Bath Life – Issue 398

Food/Arts/Entertainment/Shopping/Property @BathLifeMag

CELEBRATING THE BEST OF THE CITY

ISSUE 398 / 16 AUGUST - 30 AUGUST 2019 / £3

PLUS

ISSUE 398 / 16 AUGUST - 30 AUGUST 2019 / WEDDING SURVIVAL GUIDE

BROAD STREET TOWNHOUSE GOODBODY WELLNESS THE GRIFFIN ROSSITERS AND

SOME CREEPY ’70S PUPPETS

KICK-START YOUR WEDDING n DRESS LIKE A GODDESS n EAT LIKE A KING

n LIVE LIKE LORD AND LADY MUCK

IT’S OUR TO-DIE-FOR GUIDE TO MARRIAGE IN 2019

Redefining Style Our brand new practice is back open for business in the same location

Brad Abrahams Optometry, 2 Upper Borough Walls, Bath BA1 1RG T: 01225 444321 E: team@bradabrahams.uk.com www.bradabrahams.uk.com

EDITOR’S LETTER

This issue, we’re all about the happily ever after... BELOW: Check out this botanically-themed jar on p.72

B

ack in the day, everyone used to get married once, and that was it.

And I don’t just mean they paired off for life – “she’s your lobster,” and all that Phoebe from Friends stuff, sweet though it is. I mean that when they got married – whether it was for the first time or, like Elizabeth Taylor, the eighth – they just did it once. (Don’t worry, some more topical references will be along in a moment.)

Not so these days, of course.

For instance, Karlie Kloss (Mammon-friendly model, and one-time Taylor Swift girl squad NCO) and Joshua Kushner (less reptilian and doll-like sibling to the more famous lost, haunted White House troubler) enjoyed two weddings within the same year: one a proper do (in upstate New York; the bride wore Dior) and the other a whopping great party on a Wyoming ranch eight months later, with people like Orlando Bloom and Katy Perry in attendance.

Then there’s Queen in the North

Sophie Turner and her pop rocker hubby Joe Jonas of the Jonas Brothers, who had a quickie Las Vegas ceremony this summer, then a “doing it right” fairy tale bash at a French chateau, with Soph’s Game of Thrones sister Maisie Williams as maid of honour, and the couple’s mini-direwolf of a dog, Porky Basquiat, as groomsman. Porky, of course, wore a full-on DJ, complete with bow-tie.* What’s the point of all this? Well, not so long ago, back in another life, I used to edit Vow, a rather fine – though ultimately not hugely successful – wedding magazine for the West Country, and though that only ceased publication a year or so ago, nobody was talking about having a ‘second wedding’ back then. (Unless there was a divorce in the meantime, of course.) It shows just how quickly the wedding world is changing, and that the trends we celebrate this issue may not be quite the same as the ones we talked about a year ago, or will talk about again in the summer of 2020.

Find out all about a very specific moment in marriage – doing the deed, 2019-style – on page 27, and as you do so think on this: are these celebs (and we’re talking the proper ones, not the Celebs Go Dating crowd) doing it twice because it’s spontaneous and fun and they can afford it, or simply because it gives them two bites at the Instagram cherry?

I hate to be cynical (oh, who am I kidding? I love it), but in these cases I can’t help myself. Whatever you do, make sure no one has any reason to feel cynical about your wedding.

See, told you I’d treat you to some more topical references eventually! *

MATT BIELBY

Follow us on Twitter @BathLifeMag Instagram @bathlifemag

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

Issue 398 / 16 – 30 August 2019 Cover Photo by Betty Bhandari

cover feature

27 weddings A guide to being a stylish, happy

bride (or groom), circa 2019

LIFESTYLE

25 inside story Prep your decor for winter 114 Lives One-time Bathonian Marisa Calin on her

very first film, to premiere at The Little Theatre

the arts

47 ARTS INTRO Delving into the hidden arts scene

of 1970s New York

48 WHAT’S ON Ways to spend summer in the city 61 BOOKS Nic takes us to the mountain top 63 Film Tales of men struggling as time flies by

food&DRINK

65 Food & DrINK news Save the world, drink gin 66 try 5 Bath’s most exciting new takeaway in an age 68 RESTAURANT Getting steeped in history (and

cocktails) at The Griffin

shopping

74

48

71 intro Cool ceramics inspired by the coast 72 editor’s choice Florally minded 74 broad street We take a tour of one of Bath’s

most vibrant (but easy to overlook) streets, home to a plethora of intriguing indies

Business

95 bath works Education, AI, Bath Property

Awards, oh my! It’s our newly redesigned (and mildly rethought) business news section

property

105 showcase Expertly renovated, effortlessly cool

departments

9 spotlight 15 Society 23 a man’s world

Editor Matt Bielby matt.bielby@mediaclash.co.uk Deputy Editor Lydia Tewkesbury lydia.tewkesbury@mediaclash.co.uk Managing Editor Deri Robins deri.robins@mediaclash. co.uk Senior Art Editor Andrew Richmond Graphic Design Megan Allison Cover Design Trevor Gilham Editor’s Photo Damon Charles Contributors Nic Bottomley, David Flatman, Philippa May, Paul Marland, Sophie-Claire McLeod and Matilda Walton Group Advertising Manager Pat White pat.white@mediaclash.co.uk Deputy Advertising Manager Justine Walker justine.walker@mediaclash.co.uk Deputy Advertising Manager Polly Jackson polly.jackson@mediaclash.co.uk Account Manager Annabel North annabel.north@mediaclash. co.uk Sales Executive Louis Grey louis.grey@mediaclash.co.uk Production/Distribution Manager Sarah Kingston sarah.kingston@mediaclash.co.uk Deputy Production Manager Kirstie Howe kirstie.howe@mediaclash.co.uk Production Designer Matt Gynn matt.gynn@mediaclash.co.uk Chief Executive Jane Ingham jane.ingham@mediaclash.co.uk Chief Executive Greg Ingham greg.ingham@mediaclash.co.uk Bath Life MediaClash, Circus Mews House, Circus Mews, Bath BA1 2PW 01225 475800 www. mediaclash.co.uk @The MediaClash © All rights reserved. May not be reproduced without written permission of MediaClash.

We’re a Bath-based publisher, creative agency and event organiser Magazines Our portfolio of regional magazines celebrates the best of local living: Bath, Bristol, Cardiff, Exeter and Salisbury. We also publish foodie mag Crumbs (www.crumbsmag.com, @CrumbsMag). 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

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

spotlight TedxBath

the city and the City

Roger Deakins: genius cinematographer and snappy dresser

We’re slowly learning more about TEDxBath 2019, to be held in September at The Holburne Museum. This ideas-sharing series of short lectures – we’d call it a ‘conference’, but that sounds too boring – will see ten speakers tackle the nicely wide theme ‘Echoes of the City’. Not every speaker has been confirmed yet, but those announced so far include 18-year-old Frances Fox of the UK Student Climate Network and motivational speaker James Shone of I Can and I Am.

“As Bath’s first art gallery, we’ve always been about exploring the importance of creativity and imagination, especially in relation to our city in the past and present,” says Chris Stephens, director of The Holburne. “We’re deeply committed to engaging with the pressing themes and issues of today and are delighted to work with TEDxBath in their presentation of a diverse range of ideas about Bath and the relationship of its past and its future.”

For more: www.tedxbath.co.uk

Well-deserved gongs

And the honorary doctorate goes to…

Oscar-winning cinematographer Roger Deakins (Blade Runner 2049, The Big Lebowski, Skyfall) returned to Bath Spa University (where he studied ages back, when it was known as Bath College of Art) to receive an Honorary Doctorate of Letters from Bath Spa’s vice-chancellor, Professor Susan Rigby.

“I’m incredibly honoured,” he said afterwards.

“Meeting students and seeing their commitment to pursuing their passions is inspiring, reminding me of where it all began for me. To be a part of Bath Spa University’s creative and innovative community is a great privilege.”

For more: www.bathspa.ac.uk

Patrick Haines with his latest seat: perhaps not as comfortable as it looks

The Holburne hosts the next TEDxBath

Art installation

TAKE A SEAT

Or maybe don’t. (It’s a priceless piece of art, don’tcha know.)

Bath-based artist Patrick Haines – the guy behind the Herschel Chairs on the Bath Riverside – has unveiled his new piece for the Crest Nicholson development’s Elizabeth Park.

This bronze sculpture of a two-seat chair – or perhaps a mini-sofa? – is a tribute to Leonard Jenyns, a Victorian clergyman and naturalist who was an unsung hero of modern science, turning down a chance to sail on HMS Beagle so that his colleague, Charles Darwin – you may have heard of him – could go instead. Jenyns was a longtime Bath resident who moved to the city in 1850 because of his wife’s ill health; he’s these days buried in Lansdown cemetery. Patrick says of the work: “I liked the idea of creating a space where the public can sit and notice references to the characters around them, footprints left in a poetical space where two people who changed the world came together.”

For more: www.crestnicholson.com

www.mediaclash.co.uk I BATH LIFE I 9

spotlight

You know what? The kids are alright

Mental health

into the blue

A new mental Professor health app could Paul, app reduce the risk of inventor self-harm among its users, according to research. The app, called BlueIce, has been created

by Professor Paul Stallard of the University of Bath, and has now been added to the NHS app library, where it will be prescribed alongside traditional faceto-face therapies.

The app has three parts: mood monitoring, where young people can record how they are feeling; mood-lifting, where users are automatically redirected to mindfulness guides and opportunities to challenge destructive thoughts when they record a low mood; and routing to emergency numbers in the event that they’re necessary.

When Professor Stallard and the team analysed the app’s impact, they found that, after just 12 weeks, users aged 12-17 had actually reduced their self-harming.

For more: www.bath.ac.uk The question is, did whoever was on the back stop pedalling at any point and make the other do all the work?

Anniversary ball

Grab your dancing shoes

Off The Record’s 25th Anniversary Ball is coming up this October – so you’ve got plenty of time to choose your outfit. The bash is a great chance to have a drink and a dance and support this local charity, one that works with young people in BANES on issues revolving around emotional and mental wellbeing. These guys offer counselling, listening support and coaching, youth participation, advocacy and specialist groups, as well as support for care leavers and LGBT+ youth. Tickets to the ball cost £65 and include a three-course dinner with wine, plus entertainment and music by Dave Mitchell Soul Band, who always bring high energy.

Off The Record is also keen to speak to local companies and organisations who might be interested in sponsoring the event, ensuring even more money goes to where it’s needed the most – providing these extensive free services for young people.

For more: www.offtherecord-banes.co.uk

Charity

Tandem madness

Here at Bath Life we love hearing about people doing mad things for charity, and it doesn’t get much madder than cycling up a mountain on a tandem bike. Will Trick and Dave Bowler took on Mont Vontoux in a 24-hour tandem ride from hell (we assume), in which they climbed up the Tour De France mountain four times to raise funds for Bath Rugby Foundation. The daring duo set out at 4am on Monday and finished their final grueling series of climbs just after 2am on Tuesday.

In total they cycled over 100km and climbed 20,500 feet. So far they’ve raised over £8,000 – and donations are still open, if you can spare a few pennies.

For more: www.bathrugbyfoundation.com

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

SCENE T H E L AT E S T A DV E N T U R E S I N PA R T Y- GO I N G AC ROSS BAT H Grant Carpenter and Kayleigh Bryant The Thrings table: Charlottte Dooling, Anna Christie, Ruth Irvine and Bill Thomas

The Deloitte Table: Laura Purvis and Abbey Freeman

WRACK YOUR BRAINS

The 20th anniversary of the epic Brain of Bath quiz took place in the Assembly Rooms back in July. Journo, broadcaster and Daily Mail columnist Bel Mooney took the helm as quiz master, keeping an eye on the 17 rowdy teams fighting it out to be crowned winner of this notoriously tough quiz, featuring such unusual elements as a frankly baffling smells round.

After many tricky questions a very close top three emerged, with less than 10 points between them – and eventually Feilden Clegg emerged as victors.

MediaClash came eighth. We’d rather not talk about it.

But it’s not all fun and games – the quiz is in support of Julian House, and in addition to wracking their brains, competitors emptied out their purses, with £440 raised by the raffle and an additional £735 from the auction, which included a range of fab lots like a balloon flight with Bath Balloons, two tickets to a Bath Rugby home match and, the main event, a rather fine Mulberry handbag. www.julianhouse.org.uk; photos by Anna Barclay

Gemma Scrine, Andy Richmond and Susan Brennand

The winners: Feilden Clegg Bradley Studios

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

SOCIETY

Jamie Barrow, Britain’s fastest snowboarder, giving his speech about #BeMoreFLY

Food from Goodness Grazers

Andy Watson and Chris WalkerHebborn, the Olympic swimmer and FLY instructor

FIRST LOVE

A brand new boutique gym, FLY Fitness, has opened on Bath Street. They held a swish launch event at the gym, with a few friends invited down to celebrate with owners Richard Campbell, Lucy Sutton and Tessa Campbell.

In the run-up to the launch, FLY – which stands for First Love Yourself – ran a competition to gift a 12-month membership to three special people from Bath, who either entered or were nominated for overcoming some sort of adversity, be that to do with their physical or mental health, or a lack of finances and support. Jamie Barrow, Britain’s fastest snowboarder, was on hand to announce the winners of the campaign, known as #BeMoreFLY, and he gave some rather sweet speeches about the three very deserving membership recipients: Eddie Ilic, Rachel Stannard and Nicki Cawthorne. www.flyfitness.co.uk; photos by Polly Jackson

Kenton Simons, Jade Lau and Nerys Evans Milly Jackson, Wes Hosie and Lucy Sutton

Rachel Stannard, Eddie Ilic, George Redman, Megan Kilbane and Nicki Cawthorne (Rachel, Eddie and Nicki were all winners of #BeMoreFLY) Tony Piarson, David Boules and Bryony Campbell

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

Richard Campbell, Danny Wring and Alex Leaman

Richard Campbell, Lucy Sutton and Tessa Campbell, co-owners and founders

SOCIETY

Victoria Barnett, Tom Boyce and Helen Gregory Caroline Entwistle and Jonathan Langdon

Ross Jones, Anna Arakcheeva and Maria Waters

ON THE MOVE

Ian Lloyd and Louise Grendon

Milsted Langdon recently moved to a brand new office on Queen Street. The top accountancy firm celebrated the jump to a much larger Bath office space by inviting friends and colleagues down to see the new place, catch up with the team and enjoy a few sneaky drinks and canapés – after all, what’s a work do without drinks and canapes? www.milsted-langdon.co.uk; photos by Gareth Hoskins

Duncan Battishill, Rachel Hotham and Andrew Jordan

Carl Powell and Sami Attia Mark Lucas and Racheal Verinder

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

Charlie White and Jessica Bent

Dan Kenyon and Tim Brooksbank

SOCIETY

Ken and Vera Barnes Hans Metger and Ellis Reed

BLOSSOMING INTO SUMMER

The Ivy has just celebrated the launch of their summer-long collaboration with The House of Suntory. The restaurant marked the start of the new partnership with the Japanese craft spirits company with a gorgeous floral display – surely familiar to anyone who has walked down Milsom Street of late – spilling out from the doorway and taking over the terrace for guests and passers by to enjoy.

The brasserie’s guests were treated to a sneaky try of the exclusive limited edition cocktails made with The House of Suntory’s spirits. They included Southern Elegance, a blend of Haku Vodka, passionfruit sherbert, Laurent Perrier Rosé, pineapple cordial and Ivy Champagne; and Toki Thyme, which mixed Toki Whisky, yuzu and honey, ginger and Jasmine cordial, smoked with lemon thyme. www.theivybrasserie.com; photos by Paolo Ferla

Sarah Hannoford and Nathan Johnson Charlie Carr Smith and Emily Zwolinski of House of Suntory

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

Benice Hampton, Dave Walker and Karen Walker Dom Johns and Jack King

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A MAN’S WORLD DAVID FLATMAN

Once upon a time at the fest

© TAKING PICTURES

Flats has (whisper it) never really got on with Glastonbury. But has that put him off festivals? Not a bit of it…

“I’m claiming it for the ‘Down to Earth Bloke’ section of my CV”

A

s mentioned eons ago in these pages, I have done Glastonbury twice and not really enjoyed it. Having relied solely on warm cider from quickto-sag cardboard cups to provide any chemical buzz, the sun and the dehydration and the loo situation made the whole thing rather unpleasant. I realise I may be the only human alive who admits to not adoring Glasto – I also realise that lots of intelligent people either dishonestly say they love it to appear grounded and rounded, or convince themselves post-event that it was amazing – but it was enough to put me off festivals for life.

Until this summer; that is, when I’ve done three. Admittedly Smoked and Uncut at The Pig Hotel was only a one-day affair – and it rained apocalyptically throughout – but I took four kids there, so I’m claiming it for the ‘Down to Earth Bloke’ section of my CV. It was wet but it was fun. And I took my daughters to Camp Bestival, which was as ferociously sunny and hot as The Pig was sodden, and offered us an unforgettable experience. The music, the food, the camping, the sugar crashes and homicidal seven year olds, the sitting around with mates chewing the fat and having our faces glittered by the kiddies, all made it a brilliant, brilliant time. Festi-faith almost restored.

Then came Wilderness. With a similar vibe to Bestival, it was easy to navigate and lots of kiddies were running around having good times along with the grown ups.

But there were plenty of kids, too, who looked utterly shattered and broken, but were being forced to stay lively in order that Mummy and Daddy could watch Robyn (a crushingly underwhelming set, in this writer’s view) on Saturday night, but to each their own.

The place was very clean, the vibe very friendly and overall

I found it definitely a pleasant festival experience.

Maybe, then, smaller festivals are the way to go. To this end, it got me thinking about parties and, if it took your fancy, weddings.

Everybody loves a good wedding, but the best bit is always the second half of the reception, once everyone’s gotten a little loose and all the formal stuff is ticked off.

So why not accelerate directly to that point? Imagine not having to wear hot suits and ties, and being able to bounce and flit around, festival-style, instead of sitting in position and having your conversational prospects clipped to the designed boy-girl-boy-girl square of guests around your allotted seat. You’d literally never get separated from those with whom you most wanted to chat and drink.

You’d need a decent speaker system for the speeches, but any festival organiser has that equipment in the glove box (except those who ran Wilderness – Groove Armada’s long-awaited set was repeatedly blighted by faulty kit), and you’d probably need a swanky ‘open’ tent with flappy sides in case of rain but, to my mind, it would be so much cooler for its looseness and its wood-fired barbecues and its lack of a seating plan.

All that’s needed is for someone to please make this happen and then invite me along.

Oh, and I only do VIP camping, by the way. See? Grounded.

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

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

inside story philippa may

Prep school Summer’s at its peak, but it’s a rather rainy peak, so Philippa’s gone back indoors again.

Inevitably, she’s started prepping decor updates for the coming winter…

“Regardless of what kind of home you have, the devil really is in the detail”

I

t feels as though the end of summer is looming around the corner, and – as depressing as it is – all good things have to come to an end. Although I love the sun and lazing on the Crescent with dusk drinks, there’s a part of me also looking forward to spending more time at home in the evenings as they start to darken and we begin to prepare for Christmas. In the summer, we spend so many evenings out, enjoying the last of the sunshine after a day locked in at work, that the house gets very little attention.

This coming month, in fact, it needs the opposite of a spring clean – an autumn pep up to prepare it for the hibernation that is sure to ensue when the weather gets grim.

Regardless of what kind of home you have, the devil really is in the detail, and it’s the little, carefully thought out additions that make you love hanging out in your own space. If you don’t know where to start, I’ve put together a few recommendations for prepping your house for the impending hibernation period, to make sure that it’s not just comfortably cosy, but stylish too.

Go bold in small rooms

There’s a big misconception that to make a room feel bigger you should paint it white: wrong.

Don’t be afraid to go dark in a small room; it will make it feel larger whilst also keeping it cosy.

Graphic prints can have a major impact and look fantastic in a small bathroom, especially when accompanied by a freestanding tub (you know you’ll be soaking in there all winter…).

Try Farrow & Ball’s dark and dynamic Tourbillon wallpaper (seen in the picture above) for an elegant Art Deco appeal that would pair well with their Railings paint for a standout loo guests will admire, and you’ll happily settle into with a good book and candle.

Invest in the anchor of the room

If you’re thinking of splashing some cash to prepare the house for imminent seasonal guests, don’t go wild with lots of little trinkets. You should be building up accessories with meaning throughout the year, so instead invest in rejuvenating the focus of the room, a single object that will get the most use or give the most pleasure. If it’s a bedroom, focus on the bed: new bedspreads always refresh a tired room (excuse the pun), and Feather & Black, a more recent interiors addition to Bath, have some gorgeous linen sheets to layer for the rustic look. Don’t forget to go heavy on a big throw for the cold weather – it’ll save you on heating bills. If you’re going all out, Brissi have just introduced a new Velvet Chantal bedframe that would look perfect piled with linen and velvet textures.

DIRECTORY

Farrow & Ball, 124-126 Walcot Street; www.farrow-ball.com Feather & Black, 10 Northumberland Place; www.featherandblack.com Brissi, 38 Milsom Street; www.brissi.com Looking Glass of Bath, 93-95 Walcot Street; www.lookinglassofbath.co.uk

Maximise the limited daylight with big mirrors

We all know what happens when the days begin to get shorter again, so make sure you’re saving for a big investment mirror to keep as much of that light bouncing around as possible.

I recently picked up a bargain floor-to-ceiling mirror for our new dressing room, and already the space feels so bright, despite the window being relatively small.

Mirrors also make the room feel a lot larger too, perfect if you don’t want to feel boxed up. Looking Glass of Bath have a treasure trove to discover, and if you can’t find anything perfect they’ll make you up something to your exact spec – their bespoke solid brass edged pieces are next on my list; bold, beautiful and local. As such, they’re a perfect investment.

Philippa May is head of marketing for the Bath-based accessory label Abbott Lyon. Follow her on Instagram @_ philippamay_ www.mediaclash.co.uk I BATH LIFE I 25

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2019 wedding guide

Thank goodness, summer is back

© Bett y Bhandari

(and we’re in the mood to get married)

Welcome to Bath Life’s 2019 wedding guide, starring some (but by no means all!) of our favourite dressmakers, venues and more…

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

WEDDINGS

the dress

Empire of passion In Bradford on Avon, the South West’s wedding capital, sits Carina Baverstock Couture, born of a passion for fashion and promoting British bridal gowns with a vengeance

‘Tulisa’ dress by Caroline Castigliano

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

© Owen Howells Photogr aphy.

T

his shop is my baby,” says Carina Baverstock, who’s been offering the most striking selection of high end gowns from her boutique in Bradford on Avon for nine years now. “It was born through a passion for fashion, and my feeling that we needed somewhere selling truly luxurious bridalwear in our area. Our ethos is simple – quality fabrics and exceptionally cut dresses, beautifully fitted by our in-house, couture-level seamstresses.”

Her mum had always owned high end fashion boutiques, and Carina started helping her out age seven. Nothing, though, excited her quite like the “understated glamour, effortless elegance, beautiful tailoring and quiet perfection” of the best couture bridal wear.

“When I meet a bride for the first time, I love to get to know her,” Carina says. “I like to know her taste, her style, her aspirations, then to help her achieve the look she wants – while always, of course, retaining the real ‘her’. We’re one of the very few boutiques to only stock British designers, with all our gowns handmade in the UK. I really feel we offer the crème de la crème of British design, and this time of year is especially exciting, as all the new collections start arriving. Whether it’s Caroline Castigliano’s utterly feminine full lace dresses with delicate detail, or Suzanne Neville’s contemporary, clean cut pieces in smooth Italian crepe, there’s something for every taste – and at every price point. Soft willowy tulles by David Fielden really work for festival brides, while stylish Dior-inspired dresses by Sassi Holford sit perfectly in country landscapes.”

And as for current trends?

“Sleeves are still hugely popular, and lace – especially intriguing 3D lace – is now loved again, having had a rest for a couple of years. The biggest trend, though? Femininity!”

But of course. It’s not a cookie-cutter sort of femininity, though, as these days every bride wants to look unique.

“Well,” says Carina, “she certainly wants her look to be remembered.

So if she wants to be a magical nymph in a wood, we can do that – I’d recommend starting with David Fielden’s ‘Peaseblossom’. Or if she wants to be the understated siren in seductive body-moulding crepe, perhaps go with Suzanne Neville’s ‘Venus’.”

And if you were getting married next year?

“I would love, love, love Suzanne Neville’s ‘Petunia’, with its chic, sophisticated lines – and I would have booked it by now, as next year is looking particularly manic! It must be the magical 2020 date, but it’s attracted just so many weddings.”

clockwise from top left: Suzanne Neville’s ‘Venus’; ‘Peaseblossom’ by David Fielden, worn by real-life Carina Baverstock bride Hannah; Sassi Holford’s ‘Matilda’

Prices run £2,000-£4,000 (ex-display dresses from £800); www.carinabcouture.com

www.mediaclash.co.uk I BATH LIFE I 29

weddings the dress

Accentuate the positive And, yes, Catherine Miller eliminates the negative, too

C Alison’s pieces are cut to fit and to flatter

the dress

That Seventies Glow The Seventies are back! (Or did they ever go away?) Not according to Alison Miles…

A

t Alison Miles Couture in Oldfield Park they create custom dresses inspired by Dior, Givenchy and more. “This is a wonderful time to be involved in wedding fashion,” Alison says. “The current trend for all things ’70s – well, the best bits anyway! – means the boho look is still going strong, with flower crowns, glam rock and fringe details. Colour highlights – especially greens and bon bon shades – are hugely popular too, and there’s still a strong emphasis on texture with dotty tulles, pleating and feathers all on trend.”

Blimey! That’s a lot to take in.

“Oh, that’s not all. Even bows are back – eeek!”

Alison’s been creating beautiful bespoke bridal and occasion wear for 35 years now; her work tends to be timeless and classical, using exquisite fabrics. “I love to work with my customers to design a piece that’s cut to flatter and fits perfectly,” she says, “and the great thing about a bespoke wedding gown is that there are no limits.”

None?

“I’ve made white ones, black ones, and all colours in between.

It doesn’t even have to be a dress, so I’ve made jumpsuits, tulle capes… Really, everything is possible. In the safe hands of an experienced designer, you can relax in the knowledge that the creation will be exactly as you dreamed it would be.” www.alisonmiles.com

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

atherine Miller designs and makes bridal gowns and occasion wear in silks and French laces from her base in Lower Weston – the first one she ever made was for her Sindy doll, aged eight – and tries to take a relaxed approach to her work. “Stressing is very negative and achieves so little,” she says, “and I hope that my relaxed, assured and positive approach comes across to any potential client. A pushy approach is abhorrent to most – me included! – so I’m very laid back.”

Catherine doesn’t create collections but instead makes each dress from scratch, modifying her style to match an individual. “I consider personality, shape and size,” she says, “and always focus on the positive attributes of each woman. What’s supposed to be in fashion won’t always suit the person who’s come to see me, and any important garment – be it wedding gown or cocktail dress – should first and foremost be a reflection of that individual. I’ve had the good fortune to have worked with some inspirational and intuitive women over the years, so I’ve made everything from a red wedding gown – emulating an hibiscus flower! – to a tangerine-coloured, sculptured confection. But although there have been many less traditional dresses, I’ve created more traditionally elegant ones too. They’ve all been beautiful, though, and have expressed the style of each client.”

And if you were to get married yourself next year?

“I’d choose a column dress with a small kick train in a duchesse silk satin or silk zibeline and French Chantilly corded lace.”

Sounds amazing!

“Well, it would certainly say something about me – my friends would concur with that! – but it wouldn’t be for everybody.

In fact, I’ve a family member getting married next year, and she’ll be wearing something entirely different, as her size, shape and personality dictate.”

Catherine’s dresses begin at £1,200, and rise according to the complexity of the design, and the types of silk and lace involved; she does, however, work as much as she can within the budget of each bride. www.silkspecialistcatherinemiller.co.uk

Catherine began by dressing her Sindy dolls and went from there

ALISON MILES co u t u r e

Contemporary and Traditional Wedding Gowns individually designed and made to measure in the most beautiful silks Bespoke Vintage Brooch Bouquets Enquiries/appointments 01225 336805 Email: alison@alisonmiles.co.uk www.alisonmiles.com

WEDDINGS JEWELLERY

SHIMMER AND SHINE We’re lucky enough to have a number of world class businesses in Bath, and the jeweller Mallory is one of them

M

allory, one of Britain’s great jewellers, has been at the heart of Bath since 1898, and is still owned and run by the same family, now in their fifth generation. They’ve one of the largest in-house jewellery workshops in the South West here – it runs above the famous Bridge Street premises, with its Patek Philippe and Rolex watches, Chopard bangles and Faberge pendants in the window – where highly skilled goldsmiths craft exquisite pieces.

“Pearls are a popular choice for brides,” says director Katie Vander Woerd, “as they bring an understated glamour that complements any style of bridal gown. Some brides also like to add a touch of blue for luck, using aquamarines or sapphire gemstones – usually paired with diamonds, for extra vivacity.”

Right now, the guys at Mallory are seeing more and more requests for bespoke designs, with brides wanting to own a unique piece of jewellery. “This could be a one-off piece created for the special day,” says Katie, “or perhaps an incorporation of ‘old and new’ by remodelling an heirloom piece into a more wearable, modern item of jewellery. The focal point of any bride’s wedding day will undoubtably be her dress, but by adding the right jewellery she can really take the ensemble to the next level. We’d generally advise that you choose your bridal jewellery only after deciding on the style of dress, so if you have an ornate neckline, the bride may like to opt for a pair of drop earrings instead of a necklace. And with a simpler style, a statement piece might be more desirable.” www.mallory-jewellers.com

Mallory pieces come in all sizes and styles but have one thing in common: they’re each exquisite

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

STATIONERY

HOUSE OF CARDS Bespoke should mean bespoke, say the guys at Card and Light

A

t Card and Light, run by husband and wife duo Madeleine and Philip Field in Lower Weston, they create wedding stationery packages like few others; there are no templates or pre-made off-the-shelf designs on offer here, but instead each couple will get a personal design service devoted to producing truly unique wedding stationery, from save the date cards to laser-cut wedding folders, as well as invitations, place names, seating plans, order of service booklets and on-the-day signage.

Bath’s own Eboni Beckford-Chambers – the England netball gold medallist and one-time Bath Life cover star – is a fan, picking for herself a copper foiled stationery package. “Our floral logo is simply beautiful,” she says, “and our guests were blown away by the bespoke folder we sent out, each containing their own personalised and copper foiled invites and inserts. Although my husband and I knew we were after something special, we’d not anticipated how stunning our wedding stationery would be.” www.cardandlight.co.uk

STYLING

FLY ME TO THE MOON At Simon Gerrard’s Crescent Moon they create wedding venues with a feeling of fantasy

S

imon Gerrard started Crescent Moon almost 20 years ago now; he has a background in set and stage design, and spent much of the ’90s touring with bands. “I create interiors that are theatrical and beautiful,” he says. “They’re the sort of fantasy landscapes that single events allow for, whereas regular interior design does not. We do this using lighting and furniture that’s in itself beautiful; we don’t just create the impression of something – it has a depth and quality to it.”

Many couples approach Simon with a theme already in mind, which he then runs with to create a complete look for them, including all the lighting, draping, furniture, bars, dance floor area and staging. “A wedding could have a 1920s theme,” he says, “or a couple might want us to build a hanging garden, or reproduce the venue where they first met.” Others, however, will want to put together a look themselves, hiring single pieces to help – perhaps a vintage chandelier or a faux blossom tree. “The ‘outside-in’ theme is still very strong,” Simon says, “with interiors based around vines and foliage. From next year we’ll be offering giant wrought iron chandeliers with vines of flowers growing all around them to step up this look, creating interiors that really are a work of art.”

In fact, this year it’s all been about chandeliers of every shape, size, and style, while for 2020 enquiries about faux blossom trees – both

Who doesn’t love a magical indoor forest?

tabletop-size and, well, tree-size – are really ramping up. “Ours are made with real wood and only use silk flowers, much better than the fibreglass ones you sometimes find. A few years ago, couples seemed to want interiors that were otherworldly, all white, or luxurious – with lots of rich draping – but this season the fashion’s been for theatrical woodland foliage and flowers. Next year looks likely to continue that theme, but with the foliage becoming even more floral, like colourful vines in a rainforest.”

How much does all this cost? That’s a ‘how long is a piece of string?’ question, but it averages out at £3,000-£4,000, Simon says. www.crescent-moon.co.uk

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WEDDINGS Venue

Magic kingdom Grittleton House is both magical and massive; it’s the closest thing to getting married at Hogwarts

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e’ve had an amazing three years,” says Emma Horrex, wedding co-ordinator at Grittleton House, just beyond Castle Combe north of Bath, which was operating as a school as recently as 2016. “The place has been transformed, and the weddings we now deliver are to such a high standard that we, as a family and a team, are so proud. Our next goal is to be the best and most talked about venue in the South West – and beyond.”

Wow, ambitious, eh? But by no means impossible. Grittleton House is a Grade II* Victorian manor, originally built by the Neeld family as their home, as somewhere to display their paintings and statues, and as a great party destination. For the last 60 years, though, it’s been home to the Shipp family, who recently transformed it into a full time wedding and events venue.

“With its beautiful interiors, outstanding architectural features and stunning gardens and grounds – not to mention the master bedroom, new for 2019 – it will take your breath away,” Emma says. “The house is yours for the duration of your stay, whether that’s for the day or a full-on weekend. It’s perfect for the most intimate or grandest of occasions.”

This is the sort of place where everyone hangs around in the drawing room, sipping fizz as they get ready, or wanders about the place in their dressing gowns and slippers. “People say they feel comfortable, relaxed and at home here, despite the grandeur all around.”

Pricing is completely transparent and on their website – perhaps budget from £4,000-£6,000 for a day – and, as the house is so special looking anyway, you can spend as much or as little as you like dressing it up; from the breath-taking formal Italian gardens and extensive woodlands to the stone arches and sweeping double staircase of the house itself, there’s certainly no shortage of photo opportunities.

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

We love an owl as ringbearer, and have you ever seen a more owlfriendly location than this?

“We love it when a wedding reflects a couples’ personalities,” Emma says, “so we once had the groom and ushers parachute in, while another couple and their guests all grew pumpkins to decorate their wedding. There have been dogs – and owls! – as ring bearers, a horse as the special guest, and the most theatrical flash mob cropping up throughout dinner. Some of the best moments are simple, though – I’m thinking of the look on the father of the bride’s face as he sees his daughter for the first time, or that magical first married kiss.” www.grittletonhouse.co.uk

EVENT STYLING AND PRODUCTION Chandeliers, blossom trees, table centres, furniture, lighting and props

View our stock:

www.crescent-moon.co.uk

SMARTY DRY CLEANING

GRAND OPENING EVENING 14th September 7–9pm

MON, WEDS, FRI, EACH EVENING COLLECTION & DELIVERY FREE OF CHARGE* *Subject to terms and conditions

Smarty, Bath 11 River Street Place, Julian Road, Bath, BA1 2RS

Smarty, Bradford on Avon Elms Cross Shopping Centre (next door to Sainsbury’s), BA15 2AZ

01225 444666

01225 862964

www.smartydrycleaning.co.uk

www.smartydrycleaning.co.uk

Prosecco and Canapés Please come and see the new salon £5 off with any booking made on the night

Caroline our newly qualified hairdresser will be building her clientele at 20% off.

A great deal for the next 3 months only.

2 Upper Lambridge Street, Larkhall, Bath BA1 6RY Tel: 01225 462108 Vanessa Meyers Hairdressing

With no neighbours, you can party all night. (Well, can you see any?)

Venue

All yours Where d’you wanna get hitched?

There are almost too many places to choose from at Orchardleigh

T

here are actually two venues on the Orchardleigh Estate – Orchardleigh House and Elmhay Park – and couples are granted exclusive use of each, being encouraged to treat them as if they were their own. Orchardleigh House itself dates back to the 1800s, but was derelict when it was bought by its current owner, Chris Vincent, some 20 years back; he’s since had his work cut out for him restoring it to its former glory, and now runs the place as a venue with his partner, Heather – who was actually born here, and has lived at Orchardleigh her entire life. The next wedding that will take place here? Theirs, of course.

This is certainly a venue with a flair for the dramatic. Chris can fly couples in for their big entrance by helicopter, or Heather can carry them by horse-drawn carriage, while there are now no fewer than five places in the grounds to say ‘I do’, including a pair of new outdoor ceremony areas. (Should you pick the 12th century, moat-surrounded chapel, proceedings will have to be lit by romantic candlelight, as there’s no electricity there.)

Got lots of friends? That shouldn’t be a worry, as they can cater for up to 165 at the main house (and 300 at Elmhay Park); you can stay the night before or after the wedding in the recently renovated Orchardleigh Castle too (actually a 19th century gatehouse, complete with hot tubs and private gardens and sleeping 12, built in a mockMedieval style), but the guys are currently also renovating the Grade II* listed Palladium boathouse on the lake which, once complete, will be exclusively reserved for couples to use as a luxurious retreat.

Sounds great, doesn’t it?

“Partying till dawn is no problem,” Chris says, “as we don’t have any neighbours, so we’ll keep the celebrations going until the newlyweds ask us to call it a night. (I particularly liked the inflatable sumo wrestling we had on the croquet lawn recently – great fun!) With over 500 acres to choose from, the photo options are endless, but I particularly like it down by the lake, or hidden away in the arboretum.”

Hire starts from £1,350, and wedding packages run from £3,750 – as ever, you’ll get the best value if you can opt for a mid-week date. www.orchardleight.net

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

WEDDINGS Venue

My own private river Priston Mill is one of Bath’s most popular wedding venues, and with good reason

P

Bride Jess, groom Chris, and the sunniest of days down the Mill

riston Mill is amongst Bath’s best known wedding venues, and it’s incredibly versatile too, with a pair of totally separate options on the same site: the Watermill, which can hold 50-130 people, and The Tythe Barn for 70-200.

Once a working farm, these guys got into the wedding game almost 20 years ago, after successfully opening up for school trips, offering tours of The Watermill – they’ve turned each mechanism into a display – and activities in the surrounding countryside.

“Guests will always remember good food, good music and a well-stocked bar,” says their Olivia Coleman, “so these are areas I’d suggest indulging in, perhaps saving a few pennies by making a lot of the decorations yourselves. Both our venues are so beautiful as they are, very little is needed.”

They’ve got lovely gardens for photographs too – although, if the weather is unkind, the simple exposed brick walls here make a popular alternative backdrop – and they’re surrounded by the most beautiful countryside, if couples are feeling brave. “If they go for a climb over the stream they’ll be able to get that perfect twilight shot,” Olivia says. “We once had a bride who was a dog walker, so had two of her own dogs walk down the aisle with the ushers and bridesmaids. They had little flower crowns on, so it looked amazing.”

What’s the cost? Priston Mill can start from as little as £975, depending on the time of week and year. www.pristonmill.co.uk

“Both our venues are so beautiful as they are, very little is needed” www.mediaclash.co.uk I BATH LIFE I 37

WEDDINGS

Venue

Grange days

Fancy getting your pictures taken astride an old tractor?

Woolley Grange is the place

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oolley Grange is an old Jacobean manor house, surrounded by 14 acres of beautiful gardens, out at Bradford on Avon. Originally a clothier’s country estate, it was converted into a top-notch hotel some 30 years ago.

“We may be luxury, but we’re not at all snooty,” says their Caroline Mackay. “Being a family friendly hotel, we understand the needs of all age groups, and even have an Ofsted registered nursery on site, alongside our Elemis spa and 2AA Rosette restaurant, which serves delicious food, much of it freshly grown in the garden.”

For non-exclusive use, a smaller wedding of 40 people fits the venue nicely, but if you take the entire 26-bedroom hotel that can grow considerably. The guys here pride themselves on a relaxed informality designed to sooth pre-wedding jitters, and take their time to tailor a wedding to suit each couple.

The best place for pictures? A classic favourite is right outside the front of the hotel, but there’s a cool old vintage tractor – often surrounded by chickens – for more rustic shots and, if the weather is inclement, then in front of the fire in the drawing room is good.

“We recently had a really intimate wedding at Woolley, where each attendee had a personal role in the ceremony,” Caroline says. “One escorted the bride, another was best man, a third played guitar, a fourth read a poem, and someone made a speech. It was obvious that the couple had chosen a small, select group of people who really added meaning to their life, so the marriage was not just about the couple but all the family and friends who supported them too. It really brought a tear to our eyes.” www.woolleygrangehotel.co.uk

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

“The guys here pride themselves on a relaxed informality designed to sooth pre-wedding jitters”

WE’VE MOVED! Find us at our new location in Keynsham

Our fleet of VW California Ocean campers provide off grid warmth & comfort during Autumn nights

info@sunkissedcampers.co.uk 01225 330106 x b a @sunkissedvwhire www.sunkissedcampers.co.uk

Bath’s finest bespoke tailoring, dressmaking and alterations service We cater for all types of tailoring including made to measure and bespoke hand made suits for both men and women to bridal alterations

Lottie is a Mercedes Benz T1 Ice Cream Van, born in Dusseldorf in 1986 and then converted in Crewe by Cummins. She has been lovingly restored, she is unique and is loved wherever she goes.

Lottie is willing to come to special events in Bath with award winning luxury organic ice cream locally sourced from Marshfield Farm near Bath. We have a selection of waffle cones, toppings and sauces.

Contact us for further details and a quote for your special event.

25 Milsom Street, Bath, BA1 1DG t: 01225 920 263 info@citytailors.co.uk www.citytailors.co.uk

07596 703324  shistondavies@gmail.com hours by arrangement

The Guildhall Your idea, our venue, the event of the year

Maybe you have attended a wedding in our grand Banqueting Room, or had the joy of registering your child’s birth in our Georgian building. But were you aware that the Guildhall has hosted book talks, gin festivals and film screenings to name a few of our diverse events?

The Guildhall has four picturesque rooms, is only a ten minute walk from the Bath Spa train station and is the only heritage venue in Bath where you can select a caterer of your choice.

If you are searching for a venue to hold your unique event then come to the High Street for a new experience.

To book a viewing or to find out more contact Sara Brooks, Events Manager, at sara_brooks@bathnes.gov.uk • 01225 477442

the arts s n a p s h o t s o f b at h ’ s c u lt u r a l l i f e

FLOATING THROUGH THE DARKNESS It’s New York in the 1970s. No more than 18 people are perched on stools in a darkened room, there by invitation or word of mouth only. They’re waiting for Robert Anton and his ‘actors’ – tiny puppets with hands the size of fingernails – to emerge from the black.

One of the best-kept secrets of the New York theatre scene, the late artist Robert Anton spent his life creating theatre in miniature. His painstakingly sculpted, vividly realised actors told stories inspired by scenes Anton would spy at Verdi Square Park, close to his 44 West 70th Street apartment.

Anti-heroes, bohemian monsters, fantastic creatures and the glamorous dancing skeleton of Josephine Baker populated his strange and whimsical world, and, Anton often said, would take

control of the stories themselves, surprising him during the performance.

But Anton was more than just their puppeteer – he played an active role in his stories too. From one actor attempting to climb into the cave of his mouth to another seeming to fall in love with his hand, he was always much more than a mere master of the strings.

Right now you have the chance to see Anton’s extraordinary collection of work on display in the UK for the first time at The Andrew Brownsword Gallery at The Edge; it’s worth the trip, for sure.

The Theatre of Robert Anton is at The Andrew Brownsword Gallery, Edge Arts, University of Bath; Tues-Sat, 10am-4pm; www.edgearts.org

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

Become a tree champion at Westonbirt Arboretum

© JOHNNY HATHAWAY

WHAT’S ON 16 August – 15 September

EXHIBITIONS Until 30 August

MICK LINDBERG: SEW THE SEEDS Female figures and flowers tell a story in these remarkable textile-based works. Mick says: “The seed of this show was planted a long time ago, and has slowly germinated. I like to think that I have opened the gate to a garden of endless imagination, where time and place is of no importance, and flowers grow wild in strange places. There are no borders to this realm where the very essence of nature lives.”

Mon-Sat (closed Wednesday and Sunday), 10am-6pm; free; David Simon Contemporary, Castle Cary; www.davidsimoncontemporary.com

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

Until 1 September

LISTEN Experience art through your lug holes with a full season of sonic events in and around Black Swan Arts in Frome. Feast your ears on musical exhibitions, installations, workshops and performances, as well as ‘sound walks’ – quite different, we are assured, from regular walks – and a ‘listening hub’.

Black Swan Arts, Frome; www.listensoundart.co.uk

Until 14 September

THE THEATRE OF ROBERT ANTON Robert Anton made creepy figurines that he then had star in plays he’d written for them. Inspired by the people he watched in the park near

his New York apartment, Anton told fantastical stories about the anti-heroes, monsters, fantastical creatures and witches that populated his meticulously sculpted miniature NY. (Want to know more? Then turn back to the page before this one!)

Tues-Sat, 10am-4pm; free; The Edge; www.edgearts.org

Until 15 September

A TALE OF TWO CITIES Bernard Ollis’ paintings are known for their depictions of major cities, among them Bath (his birthplace) and Paris. This exhibition brings the two of them together in unconventional yet enjoyable ways.

Mon-Sun, 10:30am-5pm; included in admission fee; Victoria Art Gallery, Bath; www.victoriagal.org.uk

Until 15 September

WAR AND RUMOURS OF WAR Drawn largely from The Hepworth Wakefield’s collection of 1940s British works, get ready to feel a sense of déjà vu at the austerity and idealism that permeated the age.

Mon-Sun, 10.30am-5pm; normal admission applies; Victoria Art Gallery; www.victoriagal.org.uk

Until 1 October

BONKERS BUT BRILLIANT! We all know looking silly in the name of art is hardly a recent phenomenon, but there’s still something delightful about this exhibition showing a community of artists doing just that. The decades’ worth of archived footage, photos

what’s on

and documents on show here provide real creative inspiration.

Mon-Sun, 10.30am-5pm; free with entry to the museum; The Museum of Bath at Work; www.bath-at-work.org.uk

Until 14 October

NEW VIEWS ON FAMILIAR PLACES David Ringsell paints with the hope of making the viewer see a place with fresh eyes. He combines acrylic paint, pen and pencil to create landscapes that represent the many facets of life in our city. (C’mon, we can all surely get behind that!)

Various times; free; The Claremont Community Centre; www.real-images.com/ artists-background.php

Until 10 November above:

Stephen Mangan and Kara Tointon star in The Man in the White Suit, originally a 1951 Ealing Studios film with Alec Guinness left: Catch ‘Itchy’ by Ele Nash in the Combe Down Arts Trail below: Judging veg is serious business at The Wellow Flower Show

EAST ASIAN LIFE This fascinating exhibition remembers the originally utilitarian functions of many of the objects in the museum. Though now viewed as beautiful pieces of art, plenty were once simple, everyday tools.

Tues-Sat 10am-7pm, Sunday 12pm-5pm; various prices; Museum of East Asian Art, next to The Circus; www.meaa.org.uk

13-18 August

A SENSE OF PLACE Eleven local artists have created an exhibition responding to the idea of ‘a sense of place’. Using a variety of mediums, each of the works demonstrates a different interpretation of the theme.

10am-6pm; free; Walcot Chapel

20 August – 1 September

TATTERSETT COLLECTIVE ART EXHIBITION Enjoy a range of work from the Tattersett Collective, a diverse group of nine artists that mostly work in oil paint and who formed at The Norfolk Painting School. These guy are all about producing great work (not just landscapes but street scenes, portraits and more) and supporting each other.

Mon-Sun, 10am-5pm; 44AD Artspace; www.44ad.net

PLAYS/SHOWS 22-25 August

ARABIAN NIGHTS The Theatre Royal’s Summer Company presents an engaging look not only at the Aladdins and Sinbads of the world, but at the hope and triumph that their stories represent.

Various times and prices; the egg; www.theatreroyal.org.uk

27-31 August

THE LIFE I LEAD Late actor David Tomlinson, best known as Mr Banks in Mary Poppins, was a man defined by both adventure and heartbreak – some of it public, and quite a lot of it not. This one-man show from comedian Miles Jupp sheds new light on Tomlinson, sharing both comedic and deeply sad moments from his life and career. It’s written by James Kettle, and directed

by Selina Cadell.

Tue-Sat 7:30pm, matinees Wed and Sat 2.30pm; prices vary; Theatre Royal Bath; www.theatreroyal.org.uk

From 6 September

THE MAN IN THE WHITE SUIT Imagine this: that you’d invented a fabric that never gets dirty and never wears out. Well, that’s exactly what Sidney Stratton (Stephen Mangan) does in The Man in the White Suit. If you think that wouldn’t cause too many problems, you’d be wrong. Poor old Sid quickly finds his life getting very complicated, as manufacturers and trade unions come after him, terrified by what his invention might mean for their jobs.

This fast-moving comedy is a new stage adaptation of the famous film, and reunites Mangan with his Jeeves and Wooster partner Sean Foley, so you know it’s going to be good.

Mon-Sat 7.30pm, matinees Wednesday and Saturday at 2.30pm; various prices; Theatre Royal; www.theatreroyal.org.uk

MUSIC 22 August

MA BESSIE AND HER PIGFOOT BAND Since 2015, Julia Titus has been bringing the songs of Bessie Smith and others to audiences born too late to catch ‘the Empress of the Blues’ the first time around. Backed by her Pig Foot band – guitarist Matt Foster, saxophonist Chuck Lloyd and percussionist Andy Wilkin – Ma Bessie takes us back 90 years.

8pm; £13; Chapel Arts Centre; www.chapelarts.org

24 August

A THOUSAND YEARS OF BAROQUE The Oxford Bach Soloists bring us a night of music from Handel, Bach and Scarlatti – three of the biggest names from the Baroque era – directed by Tom Hammond-Davies.

7:30pm; £20/£5 concessions; St Michael’s Without; bathboxoffice.org.uk

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What’s on 14 September

THE HUMAN LEAGUE The 1980s chart-toppers will be taking to the stage at Bath Racecourse after a packed day of racing. These stalwarts of the age of lopsided hair and shop girl chic will be playing all their crowdpleasing favourites – don’t forget to bring your dancing shoes.

Races 1pm-5.35pm; Human League 6-8pm approx.; general admission £35; www.bath-racecourse.co.uk/

FAMILY

Until 18 August

CARTERS STEAM FAIR The popular travelling funfair will be spending not one but two full weeks in Royal Victoria Park.

With a range of vintage rides dating from the 1890s to the 1960s, there’s something for all the family to enjoy here. Entry is free, but rides and games take tokens costing 50p each.

11am-7pm; free entry/£2-3 per ride; Royal Victoria Park; www.carterssteamfair.co.uk

Until 1 September

TOGAS AND TUNICS Ever wondered how you’d look in ancient Roman attire? (You are now we’ve said it, aren’t you?)

Come down to the Roman Baths on any given August weekend to discover how the Romans dressed, and perhaps try on a toga or three.

10am-12.30pm and 1.30pm-4pm; included in admission fees; Roman Baths; www.romanbaths.co.uk

Until 2 September

TREE CHAMPIONS Westonbirt Aboretum is the place to go to keep the little ’uns active and outside this summer holiday. Their Tree Champions programme sees kids get into the Arboretum absolutely free until 2 September, with the trail designed to pit families against one another to find the recording-breaking trees they have here, run as far as a seed travels and complete the hula hoop challenge. They’ve also got a whole bunch of fun workshops; find out more on the website.

Mon-Fri 10.30am-4pm; Adult £10, kids go free until 2 September; www.forestryengland.uk/westonbirt-thenational-arboretum

Until 8 September

LAUREN CHILD: THE ART OF ILLUSTRATION The Waterstones Children’s

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

Laureate, known for Charlie and Lola and Clarice Bean, is displaying her artwork at The Holburne. Child’s deceptively simple work has become nothing short of iconic at this point, and kids and grown ups alike will enjoy this collection of artwork from her latest books, in addition to some pieces based on reworked fairy tales and classic bedtime stories.

Mon-Sun, 10am-5pm; general admission £12.50; The Holburne Museum; www.holburne.org

Various dates throughout August

SUMMER HOLIDAY ACTIVITIES The Victoria Art Gallery is another place with a range of fun activities to keep the kids occupied throughout their time off school. From creating street scenes using reflections to exploring the various bugs in the museum’s ceramics collection, there’s plenty here to get all those young creative juices flowing.

Various dates and times; price included with admission; Victoria Art Gallery, Bath; www.victoriagal.org.uk

21 August

ROCK THE TOTS SUMMER PARTY An hour of music, puppets, percussion and stories – just ideal stuff for any would-be rock stars under the age of five, we reckon.

11am-12pm; £7 per child/£3 adults; Wiltshire Music Centre, Bradford on Avon; www.wiltshiremusic.org.uk

OTHER

Until 30 August

LANDING ON THE MOON Can you believe it’s been 50 years since man first landed on the moon?

Of course you can. It was ages ago.

Regardless, we might as well celebrate this epic human achievement with some lunar-themed fun at the ace Herschel Museum of Astronomy.

Weekdays 1pm-5pm, weekends 10am-5pm; free with admission to the Herschel Museum of Astronomy; www.herschelmuseum.org.uk

Until 31 August

TORCHLIT SUMMER EVENINGS This summer, the Roman Baths are once again throwing open their doors long into the evenings. Take a stroll around the torch-lit baths for a romantic evening, Roman style.

Mon-Sun, 9am-10pm (last entrance 9pm); prices vary; Roman Baths; www.romanbaths.co.uk

above: Step back in time at Carters Steam Fair left: Craig King’s interpretation of ‘A Sense of Place’ below: It’s party time at Super Cider Saturday

What’s on Until 30 August

BONNETS AND BICORNS Fancy yourself a bit of a dandy? Get yourself a makeover, Georgian style, with a piece of elegant headwear. Make yourself a bonnet or bicorn (one of those Napoleon/pirate hat type things) to take home with you. Bonus points for wearing it around the city for a day.

Mon-Sun, 10am-5pm; free with admission to No.1 Royal Crescent; drop-in activity in the Servants’ Hall at No.1 Royal Crescent; www.no1royalcrescent.org.uk

Weekends until 31 August

SUMMER SPIRALS The 154 step spiralling staircase at Beckford’s Tower is opening for the summer – it makes us breathless just thinking about it! The view, we’re promised, is worth the epic climb.

10.30am-5pm (last entry 4.30pm), weekends and bank holidays; free with regular admission; Beckford’s Tower; www.beckfordstower.org.uk

17 August

SUPER CIDER SATURDAY A proper day out at the races followed by a glass of cider and a performance from legendary Somerset band The Wurzels.

C’mon, could it possibly get any more West Country than this?

2pm-10pm; various prices; Bath Racecourse; www.bath-racecourse.co.uk

18 August

CLASSIC CAR & MOTORCYCLE SHOW One for the petrolheads – a variety of vintage, classic and modern classic vehicles will take over the lawns at Bowood House. Featuring private exhibitors and club stands from Rollin’ Classic Cars and Wessex MG Club, amongst many others.

10am-4pm; prices vary; Bowood House and Gardens; www.bowood.org

25 August

GIANT FLEA MARKET Come and browse a wide range of vintage items, some of them very hard to find indeed, at over 250 stalls.

9:30am-4pm; £4.50 per adult; Bath and West Showground; www.bathandwestshowground.com

29 August

FORK TO FORK GARDEN TOUR Jane Moore, head gardener at the Bath Priory, offers a tour of the hotel’s summer gardens and kitchen. Get a glimpse into how the hotel’s acclaimed food is prepared, and learn some expert gardening tips before enjoying a threecourse seasonal lunch and a glass of house wine. (Don’t mind if we do.)

10:30am-2:30pm; £55; The Bath Priory; www.thebathpriory.co.uk

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

31 August

THE WELLOW FLOWER SHOW A Magic Circle certified magician, a Shetland pony display, and – of course – all those flowers, make up only a few of the entertainments on offer at the Wellow Flower Show.

Donkey rides, archery, beer tent and BBQ – with locally made organic ice creams to top it all off – will send off the show’s 70th anniversary in style.

1pm-5pm; adult entry £3, children under 16 free; Wellow Playing Fields, BA2 8QA; www.bathnes.gov.uk/events

5 September

SHARED INTERESTS OF KOREA AND THE UK Catch South Korean Ambassador HE Enna Park’s forthcoming talk for the University of the Third Age in Bath, covering the history of the Republic of Korea, before providing some context and nuance to recent political developments. You know, all that stuff on the news.

9.45am coffee, 10.30am lecture begins; free for members, £2 for non-members; Pavilion, Bath; www.u3ainbath.org.uk

7-8 September

COMBE DOWN ART TRAIL Follow the trail of red paper lanterns to 15 open art venues. Local artists are throwing wide the doors of their homes and studios for you to have a nose around – and you never know what treasures you might find. (Make sure to bring cash – it’s doubtful you’ll leave empty handed.)

10am-5pm; free; Combe Down; www.cdarttrail.com

15 September

ST ALPHEGE’S FLOWER FESTIVAL Pop down to St Alphege’s – a characterful hidden gem of the city – to see this beautiful building filled with flowers bursting into bloom.

This year’s theme is ‘The Titles of Mary’, and in addition to the flower show, Dr Giles Mercer will be on hand providing guided tours explaining the history of the church.

1pm; free; Church of Our Lady & St Alphege, Bath; www.saintalphege.org.uk n

above:

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A blast from the past: the mighty Human League Search for buried treasure at The Giant Flea Market

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Marquee event

When it comes to events, Archers Marquees is one of the biggest names in the South West

A

rchers Marquees is proud to have supported Bath Rugby with marquee structures and event equipment since 2003. Together they have created one of the best-known temporary rugby bars in the country, The Swift Half. This 600 square metre structure provides a hub for fans at every Bath Rugby home match. Using their expertise in logistical operations, Archers Marquees builds the structure within seven hours and has it all cleared away by the morning after a match. Consideration for local residents is always paramount.

Archers Marquees also provides large structures for Bath Rugby Hospitality ticket holders on The

Rec. This includes space for over 400 people at tables, a private bar, stage for entertainment and a high quality catering space.

An events specialist covering Bath, Bristol, Somerset and the South West, they provide high quality marquees, furniture and equipment hire for weddings, festivals, corporate functions

“support and guidance… flexible, reliable and honest to work with” and charity events. Drawing from over 20 years of experience in the industry, they offer their customers support and guidance from the first moment of contact right through the event itself.

They take the time to understand the vision each customer has and pride themselves on being flexible, reliable and honest to work with.

As well as their ability to provide high quality

corporate event structures, Archers Marquees also excel at smaller scale private functions. Using specialist equipment, they are able to maximise the use of any space – a huge advantage in the local area. Incorporating trees, gardens and water features, bespoke structures and seamlessly joining onto buildings are all possible with vision and careful planning.

Using a range of traditional pole and rope marquees, Archers Marquees can also create that classic English outdoor event space, suited to summer weddings and events.

If you are looking for a safe pair of hands for your next event, why not get in contact with the team? They offer a no obligation quote and site visit, at a time to suit you. n

Please contact: 01761 239200 or enquiries@archersmarquees.co.uk www.archersmarquees.co.uk

ADVERTISING FEATURE

Guinea pig wellbeing You’ll find useful advice, tips and support at BATH VETS surgeries

G

uinea pigs are popular pets, especially for children, as they are a manageable size and make cute squeaking noises, and are not as short lived as many other small furries. They live six to eight years if kept healthy and happy.

Most people are aware of their need for vitamin C as, like humans, they cannot make their own. What they do not always appreciate is that this need is much higher if the pig is unwell or pregnant. Most food made for guinea pigs has vitamin C, but different types have different amounts. Muesli-style foods are the least effective, as selective feeding (only eating the tastiest parts of the mix) means that the pet misses some nutrients. Complete pellets stop selective feeding as each nugget is the same.

However, even these may not have enough vitamin C to support guineas when they are unwell. The vitamin content of foods also drops over time and exposure to sunlight. This is why we advise you to feed some green vegetables and fruit. Good foods for vitamin C are leafy greens, bell peppers, tomatoes, broccoli, oranges and dandelion leaves. It is good to vary the types of extras you offer to make sure your pigs get a good mix of nutrients and are not oversupplied with any one vitamin or mineral, and it also keeps it more interesting for them.

It is also important to provide lots of grass or hay as fibre is extremely important. Fibre helps the teeth to wear down and prevent overgrowth (which can eventually trap the tongue and stop guinea pigs swallowing). Fibre is also important for normal gut movement, even more so than in people. It also reduces the chances of a guinea pig becoming overweight as it is lower in calories than pellets. It is very easy to overfeed with pellets and greens and underfeed with fibre, as pigs will naturally prefer to eat these over the

less tasty hay. Imagine how you would feel about eating a bowl of healthy cereal if offered a bacon sandwich! Hay also makes good bedding, but beware of straw and poor hay as stiff stalks can damage their eyes.

It is beneficial to encourage guinea pigs to exercise so they do not spend all day sitting by the food bowl. Provide lots of space (indoors and outdoors) and put food in different places to get them foraging.

Guinea pigs need guinea pig friends. It is not good for them to be on their own, although this is occasionally necessary if you have an aggressive pig or have just discovered one of your male guinea pigs is in fact female and is about to give birth! They can be kept in single sex groups or mixed sex if males are castrated.

Rabbits do NOT make good companions as they need different foods, can bully the guinea pig and carry infections that can cause illness in the guinea pig.

Guinea pigs can be very rewarding pets if you give them all they need to thrive and be healthy and happy. If you are concerned about the care of your guinea pigs, do not hesitate to get in contact with your local vet, who will be happy to help. ■

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

T h e C u r ta i n E x c h a n g e For the best dressed windows

IN BATH

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BOOKS NIC BOTTOMLEY

Escape to which mountain?

It doesn’t really matter, reckons Nic. All ‘Alpine fiction’ offers clean air, great views, and the struggle against an unforgiving environment

“This backdrop makes a nice change from crime-ridden London streets”

I

don’t think ‘Alpine fiction’ is a genre really, but there does seem to be a steady increase in mountainous novels. I’m not talking about Alpine crime (Edelvice, surely?) or Austrian poetry (Brat-verse, of course), but rather a strain of wistful tales of ordinary, and yet extraordinary, lives amongst the peaks and valleys of the Alps and beyond.

This backdrop makes a nice change from crime-ridden London streets or sweltering Mediterranean beaches. With these Swiss or Italian or Austrian novelists you can almost smell the lush grass and the wildflowers and hear the thuds of the vast tankards on the thick wooden inn tables.

And in the case of Cow by Beat Sterchi (Head of Zeus, £8.99) the pages almost have a bovine whiff to them, so immersed are you in the world of Swiss dairy farming.

The novel’s hero – to the extent it has one – is Ambrosio, a Spanish worker who travels to the Swiss village of Innenwald to work on the farm of Herr Knuchel. His new boss is a traditionalist, milking his cows by hand and reaping the rewards of bountiful milk supply.

Ambrosio embraces these methods and works hard, but is ostracised and ridiculed by the other farmers for his diminutive frame and because, quite simply, he’s an outsider.

Alternating with these rich descriptive chapters, describing Ambrosio’s early days in Switzerland, are more staccato and blunt ones taking place six years later in an abattoir.

Gentle Ambrosio himself has ended up working in this bloody environment and we watch him navigate life amongst the brutality and his harsh, emotionally numb colleagues.

But when he watches the now ageing form of Farmer Knuchel’s most celebrated and colossal cow trudge up the ramp into the abattoir, Ambrosio finds it impossible to play his part in its destruction.

Cow might have been written originally in the 1980s but, given its themes of prejudice, tolerance, tradition versus modernisation and the way that it raises provocative questions about man’s relationship with the animals it farms and eats, it’s very much a novel for the present day. It is, though, a book of two very different alternating parts and, it must be said, that though it celebrates a gentler, more

holistic style of farming, it is so unflinching in its depiction of the destruction of livestock in the abattoir that some readers will find those scenes uncomfortable.

Soul of the Border by Matteo Righetto (Pushkin, £12.99) is a newly-translated Italian novel following a Veneto family growing tobacco in the 1890s. The De Boers are living a subsistence life, working for the king’s tobacco company. They make ends meet, though, thanks to the father Augusto’s treacherous smuggling trips, in which he transports some of their harvest across the border to Austria where he trades it for copper and silver, before then swapping again for livestock or food.

But when Augusto fails to return from one of these missions, he leaves his family bereft and facing even greater economic hardship.

Fast-forward two years and famine has struck and so Augusto’s eldest daughter, Jole, is contemplating a smuggling trip of her own, which might not only ease their plight but also answer questions about what became of her father. What follows is an epic, arduous and tense horseback journey dodging border control guards, ravines and wolves, in which this gritty, determined young woman emerges from the naïve cocoon of her simple life by showing incredible perseverance.

Soul of the Border at times reads like an exquisitely written fable with its descriptions of the wild landscape, the isolation, and its exposure of raw human qualities such as vengeance and endurance.

Finally, a quick word about The Madonna of the Mountains by Elise Valmorbida (Faber, £8.99), which is again set in the far north of Italy. This novel focuses on a young woman waiting in her valley for the return of her father, who has set out to find her a husband – a search that is proving more difficult than anticipated due to his rigorous standards. Aside from the intriguing set-up, this is a novel with a fascinating historical backdrop, beginning in 1923, just as the Fascist state is emerging and beginning to dominate the lives of its citizens.

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

www.mediaclash.co.uk I BATH LIFE I 61

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FILM SOPHIECLAIRE MCLEOD

Artistically challenged

Once Upon a Time in Hollywood

Only one of these films features Bruce Lee getting controversially schooled, but all three are about talented, rudderless men struggling with the creative process, and two in some way act as career cappers to the work of great directors

A

fter a gloriously hot start to the summer, we’re slowly heading towards the cooler months, which means even more incredible films coming to our screens. This month, we’ve three spectacular offerings, but each in a very different way. We have a tribute to the final moments of one of Hollywood’s golden ages; a portrait of the artist LS Lowry, focussing on his relationship with his mother; and a film director reflecting on the choices he’s made, as the past and present come crashing down around him.

ONCE UPON A TIME IN HOLLYWOOD This is the big one, a ninth film from cult writer-director Quentin Tarantino (Pulp Fiction, Reservoir Dogs, Kill Bill, all that), who’s been saying for years now that he’ll only ever make ten films in total. Once Upon a Time in Hollywood is, in part, a glowing tribute to Hollywood’s Golden Age, which he identifies as having ended with the ’60s – an interesting choice, as the studio system had finished almost ten years before, and the coming New Hollywood of the ’70s would prove to be one of Tinseltown’s greatest eras.

In 1969, Leonardo DiCaprio’s cowboy actor Rick Dalton finds his career slowly fading, and he and long-time stunt double Cliff Booth (Brad Pitt) struggle to keep up with the changes. Rick has to cope with the cancellation of his western TV show, but finds hope in his new neighbours – Sharon Tate (Margot Robbie) and Roman Polanski (Rafal Zawierucha), two of many real-life figures co-existing with Tarantino’s invented ones. He hopes to wangle himself a role in one of the famous director’s films, but in the background lurks Charles Manson and his murderous cult following, and we all know where that leads…

As expected, DiCaprio and Pitt give incredible performances, working together and separately to create scene after outstanding scene, and though Margot Robbie arguably doesn’t get enough screen time, her excellent portrayal of Tate has been praised by the murdered actress’s family for its accuracy – no small feat. Tarantino’s very identifiable style is in full flow here and will not be for everyone, but he certainly manages to create a glowing tribute to a pivotal moment for both the entertainment industry and larger America, and his intertwining of fake history with the real thing makes for a fascinating, extremely entertaining film.

MRS LOWRY AND SON This moving, mesmerising biopic of artist LS Lowry (Timothy Spall) revolves around his relationship with his mother, Elizabeth (Vanessa Redgrave), who tries to convince him to give up his dreams. His work, she says, will never be appreciated by the artistic world. Lowry is, of course, these days much revered for his urban life paintings – all flat, looming factories and, as a song famously said, “matchstick men and matchstick cats and dogs” – but Mrs Lowry and Son chooses instead to focus on the turbulent human story behind them.

Mother and son live in Pendlebury, Greater Manchester, right in the beating heart of industrial Britain, having being forced to relocate after their husband/father’s death.

The younger Lowry works during the day, paints at night, and cares for his mum around the clock, but when he excitedly tells her a gallery in London wants to exhibit his work, Elizabeth – still convinced that painting isn’t worth his time – expresses extreme disappointment in him and warns him not to bother. Both Spall and Redgrave give moving,

Mrs Lowry and Son

touching performances here, with the latter outstanding, her bedridden, disappointed and disapproving mother fascinating to watch. If you’re looking for an uplifting film this might not be for you, but for dynamic performances – and a fascinating insight into the life of one of Britain’s great artists – it’s well worth catching.

PAIN & GLORY From critically acclaimed Spanish writer director Pedro Almodóvar (Talk to Her, All About My Mother, Volver) comes a new tender new drama, Pain & Glory. Called Dolor y Gloria in the original Spanish, it follows a sick film director facing the consequences of decisions made in his professional and personal lives, and is perhaps Almodóvar’s most personal work yet. As life begins to crash down around him, Salvador Mallo (Antonio Banderas) meets an actor he’d worked with in the past, which reopens old emotional wounds and sparks a flow of reconciliations. Banderas is excellent as our brooding, creatively blocked protagonist, his pensive and intense portrayal in strong, stark contrast to many of his fellow cast members, Penélope Cruz and Asier Etxeandia being particularly energetic and charismatic. This moving, self-critical film is in part Almodóvar’s reflection on his own life and career – he even has Banderas dress in his old clothes, with hair styled to match his own – making for a mesmerising watch, even if you aren’t that au fait with Almodóvar’s earlier work.

Sophie-Claire McLeod is duty and marketing manager at The Little Theatre, 1–2 St Michael’s Place; 01225 466822; www.picturehouses.co.uk

www.mediaclash.co.uk I BATH LIFE I 63

PRINCE OF WALES Peasedown St. John | Bath

@PrinceofWalesPSJ | Tel: 01761 434262

UNDER NEW MANAGEMENT. BARSPOKE BAR & EVENT MANAGEMENT LTD We would like to introduce ourselves to you. Alison, Scott & Kelly, we have taken over the management of Prince of Wales in Peasedown St. John. We have many years’ experience in working within communities and we believe the local community pub is a hub for all to meet and enjoy a social environment. We have a function room which can be hired for meetings, social events, celebrations, special occasions, weddings and celebration of life. We can also provide catering to suit your individual needs.

Here at the Prince of Wales, we cater for all ages and are family and dog friendly. After our very successful opening on Friday 31st May we hope to connect and work with the local community.

We support the local community in many ways, ranging from charity and fundraising events and also providing a venue for meetings and lunches for corporate and local businesses.

For more information or if you wish to contact us, please don’t hesitate to call 01761 434262 or email PrinceofWalesPSJ@gmail.com and we would be happy to help with your enquiry.

Welcome to Mantra, an Indian Restaurant in the heart of Bath, that specialises in serving progressive Indian food. Mantra is a family run authentic Indian restaurant. Our dishes are healthily packed with flavour, crunch, punch and zing offering plenty of choice to vegetarians and vegans.Inspired by seasonal ingredients, our food contains only the freshest produce prepared in a way that captures the amazing diversity of India’s regional cuisines and childhood street food memories.

5, Bladud Buildings, The Paragon, Bath BA1 5LS Tel: 01225 446 332 Email: info@mantraofbath.co.uk | www.mantraofbath.co.uk

food & drink s n a p s h o t s o f b at h ’ s f o o d s c e n e

Crouching tiger, clouded leopard Bath-based chef and gastro pub owner, Will Phillips, is trying to save the clouded leopard from extinction – using the power of gin.

15% of the gross profits from Will’s Clouded Leopard Gin will be donated to the Born Free Foundation, currently hard at work trying to protect these beautiful animals.“The clouded leopard is a fantastic and elusive animal rarely seen in the wild,” Will says, “and is in grave danger of extinction. He is beautiful, with huge paws and a chunky long tail that makes him a great climber of trees. I really want to help save this fantastic animal in its natural habitat, and riding the crest of the gin wave seems like an ideal place to start.”

For more: www.masterofmalt.com

Wallace-worthy Cheddar

Cracking good cheese

The Cheddar Gorge Cheese Company has been shortlisted in two categories at the Great British Food Awards. This family-run artisanal Somerset outfit picked up nominations in the Best British Speciality category for its natural Cave Matured Cheddar, while their Vintage Cheddar got the nod in the simplynamed ‘Cheese’ category. The awards will be annoucned in October, with Marcus Wareing amongst the judges.

“As a small, independent family business, this sort of recognition means so much to us,” say owners Katherine and John Spencer. “We hand-make the only Cheddar made in Cheddar the traditional way, using local raw milk, and we long-mature our cylindrical truckles in cloth. Our Cave Matured Cheddar is matured within the Cheddar Gorge Caves – and we are first in living memory to reintroduce cheese to these beautiful, natural caves.”

For more: www.cheddaronline.co.uk

BATH BITES REBEL REBEL

Celebrating National Rum Day in considerable style

Caribbean-themed restaurant and bar, Turtle Bay, has launched a limited edition cocktail to celebrate National Rum Day (16 August). The Reggae Rebel is a refreshing blend of Sailor Jerry’s, vanilla syrup, mango purée, lime juice and a watermelon wedge.

For more: www.turtlebay.co.uk/food-and-drink

JOIN THE REVOLUTION

Omar Allibhoy’s Tapas Revolution is celebrating the summer with half price paellas every Thursday.

The menu offers a choice of five delicious and vibrant options, including the celebrated paella Valenciana, typically chicken-based (£6.49), and paella de verduras, a perfect option for vegetarians and vegans (£5.50). Obviously, you wash it all down with a sweet jug of Sangria.

For more: www.tapasrevolution.com Play the leopard-saving drinking game

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

food & drink

“If we can make sure all these elements are consistently met, we’re in with a chance” we’d let them down, but we were compromising the customer experience by trying to run two businesses from the one venue, so something had to give. In the end we decided to focus purely on the restaurant. We’ve been looking for the perfect takeaway premises ever since, though, so when this Moorland Road site came up, we grabbed the opportunity.

You work with your family here, so who’s involved?

My dad, Garry, will look after the restaurant with the rest of our great team, and I’ll head up the takeaway with my mum, Lisa, who’ll support me in making our fish cakes and sauces, as well as with the day-to-day running of the shop. My sister Becky and little niece Lexie always jump in and help too, so I’m sure they’ll be here quite a bit from the start!

take 5

DAN ROSSER After much anticipation, Bath’s newest chippie, The Oyster Shell, is finally opening in September. We caught up with bossman Dan to get the details Dan, tell us what we’ve got to look forward to your new takeaway, The Oyster Shell.

I really believe that fish and chips can be the most amazing plate of food if produced correctly, and I want to give people that experience. Our ethos will be the same as that at The Scallop Shell – our parent restaurant, on Monmouth Place – in that we’ll buy direct from the UK fish markets each morning, which

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

means that our menu will change daily, depending on availability.

We’ll also be grilling fish and serving some old English classics.

You used to have a takeaway at The Scallop Shell itself, didn’t you? So why open a different one now?

We closed The Scallop Shell takeaway in 2017, and many of our customers were really disappointed at that. We felt

What’s your fish and chips philosophy, as it were?

For me it comes down to four main principles. The fish has to be the best you can buy and as fresh as possible, which is why we will be sourcing from the markets daily. We’ll also be buying the best potatoes for chipping, depending on the season. The batter has to be crispy, but not too thick, and the oil management is very important to ensure that the fish and chips have great flavour without being greasy.

If we can make sure all these elements are consistently met, we’re in with a chance.

Tell us a bit about where you’ve been working before now. You left Bath for a few years, didn’t you?

I started with dad at the fishmongers when I was 15, which is where my passion for cooking and seafood really started. I worked closely with him for years, but I really wanted to become my own chef. Four years ago I left Bath and joined Mitch Tonks at The Seahorse in Devon, and from there I went to London to work with Nieves Barragán Mohacho for the opening of Sabor in Mayfair, and

then just recently returned from working at The English House, Singapore, Marco Pierre White’s first opening in Asia. I always had the vision of going away to bring new knowledge back to the business, and I feel like this opportunity is perfect for me.

Any new challenges you think you’ll face here?

With a takeaway, there’s no limit on how many people can walk through the door, so that can be a bit scary.

And what aspects of it are you most excited about?

I’ve always dreamed of having my own place, and I really hope our customers will enjoy what we’re trying to create. I just want to create a chippy which the local people of Moorland Road love, and feel proud to talk about.

What’s your favourite thing on the new menu, then?

I’m really excited about it as a whole, as it’ll change daily. When the guys on the markets are sending us amazing fish, they make our job easy, and it’s great to know we can pass on that quality to the customer. I’m also intrigued to see how our English classics will sell.

Finally, what would you say is your greatest professional achievement to date?

I feel very fortunate to have worked with some of the most talented people in the industry, but two achievements of which I am particularly proud are winning Best Fish and Chip Restaurant in the UK 2016 with my family at The Scallop Shell, and being part of the team at Sabor from day one.

There we achieved a Michelin star within a year of opening, and were voted Second Best Restaurant in the UK at the National Restaurant Awards, just four months in.

www.theoystershell.co.uk

RESTAURANT

Open every day 10:00-23:00 | 16 Argyle St, Bath BA2 4BQ 01225 807770 | info@underwoodrestaurantbath.com

The Griffin inn

We’re older than we were last year, but no wiser or prettier. The Griffin, on the other hand, is approaching 300 years old, and is – we would hazard – right now the best it’s ever been. By Matt Bielby

T

he Griffin Inn is old: I know because it says it was established in 1730 on the outside. Elsewhere in 1730, Canaletto was painting, Vivaldi was composing, Jonathan Swift was writing, and Peter the Great’s niece, Anna, was becoming a little loved Empress of Russia. Here in Bath, Prior Park was being built, and Beau Nash was in his pomp. It was quite a time, and doubtless The Griffin of the period was an excellent little boozer.

It hasn’t always been that great since, however. Back in the 1990s, when I first came to Bath, it was a ratty little place, home to a handful of surly old men; it was right next door to where I worked too, but we all avoided it. More recently, however, it’s been reborn, first in around 2014 – when it was reinvented as a modern pub with rooms and a decent foodie offering – and then again last year, when it was bought by Cornwall’s St Austell Brewery (owner of Bath Ales, amongst other things).

It’s these days run by Jack Keener – who operates three other local pubs, including the Inn at Freshford and the Cross Guns at Avoncliff – and has just had a further refresh, with new seating and decor and a mildly rethought layout.

Narrow and deep but somehow airy, it makes the most of what could be quite a challenging space, and is generally a very pleasant place to be.

Most importantly, and the reason why we’re here, is that there are now new chefs (Italian, as it goes), and a brand

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

new menu. Only a version of their mussels dish (cooked in cider and leeks; £12 as a starter or £16 as a main) has been retained, as far as we can see.

It’s a well considered foodie offering, this one, short enough to fit onto one sheet of paper but with plenty of variety and much that tempts. We sidestepped the ‘Nibbles selection’ – things like tiny quail’s egg Scotch eggs and homemade sausage rolls, around £4 – £6 – but did indulge in an apéritif cocktail each, a Respect Your Elderflower made with Tarquins London Dry gin and grapefruit bitters, and a Negroni-like MontenegRose; dinner date Lydia described her Respect as suitably sweet and summery, while the Woodford Reserve bourbon and Amaro Montenegro in mine was smooth, refreshing, a tiny bit floral, and struck the right balance between the bitter and the sweet.

From the starters menu, it’s hard to look beyond a handful of promising veggie options – chilled asparagus with spiced beetroot mayo and soft-boiled egg, or a goat’s cheese parcel with pickled candied beets (both £6), say – and it was definitely going to be the asparagus until I made a random, last minute swerve off-piste towards the devilled lamb’s kidneys on toast (£7), a very different dish. Across the table, Lydia was slightly embarrassed that she didn’t know what fregola was, but ordered the saffron fregola, cherry tomato, salsa verde, pea purée (£7) anyway. Turns out no-one knows what it is – it’s a tiny pasta shape that looks more like a grain, made in a similar way to couscous with the wheat dough rubbed until it forms little pill-like beads – and which here sat in a shallow sea of purée, looking almost like a brightly

restaurant

coloured pizza base. “Imagine what would happen if pasta and couscous had a baby,” she said, ever the romantic. “If I wasn’t having it as a starter, I could easily imagine eating a ginormous bowl of the stuff.” And, indeed, they do a mainssized version for £12 too.

The kidneys, meanwhile, were deeply savoury, soothing, spicy without being too intense, but still hit that chewy, earthy sweet spot, while being mildly challenging as offal always is; there was definitely a hint of – as James Joyce so memorably put it – that “fine tang of faintly scented urine.”

For mains, I was more than tempted by the grilled lamb cutlets with Sicilian caponata (a sort of aubergine stew) and mint dressing (£16), but – figuring I’d best not overdose on lamb – picked the chargrilled tuna steak instead (£18).

Nicely but perhaps not brilliantly cooked, it paired neatly with its assorted Asian-flavoured plate mates: strips of cucumber and mooli (that giant white radish, also called daikon), tart Ponzu sauce (citrus-based; you might know it as a dip for sashimi), and dollops of somehow mild-yet-spicy avocado wasabi. A pretty plate, speaking of Californian and Australian cuisine, it looked good alongside the sprouting broccoli, green beets, mangetout, shallots and watercress with nut cheese and citrus dressing sitting opposite (£12), all green and fresh on a bed of white.

What’s it like, I asked? “Just a light, summery and refreshing pile of greens,” Lydia said, though she nevertheless found it surprisingly filling. “I loved the hint of creaminess from the cashew-based vegan cheese, kind of a cross between hummus and nut butter in consistency.”

Sides? We didn’t bother, but there are plenty of things like seasonal veggies and skinny fries at four quid a pop. This, of course, left room for the puds: there are ice creams and sorbets, or a cheeseboard to share, but we went for the more regularly dessert-like offerings: panna cotta with chocolatedipped strawberries, and mascarpone mousse with roasted hazelnuts and raspberries. Both were £7, pleasingly bigger than necessary, well presented, and with the pre-requisite wobble and crunch; the chocolate strawberries were especially delicious, while the ‘deconstructed’ cheesecake was super-rich, creamy – and gone very fast.

To finish, we tried The Griffin’s take on an espresso martini, with homemade salted caramel syrup and a shard of chewy caramel resting on the lip, before wandering into a suitably Mediterranean evening.

It’s all very slickly done here, with a pleasant ambience, a well thought through menu – very summery, sort of new world but English too – and friendly service, plus more than a few surprises hidden away, especially on the drinks side of things. I was already an occasional visitor here for the beer (Proper Job’s an excellent pint; so’s Gem), but in the future I’ll keep a closer eye on the food too. n

“Very summery – sort of new world but English too”

four nibbles, three of the six starters, only one main (but all of the sides, and some of the starters can be had at main course size too), and half the four puds Prices Nibbles £4 – £6; starters £6 – £12; mains £12 – £19; sides £4; desserts mostly around £7

Dining details The Griffin Inn, Monmouth Street, Bath, BA1 2AP; 01225 420919; www.thegriffinbath.co.uk

Drinks There are over 350 spirits to choose from (most on intriguing display on shelves to the side of the bar), plus good beers, and they’ve upped their cocktail game; the house wine list is a well edited mix of old and new world, with six whites, six reds, and a couples of rosés available by the bottle

We ate Devilled lamb’s kidneys, a saffron fregola, chargrilled tuna, sprouting broccoli, panna cotta and mascarpone mousse

Service / atmosphere It’s a friendly, intimate and relaxed place this, with a mix of diners and drinkers, narrow doorways and a bright but cosy feel; the friendly, informed service suits this to a tee

Vegetarian options Not extensive but extensive enough, and all clearly marked as vegan or vegetarian: pick from two of the

What else? This is one of Bath’s great historic pubs, and it’s cheering to see it in such fine fettle

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shopping live well, buy better

Coast story West Country designer-maker Libby Ballard hand-throws each piece on her potter’s wheel, inspiration coming from the British coast; she was brought up on the Isle of Wight and studied in Brighton, which perhaps explains it. “I want my ceramics to have a relaxing and calming feel to them,” she says, “the same feeling I get when I look out to sea.”

She makes mugs, teapots and soap dishes as well as a range of vases and planters; colours tend to be muted blues, whites, browns and greys.

Best of all, although they’re each handmade – and so unique – and take up to three weeks to complete, they’re not crazy expensive, with the smallest items coming in at under £20 and nothing topping £100. We feel more relaxed just looking at them. (We can’t say we’d feel quite the same after attending one of her 2 hr, 30 min private pottery lessons, mind you – satisfied, inspired and claysplattered, yes; relaxed, perhaps not quite so much.)

Libby’s tiniest mini-planters are £15, her small planters £26 and her large vases £56; www.libbyballard.co.uk

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FRACTAL LEAF CUSHION COVER, £60 OKA is home to all sorts of pleasingly shaped floral items – pictures, bowls, jugs, plates – meaning you could put together a virtual jungle in this place; our pick is this cushion in something they call ‘putting green’ From OKA, Milsom Street; www.oka.com

LET IT GROW

In the sun, the rain, the snow, love is lovely, let it grow…

LOLLY’S LAUNDRY SIENNA DRESS, £119 Danish designer Kamilla Byriel’s label, Lolly’s Laundry, is all about affordable, long-lasting pieces with a casual cool that you can dress up with heels or down with a biker jacket; this dress would look very cute with some white, bouncy trainers, we reckon From Maze, Green Street; www.mazeclothing.co.uk

LARGE SCALLOP-EDGE ROUND PLATTER, £150 This terracotta plate, decorated with slips and oxides, was made by Norwichbased ceramicist Rachael Cocker; it’s a piece of ‘cockery’, we’re calling it From 8 Holland Street, Margaret’s Buildings; www.8hollandstreet.com

ONE HUNDRED STARS KIMONO, £45 These guys specialise in brightly printed kimonos with birds and plants on them; some, like this one, were actually created in collaboration with KEW Royal Botanic Gardens, using their archive of rare prints From Spirit Fashion, High Street, Devizes; www.spiritfashion.co.uk

GREEN PALM LEAF GINGER JAR, £75 Imagine the bear, the bunny, the tiger and the little pig wanted to upgrade their friend, the donkey’s, birthday present; this, we reckon, would be just the thing (and it’s big enough to hold dozens of popped balloons) From French Grey, Burton Street; www.frenchgrey.co.uk

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ED’S CHOICE

FAUX BARREL CACTUS IN TERRACOTTA POT, £39.95 For those of us who love plants but seem to always kill them – even hardy cacti – this pretend one, in realistic desert soil, might be just the thing From Graham & Green, Walcot Street; www.grahamanadgreen.co.uk

MEXICAN POUFFE, £185 This tapestry design was inspired by Mexican artist and gender identity pioneer Frida Kahlo; we reckon it would look great in a conservatory, preferably one painted bright blue like Kahlo’s famous La Casa Azul home From Graham & Green, Walcot Street; www.grahamanadgreen.co.uk

ALICE CAROLINE COSMETICS BAG, £19.95 Alice has always loved Liberty prints, and now makes these waterproofcoated bags from them in her barn conversion in the Cotswold hills From Vinegar Hill, Milsom Street; www.vinegarhill.co.uk

VINTAGE SHELL FLOWER ARRANGEMENTS, £255 You get two of these, each similar but pleasingly different to the other, for this price; you’ll find all sorts of similarly unique items, from fossils to taxidermy, in this intriguing London Road store From Small Shop, Walcot Buildings, London Road; www.thesmallshopbath.co.uk

CACTUS PRINT SHIRT, £95 (DOWN FROM £195) Want a shirt that tells the world you’re fun, but with a bit of a spiky edge? This is like a classic Hawaiian piece, just somewhat more sophisticated From Gieves & Hawkes, Old Bond Street; www.gievesandhawkes.com

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street life

Broad appeal Some admirable corners of Bath aren’t really that glamorous at all, and so it is with Broad Street, scruffy Scar to mighty Milsom Street’s magnificent Mufasa. But that’s okay!

It has a vibrant life to it all its own

By Paul Marland 74 I BATH LIFE I www.mediaclash.co.uk

Broad Street: to get a decent shot of it, you have to stand right in the middle of the road!

H “The least glamorous, the most car-packed and the hardest working”

ere at Bath Life we’ve got a lot of affection for Broad Street. Of the four main city centre roads, running roughly in parallel north-south up the hill though the posher shopping and business districts, it’s the least glamorous, the most car-packed – and the hardest working. Gay Street has its fancy townhouses, wide terraces and the green spectacle of Queen Square; it’s here you’ll find lawyers and accountants grabbing lunch, cheery greeters in period costume, and the inevitable crocodiles of back-packed school children from Toulouse and Turin, Tianjin and Tokyo.

Milsom Street is ladies who lunch, charity chuggers, and only the occasional, sometimes lost, car. On Walcot Street things become all artisan and foodie, as Bohemian as central Bath gets. But Broad Street has a job to do.

STREET LIFE THIS IS A ROAD HEAVING WITH CArs, lorries, delivery vans and buses. But it’s also packed with shops and interesting businesses, many of them independents but with little in common otherwise: there’s clothing and interiors here, yes, but also jewellery and beauty products, backpacker hostels and late-night takeaways, plus a handful of well-established pubs. (In the case of The Saracen’s Head, extremely well-established; Charles Dickens used to stay there.) Broad Street’s also reasonably steep – as anyone who’s tried to struggle up it having bought a little too much at Waitrose will attest – and hilariously narrow, considering the name.

“We’ve been trading on Broad Street for decades, and have always felt the location is a good one,” says Peter James at Rossiters, the unique, rambling department store that defines this part of town as much as anything does. “We’re sandwiched between Milsom Street and the car parks at Waitrose and on Walcot Street, and though it’s a pity so many restaurants have closed down in Milsom Place – they were a great footfall generator – I still regard Broad Street as the entrance to Bath’s artisan quarter, which is, of course, what Walcot Street is all about. The independent scene is vibrant in Bath and we all support and trade off each other.”

Indeed, and one bit of good news is that these things go in waves, with new restaurants – not least Bandook from the Mint Room boys – due to open up in Milsom Place soon. Though not strictly within the remit of this feature, it’s Milsom Place and the other little alleyways and arches through to hidden corners of Bath that go towards making Broad Street such fun: cut-throughs and ginnels leading to quiet squares and courtyards, and if you jump down one of these rabbit holes, who knows what you’ll find? (Okay, it’ll probably be a YMCA, Côte Brasserie or bijoux car park, but finding out will still be an adventure of sorts.)

Broad Street is hardly a place you’d think of staying the night, but you’d be surprised…

Continued on page 82

What’s down that alley? Oh, you guessed…

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“I still regard Broad Street as the entrance to Bath’s artisan quarter”

STREET LIFE

Lazytown Can’t be bothered to grab an Uber back to yours?

Broad Street Townhouse has big beds, a luxe homefrom-home feel, and a cool café-bar at the bottom too

By Matt Bielby

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R

ight next door to The Pig & Fiddle – a much loved boozer, as much an institution for its live music as its roadside beer garden – is one of Bath’s most neglected buildings. Neglected, that is, until now.

It’s just been reborn as Broad Street Townhouse, a boutique hotel with a daytime café on the ground floor that at night transforms into a cool cocktail bar, The Blind Pig. “The ground floor used to be a record store called Music Dynamics, with fairly unloved council offices upstairs,” says Jayson Perfect, MD of owners Liberation Group. These guys have roots running pubs and restaurants on Jersey and Guernsey, but more recently became owners of leading West Country brewer Butcombe Brewery, the guys behind The Pig & Fiddle.

The council offices, they discovered, didn’t appear to have been occupied since 2011.

“The building is Grade II listed, though, and was built back in 1885,” Jayson says. “Broad Street Townhouse has become a passion project of ours, something we’ve had in mind ever since taking over The Pig & Fiddle back in 2015. It was a shame to see such a beautiful building, filled with original features, sat empty and in disrepair – but so rewarding to get stuck into the renovation and bring it back to life.”

It also provided Liberation with a fantastic opportunity to further expand into hotels; it now has six in the UK, including The Castle Inn at Lulworth Cove and the award-winning Methuen Arms near London.

“Broad Street Townhouse has become a passion project”

Artfully distressed: the decor here hardly looks like it was just installed, does it?

“These are all currently defined as ‘pubs with rooms’,” Jayson says, “but Broad Street is more of a boutique bolthole, offering 11 en-suite bedrooms with a café. We’ve hopefully created an authentic, beautiful base here from which visitors can explore the city centre, and over the next few months we’ll be developing the evening bar here too, serving beers, cocktails, local spirits, wines, charcuterie – look out for the impressively sizeable hand-carved Jamon on the bar – and cheeses.”

Upstairs the look is laid back but luxurious, with king-size beds and statement furniture and art scattered throughout. “The rooms are decorated with soft shades and leafy green plants,” Jayson says, “and come complete with complimentary Bramley botanical body products and sustainable bamboo amenities in the bathrooms. Each has Wi-Fi, Roberts radios, rain head showers, mini-fridges, and Smart TVs, and we’ve worked hard to retain the original architectural features, including the cornicing and skirting, as well as the original wooden staircase in the coffee shop. Stone alcoves dating back to the ground floor’s origins as a tailor’s shop were uncovered here, and help create an authentic, historic aesthetic. We’ve put them to use with upholstered benches and cushions.”

As part of this project, The Pig & Fiddle – which has changed little over the years – has had something of a refresh too, most noticeabley through a re-design of the exterior and beer garden, and the painting of a whacking great big sign on the side. “There’s nothing we don’t like about these two businesses,” Jayson says. “We love their atmosphere, their quirky interiors, and – with the Town House – the fact that we’ve been able to restore a great old building in the heart of the city for everyone to once again come along and enjoy.” www.broadstreettownhouse.co.uk

“We’ve hopefully created an authentic, beautiful base here from which visitors can explore the city”

Traditional features? Check! All the mod cons you could possibly need?

Check! Check! Check!

STREET LIFE

It’s all about the quirky touches, including a strangely new-looking ghost sign of sorts…

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

STREET LIFE

“The businesses here live and die by what they do on Broad Street”

This isn’t a quarter, as such. Nothing dominates. You can’t say this is the place to go for art, or furniture, or a dress for a special occasion, though you’ll find them all here; individual Broad Street stores are worth journeying to Bath for, yes – and sometimes people come quite a distance – but not the street itself. There are a handful of chains here, for one thing – Mandarin Stone, say, or the Italian restaurant Ask – but you’ll more often find one-off stores, or places that are part of a very small group indeed. The Robert Welch shop is the only stand-alone for this covetable knife, cookware and kitchen utensil maker outside its Chipping Campden home, for instance, and there are only a handful of Biggie Bests, a decor and soft furnishing specialist, elsewhere in the country too, and all of those in the Home Counties.

In the main, though, the businesses here live or die by what they do on Broad Street. Amongst the more established elements of the indie mix, for instance, are Definition, a boutique selling the likes of Canadian designer Joseph Ribkoff; the hi-fi shop Audience; and Boho, an eclectic clothes shop with homes in Frome and Bath. Across the street, the ultra-cool Magalleria sells highly tactile, very expensive independent magazines – think titles like Mushpit, The Moth and Caboodle, as well as the slightly better known Kinfolk and Cereal – while Broad Street Studio has morphed from one of the city’s top tattoo studios into a gallery-like piercing and designer jewellery specialist.

And Broad Street is full of even smaller, less obvious businesses too, with fresh ones cropping up all the time; in fact, every time you look there seems to be something new.

Continued on page 91

Now there’s a unit worth someone grabbing: right between Robert Welch and Biggie Best 82 I BATH LIFE I www.mediaclash.co.uk

THE MAZE STUNNER Broad Street has twin anchors: the Saracen’s Head, which has been here since 1713, and Rossiters, a delightfully sprawling department store sometimes called the Liberty of the West Country…

By Matt Bielby

“Rossiters of Bath is quirky, eccentric, of unexpected size, and full of surprising details”

street life

I You might not realise you want something, but then you see it in Rossiters and you suddenly do

We love a colour co-ordinated window display!

s there any shop more quintessentially ‘Bath’ than Rossiters? Jolly’s may be bigger and older, but its offer is more easily replicated elsewhere; Found and 8 Holland Street and [fill in your own favourite hip shop of the moment here] may be cooler, but they’re tiny – and complete newcomers, relatively speaking. But Rossiters of Bath is quirky, eccentric, of unexpected size, and full of surprising details – sure it’s posh, like Bath itself is in the main, but to call either one of them that alone is to miss the point. This is very much an individual vision.

Wander around Rossiters and you’ll see what we mean.

You’re forever finding a new staircase, turning a new corner and bumping into something you didn’t anticipate.

The buying is interesting too: my classical crushed velvet slipper armchair came from here, but then so did my sleek glass coffee table, a bizarre Italian thing, as much piece of art as a picture book repository (though it copes with said duties well enough), with twin stacked glass surfaces that swing open wide or close demurely like ladybird wings.

“In 2010 Rossiters celebrated its 50th anniversary,” says Peter James, one half of the husband-and-wife team behind it, “and next year will be our 60th trading in Bath.

The store started out as one very small unit, in the area that’s now our greetings card department, and over the decades we expanded up and down Broad Street to our present size.”

Which immediately explains the beautifully bizarre layout, where you’ve never quite sure which level you’re on or where the next turn will take you. In this, it’s much like Bath itself – and a visitor’s experience of Rossiters will be much like their explorations of our city, but on a miniaturist’s scale. They’ll constantly find themselves lost, but delightfully so.

“First time visitors can’t quite believe our labyrinth,” Peter says. “They describe us an an Aladdin’s cave, a TARDIS, a rabbit warren. The journey from room to room is definitely part of our charm.”

Peter and his wife, Ann-Marie – like so many in Bath – used to live in London. He was a management consultant, she was a senior clothing buyer for Marks and Spencer, and when they bought Rossiters over 20 years ago they found a business in fine fettle. “It was a lovely store, doing well, so we made only very minor changes initially,” Peter says. “We felt we needed to fully understand it before embarking on any development.”

What was changing, though, was the retail environment around them. The period of Peter and Ann-Marie’s tenure here has also been the time the internet has changed the way we do everything – shopping very much included – in ways both obvious and which we’re only now starting to understand. In this period, for instance, Lovehoney – just two miles across town in Newbridge – has gone from a few boxes of stock and a kitchen table to a £58m business, without (a few small-scale experiments aside) messing with bricks-and-mortar at all.

“No retail business can afford to remain stuck for long,” Peter says, “so over the years we’ve had to reconfigure our offer to reflect changing tastes. We’re always on the lookout for exciting new product and suppliers – the quality of our sourcing underpins the brand – but we also work hard to move forward with existing partners.

Indeed, our biggest sofa brand has been working with us for nearly 30 years, though both they and we have changed enormously in that time.”

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STREET LIFE Which is another part of the Rossiters appeal – the familiar made fresh – that can equally be applied to Bath at its best. Both are specialists of a sort: while Bath underpins heritage with innovation, much of Rossiter’s appeal is that it’s a department store, yes, but of a very specific type. There are gifts and cards here, sure, and a little bit of fashion. But most of it is built around the home – furniture, crockery, lamps, fabrics, kitchen tools.

“Life is full of surprises as a shopkeeper,” Peter says.

“Right now our stand-out bestseller is our Chilly Bottle, basically a well-designed flask that will keep your water cold or your coffee warm. It has become something of a must have, and we’re selling scores of them every week.

This time next year, though, our bestseller will inevitably be something else, and it’s up to our buyers to source it.”

However much the product offer changes, though, some things will stay the same – the maze-like effect, the dark oak panelling, the switched-on staff necessary to point you in the right direction. Many are things forced upon Rossiters by the eccentricity of its location, flaws which have now become virtues. “The atmosphere of the store has remained,” Peter says, “and our customers tell us it’s just as inviting as it always was. In fact, many of them regard us as ‘their shop’, and proudly show visitors around; it’s very charming, and we like to think it’s this relationship that keeps people coming back.” www.rossitersofbath.com Rossiters: coming up to its 60th anniversary, and not looking too shabby on it

“Bath underpins heritage with innovation”

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STREET LIFE

FINDING X THE BALANCE xxxxx xxxxxxxx

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One of the newest arrivals on Broad Street, Goodbody Wellness is the first of its kind in the UK. They sell Cannabidiol, or CBD, and products containing it. What’s that, you ask? Read on…

By Lydia Tewkesbury

C

BD? You might be thinking – isn’t that marijuana?

Well, no. CBD is made from the cannabis plant, yes, but it won’t get you high. It’s derived from hemp – a different plant from marijuana – which is legal in the UK and contains less than 0.2% THC (tetrahydrocannabinol, or the part that brings on the munchies) by dry weight. Hemp is nonintoxicating but, regardless, this tiny amount of THC is removed in the making of all the products on Goodbody Wellness’s shelves.

So, all that out of the way, let’s get down to what they actually sell. Goodbody has a range of natural CBD products on display, from ingestible oils and capsules and vape e-liquids, to bath and skin care products and even coffee – either pop in store for a cup, or grab your own bag of the blend to take home with you.

Yoko Hargreaves, digital marketing executive at Goodbody, explains the science behind it all. “Humans have something called the Endocannabinoid system, or ECS,” she says. “Our ECS is made up of lots of different receptors that actually naturally produce CBD, and so it’s like our bodies are prepared for CBD – it’s waiting for it.”

For Goodbody, from the sign on the wall to the knowledgeable staff, the offer is all about achieving balance – whatever that means to the individual user.

If it all sounds a little vague, that’s by design. While CBD is absolutely legal – we really can’t stress that enough – how to talk about its effects is something of a minefield. Because of legal issues surrounding research, there aren’t a ton of studies out there exploring the effects of the CBD – in the US, CBD was only removed from the list of Schedule 1 controlled substances last year – but there’s a ton of anecdotal evidence, with a quick Google search revealing stories alleging that using CBD has seen positive outcomes for people dealing with everything from chronic pain to epilepsy, insomnia and depression, to name but a few.

But for Goodbody, the line about not making any medical claims is at the heart of the store’s ethos – regardless of some other companies that might flaunt the rules. They’re all about being the trusted voice in a market increasingly filled with fraudsters.

Back to Yoko: “What’s happening a lot at the minute is that there are loads of CBD companies in the UK that don’t comply with the regulations, so you could go and spend £50 on an oil that you found online and it could say it’s got 20% CBD in it. And, in truth, that’s really not the case. We work with a laboratory called

opposite: Goodbody’s expert staff are on

hand to educate us on all things CBD

Phytovista and they test all our products, so they’re all 100% traceable, tested and compliant with UK regulations.”

They’re also offering a pretty tailored shopping experience, where clueless customers (of which I was very much one) are gently introduced to the topic and shepherded around their various options by one of Goodbody’s smiling staff. As Goodbody is unable to offer dosages, they instead focus on the forms of CBD in store – of which there are many. It’s not an exact science, and the team are always upfront in saying that to achieve the balance you’re after, you’re probably going to need to experiment. Yoko explains: “What is important to note is we believe in something called the ‘Goldilocks effect’ – too little, too much, just right – so every single person’s experience with CBD will be different. It’s just how our bodies react to it.

“For example, you could love the 2.5% oil, whereas that may be too weak for me; I may need to be on the 20%. That’s why we can never really say to someone, ‘this is going to be the exact correct thing for you’. It’s not a medication.”

If the idea of ingesting an oil or a tablet freaks you out, you could try a bath bomb, moisturiser, or the coffee I mentioned earlier.

“What we have is a portfolio of over 50 different products, so if you come into the store we can find something, we would hope, that would suit you,” Yoko says. “We always recommend giving it a try, then increasing your dose if you’re not feeling the effects you want to feel from it.”

And if it doesn’t work for you, try a different product. It’s all about experimentation with CBD. n

“Every single person’s experience with CBD will be different”

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

www.goodbodywellness.co.uk

Why did Goodbody Wellness choose Bath for their flagship store?

“Bath’s got such a lovely community feel,” Yoko says. “We feel that the people of Bath are exactly our demographic, just the kind of people who should be looking for this product, and hopefully will be looking for this product. Everything about Bath suits our aesthetic, our feeling.”

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

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STREET LIFE One relatively recent arrival is ART Salon, which cropped up three years ago, but though the folks here have a background of 20 years in the gallery business. “We represent new and emerging British artists, and exhibit at art fairs across the UK and internationally too,” says boss Jeni Weinberger, “regularly visiting Singapore, Hong Kong and New York. This year we were invited by the British government to further represent British artists around the world, and begin in Shanghai this autumn.”

ART Salon’s a bigger deal than it might look like from the outside, then. From their Broad Street base, these guys offer framing, consultancy services and life drawing, as well as managing everything from one-off pieces to whole collections of prints, fine art, sculpture and public commissions.

“We always say ‘a picture chooses you’, and we believe it,” Jeni says.

“Falling in love with an artwork is a unique experience, so we never tell anyone what they should be buying or investing in. Our role is to guide you through the process, whether you’re a first-timer or an established collector. We make it as easy as possible for you, and understand that living with a piece is very different to seeing it in a gallery space, so ART Salon feels more like a home; we paint our walls, have sofas, and the kettle is always on. We definitely aren’t your typical ‘white cube’ gallery!

We’ve an international client base, but it’s wonderful to see how many of them seek us out here when they’re in the UK.” On Saracen Street, the short strip that peels off halfway up

Bold as Love: a cool Hendrix piece at ART Salon

“We always say ‘a picture chooses you’, and we believe it”

Broad Street past The Pig & Fiddle to join the bottom of Walcot Street, you get a further range of interesting independent businesses. Aspect Window Styling is a small family outfit specialising in high-end blinds, shutters and curtains. As there are homeware outfits all around them – from near neighbour Rossiters to Graham & Green on Walcot Street – this is an ideal spot, surely?

“This whole area has a strong small business community,” says boss Nick Hewett, “which encapsulates Bath’s independent spirit.

Everyone’s very supportive of each other, and there’s a great, positive atmosphere on the street.”

These guys have tonnes of experience, are doing particularly well with summer awnings and timeless plantation shutters at the moment, and are quite a fun place to visit, with motorised, app-based remotecontrol blinds on display: you can try them out in-store.

Any downsides?

“Congestion can be an issue throughout the day, with the sheer number of deliveries being made and various bus routes running through, but overall it’s a special place to be.”

Saracen Street: proof positive that it’s always worth checking out the side streets www.mediaclash.co.uk I BATH LIFE I 91

STREET LIFE At the beauty specialist LittleLAB, towards the top of Broad Street, they bring a friendly, modern approach to beauty, using ultra-modern American brands for their airbrush makeup. There’s a nail salon here too, and beauty therapists providing threading, facials, and lash extensions and lifts.

“It’s got a different feel to your standard salon,” says founder Kat Spreadbury. “We’re super relaxed, but choose staff who truly care; right now, hybrid lashes are popular, with everyone keen on a fuller, longer look. Broad Street seems the perfect home for us. It’s becoming harder and harder to be a little independent with the big stores taking over, so I love the mix of friendly independents we have here.”

And then there’s Icarus Jewellery, which started here four years ago but now has two homes – one on Broad Street and another on Pulteney Bridge, opened because they were doing so well. Owner Dilek Koroglu has been in the industry 25 years, his bespoke handmade silver jewellery, often featuring gem stone details and gold pleats, made to unique designs. “These are timeless pieces that can be carried over generations,” Dilek says. “Our own designs sell the best; they really catch the eye. Even when our customers eventually buy something else, it’s often our own pieces that attracted them to us in the first place.”

Broad Street’s been good to these guys, but there are issues. “As new independent businesses open, it gets livelier and livelier,” Dilek says. “And it’s very close to the city centre, so within easy reach – but the problem is that it’s not part of the typical promenade area, which means we’ll probably never reach our full potential in terms of visitors here. Hence the Pulteney Bridge shop – that’s a very easy-to-spot location, after all.”

Easy to spot, yes. And Pulteney Bridge, you’d have to argue, is more picturesque too. But perhaps without quite the strongly beating heart of Broad Street, a place where people feel free to take risks.

After all, as Peter at Rossiters bluntly puts it, “The rents are lower here than on the main drag. That’s what makes Broad Street such an ideal location for independent traders.” n

Which one do you fancy?

(Or maybe one of both…?)

“As new independent businesses open, it gets livelier and livelier”

You have been reading…

ART Salon, 21 Broad Street; www.artsalon.co.uk Aspect Window Styling, 1 Saracen Street; aspectwindowstyling.co.uk Broad Street Townhouse, 32-33 Broad Street; www.broadstreettownhouse.co.uk Goodbody Wellness, 7 Broad Street; www.goodbodywellness.co.uk Icarus Jewellery, 27 Broad Street; www.icarusjewellery.com LittleLAB, 20 Broad Street; www.littlelab.co.uk Rossiters, 38-41 Broad Street; www.rossitersofbath.com

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

It’s the city’s business

BATHworks This issue >>bath property awards (97) >>tim baber, angel interiors (99) >>eddie illic (100)

Unividual opens doors to new students The Unicademy is recruiting new students for September.

Unividual – the chartered financial planner based in Bath and London – started this in-house school to help attract and develop new blood for the industry. Five years in, they remain overwhelmed by the quality and quantity of applications – in fact, they’ve had over 500 this year alone. “Our training programme combines formal qualifications with the Chartered Insurance Institute, with mentoring, personal development and on-the-job training,” says Lewis Baxter, FPFS chartered financial planner and director, “so that at the end of the programme the student can either continue a career as one of the highest qualified technical specialists in the industry, or become a well-trained financial planner with the skills to provide great financial advice and build long-term relationships with clients.”

For more: www.unividual.co.uk

The Unividual team: Hayden Franklin, Lewis Baxter, Aimee Marshall and Cherie-Anne Baxter

Chris Butt, chief exec at Cognisess

‘Major coup’ for BWECB

Cognisess, the leading Bath-based Artificial Intelligence and neuroscience provider, has signed a major deal with the second biggest recruitment company in China. Chris Butt, chief exec of the Argyle Street AI trailblazer, worked with the Bristol and West of England China Bureau (BWECB) representative Yang Ding to make the deal happen.

BWECB chief executive Dianne Francombe feels it was the biggest thing they’d been associated with in the Bureau’s 21-year history.

“Cognisess has signed a license agreement with China’s second largest recruitment group, which is a game-changing achievement for them, and also a major coup for the bureau,” she says. “We’ve strived to set up connections with China and help businesses make inroads into the vast Chinese market – as well as enable businesses over there to reach out to firms in the West Country.”

For more: www.cognisess.com

Dianne Francombe, BWECB chief exec

Yang Ding, BWECB rep

mediaclash.co.uk 115

BATHWORKS

Hannah Thomas: her next two years look exciting indeed

SMASHED IT Nine teams went to bat to raise money for the Novia Foundation in a charity cricket tournament recently. Teams made up of volunteers from a whole range of local and national businesses came together for some reportedly cracking sporting performances, drama and snacks – provided by JC’s Kitchen and Inc Bar Group.

The event raised a fantastic £3,500 for the Novia Foundation, the charitable arm of Novia Financial which supports charities, individuals and volunteering activities that help improve the local community.

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

Nick Jones, Trustee and organiser

Gemma Sumsion, Goughs head of commercial

BORN TO BUILD

BLUEBIRDS CONTINUE TO FLY West Country solicitor Goughs has secured Chippenham Town Football Club’s new lease of their Hardenhuish Park ground. The new deal was achieved in partnership with the Vanarama National League South side, after unexpected delays meant that the grounds almost weren’t secured in time for the end of the 2018/19 season – which could have risked their place in the league. Goughs were able to negotiate an extension to the deadline with the National Football League, so the lease could be finalised.

Gemma Sumsion, head of commercial at Goughs, says, “We’re delighted to work so closely with such a well-known local club that has a great following and a proud heritage.

With the new lease successfully concluded and the grant resubmitted, the future is looking bright for The Bluebirds.” She concludes: “Best of luck for the season ahead.” Aw. For more: www.goughs.co.uk 96 I BATH LIFE I www.mediaclash.co.uk

Hannah Thomas has won a place on the Santander Universities STEMships Programme. A third-year Integrated Design Engineering masters student at the University of Bath, Hannah’s impressive degree results and high quality industry placements – including a year at Williams Advanced Engineering – earned her a place on the programme.

“I was really surprised to win, and it’s so nice to be recognised in this way,” she says. “The work I’ve done during my studies and at Williams has been really rewarding, so I’m excited to see what opportunities the Santander Programme will provide, and what I can learn from it.”

Her prize means two years of support, which includes access to networking events and mentorship schemes with female industry leaders, a membership of the Women’s Engineering Society, a £1,500 scholarship, and an overseas experience at a leading engineering institution.

For more: www.bath.ac.uk/research

© Pete Helme Photography

Business matters Diary From networking breakfasts to invaluable evening courses, make a note of the courses and classes that will help your business flourish

Bath Property Awards: a packed house last year, and even bigger this year?

The Bath Property Awards are returning Yes, the hit event is back for a second year. To be held on November 15 at the Apex Hotel, it should provide 2019’s most awesome lunchtime

T

he first go around for the Bath Property Awards was a huge success, with all categories sponsored and all tickets snapped up without going on open sale.The Awards celebrate every aspect of the city’s dynamic property market – from residential to commercial, lettings to new builds, civic buildings to bold reimaginings. It’s pitched at agents, developers, architects, interior designers, and property-focused financial and legal outfits; basically, the entire industry.

Nominations are now open for companies to enter, earning the chance to be named ‘best in their

category’, with the official launch coming very soon in September.

There are many benefits to getting involved, from invitations to free networking events to the chance to build business within the Bath community. Seven sponsors are already on board. They’re led by Headline Sponsor Mogers Drewett once more, plus category sponsors Halsall Construction, Hawker Joinery, Juniper Homes, London & Country Mortgages, Regus and Tile & Flooring.

The Bath Property Awards are run by the MediaClash team behind highly successful awards in Bath, Bristol, Cardiff and Exeter, as well as sister Property Awards in Bristol and Cardiff.

For more, stephanie.dodd@mediaclash. co.uk; www.bathpropertyawards.co.uk

20 AUGUST LET’S GO DIGITAL Calling all solopreneurs: don’t miss this opportunity to learn, network and grow in Corsham’s posh co-working space. Grab your laptop, a coffee and get comfortable.

10am-4.30pm; free; Digital Mansion Corsham; www.theenterprise network.co.uk 4 SEPTEMBER CORSHAM CHAMBER OF COMMERCE BREAKFAST Wadswick Green is the location of the next Corsham Chamber of Commerce monthly networking event.

Rafael Marques, village manager at the innovative residence for over-60s, will give a keynote speech in addition to the usual breakfast, network and feedback session.

7.30am; £8-12; Wadswick Green, Corsham; www.corsham chamber.com 11 SEPTEMBER CREATIVE BATH BUSINESS LEADERS BREAKFAST These monthly breakfasts provide a forum for seniorlevel discussion about current opportunities and challenges in Bath’s creative sector. The networking breakfast is open to owners of local creative companies and senior managers, as well as Creative Bath’s Strategic and Anchor Partners.

7.45am; £19.76; Abbey Hotel; www.creativebath.org

Movers and shakers etc Brewin Dolphin, Bath office: Richard Barrington, Gareth Rees, Barry Newbury, Markas Gilmartin and Jon Rolfe

THE NAME OF THE GAME

Investment management and financial planning firm Brewin Dolphin has now completed its acquisition of Bathbased Epoch Wealth Management.

Former Epoch managing partner, Barry Newbury, will take the helm at the new Bath office, which will remain in Queen Square Place, now under the Brewin Dolphin name.

Nick Fitzgerald, managing director of financial planning at Brewin Dolphin, said: “With great demand for expert financial advice across the country, it’s fantastic to welcome Barry and his team. They built Epoch into a successful business trusted by their clients. We’re so pleased that they’ve joined us to continue their growth journey as part of one of the UK’s largest wealth managers.”

For more: www.brewin.co.uk

Movin’ on up

It’s a good time to work for Carter Jonas – if you’re one of the 73 people the national property consultancy recently promoted, that is. Hardworking employees from across the firm’s commercial, planning and development, residential and rural divisions and business service teams have moved up in the world.

“This has been an extremely positive year for Carter Jonas, and much of our success is attributable to those promoted,” says Mark Granger, chief executive. “We place a great deal of importance on nurturing, encouraging and rewarding talent, whilst building a versatile team of specialists across a wide range of services.” www.carterjonas.co.uk/estate-agents/bath

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

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Come on, then. Do you have a favourite style of design – and, if so, what is it?

I suppose I’m known for my eclectic mix, but I have no real favourite style – it’s really all down to the space and setting. If pushed, then the New York loft style with art deco features would certainly be up there on my personal wish list, though.

ONE TO WATCH

Tim Baber, Angel Interiors

Award-winning creative designer Tim Baber takes us behind the scenes at the Angel Interiors showroom, heaven for lovers of high quality kitchens and bathrooms Tell us a bit about the process you undertake when creating a space, Tim. How do you collaborate with clients to create their vision?

18 years in the business has taught me that the most crucial element of design is an in-depth understanding of what the client wants to achieve; you need to listen – and not miss that all important ‘must have’. Then I can set to work to create a project that goes beyond the brief, and that entertains and excites the client. It’s vital for me to keep fully up to date with all that’s new in the industry to create a luxurious, tasteful – and perhaps a little edgy – living space featuring various attractive textures and accessories.

And what do you find most satisfying about the job?

By far, it’s seeing the finished product and the client’s reaction.

The design process involves trust and rapport between the client and myself, as I join them on a journey from concept to completion. Often clients are nervous of stepping

outside their comfort zone, which is completely understandable. My role is to present different options that they can consider, or perhaps source bespoke pieces that will give that extra wow factor. But I can never forget that I am designing for the client, and that their wish list has to be met (and exceeded).

Spending quality time in the showroom with them is invaluable for discussing ideas, aspirations and reality and widening the product options or finding that personal statement – all rewarding, enjoyable and essential tools for me as a designer.

What are the challenges?

Managing clients’ expectations.

More specifically, a regular challenge we come up against is a small space, with the expectation that everything the client desires will be included.

Any refurbishment takes time, and invariably – no matter how smoothly the project runs – it will have an impact on the client’s day to day life, albeit for a short while.

Keeping to budget requires careful direction and selection of products, but it is possible to create a beautiful, unique statement project on a tight budget – as a designer, no challenge is too great.

Tell us about a typical day…

No such thing! I might be meeting clients at the showroom or on site to discuss things, visiting ongoing projects to ensure everything is running smoothly, or catching up with suppliers.

For instance, I recently spent two days with one of our suppliers, Stoneham Kitchens in Kent, and it was invaluable, as it’s essential to keep up to date with the new design ideas an amazing company like this can offer, and ensure I can advise accurately on their products. I accompany clients to Stoneham so they can see first hand how their new kitchen is produced, as well as the full range available. I spend time sourcing new products at trade shows too, and, of course, drawing and presenting to clients.

Are there any major interiors trends on the horizon we should be aware of?

Trends come and go, but style and sophistication are timeless.

It is vital to get the mix right. For some clients, keeping on trend is imperative – currently that would include things like real marble and blue quartz – and we can certainly meet and exceed this brief. For others, keeping to a more classical approach is the remit. An essential element in any project will be key pieces (which can be vintage or modern classics) that will be of lasting value and quality, to be valued for years to come.

What are you most proud of professionally?

Without question our awardwinning recognition in the industry.

I have been a KBBReview Retail and Design Award finalist (winner seven times!) in at least one or two categories every year, so I am doing something right.

And personally?

Being a perfectionist by nature, I strive 100% to offer first class design and service to all my clients. A current project of eight bathrooms in a private residence, each totally unique and stunning, has been a personal (along with professional) highlight of 2019.

Finally, got anything exciting in the pipeline?

We’ve got a busy year ahead with various home projects booked, from kitchens and bathrooms to small en-suites. It’s interesting on a personal level, as many are unusual in style, allowing me the privilege of sourcing bespoke items.

We are also working on some large developments, exciting in design and structure, which will involve cutting edge materials and sourcing trips to Germany, so watch this space!

For more: www.angelinteriors.co.uk www.mediaclash.co.uk I BATH LIFE I 99

BATHWORKS

© SOUL MEDIA

BATH LIFE AWARDS 2019 Following his own experiences with addiction, Eddie Illic set out to help others in their recovery by providing free hair cuts for the homeless So, Eddie, what was it like to win a Bath Life award?

I felt very proud that Eddie’s Street Cuts had been recognised as a worthy winner.

CIVIC WINNER SPONSORED BY

Why do you think you won?

This is a really hard question for me to answer. I think ESC has perhaps opened people’s eyes to how such a simple thing as a hair cut can make all the difference to a homeless person.

What was the inspiration behind starting Eddie's Street Cuts?

My own experience of how close I came to losing everything through my drinking and drug use.

And what sets your work apart, do you think?

ESC is a voluntary service.

We all give up our spare time to cut hair for the homeless, running fundraising events in the community to pay for equipment.

What do you really love about your work?

The connection I get with my friends on the street, the satisfaction I receive from being able to help them both feel and look better, and – most of all – the many friendships I have made over the years.

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

“MY RECOVERY HAS NOT ONLY GIVEN ME A LIFE BEYOND MY WILDEST DREAMS, BUT GIVEN SO MUCH BACK TO THE PEOPLE THAT LOVE AND SUPPORT ME”

Where do the frustrations lie?

The lack of support, especially in the housing sector. Halfway housing would be so beneficial for those wanting to rehabilitate, with proper support to help them get on their feet again. This is perhaps something that ESC will work towards in the future.

Tell us a bit about the power of a haircut to convey your message of hope…

A haircut for a homeless person is like looking at two different people.

Afterwards, it lifts their spirits, it makes them feel good about themselves, but – most of all – it’s where I can pass on my message of hope. I always try to plant the seed of an idea, and hope that one day they might think of our conversation about how I got clean and sober myself, and do something to help themselves.

What’s the best part about working in Bath?

People’s generosity and support.

And the best piece of advice you’ve heard?

Keep it in the day. And to keep my own recovery maintained, otherwise none of this would be possible.

Any exciting plans coming up?

Oh, I have lots of plans for ESC’s

future. I would like to expand the service to Bristol, working through other charities and organisations. Halfway support housing is another area that one day, through ESC, I would love to be able to work towards. The end goal would be to hopefully open up a hair academy where we can teach the homeless hairdressing skills.

Finally, tell us something surprising about you…

As of 27 July, I’ve been four years clean and sober. At 21 years old I changed my life around, and started this amazing journey of self-discovery, thanks to my 12-step programme. In doing so, it changed so many other lives too, as addiction is a selfish, self-centered illness. I know today I was a very sick young man. My recovery has not only given me a life beyond my wildest dreams, but given so much back to the people that love and support me.

You are never too young and never too old to change. Without the support of my loved ones, friends and, of course, Phil and Zac at BA1 Hair, I wouldn’t be where I am today. The biggest gift I have today is my freedom, and to keep my wellbeing I have to give it away too. We should all learn to live our lives one day at a time.

For more: @eddiestreetcuts on Twitter

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ADVERTISING FEATURE

Making tax digital for VAT – act now!

Matthew Rutter from Bath-based chartered accountants and tax advisers PEARSON MAY explains how MTD will affect businesses …

T

he 1st April 2019 finally saw the introduction of Making Tax Digital (MTD) for VAT, which will affect all VAT registered businesses with an annual taxable turnover above the registration threshold of £85,000. If you haven’t yet taken any action then it may not be too late, but you must act now to comply with the MTD regulations. I have set out below some common frequently asked questions which may assist you.

What does ‘MTD for VAT’ mean for my business?

Many businesses will already be used to filing their VAT returns online through HMRC’s gateway, but under MTD for VAT, this in isolation is no longer an option and the new requirements represent a major change.

Businesses must now keep digital records for VAT purposes and file their VAT returns digitally using MTD compatible software. This software must be capable of recording and preserving records in a digital form, sending VAT returns and information to HMRC directly from the software, and receiving information from HMRC. As the MTD for VAT rules were introduced for VAT accounting periods commencing on or after 1 April 2019, many businesses will not yet have had to prepare and file their first MTD VAT return. Those businesses with VAT quarters which align with the calendar quarters are amongst the first to submit their VAT returns under MTD. The quarter just ended on 30 June

Matthew Rutter, a partner at Pearson May

2019 will therefore be the first MTD VAT return for many businesses and this will be due for submission within the usual timescale, so by 7 August 2019 at the latest.

Will my accounting software comply with MTD? The major accounting software providers have developed or upgraded their products so that they will enable users to meet the record keeping and filing requirements. Hopefully businesses that currently keep their accounting records on accounting software will by now have had confirmation from their provider that their software is compliant, but if you haven’t, you should check with your software provider immediately.

What if I do not use accounting software?

Many businesses will currently be using spreadsheets as part of their VAT records.

Although spreadsheets do qualify as digital records, a standard spreadsheet alone will not satisfy the MTD requirements. There must be a digital link from the spreadsheet to HMRC’s systems in order to submit the VAT return data directly to HMRC. There are now a number of providers on the market of so-called bridging software, which in its most basic form is an add on to a spreadsheet that enables users to submit their VAT return information contained in their spreadsheets to HMRC in a manner which is compatible with HMRC’s MTD systems.

Businesses who maintained their accounting records manually, such as using cashbooks etc. should already have amended their systems to keep digital records (whether that be by way of spreadsheet or software). If you generally only prepare your VAT records at the end of the quarter in question, then it may not be too late, but you must take action immediately to avoid a last minute panic as the submission deadline looms.

What if I am not able to use my software to submit my VAT returns under MTD? Some businesses may be using older versions of software programs which may well not have the MTD functionality which could mean that you can’t use your software to submit the return under the MTD rules.

In such situations, you may be able to export or transfer your VAT accounting records from

your software into a spreadsheet, for example, and then use a form of bridging software to submit the information to HMRC in an MTD compatible format.

The MTD rules imposed by HMRC were initially written to enforce so-called digital links between one or more pieces of software/ spreadsheets which mean that there has to be a digital link between the sets of data in order to comply with MTD. However, in a recent update to the regulations, HMRC relaxed the rules slightly, for a period of one year, to enable the use of ‘cut and paste’ from one set of digital records into another, in order to then use the other software/spreadsheet to submit the VAT return to HMRC but still comply with MTD. This one year soft landing period will be in force until 1 April 2020, by which point businesses are expected to have digital links between all of their accounting software products that are used to prepare and submit VAT returns. Each business will have very specific circumstances however, depending on the software and records they keep, so specific advice should be sought.

Where can I find more information?

If you have an accountant or bookkeeper already assisting with your VAT returns/accounts etc. then obviously they may well be a helpful port of call. There is also a lot of information concerning MTD on HMRC’s website and in particular, VAT Notice 700/22 is a useful resource which explains the requirements of MTD for VAT in more detail.

The above is for general guidance only and no action should be taken without obtaining specific advice. ■

Matthew Rutter BSc(Hons) FCA CTA Pearson May Chartered Accountants & Chartered Tax Advisers Bath, Chippenham and Trowbridge 37 Great Pulteney Street, Bath BA2 4DA 01225 460491; mail@pearsonmay.co.uk www.pearsonmay.co.uk www.mediaclash.co.uk I BATH LIFE I 103

NEW W EBS IT E N OW O N L IN E www.f lyin g p ig in bath .co.u k

a placeto call home

property a pl ace to c all home

SMOOTH OPERATOR

Understated yet cool-as-a-cucumber, this classy, quirky maisonette won’t hang around for long

By Matilda Walton www.mediaclash.co.uk mediaclash.co.uk I BATH LIFE I 105 141

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PROPERTY

E

very now and again, an absolute gem of a property will pop up that seems to have it all. Lovingly curated, faultlessly cool and quirky in all the right places, this three-bedroom maisonette on Great Pulteney Street has desireability down to a T. Renovated by Norman Linham and Dee Klein – who spent the best part of a year waiting for permission to start work on their listed gaff – the maisonette began life as a one-bedroom flat but it now a contemporary (and really quite posh) threebedroom, with permission in place to add a door to the dressing room to create a fourth, if so desired.

“I could see the whole thing from the very start of the project,” Norman says. “I wanted formal units, square shapes – and for it to be easy to control.”

The emphasis on shape is evident throughout the home, which oozes smart thinking from its contemporary-as-it-gets kitchen to the meticulously landscaped garden, featuring, amongst other things, pleasing vertical columns of Cyprus palms and fruit trees made all the more impactful by atmospheric night time lighting – one of Norman and Dee’s many unexpected touches that make this property sing.

The renovations are inventive throughout, not least in one of its most impresive rooms: the ‘floating’ kitchen.

Yes, we did say ‘floating’.

Norman explains: “The standard height of a kitchen unit is 900mm, but I wanted to create a kitchen with units at 600mm – and no legs.”

Held onto the wall by specially designed brackets, the kitchen cupboards really do appear to hover above the ground. In combination with the deliberate avoidance of any wall cabinets, it creates a sharp and streamlined effect, deftly avoiding the feeling of ‘closed-in-ness’ that plagues so many kitchens. “I really wanted to get away from the norm,” Norman says.

Well, he’s certainly succeeded in that.

Lighting in the property also received an overhaul, with directed down lighting angled towards the walls rather than straight down, creating a more nuanced effect. The sparkling master bathroom, complete with brass bath and hand basin, is a stunning feature, too.

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PROPERTY

Sophisticated, glamorous and utterly striking, it’s as lovely a place to spend your ‘me time’ as it will be a conversation piece among guests.

In fact, the place is absolutely packed with hidden little moments of luxury – from the under floor heating system beneath the flagstones (and in the shower, which sounds like heaven) and Fisher and Paykel integrated appliances, to out in the garden, where you’ll find a pure glass greenhouse. Frameless and breath-takingly modern, it brings the entire outside area bang up to date.

The two owners have different approaches to decoration, Norman tells me, but they work well together, and a clear understanding of each other’s needs and desires has led to a stylish and interesting property we can’t see sitting on the market for long.

Finally, the location. It pretty much goes without saying that you can’t beat Great Pulteney Street. All 100 foot wide and 1,000 foot long of it are rich in the history of Bath, spotlessly Georgian, and filled with some of the most prestigious and stylish addresses in the entire city.

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House numbers Square footage

2,091

pines and a lawn. It’s very secure, so good for children and pets.

Bedrooms

3

Price

Bathrooms/WCs

3

Where Great Pulteney Street

Outside Professionally landscaped garden with subtle lighting, box hedging, needle

£1.3M

Stonier Hobbs, 10 Foundation Buildings, Bath, BA1 5DU; 01225 686087; www.stonier-hobbs.com

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Is it time you changed perspective to find your next home?

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Peter Greatorex from the Apartment Company asks…

very day we walk the streets of Bath; every day, we see the same faces, as well as those that like to visit our incredible city. We have our favourite coffee shop, where we often grab a naughty treat, the restaurants where we eat with family and friends and the green spaces where some of us like to take a run from time to time. But when you become too comfy with the familiar, it can be difficult to see the true benefits of something a little different.

Last weekend we ventured along the Bath Skyline Walk. It’s something we hadn’t done for a long time and we vowed we wouldn’t leave it that long again. It feels like you are entering into another world, yet you are only a short walk from the city centre.

Instead of the hustle and bustle that surrounds you on the streets, you are met by a tranquil scene

where nature is your guide. As you pass through ancient woodland, meadows and even a castle, you notice sounds that you would otherwise miss, such a bird chirping in a tree, and the sound of the wind rushing through the many barren trees.

Looking out towards the city, you gain a new perspective; you see rooftops, spires, and architectural delights. It’s a great reminder that there is so much more to the city than what’s held within its walls, where we feel comfortable and at home. Stepping outside our comfort zone can feel alien to many of us, but often when we take a risk it can surprise us. You may be looking for a new home now, or thinking of doing so in the next few months. It doesn’t matter if you’re looking to buy or rent, we encourage you to approach your search with an open mind.

It’s easy to get caught up in the blinkered zone rather than going to see a property that may not fulfill all your wants, but meets your needs.

Viewing properties online is a start, but it can only tell you half the story. Images won’t tell you how it feels to stand inside the property, how each room flows into another. Sticking only to those properties in your comfort zone could mean you miss out on a hidden gem.

If you’ve only been looking at houses, why not see what the apartment market can bring?

At The Apartment Company we believe that it’s in the unexpected that you will find your dream home. n

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

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

CLAIR STRONG interior design

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

Contact Clair on 01225 426906 or 07855 79731 www.clairstrong.co.uk

Allsop Carpets

Based in Frome, Allsop Carpets display an extensive range of floorings to match your style and budget.

With carpets and flooring available in a variety of designs, Brian Allsop and his team pride themselves on delivering excellent service from the beginning to end with over 35 years of professional experience.

Corner Garage, Christchurch Street West, Frome BA11 1EB; Tel: 01373 463866; www.allsopcarpets.co.uk

Cheverell

Cheverell is set in the heart of Wiltshire with a stunning showroom and workshop, offering a full bespoke design, manufacturing and installation service in kitchens, bedrooms, and interiors. Established in 1989 it has over 30 years of experience to guide you through the whole process. Cheverell, Waller Road, Hopton Park, Devizes, Wiltshire SN10 2GH; Tel: 01380 722722; www.cheverell.co.uk

MENDIP FIREPLACES

Etons of Bath

BATH KITCHEN COMPANY

Westside Design

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

Founded in 2006, Etons of Bath is the UK’s only specialist interior design practice focussed on refurbishing, renovating and reinvigorating Georgian and Regency homes and hotels. Their team of 12 interior designers, planners and project managers can help you design and deliver classically inspired interiors that add value, turn heads and improve the use of space.

Tel: 01225 639002; www.etonsofbath.com

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

Westside Design is a family-run Bath based company offering a tailored design, manufacturing and installation service for all aspects of cabinet making and joinery. Specialising in contemporary bespoke kitchens and interiors.

Contact Michael on 01225 330843 or 07976 268458 or email info@westsidedesign.co.uk

BONITI

Lucy Collins

www.bathkitchencompany.co.uk

Boniti is based on the outskirts of Bath and offers a wide range of quality interior and exterior products: natural stone and timber flooring, Everhot range cookers, garden furniture and Kadai firebowls. As well as the vast selection of products on offer, a friendly and personal service is at the heart of all that they do.

Dunsdon Barn, West Littleton,Wiltshire SN14 8JA; Tel: 01225 892 200; www.boniti.com

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Inspired design and styling can excite & enhance our lives and enable us to feel nurtured and uplifted.

Whether it be redesigning the interior and exterior of a property, altering the colour palette, introducing a new style, changing soft furnishings, refreshing, replacing or decluttering – leave it to Lucy… The Coach House, Linden Gardens, Weston Road, Bath BA1 8DB; Tel: 07710 223285; www.lucycollins.me www.mediaclash.co.uk I bath life I 113

just visiting

©FayesVision/ WENN.com

Crystal Chappell and Jessica Leccia: ex-of Guiding Light, now in A Million Happy Nows

MARISA CALIN

Marisa grew up in Bath before heading out to New York to pursue an acting career. She’s blowing back into town now, though, for the premiere of a film she wrote and produced, A Million Happy Nows, about a couple navigating their changing relationship after one of them receives a diagnosis of early onset Alzheimer’s Acting came before writing for me. The nature of acting has

always been so energizing, I’ve found, and enlightening in regard to the psychology of it – in studying how we all respond and relate. I trained at The American Academy of Dramatic Arts in New York, and love the challenge of bringing to life characters that other people have drawn.

My first writing project was a young adult novel, Between You & Me, published in 2012 by Bloomsbury. It was amazing to

have the chance to paint the entire scene with words as the reader would experience it. But the next step was absolutely to visualize the dynamism of actors taking the

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blueprint of a script and making it their own in the very different medium of film. The dynamic in A Million Happy Nows that so intrigued me was the power play, and as a writer, more so than as an actor, you have the opportunity to explore the bigger picture of those shifting dynamics.

I came across Crystal Chappell and Jessica Leccia on screen together in a TV programme called Guiding Light. There

was chemistry between them as actors that I found really inspiring.

Crystal had this amazing capacity to experience emotion on screen in the least self-indulgent and most heartrending of ways. She played a powerful woman, and

the magic lay in the vulnerability that seemed to show through even when she appeared to be fighting it. To see a person desperate to stay in control of their emotions and keep vulnerability at bay is a very compelling nuance for me.

In my own life, I was watching both my grandmothers in stages of dementia. We are

a culture that celebrates being put together, and to see these matriarchal figures in states of vulnerability was a sad study.

I was interested to explore this with Crystal, a character who has thrived on success and control in her career as a soap actress, but who now faces the most inevitable and compromising of declines, Alzheimer’s. Jessica Leccia was the perfect choice for the woman on the other side of that shifting dynamic, whose own power has been in her steadfast behind-thescenes support, and whose arc is to take the reins.

So, I had the subject of Alzheimer’s, which intrigued and frightened me so much from both the perspective of the patient and the caregiver.

As the conflict of Alzheimer’s lies so much in our sense of identity, and asks whether we can continue to exist with it in any real way, the idea of a soap actress dealing with the disease intensified the theme of identity, because of the unique way these actors are required to play (and are publicly viewed as) another person for years at a time. These ideas, coupled with the setting of a house overlooking the ocean – living on the edge of nothingness – gave me the groundwork of my story.

The beauty of setting out to tell this story was knowing that it wasn’t going to be a story about sexual preference, gender or even the disease.

Whilst Alzheimer’s is the greatest equalizer – we’re all the same in the end – I knew it would be more of a story about love, care and need. Those themes could not be more universal. So, whilst representation is vital, I felt good about that representation being offered in the most universal and mainstream of ways.

The resonance of this story will hopefully live in the balance. It’s in the face of some of the greatest adversity that we find our humour, our grace, and our enlightenment – however resigned, and however painful it is.

Starting my production company, Perfect Features, was, in part, simply to facilitate the technicalities of producing a film. There are so many! But

importantly, it was also to start down the path of creating content for audiences who are underserved, incorporating what so many consider niche topics into stories that are about so much more. These stories give actresses the opportunity to dig in to rich, female-led material that isn’t usually the focus of a feature film. n

A Million Happy Nows premieres in the UK at The Little Theatre on 11 September, followed by a Q&A with Marisa; www.amillionhappynows.com, www.picturehouses.com