Bath Life – Issue 551

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EDITOR’S LETTER

S

o when you’re near me, darling, can’t you hear me S.O.S.?

We hear you. It’s hot, you’re stressed, the pace is fast, life is frantic. This is why we’re throwing you a spa-centred lifeline. I mean, just look at our cover – this is Homewood in Freshford giving superstar Hollywood vibes, and opposite we have The Newt in Somerset ready to help – don’t you already feel those cortisol levels dropping?

Over on page 64 you’ll find seven pages of rescue missions in the form of on-site treatments and at-home treats all designed to de-stress, decompress, and uplift. Not that our rugby-playing, wordwriting, TV-presenting columnist would agree.

Turns out David Flatman likes it rough and to be ‘folded like bed linen’. Strange, but true. See for yourself on page 29.

However, one thing all us Bathonians can agree on is we are considerably inspired and elated by the redevelopment of Jolly’s, which we talk about in depth with Ray Clacher, CEO of Morleys (page 81), who was the speaker at our latest Bath Life Network Lunch. Lucky for us, Morleys is the company with the vision and determination to resurrect the Milsom Street department, which is due to reopen in 2027. Their brilliant social media team is sharing the behindthe-scenes stories of the painstaking renovation, surprising discoveries, and significant developments on Facebook and Instagram. In need of an immediate SOS? Hit follow, and you’ll soon discover each post is a dopamine hit of Jolly positivity.

SARAH MOOLLA Follow us on

@bathlifemag

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

Branches at - Batheaston, Bear Flat, Camden/Larkhall

WATERGATES, COLERNE O.I.E.O £1m x5

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BOX ROAD, BATHFORD £3,000 pcm, available from September x4

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THE ARTS

30 WONDER WOMEN Celebrating the quiet heroines of Bath 33 ARTS INTRO Beyond Horizons exhibition in Wells 34 WHAT’S ON People to see, places to go 36 CULTURE CLUB The arty picks of Tracy-Ann Oberman 40 FILMS What’s big at The Little

FOOD & DRINK

42 KITCHENS How to create a space worthy of fine dining 60 RESTAURANT REVIEW The enchanting Iford Manor Kitchen 62 NEWS FEED Nuggets from the foodie scene

LIFESTYLE

64 SPAS The treatments and places helping us Stop Our Stresses 75 SHOP LEAD Charming charms 76 FASHION Think small for big impact 78 DESIGNERS Why Bath Spa students are trend setters

NETWORK

81 NETWORK LEAD Bath Life Network Lunch reports on the latest

©BATH KITCHEN COMPANY / PHOTO BY TOBY MITCHELL

COVER Over on page 64 we have our gorgeous guide of the best stress-busting spas treatments and places available locally, including the beautiful Homewood Hotel & Spa in Freshford; www.homewoodbath.co.uk

PHOTO BY PAOLO FERL A

Issue 551 / High summer 2026

news on Jolly’s with CEO Ray Clacher

PROPERTY

97 PROPERTY LEAD Parade Hotel Bath is about to open 98 PROPERTY NEWS The latest from the market 100 SHOWCASE The Englishcombe home with incredible views

DEPARTMENTS

15 SPOTLIGHT Shining a light on the positive 17 SCENE Hello party people!

29 FLAT LINE The softly softly approach does nothing for Flats 106 BATH LIVES Meet producer David Shopland

42

17

PHOTO BY BEATA COSGROVE PHOTOGR APHY

86 NETWORK NEWS News, views, and interviews 89 CAREER PATH Work talk with Luke Flower of Flower Property

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Editor Sarah Moolla sarah.moolla@mediaclash.co.uk Managing editor Deri Robins deri.robins@mediaclash.co.uk Senior art editor Andrew Richmond Cover design Trevor Gilham Contributors Iona Bas,Elsie Chadwick, Jane Duffus, David Flatman, Ella Killbourn, Ella Powys, and John Mather Commercial director Pat White pat.white@mediaclash.co.uk Business development manager Annabel North annabel.north@mediaclash.co.uk Business development manager Dan Nichols dan.nichols@mediaclash.co.uk Business development executive Ruby Coburn ruby.coburn@mediaclash.co.uk Production and distribution manager Kirstie Howe kirstie.howe@mediaclash.co.uk Chief executive Jane Ingham jane. ingham@mediaclash.co.uk Chief executive Greg Ingham greg.ingham@mediaclash.co.uk Bath Life MediaClash, Media House, 1 Widcombe Parade, Bath, BA2 4JT. tel: 01225 475800; www.mediaclash.co.uk. Instagram @TheMediaClash ©All rights reserved. May not be reproduced without written permission of MediaClash.

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

SPOTLIGHT

FLYING HIGH

Bath’s city centre is bursting with colour this summer thanks to a new installation of banners and bunting designed by local students. The vivid street dressing is part of a creative initiative led by the Fashion Museum Bath and Bath & North East Somerset Council, in partnership with The Holburne Museum.

Students from St Mark’s School, Hayesfield School, LIFT Broadlands, and Bath College created the striking designs during hands-on workshops inspired by The Holburne Museum’s exhibition, A Life in Print, which celebrates the work of renowned British designer Zandra Rhodes. With support from The National Lottery Heritage Fund, the young artists explored Rhodes’ use of colour and pattern before developing their own original creations. A selection of these student works has been scaled up and installed throughout Bath.

Councillor Kevin Guy, leader of Bath & North East Somerset Council, says, “It’s fantastic to see the creativity of our young people brought to life across Bath’s streets. These installations add colour to the city and show how fashion can inspire our future generations.”

For more: www.fashionmuseum.co.uk | www.holburne.org | www.bathnes.gov.uk

The city centre installation of colourful banners

The designs were inspired by the work of Zandra Rhodes

The talented students of LIFT Broadlands with their teacher (centre)

The Bitton heritage railway carriage has been spray painted with street art designs

JUST THE TICKET

Avon Valley Railway has unveiled its latest attraction, The Street Art Train. The innovative project, which is on static display at Bitton Station on all steam train operating days, sees one side of a heritage railway carriage transformed with vibrant 1980s-inspired street art created by renowned Bristol artists Inkie, Jody, and Cheo. The initiative is tied to an upcoming short film, with artists using authentic period colours for their designs.

Roger Eynon, chair of the Avon Valley Railway Heritage Trust, says, “It’s heritage street art, applied to one of our wonderful heritage train carriages. There is no charge to access the site, but as a charity we appreciate the support of visitors – by either making a donation, buying refreshments from the buffet car, or purchasing a ticket for a steam train ride. Every surplus penny we make goes towards keeping our cherished heritage steam railway running for future generations.”

For more: www.avonvalleyrailway.org www.mediaclash.co.uk I BATH LIFE I 15

SCENE BOULE AND THE GANG

Bath Boules returned to Queen Square from 2 – 5 July for four days of sunshine, friendly competition, and community fundraising. Organised for the first time by Bath Business Improvement District (BID), the event attracted teams of friends, families, and colleagues, with daily winners including Longacre (Thursday), Sheffield A (Friday), Redwood Marketing (Saturday), and Media Solutions (Sunday). Spectators enjoyed food stalls and live entertainment, including a performance by the Orchestra of Everything.

Organisers celebrated raising nearly £4,000 in this year’s raffle, contributing to over £775,000 raised for local charities throughout the event’s nearly 40-year history.

Photos by Beata Cosgrove; www.beatacosgrovephotography.com For more: www.bathboules.com

Continued overleaf

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SCENE STREET PARTY

On 11 July, Bath was alive with colour, music, and energy as an estimated more than 20,000 guests flocked to the city centre and Sydney Gardens for Bath Carnival 2026.

The annual spectacle kicked off in the morning with a family festival in Sydney Gardens featuring activities, performances, and food stalls.

The heart and the heat of the day belonged to the two-hour procession in the afternoon, which wound its way through the city, filling the streets with rhythm and celebration. Memorable moments included the main stage headliner K.O.G. Soundsystem jumping into the crowd for an impromptu party, and as evening fell, the festivities continued with an official after party at Komedia where the World Cup’s England vs Norway game was screened culminating in ecstatic celebrations when England scored.

The costs for this year’s event, as well as the outreach community programmes throughout the year, are still to be covered so consider donating what you can via the Local Living website (just search for Bath Carnival) to help it survive and return in 2027.

Photos by Paolo Ferla; www.ferlapaolo.com For more: www.bathcarnival.co.uk | www.localgiving.org

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Alison Born, Julia Rea and Steve Rea

Bobby Crowhurst and Lauren Millington

Bellyfull

THE BEST OF THE FEST

From dinners at Woods restaurant to discussions for funding, from organising, curating and programming, to launches and partying – this is the continued evolution of Bath Festival’s Party in the City, which exploded with music, fun, bands, and high energy in May. This year it smashed previous records with an estimated 38,000 attendees, more than £10,000 raised in donations, 50 venues taking part, and an incredible 2,000 local artists lending their creative talents across the weekend.

Kevin Guy and Elaine Marson

Photos by Beata Cosgrove, Betty Bhandari, Dick Dixon and Stuart Roberts For more: www.bathfestivals.org.uk

Chase The Wild

Youth Orchestra

Trevor Osborne and Denise Coughlan

Allison Herbert Claire Jackson, Elaine Marson, Bernard Horn and Clare Horn

The Drew Neirin Trio

Nothing Rhymes With Orange

Rubix Groove

Continued overleaf

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

Harmony Choir

Finding Mary

Martin Grixoni, Mia Martell and Paul Jackson

Taynee Lord

Marc Charnock and SJ Smallpage

Denise Coughlan, Suki Ellis, Antoinette Downey and Chris Rogers WEMA DJ

Partying at Green Park Station William Keeling and Caroline Ferguson

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Giovani L'Immigrato Lizzy Rees, Sarah Moon and Georgette McCready

The Mighty Soul Destroyers

Jeremy Guscott and Danny Sacco Rhys Priestland

Alfie Barbeary

Amanda White, Tom Dunn and John White

TESTIMONIAL TRIUMPH

Bath Pavilion buzzed with pride on 3 July as Bath Rugby’s own Tom Dunn was celebrated with a testimonial dinner. Hosted by Jonny Gould, the evening saw 300 guests – including over 30 Bath players past and present such as Jeremy Guscott, Nigel Redman, Jonathan Joseph and Alfie Barbeary– come together for a night of laughter, memories and heartfelt tributes.

Michelin-starred chef Niall Keating’s feast set the tone: lobster ravioli, aged beef fillet, and playful desserts, all paired with wine from Vinalba, and there were performances from opera singer Rhiannon Llewellyn and covers band Jukebox Junkies. Tom, who broke the professional era appearance record for Bath in June with his 266th game, says, “I had an amazing night, very humbled by all the support from everyone in the city, my old school teachers, fans, and ex-players – I can’t thank everyone enough.”

Photos by Roy Newport; Instagram @roynewport | For more: www.bathrugby.com

Richard Bertinet

Tom Dunn

More than 300 people gathered to celebrate Tom's illustrious career Jonny Gould

Jonathan Joseph Morwenna, Joe Cokanasiga and Janet and Liz from Dorothy House

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

Kane Palmer Newport, Ross Batty, Nathan Catt and Tom Ellis

Josh McNally, Tom Dunn and Ruaridh McConnochie

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“Being lightly stroked with expensive oil… while Panpipe Moods plays softly, I just do not understand”

Foot note

Trotters aside, Flats isn’t a gentle spa treatment sort of guy

W

hen I hear someone discussing stress-relieving spa treatments it feels so aggressively oxymoronic that my mind compares it to the notion of a gentle uppercut. I have tried to do some spa-type treatments over the years – not many, I’ll concede – but not one has ever had any effect on my apparent stress levels beyond augmenting them.

If left to rot, my feet can become unforgivably unattractive. Lots of men – if not most – are in this same feety boat. I like to think that what separates me from those stubborn or unaware others is that I both acknowledge the issue, and act on it. What a hero. Also I do realise that I am fortunate enough to be able to spend 50 quid every six weeks or so on making my trotters look and feel nicer. I do it for me, sure, but also for my wife. Why should I just not make the effort? She’s worth it (she reads this and this is a hint being dropped; she has the feet of a very small but well travelled African elephant yet refuses to act).

But I do not go to see Monika at MK Beauty to be less stressed. I go because my feet are rank

and sometimes they actually split and bleed.

This hurts and is bad for carpets. I sit, we chat, she works her savage magic, I pay, I leave. It’s a very friendly transaction. There is no spiritual element to any of it.

Before in these pages I may have mentioned the full-body massage I had at the Royal Crescent a few years back. The place and the people were wonderful. Gorgeous, even. If you like that sort of thing. I just don’t. I left feeling like I’d… been lying down for an hour. Which was fine, but my mind didn’t lie down, only my body. I tried reflexology a while ago, too.

I only tried it because a friend had a practice and bullied me into it. I left that session feeling like I’d… lied down for a bit. Neither of these treatments elicited any physical response whatsoever in me. Like, zero.

A brutal sports massage I can understand.

A thing you can feel helping in the moment.

Making a proper difference to tight muscles.

My mate Martin Sparks who sorts my back out whenever unloading the dishwasher causes it to spasm is a bear of a man with hands that grip like a warring chimpanzee. He gets hold of me, folds me up like hotel bed linen and fixes

me and being fixed, I suppose, lowers my stress levels.

Being lightly stroked with expensive oil by someone with soft hands and a chic linen ninja suit on -–with Panpipe Moods playing softly in the corner – I just do not understand. Many do, which is great! I’m pleased for all involved.

I want these businesses to flourish and to be enjoyed by more people than they can fit in, but it ain’t for I. It’s not machismo. It’s not even that my mind is always in turbo. For me it’s just that paying a load of money for something that seemingly has no effect on me at all doesn’t appeal as either a pastime or an area for significant investment.

The very real likelihood is that I’ve simply never found the right treatment. I would use this page to invite anyone who thinks they may have the means to help de-stress this coiled old brute to write in with suggestions, but people have better things to do with their time.

If pushed to come up with a one-hour solution to reduce stress in a middle aged man (we’re all stressed, by the way), I think my design would look like this: A large agricultural barn with a gym in it, a large stereo, a crappy sofa and a decent coffee machine. I’d walk in at 9am, put on some unnecessarily aggressive and bassy music extremely loud, hammer some weights so heavy that my eyeballs felt like they might burst, and finish with a proper coffee and a protein shake on the sofa. All in near-darkness. All on my own.

Honestly, that sounds like heaven to me. I reckon I’d walk out of that barn at 10am feeling proud, spent, chilled, and ready to cuddle my girls and answer some emails.

Maybe I’m mad. Or maybe I need to find a field for sale and build my next-gen spa barn…

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

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The HIDDEN HEROINES of BATH The overlooked heroic women from our city’s past finally get their stories told

A

By Jane Duffus PHOTO BY PRET T Y LIT TLE BATH; INSTAGR AM @PRET T YLIT TLEBATH

fter spending ten years researching and writing about 750 overlooked historical figures for The Women Who Built Bristol trilogy, author and journalist Jane Duffus has turned her attention to Bath. She says, “Before then, in blissful ignorance, I had not realised this was a job that needed doing quite so desperately as it does. Yes, we know Jane Austen has a link to this beautiful city and so does Mary Shelley, but what about, say, social reformer Marianne Fox, or rugby-loving architect Molly Gerrard, or sister suffragists Katharina and Sara Wrattislaw, or health visitor Dora Caws, or

The unique yellow door was the work of the rebellious Amabel Wellesley-Colley in 1972, and remains yellow to this day

religious leader Selina Hastings or… well, you get the idea.” Here she looks at five women who made a valuable contribution to our city and shares their lesser-known stories.

MADAME SARAH GRAND

The Heavenly Twins by Madame Sarah Grand was the first book to be borrowed from the newly opened Bath Library in 1924

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The very first book checked out of the thennew Bath Library in 1924 was The Heavenly Twins by Madame Sarah Grand (1854-1943).

But who was she? To quote her obituary: “Madame Sarah Grand was always deeply interested in all questions affecting women and did much for their welfare. She was early in the van of the suffragist movement.”

Fuelled by a miserable marriage as well as her enthusiasm for the emerging suffrage campaign, Sarah channelled her passion into writing. Her work was very well received, and acclaimed male authors such as George Bernard Shaw, Mark Twain and Thomas Hardy recognised great potential in her writing.

After World War One, Sarah moved to Bath. From 1922 to 1929, she was the Mayoress of Bath alongside the bookbinder Cedric Chivers. Explaining what an arduous role Sarah had accepted as mayoress, her biographer Gillian Kersley wrote: “She was embarking on six years of hard and selfless labour which would establish her in the hearts and minds of Bath’s citizens. To the strength of her personality she now added the charm and gentleness of age and she became a popular mayoress.”

Sarah was such a popular mayoress that she was even asked to stand as mayor but she declined. It was once reported that Sarah had shaken so many hands that she sustained an injury to her right hand and was forced to rest it for a while.

AMABEL WELLESLEY-COLLEY

Designed by John Wood the Younger and built between 1767 and 1774, the Royal Crescent is among the greatest examples of Georgian architecture in the UK and its residents are expected to uphold strict maintenance. All residents. Even Edmunda Mary Amabel Wellesley-Colley (1907-1987).

The great-granddaughter of the Duke of Wellington, Amabel lived at No 22 and, in 1972, she caused outrage when she not only

ARTS MUMU

Ann Partis established Partis College in 1825 as an almshouse for “decayed gentlewomen”

painted her front door bright yellow… but also painted the sash windows bright yellow and then put up yellow blinds to match. The horror! The Bath Preservation Trust stated that they found her choice of yellow to be “most regrettable”. Crumbs.

The Trust immediately sent her a notice to return the doors and windows to their previous sedate hue of white but Amabel refused and took the case to court. She said the house was hers and she could do with it as she pleased, and it pleased her to paint her door yellow because it was the favourite colour of the Duke of Wellington. Amabel went one step further and launched a public protest by sunbathing on her balcony while wearing a yellow bikini. She won the court case, by the way.

ANN PARTIS

Partis College is an almshouse based on the Newbridge Road in a Grade-I listed building.

Most people have no idea of the neoclassical Bath stone property on the other side of those unassuming walls.

Ann Partis (1758-1846) established Partis College as a haven for “decayed gentlewomen” who lived in reduced circumstances due to being widowed or orphaned, or suffering from a sudden loss of income.

The College provided a house as well as a pension of £30, which was more than double the salary of a governess. Overall there were 30 houses, ten each for clergy widows and daughters, professional men’s widows and daughters, and merchants’ widows and daughters. All women must be at least 50 years old, the reason being that by this age most would have worked hard to support themselves as governesses and be exhausted.

It was essential that all the women should be active members of the Church of England and should attend the chapel at the College.

Rather charmingly, there is a report of a Miss Hazard who applied to live at the College in 1875 but, upon hearing that attendance at chapel was compulsory, said that she would be willing to do so provided that “services were not too early in the morning”.

At Locksbrook Cemetery there is an engraved tombstone for Mumu (1840-1866), who is described as “a deaf and dumb African girl”.

When she was five, Mumu was rescued from a slave boat by the British Navy’s West Africa Squadron.

The Slave Trade Act 1807 had made the purchase or ownership of enslaved people illegal within the British Empire, except in a few territories, before the Slavery Abolition Act 1833 completely abolished slavery throughout the British Empire. As such, the Admiralty had vessels monitoring the African coast and, between 1808 and 1860, they seized around 1,600 slave ships and freed approximately 150,000 enslaved Africans.

Mumu would have been one of those.

“Five women who made a valuable contribution to our city” She was initially taken to the Church Missionary School in Sierra Leone, which was one of a number of settlements established to house formerly enslaved Africans. After this, she was sent to England where she spent 11 years at the Bath Institute for the Blind and Deaf and Dumb at 8 – 9 Walcot Parade.

On 28 December 1857 she was baptised and given the name Annie Jane Elwin; Elwin being the surname of Reverend Fountain Elwin who had founded the Bath Institute.

In the 1861 census, Mumu (as Annie J Elwin) is listed as a servant in Suffolk. However, she didn’t stay long in Suffolk and returned to Bath, dying there on 16 May 1866 when she was just 25.

Mumu, who died in 1866 and whose grave can be seen at Locksbrook cemetery, attended the Bath Institute for the Blind and Deaf and Dumb

In the 18th century Eleanor Coade developed Lithodipyra, a high-quality ceramic stoneware which became famous the world over

ELEANOR COADE

Eleanor Coade (1733-1821) ran a massive industrial operation at a time when women were barely allowed to own a bank account.

In 1769, she took over a failing artificial stone business and turned it into a global brand.

She called her product Lithodipyra, which is Greek for ‘stone fired twice’, but the world knew it as ‘Coade stone’. While real marble or limestone would eventually crumble or turn black, Coade stone stayed white, which is why architects became such fans of it.

A big part of her success was due to the fact she never married, meaning she kept control over her money. Eleanor ran her business until she died. However, because she kept the exact recipe of Lithodipyra a secret, the business faded out after her death… although her work is still visible.

In Bath, her work is hiding in plain sight.

One of the most famous examples is a beautifully preserved royal coat of arms on Argyle Street. Many of the architects who shaped Bath, such as John Nash, were among her most loyal customers. The lion heads featured on the railings of Royal Victoria Park are also made of Coade stone and, despite being exposed to the British weather for nearly two centuries, they still remain beautifully detailed. n After spending ten years researching and writing about 750 overlooked historical figures in The Women Who Built Bristol trilogy, journalist and author Jane Duffus has turned her attention to Bath with The Women Who Built Bath due to be published in September. You can buy signed copies of all Jane’s books direct from her website.

For more: www.janeduffus.com

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THE ARTS SERENIT Y BY BRENDON MURLESS PHOTO BY RUSSELL SACH PHOTOGRAPHY

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

ON THE HORIZON

Beyond Horizons is a new outdoor sculpture show set to become an annual fixture in Wells, hosted at Stoberry House. Owners Frances and Tim Meeres-Young – art collectors and National Garden Scheme members – are opening their six-acre landscaped grounds, which boast spectacular views over Wells Cathedral, Glastonbury Tor and the Vale of Avalon, from 5 September until 4 October, to display around 60 works by predominantly local contemporary artists.

The show runs as part of the Somerset Art Weeks Festival (19 September – 4 October), which has the theme Cultural Connections.

For more: www.stoberrybeyondhorizons.co.uk

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On the look out for all the activities that can be enjoyed during Dyrham’s summer of play

PHOTO BY JAMES DOBSON

WHAT’S ON 15 August – 18 September

EXHIBITIONS

Until 3 January

ANGEL OTERO Known for his physically immersive approach to paint as material, the Puerto Rican / New York artist makes his UK debut featuring a deeply personal body of work completed during his Hauser & Wirth Somerset residency. www.hauserwirth.com

AMERICA 250 The American Museum & Gardens is commemorating the 250th anniversary of the signing of the American Declaration of Independence with a trail, two special exhibitions, works in the permanent galleries, and an events programme celebrating American arts, artistry and culture. www.americanmuseum.org

Until 1 November

Until 27 June 2027

Until 18 October

JOURNEYS The Karun Thakar textile collection displayed throughout Dyrham Park’s 17th-century house interiors reveal powerful narratives about migration, trade, craftsmanship and colonialism.

Dyrham Park; www.nationaltrust.org.uk

Until 3 January

CIRCUS OF CURIOSITIES: AN EXHIBITION OF MOVING MARVELS Developed and toured by the Cabaret Mechanical Theatre, this playful exhibition brings together 25 circus-inspired, interactive, imaginative mechanical sculptures.

American Museum & Gardens; www.americanmuseum.org

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29 August – 31 October

BATHTOWN DARKTOWN Known for his painted objets d’art, unique prints, and inventive use of found materials, award-winning illustrator and printmaker John Hannah presents a collection that blends playful references to art, music, and pop culture.

Palette; www.palettable.co.uk

5 September – 3 January

LACOCK BY MARTIN PARR The final major commission by the late 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

PHOTOLOGY & THE AS-YET UNSEEN The Herschel Museum of Astronomy is launching two new exhibitions: Photology highlights John Herschel’s and Henry Talbot’s pioneering roles in early photography. The As-Yet Unseen by contemporary Irish artist Grace Weir and curated by Bridget de León, features installations inspired by the Herschel legacy. www.herschelmuseum.org.uk

25 – 30 August

13 September

WHERE ARE WE NOW? An exhibition with events curated by the arts collective IN:CH, who toured to non-arts spaces in the South West in 2021 and are back with new work and new perspectives.

44AD; www.44ad.net

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

FESTIVALS 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, and electronica, with pioneering artists and out-there vibes. Headliners include avant-pop superstars Stereolab, South London singer songwriter Joy Crookes and the father of Ethio-jazz Mulatu Astatke. www.weoutherefestival.com

26 – 30 August

RODE COMEDY FESTIVAL The Rode Comedy festival is set to bring laughter and energy to the community as audiences gather for a packed programme of live entertainment featuring both rising talents and experienced well known comedians. Additionally featuring street food, stalls and workshops. www.rodecomedyfestival.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

WASHINGTON’S HEADQUARTERS, HASBROUCK HOUSE BY J FOSDICK, 1840

WHAT’S ON

clockwise from top left: The American Museum & Gardens is commemorating the 250th anniversary of the signing of the American Declaration of Independence; The Sukinto Club is just one of the artists featured at the Bath Contemporary Artists’ Fair on Green Park Station on 13 September; The Herschel Museum of Astronomy is hosting two new exhibitions opening 5 September; Ariana Grande is coming to Mandalyn’s on 5 September (sorry we should add ‘tribute act’ but if she was in Bath, she definitely would)

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

27 – 28 August

4 – 6 September

3 September

FOODIES FESTIVAL Taking place in Royal Victoria Park, the star-studded line-up features live headliners including Example, Symphonic Ibiza, and Boyzlife, alongside Michelin-star chefs, MasterChef champions, and food and drink experts. www.foodiesfestival.com

12 September

FROME AGRICULTURAL & CHEESE SHOW Celebrate food, farming, and British cheese with livestock, competitions, the Global Cheese Awards, countryside displays, and children’s activities. www.fromecheeseshow.co.uk

MUSIC

Until 31 August

SUMMER LATES Experience the Roman Baths after-hours with DJ sets and live acoustic music beside the 2,000 year old Great Bath, with access to the museum. www.romanbaths.co.uk

23 August

MONOCHROME + OVERRIDE + SLIGHTED HAND Komedia’s Electric Bar hosts an energetic evening of alternative music featuring metalcore Monochrome; country rockers Override; and Slighted Hand who humbly describe themselves as ‘South Wales Evil Hardcore’.

Komedia; www.komediabath.org

MAN IN THE MIRROR This much-acclaimed Michael Jackson Tribute is joined by choreographers, stunning visuals and authentic costumes for a real deal feel. Bath Forum; www.bathforum.org HOLLY CLARKE DUO A singer-songwriter who combines expressive vocals with acoustic arrangements and draws folk influence from traditional ballads and the art of storytelling.

Chapel Arts; www.chapelarts.org

5 September

ETERNALLY ARIANA Calling all Arianators! Experience the UK’s hottest Ariana Grande tribute act live at Mandalyns.

Instagram @mandalynsbath

CHILDREN Until 31 August

IN TUNE WITH NATURE An immersive nature trail for all ages at Westonbirt Arboretum – listen to birdsong, explore the calming arboretum, and discover free family events like crafts, yoga walks, bee days and woodland walks. www.forestryengland.uk

Until 31 August

SUMMER QUEST: REVERSE THE CURSE Embark on a playful quest at the Roman Baths with Aquila magazine, cracking codes and tackling puzzles inspired by ancient curse tablets. www.romanbaths.co.uk

Until 1 September

FOREST OF IMAGINATION Forest of Imagination is back and at

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

Tracy-Ann with co-star James Dreyfus

WHAT’S ON the American Museum & Gardens with outdoor art installations celebrating creativity, nature and play. www.forestofimagination.org.uk

Until 1 September

NO.1 ROYAL CRESCENT & HERSCHEL MUSEUM Enjoy a summer of creativity with free children’s activities included with museum entry. Follow the Solar System Trail, enjoy Georgianthemed games and crafts, create decoupage shells or felt planets. www. no1royalcrescent.org.uk | www.herschelmuseum.org.uk

Until 2 September

DYRHAM PARK Experience a festival atmosphere at Dyrham Park this summer. Explore imaginative play stations, a mini stage, bamboo maze, the Pokémon Trail, and themed sessions: nature explorers on Tuesdays, watercolour art on Wednesdays, and Thrillseeker Thursdays. www.nationaltrust.org.uk

22 August

FIREMAN SAM: THE LOST PIRATE TREASURE When the pirate treasure hunt takes an unexpected turn, Fireman Sam and his team step up. Bath Forum; www.bathforum.org

28 – 29 August

MAVERICKS Through a playful mix of storytelling this faced paced, upbeat comedy celebrates individuality and that heroes come in all shapes, sizes and voices. The Egg; www.theatreroyal.org

OTHER

Until 30 August

THE FRANKENSTEIN EXPERIENCE Uncover Bath’s darkest secrets with a theatrical walking tour by Mary Shelley’s House of Frankenstein and the Show of Strength Theatre Company. After a one-hour guided journey, explore the award-winning museum’s immersive exhibits. www.houseoffrankenstein.com

1 September

MY ROYAL LIFE: AN AUDIENCE WITH LUCY WORSLEY With 20 years of working as chief curator for some of Britain’s most spectacular royal residences including Hampton Court and Kensington Palace, Lucy lifts the lid on royal life over the centuries, introducing the pomp, the pageantry and – sometimes – the pain.

The Forum; www.bathforum.org

CULTURE CLUB with TRACY-ANN OBERMAN Actor and writer Tracy-Ann Oberman, MBE, who has starred in TV’s EastEnders and Waterloo Road, is coming to Theatre Royal Bath from 27 August until 5 September to perform alongside Gimme Gimme Gimme star James Dreyfus, in a reimagined version of Noël Coward’s Present Laughter.

The last great film I saw The Invite, directed by and starring Olivia Wilde, is based on a play, is very funny and has an intelligent script. It also stars Penelope Cruz, Seth Rogen and Edward Norton. A genuine four hander – you don’t see many films like this anymore, just exquisite.

A film I could watch over and over again Once Upon a Time in Hollywood.

One of Quentin Tarantino’s best films. Who else has the audacity to reinvent the Charles Manson story and murder of Sharon Tate?!

It is a love letter to Hollywood, so witty and funny with such detail. Extremely violent, but it earns its violence. The rhythm of the script is quite Coward-esque and every time I watch it, I get something new.

John Hannah presents his playful collection of work at Palette, 29 August – 31 October

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

A painting that means something to me The work of Modigliani is beautiful, and I love his Jeanne Hébuterne portraits. She was his lover with whom he had a tempestuous relationship, and he painted her over twenty times.

The portraits are so innovative and human yet surreal and odd.

He was very ill with undiagnosed TB, and Jeanne threw herself out

of a window when she was nine months pregnant, just two days after he died. I think the portraits capture something about their relationship.

My TV guilty pleasure Family Guy. It took me years to get into it; I never understood it but then something clicked.

I always end up watching it late at night on tour now.

The book that changed my life The 12 Caesars by Suetonius.

I was an early reader and have always been obsessed with Roman history.

This was the nearest to reading tabloid newspapers about Roman history. It hooked me when I Tracy-Ann is fascinated by the artist Modigliani was about 12 and was and his sitter and lover Jeanne Hébuterne also my specialist subject when I won Celebrity Mastermind.

My desert island disc Three Is a Magic Number by Schoolhouse Rock. My husband played it to me in the car on the way back from the hospital after we had our miracle baby.

For more: www.theatreroyal.org.uk

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SAVE THE DATE! FIXFEST is coming to Bath this October with hands-on workshops, repairs, and sustainable family fun

D

iscover new skills, breathe new life into old favourites, and celebrate sustainable living at a fun-packed family-festival featuring hands-on workshops, repair sessions, inspiring talks, and creative activities taking place this 10 October at Bath Royal Literary and Scientific Institution.

Whether you’re an experienced mender, a curious beginner or simply looking for a fun day out, FixFest has something for everyone. Join BRLSI, Dorothy House, and Share and Repair Bath as they come together to help you repair, reuse, restyle and rethink the way you consume.

Many activities are free; with workshops as low cost as possible. All proceeds and donations go to support the amazing charities involved.

Workshops include: ● BRLSI quick fixes: Learn essential stitches, mending techniques and creative ways to patch, repair, and personalise your clothing in 45-minute practical workshops.

● Dorothy House scrunchie workshop: Hair

scrunchies are a real go to essential for those with long hair but why should they be made from new materials when there is already so much amazing fabric destined for landfill? ● Share and Repair pop-up repair café: Don’t throw it away – bring it along! The expert repair team will be on hand to help fix broken household items. ● Dorothy House fashion doctors: Refresh your wardrobe with expert styling advice. Discover how to shop charity stores with confidence and learn clever styling tricks to make your clothes uniquely yours. ● Share and Repair jeans-to-bag workshops: Transform an old pair of jeans into a durable, stylish, and one-of-a-kind bag in this creative upcycling workshop. ● Dorothy House bunting workshops: What better way to decorate for those special occasions than with bunting? A workshop offering the opportunity to make your very own bespoke bunting from preloved fabric

such as clothing and upholstery. ● BRLSI bitesize talks: Drop into a series of

mini talks throughout the day exploring topics like sustainable cities and practical repair skills everyone should know. ● Free fun for children: Enjoy our designated space for families, with sustainability-themed activities to keep younger visitors entertained while inspiring the next generation of makers and fixers. n

For more: www.brlsi.org/fixfest

New Season Announced 1

Bath Phil & Mariam Batsashvili Northern Lights. The Forum | Tue 13 Oct

2

Bath Phil & Esther Yoo American Dreams. The Forum | Tue 10 Nov

3

Bath Phil & The Snowman The Forum | Sat 19 Dec

4

Bath Phil & Alexandra Dariescu Beethoven Triple. The Forum | Tues 2 Feb

5

Bath Phil & Jeneba Kanneh-Mason From Paris to Bohemia. The Forum | Tue 20 April

6

Bath Phil & Sophie Bevan MBE Beyond Horizons. The Forum | Tue 29 June

1

2

3

4

5

6

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

THE REEL THING ELLA KILLBOURN

True stories at The Little with autobiographies, autofiction and an Almodóvar Christmas come early Tony

Release date 14 August

For devotees like me, this marks the long overdue adaptation of writer and chef Anthony Bourdain’s autobiographical Kitchen Confidential. Looking back on his younger years in the mid-1970s, we witness the formative summer Bourdain learns how to cook, and how to live, in a restaurant kitchen in Cape Cod. As ‘Tony’, Dominic Sessa is back on our screens in his first leading role since his acting debut in the much-loved Christmas film The Holdovers. Supported by warmth and charisma in Leo Woodall as a fellow restaurant worker and Antonio Banderas as his cooking mentor, Sessa is boisterous and vulnerable in his portrayal of the late chef.

Capturing Bourdain’s love of freedom and the untamed reaches of life shown in his later TV projects, No Reservations and Parts Unknown, the comedy-drama is pacey and exciting, all with a simmering depth that hints at the struggles he faced throughout his life.

Bourdain’s estate has expressed their approval of the film, saying “We appreciate the portrayal of Tony’s complexity, his intellectual appetite and his conviction – qualities that eventually took him around the globe and endeared him to so many”. Those who love Anthony Bourdain will love Tony.

Bitter Christmas

Release date 28 August

A surprising title to see in the August bank holiday release line-up, and from the Spanish

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

left to right: Bárbara Lennie and Victoria Luengo star in Pedro

Almodóvar’s Bitter Christmas; Dominic Sessa plays chef Anthony Bourdain alongside Leo Woodall in the biopic Tony; Pressure, with Brendan Fraser and Andrew Scott, tells the weather-centred story of the Normandy landings

director of vibrant, passionate films such as All About My Mother and Volver, Pedro Almodóvar.

However, in contrast with its bleak title, the film is sun-drenched, dramatic, and scored like a detective thriller whodunnit, where the backstabbing is metaphorical but just as terrible.

Struggling filmmaker, Elsa, is beset by problems and by friends with problems of their own. During a sunny getaway, these various personal issues come to an explosive head.

However, Elsa, it seems, is only a character in

“Sun-drenched, dramatic, and scored like a detective thriller” the new film Raul is writing, based heavily on the life of a close friend. We can only imagine what personal experience Almodóvar himself is drawing on in turn, prompting us to focus more on the exploitative and therapeutic sides of such personal writing and filmmaking than the plot itself.

Almoódovar once again tackles the intimacy of art and how it can affect those around us.

Films within films reveal a Russian doll of artistic plagiarism and social amorality, an extreme of self-referentiality that sits like a cherry at the top of Almodóvar’s ultimate autofiction filmography.

Pressure

Release date 11 September

Directed by Anthony Maras (2018 action thriller Hotel Mumbai) and script adapted by David Haig from his tense 2014 stage play of the same name, comes this high-octane retelling of the Normandy landings through the eyes of just a few of the many hidden figures involved in its planning. You’d be hard pressed to find a more British movie than this weather-centred melodrama.

Set in the final days before the allied invasion of Normandy in June 1944, Pressure is the untold story of the storm that almost turned the tide of World War II. With a forceful Brendan Fraser as General Dwight D. Eisenhower and ever-brilliant Andrew Scott as meteorologist and general genius, James Stagg; this chamber piece certainly makes you feel the pressure as the clashing of horns between the two leads intensifies until the last seconds of build up before the chaos of D-Day. You may have an inkling of how this one ends, but the intensity of the characters’ experience, and some twists in the personal lives of these very real historical figures, is sure to keep you on the edge of your Little Theatre cinema seat.

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

FINE DINING Expert design advice on cooking up something extraordinary in the kitchen

By John Mather

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

E

KITCHENS

veryone dreams of a kitchen that’s more than just a place to cook – a space that elevates daily living and makes the everyday of cooking, gathering and dining an exceptional experience. But what does it truly take to transform an ordinary kitchen into an extraordinary space? Whether you’re reimagining existing bones or starting from scratch, we asked our local design experts for advice on how to create a kitchen that doesn’t just meet expectations but exceeds them.

It starts with tailoring the space to the person who will live in it says Charlotte Wright, designer with Hobson’s Choice: “One of the benefits of designing a new kitchen is the opportunity to tailor the space to the client’s needs and taste. Materials, finishes and surface combinations can be selected to suit both the individual and the character of the property. The aim is to create a kitchen that feels personal to the homeowner, rather than one that could simply be repeated in someone else’s house.”

Dan Beckett, fitted kitchens designer with Leekes, agrees that there is no single formula: “A dream kitchen means something different to every homeowner.

For some, it’s about elevating an existing space with beautiful finishes and clever storage. For others, it’s a opposite: James Horsfall of Bath Kitchen Company highlights

the importance of material selection; below: Investment in kitchen design is most impactful when focused on the worktop says deVOLs’ Helen Parker. Interior design by Linda Boronkay

“Elevating an existing space with beautiful finishes and clever storage” www.mediaclash.co.uk I BATH LIFE I 43

KITCHENS complete transformation designed around the way they live, cook and entertain. The key is creating a kitchen that balances style, practicality and longevity.”

Once the bones of a layout are settled, it’s the materials and finishes on countertops, cabinetry and floors that carry a kitchen to what Neptune’s design service lead Claire Birkbeck calls “that next level”: “Once the layout of the kitchen is done it’s time to have fun with all the materials and finishes and take the design to that next level. Elements such as painted cabinetry, beautiful, veined worktops, handcrafted tiles and aged brass hardware all bring personal character and charm to a kitchen.”

Andy Barette, creative director of FT Bespoke, the Westbury-based manufacturer of bespoke furniture, echoes just how much weight finishes carry, and has a trick for reading a client’s true taste: “Materials and finishes are so important and will play a major part in the way a space will feel. I like to play a bit of a game with clients and curate a number of samples that are left to the side of the table that we are doing our presentation at and without drawing attention to them, I wait to see what their reactions are. Gut feeling is a true indicator and often a client will pick something up and express an interest. Variety is the key with samples, because as much as anything you want to be able to understand what a client doesn’t like as much as they do like, so maybe four or five painted samples for the cabinetry, as well as some wood samples, favourites include some varied stains on oak.”

“The materials you choose make all the difference,” says James Horsfall, founder of Bath Kitchen Company. “We love natural timbers, living finishes on hardware, painted cabinetry and worktops in natural stone or porcelain, as they bring warmth, texture and longevity. Timber or stone flooring also helps the kitchen

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

PHOTO BY PETE HELME PHOTOGR APHY

THE MATERIALS THAT MATTER

opposite: Look for beautifully

made wooden kitchen cupboards says Helen Parker of deVOL. Interior design by Linda Boronkay; above: Build a timeless foundation is the advice of kitchen designer Kelly Marie Hawker Hicks; below: Charlotte Wright of Hobson’s Choice says the aim of good kitchen design is to feel personal to the homeowner

feel connected to the rest of the home rather than like a standalone room.”

John Law, creative director of interiors at Woodhouse and Law, singles out Dekton for its versatility at the top end of the market: “Dekton offers some beautiful worktop materials in a variety of thicknesses that can be used on horizontal and vertical surfaces, giving you a clean look with minimal joins.

The material is extremely hard-wearing and easy to maintain. The suede finish is a particular favourite of ours, especially as it tends not to show up smears as a more polished surface can.” Flooring, he notes, deserves the same scrutiny: “Natural stone can look great but needs to be sealed and installed correctly so that it can be maintained well. Timber is similar but care needs to be taken to choose a board that can withstand wear.

Porcelain can be a good option for kitchens, and the quality has vastly improved over the last ten years. The material is very easy to look after, and the surface is treated so that it is anti-slip. There are even options for detailing such as step nosings, which were not previously available.”

Nowhere is this investment better placed than the worktop believes Helen Parker, creative director of deVOL Kitchens. “I would suggest a worktop is one place to spend a good proportion of your budget.

A worktop, when chosen correctly, can really up the look of any kitchen, big, small, expensive or budget, a worktop will bring the room together. A tatty worktop is the tell-tale sign of a cheap kitchen, possibly a laminated chipboard or something similar which just doesn’t stand wear and tear. I would recommend using a natural worktop material every time – marble, copper, stone, wood – as natural products age with more beauty, patina and style and can look good and invariably better the more they are used.”

“For me, it’s the thoughtful details that elevate a kitchen from ordinary to extraordinary,” says Kelly Marie Hawker Hicks, of Kelly Marie Kitchens. “Natural stone worktops such as quartzite or porcelain add timeless elegance and durability, while beautifully painted timber cabinetry brings warmth and character. Quality flooring, tactile finishes and carefully chosen hardware all contribute to a space that feels luxurious without being over-designed.”

“Beauty without function is a false economy” www.mediaclash.co.uk I BATH LIFE I 45

KITCHENS

TIMELESS OR TRENDY?

Balancing current style trends with timeless design is where our experts are most united. John Law finds that many clients are cautious about bold colour, and shakerstyle cabinetry offers a way round the problem. “Clients can be a little nervous about committing to a bolder colour, so we often look to shaker style kitchens that can be re-painted in the future,” he explains. “Not only is this more sustainable as the life of the kitchen is extended, but it also enables you to change the colour as trends, or your mood, changes.”

Helen Parker takes a similar view, stating that restraint is what makes furniture endure. “The essence of great kitchen furniture is always the same, whether it is a country kitchen, a galley, a townhouse or a contemporary look – to keep the design of furniture and kitchen plans simple, uncluttered, functional and easy on the eye.

No fussy bits, no appliances on show, unless they are aesthetically pleasing, just beautifully made, elegant wooden kitchen cupboards, freestanding or fitted.”

James Horsfall is direct about designing against, rather than for, fashion: “We don’t design around trends.

A thoughtful layout, well-made cabinetry and natural materials will always outlast the latest fashions, while colour and accessories can easily evolve over time. The biggest mistake we see is designing for trends instead of longevity. A truly special kitchen isn’t about following fashion – it’s about creating a space that feels beautifully considered and will still look and function brilliantly years from now.” What sets a kitchen apart, he adds, is often personal rather than aesthetic. “The kitchens that feel most special are the ones with personality. Whether it’s artwork, an antique piece of furniture or open shelving

If space allows create a dedicated breakfast cabinet advises Andy Barette of FTBespoke

“The materials you choose make all the difference”

displaying favourite ceramics, these details make the room feel collected rather than simply fitted.”

“Although trends inspire us,” says Kelly Marie. “I always encourage clients to build a timeless foundation.

Neutral cabinetry, natural materials and classic proportions will never date, while colour, texture and accessories can easily be refreshed as styles evolve. A dream kitchen is never just about beautiful cabinetry or the latest trends. It’s about creating a space that reflects the people who live in it, works effortlessly for everyday life, and still feels just as special years down the line. Great design starts with understanding how a client lives before a single cabinet is drawn.”

Dan Beckett agrees and warns that beauty without function is a false economy: “One of the most expensive mistakes homeowners make is prioritising aesthetics over functionality. Beautiful kitchens can quickly become frustrating to use if storage is insufficient, appliances are poorly positioned or lighting has been treated as an afterthought. It’s also tempting to follow short-lived trends, only to find the space feels dated a few years later.

Careful planning at the design stage, with a focus on how the kitchen will be used every day, helps avoid costly alterations and ensures the finished space remains both practical and timeless.”

LIGHT UP YOUR LIFE

Lighting is the detail our experts return to again and again when asked what turns a good kitchen into an exceptional one as Dan Beckett explains, “Lighting is very important in transforming a kitchen from functional to exceptional. A combination of task lighting, feature pendants and ambient lighting allows the space to adapt

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

KITCHENS throughout the day, from busy family breakfasts to relaxed evenings spent entertaining friends.”

John Law agrees that zoning is key, not least for practical reasons: “When designing a kitchen space, it’s important the design is versatile, practical as well as stylish. Lighting is a key part of this, and we always ensure that lighting is zoned so an ambient level of light can be created in a dining space, with low level lighting in the kitchen to avoid highlighting any unwashed pots and pans from serving dinner.”

“Instead of relying on one feature pendant, we layer decorative, task and ambient lighting to create a space that works beautifully from morning through to evening,” says James Horsfall. “This can be through discreet LED lighting for functionality, shelf lighting which can highlight artwork and collections, or decorative pendants.”

Helen Parker goes further, treating lighting as the single biggest lever for atmosphere: “Step one to making your kitchen feel more luxurious is quite simple: add textiles to the windows, chairs and tabletop. It’s amazing how a really beautiful fabric or mixture of fabrics can transform a room and make it feel richer and more sumptuous.

Then add lights, firstly beautiful vintage candlesticks and elegant scented candles which will transform the atmosphere instantly. Then introduce little side lights dotted about; they have an amazing way of adding a special kind of atmosphere. Then move onto the main lighting, spend your money wisely here, a vintage glass shade or chandelier from a flea market can be just the

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

“Invest in quality over quantity”

right: Layered lighting is a kitchen must says James Horsfall; below: A dream kitchen means something different to everyone says Dan Beckett of Leekes

KITCHENS understated luxury that will transform your room, keep an eye on the electrics and if it needs refurbishing, in my opinion, it’s well worth the effort and money, as nothing is more impressive than a unique and quirky light. Never ever fit a chandelier or any other lights without a dimmer; the atmosphere is all created when you turn the lights down low.”

Rob Cash, managing director of Kutchenhaus Bath, sums up the same principle in more practical terms: “Layering is everything – ambient ceiling light, task lighting under wall units, and softer accent lighting inside glass cabinets or under islands. Dimmable, warmtoned LEDs let a kitchen shift from practical daytime space to something more atmospheric in the evening.”

WHAT’S IN STORE?

Good storage, our experts agree, should barely be noticed. “Storage should be practical but almost invisible,” says James Horsfall. “Walk-in pantries, appliance cupboards, deep drawers and bespoke internal organisers help keep worktops clear and everyday life feeling effortless.”

Accessibility matters just as much as capacity, according to John Law: “Great storage is always key to the success of a kitchen design – but it also needs to be easily accessible, particularly for everyday items. We often incorporate ‘breakfast stations’ within a larderstyle cabinet so that children can help themselves in the morning, without disrupting the general flow of the kitchen. We are also fans of large drawer units. Not only do they look great, but they can compartmentalise to accommodate your individual pieces. It’s much easier to access too.”

Good storage, it also turns out, is really about how a household moves rather than how a kitchen looks.

“Fundamentally, the kitchen needs to work well,” says Charlotte Wright, taking a step back to the underlying layout. “The layout should support the way the homeowner cooks, moves around the room, stores everyday items and uses the wider space. The plan should

above: Appliances should be discussed before the cabinetry advises Coopers’ Darrin Christan; below: Give flooring the same scrutiny as worktops says John Law of Woodhouse & Law

“A space should feel luxurious without being overdesigned”

also consider the client’s lifestyle now and how it may change over time. A well-considered layout can reduce unnecessary movement between the hob, oven, sink and storage, while making frequently used items easier to reach. The position of appliances, storage and work surfaces can help reduce lifting, bending and unnecessary movement. A heavy, frequently used KitchenAid mixer, for example, might be stored behind a pocket door at worktop height rather than in a low cupboard.”

Clever storage remains one of the most requested features in the showroom, notes Dan Beckett: “Deep pan drawers, integrated larders, hidden recycling systems and bespoke internal organisers maximise space while maintaining a clean, uncluttered appearance. These practical additions often have the biggest impact on everyday life.”

The best storage solutions come from listening closely to how a family actually lives, according to Claire Birkbeck at Neptune: “When it comes to storage a kitchen should not only look beautiful but also function beautifully too, and that’s where getting to know our clients really pays off, as we create storage solutions specifically to meet their needs, whether it be deep drawer systems for storing cookware or dedicated storage for smaller appliances.” She recalls one client with young children who “literally wanted garage-esque doors on her countertops to hide all the children’s mess – she says that is her favourite part of the kitchen. It’s those little touches you really notice in the day to day.” A dedicated space to hide the everyday clutter of small appliances is just as valuable, says Andy Barette: “If space allows, a dedicated breakfast cabinet is an invaluable area to house all the small kitchen appliances such as an air fryer, toaster, coffee machine etc, with the option to close it all away when entertaining in the evening.”

DREAM APPLIANCES

Asked for their must-have appliances and fixtures, our experts start with the fittings that solve everyday problems. John Law highlights solutions suited to period properties: “Boiling water taps are a practical addition to many kitchen designs, particularly where there is limited worktop space. Similarly, extraction built into a hob or worktop can be a great solution where the cabinetry needs to be installed at low level. We use appliances like this when designing kitchens within period buildings, where higher wall-mounted cabinetry might not work aesthetically in relation to ornate architraves or it isn’t practical to vent the extraction.”

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

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KITCHENS Darrin Christan, managing director of Coopers Home Appliances based on Walcot Street, points out that appliances need to be part of the conversation from the outset, not an afterthought: “Appliances should be discussed before the cabinetry and services are finalised, not selected afterwards to fit whatever spaces are left. Electrical requirements, plumbing, ventilation, clearances and the way appliance doors open can all affect the finished design. The right appliance specification should always start with how the household actually lives. A keen cook may benefit from a combination of conventional, steam and combination microwave cooking, while a busy family may gain more from generous refrigeration, a well-designed dishwasher and a boiling-water tap. Wine storage and specialist appliances can be wonderful additions, but only where they will genuinely be used.”

Darrin also points out that some of the most useful features are not always the most glamorous. “Fullextension oven runners make heavy trays safer and easier to handle. Flexible-zone induction allows larger pans and griddles to be positioned more freely. Dishwashers with adjustable baskets, lifting lower racks or good interior lighting can make a noticeable difference every day. In refrigeration, good internal organisation, humiditycontrolled drawers and dependable temperature management are often more valuable than headline capacity alone. Extraction is frequently underestimated.

A powerful hob is only enjoyable if steam, grease and cooking smells are dealt with properly. The correct hood size, suitable ducting and a sensible route to the outside can transform how comfortable a kitchen feels. Poorly planned extraction is also one of the hardest and most expensive problems to correct later.”

Which smart features earn their keep is a question Rob Cash answers with equal selectivity: “Integrated appliances that connect via app – ovens you can monitor remotely, induction hobs with precision temperature control – are genuinely useful rather than gimmicky.

Where I’d be more cautious is with smart fridges with built-in screens; novel but rarely used after the first few months.”

“Technology should make life easier, not more complicated”

right: Everyday appliances deserve priority over showroom flash says Darrin Christan; below: If colour trends are important to you consider shaker style kitchens that can be repainted advises John Law

Prioritising the essentials over novelty is a case James Horsfall makes just as firmly: “When it comes to appliances, we always recommend investing in quality over quantity. A well-designed boiling water tap, good refrigeration and reliable cooking appliances will make far more difference than features you’ll rarely use.” Kelly Marie’s own shortlist of essentials backs this up: “When it comes to appliances, I believe in investing in pieces that genuinely improve everyday living. A boiling water tap, an induction hob with integrated extraction, premium ovens, integrated refrigeration and cleverly concealed charging points all make life easier while maintaining a clean, uncluttered aesthetic.”

Taps, in particular, are worth the investment, according to Andy Barette: “Boiling water taps with the option to include chilled and carbonated water are definitely worth considering. For time-poor clients, smart tech is an obvious choice, although it’s not for everyone and needs careful consideration as to whether it will truly enhance their cooking experience.”

SMART SPLURGES

When it comes to where to spend, Helen Parker recommends a single, well-chosen indulgence: “Step two is doing things which may require a little more money and effort, especially if you have an existing kitchen.

For me, a marble sink is the ultimate luxury, but most importantly one that doesn’t feel ostentatious or glitzy.

Carrara or Arabescato marble is just beautiful and paired with a marble or copper worktop, you have the most subtle yet alluring combination that is not only practical but elegant. Luxury can mean many things, but for me it means something made beautifully that will last, age well and be endlessly practical while also being beautiful to look at. Beautiful can mean simple, natural, and just really well made.”

The same discipline applies when working to a budget, says James Horsfall. “If you’re working to a budget, invest in the things that are difficult to change later: the cabinetry and worktops. Decorative lighting

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KITCHENS and accessories can always be updated. Technology should make life easier, not more complicated. We love integrated extraction and energy-efficient appliances, but we’re less convinced by gadgets that add complexity without improving how the kitchen functions.”

Everyday appliances deserve priority over showroom flash, agrees Darrin Christan: “Where budgets are limited, I would spend money on the appliances used every day. Refrigeration, cooking, dishwashing and extraction are usually better places to invest than in technology chosen simply because it looks impressive in a showroom. There is some genuinely useful new technology. Modern induction hobs offer excellent control, ovens can assist with programmes and temperature probes, and improved refrigeration can help food stay fresher for longer. However, connectivity should solve a real problem. An app is useful if it adds control, guidance or diagnostics, but less so if it simply duplicates buttons already on the appliance.”

The same goes for the useful end of “smart” technology, according to Rob Cash: “Integrated appliances that connect via app – ovens you can monitor remotely, induction hobs with precision temperature control – are genuinely useful rather than gimmicky.

Where I’d be more cautious is with ‘smart’ fridges with built-in screens; novel but rarely used after the first few months.”

“Underestimating storage needs at the planning stage is a big error”

light, shelving designed to display a collection of ceramics or a bespoke breakfast bar. These details often have a meaning beyond their practical use. They help connect the kitchen to the client, the property or a particular part of their life.”

CUSTOM TOUCHES

A single distinctive gesture can do more for a kitchen than any amount of specification, says Rob Cash. “A statement splashback – whether a bold stone slab or a piece of commissioned artwork behind glass – gives a kitchen real personality. Open shelving styled with a few considered pieces can also do a lot of work for very little cost.”

“Sometimes, the inclusion of a special piece of furniture, material or object can help set the kitchen apart,” says Charlotte Wright. “This might be an heirloom piece of furniture, a one-of-a-kind pendant

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above: John Law reminds us when it comes to storage accessibility matters just as much as capacity; below: If considering installing kitchen gadgets look for those that are genuinely useful rather than gimmicky advises Rob Cash of Kutchenhaus

AVOID COSTLY ERRORS

One of the most valuable parts of the design process, according to Charlotte Wright, is learning from what went wrong before: “Finding out what the client disliked about their previous kitchen is another important part of the design process. Was the dishwasher too noisy in an open-plan kitchen, dining and living area? Did the marble worktop stain following an accidental spill?

Was the utensil drawer always difficult to organise? The answers can help ensure the new kitchen does not repeat the same problems. A thorough conversation at the design stage gives the designer a clearer understanding of what needs to improve.”

It’s a warning worth repeating from James Horsfall: “The biggest mistake we see is designing for trends instead of longevity. A truly special kitchen isn’t about following fashion – it’s about creating a space that feels beautifully considered and will still look and function brilliantly years from now.”

More technical, but no less costly, is Darrin Christan’s list of pitfalls: “Common mistakes include choosing appliances entirely on appearance or discount, overlooking electrical capacity, positioning ovens too low, allowing appliance doors to clash, fitting refrigeration too close to walls, and leaving insufficient space around islands. Even small details matter. A dishwasher placed close to the sink, an oven at a comfortable height and properly planned sockets can make daily life noticeably easier.”

The errors people regret most, agrees Rob Cash, are the ones baked in at the planning stage: “Underestimating storage needs at the planning stage is the big one – people focus on how a kitchen looks and retrofit storage later.

Skimping on ventilation and lighting design is another; both are far harder, and pricier, to fix after installation than to get right from the outset.” n

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CRAFTED AROUND YOU FT BESPOKE creates timeless, handmade furniture designed around your home, lifestyle and individual vision

O

ur goal at FT Bespoke is to offer a truly tailored client experience. We don’t impose limited furniture ranges as we are acutely aware there is no ‘one size fits all’ when it comes to our clients’ homes, individual needs and eclectic aesthetic visions. We believe that a visit to our factory is a must to help begin the creative journey and meet the skilled cabinet makers who will play such an important part in creating your very special furniture. During your factory tour, the precise material you had imagined might catch your eye, or we could collaborate on a bespoke detail that is uniquely yours.

We listen intently and will visit you at home to fully understand your brief and vision, including what works for you and what doesn’t, to ensure that every component has been thoroughly considered, from the smallest utensil to the largest appliance.

FROM KITCHENS TO COMPLETE INTERIORS At FT Bespoke, we love to tackle any design challenge. We often find that a client will initially engage with us for one of the major rooms on a project – for instance, starting with the kitchen. The process can then

become very organic, where we move on to the media room, library, bar, dressing rooms and beyond. There really aren’t any limits to what we can produce with your brilliant imagination and our highly skilled cabinet makers.

ONE TEAM, ONE CONSIDERED VISION Our clients find it very beneficial to have one joinery manufacturer on their project.

One installation team that takes ownership and builds a great rapport on site, making communication and implementation simpler and more efficient. This seamless and unified approach leads to an end result that not only appears more considered, but also feels intentionally thought through, right down to the last detail.

cabinetry items to creating bespoke furniture solutions at the very highest level. We hand make our beautifully sustainable furniture in our factory at Edington Station Yard, deep in the Wiltshire countryside and in the shadow of Salisbury Plain.

We are a small but deeply experienced team. Our artisan cabinet makers were schooled at the institutions acknowledged as having pioneered the original bespoke fitted kitchens back in the 1980s.

We bring this heritage to everything we make today and are truly able to span the spectrum from traditional to contemporary – and everything else in between. All projects are tailor-made solutions, each to a different unique brief, with the end results becoming entirely individual.

CRAFTSMANSHIP WITH HERITAGE We often collaborate with interior designers to produce designs that are at the forefront of the industry, and our behind-the-scenes work has helped secure some of the most prestigious awards. What really drives us forward, however, is making authentic, refined furniture that will last a lifetime.

Our company, FT Bespoke, was formed in 2009 and has evolved from making one-off

For more: Unit 7, Edington Station Yard, Westbury BA13 4NT. tel: 01380 831007; www.ftbespoke.co.uk

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AUTUMNAL A ARRIVALS Marking 30 years as a Wiltshire-based kitchen and homeware brand, Neptune’s latest collection celebrates the warmth and comfort of cosy autumn days at home 58 I BATH LIFE I www.mediaclash.co.uk

landmark on Bath’s bustling Walcot Street, this September, the expansive Neptune store welcomes a new collection of furniture and accessories, from elegant sofas and sculptural lighting to new tableware and room scents.

Sitting alongside the solid timber kitchen collections and in spaces created to feel like a home-from-home, the autumn edit is designed for both the quiet comfort of retreat and the warmth of welcoming people into your home.

The latest furniture lets the materials and elegant shapes do the talking, creating a relaxing but sophisticated aesthetic. Named as a nod to French elegance, the new Louis rolled arm sofa has the comfort and loose back of the ever-favourite Long Island sofa but

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with the style of a more formal, grand sofa, its rolled arms and back a contemporary take on the classic Chesterfield.

New dining seats offer options for both casual and more sophisticated occasions. The upholstered Ascot dining chair features curved edges for a cocooning and elegant feel with stitched back details and a natural oak finish, while the simplicity of the Stirling dining chair, with its solid oak frame and exposed dowel details, is a celebration of craft and traditional joinery techniques.

Other furniture highlights include the Larkhall drinks trolley, crafted from solid oak with a richly brushed vintage finish and removable stone prep surface, and the Eliot desk with its drawer-like trays that can be pulled out for working and stowed away at other times.

The Colworth TV cabinet is a contemporary take on traditional panelling often found in stately homes. Crafted from solid oak, traditional door making techniques have been used allowing the façade to be crafted from one piece of wood, then machined down to create small steps for doors, showcasing the grain of wood. Each cupboard has slots for cables to run through and an air vent to keep electricals cool.

Accessories play an important part in the new collection too. The popular wicker Athena pendant has been re-imagined in cream linen with bronze sculptural elements while the new Regency lampshade – available as a long bar light or large and small pendants – is an

“THE AUTUMN EDIT IS DESIGNED FOR BOTH THE QUIET COMFORT OF RETREAT AND THE WARMTH OF WELCOMING PEOPLE INTO YOUR HOME” evolution of the classic chandelier, its swan-like brass neck and woven linen shade making an elegant statement over a dining table or in reception rooms.

Other additions include high performing rugs handwoven in India, cotton bedspreads from Portugal and Molland, an artisanal tea set with a hand-finished reactive blue glaze. All are curated to sit seamlessly within the existing collections and colour palettes that make Neptune a by-word in refined country, town and city living.

For 30 years, Neptune has remained true to its maker philosophy – using the right materials for the right purpose to ensure pieces last for generations. It is why the kitchen collections never utilised MDF or chipboard but feature solid wood and hardwood ply for structural stability and furniture is built with solid timber frames and traditional upholstery methods.

Neptune Bath, also home to The Provenist café, once served as the depot for Bath’s

tram service. Today, a team of kitchen and home specialists are on hand to offer support whether you’re embarking on a kitchen project, a home renovation or simply looking for that perfect finishing touch, and the latest furniture and accessory arrivals are waiting to be experienced. n

Discover more at: Neptune Bath, One Tram Yard, Walcot Street, Bath, BA1 5BD www.neptune.com | @neptunehomeofficial

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RESTAURANT

IFORD MANOR KITCHEN

Taking a wonderland tour around the famous gardens made even more beautiful by layers of stories, followed by a damn fine lunch

By Sarah Moolla uestion: If we’re talking daytime dining at a manor house garden, are you imagining day-old white cheese bread sandwiches / shop bought cakes under a plastic dome / or a soup kettle filled with a florid, tepid tomato liquid? Answer: This is Iford Manor Kitchen, so you’re wrong, wrong, wrong.

Question: If we’re looking at the landscaped garden of a mid-century manor house garden, are you thinking a neat border of lavender / grey gravel paths to be kept to / or an arrangement of single-stem lollipopshaped tree roses? Answer: This is Iford Manor Kitchen, so you’re wrong, wrong, wrong.

So let me start telling everything that is right, right, right about this place – which, spoiler alert, is just about everything. Located just some 15 minutes from Bath, down a country road and just ahead of the medieval stone bridge lies the tiny hamlet of Iford which has played a part in Domesday-era mill holdings and 15th-century wool workshops, to take a tour of the private garden with gardener Jen. This turns out to be a meandering, beautiful, wonderland of horticulture, creativity, imagination, propagation, sustainability, eclectic art, and fascinating stories.

Iford Manor Garden is a Grade I listed garden, signifying it is of exceptional interest (something only 8.5 percent of registered British gardens can boast). This is originally down to one of the previous occupants, the architect and landscape designer Harold Peto, who lived here 1899-1933. An avid traveller, Peto visited across Europe, Egypt, Japan, and Canada, often bringing back not just inspiration and ideas, but new plants that

he could incorporate into his garden designs, which beyond his own home, included Buscot Park in Oxfordshire, West Dean House in Sussex, and Ilnacullin on Garinish Island in County Cork, Ireland. We’re talking cloisters, colonnades, and columns, a great terrace, sculptures, lily pools, sarcophagi and urns, tumbling steps, rambling paths, and Byzantine roundels. Much of the structural Italianate framing is paired with soft, romantic plantings including Italian cypresses, Japanese cherry blossoms, katsura trees, seasonal bulbs and flowers like alliums, snowdrops, tulips, dahlias and wisteria. Of course this being Iford Manor House means this is no ordinary wisteria – the plump, heavy, grape-like, vivid purple bunches, which are cascading all over the front of the house, is known to be more than 160 years old, and has already flowered three times this year (the norm is once).

But adding another rich, but more contemporary layer to this historical tale is the CartwrightHignett family. Elizabeth Cartwright purchased the estate in 1965 when the garden was lost, overgrown, and near derelict. The expert advice was to bulldoze, but her heart told her to rescue, renovate and restore. Not only did she do that, both on her own and later with the help of her husband John Hignett who she married in 1979, she created her own innovative artwork and additions including the secret garden’s Shell House pavilion designed using locally sourced shells and glazed ceramics and used as a retreat to write poetry, the poetry box hedge checkerboard (yes really) and two mirrored mosaic aliens, life-size and eerie in their quiet seated patience.

Elizabeth and John now live nearby and have passed the custodianship of Iford Manor to the hands of their son William

“Executive chef Matthew Briddon was Michelinstarred by 21”

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Cartwright-Hignett and his wife Marianne.

And it is with unbridled gusto, a delightfully positive energy and a disarming honesty they are striving to keep Iford Manor not just structurally sound but as a thriving concern.

There are of course major worrisome issues such as Peto’s designs had been created with little or no foundation, and ongoing major structural work is needed but for William and Marianne one of the winning aces up their sleeves has been the introduction of the Iford Manor Kitchen, headed up by executive chef Matthew Briddon – Michelinstarred by 21, schooled at the River Café, Paris and New York. It would seem Matthew is another hero helping write the Iford Manor tale in the form of creating a multiaward-winning restaurant.

I’m told the menu is new that day – Matthew is not one to rest on his culinary laurels. My starter is hot, hay-smoked, slightly charred and seared crusted salmon on a pile of sweet, pickled shallots drizzled with a peppery caper dressing and topped with large frilly leaves of parsley. The salmon fillet is deliciously, satisfyingly, solidly meaty with that deep vivid pink orange that only comes when the fish is free roaming. My companion’s hefty scallops and juicy plump prawns accompanied by translucent ribbons of courgette, share the same and that ‘catch of the day’ freshness.

Her main dish sea bass, which slipped off the fork in tender, delicate, white flakes, came off the same Cornish boat, and my lamb gambolled in from down the road. Grazed in the Iford Valley, cooked in the Bertha oven using local wood, the result is succulent and yielding, with a slightly gamey texture and a distinct smoky aroma. It comes with braised fennel, a cooling swipe of hung yoghurt, a crispy jacket potato roasted in the lamb’s own fat, and a lamb-and-coffee jus which works as a deep and savoury, slightly bitter, gravy.

It’s highly original, beautifully memorable and much like the gardens themselves, worth revisiting time and time again to see what’s evolving next.

DINING DETAILS Iford Manor Kitchen, Iford Manor, Bradford-onAvon; www.ifordmanor.co.uk Setting Found in the Grade I-listed gardens of Iford Manor, designed by Harold Peto between 1899 and 1933, and home to the Cartwright-Hignett family since 1965 Owned by William and Marianne CartwrightHignett, who also run Iford Manor Café & Bakery and, since 2025, The Inn at Freshford, and The Cross Guns at Avoncliff Established The café opened May 2021; restaurant kitchen followed in April 2022 under head chef Matthew Briddon, who trained at Heathcote’s/the Longridge Restaurant, the River Café, and in Paris and New York, before joining Iford in 2022 Type of food Seasonal, produce-led cooking making use of curing, pickling, preserving and cooking over fire in the restaurant’s Bertha woodfired oven. Matthew and his team make everything in-house, from the sourdough bread, to pasta, gelato and sorbets

Prices Starters cost between £12 - £15, mains £23 £32 and desserts £7 - £10 Recommendations The Iford wood-roasted lamb and the charcuterie plate of house-smoked and cured meats served with local cheeses, homemade fermented sourdough and fermented walnuts Drinks William personally curates a wine list to accompany the seasonal menu Recognition Matthew’s cooking has firmly put Iford on the foodie map, earning a place in The Good Food Guide’s best 100 Local Restaurants 2022; Best Newcomer in The Trencherman’s Awards 2025; and gaining the prestigious Plates from the Chaine de Rotisseurs Covers 40 covers indoors – in summer the number of covers is doubled with use of the outside terrace Look out for The Friday Supper Clubs, terrace afternoon tea, and Sunday dinners Disabled access Yes Garden entrance Prices start £12 for general admission, and tours of private gardens cost £28 pp

FOOD AND DRINK

BECK AND CALL

The Beckford Group has just opened Corsham House, its first restaurant with rooms, in the heart of the small Wiltshire town. It occupies a converted Georgian townhouse, previously a local bank for a century, and features 11 individually designed bedrooms offering soothing, contemporary interiors, traditional floral fabrics, and bathrooms stocked with botanical products and plush towels.

Mornings start with complimentary Landrace pastries, fresh juices, and coffee, and downstairs the centrepiece is a British brasserie led by head chef James Harris, formerly of the Michelin Bib Gourmand-holding Beckford Bottle Shop in Bath. The 80-cover dining area includes both a courtyard garden and street-side tables.

The menu highlights the region’s best produce, with dishes such as Westcombe Cheddar curds, pig’s head fritter with gooseberry ketchup, Devonshire white crab salad on English muffin, and Tamworth pork belly with Castelfranco. Vegetarian offerings include courgette, broad beans, feta, and marigold, while desserts feature elderflower tart and burnt butter ice cream.

For more: www.corshamhouse.com

clockwise from top left: The new restaurant with rooms, Corsham House; head

Koji Izakaya is taking root in Root

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KOJI RADICAL

Root Bath is making waves with a new dining concept: for two nights a week, the restaurant’s ground floor will morph into Koji Izakaya, a Japanese-style drinking and dining den hidden within the familiar space. Head chef Joe Fowler, who trained in Somerset and fell for Japanese food through family trips to Japan, described the new venture as the culmination of a lifelong dream. His Koji menu will blend Japanese technique with British produce: think chalk-stream trout nigiri, Bristol mushrooms on the grill, and Hereford beef skewers.

Josh Eggleton of The Pony Group who own Root Bath says, “Koji is a representation of the longstanding relationships we have… We want to support their passions wherever possible, and Japanese food is Joe’s passion – so it’s a dream to give him space to make that a reality.”

For more: www.kojiizakaya.co.uk | Head chef www.rootrestaurants.co.uk Joe Fowler

PHOTO BY ED SCHOFIELD

chef James Harris; the menu will feature the region’s finest produce; wines will continue to play an important role in this new Beckford Group offering

SPA SOS

A guide to Stopping Our Stresses with the best local wellness retreats and their treatments

By Ella Powys

W

WELLNESS

hen your days are measured in deadlines, screen time and unanswered emails, true rest can feel frustratingly out of reach. For a lot of us running on caffeine, adrenaline, and tension a spa escape offers something increasingly rare: permission to stop, unwind and de-stress. Here we explore the best SOS treatments on our doorstep.

The Newt in Somerset, Bruton; www.thenewtinsomerset.com SET THE SCENE The Newt in Somerset is a working estate offering a unique countryside escape with acres of gardens, woodland, farmland, and cyder orchards.

Guests can stay overnight or become members, experiencing the ever-changing landscape throughout the seasons. The estate is home to characterful accommodation, farm-to-table dining, and a host of immersive experiences, all set against the backdrop of Somerset’s rolling hills. Whether wandering through walled gardens, exploring ancient woodlands, or relaxing with a glass of cyder, the estate offers an opportunity to disconnect and embrace nature.

OPTIMISING The Newt Spa, opened in August 2019, was created following an extensive restoration project transforming a historic cattle barn into a calming retreat. Original features were meticulously preserved, with the building carefully dismantled and reconstructed above a new subterranean plant room. The interior blends elegant design with natural materials, creating a peaceful setting inspired by its rural surroundings. The spa features six treatment rooms (including spaces for couples), a dedicated hammam, rasul chamber, manicure and pedicure area, and a tranquil lounge. There are three distinct pools – a swimming pool, hydrotherapy pool, and wild plunge pool – along with thermal experiences like a marble steam room, sauna with views of the tropical garden, and halotherapy room. Treatments draw on a range of global therapies, with specialisms such as Indian head massage, reiki, hammam, and reflexology, all overseen by spa manager and head therapist Katy Brandwood.

opposite: Feeling stressed? The Newt in Somerset is here to help!;

above: The Newt Spa was originally a cattle barn; below: The Homewood spa focusses on relaxed luxury

SAVIOUR SESSION The Hammam Turkish Soap Treatment is a 60-minute signature ritual inspired by traditional Turkish bathing, developed after a research trip to Istanbul. The treatment takes place in a marble hammam chamber filled with steam, beginning with the pouring of warm water over the body to promote relaxation. The therapist uses a traditional kese mitt for thorough exfoliation, followed by a luxurious foam massage using Turkish soap and a cotton torba. The ritual concludes with a nourishing honey and milk body mask and a conditioning argan oil hair treatment. This experience delivers deep physical relaxation, improved circulation, detoxification, and glowing skin, making it especially effective for those experiencing stress or burnout.

For extended at-home benefits the MarocMaroc Detoxifying Body Exfoliator and Nourishing Body Balm is the team’s recommendation.

Homewood, Abbey Lane, Freshford, Bath; www.homewoodbath.co.uk SET THE SCENE Homewood is a playful country house hotel just south of Bath, set in 20 acres of gardens and lawns with panoramic Avon Valley views. The vibe is relaxed luxury with whimsical art and features, while Olio Restaurant offers Somerset-inspired Mediterranean cuisine, along with the option of dining in all-weather garden domes.

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PHOTO BY PETE HELME PHOTOGR APHY

WELLNESS

opposite: The mineral rich rooftop pool of Thermae Bath Spa; above: The Spa at The Royal Crescent is an urban sanctuary

OPTIMISING The spa blends comfort and nature, with an indoor hydrotherapy pool, steam room, indoor/outdoor saunas, and a unique bucket shower.

Outside, guests can unwind in a year-round heated pool or the new vitality pool with massage loungers. The décor features natural tones and stone, with quiet zones and a sun-soaked terrace. Spa suites offer private hot tubs and barrel saunas for a secluded experience, with the team specialising in holistic rituals and Affinity cancer treatments.

SAVIOUR SESSION For deep stress relief try the GAIA Total Holistic Ritual. This immersive two-hour treatment combines a grounding foot soak, full-body exfoliation, detox mud wrap, warm-oil Lomi Lomi massage, and facial.

Lomi Lomi’s rhythmic strokes mimic ocean waves, soothing the nervous system and melting tension for profound relaxation. To continue the calm at home, guests can purchase GAIA’s Calming Bath Oil or Balancing Body Oil for ongoing sensory relaxation.

The Spa at The Royal Crescent, 16 Royal Crescent, Bath; www.royalcrescent.co.uk SET THE SCENE Tucked behind the historic Georgian façade of The Royal Crescent Hotel, is the urban sanctuary The Spa at The Royal Crescent. Guests enter through the hotel lobby before following a lavender-lined garden path to reach the spa, set within a secluded acre of landscaped gardens.

OPTIMISING Extensively refurbished since 2012, and most recently refreshed in 2026, the spa blends contemporary wellness facilities with Royal Crescent elegance. The décor features soft natural tones, botanical accents, and chequered flooring that connects the space to the main hotel. Facilities include a 12-metre heated pool, a vitality pool with massage jets, sauna, steam room, state-of-the-art gym, six calming treatment rooms, and access to the secluded spa garden. The spa team, led by spa manager Megan Weeks, includes eight Level 3+ therapists who specialise in personalised treatments, from advanced facials and massage therapies to personal training.

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“Designed to help recalibrate the body’s energy”

PHOTO BY LLOYD EVANS

Thermae Bath Spa, The Hetling Pump Room, Hot Bath Street, Bath; www.thermaebathspa.com SET THE SCENE Thermae Bath Spa stands out as Britain’s only natural thermal spa, allowing guests to immerse themselves in mineral-rich waters that have been enjoyed for centuries. Opened in 2006, the spa’s showpiece is its renowned rooftop pool, which offers beautiful 360 views over Bath’s skyline. Guests can also unwind in the state-of-the-art wellness suite, featuring two aromatic steam rooms, an ice chamber, infrared sauna, and the celestial relaxation room, before taking a dip in the Minerva indoor thermal pool.

OPTIMISING The spa team delivers a wide range of treatments, all aimed at promoting physical and mental wellbeing. The combination of thermal bathing, advanced wellness facilities, and expert therapies – from bespoke massages to tailored facials – makes the city centre Thermae Bath Spa a standout destination for those seeking to de-stress and revitalise.

SAVIOUR SESSION The 85-minute Back to Nature signature ritual is designed as the ideal solution for guests experiencing burnout or overwhelm. Beginning with a medium-pressure full body massage, the treatment eases muscular tension, improves circulation, and encourages a sense of calm. A warm, comforting massage balm is applied to the hands and feet to soothe tired muscles and joints, followed by a relaxing facial tailored to each guest’s individual skin concerns. The experience concludes with a slow, tension-melting scalp massage, using a calming de-stress oil infused with lavender, chamomile, and rosewood essential oils – botanicals renowned for their balancing and soothing properties. To extend the benefits which include feeling noticeably calmer, more refreshed, and mentally clear, with improved sleep and reduced physical fatigue, Warm-up Massage Balm is recommended.

WELLNESS SAVIOUR SESSION The Ground Grounding Restorative Ritual is a 60-minute treatment that targets stress and tension in the face, scalp, neck, and shoulders.

Drawing on the principles of Indian head massage and grounded in the science of nervous system regulation, the ritual uses slow, intentional massage and soothing gua sha techniques with Ground’s natural wellbeing products. The treatment helps release muscular tension, promote restful sleep, and restore emotional balance, making it ideal for those experiencing overwhelm or burnout. Guests leave with a sense of deep calm and reconnection and continue to capitalise on this with continued use of Ground’s body oils and aromatherapy products at home.

Francis Hotel Spa, Queen Square, Bath; www.francishotel.com SET THE SCENE Francis Hotel Spa is a boutique wellness retreat within the newly restored Francis Hotel Bath, a Grade I listed property overlooking Queen Square.

The spa opened in 2026 as the final chapter of the hotel’s multi-million-pound transformation, pairing its Georgian setting with contemporary wellbeing.

OPTIMISING The spa is built for relaxation and results, with warm natural tones, soft lighting, and serene spaces throughout. Facilities include three treatment rooms, a relaxation lounge overlooking a private courtyard, and the exclusive Espuro thermal above: The restorative and calming Aquarias Spa in Whatley Manor;

below: Enjoy thermal rituals at the newly renovated Francis Hotel Spa

experience, where guests can enjoy a Rasul mud ritual or gentle foam steam bathing, followed by heated benches and hot and cold experience showers. The boutique layout keeps every visit feeling personal and unhurried.

The spa’s therapists specialise in holistic wellbeing and advanced skin health, using GAIA Skincare and QMS Medicosmetics. Consultations are personalised, with each treatment adapted to the guest’s needs on the day. Therapists are also trained to provide safe, bespoke treatments for guests living with or recovering from cancer and other health conditions.

SAVIOUR SESSION Affinity by GAIA is the spa team’s recommended ‘Stress SOS’ ritual – a full-body treatment reconnecting physical relaxation with emotional wellbeing through slow, flowing massage, mindful breathing, and aromatherapy. It begins with a personalised consultation, followed by a ritual tailored to the guest’s physical and emotional needs, using GAIA’s natural essential oils to support emotional balance. Benefits include calming an overactive mind, relieving muscular tension, encouraging deep sleep, and leaving guests rebalanced and restored. To preserve the benefits at home, guests can buy the GAIA home collection – body oils, candles, and wellbeing products – plus QMS Medicosmetics skincare.

“Benefits include deep relaxation and reduced mental fatigue” www.mediaclash.co.uk I BATH LIFE I 69

WELLNESS Aquarias Spa at Whatley Manor, Easton Grey, Malmsbury; www.whatleymanor.com SET THE SCENE Whatley Manor comprises 23 luxe rooms and suites, along with Michelin-starred restaurant The Dining Room and a casual social dining concept in Grey’s. Surrounded by 12 acres of Arts-and-Craftsstyle English country gardens, the estate – with its riverside walks and beautiful gardens – offers the perfect setting to escape from digital distractions and embrace mindful moments.

OPTIMISING Aquarias Spa, part of Whatley Manor since 2003, draws inspiration from the surrounding serene Wiltshire countryside and historic English gardens. Designed with earthy tones and soft beige tiles, the spa creates a calming, restorative atmosphere for guests seeking relaxation and wellbeing. Aquarias Spa features seven treatment rooms, a hydrotherapy pool with airbeds and massage jets extending outdoors, heated stone recliners, salt scrub showers, and thermal cabins including a calidarium, steam grotto, laconium, and infrared sauna. Guests can also access a fully equipped gym and unwind in the spa lounge. The expert spa team includes nine therapists and six customer-facing staff, who offer a range of treatments rooted in holistic wellbeing and led by the sustainably minded natural skincare range GAIA. SAVIOUR SESSION The GAIA Calming Journey is a 60-minute ritual that utilises GAIA’s natural products and specialised massage techniques to calm the nervous system, promote lymphatic flow, and enhance circulation. The treatment begins with a calming back, neck, and shoulder massage that eases muscle tension and soothes the mind. This is followed by a targeted scalp, hand, and arm ritual, designed to release both physical and mental stress. The science behind the therapy centres on gentle touch and precise pressure, which activate the body’s relaxation response and foster overall well-being. Key benefits include deep relaxation, reduced mental fatigue, improved sleep quality, and enhanced emotional clarity.

above: The refurbished Garden Spa by L’Occitane is housed in the 19th-century Bath Priory hotel; below: The Gainsborough often utilises the unique setting of the Cross Bath as part of its treatment plans

To extend the wellness experience beyond the spa, GAIA provides personalised aftercare with recommended products and simple rituals.

The Gainsborough Bath Spa, Beau Street, Bath; www.thegainsboroughbathspa.co.uk SET THE SCENE The city centre Gainsborough Bath Spa is the only hotel in the UK with exclusive access to natural, mineral-rich thermal waters. The blended elegant Georgian and Victorian buildings are heritagelisted, and beneath a soaring glass atrium, the Spa Village combines natural light with a sense of ritual. Guests can follow in the footsteps of Romans and royalty on the signature Bath House thermal circuit, moving between two healing thermal pools, aromatic saunas, a steam room, and an ice alcove.

OPTIMISING Restored and thoughtfully designed, the spa’s interior features calming neutrals, tactile textures, and subtle references to Bath’s artistic and healing heritage. Its centrepiece, the natural thermal Bath House, lets guests bathe in mineral waters

“The experience delivers improved circulation and detoxification” 70 I BATH LIFE I www.mediaclash.co.uk

WELLNESS

The Bishopstrow spa includes an outdoor heated pool

sourced directly from the earth. The treatment menu, curated by expert therapists, combines modern techniques with older traditions.

A highlight is private access to the Cross Bath, an intimate open-air thermal pool once sacred to the Roman goddess Sulis.

SAVIOUR SESSION The Copper and Quartz Firming Massage with private Cross Bath soak is a restorative ritual. It begins with rhythmic lymphatic drainage and nurturing strokes using copper tools, valued for supporting collagen renewal, while quartz crystals open and close the session to help recalibrate the body’s energy. Guests then move to the mineral-rich waters Cross Bath to complete their modern reset powered by ancient waters.

The Garden Spa by L’Occitane at The Bath Priory, Weston Road, Bath; www.thebathpriory.co.uk SET THE SCENE Located within The Bath Priory, The Garden Spa by L’Occitane is the UK’s first and only L’Occitane spa, found among four acres of beautifully landscaped gardens. The 19th-century hotel also offers a curated art, antique furnishings, a celebrated restaurant and kitchen garden.

OPTIMISING The Garden Spa underwent a thorough refurbishment in 2016, transforming it into an exclusive L’Occitane retreat. The spa blends sleek, modern design with period charm, offering four treatment suites – including a dual suite for couples, a relaxation room, and a dedicated L’Occitane boutique. Facilities include an indoor pool, poolside sauna, elliptical steam pod, and shower, as well as a heated outdoor pool overlooking the gardens. The spa team consists of six experienced therapists and five staff managing reception and leisure areas, all overseen by spa manager Charlotte Evans.

SAVIOUR SESSION The Mind & Scalp treatment is a 60-minute ritual designed to ease stress and restore balance. Focused on relaxing and stimulating movements to the neck, décolleté, and scalp, the treatment promotes microcirculation,

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

delivering oxygen and nutrients to hair follicles and triggering moodenhancing chemicals such as serotonin and dopamine. Calming hair brushing, application of nourishing scalp serum, and soothing massage combine to melt tension and invite sensory reconnection. Benefits include improved relaxation, reduced fatigue and insomnia, and emotional restoration through deep breathing and gentle touch. Guests can continue the ritual at home with recommended scalp serums, taking five minutes each day for a soothing head massage that supports calm and hair health.

Bishopstrow, Boreham Road, Warminster; www.bishopstrowhotel.com SET THE SCENE Set in a historic Georgian manor on 30 acres of Wiltshire countryside, Bishopstrow is the classic countryside retreat. Guests enjoy sweeping views of the Downs and Cranborne Chase, riverside walks, and farmto-fork dining at The Garden Grill, with private dining domes located in the gardens.

OPTIMISING The spa occupies converted stables, blending classic Georgian style with quirky, modern touches. Facilities include indoor and outdoor heated pools, hot tubs, and a thermal suite with sauna, steam room, and monsoon showers. Four treatment rooms – one for couples – are complemented by a Rasul Mud Therapy room, a relaxation lounge, and a chic nail salon. A dedicated team of therapists offers a wide variety of treatments, including specialist Touch Therapy for guests with cancer, long Covid, anxiety, or menopause symptoms. Fitness instructors lead yoga, forest bathing, and sound bath sessions for holistic wellbeing.

SAVIOUR SESSION For stress relief, the Bramley Tranquil Spa Ritual is highly recommended. This ritual begins with a soothing copper foot bath, followed by a head-to-toe face and body treatment designed to calm the nervous system, ease tension, and deeply relax both mind and body. This can be followed up with at-home self-care treatments using Bramley’s botanical bath and body products. n

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CHARMED LIFE

Mulberry’s high-summer collection, Mulberry by the Seaside, leans into playful, seaside-inspired accessories – and the bag charms are the standout stars. Think a lobster, a fish and even a novelty sandwich charm, all designed to clip onto old classic favourites like the Bayswater, reimagined here with a fishing netinspired texture, alongside new woven totes and bucket bags.

Nautical-knot keyrings in bright, punchy colours round out the charm edit, each one designed to evoke sun-soaked days by the water. The charms sit within a wider collection that includes an intricately woven crochet range of bags that come in Marina Blue, Coral Orange and Out Of The Blue.

Bayswater bag £1,195 and charms start at £145, from Mulberry, 38 Milsom Street, Bath; www.mulberry.com

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

FASHION

THE DIVINE IS IN THE DETAIL

S

It’s the finishing touches that tell a wicked story

By Sophie Mulcahy

ummer is a clothing cleanse. Linen, cotton, sun-warmed skin and perhaps a favourite pair of sandals.

When there are fewer layers to hide behind, it’s the smallest details that step forward and a time when accessories become the quiet heroes of personal style. They rarely steal the spotlight, but are often the reason an outfit lingers in memory.

Bright fabric knotted through a ponytail, the confidence of a cherry-red lipstick or a flash of coloured socks between cropped trousers and loafers can turn something simple into something unmistakably personal. Summer, more than any other season, gives them room to breathe.

With so much of an outfit exposed, one thoughtful addition carries surprising weight.

Take the silk scarf; it asks very little yet offers endless possibilities. Wrapped around the head to protect from a particularly brutal English heatwave, tied neatly at the neck, threaded through belt loops or fastened to the handle of a favourite bag. There’s something cinematic about a scarf catching the breeze, conjuring vintage postcards and old holiday photographs rather than fancy dress. The trick is to wear it with ease, not perfection.

Instead of piling everything on, summer invites a lighter hand. Jewellery follows the same quiet philosophy. A sculptural earring, a stack of slim bangles that chime softly with movement or a delicate chain glinting against sun-warmed

skin often says far more than an elaborate collection could. Even mixed metals have shed their old rules. Gold and silver coexist happily when the pieces are collected over time, each carrying a story, a place or a memory of their own.

Beauty joins the conversation too. As clothing becomes simpler for comfort’s sake, colour naturally finds new places to live. A coral lipstick brightens crisp white linen, while a classic pillarbox red lends polish to even the most relaxed ensemble. Eyeshadow follows suit. Forget heavy smoky eyes in favour of soft washes of terracotta, sea-glass green or a hint of lavender that catches the light. The mood this season feels less about perfection and more about personality; beauty has become another way of accessorising.

Even nail polish earns its place. It catches the eye wrapped around an iced lemonade or peeking through an open-toe sandal, quietly pulling together colours that might otherwise go unnoticed. Tomato red, glossy cream or an unexpected cobalt blue feel like punctuation at the end of a sentence, tiny finishing touches that somehow make everything else more cohesive.

Footwear, of course, has always had the final word. The same cotton dress behaves entirely differently with leather trainers, woven ballet

“A carefully chosen scarf often outshines another layer of jewellery”

1

2

STYLE IT OUT

1. Paisley silk scarf by Lescarf, £119, from Grace & Mabel, 3 George Street, Bath; www.graceandmabel.co.uk 2. Plume ankle boot, £265, from Chanii B; www.chaniibshoes.com 3. Kay Beauty’s Matte Drama Lipstick in Action, £12 from Space NK, 13 Southgate Place, Bath; www.spacenk.com

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

flats or a bright ankle boot. Shoes don’t need embellishment to leave an impression; often it’s the shape, colour or confidence to choose something unique that dictates an outfit’s personality. Then there are the details many people barely register consciously but somehow still have an effect. A ribbed cream sock beneath Mary Janes, butter-yellow peeking above a loafer or crimson paired with polished leather introduces just enough playfulness to stop an outfit feeling too considered. Personality thrives in these overlooked corners.

Belts are experiencing a similarly quiet revival.

No longer simply practical, they bring shape to oversized shirts, define loose dresses and add structure to relaxed tailoring. Worn low across the hips or cinched neatly at the waist, they alter proportions with remarkable subtlety. A slim chain belt catching the afternoon sun can be every bit as effective as a statement necklace, simply because it isn’t trying too hard.

The same can be said for hats. Practical, certainly, but the best ones feel personal. A woven raffia brim suggests afternoons stretching lazily into evening, while a faded cotton cap might hint at a favourite city, beloved football club or years of faithful wear. Like any good accessory, it reveals something without speaking it aloud.

Perhaps that’s the real secret to accessorising well. It isn’t about owning more things or chasing every new trend; it’s about knowing when to stop. One distinctive pair of earrings has more impact than five competing statements. A carefully chosen scarf often outshines another layer of jewellery. The most memorable outfits aren’t necessarily the loudest, but the ones where every detail feels considered without appearing overly planned.

Summer dressing has always been about simplicity, but simplicity should never be mistaken for sameness. When wardrobes become lighter, accessories are no longer competing with oversized coats or chunky knitwear. They become the storytellers. A headscarf fluttering in the breeze, a swipe of lipstick on the way out the house, layered beads collected over the years, or impossible red boots worn simply because they make you smile. They’re the details that catch the eye, start conversations and quietly reveal the person wearing them. Sometimes that’s all you can really ask of fashion.

3

Photographer Egle Vasi; www.eglevasi.com Photo assisting Holly Webb; Instagram @hollywebb.photography Styling Marianne Cantelo and Eleanor Tasker Make up artist Chantelle Moody Model Angelica Baines from Mustard Models; Instagram @mustardmodels Location Avellinos Italian Deli and Café; Instagram @avellinositaliandeliandcafe Clothes Sourced from Dorothy House charity shops; www.dorothyhouse.org.uk

FASHION

FASHION FORWARD How Bath Spa University’s fashion department is a cut above

B

ath Spa University’s fashion department is enjoying an outstanding year, with students winning top accolades at both the 2026 TEX+ Showcase and Graduate Fashion Week, cementing its reputation as a hub for emerging creative talent.

Three students – Kate Crilly, Xavier Theobald, and Harriet Letts – were selected by a prestigious industry panel to present their work at the 2026 TEX+ Showcase at Chelsea College of Arts, the UK’s leading event for up-and-coming textile designers.

TEX+, the only UK charity dedicated to supporting new textile professionals, provides its selected graduates with mentoring, industry connections, and vital financial support. Following the showcase, a select group will have the opportunity to exhibit at Première Vision Paris, a major international trade fair.

At the TEX+ Awards, Bath Spa students shone brightly. Xavier Theobald won the Liberty Fabrics Studio Prize, while Harriet Letts took home the Sahara Prize, which includes a cash award, a design placement, and a purchase opportunity. Jeremy Somers, Chair of TEX+, praised their achievements: “The TEX+ prizes recognise the outstanding creativity, innovation and technical excellence emerging from the UK’s textile graduates today. We’re incredibly grateful to our sponsors and supporters, whose generosity enables us to celebrate exceptional talent while providing meaningful opportunities that help graduates take the next step in their careers.”

Bath Spa’s success extended to Graduate Fashion Week 2026 – the world’s largest showcase of BA fashion talent – where students earned 13 shortlist nominations and a string of accolades. Pippa Bowerman was a double winner, scooping both the BSU Catwalk Award and the F&F x Graduate Fashion Week Award. Barnaby Walls triumphed in the Tailoring Award, while students such as Alice Hargreaves, Hansel Abakan-Phillips, Sami Arslan, and Zoë Anastasia received highly commended recognition across catwalk and textile categories.

Programme leader Emma Askew-Miller credits the department’s culture of creativity and commitment: “This achievement reflects their exceptional talent, commitment and creative vision, and it is always rewarding to see their work acknowledged at such a key event in the fashion calendar.” n For more: www.bathspa.ac.uk

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

clockwise from top left: The stylish

designs of Emily Kitto; Halina Bellová; Hansel Abakah-Phillips; Pippa Bowerman; and Sami Arslan

“Bath Spa’s success extended to Graduate Fashion Week 2026”

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INSPIRED OUTDOORS Introducing TERRA OUTDOOR LIVING – premium outdoor living in the heart of Bath

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reating beautiful outdoor spaces has always been at the heart of what we do. After nearly seven years transforming gardens across Bath and the surrounding areas through our family-run landscaping company, Grounds & Greens Ltd, we recognised a growing demand from homeowners looking for high-quality outdoor products, expert advice and the opportunity to see materials before making an investment.

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Whether you’re planning a complete garden transformation, adding a pergola to an existing patio or simply searching for the perfect paving or outdoor furniture, Terra brings together carefully selected products from trusted manufacturers under one roof.

Visitors can explore full-size displays of aluminium pergolas, natural stone and porcelain paving, composite decking, outdoor lighting and stylish garden furniture, all in a relaxed environment where expert advice is always available.

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For more: Terra Outdoor Living, 86 Triangle North, Bath BA2 3JB For inspiration and more information, visit www.terraoutdoorliving.co.uk or follow us on social media Terra.Outdoor.Living to see our latest projects and showroom updates.

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RAY CLACHER, CEO OF MORLEYS, ON THE EXCITING NEW CHAPTER FOR THE LEGENDARY DEPARTMENT STORE WOMEN FOR CHANGE Equisoft’s summer networking event talks fintech

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WELL HELLO, JOLLY’S! Bath much-loved department store is about to be reborn. But what can we expect of the new Jolly’s?

CEO RAY CLACHER tells all…

Words by Paul Marland Main photos by Narrated Frames; www.narratedframes.com 82 I BATH LIFE I www.mediaclash.co.uk

F

or many, the most exciting new development in Bath is the imminent reopening of Jolly’s, the bijoux department store that takes up much of the west side of Milsom Street, and has a strong claim to be the oldest in England, established back in 1823. The Jolly family remained the main shareholders into the 20th century, but more recently fortunes fluctuated: Bristol offshoots were sold, and ownership passed to Dingles and then House of Fraser, before everything closed in 2025.

Now, though, there are new owners – Morleys, owners of eight similarly-sized Home Counties institutions, such as Pearsons in Enfield and Elys in Wimbledon – and a new boss, Ray Clacher. Ray has serious retail kudos, running Gieves and Hawkes, and reinventing fashion label Kent & Curwen with David Beckham; in fact, he only became Morleys CEO in January this year. “If it wasn’t for Jolly’s, I wouldn’t have taken the job,” he says. “This is the only department store being opened in the UK in

NETWORK opposite: Emberwood hosted the sold-out Bath Life Network Lunch with Jolly’s CEO Ray Clacher; below: MediaClash chief exec

Greg Ingham (left) interviews Ray about the department store’s plans; inset: The re-opening will be worth the wait

“DEPARTMENT STORES AREN’T OVER BY ANY MEANS”

the next 12 months, so it’s a huge project – and a fabulous one.”

But the landscape is daunting: John Lewis has recently closed half their portfolio, and House of Fraser has four stores left out of 150. “But the beautiful thing is this: smaller, independent department stores still do very well,” Ray says. “There are, I believe, 42 in England – including, of course, Rossiters right here in Bath.”

Morleys itself is owned by a Dutch family, the Dreesmanns, who bought a shop called Morley’s of Brixton – hence the name – way back in 1927. It’s a family trust, and in great financial shape – “basically, we’re not allowed to lose money,” Ray says. More, they go out of their way to service the individual towns they’re in. “If you live in a five-mile radius of Wimbledon, you’ve probably got a loyalty card for Elys,” Ray says. “And that’s everyone, from kids to grandparents.

We’ve got to similarly get under the skin of Bath. You fill each store with what you think is right for that town, and learn very quickly – certainly within a season – whether a particular brand works or not.

Take cosmetics, for instance: you

might think you want Chanel and Dior. But actually, Korean beauty is more important for Gen Z right now. If we were just to go, ‘Here’s Ralph Lauren, and over there’s Hugo Boss’, we’d get by, but we’d be unlikely to convince you to shop with us over and over again.”

Of course, there are problems.

All the best-selling brands at Morleys flagship store, Elys, already have a presence in Bath: Reiss is opposite, Jo Malone just five doors away… So what to do? Well, perhaps sell a special high-end capsule Reiss collection, or replace Jo Malone with more exclusive fragrance maisons, like Diptyque Paris or Jo Loves, neither of which have a UK presence outside London. “We’re trying to bring in things people haven’t seen before,” Ray says, “but, equally, we’ll carry entry-level too. We’ve managed to convince Mango not to open a new store in Bath, but to join us here, and we’ll have Mos Mosh too, my wife’s favourite brand that no one’s ever heard of. Department stores are constantly evolving, and we’ll make our mistakes quickly, and move on. Tourists will be about a third of our business, but

you can’t live on tourist numbers alone – we’ve got to get business in February, too.”

The old store had a café upstairs, and the new version will echo this – but will also repurpose the Queen Mary room, right in the centre, as a Champagne Bar. “Jolly’s is small by department store standards – it’s only 41,000 square foot, about half the size of Elys – and we need dwell time. So there’ll be a 150-seat restaurant on the first floor – a sandwich and coffee operation – plus a number of pop-ups too.”

Although only 15 per cent of the store will be dedicated to cosmetics, it’ll be a third of total sales.

“Fashion and accessories make up another third,” Ray says, “then there’ll be menswear, a tiny bit of home, and a nice toy department – Jellycat, Pokémon, Lego, they’re all coming. And somebody told me the toilets in Jolly’s used to be one of the biggest tourist attractions in town, so we’re building a new and incredible suite upstairs, with a salon right next to them.”

March 2027 is the target reopening date – “and ideally early March, to be running for Mother’s Day” – but that may be optimistic:

there’s the whole façade still to be cleaned, and work to be done on the famous peacock frieze inside.

Will the back door be reopened?

Unclear, but many are keen that it should be.

“My biggest problem is that this is the only store we operate without owning the building,” Ray says.

“One way we survive, where others don’t, is that we always own the property. That way, when Covid hits, you can decide you won’t charge yourself any rent. But you don’t buy in Bath, as the council won’t sell. Even so, the Jolly’s deal is one of the best I’ve seen. Bath has taken rent on these buildings for hundreds of years, and now they’re having to pay that back by restoring things to their true glory.

They’re spending over £10 million, and we’re adding another £5m ourselves, so this is serious. I came into this job to deliver Jolly’s as best we can, and hopefully it becomes the template for others around the country. Because department stores aren’t over by any means. But they need to be cute. You can’t do 500,000 square feet stores anymore; they just don’t work. So let’s stick to nice little local boutique versions, like Jolly’s.”

For more: www.jollysbath.co.uk | www.mediaclash.co.uk www.mediaclash.co.uk I BATH LIFE I 83

NETWORK SCENE

Leanne Kesterton and Kerina Meadows

Photos by Narrated Frames; www.narratedframes.com

Rachel Baker

Harriette Dixon and Alice Menter

Ray Clacher, William Hone, Claudia Ghadimi, Ben Aydin, Steven Maher, Polly Rathbone, Greg Ingham, Fran Hamer, Suzzanne Dempster and Matthew Turner

Tom Leigh

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

Kate Bessant, Michael Holman and Adam Powell

Cassila Dolman, Sherelyn Cowles, Katy Hancock, Amanda White, Sian Keady and Matt Bielby

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Annabel North, Jake Simpson, Leanne Kesterton and Rebecca Bernstein, John White and Alice Menter

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A DAY AT BATH BOULES

The AWDRY LAW team enjoys a day of boules, business and community

T

he Awdry Law team had a fantastic day taking part in Bath Boules this year, enjoying great weather, friendly competition and the chance to connect with so many people from Bath’s thriving business community. Representing the firm were Paul, Ruby, Kelly, Tori, Ellie, Amy and Michael, bringing together colleagues from across our conveyancing, wills and probate, contentious wills and probate, and facilities teams. These are some of the key services we provide from our Bath office, making the event a brilliant opportunity for colleagues from different teams to come together outside of work.

Our tournament got off to an impressive start. We were unbeatable in our first four games and quickly started dreaming of a place in the final. Unfortunately, the next two matches did not quite go our way, meaning we

narrowly missed out on securing a spot in the last round. While that was disappointing, there was definitely a silver lining…

We were so fortunate that our office is quite literally visible from Queen Square, meaning we could easily pop back for drinks on our outdoor terrace before heading back out to enjoy the rest of the evening’s celebrations.

Since opening our Bath office on Wood Street in January 2026, one of the things we have loved most about the city is how easy it is to become part of the local community. Bath Boules perfectly captures that spirit. Throughout the day we met so many new people, made valuable connections and enjoyed catching up with familiar faces in a relaxed setting.

Events like Bath Boules remind us why we were so excited to open in this city. It’s a place that offers endless opportunities to get involved,

support local initiatives and build meaningful relationships with other businesses and organisations.

A huge thank you to Bath Boules and Bath BID for organising such a fantastic event. We are already looking forward to coming back next year and have no doubt this will become a firm favourite throughout our years in Bath.

To see more from the day, including videos of our team revealing who they thought was our best boules player, head over to the Awdry Law Instagram page or scan the QR link below.

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

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NETWORK

clockwise from top left: Guests gather for this year’s VarnFest; Dan Collins speaks; the leadership woodland walk; founder of Chilled Squirrels Marina Traversari; Varn’s CEO Tom Vaughton

“IT WAS BOTH GROUNDED AND SLIGHTLY MAGICAL”

WOODLAND WISDOM Inspiring thought at VARNFEST, the annual, outdoor woodland business festival designed for founders, directors, and entrepreneurs Words by Charlotte Park Photos by Red Rabbit Photography; www.redrabbitphotography.com 86 I BATH LIFE I www.mediaclash.co.uk

I

n the dappled light beneath tall trees, founders, directors, and business leaders gathered for a day in June of candid conversations and leadership insights at VarnFest 2026.

Hosted by digital marketing agency Varn at their unique woodland office, the event offered a refreshing departure from conference-room conventions, inviting guests to discover new perspectives – literally and figuratively – on the winding paths of the Bradford on Avon woods.

The festival featured an impressive line-up of speakers, each sharing personal stories and practical strategies for business growth and authentic leadership.

Tom Vaughton, founder and CEO of Varn, set the tone by championing the “hidden power of being boring.” In his keynote, Vaughton argued for the value of consistency and steady values in leadership, telling the audience, “In the long run, it is the plough-horses, not the show ponies, that carry the work forward.”

Other highlights included Marina Traversari, CEO of Chilled Squirrels, who discussed how to

scale a purpose-led business without losing your identity, and executive coach Michael Glanville, whose session focused on “leading from the inside out.” Sophie Creese, co-founder & CEO of HeyFlow, delivered a thought-provoking talk on how reproductive life stages shape the female talent lifecycle – encouraging leaders to confront their own biases. Dan Collins, an author and facilitator, and Richard Spilsbury, board advisor and former Future Publishing director, shared actionable leadership hacks and strategies for navigating challenges in scaling businesses.

But perhaps what set VarnFest apart for me was its setting and atmosphere, as the day unfolded through walk-and-talk sessions among the trees, conversations with partners along winding paths, mantras inked onto slivers of chopped tree trunk, a guitarist threading music through the woods, and a horse quietly cropping the grass while we ate a vegan lunch from a food van.

It was both grounded and slightly magical – the sort of atmosphere that invited people to lower their guard and speak with a little more honesty than they might across a boardroom table. Here, beneath the canopy rather than in seminar rooms, this business-festival took on a different life. There was something quietly enchanting about entering a world of media, business and ideas not through a hotel foyer, but along woodland paths and into clearings alive with conversation.

As the day closed, the consensus was clear – connection, candour, and authenticity flourished beneath the leafy canopy. VarnFest was a reminder that the most interesting networks and connections are not always built in boardrooms.

Sometimes they are made beneath the trees.

Charlotte is co-founder of the human resource consulting firm Sapaien; www.sapaien.com For more: www.varnfest.co.uk

Celebrating our local entrepreneurs! top - Nicola Flannigan, Delaney Burns (Bristol Bears),

Jenny Herring (Bristol Bears), Chloe Shortman (ARC3), Justine Pattullo (Women in Platforms), Gemma Siddall (Equisoft); bottom - Kate Phillips (Women in Platforms), Holly Phillips (Bristol Bears)

NETWORK NEWS WOMEN FOR CHANGE

Equisoft’s Bath office hosted the Women in Platforms Summer Networking Event this June, focusing on gender representation in financial services. It featured a panel discussion with athletes from Bristol Bears Women, including Delaney Burns, Holly Phillips, Ella Lovibond, and Jenny Herring, who shared insights on resilience, performance, and managing pressure, drawing parallels between elite sports and finance.

Chloe Shortman, a former Team GB athlete and founder of ARC3, offered practical advice on workplace energy and performance. Women in Platforms is a movement advocating for increased female representation and inclusivity within the financial sector, which has historically been male-dominated.

The event attracted professionals from across the industry and highlighted Bath’s emergence as a fintech hub.

Organisers say forums like this encourage practical action and community building, signalling gradual but meaningful change for women in finance.

For more: www.equisoft.com

BUSINESS DIARY

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

PLAN TOGETHER

Dorothy House ambassador Lizzie Heffer models at Rengen House

PHOTO BY CHRIS DAW

Fidelius, the Bath-based financial advisory firm, and London law firm Lawrence Stephens have announced the launch of LS Wealth, a new joint venture designed to deliver fully integrated legal and financial planning services. Bringing together Lawrence Stephens’ full-service legal expertise with Fidelius’s objective-based financial planning, LS Wealth aims to provide clients with a seamless experience, combining commercial insight and practical advice.

Steve Skelding, head of commercial at Fidelius, says, “We are excited to have the opportunity to work closely with the skilled professionals at Lawrence Stephens as we launch our new venture, LS Wealth. There is a close cultural fit between our two businesses, rooted in exceptional client service. Our brands also feel aligned in terms of our commercial approach, so we look forward to seeing what we can achieve as we join forces.”

For more: www.fidelius.co.uk

Fidelius is based in No1 Bath Quays;

inset: Head of commercial at Fidelius Steve Skelding

PHOTO COURTESY OF KNIGHT FR ANK

SHOOTING STAR

Bath’s working hub and events space Rengen House demonstrated its adaptability once again by serving as the setting for Dorothy House Hospice Care’s recent Be The Difference retail campaign. It hosted a photoshoot that brought together acclaimed photographer Chris Daw, stylist Sarah Baker, Dorothy House ambassador Lizzie Heffer, and hair and make-up artist Leanna Biggs. The campaign’s bold editorial images, featuring Dorothy House volunteers and shop managers, highlighted clothing sourced entirely from the charity’s retail stores, promoting sustainable shopping and the crucial role these shops play in funding hospice care.

“One of the most rewarding parts of this project was seeing perceptions change. Every outfit was sourced from Dorothy House shops, yet the finished images feel modern, confident and fashion-led,” says stylist Sarah Baker.

For more: www.rengenhouse.com | www.dorothyhouse.org.uk

NETWORK

What was the inspiration for founding the company?

Jack founded Flower Property in 2024, and I joined at the end of 2025. It gave me the chance to build my own business, set our own culture and deliver an exceptional level of service for our clients, rather than operating within someone else’s structure.

CAREER PATH

LUKE FLOWER

Director and head of lettings at FLOWER PROPERTY on local roots, business growth and working with his brother

L

uke Flower is director and head of lettings at Flower Property, an independent estate agency offering sales, lettings, property management, and commercial property services across Bath.

With over ten years of experience, Luke now works alongside his brother Jack Flower and oversees residential lettings and property management while developing the company’s commercial property offering.

He draws on a background in both large corporates and entrepreneurial businesses, having grown up nearby in Devizes and with deep family roots in the city.

Tell us a little about the background to Flower Property Flower Property was founded by my brother Jack in 2024. I joined at the end of 2025 to grow the residential lettings and commercial side of the business.

We are still firmly in our growth stage, building everything with

integrity at the core and refusing to cut corners to win business.

How did you fall into your line of work?

My career began in commercial property in London, working at large corporate firms before moving to a smaller, more entrepreneurial practice in Surrey. When Jack founded Flower Property, it was the perfect opportunity to bring that experience home to Bath.

Where did you study?

I studied a business degree at Reading University, followed a few years later by a Masters in Real Estate, also at Reading.

Any relevant jobs you were doing before this?

Commercial property roles at large corporate firms in London, followed by a period at a smaller, more entrepreneurial practice in Surrey. Together they gave me both institutional-level experience and a grounding in how smaller, client-focused businesses operate.

What were the early days like? Any particular difficulties?

Personally, the early days were tricky. I moved my family – my wife and our two young children – down from London, giving up a comfortable, regular paycheck for the uncertainty of starting a business. I am still finding my feet as a business owner, balancing the day-to-day running of things with winning new business and delivering to a high standard.

How were these overcome?

By staying focused on why we started Flower Property in the first place, and by getting out into the Bath community as much as possible to build relationships and let people know who we are.

What are the highs and the lows you’ve experienced in continuing the business?

The highs come from winning trust, delivering for clients and watching the business grow on our own terms. The lows are the usual challenges of running a young business, the uncertainty and the constant balancing act between operations and growth.

Time over, anything you might approach differently?

I would tell myself to make decisions, life choices and career choices that are truly what I want, rather than trying to satisfy anyone else. That is what leads to real happiness and to excelling at whatever you choose to do.

It took me a little longer than I would like to learn that.

What changes have you seen over the years?

The Renters’ Rights Act is the biggest shake-up the private rented sector has seen in decades.

We are at a pivotal moment for the industry, and getting this right for landlords, helping them understand and adapt to the new rules, is essential.

“THE HIGHS COME FROM WINNING TRUST”

Are there negative perceptions about the work you do?

Yes, estate agency often carries a reputation for being overly sales-focused and not caring enough about clients. We are actively working to overcome that perception through the level of service we provide.

What have you found to be the best tools for growth in your business?

Getting out into the community as much as possible. Meeting and speaking to anyone and everyone, staying engaged, and making sure people know who you are. There is no substitute for getting your face out there.

How does being Bath-based help your business?

Bath is a close-knit, engaged community, which suits how we work. Being visible and known locally matters far more here than in a larger city, and that plays to our strengths as a small, relationship-driven agency.

Any local collaborations and recent developments to share?

We are proud corporate partners of the Holburne Museum, an iconic cultural landmark in the city, and we hope to continue that relationship long into the future.

And we have just taken on our first shop premises on Widcombe Parade. Refurbishment is starting shortly and we hope to be open by the end of August.

And finally, is there someone in business that you admire?

My brother Jack. His relentless enthusiasm for trying new things and the fact he never takes himself too seriously, is something I genuinely admire and try to bring into how we run Flower Property.

For more: www.flowerproperty.co.uk www.mediaclash.co.uk I BATH LIFE I 89

OFFICE SPACE AVAILABLE IN BATH If your current workspace is feeling tired then this might be the upgrade you and your business have always needed PRIME BATH LOCATION

Located close to the Royal Crescent and just a 15-minute walk from Bath Spa station, Circus Mews House offers the perfect balance of convenience and tranquillity — close enough to everything you need while remaining tucked away from busy city streets.

BOUTIQUE WORKSPACE DESIGN

PREMIUM FACILITIES INCLUDED

Circus Mews House offers a beautifully designed office environment across three floors, combining modern construction with a boutique feel. The space is designed to feel welcoming, professional and inspiring — whether you’re focusing, collaborating or welcoming clients.

From five accessible parking spaces (including three EV chargers) and secure bike storage to a private gym with Peloton equipment, this workspace has been designed around the needs of modern businesses and their teams.

FLEXIBLE WORKING SPACES

READY TO MOVE IN

Bright open-plan offices, air conditioning with heating and cooling, nine meeting rooms and private call spaces provide the flexibility needed for focused work, team collaboration and quiet moments away from the main workspace.

Choose furnished or unfurnished options, with access to quality desks, electric standing desks, lockers and Herman Miller chairs. High-speed WiFi, network infrastructure and security systems are also available to help your team settle in quickly.

Available on a new lease with flexible terms open to negotiation, Circus Mews House offers a rare opportunity to create a workspace your team will genuinely enjoy coming to.

FOR ALL ENQUIRIES, PLEASE CONTACT: KATHLEEN.VAUGHAN@NETWORK-N.COM

2026 Awards

2026 Finalists Advisor

ES Goverance Greaves Brewster Impact Elite Marina Traversari Storm Consultancy Vicky Brophy

Catalyst BLOCK HUM4NS Impact Elite Squareworks

eCommerce

Sponsored by Floresco Amanda Marcucci Kostüme Unfold

Employer

Adopstar Digital Wonderlab Element Recruitment Hoop Recruitment Rise Technical Recruitment

Entrepreneur of the Year

Sponsored by Burges Salmon Aidan Watts & Ben Ayres, Majic Protein Andrew Taylor, Eat PR Ben Giles, Balloon Letting Co. Bianca Jones, EDP Training Ed Bartlett, Kostume Georgia Stewart, Tumelo Giovanna Laudisio, Naturbeads Maxime Kryvian & Aonghus

O’Donovan, MyCelsius Nathan Baranowski, Digital Wonderlab Olly Culverhouse, Signable Puja Chadra, Sunshine Hospitality

Female Entrepreneur

Bianca Jones, EDP Training Chantal Pilon, Chanii B Shoes Georgia Stewart, Tumelo Giovanna Laudisio, Naturbeads Hannah Egerton, Edgie Eats Jayla Wilcox, Simple Recruitment Kath Embling, Bright Sprout Kim Ingleby, Energised Performance Laura Gemmell, Taught by Humans Lucy Collins, Web Usability Puja Chadra, Sunshine Hospitality Steph Jenkins, Element Recruitment

FinTech

Digital Wonderlab Know Your Dosh Tumelo

Health & Wellbeing

Apoyo Courses CaliUnity Energised Performance Ferryx Flourish with Nutrition LevelTech

HEADLINE PARTNER

Majic Protein MyCelsius

Media

Sponsored by Mytton Williams Adopstar Attinger Jack Bright Sprout Eat PR SEIKK Spud Gun Studios

Pre-Revenue Chilled Squirrels CollectivAlly Hero Cards Naturbeads

Naturbeads The Full EV Unitary Engineering Services West Country Water Park

Small Business Balloon Letting Co. CaliUnity Eat PR Edgie Eats H2R Selection Lunax Digital Mode Consult Simple Recruitment Spud Gun Studios The Padel Directory Web Usability

Property

Technology

Scale-Up

Young Entrepreneur

Aspire To Move Balloon Letting Co. Kinrise Real Estate (Canons Wharf) Little Green Rooms Mode Consult Unitary Engineering Services

Sponsored by Link Stone Advisory LevelTech Little Green Rooms Signable Sunshine Hospitality West Country Water Park

BENEDEX Digital Wonderlab LevelTech MyCelsius Rocketmakers Signable Unfold Web Usability

Azul Amos, Art Sync Hannah Egerton, EdgieEats James Binici, Veysel Kiera Williams & Ollie Chick, CaliUnity

Science BENEDEX Ferryx Naturbeads

1 OCTOBER AEROSPACE, BRISTOL Tables and tickets, includes Keynote

Sustainability

Category Partners Burges Salmon Floresco Link Stone Advisory Mytton Williams PwC

SPONSORED CONTENT

MEET THE WOMEN IN BUSINESS

Local female executives and entrepreneurs on proud moments, mindsets and success

CAROLINE BAXTER

BUSINESS MANAGER, ASPIRE TO MOVE www.aspiretomove.co.uk

ALICE BUTTLING

MANAGING DIRECTOR, ATTINGER JACK; www.aja.co.uk

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

Earlier in my career I was driven by money and key performance indicators (KPI’s). Now running two very successful businesses, I believe it’s all about the people.

We have the best team in the industry, seeing them succeed gives me far more pride and a feeling of success than ever before.

As a leader, what do you think are the most important traits for success?

Dedication to development and commitment to delivering true excellence.

AJ has achieved sustained, year on year growth to become one of the UK’s top five Direct Response agencies. This level of success is only possible when you work with a team of collaborative and inspiring people.

Is there a mantra you return to when you need clarity or courage?

It stems from my dad who was an entrepreneur – there is no such word as can’t, it is will or won’t.

How do you create an inclusive and empowering environment for yourself and your team?

During some of the most pivotal stages of my career I was raising three young children as a single mother. Balancing leadership, ownership, and parenthood has instilled a commitment to creating a supportive culture that values people and ideas over profit. The opinions of the team are truly valued and actioned on to ensure everyone has a voice.

What has been your proudest professional achievement and why?

I was the first part time manager in a large corporate organisation dominated by men. To be female and achieve the top performing office in the company whilst being part time was one of my proudest moments.

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

Having the confidence to believe in my abilities and take the jump to run my own business. I am extremely fortunate to have the best business partner and together we are a perfect blend which has resulted in the business breaking records and being crowned best in the UK twice.

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

How have you built confidence and resilience in your career?

I’ve built a culture grounded in purpose: we make a difference.

That ethos extends to our team, clients, and suppliers. It’s an approach shaped as much by my personal life as my professional one. I have learnt that with every challenge is an opportunity.

SPONSORED CONTENT KRISTINA TAUJANSKAITE

EXECUTIVE HEAD HOUSE KEEPER, MACDONALD BATH SPA www.macdonaldhotels.co.uk/bath

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

One of the defining moments in my professional journey was when my regional general manager, Raj Chakraborty, placed his trust in me and gave me opportunities that changed the course of my career. He saw potential in me that I hadn’t fully recognised in myself. His confidence, guidance, and willingness to invest in my development gave me the belief to step outside my comfort zone and take on greater responsibilities.

More importantly, he didn’t just help me grow professionally – he transformed the way I think and approach challenges.

How have you built confidence and resilience in your career?

I have built confidence and resilience by believing in myself, even when things were difficult. As a woman, I have learned that challenges are not barriers – they are opportunities to grow. Every obstacle I faced made me stronger, more determined, and more confident in my abilities. I have never been afraid to work hard, take on new responsibilities, or step outside my comfort zone. I learned to trust my instincts, speak up, and stand by my decisions while always being open to learning. The support and trust of great leaders and mentors also played an important role in my journey. Their belief in me gave me the confidence to believe in myself. Today, I know that resilience is about never giving up, continuing to learn, and inspiring others by leading with courage, kindness, and confidence.

AMANDA JOHNSON,

FOUNDER, BLOSSOM & BEAU www.blossomandbeau.com What inspired you to launch a natural deodorant brand just for girls?

It was a school run, not a business plan. My daughter, Chloe, then seven, came out of PE smelling of body odour, and when we went looking for a deodorant made for girls her age, there was nothing gentle, affordable, or made for young skin. That lightbulb moment became blossom & beau.

What has been your proudest professional achievement?

Launching Dazzling Diva, a UK-made, vegan, aluminium-free deodorant made just for girls, still tops the list. Winning a Vegan Choice Award, the Small Business Sunday Award, and being shortlisted for the Junior Design Awards 2026, proved I’d built something genuinely amazing. Then came the Wheel of Dreams, pitching 60 seconds on a Ferris wheel in Bristol and winning backing from experienced entrepreneurs like Simon Squibb. The fact that people believe in what I am building means everything, and all in the first six months of launching.

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

Start with the problem you understand best, not the one that looks impressive.

I built blossom & beau around my own daughter’s needs, as a mum of five and a full-time NHS paramedic, with no spare time to waste. If it matters enough to you, you’ll find the hours.

ANNA GOODSHIP

FRACTIONAL FINANCE DIRECTOR, CONCINNITY CONSULTANCY; www.concinnityconsultancy.co.uk, anna@concinnityconsultancy.co.uk What inspired your career in finance?

I’ve always enjoyed finding solutions to problems, and having a dad who was an accountant sparked my interest in finance. I’m a people person, so the best part of my job is working alongside clients to help transform their business.

Why did you choose the name Concinnity?

Concinnity means the harmonious arrangement of parts into a whole, and it’s how I work. I bring together every part of a business, so finance is recognised as central, not separate.

When everyone understands the numbers, communication and decision making improve.

What’s one thing you’d change about business owners’ view of finance?

I’d love business owners to see finance as more than compliance. It’s a tool for understanding performance, making decisions and planning ahead. The numbers tell a story, and understanding that can change a business’s direction.

What kind of legacy would you like to leave?

Every business should be stronger than when I joined it. Whether that’s preparing for sale, developing a finance team or supporting leaders with insight, my goal is to add value, so every client is glad they’ve worked with me.

KATHERINE HENHAM

INTERIOR DESIGNER & FOUNDER, HENHAM INTERIORS; www.henham-interiors.com What advice would you give to women who are starting their own business?

Experience is everything. Take every opportunity to learn and explore the different areas of your industry.

Starting from the ground up also gives you a strong foundation and more confidence in your own business when wearing many different hats. Also, a good accountant makes all the difference!

What unique challenges do you think women face in business, and how do you deal with them?

It can feel challenging making your voice heard when you may be one of the few women. Interior design is a female-led industry, but many of the contractors and specialists we work alongside are male-dominated fields. There’s often an assumption that interior design is the ‘fluffy’ part, when in reality it is underpinned by technical knowledge and a deep understanding of how a home needs to function. I deal with this by being clear, collaborative, and confident in my expertise. I know the value I bring to a project, and I’ve learnt to trust my own voice.

What does success mean to you now, compared to at the start of your career?

I used to think accolades were one of the clearest measures of success, but since starting my own business, I’ve found the greatest satisfaction comes from repeat clients and referrals from other professionals. It shows I must be doing something right.

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SPONSORED CONTENT

ELLIE THOMAS

PROPERTY AGENT, KELLER WILLIAMS; www.kwuk.com

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

Starting my own estate agency business reaffirmed to me that relationships matter far more than transactions. Building a reputation from the ground up has been the most rewarding part of my career.

Have you ever had to deal with imposter syndrome?

Yes, and I think most people do. It’s easy to look around and assume everyone else has it all figured out. I’ve learnt that the only real way to quieten that voice is to keep challenging yourself.

How do you stay strategically inspired?

I make time to learn from people who are achieving exceptional results. One of my favourite resources is a Keller Williams podcast where top agents from around the world share their experiences and strategies.

What kind of legacy would you like to leave through your work?

I’d like to be remembered as someone who dared to be different. Someone who wasn’t afraid to challenge the traditional way of doing things, put people before process and proved that integrity, creativity and genuine relationships are good for business.

EMMA D’AUBYN

FOUNDER AND MANAGING DIRECTOR, MUTU ACCOUNTANCY; www.mutu.uk What inspired you to pursue a career in accountancy?

I love helping people, which is what being an accountant is all about.

One day I might be helping a technology start-up secure funding, and the next supporting a charity to stay on top of its budget. We work with so many interesting people and build great relationships along the way. It’s also a flexible career, offering variety in both working hours and location.

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

Don’t wait for the perfect time because it rarely comes. Start, even if it’s as a side hustle, and keep on top of your finances from day one with a good accountant or bookkeeping system. Find a mentor or supportive community too. Speaking to other accountancy practice owners reminds me that business ownership doesn’t have to feel lonely. Most importantly, don’t let people who’ve never been in your position tell you how to do it.

Have you ever had to deal with imposter syndrome?

Absolutely. Early on, I assumed everyone else knew exactly what they were doing. They didn’t. Every business owner is constantly learning, whether it’s new technology, changing regulations or market conditions. Now I embrace change because it creates opportunities, and being outside my comfort zone has become my comfort zone.

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

LYNSEY KEYES

DIRECTOR, CO FOUNDER AND HEAD OF SPORTS AND CLINICAL MASSAGE, MANIPURA HOUSE; www.manipurahouse.com What’s been a defining moment in your professional journey?

Opening Manipura House in 2025.

It marked a powerful milestone after pivoting from a PR executive in 2016 to a bodywork therapist. I’ve spent a decade perfecting my craft to understand exactly where massage therapy fits into healthcare, and I’m ready to lead that standard.

Have you ever dealt with imposter syndrome?

Absolutely. If you’re a leader without a hint of imposter syndrome, you risk closing your eyes to growth. Staying humble keeps us on our toes and ensures we constantly strive to improve.

How do you use your position to create opportunities for others?

I use Manipura House to bridge the gap between clinical excellence and holistic care. We’ve built a collaborative sanctuary for wellness practitioners to work together, making us better, stronger, and more confident providers of healthcare.

MAISIE READ

FOUNDER & EXECUTIVE ASSISTANT, PEPPERMINT PA; www.peppermint-pa.co.uk What services does your business provide?

Peppermint provides executive and personal support to busy professionals and individuals, managing everything from diaries, inboxes and travel to life admin, events and household organisation. We also offer creative support, including social media, branding and website design – giving clients back valuable time and headspace to focus on what matters most.

What inspired you to start your business, and how has your vision evolved since then?

After a lifestyle change led me into self-employment, I realised how transformational the right support could be. Through various associate roles, I saw first-hand the relief clients felt when routines became easier and the mental load was lifted.

I launched Peppermint to make high-quality personal and executive support feel accessible – not just for the ultra-busy or wealthy, but for anyone who feels they’re constantly juggling too much and wants to reclaim their time and headspace.

How do you differentiate yourself from others in your industry?

Peppermint offers a highly personalised, close-contact approach, becoming a trusted source of support rather than simply another outsourced service. Every client receives a bespoke level of support, whether they need ongoing executive assistance or simply help getting life back on track. I’ve helped clients restore order to home life, streamline business processes, tackle paperwork and create the calm and headspace they didn’t realise they were missing.

SPONSORED CONTENT

DEBBIE BOULTON

MANAGING DIRECTOR, RICHARDSON SWIFT www.richardsonswift.co.uk; hello@richardsonswift.co.uk

What advice would you give to women building a successful business?

My advice is the same for men or women. The difference is that women are more likely to doubt themselves and feel guilty about juggling work / family. The positive is they’re more likely to ask for help, which is often what prevents small challenges becoming bigger.

What legacy would you like to leave through your work?

Years ago, someone told me my greatest strength was emotional intelligence, which I wasn’t sure was a compliment! Now I think it’s an important quality in a leader. I’d like to be remembered for supporting people, staying calm under pressure and showing that empathy and balanced advice are as valuable as technical expertise.

How do you create a positive culture at work?

I like to be transparent with the team about what we’re trying to achieve. I regularly hold 1:1’s with them, as it’s important to understand what impacts their role, and how I can make their working life better. While we embrace technology, our business will always be built on relationships. That’s why our trainees work with clients from an early stage, developing the communication skills that technology can’t replace.

HOLLIE MARKHAM

SENIOR RECRUITMENT CONSULTANT, WHITE HORSE EMPLOYMENT; www.wh-employment.co.uk What does success mean to you now, compared to earlier in your career?

Earlier in my career, success was often measured by progression, promotions, and financial reward.

Today, I see it more broadly. Success is about the impact I have on others, the connections I’ve made and the life I’ve created outside of work.

It’s about having a career I’m proud of, a home I’m proud of, and a strong sense of fulfilment in both my personal and professional life.

How have you built confidence and resilience in your career?

Confidence and resilience have come from embracing change and seeing challenges as opportunities to learn. Working across different industries has taught me to stay curious, adaptable, and openminded. Every setback or change has strengthened my belief that growth comes from experience and trying something new.

What unique challenges do you think women face in business, and how do you deal with them?

Women in business continue to challenge outdated perceptions and prove that expertise, leadership, and commercial insight are not defined by gender. The challenge is not capability , women are equally skilled, knowledgeable, and often bring valuable subject matter expertise to the table. I approach this by owning my experience, trusting my knowledge, and ensuring my voice is heard and I continue to support a future where women’s expertise is valued without question.

ALI BADO-MCDOWALL

CREATIVE COACH & IDEAS MENTOR, THE POSITIVE PLANNER; www.alimcdowallcoaching.com What advice would you give to women who are starting their own business?

Get out there and find your people. There’s nothing like meeting others in the same boat as you, so talk to everyone who’ll listen.

Your energy is infectious, and when you’re genuinely excited about what you’re building, you’ll get other people excited too. Work on it whenever you can, even in really small bursts. Whether that’s early morning or late at night, every bit you chip away brings you closer to your goals, as they say Rome wasn’t built in a day.

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

Women love to share, whether that’s contacts or knowledge. Make good, genuine connections and you’ll be tapping into a hive mind.

That’s exactly why I started the Independent Coffee Club. It’s a place for collaboration, but it’s a place for support too. So much of this is learning to ride the highs and lows, and surrounding yourself with the right people makes you feel so much less lonely.

Is there a mantra you return to when you need clarity or courage?

Early on with The Positive Planner, I realised it wasn’t just about riding the wave. It was about swimming in deep open water. ‘Just keep swimming’ is my daily mantra for the days that feel relentless.

ZARA MORGAN

HAIRDRESSER & OWNER, ZARA MORGAN HAIRDRESSING www.zaramorganhairdressing.co.uk What’s been a defining moment in your professional journey so far?

As a female business owner who built a company under my married name, I once believed that changing my name might mean starting over. I soon discovered something far more powerful: success is never in the name it’s in the person behind it. Without ever intending it, Zara Perry became a brand. But when my marriage ended, I was faced with a decision that many women in business can relate to. I was told that my name defined my success, that I needed to keep it if I wanted my business to survive. Those words could have held me back. Instead, they became my motivation.

I realised that I wasn’t successful because of the name Zara Perry.

I was successful because of the skill, passion, vision, and authenticity that I brought to everything I created. People didn’t come because of a surname. They came because they believed in my dream, valued the environment I had built, and wanted to be part of a community that reflected those values. So, I embraced change. The brand was never the surname. The brand was always me.

Is there a mindset you return to when you need clarity or courage?

Sometimes the biggest breakthroughs begin with the courage to let go.

As D:Ream famously sang,Things Can Only Get Better. For me, those words became more than a lyric albeit a great song, they became a mindset. Every challenge became an opportunity, every doubt became fuel, and every person who said I couldn’t only strengthen my determination to prove that I could.

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

above: The Georgian properties have been

meticulously restored; below: There are 49 bedrooms; inset: The city centre location affords the Parade Hotel fantastic views

New hotel

CHECK THIS OUT September sees the opening of the Grade I listed Parade Hotel Bath This September, Bath will welcome the opening of Parade Hotel Bath, a boutique property set within three historic Georgian townhouses overlooking Parade Gardens, Bath Abbey, and the River Avon. Located on North Parade, the Grade I listed buildings date back to 1740 and have undergone a meticulous restoration to preserve their original elegance and architectural features. The interiors, which take their inspiration from the city itself, blend natural materials and calming tones, with original wood panelling and restored sash windows.

The 49-room hotel will spread across six floors, and accommodation ranges from snug attic rooms to spacious suites, many interconnecting for families and longer stays. There are also three spa garden rooms with direct access to the newly created courtyard spa, which draw from Bath’s centuries-old wellness tradition, and offer a thermal journey including a sauna, plunge pool, hot tub, and treatment room, with in-room spa boxes available for guests seeking restorative rituals.

On the ground floor, the 1748 Bar & Lounge will serve guests, tourists, and locals alike, offering artisanal West Country produce, local beverages, and a relaxed atmosphere from morning until evening. A restaurant is planned as part of a second phase, due to open later this year.

Joe Bester, CEO of Providence Hotels, says, “We’re incredibly proud to be opening Parade Hotel Bath in one of Bath’s most special locations. We believe that where you stay should be as memorable as the destination itself... it’s been an exciting project for the whole team.”

For more: www.paradehotelbath.com

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Interior design

PARTY ISLAND

Pikes Ibiza, the party playground of the likes of Grace Jones, Freddie Mercury and the setting for Wham’s hit video Club Tropicana, has unveiled a striking poolside transformation to debut its new collaborative collection with Bath-based interiors brand Divine Savages. The legendary hotel’s pool now boasts bespoke parasols and cushions upholstered in Sunset Dreams, a signature fabric from the Divine Savages x Pikes Ibiza line.

The partnership began in 2024, when the hotel’s renovation featured an array of Divine Savages wallpapers, lampshades, and cushions throughout its rooms.

Inspired by the synergy, the two brands joined forces to create a dedicated collection translating Pikes’ unique energy into wallpapers, fabrics, cushions, lampshades, and even kimonos and pyjamas.

Jamie Watkins, who co-founded Divine Savages with husband Tom Kennedy, says, “When we first worked with Pikes on the hotel interiors, there was such an immediate creative chemistry that a dedicated collection felt like the natural next step. Both Divine Savages and Pikes share a love of bold design, storytelling and creating spaces with real personality, so bringing the collaboration out to the iconic pool feels like the perfect evolution.

“Seeing Sunset Dreams transform such a legendary space allows guests to immerse themselves in the collection exactly as we imagined – surrounded by colour, character and a sense of playful escapism that’s completely authentic to both brands.”

For more: www.divinesavages.com

PHOTOS BY INSTAGR AM @HAT TIEPHOTOGR APHY

PROPERTY NEWS

above: The Sunset Dreams design seen poolside; below: Co-founders

Jamie Watkins and Tom Kennedy; inset: Divine Savages partnership with Pikes Ibiza began in 2024

AGM is the new Bath Property Awards headline sponsor

Bath Property Awards

MAKING HEADLINES

AGM Planning Consultants has been announced as the new long-term Headline Sponsor for the Bath Property Awards. The partnership will see AGM supporting another year of celebrating the businesses, projects, and individuals shaping Bath’s built environment, while fostering connections across the region’s property sector.

John White, CEO of AGM, says, “We’re proud of our long-standing relationship with these awards and delighted to support an event that unites property professionals in Bath.”

Greg Ingham, chief executive of MediaClash who organise the awards, adds, “AGM have been supporters of the Bath Property Awards since the start: as entrants, winners and partners. So we’re particularly pleased to welcome them now as our long-term prestigious Headline Sponsor.”

For more: www.bathpropertyawards.co.uk | www.agm-ltd.co.uk

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

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PROPERTY

PANORAMIC VISION The five-bed home that’s a beautiful blend of contemporary living, landscaped gardens, unique leisure space, and spectacular city views

By Elsie Chadwick

N

ewly built in a neo-Georgian, contemporaryclassical style, East House on Englishcombe Lane, is all honeyed stone, crisp anthracite-framed glazing and framed against the hillside making it a home of beautiful Bath note. And we’re not the only ones taking note – Sam Daniels of Knight Frank Bath who are marketing the property, says, ‘East House is a rare home that makes an immediate impression, beautifully blending spectacular views with exceptional entertaining spaces and genuinely practical family living. Its elevated position offers some of the finest vistas across Bath, filling the interiors with natural light. The gardens are beautifully landscaped, with the pavilion serving as a natural destination for gatherings, and seamlessly, socially connecting the house, terraces, and outdoor spaces.

Whether enjoying quiet mornings overlooking the city or hosting larger events, East House provides a wonderful sense of space, light, and effortless comfort that is increasingly hard to find.”

So far, so professionally reassured, but what’s it like ‘in-person’ so to speak? Pretty darn impressive at first meeting. Electric gates swing open onto a sweeping private drive, presenting us with a symmetrical two-storey main block beneath hipped, clay-tiled roofs, with a central section rising to a shallow-pitched roof and a broad roof lantern that floods the hall below with light.

A projecting central bay and a grand stone staircase lead the eye – and the visitor – up to the front door, giving the whole composition a formal, almost mansion-like presence. Paired columns frame the entrance porch, topped by a glass-balustraded balcony: a nod to the classical portico, reworked in a cleaner, more modern language. A pair of stone lions stand guard at the door, just in case anyone was in doubt about the house’s country-manor credentials.

Step inside and the formality gives way to light. A striking doubleheight entrance hall and galleried landing set the tone, drawing the eye up and out through glazing designed to make the most of both daylight and that famous view. Off the hall, a beautifully appointed reception room enjoys a feature fireplace and uninterrupted views across the city, while additional reception space offers the flexibility every modern family needs for home working, media, or simply somewhere to sprawl.

The principal living spaces flow effortlessly together and are centred around a superb kitchen and dining area that forms the heart of the home. Opening directly onto the terraces and gardens, it’s a space built equally for a school-night supper and a summer’s evening with the doors thrown wide and the party spilling outside.

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

PROPERTY

Upstairs, the first floor comprises five generously proportioned double bedrooms, each with its own en suite bath or shower room.

The principal suite is particularly impressive, with a dressing room, a luxurious en suite bathroom and a private balcony looking out over the gardens and the city beyond. A further bedroom also enjoys its own balcony access, and extensive glazing runs the length of the floor, so that the view is never far from reach, whichever room you’re standing in.

Back at ground level, the property is approached via those electric gates and a substantial driveway with ample parking, leading through to a quadruple garage. The gardens stretch over just over half an acre.

There are terraces for evening sun, a lawn just right for kicking a ball, and a corner where mature trees catch the golden hour. Wherever you sit, the city’s skyline is in sight.

Complementing the main house is a superb, detached entertainment pavilion – flat-roofed, glass-fronted, and every bit the modern orangery. Inside, a bar, preparation kitchen, wine store and shower room make it exceptionally well suited to family gatherings and long summer parties, while bi-fold doors open the whole space onto the terrace, blurring the line between in and out. Equally at home as guest accommodation, a wellness retreat, a home office or a creative studio, it’s the kind of space that adapts to whoever’s living there.

Englishcombe Lane is one of Bath’s most sought-after addresses, just a mile and a half south of the city centre, and within easy reach of some of the country’s best schools, including Prior Park College, King Edward’s School, Monkton Combe School and Beechen Cliff School. The independent shops, cafés and restaurants of Bear Flat are a short stroll away, close enough for everyday life, HOUSE NUMBERS Guide price £3.5million far enough to keep that sense of quiet, elevated calm.

Total area 5,742 sq ft Inside and out, East House runs on a Bedrooms 5 similar logic throughout: warm stone, Bathrooms 5 crisp glass, and a view that’s never more Receptions 4 than a few steps – or a few windows – 1 away. History gave Bath its honeyed stone Entertainment pavilion and its sense of proportion; East House For more: Knight Frank Bath, simply borrows both and builds something 4 Wood Street, Bath; www.knightfrank.co.uk entirely of its own time on top.

www.mediaclash.co.uk I BATH LIFE I 103

NORTON MASONRY LTD Stonework Specialists & General Builders

8 PICKFORD FIELDS, CHILCOMPTON, RADSTOCK BA3 4XU

Tel: 01761 232906 Mobile: 07901 712232

Email: nortonmasonryltd@hotmail.co.uk

www.nortonmasonryltd.co.uk Over 30 Years Experience

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

Nigel Dando

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

Luxury & local

The most sophisticated audience is just a call away

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

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

TILE & FLOOR For over 50 years, Tile & Floor

has been synonymous with the supply of a range of top-tier design-led materials and professional installation services. Our commitment to quality has forged enduring relationships with discerning homeowners overseeing their personal projects, as well as with design and construction professionals serving the property industry. Exciting news!

We are now also conveniently located at Chippenham M4.

Tel: 01225 310561; www.tileandfloor.co.uk

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

BONITI Situated on the outskirts of Bath, Boniti

NO17 INTERIORS offers a range of bespoke presents an extensive array of top-notch interior and exterior interior design services. Based in Bath and with vast products. Offerings include natural stone and timber flooring, experience in designing and installing developer show Everhot Range Cookers, as well as porcelain and decorative homes, hotels and residential properties for private tiles. Providing exceptional installation and restoration clients, Lisa has the knowledge and skills to work to services, Boniti pride themselves on delivering a friendly and any brief or budget, whether looking to redesign, personalised experience, with customer satisfaction at the update existing furnishings or simply commission heart of it all. Dunsdown Barn, West Littleton,Wiltshire new curtains. email: lisa@no17interiors.co.uk; SN14 8JA; Tel: 01225 892 200; www.boniti.com Tel:07977 271503; www.no17interiors.co.uk

BATH KITCHEN COMPANY

CLAIR STRONG INTERIOR DESIGN

www.bathkitchencompany.co.uk

www.clairstrong.co.uk

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

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

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

BRUNSWICK BESPOKE specialise in

the design, making and installation of fine English kitchens. With their workshop based locally in Somerset, founder Elliot, remains personally involved in each project allowing Brunswick Bespoke to respond to their clients individual requirements.

The result is a kitchen that is not only beautifully made but is entirely unique to you and your home.

Tel: 07773456893; www.brunswickbespoke.co.uk

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 www.mediaclash.co.uk I BATH LIFE I 105

PHOTO BY K AT FORSY TH

BATH LIVES

“I’m a superfan of the very ridiculous art of professional wrestling” I was most definitely a surprise, being 21 years younger

than my brother and 18 years younger than my sister! Having older parents and adult siblings of course meant I was heavily doted on and showered with attention as a child – but I’m sure that had no impact on my extroverted personality whatsoever!

DAVID SHOPLAND

The producer, writer and director on his love of theatre and wrestling, and the joys of being the youngest child The Bath Fringe Festival collaborator and co-founder of the immersive new writing festival 20:20 Vision, David Shopland, is taking his latest work to Edinburgh this August as both writer and performer. In Don’t You Forget About Me, David reimagines the John Hughes 1985 classic The Breakfast Club from the perspective of its forgotten sixth student.

A two-time WhatsOnStage and multi-Offie Award nominee, David has worked internationally as a director and producer for 15 years and currently serves as artistic director and chief executive of the touring theatre production company Fake Escape, which celebrates its tenth anniversary at the Edinburgh Fringe this year.

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

Although originally born in Barnstaple, North Devon,

my parents moved to Bath just before my third birthday so I definitely came here as quickly as I could! Being so young when I arrived, of course all my memories growing up are of this beautiful city; a place I absolutely consider to be my hometown.

I was brought up in a very loving home by two wonderful parents. My father

worked in publishing, focussing on plays and memoirs, which gave me an early insight into the culture of the theatrical. My mother has always worked in the creative industries – from art teacher to folk club organiser to upholsterer to window dresser – which is where I get my artistic passion from.

I always count myself lucky that I had a very positive school experience; from

by professional climbers due to its life-threatening sheer drops and dangers. That was a six hour ordeal I’ll never forget.

A personal ambition is to produce a show in the Ustinov Studio. It’s my favourite theatre

in the world and somewhere that was instrumental in nurturing the passion that would become my livelihood.

I am an avid pub quiz participator and a lifelong

Walcot Montessori to St Stephen’s to Prior Park College, I always felt welcomed, included and positive about my educational experiences across all my childhood learning.

superfan of the very ridiculous art of professional wrestling; even travelling across the Atlantic to attend WrestleMania in Philadelphia in 2024.

It sounds clichéd, but I have always wanted to be in theatre. There are old VHS

One of the fantastic things about Bath is that it’s a city of hidden gems. Whether it’s

home recordings from the early 1990s of me at age four or five ‘directing’ my family in various ‘productions’ I would force them to recreate in our living room – from The Jungle Book to The Addams Family, complete with forcing my mother to wear a bald cap to really complete the Uncle Fester look.

In 2017 I was writing and directing a new musical for the National Theatre of China in Beijing and was

offered the opportunity of a tour of the Great Wall of China.

However it was the ‘Jiankou’ section; a part of the wall that is technically closed to the public and should only be attempted

going to OPA in the daytime to enjoy a cold bottle of Mythos on its veranda overlooking the River Avon; lunch Upstairs at Landrace on Walcot Street; or perusing the latest imported graphic novels in the wonderfully esoteric American Dream comic shop, Bath has more secrets in its Georgian walls than probably any other city in the country.

Don’t You Forget About Me by David Shopland can be seen at the Edinburgh Fringe in the Assembly Roxy Downstairs until 31 August. For more: www.fakeescape.org