Bath Life – Issue 547

LIGHT

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ISSUE 547 / LATE SPRING 2026 / THE HISTORICAL HOME WHERE MAGNIFICENCE MEETS MAGIC

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ISSUE 547 / LATE SPRING 2026 / £5

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HOW TO MAKE DINING OUT A BREATH OF FRESH AIR HEAR THE WORDS OF THE WALCOT WISE QUEER BATH ON THE CITY’S LGBTQ+ HIDDEN HISTORIES

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HOUSE

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

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

EDITOR’S LETTER

I

love Bath, I know Bath, I live in Bath, I write about Bath. And yet when someone headed to the city asks me questions like ‘where should I stay?’ ‘where should I book dinner?’ ‘what should go see first?’ ‘any events going on in Bath when I visit?’ – I freeze, I panic, I stare blindly and wildly into the middle distance. Why? Because there are so many glorious options that my brain overloads, frazzles, and then goes blank. I mean, how do you pick just one?

It’s the non-existent ‘pick your favourite child’ conundrum. It simply can’t happen. We have the best indie restaurants and cafés, wonderful galleries, brilliant arts venues, the most fabulous hotels – the list goes on, and every time I put an issue together, the list gets longer.

But to the soon-to-be Bath visitor, the ardent, truthful and enthusiastic “to be honest you can’t go wrong in Bath” is not the most helpful of answers. So these days I try to have a little list in my head that is updated and changes regularly.

And, as if by magic, a few of my current faves actually feature in this issue. Where to stay? The recently and fabulously renovated Francis Hotel on Queen Square. Fave places to eat? Sarthi, who appear in our Walcot Street feature starting on page 20, Bandooks, Noya’s Kitchen (who both are in our al fresco round-up over on page 56). Things to see? The whole city is soon to be awash with Bath Fringe events – many of them free (page 39). Things to do? Definitely check out Queer Bath, if only to learn there’s more to this incredible city than just the gorgeous Georgians (page 58). Where to shop? The arty and eclectic Walcot Street (page 20), and when there stopping

by The Bell Inn for a pint is actually the law.

But, as us locals know, none of this is set in Bath stone. Our beautiful city is home to so many wonderful options, “to be honest you can’t go wrong…”

SARAH MOOLLA Follow us on

@bathlifemag

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

COVER Explore Titan Barrow House in Bathford over on page 84. Currently on the market with Savills; www.savills.co.uk

CITY TALK

20 WALCOT STREET Those in the know share why here

THE ARTS

15

39 ARTS INTRO Bath Fringe is back with a bang 40 WHAT’S ON People to see, places to go 42 CULTURE CLUB The arty picks of Jonathan Sayer 47 FILMS What’s big at The Little 48 FESTIVALS The return of Queer Bath

LIFESTYLE

51 SHOP LEAD Yes, florals Miranda 52 EDITOR’S CHOICE Monochrome flowers to style for

FOOD & DRINK

55 NEWS FEED Nuggets from the foodie scene 56 AL FRESCO A sunshine gamble of the outside favourites 64 RESTAURANT Keeping it fresh at the Freshford Inn

NETWORK

69 NETWORK LEAD Bath Life Network Lunch at Emberwood

with Bath Rugby Foundation

70 NETWORK NEWS News, views and interviews 76 ENTRECONF The mind spa is back to inspire

56

GARDENS

80 FLOWER FARM The community growth of Organic Blooms

PROPERTY

83 PROPERTY LEAD Bath’s new riverside walk 84 SHOWCASE The fascinating story behind Titan Barrow House

DEPARTMENTS

11 SPOTLIGHT A new light installation coming to Dorothy House 15 SCENE Hello party people!

17 FLATLINE Flats discusses the divides in Bath 98 BATH LIVES Meet presenter and author Christopher Frayling

80 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 Elsie Chadwick, Abbie Farmer, David Flatman, Ella Killbourn, John Mather and Nick Woodhouse Commercial director Pat White pat.white@mediaclash.co.uk Business development manager Annabel North annabel.north@mediaclash.co.uk Business development manager Dan Nichols dan.nichols@mediaclash.co.uk Business development executive Ruby Coburn ruby.coburn@mediaclash.co.uk 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.

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

PHOTO BY BEATA COSGROVE PHOTOGR APHY

Issue 547 / Late spring 2026

Oreum, a landscape light installation by Bruce Munro, has been seen in South Korea and the United States

PHOTO BY CL AIRE THATCHER

©2026 BRUCE MUNRO. PHOTOGR APHER SERENA MUNRO

SPOTLIGHT

LIGHT SHINES ON

Dorothy House Hospice is set to host a spectacular world première light installation this autumn as part of its 50th anniversary celebrations. Internationally acclaimed light artist Bruce Munro, who is also a Dorothy House ambassador and Wiltshire resident, will transform acres of the hospice’s Winsley grounds from 1 October to 31 December into a large‑scale artwork called Moments of Light.

Building on Bruce’s renowned installations across Australia, Japan, the USA, South Korea and Europe – as well as his permanent Firefly Woods at Dorothy House – Moments of Light will invite visitors to wander among thousands of illuminated forms, forming a constellation of light that appears to breathe with the landscape. He says, “My hope is that Moments of Light will offer visitors a space to breathe, reflect and feel held within an environment shaped by care, beauty and nature.”

Wayne de Leeuw, CEO of Dorothy House adds, “As part of our vision to create a society where death is part of life, Moments of Light reflects the very heart of Dorothy House. For 50 years, we have walked alongside people during some of the most tender moments of their lives. This installation brings that spirit of compassion and reflection to a wider community of individuals who will inevitably all encounter death and grief at some point in their lives.”

For more: www.dorothyhouse.org.uk | www.brucemunro.co.uk Bruce, second from left, talks about the upcoming Moments of Light exhibition at a recent launch

The permanent Firefly Woods in the grounds of the Dorothy House Hospice

www.mediaclash.co.uk I BATH LIFE I 11

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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

WAIT A MINUTE!

Bath Waiters’ Race 2026 served up a spectacle with a dash of competitive spirit to the Royal Crescent when more than 30 hospitality teams marked the launch of the recent Bath Restaurant Week. The Bird Bath claimed first place, followed by The Elder Restaurant and Emberwood, with House of Frankenstein winning Best Dressed.

Alex Peters, Bath BID board director and director of Bath Pizza Co and Green Park Brasserie, says, “It’s really important to celebrate the sector. These teams from restaurants, bars, and cafés all do a phenomenal job. Raising their profile and acknowledging their work – and the city itself – matters.”

Photos by Beata Cosgrove; www.beatacosgrovephotography.com For more: www.bathrestaurantweek.com | www.bathbid.co.uk

www.mediaclash.co.uk I BATH LIFE I 15

© BETTY BHANDARI BRAND PHOTOGRAPHY; WWW.BETTYBHANDARIBRANDPHOTOGRAPHY.COM

FLAT LINE

“20 per cent of individuals in Bath live in relative poverty”

Across the divide

Flats asks us to consider beyond our rarefied bubbles

I

spent last night in Leicester. Well, most of the night; I left around midnight and drove the long drive home with black coffee and an audiobook my only companions. I chose to do this as my (real) job regularly sees me working hours that my family would describe as antisocial, so I try to get back whenever I reasonably can. I’ll be doing the same tomorrow night, the 23.30 from London Paddington my aim. The old sporting buddies with whom I spent yesterday evening, though, decided quickly that I was only driving back to Bath because I’m too posh to slum it up there in the Midlands. Obviously I’m not, but this logistical reveal capped off very nicely for them an evening-long conversational theme of Bath being soft and lads from Leicester being all hard.

In the interests of turning aggressive presumption and manufactured facts into a balanced debate – not a terribly contemporary notion, I grant you – I did my best to fight our cause and to portray this city as something more than period homes and old money. One fact that often pings away in my Swiss-cheese

mind is one offered by Lynne Fernquest, the Bath Rugby Foundation’s frankly wonderful CEO: 20 per cent of individuals in Bath live in relative poverty. 20 per cent. The figure moves about a bit, but it rarely drops much lower these days. People just do not know this.

Many people in Bath just do not know this. My buddies certainly didn’t.

“It ain’t Corby, though, is it?” said Big Neil. No, mate, in fairness, Bath is not Corby.

Neither is it, though, the home of nothing except outright privilege. There’s plenty of that here alright – and for many of us it feels almost an honour to live here – but there’s more. There’s real life everywhere you look, if you look.

My wife and I took our youngest daughter up to Bath City Farm today. She loves that place and so do we. I asked my wife – who has lived here for six years now – in the car if she’d ever been to Whiteway. “Don’t think so,” she replied, and she certainly wouldn’t know where it was to drive to. It would be easy at this point to level one lazy accusation or another at her through the page, but hold off just a sec. I’ve been here since 2003, I have mates who are

from these parts of Bath, and I’ve always had good times in these areas, as my wife would have done had she been on the scene. But how often do I actually go there? Very rarely. Not through design, just through geography.

The St. James’ Viaduct that runs along the Lower Bristol Road, to me, always seems like a 19th-century representation of hellish Donald Trump’s border wall. The viaduct may not have been constructed with anything in mind but engineering and efficiency, but it does serve to isolate said areas somewhat. If you don’t go to Bath City FC (you should) then there may be no commercial reason to visit, in truth. The point being that many of those in less fortunate positions are made less invisible by the great train track. But that does not mean that they are not there.

All professional sports teams have foundations these days, but we must not fall into the trap of regarding such departments as tokenistic add-ons. Last night in Leicester I met people who spend their lives – their whole lives – trying to improve the days of those less lucky.

Lynne and the Bath Rugby Foundation do this all day, every day, year after year. They bring joy, sport, respite, food (!) to those who need it most. They are incredible people doing selfless, vital human work, and I’m really writing this in the hope that you, dear Bath Lifer, will turn to page 69 and take note of the wonderful work they do. Then consider what you might do to help, however much or little. Because the thing is that, even here in lush old Bath, those who need help the most are all around us.

Just like in Leicester. Just like in Corby.

Just like everywhere.

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

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“Nothing here feels corporate or predictable”

CITY TALK

WORD ON THE STREET Local makers and traders on the magic that defines Walcot Street Words by Sarah Moolla Photos by Narrated Frames; www.narratedframes.com

W

edged between the honeyed terraces of the Paragon and the river’s edge, Walcot Street is Bath’s effortlessly cool artisan quarter. It’s a place to potter, meander, admire, learn, explore, experience, and discover the true meaning of independent spirit. Nothing here feels corporate or predictable: vintage fashion rubs shoulders with design‑led interiors, organic groceries, real-ale pubs, contemporary art (including on the actual walls) and cult bakeries.

But don’t take our word for it – listen up to the artisans, retailers, and businesses who tell us why they have made Walcot Street their home.

John Siddall, owner of The Fine Cheese Co. “We set up in Number 29 in 1990 and number 31 in 1992, and even back then Walcot Street was thought as a street for independent shops and artisan businesses. The space was intended as a shop for those living in Bath rather than visitors and, if you wished to see James and Deirdre Dyson and Roger Brownsword, here is where you would find them. We are close to Waitrose, and it is easy to pop over the road from there.

“I would like future generations to come to the Walcot Street shop and say, ‘Did you know that this is where The Fine Cheese Co. started’? A few months ago, I heard one passer-by say to his companion, ‘A cheese shop here won’t last more than a few months’. And now it is 35 years, and our products are in over 60 countries. But home is still home.”

opposite: The Fine Cheese Co has been on Walcot Street for 35 years;

above: Sarthi is the Street’s baby having opened up in just April last year

Disha Jetani, co-founder of Sarthi “We opened Sarthi on Walcot Street in April 2025, drawn to its independent spirit, creative energy and strong sense of community. Our restaurant sits within an old chapel connected to St Michael’s Church House, with beautiful high ceilings, original architectural details and an ancient character that reflects Bath’s rich heritage. It’s a historic setting that gives our guests a truly distinctive dining experience.

From the start, the journey has been exciting and demanding – long hours, careful planning and the challenge of opening a new restaurant.

The real high has been welcoming our first guests and receiving such warm feedback from local residents and visitors. Being part of Walcot Street means joining a vibrant neighbourhood that values independent businesses, cultural diversity and authentic food.”

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CITY TALK

Verity Slade, co‑founder of Palette “We wanted to be near other independent and creative businesses, so Walcot Street was the clear choice. Architecturally, it’s so dramatic to be behind the Paragon, and there are so many creative people and businesses tucked away here, it’s the workshop of Bath (or maybe the creative studio). I think people come to Walcot Street to find something unique or unusual, so we hope to offer that in the shop and gallery – but also to be a great reliable café for the local community living in and around the area. Like most buildings on this street, we have a vaulted cellar that reaches under the pavement, and a secret garden with a blossoming cherry tree, which all adds to the magic of being here.”

Edward Leach, owner of Alfred’s “Being a local, I always knew Walcot Street as Bath’s independent quarter – the kind of place where you discover great shops run by interesting, friendly people. When I was looking for a home for a preloved menswear store in 2022, it felt like the obvious choice. Walcot Street has a vibrant and fun community so it’s hard to get bored, the central position allows people from all around Bath easy access to bring their items in as well.”

Andrew Lowkes, founder of Landrace “I moved from London to Bath to open Landrace, and Walcot Street quickly became the obvious home. Bath sits on the border of Somerset and Wiltshire, two spectacularly beautiful counties with completely different agricultural characters. Somerset’s rolling pastures and rich dairy history give us our milk and most of our cheese. Wiltshire’s flatter, more expansive landscapes, provide the cereals and grains we mill on our own natural granite stone mill at Westcombe Dairy.

“Historically, Walcot Street was where the agricultural products of these two counties converged. The now-abandoned Cornmarket is literally over the road, the old cattle market next door is now a car park, and the Walcot Fountain beside us was where farmers rested their stock before entering the market. This street was where farm products became food. For a bakery, restaurant and pizzeria so rooted in farming and flour, Walcot Street has been everything – it has been the centre of my universe for seven years.”

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opposite: The unique American Dream Comics adds to the creative mix; above: Palette

is a gallery, gift shop and café; below: Landrace sources it bakery and restaurant ingredients locally; inset: The preloved menswear store Alfred’s opened in 2022

Steve Causer, owner of American Dream Comics “American Dream Comics has been part of Walcot Street’s creative mix for decades, and it’s hard to imagine the shop anywhere else. Tucked behind a blue door at the top of the city centre, we’re surrounded by the kind of independent, slightly off‑beat businesses that give Bath its real character. When I bought the shop in 2009, there was a strong, vocal community here determined to shout about indie traders and turn Walcot into a destination – and that energy is still very much alive.

“Being on Walcot Street means good footfall, of course, but more importantly it means loyal customers, word‑of‑mouth support and a street that genuinely champions small, specialist shops. In an era where so much can be bought online, Walcot gives us the perfect backdrop to offer something different: a physical place to explore, discover hidden gems and feel part of a passionate, creative community.”

“Being on Walcot Street means good footfall” www.mediaclash.co.uk I BATH LIFE I 23

Kiera Williams, co‑founder of CaliUnity “When we first stepped into 97–101 Walcot, it was an abandoned antiques shop with a tree growing through the roof and floors upstairs you couldn’t safely walk on. Most people would have walked away, but we saw exactly the kind of place it could become. We kept the original four walls, rebuilt everything inside them, and created CaliUnity and The Cali Yard – Bath’s first calisthenics park, completely free and open to everyone.

“Walcot Street isn’t a usual street and we aren’t a usual gym. It’s independent, creative and slightly rebellious, full of people doing things their own way.

That’s the culture we wanted to be part of, and add to.”

“Walcot Street isn’t a usual street and we aren’t a usual gym”

CITY TALK Cathy Wilkin, owner of Sumptuous Designerwear “Walcot Street is Bath’s artisan quarter, and being a sole trader, I wanted to be amongst like-minded businesses. We are out of the High Street melée up here, which can be a double-edged sword as we have to work harder at drawing people to venture up here, but the other side of that is that the rents are much more reasonable.

“Being around like minded traders helps navigate the highs and lows of having your own business – we all have bad days or weeks, and hearing that others are in the same boat helps mitigate that. Being at the bottom of Walcot Street means that I have the really wide pavement outside – I love that as I can enjoy my planters, sit outside the shop and it’s quite a community hub here so people stop and chat.”

Anthony Reed of The Looking Glass of Bath “We’ve been part of Walcot Street since 1987, working from a former coach house and stables for Ladymead House. What began as ordinary picture framing has grown into designing and making frames for mirrors and artworks, supplying high-end London interior designers and exporting our work worldwide from the heart of Bath’s creative quarter.”

opposite: CaliUnity set up home in an abandoned antiques yard; above: Cathy Wilkin of Sumptuous Designerwear enjoys the community hub of Walcot Street; below: Paul, the store manager pictured in The Looking Glass of Bath; inset: A Yarn Story moved from Bathford to bigger premises on Walcot Street in 2014

Carmen Schmidt, founder of A Yarn Story “I originally opened A Yarn Story in November 2014 in Bathford, but after just six short months we’d outgrown that first shop and chose to relocate to Walcot Street in the heart of Bath’s artisan quarter. My vision was to create a space full of colour and inspiration, with a sense of community at its heart – somewhere people could come and really enjoy yarn and connect with other makers.

“Being on Walcot Street, known for its artisan feel and independent spirit, means people are already curious and looking for something different to the normal high street brands. Over the years more and more visitors have made their way up the street, and we’ve loved welcoming a growing community of knitters and crocheters from both the city, and beyond.”

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CITY TALK

“As soon as you step over the cobbles there’s an immediate sense of calm” above: Farrow & Ball often collaborate with their designer and interior neighbours;

below: Neptune is housed in the old Bath tramshed; inset: Capitol Carpets has been

on the street since 2004

Katy, showroom manager at Farrow & Ball Bath “With Walcot Street being the hub of artisan makers and interior retail spaces, it felt like the perfect location for Dorset’s finest paint and wallpaper brand. Customers can wander up the street as a ‘one stop’ destination, gathering inspiration and ideas for every part of their home.

Over the years we’ve seen footfall grow from locals and tourists alike, all looking for both a great pint at The Bell and beautiful things to take home.

“Collaborating with our neighbours – we currently showcase carpets from Capitol Carpets, door furniture and fabrics from Jim Lawrence and wooden flooring from Broadleaf – has allowed us to create realistic moodboards and a more holistic, inspiring shopping experience on Walcot Street.”

Catherine, senior design service lead at Neptune Bath “When we found the old tram depot on Walcot Street – affectionately known as the Tramshed – it felt like uncovering the perfect home for Neptune in Bath. Tucked just off Walcot on Beehive Yard, our showroom and garden sit a stone’s throw from the city centre, yet as soon as you step over the cobbles there’s an immediate sense of calm.

The natural materials, timeless design and craftsmanship at the heart of Neptune feel completely at one with Bath’s architecture and Walcot’s independent spirit.

“We love welcoming customers and neighbours who’ve watched the building’s transformation and now return to explore new collections, enjoy The Provenist café, and make a real day of Walcot Street.”

Mark Everett, owner of Capitol Carpets Cotswolds “We established Capitol Carpets on Walcot Street in January 2004, after starting out with a showroom in Tetbury. Our Bath premises have a long interiors history, previously home to a furniture shop and, before that, an upholstery business, so it felt like a natural fit for our carpets, stair runners and rugs.

“In the early days, the business had a more traditional high street feel.

Now, much of our work comes via website and email enquiries, reflecting how customer habits have evolved. Walcot Street remains a vibrant hub of independent, interiors-focused businesses, and we often work alongside our neighbours as customers bring in mood boards or samples from other showrooms to coordinate fabrics, paint and flooring.”

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

Our shop has been described by our customers as the most interesting shop in Bath! Come in and see why...

Over 1000 frames, pictures and mirrors. We restore and make frames that other framers can’t. We also copy and restore antique mirrors.

The Looking Glass of Bath 93-95 Walcot St, Bath BA1 5BW T: 01225 461969 | E: info@lookinglassofbath.co.uk

CITY TALK P H OTO FROM THE B E L L IN N above: Rossiters benefits greatly from its Walcot Street entrance ; below: The Bath Hat

Company was previously known as The British Hatter; inset: The community-owned Bell Inn has been part of Walcot Street for more than 300 years

Peter James, owner of Rossiters “We benefit from having an entrance on Walcot Street. And we are honoured to be part of the Walcot artisan community, which is an intriguing range of businesses. A winning mix of products, services and hospitality and I think our store reflects this segmentation all under one roof over many rooms. Much has been written about the impact of online on the retail sector but 72 per cent of retail sales still are made in shops versus 38 per cent via ecommerce. In places like Bath, which provides good customer flow, there is a place for niche players reflected by the businesses on this street. It gives the city a different flavour and to be part of this mutually supportive community is something, of which we are proud.”

Nicola Mossman, owner of The Bath Hat Company “The Bath Hat Company has been part of Walcot Street for over three decades, previously known as The British Hatter. We are a wellestablished millinery boutique, known for our extensive range of hats for both men and women for every occasion. As a niche business, it holds a special place in the hearts of many. We often hear wonderful stories from customers – memories of walking past on the way to school, or visiting the shop with their grandparents. Those shared moments and lasting connections are what make this little corner of Bath so meaningful, not just a shop, but a piece of people’s lives. We now share our space with Thomas Fortin Menswear, whose range of beautiful products complements our selection of men’s hats.”

“There is a place for niche players”

Arron Whan, general manager of The Bell Inn “The Bell has been here for over 300 years, and the community took it over in 2013 which was breaking new ground at the time as there weren’t many examples to follow. The results have been great – we are close to the city centre, but far enough away to be a destination, which means people come to Walcot Street to explore, enjoy and be involved in the artisan quarter.”

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CITY TALK

Andrew Pocock, owner of Didicakes “We’ve always loved the character of Walcot Street and feel that our luxury cakes and cupcakes really belong in this uniquely creative corner of Bath.

Walcot is known for its independent spirit, so we felt at home as soon as we saw our shop front at 132 Walcot Street. Being here puts us among a wonderful mix of indie stores, eateries and local businesses, and while we don’t see the same tourist crowds as the city centre, that gives us the chance to slow down and really focus on each and every customer.

“We took over Didicakes just as the first Covid lockdown lifted and quickly had to pivot to takeaway and home delivery to survive. Behind every challenge was opportunity, and we’ve never looked back. Walcot Street continues to evolve, and we’re excited to be part of its story as we invest in our café space and develop new creations for our customers.”

Helen Clement, founder of Decadorn “After 16 years of Decadorn evolving from my dining room table to a London studio, it finally feels like we’ve found our true home on Walcot Street. I live just up the hill in Camden and can actually see the studio from our house, so my eight‑minute walk to work – coffee in hand from Taylor’s Bagels – still feels like a small daily luxury. Tucked beneath The Suite hairdressers, our lower‑ground showroom is a little Aladdin’s cave of gemstones, filled with beautiful natural light and laid out in three distinct zones that perfectly suit the way we work with customers. What really makes it special, though, is the community: neighbours who always look out for one another, friends who pop in regularly, and customers who return again and again and genuinely feel like part of the Decadorn family. Walcot Street has given us not just a space, but a feeling of belonging.”

“Neighbours who always look out for one another”

above: Luxury cake maker Didicakes now has a new café space; below: Decadorn is an Aladdin’s cave of gemstones; inset: Taylor’s Bagels opened in the area in 2019

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

PHOTO FROM DECADORN

Kai Taylor, co-founder and director of Taylor’s Bagels “Walcot Street has a strong creative and community-driven atmosphere, which aligned perfectly with what we were building. It feels slightly different to the rest of Bath and was a natural fit for our brand from the beginning when we opened here in November 2019. It’s a street where people actively seek out independent food businesses and where wordof-mouth travels fast – if you get it right, people talk about it, and that played a big part in our growth. Taylor’s Bagels went from a small café concept into a multi-site business with a central bakery. Walcot Street will always be a core part of who we are.”

Sofas & Chairs | Kitchen & Dining Interiors | Home & Garden Gifts | Curtains & Blinds 38-41 Broad Street, Bath, BA1 5LP Tel: 01225 462227 www.rossitersofbath.com

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Darrin Christan, managing director of Coopers Home Appliances “We chose this area because Walcot Street has always had a more independent and individual feel than a typical high street. For a specialist showroom built around service, advice and personal contact, it felt like a natural fit from the start. Being surrounded by other independent businesses with their own character created a strong sense of community that still makes Walcot Street such a good place to be.”

Paul Fisher, director and chartered financial planner at Oculus Wealth Management “I moved to Bath in 2002 and instantly felt at home, and Walcot Street has always been a big part of that feeling. It’s wonderfully located — on the edge of the city centre but close enough to stroll in for meetings or a coffee — and has a sociable, village-like atmosphere. Being surrounded by small, supportive businesses and having clients wander past and pop in to say hello has made it a genuinely enjoyable place to work. I’m so happy being based here and plan to stay on Walcot Street for years to come.”

“Independent, creative, slightly unexpected and full of personality”

PHOTO BY CHRIS DAW; W W W.CHRISDAWPHOTOGR APHY.COM

CITY TALK

PHOTO FROM GR AHAM & GREEN.

PHOTO FROM OCULUS WEALTH

Sheena Lawrence, owner of Jim Lawrence “We have always loved the beauty of Bath architecture and feel that our hand crafted, authentic designs really suit the city’s heritage. Walcot Street is known as the city’s design quarter so we felt at home as soon as we saw the beautiful shop front. The location also puts us alongside many other high-end interior brands. We benefit from the constant

top: Paul Fisher intends to keep his Oculus Wealth business here for years to come; middle: The Walcot Street store was Graham & Green’s first venture outside of

London; bottom: Coopers Home Appliance set up here because it valued the strong indie feel; inset: The handcrafted and authentic designs of Jim Lawrence are well suited to Walcot Street

footfall and the team have built up many relationships with local customers who return again and again for friendly and helpful advice.

Walcot Street was originally called Cornwell Street and is considered to be the oldest commercial street in Bath, so it feels very special to be part of its continuing story.”

PH O TO BY W W W.H EL HE LE N LI SK PH O TO GR EN LI SK PH O TO GR AP HYAP HY; .C O .U K

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

Jamie and Lou Graham, owners of Graham and Green “We first opened on Walcot Street in 2016 – our first store outside London – and chose it as the home for our head office too. It has been a hugely important base for Graham and Green ever since. Our building at 92 Walcot Street was originally the Red House Bakery, built in 1903, and later a shoe shop. When the bakery was being constructed, Roman remains were found in the foundations, including evidence of a Romano-British building and what may have been a road. We love the idea that beneath our shop floor are layers of Bath history, with the building itself carrying traces of different trades and eras.

“Walcot Street has always felt like a natural fit for us – independent, creative, slightly unexpected and full of personality. It has its own loyal following and real sense of community, and we feel very lucky to be part of its continuing story.”

CITY TALK Angus, manager and head of operations at Wolf Wine “After losing our old Green Park Station premises to a fire, finding No. 89 on Walcot Street felt like a fresh start in exactly the right place. Walcot has a rich history and an incredible concentration of independents, especially in food and drink, so it instantly felt like home for a small, craft-focused wine bar. We’re far enough down the street that most of our guests are locals who choose to be here, and that makes all the difference — they’re invested, curious and genuinely supportive. It means we can build real relationships, not just transactions, within a community that’s worth protecting.”

PHOTO FROM THOMAS FORTIN

“A powerful mix of history, independence and spirit community”

Trish Fairbeard, director of strategy and communications at YMCA Bath Our Bath YMCA site sits between Walcot Street and Broad Street, and we’re very proud to be part of this area of the city. The YMCA first opened in Bath in 1860 in Green Street, moving to our current site in 1888, when it was officially opened by George Williams, founder of the worldwide YMCA movement. The more modern Walcot Street wing followed in 1977, adding new accommodation and facilities. Remaining here for so long gives us a strong sense of continuity with the many people who have used this building over the decades.

“Walcot Street has a powerful mix of history, independence and community spirit. Businesses come and go, but that same sense of connection underpins everything. We enjoy being active members of the Walcot Street Traders and we even built the Walcot Street website to help showcase our wonderful street. For our guests, gym members and nursery families, the location works brilliantly: central, easy to reach and close to all the main attractions, yet very much part of a real neighbourhood. We think it’s the best street in Bath and we’re proud that the YMCA continues to play a role in its story.”

Andy Thomas, owner of Thomas Fortin Menswear “Opening our first physical shop within The Bath Hat Company felt like the most natural step for a brand rooted in traditional menswear and craftsmanship. Historically, hats were essential to a gentleman’s wardrobe, so sitting side by side with a hatter on Walcot Street feels almost symbolic – together we’re keeping alive those joyful, characterful parts of dressing that go beyond pure necessity.

“Walcot’s strong independent spirit and slightly eccentric charm are a perfect match for us: it’s full of smaller businesses where individuality and quality really matter. Being here has given us the chance to have proper conversations with customers, to share the stories behind our clothes, and to see their reactions first hand. We may be in one of Bath’s smallest retail spaces, but the warmth, support and camaraderie along Walcot Street make it feel much bigger than its four walls.”

PH OT O FR OM

Vanessa Garrett, founding and creative director of Broadleaf Timber “Even back in 2002, Walcot Street already had a reputation for high‑quality, independent shopping, which made it the perfect home for Broadleaf. The street’s mix of interiors businesses has created a kind of design hub, where we benefit from the cross‑fertilisation between like‑minded specialists and our clients can explore a wealth of inspiration in one place. Over the years, despite wider economic challenges, Walcot Street has continued to thrive as a haven for quality independents, with a village-like mood and a strong sense of community among long‑standing businesses. It’s a relaxed, characterful place to shop and work, and we feel very fortunate to have called it home for so long.”

YM CA BATH

top: Wooden floor specialists Broadleaf have been based on Walcot Street since 2002; middle: Men’s luxury formal accessories Thomas Fortin have created a small but perfect space; bottom: Wolf Wine; inset: YMCA

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

CITY TALK

A Yarn Story, 128 Walcot Street; www.ayarnstory.co.uk Alfred’s, 27 Walcot Street; Instagram @alfreds.bath American Dream Comics, 72 Walcot Street; www.americandreamcomics.co.uk The Bath Hat Company, 9 – 11 Walcot Street; www.thebathhatcompany.com The Bell Inn, 103 Walcot Street; www.thebellinnbath.co.uk Broadleaf Timber, 134-136 Walcot Street; www.broadleaftimber.com CaliUnity Gym, 97-101 Walcot Street; www.caliunity.com Capitol Carpets, 120-122 Walcot Street; www.thecarpet.co.uk Coopers, 13-15 Walcot Street; www.coopershomeappliances.com Decadorn, 108, Lower Ground Floor, Walcot Street; www.decadorn.com Didi Cakes, 132 Walcot Street; www.didicakesbath.com Doubletree by Hilton, Walcot Street; www.hilton.com Farrow and Ball, 124-126 Walcot Street; www.farrow-ball.com

The Framing Workshop, 80 Walcot Street; www.theframingworkshop.com Graham & Green, 92 Walcot Street; www.grahamandgreen.co.uk Jim Lawrence,114 - 116 Walcot Street; www.jim-lawrence.co.uk Landrace, 59 Walcot Street; www.landrace.co.uk Languages United, 66 Walcot; www.languagesunited.com Looking Glass of Bath, 93-95 Walcot Street; www.lookinglassofbath.co.uk Melanie Giles, 57 - 59 Walcot Street; www.melanie-giles.uk Neptune, One Tram Yard, Walcot Street; www.neptune.com The Nick Cudworth Gallery, 5 London Street; www.nickcudworth.co.uk Oculus Wealth Management, 118b Walcot Street; www.oculuswealth.co.uk The Osteopathy & Pilates Studio, 2 Broad Street Place; www.bathpilates.co.uk Palette, 98 Walcot Street; www.palettable.co.uk Rossiters, 38-41 Broad Street; www.rossitersofbath.com

S&J Roofing, 30 Walcot Street; www.sandjbath.co.uk Sarthi, 88 Walcot Street; www.sarthi.co.uk Schwartz Bros, 102 Walcot Street; www.schwartzbros.co.uk Shindig Productions; 100 Walcot Street; www.shindigfestival.co.uk Slowly Downward, 146 Walcot Street; www.slowlydownward.co.uk Studio EDP, 104-106 Walcot Street; www.studioedp.com The Suite, 108 Walcot Street; www.thesuitebath.co.uk Sumptuous Designerwear, 68 Walcot Street; Instagram @sumptuous_designerwear Taylor’s Bagels, 6 London Road; www.taylorsbagels.com Thomas Fortin, 9 – 11 Walcot Street; www.thomasfortin.com Wolf Wine, 89 Walcot Street; www.wolfwine.co.uk Walcot House, 90B Walcot Street; www.walcothousebath.com The Yellow Shop,72 Walcot Street; www.theyellowshop.co.uk YMCA, International House, Broad St Place; www.ymcabath.org.uk ■

CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT: S&J Roofing;

Studio EDP; Shindig Productions; The Suite; The Yellow Shop; Harvest; Melanie Giles; The Framing Workshop

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

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

THE WONDERS OF WALCOT DIRECTORY

ESTAT E

A GE NT

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Bradford on Avon outskirts. Guide Price £960,000

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Well located country home. Five bedrooms & three bathrooms | Four receptions & kitchen family room | Indoor swimming pool | Private gardens, both formal & wooded | Double garage with office above

Attractive detached home in a hamlet near Bath | Two bedrooms | Sitting room & dining room | Kitchen breakfast room | Long, level garden with office | Loads of parking | No onward chain.

Individual detached home | 4 bedrooms, master with ensuite | Superb open plan kitchen space & utility | Two receptions with flexible living spaces | Welcoming entrance hall | Large gardens, garage & driveway parking.

Peaceful central location | Listed home for renovation | Flexible living spaces over three floors | Glorious views for miles | Sunny rear garden with views | Bags of potential | No onward chain.

If you’re thinking of selling, please call or pop in for a confidential chat about your move

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Years as an independent

27 Market Street, Bradford-on-Avon, BA15 1LL email: info@jeremyjenkins.co.uk • www.jeremyjenkins.co.uk

THE ARTS THE UNIVERSE PLC DRAMATIC BY MOOSE PRODUCTIONS CAN BE SEEN AT THE MISSION THEATRE 28 AND 29 MAY

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

FRINGE BENEFITS Words by Abbie Farmer

For over four decades, Bath Fringe has been offering something a little different and very inventive. Founded in 1981 as a more open, alternative counterpart to Bath’s established festival scene, it thrives on unpredictability and raw talent – an event where theatre, live music, visual art, experiences, and the unclassifiable collide. This is the kind of variety shaped less by top-down curation and more by enthusiasm from the ground up. As the organisers put it, the Fringe is about “all the arts, with few rules”, and that spirit remains very much alive this year.

The programme of more than 130 events, many of them free, happening over the next four weeks from 22 May until 7 June, exists because people care enough to make things happen – and they have the imagination to make it happen all over the city including the pubs, the chapels, Komedia, Rondo, The Bell Inn, and the streets.

For more: www.bathfringe.co.uk

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

PHOTOGRAPHER BY JACK OFFORD

WHAT’S ON 22 May – 27 June

EXHIBITIONS Until 6 September

NORMAN ACKROYD: THE TRANSIENCE OF LIGHT The first posthumous exhibition of the celebrated printmaker Norman Ackroyd, featuring five decades of atmospheric etchings capturing the coasts, landscapes and ever-changing light of the British Isles. Victoria Art Gallery; www.victoriagal.org.uk

Until 6 September

BROWN IN BATH: ARROWS OF DESIRE Brown in Bath is an exhibition across both the Holburne and No. 1 Royal Crescent featuring the work of Glenn Brown, one of the most celebrated painters to come out of the Young British Artist generation of the late 80s. He borrows images, colours, and drawn lines from art history to create fresh, humorous and disturbing paintings. www.holburne.org | www.no1royalcrescent.org.uk

Until 13 September

BEYOND IMPRESSIONISM: PRINTMAKING FROM MANET TO PICASSO Bringing together prints by key

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

artists of the movement, including Édouard Manet, Pierre Bonnard, Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec, and Pablo Picasso, among others, the exhibition explores how these artists, better known for their works in paint, also made remarkable contributions to printmaking. The Holburne; www.holburne.org

Until 19 September

REIMAGININGS Shaped by her Singaporean and British heritage, sculptural artist Hannah Lim works with materials including polymer clay, wood, and metal to create playful sculptures that explore mythology, history, and reflections on identity. The Museum of East Asian Art; www.meaa.org.uk

Until 26 September

WORLDS APART: RARE EARLY PHOTOGRAPHS OF CHINA AND BATH It might seem that the cities of Shanghai and Bath stood worlds apart around the late 1820s to 1839, just as photography was just beginning, but these two collections draw interesting parallels and place them together in surprising ways. Bath Royal Literary and Scientific Institution; www.brlsi.org

Oi lads! Take it outside! Oh, you already have as part of the American Museum & Gardens open air theatre season

Until 18 October

14 June

Until 1 November

THEATRE / MOVIES

ANGEL OTERO Moving his studio practice from Brooklyn NY and Puerto Rico temporarily to Somerset, Angel Otero, known for his physically immersive approach to paint as material, makes his UK debut featuring a deeply personal body of work completed during his residency. www.hauserwirth.com JOURNEYS Explore vibrant Asafo flags and textiles from the Karun Thakar collection displayed throughout the 17th-century Dyrham Park’s house interiors, revealing powerful narratives about migration, trade, craftsmanship and colonialism. Dyrham Park; www.nationaltrust.org.uk

23 – 25 May

BEAR FLAT ARTISTS OPEN STUDIO AND ART TRAIL More than 30 artists open their doors for visitors to find out more about the processes involved, watch a demonstration, and browse or buy original artwork direct. www.bearflatartists.co.uk

BATH CONTEMPORARY ARTISTS’ FAIR The regular Green Park Station event celebrating the diversity of contemporary art, and showcasing the works of talented artists from across the region. www.bcaf.co.uk

12 June

A NIGHT WITH ABRAHAM LINCOLN Jacob Truax delivers a 75 -minute solo performance that illuminates the life of one of America’s most prominent and famous presidents.

Burdall’s Yard; www.burdallsyard.co.uk

12 June

OTHELLO The Lord Chamberlain’s Men present Shakespeare’s tale of jealousy, manipulation and tragedy in an open-air performance. Also on the garden theatre bill is Sherlock Holmes & The Hound of the Baskervilles on 17 July, and The Jungle Book on 9 August. American Museum & Gardens; www.americanmuseum.org

WHAT’S ON

clockwise from top left: Rita Lazaro is just one of the many artists on the Bear Flat art trail happening 23 – 25 May; Head up to Entry Hill between 13 – 21 June for the completely free ten day Forest of Imagination extravaganza; The work of Glenn Brown can be seen across both the Holburne and No. 1 Royal Crescent until 6 September; The fabric work from the Karun Thakar collection can be seen at Dyrham Park until 1 November; Norman Cook does his Fatboy Slim thing at Westonbirt Arboretum on 24 June as part of Forest Live

16 – 20 June

THE MARQUISE Juliet Aubrey, Simon Shepherd and Tristan Gemmill star in Noël Coward’s romantic comedy about a widowed count who tries to marry off his already-in-love daughter to the equally betrothed-elsewhere son of his best friend. Theatre Royal Bath; www.theatreroyal.org.uk

FESTIVALS 22 May – 7 June

THE HOLY BIBLE PHOTO ROB MCKEEVER COURTESY GAGOSIAN

BATH FRINGE Enjoy more than 130 brilliant art events from big-name comedians such as Ed Byrne and Nigel Planer at the Roper Theatre through to ukulele players performing for free upstairs at The Grapes. Turn to page 39 for more. www.bathfringe.co.uk

1 – 30 June

QUEER BATH A month‑long city‑wide LGBTQ+ celebration in Bath’s museums and historic venues, spotlighting queer histories, gender revolutionaries, film festival, talks, and creative events, culminating in the Queer Bath silent disco at the Holburne. Turn to page 48 for more. www.queerbath.co.uk

6 – 14 June

FESTIVAL OF NATURE Across Bristol and Bath, there will be 160+ free events celebrating trees and wildlife, including a SouthGate Bath family day, an insect ID walk at Bath City Farm, a wildflower talk at BRLSI, plus river walks and workshops. www.festivalofnature.org.uk

18 – 21 June

IFORD MANOR JAZZ FESTIVAL Boutique jazz festival curated by the jazz vocalist, artistic director and producer Claire Martin OBE in

enchanting Iford Manor gardens.

Expect intimate cloister concerts, lawn parties, women‑in‑jazz headliners, picnics and world‑class performances. www.ifordmanor.co.uk

23 – 26 July

WOMAD The glorious celebration of world music at Neston Park includes the Bermondsey songstress Greentea Peng, Malian icon Oumou Sangaré, reggae legend Barrington Levy, and Swedish singer-songwriter José González.

Plus there’s talks, poetry, wellness, workshops, kids’ areas, and the best ever food stalls. www.womad.co.uk

MUSIC 5 June

THE OVERTONES The Overtones bring their signature harmonies, celebrating music from the 50s and 60s. The band are also joined by Strictly dancer Nadiya Bychkova and Olympic gymnast and Strictly champion Louis Smith MBE. The Forum; wwwbathforum.co.uk

12 June

FULLTONE ORCHESTRA AND FULLTONE CHORUS A powerful and enchanting programme of cinematic music performed at Bath Abbey by the 50-piece orchestra and 80-strong choir. www.fto.org.uk

24 – 28 June

FOREST LIVE Open‑air concerts in Westonbirt’s spectacular arboretum with world‑class headliners including Fatboy Slim (24 June), Deacon Blue (25), UB40 feat. Ali Campbell (26), Rick Astley (27) and Richard Ashcroft (28). www.forestlive.com

www.mediaclash.co.uk I BATH LIFE I 41

PHOTO BY MARK SENIOR

WHAT’S ON CHILDREN

OTHER

GIFFORDS CIRCUS Touring across the region is this story‑driven, high‑production magical circus with breathtaking acrobatics. www.giffordscircus.com

LANSDOWN OPEN GARDENS Discover six new gardens, all based near St. Stephen’s Millennium Green. www.millenniumgreen.org.uk

Until 27 September

23 – 31 May

COLOURSCAPE Explore a vast walk-in labyrinth of glowing colour with live music, performance and dance at Bath Recreation Ground, featuring experimental sounds, global traditions and improvisation in an ever-changing, immersive, familyfriendly experience. www.batharts.co.uk

13 – 21 June

9 June

THE MIDNIGHT ROMANCE ROADSHOW Organised with the help of Mr B’s Emporium, three of the biggest names in romance fiction right now, Meghan Quinn, Liz Tomforde, and Lucy Score, talk about their work.

Komedia; www.komediabath.co.uk

11 June

THE WOMAN BEHIND HIGHCLERE CASTLE Bestselling author, historian, and custodian of one of England’s most celebrated estates, Lady Carnarvon, is the latest Phenomenal Women speaker at the Gainsborough Hotel. www.thegainsboroughbathspa.co.uk

11 June

MICHAEL PALIN Nearly 80, but still unable to keep still. This time the former Monty Python star is talking about his recent trip to Nigeria and the subsequent book. www.toppingbooks.co.uk

A SAILOR BEFORE THE MIRROR BY ANGEL OTERO 2026

FOREST OF IMAGINATION Explore and have fun in a hidden landscape of woodlands and grasslands with sweeping views across the city as Forest of Imagination returns to Entry Hill and invites visitors of all ages to reconnect with nature. This completely free ten-day event, which this year celebrates the theme of transformation, features nine artistled installations, 11 workshops and lots of playful interventions. www.forestofimagination.org.uk

7 June

Jonathan Sayer seen here in Christmas Carol Goes Wrong

CULTURE CLUB with JONATHAN SAYER The award-winning writer, actor, and producer Jonathan Sayer is best known as a co-founder and company director of Mischief, the theatre company behind many productions including The Play That Goes Wrong and Peter Pan Goes Wrong. From 26 – 30 May, he is bringing Thespians to Theatre Royal Bath. Set in 534 BC, a brave band of Greek bards battle to avoid defeat (and death).

The last great film I saw The Pixar animation Hoppers, about a 19-year-old named Mabel who uses experimental technology to ‘hop’ her consciousness into a robotic beaver! It’s a bit weird and very witty. I took my daughter and we had the best time.

A film I could watch over and over again The 1931 film, City Lights written, produced, directed by, and starring Charlie Chaplin.

A painting that means something to me: Going to the Match by L.S. Lowry, because it reminds me of home.

Angel Otero exhibits the work done during his artist in residency at Hauser & Wirth

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

The book that changed my life I recently read Hermit by Chris McQueer about a young man who drops out of society, lives in isolation playing video games, and gets increasingly drawn into the incel subculture online.

I couldn’t put it down. I also really love If Nobody Speaks of Remarkable Things by Jon McGregor, which portrays a day in the life of a suburban British street. The first chapter is so very beautifully written and the whole novel is so impactful.

The book I could happily re-read Adrian Mole: The Prostate Years by Sue Townsend Best TV show ever I think that would be Severance, the sci-fi psychological It’s a definitely thriller starring from Jonathan Adam Scott, for the seminal Oasis album it is amazing.

I’m also really enjoying Shrinking with Harrison Ford on Apple TV. My TV guilty pleasure The reboot of Scrubs which reunites the medics JD, Turk, and Elliot.

My desert island disc It would have to be the album Definitely Maybe by Oasis.

My karaoke go-to The 1966 John Denver classic Leaving on a Jetplane.

For more: www.theatreroyal.org.uk

Upcoming Events 1

Nigel Planer in Young Once Roper Theatre | Fri 5 June

2

Matthew Coleridge’s Requiem Bath Abbey | Fri 12 June

3

Ladies Day Bath Racecourse | Sat 13 June

4

King of Fools The Mission Theatre | Thu 25 June

5

Donizetti’s ‘The Elixir of Love’ The Mission Theatre | Fri 26 & Sat 27 June

6

An Evening with Jenson Button The Forum | Mon 6 July

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2

3

4

5

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bathboxoffice.org.uk | 01225 463362 | @bathboxoffice The Forum, St James’s Parade, BA1 1UG | Open 10am – 5pm, Monday to Friday (closed Bank Holidays)

THE REEL THING ELLA KILLBOURN

The Little may be a mighty 90 years old with a silver screen history of its own, but today it still shines brighter than ever

clockwise from top: Claire Foy and Richard E Grant are

f you were to travel back to the early 20th century, Bath would be almost unrecognisable. Once a markedly industrial city, its riverside bristled with factories and warehouses, and the elegant sweep of the Royal Crescent was carved up into allotments in the name of ‘digging for victory’. Yet some things have endured. Turn the corner onto St Michael’s Place then or now, and you’d still be greeted by the post-box red doors of The Little Theatre.

The Little began life in 1913 as Citizen House, a community hub founded by social reformer Helen Hope, and quickly became a crucible for culture and connection. By 1915, Consuelo de Reyes had transformed it into a thriving 200-seat theatre, dedicated to opening up the magic of performance to those with little access to the arts. In 1936, it evolved again, reopening as a newsreel cinema just as the world hurtled through abdications, Olympic spectacle, and the dawn of television.

From Ethiopian emperors in exile (Haile Selassie was a regular visitor) to world famous film directors (Wes Anderson loved The Little so much he included it in Fantastic Mr. Fox), The Little has been both witness to history and a maker of it. Today, as it celebrates 90 years as a cinema, its screen is still flickering with new stories and here are just a few of the gems heading your way very soon

context coloured by secrets and revelations, this film will strike a chord with many viewers and leave them pondering ‘what would I have done?’ for weeks after watching.

I

Savage House

Release date 5 June

Richard E Grant and Claire Foy star in this black comedy as deplorable aristocrats, Lord and Lady Savage; delivering outstanding comedic performances of increasingly indulgent madness. Pox outbreaks and bloody

uprisings run riot, but peasant affairs are no skin off these heavily powdered noses. Concerned solely with pursuing an increasingly decadent lifestyle and higher social status, these nobles are savage indeed.

Director, Peter Glanz, has said he hopes to “shine a spotlight on inequities and inequalities, on the growing class divide and power dynamics” by using period drama to mirror our modern social failings and encouraging audiences to “laugh at themselves”. This latest foray into the absurdities of the upper class earns its place among the likes of Barry Lyndon and The Favourite as highly entertaining and occasionally thought-provoking satire of the rich and famous.

Disclosure Day

Release date 12 June

This highly anticipated new Steven Spielberg film is set to be another instant classic for the veteran Hollywood director; returning to his well-trodden topic of extra-terrestrials and full of his trademark thrill, suspense, and fairytale wonder. A true blockbuster on a massive scale, Disclosure Day possesses all the enthralling spectacle of Jurassic Park or Close Encounters with a screenplay by David Koepp, long-time collaborator with Spielberg and writer of War of The Worlds.

Disclosure Day transports us to a crucial moment in human history, when alien life could be revealed to the world at large and weighs up truth against stability, questioning power, transparency, and morality. Josh O’Connor and Emily Blunt lead a formidable cast, including Coleman Domingo and Colin Firth, all in complex, compelling roles where no one is wholly good or bad. In our own political

the deplorable duo in the 18th century satire Savage House; Emily Blunt stars in Steven Spielberg’s new scifi thriller Disclosure Day; Anders Thomas Jensen’s The Last Viking with Mads Mikkelsen and Nikolaj Lie Kaas; It’s been 90 years of big things at the Little

The Last Viking

Release date 26 June

A dark comedy of the Danish variety, Mads Mikkelsen of TV Hannibal fame gives an utterly unique masterclass in subtlety as Manfred, a man whose dissociative identity disorder leads him to believe he is in fact John Lennon of The Beatles, an assertion he does not react well to being contradicted. Manfred’s brother, Anker, and psychiatrist, Lothar, devise a half-baked plan to ‘cure’ Manfred by allowing him to play out his fantasy with a group of psychiatric patients who identify as the other Beatles.

What could go wrong? As if things weren’t complicated enough, 15 years earlier Anker entrusted Manfred with the important task of stashing away a large sum of money before serving time for bank robbery. Of course, ‘John Lennon’ is now unable, or perhaps unwilling, to recall where the cash is hidden.

This deadpan comedy is sure to be an entertaining watch with a cocktail of genres from bloody heist film to touching family drama, all delivered with straightfaced absurdism. A superbly acted cast of unexpectedly complex and empathetic characters, the sibling relationships at the film’s heart give it a warmth and depth that elevate it from good to great.

Ella Killbourn is the cinema manager at Little Theatre Cinema, St Michael’s Place, Bath; www.picturehouses.com

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

ARTS

QUEER EYE FOR THE QUEER BATH

T

Immerse yourself in the LGBTQ+ stories and hidden histories across the city

By Louise Holland and Jasmine Barker

his year, Queer Bath 2026 is shaped by the theme of Gender Revolutionaries: figures past and present who challenged, reshaped or transcended the gender norms of their time. From the Chevalier d’Éon, the transgender diplomat and spy who made Bath her home, to boundary-breaking artists, filmmakers and performers, the programme explores the people who continue to reshape how we understand gender, sexuality and identity today. Across Bath’s museums, heritage sites and cultural venues, the programme becomes a city-wide exploration that is as much about discovery as it is celebration. Queer Bath returns as a bold exploration of LGBTQ+ arts, culture and heritage, working with institutions across the city to uncover hidden histories and rethink how they are presented.

Following the success of Holburne Pride in 2024, Queer Bath expanded across the city in 2025 and has quickly grown into a multivenue cultural programme, bringing together museums, historic spaces and contemporary voices through film, fashion, performance and storytelling. Here are just a few events on offer: Kicking off this year’s Queer Bath programme on 1 June, Ania Magliano brings her acclaimed stand-up show Peach Fuzz to Komedia. Recently seen on Taskmaster, she is one of the UK’s most exciting comedy voices blending deadpan observations, chaotic storytelling and sharp humour to explore identity, awkwardness and modern life.

Did you know Oliver Messel was an artist who brought his distinct style to Bath in the 1960s? National Trust curator Dr Emily Roy explores Messel’s time in Bath and the influence of his work on LGBTQ+ history, on 5 June at the Bath Assembly Rooms.

Delving into another vital piece of queer history, Exploring the Log Books brings together Tash Walker and Adam Zmith at Picnic Coffee on 7 June for a conversation inspired by the remarkable handwritten log books of the London Lesbian and Gay Switchboard.

Looking into activism, community care and the preservation of queer lives and experiences,

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

the event offers a powerful insight into the importance of LGBTQ+ archives and storytelling.

Journey from the 17th century to imagined queer futures with Callisto: A Queer Epic, a social play reading at the Rondo Theatre on 9 June. Spanning centuries of queer love, loss and liberation, the piece draws on real historical events while inviting audiences to experience the work together in an informal and welcoming setting.

“Explore how we understand gender, sexuality and identity today” Hello? Who’s there? It’s Elizabeth Lovatt, author of Thank You for Calling the Lesbian Line.

On 12 June, she’ll be at Boston Tea Party for a stirring and poignant conversation that celebrates queer history, community and the power of storytelling.

Step into the world of queer botanical symbolism with a terrarium-making workshop that connects hidden histories with contemporary craft. Exploring how flowers and plants have long been used as coded expressions of LGBTQ+ identity, the workshop upstairs at Botanica Studio invites participants to create their own miniature ecosystem on 13 June.

If you’re a lover of film, head to the Queer Bath Film Festival on 13 June for a day celebrating bold new voices and LGBTQ+

storytelling on screen. Curated by the Holburne Future Collective, the programme brings together emerging queer filmmakers, panel discussions, awards and a special screening of Portrait of a Lady on Fire in the Holburne’s portrait gallery, transforming the museum into a space for cinema, conversation and queer storytelling.

Blending poetry and physical theatre, Girlhood on T by TransMash Productions offers a raw and personal exploration of gender at The Bell Inn (Back Bar) on 14 June.

“I dress for the image. Not for myself, not for the public, not for fashion, not for men” – said the Hollywood star and style icon, Marlene Dietrich. That spirit of defiance, reinvention and self-expression runs through a day of events exploring fashion as a tool for identity, resistance and queer visibility at the Holburne on 20 June. Rebel Threads: A Playful Look at Gender & the Art of Dress examines the ways clothing has long been used to challenge expectations and reshape gender norms, alongside a talk from Eleanor Medhurst, author of Unsuitable: A History of Lesbian Fashion.

And closing the programme with a special screening of Morocco with a post-film discussion, celebrating Dietrich’s enduring legacy as one of cinema’s great gender revolutionaries.

For those drawn to the stranger side of cinema, Reel Life Monsters presents a oneof-a-kind double bill of Re-Animator and Frankenhooker at No. 1 Royal Crescent.

Celebrating Mary Shelley’s ongoing influence on horror cinema, the evening explores the queer themes and monstrous legacies woven through Frankenstein adaptations. After all, Frankenstein was born in Bath.

Closing Queer Bath in style is Holburne Up Late on 26 June. With talks, gallery trails, after-hours museum access, the launch of the We the People comic: Disability, Queerness and Me alongside a special appearance from poet Joelle Taylor, the evening builds towards a huge silent disco taking over the café and terrace. Get ready for queer anthems, packed dancefloors and a very different side to the Holburne after dark. n For more: www.queerbath.co.uk

clockwise from top left: Poet Joelle Taylor is

guest starring at the Holburne’s Up Late night on 26 June; Author of Unsuitable: A History of Lesbian Fashion Eleanor Medhurst talks at the Holburne on 20 June; Botanica Studio reveals terrarium-making has quietly been used as code for LGBTQ+ identity; Queer Bath Film Festival has a special screening of Portrait of a Lady on Fire; No 1 Royal Crescent is screening Frankenhooker; Queer Bath celebrates Marlene Dietrich’s enduring legacy as one of cinema’s great gender revolutionaries; Elizabeth Lovatt, the author of Thank You for Calling the Lesbian Line; the festival closes on 26 June with a Holburne silent disco; comedian Ania Magliano performs at Komedia

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

SHOPPING LIVE WELL, BUY BETTER

PETAL GURU

“Florals? For spring? Groundbreaking.” says a sarky Miranda Priestly in The Devil Wears Prada I. To the pretend editor of the fictional Runway mag, we say, “Yeah, actually. They can be.”

Go painterly and think hand-drawn, vibrant watercolour prints across silk.

Crochet is also huge right now, so that’s flowers built into the very fabric of your being. And sporty wide-legged navy tracksuit bottoms paired with a full-on flowery frock coat is the unexpected styleclash we didn’t know we needed.

If you’re hell-bent on pretty-posy pastel-coloured tea-dresses, then rough everything up with a battered, oversized leather jacket and scuffed black ankle boots – and definitely NOT a smart denim jacket with box-fresh white trainers. If you do that, you’re going to fashion hell, little buddy.

For more: www.dorothyhouse.org.uk

Photography Egle Vasi; www.eglevasi.com Model Kundai from Gingersnap; www.gingersnap.co.uk Styling Marianne Cantelo Make up artist Louise Jane; Instagram @louisejanemakeupartist Clothes Sourced from Dorothy House charity shops

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

CREAM AND BLACK FLORAL QUILTED JACKET, £95 Cream quilted jacket with a black floral stripe design, front pockets and a collared neckline and finished with cream buttons – the ideal lightweight layer for effortless style.

From Oliver Bonas, Unit 5A, St Lawrence Street, SouthGate; www.oliverbonas.com

MARIMEKKO BLACK ASTRILLI SQUARE SCARF, £37 Cotton square scarf featuring Marimekko’s small Unikko flowers in a monochrome palette, framed by a black border.

A chic, graphic accessory to knot at the neck, in the hair, or on the handle of a favourite bag.

From Found Bath; www.foundbath.co.uk

HEAVY PETAL

Taking the florals out of twee garden parties, punching them up, and embracing their dark side

CANNY EMBROIDERED WAISTCOAT, £155 A beautifully embroidered black waistcoat from the Bath-based indie designer resortwear specialists that adds an artisanal touch to any look. Layer over dresses, shirts or knits for instant boho-luxe styling.

From Pasha Living; www.pashaliving.com 52 I BATH LIFE I www.mediaclash.co.uk

GANNI FLORAL JACQUARD MIDI DRESS, WAS £425, NOW £127.50 Black floral jacquard midi dress with a collar, zip closure, front pocket, side pockets and a softly flared skirt.

Crafted from 100 per cent recycled polyester for a modern, feel-good twist on occasion dressing.

From Square, 12 New Bond Street, Bath; www.square.store

ANAIS DEVORE DRESS, WAS £310, NOW £200 Luxurious viscose velvet dress with angel sleeves, a deep V neckline and a hip-skimming skirt. Effortlessly elegant, it moves beautifully from dusk to after-dark.

From Aspiga, 7 Broad Street, Bath; www.aspiga.com

EDITOR’S CHOICE

RUNDHOLZ PRINTED TROUSERS, £279 Balloon-shaped, drop-crotch trousers featuring a unique graphic print and an easy, elasticated waist. A contemporary silhouette for those who love directional, artful style.

From Blue Women & Home at The Loft, 1–2 Bartlett Street, Bath; www.bluewomensclothing.co.uk

JISTA FLORAL LACE-EMBELLISHED SWEATSHIRT BY ESSENTIEL ANTWERP, £175 A relaxed, off-duty sweatshirt elevated with intricate floral lace embellishment for a chic, feminine twist.

From Grace & Mabel, 3 George Street, Bath; www.graceandmabel.co.uk

CRUELLA BLACK FLOWER LEATHER SHOE CLIP, £40 Striking black leather flower shoe clip that instantly adds drama to your footwear.

The detachable design lets you switch between bold statement and understated elegance in seconds.

From Chanii B; www.chaniibshoes.com

DELILAH JACQUARD PRINTED BEADEDHALTERNECK TOP, £130 A subtle jacquard top with a contrasting leaf print and marbled beaded halterneck that threads through a twisted neckline.

From Reiss, 34 Milsom Street, Bath; www.reiss.com

MAEVE FLORAL STRAPLESS MIDI DRESS, £200 A stand-out strapless midi dress with 3D floral detailing and crisp, polished lines that feel instantly special. With a bandeau neckline and beautifully structured silhouette.

From Anthropologie, 1–4 New Bond Street, Bath; www.anthropologie.com

www.mediaclash.co.uk I BATH LIFE I 53

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

Nigel Dando

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

We at Bikano’s take pride in serving authentic Indian cuisine.

Luxury & local

Our chefs have deep roots with India (Rajasthan especially) and its culinary heritage. Bikano’s is our humble attempt to bring flavours from different parts of India to Bath. Indian food served at Bikano’s are honest inspirations from recipes and flavours experienced in several parts of India.

The most sophisticated audience is just a call away

The restaurant offers a mix of North & South Indian cuisine, both vegetarian & delicious meat dishes, with a full bar. We welcome you to our restaurant and our sincere effort in bringing authentic Indian cuisine to Bath.

25 Claverton Buildings, Bath BA2 4LD | 01225 533591 | info@bikanos.co.uk

www.bikanos.co.uk

BathLife Team 01225 475800

FOOD AND DRINK

PRIMA NUMBER A modern Italian trattoria has arrived in the heart of Bath with the

opening of PrimaVista Bath on Quiet Street. Founded by Giacomo Apicella in partnership with Kelvin Wong, the growing brand first launched in Oxford before expanding to Bury St Edmunds and now Bath.

General manager Charlie Felstead leads a team of passionate chefs and hospitality professionals, all focused on authentic Italian flavours with many selected ingredients imported from Italy. He says, “We are also already in the top 200 on TripAdvisor out of 500 in Bath after just under three weeks. Our aim is to combine the warmth of a traditional Italian trattoria with a modern, carefully curated dining experience that guests will want to return to again and again.”

For more: www.primavista.uk

Genevieve Taylor’s cooking up a storm at Topping

HOT, HOT, HOT Bristol fire chef and bestselling author Genevieve Taylor will right: Quiet Street has a new Italian; inset: La Rustica done PrimaVista style

Philip and Karen Turner have opened a new café on Moorland Road; inset: Bright Field’s cinnamon toast with blueberries

bring her live-fire expertise to Topping & Company Booksellers of Bath on 10 June. The courtyard event features a live BBQ demonstration with tastings, celebrating her new book, How to BBQ. Billed as a modern BBQ bible, it covers everything from building and controlling heat to flavour-packed recipes that move beyond standard burgers and sausages.

For more: www.toppingbooks.co.uk

THE BRIGHT SIDE OF THE ROAD A new community-focused café has opened just off

Moorland Road in Oldfield Park. Bright Field Café is run by co-owners Karen and Philip Turner, who have lived and worked locally for nearly a decade. They say, “We’re not aspiring to be a typical Bath ‘foodie’ destination cafe, as we are local people providing a café space for our neighbours. We see this very much as a community café, fitting into the wider Moorland Road ecosystem.”

A community room for groups, classes and charities is currently being finished at the back.

For more: www.brightfield.org.uk

www.mediaclash.co.uk I BATH LIFE I 55

A PLATE in the SUN A smorgasbord of outdoor delights to suit everyone from grill-seekers to courtyard chillers

By Elsie Chadwick

F

FOOD & DRINK

rom hidden courtyards and riverside terraces to rooftop suntraps and grand country house lawns, al fresco season has arrived – and you’d be hard pressed to think of a better place than in these ‘ere parts to slap on the shades and head out for a slap up meal. Here’s a round-up of just a few of the venues and menus to head to the minute the sun pops its hat on…

GARDEN KITCHEN IN THE CITY

The Bath Priory, Weston Road, Bath; www.thebathpriory.co.uk Set in four acres of gardens yet only a ten-minute walk from Bath city centre, The Bath Priory offers an al fresco experience that feels distinctly country house. Its spacious terrace is a tranquil escape from the city, perfect for everything from a quiet morning coffee with the paper to a long, lazy lunch or early evening cocktails followed by garden games on the lawn.

Backed in early summer by scented, wisteria-clad walls and overlooking beautifully landscaped grounds, the terrace which is open from 8am until late combines generous tables, comfy chairs, garden parasols and softly glowing table lanterns to create a relaxed, welcoming atmosphere. The menu focuses on refined small plates, including glazed chicken thigh with walnuts, gnocchi gratin with Lyonnaise and truffle, pot-roast hispi cabbage and smoked ricotta with miso, Old Spot pork belly with pea fricassee and lemon sole with Grenobloise sauce.

Menus are shaped by the seasons and the hotel’s own kitchen garden and this year, berries from the mulberry tree and fragrant pink elderflower are set to feature in new cocktails, cordials and a delicately perfumed elderflower vinegar for salads.

“Listen carefully, and there’s the music of birdsong” opposite: The country house feel of The Bath Priory;

above and below: Noya’s Kitchen sun-dappled secret garden

THE SECRET GARDEN

Noya’s Kitchen, 7 St James Parade, Bath; www.noyaskitchen.co.uk It’s pretty, it’s pretty new, and it’s this summer’s must-visit spot. Follow the pathway planted with vibrant tulips and mimosa trees to an enclosed courtyard with enough space for around 30–35 covers, with blossom-covered walls providing shade and the occasional sight of a balloon floating serenely past. Listen carefully, and there’s the music of birdsong amidst the city’s hum.

The cooking is every bit as transportive. Drawing on Noya’s family recipes from Vietnam, the menu is small, vibrant and frequently changing, with every dish heightening senses and packing a punch. A few recently added highlights inclyde Cha Ca Noodles: fried cod cheeks tossed with lime, peanuts and dill, scented with turmeric and served with nuoc cham and dresses with chilli, lime and garlic. For the lazy lunch holiday vibes, consider the pineapple chicken skewers and sticky glazed pork ribs. To accompany the team, suggest Cantina Puiatti Traminer, a summery wine with notes of peach, candied pear and roses, making it the ideal drink for sunny times.

For the warmer months, the team leans into zingy salads, skewers and finger food designed for lingering outdoors. The Passion Frutini cocktail is a hit with those who like something punchy, sweet and sharp – the kind of drink that instantly feels like a holiday.

www.mediaclash.co.uk I BATH LIFE I 57

OPEN AGAIN FOR THE SUMMER SEASON the cross guns

Enjoy local beers, ciders and stunning riverside views.

avoncliff

Open hours: Wed, Thurs, Sun Bar: 11am – 8pm Food: 11.30am – 7pm

Fri & Sat Bar: 11am – 9pm Food: 11.30am – 7pm

crossgunsavoncliff.com

159 - 160, Avoncliff, Bradford-on-Avon BA15 2HB

FOOD & DRINK COURTYARD CHAAT

Bandook, Shires Yard, 3 – 7 Milsom Street, Bath; www.bandookkitchen.com Set away from the main thoroughfare, Bandook’s hidden courtyard is a calming, intimate enclave with a snug, almost-secret feel, yet with ample space for around 50 covers. Earthy wooden tables and benches keep things informal and accessible, in line with Bandook’s modern street food ethos, while parasols and fairylights add to the atmosphere, turning the terrace into a serene little oasis after dark.

Bandook’s vibrant, flavour-packed cooking translates perfectly outdoors. On sunny days and long light evenings, guests gravitate to the terrace for refreshing cocktails mixed by the in-house barman, followed by a spread of summery favourites. Classic Indian Subcontinent street food chaat, bursting with zingy flavours, is a natural choice, as is Bandook’s playful take on a British staple, Masala fish and chips. The small plates menu adds a casual picnic vibe with tandoori-led dishes such as Punjabi lamb chops, signature butter chicken wings, tandoori malai broccoli, squid koliwada, chilli paneer and amritsari fish among the most popular picks. above: The hidden courtyard of Bandook; below: Iford Manor Kitchen with its Mediterranean vibe

ESTATE TO PLATE

Iford Manor Kitchen Iford Manor; www.ifordmanor.co.uk Award-winning Iford Manor Kitchen offers a serene, south-facing terrace that feels more like the South of France than the Somerset countryside. Set within a stoneenclosed courtyard and overlooking the Iford valley, it’s an idyllic spot for relaxed outdoor dining with another space for 40 covers.

Open for lunch Wednesday to Sunday, an Italianate à la carte menu showcases fresh, seasonal produce, much of it grown or reared on the surrounding Iford Manor estate.

Executive chef Matthew Briddon’s spring, from farmto-fork, menu is laden with Iford favourites. A standout is the generous charcuterie plate, featuring meats cured in-house (and without sulphites or nitrites; the pasta dishes are all made from scratch; while the grilled lamb and steak of the day come directly from the estate.

Seafood lovers can opt for hand-dived Cornish scallops or the line-caught catch of the day, all delivered each morning from the coast.

During the sunshine months there’s also the Friday night supper clubs adding to the appeal with changing five-course tasting menus, optional wine flights, and live music.

“Offers a serene, southfacing terrace that feels more like the South of France” www.mediaclash.co.uk I BATH LIFE I 59

FOOD & DRINK RIVERSIDE PIZZAS AND SUNDOWNER SPRITZES

Timbrell’s Yard, 49 St Margaret’s Street, Bradford on Avon; www.timbrellsyard.com Award-winning boutique hotel Timbrell’s Yard makes the most of its prime position on the banks of the River Avon, offering one of Bradford on Avon’s most picturesque spots for al fresco dining with a spacious terrace seating around 85 guests. The beautiful riverside setting does much of the ‘come-hither and eat’ talking, with views across the water towards the distinctive arched bridge and honey-coloured buildings beyond.

The star of the outdoor menu is the new wood-fired pizza oven, which feels tailor-made for easy-access, openair dining. Bases are thin and crisp, topped generously with ingredients like Ibérico chorizo, anchovies, local cheeses, cremini mushrooms and wild garlic pesto. A seasonal favourite pairs asparagus, pancetta and Somerset mozzarella with a spoonful of lemon ricotta – especially good alongside an Aperol Spritz.

Drinks are taken seriously here, with cocktails designed for sunshine sipping. Current highlights include the Rhubarb Gin Sling, made with Penrhos Rhubarb Gin, rhubarb liqueur, pineapple juice and elderflower, and the ultra-refreshing Cucumber Cleanser with Sapling Vodka, lemon, ginger and fresh cucumber.

“Makes the most of its prime position on the banks of the River Avon”

above: Timbrell’s Yard enjoys a large terrace and riverside views; left and inset: High above Bath’s rooftop in Root’s new outdoor space

ROOF TOP HIGHS

Root Bath, Shires Yard, Bath; www.rootrestaurants.co.uk Modern, vegetable-led restaurant Root Bath has added a sunny new space to its city centre home: a rooftop terrace with its own spritz and snacks menu with options including apricot or carrot marmalade spritzes, pulled oyster mushroom ‘tacos’, scallop ceviche and their much-loved focaccia.

Part of Josh and Holly Eggleton’s The Pony Group, and co-patroned by Rob Howell and Meg Oakley-Howell, Root Bath is split across a spacious two floors, with the new skyline view terrace seating 25. A peaceful oasis above the bustle of the city and festooned with pretty lights, it offers the unbeatable vista across the rooftops and fields beyond.

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

FOOD & DRINK THE HEART OF THE MATTER

Emberwood, Francis Hotel, 5 Queen Square, Bath; www.emberwoodbath.com You can’t get any more heart of the city than this. Nor can you get any more John Wood the Elder, the 18th century architect who designed the landmark site of Queen Square, and who is practically the patron saint of Bath.

The ‘wood’ in the Emberwood name is in his honour and the main of the restaurant is housed in the Francis Hotel at No. 5 Queen Square. There is however also a glorious side terrace for a little al fresco delight, and endless people watching. And the menu from exec chef David Hazell, which managed to get them a Michelin Guide listing in under four months from opening in May last year, is another delight. Options include coal roasted scallops, garlic butter and gremolata; crispy Porthilly oysters and Somerset lardo; pork schnitzel, celeriac remoulade with lardo fries, a British charcuterie board served with pickles and charred sourdough. Just pour a chilled glass of a Domaine Kennel, Côtes de Provence French rosé and you’re good to go (outside!)

ABOVE PAR AND BEYOND THE PARKLAND

Bowood Hotel, Spa & Golf Resort, Derry Hill, Calne; www.bowood.org Relaxed yet refined would be the best description for this glorious al fresco 80-cover dining spot. Set against sweeping parkland and the golf course, the terrace at Bowood Hotel, Spa & Golf Resort has an easy and above: Grab a ringside seat and people watch at Emberwood; below: Bowood is hosting a barbecue summer social in June

elegant feel that blends into the surrounding landscape, where resident deer often provide a quietly spectacular backdrop.

The outdoor menu leans into lighter, seasonal dishes while keeping a few indulgent signatures. Zero‑mile appetisers and small plates are designed to pair with wines by the glass, encouraging a graze-and-sip rhythm.

Brown butter gnocchi with peas, asparagus and wild garlic pesto is a firm favourite, as is Cornish sole Véronique with spinach, grapes and tarragon. When there make sure to sample the seasonal salads that showcase locally grown produce from Bowood’s estate and nearby suppliers.

The drinks list follows the seasons too, with a focus on spritz-style serves such as the crisp and refreshing Walled Garden cocktail made with Bowood’s own gin, cucumber, mint and lime.

Building on the success of last year’s Summer Social series, the terrace is also playing host to barbecues, tastings and live music. On 18 June, a smokehouse barbecue social special will bring together live music, curated drinks and flame‑kissed dishes, with more events scheduled throughout the summer.

“Resident deer often provide a quietly spectacular backdrop” 62 I BATH LIFE I www.mediaclash.co.uk

Root Spice is the perfect place to escape the cold this winter. Step beneath the streets of Bath and enjoy bold Indian flavours, expertly crafted dishes, and creative cocktails in a cosy, luxurious setting designed for relaxed winter dining.

Head Chef Soyful brings skill and creativity to every plate, delivering a dining experience that feels considered and distinctive.

15 Argyle Street, Bathwick, Bath BA2 4BQ 01225 698127 | contact@rootspice.co.uk

www.rootspice.co.uk Find us on f 

THE INN AT FRESHFORD

Freshford residents can relax; its historic pub is in the safest possible hands Words by Deri Robins Photos by Guy Harrop

A

RESTAURANT

PHOTO BY DERI ROBINS

perfect village needs to offer all the ‘P’s. Post Office, Executive chef Matthew Briddon heads up the kitchen team, drawing Primary school, Parish church, Park, Public transport on local produce, much of it grown and reared on Iford’s own estate. His links – and most important of all, Proper Pub. Tick menu balances pub favourites with more ambitious dishes. My dining all these, and the Property Prices will take care of pal is seduced by a beetroot and chicory tarte tatin with chickpea puree, themselves. curried carrot slaw, wild garlic chimichurri and grilled halloumi; it’s a This being the case, it was a matter of some concern mini-smorgasbord of her favourite foods, she says, but how would it all for the denizens of Freshford when its inn closed suddenly last year. work together?

While they waited for the new owners to announce themselves, the realSuccessfully, as it turns out. The plate is colourful and pretty, the yin of ale hardcore repaired to the The Hop Pole in nearby Limpley Stoke, a the sweet earthy beetroot tarte tatin alongside the yang of the halloumi recent local success story that has seen the building revived through a slice topped with springy leaves and a mildly spiced chimichurri – it’s community buy-out. the mark of a skilful chef who can turn such disparate ingredients into But the Hop Pole was only ever going to be a stopgap for the folk of something so finely balanced. Rather less successful is a confit tomato Freshford. After all, the two villages have always enjoyed a benign rivalry; tart. I’d expected sweet, slow-cooked toms oozing into a pastry, case, but former resident Miles Kington often wrote about the dish that arrives places rustically-chopped this in his column for the Independent, cheerily fresh tomatoes over a short, slightly dry base.

RESTAURANT DETAILS explaining that if the flames of enmity ever died Mains are hearty. A Creedy Carver chicken The Inn at Freshford, The Hill, Freshford, BA2 7WG. down, he’d fan them. has flavour punched up to eleven by a Bath Soft tel: 01225 727262; www.theinnatfreshford.com No; what Freshford wanted was its Inn back, as Owned by William and Marianne CartwrightCheese stuffing and a prosciutto wrap; it’s spring good as, or ideally better than ever, and its prayers Hignett of Iford Manor, who also run Iford Manor on a plate with its crushed Jersey Royals and Wye café and restaurant and The Cross Guns at Avoncliff Valley asparagus. were answered when William and Marianne History and setting The inn dates back to the Cartwright-Hignett of Iford Manor took it over Pies are a star attraction here. I consider myself 1500s and has previously housed a butcher, baker, in December 2025. This is a couple with proven a reasonable person (most would disagree) but village shop and even a mortuary. form in hospitality; they’re passionate about all I steadfastly refuse to accept that a pie is worth the things that matter when it comes to running a Chef Executive chef Matthew Briddon is classically the name if the filling isn’t completely encased in historic hostelry, from community to heritage and trained, with a worldwide career pastry; otherwise, it’s just a stew with a crispy hat.

Type of food A highly seasonal take on British sustainability.

The Inn’s are the real deal. The kitchen is ever gastro-pub cooking, with a core menu of classics If you’ve never been (or even if you have, it so proud of its old-fashioned heavy-duty pie makes no difference) it’s a picture-perfect example Spaces There are around 80 covers, plus an press, and my pal is seduced by the promise of upstairs room for private events for up to 30 seated, the lamb and mint ‘Pie of the Moment’. Having of a 16th-century coaching inn. We may not be and a new private dining room for up to 10 guests. in Dorset but with its bucolic views over sheepnot concentrated fully on ordering, she therefore Prices Starters range from about £10–£16; mains dotted fields fronting the River Frome there’s ended up with a pastry-based starter and main; from £21–£30 (dry-aged Iford Estate steaks from still a decidedly far-from-the-madding-crowd thankfully there wasn’t an apple pie on the around £38); and desserts from £9–£14 Hardysesque feel to proceedings. That said, the dessert menu or she might have ended up with an In a nutshell Pub and pie perfection madding crowd can be much in evidence during inadvertent hat trick and been obliged to eschew weekends, as this is a madly popular destination for hikers and dogcarbs for a week. walkers gagging for a pint; there’s a great selection of local real-ales and She was rewarded by the kind of old-school pie that those first visitors ciders. Indeed, it often feels as if dogs outnumber the two-legged patrons, to the Inn, arriving by coach and horses, may well have tucked into, so be prepared to play endless games of jump rope with labrador leads. sitting high on the plate with perfectly crimped edges. The flavourful The large beer garden is currently closed for renovation but will reopen Iford lamb filling, a mix of minced and shredded slow-cooked meat, was in time for summer. Hopes are high. As the owners of Iford Manor’s further set off with a generous swirl of rich gravy on the plate. internationally famed Italianate Grade I grounds, William and Marianne After the calorific double-threat of her mains and starters my pal have an expert team at their disposal, and while you shouldn’t expect to protested weakly at the prospect of the pudding course. I am made of see classical statuary or colonnades popping up any time soon, we know stronger stuff, and besides, I’ve seen Eton Mess on the menu and have this tiered space will be a delight; there’s talk of an outside bar and a pizza never met one I didn’t like. The Inn uses a house meringue, and tastes full oven. of the promise of sunny summer days ahead; our waitress suggests we Inside there’s been no noticeable messing with the mojo; the big might like two spoons, but that’s not going to work for me, so I talk my pal fireplace still has its old bread oven, and look out for a historic brake shoe, into ordering a refreshing mango sorbet. thought to be from a coaching wagon fireplace is still. There’s a discrete Freshford folk can relax. Their beloved pub is in the safest possible dining room at the far right of the building; this is a dog-free zone, but hands, meaning that the village is back up to it’s full complement of Ps; shares the friendly informality of the bar. in fact it’s Practically Perfect in every way.

www.mediaclash.co.uk I BATH LIFE I 65

Healthy Hair Specialist Are you Suffering from hair loss, an itchy scalp, hair breakage or any other type of hair or scalp concern?

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

NETWORK

THE CITY’S HOTTEST BUSINESS NEWS

A STRONG FOUNDATION LYNNE FERNQUEST AND HALENA COURY ON HOW BATH RUGBY FOUNDATION HELPS CREATE BETTER FUTURES

ENTREPRENEURS ASSEMBLE! The inspiring EntreConf returns to excite and provoke

MARKET ECONOMY

The financial success of Bath’s Christmas Market

BATH LIFE AWARDS

The Curator’s House on that winning feeling

RING THE CHANGES

Jewellery designer Amanda Marcucci relocates to Bath

BUILDING FROM THE GROUND UP

LYNNE FERNQUEST and HALENA COURY of Bath Rugby Foundation share the shocking realities of our city’s inequalities and how the charity is working hard to level the playing field Words by Paul Marland Main photos by Narrated Frames; www.narratedframes.com 70 I BATH LIFE I www.mediaclash.co.uk

B

ath Rugby Foundation sounds like a sporting endeavour: comfortable, establishment, deeply posh. In fact, it’s entirely independently run (“though we love having ‘Bath Rugby’ in our name,” chief exec Lynne Fernquest says) and works exclusively with underprivileged kids. Remarkably, they raised almost a million pounds last year, and this year look to top that.

Lynne herself had no charity background before starting. She grew up in South Wales, and wanted to become a lawyer – “but I just thought, I don’t fit in.” Instead she went to Newcastle to be a journalist and eventually became the first ever female editor of the Bath Chronicle. “But that became more of a regional business manager role, which wasn’t what I went into journalism for. So when somebody shared the CEO job at Bath Rugby Foundation with me, I thought, yeah, that’s the one. There were 63 applicants, and I was the only one without charity experience!”

Meanwhile, Halena Coury,

PHOTO BY GARY BIDE

NETWORK opposite: Halena and Lynne with MediaClash chief exec Greg Ingham who interviewed them at the

recent Bath Life Network Lunch in Emberwood; below: The pair talk about the charity’s work ;inset: The Bath Rugby Foundation has helped improve the lives of many children and young people

longstanding head of fundraising, came to Bath over 30 years ago and got to know Nick Blofeld, CEO of Bath Rugby, as her children were growing up. “He said, ‘You know everybody, so why not help the charity out?’

It was struggling: doing great work, but not raising any funds.

We’ve steadily built our turnover from £60,000 pounds a year to £954,000; this year, I hope it will be over a million.”

When Lynne started, BRF offered 22 different programmes, a mixture of health and education.

“But we hadn’t worked out what we were good at,” she says. “These days we do much less – but have a bigger impact. We offer a FiveStep Pathway for young people, aged 5 to 25, and we’re working with 5,500 of them. We no longer duplicate what others are doing, but work with – for instance – 10 year olds who are beginning to disengage from mainstream education, and young people who’ve left school but aren’t in employment, education or training – what’s called NEAT. There are a million of these in the UK, and each will cost the economy £1m. So we’re not just doing good,

it makes economic sense too.”

Every week the High Five Club looks after 100 youngsters with special educational needs, too. “There’s very little provision for them, because they can’t join mainstream clubs. So on a Tuesday they’ll be doing dance; on Thursday playing golf…

These children are often really isolated: without us, there isn’t the opportunity to be competitive at sport, or play in a team.”

A lack of social skills is another huge thing. “Kids don’t how to turn up on time, or dress properly, or look somebody in the eye… And often their parents don’t have these skills either. They cause trouble because it’s easier to get kicked out of a room than to find out you’re no good at something. Everything we

“THESE CHILDREN ARE OFTEN REALLY ISOLATED”

do is about giving these children the skill sets to go on to education, apprenticeships, or work and be successful.”

Bath is, of course, a famously affluent place – yet it has massive chasms of poverty. “It’s actually one of the most unequal cities in the UK. If you’re born in Bear Flat, you’ll live 10 years longer than if you’re born in Twerton, and that’s two stops away on the bus. So we can’t afford to wait for policies or governments to change – we will create the change ourselves.

We look at the reality of our region and say, ‘Come on, let’s work together and change this, so every child gets a fair start in life.’”

Over a million pounds of revenue is more than impressive – but where does it all come from?

“A lot is through service delivery,” Halena says. “We have contracts with schools to go in and work with youngsters who’re struggling.

That brings in up to £400,000.

We get around £200,000 through events: International Women’s Day, International Men’s Day, our annual fundraising dinner. More comes through grant writing, or individual donations – largely from

people who just want Bath to be as good as possible.”

But though money is great, contributing time and expertise is vital too. To this end, Sam Daniels of Knight Frank, the popular young local estate agent, stood up to give an impromptu speech about the work he does with BRF, and why he does it.

Sam: “When I was a child, I wish I’d had someone to look up to and make me realise that everything’s going to be okay. We live in a world that can be so nasty, and where everyone preaches about mental health – but no-one does anything about it. Yet when you do, you really see a difference. Also, selfishly, working with Bath Rugby Foundation makes me feel good. When they first meet me, kids probably think I’m posh and stuck-up, but then I tell them my life story. You can see them relate. Often these are kids you might see at night with their hoods up and want to avoid, but they’ve welcomed me into their lives.

It takes a lot of courage for them to do that, as people like me can be intimidating for them too.”

So that’s someone who’s benefited from helping Bath Rugby Foundation, but what about those whose lives have been turned around by it? Lynne tells the tale of Meg – “that’s her real name, by the way” – who was excluded from school, suffered from ADHD and Tourette’s, couldn’t stand being around people. “She stayed with us for a year, and over that time went from being really difficult to a pleasure. She left us, went back into school, did A levels, went to university and is now a police officer serving the community. It’s what can happen when people stop giving up and start believing in you.”

For more: www.bathrugbyfoundation.com | www.mediaclash.co.uk www.mediaclash.co.uk I BATH LIFE I 71

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CHARITY SUPPORT AWDRY LAW are working with Bath charities to support those in need

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ince opening our doors in the heart of Bath earlier this year, we’ve been focused on becoming more than just a law firm in the city. For us at Awdry Law Solicitors, being part of Bath means getting involved and supporting the people and organisations that make the community what it is.

In recent weeks, much of that has centred around our work with Genesis Trust Bath.

Teams from across our Bath office have spent time volunteering in a number of hands-on roles, from painting a new office space at St Swithin’s Church to helping with gardening at the Gateway Centre.

This work has been supported by wider food donation efforts. Members of our Bath team recently volunteered at a food drive at Waitrose, helping to collect over

240kg of donations for the local foodbank serving Bath, Keynsham and the Somer Valley. Alongside this, colleagues across the firm contributed food and essential items for Genesis Trust Bath, with a fantastic response and a strong sense of collective effort behind what was achieved.

Our team then had the opportunity to hear from Rachel Baker of Genesis Trust, whose talk highlighted the scale of need across the city and the real impact the charity has every day. Bringing these experiences together gave our team a clearer understanding of the challenges faced locally, and why continued support is so important.

We have also volunteered with FoodCycle in Bath, supporting the preparation and service of meals for members of the local community. From preparing ingredients to welcoming guests and serving food, our

teams have had the chance to be involved at every stage and see first-hand the fantastic work of the regular volunteers.

FoodCycle offer not only practical support, but also the opportunity to create a warm, inclusive environment where people can come together over a shared meal.

Bath has a thriving network of charities and community groups doing vital work every day, often quietly and without recognition. Being able to play even a small part in that has been hugely rewarding. As our presence in the city continues to grow, so too does our commitment to supporting the community around us.

Find us at: 3 Northumberland Buildings, Wood Street, Bath; or visit www.awdry.law

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NETWORK SCENE

Photos by Narrated Frames; www.narratedframes.com

Marc Cole, Alice Stevens, Debbie Boulton, Amanda White, Richard Newton and Greg Ingham

Sam Daniels

John White, Halena Coury, Lynne Fernquest and Amanda White

Emberwood is the gorgeous lunchtime venue

Jeanie Whelan, Matt Turner, Gary Fisher, Jo Lloyd, James Allum and Matt Bielby

Richard Spilsbury and Claudia Ghadimi

Richard Spilsbury, John Talbot, Laura Campbell, Ewan Tavendale, George Denning, Daniel O’Connor, Claudia Ghadimi, Pat White and Mark Saint

The Bath Life event includes two courses

Sarah Moon, Sian Keady, Zara Morgan and Steph Dodd

Pudding is served

Carol Reading

Ian Lloyd, Sam Daniels, Amanda Jones, Lynne Fernquest, Rich Freke, Pippa Russell, Jane Ingham and Imogen Linham

www.mediaclash.co.uk I BATH LIFE I 73

Bath Christmas Market is now one of our most successful events

PHOTO BY CASPER FARRELL

ON THE UP

MARKET ECONOMY

Bath’s much-celebrated Christmas Market is set to return from 26 November to 13 December this year, promising another major boost to the city’s economy.

Early data from this year’s 25th anniversary event suggests higher footfall than 2024, when an estimated 444,000 visitors generated a £60.4million turnover for businesses and a £48.9million associated spend in the city, supporting more than 500 jobs. More than 250 businesses, 65 per cent from Bath and the surrounding area, took part alongside 32 community groups. Councillor Manda Rigby said the market, which is delivered by local events company Muddy Dog, is now one of the most successful in Europe, attracting international interest and sustaining hundreds of local jobs and enterprises.

For more: www.bathchristmasmarket.co.uk

REBUILDING AN EMPIRE British-Italian designer Amanda Marcucci has relocated to Bath to rebuild her luxury jewellery brand after a life-threatening health crisis derailed her plans in Italy.

Amanda founded her namesake business in the UK in 2018 and serves as CEO and creative director. She later moved to Florence to work closely with Italian manufacturers developing jewellery and resort wear collections for international clients, including five-star hotels such as Sandy Lane in Barbados. “In 2022, following a routine Covid test, I developed a severe brain infection, needed emergency surgery and, overnight, lost my memory,” says Amanda. “I had to relearn how to walk and speak, and I’m now

living with epilepsy and ongoing cognitive issues.”

Despite this, she continued to push the brand forward, expanding into accessories and perfumes and creating the Extinction Collection with model Helena Christensen – a collaboration that reflects the wider ethos with all the pieces sustainably made and a share of proceeds supporting conservation initiatives.

Having grown up in London, Marcucci says she was drawn to Bath for its beauty and architectural similarity to Florence. “Bath felt like the right place to begin again. My aim now is to relaunch the brand, building an atelier presence between here and London.”

For more: www.amandamarcucci.com

Amanda Marcucci has relocated her jewellery businesses to Bath; inset: Amanda created the fundraising Extinction Collection with model Helena Christensen

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

Goughs is supporting Wiltshire and Bath Air Ambulance

Wiltshire-based law firm GOUGHS SOLICITORS has named Wiltshire & Bath Air Ambulance as its Charity of the Year. The Semington-based service provides critical medical care by air and road. Goughs will run firm-wide fundraising and volunteering activities throughout the year to support the entirely publicly funded charity. www.goughs.co.uk | www.wiltshirebathairambulance.org.uk BSW HOSPITALS GROUP appointed Paul von der Heyde as joint chair of Great Western Hospitals, Royal United Hospitals Bath and Salisbury NHS Foundation Trusts in April this year. He oversees a Paul von £1.6billion budget and a staff of der Heyde 17,600 who serve more than one million people across Bath and North East Somerset, Wiltshire and Swindon. www.bswtogether.org.uk The independent paid media agency FLORESCO MEDIA recently held a Q1 ecommerce breakfast briefing. Co-founder Sally Hunt says, “We were delighted to have a full room with so many brilliant local ecommerce brands from Bath and Bristol represented. We discussed the challenging advertising landscape of 2026, tangible steps for how brands can win in 2026, and what great creative looks like, supported by our Sally Hunt partner Shane O’Doherty.” www.florescomedia.com

MP BACKS SAVERS

Bath MP Wera Hobhouse recently visited Wealthtime, the award-winning Bath-based investment platform, to learn how the company supports UK savers and the local economy. She met senior leaders and staff, heard about careers in financial services and saw a demonstration of the platform used by financial advisers and their clients. Wealthtime, which has been based in Bath for nearly 20 years, manages £12 billion for more than 77,000 clients, employs 160 people locally and supports 200 additional regional jobs.

Toby Larkman, Wealthtime’s managing director, says, “It was a great opportunity to show how our platform works in practice and to highlight the role we play in helping advisers support their clients to invest and save. We were also proud to showcase our amazing employees here in Bath and the contribution they make to the local economy.”

For more: www.wealthtime.com Wera Hobhouse with Toby Larkman, managing director at Wealthtime

PHOTO BY NARRATED FRAMES; WWW.NARRATEDFRAMES.COM

NETWORK NEWS Helena Hills of the Bristol brand TrueStart coffee is speaking at EntreConf

“SPLENDID YEAR OF GROWTH FEATURING SUCH DISTINGUISHED WORK” BLA Homes & Interiors - The Curator’s House

OUR JUDGES SAY

BUSINESS DIARY

BLA Q&A

THE CURATOR’S HOUSE HOMES & INTERIORS WINNER

SPONSORED BY

A

s a new business, we’ve grown quickly, and entering the Bath Life Awards felt like the perfect moment to pause and reflect on everything we’ve achieved so far. The process itself was surprisingly rewarding – it encouraged me to look back on both the small details and the bigger milestones, and reminded me why we do what we do through all the ups and downs of building a business.

“I met a great mix of familiar faces and new

NHS paramedic Amanda Johnson and mum of five, pictured here with daughter Chloe, is founder of Blossom & Beau

contacts, including other fantastic finalists in our category. While there’s nothing confirmed yet, some really promising conversations began that evening. Winning the Bath Life Award is a huge boost and a meaningful recognition of our hard work – something we’re all incredibly proud of. We’d love to be back next year, whether as nominees again or to support others. For anyone thinking of entering, I’d say: go for it. It’s a valuable chance to reflect, celebrate, and share your story.”

For more: www.thecuratorshouse.co.uk | www.bathlifeawards.co.uk

TWEEN GENIE

17 – 18 JUNE EntreConf at the Watershed; www.entreconf.com 23 JUNE Bath Property Awards launch; www.bathpropertyawards.co.uk 24 JUNE Bath Life Network Lunch at Emberwood; www.mediaclash.co.uk 2 – 5 JULY Bath Boules in Queen Square; www.bathboules.com 1 OCTOBER EntreConf Awards at Aerospace Museum; www.entreconf.com 6 NOVEMBER Bath Property Awards at Apex City of Bath Hotel; www.bathpropertyawards.co.uk

NHS paramedic and mum of five Amanda Johnson has launched Blossom & Beau, a new personal care brand inspired by her struggle to find a suitable deodorant for her then seven-year-old daughter, Chloe. “Every option on the high street was designed for adults, with scents and packaging that didn’t fit my daughter’s world,” Amanda explains. “Reluctantly, we left with a standard adult roll-on, but it felt more like a compromise than a solution.”

Working with UK formulators, Amanda, who lives in Warminster, then set out to create a gentler alternative for tween and teen girls. The brand’s first launch is Dazzling Diva, a palma violet peony roll-on deodorant that is 98.71 per cent natural, vegan-friendly, cruelty-free and free from aluminium, parabens, drying alcohols and forever chemicals.

The non-sticky, quick-drying formula uses plantbased, naturally derived ingredients and is packaged in recycled plastic, offering “a small but meaningful way for girls to feel fresh, supported and empowered every day.”

For more: www.blossomandbeau.com

Amanda has come up with a natural deodorant suitable for younger people

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Great things start with the right connection. Find yours at EntreConf

THINK DIFFERENTLY…

EntreConf, the conference for new business thinkers, returns to Bristol’s Watershed on 17-18 June. Uniquely powerful insights and valuable connections await attendees Photos by Narrated Frames; www.narratedframes.com GREAT BUSINESSES ARE BUILT by more than their founders. Advisors, investors, and strong networks make the difference.

Where do you get your ideas to help develop your company? How can you learn from others?

That’s why we created EntreConf. To provide stimulation, connections and practical advice.

It’s for any business interested in business itself.

The start-up zeal of entrepreneurs, the visionary brilliance of founders, the smart scaling of fastgrowth companies and the successful exits – all yield insights for any company in any sector.

EntreConf is for new business thinkers. It’s a mindspa.

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

More prosaically, it’s a two-day conference held at Watershed in Bristol between 17-18 June, packed with keynotes, practical sessions, entrepreneurs’ tales, panels and multiple chance encounters.

Speakers range from a jetpack business already valued “in eight figures”, to the visionary founder of Riverford Organics; a locally-founded national-level hospitality success; a locally-founded nationallevel-aspiring creative leisure success and the UK’s fast-growing coffee brand. There are talks about growing a national brand while retaining founding values; through to a sustainability start-up; a new rum brand; a sector-leading health company; taking on Rightmove; a beauty brand, and much more.

Inspiration abounds.

And there’s practical business advice on rewarding and incentivising your team; how to scale your company; preparing for exit; selling to your management team; how to pitch; how entrepreneurs can – should! – embrace AI, and sessions on funding.

Massive commercial stimulation, basically.

There’s even a special EntreConf Dinner on the night of 17 June, with 60 entrepreneurs, to hear the inside story of major local success story, Roots Allotments. Started in Bath, now with 20 sites, targeting 1,000, and in a compelling zeitgeisty ecosweetspot. It’s quite the tale.

Whether for deep connections or light bulb moment insights, EntreConf is set to be the business event of the year. n

HERE’S A LOOK AT SOME OF THESE STELLAR ENTRECONF SPEAKERS MAXINE LACEBY Absolute Collagen has become the market leader in a rapidlygrowing sector. How? What’s next?

Inspirational insights from its life-force founder.

RICHARD BROWNING; ROCKETMAN Sci-fi becomes reality: jaw-drop, fastgrowth, well-funded Gravity Industries is pioneering jetpack travel. Please don’t miss this EntreConf keynote.

HELENA HILLS TrueStart Coffee is the UK’s fastest-growing coffee brand. For clear vision, great values and just blow-away inspirational dynamism, come and hear the inside story.

GUY SINGH-WATSON Pioneer who created one of the earliest organic food businesses and B Corps, then sold it to his team. An EntreConf deepdive into values and vision of Riverford Organic.

ALEX REILLEY Loungers started with just £10k and a small place in Bristol; it now has 300+ sites. How? The driving-force founder reveals the secret of this hospitality success.

OLLY BARKLEY & ED JACKSON Imagine creating a new rum brand. Why? How? What are the barriers? How do you differentiate, scale? From scrum to rum, with Vapoura’s founding duo.

AMBER PROBYN & HAZEL MCSHANE Award-winning, trailblazing, well-funded, sustainability start-up Peequal. What is it, how does it work and where is the business headed? Hear from the dynamic duo.

GRAHAM PATERSON The man taking on Rightmove (and he’s backed by Google).

Entrepreneurs are bold, always. But creating a better property-search business up against a global behemoth? Jitty explains.

CHLOE LUXTON Bramley’s founder has created a purpose-led brand, pioneering sustainability in the retail and hospitality sectors. Discover how she has retained values as scale has built.

ENTRECONF PREVIEW “INSPIRING STORIES, POWERFUL CONNECTIONS THIS IS ENTRECONF. JOIN THE CONVERSATION...”

Dip into the sessions that matter to you.

All streamed – you can work while you listen

ENTRECONF AT-A-GLANCE WHAT: Two day conference for entrepreneurs, advisors and new business thinkers WHEN & WHERE: 17–18 June at Watershed in Bristol HOW: Delegate passes via the website COMMERCIAL PARTNERS: Led by headline partner Burges Salmon, plus Albert Goodman, Doyle Clayton, Link Stone Advisory, S&W, Claritas Tax, Floresco and Mytton Williams PLUS: EntreConf will feature the grand reveal of EntreConf Awards finalists

www.mediaclash.co.uk I BATH LIFE I 77

JUNE 17-18 WATERSHED

WELCOME TO THE MINDSPA… For this year’s full line-up visit entreconf.com

RICHARD BROWNING Gravity Industries Jetpack sci-fi reality

MAXINE LACEBY Absolute Collagen Kitchen table to leader

CHRISTIAN SAMUEL Roots Allotment Major growth & funding

GRAHAM PATERSON Jitty Start-up backed by Google

GUY SINGH-WATSON Riverford Pioneering visionary

HELENA HILLS TrueStart Dynamic coffee growth

AMBER PROBYN & HAZEL MCSHANE Peequal Shrewd, sustainable, thriving

GRAHAM MACVOY Wake The Tiger How to fund ambition

ALEX REILLEY Loungers From £10k to 300+ outlets

CHLOE LUXTON Bramley Clarity in founding purpose

ED JACKSON & OLLY BARKLEY Vapoura Rum New brand: how, why?

RIC HILL Ghyston AI: we need to think differently

Headline Partner

Plus practical advice for your business: Incentivisng teams (Burges Salmon); Who will buy your business? (S&W); Employee Ownership Trusts (Doyle Clayton); Funding routes (Link Stone Advisory)

Speakers and Passes here

SPONSORED CONTENT

lifetime memories — moments that change how people see themselves, each other and their future.

A REVOLUTION OF KINDNESS Working in partnership with Dr Andy Cope, Sporting Family Change helped shape the idea of a “Revolution of Kindness” — based on the belief that everyday acts, repeated consistently, can create meaningful social change.

The charity actively promotes Random Acts of Kindness, with a strong focus on 17 February — Random Acts of Kindness Day. Thousands of kindness cards have now been distributed globally, reaching every continent and sparking countless ripples of goodwill.

SPORTING FAMILY CHANGE Using kindness and sport to create lasting family and community change

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porting Family Change was founded on a simple but powerful belief: that kindness, when given unconditionally, has the ability to transform lives.

OUR STORY Founder Jimmy Deane’s journey began in professional rugby and community work in Bath. Through years of working with children and young people facing significant challenges, he recognised a recurring pattern: progress made with young people was too often undone by what they returned home to.

Supporting individuals alone was not enough.

This realisation led to a fundamental shift in approach — working with whole families, using sport as a trusted and engaging conduit for change, rather than focusing solely on individuals.

FROM GRASSROOTS BEGINNINGS TO LASTING IMPACT Sporting Family Change began informally in 2014, operating from home after Jimmy found himself unemployed. With little more than belief and determination, the organisation started small — even the web domain was purchased for just £12. Charitable status followed two years later.

“SPORTING FAMILY CHANGE HAS BEEN OPERATING FOR OVER 12 YEARS”

Today, Sporting Family Change has been operating for over 12 years across the South West, supporting families, reducing isolation, rebuilding confidence and helping people see what they are capable of achieving — together.

A UNIQUE ETHOS: KINDNESS What truly sets Sporting Family Change apart is its unwavering commitment to kindness.

Kindness — alongside unconditional love — underpins everything the charity does. This work is not about quick fixes or compliance; it is about dignity, belief, time and genuine human connection. Families are met without judgement, supported consistently, and encouraged to move forward at their own pace. This is social change rooted in humanity.

CREATING MEMORIES AND WIDENING HORIZONS A distinctive part of Sporting Family Change’s work has been giving families opportunities they would never otherwise have imagined possible.

Through carefully supported sporting endeavours, families have taken part in extraordinary, shared experiences — climbing Kilimanjaro, and travelling to Rome, Paris and New York — participating in physical challenges in places many had never expected to visit in their lifetime.

For families who have often experienced limitation rather than possibility, these experiences are about far more than sport or travel. They build confidence, strengthen family relationships and create once-in-a-

RECOGNITION On 17 February 2026, Jimmy Deane was awarded an MBE, presented by HRH Princess Anne, for services to the local community. This recognition was explicitly linked to the values and impact of Sporting Family Change, and its commitment to kindness as a powerful force for social change.

WHY THIS MATTERS Sporting Family Change is grounded in a simple truth: real change is created by people, not policy alone.

When individuals, families, communities and supporters come together — choosing kindness, compassion and collective responsibility — lasting and meaningful impact becomes possible. n

WHAT’S NEXT? FIRST EVER KINDNESS FESTIVAL Saturday 27 June 2026 Recreation Ground, Bath Join Sporting Family Change for a powerful celebration of kindness, community and togetherness on the iconic Recreation Ground outfield in Bath. FREE for everyone to attend — bring your family and be part of the Revolution of Kindness. Watch this space for more details.

To learn more about our work and values, please visit: www.sportingfamilychange.co.uk Jimmy Deane MBE jimmy@sportingfamilychange.co.uk 07811 101468

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A THRIVING COMMUNITY How the innovative flower farm Organic Blooms is helping others to grow and flourish Words by Nick Woodhouse Photos by Organic Blooms

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et amongst the rolling hills of South Gloucestershire, Latteridge is a small hamlet known locally for its large village green and duck pond, and the ruins of a former church. Dating back to the Middle Ages, the economy of the hamlet revolved around agriculture, with arable fields producing oats and pasture for sheep for the local manor at Iron Acton.

Today it is home again to a burgeoning movement that’s transforming the way we cultivate our gardens. Because Organic Blooms isn’t just about growing organic flowers; it’s a passionate commitment to sustainability, biodiversity, and reconnecting with nature – in a way that not only benefits the environment but the community too.

The story of Organic Blooms begins however not with seeds, bulbs or tubers – but with a wedding. Its founding director, Jo Wright, had been running horticultural therapy projects for adults with learning difficulties and mental health support needs for some time, under the banner of Natureworks, a community interest company. For Jo however, there was a piece missing. A purely therapeutic horticulture project, however valuable, kept its participants in a kind of bubble. What if the flowers they grew could reach the outside world? What if the world could come to them?

Then, in 2006, Jo attended a friend’s nuptials and had a revelation; every flower in each bouquet and arrangement that day could have been grown locally.

The comeback of British cut flowers was beginning to gain momentum, and a new idea was born. Growing and selling cut flowers would become the commercial engine

around which an entirely new kind of social enterprise could thrive.

And thrive it has. Standing among the polytunnels and beds, with Bristol’s low skyline somewhere beyond the hedgerows, you get the sense that something very special is happening within the farm’s nine acres – and not just in the soil. Adults with long-term mental health conditions, learning difficulties, and other support needs can be referred to the farm by a health professional.

After a trial period, if the placement feels right, they can spend up to three days a week learning the full seasonal rhythm of a working flower nursery and florist business: planting, growing, harvesting, arranging, selling. The farm employs specialist staff to support trainees and can deliver City and Guilds qualifications too — credentials that serve as a vital stepping stone toward employment. Many trainees go on to work in horticulture, and others are taken on by Organic Blooms itself.

Achieving Soil Association organic certification in February 2017 made Organic Blooms one of the very first certified organic flower growers in the country. It’s an accolade the team wears with genuine pride, and for good reason – the global cut flower industry has a particularly troubling footprint. The vast majority of flowers sold in the UK travel enormous distances, grown under intensive conditions with heavy chemical inputs, before being refrigerated and shipped to our shores. The team at Organic Blooms were keen to counter this but maintaining soil fertility and combatting pests without chemical input requires innovation, perseverance and patience.

Undeterred, the team has worked tirelessly to introduce more sustainable methods such as composting, crop rotation, and plant

“It is a flower farm, yes, but it’s also a social enterprise”

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

diversity. These practices not only produce vibrant, healthy blooms but also help foster a more balanced ecosystem that supports bees, butterflies, and other vital pollinators.

On workshop days, the farm opens its doors to a different kind of visitor: enthusiasts and beginners looking to get their hands dirty and their creativity flowering. Wreathmaking, seasonal arrangement classes, and floristry courses give the wider community a direct connection to where their flowers come from – and to the people who grow them.

It was all hands on deck the day I speak to the Organic Blooms team. It’s mid-spring and they are busy getting the season’s plants established in each of their three polytunnels – ready for the summer ahead. The gardens themselves feature a stunning array of native and heirloom flowers – cornflowers, dahlias, echinacea, and cosmos to name a few – all thriving in harmony. And with each year, new varieties are tested to see if they might join the established stalwarts. This year, butterfly ranunculus is being trialled for the first time in the polytunnels, with the team also hard at work on a new foliage field; one with planting that includes birch, beech, lime, hydrangea and rosehips.

Organic Blooms seems to defy easy categorisation. It is a flower farm, yes. But it’s also a social enterprise, a training provider and a community hub too. More than anything, it is perhaps a quiet argument for a better way of doing things – for they are not just growing flowers; they are growing lives too.

For more: www.organicblooms.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: The story of Organic Blooms began with a wedding; this page, clockwise

from top left: The team works to combat the issue of troubling footprints for cut flowers; head florist and director Wendy Paul with founding director Jo Wright; Organic Blooms also works as a social enterprise; Jo’s interest in therapeutic horticulture has been an integral part of the enterprise; the space regularly holds floristry workshops; the Latteridge nine-acre site has three polytunnels

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

Bathampton Toll Bridge is on the Bath River Line route

Greener city

WALK THE LINE

First phase of Bath’s new 10km riverside park opens

The first phase of an ambitious project to create a 10km linear park along the River Avon in Bath has been completed. Bath & North East Somerset Council has finished initial works on the Bath River Line between Norfolk Crescent and Bath Quays, with improvements designed to boost biodiversity and support walking and cycling along the riverside.

At Green Park, the council has installed an all-user resurfaced path, widened the entrance and created a new river viewing area with seating. The seating area between Green Park and Sainsbury’s has been upgraded and will feature a new rain garden with climate-resilient, pollinator-friendly planting. Repairs have also widened and improved the riverside path outside Norfolk Buildings.

Councillor Paul Roper, cabinet member for economic and cultural sustainable development, says, “Bath River Line is already transforming how people experience and move through our city. These improvements are helping to unlock the full potential of the river corridor by creating safe, attractive and connected spaces that support active travel, boost

biodiversity and celebrate Bath’s unique heritage.

“A further £600,000 in grant funding from the West of England Mayoral Combined Authority, awarded in January 2026, is a welcome endorsement of the project’s value.”

A key feature of the first phase is new wayfinding signage and interpretation boards, which tell 21 stories about Bath’s riverside history, nature and culture. Developed with 17 partner organisations, the boards include illustrations by local artist Marian Hill and historic images from local institutions, with installation supported by WaterSpace volunteers.

For more: www.bathnes.gov.uk

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PROPERTY

PALLADIAN on the HILL The Grade II* Titan Barrow House designed by John Wood the Elder where Georgian splendour meets mystical majesty

By Elsie Chadwick

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pproached through tall wrought-iron gates and between original stone pillars, Titan Barrow House reveals itself slowly, with all the theatre one might expect of a Georgian grande dame.

The cobbled access bends towards a broad gravel sweep, leading to the most striking of façades.

Here, on the outskirts of Bath in the village of Bathford, stands a Grade II* listed country house – part architectural landmark, part family home.

The principal elevation is pure eighteenth‑century bravura. The Georgian façade is executed in Bath stone, its balanced composition giving the sense of an almost pleasure pavilion. Designed and built for Mr Southwell Pigott in 1748 by John Wood the Elder – Bath’s master architect and the visionary behind Queen Square, Gay Street, The Circus and the Royal Crescent – Titan Barrow House was conceived to impress. Situated on a hill surmounted by an ancient barrow and looking west over the Avon valley, it radiates a golden glow. Pevsner described it as “most festive”: five sash windows are framed by four giant Corinthian columns, their capitals finely carved, the whole front linked by a frieze of garlands and crowned by a wide pediment.

Pineapple finials punctuate the parapet, a playful Palladian touch in warm stone, looking towards the city below.

Originally Titan Barrow Loggia, the house was built as a statement of taste and position in the Georgian age. It has been sympathetically altered and extended twice – around 1800 and again in the 1930s – yet its character remains intact. The drawing room, added in 1800, has calm, classical proportions – a quality shared by every room and of particular note here given its architect. John Wood was fascinated by mysticism and the links between the Druids and Stonehenge, and he designed Titan Barrow as a solstice house: on Midsummer’s Day, as the sun rises, its rays travel through the rooms in a line from east to west.

Over the centuries, while patterns of family life and domestic service evolved, the essence endured, from the now gleaming marble hall floor to the small ‘gentleman’s dining room’ with its ceiling mouldings of sphinx‑like figures.

In recent years, the story has entered a new phase. The current owners have undertaken a meticulous restoration, reuniting the main house with its later wing, known as the Bishop’s House, and quietly re‑establishing

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“As the sun rises, its rays travel through the rooms in a line from east to west”

PROPERTY Titan Barrow as one of the area’s most notable homes. Step through the front door and the sense of occasion continues. The entrance hall is majestically impressive: a wide, stone‑tiled space centred on a fireplace, its walls and ceilings enriched with mouldings. Overhead, the plasterwork is crisp; to one side, a cantilevered stone staircase rises in an elegant sweep, its wrought‑iron balustrade catching the light. This is Georgian architecture at its best – proportioned, crafted, assured.

The reception rooms unfold from here, each with a distinct mood yet united by light and volume. To the front, the drawing room and dining room look across lawns through full‑height Georgian windows with working shutters. Timber floors lend warmth; ceiling cornices and roses crown the spaces; chimney pieces ground them. In the drawing room, the fireplace is reputed to be an Adam design, one of several original features noted by Pevsner and documented in the archives of Bath

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Museum. Many fireplaces retain their delft tiles – tiny blue‑and‑white scenes that hint at generations of life here.

If these formal rooms suggest winter gatherings, the heart of the house today is the kitchen–breakfast room. Formed by incorporating the ground floor of the Bishop’s House wing into the main house, this large space is unusual in Georgian country houses, where kitchens were typically relegated to the basement. A hand‑built kitchen runs around the room, its joinery tailored to the scale. Integrated appliances sit discreetly within cabinetry; underfloor heating warms flagstones underfoot. An original fireplace, tall windows and a layered palette of materials allow this contemporary room to sit easily with the eighteenth‑century fabric.

It is designed for modern family life – breakfast at the island, homework, doors open to the terrace and gardens beyond.

Throughout, the restoration has been both careful and confident.

Structural and decorative work has been carried out with respect for the building’s history and a clear sense of how people live now.

Contemporary fittings and furnishings play against period plasterwork and joinery, enhancing rather than competing with the original detail.

The result is a home that feels both important and welcoming, as suited to large gatherings as to quiet weekends.

On the first floor, a generous main suite occupies three rooms, creating a private retreat with bedroom, en suite bathroom and a dressing room with its own shower room. A principal guest bedroom with en suite, three further bedrooms, additional shower rooms and a laundry complete this level. Above, the second floor offers three more bedrooms and a bathroom – ideal for older children, visitors or staff. On the lower ground floor, a range of rooms provide recreational space, storage and scope for future use.

The Bishop’s House, now fully re‑integrated, adds further flexibility. Over two levels, it includes its own kitchen/ breakfast room, a small sitting room or study, a bathroom, and a pantry formed from the original dairy, still retaining its cold stone shelf and Bath stone supports. Above is a playroom, with three bedrooms and two bathrooms on the first floor – accommodation that could serve as an annexe or a more informal family wing.

Beyond the architecture, there are the grounds themselves – another hugely important factor in Titan Barrow’s desirability. The gardens continue the theme of careful stewardship and thoughtful planning. Laid largely to lawn and edged by stocked borders, they offer privacy while framing views back to the façade. Scattered through the grounds are mature trees and a pond that links the garden to the wider landscape. The current owners have introduced a stone terrace for outdoor dining, a vegetable garden, two pergolas and a small orchard. Children are well catered for, with dedicated play areas – including a wilder corner at the wooded end – that sit naturally within the scheme. An outbuilding provides a garage, greenhouse and store, while the sweeping gravel drive allows separate access and parking for Titan Barrow and the Bishop’s House, reflecting the property’s dual land registry titles.

The location is a further asset. Bathford is one of the most sought‑after villages around Bath, its position on the eastern fringe of the city offering the best HOUSE NUMBERS of both worlds. Within the village there is Guide price £5.95million a shop, post office, pub and church, giving Square foot 9,897 it a strong sense of community. Titan Bedrooms 11 Barrow House is an exceptional country Bathrooms 9 house, not far from the city centre, that manages to be both museum‑piece and Receptions 3 modern home – a rare and compelling For more: Savills, 21 Milsom combination.

Street, Bath; www.savills.com

Design that reflects your individuality.

Rich in colour, texture and soul, yet grounded in craftsmanship & longevity Services: Bespoke Interior Design.

Colour consultation.

Space planning.

Joinery design.

Specifications.

Sourcing.

Residential & Commercial.

Project Coordination.

Colour & Moodboard Workshops.

Bespoke Window Treatments & Upholstery.

At Emily Day Interiors, we create beautiful, functional spaces tailored to your style and the way you live or work. From full transformations to subtle refreshes, each project is approached with creativity and expertise. Emily specialises in residential and small commercial interiors, delivering thoughtful, colour-led designs from concept to completion.

Info@emilydayinteriors.co.uk 07809834225 www.emilydayinteriors.co.uk @emily_day_interiors

NORTON MASONRY LTD Stonework Specialists & General Builders

8 PICKFORD FIELDS, CHILCOMPTON, RADSTOCK BA3 4XU

Tel: 01761 232906 Mobile: 07901 712232

Email: nortonmasonryltd@hotmail.co.uk

www.nortonmasonryltd.co.uk Over 30 Years Experience

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

Tel: 07867557496 www.daffodilrenovations.co.uk

MEET THE

INTERIOR DESIGNER We talk to the experts who can help you create your perfect home

REBECCA BAILEY-PRICE BAILEY & CO INTERIOR DESIGN

07925 480741 www.baileyandcointeriordesign.co.uk Why hire an interior designer?

A home is one of the most significant investments you’ll make. A good designer helps you understand how you want to live and makes that vision real – avoiding costly mistakes and creating a home that feels unmistakably like you.

What do you specialise in?

Homes that are entirely bespoke – shaped by each client’s personality, lifestyle and needs. I take time to understand how a family lives before a single decision is made. No two projects are ever the same.

How do you balance style with functionality?

Functionality always comes first. Before any aesthetic choices are made, I work through how the space truly needs to perform – the layout, the flow, the way a family moves through their home day to day. I want the homes I design to make my clients’ lives genuinely better, and for them to flourish in those spaces. Once that foundation is right, style becomes the fun part – adding character and personality to a home that already makes perfect sense.

Tell us about a creative project you’ve worked on.

For two years I’ve been helping my clients transform a former hospital into their family home. It retains all its original features – including an operating theatre! Seeing this endearing building bloom into a warm, characterful home, still providing comfort in a new way, has been one of the most fulfilling projects of my career.

CATRIONA AND BETTINA ARCHER CATRIONA ARCHER INTERIOR DESIGN 07823 884945; www.catrionaarcher.com

Why hire an interior designer?

We guide you through key design decisions with foresight and planning, helping you avoid costly missteps. We know where to invest, where to save, and how to make budgets stretch. The result is a coherent, beautifully resolved space that expresses your style and exceeds initial expectations.

What is it you do that makes you different from your competitors?

We offer a genuinely flexible service, from a single consultation or guidance through key pinch points, to a comprehensive design package covering layout, lighting, cabinetry and finishes.

As identical twins, each with 25+ years’ design experience, we handle everything from modest makeovers that work with your existing belongings to full house renovations.

What’s the best bit of advice you could give to homeowners?

Never underestimate the power of layout and lighting to transform a room.

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SPONSORED CONTENT REBECCA FIELD MANERA INTERIORS

07906 507228 www.manerainteriors.co.uk Why hire an interior designer?

An interior designer plays a central role in shaping a project brief, balancing practical use of space with the aesthetic, so the finished result is both functional and beautiful. They also ensure designs meet heritage conservation requirements for listed buildings and handle planning submissions when needed. By overseeing project management, designers remove much of the stress from renovations, making the process smoother and more enjoyable for clients.

What’s the most interesting aspect of working in homes in the city?

Bath is full of captivating buildings. Exploring them and uncovering each house’s history is endlessly fascinating. It is a great privilege to be able to discover hidden features, such as an old bread oven or restore an original Georgian wood panel.

MARY BARBER FRAY

MARY BARBER FRAY INTERIORS 01225 337655 www.marybarberfray.co.uk

What is it that you love about working in interiors?

I have worked as an interior designer for 30 years, and what I most love is being able to advise my clients on how best to achieve what they desire for their homes, from the feel, style and function. Every single client has different types of property, styles they like, and of course budgets and timescales. It is my job to help them to visualise, plan and implement with a team of contractors who I oversee, with regular communication between all parties. I have clients returning to me sometimes years later to help with another home, major works or a new room.

How would you describe your signature style?

Interiors that sensitively recapture the age and grace of a building.

I breathe new life into historic properties, re-defining spaces, recapturing an essence of decadence.

Where do I get my inspiration from?

Inspiration can come from anywhere – travel to other countries and the UK, shops, magazines, trade shows and suppliers, art galleries, nature, visiting grand properties, exhibitions, fashion, architecture. And of course, from my clients themselves if they have a piece of art or furniture or a wonderful rug which they want to incorporate in their new schemes.

What is it you do that makes you different to your competitors?

Manera Interiors specialises in investment properties. After over ten years founding and managing a multi- award winning holiday let business, we know the key elements that maximise return on investment.

How would you describe your signature style?

I don’t have a signature style as such, but do like homes to feel happy, safe, comfortable, well-lit, elegant and functional and not overly complex or ‘on trend’. And I think artwork in whatever form is a must!

SARAH CONNER STUDIO MAYFIELD

07792145140 www.studiomayfield.co.uk What do you specialise in?

We specialise in designing modern interiors for period properties. Our clients choose their homes for their rich character and history, and we help them reimagine these spaces for modern day living while respecting their original architectural charm.

Why hire an interior designer?

Most of our clients don’t lack ideas, they have too many. The challenge is knowing what will work together, where to invest and how to avoid decisions they may later regret. We bring clear direction and calm to the interior design process, helping them update their homes with considered modern touches that sit comfortably within the existing architecture. The result is a space that feels cohesive, beautifully composed and a joy to live in.

How does your design process work?

The key to a successful project is a solid foundation. We spend time getting curious about our clients, how they live day to day and their likes and dislikes. These insights inform the layouts and concepts that form the basis for the entire design. The result is a home that feels personal and unique.

What’s the biggest mistake homeowners make?

Trying to manage a period renovation themselves while making design decisions in isolation. Without a clear plan, projects often become more time-consuming, costly and disjointed than expected.

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VANESSA SAYCE

THE MARMALADE HOUSE

07733 263844 www.marmaladehousedesign.com Where do you get your inspiration from?

Marmalade House Design was conceived to realise a life-long love and study of interior design, home styling, textiles and paint finishes. We are celebrating 15 years of business, and our work has changed and developed over that time. In addition to our busy interior design studio, we specialise in French and Gustavian-style furniture painting and have worked on many fascinating projects at home and abroad for both domestic and commercial clients.

How would you describe your signature style?

Our signature house-style is rustic with a strong European influence, and we love to work with aged patina paint finishes, and texture within the home.

How does your design process work?

Our design element is very much a collaboration between us and our clients, making sure our interpretations are fit for purpose, budget and are always sustainable.

What is it you do that makes you different to your competitors?

We also train people to find their own creativity and offer both furniture painting to professional standards, and interior design day courses. Each day in our studios is different, and we work with seasons and trends as they unfold. Our advice for anyone starting out is to trust your own style and instinct. Whether it is a room, a piece of furniture or an idea, it will speak to you, and a professional will help you to translate that into a reality.

SPONSORED CONTENT CLAIR STRONG

CLAIR STRONG INTERIOR DESIGN 07855 797311/ 01225 426905 www.clairstrong.com

Why hire an interior designer?

An interior designer brings experience, creativity and a clear vision, helping clients avoid costly mistakes while creating spaces that are both beautiful and practical. We also manage the many moving parts of a project, making the process smoother and far less stressful.

What do you specialise in?

At Clair Strong Interior Design, we specialise in luxury residential interiors that thoughtfully combine contemporary and traditional design.

We create elegant, timeless homes tailored to each client’s lifestyle, carefully layering natural materials, texture, colour and bespoke details to ensure every space feels personal and enduring.

How does your design process work?

Every project begins with understanding how our clients live and what they want their home to feel like. We then develop concepts, layouts, colour palettes and technical drawings before coordinating suppliers, contractors and installations to ensure every detail is delivered seamlessly from concept to completion.

Tell us about one incredibly original or creative project you’ve been involved with One memorable project was a Grade I listed five-storey Georgian townhouse on the Royal Crescent in Bath, where we carefully balanced the building’s historic character with modern family living, introducing bespoke joinery, layered textures and contemporary pieces that complemented the property’s grandeur.

LOLA SWIFT

LOLA SWIFT INTERIOR DESIGN 07971 106546 www.lolaswift.co.uk

How would you describe your signature style?

I’m known for my love of colour, but my skill lies in the combinations. I layer traditional and contemporary pieces so rooms feel collected over time rather than designed in one sweep.

Warmth always runs through the palette, with careful attention to proportion and balance so even bolder choices feel harmonious. The result is aspirational but entirely liveable, elegant without formality, welcoming without predictability. No two projects are alike, and every home should feel like somewhere you can’t wait to come back to.

Where do you get your inspiration from?

With a background in textiles and fashion, I look beyond interiors for ideas; exhibitions, galleries, travel and independent makers all influence my work. Cities such as Paris and Marrakech inspire me through their colour, craftsmanship and architectural detail, as does Bath’s beautiful sense of proportion. Above all, inspiration comes from my clients, their stories and how they want to feel at home.

What makes you different from other designers?

My approach is collaborative and confidence-building. I refine and elevate a client’s vision rather than impose my own, creating homes that feel personal, resolved and timeless.

EMILY DREELAN EMILY DAY INTERIORS

07809 834225 www.emilydayinteriors.co.uk How and why did you get involved in homes and interiors?

I’ve been immersed in interiors from an early age. My father was a furniture designer and my mother a textile designer and I grew up surrounded by makers and craftmanship. Design has always been more than a passion; it’s a way of life that has naturally shaped both my education and career in the industry.

Why hire an interior designer?

An experienced interior designer brings clarity, cohesion and confidence to your home or workspace. Saving you time, avoiding costly mistakes and elevating the everyday through thoughtful detail, unique insights, trusted suppliers, and a beautifully resolved vision.

What is it that you love about working in interiors?

The transformation! Turning ideas into spaces that feel unique and deeply personal, functional and uplifting. It is a privilege to be able to shape how people use their homes through a balance of creativity, expertise and precision.

How would you describe your signature style?

Expressive! Emily Day Interiors is renowned for bold pattern and layered texture. As an internationally certified colour consulting professional, I create beautifully balanced spaces with minimal overwhelm and maximum imagination, blending confidence with cohesion for interiors that are distinctive and liveable.

LUCY HOGG

LUCY HOGG DESIGNS 07469 391581

www.lucyhoggdesigns.co.uk Where do you get your inspiration from?

My inspiration comes from nature, fashion, and the way interiors and clothing often influence one another through colour, texture, pattern, and contrast. I also love vintage and antique pieces, and I’m constantly inspired by homes that feel collected and full of character. Most importantly, my clients themselves inspire me – understanding how they live is always at the heart of my design process.

Describe your signature style My style is colourful, layered, and full of personality. I love mixing prints, textures, antiques, and contemporary pieces to create interiors that feel unique and lived-in. I definitely believe that sometimes ‘more is more’, and I’m always excited by discovering one-of-a-kind vintage finds and giving them a new lease of life.

What do you love about working in interiors?

I love the entire process, from understanding my clients’ needs to moodboarding, 3D visuals, renovation, styling, and the final reveal. I especially love the finishing touches – adding layers, artwork, and accessories that truly bring a space to life.

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SPONSORED CONTENT SARAH NELSON

SARAH NELSON INTERIORS 0771 4548230 www.sarahnelson.co.uk

What do you specialise in?

Sarah Nelson Interiors shares smart, practical advice on creating cohesive homes, with a focus on soft furnishings, sustainable reuse and bespoke window treatments.

What’s the best bit of advice you could give to home owners?

My best advice is to focus on one room at a time. Taking on too much at once often leaves spaces unfinished and weakens the overall vision.

Many clients do not lack ideas; they want help pulling them together.

I create balanced schemes that unite colours, textures and muchloved pieces into a home that feels coherent and personal.

How important is sustainability in interior design?

Sustainability matters to me, especially when it means giving existing furniture a new life. Reupholstering a much-loved sofa or chair can transform a room.

How does your design process work?

I specialise in soft furnishings, particularly window dressing. From curtains and blinds to bespoke solutions for awkward shapes, I create treatments that are both practical and beautiful. I begin by visiting clients at home to understand how the space is used, the mood they want to create and what needs to stay. From there, I shape a scheme of colours and textures that reflects both the room and the people who live in it.

LAURA CAMPBELL

LAURA CAMPBELL DESIGNS LTD 07446 983383; www.lauracampbelldesigns.com

Where do you get your inspiration from?

I find inspiration everywhere – from clients’ homes and exhibitions to magazines, costume dramas and, above all, fabrics. Seeing new collections from my fabric reps is always exciting and often sparks ideas for clients. I’m especially inspired by 80s and 90s interiors and love reworking influences from those eras in a fresh way.

How would you describe your signature style?

Bold, colourful and layered. I love mixing patterns and combining pieces from different eras in a way that feels intentional and full of personality.

How does your design process work?

Every project is tailored to the client, but I usually begin with a fabric consultation based on their brief. I like to visit the space first so I can introduce unexpected ideas that often evolve the original concept into something more layered and creative.

Tell us about a memorable project.

I’m currently working on a Grade II listed cottage renovation in the Cotswolds with the owners of Cottage of Brunswick. Watching them restore the property themselves has been incredibly inspiring.

How did you get involved in interiors?

After training in fashion design and working as a stylist in London, I retrained in traditional curtain making after discovering a love of fabrics while working in a Bath fabric shop – and I’ve never looked back.

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VICTORIA SMEE

INTERIOR FASCINATION

07821 868307; www.interiorfascination.co.uk What is it you love about working in interiors?

Interiors have always been a passion of mine.

I’m fascinated by the way people style and live in their spaces. What I love most is how transformative a project can be — there’s nothing quite like watching a blank space come to life and seeing a client’s reaction when the finished result exceeds their expectations. I also love how a carefully curated mix of objects can tell a story, catch the eye, and bring warmth and personality to a room.

What is the best bit of advice you can give to homeowners?

My advice is twofold. First, find your own style. It’s easy to be influenced by trends, but your home should reflect you and the people who live there. The most beautiful interiors are always the ones that feel personal and authentic.

Secondly, take time to understand your space. If you’ve just moved in, live in it for a while before making major decisions. What works in one home won’t necessarily work in another — every space has its own character, light, and flow. The best interiors come from working with those qualities rather than against them.

How would you describe your signature style?

Honestly, my signature style is irrelevant — and that’s exactly how I like it. The most important person in any project is the client, not me.

My role is to listen, understand what they love, and help them make the right choices for their home and lifestyle. I’m there to bring clarity to their vision, tie ideas together, and give them the confidence to create a home that truly feels like theirs.

SARA HORSFALL

SARA HORSFALL 07309838183; www.sarahorsfall.com What inspires your approach to design and décor?

I’m hugely inspired by the world and travel, and I love a sense of that in the home. The European furniture of the 1940s, Italian murano lighting, and art in itself. The combination of these bring me joy.

How would you describe your signature style and your favourite spaces?

My signature style is interesting, comfortable, timeless, organic and unique.

My favourite spaces are made of modern lines and vintage grandeur, are playful and elegant, and are harmonious in their texture, materiality and form.

What is it that you love about working in interiors?

I love that an interior can inspire, comfort, excite and bring a sense of belonging for someone. It’s a delight to be able to create spaces that can hold good design that can last through many lifetimes, and allow memories to be made in them. I think fondly of the art deco dressing table my mother had, and the yellow lino floor of my childhood kitchen – good or bad, Interiors are a part of our daily life, and I love to explore what that looks like for clients, helping to create beautiful spaces for daily enjoyment.

Any advice to people looking to restyle their home?

Take your time when working on a space, and live in it for a while to really understand how it works. Create your home as a space that is open to future changes, choosing flexible schemes that can be built upon. This can mean allowing rooms to breathe, avoid strict themes, and rather combine pieces from a variety of eras for a more whole feel. Don’t overthink the process, as your home should be organic and enjoyable, and most importantly, liveable.

SPONSORED CONTENT KELLY MARIE HAWKER HICKS

KELLY MARIE KITCHEN INTERIORS LTD 01225 481881/ 07796554466; www.kellymariekitchens.com Have you always been creative?

Creativity has shaped my career from the beginning. I started creating props for the BBC, developing a strong eye for detail, storytelling and atmosphere. Combined with qualifications in dance, art and special FX, those influences continue to inspire every interior I design today.

What do you specialise in?

I specialise in luxury German kitchens and beautifully tailored living spaces that combine functionality with effortless sophistication.

Alongside my Bath showroom, I collaborate with bespoke furniture makers Davonport to create handcrafted interiors designed to the highest standards.

Do you only do kitchens?

Not at all. I now design complete interiors throughout the home, from statement kitchens and dining spaces to bespoke utility rooms and custom furniture, creating homes that feel cohesive and personal.

What is it that you love about working in interiors?

I love creating spaces that truly reflect my clients and how they want to live. Building genuine relationships and designing homes people fall in love with is the most rewarding part of my work.

Where do find your inspiration?

My inspiration comes from architecture, travel, fashion and, most importantly, the individuality of my clients.

JOHN LAW

WOODHOUSE AND LAW 01225 428 072 www.woodhouseandlaw.co.uk

SUE COLEMAN

PERFECT ROOMS INTERIORS 01249 716445 interiors@perfectrooms.co.uk Where do you get your inspiration?

Inspiration is something that I find in many things, whether it’s the shape of a piece of furniture, or a flower.

What is it that you love about working in interiors?

Every scheme has its own personality and I love working with clients who know little about interior design, that’s when the magic happens.

How does your design process work?

After an initial free consultation with a client where we will be given a brief.

We will then produce a detailed cost plan for the design, and depending on the size of the project we will divide the costs into stages. When this has been accepted, we will then dedicate our time to putting together an initial design concept, where we will gather design ideas, and produce the initial scheme which can then be discussed and changed as necessary.

How and why did you get involved in homes and interiors?

I have always had a love for beautiful fabrics and furnishings, and with a background of being creative, it seemed natural to follow through to a career.

What is it you do that makes you different to your competitors?

As well as our professional interior design service we manufacture all of our soft furnishings in our own workroom near Lacock where everything is produced, from curtains and blinds to chair covers and headboards.

LARA WILLMORE AXFORD INTERIORS

07749 707056 www.axfordinteriors.co.uk

How did you get involved in homes and interiors?

My partner, Nick Woodhouse, is a garden designer and we wanted to create a design company that would work alongside clients to create schemes with a strong cohesion between indoor and outdoor spaces.

What do you specialise in?

We specialise in providing bespoke curtains, blinds, and soft furnishings, with a strong emphasis on meeting the brief, quality, and reliable fitting. Details such as positioning, light control and lining choices help to get the perfect finished item which is often what makes a room feel calm, balanced, and complete.

What is it that you love about your job?

We have a very talented team and I love to work with them and our clients to produce unique, personal schemes. Whether that involves sourcing new and exciting products or designing a scheme around an unusual collection of art, it’s lovely to see people so excited and pleased to spend time in a space that you’ve designed.

What is it that you love about working in interiors?

Seeing clients enjoy the process and love the finished results once everything comes together. Many people feel overwhelmed by choices or unsure where to start, so part of our role is listening, removing the uncertainty and guiding them through the process.

Do you have a signature style?

No, we don’t – we have worked on everything from contemporary Scandinavian schemes to off-beat English country houses.

How do you approach each project?

We approach every brief differently and with fresh eyes; this ensures that our designs reflect the style and individuality of our clients, as well as measuring up to their lifestyle. This makes our role and our work much more varied and exciting.

How do you balance style with functionality?

Good interiors should work properly as well as look good. I really believe that aesthetics and function are equally important. Curtains and blinds can offer privacy, warmth, glare diffusion and even improve sleep quality, so practical performance and Interior Design should always be considered together.

What makes you different?

Because we visit clients in their homes, we see how their rooms are lived in — the light, privacy, and use of the space throughout the day. That helps us to guide people towards choices that not only look good but also feel right in everyday home and family life.

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SPONSORED CONTENT

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

TILE & FLOOR For over 50 years, Tile & Floor

PLUSHH: DEVELOPMENTS LTD

MENDIP FIREPLACES BATH

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

Specialising in high-quality restoration and renovation. Working with clients across Bath and beyond while also developing our own carefully considered property projects.

Tel: 01225 767148; www.plushhrestoration.co.uk

Bath’s leading fireplace, wood burner, gas fire, chimney and flue specialist. From classic to contemporary, concept to completion, their team of experts can work with you to achieve your perfect interior. Brands include Chesneys, Barbas Bellfire, Westfire, Stovax, Gazco and Hunter. Get in touch or visit the showroom. Mendip Fireplaces, Monkton Combe, Bath BA2 7HD; info@mendipfireplacesbath.co.uk; Tel: 01225 722706; www.mendipfireplacesbath.co.uk

SANDRIDGE STONE is a local craft-skills

business specialising in all aspects of building and restoring local Bath Stone properties. It can supply and fix all stone requirements for new builds or extensions.

The team’s heritage skills qualified stonemasons are also expert in repairing and restoring existing stone on listed properties in order to fulfil planning requirements. Boundary Farm, Berryfield, Melksham SN12 6EF; Tel: 01225 703733; www.sandridgestone.co.uk

NO17 INTERIORS offers a range of bespoke

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

JENNIFER MOSSE DESIGN STUDIO

BATH KITCHEN COMPANY

CLAIR STRONG INTERIOR DESIGN

NEXUS OF BATH is a Bath based family

www.bathkitchencompany.co.uk

www.clairstrong.co.uk

Based in the heart of Bath and specialising in bespoke, handmade kitchens, Bath Kitchen Company become personally invested in every kitchen they design and build. It’s about attention to detail at every stage – creating a beautiful space that enhances the way you live. 7-9 North Parade Buildings, Bath BA1 1NS; Tel: 01225 312003

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

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

Tel: 07738289189; www.jennifermosse.com

business specialising in painting and decorating, plastering, tiling, sash window restoration and other property restoration. Nexus have built a reputation for the highest standards of workmanship with experience across a range of projects from listed buildings through to new builds, with a complete commitment to customer service and health and safety Tel: 01225 300414; www.nexusofbath.co.uk www.mediaclash.co.uk I BATH LIFE I 97

PHOTO BY DAVE BROL AN

BATH LIVES

“I could never understand why everyday culture was not being taken seriously” leave university-land, for the more volatile, unpredictable world of art schools. I haven’t regretted it for a second.

I used to sell ice-creams at Chessington Zoo. Watching the

tiny customers trying to shove their choc ices in the animals’ faces – ‘make him do something, Mummy!’ – gave me a dark view of human nature. And of zoos, come to that.

I could never understand why everyday culture – film, television, variety, pop and rock music, paperbacks – was not being taken seriously,

CHRISTOPHER FRAYLING

The writer, historian and TV presenter on popular culture, pharaohs’ curses and celebrity interviews Christopher Frayling is a cultural historian, writer and award-winning broadcaster on radio and television. He has been a lecturer at Bath University, as well as Rector of the Royal College of Art, chairman of Arts Council England and of the Design Council, and a British Film Institute governor. In 2000 he was knighted for ‘services to art and design education’. The Hollywood History of Art is Christopher’s thirtieth book and looks at the Hollywood feature films that tell the story of some of the world’s greatest artists.

I was sent to boarding school in Sussex when I was seven years old – much too early.

The idea was that my brother (three years older) could keep me company. But in boarding school society, the seven-year-olds don’t mix with, or even talk to, the ten-year-olds. It was very Lord of the Flies.

The first thing I had published was a review of a production of Jean Anouilh’s Becket in the school magazine. I was

too honest about it, and the cast wouldn’t speak to me for the rest of the term.

Although I went to I grew up in south west London, Cambridge University as when wartime rationing was an undergraduate and still winding down, and can postgraduate, I became increasingly attracted to art still just about remember the schools. The ‘can do’ attitude. excitement of securing a copy of

The Eagle or The Dandy comics at a time of paper shortage. My father worked for the Hudson’s Bay Company all his life after school, and my mother was a professional rally driver (Allard cars). She won the RAC rally in 1952.

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

The belief that your work will make a difference. So I joined the staff at the Royal College of Art in London, first as a tutor, then as a Professor, then as Rector.

My friends and colleagues said I was making a big mistake to

or even noticed, at school and university. Instead, we were offered a Victorian idea of ‘culture’, which often seemed very remote. There were no ‘media studies’ or ‘cultural studies’ in those days – so I had to invent my own. It’s all changed now.

My biggest inspiration is my wife Helen, an artist, to whom I used to read every word.

This reminded me that words – even in academe – are about communicating from one person to another, rather than about showing off. I’m obsessed with not using jargon, and Helen was an excellent ‘jargonometer’.

I used to row, while at university, and still have a full-sized presentation oar displayed on the wall. It links

the crew with their position in the boat and their weights. C. Frayling 11 stone 10 lbs. Those were the days!

In 1991, while shooting my TV series The Face of Tutankhamun, I got into a lift in

our Cairo hotel, with some of the film crew, and the lift suddenly fell ten floors, then came to a juddering halt just above the basement. It happened very fast.

If the braking system hadn’t kicked in, at best we’d have all been three feet tall. The curse of the pharaohs? Or faulty lift maintenance?

I used to write and present hour-long ‘cinema profiles’ for BBC TV – and the subjects

included, among many others, Gregory Peck, Deborah Kerr, Peter Ustinov, Woody Allen, Doris Day, and Clint Eastwood.

Clips from these interviews periodically surface on BBC4.

Ustinov was the funniest, Peck the nicest, Allen the least friendly.

One of my biggest professional regrets was narrowly missing a career interview, on television, with Audrey Hepburn. She’d agreed

to do it and wrote to say how much she was looking forward to it. But… too late. She died in January 1993, before it could happen. Audrey Hepburn never did give an in-depth interview about her film career…

When I arrived in Bath in 1973 to teach at the university, I

lived in Raby Place at the bottom of Bathwick Hill. Then for many years we were in Macaulay Buildings, halfway up Widcombe Hill. Now, we are tucked away in leafy Bathampton. I love the fact that the city was a place of entertainment – with beautiful holiday architecture – from the eighteenth century onwards, and that the industrial revolution – and the Luftwaffe – didn’t wreck the fun.

My secret Bath is the watchman’s sentry box at Norfolk Crescent – an ornate

precursor of the modern police box, dating from about 1810 before the police were even invented. I like to tell visitors that this is the origin of Dr Who’s Tardis, which always goes down well.

The Hollywood History of Art by Christopher Frayling, published by Reel Art Press, £69.95, is available through local bookshops For more: www.reelartpress.com