Bath Life – Issue 445

ISSUE 445 / 4 – 17 JUNE 2021/ £3

INDIAN DELIGHTS AT

BANDOOK KITCHEN

TAKE ME

PAPA’S GOT A BRAND NEW BIG BAG

…AND OTHER AMAZING FATHER'S DAY GIFT IDEAS

DAY TRIPPERS

INSPIRATIONAL IDEAS FOR FAMILY FUN ISSUE 445 / 4 – 17 JUNE 2021 / ROARING SUCCESS

GARAGE SOUNDS

EXPLORE A SMALL BUT PERFECT CITY CENTRE HOME

MEETING MRS MORGAN BECKY MORGAN ON HUEY, WELLNESS, AND MUSIC

AT HOME WITH ART

THE POWER OF ART TO SOOTHE OUR SOULS

INTO THE VALLEY

THE GLORIOUS GARDENS OF BATCOMBE HOUSE

BATH & BRISTOL

BRAND NEW SHOWROOM IN BATH NOW OPEN 5 Saracen Street, Bath BA1 5BR | 01225 634 025

Proud Finalist of

SUPPORT A LOCAL BUSINESS AND BENEFIT FROM THE FOLLOWING: ● Premium, Sleek, German Engineered ● Luxury Kitchens at competitive prices ● All kitchens delivered pre-built ● Supply only or Fully installed ● Free Design and quotation service

“From start to finish the experience has been very positive, everything that was promised from the fantastic graphics package and knowledge of showroom designer, to the completed kitchen has been delivered.

The very professional and reliable fitting team made the whole experience trouble free and the quality of the kitchen is outstanding, but the fitting was always our priority and we are thrilled with the final result delivered and fitted in lockdown.

Well done Kutchenhaus Bath” Amanda

Find us 5 Saracen Street, Bath BA1 5BR

Opening times Monday - Saturday: 10am - 5pm Sunday by appointment

Contact Email: Showroom@bath.kutchenhaus.co.uk Tel: 01225 634 025

Inside Clifton Down Shopping Centre, Whiteladies Road, Clifton BS8 2NN

Monday - Saturday: 9.30am - 5.30pm Sunday by appointment

Email: Showroom@bristol.kutchenhaus.co.uk Tel: 0117 213 0497

S T O R E S N AT I O N W I D E

© PHOTO BY BET T Y BHANDARI W W W.BET T YBHANDARI.COM

EDITOR’S LETTER

ABOVE: Becky and Huey Morgan

at home (page 40) BELOW: Properly smart gift ideas for Father’s day (page 54)

I

’m not good at getting presents for men.

I know I shouldn’t say that – and normally I’m as woke as they come – but ask me to buy a present for a bloke and I’m ordering a Nandos gift card quicker than you can say cancel culture. I have no excuse either – there’s a lot of amazing men in my life, and fortunately they don’t hold my substandard male present buying skills against me. This year though, no more chocs, socks, or novelty booze, I’m going to wow them thanks to some smart sartorial shopping advice from Bath stylist Nick Hems (page 52), and also refer to the ten locally and lovingly sourced indie gift inspo over on page 54.

Elsewhere we are looking at the power art had in our homes over lockdown. This is one of those features where I found myself fascinated, and at times moved, by the insights offered by experts and artists (page 12).

I was also lucky enough to get to interview the fascinating Mrs Becky Morgan, wife of Huey, who is a fun lovin’ creative in her own right with a can-do attitude and a colourful, kick-ass career (page 40).

Over on page 32 we have a round-up of brilliantly fun (and quietly educational but don’t tell the kids) days out; there’s a very special snoop around our columnist Philippa May’s converted garage home on page 76, and a review of the bang on target, Indian street food restaurant, Bandook Kitchen on page 46.

In fact there’s so much gorgeousness and goodness in this issue, this could be the gift that just keeps on giving – I’m off to get some wrapping paper. Stay in the present, and see you in two weeks time...

SARAH MOOLLA

Follow us on Twitter @BathLifeMag Instagram @bathlifemag

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

Issue 445 / 4–17 June COVER Sunset Lullaby by Johnathan Reiner from the Rostra Gallery; www.rostragallery.co.uk

ART AT HOME

12 Seeking solace in art through difficult times

THE ARTS

25 ARTS INTRO Discover Mary Shelley’s dramatic history

at Bath’s newest attraction

26 WHAT’S ON Art, performance, music, and more coming

up in the next few weeks

37 BOOKS Fiction meets real-life in Nic’s latest selection

FOOD&DRINK

45 FOOD & DRINK NEWS Tasty updates from Bath’s

foodie scene

46 RESTAURANT We discover that Bandook Kitchen is

every bit as good as its older sibling 49 TRY 5 A few of our favourite local delis

46

SHOPPING

52 MEN’S FASHION Style guru Nick Hems 54 EDITOR’S CHOICE Father’s Day gifts for dad

LIFESTYLE

32 SUMMER DAYS OUT Our guide to occupying the kids

this summer

40 BIG INTERVIEW Becky Morgan on wellness, festivals,

Huey, and her role in taking drum and bass mainstream

BUSINESS

57 BATHWORKS News, views, and interviews from our

successful local businesses

61 BIZ Q&A Caroline Browning, general manager at the

Roseate Villa Bath

PROPERTY

69 INTRO Grant Associates’ plans for Chelsea Flower Show 70 PROPERTY NEWS Updates from the market 72 SHOWCASE A countryside mansion with a castle among

its neighbours

76 RESIDENCE Philippa May is saying goodbye to her

apartment at Morford Street

50 GARDENS Restoring Batcombe House gardens

DEPARTMENTS

6 SPOTLIGHT From visual to musical, Bath’s artists have been hard at work 9 FLATLINE Flats’ dream day out 82 BATH LIVES Meet Mina Moosavian

12

Editor Sarah Moolla sarah.moolla@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 Contributors Nic Bottomley, David Flatman, Nick Hems, Matilda Walton and Nick Woodhouse Group advertising manager Pat White pat.white@mediaclash.co.uk Deputy advertising manager Justine Walker justine.walker@mediaclash.co.uk Account manager Annabel North annabel.north@mediaclash.co.uk Account manager Dan Nichols dan.nichols@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 and Exeter. 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

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

SPOTLIGHT

Arts

The show will take a look at the dark side of 1930s London

Theatre

DANCING IN THE DARK

Jessica Kerridge’s work will be on display until 12 June

Gardening

SOWING THE SEEDS

Bath Mind’s community allotment site at Monksdale Road is busier than ever. With lockdown easing, the allotment is once again buzzing with activity. An oasis of calm and a place to enjoy nature, the allotment is the base for Bath Mind’s Greenlinks project, which offers an opportunity to meet new people and grow and share fresh produce – all with the support of Bath Mind’s staff and volunteers.

Right now, the group are busy preparing for Bath in Bloom. Bath Mind’s Greenlinks co-ordinator, Sophia, says, “We are busy growing fruit, and raising vegetables and flowers from seed, planting up containers and hanging baskets, adding perennials to our flower borders.”

The group are asking for donations, and are currently in need of peat free compost, hanging basket liners, garden twine, netting, big plant pots/ containers, annual flower seeds and perennial flowering plants for their Bath in Bloom work, and longer-term are looking for a new skin for their poly tunnel, a new shed, new wooden edging for their outdoor raised beds and a new roof for part of their existing shed. If you’d like to donate, please email sophia@bathmind.org.uk to discuss arrangements.

For more: www.bathmind.org.uk

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

Matthew Bourne

Step inside The Midnight Bell, where lonely hearts gather for dramatic affairs filled with angsting, longing, frustration, betrayal – and sometimes, redemption.

Matthew Bourne’s The Midnight Bell, his world première for New Adventures comes to Theatre Royal this November. A challenging and dark piece, it explores the under-belly of 1930s London life, where every night people emerge from their cheap boarding houses to try and live the dream life promised by the myths of the dirty glamour of Soho and Fitzrovia.

For more: www.theatreroyal.org

Greenlinks volunteer, Louise hard at work on the community allotment

© HUGO GLENDINNING

Take a walk through Milsom Place and you’ll find a splash of colour.

In partnership with Bath Spa University and B&NES, Milsom Place is playing host to In The Meanwhile, a series of exclusive art installations created by local artists in response to lockdown life.

In The Meanwhile seeks to use the shopfronts left empty as a result of the economic crisis of the pandemic and bring new life to these vacated spaces. The series of works come from current students and alumni of the Bath School of Art, Bath School of Design, EMERGE residents and The Studio at Palace Yard Mews: Jessica Palmer, Hannah Wilson, Jessica Kerridge and Maya Bansal.

For more: www.milsomplace.co.uk

© JOHAN PERSSON

BEAUTIFUL SPACES

© SOUL MEDIA

It’s officially wisteria season

© DAYA PHOTO

Remy Melee

SAY IT WITH PRIDE

@gesgin.ruhlar

Pride celebrations will return to Bath with a week-long series of events at Moles in July. From club nights to live music and the beloved Wig! drag show featuring a line-up of local favourites including Jessica Jungle, Remy Melee, Phoenix Philia, Quiches Lorraine – all hosted by Mother, of course – it’s a solid six days of fun, joy and drinks.

“This will be our second ever Pride Week,” says Lou SteatonPritchard, assistant operations manager at Moles. “As a proudly queer person I’m really on a mission to make Moles as welcoming and accessible as possible for LGBTQIA+ folks. I think putting events on specifically focused on queer people sends the message that you’re welcome and safe here – we have a lot of queer staff from management through to security and bartenders.

“We believe music is for everyone, and are committed to making our venue an inclusive space for all. Join us 19-24 July for a variety of events celebrating the LGBTQIA+ community.”

For more: www.moles.co.uk

Mother

Music

Manoel Bolutife Akure will release his debut album on 1 July

MAKING HIS DEBUT

© ETHAN PORTER

@VaralaMaraj

@dunkablebath

Celebrate Pride with a week’s worth of events at Moles

© SOUL MEDIA

Pride

Bath musician Manoel Bolutife Akure has announced his debut album, DAVID COMPLEX. “I started working on it more intentionally during the pandemic and at the time I thought it was going to manifest as a mini project,” says Manoel. “But due to the many experiences during this time period, I just seemed to have a lot of songs to write, and it kept growing. The overall project topic is around identity, and drawing parallels between some of my experiences and that of King David in the bible.”

The album will launch on 1 July with an intimate release event where Manoel will perform and tell some of the stories that led to the album’s creation.

Details for the launch will be announced soon – keep an eye on Manoel’s social media for updates.

For more: www.manoelakure.com; Instagram @man0gram

ALBUM ART © FELIX RUSSELL-SAW

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FLAT LINE DAVID FLATMAN

Like a limestone cowboy

© TAKING PICTURES

Flats is dreaming of riding out into the open plains of the mild mild West

“Where you from, buddy?’ they’d ask me. ‘Nowhere,’ I’d reply, ‘just passin’ through”

I

t’s probably something to do with knowing that I’m about halfway through my life and unconsciously acknowledging that the first bit hasn’t been quite as unhinged and carefree as perhaps it might have been, but the best ‘dream day out’ I could conjure up when asked recently has a very specific ‘middle aged man’ vibe about it.

Just like in the movies (I don’t specifically know what movies) I love the idea of climbing onto my motorcycle – some bourbon and some crusty bread in my saddlebag – and heading off into the outback to see where the sun takes me. ‘Where you from, buddy?’ they’d ask me.

‘Nowhere,’ I’d reply, ‘just passin’ through.’ I’d light a fire by night and sleep on a rolled-out mat, with only the stars for company. And probably a mouth organ. Presumably in a field somewhere near Taunton.

Doesn’t make sense though, does it? It would inevitably hose with rain, I’d be starving hungry and freezing cold, and nobody would be there to pick up the kids from school and get their uniforms straight in the wash before preparing a supper that had both a ‘fun’ main event and that provided at least some nutritional benefit through boiled vegetables.

No, practicalities win out.

I do know a man, though, who does this. Or a version of it. He’s a great dad, a loving husband, and a very successful businessman, but once a year he buggers off. Not on a dads’ golf trip, not on a stag do (he’s too old), and not on any sort of voyage towards supposed self-discovery. He goes to his local Marriott hotel (other hotels are available, and they’re almost all better) and he disappears for a weekend. When discussing said adventures at dinner parties, he refers to his budget bedroom as his ‘pit’. He arrives on Friday evening after work, and doesn’t leave that room until he goes back to work on Monday morning. He tried, a few years back, to take up smoking during these retreats, thinking that mountains of cigarette butts and a smokey backdrop would lend

the experience some theatrical authenticity, but it made his asthma flare up so he stopped.

He gorges himself on room service, doing his best to eat one of everything on the menu (harder than you’d think at a Marriott; they always have those disconcertingly, biblically long menus), and he boozes hard. Really hard. Essentially, he leaps into a mass market hotel-based hole of iniquity where normal, assumed behavioural standards dissolve away in chip fat and gassy lager. He reckons it squares him away and sets him up nicely for another year of being normal.

My point being (I think), we all have different needs and frustrations and desires. Many people do feel a desperate need to escape from lives in which they feel trapped, and this leads to evermore outlandish dreams forming of where they might go and how far behind they might leave their responsibilities and the practical restraints of their day-to-day.

I don’t feel that, and I feel very lucky not to feel that. At the same time, it does make me question whether or not I’m actually just not a very exciting bloke who lacks ambition. I don’t question it for long, to be honest. Today, for example, I’ve woken early so am typing this in bed. I’ll make my girls some breakfast bagels in a minute, and myself some freshly ground coffee.

I’ll drop said girls at school, then I’ll meet two of my best mates at the Hare and Hounds for breakfast.

I’ll walk the dog, pop to the gym to do some posturing then return to this device to type more things all afternoon, before the whole supper and laundry and hair-washing routine begins again.

Truly, if I’d just won the Euromillions, I wouldn’t change it. I might buy myself a bigger motorbike, but I still wouldn’t ride it to a wet field Taunton.

David Flatman is an ex-Bath and England rugby star turned TV pundit and rent-o-mic.

Follow him on Twitter @davidflatman

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HOME IS WHERE THE ART IS How artwork made us feel better and lifted our spirits

W

e know we missed music, theatre, dance, during the pandemic but there was one of the arts we could keep close, enjoy, and find solace in – art itself. From an original canvas to an art print coaster, from abstracts to landscapes, art in all its forms brought joy to our lockdown homes. Here creatives share their perspectives and experiences on the importance of art over the last year.

1

Chrysanths Nuit Lime wallpaper from Lux & Bloom

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Louise Rushford, founder and designer, Lux & Bloom Studio; www.luxandbloom.com “During these worrying times we have had more time to ponder on our lives and maybe to seek more spiritual fulfilment. This can be enhanced by the arts in all forms, but buying a piece of art for your home means that you look at it on a daily basis and therefore it can have a profound effect on you. Because of lockdown there has been a move towards wanting art in your home with more of this spiritual depth and also more colour to lift the mood and escape the dark days of the pandemic.”

INTERIORS / ART Paintings by Trudy Montgomery available through Modern ArtBuyer

2

Jessica Lloyd-Smith, gallery director, Modern ArtBuyer; www.modernartbuyer.com “People seem to be selecting their artworks very instinctively, with clients in some cases buying three or four pieces by the same artist, demonstrating a real connection with that particular artist’s sentiment and style. We have also taken on a large number of bespoke commissions for clients who want an artwork by their chosen artist created for a specific room or space. These clients will have really connected with that particular artist’s work to the extent that they’re happy to commission that artist to create something especially for them. It’s a very personal and rewarding way to collect art.”

3

Ashley Gray, gallery director, Gray M.C.A; www.graymca.com “Times of austerity and crisis triggered the birth of New Art and Modernism in Britain post war, a powerful movement that influenced art, architecture and design. The Britain Can Make It exhibition in 1946 followed

by The Festival of Britain in 1951, proved to the world that Britain was home to innovation, colour and a brighter, more positive future.

The pandemic has allowed clients to review and research art works more deeply and to follow both new trends and historic ones. We have sold to new clients wanting to reflect the colours and textures of modern post-war textiles that brightened many homes during the post-war years.”

Textile design by Jacqueline Groag (1903 - 1986) can be seen as part of Gray M.C.A current exhibition

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Serenity Cove by Emma Rose

4

Emma Rose Art Works; www.emmaroseartworks.com “Lockdown has made us all look inwards – into ourselves and in our dwellings – whether it is home or workplace. This unexpected gift of time has significantly changed the mood in our artistic choices. Utilitarian and minimalism has been replaced with warmth and colour. Because we have been shut up for so long there is a revolt against the ‘tasteful’ beige-box-home.

People really are waking up to the transformational power of colour in their homes and offices.”

Firewater Gallery art maps

5

Becky and Rich Walsh, sibling founders of Firewater Gallery; www.firewatergallery.com “When people were suddenly forced to spend so much more time at home, and away from loved ones, we think that they were looking for a sense of connection to the people and places that they love. We think that connection is one of the most important qualities that art brings to us, however you choose to define it. Whether it’s remembering good times with friends and family by having photos up around the house, or by using maps to recall the places you’ve been, or aspire to travel to.”

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INTERIORS / ART

6

Clair Strong Interior Design; www.clairstrong.co.uk “During lockdown you would expect people to be drawn to paintings of seclusion and isolation, or perhaps stunning natural beauty or even foreign places we can no longer visit, but actually I have found my clients looking for uplifting, colourful artworks that bring simple joy. Bright colours and simple graphic images have been popular. Also, wallpaper is really having a moment in 2021, with many people being more daring and choosing bold tropical prints featuring classic palms and exotic botanicals based on artworks.

The pandemic has shown us that a life without art isn’t enough. Art is a basic human need, just like food and shelter – particularly in times of crisis.”

Paradisa Wallpaper

by House of Hackney available through stockists Rossiters

Stoneware tea bowls

by Gary Wood

7

Carole Waller and Gary Wood, WallerandWood; www.wallerandwood.co.uk “Good art in the home gives the mind somewhere to rest and pause.

It has been essential therapy in the recent months of difficult news and restricted movement. Couple this art with tactile objects, and it can provide increased spiritual and intellectual nourishment every single day. There is definitely an increased interest in beautiful design incorporated into functional pieces, whether that be windows, drinking vessels, cushions, or notebooks.”

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INTERIORS / ART

8

Jessica Palmer, artist and illustrator; www.jessicapalmerart.com “We have all been at home much more and that has made us think about our surroundings. I believe there is a ‘need’ for the comfort of beautiful objects, especially at the moment. We want to surround ourselves with colours and pieces which enhance mood and offer a distraction from the everyday.

There is a tremendous desire for the solace of nature, both in real life and in art, and my recent work is all about meadows and marshlands – the wild flora and fauna of Somerset. I have one of my meadow collages on my bedroom wall and I fall asleep looking at it.”

Sunset Meadow by Jessica Palmer

9

Jeni Weinberger, owner, Art Salon; www.artsalon.co.uk “We have noticed a downturn in prints and a significant amount of people new to buying original art. People appear to be buying less but spending more. They are only buying what they love, preferring original and unique. During economic downturns, people typically revert to images they can decipher easily like a still life or a landscape, but this time it has been different – abstracts and highly conceptual works have remained popular.

This is possibly to do with the lockdown, the closing down of society, and increased isolation – people have responded strongly to expressionist work and felt a personal emotional connection with it.”

“People have responded strongly to expressionist work”

Hexagon by Victor Vasarely available through Art Salon

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INTERIORS / ART

10

Nick Cudworth, artist; www.nickcudworth.co.uk “Unfortunately, as a family, we’ve spent quite a lot of the last year in Bath’s hospital. I have a series of paintings of stiles in the cancer wing of the Royal United Hospital, featuring a different stile in every season. We’ve had so much wonderful feedback from doctors, nurses and patients that the art has lifted their spirits during challenging times. Sadly I am no longer able to paint after a recent stroke so the value of art is even more pertinent to me now. Humans still need art because it brings joy and permanence when the rest of life can be very uncertain.”

July Stile by Nick Cudworth

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Sonya Rothwell designer and founder, Gallery Beautiful; www.gallerybeautiful.com “We’ve had lots of time alone to reflect, to nurture ourselves, and get to know ourselves better, to be creative and enjoy hobbies. And living with art has been good for us. We’ve become more grounded and able to recognise that art is a pure channel that connects us to our true selves, and that pure creativity is an expression of love. Art’s appeal transcends academia, dogma, market forces and trends. The joy of living with art and collecting it is visceral, emotional and highly intimate.”

Artwork by Paul Blackmore, Craig Ruddy, Lisa Wright, Eleanore Pironneau, Rebecca Collins, and Neil Craver, available through Gallery Beautiful

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Treasures Within by Maria Van-Tintelen who exhibits with Bath Contemporary Artists

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Malachi Bogdanov, artistic director, Bath Contemporary Artists’ Fair; www.bcaf.co.uk “People have rediscovered their environment and with more time spent at home, attention has shifted dramatically to interior design – not least art. Good artwork can transform a space, add energy, can set the mood and add atmosphere.

We can walk into a room and feel comfortable, happy, and positive – equally we can walk into a space and feel claustrophobic, sad and, miserable. Art can and does affect the way we feel, even if only subconsciously. Good, wellchosen art can enhance our mood and lift the spirits.”

13

Dani Taylor, creative director, Cox & Cox; www.coxandcox.co.uk “As they connect more with surroundings at home, people are experimenting with their walls.

Whether they choose statement angel wings because of the sense of drama, or an abstract canvas landscape to add warmth to a space, art has been a key ingredient to our interiors. It has the power to complete a room or rejuvenate how we feel about it; it’s transformative. In that sense, our time at home has really highlighted the importance of art in our lives.”

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Antique White Angel Wings from Cox & Cox

INTERIORS / ART

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Emma Birts, owner, Rostra Gallery; www.rostragallery.co.uk “Many of our customers bought artwork that provided some comfort or a feeling of company while they were stuck at home missing family and friends. Many of our artists released special editions to help our Crowdfunding effort, with particularly positive themes or messages.

Art in the home can provide a window on a world that we can’t visit, a reminder of favourite places and the people we are missing.

Art is a comfort during uncertain times, giving a little bit of joy on a daily basis – and even a small uplifting of the human spirit, can be crucial to our mental health.”

“Art is a comfort during uncertain times, giving a little bit of joy on a daily basis” Colonial Beauty by Johnathan Reiner, available through Rostra Gallery

15

Kat Dawe Schmeisser, curator and director, The Art Cohort; www.theartcohort.co.uk “Art makes us feel good. Research shows that colour, creativity and curiosity are good for us, they help the release of dopamine in the brain which feels good and is good for us.

In the last year we have all spent much more time at home than ever before and creating an aesthetically energising haven is now a priority for many people. You know when a piece of artwork is right for you and your space when it invokes an emotion – be that joy, hope, nostalgia, calm, quiet, euphoria. I passionately believe art can be transformative for mood and wellbeing.”

Big Pink by Rachel Heard available through The Art Cohort

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INTERIORS / ART

16

Andrew Goodman, designer / illustrator, Fivebargate Design & Illustration; www.fivebargate.co.uk “Seismic world events and pandemics have indeed tampered with our senses. Whether we’re looking for art that removes us from current uncertainties by offering emotional security, nostalgia and solidarity depends on the individual.

I’ve currently stripped all colour out of my work, concentrating instead on the concept, the idea.

Maybe this is a reflection of the times. Who knows, by 21 June this year, the colour may well come flooding back…”

Selection of framed landscapes from Neptune

Updating My Profile by Andy Goodman

“Who knows, by 21 June, the colour may well come flooding back” 17

Kyra Cotgrave, home designer, Neptune Farnham; www.neptune.com “Lockdown appears to have made people braver with their artwork choices, going for more abstract and colourful pieces to bring a vibrant atmosphere. It seems that where people have been staring at the same four walls for over a year, the importance of bringing those walls to life has become prevalent. We have also noticed a definite spike in landscape artwork, perhaps where we have been unable to venture on journeys to these naturally beautiful areas, people are instead bringing that scenery into their homes through the medium of art.”

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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

MONSTERS, INC.

In December 1816, a teenager wrote to her lover from a lodging house that she had finished the fourth chapter of her book, “a very long one and I think you would like it”. The teenager was Mary Wollstonecraft Godwin, the lover soon to be husband was the poet Percy Shelley, the book was Frankenstein, and the boarding house was 5 Abbey Church Yard in Bath. Those months in Bath were also traumatic for the 19-year-old who was estranged from her father, grieving for her half-sister who had died by suicide, and was helping her step sister cope with the birth of her child from Lord Byron.

Mary left Bath early in 1817 when much of the novel telling the story of Dr Victor Frankenstein and his artificial man, had been written. Now thanks to the interactive and immersive House of Frankenstein, opening 30 June on Gay Street, we can explore more of Mary Shelley’s fascinating life, and her enduring Gothic horror story.

House of Frankenstein, found on 37 Gay Street, spans four floors of unusual artefacts including an 8 foot model of Frankenstein’s monster as Mary Shelley described him. Opens 30 June with prices from £15.50 per adult; www.houseoffrankenstein.com www.mediaclash.co.uk I BATH LIFE I 25

WHAT’S ON 5 June – 1 July

Always check Covid-19 restrictions and instructions with venues before your visit

Portrait of Shelley Duvall by Carinthia West which can be seen as a part of her exhibition at the American Museum

EXHIBITIONS Until 19 June

GATEWAYS Gateways is Los Angeles-based artist John Zabawa’s first solo show in the UK, featuring 24 oil paintings on canvas and wood.

Their warm colours and abstract forms embody two branches of Zabawa’s art practice: a conceptual series of diptychs, and more figurative works, such as still life compositions of geometric fruit bowls and plants.

Francis Gallery; www.francisgallery.co

Until 30 June

RUH ART FOR HEROES AUCTION Each exhibit created by our homegrown talent including Jason Dorley-Brown, is for sale as part of this online auction with proceeds going to the RUH’s two charities, Art at the Heart and the Forever Friends Appeal. www.artatruh.org

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Until 27 June

IN THE MEANWHILE Artist Jessica Palmer will be exhibiting a new collection of paper collages as part of a project organised

by Bath Spa University, working with B&NES Council and Milsom Place, to bring temporarily unoccupied shop spaces into productive use.

Milsom Place; www.milsomplace.co.uk

Until 30 June

KURT JACKSON: BIODIVERSITY In this series of paintings, sculptures and mixed media works, Jackson aims to celebrate the planet’s biodiversity, but also highlight where it is sadly being lost. Victoria Art Gallery; www.victoriagal.org.uk

Until 1 July

FROM BAUHAUS TO OUR HOUSE: MODERN BRITISH FEMALE DESIGNERS An exhibition of important modern textiles presented as Fine Art in their own right, seeks to celebrate

the genius and influence of an extraordinary group of women artists including Lucienne Day, Marian Mahler, and Mary Warren, whose talent and vision is as vibrant and relevant today as it ever was.

Gray M.C.A; www.graymca.com

around 1300-1330 for a noble lady of the Persian-Mongol court and is recognised as one of the finest pieces of Islamic inlaid metalwork in existence.

Holburne Museum; www.holburne.org

Until 30 August

CANALETTO: PAINTING VENICE This once-in-a-lifetime exhibition will enable visitors to enjoy and study up-close 23 beautiful paintings in a fascinating exhibition that also explores Canaletto’s life.

Holburne Museum; www.holburne.org

NICHOLAS POPE In Portraits of a Marriage, ten sculptures – in characteristically entertaining, abstract but honest form – depict the artist and his wife at different stages of their life together during more than 40 years of marriage.

Holburne Museum; www.holburne.org

Until 1 August

PRECIOUS AND RARE: ISLAMIC METALWORK FROM THE COURTAULD Ten remarkable highlights from The Courtauld’s world-class collection of Islamic metalwork are on display.

One exceptionally rare piece is The Courtauld Bag, made in Mosul (present-day northern Iraq) in

Until 5 September

Until 4 September

MONUMENTS, EMPIRE AND SLAVERY The exhibition focusses on a number of the Abbey’s memorials that reveal the relationships between those commemorated in the Abbey, the city of Bath, the British Empire, and the slave trade in the 1700 and 1800s. It will also explore the presence of

WHAT’S ON above: Routes by The Egg Assembly is an online interactive theatre experience middle: Comedian Catherine Bohart is performing at Komedia Bath on 26 June below: One of the ten sculptures by Nicholas Pope depicting his marriage currently on display at Holburne Museum

the Abolitionist movement in Bath and aims to encourage visitors to reflect on past injustice and the need for racial equality now and in the future. The Abbey is also hosting an online discussion surrounding the exhibition on 25 June chaired by Wera Hobhouse Bath Abbey; www.bathabbey.org

Until 8 September

Until 2022

SHOEPHORIA! Discover the fascinating evolution of shoe style over the last 300 years, from footwear worn by Queen Mary and Queen Victoria through to the recent work of designers Vivienne Westwood and Jimmy Choo. Fashion Museum; www.fashionmuseum.co.uk

THOMAS LAWRENCE: COMING OF AGE The Holburne Museum’s first virtual show will give insight into the early life of the great portrait painter, and his early years time spent drawing in his father's inn in Devizes and then later in Bath. Holburne Museum; www.holburne.org

Until 2022

Until 31 October

5 June – 3 July

OUCH! This online exhibition from 44AD draws on themes explored by research undertaken by the Bath Centre for Pain Research. Based at the University of Bath, the Centre is made up of an interdisciplinary team of researchers exploring how pain affects how people live – from everyday aches to long-term and chronic pain. www.44ad.net

Until 31 October

SHOOTING STARS: CARINTHIA WEST, BRITAIN AND AMERICA IN THE 1970S Features a collection of 63 intimate natural portraits and lifestyle shots taken in America and the UK by ’70s model and actress Carinthia West.

Includes Mick Jagger, Ronnie Wood, Helen Mirren, Anjelica Huston and Shelley Duvall. American Museum; www.americanmuseum.org

JOHN SPARKS The artist specialising in metal joins regulars Hans Borgonjon, Rebecca Wordsworth, Phaedra Politis, Tess Chodan, Annemarie Blake and David Daniels at the Frome independent art gallery. Owl Gallery; www.owlgalleryfrome.co.uk LARA SCOBIE Edinburgh-based Lara makes slipcast vessels using ‘parian clay.’

The term ‘parian’ is derived from Paros, the Aegian Island famous for its beautiful white marble, which was used extensively in classical Greek sculpture. Lara applies decoration on to altered asymmetric forms, the geometric, ‘op-art’ patterns of her surface drawing enlivening the contrast with the smooth white surface and the luscious interior glazes. Beaux Arts; www.beauxartsbath.co.uk

13 June

BATH CONTEMPORARY ARTISTS FAIR Contemporary art including fine art, photography, sculpture, textiles and much more is on show to admire, covet, and purchase at Green Park Station. www.bcaf.co.uk

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

Bath's best kept secret Bath, BA2 7BD

americanmuseum.org

WHAT’S ON 18 June – 3 July

LET THE MUSIC PLAY AGAIN A new exhibition with portraits of musicians including Miles Davis, by illustrator Sarah Hawkins in celebration of music as a universal language and as an art form that has human interaction at its core.

The Art Cohort; www.theartcohort.co.uk

MUSIC 11 June

above:

The artwork of Jessica Palmer is part of In the Meanwhile exhibition middle: Squared Orange Vessel by Lara Scobie can be seen at Beaux Arts below: Jonathan Slinger and Rosie Sheehy play the leads in Oleanna by David Mamet which can be seen at the Ustinov until 3 July

with MC Stu Goldsmith on the 19th, and the following week it’s Addy Van Der Borg, Catherine Bohart, Charlie Baker with MC Tom Green providing the giggles. The cabaret style seating comes with several dining options and table service. Komedia Bath; www.komedia.co.uk

THEATRE Until 30 June

FROM THE SPECIALS NEVILLE STAPLE BAND + TALISMAN Neville Staple, legendary front man of The Specials, Fun Boy Three and Special Beat, celebrates a super 40-year career in the music business which includes working with Ray King, Pete Waterman, The Coventry Automatics and his Jah Baddis Sound System. Komedia Bath; www.komedia.co.uk

ROUTES To take part in Routes, audience members are invited to join the Egg Assembly online using their own laptop or desktop computer, which sends participants on an escape room style adventure which explores the many threats and challenges facing our natural world, including logging, animal poaching, corruption and the destruction of forests. Theatre Royal Bath; www.theatreroyal.org.uk

20 June

9 – 12 June

LEGENDS OF SWING Performed by swing band Down For The Count, the group recreate classic tunes from the Swing Era but in their own unmistakeable style, breathing new life into the toe-tapping vintage music. 3pm, £23. Merlin Theatre, Frome; www.merlintheatre.co.uk

COMEDY 19 June & 26 June

KRATER COMEDY CLUB Laugh along to Robert Wine, Lindsey Santoro and Mike Gunn

DIRTY BATH The Natural Theatre Company take us on a voyage through Bath’s murkier waters as they throw a light on the less virtuous aspects of the city’s history which is riddled with debauchery, villainy and depravity. Rondo Theatre; www.rondotheatre.co.uk

9 – 26 June

COPENHAGEN In Nazi-occupied Copenhagen, in 1941, a clandestine encounter is known to have taken place between two Nobel Prize-winning physicists, Dane Niels Bohr and Werner Heisenberg. The men were old friends and long-term colleagues, but now found themselves on opposite sides of the political divide in this acclaimed play by Michael Frayn. Theatre Royal Bath; www.theatreroyal.org.uk

14 June – 3 July

OLEANNA Set on an American campus exploring the themes of privilege and power.

A seemingly innocuous conversation between a college professor (Jonathan Slinger) and his female student (Rosie Sheehy) warps into a nightmare which threatens to destroy them both, when she files a claim of sexual harassment.

Ustinov; www.theatreroyal.org.uk

23 – 26 June

TIME FLIES Bath Drama explore themes of life, love, and lust through a selection of short comedy sketch plays by American playwright David Ives.

Rondo Theatre; www.rondotheatre.co.uk

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WHAT’S ON 28 June – 3 July

A SPLINTER OF ICE This new play by Ben Brown, stars Oliver Ford Davies and Stephen Boxer. As the cold war begins to thaw and Britain’s greatest living novelist Graham Greene meets with his old MI6 boss, Kim Philby, spy, and traitor, the two men set about catching up on old times. With a new world order breaking around them, how much did the writer of The Third Man know about Philby’s secret life as a double agent for the Russians? Theatre Royal Bath; www.theatreroyal.org.uk

FESTIVALS Until 11 June

THE BATH FESTIVAL AT HOME A carefully curated selection of digital events with authors and musicians, filmed during the live festival are free to watch at home. These include a virtual Bridgerton walking tour, The Gesualdo Six at the Roman Baths, comedy from Tez Ilyas, and skin care chat from Caroline Hirons. www.thebathfestivalathome.org.uk

Until 31 July

BATH FRINGE 2021 A bumper packed programme that includes the Bath Fringe Festival that runs until 13 June, plus events from Fringe Arts Bath, Bath Arts Workshop, and Bedlam Fair. There’s theatre, live music, comedy, visual arts popping up all over the city including the streets of Bath. www.bathfringe.co.uk

20 – 21 June

UNBOUND A summer solstice celebration for the wild at heart woman offering the chance to realign and recharge with wellness talks, massages, and all inclusive nourishing food, all with luxurious bell tents to sleep in by a beautiful lakeside woodland.

Turn to page 41 for our chat with the co-founder Becky Morgan, also known as Mrs Huey Morgan. Marston Park, Frome; www.theedenroom.com

2 – 11 July

FROME FESTIVAL The Lightning Seeds are opening the Frome Festival at the Cheese and Grain where reggae legends Aswad, will also be performing. Comedy names include Reginald D Hunter, comedy songwriter Mitch Benn, and poet and performer John Hegley.

Look out for free entertainment around town including opera and dance, along with new outdoor venues. www.fromefestival.co.uk

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

24 – 25 July

DIGGING DEEP LIVE Jamie’s Farm, where the team combine the ethos of farming, family and therapy on their working land to help the disadvantaged, are hosting talks, workshops and activities as well as a seat at the feasting table, before the evening of celebration with music and dancing. Camping will be available to all ticket holders at no extra cost.

Jamie’s Farm; www.jamiesfarm.org.uk

22 – 25 July

WOMAD 2021 Charlton Park in Malmesbury is transformed into a weekend of musical discovery with UK talent such as A Certain Ratio, Greentea Peng and The Comet is Coming, performing alongside Chinese classical musician Cheng Yu and Silk Breeze, Ireland’s Dublin Calling Big Band, and Dele Sosimi Afrobeat Orchestra from Nigeria. There’s also a world of children's entertainment, global cuisine, and workshops.

WOMAD; www.womad.co.uk

OTHER

Until 12 September

TALES OF THE GARDEN Experience specially commissioned sculptures blooming up across the expansive landscaped grounds of Longleat. Using a variety of materials and crafting methods, designed and curated by UK-based artists, these nine installations tell the unique and fascinating story of Longleat, such as the time kangaroos roamed the lawns in the 1800s. Longleat; www.longleat.co.uk

Opens 30 June

MARY SHELLEY'S HOUSE OF FRANKENSTEIN A brand new attraction comes to Gay Street celebrating all things Frankenstein including an 8ft monster recreated as Mary imagined in her novel, and a horror experience in the dank and foreboding underbelly of the house.

Turn to page 25 for more. www. houseoffrankenstein.com

1 July

ENTRECONF A new virtual conference, seeking to inspire entrepreneurs, startups and scale-ups with powerful insights, and to link them with local key advisers and partners. www.entreconf.com n

above: Catch up with Judith Robinson and debut authors Caleb Azumah Nelson and Daisy Buchanan via The Bath Festival At Home digital event. left: Polly Gough is just one of the artists appearing at Green Park’s Bath Contemporary Artists Fair on 13 June below: The work of John Sparks can be seen at Owl Gallery in Frome

“It is a space for imagination and adventure”

Embrace nature at Westonbirt Arboretum

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

DAYS OUT

DAYS OF OUR LIVES Make the most of family time with these childfriendly days out in Bath and beyond

By Lydia Tewkesbury

A

bit of culture, a bit of education and a bit of adventure – after the year we’ve had, it’s just what the doctor ordered.

Pack up a picnic, grab the kids and slather on the sun cream (and, depending on how things go, perhaps pick up an umbrella) – summer is finally here.

CALIFORNIA DREAMIN’

Outdoors-ey, educational and with a much-needed dose of culture to boot, The American Museum & Gardens is a great family day out.

Browse the collection of folk art and cultural objects from 14-20th century America before letting the kids loose across the exquisitely kept grounds. They’ll fall in love with The Children’s Garden, created with play experts at The Green Play Project – filled with wooden structures to climb, it is a space for imagination and adventure. www.theamericanmuseum.org

WALK LIKE A ROMAN

© JOHNNY HATHAWAY

When did you last visit the Roman Baths? Sometimes the most obvious attractions are the most neglected by locals. It’s a fun-packed day out for families that makes history feel utterly present. Through a mix of activity trails, professional costumed characters, life-size projections of Roman life and, for the older ones, a free audio guide narrated by former Children’s Laureate Michael Rosen, it’s real-life time travel. www.romanbaths.co.uk

HISTORICAL VOYAGES

A visit to The Holburne is a sign of a summer well spent. The museum is packed with extras for the little ones to explore, from activity drawers to creative activities in the Sackler Discovery Centre inspired by the current exhibitions, themed family activity bags and the free museum trail, A Voyage Around the Holburne. www.holburne.org

www.mediaclash.co.uk I BATH LIFE I 33

DAYS OUT SLAY THE DRAGON

Visit The Dragon’s Lair at The Bishop’s Palace in Wells… if you dare.

As the legend goes, in the 13th century, Somerset was terrorised by a villager-munching dragon who cast a curse across the land. Pick up the ancient story map to explore the tale. www.bishopalace.org.uk

GET THEATRICAL

For six glorious nights this summer, the gardens of the Holburne Museum will be transformed into an open-air theatre. The Three Inch Fools are kicking things off their unique and musical take on classic tales like Robin Hood (16 & 17 July), Romeo & Juliet (10 August) and The Merry Wives of Windsor (11 August); followed by The Tethered Walls Theatre Company who will perform George Bernard Shaw classic Pygmalion (12 August); and for the finale, Calf 2 Cow’s original retelling of Wind in the Willows (21 August).

Bring a blanket and a picnic and settle in for the ultimate summer entertainment in one of Bath’s most beautiful public gardens.

For more: www.bathboxoffice.org.uk

THE SECRET SOCIETY

The Secret Camp Out is an intimate family weekend (29 July – 1 August) in the tranquil surrounds of Stockton Park, an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty in Wiltshire. Escape the city for a weekend of wild camping where you can enjoy live music, some great outdoor fun with The Wiltshire Outdoor Learning Team, including archery, wall climbing, and er, axe throwing?! Along with excellent eating and drinking options at The Bus Top Bar – it is the ultimate summer escape. www.thesecretcampout.com

A NIGHT AT THE OPERA

Did you know opera for kids is a ‘thing’? Iford Arts, Bradford on Avon’s operatic institution will perform Peter and the Wolf on 22 August. Created for children’s theatre in Moscow in 1936, Prokofiev’s enduring musical tale is a great introduction to the art of opera. www.ifordartsorg.uk

Explore the deep dark forest with The Gruffalo at Westonbirt Arboretum

INTO THE WOODS

Research suggests that being around trees is good for your mental wellbeing – we can’t think of a better excuse to visit Westonbirt Arboretum. With over 2,500 different tree species, rare plants from around the globe, the breath-taking STIHL Tree Top Walkway, family activities, natural play trail and Gruffalo Spotters Trail (a virtual reality app that allows you to interact with Julia Donaldson’s iconic characters) – there’s more than enough to entertain the whole family. www.forestryengland.uk

STYLE IS ETERNAL

After a long period of pandemic closure, the Fashion Museum is finally back open. Fashion offers insight into the world at any given moment – indicating everything from social station to the status of women in the world. Having a browse through the ongoing A History of Fashion in 100 Objects provides an excellent example of this and invites you to ask the question: what do my clothes say about me? www.fashionmuseum.co.uk

SHOP TILL YOU DROP

The Innox Mills Market is a great option for a day out in Trowbridge.

Packed with tasty local food (you and the kids will not be able to resist the fudge), vintage fashion, cute homewares and so much more – all accompanied by toe-tapping live music. Keep an eye on their social media for the latest market dates.

Facebook @InnoxMills

GO WILD

Go on safari at Longleat. This year the park is packed with new features and exhibitions including Tales Of The Garden (until 12 September), featuring nine specially commissioned installations that capture the story of Longleat’s history and Under The Moon (12 June – 12 September), an opportunity to discover Longleat’s nocturnal wildlife via huge straw sculptures, as well as the Museum of the Moon, a sixmetre suspended replica of the lunar landscape created by UK artist Luke Jerram. www.longleat.co.uk

FULL STEAM AHEAD

Explore the History of Fashion in 100 Objects at the Fashion Museum

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

Visit Avon Valley Railway for a joyful steam or diesel train adventure.

The most atmospheric way to travel for sure, trains run most weekends with occasional special events like the Teddy Bear’s Picnic (26 & 27 June) where kids travel for free – so long as they bring along a bearshaped friend – and on 18 & 19 September, a fun 1940s weekend complete with re-enactments, vintage vehicles, music and more. n www.avonvalleyrailway.org

“Escape the city for a weekend of wild camping”

CLOCKWISE: The Museum of the Moon at Longleat; Meet the dragon at Bishop’s Palace; The Secret Camp Out; The Three Inch Fools will perform at The Garden Theatre Festival; Michael Rosen guides you through history at The Roman Baths

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

BOOKS NIC BOTTOMLEY

Looking back Nic reviews three gripping stories that reimagine true life events

“An arresting novel about a small but beautiful place in constant turmoil”

I

don’t know what the written word equivalent of a biopic is? Maybe there isn’t a word; beyond ‘fictionalised autobiography’ which doesn’t really cut the mustard. We may need to create one.

‘Bionov’ or ‘Biofic’ perhaps; maybe it’s just a sign of the times but they all just sound a bit too much like another medical breakthrough to me.

However, you want to label them, Jonathan Lee is becoming a real master at this reimagining of events or characters from the past in his fiction writing. His last novel High Dive (Cornerstone, £8.99) depicted the weeks before the Brighton hotel bombing from the twin perspectives of an IRA explosive expert and the manager of the Grand hotel. But with his latest creation we are transported much further back, and across an ocean, to a chaotic and unrecognisably underdeveloped 19th century New York.

In fact, the early pages of The Great Mistake (Granta, £14.99) take place a few years into the 20th century – in November 1903, when octogenarian lawyer and city planner Andrew Haswell Green was assassinated outside his Park Avenue apartment building. From this dramatic and mysterious opening, Lee’s novel dashes around in time, gradually building a fascinating picture of his main character’s life. Through flashback chapters we see Green coming of age at home on his family’s Massachusetts farm, making his move to Manhattan as a young man and seeking a break in the mercantile trade.

Interspersed with this back-story, the aftermath of his untimely death unravels with a hassled Inspector McClusky trying to understand the motive for this apparently out-of-the-blue attack. Sure, late in life Green has his enemies, after a career of making his mark on the city – protecting buildings, creating landscapes like Central Park, and generally mixing with and rubbing up against powerful and influential New York folk. But the crime that’s the trigger for this story is still a mystery, with the assailant claiming he’d acted to protect Bessie Davis, an improbably powerful black courtesan from a part of town where civic bigwigs don’t tend to dwell.

Lee renders Green – a real life ‘father-figure’ of modern New York whose legacy has perhaps been overlooked with time – as a complicated but sympathetic character in this superb novel that digs deep into his life, work and personal relationships.

Marco Bolzano’s novel I’m Staying Here

(Head of Zeus, £8.99) again latches onto a moment in history, or rather two moments, in a story taking place between the wars in the small South Tryol town of Curon. Beginning in 1920, the novel centres on school teacher Trina who is determined to teach German to the valley’s small towns, even though adoption of the German language has been outlawed by Mussolini’s regime and doing so puts her at constant risk.

For Trina and many other residents though, those risks are worth taking because the ability of local children to speak German as well as Italian is a vital matter of identity and principle, as their region was part of the Austro-Hungarian Empire until its annexation by Italy at the end of World War One. As a second global conflict looms, the tensions in the novel build until, come 1939, the inhabitants of the valley are given ‘the great choice’ – the opportunity to become part of Germany. Through its short chapters and understated prose, I’m Staying Here is an arresting novel about a small but beautiful place in constant turmoil and conflict with itself – turmoil that we discover will continue even past the war years when the town of Curon ended up facing its biggest threat of all.

Lastly, a novel bringing to life the period surrounding the American Civil War. Afia Atakora’s characters in Conjure Women (Harper Collins, £8.99) are all imagined rather than real, but that makes their story no less vivid.

Rue is the daughter of a hoodoo woman living on a cruel plantation, who is drawn into a complex friendship with the plantation master’s daughter and then trained in the hoodoo craft by her mother to care for all manner of mental and physical ailments amongst the slave community.

Like Lee’s book, the narrative here hops back and forth in time, between the fears of the pre-war period to the later creation of an undiscovered freed slave community for which Rue has taken over the hoodoo woman role and is facing up to an outbreak of illness seemingly beyond her control. Conjure Women is another excellent slow-burn novel that takes the reader into the past, as well as deep into the mindset of the characters.

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

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

Becky and Huey with dog Roo, at their Bath home

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

THE BIG INTERVIEW

MRS HUEY AND HER NEWS From jungle sounds to a wellness website, Sarah Moolla discovers there is much more to Becky Morgan than just being the wife of Huey…

Main picture by Betty Bhandari

W

hen I interviewed DJ and presenter, the Fun Lovin’ Criminal Huey Morgan back in October about his love of his adopted home town of Bath, it was all arranged through his very efficient and professionally charming agent, Rebecca. It took me a few days before the penny dropped – Rebecca was actually Huey’s very efficient and charming wife, Becky. Later, in passing, Becky mentioned she had just co-founded a wellness website The Eden Room, and was organising an off shoot festival in Frome called Unbound.

I ask if we can have a chat about it. I know the project is going to be right up our street – an online mindful asset in these stressful times, and who doesn’t love the thought of a glamping retreat with massages, wellbeing experts,

“This new sound called jungle was creeping into the rave scene and that was it, I was hooked”

and all-inclusive delicious food on hand. What I do not know at the time is just how utterly fascinating Mrs Becky Morgan is.

‘Have you organised anything like a festival before?’, I ask, somewhat naïvely it turns out. Not only was Somerset-born Becky a DJ, promoter, and agent back in the day, she was also pretty instrumental in getting drum and bass out from the niche Bristol club scene and onto the Mercury Music Prize winning stage.

“I was living in Montpelier in Bristol, when this new sound called jungle was creeping into the rave scene and that was it, I was hooked. I was just chasing that sound after that. It was initially a very small scene, but the energy was so uplifting.”

It was as part of this crowd she worked with Roni Size who recognised someone as passionate about drum and bass as he was. The small team were based in a tiny studio in Easton, “where we would literally work 24/7, and Roni slept on a pile of records, as we worked round the clock – we were on a mission to produce the music and get it played nationwide.” As part of Full Cycle Records she was putting on club nights, one of the first ever being at The Hub in Bath. She was there when Roni Size & Reprazent won best album in 1997 with drum and bass classic New Forms.

When you listen to Becky talk so passionately about her commitment to drum and bass, holding meetings with Massive Attack, her dedication to promoting some of the biggest names in the hip hop world, which culminated in a move to London to assist that, and then flying to New York regularly – it’s impressive enough, and then you realise she’s doing all this in her 20s.

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

PAINTING & DECORATING CONTRACTOR IN BATH We happily take on domestic, commercial and industrial contracts; from a simple home redecoration through to a large scale business renovation.

It is our company policy to ensure that every project is dealt with in a high quality professional manner and we are happy to make recommendations regarding materials to suit your needs and budget.

We use all varieties of paint and wallpaper from all of the major brands, including; Farrow & Ball | Dulux Trade Crown Trade | Neptune | Little Greene

T: 01761 431354 E: enquiries@ashleycollinspainting.co.uk

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THE BIG INTERVIEW

The more Becky tells you about her career, the more you realise the intensity, intelligence and entrepreneurial spirit that shaped her life then, is still at her core now. As well as mother to hers and Huey’s children aged nine and five, she has interior designed their Larkhall home, runs her own agency as well as being Huey’s agent. And much of their life progressions have been down to Becky including their move from New York to London then on to the West Country. “We started following the train line out of London, gradually got closer and closer to the West Country – Frome at first, and then we fell in love with Bath – we’re both cityfolk really.” Even Huey’s move into radio and TV presenting was aided by Becky guiding him. “I realised this really creative guy was sort of waiting between gigs and performing which he loves, but I knew he could do so much more.”

Becky is now also channelling her energy into the project she co-founded with her good friend Katharine Dever. “I love going to yoga, and I’ve done pilates over the years, but I never felt the need myself to meditate or anything like that. However last year, I began to learn the value of it and how it can genuinely make you feel better.

The idea of an online wellness platform came to me – I just knew it was a good concept and that I should follow it.”

Becky and Huey at the fair with their two children, now aged nine and five

“Last year I began to learn the value of meditation”

The Eden Room, which has various affordable membership levels, is an online space split into four distinct sections – Rise; Thrive; Revive; and Restore.

Each room contains specifically tailored soundscapes, breathing exercises, guided mediations, yoga movements, and affirmations, some of which are delivered by the distinctive dulcet tones of Huey. It also provides direct access to carefully sourced and trusted holistic healers, life coaches, and energy workers through digital events and workshops. It’s a simple concept – like a spa for the soul – and surprisingly effective. The affiliated Unbound woman-only event, happening 20 – 21 June near Frome, offers more spiritual and physical wellbeing but in a real life gorgeous countryside setting.

Both projects have been put together over a relatively short space of time and have most certainly been propelled along by Becky’s drive, enthusiasm and belief.

Is she always this focussed? “I am so fortunate that I was born quite a positive, upbeat person. I do get down about things sometimes of course, like anybody would, but I always say to myself, my family, my friends – whatever good we wish for, “Let’s make it happen.” And you get the vibe the marvellous Mrs Morgan will be making a lot more things happen... n For more: www.theedenroom.com

www.mediaclash.co.uk I BATH LIFE I 43

Family run and providing quality food and service since 1985 TAKEAWAY SERVICE NOW AVAILABLE WITH UP TO 15% OFF Currently open evenings only, from 6pm.

1-2 New Street, Kingsmead Square, Bath BA1 2AF Tel: 01225 466377 www.pekingrestaurantbath.co.uk a @PekingBath f pekingrestaurant Opening Hours: Monday – Saturday 12 noon – 2.00pm and 6.00pm – 10.30pm | Closed Sundays.

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

PARK LIFE

Pub in the Park returns to Bath this month and we could not be more excited. Hitting Royal Victoria Park from 18-20 June, Tom Kerridge’s food, drink and music festival is everything we have been missing – so get ready to eat, dance and drink together, finally.

Pub in the Park celebrates everything we adore about a glorious British pub, hosting award-winning pop-ups with an array of tasting dishes on hand as well as the chance to see your favourite chefs whip up a dish live on stage.

The chef line up this year includes of course, Tom, owner of The Hand and Flowers, which is the only pub in the UK with two Michelin stars, as well owning The Coach, a three AA Rosette holder; Atul Kochhar is the twiceMichelin starred chef famous for his innovative take on Indian cuisine; Saturday Morning Show & American Adventure, Saturday Kitchen and Home Comforts star James Martin; and Josh Eggleton, owner and chef patron of the Michelinstarred Pony & Trap among many other food aficionados. Music-wise acts include Sophie Ellis-Bextor and Beverly Knight.

For more: www.pubintheparkuk.com Pro chefs like James Martin will be on hand for live cookery demos

All we need is cheese, wine and sunshine

SAY CHEESE

Take your summer barbecue to the next level with a cheesy centrepiece from Paxton & Whitfield. Their new Cheese Cloche & Board is a quirky and Instagram-friendly serving option. The set up enables you to bring your cheese up the temperature (fridge-cold cheese is a cardinal culinary sin, don’t you know) with a stylish cream, power coated steel cloche and removable acacia wood cheese board. Also new for the season is the Summer Cheese Collection, Miniature Celebration Cheese Cake and huge Celebration Cheese Cake for Thirty (perfect for those numbers-capped summer gatherings) – all available online or from the shop on John Street.

For more: www.paxtonandwhitfield.co.uk

THINK DRINK!

Tom Kerridge’s festival promises food, drink and lots of fun

Cooking with Alcohol is a new book from Bathbased couple, Aaron and Susannah Rickard, about how to use alcohol as an ingredient in every day cooking. 100 recipes for everything from port pesto with rigatoni to white wine cake guide newbies through the transformative effects of alcohol on home cooking.

“This book has been developed in our kitchen over the last five years,” say Aaron and Susannah. “It began as a dinner themed on alcohol with our group of friends from university – we had so many ideas, we began developing recipes at home for our own enjoyment. Alcohol can alter the flavour of a dish, but we found that there’s almost always another impact – from the added moisture, change in sugar levels, pH, or something else.

In Cooking With Alcohol we share this process of learning and discovery.”

Cooking with Alcohol is available from Mr B’s Emporium, and Toppings & Co. For more: Instagram @rickardkitchen

Cooking with Alcohol authors Aaron and Susannah Rickard

www.mediaclash.co.uk I BATH LIFE I 45

BANDOOK KITCHEN

Sarah Moolla discovers the Mint Room’s little sister restaurant has arrived with all guns, and all flavours, blazing

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e’re going for an Indian. It’s so commonplace an activity now that it doesn’t elicit the thrill it once did. Maybe thanks to over exposure we’ve become slightly immune to the charms of a decent dhansak, a kick-ass korma, or a terrific tikka. And as a new Indian restaurant, to get yourself heard above the madras hubhub of Bath’s many decent curry houses, is going to take confidence, charm, and damn fine cuisine. Bandook Kitchen has all of this in tiffin loads. It helps of course that this is the rebellious, pretty little sister of the gastronomically grown-up The Mint Room, co-owned by Moe Rahman, and has been shaped and formed and perfected by a four year presence in Wapping Wharf on Bristol’s harbourside.

This new little piece of Indian arrived in the basement of the very Georgian Milsom Place back in November 2019 and was settling in very nicely until the pandemic stopped play. Bandook, which translates as a gun in Hindi/

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Urdu and was adopted into the vocabulary of the British troops, has a nod to the Raj in the form of green leather banquette seating, heavy wood panelling, and evocative black and white photographs from that era. But at the heart of the place is the warm, vibrant, and welcoming flavours of good Indian cuisine, embracing the easygoing influences of the street food vendors of Mumbai.

We’re sat outside as when we visit restrictions are still in place but the extensive courtyard, tall heaters, and threewalled undercover canopy not only does the job of keeping us cosy and content, but also complements the roadside café style of the food.

First up is the pani puri – crisp fried semolina balls stuffed with chutney, chickpeas, coriander, green chilli and ginger and served with little bottles of jal jeera water, a kind of cumin lemonade, which you pour into the shells and then stuff into your mouth in one go – at least that was what the waiter told us. She, Moe, and chef Muraliraj may have been having a laugh at our expense as cheeks puffed and eyes popping, we chomp our way through

RESTAURANT

them. But the laughs on them because we love them. We wash these down with a couple of signature Bandook cocktails – Bollywood Star Martini (Belenkaya vodka, Passoa liqueur, vanilla syrup, passionfruit puree and served with a shot of Champagne) and espresso chai martini (Belenkaya vodka, Tia Maria, chai syrup and coffee.)

These came highly recommended, and I can highly recommend them in turn.

The dishes arrive fast, furious and fabulous – we’ve gone for small plates so we can cover lots of tastes and dishes in one sitting. A few highlights include the fragrant Taco Dosa, a traditional South-Indian pancake made using fermented batter from ponni rice and black lentils, then loaded with a satisfying and aromatic cardamom and garlic laced vegetarian masala. The flesh of Amritsari fish fritters, which comes with a tart mint chutney, has stayed white, plump and fishy, with the spicy battered coating more tempura light, than chip shop fired. The plump king prawns are marinated in caraway, peanuts, and sesame, and come with a tangy tomato salsa – thankfully enough for dredging, not just dipping. One word of advice at this point, most of the dishes are spiced lightly, but if a dish says it’s hot, take note. The crispy chilli squid which lists fire in its description isn’t kidding.

We’ve also been persuaded to try the gunpowder chips and we can see why these are already a Bandook legend.

Thin, crispy, tasty, and coated with a dusting of spicy seasoning. I later quiz Farhana, Moe’s wife, as to the secret ingredients, who reveals the explosion of flavours is down to “a blend of Muralis fiery spices, a couple of them being the Chaat Masala and hints of Kashmiri chilli”.

To finish off it’s a gorgeously sweet and satisfying Parle-g kulfi ice cream sandwich of three flavours – a woody, herby pistachio; a rich clotted cream malai; and a perfumed pink rose – served on custard cream-style on a sweet biscuity base. As we linger on, enjoying the cosy fairylit little India meets Milsom Place vibe, along with the small groups of students, the loved-up couples, and happy family gatherings, pots of chai are brought out on silver trays and each diner gets a cup of the smooth vanilla-y and gingery hot drink poured into little glass cups. It’s a gentle signal they are nearing closing but it’s also the kind of a small gesture that’s indicative of a restaurant that it goes above and beyond to deliver, not just delightful food, but also a thoughtful and attractive experience.

“The plump king prawns are marinated in caraway, peanuts, and sesame” DINING DETAILS Bandook Indian Kitchen, 3-7 Milsom Place, Bath BA1 1BZ; tel: 12pm-9pm; www.bandookkitchen.com Opening Hours Tuesday – Sunday 12pm - 9pm Covers 100, with outdoor space for 35 Prices Small plates £4.50-£10, large plates £7.50-£12, side plates £2.50£4.50, desserts £3-£5 Drinks Signature cocktails, plus look out for Thumbs Up, an Indian cola Vegetarian & vegan Lots including kale pakora chaat, Bandook chaat, Gobi 65, and Keralan moilee Atmosphere Friendly service, warm, bustling vibe and casually elegant Specials Tiffin lunches, £15, available every Monday - Thursday 12pm - 3pm, with £1 from every sale going to a dhabbawallas charity in Mumbai

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

SPONSORED CONTENT

The new boutique hotel opening to know about THE YARD in Bath is the latest addition to Bath’s boutique hotel scene with a coffee spot and wine bar too – opening 1 June

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ith a summer of staycations on the horizon there’s plenty to look forward to, including the latest boutique hotel to open its doors in the centre of

the city.

The Yard in Bath is a 14 bedroom boutique hotel with a daytime coffee spot and gentle wine bar on the ground floor, which is open to both guests and non-guests.

In the evening, the ground floor coffee space and courtyard transforms into a relaxed bar serving a handful of handpicked wines, beers and cocktails to both hotel guests and the public.

Alongside the favourites, the drinks list explores lesser known wine regions, biodynamic and organic growers and some local breweries. Small plates of local cheeses and charcuterie are also served to complement the chosen wines.

The interiors of the hotel are design-led with the team consciously working with local suppliers from Bath and the surrounding areas such as Lewis & Wood (Gloucestershire), Katherine Fraser (Bath) and Scumble Goosie (Gloucestershire) to furnish the rooms.

The classic interior design focuses on the heritage of Bath as a city, the history of the building, while also adding in the luxuries guests expect when visiting a hotel – Nespresso machines in every bedroom, kingsize beds, REN toiletries, rainfall showers and Netflix!

Breakfast is included in the room rate and will be delivered to guests' rooms each morning at 8am for them to enjoy breakfast in bed. Each breakfast hamper uses produce from local suppliers, including Hobbs House freshly-baked pastries with jam and salted butter, organic natural yoghurts, homemade granola, fresh fruit and freshly squeezed orange juice. ■

www.theyardinbath.co.uk @theyardinbath

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DELICATESSENS For the times you’re craving the finer things, these Bath delis have got you covered

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CHANDOS DELI A must visit spot on George Street, Chandos Deli is filled with a huge range of speciality foods from farmhouse cheeses to award-winning sandwiches, artisan chocolates, charcuterie and more. At Chandos the staff really love good food, and they want to talk about it with customers – so much so that you’ll always find new products on the counter to taste.

Instagram @chandosdeli.bath

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RAPHAEL’S MEDITERRANEAN DELI PRODUCTS If there is one lesson we’ve all taken away from diet talk, it’s that Mediterranean is best – and it doesn’t get better than Raphael’s.

The carefully selected range, available online through Raphael’s Etsy shop and various local stockists, is born of founder Zoi Baldry’s 25 year’s worth of experience in the Mediterranean hospitality sector. You have to try Raphael’s Gold Label Extra Virgin Olive Oil. The winner of a Guild of Fine Foods Great Taste Award, it is cold extracted from 100 per cent Koroneiki olives grown in the Kolymvari region of Crete, known the world over for the quality the olives grown there. www.meddelifood.co.uk

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EDGARS FOODS This spot on George Street specialises in the highest quality frozen sea food. Why

frozen? It’s all about the freshness – at Edgars, they believe that freezing retains the fish’s depth of flavour much more than simply chilling. High quality, sustainably harvested and, where possible, wild-caught and MSC certified, you can rest assured you’re only getting the best. The range is extensive, from wild Canadian lobster to handpicked Devon crab, and the friendly, expert team are always on hand to offer assistance. Alongside the sea food, you’ll also find a delicious range of UK-made artisan dried goods. www.edgarsfoods.co.uk

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GOURMET COOKIN Browse a mouth-watering range of gourmet food and artisan homewares at the shop on Monmouth Street. At Gourmet Cookin, they pride themselves on providing a luxury retail experience, whether you’re gift shopping or popping in for an afternoon pick-me-up (for which we heartily recommend their tasty and sustainably sourced Choc Affair chocolate). Design-led and barista-approved coffee makers sit side by side with next level condiments like Halen Mon black Garlic ketchup and date and tamarind chutney by Hibiscus Lily. www.gourmetcookin.com

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THE DELI CO Whether you head to the one in Widcombe, Larkhall or the latest addition

at the Abbey, The Deli Co will never let you down. They’re all gorgeous spots to stop and watch the world go by with a plate of something delicious – whether it’s their one of their unbeatable quiches, addictive cakes, or chunky, flavourful pasties. New in The Abbey Deli (which served as dress shop Modiste in Bridgerton), you’ll find a selection of Modiste branded snacks inspired by the show. n www.jjbeanos.com

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

GARDENS

LIBBY OF THE VALLEY Landscape architect Libby Russell on restoring the gardens of Batcombe House, which just happened to have an unexploded bomb on site…

Words by Nick Woodhouse Pictures by Eva Nemeth

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ibby Russell had fallen in love with Batcombe House long before she set foot inside the former rectory. Looking to move to the Somerset countryside with her husband two decades ago, Libby was left by the vendor to approach the property from its flower-filled meadows, perched above the Alham, the river that meanders through the village. Such was the impact of this valley that she was instantly sold, and soon they would take ownership of the seventeenth-century property and its three acres of gardens.

bomb, a legacy of the US army’s wartime residence at the property, had to be safely removed on its discovery during the build.

A population of rare and native crayfish was also discovered in the process, within an old tank close to the house. A new stone alternative was introduced in its place, set amongst the new terraces, the spring-fed pond still home to this rare variety to this day.

The terraces themselves are now a riot of colour, with the gentle pastels closer to the house becoming bolder and louder as you climb. They are a force of productivity too, with herbs, fruit and vegetables offering both a visual and edible feast. Despite the relatively recent landscaping, not only does the space feel as if it’s always been there, but there is also a comforting softness to its design, ensuring an unspoken connection with the fields beyond.

There is also an equally undeniable divide of the garden into two very distinct halves.

For, as you step through the gates within the original stone wall that follows those terraces up the valley, you move into a very different space. Beyond the wall, the garden is more contemplative, the colours more muted.

Straight lines make way for their curved counterparts, contoured grass banks creating a natural amphitheatre that sympathetically mimics the sheep-grazed landscape beyond. Set back from the house, the more contemporary planting here works with the scale of the space; large drifts of similar plants ensuring impact and a sense of cohesion when viewed from each of the key vantage points.

Libby is supported in the ongoing maintenance of these ever-evolving gardens by full-time gardener Tom Price, as well as Sue Wardle, who works part time. Over lockdown, Libby and the team added two polytunnels to the garden, helping her trial and nurture

“Large drifts of similar plants ensuring impact and a sense of cohesion” Following the restoration of the house, Libby and Alexander turned their attention to those very gardens. A landscape architect by profession, Libby treated the project as she would do with a client; the master plan taking its inspiration from the site and its setting within the landscape. On this occasion, the site was very much a blank canvas, a sloped garden falling towards the house. Keen to open it up, Libby created a series of terraces, starting with an ornamental kitchen garden running off the house. From here, steps would lead up to a potager, onto a swimming pool, a tennis court and finally to a wildflower bank and orchard before merging with the fields beyond. These terraces would become their outdoor living space, where the family would spend much of the summer months.

The works to realise this vision didn’t come without their challenges. An unexploded

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a wide range of varieties of perennials such as nepeta and salvia. An RHS judge and trial member, her professional eye is unmistakable throughout. Having completed an MA in Landscape Architecture at The University of Greenwich, Libby worked for renowned garden designer Arabella Lennox-Boyd before founding Mazzullo + Russell with colleague Emma Mazzullo in 2014. Working on projects throughout the UK and Europe, Libby will share her time between the practice’s London studio and her home office, the perfect vantage point from which to view both halves of the garden as they evolve through the seasons.

It is only recently that Libby has opened the gardens to the public, thanks to her involvement with the National Garden Scheme. After the cancellation of last year’s open days due to the pandemic, Libby is looking forward to welcoming visitors again for two days this year; the first later this month on 19 June, the second following in autumn.

Libby hopes that visitors will be able to take inspiration from the garden, even if the smallest of its components, and also in the techniques on display here, such as the trained rose domes within the potager. I think visitors will be just as captivated as Libby was when she first stepped foot in the meadows above the village, and gave her heart to the valley.

For more: www.mazzullorusselllandscapedesign.com

Nick Woodhouse is the co-director of interior and garden design company Woodhouse & Law on 4 George’s Place, Bathwick Hill, Bath; 01225 428072; www.woodhouseandlaw.co.uk

clockwise from top left: An unexploded bomb was uncovered during the landscaping

work; Libby immediately fell in love with the grounds of Batcombe House; the gardens are open to the public twice a year; the flower-filled meadows are perched above the River Alham; over lockdown Libby and the team added two polytunnels to the garden

GIFT IT LIKE BECKHAM Need a little clothes inspo for Father’s Day presents? Let’s kick around some ideas with stylist NICK HEMS...

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Classic white trainers These are now literally one of the most versatile items you can own. They don’t look out of place with most looks and for summer they go perfectly with the no sock and shorts look, or a pair of jeans or chinos. The key is to go for a minimalist look with little or no branding on the trainer.

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Chino shorts are probably the most versatile shorts you can purchase to cover all occasions. A good variety to look for are ones with stretch or elastane woven into the material, which will keep your middle regions a bit fresher on those hot days, and also be more forgiving after all those BBQs.

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Shirts Pattern, colour and Cuban collars are all very on trend right now. Go for bold colours you know work for you or have been complimented on wearing in the past.

Smaller prints and patterns suit smaller frames whilst larger print and patterns compliment bigger physiques. If you prefer slim fitting shirts, beware of the cut under your arms and tightness around your elbows, as well as the material of your shirts, to help avoid unwanted sweat patches or creasing.

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Blazer A well fitted blazer can elevate most looks. A nice unstructured linen blend blazer can give more edge and versatility to your outfit. Because of the linen element it will be more breathable than a standard cotton blazer. The unstructured nature gives your look a more sharp but casual feel.

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Polo shirt For versatility and style opt for a knitted polo as this will again elevate your look but still operate well with the rest of your wardrobe. Buying in white or a bold summer colour like a sunshine yellow, and invest in a good quality statement polo. Look for vintage style open collar neck, as well as ribbed cuffs and hem. Similar to the blazer it’s the linen/ cotton blend that keeps things cooler.

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Sunglasses The right pair will work wonders, but only when they fit well, balance your features, and look like they were made for your face. And because these are practical items that need to actually protect your eyes, do ask for advice from a specialist shop.

Watch A man’s version of the engagement ring, and something that can really solidify a sense of style. I am a big fan of many athleisure watches that have cropped up recently. Traditional looking watches crafted to be lighter, more robust and practical, and slightly sportier.

As an example the Breitling Endurance Pro range are available in a selection of colourful rubber straps and really do stand out for being bright and bold and summery.

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Wallet A huge styling error is a poor-quality wallet stuffed into your pocket with loads of unused cards, receipts or coins. Visually it’s unappealing and it also stretches the material of your clothing unnecessarily. Buy a decent wallet, add just what you need, and stay slimline.

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Aftershave For summer scents think of summery ingredients such as citrus, plants or flowers, these tend to work best and complement the heat without being overpowering. A good tip is to look out for scents with strong base notes, as these are the ones that hang around the longest.

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Tailor made Many of us have clothes in our wardrobe which we love but don’t fit us currently. Finding a good tailor (I use City Tailors on Milsom Street) to adjust your clothes can add to your wardrobe overnight and is also brilliant of course for sustainability.

Nick Hems is a Bath-based corporate and personal stylist who specialises in wardrobe edits, brand collaborations, and special event styling.

For more: www.nickhemsstyle.co.uk

PHOTO BY ROSE DEDMAN; W W W.ROSEDEDMANPHOTOGR APHY.COM

orget cartoon socks, comedy ties, and ill-fitting cardies. We want to give dad a gift this Sunday 20 June that he doesn’t have to fake like and wears for one day only. To help us get it right, we turn to the achingly cool, and professionally qualified, style guru Nick Hems for a little advice on how to make our daddies cool...

Nick Hems is kicking bad dad sock presents into touch

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SHOPPING LIST

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1. Loake Owens in suede white trainers, £155, The Brogue Trader, 15 Green Street, Bath; www.thebroguetrader.com 2. Paul Smith stretch pimacotton shorts, £100, Zucci, 7 Upper Borough Walls, Bath.

3. Printed Cuban collar shirt, £85, Reiss, Kilver Court, Kilver Street, Shepton Mallet; www.kilvercourt.com 4. Guide London sky linen blend blazer, £200, Gaff, 29 Upper Borough Walls, Bath; www.gaffclothing.co.uk 5. Norse Projects Leif cotton linen polo shirt, £170, Maze, 19 Green Street, Bath; www.mazeclothing.co.uk 6. O’Neill Wove sunglasses, £125, Inspecs, 7-10 Kelso Place, Bath; www.inspecs.com 7. TAG Heuer Carrera Automatic Chronograph, £4,695, Mallory, 1-5 Bridge Street, Bath; www.mallory-jewellers.com 8. Harris Tweed Carloway wallet, £35, Suave Owl, 33 Milsom Street, Bath; suaveowl.co.uk 9. Creed Aventus aftershave, £195, Jollys, 13 Milsom Street Bath; www.houseoffraser.co.uk

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

I LOVE DAD CHOCOLATES, £12 A chocolate ‘I Love Dad’ message made from the finest Belgian milk chocolate, dusted with gold and surrounded by four chocolate star squares all lovingly handmade in Rode from the finest dark and white Belgian chocolate.

From Choc on Choc; www.choconchoc.co.uk MULBERRY CITY BRIEFCASE, £950 The city briefcase in heavy grain and webbing strap is practical and stylish with a removable shoulder strap.

From Mulberry, 38 Milsom Street, Bath; www.mulberry.com

PAPA’S GOT A BRAND NEW BIG BAG… …and other amazing gift ideas for Father’s Day, 20 June

MINIATURE CELEBRATION CHEESE CAKE, £30 The bottom cheese is a clothbound Paxton & Whitfield Cheddar Pounder, the middle tier is the decadent triple-cream Brillat Savarin, and the top layer features a Celtic Capra goats’ milk cheese.

From From Paxton & Whitfield, 1 John Street, Bath; www.paxtonandwhitfield.co.uk

THE MIX-UP BY THE BEASTIE BOYS, £25 The Mix-Up was the seventh studio album by Beastie Boys in 2007. It consists entirely of instrumental performances and won a Grammy Award for Best Pop Instrumental Album.

From Resolution Records, Unit 1 Green Park Station, Bath; www.resolutionrecords.co.uk

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LOST & GROUNDED – WANNA GO TO THE SUN PALE ALE, £3.99 Pilsner Malt from Germany, with three traditional hop varieties – Magnum, Perle and Hallertauer Mittelfruh, combine together to produce a clean, unfiltered, pale ale.

From Cru Wines, 4 Silver Street, Bradford on Avon; www.cruwines.co.uk

ED’S CHOICE PEACHIE WATER BOTTLE, £19.99 Vacuum insulated and double walled bottle means liquids stay cold for 24 hours and hot for 12, with a leak proof lid, BPA free, and brushed steel finish.

From Bullfrog Bottles; www.bullfrogbottles.com

SWAROVSKI CL POCKET MOUNTAIN PACK BINOCULARS, £650 The CL Pocket is a folding compact binocular with exceptional optical quality. The twist-in eyecups can be individually adjusted, ensuring that eyeglass wearers can also make the most of its large field of view.

From Ace Optics, 8 Belmont, Bath; www.aceoptics.co.uk

FAUX POTTED MONSTERA, MEDIUM, £75 With gently splayed leaves in the signature holey heart shape, this perfectly life-like monstera plant comes with realistic faux soil and requires no upkeep.

From Cox & Cox; www.coxandcox.co.uk JAMES POCKET SQUARE, £52 This 100 per cent light satin silk pocket square features James the footman in navy blue livery on a silver background with a bronze coin pattern.

From Thomas Fortin; www.thomasfortin.com

LUXURY GENTS’ COLLECTION HAMPER, £65 Packed with delicious Taste of Bath favourites, including Honey Midford Cider, Bath Blue Cheese, Hot Date chutney, Molten Toffee ground coffee, and dark chocolate honeycomb.

From Taste of Bath; www.taste-of.co.uk

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Newly decor ated!

WE'RE BACK IN BUSINESS! • Complete tailoring service for ladies and gentleman • Alterations and Repairs on all Garments • Made To Measure Suits and Shirts • Bespoke / handmade Suits and Separates • Ladies bespoke tailoring • Bridal wear and Evening wear Alterations • Re-sizing and Re-Designing Suits and Dresses • Replicating your old favourite clothing

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

Successful, well-established year-round language school in the centre of Bath requires

HOMESTAY HOSTS IN BATH to host both short-term and long-term students.

We teach adults and teenagers, and need both single and twin-room accommodation.

For further details, including rates of payment, please contact our Accommodation Manager: Sarah Wringer, Kaplan International Languages Bath, 5 Trim Street, Bath, BA1 1HB Direct Line (01225) 473502, Email: sarah.wringer@kaplan.com

SPONSORED BY:

It’s the city’s business

BATHWORKS THIS ISSUE >>DAYDISC ANALOGUE WELLNESS (58) >>FLOURISHZONE WIN INVESTHORIZON SPOT (59) >>BIZ Q&A CAROLINE BROWNING OF ROSEATE VILLA (61)

Councillor Kevin Guy with Sue and Johan Jenkins

With open arms

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n May, most of Bath’s culture spots reopened – and it was a joy to see.

17 May saw The Roman Bath’s open its doors for the first time since December, while the Fashion Museum and Victoria Art Gallery made even longer awaited returns, with both welcoming visitors inside after being closed for more than a year.

To celebrate the occasion, the Roman Baths’

BUSINESS CLUB

first return guests, Sue and Johan Jenkins, were welcomed inside by Bath & North East Somerset Council leader, councillor Kevin Guy, along with staff at the Baths.

“Re-opening the Roman Baths is a big step forward in our recovery as we ease out of lockdown and I was absolutely delighted to greet Sue and John,” says councillor Guy. “The balance is now shifting thanks to the rollout of vaccines and testing,

so our priorities are to support the recovery of our High Streets and local businesses in a sustainable way. The safe reopening of the Roman Baths, as well as the Fashion Museum and the Victoria Art Gallery, will be a huge boost to businesses in the city and we look forward to welcoming visitors back to Bath & North East Somerset.”

For more: www.romanbaths.co.uk; www.fashionmuseum.co.uk; www.victoriagal.org.uk

Virtual one hour sessions, all free to attend Search Bath Life on LinkedIn for upcoming dates and registration If you would like to get involved, please email events@mediaclash.co.uk MEDIACLASH.CO.UK 115

BATHWORKS

A NEW DAWN, A NEW DAY

The DayDisc has already achieved its funding goals and some through Kickstarter

Bath-based start-up DayDisc is all set to make a splash on the wellness scene. Founders Alex and Chloe Cartright have turned to Kickstarter to fund the ‘slow’ habit tracker, an entirely analogue approach to wellness – a necklace and magnet design modelled after Yugoslavian clockmakers’ tools – that allows you to ditch productivity apps. You simply choose a task you wish to repeat in a day – perhaps drinking enough water, meditating or going outside – and then with every repetition you move a magnet (or ‘tracking orb’) around the prongs of the DayDisc cog.

“We don’t need to depend on our phones or the Cloud to stay on track with our goals,” says Alex. “We can incentivise activity, and enable long-term behaviour change with just the simple, tactile, satisfying click of an orb.”

At time of press, their Kickstarter campaign was 4,532 per cent funded with another fortnight on the clock, so market demand is evident.

“It’s a fun and achievable daily challenge, to complete one orbit, and a straightforward and effective way to begin and sustain new habits,” explains Alex. “It’s also intensely personal – nobody tells you exactly how you should use your DayDisc or what for. It’s your life – you decide.”

For more: www.daydisc.com

BEND AND FLEX Corsham has a brand-new Pilates, Barre and Reformer studio. Amber Edenbrow, founder of Precision Pilates, has been operating in many locations across Wiltshire for the past four years, and now has a new location on Newlands Road. She has spent the last 12 months renovating the new space and hosting daily classes on Zoom.

“We have undertaken a complete refurbishment of the old William Hill betting shop, which has been fantastic as I have been able to adapt the space in a way which is essential for my business,” says Amber. “We have a Covid plan to ensure our classes are as safe as possible whilst being able to enjoy the much needed social interaction with fellow attendees.

For example, we’ve installed a new fresh air system that provides a constant supply of fresh air into the studio, as well as restricted participant numbers. The space provides a light, airy and calm environment to enjoy classes in.”

For more: www.precision-pilates.co.uk 58 I BATH LIFE I www.mediaclash.co.uk

Amber Edebrow’s Precision Pilates has a permanent home in Corsham

Kier Carnie has created a plasticfree, plant-based chewing gum

CHEWING IT OVER Nuud Gum has launched in Waitrose nationwide.

Created by Bath-based founder Keir Carnie during the first lockdown, Nuud is a plant-based, plasticfree, biodegradable and sugar-free chewing gum.

“Most people don’t know that regular chewing gum is made of single-use plastic and isn’t compostable,” says Keir Carnie, founder of Nuud. “The government spends around £100 million a year cleaning up gum from our streets. We want to tackle this and effect a whole scale change in behavior when it comes to chewing gum.”

Nuud is naturally sweetened with Xylitol, which comes from the bark of birch and beech trees and is Oral Health Foundation approved to reduce and even reverse tooth decay by helping to replace the minerals in tooth enamel.

For more: www.nuudgum.com

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MOVERS AND SHAKERS ETC

© BARBAR A EVRIPIDOU

Lilac Blue specialises in vintage and luxury pre-loved bags

Adrienne Percival is taking FlourishZone to the next level

FAST WORKERS

FlourishZone has won a place on InvestHorizon, a prestigious four-to-six-month business accelerator programme funded by the European Commission in association with EUREKA. The augmented intelligence platform increases productivity and wellbeing, and was one of only 500 companies to make the cut.

“To be part of the InvestHorizon programme, with its network of investors and other deep tech businesses, connects us with an incredible opportunity,” says Adrienne Percival, co-founder and director. “In the first month of the programme alone the insight we’ve gained has been extremely valuable and the common purpose and passion for what deep tech can achieve is really inspiring.

“We’re able to focus on futureproofing our proposition with input from some of the leading minds in deep tech from across Europe, while also getting to share our experiences and challenges with fellow entrepreneurs and learn from each other.

“It’s also a privilege to be representing the South West and putting our vibrant tech sector on the map.” www.flourish.zone

BANKING ON SUCCESS

C. Hoare & Co, the UK’s oldest privately owned bank has appointed Emily Corbett as a senior relationship manager. Emily joins to lead the bank’s growth in the South West, and will be responsible for building the bank’s presence and developing business opportunities in the region, initially with a focus on Bath and Bristol.

“The Hoare family has enjoyed close connections with the region dating back many centuries,” says Venetia Hoare, partner at C. Hoare & Co. ‘Good’ Henry Hoare was instrumental in founding the Royal Mineral Water Hospital in Bath, and of course Jane Austen was one of our more famous customers.

“Following our successful recent expansion into Cambridge, our first office outside of London in 350 years, we believe now is the right time to build out our UK footprint. The South West is a natural progression. Emily brings a wealth of expertise and established relationships in the region and I much look forward to working with her.” www.hoaresbank.co.uk

HANDBAGS OUT Lilac Blue, specialists in vintage and pre-loved luxury handbags from brands including Hermes, Chanel, Louis Vuitton, Fendi and Prada will be holding a pop-up event in Bath from 23 June – 2 July, perfect timing to restock your accessories now we can go on nights out again. Whether you’re looking for a pre-loved addition to your wardrobe or for a valuation to sell a lockdown clear out find, the Lilac Blue team will be available

for private appointments in Altitude and Attitude, Nelson Place East. They’re also hosting an evening exhibition, sale and talk on the rising popularity of luxury handbags at Portman, Milsom Street on Friday 25 June.

To arrange a private appointment to see the collection or to have your bags valued at Altitude and Attitude please email contact@ lilacblue.com or call 0845 2248876.

For more: www.lilacblue.com

ENTRECONF GEARS UP

The new conference for entrepreneurs EntreConf is set to have an intriguing array of presentations and speakers.

EntreConf: The Future Is Unwritten on 1 July, aims to give inspiration and practical advice for entrepreneurs: new businesses, start-ups, scale-ups or those about to exit.

One keynote speaker is the idiosyncratic founder of Ecotricity, Dale Vince – a former new age traveller who is now a leading green energy entrepreneur and pioneer, who also owns the eco-friendly Forest Green Rovers.

Other sessions will be run by the University of Bath School of Management on kinetic thinking and how entrepreneurial development can be unlocked. Swiss private bank Lombard Odier will be unveiling exclusive research into entrepreneurs’

attitudes post-pandemic.

Burges Salmon is hosting a session on investment rounds – practical advice on funding. Bath company Rocketmakers has a dynamic session on “What if..?”: the opportunities that innovative tech developments create for businesses. Bath Spa University will be analysing how lifelong learning can help entrepreneurs keep their thinking fresh. And Bevan Brittan is presenting a new suite of offerings in a clinic to help start-up businesses from the earliest days: employment, corporate structure and commercial contracts.

EntreConf also has panel sessions, including Bath businesses Storm Consultancy (which is also an associate sponsor) and FlourishZone. Several more speakers and companies are being added.

It takes place as a virtual conference this year and a real-life event in 2022. A limited number of free tickets are available via a unique partnership with sponsors.

To be involved, please talk with claudia. butler@mediaclash.co.uk For more: www.entreconf.com www.mediaclash.co.uk I BATH LIFE I 59

SPONSORED BY:

BATHWORKS

“IT HAS BEEN CHALLENGING – HOTELS ARE NOT MEANT TO CLOSE” welcome guests with tea and cake on arrival, we use our local knowledge to help plan their itinerary, chat to them at the end of the day and serve a final nightcap before they retire. Staying at Villa means staying with wonderfully warm and welcoming hosts in a beautiful house.

BIZ Q&A

What’s the food like?

Our food offering is a very important part of the Villa experience. We pride ourselves on making everything here on site, from the bread and jam at breakfast, to the muffins, welcome cake, and our delicious homemade shortbreads that are in the bedrooms to enjoy with a cuppa.

The general manager of The Roseate Villa Bath on lockdown challenges and the joys of night baking

Tell us something unique about life at the Villa Instead of a night porter we have a night baker, who lovingly makes the bread at night so you wake up to a wonderful aroma of freshly baked breads. The baker also creates some delicious sourdough pizzas that our guests love.

Caroline Browning Tell us a little about your early career path Caroline Having spent most of my life in various senior management roles in amazing hotels such as Le Manoir aux Quat’Saisons, The Bath Priory and Lucknam Park, I was approached to be general manager of what was then Villa Magdala, now The Roseate Villa. As soon as I set foot in the door it was love at first sight – I picked up on the great positive vibes that surround the house and immediately knew I had made the right decision.

There must have been so many challenges over this last year...

Yes, there have been many. Hotels are not meant to close, and keeping them well maintained when they are not operating is not easy. It has been a labour of love to change our lovely guests’ bookings over and over again due to continuous lockdowns – some have had to change their bookings up to half a dozen times.

Any silver linings?

It has given us a great opportunity to do some necessary refurbishment, painting, maintenance, and we also took the opportunity to extend our menu offering when we were allowed to open our gardens in April, which has been very successful.

What was one of the big projects you took on while you were closed?

During the lockdown of May/June 2020, my team and I met at the Villa on Tuesdays and worked on the back garden. We spent hours cutting back, planting, varnishing, jet washing, painting and making planters.

It was such a fabulous project and kept us all connected, we took it in turns to bring in lunch or have a barbecue so it became a really great day for us all to look forward to.

We are all now very invested in the garden and have a keen interest in what is growing.

Now you’re back at work, are staycations really booming?

Absolutely. We are fortunate that our beautiful Villa is nestled in such a popular city, which has seen an incredible demand for staycation business. We have many families and long-stay bookings in for the summer, which will be great as we will have a perfect opportunity to get to know our guests and build more friends of the house.

Why should people come and stay at The Roseate Villa? Give us the elevator pitch...

Location, location, location! We are a 10-minute stroll from the city centre, yet nestled into a stunning garden opposite the beautiful Henrietta Park, with the added bonus of a car park.

What can guests expect when they arrive?

The level of service our guests receive is unparalleled. We are there to

Is there anything about The Roseate Villa you wish more people knew?

We serve the most delightful afternoon tea, all handmade at the Villa – this is available to book and enjoy in our beautiful gardens or lovely morning room, and you don’t have to be staying with us to enjoy it. It is a well-kept secret amongst our neighbours.

If you had to pick one thing, what would you say is your favourite thing about your job?

There are not many jobs where you have the opportunity to delight someone and change their day. Both myself and my team have such big hearts that this happens on a regular basis – what could be better?

For more: Roseate Villa Bath, Henrietta Road, Bathwick; tel: 01225 466329; www.roseatehotels.com

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

© SOUL MEDIA

Let the countdown begin

Finalists were announced on 20 May in a virtual Grand Reveal event

© SOUL MEDIA

SPONSORED BY:

BATHWORKS

The finalists for this year’s Bath Life Awards are out

A

massive thank you to all who joined us on Zoom to celebrate the Grand Reveal Day of this year’s Bath Life Awards finalists on 20 May – if you missed it, you can still catch the recording on our YouTube channel.

To all who submitted a nomination – thank you.

Despite the massive challenges presented by the last year, we received a huge number of nominations – more than expected – and all filled with an overwhelming sense of optimism and tenacity in the face of difficult times. We couldn’t put it better than one business owner, who said in their nomination: “I’m an absolute optimist, but closing our doors in March 2020 is the only time I’ve ever cried in front of my team in 16 years. But I didn’t realise that my darkest

moments as a business owner would end up being our finest hour as a team, and as a business.”

Our panel of impartial judges (to be announced shortly) will soon set about picking the winners from a stellar list of finalists. In the meantime, the countdown to Awards night has officially begun – it’s time to start planning your outfit for the ceremony, sponsored by headline sponsor The Royal Crescent Hotel & Spa, plus Apex City of Bath Hotel, Bath Audi, Bath Life, Bath Rugby, Clearly PR, Enlightened, Hotel Indigo, Marsh Commercial, Minuteman Press among many others, along with feature sponsors, Freestyle Designs, Sub 13 and Triangle Networks.

For more: www.bathlifeawards.co.uk; @bathlifeawards

SPONSORSHIPS For remaining options, please contact annie.kelly@ mediaclash.co.uk or pat.white@mediaclash.co.uk

Limited number of silver sponsorships including Table.

Please note: we sell out every year with many on the waiting list.

TICKETS See social media for updates.

AWARDS The uberglam Bath Life Awards

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

will be held in the Bath Assembly Rooms on 9 September 2021.

Nothing beats being there…

SOCIAL MEDIA Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn and Twitter for all updates.

Benoit Cuvier, Mason Pollock of Little Theatre Cinema, Arts winner

The Bath Life Awards celebrates the best of Bath’s businesses, from professional services to cafes, retail to charity

TESTIMONIAL

“When we were announced as the winner, I sat there in shock, looked at Ash and he just grabbed me saying, ‘My God, we’ve only gone and won.’

I couldn’t believe it. I honestly felt so proud and it’s a massive credit to all of our team to be recognised as the best new business in Bath.”

Daniel Rosser, owner of The Oyster Shell, New Business Winner 2020

SERVICES GUIDE HOME CARE

GUIDE to SERVICES in the

CITY

JEWELLERY

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

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Luxury & local The most sophisticated audience is just a call away

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

Tel: 01225 462688 / 07968 697091 Email: Julian@bathstonemasons.co.uk

www.bathstonemasons.co.uk HYPNOTHERAPY

SPONSORED CONTENT

PERSONAL TAX PLANNING IN 2021/22

W

Jacqui Bowden from Bath-based chartered accountants and tax advisers PEARSON MAY summarises the changes for the new tax year and how this will affect individuals…

ith a couple of months gone of the current 2021/22 tax year, if you haven’t done so already then now is a good time to review your and your family’s personal finances and tax positions for the current tax year, perhaps before your thoughts turn to your much anticipated summer holiday!

The new tax year 2021/22 is much the same as the 2020/21 tax year from a personal tax planning perspective, but it is still important to have a good understanding of the tax rates and thresholds for the current year, so that you can plan your finances and review your tax affairs accordingly. I set out below a few of the main points worth considering.

INCOME The personal allowance has increased from £12,500 to £12,570 for 2021/22, a modest 0.5 per cent rise in line with the Consumer Prices Index (CPI) rate of inflation for September 2020. How much income tax you pay this year will depend on where in the UK you live, with different thresholds and rates applying to taxpayers in Scotland and the rest of the UK. Below are the income tax bands and rates applicable to England, Wales and Northern Ireland:

BAND

2021/22

RATE

Personal allowance*

Up to £12,570

20 per cent

Basic-rate

Over £12,570 to £50,270

20 per cent

Higher-rate*

Over £50,270 to £150,000

40 per cent

Additionalrate

Above £150,000

45 per cent

*The personal allowance is reduced by £1 for every £2 of income from £100,000 to £125,140.

The UK-wide personal allowance of £12,570, along with all income tax thresholds in England, Wales and Northern Ireland have been frozen until April 2026. The above income tax rates are due to remain in place until the scheduled end of Parliament in 2024, in line with a Conservative

manifesto pledge from 2019, which the Chancellor reiterated in March’s Spring Budget.

The freezing of these thresholds and tax rates will inevitably push many taxpayers into a higher tax bracket over the next five years.

Don’t forget that you can transfer 10 per cent of your personal allowance (£1,260 in 2021/22) to your spouse or civil partner, as long as you earn less than the personal allowance and your spouse/ civil partner is a basic-rate taxpayer. This can reduce your tax by up to £252 in the tax year.

The dividend nil rate band remains at £2,000 for 2021/22, for the fourth year in a row. This means the first £2,000 of any dividends received in a tax year are taxed at 0 per cent. Dividends received over and above this allowance (and above the personal allowance) are taxed at 7.5 per cent within the basic-rate band and 32.5 per cent in the higher-rate band, with dividends that fall within the additional-rate band being taxed at 38.1 per cent.

CAPITAL GAINS TAX If you have any chargeable assets that you plan to sell and are worth more than you paid for them, your gain could be liable to Capital Gains Tax (CGT). Any such chargeable assets that are sold in 2021/22 and give rise to a gain of more than £12,300 will be liable to CGT. The rate of CGT payable will depend on the type of asset sold and which marginal rate of income tax you pay, with different rates applying to basic-rate taxpayers and those in the higher or additional-rate bands.

Broadly, the CGT rates for most assets other than residential property are 10 per cent to the extent that the gain is within your basic-rate band and 20 per cent thereafter. Higher rates of 18 per cent and 28 per cent respectively apply to gains on residential property. Don’t forget that for disposals of residential property that result in a gain, the gain must be reported to HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) within 30 days following the date of completion, and the tax must be paid over to HMRC by the same date.

The lifetime limit for gains qualifying for Business Asset Disposal Relief (previously known as Entrepreneurs’ Relief), which reduces the CGT rate to a flat 10 per cent, remains at £1m for 2021/22.

PENSION ALLOWANCES AND ISAS Usually, the pensions Lifetime Allowance increases in line with the CPI rate of inflation

from the previous September. However, for 2021/22 until April 2026, this link has been removed and the Lifetime Allowance is frozen at £1,073,100. The standard maximum amount that you can save into your pension pot in 2021/22 – otherwise known as the Annual Allowance – remains at £40,000, although personal circumstances can mean the actual allowance is lower for a particular individual. You may be able to contribute more by utilising any unused Annual Allowance from the previous three tax years. Income and gains on investments held within ISAs remain tax-free up to an annual subscription value of £20,000.

INHERITANCE TAX It’s very much business as usual with inheritance tax in 2021/22. Estates worth less than £325,000 are usually tax-free, while the flat-rate of inheritance tax above this threshold remains at 40 per cent. The final increase to the Residence Nil-Rate Band (RNRB) took place in 2020/21, making it possible to protect a further £175,000 when passing on the family home to direct descendants, such as children or grandchildren.

The RNRB is progressively withdrawn for individual estates valued at more than £2m.

For married couples or civil partners, where the first spouse/civil partner dies and leaves all their assets to the survivor, it is possible for the surviving spouse to double their nil-rate band to £650,000, rising to £1m when taking into account the RNRB. Gifts made during your lifetime can impact on the tax payable upon death, so please be sure to keep a careful note of these. Your Executors will be eternally grateful! ■ *The above is for general guidance only and no action should be taken without obtaining specific advice.

Jacqui Bowden BSc (Hons) ACA 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 65

NEW INSTRUCTION

GREENWAY LANE

NEW INSTRUCTION

VICTORIA ROAD

NEW INSTRUCTION

CLARENCE STREET

NEW INSTRUCTION

£1,500,000 BATHWICK HILL

NEW INSTRUCTION

£525,000 FOUNTAIN BUILDINGS

NEW INSTRUCTION

£475,000 BAILBROOK GROVE

NEW INSTRUCTION

£1,200,000 DARLINGTON STREET

£350,000

NEW INSTRUCTION

£250,000 GREENACRES

£475,000

NEW INSTRUCTION

£425,000 DOWNSIDE CLOSE

Matthew Leonard Director

Lucy McIlroy Director

£625,000

Denise Latham Lettings Manager

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

The design for the Grant Associates’ exhibit at the Chelsea Flower Show later this year

Property

GARDEN CITY

Bath landscape architects design for the Chelsea Flower Show Bath-based landscape architect Grant Associates have revealed the design concept for its first show garden at the Chelsea Flower Show 2021, which aims to demonstrate how cities of the future must be considered as landscape cities.

The design, The Guangzhou Garden: Guangzhou China, takes inspiration from Guangzhou, a

port city northwest of Hong Kong on China’s Pearl River. Known as ‘the city between mountain and water’, Guangzhou’s approach to environmental planning is based on the concept of ecological civilisation. The city has a distinct environmental plan which divides the area into three zones: social green space for people within the central business district (heart); protected green spaces to the north (lungs); and protected aquatic areas to the south (kidneys).

Peter Chmiel, director at Grant Associates, and Chin-Jung Chen, senior associate at the practice, will bring the concept to life at the

Chelsea Flower Show, now happening in September this year.

Peter Chmiel, director at Grant Associates, says, “RHS Chelsea Flower Show is a terrific opportunity for us to reach a bigger audience with the important message that we need to think about our future cities as landscape cities that enable people and nature to come closely together.

We hope visitors will leave the Guangzhou Garden feeling uplifted and inspired about the possibilities for the future.”

For more: www.grant-associates.uk.com

PROPERTY NEWS You can get virtual advice on your building projects

Architecture

A ZOOM OF ONE’S OWN

In return for a donation of just £25, Bath Preservation Trust have launched virtual Ask an Architect sessions. In the 45 minute Zoom calls architectural projects, plans, and dreams can be discussed with an impartial expert.

The qualified architect from RIBA Chartered Practice will be able to advise on design, health and safety, and quality assurance.

Ask an Architect is a design advice service offered by the Royal Institute of British Architects in partnership with Bath Preservation Trust to support design projects in the city of Bath. The next sessions are 5 June and 4 September, and tickets are available through EventBrite.

For more: www.museumofbatharchitecture.org.uk

Kensington Meadows was once a Georgian pleasure garden

Green spaces

ROCK STAR

The 8 foot stone is locally sourced

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

A locally-sourced 8-foot holed stone framing the Bath skyline is now in place at Kensington Meadows in Bath as part of a scheme to enhance the open space. The installation of the granite monolith comes ahead of work starting this summer to improve the play area with natural play features including a wooden climbing frame and slide, a willow tunnel and an agility trail.

The riverside area, which was once a Georgian pleasure garden called Grosvenor Gardens, has already been sown with wildflower meadows and new trees planted to help create new biodiverse habitats.

Councillor David Wood, cabinet member for Neighbourhood Services, says, “This Westcountrysourced stone has made a striking addition to this beautiful open space and has been positioned so that the hole frames the Bath Skyline. The unusual feature and the natural improvements to the play area will encourage people to visit and enjoy Kensington Meadows for many years to come.”

For more: www.bathnes.gov.uk

PROPERTY

CLEEVE HILL HOUSE

Matilda Walton explores an ‘ace’ in the glorious Midford countryside

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

I

f the last year has taught us anything, it’s that we don’t have to live in the city any more.

For a lot of us, all we really need to carry on with our lives and careers is a good wifi connection, which means homes like Cleeve Hill House in the cute village of Midford, no longer represent a slowing career – unless you want it to. Work-wise, these days it’s easy enough to operate as before – with the addition of the rural lifestyle once considered incompatible with high flying career goals.

Cleeve Hill House is just the spot – a stand-out property in the beautiful village of Midford, local amenities are plentiful, and Bath only three miles away in any case. It’s a perfect location for foodies, with many great gastropubs in nearby villages, as well as Castle Farm, a restaurant which has a cult following locally.

There’s lush countryside to explore, with heritage spots like the disused viaduct and Somerset Coal Canal a stone’s throw from newer additions of Midford Millennium Woods and the Combe Down Tunnel and Sustrans cycle route into Bath.

As if all that weren’t enough, the house counts a castle among its neighbours. Midford Castle, which is

technically a folly castle, was built by Henry Disney Roebuck in 1775 and is currently a private home (and once belonged to Nicholas Cage, albeit not for long). It makes for a gorgeous view across the rolling countryside at the entrance of the house, though – with a distinctive gothic atmosphere, it is said to be built in the shape of the Ace of Clubs to represent a fortune-winning card played by its owner (though this has been disputed).

It’s beautiful, and the surrounds worthy of a castle, are very much echoed inside the Grade II listed Cleeve Hill House, which offers all the modern comforts like great wifi, thanks to CAT 5 cabling, underfloor heating and a gorgeous contemporary kitchen complete with up-to-the-minute Siemens ovens, as well as a double fridge/freezer and walk-in pantry. It’s the best of both worlds, with glorious period features carefully highlighted, like the sloped, beamed ceilings of the bedrooms and the remarkable original well in the study, which has been covered with reinforced glass and atmospherically lit to highlight its unique character.

It’s a wonderfully spacious property both inside and out, with eight bedrooms offering a great many options for changing up a room according to the season, and welcoming guests now the world is carefully opening

HOUSE NUMBERS Price £2.25m Square foot 4,574

up again. The garden – perfectly private due to the collection of trees planted back in the 1950s – already has its own small orchard, with plenty of options to expand a grow-your-own adventure should you wish.

Or you could simply sit and let the panoramic views settle your soul – no one would blame you.

Reception rooms 4-5 Bedrooms 7-8 Acres 1.10 Knight Frank, 4 Wood Street Bath; tel: 01225 686078; www.knightfrank.co.uk

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

SPONSORED CONTENT

The difference the right estate agent can make

Peter Greatorex from THE APARTMENT COMPANY explains…

N

o two houses are the same; even two properties on the same street have things that distinguish them from one another. On paper they might have exactly the same provision, with identical floor plans, and both well maintained. Yet one is winning in terms of popularity with potential buyers, whilst the other is struggling to get a viewing.

THE RIGHT CHOICE The estate agent you choose to market and sell your home is of extreme importance, as it can be the difference between your apartment being sold and watching it linger and stagnate on the market.

When you invite an agent into your home for an appraisal it’s your time to interview them for the prestigious role of selling your home, yet many sellers just listen to what the estate agent has to say rather than putting them in the hot seat!

At The Apartment Company, we enjoy being interviewed when we undertake an appraisal. This

way, we know the seller is serious, and we also want to ensure that they have all the information they need to make an informed decision. You are trusting us with your biggest asset and we welcome the opportunity to prove we’re up to the task.

DON’T BE SWAYED BY NUMBERS Numbers are very appealing, especially when you are told you can achieve a higher sale price than expected. But be realistic: research the current market to get a feel for how properties are selling, any good agent will have undertaken thorough research also. If your property is priced too high it may put off buyers wishing to view your property; in the long run, this can hinder the sale of your apartment.

who we think would be interested to view, we are putting together a marketing strategy which includes professional photographs and video, and we’re listing your property on all the major portals, such as Rightmove and Zoopla.

When you instruct The Apartment Company you can be assured of honest and constructive advice, whether that’s on how to present your home for sale, or the guide price we suggest. We don’t want to just get your listing, we want to ensure your apartment is sold for the best possible price. Experience the difference the right estate agent can make when selling your home.n

SUSTAINABLE MARKETING Before the ink has dried on your property details we are already marketing your home. We are identifying potential buyers registered with us

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

RESIDENCE

THE HOLE IN THE WALL

After transforming her Morford Street apartment from dilapidated garage to luxury Scandi-style escape, the time has come for Philippa May to move on Words and photos by The Modern House

When she first bought the property, Philippa considered turning it into office space

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

I

n 2014, Philippa May, founder of creative branding agency Mayd Studio, and her husband Guy Mercer bought a dilapidated garage in Bath.

Enviably located just behind the Royal Crescent, Philippa initially considered the building as a possible office, but Guy, who works in property development, immediately spotted its potential to be converted into a home, with its double-height pitched roof, spacious footprint and surprisingly private location.

As the house comes on the market for £725,000, Philippa reflects on their renovations and tells us why this sort of open-plan space is such a rarity in Bath.

Although this was a very nerve-racking project to embark on, it was easy to see the potential of the space, with its warehouse-style height and streams of beautiful light. We loved that you entered the

When we bought this place in 2014, our parents thought it was hilarious that we’d spent so much money on what was essentially a garage that consisted of a couple of car parking spaces. The

We lived with Guy’s family in the countryside while we renovated and Guy managed the building, while I oversaw all the design elements. A lot of the building

building was completely disused and derelict, but we both realised how rare it was to have something this spacious just five minutes from the centre of town.

building through an unassuming hole in the wall, which then opened up to a double-height pitched roof. The proportions were just incredible and, amazingly for a house in the city, we aren’t overlooked by anyone else.

It’s so hard to find big, open-plan, bright spaces in Bath, because the Georgian architecture really takes precedence – although there are some amazingly tall windows, they usually compromise your privacy.

work was dictated by the conservation area regulations, as well as modern building regulations and the format of the building, which is sandwiched in a terrace.

The floorplan and external aspects of the house had to remain the same, so we worked with David Johnson, an architectural technician from Bournemouth, to draw up our ideas for the layout; our aim was to create a really liveable space.

It’s hard to find big open-plan spaces like this in Bath

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

RESIDENCE On one side of the building, we created two spacious bedrooms out of what were previously three small office rooms, but the rest remained architecturally pretty similar to the original layout and is all openplan. The bedrooms feel very calm and detached from

the open-plan living area where we introduced big skylights. We also added a retractable roof in the kitchen above the island, which makes the space feel sunny and bright all year round.

The builders were amazing – there was so much we couldn’t foresee until we smashed through a lot of concrete and panelled walls. A lot of the work involved

finding smart solutions to a very irregularly shaped building. What is now our kitchen was once a cobbled alleyway for a pub where horses were tied up while their owners refreshed themselves inside! The street was part of Bath’s brewery quarter and later became a slum, which is why there is such a mix of buildings.

Since we are in a conservation area, we could only use certain materials in the build. Inside, we chose other

details carefully to give some character to the space, such as the engineered oak floors from Boniti and the bespoke concrete fireplace in the living area that runs from floor to ceiling, which we designed ourselves. We always intended to put a wood burner in, but the underfloor heating and insulation are so good that we’ve never actually had the need for a fire.

We always feel excited to invite friends over because it feels so welcoming. We designed the home not just

to look good, but to be enjoyed. We’ve just had a son, Cooper, which has made us realise even more that a good interior shouldn’t be precious and overly curated. There’s no enjoyment in constantly panicking over mucky hands!

I love being at the kitchen island, with the rooflight open and a margarita in my hand. It’s such a fun spot

in the evening too, as you can see the stars. It’s great when we’re cooking food and have friends gathered around the island, sharing massive feasts with lots of accompanying wine.

We both work from home and our proximity to the centre of town meant that we never felt a need to rent out separate offices. The main living area

is so large and bright, and the dining table has proved a perfect workspace.

I’ve even held brand photoshoots here.

When we need a break from working from home, we just pop to Walcot House, a nearby bar and restaurant, with our laptops.

After doing such a huge renovation, we didn’t have a lot of budget for furniture, so we searched for bargains at various markets. Guy actually built a lot

of the furniture and the huge shelves in the living area, as nothing off-the-shelf quite worked with the odd shape of the building. We always wanted to keep things minimal and light – our aesthetic is quite natural, a bit ‘Japandi’, I guess.

For us, modern living is all about having versatile spaces that can complement our versatile life. We

wanted our home to reflect our lifestyle, with proper space dedicated to socialising with friends and family, which would help us step away from our hectic work lives.

They introduced big skylights and a retractable roof

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

“Our aesthetic is quite natural, a bit ‘Japandi’, I guess”

RESIDENCE

www.mediaclash.co.uk I BATH LIFE I 79

RESIDENCE It’s been an amazing location to live in, just behind the Royal Crescent, with a very picturesque walk into town. There are few things we enjoy more than

walking down the hill into town via our favourite bars and eateries or grabbing a blanket and some beers to watch the sunset over the Royal Crescent.

We love going to The Green Bird Café around the corner for breakfast – their mushrooms on toast are unreal – and the Marlborough Tavern for the perfect Sunday roast. There aren’t many spots in Bath like this where you have so many amazing experiences on your doorstep, yet can come back so quickly to a lightfilled sanctuary.

It’s been a hard decision to sell, because we don’t think we’ll ever find a space like this again in Bath.

But after four years here, the time has come for us to move somewhere new, especially with the arrival of Cooper. We’ve actually already moved to our new home, which is a semi-detached Victorian house in Bath. The first thing we did was knock through the kitchen to let light in and free up space for our big dining table. It’s completely different from this house, but has so much potential, with more bedrooms and a big garden.

We felt too sentimental about this place to let it go initially, but we’re ready to pass it on now. We

hope the new owners love its uniqueness as much as we did. We always intended to add a roof terrace above our kitchen, but never quite got round to it, so perhaps that could be a project. We designed the roof to hold a terrace and it has a wonderful view across Bath – it feels like a secret sunken sun spot. This was our first home and project and we hope someone else enjoys that big living space in the same way we did.

For more: www.themodernhouse.com Got an amazing local home? Want it to feature in Residence? Contact lydia.tewkesbury@ mediaclash.co.uk

Philippa’s husband, Guy built the shelving and a lot of the living room furniture

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BATH LIVES

“I was an extra in Bridgerton and was treated as if I was royalty” in Iran. It was a photo of a thatched cottage with a garden full of different coloured roses. I just couldn’t believe a garden could have so many flowers. I had to get to England to find out for myself.

My first professional cooking

MINA MOOSAVIAN How a picture postcard of a rosecovered cottage inspired a move from Iran to England When she’s not front of house customer care at the Roman Baths and helping host evening events at the attraction, Mina can be found serving up delicious Persian cuisine from her stall Sumac, based in Green Park every Saturday. Originally from Iran, Mina tells us more about her childhood, her love of Bath, and how she missed the chance to date legendary musician Bob Marley.

I was the second of seven children, born in an incredibly hot

place called Ahwaz in the south of Iran. Iran is an unexpectedly beautiful country with a rich cultural heritage, fabulous cuisine and with the family still very much at the heart of communities.

My mother was the first female driving instructor in Ahwaz. She

was always very much in demand because her pass rates were so

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

high. My father was a mechanical engineer with his own business.

Every summer we would go to Isfahan in the north of Iran where my grandparents were farmers with a vineyard.

March was always my favourite time of the year as all the

relatives from the north would come to stay with us for two weeks of the festive season (21 March is the Persian New Year). As kids we could indulge ourselves with all kind of sweets, fruit, chocolate and nuts, and get money as a New Year present from the adults.

I didn’t like my school, because we were taught with punishment and I was rubbish at

maths. My favourite subjects were literature, and history.

My move to England in 1979 was inspired by a postcard that

I found in a second-hand bookshop

was for my English family in Brighton in 1980. They asked me to treat them to something Persian, but it was a disaster! The family were very gracious and said it was delicious. After that, I decided to learn to cook Persian food properly, mainly by ringing my Mum! In 1981 I was working in a Holiday Inn as a waitress. I was

serving this man with amazing dreadlocks who then asked me where I was from but my English wasn’t good so it wasn’t the clearest of conversations. As he left he asked for my phone number, which I declined, so he put his number with his name on my order pad and told me to call him. Immediately afterwards my colleagues ran up to me and told the man I’d refused a date with was the legendary Bob Marley! This was just a few months before he died.

I moved to Lansdown in 2019.

I am so close to the countryside and nature, also two minutes from Beckford’s Tower. I can look through my kitchen window and watch the sunset or just go to Beckford’s garden for a peaceful walk and some tranquillity.

I was an extra in Bridgerton

I playing one of the ladies and was able to attend all the balls they filmed in Bath. It was a wonderful experience – I was treated as if I was royalty myself.

One of my proudest achievements is going to the University of Bath and getting

my degree on my 50th birthday. I wish I had done it long before.

My favourite places to eat and drink in Bath are the Opium

Bar with its cool interior and fab cocktails, and Mehmet’s amazing Cappadocia Turkish restaurant in Newmarket Row. n For more: Instagram @sumac_ persiancuisine

I’ve done so many jobs –

waitressing, perfume counter, beautician, dancer, model, cook, museum, sales – and they all served a purpose in my life at the time and helped shape me into who I am today. But the best one was becoming a mother, and I love to go back to it again and again.

We came to Bath from Birmingham for a weekend break 30 years ago. I could not

believe just how beautiful this city was – it looked like a box of chocolates! I immediately fell in love with it here.

Mina in her Bridgerton costume