigger and more inclusive than ever, while continuing the tradition of raising funds for local charities. e loo forward to wor ing with partners across the city to ensure this much-loved event remains a highlight of ath’s summer.” For more: www.bathboules.com

Local law firm, GOUGHS, has recently welcomed three new trainee solicitors, Eden Wey, Adelaide Longhurst and Samuel Berkeley. Eden says, “Goughs is such a supportive learning environment so I’m very excited to apply my existing experience to my first seat in the family department.” www.goughs.co.uk

FULL SPEED AHEAD

Truespeed, the Bath-based broadband provider, has announced that its CEO James Lowther will be moving on at the end of the year, with Nelson Missier stepping up to lead Truespeed as CEO from his current role as chief commercial officer. Nelson has a wealth of experience across the technology, media and telecoms sector and has been instrumental in the growth of Truespeed to become one of the strongest challenger broadband brands in the . e says, “I would like to thank James for leading us to a strong position with significant customer and financial growth over the last four years he has been pivotal to scaling up Truespeed from a start-up in the Southwest to a fast-growing company with a strong, collaborative culture and best-in-class capabilities. “I am excited to lead the business as we continue to deliver truly better broadband to our customers in the Southwest & East of

MAKING TIME

Nelson Missier is the new CEO of Truespeed

ngland. ith a strong challenger brand, an exceptional product, and a committed team behind me, I look forward to growing Truespeed’s customer base and profitability.” For more: www.truespeed.com

omedian reg avies visited the oyal nited ospitals ath in his capacity as patron of the Time is recious charity. e says, “ t was wonderful to see, first hand, the brilliant wor that Time is recious is doing in the children’s wards in ath. They are a determined charity that am proud to be a patron of.” ic y and eil alford founded the charity in , in memory of their son en, who died the previous year following a cancer diagnosis. en spent a lot of time at the during his illness, and this e perience inspired ic y and Neil to help create a more comfortable atmosphere for children experiencing illness. ince then, the charity has donated , to the and has wor ed alongside specialists to purchase e uipment and help refurbish areas. For more: www.timeisprecious.org | www.ruhx.org.uk

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

Goughs’ three new trainees

Comedian Greg, centre, visits the RUH

BATH & NORTH EAST SOMERSET COUNCIL (B&NES) has welcomed the government’s announcement that Twerton in Bath will receive £20million investment from its Pride in Place programme, which aims to empower local people to help build stronger communities and create thriving places. Councillor Kevin Guy, leader of B&NES, says, “We welcome this great news Kevin for Twerton which will give local Guy people the opportunity to decide how £20m funding is invested in their neighbourhoods.” www.bathnes.gov.uk

NETWORK NEWS

PHOTO BY BET T Y BHANDARI PHOTOGR APHY

Bird’s eye view of University of Bath campus and its sport offerings

Dialect’s Clare Jonik, Ingrid Maher Roberts and David Boddington celebrate with Bath Rugby’s Tom Dunn

BATH LIFE AWARDS

DIALECT EMPLOYER WINNER

SPONSORED CONTENT

NAVIGATING THE BATH PROPERTY MARKET This year’s Budget arrived with all the usual drama, briefings, reversals and even an early leak before confirming a £26 billion package of tax rises

or the property market, the headline was the introduction of a High Value Council Tax Surcharge from 2028 for homes over £2 million. While framed as a narrow measure, the number of properties captured is likely to grow over time, and for now it introduces a degree of uncertainty around valuations and future thresholds. A consultation on stamp duty reliefs has added further hesitation, with the OBR already expecting a dip in receipts as buyers and sellers take stock. Yet there were some more positive signals for the prime market, notably

“FINANCIAL MARKETS REACTED CALMLY, SIGNALLING THAT MUCH OF THE CONTENT HAD BEEN WELL-TRAILED”

the government’s intention to make the UK more appealing to high-talent international arrivals, a move that could support investment and confidence over the medium term. More broadly, the Budget suggests a period of slower economic growth, higher business costs and questions around the path of inflation. Even so, financial markets reacted calmly, signalling that much of the content had been well-trailed.

WHAT DOES ALL THIS MEAN FOR BATH? Despite the national noise, sentiment in Bath has been notably resilient. Our office saw multiple exchanges complete immediately after the Budget, sales that had been waiting for clarity, and enquiries have risen since. This reflects what we see time and again: Bath’s market is driven as much by quality of life and limited supply as by policy announcements. Demand remains underpinned by excellent schools, architecture of international standing, a vibrant cultural scene and steady interest from London and overseas buyers. Looking

ahead to 2026, we expect the market to remain active and well supported, with committed buyers continuing to transact and increasing confidence from sellers bringing quality homes to market. We also anticipate a strong start to 2026, particularly if a base rate cut is delivered before Christmas and potentially another in February 2026. This would provide an additional boost to confidence and early-year momentum. If you are considering selling or buying in Bath, early advice is key. For trusted and experienced guidance, please contact Knight Frank on 01225 325 999. n

4 Wood Street, Bath BA1 2JQ tel: 01225 325999 bath@knightfrank.com www.knightfrank.co.uk www.mediaclash.co.uk I BATH LIFE I 109

SPONSORED CONTENT

SUSTAINABLE CITY

so chefs no longer cook with gas, and we use responsibly sourced charcoal. Provenance is key: we prioritise local suppliers across the Southwest to reduce transport miles.

CARBON CHAOS is on a mission to make sustainability feel human, practical and genuinely achievable

e explore the hidden carbon impacts in everyday decisions, from clothing to packaging to travel, and highlight organisations genuinely trying to rethink things for the better. Instead of perfectionism or greenwashing, we’re focused on informed decisions, transparency, and celebrating meaningful progress, especially in areas where sustainability is genuinely difficult. Bath attracts millions of visitors every year, and hospitality at this scale carries a huge environmental footprint. Yet historic buildings also face real constraints. So how does a landmark hotel protect heritage while pushing sustainability forward?

Q&A – ALISTAIR DARBY, THE FRANCIS HOTEL, BATH

How do you ensure sustainability upgrades genuinely fit the spirit of the building rather than feeling like greenwashing?

Many of the refurbishment decisions are passive, working behind the scenes to create a more efficient building. We upgraded the building fabric to reduce heat loss, replaced windows with vacuum and secondary glazing, installed solar panels and LED lighting, and introduced a Building Management System to actively manage temperature. Equipment and machinery have also been moved to more efficient models. For us, box-ticking and greenwashing are pointless. How does your long-term, family-estate perspective influence sustainability decisions? Our purpose is to protect and grow this business sustainably for present and future generations. Short-term or flashy wins don’t fit with that approach.

How are waste and materials handled during refurbishment? We auction as much as possible for reuse elsewhere, and ensure anything at the end of its life is recycled responsibly. Are guests becoming more conscious of their footprint? Definitely. We adhere to the Simpler Recycling Regulations and provide split bins in rooms. The Francis holds a Gold Green Tourism award and is setting new post-refurbishment energy reduction targets. Guests expect us to be doing the best we can so they can relax and enjoy Bath, sustainably. n

For more information call Kate on: 07585 809720

What practical steps have helped reduce energy and carbon in day-to-day operations? We’ve electrified the Emberwood kitchen

Property expertise with a personal service, tailored to you

carbon-chaos.com @CarbonChaos0

Repairs, Restoration • Alteration of S tone Buildings New Build • S tone Cleaning • S tone Carving • Fireplaces

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NORTON MASONRY LTD Stonework Specialists & General Builders

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www.nortonmasonryltd.co.uk Over 30 Years Experience

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

TILE & FLOOR For over 50 years, Tile & Floor

has been synonymous with the supply of a range of top-tier design-led materials and professional installation services. Our commitment to quality has forged enduring relationships with discerning homeowners overseeing their personal projects, as well as with design and construction professionals serving the property industry. Exciting news! We are now also conveniently located at Chippenham M4. Tel: 01225 310561; www.tileandfloor.co.uk

BATH GRANITE & MARBLE LTD has over 25 years experience honing their skills in crafting exquisite kitchen worktops, bathroom cladding, vanity units and more. With their excellent reputation for high quality and delivering exceptional service they are confident in bringing the natural beauty of stone into your home. Mention ‘BathLife’ to secure a 5% discount on your next order. Tel: 01373 472325; email: info@bathgranite.co.uk; www.bathgranite.co.uk

MENDIP FIREPLACES BATH

ath’s leading fireplace, wood burner, gas fire, chimney and ue specialist. From classic to contemporary, concept to completion, their team of experts can work with you to achieve your perfect interior. Brands include Chesneys, arbas ellfire, estfire, tova , a co and unter. et in touch or visit the showroom. Mendip Fireplaces, Monkton om e at in o@mendi re a es at o Tel: 01225 722706; www.mendipfireplacesbath.co.uk

SANDRIDGE STONE is a local craft-skills

business specialising in all aspects of building and restoring local ath tone properties. t can supply and fi all stone re uirements for new builds or e tensions. The team’s heritage s ills ualified stonemasons are also expert in repairing and restoring existing stone on listed properties in order to fulfil planning requirements. o ndar arm err e d e s am 6EF; Tel: 01225 703733; www.sandridgestone.co.uk

NO17 INTERIORS offers a range of bespo e

interior design services. Based in Bath and with vast experience in designing and installing developer show homes, hotels and residential properties for private clients, Lisa has the knowledge and skills to work to any brief or budget, whether looking to redesign, update existing furnishings or simply commission new curtains. email: lisa@no17interiors.co.uk; tel:07977 271503; www.no17interiors.co.uk

JENNIFER MOSSE DESIGN STUDIO

BATH KITCHEN COMPANY

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 design and build. t’s about attention to detail at every stage – creating a beautiful space that enhances the way you live. ort arade i din s at Tel: 01225 312003

lair trong nterior esign is a bouti ue, creative company based in Bath, providing a wide range of services for both residential and commercial clients. er portfolio of projects includes the design, project coordination and sourcing for some of Bath’s most beautiful residences, as well as hotels, sports clubs, offices and other commercial venues. Contact Clair on 07855 797311 or 01225 426905;

A bespoke, tailor-made, client-focused interior design consultancy service based in ath. pecialising in residential interior design and providing a truly personal service adapted to each client’s needs, Jennifer’s unique style blends seamlessly between period and contemporary homes. The aim is simple – to create spaces that bring joy, re ecting her clients’ lifestyles and personalities. 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 113

BATH LIVES

“Algorithms can be creative rather than dystopian” As a concert pianist I won a special prize for new music at

the International Shostakovich Piano Competition before changing gears and playing with bands at SXSW and CMJ festivals. I taught on the MFA Music Composition for the Screen program at Columbia College Chicago alongside Grammy-award-winning music supervisor Andy Hill.

I came to Bath in 2009 to visit my pen pal Emma, who I’d

CHARLIE HOOPER-WILLIAMS The composer, pianist, and creative coder on finding love through letters and creating visuals through music

I’m originally from the pine forests of northern Minnesota. I then lived in

Colorado, Wisconsin, and Chicago before moving to the UK. When I was a kid I always wanted to be an inventor –

and I guess in a way that’s come true; I write and perform music but inventing things like a livevisuals system, or an attachment to change the piano’s sound, or other little machines to play along with me – that’s a key part of my practice and why it’s so fulfilling to me. 114 I BATH LIFE I www.mediaclash.co.uk

One of my earliest memories is of lying down next to our stereo speakers, holding my little

toy tape recorder, and trying to capture all of the very best moments. When something came on that really moved me in one way or another, I’d hit record. I don’t think I ever listened back to those recordings; it was more the act of capturing them. My first-ever composition was one of the tunes in The Hobbit. Tolkien has all of

these songs in the book, but there’s no music, only words. So you have to make up your own tune. At some point, as a child, I realised I had made up a tune in my head to one of these and decided to write it down.

I was on the team that developed the app Shazam

PHOTO BY ANIA SHRIMPTON

Charlie Hooper-Williams has a unique way of performing – he plays alongside a system he’s coded that creates a visual response to each piece of music. This combination of projection, light and sound highlights how new classical music can be exciting, and “how algorithms can be creative rather than dystopian”. Originally from Minnesota, USA, he now lives in Bath with his author and musician wife Emma, and their two children.

met at a youth hostel in Belgium six years previously. We’d kept in touch in a way that is, in retrospect, extremely romantic. From the start, we promised never to email each other, but only to write letters. When I finally came for a visit, we hit it off immediately, and there was something about having known each other for so long, even though it was through letters, that made it natural to just go straight to “what if I moved to Bath instead of to New York?”

before returning to music, this time performing my own compositions alongside the live-visuals system I’ve built. This creates a visual response to each performance, live, so I can play spontaneously and the visuals will always respond. Big concerts are always a peak moment – whether it’s

going onstage at Bristol Beacon, or entertaining 50,000 people at the Battersea Fireworks, there’s something magical about creating something so personal

and then sharing it with so many people. I played a sold-out opening set for Lambert, the masked

pianist at the Bristol Beacon. Allegedly, no one knows his identity, and somehow, I never crossed paths with him backstage, so I still have no idea what he looks like. I don’t want to name names for the worst artist I’ve worked with, but I have had

someone cancel a gig with less than 24 hours’ notice because they “ just were feeling a bit tired”.

My wife Emma is the internationally best-selling author of three novels, and

also a violist who has performed with Peter Gabriel, and toured urope with three different bands of her own. We have two sons, Aubrey and Kit, who are nine and seven. They both play cello, piano, drums, sing, and are obsessed with maths and computers.

I’ve started writing a piano concerto. This is going to be a

big piece for piano and orchestra, basically a whole album’s worth of work but all going into one piece. I haven’t written for orchestra in ages so I’m hoping all the rust comes off easily. I love the sense of community and character of The Bell pub

on Walcot Street, and of course, its live music performances. I also love The Raven on Queen Street – great atmosphere, great pies and real ale.

Charlie’s recently released debut LP The Book of Fixed Stars is available from The Way Beyond Music; www. thewaybeyond.co.uk For more: www.charlie hooperwilliams.com