Bath Life – issue 337

Dining/Arts/Entertainment/Shopping/Property @BathLifeMag

CELEBRATING THE BEST OF THE CITY

ISSUE 337 / 14 – 28 APRIL 2017 / £3

JACOBEAN

ISSUE 337 / 14 – 28 APRIL 2017 / HOME TRUTHS

LIVING BECOME LORD OR LADY OF ASHLEY MANOR

BLISSFUL TIMES IN ST IVES

MODERN LOVE

HIGH-TECH WONDERS

AUCTIONS SPEAK LOUDER THAN WORDS

THE ART OF BIDDING SCHOOL DAYS WITH THE HEADMASTER OF KINGSWOOD

CULTURAL CUISINE

DISCOVER A WORLD OF DIFFERENCE IN BATH’S CAFÉS AND RESTAURANTS

TRULY BESPOKE KITCHENS Meeting the highest of standards

SHAKER & MAY BESPOKE HANDMADE KITCHENS L11 Commerce Park Frome BA11 2FB 01373 764345 www.shakerandmay.co.uk

EDITOR’S LETTER / ISSUE 337 / 14 – 28 APRIL 2017

70

GADGETS AND GIZMOS APLENTY Take a look inside Bath’s ultramodern abodes

The future’s bright In this issue, you’ll notice we’ve got one eye on the old and another on the new when it comes to our colourful interiors features. As you’ll have already spotted on the front cover, Bath isn’t just about Georgian properties, and if you turn to page 94, you can take a look inside a Grade-II listed Jacobean manor house complete with a Roman-style pool, more than an acre of grounds and a rather modern recording studio.

The latter leads us nicely onto the more futuristic feature waiting for you on our pages, in which you’ll find the latest in high-tech for the home. While writing it, we were surprised to find ourselves taken aback by a bin on page 70. Yes, you heard that correctly. It’s a space age-style bin which detects what food packaging you’re throwing away and then automatically orders new groceries from your chosen supermarket without you having to lift a finger. There are also stateof-the-art home cinemas, appliances that let you know when you’ve accidently left them on, and voice-controlled gadgets galore.

Leaping back in time again, see page 64 for an insight into the lives of Bath’s auctioneers who handle the most precious, rare, wacky and wonderful antiques; and head to page 26 to discover the ancient gastronomic traditions and cultural etiquette that chefs are bringing to Bath from their home countries around the world.

Enjoy…

Lisa Evans, Editor Follow us on Twitter: @BathLifeMag Follow us on Instagram:@bathlifemag

FEATURES / ISSUE 337 / 14 – 28 APRIL 2017

26

CULTURAL CUISINE

A look at the international influences helping make Bath a cosmopolitan city of different dining experiences

106 Bath Lives

We talk school days with Simon Morris, the head of Kingswood

REGULARS / ISSUE 337 / 14 – 28 APRIL 2017 M E ET T H E T EAM

THE ARTS

Editor Lisa Evans lisa.evans@mediaclash.co.uk

37 Arts intro The Bath Open Studios starts 29 April and ends 29 May

Managing editor Deri Robins deri.robins@mediaclash.co.uk Assistant editor Sarah Moolla sarah.moolla@mediaclash.co.uk Senior art editor Andrew Richmond Graphic design Megan Allison Cover design Trevor Gilham Contributors: Nic Bottomley and David Flatman Group advertising manager Pat White pat.white@mediaclash.co.uk Deputy advertising manager Justine Walker justine.walker@mediaclash.co.uk Sales executive Sophie Speakman sophie.speakman@mediaclash.co.uk Sales executive Jodie Parker-Hill jodie.parker-hill@mediaclash.co.uk Production and distribution manager Sarah Kingston sarah.kingston@mediaclash.co.uk Deputy production manager Christina West christina.west@mediaclash.co.uk Production designer Charlie Pinder charlie.pinder@mediaclash.co.uk

38 What’s on Arts, gigs, plays and shows – time to update the events diary

49 Books Nic Bottomley brings us books about poisonous wallpaper and show-off cauliflowers

FOOD 50 Restaurant It’s all Greek to us, and thank goodness for that at Jars Meze

56 Food & drink news The Scallop Shell expands, Dorothy’s Tea Party, and a Bath Spa Uni students food festival

Chief executive Jane Ingham jane.ingham@mediaclash.co.uk Chief executive Greg Ingham greg.ingham@mediaclash.co.uk Commercial director Steve Hawkins steve.hawkins@mediaclash.co.uk

64

Bath Life, MediaClash, Circus Mews House, Circus Mews, Bath BA1 2PW 01225 475800 www.mediaclash.co.uk @The MediaClash

SHOPPING

BUSINESS

59 Shopping intro

85 Business insider

The new Callista collection is a riot of colour and energy

News, views and interviews with the region’s professionals

60 Editor’s choice A handful of Bath’s indies select their favourite gift items

LIFEST YLE 80 Travel A weekend in Cornwall proves to be a beauty of a mini-break

PROPERT Y 94 Property showcase We’re a little bit in love with this joy of a Jacobean manor, complete with its own swimming pool

© All rights reserved. May not be reproduced without written permission of MediaClash.

About MediaClash We’re a Bath-based publisher, creative agency and event organiser Magazines Our portfolio of regional magazines celebrates the best of local living: Bath, Bristol, Cardiff, Exeter and Salisbury.

We also publish foodie mag Crumbs. (www.crumbsmag.com, @CrumbsMag) and wedding title Vow (@VowMag).

Agency From the design and build of websites to digital marketing and creating company magazines, we can help.

Events We create, market, promote and operate a wide variety of events both for MediaClash and our clients Contact: info@mediaclash.co.uk

DEPARTMENTS 11 14 25

Spotlight Society A man’s world

On the cover Inside a Grade-II listed Jacobean Manor just outside of Bath, see the full feature on page 94

BATH: ITS LIFE AND TIMES Top, left to right: James Bolam and Anne Reid in Fracked!; Henry Goodman in Looking at Lucian; and Samantha Womack in The Addams Family. Bottom, right: Edward Fox stars in Sand in the Sandwiches

THEATRE

CURTAIN CALLS The recently announced summer festival season sees the Theatre Royal Bath continuing to fulfil its reputation as a destination venue. It is now renowned as the place to first catch the country’s top creative talent, as well as playing host to many acclaimed and award-winning touring shows.

Five of the new plays are, according to Jonathan Church the new artistic director, “celebrating a number of iconic storytellers… alongside a group of extraordinary actors.” These include Sand in the Sandwiches starring Edward Fox,

Alfred Hitchcock’s North by Northwest and Henry Goodman in Looking at Lucian.

“The festival is framed by two of my favourite plays, Racing Demon by David Hare and Alan Bennett’s The Lady in the Van; both writers working at the height of their theatrical powers.”

Other productions in the summer programme include The Addams Family starring Samantha Womack; James Bolam and Anne Reid in Fracked!; and Roy Hudd and Nichola McAuliffe in Waiting For God.

For more: www.theatreroyal.org.uk

Dani takes her bike everywhere, even the Thermae Spa

PHOTO BY MARIANNE TAYLOR PHOTOGRAPHY

SPOTLIGHT

“You must allow me to tell you how ardently I admire and love you” – vows made Jane Austen-style in the Assembly Rooms’ Tea Room

PUSH BIKES

breaking year with visitor numbers increasing by 40,000 to 1,216,938 in 2016, compared with 1,176,527 in 2015, also received a boost when their Archway Project received a grant of £250,000 from the Clore Duffield Foundation. The major milestone in the £5m project means there are now enough funds for work to start on the new education facilities, which will be called the Clore Learning Centre.

David Beeton, chairman of the Roman Baths Foundation, says “The Foundation is delighted that its efforts to raise funding for a state-of-the-art learning centre for the Roman Baths has been supported so enthusiastically by the Clore Duffield Foundation.”

Bath has been announced as one of 10 venues across the UK that will host The Tour Series 2017 and the Matrix Fitness Women’s Grand Prix. Spectators will be able to watch women’s and men’s professional cycling teams race, starting and finishing on Great Pulteney Street, on 20 May. Olympic gold medallist Dani King, who is also three-times a world champion and the world record-holder for the 3km team pursuit, is the ambassador for both the Bath round of the Tour Series, and the Love 2 Cycle B&NES Sportive, says, “This is very special for me as Bath holds some fond memories, including winning the Bath round of the Matrix Fitness Grand Prix Series in Royal Victoria Park in 2015, and also opening Odd Down Cycle Circuit in 2013.”

Meantime, in other cycling news, local sports stars, including modern pentathlon silver medallist Heather Fell and skeleton bob gold medallist Amy Williams, and regional business talent joined forces recently to celebrate the return of Bike Bath, the one-day cycling event on 2 July.

This will be the sixth Bike Bath to have taken place, which last year raised £4,000 for their charity partners Dorothy House.

For more: www.romanbaths.co.uk | www.fashionmuseum.co.uk

For more: www.tourseries.co.uk | www.bikebath.co.uk

AWARD WINNING

WE DO! The Assembly Rooms and the Roman Baths have been recognised in the UK Wedding Awards 2017. The Assembly Rooms was named Best City Wedding Venue, while the Roman Baths and Pump Room won Best Historic Wedding Venue.

The two Bath venues, both run by B&NES, were shortlisted from thousands of nominations from all over the UK, with the eventual winners decided by a public vote.

Patrick Anketell-Jones, cabinet member for economic development, says, “We are lucky in Bath to have such inspiring spaces available for weddings and private events.

“Both the venues’ history, unique surroundings, quality food and excellent service, have all contributed to winning these awards.”

The Roman Baths, which had a record-

SPORTING EVENTS

Adventures in party-going

Katie Weston and Emily Addicott Sauvao

SCENE AC ROS S B AT H , O N E S H I N D I G AT A T I M E

WOMEN OF SUBSTANCE

Amanda Jones and Georgie Wishart

Sonia Parsons, Monica Zuluaga and Alice Marsh

An informal networking event was held at the Roman Baths and Pump Room on 8 March to celebrate International Women’s Day. After the champagne and bowl-food reception, guests enjoyed discussions from the headline panelists, who included Points West presenter Imogen Sellers and modern pentathlete Heather Fell.

Photos by Sam Short of Soul Media www.soul-media.co.uk

Michele Rees-Jones and Philippa Kindon Rebecca Cox and Hannah Grant

Cristina Externest and Immi Corry

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

Linnet Parsons and Natalie Luckham

Rebecca Saxton and Alison Hancock

Flooring designed for living

Showrooms at Silcox Son & Wicks Kingsmead Square, Bath 01225 471888 Flooring for your home - www.carpetsandooringbath.co.uk Flooring for your business - www.bathcontractooring.co.uk

Image shows Brockway Vogue stripe & plain

SOCIETY Ruth Barnes

THE RUNNING ORDER The award-winning Vitality Bath Half Marathon returned to the streets of Bath for the 36th time on 12 March, with a record number of 12,748 runners crossing the finish line, watched by an estimated 40,000 spectators. The men’s race was won by Ben Fish of Blackburn Harriers AC with a time of 1:06:35 and women’s by Avon Valley Runners’ Ruth Barnes with a time of 01:15:32.

Ben Fish

Photos by Derryn Vranch www.derrynvranch.com

Dan Noble

Elanore Regan, Laura Else and Ed Regan Sarah Jane Vivian and Abi Helps

Mike Rumble and Jo Woods

Tilley Thomas, Clemmie Kerr and Joanna Murphy

Sam Selway and Steve Russel

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

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SOCIETY

Ken Loach, Gary Owen, Caroline Owen and Jim Rollo

SOCIAL COMMENT Just weeks after winning the BAFTA for Outstanding British Film, a community screening of I, Daniel Blake took place at Bath City FC’s Twerton Park on 15 March. The sell-out event was followed by a question and answer session with the director Ken Loach who discussed the impact of his powerful film, which comments on the painful complexities of the benefit system.

Photos by Tim Woolf www.woolfandrogersphotography.com

Alastair Giles and Frank Smith

Carole Banwell William Heath

Paul Williams and Sally Harris

Lisa Jones, Andy Jones, Jean Jones and Jim Hardman 18 I BATH LIFE I www.mediaclash.co.uk

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SOCIETY

LET IT BE The Apartment Company and Milsted Langdon recently held a free seminar at the Francis Hotel to discuss letting issues for current and potential landlords and property owners. As well as key speakers, the event also offered the opportunity to meet experts from Thrings and London & Country.

Jon Butt and Peter Greatorex

Photos by Philip Shone www.philipshone.wixsite.com/ photography

John Warner and Nel Warner Joanna Leaning and Tim Leaning

Ian Lloyd, Rachael Verinder and Sami Attia

PRECIOUS PIECES Invited guests joined Carole Waller and Gary Wood at their One Two Five Gallery to celebrate the launch of their latest collection, Stone and Thread, which has been inspired by the 250th celebrations for the Royal Crescent. Along with Carole’s Wearable Art, which includes painted clothes and Gary’s ceramics, there was jewellery

by Annie Beardsley.

Sarah Smerdon, Andrew Ockwell, Sara Haghshenass and Eleanor Fullalove Tess Lawrie and Eirlys Penn

Photos by Philip Shone www.philipshone.wixsite.com/ photography

Lucy Oates and Maria Arvanitaki

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

Catherine Warne, Simon Warne and Rebecca Clay

SOCIETY

Octavia Lewis and Keying Ma

ART OF THE MATTER The Edge, the University of Bath’s cutting-edge art centre at Claverton Down, was the recent venue for Platform, a showcase for Bath’s arts scholars. Around 100 guests enjoyed drinks and canapés along with performances that included experimental music, classical, jazz, theatre and comedy.

Samuel Lamont, Marian McNeir and Rebecca Bullamore

Photos by Anna Barclay www.annaweddingphotos.com

Susi Batra, Kabir Batra and Jag Batra

SPICE UP YOUR LIFE Bini Ludlow, who specialises in authentic Indian cuisine, was recently the guest chef at the Firenza showroom in Midsomer Norton. At the event, which was designed to showcase the Firenza and NEFF range, Bini demonstrated how to prepare dishes including spicy mango chicken curry, and blueberry and coriander cake.

Pictures by Adam Carter www.adamcarterphoto.com

Heather Chell, Jasper Chell and Caroline Chell

Mike Cleaves, Rob Madgwick, Mandy Ravetta and Kay Cleaves

Bini Ludlow Alfie Besser, Chris Besser and Cameron Besser

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

Lynn Stack

A MAN’S WORLD

DAVID FLATMAN

TECHNO TECHNO Although he’s a fan of high-tech, Flats’s main aim for the home is to keep things properly simple, is that too much to ask?

I

remember the day my dad came home from Dixons with a car boot full of enormous boxes and announced that we were going to have surround sound in the sitting room. Instantly picturing WWF wrestling and rugby matches exploding all around my ears, my excitement reached fever pitch.

Three hours later, when Dad was having to call an equally technophobic neighbour in to help him with the indecipherable loom of indiscriminate wires, I hadn’t given up hope.

When the job was done and all of the large, fiercely ugly grey plastic boxes had been linked to one another with eight miles of unconcealed red cable, we switched it on. In short, it was louder than it used to be. By virtue of there now being four large speakers instead of the little one built into the telly, the sound was better. But did it surround us? Not sure, but we all celebrated our new coolness regardless.

Fast forward a couple of decades and, unsurprisingly, things have changed. In fact, before I started tapping these words into my iPad, I opened an app and used it to turn on some background music in the kitchen. I also used it to turn off the TV that the kids had sneakily switched on in their playroom before school. It then reminded me to charge the remote in our bedroom next time I popped upstairs. All from my sofa. Oh, and I can use my phone for these things, too.

At the risk of being a bit smug, I recently discovered proper surround sound in my car, which I activate by speaking to the vehicle as I drive. So, things done changed.

The thing is, though, I’m not quite enjoying the digital age as much as I thought I might. Yes I love convenience, and I love anything that

complements my natural laziness, but it’s rarely quite as convenient as all that. All being well, we are moving house soon, and the conversations surrounding home entertainment have already begun.

“Please just get us something simple,” Mrs F pleads and, for once, I intend to embrace her technological desires.

It’s fun to spec up remote control lights in every room, voiceactivated blinds, and screens in the en suite, and these things are indeed easy and fun to use. Until, that is, you don’t use the requisite apps and controllers for seven minutes and your machines log you out. At this point, you enter the username and password vortex, with outright misery the inevitable destination. Forgot password? Yeah. Enter email.

Check email. Click here. Reset password. Re-enter new password. Log back in. Update app on wi-fi.

These are the words that would, should I perish on this day, likely constitute my epitaph.

So I’m out. Not totally out – I’m not going back to turntables and charades for home entertainment, but I intend to keep it properly simple. I want fast internet, Sky boxes that mean I can watch rugby in my man cave while the girls all watch Step Up 2: The Streets in the kitchen, and a speaker that connects to a remote control. That’s it. I’ve done the Bang & Olufsen thing, I’ve done the government-spec home network thing, now I just want something that works when I press the button. Obviously, though, I’ll present my decision as a sacrifice made with nothing but my wife’s happiness in mind. Double win.

INSTANTLY PICTURING WWF WRESTLING AND RUGBY MATCHES EXPLODING ALL AROUND MY EARS, MY EXCITEMENT REACHED FEVER PITCH

David Flatman is an ex-Bath and England rugby star turned TV pundit and rento-mic. Follow him on Twitter @davidflatman

BEAUTIFUL BLENDS

Meet the people who have brought their cultures’ ancient traditions, dining etiquette and exotic ingredients from around the world into Bath…

By L I SA E VA NS

FOOD

C U LT U R E

I’ve spent all my life since then in England…

I studied textile fashion then founded my own print studio. I came to Bath 10 years ago when my husband’s job moved here. I rediscovered my passion for Vietnamese food and my friends told me I should try a supper club – it worked.

All my waiting staff are my friends…

They are fellow mums who encouraged me to do this in the first place. I’ve now started to employ their daughters, too.

Vietnamese cuisine was our family’s link to the culture we left behind…

The dishes on my menu include pork bun cha and noodles; and bánh xèo – a pancake stuffed with crispy pork slices, prawns, herbs and beansprouts.

THE REINVENTOR

After fleeing Vietnam and living as a refugee, Noya Pawlyn moved to Bath where she set up her Vietnamese cookery business Noya’s Kitchen in 2013. She runs cooking classes at her home in Milton Avenue, and weekly supper clubs at The Bear Pad café in Bear Flat. Here she tells us her incredible story We left Vietnam and lived as refugees…

We had to leave when I was seven, after the war ended. We stayed on the 14th floor of an office block in Hong Kong; my parents went to work and I looked after and cooked rice for my four younger siblings. We all slept on mats on the floor, it was a pretty horrible time. We then moved to a refugee camp with fences and gates; we couldn’t leave, and waited until we could travel elsewhere.

We planned to go to America, but my brother fell ill so we sought help in the UK… Once in the UK, we lived with other refugees for a year in an old Navy base in England. These were really happy times, with lots of space to play and we made good friends with English people who taught us the language and customs, although we couldn’t get used to the English food!

Opposite page: Comins Tea in Bath specialises in teas from remote corners of the world; above: Bath’s Noya Pawlyn first learned to cook Vietnamese food when she lived as a refugee; below: a tea-picker in China gathering leaves to send to Comins Tea in Bath

WE LIVED WITH OTHER

REFUGEES

www.noyaskitchen.co.uk

THE EXPLORERS

Husband and wife Rob and Michelle Comins have travelled to remote corners of the world for the past 10 years to source fine tea and meet with fascinating tea professionals. When they bring the products to their teahouse – Comins Tea on Monmouth Street, Bath – they make it their aim to serve them according to their ancient traditions and cultural contexts. Rob tells us more A huge amount of preparation goes into each of our tea-sourcing trips…

We always taste at origin and we aim to source directly from the individual farmer, so we plan a year in advance. Our favourite places we’ve visited include India, Sri Lanka, China and Taiwan. w

IN ENGLAND AND WE WERE

TAUGHT

THE LANGUAGE AND CUSTOMS, ALTHOUGH WE

COULDN’T GET USED TO THE FOOD!

PHOTO BY HAYDN WEST

B

ath is a melting pot of cultural cuisine, with an immense range of restaurants and cafés reflecting the flavours and customs from around the world. Here we speak to the owners and chefs within 14 of those gastronomic gems to hear their astonishing stories which include fighting for change after living as a refugee, foraging in jungles for wild ingredients, and travelling the world as a private chef to Hollywood stars

As for Vietnam’s culinary traditions...

Rather than eating breakfast, lunch and dinner, Vietnamese people eat at any time of day as most street food-style dishes are perfect for snacking on. A popular morning dish is pho – noodle soup – so it’s a bit different to cereal or a fry-up!

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

C U LT U R E

FOOD

We serve food to complement the teas…

Tea, for us, doesn’t have a strong association with cucumber sandwiches, instead we aim to bring a little part of each country we visit to our teahouses. We learned to make momos – dumplings – in Darjeeling, kulfi ice cream in Delhi, and egg hoppers in Sri Lanka. Just back from Kenya you can expect mandazi – East African doughnuts – to feature soon. www.cominstea.com

THE MEZE ENTHUSIAST

Comptoir Libanais founder Tony Kitous forged a plan to offer Lebanese food in a souk-like setting – and his most recent branch opened in SouthGate, Bath, last year. Here, Tony tells us more Comptoir Libanais literally translates to Lebanese Counter...

We serve fresh, healthy dishes which have Middle Eastern and Lebanese ingredients. My vision is to make Lebanese food as accessible as Italian.

PHOTO BY DERRYN VRANCH

For us, great tea forces you to slow down…

As western lives become consumed with business, the traditions associated with tea offer us an opportunity to experience a more connected existence. There is a common theme that surrounds tea in most countries and that is ‘taking time’. Take the Chinese Gong Fu tea ceremony for example, the teaware is washed and warmed using boiling water before being filled, the tea is then prepared by pouring a small amount of water into the pot which washes and softens the leaf, and the aroma of the leaf is then enjoyed before the first drinking infusion is started.

Above: head chef of Bath’s The Real Italian Pizza Company, Junior Soares; below: a Lebanese meze platter at SouthGate’s Comptoir Libanais

TEA, FOR US, DOESN’T HAVE A STRONG ASSOCIATION WITH CUCUMBER SANDWICHES.WE AIM TO BRING A LITTLE PART OF EACH

COUNTRY WE VISIT TO OUR TEAHOUSE

I’m from Algeria and my fascination with food began when I was 10 years old…

My childhood is filled with happy memories of watching my mum and aunts in the kitchen rustling up a huge spread. When I was 18, I came to the UK for a short holiday, but I have been here ever since. I worked hard to open a restaurant that would proudly showcase the best in Lebanese food: ideal for sharing.

Our vibrant décor and souk-style shop make our restaurant an interesting place…

As you eat, you can browse the shelves of Lebanese treats, from Turkish delight and Middle Eastern spices, to hand-crafted Moroccan bags.

On the menu, expect everything from meze to kofta grills…

Complex flavours are what makes this cuisine so exciting. Our most popular dish is the traditional shakshuka – eggs poached in a spicy stew of tomatoes, topped with feta cheese. www.comptoirlibanais.com

THE ITALIAN BATHONIAN

Francesca Addabbo brought her Puglia background to Bath and opened two restaurants – Joya on Newmarket Row, and The Real Italian Pizza Company on York Street – with her husband Timothy Coffey. Here she tells us her journey Born in Puglia, I wanted to recreate a part of my own culinary background in Bath...

I was a student when I left and I wanted to fuse my Italian heritage with my new adoptive culture. w

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

Advert Designer & Production Coordinator MediaClash are currently looking an advert designer and production coordinator who will be responsible for the advert design and production on a number of our city-based magazines. The role will involve advert setting, proofing, page layout, liaising with advertisers and working closely with our sales teams. You will be highly organised and able to work to multiple deadlines in an efficient manner.

Other duties will include checking the flatplans and liaising with the printers on a daily basis. Along with being creative and having a keen eye for detail you will be vigilant at keeping an organised database. You will be used to dealing with high volumes of work and capable of working to deadlines in a fast-paced environment.

COME AND MEET Frederick Augustus the cat..............at

OLD BANK ANTIQUES CENTRE 16-17 Walcot Buildings, London Road, Bath BA1 6AD

Tel. 01225 338813

The largest antiques retailer in Bath & voted in the top 50 antiques shops in Britain, by the Independent on Sunday

You will have worked in a similar role and must be trained in InDesign and Photoshop.

If you think you have the qualities and experience for this role, please send your CV to: sarah.kingston@mediaclash.co.uk

No, he’s not stuffed...

Maybe even find time to look at some antiques... we’ve got everything from 17th century furniture to 1970s retro and kitchenalia, spread through lots of showrooms.

We’re on the A4, London Road, near Morrisons.

About 15 minutes walk from the bottom of Walcot Street.

We’re open 10-6 Monday to Saturday. 11-5 on Sunday.

We have our own parking at the rear, accessed via Bedford Street.

www.mediaclash.co.uk

alexatmontague@aol.com / www.oldbankantiquescentre.com

C U LT U R E

FOOD

THE FAR EAST CHEF

A Chinese upbringing inspired Lydia Downey – a chef tutor at Demuths Vegetarian Cookery School on Terrace Walk, Bath – to start cooking. Here she tells us about foodie superstitions and etiquette

PHOTO BY SAM SHORT AT SOUL MEDIA

I’m half Chinese and I love Eastern food...

I teach these dishes in my classes at Demuths.

Most of the tutors there have mixed backgrounds or have travelled extensively bringing a wide variety of food influences into our recipes.

We were the first pizza restaurant in Bath to open with a wood-fired oven…

We feed the fire with wood from Lord Bath’s Longleat estate. Eating pizza in an authentic pizzeria is how friends enjoy evenings in Italy and this is what we aim to achieve here in Bath.

Above: Katherine Faraway delivers her Californian-style cakes to the city’s cafés in a pram; below: Lydia Downey teaches Far East foodie courses at Demuths Vegetarian Cookery School; opposite page, top to bottom: the owner of Yak Yeti Yak, Sera Gurung, used to be a jungle guide in Nepal; head chef Dani Vachum at Yum Yum Thai

Hailing from San Francisco, Katherine Faraway spends her days baking goodies at her home in Camden for businesses including The Foodie Bugle on Abbey Street. Here she tells us more I grew up near San Francisco which has a long tradition of sourdough bread-baking dating back to the California Gold Rush…

I started making my own sourdough in the early 90s; my current starter is four years old. One of my inspirations is my mother who’s a fantastic baker; we always had homemade cookies, cakes, brownies and bread in our house.

I bake in my home and deliver them to The Foodie Bugle tearoom in a pram…

Half the things I bake in Bath are American recipes – think snickerdoodles, and treacle ginger, peanut butter, and chocolate chip cookies.

If a Victoria Sponge is classically English, the American equivalent is a 1-2-3-4 cake…

It’s like the Victoria Sponge but it’s filled with icing instead of jam. And Devil’s Food cake, a rich chocolate layer cake, is beloved by Americans.

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

www.demuths.co.uk

THE THAI TRAVELLER

Lee Centamore runs Yum Yum Thai on Kingsmead Square, Bath, with his wife Sunan. Here he tells us why living in Thailand inspired him to bring the flavours back to the UK

www.joyarestaurant.co.uk and www.realitalianpizza.co.uk

THE CALIFORNIAN BAKER

As for authentic customs and etiquette…

Chinese people will welcome you by offering you food, and refusing this is considered rude.

Etiquette is important, too – you only take food from the part of the plate right in front of you, even if you desperately want something on the other side. Even the way you place your chopsticks is important as pointing them in the wrong direction can offend.

CHINESE PEOPLE CAN BE VERY

SUPERSTITIOUS. THE NUMBER FOUR IS EXTREMELY UNLUCKY, SO YOU SHOULD

NEVER SERVE PORTIONS IN FOURS

PHOTO BY ROB WICKS OF EAT PICTURES

Taste ‘Southern Italian’ at Joya, and woodfired pizza at The Real Italian Pizza Co… It’s the type that’s enjoyed all over Italy rather than the Naples-style pizza. Many of the staff members are my extended family.

Chinese people can be very superstitious...

In China, ‘longevity’ noodles are made especially long for ‘long life’, dim sum dumplings may be shaped like money bags to symbolise wealth, and oranges are lucky because their colour symbolises gold. The number four is extremely unlucky as it signifies death, so you should never serve portions in fours, whereas the number eight is very lucky.

FOOD

C U LT U R E

In the mountains very little grows, so the people live mostly on soups and stews…

They are dependent on their animals, living mainly on yak meat, and momos and thukpa – dumplings and noodle soup – are the staples. On the plains and in the jungle, most people eat rice with lentils and stir-fried vegetables with fresh chutney and occasionally a meat curry.

PHOTO BY SAM SHORT AT SOUL MEDIA

We had a good life in Nepal, but we had to make a change...

Not long after Sera and I were married, we started our festival business that allowed us to spend our winters in Nepal and summers in the UK. We moved to Bath when we realised it was central to many of the main festivals we were doing, which made it the ideal place to base ourselves. Our son, Arun, spent his early years travelling to Nepalese villages with us; it has certainly helped him now that he has joined the family business.

We’d had the idea for our second eatery, Phat Yaks, since 2013, but we decided to put it on hold after the Nepal earthquakes...

We used the idea of Phat Yaks pakora shack as w My wife and business partner is Thai, and I lived in Bangkok for seven years…

I worked at five-star hotels, and on returning to the UK I opened a Thai restaurant. Having made lots of contacts there we were able to hire highly trained Thai chefs to make the experience as authentic as possible.

Yum Yum Thai is, as far as I’m aware, the only Asian restaurant that specialises in free-range produce…

We have awards from the Compassion in World Farming – the international body for ethical standards – and we have been given a star rating by the Sustainable Restaurant Association. Our entire wine list is organic so you can see we have a very strong ethical identity.

Thai dining habits differ from the UK’s…

There’s an absence of starters in Thailand.

Everything’s served together, including the soups. www.yumyumbath.co.uk

THE ADVENTURERS

PHOTO BY SAM SHORT AT SOUL MEDIA

When they lived in Nepal, husband and wife Sera and Sarah Gurung were jungle and white water rafting guides. They now own Nepalese restaurant Yak Yeti Yak on Pierrepont Street, and Phat Yaks café on Kingsmead Square, Bath. Here Sarah tells us more We were trekking, jungle and white water rafting guides in Nepal…

Our expeditions involved spending days away from roads and phones; we would have to source food and water and cook for our clients, so we became adept at finding wild ingredients in the varying regions of Nepal. www.mediaclash.co.uk I BATH LIFE I 31

FOOD

PHOTO BY PHILIP FIELD

OUR EXPEDITIONS INVOLVED

a not-for-profit pop-up stall in Box to raise money for earthquake victims, and we also set up the YYY Foundation. Our foundation has now grown into a registered charity with four completed projects and a further two schools currently being built in Nepal. Our hope is for Phat Yaks to become successful enough to allow one of us to work voluntarily for the foundation.

SPENDING DAYS AWAY FROM ROADS, SO WE BECAME

ADEPT AT FINDING WILD INGREDIENTS IN NEPAL

C U LT U R E

Opening a Bath restaurant has always been a dream of mine...

I specialised in seafood at FishWorks under the guidance of acclaimed chef and author Mitch Tonks, I then set up my own business.

We’ve recently opened a newly extended upstairs restaurant…

The tin bath up there showcases seafood and shellfish – from prawns to razor clams – which customers can pick their own seafood feast from.

At a dinner party I’d cook...

Roasted shellfish, such as whole crab, lobsters and scallops, all cooked in their natural juices. www.thescallopshell.co.uk

THE BIG FREEZE

Christophe Lacroix and Brigitte Touret own Ma Cuisine in Larkhall, Bath, which specialises in French gourmet ‘ready meals’. Brigitte tells us more about growing up in France and Christophe’s Michelin-starred background

THE SPICE KING

Ever since we were children, growing up in different regions of France, we shared an obsession with food…

In La Rochelle, Christophe grew up fishing for eels and frog-catching with his older brother.

Meanwhile, in Rheims, I was investing my pocket money in cheese, cured meat or a pot of honey.

It is perhaps no surprise that we wound up marrying each other.

Our offering is influenced by Gujarat, India...

My mum spent her childhood there and grew up in Tanzania. We’ve cooked Indian food all our lives and even though I was born in Bath I still feel connected to my roots.

Christophe began his career aged 14, at a Michelin-starred restaurant in France…

He worked with famous chefs in French restaurants and chateaux, then travelled the world as a private chef to Hollywood stars. He was a private chef for Nicolas Cage and his family when they lived in Bath, and he cooked for Demi Moore on a boat during her Caribbean holiday. w

www.yakyetiyak.co.uk

Niraj Gadher owns Indian street food-style café Chai Walla on Monmouth Street, Bath. Here he explains where his inspirations come from Above: Niraj Gadher at his Indian street-food café Chai Walla; below: discover an English-meetsMediterranean style at The Scallop Shell restaurant

Authentic dishes on our menu include…

Samosa chaat – samosas immersed into a chickpea curry, drizzled with tamarind yogurt and sprinkled with onions and rice noodles.

At a dinner party, I would make…

Bombay aloo – potato curry – and anything made with turmeric, the king of all spices.

THE TRADITIONAL BRITS

PHOTO BY PAOLO FERLA

Having worked with acclaimed restaurateur Mitch Tonks, Garry Rosser opened The Scallop Shell fish and seafood restaurant and takeaway on Monmouth Place, Bath. Here he tells us how he blends his traditionally English style with inspiration from the Mediterranean Our catch of the day is from UK shores and we cook it with influences from the Med… There is an abundance of seafood in UK waters and we absolutely want to celebrate that. We prepare 800 kilos of cod fillet alone every week. www.mediaclash.co.uk I BATH LIFE I 33

C U LT U R E

FOOD

In France, the three-course meal is actually the rule for every meal…

Including lunch – every day. For special occasions, the French do add more courses. The culture attaches a big importance to food; we spend much longer per day sitting at the dinner table than we do here in England. www.macuisine.co.uk

THE INDIAN FINE DINER

Moe Rahman is the co-owner of The Mint Room on Lower Bristol Road, Bath, which he says aims to redefine Indian cuisine There are different cultures within India, so eating habits are varied throughout…

They range from hand-eaten street-food to the finest of dining. We specialise in fine dining with a contemporary touch.

Street-food is part of the DNA of India...

We cover dishes from all corners of the continent, but many of our signature dishes have a focus on the exotic flavourings of Southern India. We base our cuisine around this culture as this is our family heritage. Chicken Lababdar and Seabass Moilee are two of our signatures dishes, using classic spicing.

We will open a roof terrace this summer…

Perfect for sunny days, it’ll have a cocktail bar and we’ll serve small dishes. www.themintroom.co.uk

PHOTO BY PAOLO FERLA

We aren’t a restaurant or a café, we’re rather different…

From our kitchen, we create authentic, gourmet French meals – from beef bourguignon to crab risotto – and then fast-freeze them. We supply them frozen and ready to pop in the oven or microwave so you can enjoy all the classic flavours of the French kitchen without the effort.

Above: Experience Indian fine dining at The Mint Room; below: the husband and wife owners of Ma Cuisine whip up gourmet French ready meals to take away

HE WAS A

PRIVATE CHEF FOR NICOLAS CAGE, AND HE COOKED

DEMI MOORE

FOR

ON A BOAT DURING HER CARIBBEAN

HOLIDAY

THE ECLECTIC

With exotic pizza toppings such as crocodile and llama, and craft beers from around the world, the aim at Juno, an independent bar and kitchen in SouthGate, Bath, is to seek diversity from the norm. Owner Andy Mills tells us more Our pizzas embrace the flavours of different cultures, including such ingredients as ostrich, buffalo and crocodile…

The idea behind our food is to keep it interesting and different. For a small city we are very lucky to have some very good pizzerias, so at Juno we have tried to create a menu that is slightly different to other pizzerias. At our monthly speciality pizza parties we offer exotic meat toppings; at the next one on 6 May expect to taste zebra, llama and kangaroo.

Our influences come from everywhere, but essentially from our love of world cuisine and from trips we’ve taken…

From the French Alps and the beaches of Indonesia to the BBQ joints of America, we cook what we love and we love what we cook.

The craft beers we serve are from places as diverse as Japan and Sweden…

Our bottle range is one of the most extensive in the city, ranging from gluten-free beer from the Czech Republic to Bath-brewed Edison from Electric Bear Brewing Co. We seek diversity from the norm and champion the alternative…

This is perhaps demonstrated in our kitchen which pays homage to the original pizza vendors of Napoli. With a modern twist we work with an 18-year-old San Franciscan mother dough, and to that we add only the best imported Italian flour, and then finally we add our toppings in the original New York style – sauce on last. www.junobath.co.uk

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

Bespoke from inside to out

Philosophy for living Free course starts May 2017 The aim of philosophy is to set people free; free from pressure and free from worry; free to grow, free to be themselves. So it seems fitting that a philosophy course should be free. This ten session short course, called Philosophy for Living, looks at life and its meaning, the world and its causes and applying mindfulness to every moment. Based on the classic philosophies of East and West, it invites us to see life as a place to test the words of the wise.

Feel free to join us.

BATH When? Tuesdays at 7.15pm starting 9th May 2017 Where? 30 Milsom St, Bath, BA1 1DG BRISTOL When? Thursdays at 7.15pm starting 11th May 2017 Where? Charnwood House, 30 Cotham Park, Bristol, BS6 6BU

If you would like to know more or to register please contact: Email: bathandbristolphilosophy@gmail.com Or call: 07873 230651 Bath and Bristol School of Philosophy: branch of The Fellowship of the School of Economic Science.

Registered Educational Charity 313115 Charity number 313115

www.bathandbristolphilosophy.org

10 York Street, Bath BA1 1NH 01225 447920 leatherchairs.co.uk

Crafting beautiful homes in stunning locations Bath | Somerset | Wiltshire | Cotswolds | Dorset

01225 791155 ashford-homes.co.uk

Music/theatre/film/more

LOCAL TALENT SHOW Once a year, for one month, the doors of homes, studios and garrets in Bath are flung open and the art-loving public are invited in to see completed works and worksin-progress of painters, sculptors, printmakers, ceramicists, textile artists, jewellers, wood workers and glassmakers in their creative abodes.

Bath Open Studios is a collaborative group representing the Open Studios and Art Trails in Bath. While each trail has its own individual style, all share an informal and friendly welcome, offering the chance to meet more than 180 artists, such as Newbridge’s Sally MacDonell, whose spirited and enchanting porcelain figures, like this blue and yellow turbaned bust, are hand-modelled from slabs and coloured with copper oxides.

The Bath Open Studios runs each weekend starting in Larkhall (29 April-1 May), then Newbridge (6-7 May), followed by Widcombe (13-14 May) and finishing off in Bear Flat (27-29 May); www.bathopenstudios.co.uk

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

15 April – 13 May

The world-renowned violinist Nicola Benedetti performs with Bath Philharmonia at The Forum on 21 April; Original images of stars from the 1920s, including the actress and producer Norma Talmadge, are currently exhibited at the American Museum; Classically trained singer songwriter Emily Maguire plays Chapel Arts on 28 April

Exhibitions U N TI L 2 4 AP RI L

BOTANICALS This new exhibition explores some beautiful botanicals and the fascinating ways they have been depicted in art, including Clare Halifax’s work, which displays her love of complex pattern, but also evokes a calm, peaceful appreciation of plant life. Rostra Gallery; www.rostragallery.co.uk U N TI L 2 4 AP RI L

MAKING MARKS An exhibition of paintings of Julia Cooper alongside ceramics by Jane Wheeler. Julia’s work often creates flattened and multiple perspectives, and is inspired by the Cornish landscape. For ceramist Jane, the vessel is

a space-containing hollow form that offers the richest language for working in clay. David Simon Contemporary; www. davidsimoncontemporary.com U N TI L 3 0 A PRIL

KIT GLAISYER Recent oil paintings by this popular landscape artist offer a fresh and original vision of his hometown Bath and the surrounding countryside. Visit the gallery by appointment. Garden Flat Gallery, 48 Great Pulteney Street; www.kitglaisyer.com U N TI L 3 0 A PRIL

PALATE OF COLOUR Dynamic brushwork and vibrant hues – these are the trademarks of Bath-based artist Emma Rose’s work, which is inspired by an emotional response to the natural

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

world. Emma Rose Art Works; www.emmaroseartworks.com

and Nelson Mandela in his cell on Robben Island. Victoria Art Gallery; www.victoriagal.org.uk

UNTIL 1 MAY

PAINTED COLOUR A collection featuring three contrasting artists, Alfred Stockham, Paul Wadsworth and Iryna Yermolova, whose work indulges our sense of form, structure, materiality and movement. Bath Contemporary; www.bathcontemporary.com

UNTIL 10 M AY

TOM HICKMAN: FOLLOWING THE THREAD Using reclaimed Harris Tweed wools, self-taught artist Tom Hickman stitches complex high relief stump-work embroidery to create incredible textured paintings. Victoria Art Gallery; www.victoriagal.org.uk

UNTIL 10 MAY

HISTORY THROUGH A LENS: ICONIC PHOTOGRAPHS FROM THE INCITE PROJECT This show focuses on single iconic images and their power, profiling over 75 photographs that have changed public perception of world events, including the assassination of John F Kennedy

UNTIL 14 M AY

PASSION An exhibition of new painted clothes, shawls and scarves full of hot colour by Carole Waller, new cool ceramics by Gary Wood, and silver jewellery inspired by Bath. One Two Five Gallery; www.onetwofivegallery.co.uk

W H AT ’ S O N

ARTS

UNTI L 1 7 M AY

TRANSFORMATION A major solo exhibition of sculpture by the late Elisabeth Frink that comprises a selection of her distinctive and powerful bronzes, alongside a series of drawings that highlight her skill as a draughtswoman.

Hauser & Wirth Somerset; www.hauserwirthsomerset.com UNTI L 3 0 M AY

#IGERSBATH Celebrate some of the best photography of Bath, by the talented people of Bath, with this Instagrammers exhibition supported by The Bath Pizza Co. Green Park Brasserie; www. bathpizzaco.com/exhibition UNTI L 4 J UNE

BRUEGEL: DEFINING A DYNASTY This exciting exhibition not only shines a light on the quality of the museum’s Flemish paintings, but also on the great wealth of paintings by the Bruegel (also known as Brueghel) dynasty in the UK. The Holburne Museum; www.holburne.org UNTI L 2 J ULY

HONG LING: SELECTED Hong Ling is a contemporary Chinese artist whose work unites the distinct yet delicate essence of traditional Chinese landscape painting with technical precision, ambitious breadth of scale and subject. Museum of East Asian Art; www.meaa.org.uk UNTI L 1 2 JULY

FIND ANOTHER BATH This diverse collection of works includes music, photography, painting and print and celebrates Bath’s less well known industrial history. Art at the Heart of the RUH; www.artatruh.org

Tom Hickman’s embroidery exhibition, Following The Thread, can be seen at Victoria Art Gallery until 10 May

U N TI L 2 9 OCTO BER

JOYCE PETSCHEK: BREAKING THE PATTERN Bargello needlework is a beautiful flame-stitch pattern and Joyce Petschek has created a body of work that is colourful, inspiring and innovative. American Museum; www.americanmuseum.org U N TI L 2 9 OCTO BER

1920s JAZZ AGE: FASHION & PHOTOGRAPHS With over 150 garments, this stunning selection of sportswear, printed day dresses, fringed

flapper dresses, beaded evening wear, velvet capes, and silk pyjamas reveals the glamour, excess, frivolity and modernity of the decade. American Museum; www.americanmuseum.org UNTIL 10 DEC EMBER

JUBILATE A celebration of music and science in 18th century Bath, with a collection exploring the 250th anniversary of William Herschel being appointed director of music in Bath. Free, Herschel Museum of Astronomy; www.herschelmuseum.org.uk

UNTIL 1 J ANUARY 2 0 1 8

LACE IN FASHION From rare, fine luxury garments worn by royals and the aristocracy to machine-made items for everyday use, this exhibition showcases over 50 lace pieces, some dating from the time of Shakespeare. Fashion Museum; www.fashionmuseum.co.uk 22 AP R I L - 5 M AY

PAUL WRIGHT An exhibition featuring the bold, commanding and acclaimed work of Paul Wright, whose masterful and confident technique uses w

ARTS

W H AT ’ S O N

a rich palette to create a wonderful texture. The book I Gave the Pope a Rhino by Andrew Moorhouse, will also be on sale and features Paul’s work illustrating the song lyrics by the poet Paul Muldoon. Edgar Modern; www.edgarmodern.com

2 – 6 MAY

SWEET CHARITY A Bath Operatic and Dramatic Society tell the story of Charity Hope Valentine, a dance club hostess who keeps falling for the wrong guy, until she meets shy sweet Oscar. Includes the classic showstoppers (Hey,) Big Spender and If They Could See Me Now. £10-£32. Theatre Royal Bath; www.theatreroyal.org.uk

22 AP RI L – 2 9 M AY

HARRIET DAHANBOUCHARD Meet classically trained portrait artist Harriet Dahan-Bouchard as she draws from a model.

11.30am-4pm, free. Victoria Art Gallery; www.victoriagal.org.uk

3 – 6 MAY

AN EVENING WITH NOEL COWARD The Argyle Players perform three short comedies from the master of wit involving the Côte d’Azur, well-to-do no-gooders, washed-up music hall acts and various scandals.

7pm, £10. Tovey Hall Theatre; www.bathboxoffice.org.uk

29 AP RI L – 2 9 M AY

BATH OPEN STUDIOS Local artists open their doors to the public and showcase painting, printmaking, photography, jewellery, ceramics and sculpture.

Over four weekends there’s an opportunity to meet the artists, talk about their work, join workshops and even buy the original art. 11am-6pm, free.

Turn to page 37 for more details. www.bathopenstudios.co.uk

Music 21 AP R IL

NICOLA BENEDETTI WITH BATH PHILHARMONIA Nicola Benedetti is one of the most sought after violinists of her generation. She will bring Shostakovich’s First Violin Concerto to life with a performance that promises energy, torment and breathtaking passion. 7.30pm, £35-£5.

The Forum; www.bathforum.co.uk

9 – 2 0 M AY

IMAGES OF RESEARCH See this year’s entries to the annual University of Bath’s innovative competition in which the research community is invited to visualise their work through the creative use of images including photography and images produced via collaboration with artists.

The Edge; www.edgearts.org

Plays/Shows U N TI L 1 7 AP RI L

BATH COMEDY FESTIVAL The ninth annual Bath Comedy Festival is the biggest to date with household names including Viv Groskop, Bob Mills and Arthur Smith, plus the stars of tomorrow in a fantastic mix of stand-up, sketch and cabaret. For details visit www.bathcomedy.com

Top to bottom: Paul Wright’s rich palette work is on view at Edgar Modern; Sasha Regan’s All Male Cast perform the much-loved The Mikado at Theatre Royal Bath

literary star. £19.50-£12. Ustinov; www.theatreroyal.org.uk

£19.50- £35.50. Theatre Royal Bath; www.theatreroyal.org.uk

1 8 – 2 2 A PRI L

27 AP R IL

THE MIKADO One of the most popular light operas ever, which was written by Gilbert and Sullivan, is performed

by Sasha Regan’s All Male Cast, takes us to the far away land of Titipu, with gentle satire, great humour and timeless tunes. £18.50-£34.50. Theatre Royal Bath; www.theatreroyal.org.uk 2 5 – 2 9 A PRI L

U N TI L 6 M AY

THE MENTOR Homelands star F. Murray Abraham takes to the stage in this German play by Daniel Kehlmann. He is a cantankerous old writer, Benjamin Rubin, basking in the reflected glory of long-ago success, when his life collides with a rising young

NELL GWYNN The winner of the 2016 Olivier Award for Best New Comedy embarks on its first ever UK tour. This warm hearted, bawdy comedy tells the story of an unlikely heroine, played by Laura Pitt-Pulford, who went from lowly orange seller to the adored lover of King Charles II.

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

RUSSELL KANE Russell is married and has just entered fatherhood, and in his latest tour Right Age, Wrong Man, he takes us through his early years up to adulthood in his espresso stand-up style. 8pm, £17.

Komedia; www.komedia.co.uk

21 AP R IL

THE MUSIC OF JAMES TAYLOR AND CAROLE KING From the creators of The Simon & Garfunkel Story comes a brand new theatre experience celebrating the friendship of songwriters James Taylor and Carole King, featuring classics including You’ve Got A Friend and How Sweet It Is (To Be Loved By You). 8pm, £18.50. Chapel Arts Centre, www.chapelarts.org 23 AP R IL

28 AP R IL

THE MINISTRY OF BURLESQUE’S TWISTED CABARET Fusing the wild, weird and witty traditions of circus, cabaret and burlesque, Twisted Cabaret unfolds as a bold and daring, ever evolving experience with musical comedy, prima donnas and glittering showgirls. 18+. 6.30pm, £17. Komedia; www.komedia.co.uk

SHAKIN’ STEVENS The UK’s biggest selling singles artist of a decade who stole our hearts when he wore double denim and wondered what was behind the Green Door.

8pm, £22.50. Bath Forum; www.bathforum.co.uk 28 AP R IL

EMILY MAGUIRE This classically trained multiinstrumentalist Bath-based w

onetwofive

gallery

CAROLE WALLER Painted Clothes GARY WOOD Ceramics

PASSION

Easter Exhibition Jewellery: Shelby Fitzpatrick Annie Beardsley Fionna Hesketh Kaz Robertson Polly Horwich Amy Keeper Adele Tipler

Photo Chris Daw

one two ďŹ ve at 4 Abbey Green Bath BA11NW April 13 - May 14 Wed to Sat 11-5 Sunday 12-4

ARTS

W H AT ’ S O N

singer songwriter and author made goats cheese in Australia to finance her first two albums, has toured with American legend Don McLean and has been described as ‘a talent to be reckoned with.’ 8pm, £12. Chapel Arts Centre; www.chapelarts.org 30 AP RI L

THE UNTHANKS Unthank is the real surname of sisters Rachel and Becky, who say they were brought up on a diet of folk clubs, festivals, clog dancing and singarounds, and whose sounds have been described as “overflowing with feeling and musical intelligence.” They are currently applying their talents to interpreting the newly discovered music of Molly Drake, mother of the artist Nick Drake. 7.30pm, £20. Wiltshire Music Centre; www.wiltshiremusic.org.uk

Family fun U N TI L 1 7 AP RI L

EASTER YARN BOMB TRAIL Follow the magical knitted trail celebrating the glamour of Hollywood, and in doing so, win fun prizes. 10.30am-5pm, price included with gardens admission. American Museum; www.americanmuseum.org U N TI L 3 0 AP RI L

EASTER TRAIL Explore the gorgeous grounds of the luxe Wiltshire manor on a fun treasure hunt, then enjoy Easter afternoon tea with a special gift for every child. Adult tea £21.50, child £6.75. Woolley Grange; www.woolleygrangehotel.co.uk 18 AP RI L

READ ALL ABOUT IT! Design clothes using newspapers, just like John Galliano, whose newsprint gloves are on show at the Fashion Museum. 10.30am12.30pm and 1.30pm-3.30pm, free. Fashion Museum; www.fashionmuseum.co.uk 18 – 2 3 APRI L

ELOISE AND THE CURSE OF THE GOLDEN WHISK In 1944, in the depths of the bombed ruins of a Bath restaurant, Eloise finds a beautiful, golden whisk that turns out to be cursed and is also wanted by a mob of gangsters.

What follows is a musical,

The Unthanks, who play Wiltshire Music Centre on 30 April, are made up of sisters Rachel and Becky Unthank

swashbuckling adventure. £12/£10. Theatre Royal Bath; www.theatreroyal.org.uk 1 MAY

MAY DAY PICNIC Ston Easton Park is opening up its gardens, along with its forgotten paths, original grottos and an ancient stone bridge for a special May Day picnic, which is provided. There’s also access to the house, along with a games room should it get rainy. 11.30am4.30pm, £20.50. Ston Easton Park; www.stoneaston.co.uk

Other 2 0 A PRI L

LISA MCINERNEY Join the prize-winning author talking about her latest novel The Blood Miracles, which deals with the chaotic life of the slightly corrupt Ryan Cusack. 7.45pm, £6.

Topping Bookshop, The Paragon; www.toppingbooks.co.uk

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

22 AP R IL

MEMORY WALK AND TULIP TEA Dorothy House Hospice Care invites people to visit them in Winsley to both remember loved one, take part in a 5k walk around the grounds and later enjoy Tulip Tea with drinks, cakes and snacks afterwards. For more info, visit www.dorothyhouse.org.uk 23 AP R IL

WORLD HERITAGE DAY Bath’s Parade Gardens will host a day of free activities for all ages, themed around water, to celebrate World Heritage Day. There’s guided walks along the canal, kids’ trails, talks, crafts, music from the Bath Spa Band and to mark St George’s Day, Widcombe Mummers will perform St George and the Dragon at the bandstand at 1pm. 11am-3pm, free. www.bathworldheritage.org.uk 29 AP R IL

ROSA LUXEMBURG Three speakers discuss the revolutionary socialist, philosopher,

economist and anti-war activist, Rosa Luxemburg, who co-founded the Spartacus League, the German Marxist movement. 2pm-4pm, £6.

BRLSI Queen Square; www.brlsi.org 29 AP R IL

PHOTOMARATHON The Fringe Arts Bath Photomarathon is back to chart a psychogeographical ramble through the streets of Bath with photographers of all ages and skill levels. Every image gets exhibited during the FaB Festival fortnight end of May. 10am-8pm, £10. For more details and to register, visit www.fringeartsbath.co.uk 6 MAY

TIME FOR SOCIAL DREAMING In Social Dreaming, everyone is invited to share dreams and free associate with what emerges which, according to the psychoanalytic psychotherapist hosts, helps create a process called the matrix. Lunch is included.

10am-4.30pm, £50. The Holburne Museum; www.eventbrite.co.uk

BRADFORD ON AVON

An ELECTRIC BIKE is perfect for you if you want the freedom and benefits of cycling but would like a little extra assistance.

At TT CYCLES we have been selling high quality e-bikes for several years, and our workshop is fully equipped for our (Bosch accredited) mechanics to maintain your bike in tip top order.

We offer O% FINANCE packages on some models as well as bike to work schemes. If you want to find out more, in addition to our normal test ride available on all bikes we now offer DAY HIRE of e-bikes alongside our normal hire fleet. Perfect for trying before you buy or just to have a great day out!

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PEDAL/PADDLE towpathtrail.co.uk 01225 867167

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nick cudworth gallery

Spring Window – April Stile Oil on canvas

LOOK THROUGH ANY WINDOW 1 – 29 April

The seasonal changes as observed through stiles and windows alongside other works exploring this theme. Prints of various sizes and cards also available.

5 London Street (top end of Walcot Street), Bath BA1 5BU tel 01225 445221 / 07968 047639 gallery@nickcudworth.com www.nickcudworth.com

Starting School?

We'd love to see you at one of our

OPEN DAYS Atworth

Thursday 27th April 2017

10a

No a m-2p m ppo nece intmen t ssar y.

Monkton Farleigh Friday 28th April 2017

We love our nurturing school and you will too!

All are welcome to visit to see it in action…

We look forward to meeting you.

Headteacher: Mr Simon Futcher Bradford Road, Atworth, Wiltshire, SN12 8HY Tel: 01225 703026 Email: admin@churchfields.wilts.sch.uk www.churchfields.wilts.sch.uk

BOOKS

ARTS

IN THE 19TH CENTURY, IT BECAME VOGUE TO USE WHITE ARSENIC IN PAINT AND DYE – IT WAS THE PERFECT INGREDIENT FOR BRINGING OUT THE VIBRANCY OF THE PIGMENTS

IN AND OUT From poisonous Victorian décor to practical solutions to gardening if you’re afraid of wasps, these are the interior and exterior-themed books with unexpected niches…

By N IC BO T T OM L E Y

S

pring has sprung, or at least it’s springing, and, judging by the queue at the recycling centre this morning, everyone is indiscriminately ditching junk from their homes, and triffids from their gardens. If you too are in the frame of mind to make 2017 the year you finally tackle the garden or embark on some overdue interior décor efforts, then I have a few fabulous and fun new books to help you along the way. But then you probably knew I was going to say that, didn’t you?

Bitten by Witch Fever by Lucinda Hawksley (Thames & Hudson, £28) is one of those books which is pretty much a one-stop shop for the subject it covers. I just don’t see you ever needing to go out there and track down another book about wallpaper and arsenic once you’ve read this one.

Niche though the topic may sound, this is actually a bizarre and fascinating slice of Victorian history packaged as a stunning design book. Full-cover double-page facsimiles of wallpaper designs (providing

inspiration for the modern interiors fan) are interspersed with short narrative history chapters in pamphlet-style inserts. And the history revealed is strange indeed.

In the 19th century, it became vogue to use white arsenic in the manufacture of paint and dye – it was the perfect ingredient for bringing out the vibrancy of the pigments and improving their durability too. Once designers like William Morris started using arsenic in their stunning wallpaper designs though, medical professionals were quick to point out that the arsenic wasn’t as good for the longevity of those looking at the colours as it was for the colours themselves.

As instances of people falling ill when visiting houses with arsenic wallpaper increased, a hysteria developed around the negative effects of the arsenic with medics urging the use of arsenic to be outlawed and designers such as William Morris comparing the whole fuss to when “people were bitten by the witch fever” – hence the book’s title.

Moving from poisonous interiors to the

outdoors, How to Grow by Hollie Newton (Orion, £20) is the ideal one-stop book for people with lots of enthusiasm for gardening but without the knowhow yet. As the subtitle explains, it’s “a guide to gardeners who can’t garden yet”. Hollie Newton has taught herself gardening from scratch with a ton of trial and error, and her punchy book dispenses her self-discovered wisdom in short practical chapters covering fruit and vegetables, pests, how to attract nature’s more welcome visitors, and every other aspect of gardening you can dream up.

There is stacks of valuable content but the book is bursting with personality too.

Take the chapter entitled Things I Wouldn’t Bloody Bother With for example – a one-page rant against the cauliflower which Newton portrays as the biggest diva of the veg world.

How to Grow is laid out with big bold spreads of colour and plenty of not-too-smug photographs – an attractive book that at the same time doesn’t dodge the back-breaking grimy side of keeping your garden on track.

Finally, for bigger outdoor projects or reclaiming gardens gone wild, My Garden is a Car Park and other Design Dilemmas by Kendra Wilson (Laurence King, £12.99) has all the answers. Each page begins with a garden problem in simple terms, such as ‘My garden collapses after June’ or ‘I’m frightened of wasps’, and then gives a oneline answer before launching into a full practical solution. Sometimes the quick answers are sufficient, though, for example: ‘Will chickens destroy my garden?’ – ‘Start with the sort that look as if they’re wearing fluffy trousers’.

Just like How to Grow, Wilson’s book is stylishly illustrated in a way that offers an achievable brand of aspiration and steers clear of that nauseating Instagram perfectionism that definitely has no place in the early days of spring clear-outs.

Nic Bottomley is the general manager of Mr B’s Emporium of Reading Delights, 14/15 John Street, Bath; 01225 331155; www.mrbsemporium.com

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

R E S TA U R A N T

FOOD

Jars Meze LISA EVANS finds a sparkling atmosphere and a generous sprinkling of Greek magic in every small dish at Jars Meze on Northumberland Place

W THE

hile for many, a roast on a Sunday, or fish on a Friday are foodie traditions in the household, I grew up with parents who served Greek food three times a week. We have no link to the country other than it being our annual holiday destination, and my parents still visit each and every summer – this will be their 33rd year.

Whenever I taste a Greek dish now, it conjures happy memories, sunny days, fuchsia petals climbing white walls, and azure crystal waters, so as soon as Jars Meze opened last August, I had a feeling it would earn a place on my favourites list very quickly.

The initial authentic vibe the restaurant radiates is enough to draw you in; it’s like a homely dining room, a buzzing hub of chatter and laughter, and the people who run it are one big family from Corfu. Mum – Giouli Miari – is the owner and head chef, there are manager and waiter roles among the four sons and daughters, and Dad is “the extra pair of eyes” that oversees everything. It’s traditionally rustic and taverna-esque with dark green chairs, potted plants, raw wood accessories and a wine wall.

Even its quaint and charming Northumberland Place location is reminiscent of a cobbled, narrow side street in Greece.

From their meze menu, which is split into sections such as ‘spread on bread’, ‘meet the meat’, ‘earth delights’ and ‘sea treasures’, and consists of recipes passed down from generation to generation, our smiling waitress suggests three dishes a piece, which come to the table all at once, in a roll call of delights. An early contender for Dish of the Year 2017, and worth a revisit on its own, is the moussaka, which simultaneously manages

MOUSSAKA SIMULTANEOUSLY MANAGES TO TASTE OF SUNBEAMS, AND POSSESS THE HUGLIKE QUALITIES

NECESSARY TO SEE YOU THROUGH A GREYER DAY

to taste of sunbeams, and possess the hug-like qualities necessary to see you through a greyer day. Silver goes to my kolokithopitakia – generously sized caramelised courgette and feta croquettes run through with herbs and flattened into the size of steaks, with pleasingly charred and golden edges.

Also delectable are the deep fried meatballs, made with pork and beef, and the masterfully crafted melitzana – a dish of baked aubergines bristling with fresh herbs in sweet tomato sauce with sharp, dry kefalotyri cheese and rich feta with that satisfying lactic tang.

The only dish we’re not so sure about is the manitaria nostima. On paper, plump mushrooms cooked in garlic and white wine and sprinkled with parsley, sounds like a winner, but when they arrive, they’re only a touch warmer than room temperature on the outside and pretty much cold in the middle. Tepidness aside, they taste incredible.

On the dessert menu is my family’s favourite: saragli – filo pastry dipped in a rich honey syrup and filled with walnuts and spices, but as I’ve had this dish roughly 2,000 times in my life, I go for the path less travelled and opt for the sokolatopita. It’s a sumptuously rich chocolate cake covered in molten chocolate sauce, and it sighs a puff of steam when I slide my fork into it. The side of whipped cream and snowfall of icing sugar on top seal the deal, making it the most luxurious dessert I’ve had for a very long time. My comrade’s equally delicious choice is the ravani – a syrup-soaked sponge cake made with semolina and served with delicate yet flavourful apple glyko which reminds me of the filling in an apple pie. He describes it as a “pud to abandon yourself in”. It all comes to a close with a powerfully strong Greek coffee followed by a customary shot of ouzo and cranberry for the road, just as the locals would partake in.

Nigel Slater suggests that Greek food is best eaten with sand between your toes and salt on your lips; we’re sandless and saltless here this evening, and yet Jars is utterly drenched in sunshine and joy and manages to carve out a little slice of Greece in the city. The family’s aim is to fill the restaurant with filoxenia (hospitality) and meraki (soul, creativity and love) while offering a truly authentic dining experience, and as far as my familiarity with the country’s cuisine goes, I’d say they are doing a rather exceptional job.

DINING DETAILS Jars Meze, 6 Northumberland Place, Bath; 01225 471434; www.jarsmeze.com Prices Meze dishes £4.10 – £8.50; platters £8.50 – £18.10; mains £8.90 – £16.60; dessert £4.60 – £5.60 Wine list With everything from Greek wine to Australian and Italian, as well as Greek beer and Jars special cocktails, there’s a fantastic choice of drinks on offer Service/atmosphere Bubbly, extremely knowledgeable and the surrounds are unfussy and traditionally Greek in style

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

D I N I N G A D V E R T I S I N G F E AT U R E

DINING in BATH Bath Life’s selection of the best places to eat out in Bath and the surrounding area

BRITISH

CAFÉS & COFFEE SHOPS

THE BATH PRIORY Weston Rd, Bath; 01225 331922; www.thebathpriory.co.uk Michelin starred fine dining overlooking hotels award-winning gardens

CAFÉ LUCCA 1-2 Bartlett Street, Bath; 01225 335394; www.cafelucca.co.uk Stylish contemporary café situated at The Loft on Bartlett Street offering a Mediterranean inspired menu with barista coffee and sumptuous homemade cakes

THE BEAUFORT 1 Beaufort, London Road, Bath; 01225 422033; www.thebeaufortbath.com Family run restaurant in the heart of Larkhall cooking creative, seasonal food CIRCUS RESTAURANT 34 Brock Street, Bath; 01225 466020; www.thecircusrestaurant.co.uk Voted number four in the UK in The Times “20 secret restaurants that foodies love” CLIFTON SAUSAGE 5 Bladud Buildings, Bath; 01225 433633; www.cliftonsausage.co.uk Upmarket sausage and mash restaurant and bar newly opened in Bath THE DOWER HOUSE, ROYAL CRESCENT HOTEL 16 Royal Crescent, Bath; 01225 823333; www.royalcrescent.co.uk/dining AA 3 rosette fine dining at one of Bath’s most iconic locations HENRYS 4 Saville Row, Bath; 01225 780055; www.henrysrestaurantbath.com Imaginative modern dining offering a classic menu and also full vegetarian and vegan menus JOHANN LAFER, THE GAINSBOROUGH Beau St, Bath; 01225 358888; www.thegainsboroughbathspa.co.uk Menus inspired by Johann Lafer’s “Dining Without Borders” philosophy MENU GORDON JONES 2 Wellsway, Bath; 01225 480871; www.menugordonjones.co.uk Multi award winning fine dining with constantly changing surprise tasting menu THE OLIVE TREE RESTAURANT, THE QUEENSBERRY HOTEL Russell St, Bath; 01225 447928; www.thequeensberry.co.uk One of Bath’s longest established restaurants, overseen by Chris Cleghorn with 3 AA rosettes 52 I BATH LIFE I www.mediaclash.co.uk

GREEN BIRD CAFÉ 11 Margaret's Buildings, Bath; 01225 487846; www.greenbirdcafe.co.uk Independently run cafe located between the Circus & Royal Crescent THE KINGSMEAD KITCHEN 1 Kingsmead St, Kingsmead Square, Bath; 01225 329002; www.fieldfireandfeast.co.uk Laid-back, modern cafe-bar open daily from 8am until 6pm for breakfast, brunch, lunch and tea using own farm produce

CALIFORNIAN THE FIREHOUSE ROTISSERIE 2 John St, Bath; 01225 482070; www.firehouserotisserie.co.uk Californian and Tex-Mex dishes, prepared over a wood-fired grill in a rustic setting

FRENCH CHEZ DOMINIQUE 15 Argyle St, Bath; 01225 463482; www.chezdominique.co.uk Great modern French dining

GASTROPUBS GPT SMOKEHOUSE 44-45 Lower Bristol Rd, Bath; 01225 429509; www.gptbath.com “Dude Food” menu cooked with authentic handmade American hot smoker KING WILLIAM 36 Thomas St, Bath; 01225 428096; www.kingwilliampub.com Pub with an upstairs dining room serving a modern British menu based on west country produce THE CHEQUERS 50 Rivers St, Bath; 01225 360017; www.thechequersbath.com Inventive British food served in a welcoming

pub atmosphere close to the Royal Crescent THE GARRICKS HEAD 7-8 St John's Rd, City Centre, Bath; 01225 318368; www.garricksheadpub.com City centre pub and dining room next to Theatre Royal THE HARE AND HOUNDS Lansdown Rd, Avon, Bath; 01225 482682; www.hareandhoundsbath.com Airy, relaxed spot with modern British gastropub menu, extensive wine list and scenic outdoor area THE LOCKSBROOK INN 103 Locksbrook Rd, Bath; 01225 427119; www.thelocksbrookinn.com Recently opened canal side gastropub in Bath, open every day for drinks, brunch, coffee, lunch, evening meals and grazing in between THE MARLBOROUGH TAVERN 35 Marlborough Buildings; 01225 423731; www.marlborough-tavern.com Award winning gastropub using seasonal local produce THE NEW INN 24 Monmouth Place, Bath; 01225 442944; www.newinnbath.co.uk Burgers and bar snacks with cask and craft ale and beers THE RICHMOND ARMS 7 Richmond Place, Bath; 01225 316725; www.therichmondarmsbath.com Hearty dishes with menu changing on a daily basis

INDIAN THE EASTERN EYE 8a Quiet St, Bath; 01225 422323; www.easterneye.com Classic traditional Bengali cuisine in grand Georgian interior space THE MINT ROOM Longmead Gospel Hall, Lower Bristol Rd, Bath; 01225 446656; www.themintroom.co.uk Award winning contemporary Indian fine dining

ITALIAN MARTINI RESTAURANT 8-9 George St, Bath; 01225 460818; www.martinirestaurant.co.uk

A D V E R T I S I N G F E AT U R E D I N I N G

Traditional Italian food served in a cosy atmosphere

STEAK HOUSES

SOTTO SOTTO 10 N Parade, Bath; 01225 330236; www.sottosotto.co.uk Classic Italian menu with a contemporary twist in candlelit vaulted cellars

THE HERD 12a Argyle St, Bath; 01225 316583; www.theherdrestaurant.co.uk Locally sourced meat of the finest provenance alongside a simple, seasonal menu

PIZZA

HUDSON STEAKHOUSE 14 London St, Bath; 01225 332323; www.hudsonsteakhouse.co.uk Award winning steakhouse in listed building specialising in prime aged steaks and delicious starters with a fusion twist

THE OVEN 21 Westgate St, Bath; 01225 311181; www.theovenpizzeria.co.uk Neapolitan artisan pizza using local and Italian imported produce REAL ITALIAN PIZZA CO 16 York St, Bath; 01225 330121; www.realitalianpizza.co.uk Family owned pizzeria. Wood fired pizza with fresh authentic ingredients

TAPAS MADRID 5 Chapel Row, Bath; 01225 423417; www.madrid-tapas-bath.com Bringing a taste of Madrid to Bath – traditional

Spanish tapas with a modern twist OLÉ TAPAS 1 John Street, Bath; 01225 466440; www.oletapas.co.uk Charming, authentic Spanish tapas – one of Bath’s best kept secrets

THAI KOH THAI TAPAS 36 Broad St, Bath; 01225 311232; www.koh-thai.co.uk Award winning small Thai tapas plates and cocktails THAI BY THE WEIR 16 Argyle St, Bath; 01225 444834; www.thaibytheweir.co.uk Restaurant overlooking the weir, serving a classic Thai menu

OUTSIDE of BATH BRITISH THE GREENHOUSE RESTAURANT The Pavilion, Wadswick Green, Corsham SN13 9RD; 01225 585880; www.thegreenhousewg.co.uk Smart, stylish and relaxed new dining destination

COUNTRY HOUSE HOTELS LUCKNAM PARK Colerne, Wilts, SN14 8AZ; 01225 742777; www.lucknampark.co.uk Michelin Star fine dining at the renowned Park restaurant and more informal dining at the stylish contemporary brasserie at 5 star country house hotel WIDBROOK GRANGE HOTEL Trowbridge Rd, Bradford-on-Avon BA15 1UH; 01225 864750; www.widbrookgrange.co.uk Modern farmhouse cuisine, locally sourced and freshly prepared

GASTROPUBS

BIDDESTONE ARMS Biddestone, Wilts SN14 7DG; 01249 714377; www.biddestonearms.co.uk Whitewashed country pub with upmarket, robust British fare in a beautiful Cotswold stone village BUNCH OF GRAPES 14 Silver St, Bradford-on-Avon BA15 1JY; 01225 938088; www.thebunchofgrapes.com Bar and restaurant inspired by the village bistros of South West France THE GEORGE AT WOOLLEY 67 Woolley St, Bradford-on-Avon, BA15 1AQ; 01225 865650; www.thegeorgebradfordonavon.co.uk Recently refurbished gastropub from award winning team HOMEWOOD PARK Abbey Lane, Freshford, Bath BA2 7TB 01225 723731; www.homewoodpark.co.uk Luxury hotel with two rosette restaurant and spa THE LONGS ARMS Upper South Wraxall, Wilts, BA15 2SB;

01225 864450; www.thelongsarms.com Award winning modern British food and cask ales in country inn THE PEAR TREE INN Top Lane, Whitely, Wilts, SN12 8QX; 01225 704966; www.peartreewhitley.co.uk An elegant revamped country inn with an acclaimed restaurant and contemporary rustic-chic bedrooms THE WHEELWRIGHTS ARMS Church Lane, Monkton Combe, BA2 7HB; 01225 722287; www.wheelwrightsarms.co.uk Pub featuring modern takes on British classics, plus understated, individually decorated guestrooms

FARM SHOPS ALLINGTON FARM SHOP Allington Bar Farm, Allington, Chippenham SN14 6LJ; 01249 658112; www.allingtonfarmshop.co.uk Shop and Café selling local produce

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

LANSDOWN ROAD, BATH TEL: 01225 425403

2 FOR 1 COCKTAILS 8-10PM Choose from our large range of premium cocktails EVERY FRIDAY NIGHT House Cocktails 2 for £8 EVERY SATURDAY NIGHT GUEST DJ'S & CABERET

“A great venue for an after dinner party! ” Great friendly atmosphere!

We open at 8pm and stay open until 3am Thursday – Saturday!

See our facebook page for events.

Lunch doesn’t have to be boring ever again!

We warmly invite you to sample our new lunch menu – fast, fresh and light, perfect for your working lunch.

No time for lunch? Pop in for an early dinner instead:

"Where the lovely town of Bradford on Avon meets the beautiful Wiltshire countryside"

For more details or to book call Bristol 01179 226699 Bath 01225 311232 KohThaiTapas

thaitapas

koh-thai.co.uk *Early Birds Mon-Thurs only. Cannot be used with other offers.

Guests must book and be seated before 6.30PM.

Friendly atmosphere | Local home-cooked fare Regular events and quiz nights Large gardens | Ample parking | Dog friendly Ashley Road, Bradford on Avon BA15 1RT 01225 862137 | www.dogandfoxinn.co.uk

FOOD & DRINK W H AT ’ S M A K I N G T H E G O U R M E T N E W S I N B AT H

FRESHERS’ FAYRE Garry’s on another level

PLENTY MORE FISH

PHOTO BY BEATA COSGROVE

SWEET CHARITY

expand the restaurant upstairs, we knew immediately it would help cut waiting times for tables. Being an independent business in Bath, support from partners has been invaluable in making this happen.” But Garry still has more plans for his eatery, “Between now and summer, we’ll be working on our new outdoor terrace.”

Turn to page 26 to read more.

For more: www.bathspa.ac.uk

For more: www.thescallopshell.co.uk

Dorothy House’s new fundraising initiative could be everyone’s cup of tea – Dorothy’s Tea Party. To launch the event, which invites the community to host or attend tea mornings and donate the proceeds to the Bath-based hospice care charity, Rachel Demuth of Demuths Vegetarian Cookery School hosted a party and a mini bake-off competition at her Terrace Walk premises on 27 March. Rachel says, “There’s nothing better than tea and cake to bring people together and to cheer everyone up. Let’s all spread the word and start hosting tea parties in aid of Dorothy House, it’s a brilliant cause.”

Rachel judged Hollie Gale to be the winning baker with her stunning 40-layer cake, which marked Dorothy House’s 40th Anniversary.

For more: www.dorothyhouse.org.uk

Adrien and Gabriela with the Off The Street logo

PHOTO BY LAUREN TRUE AND VICTORIA NOE

The Scallop Shell, the award-winning fish and chip restaurant on Monmouth Place, has taken its seafood to another level.

After an extensive refurbishment, diners are able to ascend a staircase to a newly renovated first floor extension. There’s also a viewing potato room where the chips are made and another display bath from which customers can select their own shellfish.

Chef and owner Garry Rosser says, “When the opportunity came about to

A group of Bath Spa University business and management students, Gabriela Tejeira, Todd Groves, Joe Simmonds, Rebecca Jones, Weronika Lewczyk and Adrien Troy, are organising a fundraising food festival as part of their final year studies.

Adrien explains, “For the module ‘creating and hosting festivals and events’, we’re hosting Off The Street on 13 May at Green Park Station in support of the homeless charity Julian House Bath.

“We’ve incorporated a multicultural theme for the evening event with international food stands serving Cajun, Caribbean, Thai and German cuisine among others, and live performances including the Bath Spa Latin and Ballroom Society and Bath Spa University Comedy Society. Green Park Brasserie is also contributing by installing an outside bar and providing discounts on food and drinks.”

Bar • Kitchen Dining Prix Fixe Lunch Menu

Monday – Saturday Two courses £15.95, three courses £17.95 (also available Monday and Tuesday evenings)

Easter Lunch

Sunday 16th April 2017 Enjoy the grand Sunday lunch from £40 for a family of four

TO BOOK CALL 01225 865650 67 Woolley St, Bradford-on-Avon BA15 1AQ info@thegeorgebradfordonavon.co.uk • thegeorgebradfordonavon.co.uk

Fashion/gifts/stores/more

WILD ABANDON

Harlequin’s initial collaboration with Clarissa Hulse was a runaway success, so the inspirational interiors company has teamed up with the bright star in the British textile world again to produce another mouth-watering range of fabrics and wallpapers. Clarissa drew her inspiration for this exquisite and enchanting fabric collection, Callista, from a variety of influences, including her enduring passion for plants, flowers and landscapes.

Perfect for cushion covers, lampshades and curtains, the striking fabrics, all of which have that signature Clarissa style, include silk and cotton mix jacquard weaves, charming silk dupion prints and a beautiful voile that has been dip-dyed then embroidered and hand embellished.

This captivating fabric range is available locally at Dible & Roy, Bridge Street, Bradford on Avon; 01225 862 320; www.dibleandroy.co.uk

www.mediaclash.co.uk I BATH LIFE I 59

SHOP to IT

THROUGHOUT APRIL, VISIT BATH – THE OFFICIAL TOURIST BOARD FOR BATH AND BEYOND – ARE RUNNING THEIR ‘LIVE IT, LOVE IT, SHOP IT’ FASHION AND LIFESTYLE CAMPAIGN. WE ASKED A HANDFUL OF LOCAL RETAILERS TO CHOOSE FAVOURITE ITEMS FROM THEIR OWN STOCK… 1

2

3

4

1. CLAW AND ORDER

2. CUSHION THE BLOW

3. NECK AND NECK

4. SQUEAKY CLEAN

5. COLD SHOULDER

Lobster serving platter, £49.95 Painted by English artist Richard Bramble, this oval plate makes an ideal dinner party platter From Rossiters of Bath, 38-41 Broad Street, Bath; www.rossitersofbath.com

Leida Pillow, £43.95 each Introduce a spot of carnivalesque flair to your living room with these multicoloured, tasselled sofa accessories From Anthropologie, 1-4 New Bond Street, Bath; www.anthropologie.com

Royal Crescent scarf, £195 A depiction of one of Bath’s most visited landmarks, the Royal Crescent, has been hand-painted on this silk organza shawl by Bathbased artist Carol Waller From One Two Five Gallery, 4 Abbey Green, Bath; www. onetwofivegallery.co.uk

Toiletries and candles, from £6 A beautiful-smelling array of skincare products – from jasmine and mint bath foam to white thyme-scented soap bars – and organic candles From The Foodie Bugle Shop, 2 Abbey Street, Bath; www.thefoodiebugleshop.com

Lila Bardot dress, £80 Channel your inner Jane Birkin in this embroidered, smock-style dress, perfect for balmy summer days From Kilver Court, Kilver Street, Shepton Mallet; www.kilvercourt.com

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

ED’S CHOICE

SHOPPING

6

7

5

9 10

8

6. MY PRECIOUS

7. TIMES SQUARE

8.STEP FORWARD

9. BOUNCE BACK

10. COLOUR POP

Carousel pendant, £1,950 An 18ct gold sapphire pendant from Nicholas Wylde, who’s celebrating 30 years in business. Don’t miss their treasure hunt throughout April From Nicholas Wylde, 12 Northumberland Place, Bath; www.nicholaswylde. com

The Cube watch, £155 Designed to an architectural square-cut cube, this sleek, unisex Newgate timepiece is both pleasingly retro and modern From Santoro London, 32 Milsom Street, Bath; www.santoro-london.com

Paillette blue heels, £195 With their jungle-patterned sequin block heels contrasting against a royal blue hue, these shoes are perfect for a summery burst of colour From Chanii B, 9 Milsom Place, Bath; www.chaniibshoes.com

Donna Karan metallic backpack, £70 The back-to-school basic has had a luxe update with this square-bodied, mirrorshine style From Grace & Ted, 10 Kingsmead Square, Bath; www.graceandted.co.uk

Oils on paper and canvas, from £250 Original, abstract artworks

by Bath-based artist Jenny Cowderoy are a new addition to Verve’s offering From Verve Living, 15 Walcot Buildings, London Road, Bath; www.verveliving.uk

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Going once, going twice…

From a £21million teacup made for an emperor of China, to a live tortoise, here Bath’s auctioneers tell us about the fascinating and bizarre items they’ve sold in the city, and what they’d personally bid on if money was no object…

T

By E v e ly n Gr ee n

hought to be one of the oldest professions in the world, we sat down with four respected auctioneers in and around Bath and asked them for their top auction etiquette tips, about their most memorable sales, and how to overcome the dreaded ‘auction fear’.

Ma San Auction – which holds its sales in the Francis Hotel – specialises in Chinese ceramics and Asian works of art 64 I BATH LIFE I www.mediaclash.co.uk

AUCTIONS

SHOPPING

Do you watch programmes such as Antiques Roadshow?

I’m a hard core fan and spend most Sundays sat on the sofa and guessing the prices. Over the years, I have had the pleasure to meet most of the specialists, and we have filmed a number of shows at Criterion including Put Your Money Where Your Mouth Is, Bargain Hunt, and Antiques Road Trip.

Tell us about your most memorable sale…

We had the privilege of selling a three-metre-wide observatory dome from Wilton House, Salisbury. It was originally installed by Henry the 17th Earl of Pembroke in 1979 to overlook his Italianate gardens, and is fitted with electrical tracking, a 360-degree turret and a telescope. We were thrilled it reached its justifiable hammer price of £3,700 – a small price to pay for an exquisite piece of history.

What would be your dream item to bid on for yourself?

An original Bridget Riley. What, at first glance, seems such a simple application of block colours in line and circle formations, transforms into illusions of movement and the canvases almost swell, creating patterns all on their own.

Jaggards House, Jaggards Lane, Corsham; www.criterionauctioneers.com

DAVID HARE BRIONY HARFORD Auctioneer and valuer at Criterion Auctioneers & Valuers

Tell us about the local auction house...

It’s a Jacobean country house set within acres of beautiful gardens. This is one of the most unique salerooms in the UK, and it attracts a vast range of buyers from around the world.

The business was set up by Graham Richards nearly 30 years ago with nothing more than a van and a passion for antiques. He saw that there was a need in the auction market for quality items to be sold at affordable prices in a unique setting, and our Bath country house is a beautiful backdrop to enhance any buyer’s experience.

What items does Criterion specialise in?

Everything from the wacky to the wonderful, for example: vintage furniture, Old Master paintings and exquisite jewellery. We also hold specialist sales where you’ll find fine watches, taxidermy and memorabilia as well as fine art and antiques sales quarterly. We host general weekly timed online auctions, too.

Share your top auction etiquette tips…

We encourage loud and proud bids; with so many bodies in the room there is no place for a sly head nod to initially grab my attention. Our regular buyers all have their own style of bidding – ranging from a cry of ‘ME!’ to a wink in the front row; as an auctioneer, this certainly keeps me on my toes.

Victorian ‘Mr Punch’ mustard pot, sold by Aldridges of Bath

DURING THE SAME WEEK, I

VALUED A

LIVE TORTOISE AND A

HISTORIC MANUSCRIPT LETTER BY

OLIVER

CROMWELL

Director at Gardiner Houlgate

What is Gardiner Houlgate’s focus?

We are specialist auctioneers where you’ll find watches, clocks, musical instruments, paintings, jewellery, antiques and 20th century design. It’s one of the premier firms of auctioneers in the country, handling thousands of lots a year, in 46 specialist auctions.

Your top tips for a first-time bidder?

The internet is becoming a popular and more common option, where you can participate as if you were in the room. The more conventional way, of course, is having the experience of attending the live auction and encountering the action yourself.

Does ‘auction fear’ actually exist?

Yes, it is the accidental bid made by scratching your nose – all a little exaggerated, of course. In the modern day, the latest excuse or buyers’ remorse we hear from online bidders is ‘the cat jumped on the keyboard and bid!’

What’s the most memorable item you’ve sold at auction?

We sold a Rolex last year for £168,000. The true charm of this story is the watch was originally purchased for £69 in 1966. The dial thankfully was not replaced despite the owner wanting a new one.

Had it been replaced then the value of the watch would have been worth around £5,000.

9 Leafield Way, Corsham; www.gardinerhoulgate.co.uk w www.mediaclash.co.uk I BATH LIFE I 65

CRITERION AUC T IONE E R S & VALU E R S

COUNTRY HOUSE SALE “Opulent property of a gentleman, antique taxidermy and exclusive objet d’art” Sale date: Saturday 3rd June 2017, start time 11am Catalogue available online Tuesday 30th May, 6pm Viewing from Wednesday 31st May, Thursday 1st June, Friday 2nd June, 10.30am-4pm and Saturday 3rd June, 9.30-11am Live online bidding via www.the-saleroom.com and www.invaluable.com

Jaggards House, Jaggards Lane, Neston, Corsham, Wiltshire SN13 9SF WWW.CRITERIONAUCTIONEERS.COM Tel: 01225 439830 Email: bath@criterionauctioneers.com

马生拍卖

Ma San Auction in Bath

S P E C I A L I S I N G I N C H I N E S E A N D A S I A N WO R K S O F A R T 18th century jade carving of a Kilin SOLD £3600

Ten watercolour paintings of Emperor Yongzheng SOLD £2400 19th century Chinese embroidered blue nine dragon robe SOLD £6600 Magnificent 19th century hardwood (Xuanji) screen with fine embroidery ‘one hundred birds’ scene, 210cm tall SOLD £24,600

A Yongzheng mark and period blue and white bowl (1723-1735) SOLD £1320

now We are g t p acce in nts me consign une J r u o r fo 17 2 sale 0

Free valuations and home visits • Over 30 years experience • Competitive commission rates Direct contacts in Hong Kong and China • Sales every two months Kelso Villa, Upper Bristol Road, Bath BA1 3AU www.masanauction.com

Tel. 01225 318587

AUCTIONS

SHOPPING

during the reign of Emperor Chenghua who ruled from 1464 – 1487. It was made from delicate white paste porcelain and decorated with roosters and cost a bank-damaging £21million.

Is the ‘accidental bid’ a myth?

I have been in an auction and made a subtle movement and was then asked ‘are you bidding, sir?’’. Auctioneers take their time to make sure you are committing yourself to the lot up for sale, but once the hammer comes down, that means you are legally obliged to pay, so take care.

The ground floor, Kelso Villa, Upper Bristol Road, Bath; www.masanauction.com

IVAN STREET

Auctioneer and valuer at Aldridges of Bath

LEON MA

Tell us about Aldridges...

It was established by John Street in 1976, who was formerly the managing director of Jolly’s Auction Rooms. We specialise in fine art and antiques and we hold alternating monthly sales of two types, firstly of antique furniture, paintings, jewellery, ceramics, glassware and art, and secondly of collectors’ items such as coins and antique toys.

Co-owner at Ma San Auction

What does Ma San specialise in?

Chinese ceramics, bronzes, jade, furniture and Asian works of art. My father, Danny Ma, has been dealing in Chinese art for over 30 years. He had two shops in Bath – The Bath Antiquities Centre on the Paragon (which was the only one of its kind at the time) and Ma Antiques near the Abbey – in the 1990s, so I have always had an interest in it. As the Chinese market has been growing and the wealth of Chinese buyers has been increasing, we thought it would be a good time to remind people about the potential of their dusty antiques hiding away in the attic or under the stairs. Everyone dreams of owning that potential ‘million-pound piece’.

Describe your Bath auction room…

We hold our bimonthly sales in the Francis Hotel on Queen Square. For the buyer, there’s a chance of taking home a bargain, and for the seller, there’s the excitement of not knowing how high a price your item could fetch; it’s sometimes like the scene in Only Fools and Horses when Del faints after realising he’s sold something for millions.

Can anyone can come to the auction room?

All are welcome, even if they are not planning on buying. We have space for around 40 people in the room and have our international online bidding happening at the same time.

Name an item that sold over its estimate…

We did have a very big surprise on our second ever sale which was a porcelain soup bowl brought in by a Bath woman. She said she bought it in Hong Kong in the 1990s for £10, so we estimated about £100 for it, and it ended up at £6,000.

If money was no object, what would you like to bid on?

An item which was made for an emperor of China.

There was a teacup made in the Ming dynasty

Top to bottom: exotic bird artwork by Johannes Bronkhorst at Aldridges of Bath; Bath’s Gardiner Houlgate’s focus is on musical instruments and antiques

IT’S SOMETIMES LIKE THE SCENE IN ONLY FOOLS AND HORSES WHEN DEL

FAINTS

AFTER REALISING HE’S SOLD SOMETHING FOR MILLIONS

Why should people visit an auction house rather than a shop or antiques fair?

It could be just out of interest, to learn about antiques, to observe market trends, or of course, to buy something. The main difference is price.

You will pay more for an item at a shop or fair because the dealer will have gone to the effort of sourcing and buying selected items which involves time and expense, and of course the dealer needs to make a profit.

Set the scene of a typical Aldridges auction…

It’s always friendly and relaxed, and we always try to maintain an element of fun, but nothing beats the atmosphere of tension and excitement when an item achieves an unexpectedly high price.

Share a bidding tip…

The auctioneer will normally take bids from only two bidders at a time. If he is already doing this and you wish to bid, you simply wait for one of the bidders to drop out, and that’s your cue to wave discreetly, but enough to catch his attention.

What are some of the most fascinating items you’ve auctioned?

An oversized Chippendale chair that belonged to the ‘Bristol Giant’, Patrick Cotter O’Brien, who was over eight foot tall, and an 18th century chamber pot said to have belonged to Marie Antoinette.

Valuations do bring their surprises, too; during the same week, I once valued a live tortoise (at £250) and a historic manuscript letter by Oliver Cromwell (at £10,000).

Phoenix House, Lower Bristol Road, Bath; www.aldridgesofbath.com www.mediaclash.co.uk I BATH LIFE I 67

A N T I Q U E S a d v e r t i s i n g f e at u r e

shining bright The team at ALDRIDGES OF BATH LTD not only have a wealth of specialist knowledge, but also a world of experience

A

ldridges have a long tradition in the auction world, holding regular specialist sales of antiques and fine art in the beautiful city of Bath, as well as sales of collector’s items, decorative furnishings, and the occasional house-contents sales on the premises.

Originally established in 1976 by John Street, formerly the managing director of Jolly’s auction rooms since the mid-1950s, Aldridges has been owned and managed by his son Ivan since 1997.

The team offer a wealth of experience and expert knowledge in all aspects of the world of

“attracting buyers from all around the world”

antiques, having sold more than half a million lots over the years, with a total value well in excess of £30,000,000.

Aldridges pride themselves in providing a friendly and professional service in all the many facets of the business, whether it is giving preauction advice to clients wishing to sell items, arranging the effective dispersal of estates, and conducting auction sales of a wide range of antiques and works of art, all of which benefit from live online bidding facilities attracting buyers from all around the world, as well as providing a comprehensive formal valuation service for probate, insurance, and family division purposes.

Some recent notable highlights of prices achieved in specialist auctions include £48,000 for a pair of art deco emerald and diamond earrings; £23,000 for a Persian silver vase; £43,000 for a pair of Irish wall mirrors; and a single-owner deceased estate sale, which realised over £200,000.

Pair of art deco emerald and diamond earrings, sold for £48,000

Auctioneers of Fine Art & Chattels Phoenix House, Lower Bristol Road, Bath BA2 9ES Tel: 01225 462830 www.aldridgesofbath.com

Jean-Baptiste Voaboam guitar sold £148,800

Gardiner Houlgate is one of the Premier Specialist Auctioneers and Valuers in the country based in Corsham, near Bath.

Holding specialist quality auctions of;

English ebonised table clock by Edward East £43,200

Musical Instruments Guitars Clocks Watches Silver Jewellery Antiques Paintings 20th Century Design Our purpose designed secure premises has four specialist salerooms with ample free parking, ideally situated just 7 miles from Bath and close to the M4 for easy access.

Cartier ruby and diamond ring sold £24,500

Under the direction of David Hare and Jamie South, some exceptional results have been achieved.

9 Leafield Way, Leafield Estate, Corsham, Wiltshire SN13 9SW Tel: 01225 812912 Email: auctions@gardinerhoulgate.co.uk www.gardinerhoulgate.co.uk

@gardinerhoulgate

@GardHoulgate

the_bath_auction_rooms

Rolex 5512 Submariner wristwatch with the rare Explorer dial £192,000

INTERIORS

TECHNOLOGY

HIGH-TECH HOMES From private cinemas to intelligent digital assistants, we ask local experts about the latest in home entertainment and technology

BeoLab speakers, available at Bang & Olufsen, Bath 70 I BATH LIFE I www.mediaclash.co.uk

PHOTO BY SOEREN KROGH AT MERRILD PHOTOGRAPHY

By L I SA E VA NS

Above: BrownHen in Bath specialise in the design and installation of home cinemas like this CEDIA members Project Connoisseur Cinema; below: A futuristic home project under the Cedia trade association, of which Bath’s BrownHen are a member

EXPECT YOUR BIN TO PLACE AN AUTOMATIC ORDER

AT THE SUPERMARKET OF YOUR CHOICE FOR ITEMS YOU

THROW

AWAY

W

hen you think of Bath, the words ‘modern’, ‘futuristic’ and ‘high-tech’ don’t naturally spring to mind, but step inside many a Georgian home and you may be surprised by their innovative interiors which are, at the same time, sympathetic to their original and traditional designs. Picture the scene: being able to watch the latest blockbuster in the comfort of your private cinema, or remotely asking your hot tub to heat itself up ready for you to submerge in when you get home from work, or even throwing away an empty bottle of milk and your bin automatically ordering a new one from Waitrose. Here we talk to technology experts in Bath to discover the latest in luxurious home entertainment and intelligent living.

INTERIORS

the microwave and the machine to automatically know what food it is, how long it needs to be heated and on what power, and expect your bin to place an automatic order at the supermarket of your choice for any empty items you throw away.”

SATURDAY NIGHT AT THE MOVIES

“It could be said that the aim of cinema is the temporary suspension of disbelief where the movie watcher is transported into the world created by the director,” says Dave Henderson, the director of BrownHen Solutions on Gloucester Road, Bath, which specialises in whole-home technology integration. “We design our cinema rooms to aid this as much as possible.”

This immersive experience is one that Dave w

SMART HOMES

‘Digital homes’, as Shaun Houcke, the marketing manager at Bang & Olufsen on Fountain Buildings, Bath, refers to them, give home owners the ability to control a wide range of entertainment, communication, environmental and security systems at the touch of a button.

“Smart home technology is not just for practical reasons, such as being able to control your household appliances remotely, but it extends into the exciting world of entertainment. Just imagine, all your music, movies and media accessible, via an intuitive keypad, anywhere in the world with a broadband connection.”

Tim Moss, the managing director at Moss of Bath, an independent consumer electronics business which will celebrate 55 years this year and won three national industry awards last month, says this interconnectivity inside the home is called the ‘internet of things’. “In just a couple of years, this interactivity will come into full force and will be connected to everyday appliances, from washing machines to kettles,” he says. “Expect, for example, to put a ready meal in

IMAGE COURTESY OF SOUNDROOM LIFESTYLE TECHNOLOGIES PVT

IMAGE COURTESY OF ART CINEMA AND CEDIA

TECHNOLOGY

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

TECHNOLOGY

says starts with the picture, which needs to be able to accurately portray the colours and contrast with a perfect viewing height and angle.

Secondly, the surround sound needs to have sufficient dynamic range to portray the quietest of background noises through to the impressive rumble of explosions. And lastly, he says it’s all very well having the perfect home cinema experience but if you can’t use it because the neighbours complain then it’s of no use.

“Sound isolation helps keep the transmission of sound to other parts of the home to a minimum,” he says. “Once the sound and picture are right then the personalised work begins. The aesthetics of the cinema room make a statement as you enter the room, whether that be a traditional design or themed on your favourite movie.”

Bang & Olufsen’s Shaun Houcke adds that B&O have, for decades, been building private cinemas for famous names. “Phil Powell, B&O’s technical director in Bath, has designed and acoustically mapped whole-house audio-visual systems,” he says. “He has even designed and installed what is considered to be one of the finest private 15-seat cinema in the UK.”

GEORGIAN GEMS

With so many listed Georgian buildings in Bath, overcoming the challenges of updating them with modern technology is a delicate balancing act, as Tim Moss at Moss of Bath explains, “It’s so important to protect the heritage of the many beautiful buildings in the city whilst accommodating the technical requirements of the 21st century,” he says. “Managing the complexities regarding cabling and the positioning of satellite dishes and aerials needs careful consideration, and many businesses actually refuse involvement with listed buildings. We have a wealth of experience with historic builds and we recognise

PHOTO BY CASPER SEJERSEN

INTERIORS

that it’s essential to preserve the aesthetic and to comply with local planning laws. We often install in-wall or in-ceiling Amina speakers to provide invisible high-fidelity audio.”

Shaun, considers wi-fi to be the most important aspect of bringing a listed building into the modern world.

“The Georgians knew how to build a thick wall,” he says. “But we have a new service to help with this – it’s called Wi-Spy. We search for interference that your router can’t see. It’s the perfect tool for tracking down interferers and troubleshooting wi-fi.

BrownHen’s Dave Henderson agrees that seamless wi-fi that works perfectly in every room is important. “Our network solutions are robust and capable enough to work consistently in every room, even in the tallest of Georgian houses,” he says. “Installing technology sympathetically into Georgian buildings can be a challenge but there are usually ways to make things work. While we use wired solutions wherever possible, wireless control can be used, and if the wi-fi is carefully designed it can perform well in difficult situations. w

Above: BeoLab 90 speakers – the “most powerful sound experience we have ever built” – are available at Bang & Olufsen, Bath; below: The Geneva Sound System XXL, available at Moss of Bath

THE SURROUND

SOUND NEEDS TO PORTRAY THE QUIETEST OF BACKGROUND

NOISES

TO THE IMPRESSIVE

RUMBLE

OF EXPLOSIONS

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

TECHNOLOGY

INTERIORS

IMAGE COURTESY OF EN TRADE AND CEDIA

GO-GO GADGET

Whether you’re in the market for a new sound system, smart lighting or even a full disco room – like this Cedia project – Bath’s BrownHen can help

THERE’S

ACCESS TO SECURITY CAMERAS

WHEN YOU’RE AWAY FROM HOME, INCLUDING THE

ABILITY TO ANSWER THE FRONT

DOOR REMOTELY FOR DELIVERIES

LIGHTS, CAMERA, ACTION

When it comes to lighting – be it natural or electric – Dave at BrownHen adds that it can often be an afterthought for homeowners, but clever lighting can be a dramatic scene-setter.

“Every room in the house, not forgetting the garden, benefits from intelligent lighting, especially when the lights alter room by room according to what you use the spaces for,” he says. “A scene for preparation in the kitchen, for example, may have the work surface lights bright, but when time comes to dine, the over-table light brightens and the work surface lights dim.”

Light and shade go hand in hand, and Dave says that powered blinds or curtains can be automated to protect valuable furniture or art from harmful sun, or can make use of intelligent scheduling to keep the rooms cool in summer while making the most of the sunlight in winter.

PLAY THAT FUNKY MUSIC…

“We are seeing technology bring together our music experience,” says Andrew Craske, managing director of Audience – which specialises in audio and home cinema systems – on Broad Street, Bath. “High-resolution studio master music is the most astonishing and mesmerising experience, and systems can automatically show you more music by the same artist or music from similar artists you might like; it might take a bit of getting used to but we may all be asking our digital assistant (Alexa, Siri etc) to play some rocking music, dim the lights, or turn on the TV to BBC4 sooner than we think.

“But by far the greatest improvement to any home is one of these new fangled record player things,” adds Andrew who thinks old school is sometimes best. “You start by placing a flat disc of plastic on to the turntable, you move the arm across to the first track, pull a small lever alongside the arm and hey presto, music of the most engaging quality tumbles out from your speakers. What will they think of next?!”

From voice-control technology, to intelligent automation that ‘thinks’ for itself, there are endless numbers of high-tech gadgets out there.

“When you’re out of the house, being able to switch off the iron you left on can be very reassuring,” says Dave at BrownHen. “Particularly if the home control system reminds you that you have left things on after you have left.

“Voice control of smart home devices is starting to take off now, and being able to boost the lights where you are sitting without the need to move can be very useful,” he adds. “Voice control can be extended to anything we install; there’s even security integration to allow access to security cameras when you’re away from home, including the ability to answer the front door remotely and accept deliveries to a secure place.”

When it comes to the device most of us have as the focal point of the living room, the television, Moss of Bath claim that, in 1997, it was the first independent electrical retailer in the UK to display a wall-mounted, flat panel version.

“We held an open evening to demonstrate the product to our customers and it was the start of the flat screen revolution,” says Tim Moss.

“Following the success of the evening, several customers requested a wall-mounted screen (commonplace now, but incredibly high-tech 20 years ago), so we invested in the tooling to provide a wall-mounting service. Two decades on and we’ve installed over 8,000 of them. The demand for large screens is increasing and we regularly install screens up to 105 inches in sizes.

GOING GREEN

Now that the sun’s coming out to play, turn your garden into an entertainment hub complete with weatherproof televisions, music devices and selfheating hot tubs.

“Outdoor sound systems will enliven your garden parties,” says Dave, BrownHen’s director.

“Firing the music into the garden rather than out from the house reduces the impact on the neighbours and we can even add a fully weatherproof outdoor TV if that takes your fancy.

“Hot tubs and fountains can be controlled and prepared in advance ready for when you get home and we can control the irrigation system ensuring that it turns off when you walk out into the garden,” he adds. “By far the most common solution for the garden, though, is lighting which can be used to great effect to show off the space.”

Andrew at Audience adds that taking a Bowers & Wilkins bluetooth speaker into the garden and playing music that is stored on a server in your home or on the internet is a great way of bringing technology into the garden without huge expense.

“Sun shining, glass of bright white wine in hand and the best song ever burbling from your speaker – what could beat it?” he says. “The battery life on them is about 12 hours, so you’ll have plenty of time to get sunburnt and quench your thirst.” www.mediaclash.co.uk I BATH LIFE I 75

A D V E R T I S I N G F E AT U R E H O M E E N T E R TA I N M E N T

INNOVATION THAT'S MUSIC TO YOUR EARS The experts at AUDIENCE believe in blending sight and sound, with hi-art technology to create a compelling audio experience

W

e believe that technology should create an amazing experience and here, at Audience, you can appreciate streaming audio in studio master quality.

We share your passion for music and will use our knowledge to help you select a hi-fi,

“LET US SHOW YOU HOW TO BRING MUSIC AND CINEMA TO LIFE”

home cinema or custom installation system that will transform your listening and viewing experience into an absorbing journey, full of vibrant colours, fresh encounters and compelling sensations.

We develop innovative solutions so that our systems blend into your building and design specifications. As a result, we are used to working closely and co-operating with architects, builders, and interior designers.

Audience is open between 10am – 6pm, from Tuesday to Saturday. Come in and let us show you how to bring music and cinema to life by trying out our equipment and sound systems in our comfortable demonstration facilities.

We are proud to offer the finest sounding equipment, from turntables to network players, we're sure we'll have the right product for you and your family.

Contact Andrew or Iain 14 Broad Street, Bath BA1 5LJ 01225 333310 info@audience.org.uk www.audience.org.uk

T H E

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b a t h S A T We offer a full range of satellite, aerial, telephony and CCTV services.

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As I was going to St Ives Panoramic sea views, blustery walks aplenty and Michelin-standard cuisine add up to the perfect Cornwall beach retreat

By Lisa Evans

No4 St Ives bed and breakfast was the ideal spot to stay, offering far-reaching views and a central location

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

G R E AT ESCAPES

I A peek of our view from the window of our room at No4 St Ives bed and breakfast

s there anything more irritating than coming home from holiday and everyone telling you just how perfect the weather was at home while you experienced downpours on your travels? Well, that’s what happened to me last weekend. Okay, it’s not as if I was in Barbados expecting to slather myself in factor 30 poolside, I was three hours down the road in Cornwall, but still.

Even though it was gusty enough to give me a semi-permanent facelift, I thoroughly relished the fresh seaside air as I strode determinedly against the biting wind across the dramatic cliff-top coastal path while holding my woolly hat firmly on my head as my hair brutally whipped my eyeballs – but not so much to ruin my wonderful view.

And nothing could dampen my spirits as I stood on the vertiginously high pier (a photographer and his fearless, edge-nearing Airedale terrier, Minnie, my only potential savours if I took a tumble) watching a lone cormorant bob in and out of the boisterous water while icy needles from the crashing Atlantic waves below jumped up several stories to spritz and sting me. I suddenly felt as if I could relate to athletes who cross the Arctic, or to the brave souls who challenge Everest. I was the fearless adventurer of St Ives, and nature’s riotous elements weren’t going to stop me.

Spotting a red-for-danger sign which read “do not approach or feed the seals” just spurred me on further. “I will and I will!”

I thought to myself as I narrowed my eyes across the ocean to spot a furry sea dog, with a plan to indeed approach it on discovery with my newfound courageousness (I would have obeyed the sign if you’re reading this, Cornwall tourist board).

Unfortunately, I wasn’t lucky enough to get chance to break the rules on this occasion, but next time I’ll hop on the boat trip to Seal Island – home to a colony of grey seals and a century-old shipwreck – which is a few miles west. And in the water on a clear day, there’s a chance to spot dolphins, porpoises, minke whales and basking sharks, too, and every couple of years or so there’s a sighting of a humpback whale.

As respite from all of this excitement – the capillaries in my cheeks now crimson, and my hair candyfloss-like with frizz – I wandered through the maze of narrow cobbled streets, passing fisherman’s cottages, and visited the masses of independent shops, quirky cafés and great pubs.

To make things better, there were hardly any tourists around. “They’ll descend on us in around a month,” said the shopkeeper at Sweetlime, an eclectic interiors, accessories and artwork boutique.

“St Ives becomes a much different place when they do. The great thing is, it’s fantastic when they’re

here and fantastic when they’re not.” As I stand and listen, shivering in my wet woollies, she demands that I come back in the summer when, although it’ll be a little more difficult to navigate the pavements, the area will resemble a subtropical paradise of palm trees, turquoise water and golden sands. And if I come back in May, I’ll experience one of the key annual events on the area’s cultural calendar – the St Ives Food and Drink Festival, where Michelinstarred Cornish chef Nathan Outlaw will be among the big names to showcase their talents.

For now, though, it’s fabulous just to absorb a sense of how the locals live in this picturesque fishing harbour and seaside town, and there’s no one better to look to than the cheery owners of the bed and breakfast I’m staying at. Sue and Mike Crofts own No4 St Ives, a grand, three-storey Victorian house perched on a hill that overlooks Godrevy Lighthouse – an inspiration for Virginia Woolf’s To the Lighthouse – and is within a five minute walk of the town.

It’s great to stay in a place where you actually get to know the owners; in large hotels you’ll tend to keep yourself to yourself, but the couple would greet me good morning, make me a delicious breakfast (a fry up, because I’m on holiday), and offer tips on what to do and where to go.

I must, they said, try a Cornish pasty, and not just any old one, but The Cornish Bakery’s, where I also should also stay for cream tea. They weren’t wrong.

And they advised that it’s essential visit to their all-time favourite restaurant, The Alba, a stunning five-star, fine dining eatery looking out over the harbour. On the menu at this former lifeboat house, you’ll find the likes of line-caught fish, beef fillet and boat-fresh crab served with a French influence

by Michelin-standard chef Grant Nethercott.

Downstairs there’s a cosmopolitan cocktail bar, and throughout there’s a captivating array of famous art on the walls.

St Ives is, after all, the art mecca of the Southwest, and there’s an abundance of unique galleries where you’re able to watch the artists themselves working away on their newest creations. What I didn’t have the chance to see, sadly, was the Tate St Ives, one of only four Tate galleries in the world, which will reopen just in time for the Easter holidays.

With so much more to see, including five beaches, a blue flag-rated surfing spot, rugged moorland heaths where vivid wildflowers sway in the breeze, a still lake, an old china clay works and the ruins of an old mine, I’m already planning my mini-moon there. I must remember to pack my binoculars next time, though, as my main aim is to catch a glimpse of one of those illusive humpbacks.

But as long as I can feed a seal, I’ll be happy.

ON A CLEAR DAY, THERE’S A CHANCE TO SPOT DOLPHINS, PORPOISES AND MINKE WHALES

TRAVEL DETAILS To book a stay at No4 St Ives, where rooms start from £90 a night, visit www.no4stives.com, and to plan your itinerary, go to www.stives-cornwall.co.uk

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

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A D V E R T I S I N G F E AT U R E H A I R D R E S S I N G

THESE BARBERS ARE A CUT ABOVE A good barber is a man's best friend, which explains why NEW SAVILLE ROW is one of Bath's most popular men's hairstylists

W

hether it's a tidy up, a trim, a complete restyle or a full-scale wet shave, every man needs to have a decent barbers on his speed dial, so it's not surprising New Saville Row is the first port of call for many of Bath's residents, and has been since 1965.

Clients recently celebrated the news

“THE TEAM HAVE 114 YEARS EXPERIENCE BETWEEN THEM”

renowned barber Carmine Coccia has returned to what is Bath’s oldest barbershop. Having spent time in his native Italy, Carmine is rejoining the hairstylists on the retirement of original founder Italo Comanzo.

Carmine will be working closely with the existing team who between them have a combined 114 years of experience. Having started in the business as a 15 year old apprentice, Keith Lacey is now a partner with Steve Genovese who has been at New Saville Row for 42 years. Darren Grant has been with them for 33 years, Colin Stupple for 17, and Alex Gill for seven.

Regulars include a host of celebrities plus many Bath Rugby players. Situated in the heart of the city next to the podium, New Saville Row is and always will remain one of the best gentleman’s hairdressers in Bath.

NEW SAVILLE ROW 14 Northgate Street, Bath BA2 3BR 01225 310110; f @Newsavillerow Open: 8am – 5.30pm No appointment necessary

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B AT H G E T S S ER I O US Clockwise: CGIs of how the proposed Roseberry Place rejuvenation will look

QUOTE OF THE ISSUE

RENTAL PROPERTY

WATCH THIS SPACE Legal & General’s plans to build 170 build-to-rent homes in Bath offers a boost to young city dwellers High houses prices, huge deposits, unattainable mortgages, stamp duty, Brexit, inflation and the prospect of higher interest rates have all conspired to make people think twice about whether now is a good time to buy their own property. Predictions are just 26 per cent of those currently aged 20-39 will own their own home by 2025, compared with 64 per cent of households born between 1960 and 1970, who owned a house by the time they were 35.

It isn’t all bad news though if the future is renting; rents are rising at a much lower rate than house prices,

and largely mirror wage growth. However, one of the fears in Bath has been the lack of residential rental properties. So the news that Legal & General will be creating over 170 new build-to-rent (BTR) homes in the city has been largely welcomed.

More than 170 homes, as well as 126 car parking spaces and 17,000 sq ft of retail space, will be built next to the River Avon, on Roseberry Place, near Windsor Bridge, which is currently almost derelict land.

James Lidgate, director of housing at Legal & General Capital, says, “This scheme is an excellent example of the partnership’s asset acquisition strategy – investing in long-term sustainable urban schemes that support wider urban regeneration by better utilising the local existing infrastructure, and maximising land density in areas where there is a shortage of housing supply.”

The move is part of a wide initiative to address the UK’s housing shortage, and Legal & General now has a total housing pipeline of over 70,000 units, of which 1,200 are BTR homes. This is their fourth BTR scheme, with existing sites in Bristol, east London and Salford.

For more: www.legalandgeneral.com

“THE APPRENTICESHIP ROUTE DEFINITELY WORKS. IT’S A GOOD WAY OF SEEING WHAT JOBS ARE OUT THERE LOCALLY” A former Bath College student reveals how a job fair helped him secure work with Rotork Find out more on page 86

170 THE BIG NUMBER

The number of new rental homes being built on Roseberry Place, Bath Find out more opposite

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

BUSINESS INSIDER

BREAKING NEWS

THE MAGNIFICENT SEVEN Our pick of the most exciting, intriguing or important local business stories right now

JOB LOT Thousands of people looking for new opportunities visited the Bath College Apprenticeships and Jobs Fair on 22 March.

More than 1,000 college students and school pupils met with local and national employers, including the Royal United Hospitals, The Pig near Bath, Apex Hotels and Rotork, one of Bath’s biggest engineering companies.

Some of the attendees included apprentices who had previously found work through the fair including Adam Whittaker who explains, “The first time I came across Rotork at the fair when I was a student here.

“The apprenticeship route definitely works. It’s a good way of seeing what opportunities are out there locally, and

The Novia sumo runners were a huge hit

FAT CHANCE

what alternatives there are to university.”

Bath College’s employability adviser, Lucy Beattie, adds, “It was an amazing opportunity for all our students and local school pupils to see the range of employers out there, and we have had amazing feedback from employers saying how great it was to meet potential candidates.”

Anybody watching the Vitality Bath Half Marathon on 12 March, couldn’t have failed to notice the plucky team of sumo wrestlers waddling around the course. They were from the Bath-based financial firm Novia, who managed to raise over £2,300 for the Bath Rugby Foundation.

Stephen Parker, head of investment administration at Novia Financial says, “We regularly submit teams to run in this event and I was delighted this year to organise the sumo contingent. They all managed to come in under three hours. We also had non-sumo runners, with a couple finishing under one hour and 45 minutes.

“It’s an honour to be part of such a successful local event and to be able to help make a difference to the community.”

For more: www.bathcollege.ac.uk

For more: www.novia-financial.co.uk

Adam Whittaker, Kieran Gash, Anna Parkinson and Scott Jardine

HOUSE MOVE Jack King, who previously worked at the independent estate agency Crisp Cowley for eight and a half years, has joined Savills as an associate director.

Jack, who is Bath-born and bred, says, “My local knowledge and contacts are up there with some of the most influential property orientated individuals in the city and I pride myself on first-rate customer service.

“This is a wonderful chance to bring my skills under the umbrella of the largest global property brand.”

For more: www.savills.co.uk

Lovehoney gets funny

FUNNY BUSINESS

Jack and Luke Brady, director residential and head of office at Savills Bath, shake on it

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

Helping make the Bath Comedy Festival a huge success is the sponsorship collaboration of the UK’s largest online sex toy retailer Lovehoney.

The festival, which started 1 April and runs for 17 days, featuring big-name comedians such as Paul Merton and Arthur Smith, along with new talent Eleanor Conway, Ashley Storrie and Abi Roberts, also has had a number of

Lovehoney suprises to add to spice to the proceedings.

Nick Steel, Bath Comedy Festival director, explains, “Festival goers are particularly enjoying the Butt of All Jokes Twitter competition that offers a year’s supply of lubricant and a unique dildo trophy to the winner.”

For more: www.bathcomedy.com

BUSINESS INSIDER

Ross Bennett, left, designed the Creative Bath Award

A sweet 16 from the top 50

SQUARE ROOTS Ben Howlett, the Member of Parliament for Bath, recently hosted a House of Commons reception for SETsquared, along with the announcement of the top 50 entrepreneurs from some of the country’s most innovative new tech start-up businesses. Ben explains, “SETsquared has supported amazing talent over the past 15 years and brought many world-leading innovations to the market.”

Simon Bond, SETsquared’s innovation director, adds, “SETsquared has provided support and a network for these entrepreneurs including access to

mentors, experts, international markets and investors, and they are now out there doing SETsquared and the UK proud.”

The enterprise, which is based at the Innovation Centre at Carpenter House and is celebrating its 15th year, is a partnership of the universities of Bath, Bristol, Exeter, Surrey and Southampton, and has supported over 1,000 high-tech, high-growth companies who have had a significant economic impact, collectively raising over £1bn of investment and creating more than 9,000 jobs.

tournament. It will feature 16 companies playing in World Cup team kits in a knock-out tournament at Monkton Combe School on 6 August.

The Creative Bath Awards, which celebrates the creative, tech and cultural sector of the region, has recently received major backing from sponsors highlighting the high regard the event is held.

Headline sponsor is Bath Spa University, who is joined by ACE Award (for the best overall category winner); Future Publishing; Anthem Publishing; Storm Consultancy; The Guild Coworking Hub; Battens Solicitors; and Bath Life’s publisher, MediaClash.

Creative Bath’s chair Greg Ingham explains, “Category sponsorship is open to any company.

Given the burgeoning success of the sector, which contributes more to the local economy than retail and tourism combined, it is expected a wide variety of companies will be involved. For sponsors, it provides an unrivalled opportunity to be associated with high growth, successful creative and tech companies.”

The awards take place in Queen Square on 8 June and the categories available for nomination which closes 25 April, are App, Architect and Building, Art, Creative Arts Organisation, Creative Space, Designer, Entrepreneur, Film, TV and Video, Innovation Award, Live Performance, Maker, Marketing Campaign, New Creative Business, Photography, Publisher, Website, Writer and Young Creative.

The actual award, pictured above, which will be handed out on the night, was designed by Ross Bennett, a final year design student.

For more: www.bathboules.com

For more: www.creativebathawards.org

For more: www.setsquared.co.uk

BOULE TO BE KIND There’s a brand new way for businesses to get involved in the fundraising event, which takes place 9-11 June in Queen Square, as suggested by regular Boules participants, Epoch Wealth Management.

MediaClash events organiser Steph Dodd explains, “Charities may wish to benefit from the networking and relationship opportunities that the Bath Boules brings but can’t always afford to play. So civicminded companies can now pay for their favoured charity to play, for example Epoch are sponsoring Mentoring Plus.”

There’s also a brand new event planned to help raise even more money for Bath charities. Creative Bath have teamed up with Bath Boules to host a football

AND THE WINNER IS

Rolling the boule

BUSINESS INSIDER

MOVERS, SHAKERS, ETC

Stuart recalls just how special the feeling is when you get to play Leicester

BATH RUGBY NEWS Bringing you the latest from the Bath Rugby headquarters Mogers Drewtt’s Sarah Dodd

LIFE LINES Mogers Drewett has strengthened its Later Life Support team, which is dedicated to providing services for later life and vulnerable clients, with the appointment of Sarah Dodd as head of the team. “We offer a bespoke approach for each client and pride ourselves on the level of personal service we provide,” says Sarah. www.md-solicitors.co.uk

ENGINE POWER Platinum Skoda in Bath recently held an exclusive preview event for the brand new Skoda Kodiaq, which officially launched on 6 April.

The car is already an award-winning vehicle, picking up the coveted Best Large SUV award at the What Car? Awards 2017 and boasts an impressive combination of beautiful design, space, power and state-of-the-art assistance systems. www.platinumskoda.co.uk

FAMILY BUSINESS Lucy Terrell joins Bath law firm Mowbray Woodwards as a solicitor specialising in family law work including divorce, financial matters and injunctions. Lucy says, “The family team here has a formidable reputation for outstanding client service and high success rate.” www.mowbraywoodwards. co.uk

At the time of going to press we won’t know the result of The Clash which took place on 8 April but we do know that for many of the Bath Rugby legends, watching Bath take on Leicester and play at Twickenham will invoke many fond memories.

Jeremy Guscott, who went to school at Ralph Allen, made 266 appearances as the team’s centre and is now a rugby union analyst for BBC Sport, reveals, “I personally still feel a twinge when Bath play the Tigers. They thought they were the best, we thought we were the best and we had to go out there and prove we were the best.”

Stuart Hooper, who played for Bath between 2007 – 2016 and is now the club’s performance and player development director, adds, “When someone is that successful you want to have a crack at them and

growing up, I started off watching Bath play Leicester over the years – they were always massive games.

“I’ve talked many time about the semi-finals win we had at the Rec against Leicester and people said it was the most entertained they’d been at the Rec for 20 or 30 years – that is quite some special feeling.”

The former Bath and England wing David Trick, who played for the club between 1979–1991, recalls the buzz of arriving at the London stadium, “From an atmosphere point of view, playing at Twickenham is hard to rival. The blue, black and white colours are everywhere, all just filtering towards the ground. That walk from the bus to the changing rooms, you feel invincible.”

FROM AN ATMOSPHERE POINT OF VIEW, PLAYING AT TWICKENHAM IS HARD TO RIVAL

For more: www.bathrugby.com

BUSINESS MATTERS DIARY From city centre conferences to networking breakfasts, make a note of these dates and make them work for you VARIOUS DATES

Bath Business Club offer the chance to meet up once a week.

7.30am, £10. www.bathbc.com

MacLaurin. Royal Crescent Hotel & Spa. 12pm-2.30pm, £50. www.bathlifebusinessclub.com

sponsorship opportunities, email info@creativebath.org 9 – 11 JUNE

2 JUNE

Simon Hares advises on how best Tell your story using cartoons with to business network. 8am-9am, a one-month evening course with free. Glove Factory Studios, Holt. illustrator Eoin Ryan. Bath Artists www.glovefactorystudios.com Studios, £90. www.eventbrite.co.uk 4 MAY

Bath Boules in Queen Square returns to help raise money for local charities with food, fun and boules. www.bathboules.com 22 JUNE

Employment law with Royds Withy Creative Bath Awards will highlight King employment law specialists.

Enjoy fine dining and mighty fine exceptional creative quality 6pm-7.30pm, £18. Midland Bridge business insight with Bath Life throughout this diverse sector. To House; www.roydswithyking.com Business Club’s guest speaker Lord get involved and to discuss 8 JUNE

15 MAY

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

BUSINESS INSIDER

BATH LIFE AWARDS 2017

ARTS WINNER Sponsored by

44AD ARTSPACE Sveta Antonova, who describes herself as the 44AD sidekick, reveals how as a student over from Germany, she was sat in Pigeon Park in Bath, when she spotted a little indie gallery that was to change her life….

How did it feel to win a Bath Life Award?

Katie O’Brien the director, Craig Jenkins the trustee and supporter, and myself arrived with no expectations, so when it happened we had no idea what we were doing – there was no speech prepared, it was a blur. But we are still celebrating the win now! The award is currently living in the 44AD ground floor gallery.

Sveta (second left) collects the Bath Life Award for Arts with her 44AD colleagues Lucy Quentin-Hicks, Craig Jenkins and Katie O’Brien

What do you think makes 44AD stand out from the crowd?

The way Katie O’Brien the director manages to combine contemporary art exhibitions, artist studios, workshops, regional and international collaborations, local community groups and open calls, art prizes, residencies and student work is unique. With the ethos of ‘contemporary art, being accessible and free for everyone’, she founded a hub not only for visual artists, but for every creative person in the community.

How did you get into doing what you do?

I discovered 44AD whilst I was over from Germany, doing an exchange year at Bath Spa School of Art and Design. My first week in Bath, with no idea what to do, I got a gallery map from the tourist office and wandered through town. I saw some good stuff, but was a bit disappointed not being able to find an artist community in the heart of the city, that was until I sat down in Pigeon Park and saw the big banner of 44AD artspace...

Do you think being an active part of the community is important in business?

Yes, but not only in the arts, it is always important in whatever field. Every business first grows locally, and 44AD could not work without the community. Katie created the framework, but it is the people that engage 90 I BATH LIFE I www.mediaclash.co.uk

with the space and therefore makes the whole artist community in Bath more vivid and lively.

What do you aim to achieve in the next couple of years?

To help make 44AD sustainable, getting a long-term lease for the building and therefore securing the project within its current premises. Craig, who is also the managing director of the Bath accounting firm TSL, is currently helping 44AD with its transfer to charitable status.

What do you do when you’re not working?

I’m an artist myself, so I continue my own practice, when possible, and I curate for Fringe Arts Bath. I am also curating an exhibition called ‘Other People Have a Nationality’ from 26 May to 11 June, which will be on display alongside over 25 other exhibitions around Bath, including some secret events, exhibitions and the Bath Open Art Prize at 44AD.

YOU CAN BE A REBEL AND FIGHT FOR THINGS WITHOUT SHOUTING AT PEOPLE

What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever been given?

It was by Katie – “Keep one eye on the chessboard”, which means: “You can be a rebel and fight for things without shouting at people.” Sounds easy but it taught me a lot about patience and diplomacy.

A final question from everyone at the Bath Life office – how do you do your hair like that?!

I dye it, cut it, wash it and brush it – like you all do, right?

Honestly, there are too many beautiful colours in the world. I wasn’t able to decide, so I went for black and white. 10 years later, that decision is still doing the job.

For more: www.44ad.net

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BUSINESS INSIDER

BATH LIFE BUSINESS CLUB

FLYING HIGH Bristol Airport’s CEO Robert Sinclair was the guest speaker at The Royal Crescent Hotel & Spa for the latest Bath Life Business Lunch

B

PHOTO BY PHILIP SHONE

ristol Airport, which started life back in 1927 and was the birthplace of Concorde, can now claim to be the biggest airport in the South West, the ninth biggest in the UK, and handled 7.6million passengers last year. It also has a new name (the middle ‘international’ was dropped in 2010), a new road to help cut travelling time (the South Bristol Link Road) and a new 201-room hotel. The west terminal is complete, there’s a dedicated fast track channel and some subtle rebranding is going on (check out the Stonehenge security pillars on your next visit).

So just who is the person helping implement so many of these forward-thinking, and at times controversial, changes? Meet Robert Sinclair, who joined as chief executive officer in 2008 – a fresh-faced Kiwi, with sandy hair, a wide smile and a slightly mischievous undercurrent to his good-natured humour. He’s also ambitious, focused and determined in his goal to make Bristol Airport “a world leading regional airport.”

So what does the planning of such a vision look like? “We have a timeline of 20 years.

We’re a major infrastructure asset – we invest a lot money in things that don’t move, unlike airlines. We have to plan long into the future because when you place a terminal, it’s a very

Robert delivers a fascinating aerial view of airport management

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

difficult thing to lift and shift, not just because of the expense, but because you are operating an airport at the same time.

“Our next lot of plans will be quite aspirational and that will frighten some people and it’ll unsettle others. We know we have to be very careful being a somewhat large business.

We are the noisy neighbours, but I would say it is the planes that make the noise. However, I understand that is only a slight distinction for most.”

Robert, who wanted to be a pilot when he was younger but not having 20/20 vision meant instead he trained as a lawyer, before going on to become a chartered accountant, followed by years of international banking, is

WE ARE THE NOISY NEIGHBOURS BUT I WOULD SAY IT IS THE PLANES THAT MAKE THE NOISE. HOWEVER, I UNDERSTAND THAT IS ONLY A SLIGHT DISTINCTION FOR MOST passionate about the future of Bristol Airport and the role it plays in the region, both in the air and on the ground. “People want to be connected. And that means growth in travel, which means growth for the economy, and that means growth for employment.

“It’s not just about making Bristol and Bath a hub to the rest of the world, but we want to connect up local, regional and national bus services to train services to the international connectivity for the entire South West.”

Robert covers a lot of air miles in his interview with Bath Life Business Club members, from sustainability – “we’re committed to being a carbon neutral operation by 2030”, to green belt issues “really, we were never meant to be there – the major negative is our ability to expand… but a one big positive is what we fly over is mainly sheep, so we don’t disturb as many people as you would in places like Heathrow.”

There’s also the surprising facts: 60 per cent of the airport’s revenue, which translates as about £60million of £90million, comes

Robert is interviewed by Bath Life Business Club’s Greg Ingham

from commercial sources. And that out of the 3,000 people who work at the Lulsgate Bottom site in North Somerset, only 250 of those are directly employed by Bristol Airport.

“However, to create a level of standards – whether it’s a poor check-in experience, a cold latte, problems at security – I’ll take the complaint. Our whole approach at the airport is to take responsibility because our passengers expect that from us.”

But there are some major issues that even the upbeat Robert is unsure about. “United Airlines had confirmed they were going to relaunch a direct service from Bristol,” he explains. “Until that little vote on 23 June 2016, and they called us up, and said all bets are off. People ask me about the impact of Brexit – well there’s one.”

There’s also the small matter of the open skies policy, “which basically means any EU-owned airline can fly anywhere in Europe to, from and within, without restriction, and that has fuelled this boom in air travel. It’s been fantastic – a way of life we just take for granted. We come out of the EU and the EU open skies policy, and we now have to scrabble around and look for the previously held outdated, restrictive bilateral agreements between us and each country – there isn’t even one for Spain.”

However, even Brexit fears can’t quash Robert’s positivity and enthusiasm for his work, “An airport is an intangible asset with a reputation, which you can’t manage by numbers alone – you have to talk to people. We are the noisy neighbours, so being seen as trustworthy is difficult and time consuming, but funnily enough, is the most rewarding aspect of my job.”

For more: www.bristolairport.co.uk

FRESH THINKING OVER A FINE LUNCH

The Bath Life Business Club is a select group of senior business people. It features a leading speaker – for example, Glastonbury Festival founder Michael Eavis – and a damn fine twocourse lunch. The next meeting is on 15 May with Lord MacLaurin and if you’d like to join, please contact Stephanie Dodd (Stephanie.

Dodd@mediaclash.co.uk). These events sell out quickly, so look out for the emails...

The Bath Life Business Club is sponsored

by Bishop Fleming

PROPERTY

SHOWCASE

MANOR OF THE MOMENT Set in a pretty hamlet with extensive gardens, outbuildings and a heated swimming pool, Jacobean, GradeII listed Ashley Manor ticks all the boxes as far as we’re concerned…

By E V E LY N GR E E N

94 LIFE LIFE I www.mediaclash.co.uk 112I I BATH CLIFTON I www.mediaclash.co.uk

SHOWCASE

PROPERTY

www.mediaclash.co.uk I BATHLIFE LIFE I I 113 95 www.mediaclash.co.uk I CLIFTON

PROPERTY

SHOWCASE

W

ho lives in a house like this? Well, they’re moving out to make room for new owners, but we can hedge our bets that this is a musical family – the recording studio tells us that much. It’s not just a studio, though; there’s a lounge, kitchen, dining area and sleeping quarters in this private annex, too.

It sounds rather modern so far, but you’ll have already clocked the pictures and you’ll know the main house is anything but futuristic. The Grade-II listed Ashley Manor was originally the residence of the Long family during the 16th and 17th century, and then it was owned by the Northey family from the 18th century to the 20th. It’s built of Ashlar stone elevations with slate and stone tiled roofs and coped gables and there are various original features throughout.

A formal gated entrance leads onto a private driveway that curves to the entrance of the Jacobean property, and there’s an ancient, imposing oak and wrought iron studded front door welcoming visitors.

And a grand introduction it is indeed; step through the doorway and the hall, with its parquet brickwork hearth and intricate stone surround, leads the eye up to a sweeping, baroque-style wooden staircase. The panelled sitting room and drawing room are generously sized, and the latter is dominated by a striking stone fireplace emblazoned with a Latin inscription which translates as “Fire tests gold, adversity tests strong men”.

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

Clockwise, from top left: a pared-back reception room featuring just one of the property’s grand staircases; the chic dining and kitchen area; a Roman-style heated pool; ceiling beams and a spectacular fireplace make this room stand out

HOUSE NUMBERS

6,946

Square foot of space

5

Bedrooms

£1.95M price

1.2 acres

1

Coach house

The drawing room opens out onto the side terrace patio through French doors, and at the rear of the house, opening onto the garden, is a generous farmhouse-style kitchen/breakfast room with an AGA creating a social dining and entertaining space.

Two grand staircases, one of Jacobean design, leads to the first floor from either end of the property. Upstairs are five double bedrooms, several of which have wood panelling and period fireplaces, and the second floor is home to the outstanding spacious master bedroom, which boasts its own large dressing room, study, and en suite bathroom, all looking out to the front of the property over the extensive grounds – all 1.2 acres of them.

The focal point of the gardens is the Roman-style outdoor swimming pool which is at its most attractive in the spring and summer seasons, but can be used at any time of the year as it’s heated – turning the garden a private oasis. The front and rear gardens both extend wider than the property giving you an excellent amount of space to cultivate and enjoy, and the latter, which is abutted by a carved stone pillar wall, has exquisite farreaching views to the west.

The area is a huge draw too; Ashley is a pretty hamlet, close to the village of Box, and Bath is only six miles away. So for those after a one-of-a-kind family home in outrageously-pretty surrounds, this centuries-old manor house ticks both the ‘bags of character’ and ‘location, location, location’ boxes with ease.

Carter Jonas, 5 & 6 Wood Street, Bath, BA1 2JQ; 01225 747250; www.carterjonas.co.uk

A desirable development of seven bespoke apartments, set in the charming village of Chew Magna.

These exquisite traditionally constructed properties provide individually designed accommodation with excellent energy efficiency.

The Old Surgery

offers in excess of £400,000

Careful attention to detail is evident throughout and the high quality finish reflects a classic contemporary style. Surrounded by rolling hills, this much sought after area is popular with those wishing to escape the city but have easy access to both Bristol and Bath, for work, cultural and leisure pursuits. With Bristol international airport and mainline railway links at Bristol Temple Meads, Bath Spa, the M4 and M5 motorway being just a short distance away, these luxury apartments really do offer the very best of both city and country lifestyle.

First floor apartment · Open plan concept · Desirable location · Study · Two bedrooms · Master with en-suite, second bathroom · Designated parking · 1049 Sq ft

SALES

01225 471 14 4

LETTINGS

01225 303 870

sales@theapartmentcompany.co.uk

This Georgian apartment boasts a wealth of features sure to impress.

Located next to the highly sort after St James Square, the property occupies the top three floors of a Georgian townhouse, having its own private entrance on the ground floor.

2 Marlborough Street

offers in excess of £875,000

The first floor presents ample living space with a dining room, with wedding doors through to the sitting room with a private balcony overlooking the golf course. The second floor contains the large dine in kitchen, third bedroom and shower room.

There are a further two bedrooms, master with en-suite and a further shower room on the top floor. This property is presented in exquisite condition and makes a fabulous family home, early viewing is highly recommended.

Georgian apartment · Grade II listed · Own front door · Three double bedrooms · Modern kitchen · Private balcony · Fabulous views · Approx 1563 Sq ft

www.theapartmentcompany.co.uk

PHILIP SHONE PHOTOGRAPHY

Architectural property photography In t e rior s | E x te rior s | H ot els | N ew H o mes | Res ta u ra n t s Estate Ag ents | Letti ng A gents

Email: philipshone1@gmail.com Tel: 07480 333 320 web: philipshone.wixsite.com/properties

A D V E R T I S I N G F E AT U R E P R O P E R T Y

WHY APARTMENT OWNERS ARE SELLING ‘QUIETLY’ Peter Greatorex explains why 30 per cent of THE APARTMENT COMPANY’s sales so far this year have been sold via their discreet and quiet marketing method

O

ften referred to as ‘off-market,’ these properties are not listed on high-street windows or portals, they’re not advertised in the press and open viewings don’t take place. Instead, we make quiet phone calls to our large database of specific registered buyers.

Generally, our sellers sell this way because they don’t want their sale carried out in the public eye. Quiet marketing is less stressful, more discreet and is low-key. Sellers can also make a good profit, being in a stronger negotiating position because buyers will pay a premium if they feel they have found something special and exclusive to them.

It is also an excellent strategy to avoid over exposure when marketing publicly. After a month of advertising online, buyers start to

assume there are ‘issues’ with the property which can de-value the apartment in their minds. Therefore, if selling when the market is traditionally quieter for example, we advise our clients sell quietly. If we don’t find a buyer this way, we can at least test the market and have a good understanding of buyer expectations. We can then launch onto the market afresh when activity picks up, and set a price that we know is likely to attract interest.

Furthermore, quiet marketing usually results in a quicker sale. We rely on our database, so we don’t need to show an apartment to any more than twelve people before finding a buyer.

However, this approach is not for everybody and there are other strategies. Whichever method you choose, make sure your estate agent has a good database of buyers specific to your property. If you are selling an apartment

Over

20 years'

in experience ty er p ro p the sector

for example, 100 per cent of our buyers are looking for a property, just like yours...

For more advice visit our blog at www.theapartmentcompany.co.uk/ newssearch.aspx Sales: 01225 471144 Lettings: 01225 303870 www.theapartmentcompany.co.uk

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Woodford, Berkeley, South Gloucs Prices from ÂŁ495,000 A choice of four brand new contemporary styled detached barn type homes in this exclusive development of only six elegant professional homes within five miles of Thornbury.

Four beds (with en-suites to master & guest rms). Spacious dual aspect living rm, dining rm, stunning fitted k/breakfast rm and separate utility. Vaulted ceilings to FF. Bold, confident yet reassuringly traditional. Now under construction build completion expected Summer 2017. 1st unit already reserved.

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Celebrating 10 years in 2016!

SERVICES GUIDE

DATING AGENCY

INTERIORS

Looking to find that special someone?

Caroline Crowther is a truly local personal introduction agency helping you meet someone new in your area. We offer a long term personal service until you find your perfect match.

For a professional and personal service call

01934 744788

or

0800 180 4788

www.carolinecrowther.com

GARDENING

THE CLASSIC GARDENER

Richard Brook POND & AQUATIC SYSTEMS

TOPIARY PLANTS POTS ORNAMENTS FURNITURE LEADING GROWERS OF TOPIARY IN THE SOUTH WEST

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ROOFING

STONE SPECIALISTS

hed tablis

Es

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

1972

D R Vowles & Son Ltd are highly reputable roofing contractors based in Bath, Somerset. We provide premier roofing services for residential, commercial and industrial clients with properties throughout the south west.

For more information please call Liz today

01225 425232

Tel: 01225 462688 / 07968 697091

Upper Weston Farm, Weston, BATH BA1 4HL

Email: Julian@bathstonemasons.co.uk

drvowlesandson.co.uk JEWELLERY

www.bathstonemasons.co.uk

DECORATING

STONE SPECIALISTS

Paul Swift Nigel Dando

Painting and Decorating

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

45 Old Fosse Road Odd Down, Bath BA2 2SP

Nigel Dando

Tel: 01225 352437 07894 210446 Fax: 01225 350429

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

To advertise here call

Member of Painting, Decorating Association

DAVIS MASONRY & CONSTRUCTION Natural stone specialist Bath stone restoration Walling Re-pointing t: 07910 621 316 e: jack_fb_123@hotmail.co.uk

✆ 01225 475800

B AT H L I V E S

Q&A

I

t’s recently been recognised as a Top 10 Co-Educational Boarding School by Education Advisors based on its 2016 A level results, and here we talk to Kingswood School’s headmaster Simon Morris about the most rewarding and challenging parts of his job, how his own experience as a schoolboy influences his working ethos, and why, ultimately, it’s the students make the school so special Kingswood School is brilliant in my eyes…

We are extraordinarily fortunate to have a culture where very high levels of academic success sit comfortably alongside a much broader curriculum embracing creative and performing arts, sport and a whole range of other activities. But, of course, at the centre of this sit the students, who are naturally what makes the school really special. They are ambitious and focused but there is also a real warmth and strong sense of community and shared values amongst the student body.

We want our students to be involved in making a difference…

Kingswood was founded in 1748 by John Wesley and, whilst we are, of course, a modern and forward-looking school, we also retain something of his vision in our ethos. So, breadth is really important, as is the education of the heart as well as the mind. We encourage a spirit of enquiry and really want our students to engage actively in debating important issues.

A headteacher’s job is very varied indeed…

The most important thing to me is that young people are given the opportunity to thrive. I have always seen it as important that the headteacher gets to know all the students and takes a personal interest in how they are doing.

Working with young people is such a tremendous privilege…

To help shape the way we educate young people is extraordinarily rewarding. The exciting thing for all teachers is seeing how good teaching in a supportive and nurturing environment can be truly life changing for each individual student.

My typical day is never dull…

I am up at 6am; my first task is to walk the dog, and then I take my daughter to school (she attends one of the other excellent Bath schools).

Each day I will have meetings with staff, parents and often governors, but I will also always try to attend student activities such as lunchtime concerts and sports fixtures. Kingswood is, through choice, an extremely busy school, so there are often evening events, too, so my days can finish quite late.

I’ve worked in education since the 80s…

I have a modern languages degree and spent a short period after university working in the financial sector, but in the late 80s I changed direction and have worked in education ever 106 I BATH LIFE I www.mediaclash.co.uk

SIMON MORRIS

The headmaster of Kingswood School, Bath, discusses his long, blonde hair phase in his 20s, why he was shy as a pupil, and what it’s really like to live a day in his shoes… since. I worked in schools in Warwick, Cambridge and Surrey before coming to Bath to be the headteacher of Kingswood in 2008.

I lacked confidence as a young boy…

Looking back, I would say that whilst I achieved good grades at school, I certainly had a fear of getting things wrong. This led to me probably not contributing a great deal in class. As a result of this, I’m very keen that Kingswood students should learn to not fear failure, but also that they should not be criticised for lacking the confidence to contribute in class.

My favourite subjects were mathematics and languages…

I was fortunate to have received a fully funded place at Ipswich School, a school which has many similarities to Kingswood. This has certainly influenced my commitment to ensuring Kingswood is an inclusive independent school, which provides a range of bursaries so that students from a wide range of backgrounds who are particularly well suited to our ethos are able to attend.

I live on the edge of the school grounds in Lansdown…

So I have the benefits of being not too far from the city centre, but my house also looks out over some magnificent countryside.

I’m not a big shopper, but I do love bookshops…

Especially Topping & Company Booksellers of Bath and Mr B’s Emporium of Reading Delights.

A family favourite is The Silver Shop of Bath, and not only because one of my daughters has worked there for years. As far as restaurants go, we enjoy The Marlborough Tavern – which is as close to a local as we have – and The Mint Room. For an extra special treat, The Olive Tree is a favourite.

My treasured possession is…

Our small cottage on the South Devon coast; we enjoy escaping there whenever we can during the school holidays. We absolutely love Bath, but also enjoy the coast.

Something not many people about me is…

In my early 20s I had long, very blonde hair. Photos available on request…

When I’m not working, you would find me…

Walking the dog, perhaps at the racecourse or at Kelston Round Hill, or enjoying a round of golf at one of our excellent local courses. Running a boarding/day school is fairly full-on during termtime, so days off are a bit of a myth.

My perfect weekend in Bath would begin with…

Our girls and boys competing in some hardfought sports fixtures against one of our local schools (with Kingswood victorious, of course).

Later on there would be a rugby match at the Rec (with Bath, my adopted club, winning) and the evening would be spent watching a film at the Little Theatre (a real gem). www.kingswood.bath.sch.uk