Bath Life – Issue 448

TAKE ME

ISSUE 448 / 16 – 30 JULY 2021 / £3

GOING FOR GOLD

THE AMAZING BATH ATHLETES COMPETING AT THE TOKYO OLYMPICS

ART HISTORY ISSUE 448 / 16 – 30 JULY 2021 / A ZEST FOR LIFE

BEAUTIFUL SCULPTURES THAT TELL THE LONGLEAT STORY

ORANGE BLOSSOM

CELEBRATING THE CITRUS SHADE

THE USUAL PLEASE!

PUBS GET BACK TO NORMAL AND WE COULDN’T BE HAPPIER

BRIDE & JOY

THE WELCOME RETURN OF WEDDINGS

OFF THE SCALE

DELIGHTFUL DINING AT THE GEORGE & DRAGON ROWDE

PLUS PUB IN THE PARK / 26 THE CIRCUS / A PADDLE BOARDING VIKING

©W W W.OXIPHOTOGR APHY.CO.UK

EDITOR’S LETTER

(page 16)

BELOW: All about orange (page 81)

N

© CHRIS DAW

ABOVE: Weddings are back

ormally this magazine has to be put to bed by the Friday but as there was a certain game happening on the Sunday, I requested we go to press with this introduction page on the Monday, as a special, once-in-a-lifetime, dispensation. I genuinely thought for a while there it was coming home and it would be right to use some space in the magazine to acknowledge that.

Well that didn’t happen. But while this drizzly grey Monday morning feels a little downcast, once the clouds part, we can start celebrating the genuine joy in the journey of Southgate’s England. To show our appreciation, over on page 9, we have a red and white Instagram special.

We’re also all about the sunshine with our gorgeous, zest for life, cover, and to inject more of that summertime vibe into your days, over on page 81 there’s more ‘appealing’ citrus hues. To deliver even more cheer we raise a glass to Bath’s traditional locals over on page 58, and holler a big ‘I do’ to the return of weddings over on page 16.

And as ever, there’s beautiful arts including a four-page What’s On, huge servings of fab foodie news, the best of Bath property and plenty of business success stories to lift the mood.

All in all, a back of the net issue. Enjoy and see you in two weeks.

SARAH MOOLLA Follow us on Twitter @BathLifeMag Instagram @bathlifemag

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

© SWIMMERS BY ELIZA SOUTHWOOD; WWW.ROSTRAGALLERY.CO.UK

Issue 448 / 16–29 July 2021 COVER Mythologica: Hermes by Victoria Topping, available through Modern ArtBuyer; www.modernartbuyer.com

WEDDINGS

44

16 All the inspiration you need to start planning the big day

THE ARTS

31 ARTS INTRO Gabrielle is set to headline at the Bath

50

Festival Finale Weekend

32 WHAT’S ON All of the art, theatre, music, comedy and

more coming to Bath

39 BOOKS Great expeditions 40 LONGLEAT Step back into Longleat’s history with a new

exhibition of sculptures inspired by the estate’s past

SPORT

44 2020 OLYMPICS The Bath hopefuls heading to Tokyo 54 BATH BOULES Le boules are back

FOOD&DRINK

49 FOOD & DRINK NEWS Award-winning brownies, the

© ED SCHOFIELD

perfect water for whiskey and the new bee-friendly garden at The Grapes 50 TAKE 5 Merlin Labron-Johnson of Osip and The Old Pharmacy in Bruton on making the 30 under 30 list 52 RESTAURANT A night away at The George & Dragon 56 PUBS A handful of Bath’s best boozers

SHOPPING

78

61 SHOPPING Create a groovy vibe with Mind the Gap 62 EDITOR’S CHOICE Sunshine colours

BUSINESS

65 BATHWORKS News, views, and interviews from our

successful local businesses

68 BIZ SURGERY Margaret Heffernan’s entrepreneurial

insights

69 BIZ Q&A Dani Taylor, one of the creative minds behind

interiors retailer Cox & Cox

PROPERTY

75 INTRO Millions on the move 76 PROPERTY NEWS Updates from the market 78 SHOWCASE A rare complete townhouse on The Circus

DEPARTMENTS 7

SPOTLIGHT Take a guided walk through the history of the city with the Bath Preservation Society 13 FLATLINE Flats is so over weddings 82 BATH LIVES The Bath Viking

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, Elsie Chadwick, David Flatman, John Mather, Neil Rose and Matilda Walton 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

www.mediaclash.co.uk I BATH LIFE I 5

SPOTLIGHT The Bath Festival

A break between takes; The Royal Crescent makes another television appearance

BELOW

© T WIT TER @NOSLOHCINWERDNA / INSTAGR AM WERDNA66

FULL STEAM AHEAD The Bath estival inale Weekend will go ahead on and ugust.

With acts for all ages, from c ly to the un ovin’ Criminals headlining alongside B est li & stro, Scouting or irls, Billy cean, abrielle turn to page 1 for more with the singer and Seth akeman among many other e citing performances.

“With government restrictions on events being lifted on 1 uly and things getting back to normal we cannot wait to get back to the Rec this summer,” says an Stockley, chief e ecutive of Bath estivals, which organises the annual music festival in partnership with rchard ive. “We’re really looking forward to being out in the wide green space of Bath Recreation round in the centre of a beautiful World Heritage City with family and friends and enjoying some live music.”

For more: www.bathfestivals.org.uk The Bath Festival Finale Weekend will return in August

Netflix

STARRING ROLE Step aside Bridgerton, there’s a new Georgian drama in town.

This time, Netfli has come to Bath to shoot their adaptation of Persuasion, starring Dakota Johnson (50 Shades of Grey, Our Friend) in the lead role of nne lliot. Based on the novel of the same name by ane usten, Persuasion tells the story of nne lliot and her broken engagement to Captain rederick Wentworth.

The new adaptation also stars Cosmo arvis Peaky Blinders) as the Captain and Henry Golding (Crazy Rich Asians as r lliot.

For more www.netfli .com

Bath Preservation Trust

HITTING THE PAVEMENT

The Bath reservation Trust B T has launched a new series of walking tours that will illuminate the fascinating histories of Bath’s architectural treasures. Throughout the summer, tours taking in the sights from the Crescent to reat ulteney Street and beyond will give an insight into the daily habits of the eorgian aristocracy, as well as the spots thought to form the inspiration for ane usten’s novels Persuasion and Northanger Abbey. “ t’s really e citing to be able to o er these tours and give visitors to Bath and also local residents too an insight into our beautiful and fascinating city.”

For more: www.bath-preservation-trust.org.uk

The BPT’s guides will walk guests through Bath’s history

www.mediaclash.co.uk I BATH LIFE I 7

SPOTLIGHT

THE BEAUTIFUL GAME

We’re celebrating England’s UEFA EURO 2020 efforts with Bath’s best red and white @sarahmcnallycakes

@lou.j.bs

@landracebakery

@flowersofbath1

@katherine.fraser

@rebeccalipkinauthor

Summer Mist by Polly Luce/@the_art_cohort

@wild.fig.bath

@percypugbath

@jmblgr

@bathcityphoto

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

© MAT T CROCKET T

SPOTLIGHT

Charlie & Stan 17-24 July In 1910, Charlie Chaplin and Stan Laurel (then unknown comics) sail from Liverpool to New York together as part of Fred Karno’s famous music hall troupe. This is the story of the greatest double act that never was…

The Unremarkable Death of Marilyn Monroe, 17 September, Ustinov Studio The star as you’ve never seen her: in her bedroom, no glitz, counting down her final moments of life

Theatre Royal

CULTURE CLUB

© JOHN SWANNELL

Private Lives, 28 October – 6 November, Main House. A once-married couple find themselves on the same honeymoon. The catch? They’re with their new spouses

The Dong With A Luminous Nose, 1-2 October, the egg Figurative puppets tell the tale of the classic Lear nonsense poem about a lonely boy and the day ‘the Jumblies’ come to visit

© AL ASTAIR MUIR

Looking Good Dead, 18-23 October – hours after picking up a lost USB stick to return it, Tom Bryce (Adam Woodyatt) becomes witness to a brutal murder…

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

Theatre Royal has revealed its programme for the rest of the year – and we have so much to look forward to.

“Since we reopened our doors in May, it’s been truly wonderful to see theatregoers back inside Bath’s beautiful Theatre Royal delighting in live performances once again,” says Danny Moar, director of Theatre Royal. “I’m immensely proud of the season we have in store for audiences across all three of our auditoria. With drama, comedies, musicals, thrillers, dance, one-nighters, talks and pantomime, our wide-ranging programme really does have something to whet everyone’s appetite. As we all get back to experiencing the things we love, we look forward to welcoming you to the Main House, the Ustinov Studio and The Egg to enjoy the very best performers, much-loved household names and world class theatre companies as they take to the stage here in Bath.”

There are some big names set to visit the city in the next few months, including Julian Clary (The Dresser, 9-18 September), Adam Woodyatt (Looking Good Dead 18-23 October), Nigel Havers and Patricia Hodge (Private Lives, 28 October – 6 November), alongside beloved and creative companies like The Natural Theatre Company (The Truth About Harry Beck, 28 September – 2 October) and Box Clever (Jekyll and Hyde, 3 November).

Head to the Theatre Royal’s website for the full listings.

For more: www.theatreroyal.org.uk

The Dresser, 9-18 September - an evocative, affecting and downright funny portrait of life backstage Myra Dubois in Dead Funny, 4 September, Ustinov Studio and Myra is giving death some serious side eye

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FLAT LINE DAVID FLATMAN

Not all doom and groom

© TAKING PICTURES

Flats doesn’t like standing on ceremony, but he loves love really

“I’ve seen loads of wedding ceremonies.

They’re lovely, but they’re also samey”

I

’m not saying weddings are boring – they’re not. I love weddings – but you kind of know how they’re going to go before you arrive. Sure, every couple has their own quirky little series of names for guests’ tables, and some psychopaths have a cash bar, but we all pretty much know the drill.

Covid has obviously ruined the experience for so many unfortunate couples, though, that a day spent fanning oneself with a lightly textured printed order of service, in sti wooden church pews, sweating a little bit, and knowing precisely what’s coming next feels really quite appealing. Half of folks likely yearn to see their bezzies display their love and utter devotion to their soulmate so that they can have a good cry, while the other half just want a day on the lash in the sun with mates. I don’t want to get into trouble by generalising so aggressively as to tell you who I think is likely in which camp, so I’ll leave it to your own minds to decide how this invisible line might be drawn.

Separately, my girlfriend’s sister gets married next week and said girlfriend cannot wait to bawl her eyes out as her beloved sibling takes her vows, and cannot wait to see the dress (that she has already seen on Whatsapp. I’ve seen it too. It’s nice). And I can’t wait to get the churchy bit done (Covid means it’s way shorter with no signing and I am not telling you what I think of this in case you tell me o for being grateful to the virus for just this one small mercy). Last week at a family gathering a cousin mentioned that she’d kill for a place in the church for the ceremony, and Covid be damned for scuppering her chances. Have mine,’ o ered, ‘I’ll watch your kids outside.’ This went down badly as apparently it made me sound uninvested, but the o er stands. love dearly the couple involved, but I’m not a religious man and I’ve seen loads

of wedding ceremonies. They’re lovely, but they’re also samey.

To this end, I like the idea of doing things slightly di erently if I ever get married again. I mean, I don’t believe in God (though feel genuinely pleased for those who do – he sounds great and seems to bring a level of inner peace and contentment that often I envy), so why would I pay money to do it all in a church? Most of my mates are extra large, so why make them wear suits? Everyone’s got nine kids, so why plan a section where they have to maintain a prolonged silence, hellish both for them and for their terrified parents wedding DVDs last for ever…)?

I reckon I’d get a mate to qualify to do the marrying job, do it in their garden while a barbecue smokes away, then have a nice bit of dinner. I’d plan a massive, chilled party, ideally in a field with amazing food being cooked over fires, loads of lovely boo e, some tents for those who want to rough it, kids losing the plot as sugar rushes plateau then plummet, and I’d then let everyone know that we actually got married last week so we can just crack on and party.

Might do a speech. Might not. No running orders allowed. Just see how it goes. Dress Code: Ideally not nude.

I’m typing this in bed and I just read it to my girlfriend. She said: ‘I hope your future wife likes the whole idea.’

So, might need a Plan B after all. I just really, really hope it doesn’t involve me sitting in a chair that’s too small for me, wearing a suit that’s too small for me, following a schedule that’s too long for me.

David Flatman is an ex-Bath and England rugby star turned TV pundit and rent-o-mic. You can find more Flats on Twitter @davidflatman and Instagram @ dflatman

www.mediaclash.co.uk I BATH LIFE I 13

WEDDINGS

FROM THIS DAY FORWARD Finally we can say I do to weddings…!

By Elsie Chadwick

O

ur experts are gathered here today to celebrate the news that weddings are back.

From tiaras without tantrums through to rings, cakes, venues and photographs, couples can finally start planning their big day once again. So whether it be a up the aisle imminently or a 2022 I do, here comes the guide to keeping it stress-free, special, and safe.

Clare Lloyd Accessories; www.clarelloyd.co.uk

“Having a beautiful headpiece designed and made just for you is quite magical; it’s something that nobody else will ever have and something that will always remind you of your wedding day, as well as being created to tell a little part of your story. Many of the headpieces I make can also be worn as a jewellery after the wedding day, and a unique bespoke beautiful item can become a treasured future heirloom to pass down to the next generation.

“Most often I will design a bespoke headpiece once a bride has bought her wedding dress so that I can create something that will complement the gown, however, I’ve also done it the other way around and the dress is matched to the headpiece. It’s always helpful to have your hair accessories with you when you go for your hair trial so my advice would be to allow a good 12 weeks to complete the bespoke process, make sure you have a budget in mind and discuss this with your designer so they can design something within your budget.”

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

Sarah McNally Bespoke Cakes; www.sarahmcnallycakes.com

“As hard as it may seem given all the rescheduling and stress, try and enjoy the process of planning, and cake tasting is always a good place to start Calendars are already filling up uickly across peak months so get booked in early. If you think all your dream suppliers will be fully booked for your desired date given the wedding backlog, it’s still always worth asking. Even if they can’t do it, there’s a very close-knit community of cake makers and wedding suppliers who are very happy to recommend other fabulous companies that you might not have discovered yet.

“There is a real sense that the weddings are also about celebrating the fact we can all get together with loved ones again and the re uests have received reflect that. or example, cake feasting tables, cricket-style afternoon teas and grazing cake boards – these are collaborative dining experiences that bring the guests together.”

SUAVE OWL; www.suaveowl.co.uk

“After more than a year without quality ‘lads’ time’, the groom and his groomsmen can book an appointment in our Private Grooms Room, complete with bar, to get fitted for the big day in style. There are no limits to how extravagant a groom’s attire can be. But whether it is a grand castle wedding or a small civil ceremony, the finer details of an outfit, often overlooked, are those that will make the groom feel extra special – a crisp new shirt, despite having some in the wardrobe already; a new pair of shoes so that you don’t have to polish out those scu marks; or a pocket square to complement the tie or bow tie.

THIS PAGE: Sarah McNally specialises in bespoke cakes; OPPOSITE: Clare Lloyd creates handmade bridal hair accessories

“Smaller weddings aren’t any less special or meaningful”

Photographer - www.oxiphotography.co.uk; Florist - www.clementinemoon.co.uk; HMUA - www.browsandbrides.co.uk; Dress - www.rachelburgessbridalboutique.co.uk; Stylist - www.katecullen.co.uk

WEDDINGS “A keepsake gift for the groom or groomsmen is always well received, such as an engraved pocket watch. Showing appreciation for your wedding party will make them much more likely to really help out on the big day which means a smooth start to married life for you, maybe all the most precious and important after the bumpy times we’ve had during the pandemic.”

Cami-Lou Jewellery Design; www.camiloujewellery.co.uk

© MEGAN DONATI PHOTOGR APHY

“Give yourself plenty of time to get things just right. Given what’s happened over the last 15 months there might be a tendency to want to get married as quickly as possible. However, I would say just make sure everything is up to a standard that you are completely happy with.

“If your budget allows you may want to give a unique handmade piece of jewellery that has a special meaning to your parents, best man, maid of honour, bridesmaids etc. Then they would always have a personal memory of the day and how much you valued them being a part of it. Never underestimate how good even a small piece of jewellery can make you feel especially when it has been gifted or passed down by a loved one.”

Parish’s House; www.parishshouse.co.uk

“After what has been an incredibly turbulent time during the pandemic with large scale events and in particular weddings being put on hold, we are now emerging with a renewed vigour and many couples are very keen to resume their wedding planning.

“Without doubt planning may have lost its sparkle, and you may find that things have shifted with some suppliers sadly no longer in business, so it’s really important to reinstall that enthusiasm and excitement. Set yourself realistic deadlines in order to stay motivated and tackle each in order of importance.

ABOVE: Independent menswear retailer Suave Owl remind us all eyes will

also be checking out the groom; BELOW: Handmade jewellery like this by Cami-Lou Jewellery Design make wonderful wedding thank yous; RIGHT: Venues like Parish’s House can help you make sure no one is left out due to travel restrictions by helping advise on how to stream your day

“You may want to consider some form of live streaming” www.mediaclash.co.uk I BATH LIFE I 19

© BET T Y BHANDARI PHOTOGR APHY

WEDDINGS

ABOVE: One of photographer Betty Bhandari’s top tips is to chose a great venue, like the Guildhall in Bath seen here; BELOW: Look for a venue that you love nearly as much as your partner is the advice from Woolley Grange Hotel

“You may want to think about providing glamorous and stylish masks for your guests or tiny bespoke hand sanitisers. There might be some guests attending the day who are still cautious, so you might want to send out a welcome message ahead of the wedding to let them know what to expect on the day.

“With travel restrictions still in place for a lot of countries, some of your guests may not be able to make it or there are those who are still cautious about attending larger scale events, you may want to consider some form of live streaming so no one is left out of your special day.”

“My greatest advice, apart from contacting your photographer early as we are all getting booked up so quickly, would be to choose a venue with enough space for (safe) socialising and allowing time in the order of the day. Many couples rush from the ceremony to the drinks reception, then group portraits and wedding breakfast. If they don’t allow for plenty of time they basically remove their only option to mingle with the guests.

“Choice of locations and venues as well as timings have the greatest impact on wedding photography. The photos look very di erent if you get ready in a messy room or a stylish hotel. Do try to think out of the box – did you know that the Holburne Museum hosts weddings?

It is one of the most incredible backdrops. And if you don’t have a big budget do consider a marquee in your own or mum and dad’s back garden. Marquees come in all sort of sizes, are always clean and well-lit and o er a lot of options to customise it in your particular way.”

Woolley Grange Hotel; www.woolleygrangehotel.co.uk

“Choose quality over quantity. Far better to have fewer guests but a lovely setting, great food, wine and service. Chose a location that feels welcoming to you, is fle ible to your needs, and that you fall in love with

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

© ROWENA TAYLOR

Betty Bhandari Photography; www.bettybhandari.com

WEDDINGS

© REBECCA FAITH PHOTOGR APHY

“There is a real sense that weddings are about celebrating that we can all get together with loved ones again”

ABOVE: Discover the romance of Beckford’s Tower, which is looked after by the Bath Preservation Trust; BELOW: Gold rings, like these by Jody Cory, can become heirlooms for future generations

almost as much as your spouse-to-be. After 2020, escaping to celebrate in a beautiful space will make your wedding even more memorable to both you and your guests.

“Now that you can have outside weddings this may add a new dimension. We think that getting married in our ancient orchard or walled garden would be rather special, or perhaps poolside with views across the valley. Our new glamping site also provides great opportunities for those who take exclusive use of it providing an idyllic location for a country wedding.”

Jody Cory Goldsmiths; www.jodycory.co.uk

“During this difficult time it’s easy for couples to feel disheartened during the planning process. My advice would be to allow yourself to get excited about your special day again, plan a day to look around your venue, make appointments to see your florist, book an appointment to choose your wedding rings together.

“When it comes to buying wedding rings I would suggest a couple start looking at rings early in the process. We can source wedding rings last minute for couples that are on shorter deadlines but generally we like to make handmade wedding rings – particularly for the bride so we can make it a perfect fit to her engagement ring. Handmade rings can take approximately six weeks to make depending on the complexity of the design. A nice idea with the jewellery is to add a diamond or birth stone. Some couples even have one set on the inside as a secret message to each other. Another special idea is adding a diamond to their wedding ring every year for their anniversary. We are also able to use heirloom gold to make wedding rings and bands, which the couple know can then be passed down through the family, making their bands incredibly personal and sentimental.”

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

No 1 Royal Crescent and Beckford’s Tower; www.bath-preservation-trust.org.uk

“Smaller weddings aren’t any less special or meaningful. The wedding is just one day that leads to the rest of your life together. Holding a more intimate ceremony followed by a larger gathering can be a great way to celebrate your love for each other and share it with your friends and family. Recently we have started to suggest spending slightly more on a photographer and videographer to gather the memories of the day. The couple can then send a photo book and a lovely film of their day, to all those guests unable to make it. One wedding party also asked for guests to dress up in wedding attire and take photos of themselves to send to the couple so they could be included in their wedding album.

“We have two beautiful iconic buildings to hold weddings; Beckford’s Tower and No1 Royal Crescent, along with No1 Royal Crescent courtyard that we are hoping to use more as the restrictions on numbers start to lift.

One couple chose individual grazing boxes for the wedding breakfast on the lawn in front of No1 Royal Crescent after the intimate wedding, everyone joined them on the lawn. We’ve also hosted a couple who had a picnic overlooking Bath from Beckford’s Tower after their ceremony before walking along the road for a few drinks at the Hare & Hounds.” n

Jewellery handmade in Bath, by Camilla Louise using precious metals, semi-precious and precious gemstones. www.camiloujewellery.co.uk camilla@camiloujewellery.co.uk  camilou_jewellerydesigns

SCENE T H E L AT E S T A DV E N T U R E S I N PA R T Y- GO I N G AC ROSS BAT H John Shore and Paula Shore

Amy Wells and Laura Hobden The Craig Charles Funk and Soul Club

Liz Usher and Sarah Riggott

PARTY IN THE PARK

In June, Tom Kerridge’s Pub in the Park descended on the city, and with it came all that we have been missing: live music, delicious food and dancing with strangers.

There were tasty dishes to tuck into from top pubs like The Hand & Flowers, The Mariner’s by Paul Ainsworth and The Pony & Trap, live demonstrations from chefs including Josh Eggleton (The Pony & Trap), TV’s James Martin (Saturday Kitchen, BBC) and Tom himself – with many others.

Meanwhile Beverly Knight, Sophie Ellis-Bextor and Tom Walker headlined among a range of other fantastic musical acts like The Craig Charles Funk and Soul Club.

Photos by Jessie Myers and Lloyd Evans of Soul Media

Pete Wilce-Spittle and Bex Wilce-Spittle

www.soul-media.co.uk

“Hands up if you’re having a good time!”

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

Natasha Davies, Harriet Jones and Leanne Fix

Lee Fuller and Jane Wallington

SOCIETY

Beth Llewelyn, Allison Lewis and Sian Bradley

Nick Rajan, Carie Martin, Alex Peters and Georgie Dodd Sam Singh and Amina

Deb Connor and Jim Connor

The Kingdom Choir

Fern Green, Hayley Hewitt, Clover, Esther, and Pam Hewitt Linda Towey and Lindsay Baker

Tanya Orlowski and Susan Pattison

Beverly Knight

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

SOCIETY

Richard Osman

Sadie Hasler and Mahsuda Snaith Mel Giedroyc

Aminata Kanneh-Mason

CULTURE FIX

The end of May saw the very welcome return of The Bath estival. We flocked to venues around the city to enjoy author appearances, theatre and live music. There were too many highlights to name – from The elualdo Si ’s breath taking choral performance in the Roman Baths to appearances with celebrity authors like Mel Giedroyc, Robert Webb and Kadiatu Kannah-Mason. It was a much needed injection of culture into a city that has sorely missed it, and marked the beginning of a summer filled with more theatre, live music and art work for Bath to enjoy.

Photos by Dan Martin and Nick Spratling www.bathfestivals.org.uk

Hollie McNish

Apphia Campbell

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

Sheila Hannon of Show of Strength with visitors on the Frankenstein themed walk of Bath Caroline Hirons

© NICK SPRATLING

© NICK SPRATLING

Steven Gale interviewing Robert Webb

Maisie Hill

ENGAGEMENT AND WEDDING RINGS HANDMADE BESPOKE JEWELLERY REPAIRS AND REMODELLING

9 Abbey Churchyard, Bath, BA1 1LY | 01225 460072 jody@jodycory.co.uk | www.jodycory.co.uk |

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

DREAM COME TRUE Gabrielle, who is one of the headline acts for The Bath Festival Finale Weekend on Saturday 7 August at the Bath Recreation Ground, is known for her huge anthems such as Rise, Dreams, and Out of Reach. But more recently she caught our attention as a harlequin on the ITV surprise hit show, The Masked Singer.

The London born singer songwriter had originally been o ered the chance to sing as Blob the Badger but instead opted for the Italian commedia dell’art style character. “As soon as I saw a sketch of harlequin I knew she was for me,” says Gabrielle. “The costume was beautiful but it was incredibly heavy, and so hot.

The crew try to not keep you in your mask for too long but as soon as I put mine on I was overheating and had to have at least three people holding fans up to help me cool down. It was so hard to sing in the mask, but I loved the show and am so glad I took part.”

For more: www.bathfestivals.org.uk

www.mediaclash.co.uk I BATH LIFE I 31

Daydreaming by Victoria Topping for Modern ArtBuyer

WHAT’S ON 17 July – 12 August

EXHIBITIONS Until 18 July

ROSTRA GALLERY & MODERN ARTBUYER POP UP Modern ArtBuyer and Rostra Gallery have joined creative forces once again for this Milsom Place pop-up to bring you the best of their artist portfolios. These include the Bath-based Victoria Topping, as seen on our cover, whose distinctive work is created using a fusion of technology and traditional techni ues and is heavily influenced by music, from the styling and art direction of 1970s jazz and soul, to the passion and ebullience of gospel and disco. Also being showcased are Paul Minott, Maria Rivans, and Jonathan Stewardson. www.rostramabcollab.co.uk

Until 1 August

PRECIOUS AND RARE: ISLAMIC METALWORK FROM THE COURTAULD Ten remarkable highlights from the

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

spectacular Courtauld’s collection of Islamic metalwork are on display. These include the exquisite Courtauld Bag, made in Mosul (present-day northern Iraq) around 1300-1330 for a lady of the PersianMongol court, which is recognised as one of the finest pieces of slamic inlaid metalwork still in existence.

Holburne Museum; www.holburne.org

Until 28 August

BETH CARTER Beth Carter’s ambiguous fictional compositions, with bird-heads and cat-heads appearing as her less predatory take on the Minotaur legend, beautifully conflates both classical and contemporary masculinity myths. Beaux Arts; www.beauxartsbath.co.uk

Until 30 August

NICHOLAS POPE In Portraits of a Marriage, ten sculptures – in characteristically entertaining, abstract but also honest and poignant form – depict the artist

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

and his late wife at di erent stages of their 40 years of marriage.

Holburne Museum; www.holburne.org

Until 4 September

MONUMENTS, EMPIRE AND SLAVERY The exhibition focusses on a number of the Abbey’s memorials that reveal the not always fair and just relationships between those commemorated in the Abbey, the city of Bath, the British Empire, and the slave trade in the 1700 and 1800s. Bath Abbey; www.bathabbey.org

Until 5 September

CANALETTO: PAINTING VENICE This once-in-a-lifetime exhibition will enable visitors to enjoy and study up-close 23 beautiful paintings that present not only cultural and historical themes of 18th-century Venice and the Grand Tour, but also explores the artist’s life and beliefs through his work.

Holburne Museum; www.holburne.org

Until 8 September

THOMAS LAWRENCE: COMING OF AGE The Holburne useum’s first ever online exhibition will give insight into the early life of the great portrait painter, who honed his talents as a child, sketching in his father’s inn in Devizes, before then coming to capture Bath society. Holburne Museum; www.holburne.org

Until 19 September

FREUD, MINTON, RYAN: UNHOLY TRINITY This unique exhibition will celebrate the life of Adrian Ryan (1920-1998), and his friends John Minton (19171957) and Lucian Freud (1922-2011).

In the tight community of the art world of pre-war London, the three artists were colleagues and friends. s ambitious figurative painters with at first hopeful and promising career trajectories, all three explored a relaxed intimacy behind closed doors, especially during the war years.

Victoria Art Gallery; www.victoriagal.org.uk

BRITISH COUNCIL, LONDON, UK © THE LUCIAN FREUD ARCHIVE, BRIDGEMAN IMAGES

WHAT’S ON Until 31 October

OUCH! This online exhibition draws on the themes of pain as explored by the University’s Bath Centre for Pain Research. It is made up of an interdisciplinary team who examine how pain a ects people’s lives.

The ‘in person’ exhibition of Ouch! is now rescheduled to take place at 44AD’s gallery in September. www.44ad.net

Until 31 October

SHOOTING STARS: CARINTHIA WEST, BRITAIN AND AMERICA IN THE 1970S Features a collection of 63 intimate natural portraits, including Mick Jagger and Ronnie Wood, and lifestyle shots taken in America and the UK by 1970s model and actor, turned journalist and photographer Carinthia West. American Museum; www.americanmuseum.org

Until 2022 ABOVE:

Lucian Freud’s Girl with Roses, painted in 1947-8 is exhibiting at Victoria Art Gallery as part of the Unholy Trinity exhibition MIDDLE: Priscilla Queen of the Desert with Edwin Ray, Jak Allen Anderson, and Justin Lee Jones comes to Bath BELOW: Catch comedian Esther Manito at both Komedia on 31 July and as part of the Permission to Laugh two week Bath Comedy Festival

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

26 July–10 October

MY KID COULD’VE DONE THAT! The Holburne Museum is staging an exhibition at The Edge arts centre at the University of Bath of brand-new work by 15 contemporary artists and their children, which then invites art lovers to determine just who created the work on display? Creative participants include Harriet Bowman and her son Len, Dickon Drury and son Cosmo, and Kate Owens with daughter Trudy. www.edgearts.org/ www.holburne.org

30 July–26 September

DAVID A. PARFITT A new exhibition of paintings and prints by Somerset landscape artist David . arfitt at Black Swan rts in rome reflects on our connections with nature, place and home.

Most of the work in 20 Miles – a mixture of dramatic, sometimes almost abstract, watercolours and striking monochromatic monoprints – has been created in David’s studio during the lockdowns of 2020 and 2021. www.blackswanarts.org.uk

MUSIC 20 July

THE ROY ORBISON AND TRAVELING WILBURYS STORY The cast perform songs, not only from The Traveling Wilburys’ albums, but also from each individual artist, including George Harrison, e ynne, Tom etty, Bob Dylan and Roy Orbison. The Bath Forum; www.bathforum.co.uk

30 July

KAISER CHIEFS We predict a riotously good time when Ricky Wilson, Andrew White, Simon Rix, Nick Baines and Vijay Mistry get ready to rock.

The following day, 31 July, it’s the turn of Rag’n’Bone Man with his distinctive baritone voice (see page 36 for more). Bath Racecourse; www.bath-racecourse.co.uk

COMEDY 24 July

ARTHUR SMITH – CRESCENT LAUGHTER Famously Grumpy Old Man Arthur Smith leads us on a merry romp around some of Bath’s architectural gems. Along with the hysterical and historical insights, there may even be some wine along the way. Book tickets for either the 2pm or 4pm jaunt. Or both. www.bathcomedy.com

24 July & 31 July

KRATER COMEDY CLUB Laugh along to comics the Noise Next Door and Sarah Callaghan with MC Rob Mulholland on the 24 July, and the following week it’s the turn of Glenn Wool, Josh Jones, Esther Manito with MC Mark Olver. The cabaret style seating comes with several dining options as well as table service.

Komedia Bath; www.komedia.co.uk

27 July

HENNING WEHN – DAS NEUEN MATERIALEN NACHTEN Some might call it work-inprogress but Henning, the German Comedy Ambassador, prefers to describe it as a masterpiece-underconstruction, as he delivers some old favourites and an unbiased Henning look at everyone’s favourite topic of conversation: a certain virus. Widcombe Social Club; www.bathcomedy.com

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

WHAT’S ON THEATRE / CINEMA

17 – 24 July

CHARLIE AND STAN This tells the musical story of what could’ve been when, in 1910, the unknown Charlie Chaplin and Stan Laurel set sail on board a steamer from Liverpool to New York as part of Fred Karno’s famous music hall troupe. On the voyage, they shared a cabin, comedy routines, and a brief friendship. In later years, Laurel would often speak of Chaplin, but Chaplin never said a word about the encounter. Theatre Royal Bath; www.theatreroyal.org.uk

21 July

WONDER WITH GRIMM An evening of enchanting storytelling full of magic, puppetry and music, suitable for ages five years+. Pack a picnic, dress for the inclement weather, and don’t forget to bring something to sit on for the telling of family-friendly, moderntwist fairytales. American Museum; www.americanmuseum.org

21 & 22 July

HITCHHIKER Dougie has dropped out of uni halfway through his third year to start a sci fi radio show from his bedroom. With music, dance, and aliens, Hitchhiker is a brand new comedy by Jessy Roberts, about running away, perspectives, and The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy. Rondo Theatre; www.rondotheatre.co.uk

23 & 24 July

SAVING BRITNEY Saving Britney is a hilarious, heartbreaking and critically acclaimed look at celebrity obsession, sexuality and growing up in the early noughties; featuring more nostalgia than you can shake a Tamagochi at.

Rondo Theatre; www.rondotheatre.co.uk

26 – 31 July

PRISCILLA, QUEEN OF THE DESERT With more glitz and glamour than ever before, this show-stopping musical features spectacular dance routines, a dazzling array of eyepopping costumes, and a scintillating, sing-a-long soundtrack full of your favourite dance floor classics, including ot tu It s aining en o est I ill urvive irls ust anna Have Fun, and Finally – this is pure sparkly joy guaranteed. Theatre Royal Bath; www.theatreroyal.org.uk

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

7 August

MISSRED Set in 1930s England, Fran Ethel Red, born and then fostered many times in Bristol, is about to go on a journey….

Not on her imaginary ship with its crew of friends as she regularly does but this time, she is o to e plore new horizons. With a cast of over 50 young performers and adults from Bath and surrounding areas, and lot of this rehearsed over Zoom, this family musical is guaranteed to feel pretty special. Bath Forum; www.bathforum.co.uk

FESTIVALS

Until 31 July

BATH COMEDY FESTIVAL The bubbling brains of the Bath Comedy team present the Permission To Laugh two week festival with stellar comic names including Arthur Smith, Henning Wehn, Esther Manito, Sasha Ellen, Alastair Barrie, and new act competitions. See the Bath Comedy website for prices, venues and times. www.bathcomedy.com

Until 31 July

BATH FRINGE 2021 A bumper packed programme that includes events from Fringe Arts Bath, Bath Arts Workshop, and Bedlam Fair. There’s theatre, live music, comedy, and visual arts popping up all over the city. Look out for the Livestream event celebrating the birthday of Emperor Haile Selassie I on 23 July, and also the Natural Theatre Company with several promenade performances of Shakespeare Undone. www.bathfringe.co.uk

23 – 25 July

BATH BOULES Taking place in the heart of Bath each year, the much-loved and longstanding Bath Boules tournament weekend is all about having fun whilst fundraising. The three-day event, which is now in its 31st year, sees 64 teams competing on each day in Queen Square, with fun activities and delicious food stalls. www.bathboules.com

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 feasting table, before the evening of celebration with music and dancing. Camping will be available to all ticket holders at no extra cost. amie s Farm www. amies arm.org.u

ABOVE: See Saving Britney at the Rondo Theatre on 23 & 24 July MIDDLE: A grumpy Arthur Smith promises some laughs on his Bath walking tour as part of the Bath Comedy Festival on 24 July BELOW: The Natural Theatre Company will be performing Shakespeare Undone as part of the packed Bath Fringe programme of events

Bath's best kept secret Bath, BA2 7BD

americanmuseum.org

© ROBJONES; W W W. KHROMACOLLECTIVE.CO.UK

WHAT’S ON

Farm Festival returns to a field in Bruton and the crowd gives thanks

30 – 31 July

FARMFEST Farmfest started as a small party for friends and has retained that feeling 15 years on. It remains completely independent and sponsor-free with this year’s headliners will include Ibibio Sound Machine, Beak>, and Sophie Hunger. www.farmfestival.co.uk

Longleat. Using a variety of materials and crafting methods, these nine installations tell the unique and fascinating story of Longleat, such as the time kangaroos roamed the lawns in the 1800s. Turn to page 40 for more on this.

Longleat; www.longleat.co.uk

24 July

THE BATH FESTIVAL FINALE WEEKEND Join McFly, Scouting For Girls, Gabrielle (turn to page 31 for more) UB40 ft Ali Campbell & Astro, Billy Ocean, and Fun Lovin’ Criminals, performing at Bath Recreation Ground, where there will also be a Kids’ Zone with live entertainment, festival style stalls selling delicious artisan food, along with cider and beer bars. www.bathfestivals.org.uk

STORIES AT THE FARM Pack a picnic, put those beers in a cooler, sling a camping chair over your shoulder, or pull up a hay bale and join the A Word In Your Ear crew at a secret nearby farm location for an evening of sparkling wit and joyous storytelling with Mark Rutterford, Philip Douch, Stephanie Weston, Clare Reddaway, Dawn Lippiatt and Elaine Miles. Plus there is the opportunity to have your own short story to be read by actor Catherine Mallorie. www.awordinyourear.org.uk

10 – 12 September

24 July – 7 August

7 – 8 August

VINTAGE NOSTALGIA FESTIVAL A fun and fabulously charming family festival in Stockton Park celebrating a rose-tinted past with jazz, swing, classic cars, vintage fashion, and dance. www. vintagenostalgiafestival.co.uk

OTHER

Until 1 August

BATH ON THE BEACH Along with big screens showing sport, there’s table tennis, pétanque, and adventure golf to play and to indulge in, summer-inspired cocktails, woodfired pi a, loaded nachos and fries at the Bath Caribbean-inspired beach bar, located at the Royal Pavilion in Victoria Park. www.bathonthebeach.co.uk

Until 29 August

SUMMER SUNDAYS Every Sunday around the city centre, there’s going to be a range of pop-up, free performances including Jane Austen dancers, samba bands, and street theatre. Plus look out for free face painting, craft workshops and arts activities. www.welcometobath.co.uk

Until 12 September

TALES OF THE GARDEN Experience specially commissioned sculptures blooming up across the expansive landscaped grounds of

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

The Rag’n’Bone Man performs in Bath 31 July

JULIAN HOUSE’S BIG SUMMER SCAVENGER HUNT The new event has two trails to choose from in return for a donation. ‘Super Spies’ is a real-life family adventure, a two-mile route suitable for children of all ages, pushchairs and wheelchair users. And the special ‘Code Breaker’ Trail, a six-mile GPS hunt perfect for adults and older teenagers. It’s a win win as challengers explore the local countryside whilst hunting down the riddles to crack the code. www.julianhouse.org.uk

24 July / 4 August / 22 August

SECRETS OF BATH WALKS Explore history on our doorstep with expertly guided walks that, not only reveal the background of some of the finest alladian architecture in the world, but also introduce the routines, leisure and entertainment of the aristocracy. Page 7 for more. www.bath-preservation-trust.org.uk

14 August

CHARITY ZUMBATHON For just £10, dance away for two hours, from 2pm - 4pm, with the Dance Fit Bath team at Bath Pavilion, while also raising money Children’s Hospice South West. Turn up, pay on the door and get a free t-shirt. www. ace oo .com dancefit n

FIVE MINUTE CHAT…

We sat down with singer songwriter RAG’N’BONE MAN ahead of his Bath Racecourse gig on 31 July and discover he’s only human after all…

How has lockdown been for you?

I’ve spent a lot of it hanging out with my boy. I look at it as time I’ll never have again so I wanted to make the most of the opportunity even if the circumstances that forced it were a bit messed up.

However he seemed more interested in the massive Spider-Man bouncy castle I got him last summer than anything else!

What can we expect from your new album Life By Misadventure?

I commandeered all of my favourite musicians and we did the whole album live. Essentially, I wanted it to be completely separate from the Human album and to me this feels more like a project than an album. It’s honest and I’ve not held back on anything and it covers a lot. Not just musically but lyrically. It feels interesting and it feels hopeful.

How did your collaboration with P!nk come about?

When I heard Alecia Moore [P!nk’s real name] on the debut album rose ave, which she made with Dallas Green as the duo You+Me), I knew I wanted to work with her one day. So when Anywhere Away From Here was written I knew it couldn’t have been a better song for us to sing together and I felt pretty honoured she wanted to be part of it.

What are you most proud of so far in your career and what is your career highlight to date?

This latest album. It’s a milestone for me. I feel more comfortable as a songwriter and I’m so proud of it.

What are you looking forward to bringing to Bath Racecourse?

Absolute bangers! I can’t wait to be back on stage performing.

For more: www.bath-racecourse.co.uk

BOOKS NIC BOTTOMLEY

Peak season They’re all coming round the mountain in these three Mr B recommendations

“Cloris’s trials on the mountain are perilous and begin with real tragedy”

I

browsed my own shop swiftly earlier this week before heading o yes, actually out of the house and town o ’ for a couple of days away from everything yes, actually and genuinely away’ . Doing that last minute swing around my own shop to decide what to buy as downtime reading is a real treat. This time around with only two days potential reading time to fill limited myself to the paperbacks on our main tables and tried to grab books that not too many of my fellow bookselling colleagues were already raving about.

The accidental result was a very mountainous reading pile in terms of subject not si e. By some coincidence, the first two novels had chosen featured characters who found themselves in peril amongst the high peaks, the first ending up in such inhospitable terrain by their own design and the other through misadventure. n A Hundred Million Years and a Day

by Jean-Baptiste Andrea allic, . palaeontologist Stan breaks out at last from academia to undertake a self funded e pedition to an e posed plateau high in the Dolomites. With the help of his trusted friend mberto, who brings along his assistant eter, and a circumspect local guide, Stan aims to make his permanent scientific mark by discovering a vast dinosaur skeleton he believes to be trapped in a cave on the plateau.

But Stan’s only evidence of the treasure he seeks is the testimony of a little girl who had been told stories of a dragon by a now deceased concierge in her building who also had a single ancient tooth amongst his belongings. This fragile basis for a perilous search helps erode confidence in the mission as the short summer e ploration window drifts by with no likely cavern found, and tensions begin to rise as the group debate whether to descend defeated or risk staying until the beginning of autumn.

A Hundred Million Years and a Day is only a short novel but it’s full of action and suspense and, unlike some adventure novels with their megalomaniac heroes, it has a cast of characters that you really want to see make it safely down the mountain. The relationships between the group come under pressure as conditions worsen, with Stan’s ambitions and emotional scars from his childhood combining particularly unfavourably with the eccentricities of eter and

his outspoken fireside puppet uri n Kingdomtide by Rye Curtis ourth state, . Cloris Waldrip never meant to stay long in ontana’s Bitterroot ountains, a particularly dramatic and inhospitable segment of the Rockies. But what was supposed to be a brief vacation away from her pancake flat Te as homeland, turns into a nightmare when her husband and their pilot are killed as their small plane goes down in the wilderness. lone, devoid of outdoor skills, and with only her handbag and a few items salvaged from the wreckage, Cloris makes the decision to head towards a distant snag of smoke rather than stay at the crash site. s Cloris begins her relentless stumble through forest, along riverbanks and over boulders, recently divorced park ranger Debra ewis is musing over the single repeated word “Cloris” she’d heard over a scratchy radio transmission and wondering if it somehow signifies trouble for someone in her part of the mountains.

None of the above gives any hint as to just how funny Kingdomtide is. Ranger ewis is as dysfunctional as they come, or at least that’s what you think until you meet some of her companions in the search for Cloris. nd whilst Cloris’s trials on the mountain are perilous and begin with real tragedy, they are described with so much wit, absurdity and gallows humour that you often find yourself forgetting the seriousness of her situation. f you want your mountain drama true to life then, lastly, should mention here the long awaited arrival into paperback form of The Moth and the Mountain by Ed Caesar enguin, 1 . .

Telling the e traordinary story of aurice Wilson, this part biography part tale of daring do focuses on the World War 1 veteran’s uni ue plan to steal the glory for being the first to ascend verest.

His plan To fly a gipsy moth plane onto the mountain’s lesser slopes and then climb up from that higher start point. mbitious and foolhardy as plans go; particularly if, like Wilson, you’re not much of a pilot and have no climbing e perience.

Were they only all real and contemporaneous, Wilson, Stan and Cloris Wildrop would have made uite the e peditionary team.

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 39

Artist Charlotte Austen puts the finishing touches to a sculpture beside the fountain at Longleat based on a Thynne family photograph from 1926

THE LAWN OF TIME Longleat’s past brought to life in an outdoor sculpture exhibition

By John Mather 40 I BATH LIFE I www.mediaclash.co.uk

John Alexander Thynne with the head gardener, whose name couldn’t be traced, pictured in the Longleat grounds in 1902

ARTS

CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT: Coachman with Lord Alexander Thynne c. 1878;

One of the new horse sculptures in Longleat’s stable block; Rebecca McDonald works on recreating one of those troublesome peacocks; Current Longleat head gardener Jules Curtis next to a statue of his predecessor; Charlotte Austen works on the head of the head gardener

F

ascinating stories from five centuries of ongleat’s rich history have been brought to life as part of a major new outdoor e hibition. Tales of the Garden, which runs until 1 September, features a series of stunning sculptures celebrating real people and animals who helped shape ongleat’s grounds and gardens from the late 1 th century through to the present day.

They have been created by artists Charlotte usten, Rebecca cDonald, enny Spedding and their teams using a range of materials including jesmonite, steel, wool, wood, wire, ink, fabric, pigment and gold leaf. n nine di erent installations dotted around the Wiltshire estate’s formal gardens and historic Stable ard visitors can find out about the illustrious landscape architects and garden designers who contributed to ongleat’s appearance down through the centuries such as eorge ondon, Capability’ Brown, Humphry Repton, Russell age and raham Burgess, each guided by the visions of the Thynne family. ther sculptures mark the visit of ing eorge in 1 , who reputedly planted an oak which is still standing today; pay tribute to the family’s beloved pets over the years; and showcase real figures from ongleat’s past. any of the sculptures have been inspired by images taken from ongleat’s archives. These include figures based on the estate’s head gardener in 1 and members of the Thynne family playing with a pond yacht in the fountain from Christmas 1 . ongleat’s architectural history is also featured with tales of the creation of the ove a e fountain, rangery, Boathouse and Stables.

There are even sculptures displaying how the history of animal collections goes back further than the opening of the drive through Safari ark in 1 . This includes the kangaroos kept at ongleat as far back as the 1 th century, the troublesome peacocks and pheasants of the 1 s who strutted around the Secret arden occasionally terrorising the visitors, and the waddle of king penguins who happily roamed about the gardens.

For more: www.longleat.co.uk

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

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SPONSORED CONTENT

A DESIGN & SOURCING SOLUTION UNDER ONE ROOF Peggy Braybrook, design centre manager at TILE & FLOOR, an independent Bath business, talks about how the breadth of their range and design expertise will make your project faster and simpler.

E

stablished in the Georgian city of Bath nearly 45 years ago, we still take inspiration from an architectural style that married fashion and elegance with symmetry and simplicity.

Today our team works with clients to take this inspiration and more contemporary rules of good design to create spaces that are practical and timeless.

Our work covers three core principles:

STAGE 1: DESIGNING A SPACE This lies at the heart of our work. Layout of a room and the quirks or inconsistencies can be the make or break of a project. Whether you’re planning a new bathroom or kitchen, small changes to refresh a hall or downstairs loo, or have a full house refurbishment in mind, we’ll work with you to understand the vision, assess the challenges and then blend the right combination of materials for your scheme.

STAGE 2: SOURCING THE BEST MATERIALS We search out the latest and most unusual floor and wall coverings from around the world. If you have seen a picture of something you like on social media or in a magazine or have a sample from elsewhere, chances are we can match or find it for you.

From natural or engineered wood, limestone and marble, to beautiful Moroccan Zellige, Bejmat, encaustic and hand-crafted tiles, plain or patterned in a multitude of colours, as well as a wide range of carpets – we have everything under one roof with many ranges exclusive to us. The world really is your oyster!

STAGE 3: CREATING THE FINAL VISION We work with you to create a package of floor and wall coverings that fit your vision and budget. We then meticulously check the materials before delivery. Whether we’re collaborating with your own building team or project managing the installation, it’s those tiny noticeable details that elevate a space from good to exceptional.

We’re a small, tight-knit team who love the clients we meet and the work we do. Make an appointment at our design centre to be inspired – we have thousands of samples and will help you navigate the plethora of trend, material, shape, colour and finish choices. n

“DESIGN LIES AT THE HEART OF OUR SERVICE” 01225 310561; www.tileandfloor.co.uk Quote BL0721 for your 15% discount on materials*. *Terms and conditions apply, not to be used in conjunction with other offers. Valid until September 2021

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

© TOM WARRY FOR PENTATHLON GB

CARRYING THE TORCH

© CL ARE GREEN

© ONEDITION

Meet the sportspeople from Bath making their way to the Tokyo 2020 Olympic and Paralympic Games

By Neil Rose

OLYMPICS

A

year later than scheduled, the Tokyo 2020 Olympic and Paralympic ames are finally here and there will be plenty of sportspeople from Bath to cheer on over the coming weeks. Nearly 30 athletes who live and train in the city will be competing for their countries across a variety of sports on the biggest stage of all, with the Olympics getting underway on 23 July and the Paralympics beginning on 24 August.

All are dreaming of joining the celebrated ranks of global medallists that Bath has produced over the years, with some of them having already experienced the joy and pride of appearing on the Olympic or Paralympic podium.

One such athlete is Vicky Holland, who was the first niversity of Bath based sportsperson to be officially selected by Team GB for the Tokyo Olympics back in November. She made history at Rio 1 by becoming the first female triathlete to win an Olympic medal for Great Britain, a brilliant bronze.

Training under the guidance of coach and husband Rhys Davey at British Triathlon’s Bath National Performance Centre, Vicky was also crowned World Champion in 2018 and says she is going to her third and final lympic ames with confidence high but without the pressure of e pectation following her achievements five years ago. “ am definitely shooting for the top but ’m going to be a three time lympian and have a medal no matter what happens, so that is something will take great pride in,” says icky. “ reparation has been going really well. t’s not the kind you would like, preparing for an Olympic Games during a global pandemic, but actually think it has gone about as well as it could have done.”

Vicky would normally spend much of the winter doing warm-weather training overseas but, with travel and quarantine restrictions, this year has been spent solidly at the Team Bath Sports Training Village, working alongside fellow Olympians and Paralympians in the multi-sport environment that remained open for elite training purposes in line with

“It’s exciting to have so many people from Bath going”

OPPOSITE PAGE, CLOCKWISE FROM TOP: Jamie Cooke, Joe Choong, Kate French and

Jo Muir pictured at the Roman Baths; Freya Anderson, Jacob Peters, Ben Proud, Kieran Bird, James Guy, Brodie Williams, Matt Richards, Tom Dean and Calum Jarvis at the Team Bath Sports Training Village; Stephanie Millward with her Rio 2016 gold medal; ABOVE: Triathlon athlete Vicky Holland in swim training; BELOW: James Guy weight training

the overnment’s Return to Sport protocol. She says, “ veryone has been so focussed on Tokyo and even though we’ve been thrown some crazy circumstances we are all doing our very best to get on with it and hopefully be in the right shape to take on the world.”

Training in the same 50m pool as Vicky are nine swimmers who have ualified for the lympic ames and aralympic star Stephanie Millward, who will be looking to add to her incredible 10-medal collection including two gold when she competes at her fourth ames this August. The Olympic cohort also contains a host of medal contenders with Ben Proud, who has been working with University coach Mark Skimming this year, a former 50m freestyle World Champion.

“This lympics will be uite special, particularly after the last year and a-half not knowing whether the Games would even go ahead,” says Ben, who competed at Rio 1 . “Coming back to the lympics for a second time, the goals are di erent but the ambition is still high.”

James Guy won two silver medals in Rio and is eager for more success, saying “ t’s nice to be here with a new team and can’t wait for Tokyo this summer. t’s e citing to have so many people from Bath going,we did a great job at the lympic Trials and think we can progress it going into the Games.”

James is part of the world-renowned British Swimming National Centre Bath elite training group, led by coaches Dave McNulty and Jol Finck, that produced four medallists at the past two Olympic Games and Tom Dean, who combines swimming with studying Mechanical ngineering at the niversity, is keen to write his own chapter in the success story. “ oining a centre like Bath with so much history and heritage was and remains inspirational,” says Tom, a Bill Whiteley Sporting Scholar who will be joined in Tokyo by colleagues Freya Anderson, Kieran Bird, Calum Jarvis, Jacob Peters, Matt Richards and Brodie Williams. “ knew was coming to a place where so many great sport stars, from swimming and beyond, had come through to enjoy success. t’s e citing to see so many young athletes working hard and preparing for the pinnacle of their sporting careers.”

Making full use of the multisport environment are the modern

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

pentathletes who do their fencing, swimming, running and laser-shoot training at the University. It has been home to Pentathlon GB’s National Training Centre since 1 and five lympians have brought medals back to Bath during that time, with this year’s uartet confident of adding to that tally.

Jamie Cooke is a former World and European Champion, Joe Choong and Kate French have both won the World Cup Final and Jo Muir, like her team-mates, has a host of medals on the World Cup circuit. Kate, who finished fifth at Rio 1 , has already won two gold medals during 1 and says, “ t is an ama ing feeling and an honour to be representing my country at an lympic ames and can’t believe get to do it twice loved my first lympic e perience and it gave me more determination to compete in Tokyo.” ually prolific in producing international medallists is the S World Class Wheelchair Fencing Programme, which has been based at Team Bath for the past five years. Dimitri Coutya and Piers Gilliver have both been crowned World Champion during that time, the latter also winning silver at the Rio 1 aralympic ames, and they will be joined in Tokyo by emerging star Oliver Lam-Watson, an avid YouTuber who uses the platform to debunk myths about disability and talk about issues such as mental health. “ our years ago was told would never be an athlete, so if you’re young, disabled and having a tough time of it get it, that was me too,” he says. “ encourage you to dream big, make every moment count, and don’t listen when people tell you to ‘take it easy, play it safe’.”

Track and field athletes from Bath heading to Tokyo include Emily Diamond, a m relay bron e medallist at the Rio lympics, and two high jump training partners at di erent stages of their international careers – debutant Tom Gale, representing Team GB, and Levern Spencer, who will be competing at her fourth Games.

Reigning Commonwealth champion evern is an icon in her native Saint ucia, serving as an official Sports mbassador for the Caribbean island nation, but moved to Bath in 1 hoping to secure the one thing missing from her incredible C an lympic medal. “ ’ve been training in the S for pretty much my entire professional career and decided wanted to try something di erent,” said evern who, like Tom, is coached by Denis Doyle. “ t’s pretty much the same set up as the S here. The athletics track is right here, the indoor jumps hall is here, the gym is here, the sand pit is here and I love the ice bath here, it really helps my recovery. I can’t complain, it’s a great facility and everything is readily available so thumbs up to the niversity of Bath ” s well as reat Britain and Saint ucia, Bath based athletes will also be representing reland and e ico at the lympics following an intense judo ualification campaign. British born Prisca Awiti-Alcaraz is the only e ican judoka to have earned her place at the ames, while siblings Ben and Megan Fletcher will be flying the flag for reland the former just five months after breaking his leg while competing in srael. “The

Kate French

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Joe Choong

“I encourage you to dream big, make every moment count” quality of care I’ve received has been outstanding, everyone has been really positive,” says Ben. “ iterally from the moment got injured the doctor in Israel looked at my leg and said I would be back in action within four months. That gave me a target. I haven’t had time to dwell on things, I had a goal to work towards and there was no time for me to wallow.” lder sister egan will retire after making her lympic debut and is grateful for the opportunity to finish on a high, saying “ wasn’t sure for much of last year if I would ever get to compete again. Training was suspended and I remember having to practice throws with my boyfriend, who isn’t a judoka, on a mat in my parents’ garden centre while my coach advised over a video call. It’s been a weird year but it will be worth the cra iness to go to the lympics.”

Stephen Baddeley, director of Sport at the niversity of Bath, says, “We are immensely proud to see so many sportspeople who train at the niversity earn selection for this summer’s lympic and aralympic Games. It has been a qualifying campaign unlike any other and it has been particularly impressive to see how all the athletes have dealt not just with the physical demands of achieving their goal but the mental challenges that training and competing during a pandemic provided, not least the 1 month delay to the ames.

“We are pleased to have played our part in ensuring the athletes were able to continue accessing the Team Bath Sports Training illage facilities during lockdowns two and three, through the Government’s return to sport protocol, and it is important that recognise the e orts of our sta in providing a safe environment where the lympians and aralympians can hone their preparations. “ am sure the people of Bath will join me in wishing all of our athletes success over the ne t few weeks, and am confident they will once again put Bath firmly on the map as a city of sporting e cellence and do us all proud.” n For more: www.teambath.com

OLYMPICS Levern Spencer

Jamie Cooke Prisca Awiti-Alcaraz

Dimitri Coutya

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The George & Dragon Rowde, Devizes

A traditional 16th century coaching inn combining cool modern day style with country character.

B& B PL US DI NN ER RATE FO R BA TH LIF E RE AD ER S OF £14 5 PER RO OM PE R NI GH T (EX CLU DIN G DR INK S)

• 2 AA Rosettes and an Egon Ronay star • Daily fresh fish from Cornwall and award winning meats from Walter Rose & sons • Newly extended covered outside terrace • Pretty English garden with picnic benches • Bedrooms are now open for booking

“The potted crab was warm, spicy and wonderful, the whitebait fresh and crispy and the avocado with crayfish perfectly spot on.”

– Giles Coren

01380 723053 www.thegeorgeanddragonrowde.co.uk

FOOD & DRINK S N A P S H O T S O F B AT H ’ S F O O D S C E N E Hideout is now serving whisky with Larkfire water from the Outer Hebrides

FIRST CLASS

Chatley Farm Brownies has won four Gold Taste of the West Awards. Based near Norton St Phillip, the awardwinning flavours rich chocolate, salted caramel, chocolate orange and amaretto are all handmade by Chatley Farm Brownies creator and professional chef, Jo Pobjoy and her team. The brand was established in 2002, and this is its first win. Bathonians will recognise the brownies from the Christmas Market, but since the pandemic the brand was forced to move online and post out its treats. Jo attributes their award to this decision and subsequent rebrand.

“I am just delighted something so positive has come out of something quite less so,” says o. “ t was a difficult year for all small businesses, especially local producers, so to move our brand online and win these awards has boosted the team no end. We are seeing a fabulous demand for brownies by post and the gifting market has driven our growth.”

For more: www.chatleyfarmbrownies.co.uk

THERE’S WHISKY IN THE BAR

Sourced from the Outer Hebridean island, the Isle of Lewis, the purity and low mineral content of arkfire, the new water option available with whisky at Hideout, makes it the perfect addition to a sti drink.

“Bath tap water and whisky is not a match made in heaven,” says Corey Shinn, bar manager at Hideout. “ arkfire approached us and after putting it to a taste test we found it makes a real di erence. They are also an independent community brand, putting money back into the Scottish islands so it was good to support them.

“Some people are sceptical, but we simply give them a strong whisky such as Glenfarclas 1 per cent B and get them to taste the di erence. t’s uite a shock to many what an improvement a soft water like arkfire can make. ut simply, tap and mineral water shouldn’t go anywhere near a good scotch.”

For more www. ideout at .co.u www.lar fire.co.u

Jo Pobjoy, the talent behind Chatley Farm Brownies

© COLIN SMITH

BUNCH OF GRAPES

The Grapes has a new parklet in St Michael’s Place.

The courtyard space, introduced to accommodate people in an outdoor, distanced setting now has a moveable garden where patrons can enjoy a drink among the flowers.

“We have created a soft fruit bed, a Mediterranean herb bed, a large amenity tree in the bed outside the doors of the downstairs screen at The Little Theatre in an attempt to break up any noise entering the building, and bee loving plants in the remaining two beds,” explains Ellie Leiper, owner of The Grapes. “Honeysuckle and jasmine have been introduced to create a more sensory experience for our guests and passers-by, and it’s been lovely to see people responding to it so positively since it was planted earlier this week.”

The garden was designed by Bath-based architects Mitchell Eley Gold, and was designed to be moveable to accommodate the multiple uses of St Michael’s Square.

For more: www.thegrapesbath.co.uk

Visitors to The Grapes can now enjoy their drink in the pub’s new St Michael’s Square garden

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FOOD & DRINK Merlin Labron-Johnson has won many accolades in his career so far, including a mention in Forbes 30 under 30

“What I have learned is endless – the main thing that springs to mind is never to underestimate the power of community” You were named in the Forbes 30 under 30 in 2019 in recognition of your work at Portland. What was that like?

© ED SCHOFIELD

Pretty extraordinary! Portland was my first job back on home soil after being away in Europe for seven years, as well as being my first head chef role. took on this team and kitchen and everything was going at 100 miles an hour. It was certainly an incredible honour, and totally unexpected.

MERLIN LABRON-JOHNSON The owner of Bruton-based Osip and The Old Pharmacy on his well-spent second decade Merlin Labron-Johnson is an over achiever. After years spent working as a chef all around Europe, he opened his first restaurant, Portland, in London at only 24 years old – and received a Michelin star within months. He went on to open Clipstone around the corner, and then made the move down to Somerset to launch Osip, which earned its own Michelin star this year.

Now he’s launched yet another venture, The Old Pharmacy, also in Bruton.

Here, he discusses his incredible career so far.

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Have you always wanted to work with food?

’ve known wanted to be a chef ever since I was a teenager at school. I didn’t love school and fell into cooking after striking a deal with the school cook to let me help her with meals in exchange for lunches. I channelled all my energy into it and became quite obsessed with the idea of becoming a chef. This led me to Europe, where I gained experience in some ama ing kitchens in France, Belgium and Switzerland before moving to London where then headed up the kitchen at Portland restaurant.

Your 30 under 30 profile recognises your charity work.

Tell us more about that.

I had the idea that my experience in food and hospitality could be used as a tool to help others.

Through the Food for Soul organisation, was able to cook for homeless people in West London using food donated from supermarkets and wholesalers that would otherwise have been discarded. also started working with Help Refugees, which saw me cooking in camps across urope for up to 900 refugees a day.

You have worked in a lot of different environments around the world. What have you learned along the way?

ach and every place ’ve worked has informed the way cook now, what I have learned is endless – the main thing that springs to mind is never to underestimate the power of community and to really invest in those around you. t makes for a more rounded, nurturing environment, which is super important for creativity.

What can we expect from your new place, The Old Pharmacy?

The Old Pharmacy is really inspired by lots of time spent in rural France and by trips to Italy, those one-stop shops where you

can go in and have a co ee or pick up some provisions, from wine, to cheese, to cured meats. It’s in a beautiful space, the perfect setting to celebrate some of the best Somerset produce for purchase but also serve as a spot for those wanting to settle in over some cider, wine and small plates. In the same vein as Osip, we use much of the produce that I grow myself at my nearby plot of land, but it’s more of a drop-in shop and wine/ cider bar.

What do you love about growing your own produce?

For me, being so close to the source of what you’re cooking is so enriching. There’s nothing quite like being able to eat the produce that you’ve grown yourself, and delight in its simplest form. It also means we create the menu around what we’ve grown and truly celebrate the bounty of Somerset.

Eating seasonally feels totally natural to me and while it can be somewhat restrictive at times, this is where the inspiration and ingenuity comes from.

Any tips for people who want to make a start on their own vegetable plot?

Just have a good go at it. Before Osip, I really hadn’t had much e perience with growing. ’m lucky enough to now have great people to advise me, but we do get things wrong sometimes! It’s trial and error and a lot of learning on the job – I feel it’s the most rewarding this way. If you’re pushed for space, try starting o with some potted herbs, they’re an easy way to lift a dish.

For more: Osip Restaurant, 1 High Street Bruton; www.osiprestaurant.com / The Old Pharmacy, 3 High Street Bruton; Instagram @oldpharmacybruton

JUST A PUB, NOTHING MORE, NEVER LESS. www.theravenofbath.co.uk 01225 425045 | 7 Queen St, Bath, BA1 1HE

TRADITIONAL VILLAGE PUB SERVING REAL ALES AND GREAT FOOD. EAT - DRINK - STAY. GLUTEN FREE MENU AVAILABLE. The Old Ham Tree, Ham Green, Holt, Wilts, BA14 6PY Tel: 01225 782 581 - www.theoldhamtree.com

THE GEORGE & DRAGON

Lydia Tewkesbury escapes the city for a night in the village of Rowde

T

he George & Dragon is a picturesque 16th-century inn on the edge of the little village of Rowde in Wiltshire. About 40 minutes out of Bath in the car (or 90 minutes if you’re taking public transport) it’s the perfect spot for an escape from the city staycation. Or just an escape from the city for a lovely dinner, if you don’t have a whole weekend to spare.

A beautiful, characterful B&B, it’s run by the cheery and friendly Chippy Day (seen above sipping a Guinness, who was on hand for everything I needed throughout my stay. The whole place has a quirky cottage style, with thick wooden doors and clunky latches, exposed brickwork, and, best of all, an underground tunnel where, in pre-pandemic times, Chippy would host special events – including a creepy Hallowe’en celebration where he convinced his guests the site was a mortuary after the Battle of

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Roundway Down in 1643. More likely it was once a smugglers’ tunnel used for sneaking contraband into the village from the canal, but as there is no written record for its use, no one knows for sure. utside, you find an inviting terrace, complete with wood burner for chillier evenings, and the recent addition of a secret garden, which began as extra outside space to accommodate social distancing, but Chippy hopes to use it to host parties in the future. This isn’t one of those ‘well, we have to sit out here because, Covid’ places – no, this is a garden that beckons. With flowers carefully grown by Chippy himself (he’s just reached the age of getting into gardening, he told me) with the help of his godmother, the e pansive gardens are filled with pretty pink roses, and the occasional chimes emanating from the bells in the church to the rear provide the quintessential countryside soundtrack.

The eorge & Dragon is most known for its fish o ering

RESTAURANT

– it all arrives fresh from the market and is served the day after it’s caught. If they can’t use it the day it arrives, it’ll be served in fish cakes or perhaps a fish pie. I’m a vegetarian so didn’t have the fish, but I did enough eavesdropping on the tables around me to confirm: it’s very good.

Luckily for me, veggie options were plentiful enough that I spent some time torn, before eventually opting for the mushroom linguine with truffle oil, which was creamy, nutty and utterly delicious. Chippy informed me that some guests had once told him the story of the best mushroom linguine they had ever eaten; in Rome at a concert afterparty with the band Queen (not that they were name dropping) – that is, until they came to The George & Dragon. It is really good linguine.

I followed that with a blackberry crumble tart – not a typo, but a match made in heaven. Served with a dollop of vanilla ice cream and a dollop of cream for good measure (ice cream and clotted cream – another dream team), it was the perfect summer dessert; sweet and meltin-the-mouth but without the heaviness of a full crumble.

I scraped my plate until it was clean.

Then came time to retreat back to my cosy room for the evening. Rather than settle in for the night with a film (there was a shelf outside the room offering a selection of DVDs, which, as I can never decide what to watch with the infinite options presented by Netflix, I actually loved), I instead sank into a bath with my book. Really the only way to spend a solo night in a hotel, in my opinion.

After a night in a squashy, comfortable and aesthetically pleasing bed (I Instagrammed it), I didn’t want to leave.

When Chippy had made me breakfast (perfectly fluffy scrambled eggs served on crusty bread), I wanted to leave even less. Next time friends or family are passing through, I’ll most definitely be directing them to The George & Dragon. I want an excuse to go back. n

“The expansive gardens are filled with pink roses”

DINING DETAILS The George and Dragon, High Street, Rowde, SN10 2PN, tel: 01380 723053; www.thegeorgeanddragonrowde.co.uk Opening hours Monday to Friday 12-3 /6-11pm, Saturday 12-11pm, Sunday 12-4pm (closed Sunday night) Covers 38 inside plus 26 on the terrace Prices Starters £8-£12, mains £14-£50, pudding £6.50 Owner Chippy Day Chefs Executive chef Tom Bryant and sous chef George Paget Established 2004 Specialties Fresh seafood with fish sourced daily from St Mawes in Cornwall Disability access Yes

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“It’s where people know your name and you are welcomed”

The Bell on Walcot Street has been community owned since 2013

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PUBS

WE’RE IN WITH THE INN CROWD A wet your whistle, whistlestop tour, of a few of the traditional boozers of Bath and beyond

By John Mather

W

hat makes a pub a pub? The Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA) says there are four main requirements: 1. to be open to the public (the clue is in the name); 2. to serve draught beer or cider without food having to be consumed; 3. to have at least one indoor area not laid out for meals; and 4. drinks can be bought at a bar (Covid might have mucked that last one up a bit.)

So what makes a local, a much-loved local? For us it’s indie, welcoming, decent ales, and we love the sight of lots of picnic table seating in fairy-lit garden where we can put the world to rights until the friendly inn keeper calls time. Here we round up a few of our favourite pubs to get those rounds in to mark freedom day / the football / and just for the fun of it…

The Bell Inn, 103 Walcot Street, Bath; 1www.thebellinnbath.co.uk

The Bell is a historic free house and music pub and since 2013 has been owned by around 500 of its customers, fans and workers. To help this community hub of a pub survive these trying times, it has recently been awarded a £24,000 Arts Council grant for live music streaming equipment and booking of bands.

Hosting free events is in the DNA of The Bell with live music happening three times a week ranging from jazz, blues and folk, plus open mic events and DJ nights at the weekend. Extra entertainment includes bar billiards, pool, chess, backgammon, and er, a launderette! or food, the i a Bike visits the garden four to five days a week, preparing freshly made pizza.

It stocks seven real ales plus two guest ales, and has been featured in Lonely Planet, Rough Guide, and the Good Beer Guide.

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PUBS de Lion, 17 Northumberland Place, Bath; www.abbeyinnsbath.co.uk 2Coeur

The Coeur de Lion, situated in a narrow street in the centre of the city, is reputedly Bath’s smallest pub and an absolute gem serving traditional ales and pies. The building is believed to date from 1749 and was originally known as Marchants Court. In around 1860 a public house known as the Avondown Stores (presumably because the beer came from the long closed Avondown brewery at Batheaston) was established at 4 Northumberland Place and in around 1880 the name of the pub was changed to the Coeur de Lion, which translates as Lionheart.

Nobody knows the reason for the change but the name is thought to be unique to the UK. In 1886 the pub moved to its present premises at 17 Northumberland Place. Many years later the Devenish brewery acquired the Coeur, whose name and crest can be seen in the stained glass window. It is now owned and run by local brewery Abbey Ales, and forms part of the brewery’s estate of pubs across the city centre, which includes The Assembly Inn, Trinity Inn and Star Inn – see no 7.

The George & Dragon Rowde, High Street, Rowde, Devizes; 3 www.thegeorgeanddragonrowde.co.uk

Both the owner, Chippy Day, and executive chef, Tom, have backgrounds working with the renowned Soho House group and aim to bring that excellence and quality of service to the George & Dragon experience (to read about our visit here turn to page 52).

As well as an indoor restaurant, there is a new enclosed terrace restaurant, sunny beer garden and a secret walled garden. On the menu there’s fresh fish daily from Cornwall and best beef from world class local butchers Walter Rose & Sons.

There’s a monthly quiz to enjoy, plus the pub can be privately hired with up to 30 people in outside spaces and 30 people indoors – (under Covid restrictions as going to press) and the recently refurbished bedrooms o er lu urious overnight stays.

TOP: The sunny beer garden at The George & Dragon Rowde; INSET: The Moorfields is owned by The Bath Pub Company

The Marlborough Tavern, The Hare & Hounds, The Locksbrook Inn, The Moorfields; 4www.thebathpubcompany.com

We’re covering a lot of Bath pub ground here with not one but four impressive boozers from the masters of barkeeping the Bath Pub Company. Operations Darren Hales tells us, “We invested in all of our pubs during the lockdowns, most significantly building an outside bar and decking area at The Hare & Hounds, giving the Marlborough Tavern a complete makeover, and installing a new bar at The Locksbrook Inn, along with lots of bits behind the scenes.

“The opening few weeks has been amazing to see so many familiar faces returning, and huge smiles from all our guests. This most recent lockdown created a real pent up demand for people to meet with friends and family, and to enjoy hospitality once again.

“To celebrate this we suggest trying our raspberry Martini made with vodka, Chambord, raspberry shrub syrup, lime and cranberry – it has been one of our best selling cocktails since re opening. t’s a great start to any visit and lends a real sense of occasion.”

Ham Tree, Ham Green, Holt, Trowbridge; www.theoldhamtree.com 5Old

Abbey Ales Brewery owns Coeur de Lion on Northumberland Place

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This is a lovely village pub which has been providing good quality, consistent homemade food in a friendly atmosphere for just over eight years. Like proper pubs should have, there’s a dartboard, pool table, table football, and a dog friendly good si ed, and recently overhauled, beer garden with gazebo areas. It’s the perfect place for a pint of and a Sunday roast. lus there’s accommodation o ered above the premises.

Partner Steph Carr says, “We started takeaways and deliveries just before the first lockdown. These have meant we have been able to keep

going through these uncertain times. We are still providing takeaways and deliveries to those who need them. ur front of house sta who went on furlough have come back to us, and we can’t wait to start greeting our customers again. The Ham Tree is more than a pub, it’s where people know your name and you are welcomed.”

Bar, 13 Fountain Buildings, Bath; www.mandalyns.co.uk 6Mandalyns

You can’t talk about Bath pubs and not have Mandalyns listed. Gay bar, cosy club, and Bath Life favourite, the welcome is always big and twinkly, and the atmosphere relaxed and happy. General manager Declan Gray tells us, “We have new seating areas, an ordering app and table service, a new cocktail menu and joining our beers is craft ale Pony Truck from Box Steam Brewery.

“Also imminent is the return of regular cabaret and karaoke nights, and we have introduced a pub quiz every Sunday at 5pm hosted by our resident drag host.”

Star Inn, 23 Vineyards, Bath; www.star-inn-bath.co.uk 7The

The Star Inn remains a classic example of an untouched multi-roomed English public house – there are oak panelled rooms that are still numbered as was the law, a trap door with a usable barrel lift to the cellar, and it still serves beer in the traditional jugs.

TOP: The recently added outdoor space of The Grapes on Westgate Street; INSET: The Star Inn was first licensed in 1760

LEFT: Old Ham Tree is the perfect place for a pint of 6X and a Sunday roast; MIDDLE: Sunday night is quiz night at Mandalyns; BOTTOM: The Raven is a traditional family-owned freehouse on Queen Street

First licensed in 1760, The Star Inn retains many of its original features including 19th century bar fittings and wooden benches.

Described by CAMRA (The Campaign for Real Ale) as a ‘rare and unspoiled pub interior of outstanding historic interest’, The Star Inn is listed on the National Inventory of Heritage Pubs and attracts visitors from all over the world to enjoy a pint of Bellringer that has been brewed locally by Abbey Ales since 1997.

Grapes, 14 Westgate Street, Bath; www.thegrapesbath.co.uk 8The

A public house since 1792, The Grapes is an award-winning bar with live music, a beautiful Jacobean event space and boarding rooms. It specialises in craft beers, local ciders, wines and spirits, at the weekends has an Izakaya serving the largest selection of sake in Bath.

Owner Ellie Leiper-Gill says, “The list of things to do has been endless but having the lockdown time to actually do them, has put us ahead of where we expected to be renovating the building. We have been working with local signwriter Tobias Newbigin, to create information points, and built a parklet on Westgate Street as part of a council pilot scheme, as well as creating a courtyard garden in St Michaels Place.”

Raven, Queen Street, Bath; www.theravenofbath.co.uk 9The

An independent, traditional family-owned pub serving quality real ales and hearty pies, and is more like a village pub despite its heart of the city location. They always have si di erent ales on draught, two traditional ciders, two sparkling ciders and three lagers, along with a small but select wine list.

The pub, which is composed of two Georgian town houses located on a quiet cobbled street, has been in the Good Beer Guide every year for the last 15 years. n

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Interiors & Homewares Work from local artists and makers Prints, Cards & Gifts

ANTIQUE AND MODERN CARPETS BOUGHT, SOLD REPAIRED AND CLEANED NOW IN OUR 33RD YEAR IN BATH LARGEST SELECTION IN THE SOUTH WEST

Open Saturdays or by appointment only 9 8 Wa l c o t S t r e e t , B a t h B A 1 5 B G Te l 0 1 2 2 5 4 6 9 2 4 0 E m a i l c o n t a c t @ h a l i d e n . c o m w w w. h a l i d e n . c o m

10 Margaret’s Buildings, Bath BA1 2LP homefrontinteriors.co.uk T: 01225 571711 E: info@homefrontinteriors.co.uk www.homefrontinteriors.co.uk Ethical, Sustainable & Handmade Homewares and Gifts

SHOPPING LIVE WELL, BUY BETTER

RETROSPECTIVE We’ve fallen in love with this vintage wallpaper from Mind The Gap. It’s got all those retro mid-century vibes going on – large scale irregular orange and green shapes, scratchy black sunbursts, specific dots and lines illustrated on an abstract background. Use to create a trippy statement wall or to funk up a fireplace surround, add an anglepoise lamp, an accent reclining chrome and leather chair, and when you’re done pour yourself a large Aperol Spritz (other Italian wine-based cocktails are available), sit back, relax and toast your groovy self.

Century Elements wallpaper by Mind The Gap, £175, available through Woodhouse & Law, 4 George’s Place, Bathwick Hill; www.woodhouseandlaw.co.uk

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

MANGO WOOD BOWL, £35 Handmade in India, this bright orange mango natural wood serving bowl is perfect for serving your party crisps in this summer.

From Vinegar Hill, 16 Milsom Street, Bath; www.vinegarhill.co.uk PAPERCUT PETALS SILK SATIN FABRIC, £33 PER METRE Papercut Petals was created using florals and plants as its starting point and printed onto fluid, reflective 1 momme Belgravia silk satin – a fabric with lustrous drape, fluidity, and a luminously high-shine surface.

From Liberty Fabrics, Kilver Court, Kilver St, Shepton Mallet; www.kilvercourt.com

SUNSHINE, YOU ARE MY SUNSHINE It’s summer, we’re upbeat, and only orange will do

LINEAR VASE, £15 Bold and bright ceramic vase with a definite retro feel just add any colour flowers.

From Garden Trading, stockists Woodhouse & Law, 4 George’s Place, Bathwick Hill; www. woodhouseandlaw.co.uk

VELVET ORANGELLO CUSHION, £75 Sumptuous velvet Orangello feather cushion featuring a brand new zesty design by the Bath-based Diana Wilson Arcana.

From Homefront Interiors, 10 Margaret’s Building, Bath. tel: 01225 571711; www.homefrontinteriors.co.uk

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FRIDA KAHLO STAINLESS STEEL CANISTER, £10.50 From Ian Snow, these handpainted fair trade stainless steel canisters can be used to store sugar, spice, and all things nice.

From Honey on The Hill, 30 Catherine Hill, Frome; www.honeyonthehill.co.uk

ED’S CHOICE ORANGE PAPER LAMPSHADE, £34.99 Handmade in Jaipur, India, using traditional and artisan techniques, this contemporary, geometric, neatly pleated orange paper lampshade is beautifully simple in its construction, yet eye-catching and complex in appearance From Rossiters of Bath, 38-41 Broad Street, Bath; www.rossitersofbath.com

HARE DINNER PLATE, £25 This hand-glazed, porcelain, vibrant orange dinner plate features a fanciful hare with floral detailing illustrated

by Puddin’head as part of the distinctive Animal Collection.

From Avenida Home, 27 Walcot Street, Bath; www.avenidahome.com

GIRAFFE COIN PURSE, £22 gorgeous gira e motifed velvet coin purse hand, illustrated by Elizabeth Scarlett and perfect for coins, keys, make-up, ear phones.

From French Grey Interiors, 1 Burton Street, Bath, www.frenchgreyinteriors.co.uk

KARTELL ORANGE A.I CHAIR, £176 Seamlessly blending contemporary design with sustainable living, the A.I. chair is an architectural masterpiece made of 100 per cent recycled thermoplastic.

From Graham and Green, 92 Walcot Street, Bath; www.grahamandgreen.co.uk ORANGES GIFT WRAP, £2.40 These pattern orange print papers by Ola Studio are printed in England using a traditional technique and on soft white uncoated paper stocks.

From Julia Davey, 20 Wellsway, Bear Flat, Bath; www.juliadavey.com

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It’s the city’s business

BATHWORKS THIS ISSUE >>KALEIDOSCOPE COLLECTION HAS A NEW HOTEL (66) >>BIZ SURGERY WITH MARGARET HEFFERNAN (68) >>BIZ Q&A DANI TAYLOR OF COX & COX (69)

Councillor Richard Samuel, Louis Lewis-Smith from the Dark Horse in Bath and Councillor Kevin Guy

The outsiders

T

New rapid pavement licences have been the saving grace of Bath’s hospitality sector

he outdoor pavement licences launched last year under the Business & Planning Act 2020 have provided a lifeline for Bath’s hospitality sector. The pavement licences allow a business to rapidly establish an outside table and chairs area, and are overseen by Bath & North East Somerset Council’s licensing team. There are currently 65 cafés, pubs, bars and restaurants in B&N S benefiting from the licences, which have recently been extended by a year until September . They di er from the permits

required before the pandemic.

“Trading through the pandemic has been incredibly tough,” says Louis Lewis-Smith, owner of The Dark Horse at 7a Kingsmead Square.

“We’ve not received support in some areas where we expected to and at times it looked like we wouldn’t make it. I’ve worked with B&NES on extending the times and footprint of the outdoor area so we can now open safely with social distancing, seven days a week. We also extended the hours of operation allowing us to trade later in the evening, and in the daytime on weekends. This has allowed us to bring

in a new chef and up our food game, giving vital e tra revenue in this incredibly difficult time.

“The terrace at The Dark Horse has been hugely successful and the new food menu very well received. This lifeline of being able to trade outdoors was very, very welcome and I’m thankful to those at the council who made the process easy and were understanding of our needs as a business.

Long live the Dark Horse!” avement licenses have a five day consultation period and cost £100.

For more: www.bathnes.gov.uk

Team Building, Mindful Walks.

Connect with nature, reconnect with your colleagues, and disconnect from the office.

The one or two hour circular team building walks, from any pub in Bath, led by Jane, will provide space for chatting, sharing ideas, reflecting, and enjoying the countryside.

WalkingFitClub

Contact: jane_braham@hotmail.com 07866604341 • www.walkingfitclub.com

MEDIACLASH.CO.UK 115

BATHWORKS

Apex City of Bath Hotel is offering free meeting space to community groups and small businesses

Camilla Frayling crafts all of her designs by hand

HANDMADE WITH LOVE Camilla Frayling launched her business, Cami-Lou Jewellery Designs during lockdown. Her delicate, unique pieces are all handmade right here in Bath using precious metals, semi precious and precious gem stones. sing di erent textures is key to her designs.

“I have over seven years jewellery making experience and I worked and trained at Jody Cory Goldsmiths,” says Camilla. “I decided to start my business last year during lockdown after taking some time o work to have my daughter.

I currently make all of my jewellery at home.”

Cami-Lou Jewellery Designs are stocked in Leak Gifts in Larkhall and Luca & Fig in Widcombe, as well as at Made in Bradford on Avon over in BoA. You can also order her designs online via her Etsy shop.

For more: Instagram @camilou_jewellerydesigns

University of Bath student Max Ojomoh (right) has started training with the senior England Rugby Squad

BE OUR GUEST The Apex City of Bath Hotel has launched a new ‘Help In Hand’ initiative to provide free access to meeting space at the hotel for local community groups and small businesses.

“As a business, Apex Hotels are committed to maintaining high levels of corporate social responsibility and part of that promise is giving back,” says Jody Reaoch, marketing manager with pe Hotels. “We are o ering the use of complimentary meeting and venue spaces (and of course WiFi) to local community groups and small businesses who want to get back on their feet. We are asking for anyone interested to email sales@apexhotels.co.uk. They will be asked to complete a short survey and someone will be in touch.”

For more: www.apexhotels.co.uk

THE BIG LEAGUES

© PATRICK KHACHFE

University of Bath student Max Ojomoh and alumni Miles Reid have started training with the senior England Rugby squad. Both played BUCS Super Rugby for Team Bath’s Men’s 1st XV while studying. Miles, who plays back-row, has established himself in the Premiership club’s matchday squad and is a contender for Player of the Season, while Max, who plays centre and is studying Business Administration while supported by the Team Bath Dual Career Programme, made his Premiership and European debuts for Bath Rugby this season.

“We expect them to be enthusiastic, full of energy and we want them to know there is no limit to their horizon,” says Eddie Jones, England head coach. “There is a lot of talent in this squad but the challenge for them is to turn talent into performance. We’re really looking forward to working with this group of young players and see where we can take them. They have the opportunity to take on the world.”

For more: www.teambath.com

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© NORL AND COLLEGE

Debbie Janson is one of the UK’s top 50 women in engineering

Norland’s award comes as a result of student feedback

A CLASS ABOVE MOVERS AND SHAKERS ETC THE PERFECT FIT

University of Bath lecturer Debbie Janson has been recognised as one of the UK’s Top 50 Women in Engineering by the Women’s Engineering Society. The senior lecturer in the Department of Mechanical Engineering made the list for her work improving PPE for women. “ rustrated by the ill fitting safety footwear was made to wear, returned to the niversity of Bath in 2018 determined to try to resolve these critical problems,” says Debbie. “PPE is traditionally designed around a standard European or U.S. man’s form. This poses a lot of problems, not only for women, but for men who are not of average build – we all have di erent face and body shapes.” www.bath.ac.uk

Norland College has won the prestigious Whatuni Student Choice Award for Excellence in Graduate Outcomes – with 70 per cent of students reporting satisfaction with their course. Norland was recognised in the Enhanced Graduate Outcomes category for demonstrating e ective delivery of innovative and impactful employability support to students throughout the pandemic.

“Our judges were impressed by the way that Norland continued to o er students a popular range of employability experiences and opportunities throughout the pandemic,

including giving them access to a dedicated employment agency and to lifelong professional development,” says Simon mmett, C at D Connect, creator of the awards. “Norland’s commitment to providing exceptional support to their students in the most trying of circumstances makes them worthy winners.”

The annual awards are uni ue in the field, with nominees and winners selected by the students themselves, and judged by a hand selected panel of prospective and current university students.

For more: www.norland.ac.uk

STARTER FOR 10

One decade on from the injury that left him paralysed, Designability trustee Paul Fairhurst is taking on an epic 10-mile challenge trek.

Paul was in a bike accident in Singapore which left him with only a 10 per cent chance of ever walking again. Now he is marking that life changing moment with a trek along a section of the South West Coastal Path and hopes to raise 1 , for charity. “ wanted to celebrate the role of those close to me who have played such a crucial part in helping my family through it all,” says Paul.

The funds will be split between Bath-based charity Designability, which creates products that enable disabled people greater choice and independence, the research charity Spinal Research, and Back Up, a charity that deals with spinal cord injuries.

To donate, search for Paul Fairhurst on www.virginmoneygiving.com. www.designability.org.uk

Jane Braham is helping businesses reconnect with guided walks

WALK THIS WAY Jane Braham, founder of Walking Fit Club recently launched Business Team Building Walks. At a starting venue of the business’s choosing, Jane leads a one-to-two-hour walk for teams to reconnect after what for many has been a long period of working from home.

“So many employees are working from home and what they miss is the contact with other members of their team and sharing news and ideas,” Jane explains.

“The walks provide a safe environment

outdoors and without interruptions to meet up, catch up and develop ideas.”

Jane has led walks every weekday with Walking Fit Club for the last 12 years, and was also the leader of the Dorothy House Midnight Walk for many years. Over the course of her career, she has discovered 50 di erent one hour circular walks from cafés and pubs in Bath that businesses can now benefit from as they seek to reconnect teams after long periods of separation.

For more www.wal ingfitclu .com

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BATHWORKS Margaret Heffernan, author, mentor, keynote speaker, professor and honorary doctorate shared her entreprenuerial insights at the latest Bath Life Business Surgery

and then they all copy it. They change it just enough to have a new patent, but that’s it similarly with iagra, similarly with anti depressants. eanwhile on the margins there’s this gigantic problem called anti microbial resistance and nobody is touching it with a barge pole. They’re all clustered around the same stu , and you see this in markets all of the time.

What role does curiosity play in business? f we’re curious about each other we all get smarter and by the way, life gets a lot more interesting.

Curiosity is absolutely fundamental to business, and the more we put people into bo es the less it happens. ots of organisations come to me and say argaret, can you teach me how to make my people more creative and more curious ’ and my first uestion is always: what have you done to stop them?

INQUISITIVE BY NATURE Margaret Heffernan shares her thoughts on the role of curiosity and luck in the world of entrepreneurship everything and destroy almost everything adjacent to it that’s complete rubbish. ’ve seen vast growth of companies around the world in very conventional spaces simply doing something better.

W

e were joined for the latest in a series of Bath Life Business Surgeries with the University of Bath by argaret He ernan, who among many other roles serves as professor of practice and honorary doctorate holder with the niversity, entrepreneur, C , author and Bath ilm estival chair.

What are some myths about entrepreneurs? irst of all there’s the myth that entrepreneurs are all young men without great emotional development, they are particularly nerdy and are as aggressive as hell. f you look year on year at the most successful entrepreneurs, this stereotype does not hold. There is also a myth that success is overnight, but many of the overnight’ successes turn out to have taken decades. There’s a myth that to have a successful entrepreneurial idea it has to radically transform

Have you seen any improvements in the gender imbalance? n both the corporate space and in the entrepreneurial space we are seeing more female leadership. There’s a growing body of evidence, most strikingly compiled by c insy as to the greater e ectiveness of female leadership and the greater investment returns of companies run by women or with a more significant presence of women in decision making roles. also know too many women who have built very successful companies and in seeking investment have been asked by potential investors if they would be prepared to stand down so that a seasoned leader’, which is code for male leader, can take over. think it is changing, but it’s not changing nearly enough for my taste.

Do you think the scale of a company can have a homogenising effect?

Economists argue that competition ferments diversity, but actually there’s a lot about competition that ferments conformity. ne pharmaceutical company makes an anti male pattern baldness drug

Do you think some people just ‘get lucky’ with an idea? uck is important. eople who study luck to try and understand how it works generally conclude that luck is about being observant, which think is really interesting. There s an e periment put a pound coin on the street, send lots of people down the street and some people will notice it and some people won’t, but the pound coin was there all the time.

How would you describe a ‘lucky’ person? lot of the lucky people know would describe as curious and observant. They are fantastic noticers.

They have brains that are a bit like street sweepers, constantly filtering through information.

The really critical piece to luck is when you meet somebody who is really interesting, not being so preoccupied with your own world that you fail to talk to them, or notice when they drop a piece of information that really matters. think the people who are lucky are just superbly observant.

Watch the conversation again on Bath Life’s YouTube channel For more: www.bath.ac.uk

The Bath Life Business Surgery is a regular free Zoom meeting where businesses can access expert advice and insight from local professionals across a range of disciplines.

Follow @bathlifemag on social media for information about the latest clubs and how to sign up.

BATHWORKS

Dani Taylor, creative and product director at Cox & Cox

“ESSENTIALLY, I AM A PROFESSIONAL SHOPPER!” Painting an alcove, adding a slim desk and some shelves or swapping your spare bed for a pull-out day bed to give you more room for a hobby, it is all about seeing potential in every corner of your home.

BIZ Q&A

Dani Taylor

Dani is one of the creative minds behind Frome-based the unique, stylish homewares at online interiors retailer Cox & Cox Your job sounds great – tell us a little more about it I am the creative and product director.

What I love about Cox & Cox is that we are all one team; the buyers, product developers, quality and production, work together with styling and photography, design and content.

I work with the heads of each area to bring the vision of the brand to life.

My day to day varies wildly and can be anything from creating the new season trends, developing furniture or Christmas baubles, to going on an allnight film shoot for Christmas in uly, complete with snow cannons.

What are the considerations for designing a new range?

We build our ranges with the finished look in mind and work together from product selection right through to imagery – we are known for our Cox & Cox catalogue and the lifestyle imagery we produce.

Who creates the imagery?

Our styling is all done in house and run by our wonderfully talented art director Danielle Le Vaillant; she coordinates

all shoots, styling and photography.

We are so lucky with the studio that we work with, they manage all of our videography and photography. Their fle ible approach and incredible technical skills make it possible to maintain the standard of photography that our customers know and love. The catalogue is more than just product, it is a lifestyle magazine that shows you how to style your home.

What’s one garden accessory everyone should have this summer?

Some fabulously stylish shade! We are always desperate for sunshine, it makes everything look and feel better.

We have been really lucky these last few years to get some really hot spells, so you always need a temporary shade solution in your cupboard.

My absolute favourite is our Fringed Canopy, you can put it up quickly, it folds away really small for easy storage, and it makes a beautiful zen-like chill out space in your garden or even the beach. Pair it with a blanket and some comfy cushions and you have the perfect outdoor base.

Where do you get your professional style inspiration?

Travelling all over the world is amazing – essentially, I am a professional shopper! I work in two time zones, in the future looking at what trends are coming and what part of them I should bring to Cox & Cox, and the present, looking at what the customers are buying. I love hearing customer feedback and I really love seeing how our customers use our products in their homes on Instagram.

Both aspects shape the product direction of the brand.

How would you describe your own home style?

I really do love to decorate so I am always changing my home, it is so easy and cheap to do it with paint, and luckily, I have Cox & Cox paint range at my fingertips. y house is mostly o white walls with painted floors and woodwork in a contrast colour. I love architectural salvage and have mostly reclaimed light fittings, doors and hardware – I always think a door looks better with at least one panel of reeded glass.

Does the family help out?

y husband has very green fingers and our kitchen is filled with lots of very large hanging plants and cacti, which creates a fabulous focal point and handily draws the eye away from the usual clutter and Marmite smears that you get when you have a four-year-old boy.

And if you had to pick one home style item..?

Our most recent addition (and possibly the best thing we have ever done) is to hang a large mirror ball from the kitchen ceiling – my son Austin and I can’t wait for it to get dark every night so that we can have a disco!

For more: www.coxandcox.co.uk Dani recommends the Cox & Cox Fringed Canopy (£360) for warm summer days

Any particular trends are you loving right now?

My favourite is more of a mindset change that we have seen develop over lockdown: making your home work for you. Being clever with the space you have to create what you need, whether it is a home office under the stairs, turning a spare room into a part time gym or simply giving your living space a makeover. There are so many quick and inexpensive ways to transform your space so that it serves your needs and makes you happy.

www.mediaclash.co.uk I BATH LIFE I 69

TEL: 01249 444777 EMAIL: SALES@WOODSOFFICE.CO.UK

• Domestic and commercial roofing specialists • Covering Bath, Bristol and the South West • Trading since 1985

WWW.WOODSOFFICE.OFFICETECH.SHOP Tel: 01225 421499 Email: mail@youngsroofing.co.uk www.youngsroofingbath.co.uk Braysdown Lodge, Woodborough, Peasedown St John, Bath BA2 8LN

PRINTERS | LAMINATORS | SHREDDERS | SCANNERS BINDERS | DICTATION | CAMERAS | CONSUMABLES

© SOUL MEDIA

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BATHWORKS

Alice O’Mahony, Tim Rutherford, Alexandra Weatherdon of Stone King

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

TESTIMONIAL

“It is a real privilege to work alongside all the outstanding firms and individuals at these awards and we are very grateful for our win.”

Steven Greenwod, managing partner at Stone King, Legal and Financial Winner 2020

SPONSORSHIPS For remaining options, please contact annie.kelly@ mediaclash.co.uk or pat.white@mediaclash.co.uk TICKETS See social media for updates.

Limited number of silver sponsorships, which include a table at the Awards. Please note: we sell out every year with many on the waiting list.

AWARDS The uberglam Bath Life Awards will be held in the Bath Assembly Rooms on 9 September 2021.

Nothing beats being there…

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

BUSINESS CLUB

Judgement call

Helen Rich, 2019 award-winner has turned judge for 2021

Being on the judging panel of the Bath Life Awards has to be one of the toughest jobs in town

E

very year, the Bath Life Awards has a fresh panel of impartial judges drawn from a range of sectors in the city. rom hair stylists to financial advisors, chefs to kitchen designers, our judges bring a breadth of experience and diversity of opinion to the table – or Zoom, as is the modern way. Some are even former winners – like 2021 judge Helen Rich, founder of Taste of Bath and winner of the award for Business Services in 2019 – who after their own Awards success are experiencing the other side of the coin.

They, more than anyone, understand what it takes to craft the ultimate nomination.

Our judges have some uniting characteristics – a passionate love of the city, knowledge of the local community, and an appreciation for the finer things, of course. Together they’re taking on the unenviable task of deciding on the best of the best from an e ceptional slate of finalists. Battles will be fought, bonds forged and, eventually, this year’s crop of winners will emerge.

We can’t wait to meet them.

For more: www.bathlifeawards.co.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

SPONSORED CONTENT

MEET THE ARCHITECT Bath’s architects share their approaches to design

KEVIN MURPHY

team and am privileged to work with some excellent clients, consultants and contractors.

01225 466234 www.aaronevans.com

What areas of architecture do you specialise in?

Our work ranges from masterplanning to detailed design and includes hotel, residential, education, retail and commercial sectors. We specialise in complex, challenging projects, usually in environmentally and historically sensitive contexts, that require an innovative and sustainable approach to design.

MANAGING DIRECTOR, AARON EVANS ARCHITECTS

How long have you been an architect?

I came to Bath to study architecture at the University in 1982. I joined Aaron Evans Architects in 1994 and have over 30 years’ professional experience. This year, as a company, we are celebrating 43 years in practice.

What are the most rewarding aspects of the job?

No two projects are the same. Working in Bath keeps my thinking fresh and encourages innovation. Learning through experience is a lifelong process. I have a great

What sets you apart from other architects?

Clients enjoy working with us. We are client-focused, experienced and tenacious. We offer a personal, tailormade approach to the design and delivery of every project and aim to exceed our clients’ expectations.

CRIS ALVAREZ

ARCHITECT AND PASSIVHAUS DESIGNER, DKA 01225 465 701; www.dka.co.uk

ROB DELIUS

STRIDE TREGLOWN 01225 466173; www.stridetreglown.com What are the biggest challenges facing your profession over the next few years?

The biodiversity emergency. The UK is one of the most nature depleted countries in Europe and the stats about species loss are shocking.

Our industry and the media aren’t giving it nearly enough attention.

Which awards have you won?

Not an award but one of the things I’m proudest of winning was the RIBA Imagine Bath competition from a few years ago with an idea called Waters of Bath. I’ve also won an international Garden Cities competition. Our relationship with the natural world is a source of constant inspiration – some of the qualities I love most about Bath are its parks and green setting.

What sets you apart from other architects?

We’re an employee-owned company and were one of the first architects in the UK to become a certified B-corp organisation. That means we’ve been recognised as meeting the highest standards of social and environmental performance. We also recently became carbon neutral.

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

What are the most rewarding aspects of the job?

According to the WHO it is estimated that 90 per cent of our time is spent inside buildings, which means that the quality of those environments has a huge impact on our daily lives. Knowing that we can have such an impact on our clients’ comfort and wellbeing makes our job both challenging and incredibly rewarding.

What are the biggest challenges facing your profession over the next few years?

The construction industry is currently suffering the combined effects of both Covid and Brexit, which in the short term is causing material shortages against the long-term trend of a skills gap. We are also in a climate emergency, and here in the UK, 49 per cent of annual carbon emissions are attributable to buildings. For this reason, our short and mid-term challenges are our responsibility to produce sustainable buildings and transform existing building stock. This can be achieved using both digital tools alongside educating professionals and clients to make the biggest impact.

What plans does your practice have for the next year?

In spite of all the challenges that the Covid pandemic has brought to our profession, we remain optimistic that next year we will carry on designing inspiring environments that are carefully resourced, robustly built and environmentally friendly. As more clients care about the impact of their buildings and are targeting Net Zero Carbon, we look forward to helping them find innovative ways to use their existing buildings in new ways and design new schemes that minimise carbon during construction and in use.

What are your green, sustainable and environmental credentials?

Throughout my professional career I have developed a strong interest in sustainable design and state-of-the-art technologies. As a result, after my Architectural qualifications I pursued an MSc in New Technologies and a PGDip in Building Services in Architecture and Energy Efficiency. In addition to this I am also a certified Passivhaus designer and a BREEAM associate.

SPONSORED CONTENT

DANIEL LUGSDEN

PARTNER, NASH PARTNERSHIP 01225 442424; www.nashpartnership.com

ANDY BATTLE SRA ARCHITECTS

How long has your practice been established for?

Nash Partnership was founded 33 years ago.

Since then, we’ve established a multidisciplinary skillset and pride ourselves on being able to make a success of complex projects.

Which individual project have you most enjoyed working on?

We’ve recently seen a real increase in work for homeowners – either building new homes or adding to/updating existing ones. It’s a privilege for us to get to know what’s important to our clients and have a positive impact on the way they live. We are particularly enjoying working on a new contemporary house in Lansdown which is completely clad in a heavily burnt timber. There is a real passion by the whole team to make the client’s vision possible, as well as making it an enjoyable process along the way.

What plans does your practice have for the next year?

We’re excited about the next year! Our deep history of residential design ranges from new contemporary homes to smaller context-driven developments, through to apartment blocks and large urban design projects. Each project feeds knowledge into the next, whether that’s construction methods, product selection, or strategies to design for climate change. We have experts in each area who love what they do so we plan to build on that across the region and continue to help create wonderful places to live.

MARK LORD

LORD ARCHITECTURE info@lordarchitecture.co.uk www.lordarchitecture.co.uk When did you establish your practice?

Having gained a wealth of experience across more than a decade for award-winning practices in London and the West Country, I established Lord Architecture in early 2017 to focus on the heritage and prime residential sectors. In recent years, the business has gone from strength to strength winning diverse and exciting commissions across the south of the UK. Which areas of architecture do you specialise in?

We specialise in re-imagining historic buildings through contemporary architecture. A large portion of our work is in the high-end residential sector

01225 827444; www.sra-architects.co.uk What’s the most important quality required to be a successful architect?

The ability to listen – to the client, to end users, to the brief, to specialists, to the industry, to the environment, to the wider political and economic context. Only then can we hope to understand the challenges. Once we’ve listened, the creative process starts.

What are the most rewarding aspects of the job?

There are many, such as the privilege of making a positive contribution to sustainability and the wider environment.

However, a particularly rewarding aspect is seeing people enjoy the buildings and spaces we create. We are fortunate that the fruits of our labours typically last for decades (or more) and can be enjoyed by different people, over many generations.

What are the biggest challenges facing your profession over the next few years?

The impact of buildings on the planet and how we encourage more sustainable living.

These matters already impact on how we design, but they need to play a greater part in forming and directing societal habits so that living alongside, rather than in conflict with, the planet becomes second nature for this generation and all those to come.

RICARDO ESTRADA

ARCHITECT, BBA ARCHITECTS & PLANNERS 01225 460427; www.bba-architects.co.uk How long have you been an architect?

I have been a UK ARB architect since 2017 and Portuguese OA architect since 2013.

What’s the most important quality required to be a successful architect?

In my opinion creativity is one of the most important qualities that all architects should have. Creative designs and ability to think outside the box is essential to deliver an outstanding end result to the client and to the final user of the building.

What areas of architecture do you specialise in?

Since graduation I have been more involved in residential/housing projects.

Name the building which inspires you most?

Hard question, so many good buildings to choose from, but to pick one building from Bath I would say the Holburne Museum. Located at the end of Great Pulteney Street, it is the perfect location to have a break from the energetic Bath centre and also gives access to the wonderful Sydney Gardens.

What are the biggest challenges facing your profession over the next few years?

For sure one of the biggest challenges already facing architecture is climate change.

in Bath, London and across the south of England, however we have a strong commercial and mixed-use background and are working on projects in this sector in London and the South West, which we hope to expand on moving forward.

What are you currently working on?

There are a number of exciting live commissions including works to Grade I and Grade II Listed buildings here in Bath. We are particularly excited to see our Priory House scheme in North Stoke completed in the coming months. On the drawing board we are designing a project in Walcot, central Bath which includes a new mews house, retail and extensive restoration works to a Grade II Listed building. In Royal Tunbridge Wells, we are working on a contemporary private house on the site of Etherington Hall which was lost in the mid C20.

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

Residential sales

IN DEMAND

The ‘race for space’ is driving up sales of homes in Bath and surrounds 4-5 Cavendish Crescent is on the market with Savills for offers in excess of £1,250,000

Buyers are looking for private garden space

Sales of homes at and above £1 million in and around Bath have surged since the market reopened following the first lockdown, according to new research by property experts Savills.

310 £1 million+ sales were agreed within Bath and North East Somerset from the beginning of June 2020 to the end of March 2021 – a 75 per cent rise compared with the same period in 2019.

Wiltshire experienced an even stronger increase, with sales up by 124 per cent on 2019 to 360.

Lucian Cook, head of residential research for Savills, presented these latest figures, as part of a local market update for buyers, sellers and investors. He says, “One of the most pronounced trends in the prime housing market over the period since it reopened has been the welldocumented ‘race for space’. Lifestyle became a dominant force, driving interest in homes with more outside and inside space, as well as proximity to countryside.

This reassessment of priorities played well within the local market, but it is the towns and villages that surround Bath that undoubtedly benefitted the most.”

Matthew Pegler, a director for Savills Bath, agrees, “The level of interest since the reopening has been phenomenal. So

far this year in Bath we have registered 45 per cent more new buyers and, despite the availability of property not meeting the high demand, we have secured 33 per cent more sales.

“Traditionally the larger proportion of our sales are within the city, for example last year 67 per cent were within Bath and 37 per cent in the surrounding villages and countryside. This year, however, we saw the tables turn, with 60 per cent of sales secured being outside of Bath – with hot spots emerging in Frome and Bruton in Somerset and Biddestone, Castle Combe and West ington in Wiltshire.”

Looking ahead, Lucian predicts the end of the stamp duty holiday this month will have some impact.

“It will undoubtedly remove some of the intensity we have seen so far this year, however with a core of unmet demand we can expect a continuation of the high performance well into the remainder of the year. In the prime market in the south of the country we are forecasting some of the strongest value growth in the country at 21 per cent over the next five years.”

For more: www.savills.co.uk

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PROPERTY NEWS Bishopstrow Hotel and Spa is the third hotel acquisition for Kaleidoscope Collection

Kaleidoscope Collection owners, Ian and Christa Taylor

otel a

uisition

CHECKING IN Kaleidoscope Collection owners, Ian and Christa Taylor, have made a £5.5M acquisition of Wiltshire-based Bishopstrow Hotel and Spa. The historic country house, which is set in 27 acres of countryside along the River Wylye, will be their third hotel, along with The Bird on Pulteney Road, and Homewood in Freshford.

The 32 rooms, spa and wellness facilities and the Maple Bar and Terrace have all been reimagined in the owners’ distinct and playful style, and there are plans to make increased use of the surrounding vast green space.

Ian Taylor says, “The hospitality sector has arguably been hit harder than any other, both within the local and national

or a le housin

SUSTAINED EFFORT Bath & North East Somerset Council is delivering on its commitment to build more a ordable and sustainable housing with two properties nearing completion. The council has agreed to ac uire two energy efficient three bed homes on the St Joseph’s Court housing development in Sladebrook Road in Bath, which is being delivered by its construction and development company, Aequus Construction Limited.

The properties, which will be made available to residents on a shared ownership basis, incorporate energy efficiency measures such as air source heat pumps and solar panels, and will help save residents more than 50 per cent on energy bills.

In turn this helps Bath & North East Somerset reach its target of net carbon ero by . The new homes also benefit from electric vehicle charging points.

Council leader Kevin Guy, says, “This is a really exciting flagship development built to high environmental standards.

When the council set up its construction company it was with the aim of meeting housing demand and providing a ordable sustainable housing while returning a profit to the council.

Some developers might claim they can’t provide a ordable housing and low energy features and still make a profit, but we’re showing that you can.”

For more: www.bathnes.gov.uk

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

economy. But it has the potential to bounce back stronger than ever before.

We understand that there was significant interest in Bishopstrow Hotel & Spa from investors both in terms of its prestigious heritage and historic grounds, and a spike in the staycation market as a direct consequence of the pandemic.”

For more: www.bishopstrow.co.uk

LEFT TO RIGHT:

Cabinet member for Council House Building Tom Davies, leader of the council Kevin Guy, deputy leader and cabinet member for Resources and Economic Development Richard Samuel, and chair of Aequus Charles Gerrish

LET

LET

SIMILAR REQUIRED

SIMILAR REQUIRED

DEVONSHIRE BUILDINGS £5,500 PER MONTH

ST CHRISTOPHERS CLOSE

3 reception room | 5 bedrooms | 3 bathrooms | Garden

3 reception room | 5 bedrooms | 3 bathrooms | Garden

LET

LET

SIMILAR REQUIRED

SIMILAR REQUIRED

PULTENEY TERRACE

£1,900 PER MONTH

2 reception room | 3 bedrooms | 3 bathrooms | Garden

BATH RIVERSIDE

£2,750 PER MONTH

£2,750 PER MONTH

3 reception room | 5 beds | 3 bathrooms | Garden

Matthew Leonard Director

Lucy McIlroy Director

Denise Latham Lettings Manager

26 THE CIRCUS Matilda Walton explores a townhouse with a world famous address

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

A

n astonishing and exquisite Grade I Listed townhouse is for sale on The Circus. Number 26 sits on the southern side of John Wood the Elder’s iconic 1750s crescent, and has been lovingly restored from apartments into a complete house of almost 7,000 square metres.

Let that sink in for a moment.

Quite aside from the obvious kudos of an address at The Circus – there’s a reason the tourists are drawn there for their Instagram moments – there is a depth to the place, an atmosphere born from the weight of history that surrounds it. Great people have lived here doing great things, and it’s palpable. Some of The Circus’s most well-known residents over the centuries include the likes of Thomas Gainsborough, the leading portrait painter in England in the later 18th century; former prime minster William Pitt the Elder (not to be confused with his son, William Pitt the Younger, who also served as PM); and William Makepeace Thackeray, the author of Vanity Fair. And that’s just a few of the names we know about.

It makes sense that the grandeur of The Circus would inspire something similar in its residents.

It certainly inspired the owners at number 26, whose

PROPERTY

renovations are simply divine. The house enjoys all the character of a period home – think sash windows and extravagant cornicing – with a clean, contemporary aesthetic that simply screams now. The design makes the most of the incredible square footage, demonstrated by the gorgeous drawing and withdrawing rooms on the first floor the withdrawing room features a stylish wet bar , which enjoy pretty views across the famous and supposedly magical) trees at the centre of The Circus.

The entire second floor, meanwhile, is dedicated to the principal bedroom suite, including luxurious bathroom and dressing room adjacent to the vast bedroom.

With size comes delightful versatility, and at number the lower ground and under lower ground floors are yours to do with what you will. They might function as a further living space, or office if your pandemic W H set up looks to be a permanent thing. There’s a plant room complete with commercial heating system, an inside addition to the already sizeable garden space, and, on the under lower ground floor, a wine cellar, conveniently located next to a restored room that might function as your own secret speakeasy and was once a bread oven .

An unparalleled home with a world-famous address, The Circus is a rare find even in a N SC World Heritage city like ours.

HOUSE NUMBERS Price on application Sq ft Bedrooms

6,866 5

Reception rooms

4

Bathrooms

4

For more: Savills, Edgar Buildings, 17 George Street, Bath; www.savills.co.uk

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“I used to go to the local dance studio for ballroom lessons”

ANDREW NICHOLSON

...the man who found fame through snow ducks and bubble guns Primarily an IT consultant, Australian-born Andrew is also somewhat of a face around Bath – whether that be in his capacity as the Bubble Guy, a paddleboarding Viking (unless it’s Christmas then it’s Santa), a carnival unicorn or that secret snow duck maker. Images of the little snow ducks dotted around Laura Place, that were made

by Andrew last year, and then posted onto Twitter by a passer by, went viral with people desperate to know the identity of the duck ‘Banksy’.

I was born in Brisbane, Australia and am the youngest of four children.

My father worked for the Commonwealth Bank for 45 years and my mother was originally a nurse until married.

They were married for 62 years.

In my first year for an IT firm I travelled to Munich, Milan, The Hague, Mumbai,

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

Marseille, and France. After

those 12 months, I was sent to Bath to work on a company contract, and after a weekly commute from Guildford for six months, decided to move here.

The Bubble Guy thing came to being after I bought the striped

hoody and matching shirts in Japan. Many unworn years later, I wore it to Secret Garden Party festival with a wig, glasses and a Tesco bubble gun. The outfit and the bubbles were a huge success, and so the next year I returned with litres of bubble solution and a truckload of rechargeable batteries, and did it again.

I then upped my game with an inflatable unicorn which first

tried out at the Bath Carnival.

On the day I asked the organisers if I could join in the parade, and they added me in behind the fairy princesses. They subsequently invited me back every year, and if friends want to join me, I insist it is in fancy dress, with inflatable unicorn and a bubble gun.

I had spotted an ad for the snow duck mould and waited

two years to be able to use it.

I was watching the snowy weather reports obsessively to make sure I didn’t miss a good fall. So the morning of 24 January 2020, I got up at 7am and went to Laura Place fountain to make them.

I have numerous costumes that I’ve worn whilst paddleboarding. The most

well known is my iking outfit as I do this on a regular basis.

I have a Facebook page called The Bath Viking. At Christmas time the Santa outfit comes out, aster is bunny outfit, Hallowe’en is the Grim Reaper. It’s all about bringing smiles to people by providing unexpected sights in a fun way.

I get bored easily and I’m forever trying new things.

Other than paddle boarding, I enjoy baking and also painting. y other significant hobby has become writing. This has led to me writing my first book Tilted which I hope to self-publish this year. I’m a keen photographer but had all my gear stolen a couple of years ago and so far, I’ve not replaced it. An ongoing hobby is salsa dancing and previously competitive ballroom dancing from about 30 years ago.

My secret talent is probably my baking and cake decorating. I’ve

applied twice to reat ritis a e and had call backs both times.

I have played many sports, including soccer, cricket, volleyball, golf, and something you probably haven’t heard of called Broomball. I run and was

involved in the setup of the Chippenham park run.

I’ve completed ten Bath Half Marathons. Cycling, swimming, and triathlons, but none of these presently hence the current portly state, although I do pole dance for fitness purposes.

I used to go to the local dance studio for ballroom lessons in Guildford, when I first came to the UK. The year

after I left, my dance teachers started appearing on Strictly Come Dancing. They were Flavia Cacace and Vincent Simone.

It was such an honour to have had them as my teachers.

My biggest achievement to date is completing my BSc, and the Olympic distance

Triathlon in London 2012. My biggest regret is being in the UK for the final year of my father’s life and only making it back for his last few days.

There is joy in seeing Bath from the different perspective I get with all my

time on the waterways. n

For more: www.facebook.com/ TheBathViking