Putting together this issue was such a welcome distraction from the one thing all of us have been talking about nonstop for weeks now. The weather. Now, I’m as English as they come (and that’s even taking into account my IndianIrish heritage), and I love talking about the weather. It’s interesting in this country. One day rainy, the next day drizzle. One day windy, the next day slightly blustery. I mean what’s not to love? But any more hot weather talk, and my head will combust.
Mainly because I’ve been as guilty of it as anyone. “Have you ever known it so hot? Did you get that fan down from the attic? Yes, the one covered in dust with a broken blade. Right, it’s broken, should we get air con? No, just a portable unit silly. Christ, really though, have you ever known it so hot? Can you stop breathing near me please? I said: CAN YOU STOP BREATHING NEAR ME PLEASE!!!!!”
On and on it (I) goes.
It could be worse I guess. We could have had no roof in the middle of that storm. A total roof re-tile going on during the ‘never seen anything
like it’ storm. The one where the whole sky crackled open like a portal to another world and then the heavens opened delivering an ocean of rainfall in minutes. This might have resulted in the exposed loft, the loft belongings, and the landing being totally flooded. Oh hang on…
So instead let’s talk about this lovely issue – the brand new festival of ideas, debate and discovery coming to Bruton (page 20), a guide to the best afternoon teas locally (page 39), an inspiring office special (page 71), and a whole plethora of Bathamazingness on every single page. I would say I hope it brightens up your day, but I think we’ve agreed not to talk about the weather…
57 BEAUTY Feeling great at the new Francis Hotel Spa
59 EDUCATION Why homework should be a chore
NETWORK
63 NETWORK LEAD Bath Life Network Lunch at Emberwood with Amanda and Nick Spicer of Your Eco
68 NETWORK NEWS News, views and interviews
70 CAREER PATH Sarah Morris of the Francis Hotel
72 WORK SPACES The office hubs that help inspire
PROPERTY
81 PROPERTY LEAD No. 1 The Circus is up for auction
82 PROPERTY NEWS The latest from the market
84 SHOWCASE This incredible No.13 will be lucky for someone
DEPARTMENTS
11 SPOTLIGHT Shining a light on the positive
13 SCENE Hello party people!
19 FL AT LINE Flats tries to win the case for another house move
90 BATH LIVES Meet artist Abbie Dayman-Johns
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
The Roman Baths has been ranked among the top 1 per cent of visitor attractions worldwide in Tripadvisor’s 2026 Travellers’ Choice Best of the Best Awards.
The 2,000-year-old landmark has been named one of the world’s very best visitor experiences, placing fourth in the UK and among the top 20 attractions in Europe. The accolade, based on millions of traveller reviews and ratings submitted over a 12-month period, reinforces the site’s status as a must-visit heritage destination.
Councillor Kevin Guy, leader of Bath & North East Somerset Council, says, “This accolade is a reflection of the passion and dedication of our fantastic team, and the timeless appeal of the Roman Baths. It’s wonderful to see how much our visitors value their experience here, and we’re grateful to everyone who took the time to share their glowing reviews.”
Happening in July and August, Summer Lates will see the historic site open late into the evening, with DJ sets and live music performances at weekends offering a rare and magical way to experience the Roman Baths as day turns to dusk. For more: www.romanbaths.co.uk
BOOK THE DATE
Get ready for a big bookish adventure: Bath Children’s Literature Festival is back and runs from 25 September to 4 October. The UK’s biggest stand-alone children’s book festival is once again supported by Longleat and Waterstones is back as the festival’s official bookseller. Tickets go on general sale on 3 July and are available via Bath Box Office For more: www.bathfestivals.org.uk | www.bathboxoffice.org.uk
I DO DECLARE
A rare original 1776 Dunlap printing of the American Declaration of Independence will go on display at the American Museum & Gardens this summer, marking 250 years since the signing of the historic document.
On view in the Manor House until 6 September – and available to visit on weekdays in July for £2.50 – the document is at the heart of the museum’s America 250 programme, created to coincide with the 4 July anniversary. Only 26 Dunlap copies are known to survive worldwide, and this example is the only one thought to have been intercepted by British forces during the American Revolution and later annotated by British government officials.
Alongside the document, there is an America 250 trail in the Manor House, special exhibitions and an events programme including a custom speech at Bath’s Guildhall by historian David Olusoga OBE, daily pop-up talks, lectures, and celebrations of American arts, music, gardens and culture.
For more: www.americanmuseum.org
BY
The Roman Baths ranks in the top 1 per cent of visitor attractions worldwide; inset: Enjoy record highs at the Summer Lates
Excitement for the return of the Bath Children’s Literature Festival
Kate Herbert, chief curator at the American Museum & Gardens, Bath, with the 1776 Dunlap broadside of the Declaration of Independence; inset: Close up of the rare document
PHOTOS
PETER HALL
SCENE
THE LATEST ADVENTURES IN PARTY-GOING ACROSS BATH
WORLDS TOGETHER
Bath Royal Literary and Scientific Institution (BRLSI) recently welcomed around 70 guests to the opening of its current Worlds Apart exhibition, which showcases rare early photographs of Bath and China, and runs until 26 September. Curator Matt Williams shared the stories behind the images, and discussed how, far from being ‘worlds apart’, the images actually reveal striking common ground.
Visitors also explored calotypes in BRLSI’s dark room and the Birth of Photography timeline.
Photos by Lee Niel; www.leeniel.co.uk For more: www.brlsi.org
James Hamilton and David Medlock
Robert Drewett and John Strachan
Dr. David Newton, Graham Brant, Xiao Mei and Xiaoman Hu
Dr. Joe Willson and Julian Gooding
Jackie Hill-Murphy and Betty Suchar
Holly Trant and Henry Ford
Matt Williams and lone Parkin
Jude Harris and Richard Guthrie
Lucy Littlewood and lan Gadd
Mai Byrne and Darcy Walton
James Vale, Kersti Haabjoern and Matt Williams
Paula Riseborough and Mary Burton
FAMILY
FURLONG
Bath Racecourse hosted a special Bank Holiday Family Funday on 4 May, with thousands attending to enjoy pirates, picnics and birds of prey, alongside eight thrilling flat races for the adults.
For more:
www.bath-racecourse.co.uk
TEA-ING OFF
Around 20 guests gathered at Bowood Hotel, Spa & Golf Resort for the press launch of its refreshed Bowood afternoon tea at the Shelburne Restaurant. Developed with Cornish tea producer Tregothnan, the seasonal menu champions ingredients from Bowood’s very own walled garden. Turn to page 39 for our afternoon tea special.
For more: www.bowood.org
Joan Withington
SEEING THINGS
Around 40 guests gathered at the Emerge Gallery in Sion Hill, for the private view of Unseen–seen, a solo show by multidisciplinary artist Lindsay Woodman. Holburne director Chris Stephens was among the visitors to view the exhibition that explores the invisible labour and creativity of women.
Photos by Sarah Boezalt; insta @reelboezaltphotography
For more: www.emergeinbath.co.uk
Aisha Watson
Tom Toner and Steff Toner
Nichola Turner and Chris Stephens
The work of artist Lindsay Woodman
Lindsay Woodman
Kyra Hardy, Ben Parsons and Cheyenne Jayne Eddolls
Eleanor Copp, Sherrie Baxter and Kristan Menard
Suzie Kingshott and Elise Kate Stansfield
Isaac Maddock, Susanna Thorpe and Kathrin Cockhill
Lucy Mantle and Rebecca Lovatt
Shires Yard is delighted to announce the launch of its inaugural Wimbledon Courtyard Screen, bringing the excitement of the Championships to the heart of Bath throughout the second week of the tournament.
Visitors can enjoy live coverage from Centre Court and beyond in the beautiful surroundings of Shires Yard’s Georgian courtyard throughout The Championships.
Presented in partnership with Gieves & Hawkes, whose Bath store is located within Shires Yard, the screening brings one of Britain’s most iconic sporting events to an equally quintessentially British setting.
Adding to the celebrations, Bramley will host a courtyard Hydration Station, offering complimentary refreshments and showcasing its award-winning British products throughout the week, helping to create a relaxed summer atmosphere.
Whether cheering on the British players, following the drama of the later rounds, or simply looking for a vibrant place to spend a summer afternoon, Shires Yard offers the perfect setting to soak up the action.
Visitors can make a day of it by enjoying lunch, drinks or dinner at one of the courtyard restaurants while watching the tennis. Terrace bookings are available throughout the week; to reserve a table at Bosco.
The Championships also mark the return of a summer favourite. Brickell’s Ice Cream will be serving its award-winning artisan ice cream from Wednesday to Sunday, 11am–6pm, throughout the summer until September, offering seasonal flavours to enjoy while taking in the courtyard atmosphere.
Admitting liability
Flats thinks he has a defence for moving house (again) but the case collapses under cross-examination
As much as I love living where we live, and as much as I appreciate the sheer convenience of living in BA1, my personality type is one that gets itchy. Bored. So now I want to move. I mean, do I? Maybe. I’m not sure. My wife has no drive to move whatsoever, but she knows me very well and knows how I get.
Maybe this mindset of mine suggests a chronic dissatisfaction that, tragically, will never see me truly content in life. Or maybe it suggests a refusal to settle, an ongoing level of ambition. Whatever. I like houses and maybe I want a new one now.
The market is awful, we all know that. Using an approach to logic I now see my 16 yearold daughter mirroring, I list to my wife the obvious and unarguable positives of buying in such a stagnant market. Think of the money we’ll make when the market turns! She then reminds me that we would need to sell our house in that same market and back down to
earth I come crashing. Hmm.
Anyway, I’ve seen one I want. Like, really want. Whether or not we get it remains to be seen, but one thing struck me during the viewing. Well, actually two. Firstly, I loved it so much that I knew we had a problem as soon as we pulled up. But the second revelation was brought about by the brilliant estate agent who showed us around. It’s only a small thing but it felt significant. I can never remember what direction it is that a garden needs to be facing in order for it to be better than all the other gardens that face in the other directions. ‘South facing’ sounds right, but I’m guessing. This garden, though, isn’t a garden that gets the evening sun. Pockets of it do, but not the main bit where you’d sit and eat your côte de boeuf and chips.
Estate agent: “When’s the last time you ate a meal in direct sunlight?”
Me: “Two weeks ago in our garden”
Him: “How was it?”
Me: “Awful. I hate heat and I hate eating in the sun. We all had to move into the shade and
“Man maths is definitely a thing”
we all sweated through our shirts and it ruined the day”
Him: “No further questions, your honour” He didn’t say that last bit, and I’ve paraphrased the chat, but you get it. He wasn’t on the sell. Some people want that evening sun, and some people don’t but think they do. It’s like living near a train line. Like, so what? If you hate train noises then I get it but I don’t hate that noise, so I don’t subscribe to the theory that such houses are instantly less appealing. Pay less for the house, spend some of your change on some new windows and… no more noise. If you’re even that bothered.
En suite bathrooms are another one. I’m not bothered. Now, I admittedly do not want to be trekking from my bed to the loo in the middle of the night, but I do not absolutely need there to be a door linking the two rooms directly; I’m happy enough with a landing. Not bothered.
From memory the one thing on which I once told my wife I would not compromise was parking. On-street parking was not an option as I’d come from houses with big driveways for my big car. Then we bought a house in town with no driveway and I have never – not even once – found it a problem. My wife is a legend and just doesn’t ever even think of things like these as negatives, but I do. I really do. I pick holes. In TV shows, in books, in houses. But parking on the road is a piece of cake where we are so I was wrong and now I know better.
Man maths is definitely a thing. What it is is a mathematical equation that works out perfectly, despite leaving out one or more key numbers in order to ensure the correct answer. I’ve done mine and I think we should go hard for this house.
Mrs F: “And where do we get the stamp duty from?”
Me: “Objection, your honour. Aggravating the witness.”
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
OUT OF THE BRUE
The new festival of ideas bringing big names and local voices to Bruton
Words by Sarah Moolla
Main photo by Don McCullin
left: The Big Brue founders Mariella Frostrup, Eleanor O’Keeffe, Catherine Fairweather and Jason McCue phootgrahed at Hauser & Wirth Somerset
Abrand new innovative festival of ideas will debut in Bruton early this autumn, bringing together highprofile names including Bob
Geldof, Dominic West, Nazanin ZaghariRatcliffe, Adwoa Aboah, for a weekend of debate, discs and discovery. Big Brue takes place at Hauser & Wirth Somerset on 19 –20 September, and has been co-created by journalist and broadcaster Mariella Frostrup, human rights lawyer Jason McCue, writer and editor Catherine Fairweather, and producer Eleanor O’Keeffe.
Their aim is to build a space where people with sharply differing views can come together for open, thoughtful conversation. As well as the heavyweight line-up (see overleaf for more) the festival will also work closely with local schools and showcase local producers and makers. There’s also live music from acclaimed artists including Danny Goffey from Supergrass with sound direction by Ali Viles, the wireless audio coordinator for Coldplay.
Bruton’s artistic vitality is at the heart of the event. As Mariella, who will be podcasting live from the event, explains, “Bruton already has such a strong creative energy, and we wanted to build something around that – a festival where people can come together, share ideas, disagree, discover something new, and feel part of a larger conversation. The idea is not just to hold another talks festival. We’re creating a space where ideas are presented and tested, where disagreement is welcome so long as it’s agreeable, and audiences are participants as well as spectators.”
She adds, “Small towns like Bruton have a lot to contribute but rural communities are rarely given the stage. Long term we’d like to open up opportunities for more public debate in similar locations, where people can come together, share ideas, be outraged and inspired, discover something new and feel part of a larger conversation.”
Jason, Mariella’s husband, shares this vision. “It’s about delivering ideas through bringing global voices in and reflecting local voices out. If we can have some fun, entertainment and networking in between, it stands to be an annual festival model for success. If you don’t get people talking, you can’t solve anything. With Big Brue we are bringing international voices in, and getting local voices heard. We firmly believe that progress comes from difference and disagreement, so we are here to stir things up and help make sense of the world!”
And Eleanor, who has been involved in organising festivals from Jaipur to Palestine to Marrakech, reflects, “The best ideas are the ones where it feels like you are pushing on an open door. The response from patrons and the community has been so enthusiastic, that it feels like this was an idea waiting to happen.”
Big Brue runs 19 – 20 September at Durslade Farm, Hauser & Wirth, Bruton. Tickets cost £150 with full access to the events being held across the two days. For more: www.bigbrue.com
CATHERINE FAIRWEATHER is a writer, journalist and podcaster, who also oversees the archive and work of her husband, the photographer Sir Don McCullin. Here she tells us more about the early inspiration for the Big Brue, the challenges of curation, and how it all finally came to fruition.
Tell us about the original inspiration
When Don, my then husband- to- be, invited me to a dinner at his house in Bruton with some friends of his, I had visions of polite chit chat about the weather, but the evening was animated to say the least! There were lots of amicable disagreements about all sorts of topics. I really enjoyed the open, civilised spirit of inquiry and debate, and I soon realised that Bruton was a ‘small town but with big ideas.’ That was 25 years ago – I think the seed for an event that celebrates different perspectives, debate and discussion, was planted that very night.
How did the idea of a festival progress?
When Mariella (who is a close friend of mine, godmother to my son and shares a birthday with me!) and Jason moved here 14 years ago, I knew they had always wanted to create a ‘Mind Bomb’ festival of ideas. Then our new neighbours, John Gordon and Eleanor O’Keeffe, arrived, both with a background in talks and festivals, and they also saw the potential of putting on a festival in Bruton. And between us, the plan started to come together.
What was it like transitioning from friends to colleagues?
Disagreeing agreeably is our festival riff! We’re all strong headed but never sulk or bear a grudge.
Was the planning process smooth?
Not at all! We nearly gave up several times.
How did you develop the festival’s concepts and themes? It was organic. Jason is strong on global affairs and geopolitics, Mariella has great connections in media and publishing, and as a
former editor and current podcaster, I’m plugged into all things cultural, historical, and the mind and spirit of Somerset. Eleanor oversees structure, management, finances, and marketing. Colin Midson and Rebecca McClelland are the engine cogs that keep this behemoth moving. We also have Ben Goldsmith covering all things nature, and the valuable insights of local neuroscientist and author Beau Lotto.
How did you all curate such a vast wealth of talent for the programme?
Again it happened organically, but also because of local specialisms. Subjects for discussion tended to arrange themselves around the speakers’ expertise. We’ve all been overwhelmed by the enthusiasm and generosity of high-profile speakers wanting to be involved.
What challenges did you face?
Raising funds was tricky. Giving priority to speakers was difficult –we have so many brilliant minds to choose from but couldn’t include everyone. There are countless moving parts: from developing the visual identity and agreeing on a manifesto, to allocating beds for the nights. I had no idea it would take up so much time!
How is Big Brue different from other events? It’s not a political echo chamber and it’s not just about new books. The festival will work with a selected cohort of participants throughout the weekend, asking whether a weekend of ideas, conversation, and constructive disagreement can change how people listen, think, and respond to opposing views. It is deeply rooted in Bruton, drawing on the brilliant local minds and aiming to bring in big thinkers to amplify local voices.
What can visitors expect?
agreeably“Disagreeing is our festival riff!”
A wide variety of talks to suit all tastes – some big names, some festival unknowns, interesting workshops, quintessential Bruton experiences, great food, lively debate, a sense of place, and a defiant, questing spirit. Talks are bookended with pilgrimages, tastings, saunas, and workshops at the Hub, which is the beating heart of the festival that celebrates the glue of community and this remarkable location. In addition, expect Speakers’ Corner, live music, local produce, and more.
Which highlights are you personally excited about?
There will be a battle of the poets with Bob Geldof and Dominic West, and Ben Goldsmith is a truly compelling speaker. We also have a unique interview with Dione Roach and Steve Happi, founders of Jail Time Records – a label set up on death row in Douala jail in Cameroon. The documentary Jail Time Records, directed by Dione and Steve, won three prizes at the Tribeca Festival in New York, including Best Documentary Feature. Plus I’m really looking forward to the live experiment led by Beau Lotto, exploring how people engage with disagreement, difference, and uncertainty.
How do you hope the festival might evolve over time?
I hope people will see this as something with cultural, rural, environmental, spiritual, and political energy. Small Town, Big Ideas – it’s a concept we can take anywhere.
Catherine worked with her Bruton neighbours and friends to help launch Big Brue
BIG NAMES IN AN INTIMATE SETTING
Big Brue’s line-up is seriously stellar with a packed two-day festival programme of headline discussions, conversations and performances, exploring a whole range of thought-provoking, engaging and informative topics from how people engage with unfamiliar perspectives and disagreement to how creativity can emerge from conflict. It promises to be eclectic, diverse, provocative, experimental, experiential and entertaining, and here’s just a taster of a few of the names appearing…
Gus Casely Hayford will be exploring Museums of the Future.
Dame Prue Leith will be talking with her son Danny Kruger MP about Family Matters: Negotiating Conflict at Home
Sir Bob Geldof is appearing in conversation
Ben Goldsmith on Rewilding our Future
Mariella Frostrup hosts live podcast recordings of Books to Live By
George Osborne will be discussing AI and the Global Order
The Magic of Mushrooms is with Beau Lotto
Music from The Frontline features the photography of Sir Don McCullin accompanied by the Cavatina Orchestra
ALSO DUE TO APPEAR ARE:
THE HAUSER & WIRTH HEARTBEAT
IT’S HARDLY SURPRISING the beautiful venue of Hauser & Wirth Somerset was first choice of venue for the Big Brue founders. The world-class gallery and multipurpose arts centre is a unique nexus of art, gastronomy and landscape, with a 100-acre estate that includes tithe barns, gallery spaces and a medieval farmhouse. As Catherine Fairweather says, “Not only was it the preferred venue, it was the only one we wanted. We hugely respect their commitment to the local community and
their strongly inclusive attitude.”
Beyond a prairie-style garden by landscape designer Piet Oudolf, the striking 2014 Radi Pavilion by Chilean architect Smiljan Radi stands as one of the festival’s standout speaker venues. A large marquee, provided by sponsor Bohemia Canvas and positioned in front of the farmhouse courtyard, will form the central focal point for talks. The Hub located next to the Durslade Farm Shop will become the beating heart of
the festival: a community-centred space featuring a Speakers’ Corner and a dynamic ‘Fourth Plinth’ where local voices and schools can share ideas both big and small.
The Hub will also showcase local craft food and drink, and host intimate workshops and masterclasses in collaboration with local artists, writers and makers. Curated walks, courses and experiences will allow visitors to explore the town and its surroundings in depth n
Novelist Esther Freud
Actor Dominic West Actor, model and compaigner Adwoa Aboah
Artist and director of Jail Time Records Dione Roach
Director and dancer Carlos Acosta
Fashion designer Alice Temperley MBE
Garden designer Mary Keen
Human rights journalist Nazanin Zaghari-Ratcliffe
Jail Time Records founder and musician Steve Happi
Landscape architect Catherine Fitzgerald
SNAPSHOTS OF BATH’S CULTURAL LIFE
Cubans by Cubans brings the colour, complexity and contradictions of the island nation to Bath. Hosted at the Christoph Moser Gallery at Roseberry Road Studios, and curated by exhibition manager Louise Rushford in collaboration with Bath-based artist and illustrator Tristan Manco, the exhibition runs until 19 July. It presents 64 photographs by 11 Cuban photographers, from street scenes to social gatherings, from portraits to landscapes, all offering an intimate and authentic insight into Cuban life.
For more: www.roseberryroadstudios.com
WHAT’S ON
4 July –1 August
EXHIBITIONS
Until 31 July
30 YEARS OF BATH ARTISTS’ STUDIOS
A collaborative exhibition with Art at the Heart of the RUH and Bath Artists’ Studios aims to offer moments of reflection and inspiration for patients, staff and visitors with a diversity of practices in the collection ranging from painting and sculpture to photography, textiles and mixed media. All work is for sale with one third going to the RUH. www. artatruh.org | www.bathartistsstudios.org
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 artists of the Impressionist movement, including Édouard Manet, Pierre Bonnard, Henri de ToulouseLautrec, and Pablo Picasso, among others, the collection 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
Austentatious improvise Jane Austen with the help of audience inspiration at The Forum on 17 July
that explore mythology, history, and reflections on identity. The Museum of East Asian Art; www.meaa.org.uk
Until 18 October 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
Until 1 November JOURNEYS
The Karun Thakar textile collection displayed throughout the 17th-century Dyrham Park’s house interiors reveals powerful narratives about migration, trade, craftsmanship and colonialism. Dyrham Park; www.nationaltrust.org.uk
Until 27 June 2027
LACOCK BY MARTIN PARR
The final major commission by the late celebrated British photographer Martin Parr captures a year in the life of Lacock village. This intimate exhibition at the Fox Talbot Museum
explores community, tradition and daily life, bringing Parr’s acclaimed documentary style back to where it began. www.nationaltrust.org.uk
4 July – 3 January 2027
CIRCUS OF CURIOSITIES: AN EXHIBITION OF MOVING MARVELS
Developed and toured by the Cabaret Mechanical Theatre, this playful exhibition, inspired by the spectacle of the circus, brings together 25 interactive mechanical sculptures by contemporary makers. American Museum & Gardens; www.americanmuseum.org
THEATRE / MOVIES
15 – 18 July
EBB & FLOW
When two people move into their first home together after years of love and laughter, they expect solid ground. Instead, they find shifting tides. Rondo; www.rondotheatre.co.uk
17 July AUSTENTATIOUS
The all-star cast perform in
celebrating 30 Years of Bath Artists’ Studios can be seen at the RUH until 31 July; It’s a lush life at We Out Here, the Gilles Peterson‑curated four‑day festival
period costume with live musical accompaniment and improvise a new Jane Austen novel, inspired entirely by a title from the audience. The Forum; www.bathforum.co.uk
28 July – 1 August TEECHERS
It is the end of term and John Godber’s hilarious comedy masterpiece, bristling with teenage swagger and outlandish imagination, has been reset for our post-Covid and lockdown times. Theatre Royal Bath; www.theatreroyal.org.uk
FESTIVALS
Until 12 July
FROME FESTIVAL
Frome Festival celebrates its 25th anniversary with 300 events in 58 venues across the town. Expect a huge mix of music, theatre, comedy, talks, exhibitions, workshops and family fun. Headliners including Cara Dillon, Sir Tony Robinson, Phil Ellis and Nigel Planer. www.fromefestival.co.uk
23 – 26 July
WOMAD
The glorious celebration of world music at Neston Park includes performances from 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
24 – 26 July
BALLET UNDER THE STARS
A glamorous dinner-and-dance festival in Hatch House’s walled garden with gourmet three-course dinner, paired wines and world-class ballet from international stars across classical, neoclassical and contemporary works. Hatch House; www.coventgardendance.com
30 July – 2 August
VALLEY FEST
Chew Valley Lake’s feel-good best-view festival with live sets from Big Special, Cast and Billy Nomates alongside hot tubs, yoga, family fun, creative workshops and spectacular lakeside feasts from top regional chefs. www.valleyfest.co.uk
6 – 16 August
IF OPERA
This is a spectacular yet intimate country-house opera festival at Church Farm, Wingfield, beneath the Westbury White Horse, with reimagined Carmen, operetta, baroque masterclasses and big-band Picnic Prom finale in a charming pastoral setting. www.ifopera.com
clockwise from top left: Frome Festival runs until 12 July and is joined by international acts such as flamenco dancer Maria Vega performing with guitarist Xuefei Yang; Circus Pazaz bring their Big Top magic to the Paddock Circus Festival at Beckford’s Tower on 19 July; An exhibition
20 – 23 August
WE OUT HERE
Gilles Peterson‑curated four‑day festival at Wimborne St Giles, Dorset, joins the dots between soul, jazz, hip hop, electronica and more, with pioneering artists and deeply laid‑back, out‑there vibes. Headliners include avant pop superstars Stereolab, South London singer songwriter Joy Crookes and the father of Ehtio jazz Mulatu Astatke. www.weoutherefestival.com
3 – 6 September
END OF THE ROAD
It’s the 20th year of the critically acclaimed indie festival at Larmer Tree near Salisbury. Among the headliners are Pulp playing their only UK festival set of the year, Irish pop sensation CMAT, and slacker rock icon Mac DeMarco. Plus there’s a packed programme of literature, talks and comedy, accompanied by an eco ethos, family workshops, and locally produced food and drink. www.endoftheroadfestival.com
MUSIC
12 July
NIK KERSHAW
Part of the limited run of shows to mark Nik’s 50 years as a responsible adult. Also known as “the no particular reason we can think of, tour” and “the why the hell not, tour”. Komedia; www.komediabath.co.uk
CHILDREN
19 July
PADDOCK CIRCUS FESTIVAL
Big Top magic comes to Beckford’s Tower with two circus performances, acrobatics, outdoor shows, workshops, clowning with Darryl Carrington, food stalls and an all day bar. www.beckfordstower.org.uk
Until 26 July
THE SECRET GARDEN
The Egg Theatre is celebrating over two decades of transforming theatre for young audiences in Bath with this new disability led theatre production of the Frances Hodgson Burnett’s beloved classic written in 1911. The Egg; www.theatreroyal.org.uk
OTHER
Until 12 July
RHS BADMINTON FLOWER SHOW
Enjoy award winning gardens, the Young Designer showcase, and the 75th anniversary Archers garden by Jo Thompson. See Tom Stuart Smith’s record show garden, explore artisan and pocket planting, and experience Out of the Shadows which is inspired by Carl Jung’s theories of hidden parts of the mind, created by Will Young (yes, that Will Young making his RHS debut) and garden designer Jamie Butterworth. www.rhs.org.uk
CULTURE CLUB with NOAH VALENTINE
Noah is best known for his breakthrough role as Preston Walters in the BBC’s Waterloo Road. His critically acclaimed appearances have since included the stage production of Noughts & Crosses and the films The Good Boy and Mother’s Day. He’ll be at the Theatre Royal Bath from 14 until 25 July starring in Equus as Alan Strang, the teenager with a pathological fascination for horses.
The last great film I saw I re-watched Ridley Scott’s Blade Runner from 1982 in February this year. I went to the cinema with my partner to introduce her to it, and it completely blew me away all over again. So much so, I was listening to the score on the drive
A film I could watch over and
This would have to be the greatest film of all time – The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship
A painting that means something to me
It’s not a famous one, but a few years ago, a family friend painted a picture of our home and our three Irish wolfhounds roaming the garden under the night sky.
Best TV show ever . Incredibly flawed characters being incredibly mean to one another. It makes for some nasty viewing that I simply can’t
The book that changed my life by J. R. R. Tolkien.
I grew up on The Lord of the Rings and wasn’t aware of its predecessor until I was around ten when my dad gave me his old copy. Just the sheer imagination of it left me completely awestruck.
The book I could happily re-read Muckle Flugga by Michael Pederson. It’s a story of love and nature set on a tiny island north of Unst in the Shetland Islands in Scotland. It’s a beautiful read.
My desert island disc Angel by Sarah McLachlan. It’s in the 1998 film City of Angels, which I saw with my mum and dad, so it always reminds me of them.
The first song I remember hearing
Eva
Cassidy’s version of Wade in the Water. The soul of her voice is completely addictive.
My karaoke go-to I first heard No Diggity by Blackstreet ft. Dr. Dre and Queen Pen in the movie Pitch Perfect and it’s been stuck in my mind ever since. I’ve not done karaoke for years, but when the next opportunity arises, I will be totally ready.
For more: www.theatreroyal.org.uk
Noah is a Lord of the Rings fan
Grottoesque an exhibition by Glenn Brown is currently showing at No. 1 Royal Crescent
Noah Valentine, centre, with the Equus ensemble
PHOTO BY MANUEL HARLAN
THE REEL THING ELLA KILLBOURN
It’s a star studded summer of movies coming to The Little, including Christopher Nolan’s sprawling Trojan epic
The Invite
Release date 3 July
Surprising and hilarious, director Olivia Wilde (Booksmart) also stars in this whip-smart marital comedy alongside Seth Rogan, Penelope Cruz, and Edward Norton. A constantly bickering married couple (Wilde and Rogan) invite over the couple upstairs (Cruz and Norton) for dinner, despite some misgivings surrounding the extremely loud relations they seem to have on a very regular basis. The film follows the dinner conversation that unfolds, which quickly takes an unexpected direction.
Without giving too much away, the film certainly deals with some more adult topics, but it resists the urge to go for the low-hanging fruit, so to speak. Wilde even involved a psychotherapist specialising in ‘erotic intelligence’ as a consultant on the film, proving a level of sincerity behind the honest portrayals of marriage at the film’s heart. Paired with an intelligent and well-crafted script, from Rashida Jones and Will McCormack, of rapid-fire dialogue, acted so naturally it feels improvised at times, the film’s première at Sundance was a surprise hit.
Rosebush Pruning
Release date 10 July
Rosebush Pruning is a loose remake of Bellocchio’s Fist in the Pocket (I Pugni in Tasca), released in 1965, which now enjoys cult classic status, but is very much in the current trend of satirising the real lives of insufferably well-off people. It assembles some of the most beautiful actors working today to portray a deeply dysfunctional
and unsavoury family of the super-rich. Calumn Turner, Jamie Bell, Riley Keough, and Lucas Gage play emotionally incestuous siblings who, when confronted with the possibility of a break in the ranks, do everything their limited wit allows to entrap their brother and expel the gold-digging interloper (Elle Fanning).
Unfolding in a series of absurd and visually saturated vignettes, delivered totally deadpan, this film belongs to an increasingly popular sub-genre of upper-class parody that includes
“An unsavoury family of the super-rich”
Saltburn, How to Make a Killing, and Savage House. If you enjoy gazing at beautiful and welldressed people in stunning locations, or the idea of revelling in the aimless and self-inflicted pain of the fabulously vapid and wealthy (and let’s admit, who doesn’t?), this is the film for you (well, for all of us).
The Odyssey Release date 17 July
Adapted from Homer’s epic poem, The Odyssey chronicles the winding journey of the Ithacan king as he returns home from the legendary Trojan war, as well as the troubles brewing for his family in his absence.
This film marks Christopher Nolan’s first
return to the big screen since the explosive success of his 2023 film, Oppenheimer, and it promises to be just as much of a blockbuster, with a formidable cast of Hollywood stars and even hip-hop artists, with Matt Damon in the title role. Damon himself has noted that “movies like this are not getting made anymore. To do this without a green screen, the way that David Lean would have done it, I don’t know anybody, with the exception of Chris, that’s even trying to do that”. Impressively, the ship that provides the stage for most of the story to play out upon was, for this film, an actual, seafaring vessel that really journeyed all around the Mediterranean between each of the filming locations.
As well as committing to practical effects and location filming, Nolan’s many interviews on this project prove him to be highly researched. His decision to draw primarily from Emily Wilson’s recent translation promises a contemporary and poetic script that highlights more of the story’s female characters and takes exciting creative liberties.
In the same enigmatic vein of The Prestige (2006), Nolan’s Odyssey plays with some of the more mystical elements of the story. Many of the most iconic and improbable elements will feature; from the wooden horse to gods and Cyclops, but the gritty realism Nolan brings to his filmography remains a balancing force throughout.
Ella Killbourn is the cinema manager at Little Theatre Cinema, St Michael’s Place, Bath; www.picturehouses.com
left to right: The Invite with Seth Rogen, Olivia Wilde, Penélope Cruz and Edward Norton; Insufferably welloff people take centre stage in Rosebush Pruning; Christopher Nolan’s new epic The Odyssey stars Matt Damon and Zendaya;
GOING TEA TOTAL
Chai, carriages and centre court, are all part of the reimagining of our local afternoon teas
By Elsie Chadwick
Quintessentially English, and let’s be honest, undeniably Bath. Afternoon tea is part performance, part indulgence, and an utterly genteel way to while away the hours – anytime after midday and before 6pm is acceptable to partake. Many offerings are traditional but once again, our remarkable city reveals itself to have hidden depths beyond the silver trays and raised pinkies, with Wimbledon specials, Pullman carriages, Jane Austen-inspired, and Indian high-tea treats. Here we spill the tea…
The Maid of Somerset, The Creamery, Station Wharf, Castle Cary; www.thenewtinsomerset.com
Afternoon tea is served aboard the Maid of Somerset, a train carriage originally built in 1921 by Clayton Wagons for the Pullman Car Company and lovingly restored to recapture the glamour of first-class rail travel. Located in The Creamery Garden at Castle Cary Station, an offshoot of the nearby Newt in Somerset, the experience is designed to evoke the golden age of rail travel: step into the saloon and you’re transported to another era, with carefully considered lighting, elegant, intimate surroundings and fine tableware. The table settings feature Royal Crown Derby china, based on the design originally supplied to the Titanic’s first-class dining saloon, adding to the sense of occasion and quintessentially British charm. What’s the tea? There’s a selection of finger sandwiches served on sourdough baked in The Newt’s own bakery, followed by freshly baked scones – also made in house – served with strawberry and rose petal preserve and clotted cream. To finish, there’s an array of homemade pastries and cakes, such as rhubarb mille-feuille, Victoria cake slice, and chocolate mousse. Nearly everything is made on site, with a strong emphasis on freshness and craft. The tea selection is extensive and includes Darjeeling First Flush, Lapsang Souchong, Assam, Earl Grey, alongside Honeybush, Rooibos, and Chamomile Babylonstoren teas. Black filter coffee is available on request. Guests can also choose from a range of Newt soft drinks, including the signature Somerset Apple Juice, pressed and bottled on the estate. For an extra touch of luxury, there’s the option to upgrade to a glass of Sprankel, a vibrant sparkling wine from sister estate Babylonstoren in South Africa.
First class The Chalkstream trout pâté sandwich is a particular highlight, offering a distinctive nod to British produce and a more unusual twist on the traditional afternoon tea sandwich.
The Bath Priory, Weston Road, Bath; www.thebathpriory.co.uk
The Bath Priory feels like a rare escape in a city of pavement terraces. Set in four acres of landscaped gardens, it offers all the charm of a country house hotel in the heart of Bath. Built in 1835 as a private residence on land once owned by the Priory of Bath Abbey, it later became a school dormitory before its conversion into a hotel in 1969. Since joining the Brownsword family collection in 1994, it has become synonymous with timeless luxury: walls lined with 20th-century art, antique furniture chosen to feel homely rather than formal, and an atmosphere of relaxed elegance. What’s the tea? Delicate finger sandwiches arrive on freshly baked local bread, celebrating classic English flavours: sustainably sourced John Ross Jr. smoked salmon with lemon and dill cream cheese and capers; free-range Fenton Farm egg salad with garden chives; traditional Wiltshire ham with English mustard; and Woolley Park Farm roasted chicken with tarragon mayonnaise and baby gem lettuce. Hearty savoury bites add richness – think sausage rolls in buttery pastry with sharp piccalilli, and sundried tomato and Parmesan quiche tarts in crisp shortcrust. Guests can go with options including the traditional loose-leaf teas, including the romantic Rosebud Infusion, a glass or two of Laurent-Perrier Champagne or the rose and strawberry garden mocktail.
The sweet element is baked fresh each morning: plain and Montgomery signature cheddar cheese scones with Cornish clotted cream and jams, Georgian almond cheesecake, cherry Bakewell tart, spiced carrot cake, lavender shortbread with lemon curd, and Georgian-era rout cakes.
Best in show Afternoon tea is served in the restaurant overlooking the gardens or on the wisteria-framed Terrace, with guests welcome to explore the grounds or linger in cosy lounges. Many combine tea with time in The Garden Spa by L’Occitane, turning an afternoon treat into a truly unhurried escape.
above: The relaxed elegance of The Bath Priory; opposite: The Maid of Somerset, set in a train carriage, is a first class, and highly original option
“It is based on the design of the Titanic’s first-class dining saloon”
Bowood Hotel Spa & Golf Resort, Derry Hill, Calne; www.bowood.org
Set on the historic 2,000-acre Bowood Estate near Calne, Bowood Hotel, Spa & Golf Resort combines heritage with modern comfort. Opened in 2009, the hotel offers luxurious accommodation, an awardwinning spa, and a PGA Championship 18-hole golf course. Guests can dine at the two AA Rosette Shelburne Restaurant or retreat to the library for their very exclusive afternoon tea.
What’s the tea? Executive head chef Rupert Taylor has designed the Bowood Afternoon Tea to celebrate British ingredients and the estate itself, following the classic trio of sandwiches, scones and pastries. Sandwiches include Severn Valley smoked salmon with lemon and black pepper crème fraîche; honey-roasted Wiltshire ham with wholegrain mustard mayonnaise; and free-range Coronation chicken with mango chutney and poppadom. Vegetarian fillings feature West Country mature cheddar with chives and vine-ripe plum tomatoes, and truffled Clarence Court egg mayonnaise with baby watercress. Plain and sultana scones arrive warm, served with Ivy House Farm clotted cream and Bowood’s own strawberry and rose petal jam – made from fruit and flowers grown in the walled garden. Among the pastries, the Bowood Fog coconut battenberg stands out: a reimagining of a British classic, swapping almond for coconut and finished in Bowood’s signature colours. Other sweet treats include a Chantilly cream and salted caramel éclair, confit lemon curd tart with crisp meringue, and the richly named Chocklecherry teacake.
Tee off Tea is a major star of the show here thanks to Bowood’s partnership with Tregothnan, the UK’s first tea plantation and the first in England to grow black, green and herbal teas on British soil.
The Pump Room, Stall Street, Bath; www.thepumproombath.co.uk
The Pump Room has unveiled its new Jane Austen-inspired afternoon tea, alongside a more immersive Pride & Prejudice Experience that launched in April. Set in the Georgian salon where Austen herself once observed Bath society, the experience invites locals and visitors to rediscover the city through food, tea and storytelling. It reimagines Regency rituals for a modern audience, blending historic atmosphere with contemporary hospitality.
What’s the tea? The menu follows a classic progression of finger sandwiches, savoury bites and pastries, designed to reflect both the elegance and indulgence of the era. Guests can expect cucumber and cream cheese sandwiches, poached salmon with caper butter, and Somerset cider-roasted gammon with spiced chutney, alongside savouries such as smoked mackerel rillette and St Ewe egg salad. The experience culminates in freshly baked scones with West Country clotted cream and strawberry jam, plus pastries including raspberry and vanilla Battenberg, chocolate croustillant with white chocolate Chantilly, and seasonal fruit tarts. Tea is central to the experience, with blends created in partnership with Gillards of Bath, such as the Jane Austen Blend and the floral infused Lady Whistledown’s English Rose Tea. For something stronger, there’s a literary-inspired cocktail list that includes The Darcy which is blend of Earl Grey tea, spiced rum and citrus.
On another note Live music remains integral, with the resident Pump Room Trio performing classical, operatic and modern arrangements, continuing a musical tradition that stretches back more than 300 years and creates an altogether rather refined atmosphere.
“The Darcy is made with Earl Grey tea, spiced rum and citrus”
above: The Bowood afternoon tea has been created by head chef Rupert Taylor; left: A reimagining of the Regency ritual at The Pump Room
FOOD
The Pig-near Bath, Hunstrete House, Hunstrete, Pensford, Bath; www.thepighotel.com
The Pig-near Bath is a cosy restaurant with rooms at Hunstrete House, found just outside Bath and tucked into the Mendip Hills. Since 2014, it’s been an idyllic hideaway for slowing down and switching off, with drawing rooms, crackling fires, a conservatory restaurant that overlooks a deer park and adjoins the kitchen garden.
What’s the tea? The afternoon tea is plentiful, homemade and a little more rustic than traditional tiers. Warm, generous plates of buttery, savoury things come first, followed by soft bakes and sweet bites. Think freshly baked Coastal Cheddar scones with bacon jam, spiced squash and goat’s cheese quiche, hearty slices of carrot and walnut cake with cream cheese icing, and rich millionaire’s shortbread.
The Gardener’s sausage roll served with traditional Colman’s mustard is standout. Guests can choose from tea, coffee, fizz or cocktails, with herbal infusions drawn from the kitchen garden and proper pots of loose tea.
Hot to trot Afternoon tea can be paired with a wander around the large walled kitchen garden, the smoke house, wildflower orchard, fruit cages, nuttery, polytunnels, greenhouse and beehives.
The Mint Room, Lower Bristol Road, Bath; www.themintroom.co.uk
Since 2011, The Mint Room is renowned for bringing modern flair to traditional flavours in a refined, high-end sophisticated setting.
What’s the tea? The Mint Room’s Indian High is a vibrant, spice-led reimagining of the classic British afternoon tea, served exclusively on weekends. Guests start with scones but with a twist: the sweet Mehekti Anjeer Scone, a buttery bake studded with dried figs and gentle Indian spices, and the Shahi Masaldar scone, a savoury version made with special cheese and an aromatic masala kick. Then come the Royal Nibbles –Butter Kheema Crunchwich (a crispy toasted sandwich filled with richly spiced minced paneer or chicken), crisp red onion pakoras, lentil vadas scented with curry leaves, onion, chillies and Madras spice, and the Kolkatta Kathi Luxe: a flaky roll packed with spiced spinach and corn or a chicken twist. Tea is a jug of masala chai, India’s favourite. It’s brewed traditionally with milk, ginger, cardamom and warming spices – aromatic, comforting and made to linger over.
Sweet spot The Mint Room really shows its flair when it comes to the sweet treats. Gulabi Gajar Macaron is a true French–Indian fusion. Instead of a classic filling, the macaron is filled with rich carrot halwa, slow-cooked in ghee with cardamom, saffron and roasted pistachios. Other sweet bites include Sona Bhoondhi Fudge (cardamom-scented caramelised gram flour pearls with white chocolate fudge) and Jamun Noorani, fried milk dumplings soaked in saffron and rose syrup with rabdi cream.
“Tea is a jug of masala chai, India’s favourite”
PHOTO BY JOHN CAREY
above: The Pig’s Buttered & Baked celebrates the rustic; below: The Mint Room has created the innovative Indian High
“Each morning head pastry chef Michael Topp and his team prepare a changing selection of cakes”
An ace serving from Montagu’s Mews
Montagu’s Mews at The Royal Crescent Hotel & Spa, 16 Royal Crescent, Bath; www.royalcrescent.co.uk
Montagu’s Mews is the restaurant, bar and terrace that can be found at 16 Royal Crescent. Overlooking an acre of secluded private gardens, and replete with Georgian architecture, the refined, quietly luxurious backdrop feels almost purpose built for the act of afternoon tea-ing. What’s the tea? Afternoon tea begins with four classic finger sandwiches, all made with bread from Bath’s renowned Bertinet Bakery: Coronation chicken; Clarence Court egg mayonnaise; Wiltshire ham with honey mustard mayonnaise; and smoked salmon with chive cream cheese. Each morning, head pastry chef Michael Topp and his team prepare a changing selection of cakes – currently including a bright, citrusy Kalamansi macaron; an apple and vanilla choux bun; a matcha green tea and tropical fruit gâteau; and a banoffee tartlet with caramel base and banana mousse. The Bath bun is another standout: a traditional sweet bun dating back to the 18th century, made from rich yeast dough topped with pearled sugar and studded with dried fruit, hiding a sugar cube inside. No tea here is complete without warm scones and traditional Bath buns, served with Ivy House Farm clotted cream and strawberry jam – a balance of nationwide favourites and flavours unique to the city. Guests choose from a curated collection of hand-blended Hoogly teas, sourced from an independent Brightonbased company known for ethically sourced whole-leaf teas and natural ingredients. For extra sparkle, a glass of Taittinger Champagne is a must. Ace! To celebrate Wimbledon, which ends on 12 July, the team are serving up a tennis special with strawberries and cream appearing centre court.
Macdonald Bath Spa Hotel, Sydney Road, Bath; www.macdonaldhotels.co.uk Set within seven acres of landscaped gardens on Sydney Road, Macdonald Bath Spa Hotel is one of the city’s most luxurious hotels, yet just a short walk from the centre. Housed in a grand Victorian property dating back to the 19th century, it combines elegant period architecture with contemporary comfort. Inside, guests find plush lounges, sweeping garden views, an award-winning spa and a sense of calm that feels a world away from the bustle of town.
What’s the tea? The freshly baked scones are the undisputed favourite –served warm with rich clotted cream and preserves, they’re a timeless classic that locals and visitors return for again and again. The pastry selection changes with the seasons, allowing the chefs to showcase different flavours and ingredients throughout the year. Presentation is a big focus too: each stand is designed to feel like a special occasion, with delicate cakes and carefully arranged tiers creating a sense of theatre when it arrives at the table. Go large Many choose to pair afternoon tea with the hotel’s spa facilities – from a relaxing treatment to a full spa day or overnight stay – for a complete escape.
above and below: Timeless classics served at the Macdonald Bath Spa Hotel
The Old Bell Hotel, Abbey Row, Malmesbury; www.oldbellhotel.co.uk
As England’s oldest hotel, located alongside the equally impressively old 12th century Malmesbury Abbey, The Old Bell blends history-soaked surroundings, with contemporary accented décor in a luxe setting, and high-end dining.
What’s the tea? Guests can expect a selection of classic finger sandwiches, followed by freshly baked scones with clotted cream and jam, and a changing line-up of seasonal sweets and patisserie-style treats. The menu is designed to balance savoury, sweet and freshly baked elements so the experience feels both comforting and refined. Warm scones are always a hero of the spread, before the focus shifts to delicate cakes, seasonal desserts and beautifully finished sweet bites. The exact line-up changes with the seasons, allowing the kitchen team to showcase fresh flavours and keep the experience feeling special all year round. To drink, look out for the hotel’s own Old Bell Blend – a tea with warm caramel tones.
Hit the high notes The ever-changing sweet selection is a highlight that both reflects the seasons and the produce grown by the kitchen team at its sister property Abbey House Manor Gardens, just a five-minute walk away.
right: Afternoon tea is served at Whatley Manor; below: The Old Bell blends history-soaked surroundings with contemporary style
Set in Easton Grey near Malmesbury, Whatley Manor is designed as a place to get away from it all and get back to yourself. The peaceful country-house retreat is surrounded by acres of classic English gardens and far-reaching countryside views. Inside, the mood is calm and reassuring with heritage architecture, thoughtful design and a focus on unhurried hospitality.
What’s the tea? Afternoon tea at Whatley Manor honours the traditions of a classic British spread while gently updating them for modern tastes. The experience follows the familiar progression of delicate finger sandwiches, freshly baked fruit scones with clotted cream and strawberry jam, and an elegant line-up of seasonal cakes and pastries. Contemporary touches are woven through the menu – from the house take on Coronation chicken sandwiches to carefully crafted patisserie. A stand out is the signature sausage roll – a refined take on a beloved British staple. Seasoned pork is wrapped in buttery pastry and baked to a perfectly crisp finish. Drinks are treated with the same care as the food. Guests are invited to discover a curated selection of teas from Twist Teas and JING Tea, chosen for their distinctive character and shared commitment to sustainability. These blends are selected to complement the journey from savoury favourites to warm scones and delicate sweets. Coffee comes from Extract Coffee Roasters: the Original Espresso house blend offers notes of praline and chocolate with a clean, sweet finish and a hint of raisin, while the decaf is rich and indulgent without sacrificing flavour.
Lord of the manor There’s an afternoon tea thoughtfully curated for all needs and requirements, with tailored vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free versions maintaining the same sense of craft and occasion. On the vegan menu, for example, there’s the Whatley Manor pepper tart and tomato and chutney sandwiches, and the scones are served with coconut cream and strawberry jam.
“There’s an afternoon tea thoughtfully curated for all needs”
FOOD
Emberwood in Francis Hotel; 5 Queen Square, Bath; www.emberwoodbath.com
Set on Bath’s elegant Queen Square, Francis Hotel is a beautifully restored Georgian landmark that blends heritage with contemporary style. Following a £15 million transformation, the 98-bedroom hotel now features the muchcelebrated Emberwood restaurant.
What’s the tea? Beautifully prepared finger sandwiches include rare roast beef with homemade horseradish, roasted red pepper and beetroot jam. There are the freshly baked warm scones with strawberry jam and rich clotted cream. The pastry line-up is crafted by chef pâtissier Dominique Bon, with highlights such as a nut-free and gluten-free Opera cake, layering rich chocolate and coffee flavours and finished with a silky chocolate and coffee sauce. Each afternoon tea is paired with hand-blended teas from Bath’s own Gillards of Bath, chosen to complement both the savoury sandwiches and the sweet pastries. Guests can explore a range of blends or simply settle into a classic brew. An upgrade For extra sparkle add a glass of English sparkling wine or opt for Saicho sparkling tea – a delicious non-alcoholic alternative.
Hartley Farm Shop & Kitchen is a fifth-generation, family-run farm shop and restaurant set in the Wiltshire countryside, offering a relaxed, rural escape. The food is very much rooted to the farm itself – from the butchery and bakery to the kitchen and production team who prepare food on site. What’s the tea? It begins with classic finger sandwiches: cucumber and cream cheese, egg mayonnaise, and a standout Hartley beef and horseradish made with the farm’s own Herefordreared beef. Savoury snacks follow, including sausage rolls, a changing seasonal tart, and mini cheese scones served with cheddar and chutney. Sweet treats round things off: mini fruit scones with clotted cream and jam, an Eton mess meringue nest, a chocolate and salted caramel choux bun, and a lemon meringue tart. Refillable tea or coffee are on offer, and for those wanting to mark an occasion, there’s a glass of Pago de Tharsys Cava.
Country living It might be an afternoon tea, but many visitors make a day of it – browsing the farm shop, exploring the butchery and bakery, wandering the site and gardens or joining seasonal events and workshops. n
“Many visitors make a day of it”
above: Enjoy high tea at Francis Hotel’s Emberwood on Queen Square; below: Hartley Farm’s afternoon tea is very much rooted to the farm itself
FOOD & DRINK
The family friendly Party On The Farm at Somer Valley Farm; inset: “Are we providing the moo-sic?”
SOMER TIME
Party On The Farm is set to return on 11 July, hosted by Somer Valley Farm in Peasedown St John. The all-day celebration will showcase the best of local food, drink and entertainment, with organisers predicting the 2026 edition will be “bigger and better than ever”.
Visitors can look forward to live music and DJ sets, tank-fresh beer and brewery tours from Somer Valley Brewing, street food from The Welly in Bath, and picnic boxes from Somer Valley Farm Butcher’s Shop & Deli. Local producers including Saddle Goose Wine and Perk Up Coffee will also feature, alongside family games and fete-style activities. This is a free event but ticketed via Eventbrite.
For more: www.somervalleyfarms.com
JUST CHILLIN’
Brickell Ice Cream, founded in 2018 by husband-and-wife duo Rob and Iona Gore, has brought back its popular ice cream scoop hut to Shires Yard this summer. Following last year’s success, the hut is open from now until September, serving a line-up of much-loved flavours alongside new creations.
Returning scoops include gooseberry, mint choc chip and roasted strawberries, all made using 100 per cent natural ingredients. The couple use milk from their family dairy farm, Westcombe Dairy in Somerset, and make everything from scratch – from growing mint to roasting strawberries in-house.
FAYRE ENOUGH
Bath Summer Fayre is returning to Milsom Street 17 – 19 July. The free, dog-friendly, ticketless event will feature independent traders, food stalls, and live entertainment across the weekend.
For more: Instagram @bathfayres
Rob says, “The hut allows us to be really creative with flavours and get immediate feedback from customers, which is incredibly useful when trialling new flavours. It was so much fun running the hut last year… We cannot wait to come back.”
For more: www.brickellsicecream.co.uk
Bath Summer Fayre returns 17 – 19 July; left: Look out for a plethora of independent traders
Brickells is back in its Shires Yard hut on Milsom Street; inset: The ice cream is made using home grown and natural ingredients
SHOP KEEP
Bathford Village Shop & Café recently marked its 20th anniversary with a day of music, food and festivities celebrating two decades as the heart of the village community.
Founded in 2006 and run by community co‑operative Bathford Enterprise for All (BEFA), the shop has grown into a vital social hub and lifeline for residents, weathering economic uncertainty, changing retail habits, the pandemic and rising costs.
Local dignitaries, including Councillor Shaun Stephenson‑McGall, chair of Bath & North East Somerset Council, joined villagers for live jazz, performances by Bathford Choir and a spectacular anniversary cake, ceremonially cut with an antique naval sword. “We are incredibly proud that, 20 years on, Bathford Village Shop is still here and still thriving,” says chair Sue Moore. “Every customer who chooses to shop locally helps keep this community asset alive for future generations.”
For more: Facebook @bathfordshop
SPINNING PLATES
Foodies Festival returns to Bath’s Royal Victoria Park 4 – 6 September, celebrating its 21st year with a star studded line up of TV chefs and chart topping music acts.
The three day gastronomic event will feature live cooking demonstrations from an extensive menu of talent, including MasterChef 2025 champion Harry Maguire, finalist Claire Syrenne and semi-finalists Sam Kaeokon and Henry Phillips. Other big names include former MasterChef champion Dhruv Baker, royal cake maker Mich Turner MBE, Great British Menu’s Joseph Fallowfield, Great British Bake Off favourite Val Stones and ITV’s The Heat star Tom Lodge. Renowned regional names will also appear, including award winning chef patron and Great British Menu star Ayesha Kalaji, of Michelin Bib Gourmand restaurant The Queen of Cups in Glastonbury, and Mark Chapman, chef patron of Michelin recommended Cor and Ragu in Bristol.
On the music front, multi platinum artist Example tops the bill, alongside Boyzone and Westlife supergroup Boyzlife, with Keith Duffy and Brian McFadden performing their catalogue of Number 1 hits with a live band. Also returning by public demand is Symphonic Ibiza, blending dance anthems, live vocals, DJ and full orchestra, plus performances from local and touring bands throughout the weekend.
Across the site, visitors can enjoy interactive theatres, kids’ cookery classes and a new treasure hunt trail, masterclasses in the Drinks Theatre, an expanded chilli eating challenge, and a bustling shopping village, artisan market, and Feasting Tent offering street food from around the globe.
For more: www.foodiesfestival.com
A show of hands for all the foodie fans; inset: Masterchef semi-finalist Sam Kaeokon
ALL FIRED UP
Award winning burger creators The Beefy Boys, who have a restaurant on Milsom Street, have released their second cookbook, The Beefy Boys’ Great British BBQ. The collection of summertime recipes sees the team on a mission to reclaim outdoor cooking in the UK, moving it beyond burnt sausages and overcooked steaks.
Bringing together British ingredients with global inspiration, it is packed with recipes for low and slow cooked meats, smoky roasts, steaks, chops, crowd pleasing sides, and, of course, The Beefy Boys’ award winning burgers.
“This book is all about taking BBQ and looking at it through a truly British lens,” says Beefy co founder Anthony ‘Murf’ Murphy. “We’ve drawn huge inspiration from British history and culinary classics like cottage pie, the full English, hog roasts and fish and chips. We’ve also taken inspiration from dishes we’ve adopted in the UK, like peri peri chicken and chicken tikka masala, and reimagined them all with a BBQ twist.”
For more: www.thebeefyboys.com
Learn to barbeque like a Beefy boss; inset: The Beefy Boys’ Great British BBQ is published by Quadrille, RRP £20
Local producer Tennygrove Vineyard offered wine tasting
Welcome speech by chair Sue Moore for Bathford Village Shop’s 20th anniversary
ACROSS LAND AND SEA
Narberth is often named as one of the UK’s best market towns; Saundersfoot as one of its best seaside destinations. Here’s how to get the best out of both in one stay
Words by Deri Robins
Everyone knows about Pembrokeshire’s big-hitters – the Tenbys, the St David’s, the Barafundle Bays, and so on. Luckily, however, for those who love them and would probably prefer this article not to be published at all, Saundersfoot and Narberth in East Pembs still slide ever-so-slightly under the radar. Neither are exactly unknown, as anyone trying to bag a parking space at the former in late July will tell you, but neither are you likely to drive into town, take one appalled look and go straight home again, as we once did at a rammed peak-season St Ives.
Set just outside the charming market town of Narberth, The Grove is rural boutiquery on a stick. Part of the Seren group, which also has Dolgellau’s Penmaenuchaf, Oxwich’s Beach House and Saundersfoot’s Lan y Môr, the accolades lavished on the hotel speak volumes. Both the hotel and its restaurant hold several AA stars and rosettes. It has a Michelin Key. It’s been the overall winner in the Small Luxury Hotels of the World awards; this year it was named one of the best hotels in the UK by The Telegraph Sustainable? They were the first hotel in Wales to win a Green Tourism Gold.
The lovely whitewashed Georgian building is found at the end of a long driveway which winds through meadows and woodland; you’ll pass a pond, a Japanese-style cherry blossom tea garden and a walled vegetable garden. Beyond, the Pembrokeshire meadows stretch towards the pale, blue Preseli Hills; the perfect place to get your Celtic mythic on.
FOODIE ESCAPES
The Grove is a destination in itself, and once you’ve experienced the unfeigned warmth of the welcome you may quite understandably decide to hole up here for your entire stay. However, it also makes the ideal base for East Pembs adventures, and if you can tear yourself away Saundersfoot is just a 20-minute motor down to the coast. It’s here – seamless link – that you’ll find Lan y Môr. Lan y Môr means ‘by the sea’, and the restaurant fully delivers on its promise, bordering as it does the golden sands of Coppet Hall. The contemporary build reflects the curve of the beach and the waves, its floor-to-ceiling windows meaning you don’t lose an inch of the view.
“We ordered far too much; like Kate Bush’s Cathy, we were too hot, too greedy”
The hotel’s main entrance is a vast wooden doorway, almost like a church’s lychgate, except there’s a croquet set against the wall ready for use. I gave it a miss; I was keen to get to my room. Each of the 25 bedrooms offers a modern twist on the traditional Welsh country house, and there’s bags of vernacular in evidence in the public areas, too: Welsh rugs abound, there’s a slate-sided bar, chunks of Welsh coal under the glass of a table, lace, quilts and Welsh love spoons on the walls.
My room is roughly the same size as one of the meadows outside. The bathroom is so big that, quite genuinely, I got lost; took a wrong turn at the first set of cupboards and found myself heading back to the conservatory – yes, my room came with one of those, too. It opened to a curved path leading into the garden – ideal for a pre-prandial stroll before tucking into chef Dougie Balish’s tasting menu in The Fernery. Dougie and his quietly masterful team take huge pride in the stories they tell through food, wine and warm Welsh hospitality. Think local produce with ambitious flavours and Asian inspiration: Llandeilo deer, Atlantic Edge oysters with wasabi, Thai lobster, rhubarb with yuzu. Loved your glass of Velfrey Brut? The Grove can organise a tour of this local family-run vineyard.
In the kitchen are Hywel Griffith and Gez Jones, who between them have packed the menu full of Welsh ingredients and flavour. If you’re a stickler for tradition you can go down the startermains-pud route; if you’re the sharing kind you can have fun pick’n’mixing between the small and bigger plates. Kick off, perhaps, as we did, with frockles – Gower cockles dipped in batter and fried, with a kick of chilli sea salt and nori mayonnaise. We then ordered all seven of the small plates: soy glazed lamb ribs with hen-ofthe-woods mushrooms; Welsh rarebit, beery in its Tenby Brewing Co ale; sweetand-sour pork belly in a soft bao bun; cod wings, fresh and flaky within their crispy batter; spicy Cajun king prawns with tomato fondue; corn ribs in hoisin, and grilled Wye Valley asparagus. All far too much, of course – like Kate Bush’s Cathy, we were too hot, too greedy – but it’s always wise to over-order when it comes to tapas because you can take any remains home for a fabulous lunch the next day.
And don’t expect any of the usual ‘the plates will come to the table when chef is good and ready’ malarkey, because at Lan y Môr they are curated. The waiters think long and hard over which dishes to send out together, in which order, with just the right amount of time in between, so that you don’t fall on everything all at once like a feral raccoon in a dumpster.
The Grove offers the ultimate relaxed yet elegant rural escape; Lan y Môr is everything an elevated restaurant by the sea should be. Different vibes, but with one important thing in common: both are run by hugely talented people, whose unpretentious friendliness is as Welsh as the old wooden spoons hanging on the walls.
Treat yourself to some hwyl a bwyd (fun and food) this summer, why don’t you?
VISITING DETAILS
The Grove at Narberth Molleston, Narberth SA67 8BX B&B prices from £285 a night Five-course tasting menu in The Fernery, £120pp www.thegrove-narberth.co.uk
Lan y Mor Coppet Hall Beach Centre, Saundersfoot SA69 9AJ Small plates £9-£15; mains £17-£40; sharing feasts £100-£110; puds around £12 www.lanymorsaundersfoot.co.uk
clockwise, opposite: The Grove blends contemporary luxe with rural charm; not an inch of the view is sacrificed even while dining at Lan y Môr; Douglas Balish is executive chef at The Grove; A coal-fire grilled Gower Salt Marsh lamb burger at Lan y Môr; this page: All the bedrooms at The Grove are highly distinctive; the striking exterior of Lan y Môr; yep, he’s welcome too
If you haven’t holidayed in a kaftan then you don’t know what you’re missing. Everyone needs a simple breezy summer layer to breeze through a vacation, taking you from poolside to beachfront and right through to sunset cocktails. This luxe semi-sheer open-front Naia kaftan by the luxury swimwear specialists Melissa Odabash is light, feels luxe, and thanks to its soft drape, is effortlessly stylish.
Naia white kaftan by Melissa Odabash costs £250 and is available from The Dressing Room, 7 Quiet Street, Bath; www.dressingroombath.com
WHAT A CARRY ON
You’ll be crushing it with these hand luggage-only holiday essentials
PEPE PRINTED TROUSERS BY WEEKEND MAXMARA, £475
The wide-leg, ankle-grazing cut and elasticated drawstring waist with pockets ensure practicality for sightseeing, beach strolls and relaxed al fresco dinners.
From Grace & Mabel, 3 George Street, Bath; www.graceandmabel.co.uk
VINTAGE LEATHER HOLDALL, £170
Handcrafted from beautifully soft vintage-dipped leather, this timeless holdall is designed for weekend escapes and short-haul travel. Features a spacious main compartment, an external pocket perfect for passports, documents, phones and tablets and is the dimensions for most airlines free cabin bag allowance.
From Hide of Bath, 7 The Corridor, Bath; Instagram @ hide_of_bath
SOMERVILLE PANAMA HAT, £45
THE TRAVEL EDIT BY SPACE NK, £80
Worth over £225, this mini beauty haul contains eight holiday must-haves including Summer Fridays Jet Lag Mask, Augustinus Bader SPF 50, Think Then I Met You Cleansing Balm, Tatcha The Dewy Cream, and Amika Anti-Frizz, in a limited-edition, handy clear window bag. From Space NK, 13 Southgate Place Bath; www.spacenk.com
BRUSSELS ORNATE BIKINI BY MELISSA ODABASH, £244
The unpadded, underwired halterneck top gives support where needed most with the matching bikini bottoms offering a little extra coverage thanks to the fold-over finish.
From The Dressing Room, 7 Quiet Street, Bath; www.dressingroombath.com
Crafted from woven paper raffia with a flat brim and finished with a choice between pink or blue ribbon. Comes in one size with a handy adjustable inner tie.
From Aspiga, 7 Broad Street, Bath; www.aspiga.com
CHÉRIE GRAPHIC BOXY T-SHIRT, £42
The ultra-soft, breathable, and durable fabric ensures all day comfort, while a distressed mosaic artwork and playful Chérie script add a touch of bonnes vacances! From Anthropologie, 1 – 4 New Bond Street, Bath; www.anthropologie.com
THE GABRIE BY JIMMY FAIRLY, £135
STRIPED COTTON WOVEN SCARF, £60
Lightweight, soft and eminently versatile, this woven scarf can be styled multiple ways including loosely at the neck, cinching the waist as a belt, knotted as a chic headscarf, or draped like a pashmina over the shoulders. From Jigsaw, 14 Old Bond Street, Bath; www.jigsaw-online.com
An oversized acetate aviator-squared frame, styled with attitude and built for everyday comfort with 100 per cent UVA/UVB protection and polished 5-point metal hinges for a luxuriously durable finish. From Jimmy Fairly Opticians, 4 Burton Street, Bath; www.jimmyfairly.co.uk
SAMIRA LINEN SHORTS, £130
Tailored shorts made with breathable lightweight linen with a wear-wherever floral print. Easy to pack and polished enough for every holiday plan.
From Reiss, 34 Milsom Street, Bath; www.reiss.com
DE SIENA LEONIE FLATS, WERE £195, NOW £58.50
Flats as glamorous as heels. Handcrafted with a comfortable leather sole, leather lining, logo-embellished insole, on-trend square open toe and a shimmering degradé bead effect. From Square Store, 12 New Bond Street, Bath; www.square.store
FOAM & GLOW
From foam baths to collagen facials at The Francis Hotel’s intimate new spa
By Rachel Ifans
Iam sitting with my oldest friend in the lounge of The Francis Hotel Spa, having just experienced their brandnew Thermal Suite experience. We once went to Turkey on a Ceefax holiday in the 1990s (£99 each, including flights and accommodation – yes, that’s how long we’ve been friends!) where we shelled out for an authentic Turkish Bath. I remember sitting while my therapist (loose term) gave me a little neck and shoulder massage before chucking my head over to one side quite violently. There were some unnerving cracking sounds. We were then led through to a very hot room where we lay on slabs and got enthusiastically exfoliated. And then whacked by what seemed to be bubbly pillows.
bang shower whose functionality includes invigorating hot and cold sprays and jets which are designed to stimulate circulation and awaken the senses. It is fantastic to have the Thermal Suite to ourselves and it feels liberating to compare life’s pet peeves and stresses in private while enjoying the thermal journey.
The crescendo of the Thermal Experience comes when we move into its third stage; the ESPURO foam steam bath which combines warm steam with soft cleansing bubbles in a cocoon-like sensory environment. It is a delightful surprise when seemingly endless light and soft bubbles start falling from the ceiling above us.
“I find the heavy sensation of the drying mask relaxing”super
You’ll be pleased to hear that bubbles are the only similarity between our Turkish experience and the one we have that evening in the basement of The Francis Hotel. The hotel’s new spa is completely different to every other spa experience in the city, so if you’ve had your fill of jacuzzis, plunge pools, saunas and steam rooms, head that way.
For the Thermal Experience, you get 45 minutes in the three-room Thermal Suite that includes a place to sit, a place to shower and a place to, well, be bubbled. Having got changed into our cossies, we apply a salt scrub before taking it in turns in the whizz-
The bubbles work alongside the steam to gently cleanse and soften your skin – and they have the added benefit of making you feel instantly happy. We feel like kids let loose with a foam machine and before we know it, we are creating bubble blankets and shaping Marie Antoinette bubble wigs on our heads.
Once the bubbles are popped, my friend makes her way to the relaxation lounge and courtyard garden for a cup of herbal tea and a few sweet treats while I follow my therapist to one of only three treatment rooms for a one-hour Collagen Reset facial.
The Francis Spa uses QMS Medicosmetics for its facials because of the German
company’s advanced, results-driven approach to skincare. Founded by surgeon Dr Erich Schulte, the brand is known for combining scientific research with luxury facial treatments, particularly in areas such as collagen support, hydration and skin regeneration.
My Collagen Reset is designed to target visible signs of ageing with nutrient-rich serums that support collagen production, deepen hydration, improve texture and elasticity, strengthen the skin barrier and promote skin renewal. I would say it strikes a fantastic balance between being extremely effective afterwards and deeply relaxing at the time, especially thanks to the face, neck, shoulder, arm and hand massages that are dotted throughout.
My favourite part is the algae mask. My therapist warns me that the mask will feel heavy on my face and will stay there for 10 minutes before she peels it off. I love the feeling of the cold liquid being smoothed thickly over my face, eyes and mouth, leaving just my nostrils uncovered so that I can breathe, and I find the heavy sensation of the drying mask super relaxing too.
The new Francis Hotel Spa is honestly different to any other I’ve been to. It’s exclusive and incredibly peaceful, with a maximum capacity of just five customers at a time. The staff are highly trained and the products used are backed by science, designed to leave your skin fresher, firmer and more radiant. Being new and tucked away in the basement of one of the city’s most central hotels, it feels like a delicious secret. However it can’t be long before the word is out, and the wait list gets long. n
The thermal experiences at The Francis Hotel Spa in Bath range from £115 to £325, depending on the package. The spa features Bath’s only private thermal suite, which includes a KLAFS ESPURO foam steam bath, a Rasul mud ritual, an experience shower, and a heated relaxation bench.
For more: www.francishotel.com
far left: The Francis Hotel Spa reception; left: QMS Medicosmetics is available for the facials; inset: The new spa has a Thermal Suite
SCHOOL GUIDE VICTORIA BOND
Holiday home work
Insisting kids help around the house may sound like a chore, but it’ll pay off in the long term
As a child, I could never get over the fact that every year, on the first day of the summer holidays, I would be greeted by a ‘Back to School’ poster in the window of my local Woolworths. New pencils and shiny shoes belonged to ‘ber’ months, and the legendary long school break was for downing
neurological tools and textbooks.
Fast forward to being a parent and, as soon as school’s out, I am now troubled by headlines warning us of summer learning loss. Hundreds of column inches encourage US to encourage THEM to read for pleasure. It’s the one time of year when our own eye-rolling can match the expert levels of our offspring.
The one thing I wish I had done with my own children,
IF YOU ONLY DO ONE EDUCATIONAL THING WITH YOUR CHILDREN THIS SUMMER, MAKE IT THIS:
AGES 5 TO 10
Clear their plate after meals, make their bed each morning, help set the table, put their own laundry away, feed a pet.
AGES 10 TO 15
Load and unload the dishwasher, vacuum their own room, help prepare a simple meal, change their bedsheets, take responsibility for their own lunch (or packed lunch and school bag in term time).
AGES 15 TO 18
Do their own laundry start to finish, cook a family meal once a week, help with a weekly food shop, take ownership of cleaning a shared space such as the bathroom or kitchen.
however, to augment their hard work at school during term time, doesn’t involve books or anything, no matter how loosely dressed up, that could be sussed out as homework.
According to a study from Harvard University, the single biggest predictor of adult success, self-esteem and happiness isn’t exam results or academic achievement. It’s chores. And before you click away: this is no Family Fortunes
‘we asked a hundred people and they said...’ survey. This is an 80-plus year longitudinal study, one of the longest ever conducted, tracking hundreds of individuals from childhood into old age.
your own bedroom.
A separate study of nearly 10,000 primary-age children found that those who did chores regularly were more likely to score higher in maths, show stronger social skills and report greater self-confidence. Not bad for remembering to clear the table.
“The single biggest predictor of adult success is chores”
The researchers found that children who were given household responsibilities, who were made to feel they had a genuine role to play in family life, grew into more confident, more resilient and harder-working adults. The secret, it seems, isn’t in the chore itself but in the feeling it creates: that they are a valued, contributing member of the family. That said, chores that contribute visibly to the whole family, such as clearing the table, cooking a meal or doing the laundry, carry more weight than purely personal tasks like tidying
Like many mums, I am guilty of not sharing the responsibilities of running a home enough with my sons. My youngest child has just left school after completing his A levels and, while he’s helpful around the house, I’ve never formalised a rota. The research suggests the earlier children start chores the better, but any involvement in running the family home, at any age, counts. I am currently drawing up a list of regular chores for his gap year. He may be out of his blazer, but home work is here to stay.
Victoria Bond is founder of School Guide and is now offering bespoke school consultations with a focus on Bath, Bristol and the South West. Victoria offers a complimentary 15-minute introductory call. Email: victoria@schoolguide.co.uk For
MEET THE FITNESS EXPERT
Whether it’s feeling unfit, fatigue or just for enjoyment, here’s some people that can help us feel better...
ED WOOLSTENCROFT,
TSHREDZ
TRAINING
07511 021226
www.tshredztraining.co.uk
What certifications, experience, or specialties do you have?
I’m a Level 3 Advanced Personal Trainer with expertise in fat loss, strength training, and nutrition for fat loss. Over the past four years, I’ve helped transform more than 100 individuals to become leaner, stronger, and feel better in everyday life through nutrition, 1-to-1 training, and tailored plans. I personally enjoy training for strength and performance, and I also offer boxing for fitness.
How long should it realistically take to see results if someone enters a program with you?
I guarantee a 12-week transformation to see results, or your money back. This is achieved through a personalised nutrition plan, a structured training programme, weekly check-ins, goal setting, and day-to-day accountability. While results vary between individuals, 12 weeks is enough time to make noticeable progress when you follow the plan consistently.
What’s the best way for me to reach my fitness goals?
Everyone can change; most people simply lack the guidance to get there. You need a clear timeline, a structured and realistic nutrition and training plan, and daily goals you can tick off to measure progress. With professional coaching, accountability, and a proven system, the process becomes simpler, more sustainable, and far more effective.
FRANCISCO MORA, RUSTIQ FITNESS
01225 585915
www.rustiqfitness.com www.builttorecover.co.uk
What are your specific areas of expertise?
I specialise in functional fitness, stress resilience, and long-term health and wellbeing coaching.
How should fitness plans work around busy schedules or stress?
Training should support your life, not drain it further. Most people don’t need more intensity – they need better recovery, consistent sleep, and realistic routines that fit around work, family, and stress.
How should strength, cardio, flexibility, and recovery be balanced?
The balance depends on lifestyle, stress levels, and goals –more isn’t always better. Working at the appropriate intensity and recovering properly will drive better long-term results than constantly pushing harder without purpose.
How do you measure progress beyond body weight?
At Rustiq, we track strength, fitness, consistency, recovery, and wellbeing through workout tracking, health checks, and our Daily100 score — helping people understand where they’re improving and where they may be falling short beyond just the scales.
KAY SKINNER, GLOVE FACTORY STUDIOS
01225784080
www.glovefactorystudios.com
Tell us about yourself?
I am lead instructor at Glove Factory Studios Gym, where we have a range of offers including PT sessions, Pilates, strength classes, tennis, running, and wild swimming. I love being in nature and enjoy finding exercises for a diverse range of people with different coaching levels, to be inspired to lead a more healthy lifestyle.
TOM OSBORNE, THE LANSDOWN TENNIS, SQUASH AND CROQUET CLUB
07483483489; @courtsidewithoz
What’s the most effective way to plan?
Keep it simple. Write your goals down, put them somewhere you’ll actually see them, and chip away at them every week. Then review monthly – adjust if you need to, but keep the focus on small, steady improvements.
And don’t just think about technique and tactics; include mental goals too. It works for everyone, from full‑time players to keen club regulars.
What are your specific areas of expertise?
How would you describe your philosophy about being fit and healthy?
It’s about more than being physically fit, it’s about making being healthy a habit. We are all unique and it is increasingly important to find joy and be passionate about what you do. Whether that’s a dog walk, HIIT class, yoga, Pilates, or joining a quick lunchtime running club.
What advice would you give to someone wanting to become fit and healthy?
Make fitness fun, and find your tribe – we are wired this way. Try not to get caught up on regimented training routines or diets. Instead make it a lifestyle choice with elements of wellbeing threaded throughout your day to day. Finding a gym environment that’s an inspiring and beautiful space will help make exercising more of a pleasure than a chore.
YMCA FITNESS TEAM, YMCA BRUNEL GROUP
International House, Bath, BA1 5LH www.ymcabath.org.uk/ health-wellbeing/
What’s the best way for me to reach my fitness goals?
Routine and consistency. It’s that simple. Consistently adopting good health behaviours and making this part of your daily routine is the best way to meet your health and fitness goals.
How do you measure progress beyond body weight?
Smiles – happy members who keep coming back. We are more than a gym – we’re a community.
How long will realistic progress take to attain goals?
Every client at the YMCA is unique and on their own health and wellbeing journey with their own goal and these vary hugely across all our members. Some may be relatively quick to see progress where as others will take time and more support.
How has training changed over time?
Our understanding of the human body is constantly growing. As professionals who also offer fitness training qualifications, we pride ourselves at being up to date with new understanding and how that impacts our wellbeing.
My expertise sits in grassroots tennis – getting as many children and adults as possible into this brilliant sport. I love watching players develop and hit their goals, and I especially enjoy nurturing young talent. In recent years I’ve also focused on growing adult programmes and creating social, welcoming tennis communities. For me, it’s all about building enjoyable club cultures for both players and coaches.
What certifications, experience, or specialties do you have?
I’m a Level 4 Senior Performance Coach and a qualified LTA Referee, and I’m currently completing my Coach Tutor qualification. I’ve spent the past 12 years managing large coaching programmes, and I’ll be bringing that experience into building an outstanding player experience at Lansdown Tennis Club.
What’s a fascinating fact about Tennis?
Tennis has been in the news recently because studies show it can actually increase life expectancy. The mix of problem‑solving, coordination, movement and social interaction gives you a huge wellbeing boost. The takeaway? Tennis lifts your mood, sharpens your mind, and can even extend your life.
HELEN PETTEMERIDES
PETTEMERIDES PERSONAL TRAINING www.pettemeridespersonaltraining.co.uk
What sets you apart from others working in your area?
Our two studio gyms in Batheaston are aimed at those who would feel intimidated going to a mainstream gym. We attract many older clients and those with medical conditions, we are able to give them expert advice and provide an encouraging and friendly atmosphere. These clients don’t seem to be catered for at other gyms.
Do you specialise in a particular area?
The team of personal trainers all specialise in different areas from cardiac rehab to working with clients who have Parkinson’s, MS or those who are recovering from a Stroke. We also help clients with osteoporosis and arthritis.
What are the benefits of your personal training sessions?
As we have an older client base, we provide exercises to help make everyday tasks easier such as carrying the shopping, gardening and running around after the grandchildren! We also concentrate a lot on balance exercises to prevent falls, as they say – use it or lose it!
THE POWER COUPLE
We’ve had quite a few remarkable stories told at the singular Bath Life Network Lunches.
EUREKA MOMENTS WITH YOUR ECO
Words by Greg Ingham Main photos by Narrated Frames;
But our most recent one with the wife-and-husband founders Amanda and Nick Spicer of hypergrowth Your Eco will linger long for attendees fortunate enough to be there.
Was it the business success or the personal candour that most appealed? Take a view…
Your Eco first blipped onto our radar when it entered the Bath Life Awards just a few years back. Then won one. The judges obviously could spot a smart business:
“A couple of years ago we were turning over £2-3million,” begins Nick Spicer, but only when prompted. “Then £7-8m. This year £12m, maybe £15m. And our pipeline sits at £90m in terms of projects we’ve quoted for. It’s not been dull.”
Growth like that is conventionally wonderful from the outside but often can be operationally challenging from within. How do
SPONSORED BY
opposite: MediaClash chief exec Greg Ingham interviews Your Eco wife-and-husband founders Amanda and Nick Spicer at Emberwood; below: The couple went to therapy to talk about their communication styles to help with conflict resolutions at work
they approach it?
“This is something I’ve 100 per cent focused on in the last couple of years, especially,” explains Amanda. “A key element was going after accreditation like B Corp and being ISO accredited so our staff and talent would come towards us.
“It’s a sexy industry. People want to be in renewables, so we could be picky.”
They come from different backgrounds, each centred on highly structured approaches –helpful when scaling.
Amanda came from Kansas, moved to New York, worked in biomedics for GlaxoSmithKline, and marketed heart valves in Geneva and Singapore, working in a highly regulated, high-tech space. “It was a highly regulated environment. Then I traded biotech for clean tech in the end.”
Tech is the link, just about, but culturally working in the corporate world is about as dissimilar as it gets to being an entrepreneur.
How so..?
But first, Nick’s story.
“Yeah, I’m the highly unregulated one. I always wanted to join the military to do something purposeful.
“I got told by the military I had to go and get a degree, and found the easiest one I could do: Human Geography.”
He was a young infantry officer, much of the time in conflicts in the Middle East, the last ever officer to command a combat unit in Iraq.
Quick sidebar. How do film and TV depictions match the reality? Most authentic? “Uday Hussein’s Love Palace. We were posted there on my last tour. Baghdad is a beautiful city, before most of it got bombed.”
From the military to working in this area for MJ Church, doing “weird and wonderful things”.
Um, what? “I got shouted at for not selling stone or for lorries not leaving on time; handled some debt collecting – you name it. My first commercial role and I loved it! I have a lot of respect for Mike and MJ Church: they set me on my way.”
So, take the structured approach of military and corporate life, add a soupçon of get-it-done-now vigour in physical logistics and… Your Eco was born. Half of the team is ex-military.
Self-evidently, they’re a husband-
and-wife duo: how does that work?
“We had therapy year five. I think that’s the first thing to say,” says Amanda, candidly.
Was that your suggestion? “100 per cent! OK, because actually, when you’re looking at board level communication, if that’s broken
“WE’RE AIMING FOR AN EIGHT-FIGURE TURNOVER”
down, you can’t go forward. So I said to Nick, ‘Let’s go get a therapist and just talk about our communication styles, talk about how we conflict resolve, so that when a problem does come up...’”
No external investment to date. Rapid growth. Attractive sector. Obvious roll-up play with so many independents and so much corporate capital out there. What’s the destiny of Your Eco?
“We’ve been working towards what we call a WIG: a Wildly Important Goal. We’re aiming for an eight-figure turnover, so that our EBITDA with a decent multiplier would be a reason to step away.
“We’ve had quite a few national brands come try to swallow us up, and we’re still not quite ready for the number that they’re putting on the table. We’re growing the business with the idea that we will exit.”
Such clarity. Such opportunity. All to play for…
For more: www.yourecouk.com | www.mediaclash.co.uk
YOUR ECO AT A GLANCE
The blurb: Your Eco is a Certified B Corp™ company established in 2014 to deliver transformative solar PV and battery storage systems. With over 30MW installed across seven countries, it combines technical excellence with military precision to create sustainable energy solutions that balance performance, aesthetics, and ethical sourcing
Projects: Diverse, basically. Range from Brabazon to Highgrove, new builds in Cornwall, work for Stella McCartney to major projects in the British Virgin Islands Team: 30 permanent, many dozens of contractors
Response to not winning contracts? “Ted Lasso: ‘Think like a goldfish’. It’s like, “Oh OK, it’s gone.” Because if you dwell, especially as a founder, you’ll doom spiral.”
HARTHAM PARK ESTATE
AN EXTRAORDINARY HOME FOR YOUR BUSINESS
15 minutes from the UNESCO World Heritage City of Bath, Hartham Park is set in 50 acres of stunning parkland. It offers flexible office space, conferencing and meeting facilities, and serves as a stylish venue for your team event, celebration or wedding. Combining period character with enterprise-grade technology, Hartham Park has become home to a growing community of innovative businesses, professional services firms and technology-led organisations.
MEMBER PERKS INCLUDE:
· Dedicated 10GB/10GB internet with state-of-the-art conferencing facilities for up to 400 people
· A thriving community of over 50 businesses with monthly business networking events
· Unlimited free parking with 8 EV charging stations
· Fully furnished offices with 24/7 access
· Free weekly yoga, pilates, keep fit classes - as well as an onsite PT
· Indoor Sticke tennis court, 3km estate walk and dog friendly offices
· Generous discount at the awarding on-site cafe restaurant - The Forge & Pheasant
Sarah Loveless and Zoe Chandler
Claudia Ghadimi
Ed Robins and Claudia Ghadimi
Luke Simon, Sarah Tarling, Josef Baines and Kirsty Palmer
Lucy Hogg and Matthew Turner
Sarah Golding, Fliss Childs, Luke Simon, Jon Bickley and Sarah Loveless
Luke Flower, Andrew Taberner, Tom Gauterin, Helen Gardhouse and Jane Ingham
Sarah Tarling
Tom Gauterin, Ian Lloyd and Kerina Meadows
left: Matt Smail, director of The Urban Garden, Hannah Lee, head of creative at Plankridge, and Sophia Rowe, training coordinator at The Urban Garden; below: Plankbridge is the only manufacturer of shepherd’s huts to be officially endorsed by the Royal Horticultural Society
GROWING FUTURES
Bath-based social enterprise The Urban Garden partnered with Dorset-based shepherd’s hut and cabin makers Plankbridge for the RHS Chelsea Flower Show 2026, where their design achieved a prestigious 3-star award.
This marks their third consecutive year collaborating on the event. The initiative provided six local trainees – many facing mental health challenges or long-term unemployment – with the opportunity to participate in planting schemes for the Plankbridge Chelsea 2026.
Under expert supervision, the trainees
gained valuable hands-on experience in designing and preparing a trade stand which offered rare insight into craftsmanship, planting options, and meticulous planning for one of the world’s most esteemed horticultural events. Sophia Rowe, training coordinator at The Urban Garden, says, “Offering this opportunity to this year’s trainees is incredible, as it provides real insight into the design process, planting choices, and practical considerations required for a live show garden.”
For more: www.theurbangarden.org.uk | www.plankbridge.com
ACCESS ALL AREAS
Fashion Museum Bath and Bath Spa University have announced a landmark five-year partnership to create a cutting-edge digital platform, opening up the museum’s world-class fashion collection to a global audience. Running from 2026 to 2030, the initiative will digitise hundreds of garments – including at least 600 captured in 3D – and develop the free-to-access Explore the Collection online resource.
The partnership combines the museum’s curatorial expertise with Bath Spa University’s strengths in creative technology, design, and inclusive practice. Community engagement is a core focus, particularly involving young people and under-represented groups across Bath & North East Somerset. A beta launch of the digital platform is planned for late 2029, with the full public launch coinciding with the museum’s reopening in 2030.
Councillor Paul Roper describes the partnership as “a major investment in the future of our cultural life, our young people, and our local and global creative industries. Explore the Collection will open up one of the world’s finest fashion collections to everyone, wherever they live.”
For more: www.fashionmuseum.co.uk | www.bathspa.ac.uk
Wiltshire author and podcaster Ben Veal has released Good Journeys, a book inspired by his award-winning podcast. Featuring stories of resilience and reinvention, the book aims to inspire readers navigating change and includes a foreword from Sir Terry Waite. www.secondmountaincomms.co.uk
UNIVERSITY OF BATH ViceChancellor and President Professor Phil Taylor has been appointed an Honorary Professor at Tsinghua University in Beijing, recognising his leadership in future energy systems and longstanding UK–China research collaboration. The appointment, conferred during a recent visit, strengthens joint efforts on lowcarbon, resilient energy systems and wider global partnerships. www.bath.ac.uk
McCarthy Etherington
Bath-based national law firm STONE KING has advised philanthropist and investor Chris Rokos on a landmark £190 million donation to establish the Rokos School of Government at the University of Cambridge, the largest single philanthropic gift to a UK university, supporting its development, endowment and a new building. Partner Rosamund McCarthy Etherington says, “We are delighted to have advised the donor on this visionary gift, which will have a once-in-a-generation impact on leadership and global policy thinking.” www.stoneking.co.uk
ONE FAMILY LAW SOLICITORS in Bath has appointed Samantha Newton and Caroline Fell as partners, effective 1 May. Newton joins from Ashfords, specialising in complex cases with international elements. Fell, former head at Stone King, brings expertise in mediation. The appointments follow the firm’s recent move to Cambridge House. www.onefamilylawsolicitors.com
THE GENTLE TOUCH
Bath entrepreneurs Vicki Jackson and Bonny Hall have launched AYA, a design-led wellness brand aimed at bringing calm and everyday self-care into busy lives.
The Bath-based friends, who met while working at Lovehoney, have drawn on decades of global retail and product development experience to create a range of massagers and wellness accessories inspired by traditional Eastern relaxation practices. “We believe self-care should be an everyday essential, not a luxury,” says Vicki. “With AYA, we wanted to create something that feels beautiful, calming and genuinely useful – products that fit seamlessly into modern routines.”
For more: www.discoveraya.com
The University of Bath delegation meets with colleagues from Tsinghua University
The One Family Law team
Rosamund
Ben Veal
AYA founders, Bonny Hall and Vicki Jackson; inset: An AYA Rock massager
below: The Fashion Museum Bath ’s entire collection will be online by 2030; inset: A Bath Spa University student scans a bag for the new website
BLA Q&A
JITTY
TECHNOLOGY WINNER
As CEO of the AI homebuying assistant Jitty, entering the Bath Life Awards gave Graham Paterson the chance to pause and reflect on the company’s journey…
“As an early stage startup you’re constantly putting out fires, and this was a nice forcing function to make sure that we reflected on the fact that things have gone well. We have entered a few times before, but the night still felt special.
“NOTHING LESS THAN REVOLUTIONARY”
I was feeling quite nervous, you have no idea how it’s going to go and it’s the hope that kills you! Luckily we had great company on our table that made everything feel nice and relaxed.
“My wife Sarah, who heads up our PR and communications, attended with me, and we spent time with the Hartley Farm crew, Sam Daniels from Knight Frank, and Pat White from MediaClash. We’re talking with a few folks to see what we can do together, and the highlights included meeting new faces and seeing friends and acquaintances receive awards.
“Winning meant a lot. I’m surprised by how emotional it feels. I grew up in Bath, and it was the first city we launched in. To be recognised for all the good work we’ve done is a massive morale booster. It’s always nice to have something that says “yes, this is a real company” to the city.”
“We’ll definitely be back next year – in fact we wouldn’t miss it for the world. It can have a big impact on your business, and morale for the team, and it’s honestly just nice to do some positive reflection.”
For more: www.jitty.com | www.bathlifeawards.co.uk
BUSINESS DIARY
UNTIL 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
ALL ABOARD
A new digital campaign is inviting visitors to explore Bath’s world-class heritage by rail. Explore UNESCO South West Trails has launched in partnership with Great Western Railway, offering two-day itineraries linking Bath with other UNESCOdesignated locations across the region. The platform highlights Bath’s rare status as a double-inscribed World Heritage Site and promotes lowcarbon rail travel to trail starting points.
Adrian Neilson, City of Bath World Heritage Site manager, says, “The Explore UNESCO South West Trail is the result of positive and constructive collaborative working between UNESCO sites and site managers in the South West… The City of Bath World Heritage Site is proud to have contributed to this fantastic initiative.”
For more: www.exploreunescosouthwesttrails.co.uk
THE JUDGES SAY
Graham and Sarah at March’s Bath Life Awards
Start exploring from Bath Spa Station
CAREER PATH
SARAH MORRIS
The
spa manager of the FRANCIS HOTEL
SPA on resilience, redefining wellness, and why a happy team make for happy guests
Sarah Morris oversees the newly established and intimate wellness retreat based in the Francis Hotel on Queen Square. She leads and mentors the spa team, shapes every aspect of the guest journey and still delivers hands-on treatments herself, with massage a particular skill and passion. Here we learn a little more about her journey to the world of wellness…
Tell us a little about your place of work
Opened in March 2026, the spa is a calm, intimate retreat beneath the townhouses, offering three treatment rooms, a tranquil relaxation area and Bath’s only private thermal experience suite. Inspired by Bath’s spa heritage, it focuses on thoughtful, highly personalised wellbeing experiences rather than simple indulgence.
How did you fall into your line of work?
My route into this career was anything but straightforward.
make me doubt myself at times. Balancing study with multiple jobs was tough, and the spa industry can be physically demanding. But those challenges taught me resilience, determination and a strong work ethic, all of which have shaped the therapist and leader I am today.
Where did you work before the Francis?
I was involved in a number of exciting spa projects across the South West and beyond. I helped establish and launch The Spa at No.15 Great Pulteney, worked on the refurbishment of Homewood Spa, supported the rebrand of No.15 into GuestHouse Hotels and contributed to the opening of GuestHouse spas in York, Margate and Brighton. Being part of these journeys taught me a huge amount about spa development, operations and what it takes to create truly memorable guest experiences.
What changes have you seen over the years?
“BATH HAS A UNIQUE RELATIONSHIP WITH WELLNESS THAT STRETCHES BACK THOUSANDS OF YEARS”
A long-term illness during my teenage years meant I didn’t finish school and my education was quite disrupted. Once I’d fully recovered in my early twenties, I went into media sales, which I quickly realised wasn’t the right fit. I wanted a career that felt more meaningful.
What was the more meaningful route?
In 2008, I enrolled on a holistic therapies course at Bath College while working two cleaning jobs to support myself. It was a demanding time, but it gave me a clear sense of purpose and introduced me to an industry. “I very quickly fell in love with the course, led by Di Rowe. It gave me solid technical foundations in treatments and anatomy, but just as importantly, it gave me the confidence to pursue a profession focused on wellbeing and helping others.
What were the early days like for you?
Starting my career later than some and without a traditional educational background did
Wellness has become far more mainstream and is increasingly seen as an essential part of overall health rather than an occasional treat. Guests are much more informed and are looking for experiences that support both physical and mental wellbeing. The industry itself has become more professional, with greater emphasis on highquality training, evidence-based treatments and personalised care.
Tell us about your team
The best spa experiences come from people who combine technical excellence with warmth and empathy, and I’m lucky to see that every day. Many of the team are highly qualified and experienced, yet they all embraced the intensive training programme ahead of opening with enthusiasm and professionalism. That commitment to continuous learning and development remains a defining part of our culture and underpins the highly personalised experiences we offer guests.
Are there negative perceptions about the work you do?
There can be misconceptions that beauty or massage therapy is somehow an easy career.
In reality, it’s a highly skilled profession that demands resilience, emotional intelligence, professionalism and a deep understanding of anatomy and physiology. Therapists work closely with people from all walks of life, helping them feel comfortable, confident and cared for. It is physically and emotionally demanding – and incredibly rewarding.
What have you found to be the best tools for reputation growth?
For me it always comes back to people: building strong relationships, investing in staff development and never losing sight of the guest experience. Happy, supported teams create happy guests, and that has always been the foundation of success in both hospitality and wellness.
How does being Bath-based help your business?
Bath has a unique relationship with wellness that stretches back thousands of years. People come here specifically to relax, recharge and enjoy its spa heritage, which makes it the perfect setting for a spa like ours. There is also a fantastic sense of community among local businesses, and being part of that network is something I really value.
Any advice for someone who’d like to do similar work?
Be prepared to work hard and never stop learning. The most successful therapists and spa professionals are genuinely passionate about people, wellbeing and ongoing development. Technical skills can be taught, but empathy, professionalism and a strong work ethic are what really set people apart.
Turn to page 57 to read about our visit to the spa.
For more: www.francishotel.com
GREAT WORK!
AWDRY LAW recognised as one of the UK’s best places to work
Awdry Law is proud to have been named in The Sunday Times Best Places to Work 2026, a national recognition that celebrates organisations with outstanding workplace cultures.
With offices across Wiltshire and Bath, Awdry Law has grown to a team of more than 150 people, offering legal services to individuals and businesses across the region. Since opening its Bath office, the firm has continued to build strong connections within the city.
For Awdry Law, being recognised as one of the best places to work is about much more than an award. It reflects the culture
that colleagues across the firm have helped to create, built on collaboration, support, wellbeing and professional development. From clear progression opportunities and structured training programmes to social events, volunteering and community initiatives, the firm is committed to creating an environment where people feel valued and able to thrive.
Managing Partner, Alex David, said: “What makes Awdry Law special is our people. They define the business, shaping the culture, the environment, and the feeling you get from being part of the firm. I am incredibly proud to work alongside them.”
Awdry Law’s Bath office continues to grow, with the firm bringing together
experienced lawyers and dedicated support teams to deliver a personal, approachable service for clients. The same values that shape its workplace culture also influence the way the firm works with clients, with an emphasis on building relationships, understanding individual needs and providing clear, practical advice.
This recognition marks an exciting moment for Awdry Law as it continues to invest in its people, support the local community and grow its presence in Bath.
OFFICE AFFAIR
EXPLORE THE WORKING HUB SPACES WITH BENEFITS
By John Mather
Shared workspace hubs are redefining what it means to go to work. Blending beautifully designed environments with flexible memberships, they offer a welcoming alternative to the traditional office or home setup. Members can choose how and where they work each day, moving between desks, lounges, meeting rooms and outdoor spaces. Beyond the practical perks – great coffee, fast wifi and professional facilities – the real value lies in the community. Freelancers, founders and growing teams work side by side, sparking conversations, collaborations and friendships that simply wouldn’t happen in isolation.
Runway East Bath, Kings Court, Parsonage Lane, Bath; www.runwayea.st
Runway East Bath is a community-led coworking and serviced office space built for startups, scaleups and ambitious teams. Right in the heart of the city on Kings Court, overlooking Union Street and just a six-minute walk from Bath Spa Station, it offers a central base with plenty of character. Inside, bright, thoughtfully designed interiors are full of personality, with colourful breakout areas, comfy member lounges, fully stocked kitchens and plenty of spots to switch up the working day.
One of the standout features is the Secret Room – a hidden space inspired by Bath’s architectural history. Playful, unexpected and very Runway East, it sums up
the aim of making workspaces feel memorable, not corporate.
The biggest benefit of Runway East Bath is the people. The space brings together ambitious teams across tech, creative industries, professional services and beyond, creating a community where connections happen naturally – over coffee, during Cake Wednesday, or at one of many events. Some of the best ideas and collaborations happen away from the desk. Across the wider Runway East network, thousands of member connections have been facilitated, and 98 per cent of teams say they’re happier working from one of the spaces.
On the practical side, members get hyper-fast wifi, free access to 13 meeting rooms, plenty of phone booths, breakout spaces designed for focus and collaboration, and flexible terms with one simple monthly bill – no hidden costs, long leases or landlord admin.
Amenities include 24/7 secure access, on-site showers, bike storage and lounges throughout the building. Runway East Bath is also proudly B Corp certified, reflecting a commitment to people, community and impact. Members enjoy Breakfast Clubs, free cake every Wednesday, Drinks Trolley Fridays and regular socials.
The team has built strong relationships across the community, from hosting Ripple Effect, a charity creating a ‘ripple effect’ of sustainable change in Africa, to partnering with Rebellious Co on relaxed Bath Meetups – all helping local businesses connect and thrive.
Lifework Communities, Hartley Farm, Winsley, Bradford on Avon; www.thelifeworkgroup.com
Lifework Communities is a coworking and flexible workspace based at Hartley Farm in Winsley, surrounded by beautiful Wiltshire countryside. For many members, trading traffic jams and office blocks for rolling fields and fresh air is one of the biggest perks of the job. The space occupies Hartley’s old horse stables and has been transformed into a bright, welcoming environment filled with natural light, with large windows looking out onto horses and ever-changing weather.
opposite: Trade the rat race for a better working life at Lifeworks; above and inset: Runway East Bath brings together ambitious teams
“FREELANCERS, FOUNDERS AND GROWING TEAMS WORK SIDE BY SIDE”
Inside, contemporary workspace design is softened with plenty of greenery and local art on the walls. Comfortable breakout areas, sofa corners and a mix of seating options mean people are never tethered to a single desk. It’s not uncommon for a meeting to start at Lifework and finish with a walk through the fields behind.
The layout is designed to support a wide range of working styles. A popular mezzanine area offers a more collaborative environment for larger teams or creatives who like to spread out, while a soundproof phone booth and three individual work pods cater for quiet focus and private calls. Standing desks and free-to-use monitors are available throughout, and meeting rooms can be booked by the hour or day for everything from client meetings and interviews to workshops and away days.
The obvious benefits are all in place: fast wifi, professional meeting rooms, quality equipment and a clear separation between work and home. But the real magic lies in the community. Members regularly swap advice, recommend one another for projects and celebrate each other’s wins – it’s networking without the awkward name badges.
Amenities include refreshments, free on-site parking, kitchen facilities and discounts with Hartley Farm, Campwell Saunas and Rustiq Fitness. Lifework is proudly dog-friendly, so there’s usually at least one four-legged colleague doing the rounds, and lunchtime walks are a genuine highlight. Monthly Community Days bring members together over coffee, lunch and conversation, reflecting what Lifework has become at its heart: a place where good people do great work together.
House of St John’s, 1 Queen Square, Bath; www.hosj.co.uk
House of St John’s is a place to connect, work and celebrate at the heart of Bath. Set within one of the city’s most iconic Georgian buildings on Queen Square, it offers that rare mix of old and new: grand rooms, original features, bold interiors, modern furniture and a genuine sense of atmosphere. It feels more like a members’ club than a traditional workspace, and you sense that the moment you step through the door.
Across the building there are different spaces for different moods. Members can choose from four co-working areas, from relaxed lounges and spots near the bar to quieter corners downstairs, plus meeting rooms for privacy or bigger conversations. There are desks, lounge spaces and tucked-away nooks, so no one is tied to a single way of working. In summer, the private courtyard becomes one of the best places in Bath to settle in for the afternoon, coffee in hand, before drifting naturally into the members’ bar at the end of the day.
The community is what truly defines the House – these members include founders, creatives, consultants, growing businesses and people doing interesting things in and around Bath. Many describe conversations that have turned into work, partnerships, introductions or friendships – not through forced networking, but by simply being in the right place with the right people.
Alongside the workspaces, members have access to the bar, lounges, courtyard and regular breakfasts, lunches and drinks. Private showers with fresh towels, lovely toiletries and bike racks make it easy to cycle in, head to the gym or go straight out in town afterwards. Connections here extend well beyond the building, with members playing touch rugby and tennis together, bringing family to see where they work and meeting on Friday afternoons before heading to a local pub – a reflection of how naturally the House brings people together.
Glove Factory Studios is bright, light and spacious, with sensitively designed workspaces flooded with natural light and views over garden courtyards and rural landscape. From the first impression – tidy graphics, easy parking, a warm hello – there’s a consistent ethos and a sense of surprise at finding urban levels of delivery in an industrial heritage setting.
These former industrial buildings are full of nostalgic references that sit comfortably alongside the trailblazing work of the individuals and businesses based here. Art, décor and planting have been carefully curated to respond to the building’s history and its environment. Emily Young’s bronze sculptures by the lake and in the main courtyard express the deep connection between humanity and the Earth, while works by Felicity Warbrick, Sophie Smallhorn, Kate Gibb and William Kentridge appear in characterful corners between quiet pods and acoustic call booths. Lush planting, tended by the Bath-based florists Flowers by Passion, adds striking shades of green, and the eclectic mix of prints, etchings and paintings reflects the diverse community on site –“When you learn about art it opens doors,” as Mark Cameau puts it.
“TRADING TRAFFIC JAMS AND OFFICE BLOCKS FOR ROLLING FIELDS AND FRESH AIR”
There are over 60 private studios, co-working in The Club Room for around 30, acoustic pods and call booths, four meeting rooms and a wealth of wellbeing options: Health Club membership with talks, workshops and supper clubs, gym membership, fitness classes, Glove Dippers cold-water swimming, Black Swan Sauna and the lake-side Wild Herb at The Field Kitchen café. Freelancers can drop in by the day or join as co-working members from one to five days a week, while studio teams use the meeting rooms for reviews or away days beside the lakes.
The shared space balances quiet, sumptuous velvet pods with sociable standing desks, bar counters and kitchenettes that encourage casual chats and connections. Superfast wifi, beautifully engineered oak tables by Forest to Maker, plentiful power and flexible IT support from Mintivo are standard, freeing the team to focus on people.
Studios are spread across four buildings with interlocking gardens, courtyards and quiet corners, creating endless opportunities for collaboration. Casual
above: Members have four styles of workspaces to choose from at House of St John’s; below and inset: Glove Factory Studios’ members can enjoy a dip in the lake
Co-working for creatives
Join a thriving community of creatives at Trinity Church, Queen Square.
More than a workspace, Gather Round is a growing network of like-minded professionals who go to work every day and sit, write, design, consult and hang out. Soaking up the energy, passion and positivity from the ideas and expertise of others.
Get in touch to see it for yourself gather-round.co
conversations over coffee or lunch spark new projects, friendships and powerful business relationships. Recent highlights include Bodkin Studio and Web Usability’s award-winning accessibility platform CollectivAlly, and the Vespertine Talk hosted by studio members and partners exploring how thoughtful design can help projects thrive from concept to occupation.
Hartham Park Estate, Hartham Lane, Corsham; www.harthamparkestate.co.uk
The serviced offices and flexible workspace of Hartham Park are set in a 50-acre historic estate just outside Corsham, and offers a distinctive alternative to the typical town-centre office. Centred around an 18th-century Georgian manor house completed in 1795, it combines period architecture with modern workspace facilities, creating a peaceful, professional setting surrounded by landscaped parkland. Mature trees, heritage buildings and walking routes frame views across the grounds, while inside, members can make use of communal areas including a library-style breakout space.
The estate provides flexible workspace for individuals through to teams of up to 50 people. There are 80 offices across the site, alongside coworking desks, serviced office suites, meeting rooms and conference facilities. A modern boardroom accommodates up to 10 delegates, and larger event spaces can be tailored to different formats, whether for team sessions, presentations or wider business gatherings.
Members benefit from high-speed dedicated fibre internet, managed reception services, on-site facilities support and flexible contracts, as well as being part of a wider business community. The coworking and shared workspace environment creates opportunities for networking, collaboration and informal knowledgesharing, with professional meeting spaces and breakout areas supporting client meetings, teamwork and creative brainstorming.
Hartham Park also offers a broad range of amenities designed to make the working day smoother and more enjoyable. Unlimited free parking and electric vehicle charging points sit alongside an on-site café and restaurant, The Forge and Pheasant, and complimentary tea and coffee in communal kitchens. There are meeting and conference facilities for up to 400 people, fitness classes including yoga, Pilates and keep fit, shower facilities, reception and hosting services, and regular networking events and community activities. The extensive grounds provide space for walking and wellbeing breaks, reinforcing the estate’s appeal as a place where businesses – from start-ups and growing SMEs to established organisations – can connect, focus and grow in a calm, characterful setting.
Business Cyber Centre, Unit 7, Greenways Business Park, Chippenham; www.bcc.co.uk
Set in leafy parkland just minutes from Junction 17 of the M4 and boasting farreaching views, the Business Cyber Centre (BCC) offers an award-winning workspace that feels both calm and contemporary.
Winner of Fit-out/Refurbishment of the Year at the 2022 Insider South West Property Awards, the building is drenched in natural light, softened with planting and animated by pops of colour throughout.
“CONNECT, FOCUS AND GROW IN A CALM, CHARACTERFUL SETTING”
Serviced offices accommodate teams of up to 12, with a total desk capacity of 180 including co-working and dedicated desks. The “co// lab” conference centre supports up to 100 guests, complete with integrated AV and hybrid capability, while smaller meeting rooms provide private, professional spaces for board discussions, project briefings and interviews. Soundproof phone booths, breakout zones and flexible layouts allow each client to work in the way that suits them best.
The BCC is designed for organisations working at the edge and inspired by innovation. While members span a range of sectors, the focus since day one has been on building a community across cyber, defence, aerospace and technology. This ecosystem combines the privacy of individual workspaces with the energy of a shared environment, creating regular opportunities to meet, collaborate and learn through networking events, member socials and community initiatives.
Everything expected of a modern workspace is here: high-speed connectivity, seamless hybrid meeting facilities, adaptable event spaces, quiet corners for focused work and comfortable breakout areas. What truly sets the BCC apart is its small but dedicated team, who act as troubleshooters, facilitators and an extension of each member’s own staff, helping everything run smoothly behind the scenes. Many members work on projects that can’t be discussed publicly, but under this one roof partnerships are formed, contracts won, introductions made and friendships built.
At the heart of the hub is Franco’s, the on-site café serving locally sourced, made-to-order food and excellent coffee. It’s where members, visitors and event delegates naturally gather, with catering ranging from fresh pastries for early briefings to generous buffets for conferences and celebrations.
above and inset: Enjoy fresh pastries from Franco’s in the Business Cyber Centre; below: The modern boardroom in Hartham Park Estate
Gather Round at Trinity Church is a beautifully restored French Gothic space flooded with natural light and steeped in history. Designed by its two co-founder designers to feel like a ‘home from home’ rather than a conventional office, it’s a flexible, thoughtfully curated shared workspace where creatives can genuinely thrive.
Original features, from elaborate cornicing to carved wood, are shown off in all their glory, while contemporary touches add character rather than compete. The bold, bright orange staircase leading up to the mezzanine level is something of a showstopper, its modern metal lines working in harmony with the centuries-old structure.
Art and greenery are everywhere, softening the grand architecture and making the space feel warm and lived-in. Multiple breakout areas and comfy sofas offer relaxed spots for client meetings or quick catch-ups, while meeting rooms and phone booths cater for more private conversations. The former vestry, complete with a huge marble bar, serves as a kitchen by day; by night, when events roll in, it transforms into a stand-out bar area. The venue has already hosted everything from Party in the City to a Dorothy House launch night, with an exclusive gig from a well-known jazz singer on the horizon.
On the mezzanine, 36 resident desks are fully taken, with a waiting list already building and plans afoot for a new resident area. Alongside this, there’s capacity for 30 full-time flexi and 70 part-time flexi members, who can sit anywhere on the Flexi level, plus four studios (three currently available). For those who prefer to dip in and out, day passes are coming soon, with launch planned for autumn.
At the heart of it all is a thriving creative community: designers, illustrators, copywriters, marketers, app developers, tech innovators, sustainability pioneers and, memorably, a resident cartographer. Collaborations spring up so frequently it’s hard to keep track, and members genuinely enjoy spending time together –whether that’s at a desk, over coffee, or at one of the many social events that spill out well beyond the studio walls.
Rengen House is a boutique co-working space in the heart of Bath, offering a welcoming community for co-working, meetings and events. Set within a beautifully restored Georgian townhouse between Pulteney Bridge and Great Pulteney Street, it preserves the building’s original character while providing all the facilities expected of a modern workspace.
Inside, a warm palette of greens and golds, plush velvet furnishings and comfortable seating create a relaxed yet professional atmosphere. Across three floors, up to 46 co-workers can choose from a variety of settings, balancing private and collaborative areas to support both focused work and meaningful connections. Fully equipped workstations with ergonomic chairs and monitors sit alongside lounge areas with softer seating, while meeting rooms and individual call pods ensure conversations, virtual calls and client meetings can happen without disruption. A large outdoor terrace adds to the appeal, ideal for working outside, informal catch-ups or simply making the most of a sunny lunch break.
“A PLACE TO CONNECT, WORK AND CELEBRATE”
Rengen House is designed to support productivity, wellbeing and professional growth. Members benefit from high-speed internet, well-equipped workstations and the energy of a shared environment where collaboration, brainstorming and knowledge sharing come naturally. A well-equipped kitchen with complimentary Nespresso coffee, pastries and snacks encourages people to pause, talk and connect, while a programme of networking, wellness and sports activities – plus regular members’ socials – helps deepen relationships. While specific member details are kept confidential, many have engaged each other’s services, shared expertise and built collaborations that have grown from professional partnerships into genuine friendships. n
above: Gather Round is found just off Queen Square; below: Rengen House is designed to support productivity
PLACES TO LIVE, WORK AND PLAY
Auction
A MASTERPIECE COMES TO MARKET
Carter Jonas, Dreweatts and RWK Goodman unite for a landmark sale
A special preview reception was held in one of Bath’s most recognisable addresses, which is due to go under the hammer this summer. The historic No.1 The Circus, part of John Wood the Elder’s world-famous Georgian masterpiece, is being brought to market as a deceased estate.
The house sale will be overseen by property specialists Carter Jonas, with the estate handled by law firm RWK Goodman. Auctioneers Dreweatts will be responsible for the sale of the contents, which include notable collections of porcelain, china, artwork and period furniture.
The items, many of which have rarely been seen outside the house, are expected to attract strong interest from collectors and enthusiasts.
Adding to the property’s significance, the estate retains the original handwritten and signed deeds from when No. 1 The Circus was first built by the stonemason and carpenter on behalf of John Wood the Elder. These records offer a rare glimpse into the early history of one of Bath’s most celebrated addresses.
David Mackenzie, partner at Carter Jonas, says, “The collaboration between Carter Jonas, Dreweatts and RWK Goodman aims to celebrate both an architecturally important building and its exceptionally rare contents, marking a notable moment in the city’s property and heritage calendar.”
For more: www.carterjonas.co.uk | www.dreweatts.com | www.rwkgoodman.com
above: No. 1 The Circus goes to auction this summer; below, clockwise: Dreweatts Henry House with Edward Vidnes of RWK Goodman; Auctioneer and TV presenter Richard Madley; David Mackenzie, partner at Carter Jonas
Sage & Elder can help later life moves go more smoothly; inset: Founder
Moving home A WINNING MOVE
A new Bath based business is aiming to remove the stress from moving in later life, with the launch of Sage & Elder Home Move Specialists. Founded by local property expert Vicky Whipp, Sage & Elder offers a bespoke, end to end home move project management service tailored specifically to older clients in Bath and the surrounding areas.
Vicky, who is a Bath Spa University alumna and the driving force behind the 11,000 strong Bath Facebook community Mums (and More), was inspired for her new venture during her time managing sales of premium retirement apartments at Pegasus Homes’ prestigious Bath Leat development, where she saw first-hand how daunting downsizing can be.
“Moving in later life isn’t just about a change of address; it involves a complex number of often emotionally difficult decisions, all whilst managing the emotions of downsizing decades of memories,” says Vicky. “I wanted to combine my property experience with my local network to relieve the stress for these clients, ensuring they move with ease and positivity.”
For more: www.sageandelder.co.uk
just how difficult downsizing can be
Relocation
A NEW ENVIRONMENT
Buro Happold, the engineering and design consultancy, and one of Bath’s largest employers, has secured approval to move its Bath headquarters to the revamped Pinesgate West site, in a landmark step during its 50th anniversary year. It will relocate from Camden Mill, its home for 38 years, to a new low‑carbon office, Pinesgate West. The move underlines Buro Happold’s long ter m commitment to Bath’s economy and its sustainability goals.
Working with architect AWW and landlord Watkin Property Ventures, the company is carrying out a major refurbishment of the existing office block on the Lower Bristol Road. The concrete frame will be retained, while a new, energy-efficient exterior is added. The building is designed to run on all‑electric systems, supported by rooftop renewable energy, and aims to achieve some of the highest health, wellbeing and environmental standards in the industry. A strong focus on reuse is intended to cut the carbon impact of construction. The existing furniture has been upcycled and surplus items donated to local schools and charities.
Phil Lines, the company’s Bath office director, says, “Pinesgate West will bring our people together in a space that truly reflects who we are and what we stand for as environmental leaders, while deepening our connection to the city as we look ahead to the next 50 years.”
For more: www.burohappold.com
Buro Happold’s Phil Lines
Architectural render of the new Pinesgate West
An aerial shot of the existing site
Vicky Whipp saw first-hand
A GEORGIAN CLASSIC
The contemporary Queen Square home with a Jane Austen lineage
By Rachel Ifans
No. 13 Queen Square can, in some ways, be seen as a microcosm of our whole city. It is architecturally beautiful and has real literary heritage and yet it also embraces and celebrates modern life. Just like Bath itself, this corner house should not be viewed as a museum piece but more as somewhere relevant, vibrant and fun.
It sits on the south side of the square, flanked by the recently restored Francis Hotel on one side and Chapel Row on the other. It’s close enough to Colonna and Small’s speciality coffee shop that the whiff of roasted arabica might slip through the crack in your bedroom window and be enough to lure you out of bed in the morning.
The building was designed by Bath’s godfather of architecture, John Wood the Elder, and was completed in the 1780s. Historically significant as being a forerunner of the city’s great Georgian expansion, Queen Square is still one of the city’s main points of interest; a perfect square, divided by gravel paths, that contrasts with Bath’s many curves and crescents.
Its central position needn’t worry you; you’re more likely to hear the rustle of leaves from the square’s gargantuan ancient trees than you are to be bothered by revellers. In other words, it’s a quiet part of the centre come Saturday night after a rugby match.
Architectural heritage aside, No. 13 also holds a notable place in Bath’s literary history. Jane Austen
“Interior design and a kitchenbespoke by Woodhouse & Law”
lived here during her time in the city and is understood to have worked on Northanger Abbey while residing at the property. And there’s a gold plaque on the wall to prove it.
Step inside this Grade I listed townhouse and find a combination of architectural heritage and contemporary restoration. Formerly the offices of Stone King Solicitors for more than 200 years, the building has undergone a comprehensive renovation by APS Homes, with interior design and a bespoke kitchen by Woodhouse & Law.
Arranged over five floors, No 13 follows the classic proportions and layout of a Georgian townhouse, with a clear distinction between formal entertaining rooms, homely spaces and more functional areas. Throughout the house, original architectural features have been carefully preserved and enhanced, including fireplaces, ornate cornicing, sash windows and bespoke joinery. These period details are a constant reminder that you are in Bath with all its glorious history, while contemporary materials and craftsmanship shout progress and the reassuring march of time.
Décor is light and subtle throughout and the pale walls work beautifully with the pure white gloss work and the mid-tone browns of the rich wooden cupboards and floors.
The lower ground floor has been designed as the practical and social heart of the home. Here, a bespoke kitchen by Woodhouse & Law combines traditional
cabinetry with modern functionality. Highquality Miele appliances are built in, and the Calacatta Gold quartz worktops add an extra touch of elegance. You can go to town on eating, drinking and entertaining here, with generous preparation areas and ample storage incorporated into the design. Adjacent to the kitchen is a lovely informal place to gather and dine on a weeknight, when all you want to do is eat and chill with your nearest and dearest.
No. 13 still retains its original late 18th century vaults, now preserved and adapted to fit modern life; oodles of storage in one, while the other has been transformed into an impressive wine cellar. Also located on this level is a panelled snug, a living area that can be adapted to suit a range of uses, whether as a reading room, media room, home office or informal sitting room. The panelled finish lends warmth and intimacy to the room, contrasting with the larger and more formal reception spaces found elsewhere.
entertaining, they aren’t so grandiose that they don’t serve the everyday. Yes, No 13’s proportions are large but its feel still gives family-home vibes, rather than the set of an austere period drama.
The upper floors contain five bedrooms arranged across two levels. The main bedroom suite is undeniably large but well-balanced, and the large windows and refined finishes contribute to a calm and comfortable environment. The remaining bedrooms have been designed with flexibility and adaptability in mind, and are equally well suited to family members, guests or those working from home. Each room is light and bright and you can see evidence of the careful restoration all around, combining contemporary fittings with materials chosen to complement the character of the house.
HOUSE NUMBERS
Guide price £2.25million
The main reception rooms are on the first floor and positioned to take full advantage of the house’s elevated view, with interconnecting rooms overlooking the square and benefiting from excellent natural light. Tall sash windows frame views across the leafy square, and there’s plenty to capture in your frame, from picnickers to boules players, through all four seasons. While these rooms are well suited to formal
Bedrooms 5 Bathrooms 3
Reception rooms 5
Floor area 4,906 sq ft
For more Knight Frank Bath, 4 Wood Street, Bath; www.knightfrank.co.uk
The property has one last secret up its sleeve: a private garage. This feature is worth its weight in gold when you live so centrally in a bustling city like Bath – and it’s large enough for two cars. While the house doesn’t have a garden of its own, green space is literally on the doorstep – as are boules pistes, benches and a calendar of exciting events in the square – and a few moments further up the road, there’s Royal Victoria Park as well as tennis courts, Treetop café, the Royal Crescent and the joys of Margarets Buildings’ pedestrianised shopping street. No doubt, No. 13 is going to be lucky for some house hunter.
FOR THE HOME
Our local businesses are poised and ready to help with all your home needs for Summer
TILE & FLOOR For over 50 years, Tile & Floor has been synonymous with the supply of a range of top-tier design-led materials and professional installation services. Our commitment to quality has forged enduring relationships with discerning homeowners overseeing their personal projects, as well as with design and construction professionals serving the property industry. Exciting news! We are now also conveniently located at Chippenham M4. Tel: 01225 310561; www.tileandfloor.co.uk
BONITI Situated on the outskirts of Bath, Boniti presents an extensive array of top-notch interior and exterior products. Offerings include natural stone and timber flooring, Everhot Range Cookers, as well as porcelain and decorative tiles. Providing exceptional installation and restoration services, Boniti pride themselves on delivering a friendly and personalised experience, with customer satisfaction at the heart of it all. Dunsdown Barn, West Littleton,Wiltshire SN14 8JA; Tel: 01225 892 200; www.boniti.com
BATH KITCHEN COMPANY
Based in the heart of Bath and specialising in bespoke, handmade kitchens, Bath Kitchen Company become personally invested in every kitchen they design and build. It’s about attention to detail at every stage – creating a beautiful space that enhances the way you live. 7-9 North Parade Buildings, Bath BA1 1NS; Tel: 01225 312003 www.bathkitchencompany.co.uk
PLUSHH: DEVELOPMENTS LTD
Based in Bath and working beyond, PLUSHH: specialises in high-quality restoration, renovation, property care and bespoke developments. Combining skilled craftsmanship with thoughtful design, we deliver everything from sensitive period restorations to complete property transformations and ongoing maintenance, alongside our own carefully considered development projects. Tel: 1225 767148; www.plushhrestoration.co.uk
NO17 INTERIORS
offers a range of bespoke interior design services. Based in Bath and with vast experience in designing and installing developer show homes, hotels and residential properties for private clients, Lisa has the knowledge and skills to work to any brief or budget, whether looking to redesign, update existing furnishings or simply commission new curtains. email: lisa@no17interiors.co.uk; tel:07977 271503; www.no17interiors.co.uk
CLAIR STRONG INTERIOR DESIGN
Clair Strong Interior Design is a boutique, creative company based in Bath, providing a wide range of services for both residential and commercial clients. Her portfolio of projects includes the design, project coordination and sourcing for some of Bath’s most beautiful residences, as well as hotels, sports clubs, offices and other commercial venues. Contact Clair on 07855 797311 or 01225 426905; www.clairstrong.co.uk
MENDIP FIREPLACES BATH
Bath’s leading fireplace, wood burner, gas fire, chimney and flue specialist. From classic to contemporary, concept to completion, their team of experts can work with you to achieve your perfect interior. Brands include Chesneys, Barbas Bellfire, Westfire, Stovax, Gazco and Hunter. Get in touch or visit the showroom. Mendip Fireplaces, Monkton Combe, Bath BA2 7HD; info@mendipfireplacesbath.co.uk; Tel: 01225 722706; www.mendipfireplacesbath.co.uk
JENNIFER MOSSE DESIGN STUDIO
A bespoke, tailor-made, client-focused interior design consultancy service based in Bath. Specialising in residential interior design and providing a truly personal service adapted to each client’s needs, Jennifer’s unique style blends seamlessly between period and contemporary homes. The aim is simple – to create spaces that bring joy, reflecting her clients’ lifestyles and personalities. Tel: 07738289189; www.jennifermosse.com
NEXUS OF BATH is a Bath based family business specialising in painting and decorating, plastering, tiling, sash window restoration and other property restoration. Nexus have built a reputation for the highest standards of workmanship with experience across a range of projects from listed buildings through to new builds, with a complete commitment to customer service and health and safety
Tel: 01225 300414; www.nexusofbath.co.uk
BATH LIVES
ABBIE DAYMAN-JOHNS
The artist, reader, and small business owner on the power of an ‘overactive’ imagination
Abbie Dayman-Johns is a small business owner, writer, and artist based in Bath, England, and the creator of Britishbookart. In her early twenties, she designed the ‘Book Tracker Bookmark’ – a bookmark that helps people build the habit of reading –from her living room. She first made it for herself, but after sharing it online it went viral, reaching readers in 14,000 cities across 68 countries and attracting over 2 million shop views. Britishbookart now supplies custom bookmarks to schools, libraries, and bookshops worldwide. Recently, Abbie was nominated for three Creative Bath Awards and won for Product Design and Creation, and she was a finalist in the Arts and Creative category at the recent Bath Life Awards. All her products are ecofriendly and hand-painted by her, then printed in Bath, and she works hard to keep prices affordable for teachers, students, and young readers.
When I was young I spent a lot of time writing stories and scripts, reading, and drawing, and I was always making something, whether it was a stopmotion animation film, a family newspaper, my own music album, trading cards for my brother and his friends, board games for my family, even my own religion at one point!
I was very studious and considered quite a ‘good’ student. The teachers often sat the naughty boys next to me so I’d be a good influence on them, and while I was always good at encouraging them in English, in Maths I was just as eager to not pay attention! As for liking school, it depends. I’ve lost count, but I went to about nine different schools so each was a unique, formative experience!
My small business Britishbookart began when I painted woodland creatures on secondhand book pages (hence the name!). I shared them online and people were keen
“I can tell, through language, if someone is intending to lie”
to buy and frame them, so I created my Etsy shop, and from there created the ‘Book Tracker Bookmark’, which has allowed me to create full-time for the past eight years.
A highlight was my first year doing the Bath Christmas Market. Being self-employed, my job is solitary so sharing my creations in person was incredibly rewarding. I remember some people travelled hours just to visit me and my chalet! I couldn’t process how supportive people were - for about a week afterwards I felt like my soul was happily floating above my body!
It is disheartening to see my original creations plagiarised for profit. Thankfully, I’ve learnt how to handle this, though it’s never easy.
I live in Larkhall with my wonderful partner, Jay, and our two cats, Dumpling and Cookie. It sounds peaceful but Dumpling uses buttons to communicate so she’s always demanding something – usually ‘play’ when I’m trying to work! I love animals and am fascinated by animal communication. As well as writing, painting, singing and playing instruments, and I’m an avid chess player and astronomy enthusiast.
Only one in three children now read in their free time and, possibly due to rising screentime, a lot of adults aren’t reading either. I believe this has created an invisible privilege for those that do read, as we know reading boosts cognitive function, memory, knowledge, and stories help us transfer wisdom, foster empathy, and process emotion.
I have hyperphantasia, which is a cognitive trait characterised by an extraordinarily vivid, near-photographic mental imagery. This has caused me fainting after picturing something bad in my mind’s eye but I consider it an asset for my creativity.
I also have pattern recognition. Combined with my love of linguistics (forensic, especially), I’m good at detecting evidence of deceit, such as ‘leakage’ or distancing language etc, through what someone’s said or written. In other words, I can tell, through language, if someone is intending to lie.
My favourite places in Bath revolve around trees. One is in the Parade Gardens, where my partner Jay and I had our first date, the other is in Victoria Park – it’s the perfect spot in the whole park. The new Sycamore Gap’s offspring tree is coming to Alice Park in Larkhall which makes me very happy!
Abbie’s double-sided Bookshelf Tracker Bookmark is available through her Etsy site for £3.95
For more: Instagram @britishbookreader | Find britishbookart on www.etsy.com
